Weekend Herald 4th October 2025

FBItiphelpsNZ copsfoilattackplans

InHawke’sBay,ayoungmanwho’dbeensexuallyexploitingchildrenonlinestartedplanning amassstabbingattack.Theextremistwasabouttoexecutehisplanbefore police—tippedoffbytheFBI—raidedhishome. Warning Thisstoryfrom seniorinvestigativereporter MichaelMorrah containsdisturbingcontent.

TheFBIhelpedNewZealand PolicefoilaterrorplotinvolvingaHawke’sBayextremist whowasplanningamassstabbingattack,the Herald canreveal. Courtdocumentssaytheplanrepresenteda“nationalsecuritythreat”and statepoliceraidedthe21-year-olddefendant’shomeinSeptemberlastyearafter thetip-offfromUSauthorities.

Inside,officersfoundabayonetanda diaryoutliningtheman’smanifesto.

“Hisplansweretotargeteitheramall oramosqueandkillmen.Heintended thistobeasuicidemission,”policesaidin asummaryoffactsobtainedbythe Herald Justamonthbeforepolicereceivedthe “criticalandimminent”tipfromtheFBI, theman’shomewasraidedbypoliceover allegationshewaslinkedtotheonline sexualexploitationofchildren.

Evidenceofhorrific,illegalcontent wasdiscoveredonthedefendant’selectronicdevices.

InvestigatorsfromtheDepartmentof InternalAffairs(DIA)digitalviolent extremismteamhadbeenmonitoringthe man’sonlineactivityfortwoyears,accordingtothesummary. Duringthattime,thedefendant,who hasnamesuppression,toldaUSwoman ofhisdesiretocarryoutamassattackto gainnotoriety. However,itwastheraidoverthechild sexabusematerialthatpromptedthe mantoacceleratehisplansfortheattack andchooseadateforwhenhe’dcarryit out. Thesummarysaidhedisclosedthe dateofhisplannedattacktotheUS womanhe’dbeentalkingtoonline. FBIinvestigatorssubsequentlyspoke toher. “Thedefendanttoldtheyoungwoman thatheplannedtocommitamassstabbingattack.Heplannedondoingtheattackonthedayhewasduetoappearin courtonothercharges,”thesummary states. Thesummarysaidthemanplannedto “useabladeorbayonet”duringtheattack andhadalsoacquiredanairsofttactical vest. Policereceivedtheinformationfrom theFBIonSeptember28andlaterthat daytheyswoopedonthedefendant’s homeagainwithpolicelocatingtwo

bladedweapons,oneofwhichwasabayonet. Thedefendantdescribedhimselfasa “soldierofChrist,hiscountry,peopleand religion”,accordingtoanoteinhisdiary thatwasphotographedbyinvestigators. Themanstatedinhisdiaryhewas radicalisedattheageof19. PolicealsofoundaSonyPlayStation5 whichwasloggedintoaYouTubechannel whichhadavideocontaininganti-Islam narratives.AQuranwasalsofoundinthe man’swardrobe.

“Thedefendant’sextremistideology andactivitiesalongwithhisthreattoconductamassstabbingeventisofsignificant concerntotheNewZealandpublicandas anationalsecuritythreat,”thesummary states.

Hewaschargedwiththreateningtokill andcausegrievousbodilyharm,andthe courthasconfirmedtothe Herald he’s pleadedguiltytothecharge.

Duringaforensicexaminationofthe man’sdevicesseizedduringtheinitial raid,vastquantitiesofdisturbingandillegalcontentwerediscovered—mostof whichistoographictopublish.

Thefirstsearchoftheman’shomewas onAugust20lastyear,accordingtoanothersummaryoffactsobtainedbythe Herald

Thesearchwasconductedafterthe DIAreceived81separatetipsfromtheUSbasedNationalCentreforMissingand ExploitedChildren(NCMEC).

NCMECworkswithlawenforcement globallytocombatchildexploitation,and the81alertslinkedtothemanweregeneratedinthe12monthstoNovember2023. Thesummaryoffactsshowswhen investigatorsseizedtheman’selectronics, theyfoundthousandsofimagesand videosofchildsexabusematerial.

Investigatorsalsofoundevidencehe’d beencommunicatingwithachildon Snapchat.

Thedefendantencouragedthechild, aged13,tosendhimsexuallyexplicit images,apolicesummaryoffactssaid.

“Healsotellsherthathelovesherand offerstoprovideherwithgamingtokens,” thesummarystates. Themangave investigatorsaccessto hisMEGA.NZaccount

whileclaiminghecouldn’tremember whatwasinit.MEGAisanonlinefile sharingplatform.

AforensicanalysisbyaDIAinvestigatoridentified2309fileswithinthe MEGAaccountpromotingthesexual abuseandexploitationofchildren. Thefileswerepubliclyaccessibleto anyonewiththerelevantlink,thesummarysaid.

Thesummaryshowsthemanused24 differentemailstocreatedifferent accountsonthesocialmediaplatforms DiscordandInstagramwhichhethen usedtodistributechildsexabusematerial. He’spleadedguiltytochargesof possessinganddistributingchildexploitationmaterial.

Theman’scellphonewasalsoseized, althoughherefusedtogivepolicehispin code. However,investigatorsmanagedto extractdatafromthephoneanywayand foundfivevideoclipstakenfromthe livestreamofthe2019Christchurch terrorattack.Thefivevideosoftheterror attackwereamong20filesonthephone

thatwerecategorisedasviolentextremist content.

Themanalsoadmittedtobeingpartof asadisticonlineexploitationgroup knownas764. Membersof764—whicharepartofa widernetworkknownasTheCommor TheCommunity—trytoexploitandradicaliseothersandpromoteviolence. Therearegrowingconcernsabout suchgroups.InMay,theFBIarrestedthe ringleadersof764withUSAttorneyGeneralPamelaBondidescribingthegroup as“oneofthemostheinousonlinechild exploitationenterprises”investigators haveseen.

ThemanageroftheDIA’sdigitalviolentextremismteamGlennWilliamstold the Herald groupslike764arepartofanihilisticextremistnetworkwhosemembersuseblackmailtoextortand choreographthesharingofillegalcontent,includingactsofself-harm.

Hesaidtherearemultiplereasons youngpeoplearedrawntosuchgroups.

“Theappealisamanufacturedsense ofbelonging,powerandtransgression,” hetoldthe Herald The“cloutchasing”bymembersof suchgroupsisamplifiedbymemesandin jokes,hesaid.

Williamssaidteenscanbevulnerable becausetheyaresusceptibleto“edgy content”likeviolenceorgoreandtothe onlinecommunitiesthatnormaliseit.

Heencouragedparentsandcaregivers totalkopenlywithyoungpeople.

“Trustyourinstinctsandstartacalm, non-judgmentaldiscussion,”hesaid. Hesaidthereweremultipleredflagsto watchfor,includingsuddenwithdrawal ormoodchanges,unexplainedsecrecy aboutdeviceuse,andshiftsinsleeppatterns.

“Mostconcerningaresignsofselfharmortalkaboutnotbeingwantedor needed.Theseindicatorsshouldbeconsideredtogether,notinisolation,”he said.

Heurgedparentstomonitoronlineactivityandfamiliarisethemselveswith appsbeingused.

Williamssaidifpeoplewereconcernedaboutayoungperson’sonlineor real-worldbehaviourtheyshouldtryand gatherevidencelikescreenshotsof usernamesandlinksandseekhelpfrom authorities.

PolicecalledasprotesthitsPeters’home

Demonstrators voicedsupport fordetained

KiwisonGaza aidflotilla

ProtestersgatheredoutsideForeign MinisterWinstonPeters’homein Aucklandinsupportofthoseon boardtheGlobalSumudFlotilla.

SeveralNewZealanderswereon boardshipstakingpartintheflotilla, someofwhomweredetainedby IsraelwhennearingGazaintheeasternMediterraneanSea.

Theflotillainvolvingmorethan 500people,includingSwedishclimatecampaignerGretaThunberg,was tryingtobreakIsrael’sblockade.

Videosfromsocialmediashowed protestersoutsidePeters’homeon Thursday.

FootageseenbyRNZshows peoplechanting,bangingdrums, wavingPalestinianflagsandholding posters.

Messageshadbeenwrittenonthe footpathinchalk,includingthe namesofsomeoftheNewZealanders ontheflotilla.

Policeofficerscouldalsobeseen.

Peters’officedeclinedtocomment.

AdiLeason,whosesonSamwas amongthosedetained,toldRNZ’s MiddayReport theywereimmensely proud.

“IthinkSamuelhasindicatedthat heispreparedtotakehisstruggleand hiswitnesstosortofanotherlevel andstayinjailas,Iguess,asilentwitness.”

ApolicespokespersontoldRNZ thatofficersrespondedtoaprotestat 6.52pmonThursdayevening.

Theysaidabout30peoplehad gatheredoutsideanAucklandpropertyandpolicestaffmonitored protestactivity.

ThespokespersonsaidAuckland Councilnoisecontrolofficers attendedontwooccasionsandfound noiselevelshadexceededacceptable standards.

“Thegrouploweredthenoise levelsonbothoccasions,before dispersingwithoutfurtherissueat around10pm.”

RNZhashadcontactwiththreeof theNewZealandersonboardtheflotilla.

Lastmonth,YoussefSammour told SaturdayMorning thathehad beeninvolvedintwosimilarflotilla missionsbeforebeinginvolvedinthis one.

Sammoursaidhewashopefulthat boatsfromtheflotillawouldmakeit

AucklandMayorWayneBrown’s inboxwasbombardedby1500emails fromalobbygrouptosignapledgeon ratesthatsparkedaprofanetwowordresponse. Brownmadeheadlinesyesterday whenhetoldtheAucklandRatepayers’Alliance(ARA)to“f***off”in responsetosupportersaskinghimto signits“RatepayerProtection Pledge”tokeepratesdown.

ThemayorwassentanARAemail withtheheadline,“IsWayneBrown planningaratesblow-out?”,towhich hesenthisbluntresponse.

SpeakingtoHeraldNOW’sRyan Bridge,theARA’sSamWarrensaid “lasttimehechecked”,around1500

Newarms industry forNZ

JohnWeekes

NewZealandcouldsoonsupply countriesworldwidewithdronesand unmannedvehiclescapableofdevelopmentanddeploymentwithin justafewweeks. Thatwasonescenariooutlinedas militaryandcivilianleadersmetyesterdaytooutlineanewstrategy. Atitscore,theDefenceIndustry Strategyisaboutgettingtechsector start-upstalkingtothemilitaryabout meetingfast-changingthreats. Butit’salsoaboutcreatinganew industry,aNewZealandarmsexport industry. Andthatindustryisbeingcreated withtheRussia-Ukrainewarandrise ofdronesasmajorinfluences.

The Herald askedMinisterofDefenceJudithCollinshowmuch Ukraine’sexperienceshadinformed NewZealand’sthinkingaroundthe strategy. Theshortanswer:alot. “It’sbeenincredibleforpeopleto see,notonlythatyourneighbouring countryorsomebodyclosetoyouor somebodythatyou’vehadalotof businessdealingswithcanactually becomeanadversary,butthatyou canactuallystanduptoit,ifyouare preparedtobeagile.” CollinssaidUkrainehadbuiltits ownarmsordefenceindustryin innovativeways.

“They’rebuildingalloverthe place.Thattellsyouwhatyoucan do.”

Sheadded:“Butyouneedgood friends,youneedgreatintelligence, whichwehave...butyou’vegotto havethehightech.”

SyosAerospacefounderandchief executiveSamVyesaidthenewstrategycouldboostlocaltechcompanies innumerousways.

HewasattheDefenceForce’sleadershipcentreatWhangapara¯oawith colleagues,displayingSyosdrones andanuncrewedsix-wheelerwhich fromadistancelookssuitedtobeinga moonbuggy.

emailsweresenttoBrownaskinghim tosignthepledge. Explainingthebombardment, Warrensaid:“There’salotofpeople inAucklandobviouslywantingthis, andhe[Brown]wasn’tproactively reachingoutforthepledge.”

“Heknewthatitexisted.That’s fine,butreally,Iencouragedalotof ourAucklandRatepayerAlliancesupporterstocontactthemayorandlet themknowit’swhattheyexpectfrom acandidate.”

Inresponse,Bridgesaid,“Ithink mostpeoplewouldgo,‘ifsomeone sentme1500emails,I’dprobablytell themtoeffofftoo’.”

SpeakingonBrown’sresponse,

toGaza,givenhowmanypeople wereinvolved. Hesaidhewasona12msailing yachtwithsixothers. Thosepeopleincludedaninfluencer,ajournalist,amedicandan MPfromSpain.

SamLeasontold Checkpoint last weekthatboatsthatwerepartofthe flotillahadbeenattackedbydrones. “Ithinknineboatsgothitby bombsandotherliquids...flammableliquids.Ithink12different thingsweredroppedonninedifferent boats...Itwasredalert,allcrazy,it wasaprettyscarytime.”

Warrensaid,“It’swateroffaduck’s backreally.

“He’sknownasMrGrumpyfora reason,andthat’sfine.We’rejustabit disappointedhewouldn’tsignour pledge.”

Hesaidthegroupwantsa“better commitment”tokeepingratesaslow aspossible.

“Nextyear,Aucklandfacesa7.9% ratesincrease.That’sarecordhighfor Aucklandandit’salreadyontopof manydifferentincreasestoo.But Waynewasn’thavingabarofitobviously,andfrankly,Ithink Aucklandersreallywanthimtosign uptoit.”

OnThursday,aspokespersonfor

Leasonsaidhewastakingpartin theflotillabecausechildrenwerebeingbombedinGazaandtheNewZealandGovernmentwasn’tdoing enoughtodeterIsrael. Hewasscared,butnoteditdidnot comparetowhatGazanswereenduringonadailybasis. The SydneyMorningHerald reportedonThursdaythataNew Zealand-bornMelbourne-basedGP namedBiancaWebb-Pullmanwas sailingwiththeflotilla. RanaHamidaonRNZin2019 In2019,RanaHamidaspoketo RNZ’sAfternoonsaboutherandher family’sjourneytoNewZealand. HamidasaidshewasaPalestinian borninSyria. Shemovedwhenwarbrokeoutin thecityofAleppo. “Itwasgettingreallyintensein there,andatonepointthebuilding nexttouswherewewerelivinggot bombed.”

Brown’sre-electioncampaigncalled therequesta“PRstunt”.

Thespokespersontoldthe Herald thatthemayor“wishedtobeunambiguousafterbeingbombardedby theirPRstuntemails.Theirso-called pledgeisunrealisticandmeaningless”.

Brown“directedhisexpletiveat theideaofaratesblow-out”,hesaid.

Themayordeclinedtosignthe ARApledgein2022.

Hesaidatthetimethathewould keepratesaslowaspossiblebut wouldnotbeboundbyartificialrestrictions.

Warrensaidtheoffertosignthe pledgeisstillopen.

Afterthat,shesaid,herfamily movedtoDamascus,thentoEgypt. ShearrivedinNewZealandin 2013. Shesaiditwasimportantfor peopletospeakabouttheirexperiencesforotherstounderstandwhat washappeninginotherplaces. Hamidatold Afternoons thatshe didmodelling,dancingandplayed music. RNZ

WayneBrown madeheadlines withhis expletive responsetoan email. Photo/ CoreyFleming

Vyesaidthenewstrategycould helpuniversitygraduatesintechnologytakeideastothedefencesector. “There’salotofcompaniesout therethatdodual-usecivilanddefence,and,ifyoulookatithistorically,alotofthemajorcompanies aroundtheworldactuallygrewtheir systemsandmaturedtheirproducts throughdefenceandthatallowed themtocomebackintothecivilsectorandbeagloballeader.”

Headded:“Whatwe’veseenin ourexperience,beingsmall,beingan SME...actuallymeansthatyou’re reallyagile,andanyonethat’stracked theUkrainianwarnoticesthatyou needtobeabletohavespiraldevelopmentanditerateinweeks.”

Somemightwonderifaworldof cheapdronesandunmanned vehiclesbeingmadeatbreakneck speedwilldisplacethehugecompaniesdevelopingfighteraircraftand aircraftcarriersinmultibillion-dollar projectsovermanyyears.

Notsofast,Vyesaid.

“There’sstillarequirementbehindtheprimes,behindthoselarge defencecontractors,behindthelarge aerospacecompanies,becausewe stillneedcrewedvessels,westillneed frigates.Andwestillneedlargehalfa-billion-dollarprogrammes.”

Hesaidthoseprojectswereoften tooriskyforsmallandmedium-sized enterprises.

“Sothisiswhereactuallythelarge defencecontractorsareshiftingtheir modelalittlebittowork collaborativelywithSMEssuchas Syos.” Vyesaidtherewasworktodo.“We haveagoodtechindustry.Butthat’s notadefenceindustry.”

bedsrus.co.nz

ThevenuehasfeaturedthelikesofRafaelNadal,RogerFedererandSerenaWilliams.Anewroofwillstopraindelaysandtheneedforballkidstogetthetowelsoutandhelpdrythecourt.

Game,setanddrymatch:$5m netslong-awaitedcentrecourtroof

Theupgradeto

Auckland’s ManukaDoctor Arenaincludes expandingthe courttomeet ATPstandards andincreasing seatingcapacity

TheGovernmentyesterday announceda$5millioninvestmentin anewcentrecourtroofforAuckland’sManukaDoctorArena. Thecoveredvenuewillmeanan endtoraincancellationsanddelays andassistinattractingplayers,with manyothershortandlong-term benefits.

“I’mthrilledourrecentsupport packageformajoreventsandtourism willhelpsecurethefutureofthisimportantsportingassetforAuckland andNewZealand,”TourismandHospitalityMinisterLouiseUpstonsaid.

“StanleyStisaniconicvenueand hasplayedhosttoatleastamillion spectatorsovertheyears,with hundredsofmatchesfromhighprofiletennisstarsincludingRafael Nadal,RogerFedererandSerena Williams.

“Today’sinvestmentnotonly future-proofscentrecourtagainstthe weatherbutalsoexpandsthetypesof eventswhichcanbeheldthere, attractingmorevisitorsandsupportingoureconomy.

“ItwillalsoincreaseseatingcapacityandgivemoreKiwisthechance toexperienceworld-classsportingaction.”

TheGovernment’s$5minvestmentwillsupportTennisAucklandin co-fundingitsCentreCourtRoofproject,estimatedtocost$15mand plannedforcompletionin2027.

EarlierthisyearAucklandCouncil agreedaninitialinjectionof$1.5mtowardstheoverallproject,whichencompassesthedemolitionoftheRobinsonstand,theenlargingofthecourt andcapacitytomeetATPtourstandardsand—eventually—theerection ofapermanentcanopyroofoverthe arena.

ASBClassicorganiserswerealso awarethatthesizeofcentrecourt doesn’tmeetcurrenttourstandards. Asplayersgetmoreathletic—andare servingmorestronglyandhitting harder—theexistingdimensions havecomeunderpressure.

In2023,theATPtourrevisedits minimumcourtlengthstandardsto 40.23m,morethan3mlongerthan Auckland’s36.95m.

Thenewsurfacewillcover41m— allowingplayersmoreroomtoreceiveboomingservesand groundstrokes.

Thenewroofwillalsoprovidean indoorconcertoptionforthecity.

ThisisthefirstinfrastructureinvestmentannouncedintheGovernment’snew$70millionMajorEvents andTourismPackage,designedtoen-

Anartist'simpressionofthenewroofforthetennisstadium.

ergisetheeventssector,boostvisitor numbers,anddriveeconomicactivity acrossNewZealand.

“Ifwewanttocontinuetoattract world-classeventstoNewZealand, weneedtohaveworld-classfacilities togoalongwiththem,”Upstonsaid.

“TennisAucklandalreadyworks

reallyhardtopromoteandhostwhat isashowpiecesportingeventforNew Zealand.

“Thisroofwillmeanmorecertaintyfororganisers,playersandfans alike,andIlovethatwe’reableto announcebaselinefundingtosupportit.

“Upgradingexistingeventsand tourisminfrastructurelikethis bolstersassociatedactivitiesinour citiesandregionsandimprovesthe overallvisitorexperience.

“Thisisafirstannouncement,but localcommunitiesandbusinessesup anddownthecountrywillbenefitsig-

nificantlyaswemakefurther decisions,particularlyaroundour hugelypopularcycletrails.”

AccordingtoTennisAuckland chiefexecutiveRohanWest,theyhad littlechoicebuttobuildaroof.

Itneedstosafeguardthefutureof theASBClassicfortnight,giventhe constantthreatofpotentialnew tournamentsinAustralia,Asiaand theMiddleEast.

Theextendedareawillbringother sidebenefits,withspacefortwo fullsizebasketball,volleyballor netballcourts,four3x3basketball courtsandaninternational-standard futsalcourt.

“ItwillopenuptheManukaDoctorArenacentrecourtforfarmore communitysportseventsandthirdpartysportsactivities,”saidWest.

DemolitionoftheRobinsonstand beganinAugust.Beyondthatwillbe landscaping,retainingwalls,drainageworks,poweranddataducting, andeverythingelsenecessarytoget thesiteready.

AttournamenttimeinJanuary,a temporarygrandstandwillbeinstalled,withacapacityofjustover 1000.

Westpointsoutthatthescaffolded grandstandisamodelusedatother notabletournaments,including QueensinLondonandMonteCarlo.

“It’llbeafarbetterexperience,” saidWest.“Betterviews,higher[seat] backs,morecomfortable.” Thenewstructurewillalsoincludealuxurysection,withplush seatsandfoodanddrinkdeliveredto thestand,namedthePohutukawa Terrace.Theentireredevelopment, encompassingtheroof,hasbeen costedat$15m.

Callfor students toget injection

DenisePiper

Withundetectedmeaslespotentiallycirculatinginthecommunity, Northlandwha¯nauarebeingurged toensurestudentsareimmunised beforeheadingbacktoschoolon Monday. TheNationalPublicHealthServicesaid,onThursday,therewere nineconfirmedcasesofmeaslesin Northland,alongwithanunrelated caseinQueenstown. MedicalofficerofhealthDr DeniseBarnfathersaidwithmeasles casesinthecommunityandschool holidayscontinuingthisweek,now isagreattimeforwha¯nautodoublechecktheimmunisationstatusof childrenandlovedones.

“And,ifthey’renotuptodate,to goandgetimmunisedbeforeheadingbacktoschool.”

Thevaccineisavailableathealth clinicsandpharmacies.

Parentsarealsourgedtokeep childrenathomeiftheyareunwell andcontacttheirhealthproviderif theyhaveanymeaslessymptoms.

KerikeriHighSchoolhasbeena focus,withitsproduction Monsters ontheeveningofSeptember17, listedasaclose-contactlocationof interest,withattendeesurgedto contactHealthlineurgentlyon0800 611116.

Examsattheschool,onthe morningsofSeptember3to5,are alsolistedashistoricallocationsof interest.

Barnfathersaidwithapossibility ofundetectedcasesofmeaslesinthe community,everyoneshouldbe lookingoutforsymptoms.

“Wearestronglyencouraging everyonetowatchthemselvesfor measlessymptoms,suchasafever, cough,runnynose,soreeyesanda rash—especiallyifthey’vevisited anyofthelocationsofinterestthat havebeenpublishedsofar—incase theymayhavebeenexposedto measles.”

Barnfatheralsosaidpublichealth is“deeplygrateful”toallthosewho havegotincontactaboutmeasles overthepastfewdays.

Symptomsinclude

● Anillnessthatbeginswithhigh fever(over38C),cough,runny noseandsoreredeyes (conjunctivitis)

● Arash,beginningonthefaceand graduallyspreadingdownthebody tothearmsandlegs.Therashlasts foruptooneweek.

● Anyonewhodevelopssymptoms shouldstayathomeandcontact theirhealthcareproviderorcall Healthlineon0800611116forfree advice24/7.

Sheencouragedeveryonetorespectprivacyandbekindtoeach other.

“Wha¯nauwhoareaffectedare workingcloselywithhealthstaffand sharingvaluableinformationtohelp protecttheircommunityandallof NewZealand.” Just63%ofNorthlandersaged from0to25havehadtwodosesof themeasles,mumps,rubella(MMR) vaccineandarefullyvaccinated againstmeasles,Barnfathersaid. Topreventameaslesoutbreak, 95%ofthepopulationmustbeimmune.

Northlandisatgreaterriskbecauseofthelowvaccinationrate, saidMataroriaLyndon,University ofAucklandseniorlecturerand clinicaladviserforNga¯tiHineHealth Trust. Thetrustisworkinghardtooffer vaccinationclinics,includinginruralareaswheretherearegeographicalbarrierstoaccessthejabs,he said. ManyotherNorthlandhealth providers—includingHealthNZ,GP clinicsandpharmacies—arealso doingthesame,Lyndonsaid. “Weknowhowrapidlymeasles canspreadandweknowhowseriousitcanbeintermsofendingupin hospital,”hesaid.

bateatthe Herald yesterdayafternoon,justminutesbeforethedebate wasduetobegin. HercampaignmanagerSharon Jensenemailedthe Herald toadviseof thewithdrawal,butgavenoreasonat thetime.Shehassinceadvisedthat

pendentEricChuah,andRobMcNeil fromtheAnimalJusticeParty. Leonihasbeencriticalduringthe campaignofAucklandMayorWayne Brown,whohasdeclinedseveral invitationstoappearincandidate debates.

thewords“Lockedin”,and reconfirmeditonThursday. Thedebatewentaheadwithtwo othermayoralcandidates,theinde-

“I’vebeentoall14mayoral debates,”shetoldaGreyPowermeetinginNorthcoteonSeptember19. “WayneBrownhasn’tdonethat.” Brownwasatthatmeeting. InGlenEden,shesaiditwasdisrespectfulofthemayornottoturnup. Atsomemeetings,sheandtheother candidateshaveputaphotoofBrown onanemptychair. The Herald debateproceededwith thetwoothercandidates. Chuahsaidhehasabackgroundin defenceandsecurity,andin academia.Ashehasdoneonseveral

occasions,hecriticisedtheAuckland FutureFund(AFF)setupbyBrown withtheproceedsofthecouncil’ssale ofitssharesinAucklandInternational Airport. “Idon’twanttosaythefundwas mismanaged,”hesaid.Buthealso usedtheword“mismanaged”tode-

scribethewayitwasrun. Chuahwasalsoaskedaboutapoll hehastalkedaboutinseveralmeetings.He’sclaimedthisshowshimwith 18%support,thesameasKerrin Leoni,andonlysixpointsbehind Brown. Tothe Herald,hesaidthepollwas

nowcoveredbya“gaggingorder”, althoughhedidn’tknowwhohad madetheorderorwhy.Hesaidhe couldn’tsaymore. McNeilpresentedhimselfasanexperiencedmanager.Healso advocatedforhisparty,sayingthat thousandsofdogsareputdownin councilpoundseachyear. “TheseanimalsareAucklanders andtheyhaverightstoo,”hesaid. “TheAnimalJusticePartysupports therightsofallAucklanders,includingthemostvulnerable.” Duringtheinterview,the candidateswereaskedaseriesof questionsonthetheme,“Howwelldo youknowyourcity”. NeitherofthemknewthatPokeno, onthesouthsideoftheBombayHills, isinWaikato,notAuckland. McNeilknewtheStardomeOb-

servatorywasinCornwallParkand bothknewwhereHendersonand LongBayare.Neithercouldlocate HoaniWaititiMarae. McNeilknewMtSmartishometo theAucklandWarriorsandChuah knewitwashometoAucklandFC. Askedwhatshowtheyhadbeento recently,Chuahsaidhewenttoa sessionattheWritersFestivalin2023 andMcNeilrevealedhehadbeentoa cabaretshowattheCivicinJune.

Duringthe2019to2020measles outbreak,justoverathirdofthe measlescaseshadtobe hospitalised,withtheoutbreak spreadingfromNewZealandto Samoa,where72peopledied. Lyndonsaidhealthofficialsstill rememberthosecasesandhowserioustheoutbreakwas. HealthNewZealandsaidmeasles cancausepneumonia,severediarrhoea,braininflammation(encephalitis),miscarriageorprematurebirthforthosewhoarepregnant,anddeath—eveninhealthy childrenandadults. Itsaidthebestprotectionfor measlesisimmunisation. Vaccinationisespeciallyencouragedforthoseheadingoverseas, withanescalatingriskofmeasles globallyincludingcountriesthat Kiwistraveltofrequently,likeAustralia,IndonesiaandNorth America.

Barnfathersaidvaccinationsare freeformostpeople,including everyoneundertheageof18and thosewhoqualifyforfree healthcare. Sheurgedpeopletoviewthelist ofimmunisationclinics,available onlinebysearching“immunisation clinicsNorthland”.

‘Idon’twanttobeaburden’:Mumon herblindness A9

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Explorestunningshrines, temples,historictowns, vibrantcitiesandmajestic MountFuji.Fromvisiting Nara’sdeertolearninghow tomakeudonnoodles,this isafullyguidedtourpacked withdelightfulexperiences.

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Womanwhoreceived$158kinbanking errorbelieveditwas‘blessing’fromGod

Interpolstepsin ascoupleadmit theftandseek name suppression before sentencing

LaneNichols

Awomanwhoaccidentallyreceived $158,000inanaccounttransfererror haspleadedguiltytotheft,apologisedforheractionsandclaimedshe thoughtthemoneywasa“blessing” fromGod.

Butthatblessingcouldbecomea curse,withamajorUKbankunderstoodtohavelaunchedcivilproceedingstorecoupthemoneythatinadvertentlylandedinherWestpacaccountinJanuarylastyear. Interpolisnowinvolvedinthe casetohelpNewZealandauthorities confirmwhetherBarclaysBankisgoingafterthemoney,whichit refundedtothevictiminfullaftermediacoverageearlierthisyear. Barclaysisrefusingtocomment.

The Herald canrevealthatthe 38-year-oldWestAucklandmother pleadedguiltylastmonthtotheft. Asourcesaidthefamilywasreligious,andthewomanthoughtthesurprisewindfallthatappearedinheraccountwasablessingfromGod.

Shehadsentaletterofapologyto thecourtandwasnowtryingtosell personalitemsto“makegood”for whatshehadspent.

Herhusband,37,wasjointly chargedinconnectionwiththetransfermix-up.Headmittedreceiving $64,000ofthevictim’smoneywhen heappearedatAucklandDistrict Courtthisweek. Despiteacceptingtheirguilt,the couplehaveindicatedtheywillseek permanentnamesuppressionand askthecourttodischargethemwithoutconvictionswhentheyare sentencednextyear.

Theyclaimthatidentifyingthem couldresultinextremehardshipfor theiryoungfamily,becauseofa potentiallossofemployment.

Thecouple,whohavebeen supportedbyaninterpreterduring courtproceedings,initiallypleaded notguiltyandarguedearlierthat identifyingthemcouldundermine theirfairtrialrights.

Busdriver honoured forattack bravery

NatashaGordon

Thevictim,MtRoskillpensioner AndrewCheSitBong,wantsthepair tofacejusticeandbelievesthey shouldbothbepubliclynamed.

Hesaidthewomanknewthe moneywasn’therswhenitwasdepositedintoheraccount,butspent hislifesavings“likenobody’sbusiness”. Thethefthadapronouncedeffect onhislife.Hesuffereddepression, sleeplessnights,andwasunableto payforhisson’swedding. Hesaidhewasfrustratedthatthe womanwasnowtryingtoavoidresponsibilityforwhatshehadputhim through.

Hewantedthecourttoholdheraccountableandsendamessagetoanyoneelsewhoaccidentallyreceived anotherperson’smoney.

“Youhaveactuallycommitteda crime.Youtookmoneythatdoesn’t

AndrewCheSitBonglost$158kafteraccidentallysendingmoneytowrongbankaccountnumber.Therecipienthasadmittedtheft.

Youhaveactually committedacrime.You tookmoneythatdoesn’t belongtoyou. Sentencingisgoodso longasthesentencefits thecrime.

Theftvictim,AndrewCheSit Bong

EthanManera

Film-makerSirPeterJacksonhas unveiledhisplanstobuildaspecialist veterinaryhospitalinhisneighbourhood. Inanannouncementfromthebillionaire’sWingNutGroup,the Lordof theRings directorhasrevealedhis plansforthe“landmarknewdevelopmentatParkRd,Miramar”. Thedevelopmentissaidtobeone ofseverallong-termdevelopment initiativesbyJacksonandhispartner, DameFranWalsh,to“providenew servicesandstimulategrowthandinvestmentinWellington”. ItwillbeapartnershipwithAucklandveterinariansDrKarlMathisand DrFionaParkofARCVets.

“Animalwelfareisasubjectdearto ourhearts,”JacksonandWalshsaidin astatement. “WehavepreviouslyhadtotransportourownpetstoAucklandforurgent,specialistcarebythewonderful teamatARC.WethinkWellingtonians andtheirpetsdeservetohaveafacilityofthiscalibreclosetohome, thattheycancallonwhentheneed arises.” Theprojectisduetobe completedinearly2028andis partofthepair’s“broader visiontostrengthenMiramaras athrivinghubofcreativeand commercialenterprise”. MathisandParksaidthe couplehavebeensignificantsupportersoftheirAucklandoperationsandtheyexpectthisnewdevelopmenttobe“worldclass”. WingNutPM,Jackson’sproperty companybehindthedevelopment,is registeredto141ParkRd,Miramar. Inrecentyears,Jacksonhas

belongtoyou.

“Sentencingisgoodsolongasthe sentencefitsthecrime.”

InJanuarylastyear,Chetriedto transferhislifesavingsfromBarclays BankintheUKtohisAucklandWestpacaccount.

However,themoneywaslostafter hemissedasingledigitwhenentering therecipientaccountdetails.

The78-year-oldtoldthe Herald he wasusinganoldcomputerwitha “stickykeyboard”andoneoftheaccountnumbersfailedtoregister.

Thenumbersequenceheentered wasforavalidaccount,butnothis. Themoneywasaccidentallysentto thefemaledefendant.

Policeinitiallyclaimedthedispute wasacivilmatterbeforereopening

theinvestigationafterintervention fromChe’sMP,eventuallylaying chargesagainstthewomanandher husband.

AtanappearanceinJune,the womanpleadednotguiltytotheft, whileherhusbandpleadednotguilty toreceiving$64,000ofChe’smoney.

ThecasewascalledagaininSeptemberbeforeJudgeKirstenLummis.

Theman’slawyer,Trunelle Massyn,saidshewasseekingtranslatedcopiesofdocumentsfrom police.Shesaidherclientwouldapplyforadischargewithoutconviction intheeventofbeingfoundguilty,as hewasthe“solebread-winner”and hadseveral“mouthstofeed”.

Heplannedtodovoluntarycommunityworkandwasfinalisingapay-

boughttensofmillionsofdollars worthofcommercialpropertyin thearea. The Herald earlierthisyearrevealedhehaspurchasedanold schoolcampusintheneighbourhood.LastyearitwasrevealedinterestsassociatedwithJacksonand Walshspent$105millionbuyinga largepieceoflandnearthecity’sairportinLyallBay.Therearerumoursit couldbethenewsiteforalongplannedmoviemuseum. JacksonandWalshalsopurchased landatShellyBayin2023torestore its“naturalbeauty”andstopacontroversial$500mhousingdevelopmentplannedthere. InJuneitwasrevealedJackson hadsoughtconsenttocreatea museumandexhibitionspaceaswell asresidentialaccommodationina historicbuildingontheShellyBay site.

mentarrangementwiththebank.

Atahearinglastmonthbefore JudgeSwaranSingh,thewoman’s lawyer,LeenaKumaran,said$28,000 ofthemoneywasultimatelyreturned tothebank.

The Herald understandsthe moneywasfrozeninthewoman’saccountafterChealertedauthorities thathismoneyhadbeenlost.

ProsecutorVictoriaBrookertold thecourtthatBarclayswas“outof pocket”afterrefundingChe.

ShehadbeenadvisedthatBarclays waspursuingcivilactiontorecoup themoney.

Interpolwasnowtryingtoconfirm whetherlegalactionwasunderway tohelpascertainwhetherBarclays wasavictiminthecaseandtherefore

apossiblerecipientofanyreparation order.

Interpol’sinvestigationscould takeuptofourmonthstocomplete.

Askedbythe Herald whetherithad filedcivilproceedingsand,ifso,how muchitwasseekingindamages,a Barclaysspokesmansaid,“We’veno furthercommentonthiscase.”

JudgeSinghremandedthewoman onbailforsentencinginFebruary nextyear. Interimnamesuppressionremainsinplaceuntilsentencing.

Thewoman’shusbandappeared beforeJudgeSteveBonnarKCthis weekandalsopleadedguilty.

Hewasremandedonbailtothe sameFebruarysentencingdatewith interimnamesuppressioncontinued.

Abusdriverisbeingcelebratedfor hercourageousactionsduringthe LynnMallterrorattackin2021after sherushedaninjuredvictimtosafety. Buscompany,KineticNZ,shared thenewsthatSharonColquhoun,one ofitsAuckland-basedbusdriversfor morethan25years,wasawardeda CertificateofMeritbytheRoyalHumaneSocietyofNewZealand. “Sharonshowedgreatcourage andcompassionwhenoneofthe victimsapproachedherbuswhileshe wasonarestbreak,”KineticNZsaid. “Thinkingquickly,Sharonhelped thevictim,whowasbleedingheavily, onboardandkeptthemcalmwhile shedrovethebustothenearbyNew LynnTransportCentrewherefirstaid wasadministereduntilemergency servicesarrived.

“We’reproudtoshareher selflessnessandcommitmenttohelpingothershasbeenrecognisedwith oneofthehighestcivilianhonoursfor courageandhumanityinAotearoa.” Fourpoliceofficersandsixmembersofthepublicreceivedtheir certificatesfromPoliceCommissionerRichardChambersata

Sharonshowedgreat courageand compassionwhenone ofthevictims approachedherbus whileshewasonarest break

KineticNZ

ceremonythisweek.Afurtherfour wereunabletoattend. Asecurityguard,whowasonhis seconddayofthejob,wasamong thoserecognised. OnSeptember3,2021,Ahamed SamsudeenenteredaCountdown supermarketinLynnMalland launchedaknifeattack,injuringseveralpeoplebeforebeingshotby police. Policesaidtheactionsofthose honouredwiththecertificates,includingadministeringfirstaid, evacuatingothersandcontainingthe situation,helpedtosavelivesand preventfurtherharm.

OtherrecipientsincludedSusan Fox,YasminFolekene,Jonathan Mapusua,DarianSundars,Rahul Rall,MonicaSeve,LukeMayoand TrevorSutorforaidingvictimsofthe attack.

LucyHill-Khamwasalso commendedandisthewifeof RodneyKhan,whoreceivedaBraverymedalfromtheRoyalHumane SocietyforconfrontingSamsudeen. Thefourpoliceofficerstoreceive certificatesofmeritwereDetective SamuelWalker,ConstableSamuel Holland,SergeantAlexandra WaworisandConstableVictoria Mason,allofwhomappliedcritical firstaidtovictims. “Braveryisnottheabsenceoffear —itisthedecisiontoactinspiteofit,” Waitemata¯DistrictCommander SuperintendentNailaHassansaid. Aninquestintotheattackbeganin May,withthefirstphasebeingpartly drivenbyquestionsfromsurvivors abouttheincident. ThesecondphasecoversthefourmonthperiodinwhichSamsudeen waslivinginthecommunitybefore theattack,andthethirdphasewill lookathistimeinprison.

‘Youshouldmeetmyfriend

Jane,”aposhEnglishwomansuggestedatthe DaresSalaamYachtClub, herginsweatinginthecoastalheat. “She’dbeagoodstory—wouldn’t she?”

Iwas24,aKiwiimprobably stationedinTanzania,EastAfrica,for the FinancialTimes.Atthetime,the FT wanted“colour”stories—notjust sisalharvestresultsbutcharacters, dramaandthekindofstoriesthat beginwithanoffhandremarkover cocktails.

“Really?Seriously?”Iasked.

“Oh,she’slovely.She’sinDarjust now,abouttogouptoGombe.”

Thisiswhatjournalistscallagift fromthegods.ThenextdayIfound myselfatJaneGoodall’ssprawling compoundontheoutskirtsofDar. Theroadwasdust,thegatewide open.

Iknockedattheopendoor.A voicefloatedout—calmyethighly pitched,unmistakablyEnglish.“I’m outhere.” Throughthecluttered,lodge-like loungeandontothebackdeck:there shewas,surroundedbybooksand notebooks,thedetritusofamind foreverturning.Herlong,greyhair pulledintohertrademark,nononsenseponytail,akhakishirt,and herpaleEnglishcomplexion.

“Cupoftea?”sheoffered,andwith that,thespellwascast. Janespokeslowlyandperfectly,as ifeverywordhadbeenrehearsedand editedinherheadbeforereaching daylight.ShementionedGombe almostcasually,thensuggestedthatI mightliketocome.

“I’llmakesureyougetthegood room,”sheoffered,asifIhadtobe sold.

Itwas1988,andtheworldhad alreadysortedJaneGoodallintoits mentalfilingsystem:pioneering primatologist,awardwinningauthor, boxticked.Butshewasinabitofa lull.Sheknewsheneededmedia awarenesstokeeptheGombeproject aliveandfunded.Sheneeded attention.

Whiskyatsunsetwithmy friend,JaneGoodall

left,top,Goodallatherbeloved“thinkingwaterfall”,ababybaboon,Smith filminginGombe,localscenes.Above,baboonsroamedfreelyinthearea. Photos/PhilSmith

association.IfJanevouchedforme,I wasallgood.

Aweeklater,chickenspeckedat myfeetasIboardedamitumbwi,a carvedcanoefittedwithawheezing outboard.WesetoffalongLake Tanganyika,thevastinlandseathat onceferriedivoryandslavesandnow carriedvillagers,missionariesand oneanxiousKiwireporternorthward toGombe.

Janedidnotdescendfromthe foresttogreetme.Herlifewasrunto

atightschedule,meticulouslyplotted eachnight.Instead,DominicAbah— loyalaide,cook,gatekeeper—settled mein.Atlunch,Goodallappeared, freshasmorningfromthejungle, brimmingwiththesameexcitement shemusthavefeltthedayDavid Greybeardfirstreachedforherhand. Thatafternoonshemarchedme uphill.Janedidnotwalk;sheglided, relentless,amarathoner’space throughthickforest.

“Getthisphoto.Getthatone,”she commanded,strikingposesof practisedease.Thecameralovedher. Thechimpseyedmewithsuspicion, butseemedtograntmepassageby

Everyindividualmatters.Every individualhasaroletoplay. Everyindividualmakesa difference.

JaneGoodall

Eveningswereanotherritual.At preciselyfiveo’clockshelitafireon thebeach.Baboonswanderedpast. Shedrewfromhertreasuredbottleof JohnnieWalker,poureduseachavery decentmeasureintotincups,andwe watchedtheAfricansunslidebehind Zaire.Withher,thehourstretched intosomethingtimeless. IcametorealiseIwasthesameage asherson,Grub,whomshemissed terribly.Forawhile,Ibecameher surrogateson.Sheaskedaboutmy ambitions,myfumblingplans,then, whenthosegrewalittletedious,she turnedtoherstories.Iwastransfixed.

“WhenIarrivedatGombe,Inearly died,”sheconfessedonenight,

Scotchinhand.Shedescribed walkingtoherbeloved“thinking waterfall”,thenturningtofind herselfencircledbybaboons.“There wasrockbehindme.Iwastrapped, theyweremovinginonme.Iknew therule:neverlookthemintheeye. Youmustbedominant.SoI pretendedtostudythewater.ThenI justturnedverysuddenlyand walkedawayasthoughIwasbored. Myheartwaspounding.” Sowasmine,listening.

Onanothernight,hertone shiftedtoawhisper.Janewas suchagiftedstoryteller,her voicewassounique,analmost childliketimbre.Soshecouldtella scarystory...

“Tanganyikawasthehighwayof theslavetraders.Sometimes,late, you’llhearsinging,orchains draggingonthebeach.”Shepaused foreffect.“Butdon’tbealarmed.We allhearthemoften... It’ssoulsoftheslaves...singing.” Thefirecracked;thelakedarkened;I felttheweightofcenturiespressin. Gulp! Shewasunsparingabouther peers.DianFossey—the Gorillasin theMist neighbourtothenorth—had alreadybeenmurdered.Itwasabit likegossipingabouttheneighbours, andit’sfairtosaynowthatDian slightlyannoyedher.ToJane,the reasonforherdemisewasobvious. “Sheneverfullyembracedthe locals.Youcan’talienatepeoplehere. Withoutthem,you’reexposed.”Jane haddonetheopposite,weavingthe Tanzaniansintotheveryfabricof Gombe.Theyworshippedher. AndtothoseFosseyfansoutthere, wemustremember,Janeredefined mankind,Fosseyredefinedgorillas. Anddidagoodjobatit. Jane’sadvicespilledoutlike aphorisms,Scotch-tingedandhardwon.“Don’tevergetcaughtona corporatehamsterwheel.Alwaysbe yourownboss.Alwayslead.” Sheorderedmetogotothe waterfall—andcommittomyfuture. AndIdid.AndIevenpassedafew baboonsontheway,makingsurenot tolookthemintheeye,ofcourse. They’dgotusedtoushumansby then. AfterGombe,Janedrewme furtherintoherorbit.Ibecame caretakerofherDarhouse,receiving endlessguestswhoaskedthesame question:“Where’sJane?When’s JanebackfromEngland?”Everyone longedforherblessing,herpresence. Iwassousedtoherbythen,Ihad forgottenhowfamousshewas. Whatlingeredwasn’tjusther pioneeringdiscoveriesontheorigins ofmankind,butherinsistencethat everylifemattered—human,chimp orotherwise.“Everyindividual matters.Everyindividualhasaroleto play.Everyindividualmakesa difference,”shetoldme,morethan once. Itwastheconvictionthatpowered her—thereasonsheneverstopped. AsthewaveslappedtheTanganyikan shoreandtheScotchburnedinmy throat,Irealised:JaneGoodallwasn’t simplyobservingnature.Shewas commandingus,inhercalmEnglish lilt,tosavetheworldfromourselves. PhilipSmithisthefounderandCEOof GreatSouthernFilm+Television.

You’reinvitedtoourRetirementVillageOpen DayonSaturday,11October,10am–2pm. Viewtwoandthreebedroomvillasinestablished partsofourvillage,insought-afterlocationswith sweepingviewsandbeautifulgardens.Thesevillas rarelybecomeavailable.Plus,seeournewesthomes. Weeklyfeesarefixedfromage75. Tourthevillage,meetourteam,andlearnmore aboutlifeatLongridge.

‘Idon’twantto beaburden’:Mum onherblindness

Dailychallengesmount,from transportstrugglestojobbarriers

EvadeJong

ThenumberofNewZealandersliving withlowvisionorblindnessissteadilyrising,withnumbersnowsittingat morethan183,000.Atthestartof BlindLowVisionMonth,advocates arecallingforgreaterrecognitionof thefinancialburdenforblindpeople whofaceincreasedtransportcosts, expensiveadaptiveequipmentand lowemploymentrates.

PalmerstonNorthmotheroffour OliviaEnlosthersightasababyafter contractingmeasles.

Shehasnomemoryofbeingable toseeandsaysthatforalongtimeshe didn’trealisepeopleexperiencedthe worldinsuchadifferentway.

“Ithoughtthateverybody dreamedinwordsandsoundsand thenoiseofaschoolbellorthefeelof walkingdownacorridor,”shesays.

En,aformerlawyer,saysshe wouldn’tchangeherexperienceof lifeasablindperson.

“Thethingisthatpeopleoftenask me,doIregretit?Isitabadthing? WouldIbeabletoseeifIcould?”she says.

“AndIsayabsolutelynot.Ifyou gavemethechoicenowofbeing sighted,Iwouldn’tdoitbecauseit’s partofmyidentity.”

Butthereisalsoaconsiderablefinancialandemotionalburdenthat comeswithbeingblindandlooking afteralargefamily.

Withfourkidsallundertheageof 15andheryoungestchildjust6years old,Enhastotraveltoendlessextracurricularactivities.

Thetaxifaresareexpensiveifpublictransportisunavailable,andwhen takingataxialone,sheworriesthat shecouldbedroppedoffinthewrong placeorbetakenadvantageofbythe driver.

“Oneofthebiggestthingsformeis maybenoteventhephysicalobstacles,it’skindoftheemotionaltoll becauseIfeellikeIdon’twanttobea burdenonpeople,”shesays.

Enwentblindwhenshewas18 monthsoldafterbecomingsickwith measles.ShewasborninVietnam

afterherfamilyfledCambodiain1975 toescapethebrutalPolPotregime,a periodofextremeviolenceandmass deaths.After11yearsinVietnam,they movedtoNewZealand.

“Idoubtthatthevaccinewould havebeenavailable[inVietnam]and evenifitwere,itwouldhavebeen extortionatelyexpensive,”shesays.

“Iadmiremyparentsenormously fordoingwhattheydidforus,getting allofustothissafeplace.”

Thisweek,twoconfirmedcasesof measlesinNorthlandsparkedconcernoverthespreadofthecontagious

Gettingevena part-timejob asaperson withadisability ...it’sreally justimpossible inmanyways.

OliviaEn

illnessinNewZealand,bringingthe numberofinfectionstonineinthelatestoutbreak.

En’schildrenareimmunisedand shecontinuestofullysupport vaccinations.

Havingknownnootherlife,Enis wellusedtonavigatingtheworld withoutsight.Butthereare frustrations,suchastheridiculous amountoftimetoorderpizzaonline becausethewebsitemainlyuses pictures.

Toworkonhercomputer,Enuses ascreenreader—anappthatreads aloudwords—butforhighlyvisual websites,itstrugglestowork.

Webdesignerssimplydonottake intoaccountpeoplewithdisabilities usingtheirsites,shesays.

Adaptiveequipmentcanbeexpensive,andwhenEnbuyshouseholdappliances,suchasawashing machine,shehastoselectspecific modelsthatdon’trelyonvisual screens.

Onasmallerscale,Enhastobuya specialBrailleboardtopursueher favouritehobby,competitive Scrabble.

Theunemploymentrateinthelow visionandblindcommunityisextremelyhigh,withpathwaysinto studyandemploymentmoredifficult toaccess.

EnstudiedaBachelorofArts/ BachelorofLaws(Honours)conjoint degreeattheUniversityofOtago.

“Gettingevenapart-timejobasa personwithadisability...it’sreally justimpossibleinmanyways.”

BlindLowVisionNZ’sheadof fundraising,BernadetteMurphy,says blindandlowvisionpeoplestruggle tofindjobsbecauseofunconscious biasfromemployers.

Morethan50%oftheorganisation’sclienteleareunemployed, Murphysays.

Often,managershiringforarole willpre-judgethecapabilityofapersonwhoisblindwithoutconsidering theirqualifications.

Enisnowworkingasaguidance counsellorafterdecidingtoswitchcareerpathsbecauseshewasunfulfilled byworkasalawyer.

“I’vealwayswantedtodoajob that’sabouthelpingandsupporting otherpeople,andbeingacounsellor, you’rereallywalkingalongside peopleontheirjourneyto,Iguess, livethelifetheywantto,”shesays.

Murphysaysthereisa“higherinvisiblecost”tobeingindependentas ablindpersonbecauseoftheneedfor specialistsoftwaretechnology,white canesoraguidedog.

Shesaysevenasimpledoctor’s visitcanbecomedifficultbecauseof theneedtorevealconfidentialinformationtoanotherpersonfor medicalforms,whichraisesprivacy concerns.

OliviaEnhasbeenblindallherlifeaftercontractingmeaslesasababy,andsaysherdisabilityhashelpedherseethe kindnessofpeople.

Pleafor answers overbus stopkilling

NatashaGordon

“Accessingtheseessentialsisa humanright,whetherit’sbeingable togotothedoctor,feelingsafewalkingdownthestreetorhavingemployment,butwhenyouhaveadisability, thesethingsbecomeaprivilege.

AlthoughBlindLowVisionNZis thelargestvisionrehabilitationproviderinNewZealand,80%ofits fundingcomesfromdonations,she says. EnsaysherblackLabradorguide dog,Kyle,isaterrifichelpand“the best-lookingmaninmylife”.

Andit’snotall“doomandgloom” beingblind,shesays.

“It’snotjusttheeverydaycostof living;there’sanotherlayerof financialsupportthatneedstobeput intoplace.”

Havingavisualdisabilityhasgiven herincredibleproblem-solvingskills andmeanssheneverstrugglesto thinkupcleverwaystocarryout tasks.

“Therearealwayspeopletaking thatlittlebitoftimetonoticeandask ifIneedhelp.Andithelpsyoutobe lessjadedabouttheworld,”shesays.

“Igettheprivilegeofseeingthat sideofhumanity.” TodonatetoBlindLowVisionNZ, visititswebsiteorphone0800366 283.

“IthinkIalsogettheopportunity toseethebestofpeoplealotmore thanmaybesomeonewithoutadisability,”shesays. Recently,agroupof schoolchildreninPalmerstonNorth eagerlyhelpedhernavigateherway toherchild’sschoolclassroom.Every daysheisonthereceivingendof smallactsofkindness.

CaroleWhorrall

ThemotherofanAmericanstudent killedatanAucklandbusstophas madeanimpassionedpleaforpeople tocomeforwardaspolicecarryout searchwarrantsinthehuntforclues. KyleWhorrall,33,wasattackedat abusstoponStJohnsRdonApril19. CaroleWhorrallprovidedpolice withanewemotionalmessagetothe public. “Iremaindeeplygratefulforthe continued,tirelesseffortsofthe policeintheirpursuitofjusticefor Kyle.Theirunwaveringdedicationto identifyingandapprehendingall thoseinvolvedinhismurderiscommendable.While myforemost priorityissecuringjusticefor Kyleandensuringhislegacy endures,Iam equallyconcernedforthesafety andwellbeingof allNewZealanders,”shesaid.

Sheaskedanyonewhomayhave information,nomatterhowseeminglyinsignificant,tocomeforward andassistthepolice. Thisweek,AucklandPolicerenewedappealsforinformationaftera searchofMayburyReserveinGlen Innes.DetectiveInspectorGlenn Baldwinsaidforensicinquiriesare ongoingintoamachetefoundinthe reserve,about5kmfromthebusstop. “TheseforensicinquiriesarebeingcarriedoutbyPHFScience,and weexpectthistotakesometimetobe completed,”hesaid.“Wewillbeled bythescienceonwherethistakesus inourinvestigation.” Baldwinearliersaidpolicewould notconfirmatthattimeifthemachetewasthemurderweapon. Theinvestigationteamhavecontinuedtheinvestigationwithfurther searchwarrants. Twopeoplewerearrestedaspart oftheOperationAberfeldyinvestigationinlateApril;however,police havemaintainedotherswereinthe caronthenightWhorrallwasfatally attacked. Baldwinsaida16-year-oldboyremainsbeforetheHighCourtatAucklandchargedwithWhorrall’smurder. A33-year-oldwomanisbeforethe AucklandDistrictCourtchargedwith beinganaccessoryafterthefactto murder. Whorrall,fromLosAngeles,wasin thelaststagesofaPhDinentomology attheUniversityofAuckland,based atLandcareResearchinStJohns.

Returnto

Review PIKE RIVER

KimKnight talkstodirector

RobertSarkiesandthe womenwhoinspiredhisfilm, aheadofitsGreymouthpremiere

Theimagesarethecolourofa coalshovel.Blue-black. Grainy-gritty.Leakedvisuals fromcamerasinsidethePike Rivermine.Proof,saysfilmdirector RobertSarkies,thatthefamiliesofthe 29menwhodiedundergroundhad beenliedto.

Itisapivotalmomentinboththe real-lifeandmovieversionsofthe Pikestory:therealisationthereisan intactbodyinthemine,thatfirehas notturnedeverythingtoash,that policemaybeabletocollectforensic evidenceforacriminalprosecution. Sarkiesneedstoshowthese imagesinhismovie.Somehow,hehas torecreateaphotographofabodyin themine.

“WhodoItalktofirst?Italkto Rowdy.Iaskwhathethoughtabout that,andhowbesttohandleit.It neededtobedonerespectfully.” RowdyDurbridgeisthefamilies’ representativeandminingtechnical advisertotheteamshooting Pike River, themoviethatpremieresin GreymouthonOctober13. HewasalsoaPikeRiverminer,off workonthedayoftheexplosionthat killed29menincludinghisson, DanielHerk,36. “Rowdysaystome,‘Iwanttodo it’. “SoRowdyandIwalkeduptoan abandonedtraintunneloneday,just thetwoofus,andhedressedupinthe PikeRivergearthathehadn’tworn for,atthatpoint,14years,andlayin thedirttobephotographed.To representallofthosemen.Hiscrew.” OnaFridayafternoonin2010,just fiveweeksshyofChristmas,therewas amethaneexplosionatanundergroundcoalmine46kmnortheastof Greymouth. Twomenmakeitoutalive.Loader driverRussellSmithisrescuedby colleagueDanielRockhouse,whose fatherNevilleisthemine’ssafetyand trainingmanager. Daniel’slittlebrotherBenisstill

somewhereinthetunnels,where officialsmaintainthe29workers they’velostcontactwithcouldbe awaitingrescueatafreshairbase. Forfourdays,familieshope. MediadescendfromNewZealand andbeyond.

Themineworkersincludemen fromAustralia,ScotlandandSouth Africa.Theworldiswatching.Just threemonthsearlier,33miners trappedafteracollapseatacopper andgoldmineinChilehadbeen successfullyrescuedafter69days. Cameracrewstapecablesto footpaths,daysbeginandendwith thethrumofhelicopters.OnTuesday afternoon,familiesreceiveatext message.Thereis“asignificant update”.

InsidetheGreymouthCivic Centre,PikeRiver’schiefexecutive PeterWhittalltellsthemgaslevels insidePikewerefallingand preparationswerebeingmadeto enterthemine.Elationisshort-lived. Secondslater,Whittallinforms familiestherehasbeenasecond explosion.Policesayitisnot survivable;theoperationismoving fromrescuetorecovery.

“Thesceneturnedtooneof profounddistress,”recordsthe reportoftheRoyalCommissionon thePikeRiverCoalMineTragedy. Itisanoutrageouslysunnyday. ThesoundfrominsidetheCivic Centrecarriesthroughthewallsand rightacrossthecarpark. Sarkies:“Thedescription someonegavetouswasthatitwaslike ananimalhowling,likeasortofsingle being,whichfeltalmostimpossibleto capture.”

Greymouth,2023.Sarkiesknows thatmultipletakesofthisscenewill betooexhaustingtoshoot.Heasks Rowdyandthetwowomenwho inspiredthisfilm—AnnaOsborneand SonyaRockhouse—tospeaktothe crowdofalmost200whohave gatheredtorecreatethemomentPike

[RowdyDurbridge] dressedupinthePike Rivergearthathehadn’t wornfor,atthatpoint,14 years,andlayinthedirt tobephotographed.To representallofthose

men

RobertSarkies

familiesweretoldtheirmenwere dead.

“Ijustaskedthemtodescribewhat thatmomentwaslike.Everyonewas intearsbeforethesceneevenstarted, andthentheysatwiththat description,thatdirectdescription fromthreepeoplewhowerethere. Andtheemotioninthatroom,even thoughitwasallpretend,was visceral.“Thatcamedirectlyfrom thosePikeRiverfamilies.”

Decadesofclichedmedia reportspainttheWestCoast asaregionofruggedbeauty, populatedbyresilienthardworkers, whodon’ttrustoutsiders.It’sa simplisticandstupidgeneralisation. ButSarkiesmusthavewondered— howwouldlocalsreacttothefilm crew’spresence?

“CertainlywhenyougotoGreymouthandsayyou’reworkingon Pike River,there’salwaysakindofan intakeofbreath.Apause.Asortofan assessment.‘Areyoudoingittheright way?Orareyouheretore-traumatise us?’

Ihadaninnatetrustin authorityfigures.We’re afairandegalitarianand uncorruptsociety? Researchingand makingPikeRiverhas toldmethat’sallacrock ofshit.

RobertSarkies

“WhatIconsistentlypickedup wasakindofafeelingofguiltthat manypeoplehave.Thattheycould have,shouldhave,saidsomething. It’slikethewholeminingcommunity knewthingswerenotgoodatPike.It’s asmallcommunity,theyalltalk,they allunderstandtheindustry.Theseare notstupidpeople—quitetheopposite —anditwasaformofcollective blindness,perhaps...andtheguilt thatalotofpeoplestillfeelaround that,it’sreal,youknow?

“Thisfilmisgoingtobeahard watchforalotofpeopleontheCoast. Ihopethat,ultimately,watchingit givesthemsomecatharsis.”

PikeRiver,writtenbyFiona SamuelanddirectedbySarkies,stars MelanieLynskey(Yellowjackets HeavenlyCreatures )andRobyn Malcolm(AftertheParty, Outrageous Fortune)asAnnaOsborneandSonya

Rockhouse—twowomenwholost, respectively,ahusbandandasonin thedisaster.

Sarkies,whosepreviousdirecting creditsinclude Scarfies, Outofthe Blue and Consent:TheLouiseNicholas Story,saysmaking PikeRiver changed hisworldview. “Ihadaninnatetrustinauthority figures.We’reafairandegalitarian anduncorruptsociety?Researching andmaking PikeRiver hastoldme that’sallacrockofshit.” TheRoyalCommissiononthePike RiverCoalMineTragedynotesthatin the48daysbeforethemineblew therehadbeen21reportsofmethane gaslevelsreachingexplosive volumes. Apredictiontheminewouldbe producingonemilliontonnesofcoal ayearby2008was“illusory”(intotal, ithadshippedjust42,000tonnes). Developmentcostshadescalated and,during2010,PikeRiverCoalhad raised$140millionfromshareholders,wasseekinganother$70m andhadborrowed$66mfromNew ZealandOilandGas. “Therewerenumerouswarnings ofapotentialcatastropheatPike River,”theRoyalCommissionsaid. “Thewarningswerenotheeded.” PikeRivershouldn’thave happened.Whatthemovieabout PikeRivershowsisjusthowhardit hasbeentoholdanybodytoaccount. It’sastorythathas,sofar,spanned fourgeneralelectionsandtwo changesofgovernment.Multiple PrimeMinisters,politiciansandhighprofileleaders(includingtrade unionistHelenKelly,whodiedin 2016)havebecomeenmeshedinits narrative.Successivecommitments tore-enterthemineandrecover bodiesnevereventuatedandin2016, andagainin2021,familieshave blockadedaccesstoPiketoprevent itspermanentsealing.Mostrecently, boreholesweredrilledandspecialist camerasdeployed.Policehave

launchedacriminalinvestigationand arecurrentlyworkingwiththeCrown Solicitorastheyconsiderwhetherto laycharges. Atdifferenttimes,different membersofthePikeRiverfamilies becamethepublicfaceofgrief,anger andfrustration.Atfirst,Sarkies observedfromafar.Hewasin Invercargill,inpre-productionfor TwoLittleBoys,whentheexplosion happened.

“Iwasdrawntothehumanityofit, butforalongtimecouldnotseethe filminit.”

Butin2016,hewatchedSonya RockhouseandAnnaOsborne choosingtofightback.Thewomen hadorchestratedaroadblockadeand occupationthatlasted107daysand, ultimately,stoppedconcretetrucks frompermanentlysealingtheportal toPike.“Itsuddenlyfeltlikeastory thatcouldinspireothers,astorythat hadtobetold.” RobynMalcolmonplayingSonya: “SonyaandAnnaarenationalheroes buthadalsobeenthroughsomething soawfulandsopainful,sotherewasa doublesenseofresponsibility.There wasthisquiteweightythingaround it...thenwewentintotherehearsal roomandwewerecacklingawaylike crazybitchesinaboutthreeminutes becausetheyarejustsofunny.They putusatease,becauseofcourse they’velivedit,they’renostrangers totheirstory—wewerethestrangers comingintotheirstory.”

MelanieLynskeyonplayingAnna: “There’satoughness,she’sfunny, veryfunny.Ialsorelatedtoherlove forMiltandherfightforjusticefor thismanshefeltthiswayabout. WhenIfirstreadthescript,Iwas struckbyhowbeautifulthedepiction offemalefriendshipwas.Itwas somethingIhadn’tseentoooftenina screenplay.Justthiswonderful friendshipbetweenthesetwomiddleagedwomenwhofindstrengthin eachother.”

AnnaandSonyawilltellyouthey didn’tgolookingforthis.Buttheone goodthingtocomefromitall?

“MylatehusbandPetehasbeen goneforfouryears,”saysSonya. “Oneofthelastthingshesaidtome wasthatitgavehimgreatcomfortto knowIhadAnnatohelplookafterme andbethereforme,andforustobe thereforeachother.” They’dnevermetbeforePike. SonyalivedinChristchurchandAnna inNgahereintheGreyValley.Onthe dayoftheexplosion,shewent straighttoPikeRiver,demandedtobe letthroughthegatesandthenrefused toleave.“IrememberSonyasaying she’dseenmeontheTV...andshe goes‘oh,she’sabolshiebitchI’llstay backfromher’.” Sonya:“Ididn’tlikehavingmy phototakenbymymother,letalone bytheworld’smedia.Thiswas completelyforeigntome.Andtosee AnnaonTV?Iwasinaweofher.I thought,‘wow,she’sgottheballsto dothat.Icouldn’tdothat’.Iwasstill incrediblynaive.Ibelievedthey wouldgetthemout.Ibelievedthey werestillalive,orIwantedtobelieve theywerestillalive...whenIsaw Annaandafewotherstalkinginthe media,Iwasconcerned.Stupidly,I thought,‘ohno,theGovernment mightnotdoanythingifwestart causingwaves’.“Howridiculous,” asksSonyawiththebenefitof15 years’hindsight,“wasthat?”

Theyremembertheirfirstlunch together.AtBlanchfield’s Bakerytheydiscovered matchingworkhistoriesasteacher aides,asharedloveofsecond-hand shopping—andagrieftheycould explaintonoonebutrecognisedin eachother. Sonya:“Annasaidshelovedthat shecouldtalktomeaboutPikeand nothavetofeelguiltythatshewas talkingaboutPike.WhenIlookback, inthosedayswewereobsessed.

Anna:“Itcontrolledourlives.”

Sonya:“Wewereconsumedwith anger,wewereconsumedwithloss. Theycontinuouslypromisedus thingsandthenattheeleventhhour theywouldgobackonthatpromise.I meanthatplayswithyouremotions terribly.That’swhyAnnaandI bonded.Becausewecouldtalkto eachother.”

Anna:“WithSonyaIcouldbereal. Icouldcry,Icouldscream,Icould laugh,Icouldtalk,IcoulddowhatI wanted.Ifeltguiltyaboutsmiling, outsideofbeingwithSonya,because myhusbandwasstilldowninthat bloodyshitholeofaplace.”

They’respeakingtothe Herald via Zoom,sharingacouch,acomputer screenand,forthepastninemonths, Sonya’shouse.Annawavesamoonbootedfootatthecamera.

“It’sbeenahellofayear.”

Sheisacancersurvivor(earlyin themakingofPikeRiveractorswere hiredtoperformabespokereadthroughofthescriptincaseshenever sawthefinishedversion).Shealsohas Charcot-Marie-Toothdisease,a progressiveneurologicalcondition thataffectsnerves,weakensmuscles andhascontributed,variously,toa brokenhip,wrist,footandpelvis. Rightnow,sheisrecoveringfromfoot surgery.“Sonyahasbeenmynurse, mysupportperson,mytaxidriver, everything.” November19marks15yearssince thePikeRivertragedy.IfAnnaand Sonya’sfightcanbecondensedinto threeuniversalgoals—truth,justice andaccountability—atitsheart,itis stilldeeplyandnecessarilypersonal.

Milton“Milt”Osborne,54,wasa walrus-moustachioedhusbandand fatheroftwo,electedunopposedto hissecondtermasaGreyDistrict councillor.Benjamin“Ben” Rockhouse,21,wasasonandbrother, part-waythroughageologydegree andplanningamovetoAustralia.

Sonya:“Thistimeofyearisvery

difficult.I’mstartingtohavedreams aboutBenandIgetquiteteary... peoplethinkI’mstaunch,Icanjustbe drivinginmycarandasongwillcome onanditjustbringsmetotears.That nevergoesaway.Thatangerwill alwaysbethereinsideme,buried,but Idon’tletitconsumemebecause there’sjustnopoint.”

Anna:“Butletitbeknownthat shouldweneedtogetourangry voiceson,andourbiggirlpantson again,wecertainlywill.”

Theylovethefilmandhopeitwill

helppeopleunderstandwhythey’ve keptfighting.

Annasays“thisisourtruth”. Andifpeopledon’tlikeit?

“That’snoneofourbusiness,you know?Weareauthentic,honestand we’veworkedincrediblyhardtoget towhereweare,andthatshowsinthe movie.Andit’snotoveryet.”

Earlyinthisinterview,they describethemselvesas“ordinary” women;nothingspecial,theyinsist. Sonya:“It’sembarrassingsometimes,therecognition.Thisisnotwhy

wedidit.Iwaslikeamotherlionthat losttheirchild.Hewasjustagorgeous boyandhedidn’tdeserve...”

Anna:“Myhusband...Iwasso blessedtohavehim.Mycancerhad comebackjustbeforePikeandhe goes‘Anna,we’vebeenthroughthis before,andwe’llgothroughitagain together’andthatwasamonthbefore Pikeblew,andhewasn’tthere.

“Hedidn’tlikePike.Hewastwo weeksshortofwalkingout.Formany nights,I’dclosemyeyesandallI couldseewashisbodylayinginapool

ofwaterwiththewaterdripping downanditbeingcoldandIjust didn’twantthatforhim.Ineededhim home.Thatwasmy—therewassomethinginme—thatsaid‘I’vegottodo something.Icannotleavehim.I’ve gottoatleasttry’.Becausehewasthe loveofmylife.” MiltisplayedbyactorJohnLeigh (ShortlandStreet’sLionelSkeggins).

“WhenIsawthephoto,Idida double-take,”saysAnna.“Idon’t knowhowI’mgoingtohandlethis, becauseitreallycouldbeMilton.I don’tknowifIactuallywanttomeet him.Itwasreallyfunnyintheend... hewasabouttwofeetshorterthan Milt,hewasabitstockier,hewalked differently,laugheddifferently, smileddifferently.” Sonya’ssonBenwasplayedby RichardCrouchley(BlackHands). “Benhadaverystrongjawlineand thisguydoestoo.Iknewinstantly whohewas,butwedidn’treallytalk ...Ididstruggle...ErrollShandwho playsPetelooksnothinglikehim,but he’sgotPete’snature.Very,verycalm andverykindandlaid-back.Errollis verymuchlikethat.WhenIseehim andRobynshowingaffection,that getsmeinthefeels.”

S

arkiessaystherearechallenges inturningareal-lifestoryintoa movie.LucyLawlessplaystrade unionistHelenKelly—thewoman SonyaandAnnacreditwithteaching themhowtofight—butherarrivalin thescriptcomesrelativelylate. “Thatwouldbeunusualinterms ofstorystructure.Youwouldn’t normallydothatifyouweretellinga Hollywoodversionofthisstory. “Wewantedtoreflectthetruth. Thereisconstruction,butwe’renot changingessentialtruths.Ithinkthe awarenessthatonedaywewouldbe showingthefilmtothefamilies...” Sarkiescompileda200-page visualdocumentthatformedthe basisofthefilm’saesthetic.Thereare

sceneseveryCoasterwillrecognise. Smokedchickenpizzaonablackboardmenu.Thatparticularshadeof bluehousepaint.Gumbootsatthe doorandgrownmenwithlunch packsbecausetherearenocafesor pieshopswhenyourworkplaceis kilometresunderground.“Wewere prettyobsessiveaboutauthenticity.If yougetthedetailsright,andjust connectthemwiththetruthofthe story,thenthewholethingjusthas thisairofauthenticity,”saysSarkies. Whymakeafilmwheneverybody knowshowthatterribledayended?

“ThePikeRiverstoryisso confusingthatpeople,15yearslater, aren’tquitesurewhattothinkabout it.Theyjustknowtherewasan explosionandabunchofangry families,andthey’renotquitesure whythey’reangryorwhytheywould wanttheirmenoutofthemine,aren’t themenjustskeletonsnow?All completelyvalidquestions,”says Sarkies.

Afilm,hesays,hasthecapacityto getunderyourskin.Toanswerthose questionsina“felt”way.

“Itenablesyoutowalkintheshoes ofthosepeopleandexperiencewhat thatmusthavebeenlike.

“Whatwedon’tknowiswhat thosefamilieswentthroughandhow theyfoughttogethertocreate changes...sothatevidencecouldbe foundtopotentiallybringpeoplewho areresponsibletojustice.

“Ihopeitwillinspiresomeone, otherNewZealanders,tofightwhen theyknowtheyarefacinganinjustice orawrong.Ithinkthestoryproves thatifyoufight,youcanwin.And that’srare.” ● PikeRiver’sredcarpet,invitationonlypremieretakesplaceatGreymouth’sRegentTheatreonOctober 13.Forfulldetailsofnationwide“in conversation”andspecialQ&A sessionsaheadofOctober30’s generalrelease,goto:www.madman. co.nz/pike-river/

Howaformer BlackCap rebuilthis LIFE

MarkRichardson,mediapersonality, formercricketer,andnow investmentadviser,photographed atForsythBarr,AucklandCity.

Photo/SylvieWhinray

Mark Richardsonfirst madehisname asarisk-averse NewZealand openingbatter, thenasa broadcaster willingtoruffle featherswithhis opinions—until he‘gotthearse’ fromhisradio andTVjobs. Twoyearson, theworldlooksa littledifferentfor Richardsonand ashetells BridgetJones , rebuildinghislife hasn’tbeeneasy

Onthe24thfloorofashiny Aucklandhigh-rise,Mark Richardsoniskeepingalot ofsecrets,mostofthem otherpeople’s.He’ssuitedand booted,notquiteanavy-wrapped JamesBond,buthisbabybluessure dopopwhenhegoes monochromatic.Maybehe’shadhis coloursdone.Ishouldhaveasked. Thesecretsbelongingtoother peopleareontheflooraboveus. Shame,becausetheWaitemata¯ Harbourviewsarejustsoshabby fromlevel23.Ibetthey’requitenice onlevel24.Notthatwewilleverknow becauseifwewentupthere, Richardsonmighthavetokillus.On brandforthemanonceknowntohis friendsasRigorMortis.

Don’tworry.After“gettingthe arse”fromTodayFM, TheBlock,The Project and TheAMShow,Richardson wasn’tforcedtoturntoalifeofcrime. Although,ifyou’dhadthatsortofrun, thekindthatbasicallyendsa20-year career,youmightconsiderit.No, secretscomewiththeterritoryinthe financeworld,hesays.Peoplewith money—oratleastthosewhowantto makemoney—don’twanteveryTom, Dickand Herald journalistknowing theirbusiness.

Thisisanewworldfor Richardson.Andalongwayfromhis 38testsasadoggedleft-handed openingbatterforNewZealand,and fromhistimeasthego-torightleaningbroadcasterwillingto‘tellit likeitis’.

Except,one-by-one,those broadcastinggigsfellover, culminatingonthatfatefuldayin March2023,whenTodayFM, MediaWorks’upstarttalkback station,fellapartliveonairwithTova O’Brientellinglistenersthestaffhad been“f***ed”bymanagementand DuncanGarnercallingthewhole thinga“betrayal”. Richardson,whohostedthe afternoonshowwithLeahPanapa, waslistening.Helearnedhisfatelive, witheveryoneelse.

“WhenIgotintomycarat9o’clock togotowork,Ihadajob.Andbythe timeIgotthere,Ididn’t.Itwasall unravellinginfrontofme.”

Helikedthejobandfelttheshow hadlegs,buthewasn’t“dumb”.

“Weknewthesuccessofthat stationwasn’tridingontheafternoon offering.Wewerefillingair,butwe thoughtwewerefillingairpretty well,”hesays.

“I’vebeenthroughthatincricket, I’vebeeninandoutofteams.WhenI gotintotheBlackCaps,Ithought,‘I’m theonewhodecideswhenIleave here’—andIdid,Igotoutearly.

“Butthistime,itfeltlikeareally unfairkickintheguts.ButIwaslucky Igotthisotheropportunity.”

Richardson,54,isnowaqualified investmentadviseratForsythBarrin Auckland.Inanutshell,hemakes moneybyhelpingotherpeoplemake moneywiththeirmoney.Itmeant brushingoffa(veryfaded)Bachelor ofCommercehefinishedwhile

playingcricketforOtago,andsittinga handfulofexamsasa50-something startinghiscareeragainfromscratch. Richardsonhastoldthisstory before,butit’sclearlyapivotal momentforhim.Whenallthose broadcastingjobsdisappeared, thingsgottough.Atfirst,hisagentwas surehewouldfindmoreworkon telly,thenslowlyrealisedthejobsjust weren’toutthere.

“Movingonfrom20yearsof broadcastingtakessometime.I’m notsureiftherewasafinality,but therewasarealsortofemptiness, thatit’snotfair,” hesays.

Atalossof whattodonext, Richardson turnedtotheNZ CricketPlayers Association,or players’union.“It doesn’treally[fit] mypolitical leaningswithbeing alifememberofa union,but...”he says. The organisationhelps playerstransitionto lifeafterthegame— evenoneslike Richardson,who hadn’tplayedfor twodecades.They senthimtoanHR companyanda personalitytest suggestedhewas 100% psychologically suitedtobeinginthe military—andleast suitedtoacareerin sportand entertainment.He wasstaggered,but thenagain,itdid explainwhyhe’dfelt onedgeformorethan halfhislife.

“Andyoucan’tcheckout— becausepeople’smoneydoesn’t sleep.Iftheywantsomethingdone, you’vegottogetitdone...andifthey areworriedabouttheirmoney,it’s yourresponsibilitytoworrywith them.

“Ifinditmentallyupanddown, butIthinkI’vealwaysgravitatedto vocationsthatgivemeasenseofselfworth...andthisjobgivesyoua tremendoussenseofself-worth.”

Hecomparesstartingoutin financetolearningalanguageand

usuallytakepeopleayearandahalf tocomplete.Hediditinsixmonths.“I actually,proudly,setarecord,I think.”

Itturnsout,peopleliketalking aboutmarketsandtheyliketalking aboutmoney.Whenhestartedat ForsythBarrjustovertwoyearsago, Richardsonwouldregularlybooka roundofgolfwithabunchof strangersandtheminutetheystarted chatting,he’dhavea“goodfewhours oftalkingshop,whichbuildsthat streetcred”.Because

“Ialwaysstressedabout everything.AndIthink[now]I’mjust conditionedtobeingabletodealwith that.Alwaysfeelingalittlebit uncomfortable.”

Hesayshereallylearnedto struggleasabatter,whichhepicked upafterhishandssuddenlystopped bowlingspinthewaytheyhadatthe startofhiscareer.Andhemeansthat inagoodway—now,strugglingmakes achievementsmorerewarding.

“WhatI’mprobablymostproudof asacricketeristhatIwasn’treallythat goodbutIgoteveryounceofability outofmyself...I’djustgritmyteeth andsurvive.”

Itsoundsexhausting.Isthisnew careeralittlekindertothenervous system?Notachance.By8.30pm,his brainisusuallyshattered.Therehave beentimeshehasfallenasleeponthe bushomefromworkbecauseheis “mentallystuffed”.

“There’samilliondifferentwaysto makeabuckinthisworld,”hesays.

he’slearningSpanish bylivinginSpain,by whichhemeans,he’s thrownhimselfintoit completely.Hiswife, Mary,lostherrole withAirNZduring Covidandretrainedin realestatejustbefore Richardsonstarted hisstudiesand togethertheyare gratefultobeableto startagainintheir 50s,especiallyas nextyeartheywillbe emptynesterswhen their18-year-oldtwins, AnnabelandCharlie,leavefor university.Butyes,learningnew thingsinmiddleagemadehim nervous.

MarkRichardson played38tests forNewZealand between 2000-2004.

backorif TheBlock hadcomeback,I wouldhavesaidno.Itwouldhave placedme[back]asthemanontelly”. Cricketcommentaryisdifferent. Maybedon’ttellTVNZ,buthesayshe wouldstilldothatforfreebecausehe lovesitsomuch.Thissummer,hewill setupamobileofficenearthe commentaryboxanddohisdayjobin betweenspeakinganotherlanguage, thistimeofwidesandgoogliesand cowcorners. Therearealotofsimilarities betweencricketandfinance, accordingtothemanwhoknows both.Incricket,youneedtohavethe basics,andifyouwanttobegood, thosetaketimetolearn.Youlearn aboutriskmanagement—which anyonewhosawRichardsonbat knowsheunderstandsthatconcept alltoowell.

“[Infinance]youliveandbreathe yoursuccesses,andyourlosseskeep youawakeatnight,justlikecricket.If youhadabaddayandyouplayeda badshot,youaskquestionsof yourself—‘whatthehell’swrongwith me?’

Below: Richardson (right)with fellow presenters AmandaGillies andDuncan Garneron The AMShow

“You’vegottolearnfromyour mistakes.Andit’sprobablyworse here…it’snotyourbattingaverage, it’ssomeoneelse’sportfolio.” Forsomeonewhohasmadea nameforthemselvesrufflingfeathers (ifthat’snotsomethingofan understatement),Richardsoncares “dearly”abouthiscolleaguesandhis clientsandaboutwhatpeoplethink ofhim.Butduringhisbroadcasting career,helearnthewouldn’tbe destroyedifpeopledidn’tlikehim.

Didheworryhehadupsetpeople withhiscommentsoneverything fromaskingwomenabouttheir pregnancyplansallthewaythrough tosuggestinganall-femaleteamon

“‘Dingding,yourassignmenthas beengraded’—[whenIgotthat message]myheartwouldgo,likeI waswalkingouttobat,”hesays.The qualificationstoworkinajoblikehis

being“theguyoffthetelly” didn’treallyworkinhisfavourlike youthinkitmight.

“Now,I’vebecomeveryselective abouthowItiemyselftomyformer life,”hesays.“EverythingIdoneeds tobuildcredibilityinthis.” Thatmeansthatif“TheBlock ever camebackorif TheBlock didcome

TheBlock should“flirt”withpotential buyerstogeta betterauction price?

“I’vegotno regrets.I alwayssaid whatI believed.I basicallysaid whatIthought, notwhatIthink Ishouldsay. Therewasalot ofdisagreement andalotofangst overthingsthatI said,butInever feltIcrossedthe line.Itwas alwaysjusta differenceof opinion.

“Ididn’tgo outtoupset people,butIknewitwaspartofthe gig...ifyoujustwanttobemediocre andneveractuallygoasfarasyoucan go...Justsaywhatyouthinkyou shouldsay,behappytogounderthe radar,notupsetanyone,begoodat themechanics.Youmightsurvive— butyou’llneverthrive.”

Hedoesn’trememberexactly whathesaidtogetunderlateAussie cricketerShaneWarne’sskin—buthe wearsthefactthathedidasa“badge ofhonour”. “IthinkIsaidsomethingwrong onedayandthatwasthat.Wedidn’t geton,wehadclashingpersonalities. Hewasoneofthegreatesttoeverplay thegame,andIwasjustme.Iwas alwaysquiteproudofthefactthatthis greatplayer,forsomereason,Ilived rentfreeinhishead.” Ashe’shavinghisphototaken,the receptionistatForsythBarrtellsa preoccupiedRichardsonit’snotoften thathe’snottalking.Itsoundslikea gag,butshelaterwhisperstomethat he’s“actuallyquitequiet.That’swhyI saidthat”.Maybethat’snew-ishkid energy,becauseShaneBond, Richardson’sformerBlackCaps teammateandfellowTVNZ commentator,saysactually,whatyou seeonscreenisprettyclosetowhat yougetoffit.

“Whenyou’reinthepubliceyeit’s easytotrytowanteveryonetolike you.[Richardson’s]justhimself.He’d sayhe’snegativeandgrumpy,which isprobablytrue,butthat’sprobably thesameformostblokesover50,” Bondsays.“Hewillexpressanhonest opinionwhetherinpersonorprivate andyoucangetintoagooddebateon it.Ilikethat.Helikeshisgolfand solitude.I’vealwaysfoundhim interesting.He’sdonealotof differentthingsandcertainlygets outsideofhiscomfortzone.Iadmire himforthat.Plus,youhavetobeabit nutstoopenthebatting.”

Speakingofnuts,in2018, Richardsonsaidhewouldn’tmind beingaNationalMPbecausehesawit asagame,acompetition.Whatabout now?A2026runforoffice,perhaps?

“[Ihave]notaskerrickofpolitical ambition,”Richardsonsaysrather emphatically.“[Backthen]Iwasn’ta journo—I’dneverbeenajourno. ThentheNationalPartywasshowing someinterestanditwasastrokeofmy ego.Duncan[Garner]said,‘don’tyou evergointopolitics’...andIthinkI cametomysenses.Iwouldlastfive minutesinthatenvironment.” Richardsondidn’tgettomakehis owndecisionaboutendingalmost everyotheroneofhisbroadcasting jobs,buthethinksthissummerof cricketcommentarywillbehislast. Nextyear,Skywillpickupthe broadcastrightsandRichardson doesn’tseeaplaceforhimthere. Instead,he’sgoingtosoakuphislast momentsinthemediaspotlight. “I’vedoneitfor20-oddgood years,andIwillmissit.Butthen,this isanewlife.Andthiswillbe[drawing] thelastlineunderbroadcasting,and I’llbecompletelyoutandcompletely movedon.

“Incricket,Igotnearthetop,but notoneofthegreats.Andin broadcasting,[I]gotupthere,into primetime,butnotoneofthegreats. ButI’vegottobehappy. “Itfeelslikethisismyswansong ...soI’mgoingtoenjoyit.”

Luxon’sletterlikelynotoneforhistorybooks AdamPearse

Ifabookiseverwrittenonthe historyofbipartisanshipinNew Zealandpolitics,Christopher Luxon’slettertohisLabour counterpartseekingcommonground onenergypolicywillprobablynot feature.

Whatcouldhavebeenacreative responsetotwoconcernshighlighted bytheMoodoftheBoardroom(alack ofcross-partycollaborationand painfullyhighpowerprices),while alsotryingtopaintLabourintoa corner,isnowseeninthesamelight asmostlettersofthisnature:political theatre.

ChrisHipkinslearningoftheletter frommediabeforehe’devenseteyes onitallowedhimtodismisspressing questionsaboutLabour’senergy policyandinsteadcondemnthe missiveasnothingmorethanastunt, provingrightthoseconcernedthe coalitionGovernmentistoooften distractedbypoliticalsideshows.

Criticismcanhardlybeconfinedto justoneside—afterall,Nationalmay havebeeninspiredbyLabour’s MeganWoods,whowrotetoEnergy MinisterSimonWattsinAugustabout developingabipartisanplan,aletter thatalsofounditswayintothepublic domainbeforeWattshadresponded. Perhapstheletterswouldbetaken seriouslyiftheyreflectedthehonesty portrayedbyAucklandMayorWayne Browninhistwo-wordreplythis weektotheAucklandRatepayers’ Allianceaboutsupportingits RatepayerProtectionPledge(his secondwordwas“off”). FinanceMinisterNicolaWillis willbegratefulresponsesto herletterthisweekhave beensomewhatmore positive,havingwrittento thebossesoftheenergy companiesMeridian, MercuryandGenesis,in whichtheCrownisthe biggeststakeholder. Init,sheconfrontsone ofthecentralfindingsinthe Government’sreviewby FrontierEconomicsintothe electricitymarket:thatthereisa “perception”amongthecompanies thattheCrownwon’tstumpupthe cashforlargergenerationprojects, andthishadconstrainedinvestment.

“Iwanttoassureyouthatthis perceptionisincorrect,”Williswrote, assertingtheGovernmentwouldbe opentocommerciallyviable proposalsthatreinforcedthe country’sresilienceregardinglow returnsfrom renewableenergy sources. Publiccommentsfromthe companiesthemselvesafter Wednesday’sannouncementhaven’t entirelyendorsedthatnarrative: MeridianchiefexecutiveMikeRoan didn’tagreeconstraintshadbeen imposedbutclaimedthe Government’sintentwouldallow companiestothinkbiggerandact bolder.

Willisarguestheprevious Government’soilandgasexploration ban,coupledwithits100% renewablestarget,discouraged investment.

Whilethattheoryhasatleastsome merit(asdoestheFrontierreport’s suggestionenergycompaniescould havestarvedthemarketofnew capacitytostufftheirowncoffers),it doesnotexplainwhyinthetwoyears sinceLabourwasinpower,noone hadthoughttopickupthephoneand stress-testthis“perception”. Equallylikelyistheenergy companiesassumingthe Governmenthaslimitedabilityto providecapital,basedonitsalmost constantreferencestotheeconomic carbeingforevertrappedinaditch. Amongthebiggestdoubtersofthe claimabouttheperceptionwas Willis’Cabinetcolleague,Shane Jones,whofinallyfoundhisvoiceon Fridaytoallegeeitherthegeneratorretailers(gentailers)weretellingfibs

orTreasuryhaddroppedtheballinits advicetotheGovernment.

AsAssociateEnergyMinister, Joneswouldordinarilyhavebeenone ofthemainvoicesarticulatingthe Government’sactions,which includedstartingprocurementforan LNGimportfacilityandrequesting informationfrommarket stakeholdersabouthowitcan supportnewprojectstoshoreup supply.

ButcomeWednesdaymorning, Joneswasnowheretobeseen.He insteadputasmuchdistance betweenhimselfandWellington, spendingthedayinKaita¯iaata meetingoftheMa¯oriWomen’s WelfareLeague.

Whilehehasbeenoutspokenin hiscallsforfundamentalmarket reform—includingbreakingupthe gentailers—Jonesgavehissupportas amemberofCabinetandshouldhave fronted.

Perhapsitwasacaseofonce bitten,twiceshy;Jonesisoftenteased byhisformercolleaguesinthe Oppositionbenchesforhis associationwithLabour’soilandgas banashenowthundersawayabout thepolicy’sconsequences.

Joneshasmadenosecretofhis intenttocampaignrigorouslynext yearinfavourofmoregovernment interventionintheelectricitymarket, inabidtosecurevotesinregions beingeconomicallysuffocatedbythe impactofexpensivepower.

Jones’absencemayhave emboldenedWatts,whowouldbe forgivenforfeelingatouch underminedbyhisdeputy,who snatchesanyopportunitytobethe Government’sauthoritativevoiceon energy.

AskedwhytheGovernmenthadn’t pursuedJones’gentailerdissection, Wattsdeclaredsuchideasmightmake better“politicalbumperstickers” thangoodpolicy.

Thecommentshaven’timpressed hisNZFirstcolleagues,Jonespopping upinDunedinandrespondingby slightlymisquotingShakespeare’s TwelfthNight:“Thewhirligigoftime hasitsownrevenge”. Whatevertheoptimalreformisin thelongterm,therearedoubtsthe Government’smovescandomuchto shiftthedialintheshortterm.

WattsandWillispointtothe $200-$300theysayisbakedintoour powerbillstoaccountfortherisk posedby“dryyears”,whentherain doesn’tfallandthecostofhydro generationspikes.

Butevenwithamountainofcoal tohelpfueltheHuntlyPowerStation, there’snoguaranteethatrisk premiumwillchangesignificantly.

“Howbigitisandwhenthemarket hasenoughcertaintytounwind[the riskpremium]aretwothingsthatI couldn’tgiveyouanansweron,” Meridian’sRoansaidashepredicted anydecreasesinpowerpriceswould likelyhappeninthemediumtolong term.

Attheriskofbeinghypocritical,it risksentrenchingtheperceptionthe Government’sattemptstoincrease competitioninuncompetitive marketstobringpricesdown—think bankingandsupermarkets—skirtthe edgesratherthanrunningstraightup theguts,withthe2026election edgingcloser. Eyeswillturntowardsnextyear’s Budgettoseeifanyproposalsfrom thegentailersearnsomethingfrom Willis’constrainedpotofcapital funding. TheGovernmentmaygetbrief respitenextweekasthefocusshiftsto apromised“reset”fromaplaguedTe Pa¯tiMa¯ori. AccusationsonThursdayofa dictatorialleadershipstructureand failuretohonourtheparty’s constitutionfromoneofthemost prominentyoungMa¯orirights advocates,EruKapa-Kingi(alsoson ofrecentlydemotedTePa¯tiMa¯oriMP Mariameno),raisesseriousquestions abouttheparty’sviabilitypotentially 12monthsoutfromanelection.

Thepartyhasjumpedintodamage controlmode,releasingpubliclyits responsetomembers,promisingto announce“ourresetandourvision forthepathahead”andstreamitlive onThursdayafterincomingMPOriini Kaiparadelivershermaidenaddress totheHouse.

Thetimingisunfortunateforthe newTa¯makiMakaurauMP,who shouldbeaffordedclearairtooutline heraspirationsinParliamentbutwill likelybeovershadowedastheparty reveals“thedirectionwearecharting forthefuture”.

Kapa-Kingi’scommentsprompted LabourtotakeitscriticismofTePa¯ti Ma¯oritoanewlevel,Hipkinson Thursdaysuggestingthatasitstands, thepartydoesn’tappearupto governing.

ATePa¯tiMa¯oriresetwillnaturally spurevenmorequestionsabout whetherLabourwillentertaina relationshipingovernment, somethingHipkinsisyettoanswer. Hipkinsisquicktonotesucha questionbecomesnullandvoidif Labourcanincreaseitsvoteshare alongsideafairlystableGreenParty supportbase.Thatseemsabig“if”at present,givenpublicpolling indicatesTePa¯tiMa¯oriisessentialif Labouristoreturntopower.

Nationalwillbeeagerlywatching on,hopingchallengesLabourfaces provideamuch-neededdistraction fromitsownheadaches.

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Viewpoints Weekend quiz

Answersatbottomofpage

1. Howmanyclawsdoesatypicalhousecathave?

2. WhatcountryborderstheCentralAfricanRepublic tothenorth?

3. WhatisthecapitalofKosovo?

4. InwhichcountrywouldyoufindtheMyra Necropolis?

5. TheSilverLionisawardedatwhichfilmfestival?

6. Whatcolourwastheinfamous“RingofDeath”that signifiedtogamerstheirXBox360hadacritical hardwareissue?

7. Luteinisinghormoneisproducedbywhatglandinthe humanbody?

RodEmmerson’sview

Energysector announcement failstoreassure

Afterthebuild-up,the Government’s announcementonenergy sectoractionsthisweekwas missingonething—reassurancefor consumers. Alotwasridingonthis announcement.EnergyMinister SimonWattssaidthechangeswouldbe “significantbutsurgical”.

The Herald reportedthatnearly$1 millionwasbudgetedbythe Governmentfortheindependentdeep diveintoNewZealand’selectricity market.

ThewordsofNZFirstdeputyleader ShaneJones,whosaid“gentailersexist fornetprofitaftertax”and“we’re foolstothinktheyaregoingtodeliver onenergysecurity”,hadlikely resonatedwiththefrustratedand anxiouspublic.

Manywatchingcloselywouldhave beenscrutinisinganyannouncement throughthatlens.

Itwasnotable,then,thatthe Governmentchosetorejecttwomajor recommendationsputforwardinthe reportledbyglobalconsultancyfirm FrontierEconomics.

Thefirstwasestablishinganew entitywithresponsibilityforsecuring andsellingthermalfuel,whilethe otherwasdivestingtheGovernment’s shareholdinginthegentailers.

Whenspeakingtothe Herald,Watts pointedtoseparatepeerreviewsthe Governmenthadalsocommissioned, whichgavedifferentperspectives. WhattheGovernmentdiddowas writetogentailerstoassurethem capitalwasavailableforinvestment, startaprocurementprocessforanew liquefiednaturalgas(LNG)import facility,andaskformoreinformation. Itwasnotthegentailers,whoadjust theirpricesbasedontheconditions, thatneededreassurance.Itwasthe public,whodoesn’tgetasaywhen supplyconstraintsspikethepower bill,whoreallyneededreassurance.

The Herald’sMoodofthe Boardroomsawenergypriceincreases ratedthemostpressingconcernby businessleaders,withthesecurityof energysupplynotfarbehind. The Herald alsoexclusively obtainedCuriapollresultsthat showedmostNewZealanders supportedtheGovernment underwritingthecostofnew electricitygenerationifithelpsto bringdownprices,whilemany supportedsplittingupthegentailers. Issuingaformal“Requestfor Information”totheindustryabout howtheGovernmentcanworkin partnershipwithitafterthemonthslongreview,andmorethanayearon fromthe2024winterpowercrisisthat spurredit,appearstobetoolittle,too late.

8. Whatismeasuredinbecquerels?

9. WhatdisorderdidMuhammadAli (pictured)developafterretiringfrom boxing?

10. InwhichTexascitywouldyoufindthe Alamomission?

MeganWoods,Labour’s spokeswomanforenergy,pointedout theGovernment“couldhavecracked on”withthesethingsduringthefirst “drywinter”withoutthereview.

EconomicGrowthMinisterNicola Willistoldthe Herald thatgentailers hadn’treachedouttotheGovernment previouslytoaskaboutcapital. Thatcommentdoesbegthe question—whydidneithertheindustry northisGovernmentreachouttoone anotheroverthepastyearandahalf?

TotheGovernment’scredit,starting theLNGimportfacilityprocurementis atangibleactionthatcouldeventually helpmanagedryyearsintheenergy supply. Theassurancethatgovernment capitalwillbeavailablefornew investmentinenergygenerationis importanttoo,asincreasedinvestment

Aformal“Requestfor Information”tothe industryabouthowthe Governmentcanwork inpartnership...more thanayearonfromthe 2024winterpower crisisthatspurredit, appearstobetoolittle, toolate.

isanecessarysteponthepathto Aotearoa’senergysecurity,aspointed outinthereport.

However,itisalsoworthnotingthat thereasonFrontiersuggested divestitureoftheGovernment’s shareholdinginthegentailerswas becausethereportwritersbelievedthe Governmentwouldbeunableto managethebudgetimplicationsof providingequityinjectionsintolargescalenewinvestments. Iftrue,itleavesaquestionmark overtheGovernment’sassurance. Canitreallymakeenoughcapital availabletoaddresstheissue?

ItisnotenoughforMinisterWattsto saysomechangeswouldhave“an immediateeffect”whenaskedifKiwi householdswouldseelowerpower costs. Consumersneed,anddeserve, moreclarityonanissuethataffects nearlyeveryNewZealander.

Complexissuesandmultipleopinions

IreadChleSwarbrick’sopinionpiecein the Herald (Oct1)withsurpriseather claimthat“NewZealanders’responsehas beenswiftandangry”.Amongmyfriends andacquaintances,mosthaveexpressed satisfactionwithWinstonPeters’ presentationofNewZealand’sposition (onPalestinestatehood)inNewYork, althoughaminoritywouldhavepreferred adifferentoutcome. Havingalsoreviewedtheletterstothe editoroverthepastfewdays,and assumingtheyreasonablyreflectpublic sentiment,itseemscleartomethat

Aweakenergyplan

TheGovernment’snewenergyplan seemsveryweak.Theyaresticking withthemarketmodel,whichhas failedmiserablyforNewZealand householdsandbusinesses.

Theideathatthetaxpayeris neededtoencouragegentailersto looktogainmoreelectricity generationisridiculous.Obviouslythe marketmodelonlyseemsconcerned abouthavingascarceresourceso pricescanbehigher.The Governmentisalsosuggesting renewableenergycannotsolvethe energysituation,thusincreasinghigh pricesforbusinessesand households.Theyarestilllivinginthe coalandgasgenerationpast.

SimeonBrownsaidonRNZthe otherdaythatthiswasneededforthe yearswhenitwasdry,nowindandno sun.Onewouldhavethought providingsolaroneveryhousein NorthlandandNelsonandmost buildingsinAucklandwouldgive significantgenerationandsavethe hydrostorage.

Batterystorageshouldbeencouragedforhouseholdstofeeditback intothegridatnight.Thisshould decreaseelectricityprices.Thecost forhouseholdsshoulddecreaseand thereforethedemandsonthewelfare sectorwouldreduceaswell.There wouldevenbethepossibilityof businessesstartingupagain.Whereis thepowerforthedatacentres comingfrom?Anotherfailedpolicy positionfromthisGovernment. RichardCole,Waipu.

Rejectingkindness

Youreditorialyesterdayspeaks volumesaboutNigelLatta’sapproach tolife,culminatinginaheading‘Nigel Latta’struth:Attheendislove’. Butlovecannotexistwithout kindness,andthishasbeenrejected soviolentlyattimesinoursociety, especiallyonawomanwhospenther threeyearsshowingandusingitasa PrimeMinister.JacindaArdern provedthroughherleadershiphow kindness/lovecouldbeso empowering,especiallyduringthe Christchurchmassacre,buthow quicklythatturnedbacktohateand

opinionisroughlydividedevenly—about 50/50forandagainsttheGovernment’s decision.SoSwarbrick’sclaimthat“New Zealandersarecallingoutforatleastsix GovernmentMPstochangethecourseof history”isaloadofrubbish.Idon’thear thatcall.AmongthevoicesI’ve encountered—bothinconversationand inthemedia—there’sarangeofviews, notagroundswell.Suchsweeping assertionsdoadisservicetothe complexityofpublicandpoliticalopinion. Swarbrickiscertainlyentitledtoher opinion,whichIrespect,buttosuggest

mistrustwhenkindness/lovewas seenasweak.Thefilm PrimeMinister capturesthemomentofsadnessin hereyesasshelooksdownonthe crowdbaitingherwithhate,angerand ignorance.Thisaftersaving thousandsoflivesduringCovid.

So,excusemepleaseifIlookat yourheadlineusingthewordloveand shakemyheaddespairingly. EmmaMackintosh,Birkenhead. Boldselections

Goodtonowseeboldselections whichappeartobeconnectedtoa gameplanintheAllBlacksfrom Razor.

DamienMcKenzieisnofill-inat10; heisourbestgoalkickerandthree successfulpenaltiestakenbytheAll Blackswasthewinning9pointmargin lastweekend.

TheAllBlacksmustbeatthe WallabiesinPerthwithabonuspoint, butitishardtoseetheSpringboksnot winningwellatTwickenhamand takingtheRugbyChampionshipfora secondyearrunning. GaryCarter,GulfHarbour. CBDwoes

IwasinFortStforameetingand witnessedahomelessperson screamingatawomangoingabout herownbusiness,infrontoftourists. Iapproachedtwoofthecouncil’s newambassadorwardensandasked themtointervene.Theysaiditwasn’t theirjob—whenIaskedwhattheir jobwas,theysaidtokeepthestreets clear(ofwhat?).CanIsuggestthat ratherthanWayneBrownusingthe samevulgarexpletivestoratepayer representativesheputshisangerand energyintotidyingwhathasbecome anationaldisgrace—theCBD. JohnRoberts,Remuera.

Parkingfeud

thatpeopleshouldbeashamedoftheir leaderssimplybecauseshedisagrees withthedecisionisexcessive.New Zealandersarethoughtful,discerning citizenswhosevariedperspectives deservecarefulandaccurate representation,notbroad-brush characterisations. Itrustthe Herald willcontinueto provideaplatformfordiverse,wellinformedvoicesthatreflectthetruerange ofviewsheldbyNewZealanders,rather thanoversimplifyingcomplexissueswith sweepinggeneralisations.

Messagetoprotesters

ToalltheNZprotestersseeking recognitionforPalestine,youmaylike toreconsidertheparentsofthe murderedhostages.Thehostages, belongedtofamilieswhoaremourningtheunnaturaldeathoftheir childrenwhoweredoingnoharmto others. It’sveryeasytotaketheviewofthe Palestiniansbutwouldtheprotesters feelthesamewayiftheirfamily memberswereabductedand murderedwithnocriminalredress? It’saveryvexedissue,whichwillmost likelynotceaseifPalestineis recognised.Itisanongoingreligious warinthemodernday. Religiouswarshavemurdered peoplefortimeimmemorial.Itdoesn’t makeitjust. LynneLagan,NZ.

TimetojoinAustralia?

Let’sfaceit,wearegoingnowhere.We haveaverypoorGovernmentandan evenpoorerOppositionwaitinginthe wings.ThankstoMuldoonwehavea Superschemewecan’tafford.Our dollarisweakandgettingweaker.It hasfallenandcontinuestofallagainst mostmajorworldcurrencies, especiallylately,Australia. OurkidsareallmovingtoAustralia wherestandardsoflivingarehigher andoptimismabounds.It’stimeto federatewithAustralia.NZwouldbea beautifulstate(ofAustralia),agreat placetoliveandawonderfultourist destination.Sure,Australiahaspoor government,too,butitseconomyis underwrittenbyhugeresource wealth. GrahamAstley,Auckland.

Thesupermarketparkingfeudin BrownsBay(Oct2)iscertainly whippingupastormamonglocal shoppers. BothNewWorldandWoolworths arereportedlynowusingcamera recognitionsoftware.Woolworths haveevenerected“Walk-off”notices, thatwarnifbeforeoraftershopping attheirstoreyouwalkawaytovisit anotherlocalshoporstrollthebeach, youriskgettingaparkingfine. Ihavelivedintheareaformore than40yearsnowandhavenever oncestruggledtofindaparkateither supermarket.Sowhythecrackdown? What’snext,shoppingreceipts stampedwitha10-minutedeparture deadline?Itfeelslikeasteptowardsa supermarket“policestate”. RandalLockie,RothesayBay.

NigelLattastatesinhisfinal reviewoflife,loveiswhatitisall about.Wecanallshowhimour respectandlovethyneighbour. CraigFraser, MissionBay.

Tothethousandsofpeoplein Aucklandwhodon’tcare enoughabouttheirdogto registerit—shameonyou. LorraineKidd, Warkworth.

Studentssubjectedto AucklandUniversity’sillconceived,woefullyexecuted WaipapaTaumataRaucourse arevictimsofafailedexperiment—notonlydotheydeservearefundinfull,butneither shoulditsresultsformpartof theirgradepointaverage. MikeWagg, FreemansBay. Wouldallthecountrieswho havesignedtorecognisea Palestinestatepleaseprovidea mapofthePalestinestatethey haverecognised. MikeWells, Kawerau. ThisGovernmentdisappoints everytime.Nothingparticularly appallinghappens.Theyjust under-delivereverytimethey doanything. PeterTopzand, Glenbervie. Howrefreshingtoreadofthe calmprofessionalleadershipof MBIE.ThankyouAudreyYoung foryourinformativearticleon thestellarcareerofCarolyn Tremain.Inthesetroubled timesofretrenchment,leaks andscandalsinthepublic service,howrefreshingtoread ofsuchcapableandwise management. KatherineMcIntyre, StJohns.

MEDIA INSIDER

SkyTVchangesIsraelDaggpromotion

SkyTVhasbeenforcedto reviewandchangethewayit integratesasports-betting segment—normallyhosted byformerAllBlackIsraelDagg—into itsliverugbycoverageafteran officialcomplaintthatsomeviewers wouldnotknowitisapaid advertisementfortheTAB.

NewZealand’sadvertising watchdogsaysitwouldhaveupheld partofthecomplaintifSkyTVhad notmadethechanges.

Dagg—whoplayed66testsforthe AllBlacksbetween2010and2017— normallypresentstwolive segments,duringSkyTV’spre-game andhalftimeshows,inwhichhe outlinesthelatestbettingoddsand offershisownviewsonworthy punts.

Aviewerwhowatchedthe Crusaders-ChiefsSuperRugbyfinal inJunecomplainedtothe AdvertisingStandardsAuthoritythat thenatureandtoneofthesegments meantviewersmightnotdistinguish themasadvertising.

“Theintroductiontotheadby LauraMcGoldrickimpliesDaggisa friendandfellowpresenter,”wrote thecomplainant.

TheysaidSkyhadtoldthemDagg wascontractedtotheTAB,butthe complainantpointedoutDaggwas “stilllistedasaSkyrugbypresenter ontheSkywebsite.

“DaggwasalsoanactiveSky Sportpresenterpreviouslydoing normalrugbycommentsand interviews,sotheaudienceclearly wouldassumethisisaSky presentationratherthananad.

“Beforethecross,Daggisseen leaningonthegoalpostwaitingfor thecross,holdinghisSky microphone,hebeginstalking beforeanygraphics,whichare hardlynoticeable,comeup.”

Thecomplainantwasconcerned thatthesegmentspromotedand normalisedlivebettingforallages, includingchildren.

“Skymaysaythat91.8%of viewersareover18,thatstillleaves 60,000childrenandyoungpeople watchingtheseads.TheTABare happytotargetchildrenandyoung peopleandgroomthemasfuture gamblers.”

BothEntain,whichrunstheTAB, andSkyTVdefendedthelive segmentsinresponsestothe AdvertisingStandardsAuthority.

Theydeniedthesegments breachedtheAdvertisingStandards CodeandGamblingAdvertising Code,aswellastheassertionsthat thecontenttargetedchildrenor youngpeople.

“WhileMrDaggisasportinghero, webelievethatthisconsiderationis outweighedbyallotherfactors,” EntaintoldtheASA.“Entainengages MrDaggforhischarisma,persona, andhisappealtoTABNZ’stargeted demographicofmalesofages around40-64.”

Skymakeschangestopromo ThemajorityoftheAdvertising StandardsAuthority’scomplaints boardsaidthepre-game advertisementdidnothaveaclear enoughdelineationtoseparateit fromthegeneralbroadcastcontent.

“Themajorityoftheboardsaid thecombinationofthecasual introductionfromtheSkypresenter saying,‘What’sgoingon,son?’and the[screenlabel]withIsraelDagg’s playerstatisticsputthefocusonthe presenterratherthanmakingitclear itwasanadvertisementforTAB withinthebroadcast.” Theboardalsosaidtheuseofa personalitysuchasDagg—whohad multiplerolesduringhiscareer,such asrugbyplayer,presenterandnow bettingambassador—“heightensthe riskofthetransitionfromthe broadcastcontenttothe advertisementbeingmisunderstood bysomeconsumers”.

Skysaidthatafterreceiptofthe complaint,ithadreviewedits protocols“aroundthedelineationof thiscontent”.

“Asaresult,wehaverefreshed ourimplementationofthese protocolstoensurewepresentthe delineationconsistentlyandthe advertorialisveryclearly distinguishabletotheaudience.” Itlistedfourareaswherethe formatwasbeing“consistently executed”: ● “Skypresentersformally introducetheTABpresenteratthe startofthesegment,makingitclear theviewers[are]nowwatchingaBet Break,broughttousbyTAB”; ● “Accompanyinggraphics appearon-screenatthe commencementofthesegment”; ● “TABbrandingisclearlyvisible throughouttheadvertorialcontent”; ● “Foranyon-fieldtransitions,the productionteamonlyusesinglepersonshotstoavoidanyconfusion thattheSkyandTABpresentersare ‘co-presenters’.” SkysaiditworkedwithEntainto ensurethesegmentswerecreated withatargetdemographic—males aged40-64—inmind. “Theadvertorialsarenot constructedtoappealtoortarget youngpeople.Thecontentis complex,deliveredatafastpaceand referstoadultconceptssuchas ‘odds’and‘multi’product.

“NotingIsraelDagg’sprofileasa sportingfigureandinthemedia,we haveaskedEntaintoensurethathe wearsEntain-brandedclothinginany futuresegmentstoensurethathis roleinadvertorialcontentismore visiblyevident.

Inhispre-gameandhalftime segmentsduringlastweekend’s BledisloeCuptestatEdenPark,Dagg woreasmallTABbadgeonhisjacket.

HewasintroducedbyMcGoldrick as“IsraelDaggfromtheTAB”andonscreengraphicslabelledhim“TABNZ presenter”.

TheAdvertisingStandards Authority’scomplaintsboard,inits decision,saidthecomplaintabout theadwassettledinpartandnot upheldinpart.

“Themajoritysaidthecomplaint [aboutthepre-gamesegment]would havebeenupheldbecausethe delineationbetweenthebroadcast contentandtheadvertisementwas notclearenough,”saidtheauthority.

“However,theboardconsidered protocolchangesmadebythe

broadcasterandagreedthiselement ofthecomplaintwassettled.

“Themajorityoftheboarddid notupholdthecomplaintaboutthe half-timeadvertisementasit containedclearsignalsthatitwasan advertisement.

“Thecomplaintsboard unanimouslyagreedthatalthough therewouldbechildrenandyoung peopleviewing,theadvertisements didnottargetthisdemographicin termsofcontent,productor audiencefigures.”

Inastatement,Skysaid:“We acceptthefindingsbytheASA, notingthatwehaveproactively identifiedandcommittedtospecific actionstoensurethatBetBreaksare clearlydifferentiatedasadvertorial content.

“Wearecommittedtobeinga responsiblebroadcasterand,likethe manymediaorganisationsinNew Zealandthathaveacommercial relationshipwithEntain,wewill continuetotakecaretofollowall regulatoryrequirements.”

IsTVNZclosertobeingsold? Ifanyonecansellabusiness,it’s AndrewBarclay,thenewchairmanof TVNZ. Thejust-departedGoldmanSachs NZmanagingdirectorwouldbeone ofthebest-placeddealmakerstosella publicassetsuchasTVNZ.Abig questionis,whowouldlineupforit?

Accordingtoonesource,Barclay’s nicknameinsomebusinessquarters is“Barclaycard”becausehe’smade somuchmoneyforGoldman Sachsovera26-year careerwiththefirm.

MediaInsider revealedthisweek thatBarclaywill becomeTVNZ’s newchairin Novemberafter thesurpriseearly retirementof Alastair Carruthers.

Barclay’s dealmakingskillsare legendaryininvestment

circles—andhehashadsomemedia experienceinthepast,assistingwith aMediaWorksIPOonbehalfof GoldmanSachs.

“He’saniceguy,butalways

CartoonistinvestsinThePlatform

BroadcasterSeanPlunkethas certainlyhadaneventfulfew weeks—buyingoutrichlister WayneWrightjnr’sshareholdingin ThePlatformventure,andhaving toapologisethisweektoa prominentemploymentlawyerfor commentshemadeonhisshowin June. ButPlunketalsohasanew shareholderinthebusiness, cartoonistandpainterGarrick Tremain. Tremain,aformercartoonist withthe OtagoDailyTimes, has providedPlunketwithfinancial supportforThePlatform,andin returnhasreceiveda5%stakein thecompany. Tremainsaid:“Mydesirewasto supportthemandtheotherswho arenowouronlysourceoftruthful andreliablenewssincethelegacy mediahasbecomenothingmore thanthedistributionofleft-wing propagandaandfiction. “Therearetoomanydaily examplestoquotehere,butlook nofurtherthan‘theTreatyisa partnershipinAotearoa.’Two piecesofmisinformationinone sentence.” Plunketsaidhewouldtellthefull storyofTremain’sinvolvementin duecourse. Hewasintheprocessof updatingCompaniesOffice

records,andinthemeantime, businesswasgood,withoutneeding torelyontaxpayerandpublic support.“There’stonnesofenergyin theroom.” Hewasopentofurtherinvestors.

“Ihavefaithinprovidence.” Inawrittenandverbalapologyon ThePlatformanditsvarioussocial mediachannelsthisweek,Plunket announcedhehadpaidlegalcosts anddamagestosettleaHighCourt

claimbroughtbyWellington-based employmentlawyerBarbaraBuckett. “Iammakingthisapologyin responsetothestatementofclaim servedonmeon28July2025, regardingcommentsImadeonThe

PlatforminJuneofthisyearabout thelawyer,BarbaraBuckett,”Plunket saidinhisstatement.“Iwon’trepeat thosecommentsbutIwanttobe absolutelyclear:Iregretmaking them.IcrossedalineIshouldn’thave crossed.Whatevermyviewsabout thecaseinwhichMsBuckettwas involved,itwaswrongofmeto questionherpersonalintegrityor motives.” Buckettrepresentedformer PlatformworkerAniO’Brieninher employmentcaseagainstThe Platform. Inhisapologythisweek,Plunket saidhiscommentsinJunewere personaland“hadnoplacebeing airedonmyprogramme.Thetruthis,I letmyfrustrationovertheoutcome oftheemploymentdisputegetthe betterofme.Ifiredoffsomeharsh wordsthatwereneitherfairnor justified.ImadeallegationsIshouldn’t havemade,andIacceptfull responsibilityforthat. “Iwanttounreservedlyapologise toMsBuckettforhavingdoneso,for allowingothersaplatformtorepeat andaddtotheseallegations,andfor broadcastingthempubliclytoThe Platform’slisteners.AndIwantto makethesameapologiesonbehalf ofThePlatform.” Plunketsaidhecouldnot commentfurtherthisweek;Buckett didnotrespondtomessages.

incrediblyfocusedonthedeal— hencehissuccess.He’sgotexpensive tasteandenjoysthe‘topend’of town.He’sadealmaker,notapublic broadcaster.It’saprettysurprising appointment,andtobehonest,quite acoupfor[Paul]Goldsmithtohave securedhimonthis,”onesourcetold MediaInsider. Itisnotalongbowtothink Barclayhasbeenappointedfora veryspecificreason—toeventually getsome,orall,ofTVNZoffthe books.

PrimeMinisterChristopher LuxonindicatedinJanuarythisyear thatassetsaleswereapossibility duringthenextpoliticalterm. “Ourfocusisondrivingeconomic growthand,asIhavesaid,thatisnot somethingwe’vebeentalkingabout thisterm,”hesaidatthetime.

“Wewon’tbetalkingabout[it] thisterm.Iamopentotalkingabout itinthelongerterm,atthenext election.Thatissomethingforthis termthatisnoton[theagenda].” Luxonsaidanelectionvictoryin 2026wouldbeamandatetomove forward.

“Wewouldtakeittotheelection anditwouldbepartofour programmethatwe’dwanttotalk aboutandbeupfrontwithNew Zealandersabout,”Luxonsaid. “Iamopentotheideaofasset recyclingandthebestuseofcapital andthatissomethingweshould alwaysbeattunedto.ButasIhave committedto,we’renotgoingtobe havingassetsalesthisterm.” Herefusedtosaywhatassetshe wouldbeopentoselling.

MediaandCommunications

MinisterPaulGoldsmithsaidina statementthisweek:“MrBarclayhas hadaprofessionalcareerspanning over25yearsinglobalinvestment bankingandfinance. “Hisbackgroundequipshimwith theskillstoprovidecontinuedstrong oversightoffinancialperformance andstrategicdecision-making, whicharecriticalforacommercially focusedpublicbroadcasterlike TVNZ.” GoldsmithonThursday respondedtoarangeofquestions aboutwhethertheGovernmentor NationalPartywasinvestigating, consideringorsupportingasaleof TVNZ:“No.Anypoliciesthatthe NationalPartyintendstotaketothe electionwillbereleasedatthe appropriatetime.” ActleaderDavidSeymoursaid:“I don’thavemuchtosayotherthanin ouralternativebudgetwesoldTVNZ, sowhileIremaincommittedtothe Governmentanditspositions,my ownviewsarewellexpressedbymy partyinitsalternativebudgets.” NZFirstdidnotrespondto questions.

The war

Astheworld ignoresSudan’s suffering,the Westhastools toendit

Comment

Inthelong-runningnightmareof Sudan’scivilwar,theongoing siegeofel-Fasherstandsoutasa tragedyunfoldinginrealtime. Andnooneisactingtostopit. Forthepast18months,thecapital cityofNorthDarfurhasbeenundera medieval-stylesiegebythe paramilitaryRapidSupportForces. TheRSFhaskilometresofearthen wallsaroundthecitytokeepthe peopleinandhumanitarianaidout. The750,000orsocivilians trappedinel-Fasherareslowly starving,anddozenshavediedfrom malnutrition.

TheRSFhaslaunchedartillery shellsandattackdronesagainstthe civiliansshelteredinside.

Aparticularlybarbaricdrone strikeonamosqueinlateSeptember killedmorethan70worshippers, includingmanychildren.

Evenwhilepreoccupiedwiththe ongoingwarsinUkraineandGaza, powerfulcountriescouldbedoing moretohelpbringanendtothe fightinginSudan,nowconsideredby mostmetricstobetheworld’sworst humanitariancrisis.

ThatincludestheUnitedStates. But,sofar,theTrumpadministration hasgivenminimalattentionandscant diplomaticresourcestotheconflict. DiplomatsmeetingattheUnited NationsinSeptember,includingthe SecretaryGeneral,madepassionate callsforaceasefireandliftingofthe siegeofel-Fasher.

Butthoseappeals,likemostover thepasttwo-and-a-halfyearssince Sudan’scivilwarbegan,havebeen largelyignored. Thetwomaincombatants,theRSF andtheSudanesearmedforces,have settledintoabloodygeographic stalemate.

TheSudanesearmedforceshave consolidatedtheirholdintheeast, includingthecapitalofKhartoumand thestrategicPortSudanontheRed Sea. TheRSFhassetuparival governmentintheexpansiveDarfur regioninthewestandKordofaninthe south.Besiegedel-Fasheristhelast westernredoubtnotunderRSF control.

Sudan’ssufferingislargelyfuelled byoutsideplayerswiththeirown competingagendasforthemineralrichcountry.

TheUnitedArabEmiratesisthe mainsupplierofweaponsand logisticalsupporttotheRSF,while Egyptisthemainbackerofthe Sudanesearmedforces.Bothallies wouldbesusceptibletosustained Americandiplomaticpressure.

TheUnitedStatescouldthreaten towithholdarmsshipmentstoboth countriesuntiltheystoptheweapons flowtoSudanandbringtheirclients tothenegotiatingtable.

FORGOTTEN

Sudanesequeuetoreceive humanitarianaidinKhartoum.

PHOTO/EBRAHIMHAMID,AFP

ButtheTrumpadministrationis reluctanttoapplythatpressure. Afterall,bothcountriesarealso pivotaltofindinganendtothewarin Gaza.Butthethreatofusing Americanleverage,especially comingfromthehighestlevel,might itselfbesufficienttopersuadethe UAEandEgypttodesist. Thegoldtradeisalsofuellingthis senselesswar,producingincomefor

KrystalSheehan’shobbiesinclude walkingdogsattheUSNationalArboretum,feedingdogscupsof whippedcreamandcuddlingwith dogsonhercouch. YetSheehan,23,doesn’towna dog.Shelovesspendingtimewith them,shesaid,butshedoesn’thave timetocareforoneeveryday. Shehangsoutwithonealmost everyweek,though,througha WashingtonDCanimalshelterthat encouragespeopletotakeoutitsdogs forafewhours.

It’soneofmanyprogrammesthat haveemergedacrosstheUnited Statesinrecentyearsthatgivepeople anddogsachancetospendtime togetherwithoutmakingamajor commitment. PsychologistKerriRodriguez,who leadsagroupattheUniversityof Arizonathatresearchesanimalhumaninteractions,saidspending justfiveor10minuteswithadogcan makepeoplehappieranddecrease theirstress.

bothsides.TheUnitedStatescould labelallgoldoriginatingfromSudan as“conflictgold”andenforcedue diligenceagainstinternationalbanks, goldtradersandrefinersthatdealin Sudanesegold.

MostofSudan’sgoldendsupinthe UAEinexchangeforweapons. Existingsanctionscouldalsobe expandedtoincludeanypeopleor companiesdealinginSudanesegold.

Left,Amakeshiftbunkerdugby civiliansinNorthDarfurstatecapital El-Fasher,asahideoutfromclashes betweentheparamilitaryRapid SupportForcesandtheSudanese armyandalliedmilitias.Desperatefor safetyfromendlessartilleryand dronestrikes,thousandsofresidents havebecomemodern-day troglodytes,diggingmakeshift bunkersbeneathhomesand hospitals.Thesepitsarehurriedly excavatedholesthatprovidetheonly escapefrombombsfallingoverhead.

PHOTO/MUAMMARIBRAHIM,AFP

Right,anursetreatsadenguefever patientatahospitalinOmdurman, westoftheSudanesecapital Khartoum.TheWorldHealth Organisationisfacingmounting issuesamidthebloodycivilwarthat hasdisplacedmillions,withseveral areashitbyatleastthreedifferent diseaseoutbreaks—malaria,dengue andcholera.

PHOTO/AFP

‘Never again’ proves untrue

Afterthebloodycivilwarin Sudan'sDarfurregion20years ago,theworldsaid“neveragain”. Andyetitishappeningagain, UNHighCommissionerfor RefugeesFilippoGranditoldAFP inasoberinginterview. SinceApril2023,awar betweentheSudanesearmyand theparamilitaryRapidSupport Forces(RSF)haslefttensof thousandsofpeopledeadand createdtheworld'slargest hungeranddisplacementcrises. Theviolence,withits“ethnic connotations”,isreminiscentof whathappened20yearsagoin Darfur,Grandisaid. Womenhavebeenraped, childrenforciblyrecruited,and thereisgruesomeviolence againstpeoplewhoresist. In2003,dictatorOmaralBashirunleashedtheJanjaweed militiasonnon-Arab communitiesinDarfur.An estimated300,000peoplewere killedandcloseto2.5million peopleweredisplaced. TheInternationalCriminal Courtisinvestigatingallegations thatal-Bashir,whoisstillatlarge, committedgenocideandcrimes againsthumanity,amongother charges,inDarfurbetween2003 and2008.

RSFleaderGeneral MohamedHamdanDagloisthe mostnotoriousmemberofthe Janjaweed.Thenewconflicthas alreadylefttensofthousands dead.

“Itisthebiggesthumanitarian crisisintheworld”,withan “appalling”12millionpeople displacedandone-thirdofthose forcedtoseekrefugein“fragile” neighbouringcountries,Grandi said.

Hastheworldforgottenabout Sudan'scurrentcrisis?

“Let'sbefrank,I'mnotsure theworldisforgettingbecauseit hasneverpaidmuchattentionto it,”Grandisaid.

ThesituationinNorthDarfur's El-Fasher,thelastmajorcityin theregionstillunderarmy control,is“catastrophic”,Grandi said,withhundredsofthousands ofpeopletrappedamidan 18-monthsiegebyRSF.

“Notonlythey'reinside, hungryanddesperate,but they'renotevenallowedtoleave thecitytoseekhelpsomewhere else,sotheyfleeatnight,atgreat risk,”Grandisaid.

DuringtheBidenadministration, theUnitedStatesGovernment announcedthattheRSFwas committinggenocideinDarfur againsttheBlacknon-ArabMasalit andZaghawapopulations.

Sanctionshavebeenplacedon RSFleaderGeneralMohamed HamdanDagalo,knownasHemedti.

TheUnitedStatescouldalsolead anefforttoblocktheexporttoSudan ofprecursorchemicalsneededfor processinggold.

Infact,researchhasshownthat whenpeopleinteractwithdogs,oxytocin—knownasthelovehormone— increasesinbothspecies. Thisistrueevenifyou’repatting someoneelse’sfriendlydog. “Theyloveusunconditionally,” Rodriguezsaidofdogs.“Andforalot ofpeople,thatcanbereallytherapeuticinitself,justbeingabletobond withthisanimal,noquestionsasked.” BrandywineValleySPCAlaunched

Whenhehastravelled,hehashadthe useofaUAEplane.Allcountries helpingDagaloandtheUAEneedto beputonnoticethattheywillbe consideredcomplicitinaiding genocideandsubjecttofuture prosecutioniftheirsupport continues.

Themostimmediateneedisto openuphumanitariancorridorsto allowaidtoflowin.

Nearly25millionpeople,orhalfof Sudan’spopulation,faceacute hunger.Twomillionareatriskof famine.

Anynegotiationbetweenthe warringpartiesmuststartwith bringingrelieftothepopulation.

Longerterm,theaimistorestart thecountry’stransitionto democracy,whichbeganwhenthe Sudanesebravelytooktothestreets in2019tooustalongtimedictator. Thattransitionwasabruptlyhalted whenthetwogeneralsnowatwar jointlystageda2021coup.

USPresidentDonaldTrumpwants tobeknownasapeacemaker.

Usinghisleveragetohelpforcea peacedealtoendthiscatastrophic conflict,andrestoringSudan’s democraticprocess,would significantlystrengthenhiscasefor theNobelPeacePrize.Astartwould beendingthesiegeofel-Fasher. WashingtonPost

itsdoglendingprogramme,whichit callsShelterSkipDay,atitstwoDC locationsinthespring.ClaireMorse ofGreenbelt,Maryland,wasamong thefirstvolunteers.

Morsesaysshelovesdogsbut doesn’thavetheenergytocarefor oneeveryday(sheinsteadhastwo cats,MoogleandJeannie).Shehas takenoutadogfromBrandywineVal-

leySPCAabout15times,usuallygoingtotheNationalArboretumorthe UnionMarketdistrictwiththem. Morseisjustashappytosupervise dogsthatwanttorestoutsidethe shelter,likeonethatsleptinherairconditionedToyotaCamryforafew hourswithher,andanotherthat jumpedonabenchattheNationalArboretumandtookanap. Whilesomedogsappearnervous toleavetheshelter,Morsesaid,they becomemorecomfortablewithher bytheendoftheirfewhours together.

“Peoplewillsay,like,‘Oh,that’sso niceofyoutodothis’,orlike complimentingmeforbeing,like,a goodperson,”saidMorse,30,aprogrammemanagementspecialistat theUniversityofMaryland.

“Butforme,it’skindofselfish.I justenjoyit.”

Mostshelterssupplyvolunteers withaleash,poopbags,treats,toys andawaterbowlandasktheyreturn thedogsbeforetheyclosethatevening.Somealsogivepeopleideasfor activities. AnimalCareCentresofNYC, whichcallsitslendingprogramme BoroughBreak,givesvolunteers bingocardsthatlistataskoneach square,suchas“Splasharoundin

“Comparedto20yearsago ...theinternationalattentionis muchless.Isitfatigue?Isit competitionofothercrises?Isit asensethatthesecrisesnever getsolved?Difficulttotell,but peoplearesufferinginthesame way,”hesaid.

Non-profitsandUNagencies havefewerandfewerresources toaddresstheproblem,because ofsteepcutsinforeignaidfrom theUSandEurope,hesaid. AFP

Theyloveus unconditionally.Andfor alotofpeople,thatcan bereallytherapeutic.

PsychologistKerriRodriguez

water”,“TakeaphotowithaNYC landmark”and“Takeavideoofa basiccommand”.Theshelteroffers giftcardsandsheltermerchandiseto peoplewhogetbingo. Shelters,manyofwhichare overcrowded,hopetheoutingsmake theirdogsmoreadoptable. BrandywineValleySPCAmakesbusinesscardsforeachdogandgivesvolunteersblackbackpacksthatsay“WE AREONAFIELDTRIP.YOUCAN ADOPTTHISDOG.(IT’SOKAYTOBE EXCITED)”. Sheltersencouragepeopletopost photosandvideosofthedogs,which wearveststhatsay“ADOPTME”,on socialmedia. Sheehan,ateacherataDCday care,sawaFacebookpostabouta ShelterSkipDayexperienceinMay andvisitedBrandywineValleySPCA inNortheastWashingtonthenextday. Sheehan,whogrewupinCouncil

Bluffs,Iowa,withaSiberianhusky mixnamedAngel,missedhanging outwithdogsbutwasn’treadytoown one. Spendingabouttwohourswitha puppynamedJettahookedSheehan andherboyfriend,TychoJanssen. They’vesinceborrowedadogfrom theshelterabout20times. IfthesheltergivesSheehanand Janssenanenergeticdog,theywalk andplayatRockCreekParkorthe NationalArboretum.Ifthey’rebusy ortheshelterlendsthemacalmdog, theysnugglewiththedogattheir apartment. Theyhaveonerule:theygive everydogapupcupofwhipped creamfromDunkin’orStarbucks. “Italwaysleavesusfeelingbetter attheendoftheday,”Sheehansaid. Theyhavetoreturneachdogby 4pm.Somedogsaresotiredafterthe roughlyfour-houroutingthattheyfall asleeponthedriveback. Sheehanoftensitsinthebackseat ofherHyundaiSonatawiththemso shecanspendafewextraminutes cuddling. Sheehansaidshe’ssadeachtime shereturnsadog.Butthensheremembers:shecandoitalloveragain withanotherdogthefollowingweek. WashingtonPost

Inbrief Fireengulfshotel Atleastfivepeoplewerekilled yesterdaywhenafireengulfedahotel inthecapitalofCostaRica,aprime Caribbeantouristdestination,rescue workerssay.Thefirebrokeoutat dawnonthethirdflooroftheOriente hotelincentralSanJose,thefire servicewroteonFacebook.Anelderly couplewasfounddeadinbed,locked inembrace,thefireservicesaid, addingthatthreeotherpeoplewere founddeadnearby.Thecauseofthe blazewasunderinvestigation.Thefire servicesaidthehotel’semergency exitwas“blockedbymetalwires”. ‘Seriousdeficiencies’athospital Romania’sHealthMinisterAlexandru Rogobeteyesterdaydenounced “seriousdeficiencies”atoneofthe largestpaediatrichospitalsinthe country,whereseveninfantshad recentlydiedaftercontractinga bacterialinfection.Thechildren,all under1yearold,hadbeenadmitted forpre-existingconditionstothe intensivecareunit(ICU)ofahospital inthecityofIasi,wheretheyare believedtohavecaughttheSerratia marcescensbacteria.Serratia marcescenscancauseahostof infectionsinhumans,rangingfrom respiratorytourinaryconditions,and hasbeenlinkedtomeningitisand pneumonia.Aninspectionatthe hospitalafterthedeathsrevealed “failuretoapplyprotocolstolimitthe spreadofinfections”aswellas “administrativechaos”,Rogobetesaid. “Oneentersthishospital’sICUlikea trainstation—thereisnoscreening forpatients,noscreeningforrelatives, nospecificareasforhand disinfection.”Thematterwouldbe referredtoprosecutors.

Haitiat‘boilingpoint’ Morethan16,000peoplehavebeen killedinarmedviolenceinHaitisince thestartof2022,theUnitedNations saidyesterday,warningthat“the worstmaybeyettocome”.The humanrightssituationinHaiti“has reachedaboilingpoint”,withabuses andviolencehavingescalatedsince March,UNrightschiefVolkerTurk said.Thepoorestcountryinthe Americas,Haitihaslongsufferedat thehandsofcriminalgangsthat commitmurders,rapes,looting,and kidnappingsagainstabackdropof chronicpoliticalinstability.“Morethan 16,000peoplehavebeenkilledand some7000peopleinjuredinarmed violencesinceJanuary1,2022,when webeganourmonitoringongangrelatedviolence,”TurktoldtheUN HumanRightsCouncilinGeneva.He saidgangswerespreadingfear beyondthecapital,Port-au-Prince, andtheviolencethreatensto “destabilisethewidersub-region”.

Fraudat‘anindustriallevel’ TheEU’schiefpublicprosecutor yesterdaywarnedthatcriminalgangs werecommittingwidespreadcustoms andVATfraudacrosstheEuropean Union.“Weseeinthelastfouryears andahalf...thatweareinvadedby criminalgroupsbelongingtothird countries,especiallyChinese,”said LauraKovesi,headoftheEuropean PublicProsecutor’sOffice. “Organisedcrimegroupshave broughtVATandcustomsfraudtoan industriallevel.Wehavetofightback,” warnedKovesi.“Youthinkonlydrug traffickingisviolent?Notanymore. Wehavewiretapsofverynastypeople planningmurdersforVATand customsfraud,”saidKovesi,speaking intheGreekportofPiraeus

“Dangerousorganisedcrimegroups” had“createdacriminalecosystem supportedbycorruptionofcustoms andtaxofficials,customsbrokersand bankstaff,”Kovesisaid.

‘Ahatredthatisrisingonceagain’

BritishPrime MinistersaysUK mustdefeat anti-Semitism

Thetight-knit,diversecommunityin theBritishcityofManchesterhad alreadyseenrisinganti-Semitismand tensionsinthewakeoftheGazawar. Nowresidentsfeartheplacethey callhomemaybeforeverscarredbya shockingsynagogueattackthatleft twodead.

Anattackerploughedacarintoa crowdoutsideapackedsynagoguein BritainonThursday,beforegoingon astabbingspree,killingtwopeople andleavingthreewounded,police said.

Policesaidtheyshotdeadthesuspect,lateridentifyinghimasaUKcitizenofSyrianorigin,andarrested threeotherpeoplewithinhoursofthe attackinthecityofManchester, whichtookplaceasJewishcommunitiesaroundtheworldmarkedYom Kippur,theholiestholidayinthe Jewishcalendar.

ThetwodeadvictimswereJewish men,policeinthenorthwestEnglish cityconfirmed,ascounter-terror policedeclaredita“terroristincident”.

Threeotherpeoplewereinhospitalwithseriousinjuries,policesaid, aftersayingfourhadbeenwounded.

Thethreepeoplearrestedwere “twomenintheir30sandawomanin her60s”,whowereincustody“on suspicionofcommission,preparationandinstigationofactsofterrorism”,saidGreaterManchesterPolice (GMP).

Theattackerworea“vestwhich hadtheappearanceofanexplosive device”,butpolicerevealedyesterdayitwasnotfunctional.

AsnightfellintheUK,Orthodox Jewishworshippersemergedfrom packedsynagoguesinManchester afteradayofprayersandfastingto learnabouttheattack,having switchedoffphonesandcomputers fortheday.

AryehEhrentreu,56,whospent thedayprayinginasynagogue minutesaway,saidhehadheardthe ambulancesarriving.

“Thenthesecurityaskedusto closeallourdoorsinthesynagogue, soweknewtheattacktookplace,” EhrentreutoldAFP,callingtheattack “extremelyworrying”. Ehrentreusaidanti-Semitismhad become“verycommon”inrecent years.

“Idon’tbelieveyou’llevercome acrosshereonaFridaynightwithout abusefromacar,”hetoldAFP.

PrimeMinisterSirKeirStarmer, wholeftaEuropeansummitin Denmarkearlytochairanemergency responsemeetinginLondon, announcedsecuritywasbeing boostedatUKsynagogues.

AddressingJewishcommunities directlyinatelevisedstatement shortlyafterthemeeting,hevowedto “doeverythinginmypowertoguaranteeyouthesecuritythatyoudeserve”.

Hesaidthat,whileanti-Semitism wasnotnew,“wemustbeclearitisa hatredthatisrisingonceagain,and Britainmustdefeatitonceagain”. Itwasoneoftheworstanti-Semitic attacksinEuropesincetheOctober7, 2023assaultonIsraelledbyPales-

TheHeatonParkHebrewCongregationSynagoguesitsamongquietresidentialstreets,anddistressedlocalslinedthepolicecordonsaftertheattack.

USPresidentDonaldTrumphasdeclaredthattheUnitedStatesisengagedin“armedconflict”withdrug cartels,hisadministrationsaidina noticesenttoCongressafterrecent strikesonboatsoffVenezuela.

Theletter,acopyofwhichwas obtainedbyAFPyesterday,isdesignedasalegaljustificationforat leastthreerecentstrikesininternationalwatersthathavekilledatleast 14people.TheTrumpadministrationhasdeployedseveralmilitary vesselstotheCaribbeanSeatocounterdrugsmugglersamidmounting tensionswithVenezuela..

ArmedpoliceofficersandmembersoftheJewishcommunitynearthesynagogue. Photos/PaulCurrie,AFP

tinianIslamistgroupHamas,which sparkedtheGazawar.

IsraeliPrimeMinisterBenjamin Netanyahucondemnedthe“barbaric attack”.

“IsraelgrieveswiththeJewish communityintheUK,”hesaid.

“Thedriverofthecarwasseen thentoattackpeoplewithaknife” whilewearingthefakeexplosives vest,Watsonsaid.

worldleaderstocondemntheattack.

“Housesofworshiparesacred placeswherepeoplecangotofind peace,”Guterressaid.

GMPsaiditwasalertedshortly after9.30am,UKtime,thatacarhad drivenintopeopleoutsidetheHeaton ParkHebrewCongregationSynagogueandasecurityguardhadbeen attackedwithaknife.

ChiefconstableStephenWatson confirmedlaterthat“twomembers ofourJewishcommunityhavesadly died”,addingofficershadshotdead theattackerwithinsevenminutesof thefirstemergencycall.

Policepraisedtheswiftactionof peoplewhoreportedtheattack,sayingithadstoppedthesuspectfrom enteringthesynagogue.

AwitnesstoldBBCRadiohesaw policeshootingamanafteracar crash.

“Theygivehimacoupleof warnings,hedidn’tlistenuntilthey openedfire,”thewitnesssaid.

KingCharlesIIIsaidheandQueen Camillawere“deeplyshockedand saddened”.

UnitedNationsSecretary-General AntonioGuterreswasamongthe

“TargetingasynagogueonYom Kippurisparticularlyheinous.”

Theattackcamedaysaheadofthe secondanniversaryoftheOctober7 attackonIsrael,whichinflamed passionsinBritainandwhoseaftermathhascausedfrictionbetweenthe BritishandIsraeligovernments.

Reactingtotheattack,Israel’s foreignministerGideonSa’araccused UKauthoritiesoffailingtocurb“rampantanti-Semiticandanti-Israeliincitement”.

Manchester,famousforitstwo PremierLeaguefootballclubsandin-

dustrialhistory,ishometooneofthe largestJewishcommunitiesintheUK. Ittotalledmorethan28,000in 2021,accordingtotheInstitutefor JewishPolicyResearch. Thesynagoguesitsamongquiet residentialstreets,withdozensofvisiblydistressedlocalsliningthepolice cordons.

MueezAslam,a17-year-old studentwholivestwominutesfrom thesynagogue,saidhewasshocked. “Everyonelivesinpeacehere,”he said.“IhaveneighbourswhoareJews aswell,”thestudenttoldAFP.“Ican’t imaginewhat’sgoingthroughtheir headrightnow.Theymustbe scared.”ButAslamagreedthatsince thestartoftheIsrael-Hamaswar, “youcanfeeltensions,theatmospherehaschanged.”Hefearedthe attackwouldincreaseanimosity betweencommunities.“Idon’tthink asacommunitythiswillevergetforgotten,”hesaid. However,SamMartin,a41-yearoldengineerlivingnearthesynagogue,saidhedidnotbelievethetragedywould“breakus”asacommunity.“Ilivehereforlikesevenyears. I’veseennothingbutkindnessand lovefromtheJewishcommunity,”he said. “I’msureManchesterwillheal fromthis. “Butit’saverysadday.Todayisa verysadday.” Thecityhaswitnessedseveral deadlyterrorattacks,notablyin2017, whenattackerSalmanAbedidetonatedahomemadesuicidebomboutsideanArianaGrandeconcertin ManchesterArena,killing22people andinjuringhundreds. AFP

DonaldTrump

“ThePresidentdeterminedthese cartelsarenon-statearmedgroups, designatedthemasterroristorganisations,anddeterminedthattheir actionsconstituteanarmedattack againsttheUnitedStates,”thenotice fromthePentagonsaid. Thenoticealsodescribessuspectedsmugglersas“unlawfulcomTherecentUSstrikestargeted boatsallegedlyloadedwithdrugsoff thecoastofVenezuelabutlegalexpertshaveraiseddoubtsaboutthe legalityofWashington’sactions.

“Aswehavesaidmanytimes,the Presidentactedinlinewiththelaw ofarmedconflicttoprotectour countryfromthosetryingtobring deadlypoisontoourshores,”White HousespokeswomanAnnaKellytold AFP.“Heisdeliveringonhispromise totakeonthecartelsandeliminate thesenationalsecuritythreatsfrom murderingmoreAmericans.” AWhiteHouseofficialsaidthe notewassenttoCongressafterone ofthestrikesonSeptember15, addingthatitwaslegallymandated todosoafteranyattackinvolvingthe USmilitary.“Itdoesnotconveyany newinformation,”theofficialtold AFP. Tensionshavemountedoverthe strikesandtheUSnavalbuild-up. Venezuelasaidyesterdayithad detectedfiveUSfighterjetsflying closetoitsshores.DefenceMinister VladimirPadrinodenouncedtheallegedflightsnearVenezuelaasa “provocation”anda“threattoour nationalsecurity.” Trumplastmonthdispatched10 F-35aircrafttoPuertoRico,aUSterritoryintheCaribbean,aspartofthe biggestmilitarydeploymentinthe areainoverthreedecades.Healso senteightwarshipsandanuclear submarinetotheregionaspartofa statedoperationtocombatdrugtraffickingacrosstheCaribbeantothe UnitedStates. AftertwoVenezuelanmilitary planesbuzzedanAmericannaval vessellastmonth,Trumpwarned Caracasthatitsjetswouldbe“shot down”iftherewasanyrepeatofthe incident.

PresidentNicolasMadurohasaccusedTrumpofacovertbidtobring aboutregimechange. AFP

BayofIslands Wind: NW20kt,easingto15ktintheevening.

Sea: Moderatesea. Swell: N1m. Visibility: Poorinshowers.Possiblethunderstorms.

HaurakiGulf Wind: NW20kt,easingto10ktintheevening.

Sea: Moderatesea. Swell: N1mdeveloping. Visibility: Poorinshowers.Possiblethunderstorms.

BayofPlenty Wind: NW25ktG35kt,easingtoNW15ktinthemorning.

Sea: Rough,easinginthemorning. Swell: N1m. Visibility: Poorinshowers.Possiblethunderstorms.

Showers,frequentfromlate morning,someheavyand possiblethunderstormswithhail. Strongnorthwesterly.

Isolatedshowers,widespread inthewest.Thunderstorms possible.StrongSW. Afewshowers clearing,thenpartly cloudy.SW,turning NW.

Showers,frequentfromlate morning,someheavyand possiblethunderstorms.Strong northwesterly.

Rain,turningtoshowers inthemorning.Possible thunderstorms.StrongW.

Mainlyfine. Southerlies,turning westerly.

Occasionalshowers,someheavy withpossiblethunderstormsand hail.Strongwesterly.

Rain,turningtoshowersin themorning.Thunderstorms possible.Westerlies developinginthemorning.

TaurangaonSat: R 6:46am S

Showers,someheavyand possiblethunderstormswithhail. Strongnortherly.

Showers,becomingisolated withlongerfinebreaksin theafternoon.Westerlies developinginthemorning.

Mainlyfine,with isolatedshowers. Southerlies,turning westerly.

Earlyshowers,some heavy,thenpartly cloudy.Southerlies, turningwesterly.

CookStrait Wind: N15kt,risingto25ktinthemorning.

Sea: Becomingrough. Swell: S1m. Visibility: Poorinshowers,easingintheevening.

Showers,someheavywith possiblethunderstormsandhail untilevening.Northwesterlies.

Showers,becomingisolated withlongerfinebreaksin theafternoon.Westerlies developinginthemorning.

Earlyshowers, thenpartlycloudy. Southerlies,turning westerly.

Showers,someheavy. Northerlies.

Mostlycloudywithisolated showers,becoming widespreadfromafternoon. W.

Mainlyfine.Westerlies developing.

Showers,someheavyand possiblethunderywithhailfrom morninguntilevening.N,strong attimes,easingintheevening.

Afewshowers,widespread andheavierintheafternoon. Westerlies,turningsoutherly intheevening.

Mainlyfine.Westerlies developing.

Occasionalrain,clearingin themorning.Isolatedshowers developingintheafternoon.NE, turningNWinthemorning.

Afewshowers,more persistentintheafternoon andevening.SWdeveloping foratimeintheafternoon.

Partlycloudy,with earlyisolated showers.SW,turning NW.

Afewshowers.Northwesterlies. Mostlycloudywithisolated showers,becoming widespreadfromafternoon. N,turningW.

Cloudincreasing,with isolatedshowers. Westerlies,turning northerly.

Afewshowers,easingin theevening.Northerlies, strengtheninginthemorning.

Occasionalrain,thenincreasing finespells,butsomeisolated showersintheafternoon.NE, turningNWinthemorning.

Showers,clearingforatime intheafternoon.W,turning tostrongSforatimeinthe afternoonandevening.

Cloudincreasing,with isolatedshowers. Northwesterlies, becomingstrong.

Afewshowers. Northwesterlies,turning southwesterlyinthe afternoon.

Cloudincreasing,with isolatedshowers. Westerlies.

Lawsonbackatsceneoffirstsuccess

NZdriverlookingforwardtoracing

whereheclaimedhisfirstF1points

Motorsport AlexPowell

WithhisFormulaOnefuture increasinglyinthespotlight,Liam Lawsoncandrawonpastsuccessin SingaporetomakeastatementtoRed Bull. AsRedBullcontinuetodeliberate onthemake-upoftheirdriverlineupsfor2026,Lawson’splaceisunconfirmed,withtheKiwilooking mostlikelytoremainwithcurrent sideRacingBulls. TeammateIsackHadjarappears allbutconfirmedtohavesecuredpromotionintoRedBull’sseniorranks alongsideMaxVerstappen,withlittle

clarityoverLawson’sfuture—yet.

The Herald haspreviouslyreportedthatLawsonwillremainwith RacingBullsandpartnerFormula TwodriverArvidLindblad. However,RedBullteamprincipal LaurentMekies’relationshipwith YukiTsunodacouldalsothrowthe Japanesedriveralifeline,withhis futurealsoappearingtolieonthe outerafterhiscommercialbacker HondaleavestheteamtojoinAston Martinnextyear. Results,then,becomeLawson’s currency.FifthatAzerbaijan’sBaku CityCircuitlastmonthgaveanother reminderofhisupsideforRacing Bulls,afterqualifyingthirdbutholdingofffourfastercarstonetacareer-

LiamLawsonscoredonhisdebutat Singapore. Photo/GettyImages

bestresult.Thatfinishcameaheadof TsunodainsixthandHadjarin10th. AndasFormulaOneresumesin

Singaporethisweekend,Lawsoncan lookbackathisownrecordtotake confidenceintotheGrandPrix. Singapore2025marksthefirst timeinhisFormulaOnecareerthat Lawsonreturnstoatrackonwhich hehaspreviouslyscoredpoints. In2023,deputisingforaninjured DanielRicciardo,Lawsonqualified 10thandfinishedninthontheMarina BayStreetCircuit.Indoingthat,the KiwiknockedVerstappenoutofqualifying,intheonlyraceRedBulldidnot winthatseason.

“Ilovethisplace,it’scooltobe back,”Lawsonsaid.“Iwasherelast year,justwatching.It’scrazytothink it’sbeentwoyearssinceIracedhere andstartedmyjourneyinFormula One.”

RedBullsenioradviserHelmut Markohasindicatedthatadecision ontheteamswillbemadebytheend ofthismonth.

ThatleavesLawsonandTsunoda

inparticularjustthreeracestoprove theydeservetostayonthegrid.Two ofthose,SingaporeandAustin,are tracksLawsonhasscoredpointson. “Intermsofnextyearandmy futuresituation,it’sjustsomething I’mnotthinkingabout.I’mjusttrying tokeepthefocusondrivingatthe moment.

“Thechatsarealwaysthesame: it’sperformunderpressure.It’swhat I’vebeentryingtodosinceIwasvery youngandI’vegottenusedtodoing.

“It’ssomethingthatcanbeintense atthetimebutit’saboutcomingaway fromthosediscussionsandknowing what’sgoingtohelp[make]that decision,what’sgoingtomakea differenceandsecuremeafuturein FormulaOne.That’sresults,that’sall I’mfocusedon.”

HelpingLawson’scauseisthathis teamhaveperformedwellonstreet circuitsthisyear.

“Themainthingforusisthat we’vehadaverystrongcarconsistentlyacrosstheboard.It’snotnecessarilythequickestofthemidfield sometimesbutitisveryconsistent.

“Wehopethat’sthecasethisweekend,butatthesametime,it’sreally hardtoknow.It’ssoclosethisyear, rightnowespecially.”

InMonacoandAzerbaijan,Racing Bullsscoreddouble-pointfinishes throughLawsonandHadjar. Incomparisonwiththedifficult RB21,whichLawsonwasaffordedjust twograndsprixinbeforehewas demotedbyRedBull,theRacingBulls VCARB02appearsamorewellroundedmachine,albeitwithapace disadvantage. RacingBullsholda10-pointadvantageoverAstonMartininthe constructors’championshipbutstill trailWilliamsby29pointsinthecontestforfifth—behindthesport’sfour giantsofMcLaren,Mercedes,Ferrari andRedBull.

Paddonlooksforwardtotheadventureofnewroads

EricThompson

NewZealandrallymaestrosHayden Paddonandco-driverJohnKennard arebackinAustraliaforroundfiveof theAustralianRallyChampionship afterwinningtheAshleyForest Rallysprintlastweekend.

ThepairleadtheARCafterfour ofsixroundson366pointsfrom LewisBatesandco-driverAnthony Mcloughlin(295)andHarryBatesand co-driverCoralTaylor(278).

“Ourpointsleadis70-something, buttobehonest,mymindsetgoing intothis[penultimate]rallyisthe sameasthepreviousones—seeifwe cangetmaximumpointsandnot worryaboutanychampionship calculationsuntilthelastround,” Paddontoldthe WeekendHerald

“Youcan’tgooutwithamindsetof drivingslowerandpickinguppoints becausethat’softenwhenthings don’tworkoutsowell.Soyou’re betteroffkeepinginyournatural environmentandkeeppushing becausethat’swherethingsgel.”

TheKiwiduohasnotcontestedthe AdelaideHillsRallybuthastestedon similarroads.Paddonsaidhehad heardgoodthingsaboutthisrally.

“Thestageslookalotsmoother andmoreflowingthansomeofthe stagessofarinthechampionship. They’resimilartoNewZealandrally stagesandthat’swherewearecomfortableandshouldworkwellwith ourcar.Sodefinitelyalittlebitmore normalforusinthatrespect.We’re quitelookingforwardtothisone.It shouldsuituswell.

“Likemosteventsthisyear,many ofthestagesarethesameforthelocal competitors,butwe’reenjoyingthe challengeofpushingourselveson

unfamiliarroads.Wehadasmallpreeventtesttodialthecarinandusethe lessonsfromthelastrallytocontinue thatmomentum.We’llpushashard aswecanandtrytodeliveragood result.”

Thisyearhasbeenbusy,with PaddoncontestingeventsinNewZealand,AustraliaandEurope,eachin differentvehicles.Lastweekend,he wasracingaHyundaii20AP4car, whilethisweekend,hewillbeina Hyundaii20Rally2car.

“Theyhavesimilarlevelsofperformancebutjustdoitinadifferent way.TheRally2carismorerefined andabetterhandlingcar,whereasthe AP4’sprobablygotabitmorepower.

“Theysortofachievetheirtimes inquitedifferentways.TheAP4caris betteronfaststagesandtheRally2is betterontightandtwistystages.

“Thisweekendisnotreallyabout improvingthecar.It’smoreabout diallingthecarinfortheseconditions.Sowhenit’slikethis,wecan generallygoalotlowerwiththecar andalotstifferwiththesuspension.

“It’smoreaboutfine-tuningfor theseconditionsratherthantryingto findimprovements.”

Therallyisonroadsaroundthe townofMtBarkerandconsistsof18 stagesand160.5kmsplitacrosstoday andtomorrow.Localcrewshavea coupleofnewstagestolearn,while PaddonandKennardwillbecompetingonallstagesforthefirsttime.

TheAdelaideHillsRallyistheonly council/shireroad-basedeventonthe 2025ARCcalendar.Theotherevents typicallyuseforestryroads.

PaddonandKennardareseeded No1,andlikethefirstthreeARC rallies,thisisasprintroundwhere pointsareavailableeachday.

Sadowski-SynnottheadsOlympiccontingent

Snowsports

ZoiSadowski-SynnottandAliceRobinsonaresettoreturntotheOlympic stage,withthepairamongthefirst eightathletesconditionallyselected torepresentNewZealandinItaly. TheselectionsfortheFebruary eventaresubjecttotheNewZealand OlympicCommitteereceivingaquota foreachevent,withthepotentialfor moreathletestobenamedinJanuary afterEuropeanwinterperformances. NewZealand’smostdecorated WinterOlympian,snowboarder Sadowski-Synnottmadehistoryin Beijingandisbackforherthird Gamestotaketotheslopesinthebig airandslopestyle. ShewonNewZealand’sfirstWinterOlympicgoldmedalinsnowboard slopestyle,alongsideasilverinbigair. Shealsoclaimedabigairbronzeat the2018PyeongChangGames.

WinterOlympics

NZathletesconditionally acceptedforthe2026Winter Olympics: RubyStarAndrews (freestyleskiingslopestyleandbig air),BenBarclay(freestyleskiing slopestyleandbigair),Luca Harrington(freestyleskiing slopestyleandbigair),LukeHarrold (freestyleskiinghalfpipe),Cam MelvilleIves(snowboardhalfpipe), FinMelvilleIves(freestyleskiing halfpipe),AliceRobinson(alpine skiing,giantslalomandSuperG), ZoiSadowski-Synnott(snowboard slopestyleandbigair).

Sailing

ChristopherReive

ConsiderGenevaanopportunity missedfortheBlackFoils. Afterwinningtheopeningraceof SailGP’smaidenvoyageontheSwiss lake,theycouldnotreproducethe feat,finishingeighthoveralltoequal theirworstresult. Theeventwasalearningexperience,asteamssailedwithonlythree onboardinextremelylight conditions,whichmeantontherare occasionstheboatwasfoiling,they hadtodotheworkoftheusualsixstrongcrew. “It’sdifficult.Youhavetomultitask butit’sthesameforeveryoneandwe quiteenjoyedthechallenge,”Black FoilswingtrimmerBlairTuketoldthe WeekendHerald “Wesailedsomegreatracesbut alsosomequitebadlyexecutedraces, too,whichcostusdearlyintheend.”

TheNewZealandcrewfellfrom firsttothirdontheseasonleaderboard,withjustathree-pointbuffer onthenextbestteam.Headinginto thepenultimateeventinCadiz,Spain, thisweekend,theBlackFoilswere lookingtosolidifythattopthreespot, withonlythethreebestteamsatthe season’sendcompetinginthegrand finalshootout.

After10events,the12-strongfleet hasreachedapointwhere—barring penaltypoints—onlyfourteamscan realisticallyqualifyforthetopthree. Australialeadon76points,ahead ofGreatBritainon75.TheBlackFoils arethenon73,withseasonfour championsSpainon70.Thenextbest teamisFranceon56.

“Genevawentfrombeingwhat couldhavebeenareallygoodweekendforustoadisaster,really,inthe end.Itcouldn’thaveworkedout worsewiththewaythepoints unfoldedinthatlastracebutthat’sthe wayitgoes,”Tukesaid.

“You’vegottobebetterthanthat andexecutewhenitmatters.We didn’tandpaidthepricedearly,becausethewaythepointsfell,wewere onthewrongsideofit.We’vebeenon theothersideplentyoftimes,too, wherewejustmakeitin,butthisone reallycostus.There’splentytotake outofit;alotofsailinginathreepersonconfiguration,sowe’redefinitelyastrongerunitforitnowand we’vejustgottolookforwardtotryingtoexecuteagreatweekendhere.” InthreepreviousvisitstoCadiz, theBlackFoilshavefinishedfourth, sixthandfifth,buthavewonracesat thevenue.

“Weknowthisplace,welikesailinghere.It’sthefourthtimevisiting Cadiz,soit’simportantweputagood weekendtogetherandgointo[thelast roundin]AbuDhabiwithconfidence andpointsontheboard.”

“It’sspecialforthegrouptoshare inthismilestonemomentwith wha¯nauandfriends,andI’msureit willtakeamomenttosinkin,”Nicol said.

“We’reextremelyproudtohave eachandeveryoneofthemwearthe fernandrepresentNewZealandin Italynextyear.

“Ialsowanttowishthoseathletes stillincontentionforselectionthe bestofluckinthecomingmonthsof competitioninEurope.”

Robinsonalsoreturnsforherthird GamesafterbecomingthefirstKiwi skiracertowinaworldchampionshipsmedal,withsilveringiant slalomthisyear. Theywillbejoinedbyfreestyle skiersLucaHarrington,RubyStar Andrews,BenBarclay,LukeHarrold andFinMelvilleIves,andsnowboarderCamMelvilleIves. NZOCchiefexecutiveNickiNicol congratulatedtheathletesonearning selectionforMilanoCortina.

SevenoftheeightKiwisnamedyesterdaytocompeteatthe2026WinterOlympics(fromleft):BenBarclay,Zoi Sadowski-Synnott,AliceRobinson,LucaHarrington,CamMelvilleIves,FinMelvilleIvesandRubyStarAndrews. Photo/Photosport

WorldchampionKiwijockeyJames McDonaldrealiseshisproblemisan amazingonetohave. Nevertheless,hewisheshecould beintwoplacesatoncetoday. Thosetwoplaceswouldbe RandwickinSydneyandFlemington inMelbourne,whereMcDonaldwill actuallybe,primarilytopartnerwondermareViaSistinaintheGroup1 TurnbullStakesat7.25pmNZtime. NotthatMcDonaldisn’tlooking forwardtoanotheroutingonthe reigningHorseoftheYear,who recordedoneofmodernracing’s greatestperformancesinlastyear’s CoxPlate. However,thatmeansMcDonald willmissarideonunbeatenmare AutumnGlow,awarmfavouritefor theA$1.5million($1.7m)TABEpsom atRandwickjust15minutesbefore ViaSistinaraces.

Today’sracing

● Ha¯wera,BreedersStakesDay: Firstrace12.45pm. ● Matamata,MatamataCupDay: Firstrace1.02pm. ● Randwick,EpsomStakes: Firstrace3.05pm. ● Flemington,TurnbullStakes: Firstrace3.25pm.

BothhorsesaretrainedbyChris Walleranditwasultimatelythat fellowexpatKiwiwhomadethe decisionforMcDonald. “WehadatalkaboutitandIwas leaningtostayinginSydneyfor AutumnGlowbecauseshehasthat realX-factor,”McDonaldtoldthe WeekendHerald “ButChrissaidhewantedmein MelbournetorideVia.Thisisnother grandfinalbutwehaveoneofthe biggestracesofthespringintwo weeks[CoxPlatedefence]andhe

doesn’twantanyhiccupsontheroad. “ItotallyunderstandthatandI loveridingher,soI’mhappytobe goingdown[fromSydney],butI’d lovetoberidingthemboth.” McDonaldwasn’tstunnedthatVia Sistinawasbeatensecond-upbyMr Brightsideinasit-and-sprintMakybe DivaatFlemingtonlaststartbuthe expectsimprovementtoday. “Shecanbeabitthatwaysecondupandthelackoftemporeallydidn’t helpher,”hesays. “Butshewillbebetterthisweek andthenpeakingfortheCoxPlate.If theygoagoodgallop,thensheshould bounceback.” ViaSistinahasbarrier1ina stackedfieldandtoday’sTurnbull couldhavehugeramificationsforthe marketsforthebiggestspringraces becauseitalsocontainsCaulfieldCup favouriteHalfYoursandMelbourne CupfavouriteSirDelius. AddinanotherWallerstablemate inAeliana,whobeatViaSistinahome laststart,andtheTurnbullwillbeone

NewZealand’sHollyRobinsonhas madeitthreestraightshotputsilvers attheworldparaathleticschampionshipsafterproducingarecordbreakingeffortinIndia.

Robinsonbetteredherown Oceaniarecordfinishingsecondin theF46finalinNewDelhi,unfurlinga bestdistanceof12.86m. Itfollowssilversinthesame disciplineinParisin2023andKobe lastyearfortheDunedin30-year-old, whoisadecoratedathleteinshotput andjavelin.

Robinsonretiredfromjavelinafter finishingsixthatthe2024Paris Paralympics,theeventatwhichshe wonashotputbronze.Shewon javelingoldattheTokyoParalympics in2021andsilveratRioin2016.

Herimprovementintheshotput wasevidentinherseriesinNew Delhi,wherehershortestputof 12.26mstilleclipsedherpreviousbest of12.25m. Uzbekistan’sKaromatOmonoova wonwith13.07m,whileCanada’s KatiePeggwasthirdwith12.76m. Inanotherresultyesterday,New Zealand’sMichaelWhittakerwas

eighthinthemen’s5000mT13final. NewZealandhavewonfour medalswiththreedaysofcompetitionremaining.Goldshavegoneto LisaAdamsinthewomen’sF37shot putandDanielleAitchisoninthe women’sT36100m,whileWill Stedmansnaredbronzeinthemen’s T36400m. RNZ

ofthoseracesyouwillneedtowatcha fewtimes. AlsoatFlemingtonistheLexus BartCummings,inwhichAuckland CupwinnerTravtriestosealhisspot intheMelbourneCup. HeclasheswithfellowNewZealandstayerMarkTwainandformer NewZealandDerbywinnerAsterix, astheyallclamourtogetintotheCup, oratleasttakemeaningfulstepstowardstheiconicrace. However,theyfaceawarmfavouritewearingfamouscoloursinGilded Water,ownedbyKingCharles. No,thatisn’tanickname,the actualKingCharles. Therearealsotwohigh-profile NewZealandgallopersstandingin AutumnGlow’swayatRandwick, withPierandWillydoit,thelatter nowtrainedinAustralia,takingon theunbeatenmareintheEpsom. Botharewell-favouredasplace hopesinthemarket,butevenwith AutumnGlowdrawingtheoutsideof the14starters,sheisa$2.15favourite.

“She’sanamazingyoungmareand wereallydon’tknowhowgoodyet,” saysMcDonald.“Shejustseemstoeat upagoodspeedandthengoagain. “Iknowshe’sonlyyoungandhasit allinfrontofherbutshehasthat beautifulstrideandisaready-made weight-for-agehorse.Sheremindsme abitofRomanticWarriorinher shape.” KerrinMcEvoyridesAutumnGlow todayandMcDonaldsayshewillhave onlyonemoreSaturdaythisyear ridinginSydney,whichisnowhis homecity. “IwillridehereonEverestDayand thentherestofthespringwillbein Melbourne,andonNovember12,I headuptoHongKongwithmyfamily torideforsevenweeks.” ● Closertohome,domesticpunters shouldchecktrackconditionsthis morningbeforemakinganyinvestmentsbecauseMatamatawasbackto aheavy10yesterdayafternoon,while Ha¯werawasaheavy8withmorerain forecast.

BoldchangescanbreakABswin-losscycle

Robertson’s selectionsshow willingnesstotry differentthings

GregorPaul

Theexpectationwasstrongthatthe

AllBlackswouldrestrictthemselves tomakingmostlyonlyinjuryenforcedchangestotheirteam forBledisloeII.Butinmaking significantlymore,perhapscoach ScottRobertsonhasmadeaninspired movetopreventhissidefromonce againunderwhelminginarepeat fixtureagainstthesameopponent.

Awin-losspatternhasbeen thestoryoftheAllBlacks’Rugby Championship.SowhatRobertson haspotentiallydonewithhis selectionfortonight’sgameinPerth isdemonstrateanunderstandingof testrugby’scircadianrhythmsand theneedtochangethingsupbeyond whattheoppositionmaybe anticipating.

WrappedupintheAllBlacks’newlookbackrowandmidfield—thetwo combinationsthathavebeenchanged notbecauseofinjury—isperhaps alsotheknowledgetheWallabies arewelcomingbackpowerful workhorsesinWillSkeltonand RobValetini.

Theirpresence,combinedwith thestrategiccunningofcoachJoe Schmidt,willalmostcertainlylead toAustraliauppingtheirintensityin Perthandbeingalevelabovewhere theywerelastweekatEdenPark.

Todate,thishasbeenthenut Robertsoncan’tcrack—howto generateafreshdynamic,tweaked tacticalblueprintandimproved energyagainstthesameteamhis sidehavebeatensevendaysearlier. Typically,he’snotbeenprepared tooverlytinkerwithhispersonnelto getthenecessarychanges,butthis week,he’sfinallyembracedtheidea thatnewfacescanaddsomething ratherthanderailawinningteam. TheequationRobertsonandhis fellowselectorshadtoweighupwas whetheritwouldbeabiggerriskto

pickmostlythesamecombinations againormakeafewchangesinthe hopetheycanfreshenthegameplan, askdifferentquestionsofAustralia andchangethedynamicofthetest. ThefactPeterLakaihascomeinat

No8forWallaceSititishowsthe selectorshavecomedownontheside ofchangebeingthelowerrisk,higher rewardpath. Andonthisspecificchange,it’s hardtodisagreewiththelogicof

Taylorstressesimproveddefence

ElliottSmith inPerth

AllBlackshookerCodieTaylor sayscombatingtheWallabiesatthe breakdownwillbeakeytovictoryin tonight’sPerthtest.

“We’redefinitelywellawareofthe challengeaheadwithAustraliaanda fewnewfacesinoursquad.Sowe reallyknowwehavetostepitupover here.” Taylorsaidareviewoflastweek’s EdenParkmatchrevealedtherewas worktobedoneondefence.

“Wecreatedalotofopportunities butalsojustabitofstuffonourdefencearoundhowwellAustralia createdmomentumwhentheyhad theballandespeciallywhentheygot inour22.Theyshowedwhentheyget momentum,they’rehardtostop.” HenotedthereturnofWillSkelton andRobValetinitotheWallabies pack.

“There’sgoingtobeaphysical battle—they’vegotafewbigboys comingback.They’rereallygoodat holding,retainingtheball.

“Atthebreakdown,they’repretty effectiveatcleaningoutbodiesand makingsuretheyputpeopleonthe decktocreatethatquickball—that’sa JoeSchmidtthingforsure.” TayloracknowledgedtheAll Blacks’inconsistentrunofresultsin theRugbyChampionshipthisseason. ScottRobertson’smenhaveslumped todefeatagainstthePumasand Springboksaftercompetentlybeating

introducingasecondNo7toplay alongsideArdieSaveaandgivethe AllBlacksgreaterforagingability. Asthesecondhalfplayedout lastweekinAuckland,thebrilliant AustraliantrioofFraserMcReight,

CodieTaylortoldElliottSmithimprovementatthebreakdownisneeded.

bothsidestheweekbefore.

“Thewaywe’veplayedthesecond testthisyearhasn’tbeengreat.Sofor us,it’sachancetorightthose wrongs.”

Hesaidsmallmarginsmadethe differenceatthetopofinternational rugby.

“Testfootyisdifferent.Ifyouwin thefirstweekandthen,say,you’re mentallynotthere—maybeevenif it’sonlybetween2%and5%,that’sa bigdifferenceintestfooty.

“Andiftheotherteamisupthat 5%,thenyou’vegotadisparity

straightaway—andthat’sallittakes foracoupleofopportunitieswhen you’reoutthere.

“Wehavetomakesurewefrontup mentally,knowingit’sgoingtobea physicalgame.”

Hesaidhewasproudoftheway theAllBlacksfinishedtheopening matchagainsttheWallabies.The hostsled20-3afterhalfanhour beforeSchmidt’smenfoughtback.

“Thewaywe’vebeengoing,we haven’tfinishedthatstrong,butwe managedtoscoreatryandputitout ofcontention.”

Lakaiwillbringanenergyand eagernessthatcomeswhenplayers whohavehadlimitedgametimeare included. Theotherkeytacticalshifthas beentobreakuptheHurricanes midfieldpartnershipofJordieBarrett andBillyProctor,whichhasbeenthe go-tocombinationin2025. Iftheargumentagainstbreakingit uplastweekwasthatitfelthigh-risk tointroduceanewcombination againstAustralia,giventheirmidfield issuchanobviousstrength,thenit’s onethatcouldhavebeenusedagain thisweek. BarrettandProctorhadasound outingatEdenParkbutQuinn Tupaeaalsopressedhisclaimtostart bydeliveringasolidstintoutof positiononthewing,whichcame afteraseriesofpromisingcameos inhispreferredmidfieldslot.

TheriskofcombiningBarrettand Tupaeaforthefirsttimeismitigated bytheminutestheyhaverackedup togetheroncethelatterhascomeoff thebench.

Thepotentialupsideisthatitwill changetherunningpoweroftheAll Blacksmidfieldandpotentiallythe shapeoftheirattackinthatthekey strikeareasmayshifttotrytoplay thebruisingTupaeaintoholesinthe middleofthefield.

Theenforcedpromotionof DamianMcKenziefromthebench toNo10isanothersignificant shapeshifterfortheAllBlacks,ashe comeswithadifferentbagoftricksto themanheisreplacing,Beauden Barrett.

WhileMcKenziecanbeerraticin hisdecision-makingandlaxinhisskill execution,hispropensityistoplay closertothegainlinethanBarrettand hisspeedofmovementeast-to-west candragdefendersoutofposition andcreateopportunitiesforstrike runners.

QuinnTupaeahasearnedastartafterastrongperformanceagainsttheWallabieslastweekandsomeearlierpromisingcameosinthemidfieldoffthebench. Photo/Photosport Robertsonhas embracedthe ideathatnew facescanadd something.

TomHooperandHarryWilson startedtopickofftoomanyturnovers anddominatethetackledballarea. Lakaiisarguablyabetterturnover exponentthanSititiandhis introductionatNo8wouldseem

mostlyaboutgivingtheAllBlacks greaterpresenceinacriticalfacet.It alsobroadenstheexperienceofthe talentbase—afailuretodomuchof thislastyearbeingacriticismlevelled atRobertson.

Thereisnoguaranteethese personnelchangeswilldeliverwhat thecoacheswant,butinprinciple, theymakesenseanddemonstrate Robertsonisatleasttryingtolearn onthejob.

NZRstartreviewafterFernsfallshort

ChristopherReive

Theprocessoflookingbackinorder tomoveforwardhasbegunforthe BlackFerns.

Athird-placedfinishattheRugby WorldCupinEnglandbroughtwithit anendtotheirseasonandtothe contractsofthemanagementteam.

Overthecomingweeks,NewZealandRugbywilldiveintotheWorld Cupcycletoreviewtheprogramme andputplansinplaceforitscontinuedgrowth.

Itisaprocessthathasalready begun,withNZRgeneralmanagerof professionalrugbyandperformance ChrisLendrumnotingalotofhard workliesaheadbeforetheteamare backtogetherearlynextyear.

ThemostrecentBlackFernscycle wasoneofdevelopmentandinconsistency.InthreeyearsunderperformancedirectorAllanBuntingand histeam,theyhadarecordof17wins, sevenlossesandadraw.

However,in12testsagainstthe otherfoursidesrankedinthetopfive —England,Canada,Franceand Ireland—theypostedfourwins, sevenlossesandadraw.

Thisyearwasthebestofthethree fortheBlackFerns,withan8-1-1 record;soundlybeatingIrelandand FranceattheWorldCupbutagain strugglingwithCanada,whoarenow unbeatenagainsttheBlackFernsin theirlastthreemeetings.

“Ithinkwe’vefinishedinareally

goodposition,”Lendrumsaid.“The cultureintheteamisfantastic.We’ve gotsomereallyoutstandingpeoplein themanagementgroup.

“Ourjobistolookatthatnowand say,‘Isthatexactlytherightgroupto takeusforward?’knowingwhatwe knowaboutthenextfouryearsand what’sjusthappened.”

ThetournamentinEnglandsaw theBlackFernslosetheirWorldCup titleforthefirsttimesince2017.Itwas justthesecondtimesince1994they hadnotliftedthetrophy.

Duringthetournament,discipline issuesandslowstartshinderedthem, whichcametoaheadintheirsemifinallosstoCanada. Theywere,however,thesecondhighestscorersinthetournament, behindwinnersEngland,andledthe competitionincleanbreaks.

“Ithink,ultimately,theyfellshort ofwhattheyhopedforthemselves, andwhattheywereplayingforand, ofcourse,whatwewerehopingas anorganisation,butthat’ssport,” Lendrumsaid.

“TheywerebeatenbyareallyexcellentCanadianteamthatplayed near-perfectrugbyfor60minutes. Weweren’tquiteatourbest,and that’sthemargininsudden-death games.

“It’snotaresultthatwearereally concernedaboutinthesenseofdoes itmeanwe’reheadingintheright directionornot.Weknowwe’re headingintherightdirection.But

sometimesyoudon’tgetwhatyou want.”

LendrumsaidNZRwasexpecting toannouncea“muchimprovedand muchmoreconsistent”calendarfor theBlackFernsfrom2026onwards, onethatwouldprovideopportunities forplayerstocompeteinbothsevens andthe15-a-sidegamemoreregularly. Thatcrossoverhasbeensuccessful fortheBlackFernsinthepastcouple ofWorldCupcycles. Inthisyear’ssquad,JorjaMiller, RisaleaanaPouri-Lane,StaceyWaaka andTheresaSetefanoallcamefrom thesevensprogramme,while BraxtonSorensen-McGeeisexpected toplaysevensin2026.

Itwasalwaystheplanfor Sorensen-McGee,whowasnamed WorldRugby’sBreakthrough women’sXVsplayer,tomovetothe sevensprogramme,Lendrumsaid. “She’dsignedinitiallyforsevens, thenmadeherselfavailableforthe WorldCupandobviouslyspentallof hertimeplayingAupikiandXVsthis year.Sotheplanatthemomentisshe willtryherhandatsevensproperly nextyearandactuallygetachanceto play.”

Thenewcalendarwouldmean playerswouldhaveagoodopportunitytocompeteinsevens,SuperRugby Aupikiand“agoodchunk”ofthe BlackFernsseason,hesaid.

“We’rereallyproudoftheplayers andtheteamandwhatthey’ve achieved.Wedidn’tachieveour ultimategoalofmakingthefinaland winningit,andsothereisdisappointmentaroundthat.

“Butitjustgoestoshowthatthe women’sgameisgrowing.Ithinkthis programme’sgotareallysoundfoundationandI’mreallyexcitedabout theteamattackingthenextfour years,wherewe’vegotmoregames. Moreconsistentgamesagainstthe topoppositionisareallyexciting situation.”

Inthemeantime,however,theorganisationwilllookbackonthecampaignandhowtomoveforwardinto thenextcycle,withLendrum suggestingthatprocess—andtheappointmentofcoachesandmanagement—wasexpectedtobecompleted beforetheendoftheyear.

Buntingwasn’tsurewherehis futurewiththeBlackFernslaywhen arrivingbackinNewZealandon Tuesday,butsaidhehadsomeideas onwhathewouldliketoseeforthe team,beyondmorecrossoverwith thesevensprogramme.

“I’vegotafewthingsthatI probablycouldaddtothat,butatthe moment,wejustneedtodosomereal goodreviewandreflections,andI’m surethatthekeylearningswillcome outofit.”

“Wewantmoreofourbestplayers playingmoreoften,moreavailable andvisibletotheirfanswhoareloyal andpassionate,andthatgivesusthe platformforfurthergrowth.

Fainga’anuku looksforward:a

Rugby

LiamNapier inPerth

Muchhas changedinthe twoyears sinceLeicester Fainga’anuku’s lastappearancefortheAll Blacks.Butafterfindingahomeinthe Toulonmidfield—andsavouring stintsinthelooseforwards—there’sa senseofsymmetrythathereturns thisweekendtothepositionheleft. Fainga’anukulastfeaturedonthe testsceneashescoredatryfromthe leftwingintheAllBlacks’upset triumphagainstIrelandintheir memorable2023WorldCupquarterfinalsuccess,afterMarkTele’awas droppedfordisciplinaryreasons.

Hethenturnedheadsbyleaving NewZealandrugbyinhisprimefor thesouthofFrance,wherehispowerhousepresencemadeaconsistent impressionwithToulon.

“Itwasmainlyforanewchallenge. PlayingSuperRugby,beinginNew Zealandforfive,sixyears,competing againstthesameoldblokesinthe samecompetition,Isawthebigger pictureandhowawesomethisopportunitycanbeforalotofuswhoplay professionalrugby,”Fainga’anuku toldthe WeekendHerald inPerth,as hereturnstoreplacetheinjured CalebClarkeontheAllBlacksleft wingintherematchagainstthe Wallabies.

“Itwasaboutrefreshingmygame. Ithrewmyselfinthedeependheadingnorth.Iwantedtochallengemyselfagainstafewqualityplayers,and that’sexactlywhatIgot.

“Itwasawesomebeingableto experiencesuchaprestigiouscompetition,theTop14.Havingatasteof thatwasoneofthebestdecisionsI’ve madeinmylife.”

Knowinghisdestructivequalities fromtheirtimeattheCrusaders,All BlackscoachScottRobertsonkeptin contactwithFainga’anukuinFrance toultimatelyhelpcoaxhimhome.

Fainga’anukuandhiswifewere alsointentonsharingtheir9-montholdsonwithfamily.

“WhenIwastalkingaboutleaving NewZealand,Razoralwaysmadeit clearthatIwasayoungplayerwithso muchpotential.Ialwaysrespected thatdoorbeingopenifIwantedto comeback.Thechancetocomeback wasabonus,andI’vesnuckbackin themixhere.It’ssomethingIwon’t takeforgranted.I’mproudoftheway thingshaveunfoldedformeinthelast fewyears.

“Thedecisiontocomehomeor continuelivingthatbeautifullifealot ofpeoplefindhardleavingwastough. Itwasdownthewire.Webothagreed wecanalwaysgoback.Onethingthat stuckoutwasyou’llnevergettime back.It’saveryimportanttimeinour livesandourweeson.

“Cominghomewasaboutgiving thespecialtimetoourfamilyand

NZvAustralia

whoareprettymuchlooseforwards andwingerswhoareUsainBoltanda wholeforwardpackwhoarethesize ofahouse.

“Myfirstfewmonths,Istruggleda weebitbecauseofthesize.Iputon someweight,whichhelpedmeget throughafewbodies.Andthenwhen Islippedintotheforwards,Iadded moretogetthroughthepickandgo.

“BackinNewZealand,youdon’t needthatmuchweightandpower,so I’veadjustedbacktohowthingswere beforeIleft.”

ClarketroubledWallabies counterpartHarryPotterwithhis powercarrieslastweekastheAll BlackslockedawaytheBledisloeCup atEdenPark.

TomRobertson, TanielaTupou,

friends.It’sawin-winscenario.We getthefamilytimewe’reafter,andI gettogivemyservicebacktoNew Zealandrugby.Iwouldn’thavethis lifewithoutthem.”

Versatilityhaslongbeenvaluedin themoderngamebutFainga’anuku tookthattoanotherlevelinFrance afterfollowingFiji’sLevaniBotiaby switchingbetweenthemidfieldand looseforwardsforToulon.

Hybridplayers,suchasSpringboksmidfielderAndreEsterhuizen, aremorecommonascoachesstack theirbencheswithforwards.

WhileFainga’anukustartsonthe leftwingthisweekendandhisfuture liesinthemidfield,he’skeentocontinueofferinghisservicestotheloose forwardsafterswitchingtoblindside andNo8forToulon.

“EvenbeforeIleft,itwassomethingIwaskeenon.I’vealways lookedathowthegamehasevolved. OverinFrance,Iwasprimarilya midfielder,butalooseforward,too. InthemajorityofgamesI’dstartin themidfield,andforthelast20,30 minutes,I’dslipintolooseforward, whichIabsolutelyloved.

“RazorknowsIhadafewstints therewhenIwasinFrance.We’ve hadourdiscussions.Mymainfocusis beingabletoplaymidfield,butalso wingisalwaysinthetoolbox.

“Whereverheputsme,I’mready togo.Youneverknowhowthegame evolves.It’sstartingtobeatrendin theNorthernHemisphereandin SouthAfrica.Icouldbethefirstto startthattrendinNewZealand.”

Fainga’anukuaddedsignificant bulktohisframeinFrancetoadjust tothecombativeTop14sceneand ensurehecouldbusttackleswiththe samefrequency,butsincereturning home,he’srevertedtoaweightsimilartowhathecarriedduringthe2023 WorldCup.

“InFrance,you’vegotmidfielders

WhileFainga’anukuhasnot featuredonthewingforsometime andcouldthereforebetargeted underthehighball,hewillseekto replicateClarke’simpactfromthe edgetonight.

“It’sbeenawhilesinceI’vebeen onthatleftedge,that’sforsure.Igota weestintontherightwingforTasman whenIfirstgothome.

“MidfieldisprimarilywhereIfeel comfortable,butI’veplayedwingthe majorityofmycareer.Thisweekisan awesomeopportunitytogetbackin theflow,backinthewingposition, andtrytopolishthetoolsthatare needed.”

Some721daysonfromhislastAll Blacksappearance,it’satestament toFainga’anuku’sgame-breaking qualitiesthathewasswiftlyushered intothenationalsquadafterfive gamesforTasman.

TimociTavatavanawai’sseasonendinginjuryopenedthedoorfor Robertsontoselecthisformerstrike weapon,andtheNZRugbyboardhad nohesitationgrantingapprovalfor Fainga’anuku’srecall.

Afterplayingseventestsbeforehis departuretoFrance,Fainga’anuku’s secondcomingcouldwellleavea muchmoretellingimpressiononthe globalgame.Hedoes,afterall,only turn26nextweektosignalhisbest shouldbeyettocome.

“Cominghome,mymentality,I keptitsimple.I’mherefortwoyears, to2027,andI’llstayreadyforanythingthatcomes.Ineverexpected toomuchorlookedtoofarahead,but wherevermyserviceisneeded,I’llbe there.

“Hearingmynamereadout,my heartratestartedpumpingabitmore thanusual.Thatjustshowshowmuch youcareforthejerseyandwhatit represents.It’salwaysspecialto representyourcountry.

“It’sgonequick.Beingoverin France,Ialwayskeptmyeyeonthe boys,supportingfromafar,withearly morningsgettingthegamesonthe iPad.It’sawesometobebackinthe environment.

“Playingatthislevelaftertwo years,I’lldustafewcobwebs,butI’m excitedtogetoutthereandgiveback. Torepresentmyfamily,friendsand thepeopleofAotearoa,that’sallthe motivationyouneed.”

TheWrightstuff

OwnerofBestStartchildcaresees surplusboostin

MattNippert

TheWrightFamilyFoundation,the rich-listercontrolledcharitythattook overownershipofthefamily’s BestStartchildcareempire,has postedasurplusincreaseof13%despitewhatitsfoundersayswasa“plateau”year. AccountsfortheyeartoMarch 2025showthecharity’ssurplus increasedto$41.6millionfrom$30m, partlyduetoatightleashbeingkept oncosts. Revenuesincreasedto$418m, largelyoffthebackofa17%risein Governmentfunding,whichroseto $306m.Non-governmentfunding increasedlessthan5%toreach$112m. WayneWright,thefamilypatriarchwhohadfoundedBestStartpredecessorKidicorp,toldthe Herald

2025had“sortofplateaued—the wholemarketplacehasplateaued”.

Heagreedachangeinpublicearly childhoodeducationfundinghad helpedasacushionagainstadverse marketconditions.

Wrightsaid$150madvancedover thepastfewyearsbyhisprivatefamilytrusttodevelopershadalsorun intochoppymarketconditions.The privatefamilytrustisunrelatedtothe WrightFamilyFoundation(WFF).

“Whatthey’vebuiltisworthless thanitcosttobuild.We’vehadto bankruptquiteafewofthem,”he said.

BestStartisthelargestoperatorin theearlychildhoodsector,operating morethan260centresand employing4500staff.

AveragesalariesforWFFexecutives—allofwhommanageBestStart

andincludechiefexecutiveandformerCabinetministerTonyRyall— increasedovertheperiodfrom $281,000to$313,875.

BestStartwassoldtotheWFFina related-partytransactionin2015for $332m.

Thepurchasepricewassettled withavendorloanthathassincebeen steadilyrepaidusingBestStart’snow tax-freecashflow.

The2025accountsshowtheloan balancestoodat$83m,afterafurther $28mhadbeenrepaidduringthe year.

Wrighttoldthe Herald theloanbalancenowstoodatonly$60mandhe expectedittobefullyrepaidby2028, atwhichpointitwouldbefreeto dramaticallyincreasecharitable distributions.

The2025accountssaidtheWFF

I’mquiteunusual. Mostpeople runningcharitiesare activelyinvolvedin thecharities–I’mjustafunder.

WayneWright

hadmade$7.5mincharitable distributions,withaparticularfocus onsupportingmothersandfamilies.

Wrightsaidthiscouldwellincreaseto$30mayearoncetheloan obligationwassatisfied.

“Ithinkwe’llbeoneofthebiggest

charitiesifitkeepsgoingthewayit’s going,”hesaid.

“I’mquiteunusual.Mostpeople runningcharitiesareactively involvedinthecharities–I’mjusta funder.”

Wright,whoisinhis80s,saidthe

loomingrepaymentoftheloanwould allowhimtofinallyretire.

“Allthefun’sgoneoutofbusiness,”hesaid.

WrightandhislatewifeChloehad foundedKidicorpandtheWFF.

The NationalBusinessReview assessesthefamily’snetworthat $400m,largelybasedonthesaleof BestStart.

InDecember,FinanceMinister NicolaWillissignalledcharitabletax exemptionswouldbereviewed,particularlyforcharitiesoperatingcommercialbusinessesandthosethat weredonor-controlled. RegisteredcharitiesinNewZealandareexemptfrompayingincome taxonsurplusesorprofits.

BestStartchiefexecutiveRyallhad madeasubmissionopposingtheproposal.

Hisintroductoryletterssaid:“PreservingNewZealand’scurrentcharitableframeworkisessentialtoencouraginginnovative,sustainable philanthropythatbenefitsallNew Zealanders.

“TheFoundationandBestStart representauniquelyNewZealand modelofsocialenterprisethat combinescharitablepurposewith businessefficiencytocreatelasting valueforourcommunities,”thesubmissionsaid.

InApril,Willisputthebrakeson theproposal.

“Thereisalotofcomplexity involvedwithdesigningnewrulesso astoensuretheyhaveintegrityand aresimpletounderstand.

“Therefore,theGovernmenthas askedInlandRevenuetodomore workontheoptions,”shesaid.

Opinion ForgetThinkBig: There’swisdominstartingsmall

OPINION DrEric Cramptonischief economistwiththe NZInitiative

NewZealandhasabadhabit oftryingtodoeverything, everywhere,allatonce.It meansnational-levelpolicy takesgiantswings.Ifsomethinggoes wrong,itgoeswrongeverywhere.

AMa¯orihealthboardis establishedforthewholecountry, thendisestablishedforthewhole country.Viewsdifferonwhichswing wasthemistake.Co-governance becomesrequiredacrossthewhole country,thenfallsoutoffavour.

Maybeit’stimeforlessthink-big andmoresmallerthinking.Oratleast thingsthatcanstartsmallandgrowif theysucceed.Smallseedswithalotof potential.

Canadaplantedaseedlikethat decadesago.Itstartedsmall,grew, adaptedandturnedintosomething remarkable.Ithinkwehavealotto learnfromitsexample. Consideroneofthefruitsofthat seed.TheKitsilano6Indian Reservationisjustafewminutesfrom downtownVancouver,Canada.Itis landthatwastakenfromthe SquamishNationforrailwaysovera centuryagoandreturnedto Squamishjurisdictionin2002.

Afterdecidingwhattheywanted todowiththeirland,in2022,the Squamishbrokegroundonanew development.Theprojectisonthe Reserve,soisoutsideVancouver City’sjurisdiction.TheSquamishdid notneedtoaskVancouverCity’s permissiontobuild. Buttheydidneedtonegotiatean extensiveserviceagreementwiththe city:thecityprovidesservicesandthe newdevelopmentpaysthecityfor thoseservices.

Threesoaringapartmenttowers, PhaseOneoftheSenakw development,arenearing completion.Itisaprojectthatwould haveseemedimpossiblewhenIleft Canadain1998—oratleastitwasnot somethingIwouldthenhave imagined.Buttheseedforithad alreadybeenplantedandwas growing.

News

Thepathtothiskindof rangatiratanga(sovereignty)started smallandtookdecades.Itdidrequire national-levelpolicychange.Butnot thekindofpolicychangethattriedto doeverything,everywhere,allat

once.Instead,thepolicylet communitieshaveago,ifthey wantedto. Fordecades,CanadianFirst Nationswerehighlyrestrictedbythe IndianAct,whichsetstherules aroundhowBandCouncils,the governingbodiesforFirstNations, governIndianReserves. Someautonomywasallowed. Since1951,BandCouncilshavebeen abletosettheirownbylaws—under theclosesupervisionofcentral Government.

Maybeit’stimefor... thingsthatcanstart smallandgrowifthey succeed.Smallseeds withalotofpotential.

Itwasarelationshipof dependence.Littlecouldbedone withoutcentralGovernment permission.Gettingpermissionwas slowandcomplicated,solittlecould bedone.

AFirstNationnearKamloops foundtheboundariesofwhatwas allowedundertheactandhelped recommendchangesenabling greaterautonomy.Changesinthe 1980sstrengthenedBandCounciltax authorityovertheirownland. Furtherchangesinthe1990s allowedBandCouncilstooptoutof theIndianAct’scontroloverlanduse andtosettheirownLandCodesfor self-governance.

In1996,13FirstNationssignedthe FrameworkAgreementwiththe MinisterofIndianAffairsand NorthernDevelopment,allowing themtooptoutoftheIndianAct’s micromanagement.Theyestablished aLandsAdvisoryBoardandResource Centretohelpsettheirownland governanceregimes—including modellandcodes.

Othersfollowed.In1990,noFirst Nationhadsetitsowntaxlaw.Bythe early2020s,almost150had.And120 nowhaveoperationallandcodes. CentralGovernmentlegislation, withhelpofstrongadvocacyfrom FirstNationswantingtotry somethingnew,allowedbutdidnot mandategreaterautonomy.Early moverssetthepathandhelpedbuild institutionssothatlaterfollowers couldsucceed.Thoseinstitutionsalso builtaccountability. ImplementingaLandCodeand optingoutoftheIndianAct’s managementrequiresproven, demonstrablecommunitysupport— withindependentverification.Being abletoborrowthroughtheFirst NationsFinancingAuthorityrequires certificationbytheFirstNations FinancialManagementBoard. IdonotthinkCanadawouldhave hadthesamesuccesshadittriedto findapolicytosolveeveryproblem foreveryFirstNationthatcouldhave beenimplementedbyeveryoneallat once. Instead,Canadaletearlymovers buildpathsthatotherscouldfollow whentheywereready.Problems couldthenbeironedout.Institutions couldadaptalongtheway,atsmaller scale.Successcouldthenbeitsown recommendation. Canada’sFirstNationsnowcan exercisesomethingthatlooksvery muchliketinorangatiratanga(selfdetermination).Theygoverntheir ownland,astheywish,needingthe permissionofnoonebutthemselves. Whentheywouldlikeservices fromanadjacentmunicipality,itisa Government-to-Government negotiationonawilling-buyer, willing-sellerbasisthatleavesboth sidesbetteroff.Andithasprovenso successfulthatVancouver’sGeneral ManagerofPlanning,envyingthe speedwithwhichSenakwwentfrom concepttoconstruction,said,“We mightbeabletolearnsomethingfrom them.”

NewZealandcanlearnsomething fromthem,too,bothaboutpaths towardstrongerrangatiratangaand aboutthevalueofstartingsmall.

Queenstownartificialglowwormcavewinsconsent

AnneGibson

ExpeditionEarthinfluencersTopher RichwhiteandBridgetThackwray havewonconsenttodevelopaglowwormcaveoutsideQueenstown.

JudgeJohnHassan,inchambersin theEnvironmentCourt,lastmonthallowedtheircompany,FarawayEntertainment,toestablishthebignew touristventureonGorgeRdbehind Queenstown.

CommissionersfortheQueenstownLakesDistrictCouncilhaddeclinedtheirapplicationforlanduse andsubdivisionconsenttobuildand operatethatcave.

RichwhiteandThackwray challengedthedecision,sayingthere wereerrorsinit,andappealedit.

Butthecouple,whowereonce detainedinIran,alsochanged aspectsoftheiroriginalschemetoget itacrosstheline.

“Sincetheappealwasfiled,the

appellantamendeditsproposaland providedarevisedsetofconditions,” theEnvironmentCourtdecision said. Thecoupleagreedto: ● Establishaleaseholdinterest overnewbuildingsandthecaveinsteadoffreeholdaspreviously planned; ● Ifthecavestopsoperating,surrenderthatlease; ● Establishanativebeechforest andremovewildingspecies,includingpines; ● Thecarparkareaistobefenced insolidtimber,upto1.4mhigh; ● Thefencemustbestainedina darkrecessivegreypaint.

Basedontheamended conditions,thecouncilandthe coupleagreedthattheappealcanbe removedandconsentgranted.

Thisisthecouple’ssecondglowwormscheme. Thefirstisunderconstructionin

Rotorua,tobeincludedintheRedwoodsNightlightsexperience.

InMay,the Herald reportedcofounderBruceThomasensayingthe schemewasbeingbuilt. “WehavepartneredwithExpedi-

tionEarthduoBridgetThackwray andTopherRichwhite,whohavedevelopedthebio-integrativedesigns andtheeco-environmentthatallows glowwormstothrive,”Thomasen saidthen.

AtQueenstown,thecoupleexpect upto1200peopleaday,sevendaysa week,from9amuntil10pm. TheSeptember10decision containeddetailedplans,including signageforthenewattraction.

Theticketinghutandwaitingarea willhave“karaka”colouring,adeep green,andhavenaturaltimbercladding. PlansshowworkbyOutpostof Washdyke,northofTimaru.

ItsBorderlandkitsetoptionwillbe used,butwithcustomdesign alterationstoallowforthespecific glowwormprojectrequirements. GorgeRdrunsbehindQueenstownandtheShotoverRiverareaof ArthursPoint. Earthworksarerequiredtobuild theproject,whichwillhavetoilets. Engineeringandcivildesigndrawingsweresubmittedinthelatestsetof plans. Apond,shallowwetland,service area,fireapplianceandemergency access,watersupplyconnection pointandearthmoundwithboulders andscreenplantingareshownonthe plans. AllplantsaretobeenvironmentallysourcedfromtheLakesecological region. Thelayoutandcirculationwithin theglowwormcavearealsoshown, withpeoplemovinginawave-likepatterninside.

TheInterview

SELLING the BANK

Westpacchief marketing officerSarah Williamstalks marketing, attractingnew customers,and talkingthechief financialofficer’s languagewith ShayneCurrie

She’sworkedforsomeofthe biggestnamesinadland,our biggesttelco,and—now—one ofourmajorbanks.ButWestpacchiefmarketingofficerSarah Williamsheardsalientadvicelastyear fromthefast-foodindustry,andspecificallythoseinchargeoftheGolden Arches. McDonald’s—abrandbuiltonadvertising—didaratherweirdthingin itsnot-too-distantpast.Theburger giantaxedtheroleofglobalchiefmarketingofficerin2019—theywere clearlynot“lovin’it”—andintroducedtwoslightlylower-tierroles. Withinayear,thepositionwas reinstatedattheexecutivetableas McDonald’sscrambledtorecover fromtheearlyimpactofCovid.

Marketersareveryskilledatsellingtheircompany’spurposeorproduct;oneoftheirbiggestchallengesis oftensellingtheirownrole—and explainingwhymarketinginvestment issocrucial.

Therearemanyexamplesofchief marketingofficersbuttingheadswith chieffinancialofficers—thesimplistic clicheisthatoneisgenerallyfocused onbuildingandretainingcustomers; theotheronreducingcosts.

Often,marketingcanbeviewedas avariablecostline. Williamssaysmarketershavearesponsibilitytoensurethey’reonthe samespreadsheetastheaccountants.

“Differentorganisationsareatdifferentmaturitylevels,Ithink,”says Williams,whenaskedabouttherelationship,generally,betweenCFOs andCMOs.

“Marketersneedtobebetterat makingsurethatconversationisbeingheldinamoredata-drivenkindof way.It’snotenoughtosaywefeellike weneedtobespendingmoreonour brand.Weneedtohavethat conversationinamuch morecommercialway.” Williamswasatthe CannesLionsadvertising conferencein2024tohear howMcDonald’sCMO—the rolethatwaseventually reinstatedin2020—worked closelywiththeCFO.The McDonald’sexecsweresideby-sideonstage.

“Theyweretalkingabout thelanguagethey’vehadto createinordertounlockmarketing,”saysWilliams.

“Ifyouthinkaboutit,it’s likewetalkdifferentlanguages.Weneed,as marketers,tostarttalkinga littlebitinthecommercialway thattheCFOdoes.Ifwecan, thenIthinkthatbodeswellfor howweinvestinthesethingsin thefuture.”

Shesaysthatmeans marketersinterpretingand understandingcustomerdata anddisseminatingtheresultsof marketingcampaigns.

“They’vegottounderstand whatthey’reseeingandbeable toactuallyarticulateandinterpretitbacktothebusinessas well.It’snotenoughtohave justthevanitymetricsgoing upby1000%.Whatdoesthat meanforthebusiness?”

TheWestpacrescuechopperhas beenawelcomesightformorethan 40years.

Butshealsotalksaboutthe criticalrolethatmarketers play. “Wedefinitelyneedtobe seenasagrowthengineand notacostline.”

Williams’CVreadslikea marketer’shalloffame—beforeWestpac,shespentnine yearsatSpark,includingas brandandexperienceboss, andbeforethat,inside someoftheadvertisingindustry’sbiggestagencies, includingDDB,TBWA, Saatchi&SaatchiandColenso.

Somovingfromthecreativeadvertisingsectortoatelcoandnowtoa bankdefinitelyqualifiesasabigcareerswitch,especiallyconsidering thehighlyregulatedconditionsthat thefinancialinstitutionlivesunder.

Williamssaysshelovesthe role.She’sinheriteda“fantastic team”andisworkingalongside executiveswhoareambitious and“opentodoingthingsdifferently”.

“That’stheonethingthatI wouldsayhasbeenjustsuchan unlockforus.They’resaying, ‘Wellinordertolookdifferent tothewaythatwehaveinpreviousyears,we’vegottodothings differently.We’vegottoshow updifferently’.

“Openthatdoor,andIwill stepthroughit.”

AccordingtorecentReserveBankdata,Westpac’s shareofthemortgagemarket isnowat18.4%—compared withANZ(29.7%),ASB (20.9%),BNZ(16.7%)and Kiwibank(7.8%).

SoWestpacremainsin thirdslotbuthasbeenslippingbackinrecentyears.

Thatmightnotalwaysbeeasy whenyou’rethemarketer.

“It’scertainlygotalotofscrutiny onit,”saysWilliams. But,shesays,regulationandred tapearethere“tokeepussafeandto dotherightthingbycustomers”.

“Ifyouapproachitwiththatkind ofphilosophy,Idon’tseeanyofthose thingsbeinganissue.Youwork withinthesystem—it’sanattitude thing.”

them,thewayinwhichyouengage them,theplacesthatyou’llfindthem areradicallydifferent.

“Sothisideaofmasssegmentation,thathasthesewilddifferences fromthestarttotheend,issomething thatwereallyneedtofaceintoifwe wanttomakeameaningfulshift.” Tendaysago,Westpachostedthe “HouseofCreditCardFears”incentralAuckland—ahauntedhouseactivationthatplayedupon18-29-yearolds’loveofhorror(thinkhowmuch Gen-Zersloveshowssuchas Stranger Things and Wednesday)whiletryingto explainandeasecreditfears.

Itwasafun,literalhorrorshow, mastermindedwiththehelpofthe Spookersthemeparkteam.

Latelastyear,justasWilliams arrived,Westpactargetedasimilar agegroupwithitsBlackFridayHangovercampaign—raisingawarenessof thedangersofoverspendingduring thebigsalesweekend,andarangeof toolstohelpthem.

“Thatwasverymuchwhatyou’d describeasmoreofa‘consideration’ pieceofwork,notnecessarilya‘conversion’pieceofwork,”says Williams.

“Butwegotgoodconversionoff

“Itisn’tarealsurprisethat Westpachasrecentlytended tobethemostratecompetitive,”reportedinterest.co. nz’sDavidChastoninAugust.“They haveworktodototurnthetrend around,andtheyseemtobetaking thechallengeseriously.Butjustlike thelosses,gainswillonlycome slowly.”

Generallyspeaking, NewZealandersseem rustedontotheirbank afteracertainage,andcertainlyoncetheysecurea mortgage.

“Thereisdefinitelyan elementofthat,”says Williams.

“Thatyoungeraudience iseasiertoshiftandaremore opentoshiftingthanpotentiallywhatanolderaudience is.Thinkaboutyourselfand yourlife—onceyougetafew morecomplicatedfactorsin there,itbecomesabigger thingtodo.Theonesthatare moreopentopotentiallybeingpersuadedaretheyounger audience.”

Aninner-cityAucklandbuildingwas transformedforWestpac's activation,HouseofCreditCard Fears. Photo/Westpac

Marketersneedtobebetteratmakingsurethat conversationisbeingheldinamoredata-driven kindofway.It’snotenoughtosaywefeellikewe needtobespendingmoreonourbrand.Weneed tohavethatconversationinamuchmore commercialway SarahWilliams

Shesaysthere’sbeenalotof introspectionatWestpac,“alot ofworkgoingoninternallytoreally makesurethatwe’refoundationally inagreatplace.AndIthinkI’vejust joinedattherighttime,ifI’mhonest”. “We’rereadytoputourheadup againandleanintothemarket,which isexciting...reallyexciting.”

Westpac’smarketinghasbeen noticeableinrecentweeksandover thepast12monthsgenerally— Williamstalksofthechallengeof talkingtoan18-year-oldaboutfinance asopposedtoevena40-year-old.

“They’requitedifferentthings. Andthewayinwhichyouapproach

thebackofit,whichjustgoestoshow thatifyouactuallytalktopeopleinan emotionallyresonantwayandina culturallyrelevantway...thenit doestranslate.Butyou’vegottobe abletoturnaroundandshowthat.” Williamstalksaboutthediscipline neededinanybusinessforamarketingfocus.

“[Youneedtobe]veryclearabout theaudiencesthatyouwant,because youcan’tjustsaywewanteveryone, ineveryregionandeverydemographicandexpecttodothatsuccessfully.

“Itdoesrequirerealdisciplinein thebusiness,andformarketerstobe quiteconfidentaboutbeingableto askthebusiness,whatisthepriority?

“Thisisapplicabletoanybusiness thatIthinkI’veeverworkedin,but youneedtolearntocountpastone.If everything’saoneinpriority,we’re notprioritisingeffectively.

“Wegotafewdifferentsegments [atWestpac]—we’redoingalotof validationintowhatsegmentsarethe importantonestogoafter.Forme, comingintothebusinessquitefresh,I thinkthat18to29segmentiscritical.

“Westpachasgotareallystrong audiencebutthe18-to29-year-olds,if wedon’tnurturethoseguysonthe waythroughandintroduceourselves totheminawaythatmakessense, thenthat’syourfuture.Thatisliterallyyourfuturebusiness.” Williams,amotheroftwoteenagers,citesapopularchildren’sbook whenshecontemplatesherroleand thechallengesshesometimesfaces.

We’reGoingonaBearHunt,first publishedin1989,talksallabout overcominghurdles—long,wavy grass;adeep,coldriver;thick,oozy mud—tofindthebeast.

“That’skindofbeenmyapproach, Ithink,tomarketingingeneraland certainlycomingintoWestpac.It talkstoproblem-solving—therewill alwaysbethingsthatcomeupinfront ofyou. “Ifyouapproachthatas,‘howdo weturnthatproblemaround?’,generallyspeaking,youcanfindyour waythroughmostthings.”

PerhapsWestpacisbestknown— inamarketingsense—foritslongrunningpartnershipwithrescuehelicopterservices.InAuckland,the Westpacrescuehelicopterhasbeen flyingfor43years. Williamssaysthepartnershipwill continuewellintothefuture.“When you’reoutthereonthestreetand you’refundraising,you’dbeamazed athowmanypeoplehavehadpersonalexperiencewithit.It’sareally meaningfulthing.”

ThecreativityskillsofSaatchi& SaatchiandWilliamsandherteam wereonfulldisplayinMayasthe soundoftherescuechopperinterruptedToyota,LottoNZ,Spark, Chorus,ZEnergy,andTurners’video ads,inacoordinatedmarketingcampaignthatinvolvedalotofcollaboration. ThechopperbladesalsointerruptedtheliveLottodrawonTV. “Therewascomplexityinit,but I’vealwaysbelievedthatifsomething’snoteasy,it’sprobablyworth doing,”saysWilliams.

“That’sbeenaphilosophyofmine fromwhenIfirststarted,andit’s alwaysputmeingoodstead.Butyes, thatpieceofworkwasphenomenal.”

TheHealthandDisabilityCommissioner(HDC)promotesand protectstherightsofhealthanddisabilityserviceconsumers,and facilitatesthefairandefficientresolutionofcomplaintsrelatingto thoserights.

TheAgedCareCommissionerisappointedasaDeputy CommissionerwithinHDCandholdsadualrole:advocatingfor,and influencingqualityimprovementinhealthanddisabilityservicesfor olderpeople,andbeingastatutorydecisionmakeroncomplaints andsupportingcomplaints-resolutionprocesses.TheAgedCare CommissionerisalsoamemberoftheELTwithinHDC,contributing tothestrategicandoperationalmanagementoftheOffice. Youwillbeanexperiencedseniorleaderandanexceptionalpeople leader,whohasexperienceworkinginareasofolderpeople’s health.Youmusthavetheintellectualabilityandsoundjudgement tomakecomplex,quasi-judicialdecisionseffectively,alongwith astrongfocusonqualitystandardsandserviceimprovement. YouwillhaveanunderstandingofteaoMāori,TeTiritioWaitangi andhowtoincorporateMāoriculturalviews.Youwillalsoenjoy developingrelationshipswithkeysectorandGovernment stakeholders,includingMinisters.Asasectoradvocate,youwillbe comfortablewithpublicspeakingandmedia.Qualificationsinlaw orclinicalpractice(gerontology)wouldbeanadvantage. Thisisarareopportunitytocontributetothebettermentofolder people’shealthaspartoftheHDCteam.

APPLYORVIEWTHEPOSITIONDESCRIPTION: www.jacksonstone.co.nz REFERENCE: BH-11419 APPLICATIONSCLOSE: Friday,17October2025. FURTHERENQUIRIES: ContactSimonBoyeson045508026or DonnaWilliamson045508020.

Inside Economics

LiamDann nn

LiamDann is businesseditorat-largeforthe NewZealand Herald.Heisa seniorwriterand columnist.

Q:Liam,howaboutdoing somethingtohelpTreasurygetthe messageacrossthatSuperis simplynotsustainableinits currentform. Theyhavebeenshoutingintothe voidaboutthisforyearsandin pages51ofthisweek’spaperfrom TreasuryonNewZealand’sLong TermFiscalSustainability (actually,unsustainability),they dosoagain. Politiciansrunamilebecause solvingtheproblemwillinvolve painintermsofreducedbenefits, moretax—ormostlikelyabitof both. Butthenationhastohavethe conversationandunlessitdoesso soonish,hedgefundswillappear onthehorizonandtheoutcome couldbeugly.

PleasehelpTreasury,andthe nation.

Terry A:Goodcall,Terry!Itwasacrazy, busyweeklastweekwithMoodfor theBoardroom,anewReserveBank Governor...andjetlagfrommy recenttriptoChina(write-upto come).

Butyouareright,itwasasobering reportfromTreasuryandwellworth givingsomeattention. Treasurydidn’tpullanypunches: “NewZealand’scurrentpoliciesare notsustainableforthelongterm,”the reportsaid.

Treasurymodelledwhatitlooks likeifwedonothingtoaddressthe risingcostofNewZealand Superannuation(NZS)until2065.

“Withunchangedpolicy,by2065, governmentspendingperperson wouldnearlydouble—from$18,300 todayto$35,900(inflation adjusted),”itsaid.

“Governmentrevenuewouldrise muchmoreslowly.Thesetrends wouldresultingovernmentdebt risingtoaround200%ofGross DomesticProduct(GDP).”

Ifwedon’twanttoborrowmore, wecanalwayscutGovernment spendinginotherareas.

“Tofullyoffsettheprojectedrise inthecostofNZSand[the]health spend,ourmodellingshowsthat otherexpenditurewouldneedtofall fromabout13%ofGDPtoonly5%of GDPby2065(andkeepdeclining thereafter),”Treasurysaid.

Non-NZSwelfarespendingwould needtofallto2.2%ofGDPby2065, comparedwithanaverageof5.7% between2006and2025,itsaid.

“Governmentscouldreduceother expenditureonnon-healthpublic services,likeeducationandlawand order.”

Ifwelookatittheotherway around,whatwoulditcostusto maintainthecurrentpolicyuntil 2065?

“Meetingexpenditurepressures throughtaxincreasesalonewould requiretheaveragetaxrateonlabour incometograduallyincreasefrom 21%in2025to32%in2065,”the reportsaid.

“Alternatively,goodsandservices tax(GST)wouldneedtoincreaseto 32%by2065.”

Treasuryalsoverygentlynoted thatwhile“incometaxandGSTare themostimportantsourcesof governmentrevenue,broadeningthe taxbaseisanotheroption”.

Inotherwords,wecouldlookata CapitalGainsTaxorawealthtax. Thankfully,thereareotherpolicy approachesthatwecouldapply.

“TheTreasury’smodelling suggeststhecostofNZScouldbekept stableasapercentageofGDPby increasingpaymentratesinlinewith inflationratherthanwages,”the reportsaid.

“Achievingthesamebysteadily increasingtheageofeligibilitywould requireittoriseto72by2065.”

“Means-testingwouldneedtokick inatrelativelylowlevelsofnon-NZS incometogeneratesimilarlevelsof savings.” Treasuryconcludesthatwe probablywon’tendupdoingnothing. Italsomakesthepointthatwhile noneofthesolutionslookpalatable ontheirown,amixofallofthem coulddothejobquitewell.

Apathforward Treasuryconcludeswiththis wonderfullyarticulatedadvice (whichwillalmostcertainlyprovetoo sensibleforourpoliticianstolisten to):“ThegoodnewsisthatNew Zealanddoesnothavetomapthe wholepathforward;wejustneedto identifythepaththecountrywantsto startwalkingdown.”

“Overtime,Governmentswill choosetostridefasterorslowerdown thosepaths.Theimportantthingisto keeptakingthosestepsand maintainingmomentuminliftingour economicperformanceandkeeping

DesperateTreasuryplea:Act onSuperannuationchallenge

ourfiscal[policies]onasustainable footing.” Inotherwords,wedon’tneedto panicaboutwhatretirementpolicy lookslikein2065(afterall,mostofus won’tevenbehere).Wejusthaveto starttakingthefirststepsintheright direction. Thebesttimetostartthisjourney was30yearsago.Butgiventhat opportunityhaspassed,thebesttime isnow. Let’skeepupthepressureon politicianstolistentoTreasuryand getonwithit—forthesakeofour childrenandgrandchildren.

WilltheSuperFundcometoour rescue? Q:Kiaora,Liam. Ireallylikeyourcolumn,soI’m comingtoyouwithmyburning question. Thereismuchtalkabouthow wearegoingtobestretchedto fundsuperannuationintothe futureandhowtheretirementage needstorise—Icouldreferyouto yourowncolumnonApril25.I rarelyseeanymentionofthe SuperFundinthosediscussions.It wassetuptohelpsolvethisexact problem.Canyouexplainwhyit

doesn’tseemtofeatureinthe commentary? Regards, RoseNisbet A:ThanksRose, That’saninterestingpoint.I decidedtogostraighttothesource andaskedtheNewZealand SuperannuationFundforitstake. Ithinkitmighthavebeenalittle putoutatthesuggestionthatitisn’tin thediscussion. ButItakeyourpoint.Whileweall acknowledgethesuccessoftheSuper Fund,itscontributiontothe retirementfundingchallengetendsto

besomethingwetakeforgranted. ThefollowingisfromNZSuper FundspokesmanJohnRedwood: “WhatRosemightnotrealiseis thattheSuperFundwasnever intendedtofullyfundthefuturecost ofauniversalpension. Asthefund’sarchitect,then FinanceMinisterSirMichaelCullen statedinanOctober2000Cabinet paper:“BysettingasidesomeCrown resourcestowardretirementincome now,whilewecanaffordit,wewillbe abletosmoothoutthecostover time.” Inotherwords,thefundwas

Treasurydidn’t pullany punches:“New Zealand’s current policiesarenot sustainablefor thelongterm,” thereportsaid.

ZealandGovernmentabout$22 billionlastyearalone. That’sabout5%ofGDP,butitis risingfast.TheTreasuryreport(see above)projectsitwillcostabout8%of GDPby2065.

Dowehavetoadmitit’sgetting better,betterallthetime? “It’sgettingbetterallthetime,”sings anever-optimisticSirPaulMcCartney onTheBeatlestrackfrom1967.“Can’t getnoworse!”repliestheevercynicalJohnLennon. Itseemsanappropriate soundtrackforNewZealand’scurrent economicrecovery...(Canwecallit thatyet?)

TheANZBusinessOutlookfor Septemberdidn’tgetanyworse.So thatwasnice.Toplineconfidencewas static,butfirms’expectationsoftheir ownactivityhavelifted. That’sdespiteageneraldownturn inthetoneofresponsesANZreceived afterthegrimsecond-quarterGDP headlines. WegotthelatestCentrixcredit datayesterday.Thatshowed improvementstoo.

Consumers’arrearsweredown 1.8%year-on-year,withmortgage arrearsimprovingtojust1.36%in August(from1.58%). Creditdemandwasstrengthening, withconsumercreditdemandup 5.6%year-on-year,ledbystrong growthinpersonalloanapplications, Centrixsaid.

TheBeatles’1967albumwastheir magnumopus.

designedtoactasatax-smoothing vehicle,reducingthecosttofuture generationsoftaxpayersofproviding superannuation. OnTreasury’scurrentmodelling, withdrawalsfromtheSuperFundwill (atpeak)meetabout12%ofthe forecastcost(withdrawals+taxpaid= c.20%).”

Sothereyouhaveit,despitebeing currentlyworth$87.5billionand managinganaveragereturnofabout 10%ayear,theSuperFundwillnever beenoughtocoverthecostoutright. Innominalterms, SuperannuationcosttheNew

Althoughcompanyliquidations remainedelevated(up26%year-onyear),therateofincreasehaseasedin recentmonthsandsectorssuchas agriculture,miningandinformation mediawereshowingimproving liquidationtrends. Creditdefaultswerealsodeclining inconstruction,retailand transportation,reflectingearlysigns ofeconomicrecovery,Centrixsaid. Here’shopingnextweek’scutto theOfficialCashRateandsomenice springweatheraddtothe momentum. WilltheReserveBank(RBNZ)go for50basispoints(bps)or25bps?The popularvote(andtheGovernment’s hope)willbefor50totrytojumpstart things.

Butlet’snotforgetthattheRBNZ hasjustasinglemandate—tokeep inflationbetween1-3%...anditwas thisGovernmentthatnarrowedits focus.

Seller’smarketfor $2m-plusbusinesses

opportunities,”saysPlom.“LINKhasthousandsof serious,qualifiedbuyersinourdatabase,andthat’s refreshedregularly.Thebanksarelendingagain,and buyermotivationishigh.”

Despitethis,manybusinessownersareholdingoff fromlistingduetoconcernsaboutmarkettimingor uncertaintyaroundvalue.That,saysToresen,isoftena missedopportunity.

“Ifyourbusinessissolidandyou’vebeenthinkingabout sellinginthenext12to18months,thisisthetimeto act,”hesays.“Goodbusinessesaremovingquicklyand insomecaseswithindaysofgoinglive.”

Threethingscorporatevendorsmustgetright PlomandToresenidentifythreeareasthatmattermost inthesaleofahigh-valuebusiness:confidentiality,deal structure,andvalueclarity.

complexstructures.Ifyourbusinessisgrowing,you mightnotwanttoexitcompletelyrightaway.Anearnoutletsyoucapturethatfuturevalue,butithastobe structuredcorrectly.”

3.Clarityonvaluemakesallthedifference

Manyownerssimplydon’tknowwhattheirbusiness isworth.Othersbelievetheymustgothroughyearsof ‘exitplanning’toachievemaximumvalue.Notso,says Toresen.

“There’samyththatittakesyearstogetabusiness readytosell.Inreality,withtherightadvice,manyofthe biggestvalueleverscanbeaddressedinsixmonths orless,”hesays.“Thekeyisclarity.Understandyour value,takeactiononafewimportantthings,andtalkto someonewho’sdonethishundredsoftimesbefore.”

Fourpracticalwaystoincreasebusinessvalue

LINKCorporateadvisesownerstofocusonthese practicalstepstoimprovebothsaleabilityandsale price:

•Reducerelianceontheowner

“Themorethebusinessdependsonyou,theless valuableitis,”saysPlom.“Putageneralmanagerin placeandremoveyourselffromtheday-to-day.”

•Cleanupyourfinancials

“Removepersonalexpenses,ensurecleanaccounts, andprepareaclearprofitpicture,”saysPlom.“Buyers payforclarityandconfidence.”

•Minimiseriskanddemonstrategrowth

Buyersassessbothriskandopportunity.“Address thingslikecustomerconcentrationoroutdatedsupplier agreements.Andbeabletoshowaclearpathto growth,evenifyou’renottheonewhowillexecuteit.”

•Improveopticsbeforelisting

Plomsaysthinkofitlikesellingahouse.“Youmowthe lawn,paintthefence,putfreshflowersoutandabatch ofsconesintheoven.Thesameapplieshere,wecallit gettingtheopticsright.”

acquisition.LINKCorporatedon’toverlookthefactthat thosebuyerscouldbeinAustraliaorfurtherafield.

•Privatesyndicatesandcorporatejumpers

Smallinvestorgroupsorindividualsleavingcorporate roleswhopoolcapitaltobuyabusiness,oftenwithone personsteppingintoamanagementrole.

•Passiveinvestors

Buyerslookingformanagedbusinessesthatgenerate solidreturnswithoutrequiringdailyinvolvement.

•PrivateEquity

Professionalinvestorsseekingtoboltonbusinesses toexistingplatformcompaniestheyaregrowingby acquisition

Eachbuyertypebringsdifferentneeds,timelinesand criteria,whichiswhyLINK’scorporatedatabaseis curatedandconstantlyupdatedtoensurealignment. Asaresult,off-marketoffersarenotuncommon,but therealvaluethatLINKCorporatebringstovendors istheabilitytostrategicallypositionandmarketahigh valuebusiness.

Thiscapacitytoactfastandprotectsensitive informationisamajorcomforttovendors.“Sellerswant discretionandcertainty,”saysToresen.“That’sexactly whatourprocessdelivers.”

Beyondthenumbers:legacymatterstoo

Whilevaluationandsalestructureareessential,both brokersemphasisethatmanybusinessownerscare deeplyaboutwhathappensafterthedealisdone.

Vendorsoftendescribetheirbusinessastheirbaby. They’vebuiltitoverdecades,formedstrongteamsand createdabrandtheycareabout.Theywanttoknowthe buyerwillprotectthat.

Sometimesthewinningbidisn’tthehighest,butitisthe onethatgivesthesellerpeaceofmind.LINKCorporate understandsandvaluessuchaposition.

Brokersneedmorethanjustsalesskills

LINKCorporate,thededicateddivisionwithinLINK BusinessBrokersthatfocusesexclusivelyonlarger businesstransactions,sayssellerswhounderestimate thesecomplexitiesrisksignificantfinancialand strategicdownsides.

“There’samisconceptionthatnowisn’tagoodtime tosell,”saysLINKCorporatebusinessbrokerAaron Toresen.“Andforsome,that’strue.Butifyourbusiness isprofitableandwell-managed,there’sstrongdemand. Rightnow,it’saseller’smarket.”

Together,AaronToresenandLINKCorporatecolleague MartinPlomarethetwotopcorporatebrokersinNew Zealand.AspartoftheLINKCorporatebrokerteam, theyfocussolelyontransactionsinthe$2million-plus bracket.

Whydemandisoutpacingsupply

Plomsaysthatwhilemacroeconomicuncertainty isaffectingsomesectors,manyhigh-performing businessesarecontinuingtodeliversolidreturns,while atthesametimedemandforqualitybusinesseshas surged.

“There’sahugepoolofcapitalinthemarket,and buyersareactivelylookingforstrongacquisition

1.Confidentialitymustbewatertight Ownersoftendelayengagingabrokerduetofearsthat staff,customersorsupplierswillfindoutthebusiness isforsale.That’sunderstandable,saysPlom,but unnecessary.

“We’reeffectivelysellingasecret,andweknowhowto dothat,”hesays.“Fromthefirstmeetingthroughtothe finalhandshake,wefollowaprocessbuiltovernearly 30years.Nothingisshareduntilthebuyerisqualified, non-disclosureagreementsaresigned,andthevendor approvesdisclosure.” Marketing,too,ismanagedinawaythatprotectsthe seller’sidentity.“Wepresentthelocation,theearnings profile,andtheindustryinbroadterms,”saysPlom. “Butnames,detailsandspecificsareconfidential.”

2.Dealstructurerequiresspecialistknowledge High-valuesalesofteninvolvecomplexitiesnotpresent insmallerdeals.Thesecanincludesharesales,earnouts,strategicmergercomponents,orinvestment syndicates.

“Mostbrokersonlyunderstandassetsales,”says Toresen.“Butatthislevel,it’scommontoseemore

Whobuysthesebusinesses—andwhy Atthe$2million-pluslevel,buyersarenolongerlimited toindividualowner-operators.LINKCorporateworks withthreemainbuyergroups:

•Strategicacquirers

Competitorsorbusinessesinadjacentindustriesor geographieslookingforsynergiesorgrowththrough

Corporatesalesrequiremorethangeneralbrokerage experience.Theydemandlegal,financial,andstrategic insightalongwithdeal-makingskills.

“Abusinessworth$5millionormoreisnotjust atransaction,”saysToresen.“You’redealingwith sharesaleoptions,duediligencecomplexities,legal structuring,sometimesevenprivateequity.Thebroker needstounderstandallofthatotherwiseyourisk seriousmissteps.

ToresenandPlomworkcloselywithanetworkof lawyers,accountantsandfinancierswhospecialisein businessacquisitions.“Wecanrecommendtrusted advisorstoensureasmoothprocess.It’saboutgetting dealsdonewithprofessionalism,notjustlistinga businessandhopingforthebest.”

Thedecisiontosell:whatownersneedtoknow AccordingtoToresen,themostcommonquestions sellersaskare:

•Howmuchismybusinessworth?

•Howlongwillittaketosell?

•Howmuchdoesitcost?

•Howdoyouensureconfidentiality?

Toresensaysthesearefairquestionandthey’reall answeredupfront.“Wewantownerstomakeinformed decisions,whethertheysellnoworlater.”

“We’reeffectivelysellinga secret,andweknowhowto dothat.”—MartinPlom

Sometimes,hesays,thebestmoveistostartthe conversationwithoutcommitting.“Youdon’tneedto bereadytoselltomorrow.We’rehappytomeet,talk throughyourbusiness,andoutlineyouroptions.That firstconversationcanbethestartofavalue-building journey.”

Informedactionisbetterthandelay

BothPlomandToresenareclearthatnowisastrong marketfortherightbusiness.However,ownersneed clarityandconfidencetotakethenextstep. “Toomanyownersstayinthedark,”saysPlom.“They don’tknowwhattheirbusinessisworth.Theydon’t knowwhatbuyersarelookingfor.Andtheydon’trealise howsaleabletheirbusinessmightalreadybe.” Toresenagrees.“Youdon’tneedacomplicatedexit planoryearsofpreparation.Whatyouneedisa conversation.Fromthere,wecanhelpyoudecide whethertosell,whentosell,andhowtomaximisethe outcome—financiallyandpersonally.”

Contacthttps://linkbusiness.co.nz/link-corporate/

LINKCorporatespecialisesinsellinghigh-value NewZealandandAustralianbusinesses,managing complextransactionswithprecision,discretion, anddepth.Withunmatchedexpertise,acurated buyerdatabase,andaprovenprocess,LINK Corporatedeliversvalue,clarity,andresultsfor businessownersreadytoexploretheirnextstep.

CeciliaRobinson Opinion

OPINION CeciliaRobinsonisa founderandco-chiefexecutiveof digi-physicalprimarycareprovider TendHealth.

WhenActMPLaura McClurestoodin ParliamentinMayand heldupanakedimageof herself,thereactionwasmoremuted thanshocked.Manypeopledidn’t fullygraspwhattheywerelookingat, orhoweasilysuchanimagecouldbe made.Thepicturelooked convincing,butitwasn’treal.Itwas anAI-generateddeepfake,createdin minuteswithafreeonlinetool.As McClureexplained,“Ittookmeless thanfiveminutestomakeaseriesof deepfakesofmyself”. Herdemonstrationwaspart politicaltheatre,parturgentwarning. Anditworked.Forthefirsttime, someNewZealandersrealisedhow accessibleanddangerousdeepfake technologyhasbecome. Thispastweek,PaddyGower broughttheissueintotheliving roomsofthousandsofKiwisinhis televisiondocumentaryseries Paddy GowerHasIssues.Theepisodedidn’t justexplaindeepfakes;itshowedhow easytheyaretogenerate,howthey arealreadybeingusedtoharass youngpeopleinNewZealandand howill-preparedourlawsand systemsaretorespond. AlongsideGower,childand adolescentpsychosexualtherapistJo Robertsonofferedaconfronting reminderofwhat’satstake.She describedthedisturbingrealityof childrenandteenagersbeingdrawn intoharmfulrelationshipswithAI “companions”,andtheveryrealrisks ofgrooming,exploitationand dependency.Hervoicebroughtthe humancostintofocus.Thisisnotan abstractpolicyissuebutadailycrisis startingtoplayoutinfamiliesand schoolsacrossthecountry. Together,McClure,Gowerand Robertsonhavethrownaspotlighton aproblemthatisspreadingfaster

thanmostrealiseandonethatgoes farbeyondembarrassingimages. Artificialintelligenceiscreatinga waveofnewharmsthatourchildren andyoungpeoplearealreadycaught upin.

Let’sstartwithdeepfakes. Whatwasonceaniche internetcuriosityhasbecome amainstreamweapon.You nolongerneedadvancedcodingskills orspecialistequipment.Allittakesis aphotographandabrowsersearch. Lawyersandyouthadvocates describeasurgeincomplaintsabout pornographicdeepfakes.Girlsas youngas13havebeentargeted.Inone widelyreportedcase,ateenager attemptedsuicideafterdiscovering fakeexplicitimagesofherself circulatingatschool.

Deepfakesareuniquelycruel becausetheycombinetwoelements: thepowerofrealism(theimageslook realenoughtobebelieved)andthe lackofconsent(victimshadno controlovertheircreation).Once made,thefakescanbeendlessly replicatedandspread.

NewZealandlawstrugglestokeep pace.Ourdefinitionsof“intimate visualrecordings”werewritten beforeAIcouldconjurefakenudes outofthinair.That’swhyMcClurehas proposedherDeepfakeDigitalHarm andExploitationBill.Ifpassed,it wouldmakethecreationand distributionofnon-consensual pornographicdeepfakesacriminal offence.

Butthebillsitsinthemembers’ ballot.JusticeMinisterPaul GoldsmithhassaidtheGovernmentis “notcurrently”consideringadopting it.Inotherwords,theresponseis wait-and-see.

Deepfakesarejustonesymptom ofabiggerproblem:AIsystems

designedtoreplicateintimacyand relationships.

“AIcompanions”arenow widelyavailable,appsthat presentasfriends, girlfriends,boyfriendsor confidantes.Marketedas harmlessentertainment ormental-healthtools, theyareincreasingly targetedatteenagers andyoungpeople.

Whatstartsasa chatbotquickly evolves.Theavatars becomeflirtatious, sexual,or emotionally manipulative.Some appsencouragesexual roleplay.Othersfoster dependency,withtheAI pushinguserstokeep talking,sharingand “bonding”.

Foryoungpeople,thisisnot harmlessexperimentation.These appscanteachunhealthyand potentiallydangeroussexualhabits, normalisingcoercion,blurringthe linesofconsent,andpresenting intimacyassomethingtransactional oralwaysavailableondemand. Insteadoflearningaboutboundaries, respectandhealthyrelationships, teenagersriskbeinggroomedby algorithmsintopatternsofsecrecy, dependencyanddistorted expectationsofsexandconnection.

HowNZcanleadtheworldonAIharms

tocasesofsextortion,wherechildren aremanipulatedintosharingexplicit imagesthatarelaterusedto blackmailthem.

Foranadolescentbrain,curious, vulnerable,stilllearningboundaries, thisistoxic.Insteadofexperimenting withrealrelationships,youngpeople arepractisingintimacywith machinesoptimisedtoexploit attentionandemotion.

Parentsoftenassumethese technologiesare“justchatbots”. Theyarenot.Theyarepersonalised systems,constantlylearningand tailoringtheirresponsestodeepen engagement.

IntheUnitedStates,researchers andchildsafetyadvocatesareraising alarms.Schoolsreportchildrenas youngas11downloadingcompanion apps.Regulatorswarnthatminors arebeinggroomedbyalgorithmsinto sexualisedordependentdynamics. Someappshavealreadybeenlinked

Andunliketraditionalsocial media,thereisalmostnoregulation. AIcompanionappsoftenfallthrough thecracksofchildsafetylaws.They arenottechnically“publishers”or “platforms”intheoldsense,so oversightisminimal.

Thisisnotafuturerisk.Itis happeningnow.

IfwewantaglimpseofwhereNew Zealandisheadedwithout action,looktotheUnitedStates. Americanparentsaregrappling withanexplosionofAI-drivenharms: deepfakesofstudentscirculatingin highschools,AI-poweredsextortion scamstargetingteens,andAI companionsdrawingchildreninto sexualisedordependent relationships.

Parents,teachers,coachesand evenhealthprofessionalsoften underestimatethespeedandscaleof theseharms,treatingAIassomething futuristicratherthanaforcealready shapingyoungpeople’slives.

Formany,thedigitalworldtheir childreninhabitisunrecognisable fromtheonetheygrewupin. TheymayhaveheardofTikTokor Snapchat,buttheideaofAIgeneratedpornography,deepfake harassment,orvirtualboyfriendsand girlfriendsstillfeelsfar-fetched,even absurd.

Yetothers,particularlyteachers, counsellorsandfrontlineyouth workers,arealreadyseeingthe effectsdaily.Thissplitmeansthe widerpublicremainslargely oblivious,andformanyfamilies,the truescaleofharmonlybecomes visiblewhenitlandssuddenlyand painfullyontheirowndoorstep.

TheUSGovernmenthasbegunto respond.Somestatesaredrafting lawsbanningAI-generatedchild sexualabusematerialoutright, whetherrealorsynthetic.The FederalTradeCommissionis investigatingcompanionappsfor unfairordeceptivepractices. Senatorsaredemanding stricterrulesfortech companiesthatbuildor hostgenerativeAImodels. Buttheresponse remainsfragmented. Eachnewscandal promptsoutrage,but thelegislativeprocess lagsbehindthe technology. Meanwhile,theharms mount. Thisisthe “cautionarytale”New Zealandshouldbepaying attentionto.Wecannot waitforthesamewaveto hitusbeforeweact. Oneofthemosttroubling realitiesishowuneven awarenessisacrossthe community.

Thisgapbetweenwhat’sreally happeningandwhatmostpeople thinkishappeningisdangerous.It meanschildrenareexperimenting andbeingexploitedinan environmenttheirparentscan’t guidethemthrough,while policymakersunderestimatethe urgency.Askatypicalparenthow

longittakestomakeadeepfake.Few wouldguess“fiveminutes”.Askthem whethertheirteenagermightalready betalkingtoanAIboyfriendor girlfriend.Mostwouldlaughitoff. Thisiswhyawarenessmatters.But awarenesswithoutactionisnot enough.

NewZealandhasan opportunitytodomore thansimplychaseaftereach newharm.

Wecanbuildaframeworkthat anticipatestherisks,protects children,andenforces accountability.

Totackletheseharms,weneeda co-ordinatedresponsethatcombines strongerlaws,smarterregulation, andpracticaltoolsforprotection.

TheHarmfulDigital CommunicationsActmustbe updatedtoexplicitlycoversynthetic images,AI-generatedpornography, andcompanionappsthattarget minors,withMcClure’sbilladvanced bytheGovernmentratherthanleftto chanceinthemembers’ballot.

Atthesametime,AIcompanions shouldbetreatedlikeotherrestricted productssuchasalcoholorgambling: bannedforthoseunder16,withreal enforcementtostopexploitation masqueradingasentertainment.

Alongsideregulation,digital identityverificationoffersoneofthe mosteffectivesafeguards.Bylinking age-restrictedservices,including socialmediaandAIapps,to Government-backedandother trusteddigitalIDs,wecanupholdage limitswithoutexposingpersonal data.NewZealandalreadyhasthe DigitalIdentityServicesTrust Frameworkinplaceandisdeveloping aGovernmentdigitalwallet,which offersapotentialsolutionforonline safetyusecases. Inaddition,protectioncannotend withprevention.VictimsofAIharm needclearandrapidpathwaysfor redress,whetherthatmeanstheswift removalofdeepfakes,counsellingfor youngpeoplemanipulatedbyAI companions,orlegalremediesfor thosetargetedinsextortionscams. Everydaywedelay,morechildrenare exposed.Harmisshowingupin classrooms,infamilies,andinour

healthsystem.Teachersreportseeing fakeimagescirculating.Counsellors describechildrendistressedby onlinerelationshipswith“partners” whodon’texist.Policeinvestigate sextortioncasesdrivenbyAItools. Andyet,ournationalresponse remainspiecemeal.Ifwewaituntil theharmissowidespreadthatit’s impossibletoignore,itwillalreadybe toolate.NewZealandhasaproud traditionofboldleadership,yetinthe digitalworldourresponsehasbeen slow,leavingchildrenexposedto evolvingharms. Wealreadyhavethetools, frameworksandpoliticalawareness, what’smissingiscourage. Bycriminalisingnon-consensual deepfakes,regulatingAI companions,embeddingage verificationandsupportingvictims, wecanprotecttheyoung,reassure parentsandholdtechcompaniesto account. AsGowerwarned,technologyis movingfasterthanthesafeguards. McClure’sdeepfakewasnota stuntbutawarning:unlessweact decisively,ourchildrenwilllivewith theconsequences.

PasifikaMedicalseekstoinjunctnewspaper

Theinjunction bidfollowsan independent reviewof PasifikaFutures’ spending

KateMacNamara

PasifikaMedicalAssociation(PMA) anditschiefexecutiveDebbie Sorensenareseekinganinjunction againstthe Herald inanefforttopreventreportingonthecharity.

AfilingwasmadeintheHigh CourtatAucklandonWednesday, whichalsoseeksunspecified damagesrelatedtothe Herald’spreviousreporting. Theclaimscomeasthe Herald is preparingafurtherstoryrelatedto PMA. Theyalsofollowthereleaseofan independentreviewofPMA-owned entityPasifikaFutures. Thereviewfoundnoevidencethe charitymisspentGovernmentmoney earmarkedforcommissioninghealth andcommunityservicesforNewZealand’sPasifikapeople,butitleftconsiderableunansweredquestions. Itconsideredwhathappenedwith $2.45millionofpublicWha¯nauOra moneyacrossfourfinancialyears thatwaspaidmainlytoMoana PasifikaCharitableTrust,whichhad community-levelsportandwellbeing programmesandwastheshareholdingentityoftheprofessionalrugby teamMoanaPasifikaLtd. Thefundsboughtcommunitylevelservicesrangingfromwomen’s rugbyinitiativestosportingandmentalhealthprogrammesforschoolagedchildren,invoicesprovidedto thereviewsaid. Communitysportingengagement wasamongtheWha¯nauOracontract purposes.

InJune,the Herald reportedthe PasifikaFuturesfundingwaspaidto MoanaPasifika,theprofessional rugbyteam;inmostinstances,itwas notpaiddirectlytoMoanaPasifika Ltd,whichoperatestheteam,andin largemeasurewaspaidtotheshareholdingentityMoanaPasifikaCharitableTrust—acorrectionwasmade.

OnJuly1lastyear,PMAtook ownershipofMoanaPasifikaLtd.

The Herald’squestionsaroundthe useofWha¯nauOrafundsfortheMoanaPasifikaentitiespromptedthereview. Thereviewalsonotedfourareas whereWha¯nauOracommissioning fundswereapplied“forthebenefitof MoanaPasifikaentities”,anditwas unabletoestablish“whetherandto whatextent”spendingmetthe Wha¯nauOrapurposes.

Theseinstancesincludedfunding fortheset-upofthelegalstructureof theMoanaPasifikaCharitableTrust, whichwouldholdcommunityprogrammesandtheprofessionalrugby teamMoanaPasifikaLtd(itwasnot cleariftherewasanyapportionment ofcosts);supportfor“Pacificathletes residinginNewZealandandtheir families”;thepurchaseofMoana Pasifikarugbygametickets;and PasifikaFutures’stallspaceatthe stadiumduringMoanaPasifika gamesandMoanaPasifikaplayers’ creationof“videocontenttospeakto Pasifikayoungpeopleabouthealth andwellbeing”.

PasifikaFuturessaidthePacific athletes’fundingdidnotcoverMoanaPasifikaplayersandtheirfamilies,andthatthegameticketswere giventoschoolchildren;thereview couldnotsettlethematters.

PasifikaFuturesheldthecontract forWha¯nauOracommissioningfor Pasifikafrom2014untilJuly2025— thecontractenablesadevolved modelforbuyingcommunity-level healthandwellnessservicesforfamiliesandcommunitieswithpublic money. TheprogrammeismanagedbyTe

JulianSaveaofMoanaPasifikainaction.ArecentreviewofWha¯nauOrafundingcouldnotdeterminewhetherfundsfromtheschemewereusedtomakea$3millionloantotheteam,now convertedequity. Photo/AndrewCornaga,Photosport

PuniKo¯kiri(TPK,theMinistryforMa¯oriDevelopment).

PasifikaFuturesrecentlylostthe contractafterashake-upintheGovernment’sapproachto commissioning.

Thereviewalsoraisedquestions, ultimatelyunresolved,abouthow PMAfundeda$3mloantotheteam. Ithighlighteda$2.9mloanfrom PasifikaFuturestoitsparentPMA, anda$3mloanmadebyPMAtoMoanaPasifikaLtd.

Thereviewnoteditisunlikelythe PasifikaFutures’loantoPMAhas beenpaidback;thePMAloantoMoanaPasifikaLtdhasbeenconverted intoequityintheteam(thereisno suggestionthefundinghasnotgone tosupporttheprofessionalteam,the reviewsaid).

PasifikaFuturessaidnoneofits

Wearehappywiththe findingsofthereview, whichfoundno evidencethatWha¯nau Oracommissioning fundswerespenton mattersoutside Wha¯nauOra PasifikaMedicalAssociation chairmanKikiMaoate

wasfoundthatthepairhadeachenteredintoarrangementstopurchase propertiesonbehalfofoverseas personswithoutconsent. Threedifferentcompanieswere usedtobuytwoofthepropertieswith penaltiesawardedagainsteachof them.

MedicalAssociationchairmanKiki Maoatewelcomedthereviewfindings. “Wearehappywiththefindingsof thereview,whichfoundnoevidence thatWha¯nauOracommissioning fundswerespentonmattersoutside Wha¯nauOra,”hesaid.“Aswe expected,thereviewalsodidnotdiscloseanybreachoftheoutcomes agreementinrelationtoconflictsof interest.” Hesaidthereview“notedareas wheregreaterclarityindocumentationandcontractingprocesses wouldhavereducedcomplexity”and thatPMAacceptsthefindings. Thereviewsaid“complex questions”remain.PasifikaFutures’ Wha¯nauOracontractallowed20%of thetotalfundstobespenton overheadsandadministration,and surpluseswereaccruedfromthis portionofthefunds. PasifikaFuturestoldCraigit accruedassurplusafixedamountof 5%oftheseoperatingcostsannually (about1%ofthetotalcontractvalue) andotherwisepaidPMAoperating costsamountingtoaround$10m eachyear.

PasifikaFutureshasnostaffofits own;itisoperatedbythoseofits parent,PMA.

loanfundingwasderivedfrom Wha¯nauOracommissioningfunds, butthereviewsaiditwasapossibility:“Itappearsatleastpossible thatsomeofthecommissioning fundingwasapplied,atleastinthe shortterm,toassistwithPasifika Futures’parentorganisation’s cashflow.”

Thereviewsaidanauditof sourcesandusesoffundingwouldbe requiredtodeterminewhetherthe useofpublicfundswasappropriate— thiswasbeyondthereview’sscope.

PasifikaFuturessaidother sources,includingotherGovernment contractsandretainedsurpluses fromtheadministrativeallowanceon theWha¯nauOracontract,fundedits loantoPMA.

Thereviewwasundertakenby DougCraigonbehalfofTPKandre-

leasedinearlySeptember. ItwasadesktopreviewofPasifika Futuresdocumentsandinterviews werelimitedtoseniorTPKstaff.

Acrossthepastfourfullfinancial years,PasifikaFutures’Wha¯nauOra fundingtotalledmorethan$182m, constitutingthevastmajorityofits revenue,thoughitalsohascontracts withHealthNewZealandandpossiblyotherentitiesandpublic agencies.

HealthNZiscurrentlyconducting itsownreviewofcontractswithPMA anditsentities,includingthosewith PasifikaFutures.

TheMoanaPasifikaentitieswere eitherrelatedpartiestoPMAor ownedbyPMAfortheperiodthereviewcovered.

Ultimately,thereviewwas“unabletoanswerfully”thequestionsin

thetermsofreference,“whether, consistentwiththeoutcomesagreementandannualinvestmentplans, theuseofpublicfundswasappropriate?”;andtodiscover,“thewayin whichpublicfundingfromthe Wha¯nauOraappropriationandpaid undertheoutcomeagreementswas used,andwhetheritwasusedfor purposesnotassociatedwith Wha¯nauOra”.

Itsfindingwasthat“[it]didnot identifyanyevidencethatmoney providedfordeliveringWha¯nauOra commissioningoutcomeswasspent onmattersnotassociatedwith Wha¯nauOra.Nevertheless,thisreviewhasnotbeenabletoconclusivelyansweranumberofcomplex questions,includingthesourceand useofcertainfundsinvestigated”. InapublicstatementPasifika

PasifikaFuturesdidnotreportany underspendofoperatingcoststoTPK intherelevantyears(2021-2024)and “itwasnotapparentfromitsaudited financialstatementsthatthefixed amounthadbeenretained”,thereviewsaid. ThereviewnotedtheTPKcontractwas“unclearandambiguous” onhowsurplusesonoperatingcosts shouldbedealtwithandwas“notactiveinmonitoringsurplusesaspart ofitscontractmanagementpractices”. TPKhassaidthisisnowafocus undertheagreementsithaswithits newWha¯nauOracommissioning agencies. Inresponsetothereview,TPK saidithasreferredtothePublicServiceCommissiontheissueofsurplusesandinvestmentreturnsgeneratedfromGovernmentcontract funding“soagenciescanreacha system-wideview”. IthasalsowrittentoPasifika Futuresseekingmoreanswersonrelatedpartyloans. InJuly,the Herald alsoraised questionsaroundconflictsofinterest thrownupbyPasifikaFutures’and PMA’srelatedpartytransactions,as wellasfamily-relatedcontracting. Thereviewfoundnobreachofthe Wha¯nauOraoutcomesagreement conflictspolicy,butitsaidmanagementofconflictsofinterestand perceivedconflictsofinterest “shouldhavebeenmoreclosely attendedtobyTePuniKokiri”. “Ingeneral,the[PasifikaFutures’] registerrecordedtheconflictswe wouldhaveexpectedtoseeas regardspersonnelwhohaddualroles inPasifikaFuturesandPMAandall MoanaPasifikaentities.Italsorecordedconflictsarisingfromfamily members’ownershipofentitiesthat contractedwithPasifikaFutures.The registerstatedthatthosewithdual rolesinPasifikaFuturesandMoana Pasifikaentitieswouldnottakepart indecisionsrelatingtoMoana Pasifikagenerally,”thereviewsaid. Italsonotedthat,forthemost part,onlytheinterestregisterappliedtotheconflictsandnotaseeminglymorerecentcompanypolicy. ItsaidPasifikaFutures“alsotold usithadrobustconflictmanagement policiesandprovidedacopyofapolicydatedOctober2024”butthedate was“afterallbutoneofthecontracts wereenteredinto”. UntilMay2024,DebbieSorensen waschiefexecutiveofPMAand PasifikaFuturesandalsoadirectorof MoanaPasifikaCharitableTrustand MoanaPasifikaLtd. SirMichaelJoneswasadirectorof PasifikaFuturesandofbothMoana Pasifikaentitiesuntillastyear. PasifikaFuturesboughtservices, throughtheWha¯nauOracontract, fromAhMauSportsandWellbeing Consultancy,ownedandcontrolled byRoseandLeesonAhMau,the daughterandson-in-lawofSorensen.

HarcourtsNewmarket,butwasnot workingforHarcourtsatthetimeof theoffending. Toitu¯TeWhenuaLandInformationNewZealand(Linz)saidinastatementissuedonWednesdaythatthe courtorderedthecoupletopaypenaltiesforbreachingtheOverseasInvestmentActbyacquiringproperties asassociatesofoverseaspersons:one inChina,theotherinHongKong. “FollowingaLinzinvestigation,it

“Thepenaltiessofaramountto nearly$1m,withafurtherpenalties hearingnextyearforpropertiesthat havenotyetbeensold,”astatement fromLinzsaid. Thecoupleadmittedwrongdoing andhavebeenorderedtosellthepropertiesthatwereacquiredwithout consent. In2019,Ouyangboughtaunitin Graftoninherownnamewhileher motherLipingOuyangofChina agreedtocontributethetotalpurchasepricetobuytheproperty. Ouyangandherhusbandagreedto paythecostofrecladdingthepropertyandoncethatwasdone,they wouldeitherrentorselltheproperty, withtheprofitssplitbetweenthe motheranddaughter. Ouyangstillownstheproperty. Underthelaw,Ouyangwasconsideredtobeanassociateofaforeign buyerbutnoapplicationwasmade forconsenttobuytheAuckland apartment. ThemotherlivesinShanghai. Inearly2019,XieofNewZealand andLingNgaiLokofHongKong agreedtheywouldpurchasepropertiesinNewZealandtoundertakeresidentialdevelopment. Xiewouldpurchasetheproperties throughacompanyofwhichhe wouldbethesoleshareholderand directorwithLokcontributing60% andXie40%ofthefundsforthedevelopment. Profitswouldbesharedevenly. InOctober2019,thepairagreedto purchaseapropertyinStJohns,Auckland. ItwasinitiallyboughtbyacompanysetupbyXiecalledNewLife Groupandthenacquiredbyanother companycalledHermosaCasa,also setupbyXie.

Lokcontributed$416,000tothe purchasepriceoftheStJohnspropertyandOuyang’smotherputin $597,700withthebalanceofthe fundscomingfromabankloanguaranteedbyXie. ThepropertywassoldinJanuary 2022for$3.5million. Asecondpropertywasboughtin MissionBayinOctober2019byNew LifeGroupandthentransferredto BellaCasa—anothercompanysetup byXie. Thistime,Lokcontributed $540,000tothepurchasepricewith therestofthefundscomingfroma loanguaranteedbyXie. BellaCasastillownstheMission Baypropertyandiscloseto completingaresidentialdevelopmentthere,thecourtdecisionsaid. ToavoidtriggeringtheOverseas InvestmentAct,Xieandhispartner usedcompaniesthatconcealedthe overseasbuyer’sinvolvement. Ouyangknewfromhertraining andexperienceasarealestateagent thattheOverseasInvestmentActrestrictedtheabilityofoverseas

personstoinvestinsensitivelandin NewZealandandthattheacthad beenamendedtoimposeadditional restrictionsonoverseaspersonspurchasingresidentialproperty,thedecisionsaid. Ouyangwasgivencreditforadmittingliability. Xie’scounselsaidthattheman’s knowledgeandunderstandingofthe lawwasproblematicandarguedthat shouldbeviewedasmitigatinghis breachesofthelaw. YetthedecisionsaidXiedeliberatelyconcealedLok’sinvolvement. “Whenapplyingforthebankloan topurchasethe...property,MrXie falsifiedbankstatementstosupport hisstatementofincomeandhefalsely toldhissolicitorsthatthesourceof fundsforthepurchasewaspersonal familyfundsandthebankloan,”the decisionfromJusticeJames MacGillivraysaid. XieandLokdecidedthatLok wouldnotbeashareholderinthe companiesbecauseXiebelievedthis wouldtriggerOverseasInvestment Office“procedures”.

HermosaCasawasfined$709,100, Xiewasfined$157,500,Ouyang $67,500andNewLife$37,500,the penaltiestotalling$971,600. ApenaltyhearingrelatingtoBella

AtOneRoof,weknowKiwislovetheirhomesforallkindsofreasons. Itcouldbetheview.Orthespace.Orbecauseit’sbeenthesceneofso manymagicmoments.Orbecausethekidsareoverthemoonaboutit. Whateveryou’relookingforinyournewhome,you’llfinditatOneRoof. Withthousandsofpropertylistingsrightacrossthecountry, there’ssuretobeonetogiveyourheartto.

MaryHolm

Youdon’thavetorely onyourpiggybank forever.Itispossibleto getabankaccount withouthavingan address. Photo/123rf

Q:Idon’thaveanymillion-dollar properties,sothisisprobably outsideyourusualareaof expertise.Afewyearsago,Iwas kickedoutofmyrentalbecause thelandlordwanteditforfamily.I couldn’taffordanotherrentalsoI havebeenfunctionallyhomeless sincethen,mostlybetweencouchsurfingandtemporaryrooms.

Iwasworkingandsavingfor stablehousingbutnowIamlosing myjob.Sonofixedaddress.How doIopenabankaccount?

A:Firstly,Iwelcomeyour question.Iheartoooftenfromwelloffreaders—andtoolittlefrom others.

You’vehithardtimes—madeeven harderifyoucan’topenabank account.Butthere’sasolution.

“Peoplewithoutafixedaddress canstillopenabankaccount, althoughtheprocesscanbeabit morechallenging,”aReserveBank spokeswomansays.

“Banksarerequiredtocomply withKnowYourCustomer(KYC) obligations,whichmeansverifyinga person’sidentityandtheiraddress. Wheresomeonedoesn’thavea permanenthome,thereshouldbe alternativeoptionsforbankstoverify atemporaryaddress.Forexample,a bankmayacceptatemporaryaddress oraletterfromatrusted organisation,suchasahousing provideroracommunitysupport agency,tomeetaddressverification requirements.”

Asafirststep,contactyourlocal CitizensAdviceBureau(CAB)—see cab.org.nz,orafinancialmentoring service,whichyoucanaccess throughmoneytalks.co.nz.Bothoffer freeservices.

“Theseorganisationscanhelp peopletogetaccesstoabank account,suchashelpingpeopletoget IDoraproofofaddressletter,”the ReserveBank(RBNZ)spokeswoman says. Anothersuggestionistocontact Westpac,whichhasstarteda“basic bankaccount,”designedforpeople inyoursortofsituation. Meanwhile,thebroaderissueis beingaddressed.“AttheReserve Bank,weareworkingwithbanksand regulatorstomakeaccesstoaccounts easier.TheCouncilofFinancial Regulatorswillpublishdecisionslater thisyearonoptionstoenable everyonetoaccesssimpletransaction accounts,”thespokeswomansays.

“Finally,[the]RBNZsupports effortstoremovebarriersto accessingbasicbankingservices throughreformstoAML/CFT requirementsbeingledbythe MinistryofJustice.” Youwrotetomesometimeback.I dohopeyouhavefoundajobanda homeinthemeantime.

Scamwarning Q:OnInstagram,Iwassentan advertisementthathadyour name,invitingmetojoinfor 100-dayfreeadviceonshare investments. MysonandIdecidedtojoin, relyingonyoursafehands reputation.Wehavebecome increasinglyconcerneditisa scam.Ihavenotgiventhemmy bankaccountdetailsbuttheyare askingforthem,onthebasisthey wanttoprovidemecompensation forasharetradeloss. Iwantedtoletyouknowincase thisisn’tyou,asnumerousothers mayhavejoinedonthebasisof yourname.Ifitisyou,thenplease alsoletmeknow?

A:It’sascam!Irepliedtoyouright awaybut,withyourpermission,I’m runningyouremailhereincase othersarecaughtupinthis. Thisscamfirstemergedon

Howtoopenanaccount withoutafixedaddress

FacebookandInstagraminmidAugust.IranawarninginmyAugust 23columnandonmywebsite,and the WeekendHerald rananarticle aboutit.Butclearlyyouandothers didn’tgetthemessage.It’sworrying. Myfirstquestiontoyouwas whetheryouhadsentthemany money.Yourreply:“Notdirectly,I havemyownHatchaccount.I investedinthreesharesthatthey recommended.Oneofthemlost moneyonFridayandtheywantedmy bankaccounttogiveme ‘compensation’ontheshareloss. That’swhenIbecamesuspicious.” Phew!Ihopenobodyelsehassent themmoneyorbankaccountdetails. Anyonewhohasshouldcontacttheir bankimmediatelyandalsocontact Netsafeorownyouronline.govt.nz. It’sinterestingthatthecrooksare offeringtogiveyoumoney,rather thantakingitfromyou.Theymight evenliveuptotheiroffer,acleverway toincreaseyourtrustinthem—andto obtainyourbankdetails. Ifyoucontinued,somewhere alongthelineyouwouldbesureto givethemwaymoremoneythanthey evergaveyou.Andthat’sthelast you’dseeofit. Incaseanythinglikethisemerges again:Iwillneverbeinvolvedinany schemeofthiskind.Iearnalivingasa freelancejournalist,givingtalks, writingbooksandsittingonafew non-profitboards.That’sall. Bytheway,Inotethatyouarea professionalpersonandclearlyan accomplishedone.Anybodycanget caughtupinascam!

Gettingaggressive Q:Wehaveamortgage-freehome andmysalaryis$135,000.I’mnot surewhattodowithsavings comingeverymonth. IamchangingmyKiwiSaver from3%to10%sinceIhave

noticedtheaggressivefundis increasingthebalancevery aggressively,whichIhaven’t noticedinthepast. Ijustchecked.Imovedtothat fundonMay18,soinfourmonths, $182,000hasgrownto$203,000, whichisunbelievable.Itdoesnot makesensetoputmoneyinthe bank.ThisistheonlyreasonIam movingto10%from3%.

Iknowtheriskassociated,butI amsureinthenext20yearsitwill workout.Iwon’tneedthisextra money,evenifIamgoingtobe stuckforthenext18years,butwill haveagoodreturn,Iamguessing. IhopeIdidokaybynotputting themoneyinaterminvestment, whichdoesnotpaymuch.Ithink thiswillpayouthandsomelywhen Iwithdrawat65.Iwillchangeto conservativeandbalancedfunds (lessrisky)afterI’m60to62.

Thereasoningbehindgoing withbigbankKiwiSaverrather thananyNZ-basedprovideristhat theyarealreadymanagingmy shareportfolio,sowhytakeextra riskandpayextrafees?

Beinganaccountant,Ican workoutthemathsbehindthis increaseandjustwantedtoshare withyouthisunusualreturn.

PS:Ijusthopetheworldwon’t crashandtheseinvestmentswill benothingafterthatmanyyears.

A:Picturethis:Your$203,000 balancehasdroppedto$100,000.

YouraggressiveKiwiSaverfund willalmostcertainlybelargely investedinshares.Andwhileit’srare, sharemarketindexeshavehalvedat timesoverthedecades.Sometimes it’stakenseveralyearstogetbackto whereyouwere.Willyoustickwith yourinvestmentwhenitplunges?

Youseemtoticktheboxesfor abilitytoweatherastorm: •Youhaveamortgage-freehome

andpresumablynootherdebt.

•Youearnplentyanditsoundsas ifyouhaveothersavingsforan emergency,suchasajobloss.

•Youseemtobedeterminedto stickwithyouraggressivefund throughthickandthin,overatleast10 years—andinyourcaseitsoundslike 20years.

•Youplantomovethemoneyto lower-riskfundsasyouapproachthe timetospendit—althoughthere’sno needtomoveitallinyourearly60s. It’sagoodideatoleavethemoneyyou plantospendlaterinyourretirement inhigher-risk.

Whilethestateoftheworldis worryingthesedays,we’vebeen therebeforeandoverthelongterm, sharevalueshavealwaysfluctuated buttrendedupwards.

You’requiterightthatreturnshave beenextraordinaryrecently—and wayaheadofbank-depositinterest. BoththeNewZealandandworld shareindexesflounderedearlyinthe year,droppingtolowsinAprilafter USPresidentDonaldTrump announcedaggressivetariffs.

Butsincethen,theyhave rebounded.TheS&PNZX50share indexhasgrown14%justsinceApril andtheMSCIworldindexhasgrown anastonishing32%.Youmissedabout halfthegainsbystartinginMay,but stillyou’vedonereallywell.

OnkeepingyourKiwiSaverwith yourbank,Idon’tthinkthat’s necessary.Theirschemestendtobe lacklustre.Andyouwon’tpayextra feeselsewhere.Infact,inseverallowfeeproviders,you’llprobablypay considerablyless.

Yes,butnotforpayingrates

Q:Ihaverecentlyfinishedwork, havingreached65,andI’mstill comingtogripswiththenew realityoftime-rich,incomelimited.Innatelyfiscally

conservative,Ihaveourmain familysavingsintermdeposits.

However,withregular, immediatelyaccessiblebank accountsyieldingnotmuch,I’m beingadvisedbysomefamily memberstoput$150,000back intomyKiwiSaveraccountina balanced(ratherthangrowth) fundandusethisaccountfor thingslikerates,occasional holidays,possibleemergencies etc.

Whileyouneverknowwhat’s roundthecorner,theideaofusing abalancedfundasaninvestment butalsoasanemergencyfund seemslikequiteagoodidea.Just wonderingwhatyouthink?

A:It’sagoodideatomovesomeof yoursavingstoaKiwiSaverbalanced fund.ButIwouldn’tusethatmoney forratesoremergenciesorholidays— unlesstheholidaysareseveralyears away.

Balancedfundstypicallyinvest roughlyhalftheirmoneyinshares andmostoftherestinbonds.Shares arevolatile,asdiscussedabove.And bondreturnscanbevolatiletoo,with downturnswheninterestratesrise becauseolderbonds,issuedatlower interestrates,losevalue.

It’snogreatsurprise,then,thatin twoofthelast10years,balanced KiwiSaverfundsrecordedsmall losses.IntheyearendingMarch 2020,intheCoviddownturn,the averagereturnafterfeesandtaxwas -0.9%.AndintheyearendingMarch 2023,itwas-2.6%.

ButIdon’twanttoscareyouoff!In 2024,theaveragereturnwas10.7%. Andin2021,itwasahuge17.4%.In severalotheryears,itwasmorethan 5%.Anddon’tforget,when comparingthiswithtermdeposits, thatthesereturnsareafterfeesand tax.Overtime,youwillalmost certainlygethigheraveragereturns

thaninthebank. Thewaytocopewiththeupsand downsistoplantospendthe balanced-fundmoneyinroughly threeto10years.Yourshort-term spendingmoney—forrates, emergencies,food,power,transport andsoon,plushopefullysomefun— isbestleftintermdepositsandbank accounts.

Everyyearorso,movesome moneyfromyourbalancedfundto thebank,tokeepaboutthreeyearsof spendingmoneyincash.Beabit flexible.Ifthebalancedfund’s balancehasfallenlately,youcould delaythemoveforawhile.Andifit’s donewelllately,youcouldmoveabit morethanusual. Ihopeyoudouseabalancedfund. Itcouldwellmeanthatyou’reableto havemorethanoccasionalholidays. Nogaragetap Q:Amentotheadviceyouhave givenrecentlyaboutnotinvesting inrentalpropertyinyour retirement,butusingthemoney tospend.

FordecadesintheUS,webuilt upasizeableretirementaccount undertheguidanceofafinancial planner.Over30yearsnow,we areveryconfidentoftheadvicewe get.Weareinourearly70s.Our investmentsarewidelydiversified andincreasinglyconservative.We investedsomemoneyinproperty inNewZealand,butwenever enjoyedbeinglandlords.Inmore recentyears,largeincreasesin rates,insurance,maintenanceand managementhavewipedoutany return. Moreover,thereisn’tatapon thegaragewallfromwhichto siphonoff$10,000foratrip overseas.AwareofKiwi dependenceoninvestingin houses,ourUSadviserseesalikely structuralchangeinthemarket. Shesuggestsit’snotwiseinthe neartermtoexpectgreatreturns fromnewinvestment. Weallagreethatwebought propertytosaveforafuturethat hasnowarrivedforus. It’stimetousetermdepositsto parkcashandtostartspending ourpropertygainstodate.Weare. Whilewecan.

A:Goodonyou—or,astheysayin America,goodforyou! I’mnotsureaUSadviserwouldbe thefirstpersonIwouldturntofor adviceontheNewZealandproperty market.Butmanyretiredlandlords findthatthehasslesandexpenses— sometimesunexpected—are somethingtheycandowithout.They havebetterthingstodowiththe money.

Whynot?

Q:Regardinglastweek’slate-70s coupleseekingtoincreasetheir disposableincome,whydidn’t yousuggestthattheyrentouttheir under-usedholidayhomeforpart oftheyear?Isthereanyreason whythiswouldn’tbeaviable optionforthem?

A:Rentingouttheholidayhome would,ofcourse,beonewaytofree upsomecash—albeitmuchlessthan iftheysoldtheproperty.Butseethe aboveQ&A.

Still,itmightbeworthitforpeople wantingtokeeptheplaceforchildren toinherit,orsimplybecausetheylove togothere.Lastweek’s correspondentsmadenomentionof eitherofthoseissues.

● MaryHolm,ONZM,isafreelance journalist,aseminarpresenteranda bestsellingauthoronpersonal finance.SheisadirectorofFinancial ServicesComplaintsLtd(FSCL)and aformerdirectoroftheFinancial MarketsAuthority.Heropinionsdo notreflectthepositionofany organisationinwhichsheholdsoffice. Mary’sadviceisofageneralnature, andsheisnotresponsibleforanyloss thatanyreadermaysufferfrom followingit.Sendquestionsto mary@maryholm.com.Lettersshould notexceed200words.Wewon’t publishyourname.Pleaseprovidea (preferablydaytime)phonenumber. Unfortunately,Marycannotanswerall questions,corresponddirectlywith readers,orgivefinancialadvice.

Northland,CoromandelandBayof PlentyinAugust. Butthatrose21%to1032last month,whichmanagingdirector PeterThompsonhasattributedto “thespringbuyingseason”. However,medianpricesfell $20,000from$950,000inAugustto $930,000lastmonth. It’sabigdropcomparedtowhat washappeningthreeyearsago. Barfoot&Thompsonrecordedits highestmedianpriceforthe Auckland-dominatedmarketat$1.24 millionintheheadypost-pandemic daysofNovember2021. Sothelatestmedianlastmonthof $930,000is25%belowthat. Unsoldstockvolumesremainelevated:latelastdecade,theagency onlyhadabout2500to3000listings duringanyonemonth. Butthroughoutthisyear,listings haveremainedcontinuallyelevated, inthehigh5000stoearly6000s. Unsoldlistingshitahighof6268 unsoldpropertiesinMarchthisyear. Thatwasan11-yearrecord. Forexample,inMarch2014,only 3570unsoldpropertieswereonthe agency’sbooks,sounsoldstockrose 75%. September’sBarfoot&Thompson medianpricedrophasprompted someinthesectortosaythatit reflectsvendorsgettingmorerealistic intheirexpectations. Thompsonsaid:“It’sagreatstart tothespringbuyingseason”. Newlistingsrosefrom1622in Marchto1781lastmonth. Somorevendorsarechoosingthat agencytolisttheirhomeswith. Barfoot&Thompsonhas88offices inNorthland,Auckland,Tauranga andWhangamata¯. Ithas2800contractors,employees,frontlineandsupportcentre staff.

PukekoheWoolworths appealinginvestment

Supermarketshaveprovenoneof themostattractiveassetclasses forinvestorsthisyearandthe opportunitytopurchaseWoolworthsPukekoheCentralgives buyersachancetosecureafootholdinthissought-aftersector. Locatedonahigh-profilesite onthecornerofTobinand Seddonstreets,thisWoolworths has3889sqmoftotalnetlettable areaona7828sqmlandholding andwasrecentlyrefurbishedwith significantcapitalexpenditureby thevendors. Thetenancyspansmultiple titlesacross8TobinStand15and 41SeddonStandincludes93 carparks.

GeneralDistributorsLtd,a subsidiaryofWoolworthsNZ,has a12-yearleaseatthepropertythat runsuntil30June2032.Thereare fourrightsofrenewalforsixyears eachleadingtoafinalexpiryin June2056. Thenetannualrentalincome is$1,295,000plusGSTwhilethere isa5percentfixedincreasesetfor 2029followedbythree-yearly marketrentreviews,providing built-inrentalgrowth. Includedinthisofferingisan additionalbuildingattheadjoining17SeddonStthatishometoa retailstore.Themonth-to-month tenancyprovides$33,583plus GSTinnetannualrentalincome.

Thissiteprovidesbuyerswith afuturevalue-addopportunity throughnegotiatingalong-term leasewiththeexistingtenant, findinganewoccupantorrepositioningitsusage.

Thefreeholdproperty,located intheheartofPukekohe’srapidly changingCBD,iszonedBusiness —TownCentreunderAuckland’s UnitaryPlan.

ColliersdirectorsBlair Peterken,PeterHerdsonand DuncanBellaremarketingthe propertyviadeadlineprivate treaty,closing4pm,Thursday October30,unlesssoldprior.

TherecentlyrefurbishedWoolworthsPukekoheCentralsupermarketat8TobinSt,15and41SeddonSt,withanadditionalbuildingat17SeddonSt.

Peterken,directorofcapital marketsatColliers,saysthe vendor’srecentrefurbishment includesanewroof,whilethe tenanthascompletedaninternal modernisationofthefacility,

BlairPeterken

includingfullreplacementofthe refrigerationplantandthe additionofadedicatedclickand collectarea.

“TheWoolworthsisinexcellentconditionandtherecent workhasbeencompletedtoa highstandard.Thetenant remainsresponsibleforamajor-

ityoftheoperatingcosts,whichis rareforasupermarketoffering.

“Thisisanoutstandingchance toacquireasupermarketinvestmentthatisunderpinnedbya netleasewithfixedgrowthand furthermarketreviews.”

Herdson,nationaldirectorof capitalmarketsatColliers,says supermarketshaveappealing underlyinginvestmentfundamentalsthathaveseeninvestors drawntothem.

“Supermarketsprovidetheir investorswithestablishedtenants thatarehouseholdnamesacross NewZealand.Theseassetsare oftenstrategicallylocatedand benefitfrombeingabletotrade throughallconditions.

“Asinterestrateshavefallen thisyear,termdepositshave becomelessfavourablefor investorswhoareseekingbetter returnsontheircapital.Inturn, supermarketshaveprovenpopularandarealsobringingnew investorsintothemarket,” Herdsonsays.

“Thesubjectpropertyisa primeexampleofalowmaintenancepassiveinvestment thatprovidesasteadyrental stream.”

Bell,directorofinvestment salesatColliers,saysPukekoheis agrowingtownwithnumerous residentialdevelopmentsin recentyearsthathaveattracted morepeopletothearea.

“Datafromthe2023Census notesPukekohehadapopulation ofjustover27,000people,while thewiderFranklinLocalBoard area’spopulationgrowthhas outpacedthenationalfigurefor thepast10yearsaccordingto Infometrics.

“ProjectionsfromAuckland Councilsuggestthepopulationof Pukekohewillgrowtoover 50,000peopleby2050.

“Thisgrowthwillstrengthen demandforessentialservices suchassupermarkets,making thisahighlycompellingpurchasingopportunitythatwillpiquethe interestofbuyers,”Bellpoints out. —SuppliedbyColliers

Auckland’scommercialproperty marketcouldbethebigwinnerifthe Government’sproposedchangesto seismicrulesforbuildingsaremade intolaw.

OnMonday,theGovernment confirmedtheoutcomesofitsreview intoearthquake-pronebuildingsand seismicriskmanagement.

Theproposedchanges, announcedbyBuildingand ConstructionMinisterChrisPenk, includethedisestablishmentofthe NewBuildingStandard(NBS)system thatwillbereplacedbythe earthquake-pronebuilding(EPB) system.TheEPBwillfocuson buildingsthatposegenuineriskto humanlifeinmediumandhigh seismiczones.

Buildingsthatfallintothis categoryincludeconcretebuildings ofthreestoreysormoreandthose constructedwithunreinforced masonry. Seismiczoneswillbeupdated andallearthquake-pronebuildingsin lowseismiczones–Auckland, NorthlandandtheChathamIslands –willhavetheircurrentstatus removed.

Thereareabout5800 earthquake-pronebuildingsacross thecountryontheexistingregister. Thechangeswouldremovearound 55percent(approximately2900)of currentearthquake-pronebuildings. About1440willfacemorecosteffectiveremediationrequirements and840willrequirenoworkatall.

TheEPBsystemchangeswillbe enactedthroughtheBuilding (Earthquake-proneBuildingSystem Reform)AmendmentBillthatisset togothroughtheSelectCommittee processandwillincludepublic consultation.TheGovernmenthas signalleditsintentiontopassitinto lawbeforethe2026election.

Labour’sleaderChrisHipkins expressedbroadsupportforthe changesbutwantstoseetheadvice

providedtotheGovernmentonthe decisiontoremoveAuckland, NorthlandandtheChathamIslands beforepassingjudgement.

DavidBurley,Aucklanddirector ofinvestmentsalesatColliers,saysif thebillispassed,theremovalof AucklandfromtheEPBsystemwill createopportunitiesforlandlords andbuildingownersacrossthecity.

“Therewillbeconsiderable investmentinterestamong prospectivebuyersandweknow therewillbesizeabledropsindue diligencecoststhatwillbeattractive forinvestors,”Burleysays.

“Asignificantbarrierthatcouldbe removedisaroundfinancingas investorshavestruggledtosecure capitaltopurchasepropertiesthat werenotassessedat67percentor aboveoftheNBSsystem.

“Speakingwithclientsthisweek, theyhaveexpressedenthusiasm abouttheproposedchangesand believetheycoulddrivegreater activityandprovidemoreliquidityto thecommercialpropertymarketin Auckland.”

RobBird,nationaldirectorof officeleasingatColliers,saysone specificareaofthemarketthatcould benefitfromtheseproposed changesistheB-gradeofficesector.

“Vacancyrateshaverisento approximately21percentfor B-gradeofficespaceinAuckland CBDwithtenantssearchingfora qualitypremisesandlandlordsbeing hamstrungbythehighcostof remedialworks,whichhasmuted investmentintheseassets.”

HamishFitchett,nationaldirector ofresearch&economicsatColliers, saysthepotentialremovalofhigh remediationcoststhatwerehanging overlandlordswithlowlyrated buildingsundertheNBSregime couldunlocknewinvestment opportunitiessuchasenhanced fit-outs.

—SuppliedbyColliers

Waterfronttrophyrisesafter40years

Acommercialcomplexonahigh-profile cornerinAuckland’spremierbeachside communityisbeingofferedtothemarket forthefirsttimeinnearlyfourdecades.

Thepropertyprovidesatrophy investmentopportunityforinvestors, occupiersandthoseeyeingitslong-term developmentcredentials,Bayleysbrokers say.

BayleysAucklandMetrodirectorJames Were,togetherwithJamesChan,is marketingthefreeholdsiteat1-11StHeliers BayRdbyinternationaltender,closing4pm, WednesdayOctober22,unlesssoldprior.

Gymsiteworks outforinvestors

Units12and16at170WairauRd,onalongleasetotheCityFitnessnationalgymchain. AcommercialpremisesinWairauValleyon Auckland’sNorthShoretenantedbya nationallyrecognisedgymchainisbeing presentedtothemarket,offeringbuyers theopportunitytopurchaseahigh-quality passiveinvestment.

Units12and16at170WairauRdoffer 1530sqmofnetlettablearea,whichisleased toCityFitnessonanagreementthatruns until2032andincludesfurtherrightsof renewalto2046.

Thetotalnetannualrentalincomefrom thepropertyis$455,146plusGSTand operatingexpenses.Built-inannualCPI rentalgrowthandfuturemarketreviews providefurtherappealforbuyers.

SittingprominentlyintheWairauJunctionRetailCentre,thestratuminfreehold propertybenefitsfromconsiderablevisibilityandstreetpresenceandisexposedto over30,000vehiclesdaily.

NeighbouringtenantsincludeCoffee Club,Nando’sandMayfieldSportshouse. Thereareapproximately150carparks withinthebroaderdevelopment,aswellas multipleaccesspoints,offeringconvenience forcustomers.

ThepropertyiszonedBusiness–Light IndustryundertheAucklandUnitaryPlan.

ColliersdirectorsShoneetChandand MattPrenticearemarketingthepropertyvia deadlineprivatetreaty,closing4pm, WednesdayOctober30,unlesssoldprior.

Chandsaysthisisalong-termbottomdrawerinvestmentopportunitythat warrantsseriousconsiderationfrom discerningbuyers.

“Withalengthyleaseinplacetoawell-

establishedtenant,thisisaninvestmentthat willcatchtheattentionofpurchaserswho areseekingaqualityassetunderpinnedbya strongtenantcovenant.

“Thereareattractiveleasetermsonoffer, includingyearlyCPIincreasesandmarket rentreviewsthattakeplaceeverysixyears withthenextoneduein2028.

“CityFitnessGroupLtdoperatesmore than60centresacrossNewZealandandhas apresenceinallmajormarketsaroundthe country.”

WairauValleyisoneoftheNorthShore’s mostpopularretailhubsandishometoa collectionofhigh-profilebrandssuchas RebelSport,NoelLeemingandHarvey Norman.Therearealsoimportantamenities suchassupermarketsandservicestations nearthisproperty.

PrenticesaystheWairauValleycommercialprecinctisadynamicareasurrounded bygrowingresidentialcatchmentsand iseasilyaccessiblefromtheNorthern Motorway.

“TheTristramAveinterchangeprovides excellentaccesstoWairauValleyandthe broadmixofretailandcommercialbusinessesintheareamakesitapopularlocation forshopping.There’salsoawidearrayof foodandhospitalityoptions.

“Propertieslikethisonearebecoming moresought-afterbyinvestorswhoare seekingstableinvestmentopportunities withstrongfundamentalsandthisoffering willprovidethenewownerwithasteady rentalstreamfromawell-knownbusiness withanationwidepresence.”

—SuppliedbyColliers

Weresaysthepropertyoccupiesa commanding635sqmcornersitewith51m offrontagetoTamakiDriveandStHeliers BayRd.

Improvementsincludetwolow-rise commercialbuildingswithacombinedfloor areaofapproximately671sqm,supported bysixon-sitecarparks.

“ProminentlylocatedoppositeStHeliers BayBeach,theassetenjoysunobstructed seaviewsandexposuretooneof Auckland’smostaffluentresidential catchments.

“ThesiteiszonedBusiness–Local Centre,enablingawidemixofretail, commercialandmixed-useactivities,while alsoprovidingaplatformforfuture intensificationinlinewithAuckland’s planningframework.”

Thecomplexis100percentleasedtoa diversifiedmixofseventenantsacross hospitality,retailandprofessionalservices. Occupiersincludelong-establishedbrands suchasindependentoptometrypractice

MortimerHirst,manufacturingjeweller SandersJewellers,andthestorefrontfor localwomensweardesignerVergeClothing, alongsideboutiqueretailandprofessional serviceproviders.

Weresaysthistenantmixreflectsboth thelocalcommunity’swell-heeledprofile andsteadyyear-rounddemandfor

convenience,lifestyleanddiningamenity. Togetherthetenanciesgenerateanet annualincomeofapproximately$466,387 plusGSTandoutgoings,supportedby staggeredleaseexpiriesandrenewal options.

BayleysAsianMarketsdirectorJames ChansaysStHeliersBayVillageisoneof

Auckland’smostestablishedanddesirable waterfrontdestinations,combining communityamenitywithenduring investmentfundamentals.

“Waterfrontretailstripsaretightlyheld, andrarelydoesanopportunityofthis calibreariseinalocationwithsuch establishedlong-termdrivers.

“Themixofloyallocalpatronageand highvisitortrafficprovidesoccupierswitha uniqueadvantage,underpinnedbythe strengthandpopulationgrowthin surroundingsuburbsMissionBay, Kohimarama,Ora¯keiandMeadowbank.” ChannotesthatAuckland’splanning frameworkanddemographictrends continuetosupporthigher-valueoutcomes.

“Business–LocalCentrezoningis specificallydesignedtoserviceestablished residentialareaswithretail,commercial, andfoodandbeverageactivity.Ashousing intensificationpoliciestakeeffect,these centresarepositionedtoabsorbgreater demandanddeliverstrongereconomic outcomesforinvestorsanddevelopers.

“Withitscombinationofsecureincome, long-standingtenantrelationships,and strategiczoning,thepropertyoffers immediatestabilitywithlonger-term developmentpotential.It’sagenerational chancetosecureakeystoneholdinginone ofAuckland’smosttightlyheldwaterfront markets.

“Buyerscancollectstrongrentalincome todaywhileplanningforalandmarkproject thatcouldredefinethevillagecentrein yearstocome.”

—SuppliedbyBayleys

Albanyofficeunitoffersflexibility,location

Awell-appointedfirst-flooroffice unitinAlbany’scommercialheartis forsale,offering125sqmofadaptable workspacesuitedtoarangeofbusinessuses.

DaveLaneofNAIHarcourts,who ismarketing62-64PaulMatthewsRd, Rosedale,saysthepropertypresents arareopportunityforowneroccupiersorinvestorstosecurea versatilebaseinoneofAuckland’s fastest-growingbusinessprecincts.

“Thesmartlayoutincludesfour glass-partitionedofficesalongsidea generousopen-planarea,providing flexibilityforprofessionalservices, SMEsorthoseseekingahigh-quality investment.

“Fullyair-conditionedand

equippedwithLEDlightinganda modernalarmsystem,thenorthfacingendunitbenefitsfromexcellentnaturallightandacomfortable workingenvironment.”

Lanesaysaccessibilityisakey advantage.Thepropertyincludes fourdedicatedcarparksontitle,with additionalparkingavailablenearby atlowdailyrates.

Situatedinawell-maintained complex,theofficeenjoysproximity totheAlbanyMegaCentre,offeringa widerangeofretail,diningandentertainmentoptions.

EasyaccesstotheNorthern Motorway(SH1)andConstellation Drivepark-and-rideensuresseamlesscommutingacrossAuckland.

“Albany’svibrantcommercial ecosystemcontinuestoattracta diverseworkforcefromsurrounding suburbsincludingRosedale,SchnapperRockandFairviewHeights.

“Regularbusservicesand ongoinginfrastructureinvestment furtherenhancethearea’sappeal,” Lanesays.

“Withnumerousresidentialand commercialdevelopmentsunder way,Albany’sgrowthtrajectory supportslong-termbusinessexpansionandinvestment.”

Thedeadlineforofferscloses 4pm,ThursdayOctober16,unless soldprior.Offersbeforethedeadline areencouraged.

—SuppliedbyNAIHarcourts

Bunnings,Mitre10andPakNSave.

Manukauportfoliopoised toreshapesouth’sfuture

Arareopportunitytoacquirefour freeholddevelopmentsitesinthe

heartofSouthAuckland’spremier growthhubisbeingofferedtothe market,withBayleysbrokers positioningtheportfolioasaplatform tohelpshapethenextgenerationof Manukau’surbancentre.

Bayleysdevelopmentlandsales directorGeraldRundleandsenior directorofcapitalmarketsJason Seymour,togetherwithcolleague SunilBhana,aremarketingthe combined1.84haManukauCity Centreportfoliowithexpressionsof interestclosing4pm,Tuesday November4.

Theportfolioincludes: ■ 10PutneyWay: ahigh-profile 1430sqmcornersite,directlybeside theManukauBusStation,withpotentialforlandmarkresidentialormixedusedevelopment.

■ 33ManukauStationRd: A 5569sqmsitewiththreeaccesspoints adjacenttoManukau’skeytransport interchange,suitedtolarge-scale

combinedwithsignificantinfrastructureandpublicamenityinvestment,includingfromcentralgovernment,hasrecasttheareaasatrue metropolitanhub;aplacetolive, work,learnandconnect.

AtthecentreofManukau’stransporthub,thesitessitalongsidethe Manukaubusandtrainstations,with priorityaccesstoSH1andSH20, connectingtheAucklandcitycentre, airportandwiderregion.

3/38EaglehurstRd,Ellerslie,leasedtoblue-chiptenantMetlifecare. Ellerslieindustrial

10PutneyWay,9OsterleyWay,33and50ManukauStationRoad,Manukau.

mixed-useprojects. ■ 50ManukauStationRd: The largestparcelat9713sqmwithsubdivisionpotential,idealformulti-stage development.

■ 9OsterleyWay: A1753sqmsite oppositetheWestfieldManukau ShoppingCentre. AllsitesarezonedBusiness–Metro-

politanCentre,theAucklandUnitary Plan’shighest-intensitycommercial designation,whichsupportshigh-rise residential,office,retailandmixeduseoutcomes.

Rundlesaysthesalecomesata pivotalmomentinManukau’stransformation.“AucklandCouncil’s TransformManukauinitiative,

“Rarelydofreeholdparcelsofthis scaleandprominencebecomeavailableinsuchalocationwiththeflexibilitytodeliveroutcomesthatare bothcommerciallycompellingand city-shaping.Developerscanrespond toimmediatemarketdrivers–housingdemand,commercialgrowth, transportconnectivity–whilecontributingtothelong-termcityvision.”

TransformManukauisa20-year, 600haprogrammethathasdelivered revitalisedstreetscapes,upgraded publicservicesandnewresidential precincts,withfurtherinitiatives underway.

“Thecouncil’smaster-planaimsto createavibrantcivic,commercial andculturalhubsupportedbystrong transportlinksandagrowingpopulation,”Rundlesays.

Theassetsaresurroundedby majorcivicamenitiesandeducation providers,includingManukauInstituteofTechnology(MIT)andAUT SouthCampus,togetherwiththe WestfieldManukaushoppingcentre.

Seymoursaysthisconnectivity cementsManukau’sroleasAuckland’ssoutherncitycentre.“Transportconnectivity,underpinnedby unprecedentedlevelsofpublicand privateinvestment,hasfirmly positionedManukauasoneofNew Zealand’smostdynamicurban growthnodes.

“Fordevelopers,occupiers,and investors,thefundamentalshereare notjuststrongtoday;theyaresetto deepenoverthenextdecadeasregenerationmomentumaccelerates.” —SuppliedbyBayleys

Fourlevelsofopportunityinfast-growingGrafton

Aversatilefour-levelcommercial buildinginoneofAuckland’smost connectedcity-fringeprecinctsisfor sale,presentinginvestorsand occupierswithanopportunityto collectsecureincometodaywhile planningforoccupation,refurbishmentorredevelopmentinthefuture, Bayleysbrokerssay. BayleysAucklandMetroteamof PhilHaydock,AlanHaydockand DamienBullickaremarketingthe freeholdpropertyat60-62Grafton Rdbytender,closing4pm,Tuesday October28,unlesssoldprior. Themodern983sqmbuilding, supportedby33carparks,occupiesa 1389sqmfreeholdsitewithBusiness–MixedUsezoninganda27mheight overlay.

PhilHaydocksaysthepropertyis currentlyfullyleased,providinganet annualreturnof$348,568plusGST. Thereisconsiderablerentalupside potential,andwithstaggeredlease expiries,clearpathwaysforoccupiers anddevelopers.

Tenantsspanprofessionalservices andcorporates,offeringincome securityunderpinnedbyadiversified leaseprofile.

“FromDecember2025thetop floorwillbecomeavailable, unlockingimmediateoccupation potentialorthechancetoincrease therentalprofilebyinstallinganew tenant.

“Thepropertyisparticularly attractivegiventhescarcityofcentral Aucklandsitesofferingbothshort-

termincomecertaintyandlongertermstrategicpotential.Investorsare increasinglyseekingassetsthat provideincomeresiliencetoday whilegivingthemoptionstomorrow. Thispropertydeliversboth.”

AlanHaydocksaysthearea’s growthtrajectoryaddsweighttothe investmentcase.“GraftonisastrategiclinkbetweentheCBDandNewmarketwithongoinginfrastructure upgradesandpolicysettingsfavouringmixed-useintensification.

“Siteswithmixed-usezoning classificationandgenerousheight overlaysinthiscorridorare perenniallyindemand,withlongtermoccupierappetiteonly projectedtogrow.”

AnindustrialpropertyinEllerslie thatishometoablue-chiptenant withasix-yearleaseisbeing presentedtothemarket,offering buyerstheopportunitytoacquirean assetwithasteadyrentalstream.

3/38EaglehurstRdhas504sqm ofnetlettableareaandispartofa strategicallypositionedandwellmaintainedindustrialcomplex.

Metlifecarewillbeginitssix-year leaseonsettlementthatwillreturn $98,900plusGSTandoperating expensesannually.Thelease agreementincludesmarketreviews everythreeyearsandfixed3per centannualincreases.Thereare alsotworenewalsforthreeyears eachavailable.

Thepropertyincludesa functionalclearspanwarehouse thathasagenerousstudheight rangingfrom5.6mto6.6mand supportingofficespacespreadover twolevels.Thefit-outatthefacility hasbeencompletedtomeet Metlifecare’srequirements.

Thereareninededicated carparks,twostackedatthefrontof thepropertyandsevenattherear.

Thefacilitysitsonaprivatestreet andisashortdrivefromthekey arterialsofMainHighwayandGreat SouthRd.AucklandCBDisonly 10kmaway,whilenearbyindustrial hubsOnehunga,PenroseandMt Wellingtoncanberapidlyreached.

ThepropertyiszonedBusiness–LightIndustryundertheAuckland UnitaryPlan.

ColliersdirectorsBenCockram andJamesDickeyaremarketingthe

propertyviadeadlineprivatetreaty, closing4pm,WednesdayOctober 22,unlesssoldprior. Constructedinthelate1980s,the propertyoffersflexibilityforawide rangeofindustrialuses.Twofullheightrollerdoorsprovideefficient drive-throughaccess,whilenatural lightfloodsthespaceandis supplementedbymodernLED lightingfixedbeneathsteelpurlins. Thewarehouseisalsoequipped withthree-phasepower,supporting high-poweredindustrialoperations, andthepowerandgasfeedswere recentlyupgraded. OneofNewZealand’slargestand mostestablishedprovidersof retirementlivingandagedcare services,Metlifecarewasfoundedin 1984.Itusesthepropertyforitsoffsitecommerciallaundryservicefor itsnetworkofretirementvillages andresidentialagedcarehomes. Cockramsaysthiscompelling

willbeabletoenjoyasteadyrental returnthatwillgrowinthefuture throughanattractivemixtureof fixedannualincreasesandmarket reviews.”

DickeysaysEllersliehasalively localshoppingvillageandthe surroundingsuburbsofferan appealingcollectionofamenities. —SuppliedbyColliers

—SuppliedbyBayleys 79CarParksat26DurhamStreet,AucklandCentral ForSalebyDeadlinePrivateTreatyclosingWednesday29thOctober2025at4pm(unlesssoldprior)

79carparksavailableacross GroundFloorandLevel1

3%fixedannualgrowth, returning $502,917p.a+GST

Mid-citylocation,20metresfrom TeWaihorotiuCRLStation

NationaltenantanchorsTaurangalandmark

AlandmarkindustrialpropertyinTauranga, underpinnedbyalong-termleasetooneof NewZealand’smostestablishedtrade suppliers,presentsinvestorswithasecure andscalableopportunityinthecountry’s fastest-growingeconomicregion,Bayleys brokerssay. BayleyscapitalmarketsdirectorSunil Bhana,withcolleaguesBrendonBradley, MikeHoulkerandRyanBradley,ismarketingthe1.245hasiteat14BirchAvebydeadline,closing4pm,ThursdayOctober30, unlesssoldprior.

Thepropertyoccupiesastrategiccorner sitewithtriplestreetfrontageattheintersectionwithWaihiRd,sustainingasubstantialtradeandretailcentrewithwarehousing,officesandshowroomfacilities acrossthreebuildings.Itissupportedby

Goldenopportunitytoscaleup

7500sqmofconcreteyardandon-site parking. TheassetisfullyleasedtoCartersBuildingSupplies.Thelease,recentlyextendedto April2034withfurtherrenewaloptions through2046,returns$665,696netayear, plusGSTandoutgoings,withafixedannual rentalgrowthrateoftwopercent.

Bhanasaysthepropertyrepresentsa “returntofundamentals”opportunityfor investorsprioritisinglong-termincome security,strongtenantcovenantsandlocationswithenduringstrategicrelevance.

“Industrialinvestorshavesharpened theirfocusonsecureassetswithbrandnametenants,particularlywherescale, functionalityandunderlyinglandvalueconverge.

“CartersisamajorplayerinNewZea-

land’sconstructionsupplychain,andtheir presenceatBirchAveisreflectiveofthesite’s valuetothewiderBayofPlentytrade ecosystem.Forinvestors,thelocation, combinedwithcovenantstrengthandlease longevity,makesthisagenuinetrophyholding.” Benefittingfromaprimepositionin Judea’sindustrialprecinct,justminutes fromthePortofTauranga,SH2andthecity centre,thelocationisacorelogisticsand tradehub,hometonationallysignificant operatorsservicingtheBayofPlentyand GoldenTriangleeconomies.

BrendonBradleysaysTauranga’sprojectedpopulationgrowthofmorethaneight percentoverthenextthreeyears,coupled withsustainedinfrastructureinvestment andunrelentingindustrialdemand,is

drivingtightersupplyacrosstheprecinct andreinforcingthecaseforinvestmentin well-locatedlandholdings.

Theofferingcomesasthemarkethas shiftedfocustowardslow-volatilityassets, supportedbyanimprovingmacroeconomic outlook.

“IndustrialpropertyacrosstheGolden Trianglehotzoneremainsthecountry’s mostsought-after,benefittingfromitsroleas NewZealand’simport-exportanddistributionpowerhouse.

“Nationallyrecognisedbrandspresentin thisgrowthlocationcontinuetoattract strongcapitalflows.Formanyinvestors,this assettypealignswiththetwingoalsof incomestabilityandlong-termlandvalue appreciation.”

—SuppliedbyBayleys

RarecoastalcatchinMissionBay

1039sqmofversatileL-shapedspace,with

“Anadditionalupper-levelapartment, spanning260sqm,offersboardroom-scale spaces,afullcommercial-stylekitchenand additionalflexibilityforoccupiersseeking high-qualityancillaryfacilities.

“Thepropertyispresentlyvacant, presentingimmediateopportunitiesfor owner-occupierstoestablishthemselvesin Hamilton’skeyindustriallocation,orfor investorstoleverageanassessedrental incomeofapproximately$252,000netplus GSTandoutgoingsperannum.” Frankton’sstrategicpositioningwithin theGoldenTriangleunderpinsstrongand sustainedoccupierdemand. LuketenHovesaysWaikatohasbeena

clearbeneficiaryofstructuralshiftsinthe industrialmarket.Ascostsriseand availablelandtightensinAucklandand Tauranga,Hamiltonprovidesoccupierswith relativeaffordabilitywithoutcompromising onconnectivity.

“WithdirectaccesstoSH1,theWestern BypassandHamilton’sCBD,thissiteis exceptionallywell-placedforbusinesses servicingregionalandnationalmarkets.” —SuppliedbyBayleys

Aprimemixed-usewaterfront investmentinMissionBay’s villagecentreisbeingbroughtto marketforthefirsttimeinmore than25years,offeringinvestors ararechancetosecurean income-producingassetinone ofAuckland’smosttightlyheld seasideprecincts,Bayleys brokerssay.

BayleysAucklandMetro seniorbrokerKateKirby,with colleaguesStephenScottand JohnBayley,ismarketing53-57 TamakiDrivebytender,closing 4pm,ThursdayOctober20, unlesssoldprior.

Theofferingcomprisesa freehold809sqmsitezoned Business–LocalCentrewitha totallettableareaof1393sqm acrossfourlevels.

Itfeaturesfourestablishedrestaurantsat streetlevelandthefirstfloor,withfive apartments,includingagrandsix-bedroom penthousewithanaspecttotheWaitemata¯ Harbour.

installedinthreevacantapartments. Kirbysaysthestrengthofthetenancymix andthebalancebetweenresidentialand commercialincomeofferinvestorsdesirable portfolioresilienceandanopportunityto occupythemselves.

weightedmixofincomestreams thathelpsoffsetvolatility,while thequalityofoccupiersand strengthoflocaldemandaddto itsappeal.

“Additionally,thesite’s zoningallowsforbuildingsupto 16minheight(plusroofform), whichpresentsacompelling developmentplayinthefuture.

“Thelikesofinstitutionaland privateinvestorsareincreasinglydrawntoassetswhere immediateincomesecurityis balancedwithlong-termoptionality,”Kirbysays. “Thissiteisaquintessential example–itprovidesreliable cashflowtodaywiththe capacitytounlockfurthervalue throughintensificationinthe yearstocome.”

Thepropertygenerates$586,575plus GSTnetincomeannually,withpotentialto uplifttomorethan$828,000astenantsare

“Split-riskassetsinlifestylelocations suchasMissionBayaretightlyheldforgood reason.Thesubjectpropertyoffersa

Favourablezoningadds tosale/leaseopportunity

Anofficeandwarehousebuilding withfavourablezoninginStJohns, Auckland,isforsaleorleaseandwill appealtoawiderangeofbuyersor tenantsgiventhelong-termupsideon offer. Locatedat110-112FeltonMathew Ave,thelandholdingspans4221sqm andhas2071sqmofbuildingarea.

Thepropertyisavailablewith vacantpossessionandtheconfigurationofthetwo-baywarehousethat spans1732sqmmeansitcouldbe positionedforamulti-tenantarrangementorapotentialchangeofusein thefuture.

Thisfreeholdofferingiszoned Business–MixedUse.Thiszoneis designedforareasaroundpublic transportcorridorsandcentresto provideacompatiblemixofresidentialandprimarilysmaller-scalecommercialactivities.

Thereisarangeofpossiblebuildingheightsdependingonthecontext andprovisionstypicallyenable heightsuptofourstoreys. StJohnshasaccesstokeytransportlinkssuchasSH1,GlenInnes trainstationandbusroutes,aswellas arterialroads.Itisanamenity-rich

Theoffice-warehouseforsaleorleaseat110-112FeltonMathewAve,StJohns.

locationwiththeLunnAveshops nearbyandSylviaParkonlyafew minutesaway.

ColliersdirectorsJamesDickey, BenCockramandHamishWestare marketingthepropertyforsaleor leaseviadeadlineprivatetreaty, closing4pm,WednesdayNovember 5,unlesssoldprior.

Dickeysaysthezoningisamajor drawcardgiventheflexibilityitwill providepotentialbuyerswhocan movequicklyasthepropertyisavailablewithvacantpossession.

“Prospectivepurchasershavethe opportunitytoacquiretheassetand exploreredevelopmentoptionsthat couldincludeablendofresidential, office,retail,orcommercialuses,subjecttotherelevantconsents.

“Owner-occupierscouldtake advantageofthespacetoutiliseitfor theirownbusinessoperations,while investorshavescopetoaddconsiderablevalueandthenleasethe premises.Theexistingconfiguration alsomeansitcouldbetenantedby multipleparties,creatingasplit

incomestream.Forthosewhoare lookingtoleasetheproperty,they willbeabletosecurefunctionalspace inatightlyheldlocation.”

Cockramsayspropertiesofthis scaleareseldomfoundontheopen marketinStJohns.

“Thisisanareawithalowvacancy rateforcommercialbuildingsand propertiesarerarelytraded.Thesurroundingsuburbsareexperiencing considerablegrowthwithmultiple residentialdevelopmentstaking shapeinStonefields,whileGlenInnes continuestogentrifythroughnew housinginitiatives,”Cockramsays.

“Theretailandhospitalityoptions onlymomentsawaymakethisan attractivelocationforbusinessesand thelargelandholdingmeansthereisa rangeofdifferentwaystheproperty canbepositionedinthefuture.”

Westsaysthereareappealing fundamentalsinplaceatthe property.

“Havingthechancetosecurea premiseslikethiswithvacant possessioninakey,centrallocation thatissurroundedbystrongresidentialcatchmentsisnottobemissed.”

—SuppliedbyColliers

Upsidesbytheriverside

Afullyleasedcommercialproperty withaprimeriverfrontlocationinthe heartofWarkworthisforsale,after 23yearsofownershipbythe motivatedandrealisticvendors.

Constructedcirca-1980s,the two-level340sqmcolonial-style buildingat2-6WharfStsitsona 243sqmtriangular-shapedsite overlookingtheMahurangiRiverand ispositionedtocapitaliseonthe growthbeingseeninthewiderarea.

Assessedat115percentNBS,the well-maintainedpropertyhasa recentlyupgradedlong-runroofwith someexternalpaintingcarriedout thisyear.

Popularandestablishedeatery BamBooAsianCanteenleasestwo tenancies–thelower-level restaurantincludingcovered outdoordiningareafacingtheriver, andupstairsofficespace.Hairstylist HushHairandhospitalitybusiness NoFilterCoffeearealsoonthe groundfloor.

Thesecondupstairsoffice tenancywithmeetingrooms,foyer, kitchenette/lunchroom,bathroom andbalcony,hasavendorleaseback providingsomeflexibilityforan incomingnewowner. Thesplit-riskinvestmentrequires minimalmanagementandreturns netannualincomeof$99,558plus GST,withsomerightsofrenewal, built-inrentalupsideviabiennial marketrentreviews,andpotentialto repositionorre-leasetheupper

Thetwo-levelcolonial-styleriversidebuildingat2-6WharfSt,Warkworth.

officespace.

DahnieBurtonandChrisBlairof BayleysWarkwortharetakingthe propertythroughatenderprocess closingNovember6,withthevendor willingtosellprior.

Withgoodprofiletothestreet, customerparkingatthefrontdoor andhighfoottrafficinthearea, Burtonsaysthepropertyhasalways attractedalotofattentionandthe occupiersenjoyloyalpatronage.

“It’sabuildingwithatraditional lookandfeelanditreallysuitsthe tenantbusinesseswell.Theproperty hasgoodinterfacewiththeriverand viewsthatfewotherWarkworth commercialbuildingshave.

“Theground-floorleasesareall lockedin,butthere’ssomeflexibility overtheupper-levelofficespace whichthevendorhasaleasebackon,

givingabuyerthechancetoexplore potentialusesforthiscomponentof thebuilding,”Burtonsays.

“Withdueexplorationofcouncil guidelines,therecouldbe opportunityforalive-workscenario byrepositioningtheupstairsoffice spaceas,onpaper,theproperty’s Business—TownCentrezoningcan allowresidentialuse.”

Warkworthhaslowvacancyfor retailpremisesunder100sqm,says Burton.

“Leasinginquiryhaspickedup recentlywhichshowsthere’s confidencereturningtothemarket, asbusinesseslooktosecureagood positioninthetownaheadofan expectedgrowthsurgeofftheback ofwidespreadnewresidential development.

—SuppliedbyBayleys

InvestorsprimedforsaleofDulux,autocentrebase

ThepropertyhousingabusyDuluxpainttrade centreandanational-brandautoservicecentre isupforsaleinacommandingtowncentre locationinSilverdale.

TheAgencyLanepropertybacksdirectly ontotheHibiscusCoastHighway,offering excellentexposure,trafficandconnectivity.Itis fullyleasedtoDuluxGroupandlong-established localoperatorAutoSuperShoppeSilverdale, generatingtotalnetannualrentalof$144,000 plusoutgoingsandGST. DuluxGroupoccupiesitsapproximately

222sqmpremises,withsevendedicatedcarparks,onacurrentleasethatrunsthroughto 2026withafurthertwo-yearrightofrenewal. AutoSuperShoppeleasestheadjoining tenancyof290sqmwith10carparks.Itslease runsto2028withtwofurtherthree-yearrights ofrenewal.

GraemePerigosaidthesite’stowncentre position,backingdirectlyontoHibiscusCoast Highway,thearea’smainarterial,madeithighly accessiblewithstandoutexposuretopassing traffic.

Business–TownCentrezoningsupports wide-rangingcommercial,residentialand mixed-usepossibilitiesandahighlevelofintensification.

Thefreeholdlandandbuildingsat5Agency LaneareforsalethroughGraemePerigoand AlexPerigoofBayleysSilverdalebydeadline privatetreaty,closingWednesdayOctober29, unlesssoldprior.Theapproximately512sqmof buildingsacrosstwoadjoiningunitsare underpinnedby1071sqmoffreeholdland.

—SuppliedbyBayleys

“InSilverdale,thissupportstheproperty’s long-terminvestmentsecuritywhileoffering flexibilityforfutureredevelopmentinarapidly growingtradeandretailhub,”hesaid. AlexPerigosaidthepropertyandtenants reapedsignificantbenefitsfrombeinginthe heartofoneofAuckland’sfastest-growing commercialandtradeprecincts.“Thisarea’s burgeoningpopulation,withmajorresidential developmentunfoldingacrossMillwater, MilldaleandthewiderHibiscusCoast,provides aneverstrongerlocalcatchment.”

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Noticeisgivenundersection115(5)(a)oftheLand TransferAct2017ofanapplicationtorecordaneasement asextinguished.

Apersonwhoclaimstohaveaninterestunderthe easementmayobjecttotheapplicationbygivingnoticeto theRegistrarGeneralofLandonorbeforethe4November 2025.Ifnoobjectionsarereceivedbythatdatethe affectedrecordsoftitlewillbeupdatedtorecordthe easementasextinguished.

ApplicationNumber: 13410496.1

LandRegistration District: NorthAuckland

Applicant: IanDavidSutcliffeandKatrina JaneCohen-Sutcliffe Easement: RightofwayoverpartLot1DP 597341markedDonDP608446 inRecordofTitle1156795and overpartLot2DP597341in RecordofTitle1156796markedA onDP597341andmarkedEon DP608446ownedbyIanDavid SutcliffeandKatrinaJaneCohen SutcliffecreatedbyTransfer A406123registeredon30July 1969forthebenefitofLot1DP 61465inRecordofTitleNA16A/ 1222.

Grounds: Theapplicationismadeonthegroundsthatthe easementisredundantbecausepartofthebenefitedland nolongeradjoinstheburdenedlandbecauseof subdivisiononDP61465andasaresulttheeasementhas nopracticaleffect.

DatedatToitu¯TeWhenuaLandInformationNewZealand, this4October2025. AudreyWong forRegistrarGeneralofLand

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NIGELLATTA

Quiz

1

Withatimeofalmost23hours,RuthCroftthis yearbecamethefirstKiwitowintheUTMB— whichiswhatsortofrace?

2 Islaybelongstowhich islandgroup?

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Whatcolourisatthetopof arainbow?

Traditionally,threegoldenballsarethesymbol ofwhatkindofestablishment?

RobertLangdon,afictionalHarvardUniversity professor,wastheprotagonistinwhichmegabest-sellingnovelfrom2003?

Whatkindofcoffeegetsitsnamefromthe Italianwordfor“stained”(or“spotted”,or “marked”)?

The1845KnickerbockerRuleshelpedsetthe standardforwhichsport?

It’sngatuinTonga,siapoinSamoa,hiapoin Niue—andcommonlyknownbywhatname throughoutthePacific?

Whatnetballtrophywasinspiredbyrugby’s BledisloeCup?

Whatkindofsandwichesdidmournersleave astributestoQueenElizabethII,followingher deathin2022?

Anultramarathon.(Itstandsfor:Ultra-TrailduMont-

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LILLIE INLONDON

Asex-patKiwiLillieRohan bracesfortheUKwinter, shesaysit’snotallbad.

IfyouwanttoknowwhatweKiwisinLondon getuptoinwinter,pictureagroupofmid20sblokesintheirRedBadgeSecurity uniforms,beerinhand,high-visshowing, standinginthemiddleoftheroad.

WelcometotheKiwisinLondonWaitangiDay PubCrawl.

Thisyear,thedaywasextragrey,theraincame andwentmultipletimes,andtherewereabout 1500KiwisheadtotoeinKiwianacostumes, includingBuzzyBees,AlternativeCommentary Collectivehats,FourSquareapronsandother creativeoutfits,allparticularlyexcitednotonlyfor thedaybutbecauseFebruary6meanswewould onlyhavethreeweeksofwinterleftandthesun wouldofficiallysetafter5pm.

Thestarsoftheshowwereagroupofladswho noticedthattheexpatswerehuddlingaroundapub onaverynarrowroad—sonarrowwewerespilling outontotheroad,andnaturally,theydidwhat anywell-meaningKiwiswoulddo:theystarted directingtraffic.

Shuttingtheroaddowntoonelane,theyallowed cars,buses,evenapolicecarthrough,andearned afewwavesofthankyouwhiledoingso.

I’vebeenthinkingalotaboutthatchaoticday recently,mainlybecauseIjustfoundmyVitamin Dtablets.Unfortunately,asyouKiwiswelcomein yourwarmerdays,we’repreparingforthewinter, andwhenIsaypreparing,Imeanitmentallyand physically.

Londonwinteristrulysomethingelse.It’satime whentheUKseesbarelyanysunlight—about athirdofwhatNewZealandseesinwinter,which iswhyIwasbawlingmyeyesoutat3pminmidJanuary,tellingmymumitwassodarkIfeltabout asnocturnalasthekiwiitself.

PairthatwithLondon’saveragehighof10 degreesinpeakwinter,andyeah,youcansayit’s tough,especiallywhenitcomestoregulatingyour bodytemperature.

Theunderground,pubs,cafes,shops,anywhere that’snotoutsideinDecemberfeelslikeaBikram yogaclassinaMacpacjacket,butyouhavevery littletimetocomplainabouttemperatureextremes becauseyou’retoobusyputtingonortakingoff layers.

Thankfullyit’snotalldoomandgloom,and ironically,Londonisacitythatcomesalivein winterthankstoitsshortdaysandlongnights.

Ifyou’readiehardrugbyfan,you’llknowthe AllBlacksNorthernTourhasahugeparttoplay inthis,andbudgetairlineslikeRyanAirmakeit dangerouslyeasytofollowtheteamaroundtheUK andEurope.

Ifyou’renotfollowingthem,though,you’relikely squishedinapubwithhundredsofotherrugby fans,pintinhand,withprobablysomebeerspilling downyourjeans,yellingatahugescreen.

Oncethetouriswrappedup,there’snotimeto eventhinkabouthowcoldordarkitisbecause thecityisverymuchalight.Fairylightsandice skatingrinksareeverywhere,andthereareso manymarketsthatyoudon’tneedtogowithout amulledwineorhotchocolateforlongerthan50m. Backhome,Christmasneverreallyfeelslike Christmas,buthere,it’seasytofeellikeakidagain. Movienightsaremorefun,mulledwinetastes better,andspecialChristmaspubquizzesarea highlightoftheweek.It’sfarmorefestivethan anythingIcouldhaveimagined.

WinterisalsowhenyoureallydiscoverLondon’s nooksandcrannies.

HampsteadHeathcoveredinfrostfeelslike steppingintoNarniaandtheSouthBank’smarkets areworthbravingthecoldfor(mostlyforthe cookies).

Asfortheindoorsoirees,ClintfromKiwisIn Londonralliestheexpatsandhelpsusfightthe winterscariestheonlywayweknowhow:beers, boogiesandbloodygoodpies.

It’scalledtheKiwisinLondonChristmasParty andisabouttocelebrateits12thbirthdaythisyear. Lastyearwasmyfirsttime,andhonestly,itwas themostfunI’vehadonaSundaynight.

Morethan1600ticketsweresold,Kiwiaccents dominatedClapham,andSirDaveDobbynwason repeat.

OnethingIhavefoundquitehardtogetused to,though,isthatNewYear’sisabitofanonevent,unlessofcourseyougotoEdinburgh,which isknowntobetheKiwihotspot.Otherssnaga cheapflighttosomewherewarm,andalotofus actuallyflyhomeforJanuaryorFebruaryto“see family”—akaescapethedoomandgloom.

Sowhilewinterisawholedifferentbeast,it’s notallbad,actuallyquitefun.I’llneversayIlook forwardtoit,butIamkindof,sortof,maybeexcited tobeinmycosycoatandmulledwineera.

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‘Reallearning happensinareallife’

PsychologistandbroadcasterNigelLattadiedonTuesday,aged58,following abattlewithstomachcancer.Onthedayofhisdeath,Latta’slong-awaitedbookon hislifeandwhathelearntfromhiscancerdiagnosiscancerjourney,LessonsonLiving, wasreleased.Belowisthebook’sfirstchapter,givingreadersalookinsidehislife,his legacy,hisbattleandtheimportanceofpullingupaseatforconversation.

Ioncesatinaroomwithamanwho’dkicked someonetodeathfornorealreasonatall.

Iwasintheroombychoice;himnotsomuch.

Iwasthereinmycapacityasaclinical psychologistcompletingariskassessment;hewas therebecauseitwasaprison,andhedidn’thave alotelsetodo.

Hesmeltstale,Irememberthat,asiftheair neverquitereachedhisskin.

“Howyoudoing?”Iaskedhim.Hejustshrugged: “Okay.”AndIrememberthinkingtherewasa wholelottounpackinthatresponse.

I’vesatinalotofplacesatthefaredgesofthings thatalotofpeoplenevergettosee.Ioncesatbeside awomanwhohadbeenthroughallkindsofhorrors andwashangingontothewilltolivewithragged fingernailschewedallthewaydowntothequick, andanothertimewithakidwhostillfoundjoy intheworldeventhoughhiswholelifehadbeen stainedwithabandonmentandcruelty.

Ioncesatwithamotherwho’dseenherchild murderedinfrontofher,andanothertimewith amanwhoworetheuniformofaCatholicpriest butwasreallyjustaholeintheworldintowhich childrenwouldfall.

I’vesatinthecockpitofafighterjetslicinga holethroughtheskyasthepilotsaidintothe intercom,“Youhavecontrol”,andfeltallthatspeed andpowerthroughthestick,andbankedleftas steeplyasIcouldwithoutriskingatelling-off.

WhenIwasateenagerIsatbesidemybestfriend attheliteraledgeofa200-footcliffasheexplained howhe’dreadinamagazineyoucouldabseil withoutaharness,andthenproceededtoloopthe ropeabouthimselfinaroughapproximationof whathe’dseeninthearticle,tookupthetension, andslowlywalkedbackovertheedge.Hemade ittothebottom,butthatwasA-gradeteenage lunacy.

I’vesatbesidepeoplewhoweresorichthatmoney didn’thaveanyrealmeaningtothem,andpeople whoweresobroketheyliterallycouldn’tfeedtheir kids.

Ionce—inamomentIwillalwaystreasure— satbesidemydaughterinanancientfortresshigh inthemountainsofnorthernIran,thetwoofus completelyalone,andanothertimebesideafamily ofstrangersattheProphet’sMosqueinMedina, SaudiArabia—abuildingthatisunquestionably oneofthemostbeautifulstructureshumanshave everconceivedandmadereal.

IoncesatatthefeetofaswamiinPune,India, whosoundedliketherealdealbutjustsaidabunch ofsillynonsenselikeaclumsytarotcardreading. That’swhenIlearnedthatweirdlongpausescan makeeventissue-thinbanalitiessoundprofound.

I’vesatwithprimeministers,androcket scientists,andanOxfordmathsprofessorwhois bothanactualproper100%geniusandthemost lovelymanIthinkI’veevermet.I’vesatwithhardcoreviolentgangmembers,andI’vesatwith Buddhistnuns,althoughnotatthesametime.

Andonce,inamomentthatwasequalparts magicalandzoological,Isatatarespectfuldistance keepingadyingWeddellsealcompanyatCapeBird inAntarcticaascountlessAde´liepenguinstraipsed upanddownthebeachbetweenus,unmovedby eithersadnessforthedyingsealorthe breathtakingbeautyoftheplaceitself.

Saywhatyoulikeaboutpenguins,buttheyare notsentimentalinanyshapeorform. AndafewmonthsagoIsatwithaverynicedoctor ashewastellingmethatthetumourthey’dfound inmystomachwasincurable,andheestimated itwouldprobablykillmeinaboutsixto12months. Iknow,right?Typequickly.

RightnowI’msittinginacomfortableleather chair,onanovercastTuesdayafternoon,in comfortableslipperstalkingwithyou.

I’mnowseveralmonthsintochemotherapyfor thatincurablestomachcancerandI’mcurrently inmynewdefaultstate,whichisashiftingmalaise offatigueandnausea.

Andyet,inspiteofallthat,Ifeeldeeplyand profoundlylucky.

Ihavelivedafullandinterestinglifesofar.I wantedtoseethefaredgesofitall,theextremes thatexistintheworld,lifeanddeath,and everythinginbetween...andIhave.

Allthingsconsidered,itseemedlikeagoodtime tostopandreflectalittleonthejourneythusfar. Althoughitmightbemoreaccuratetosaythat whenyougetadiagnosisofincurablecancer,it prettymuchpunchesyouinthefaceoverandover untiltheonlywayoutistodosomereflectingon yourlife.

Inallthosesometimesmagical,sometimes terrifying,andoftensurrealmomentsI’vefound myselfinoverthelast57yearsofjustbeingalive generally,andover30yearsworkingasaclinical psychologist,Ilearnedthingsabouttheworldand howitworks.

Ilearnedalotaboutpeople,andwhywedowhat wedo,andIlearnedjustasmanythingsabout myselfandhowtomakethingshappeninmyown life...andinthelivesofthepeoplearoundme. Overallthoseyears,I’veassembledapersonal toolkitforliving,threesimpleprinciplesthathave takenmetoallthoseplacesandallthosepeople, andallthethingsI’veeverdone.

Andthatsametoolkithasgotmethroughsome difficulttimesaswell...likethewholecancer thing.

Anditalsohelpedmefindmywaytothewoman whoisthegreatloveofmylife.

WhichmademethinkmaybeIshouldsharethat learningwithyou,ontheoff-chanceitmayhelp youinyourownjourney.ThenIspentsometime thinkingaboutjusthowtodothat?Icouldjust giveyouthelistandsay,“Goforthanddothat stuff”,butthatisn’thowreallearninghappens. Reallearninghappensinthecontextofliving theday-to-dayupsanddownsofourlives.

Reallearninghappensinareallife.

SoI’mgoingtotellyouthestoryofhowIbuilt thismentaltoolboxwithintheupsanddownsof myownlife.Theseareverysimpleideas,butthey’re embeddedinarichcontext.Ididn’thaveallthis workedoutfromthebeginning;Iassembleditover timeasIblunderedfromoneconfusingmessto thenext.

Welearnthemostfromourfailures,notour successes,whichhasworkedoutverywellforme becauseIhavef*****dupalotofstuffinmylife. There’salinethatrunsthroughitall,butit’s notastraightline.We’regoingtoneedtozigand zagalongtheway.

SometimesIhavetostartattheendandgoback toworkoutjustwhen,how,andmostimportantly ofallwhyIwiredineachprinciple. Thiswillbeanunpredictableride,andIam,by nature,aprettyzig-zaggykindofguy. It’smorefunthatway.

● LessonsonLiving: Findingyourwaythrough life’supsanddownsbyNigel Lattaisoutnow,published byHarperCollinsNew Zealand

● SeeAndreaMolloy’s reviewofLessonsonLiving onpage17

5 weightlossmethods thatreallywork

Twonutritionexpertsbustthecommonmythsaboutsheddingthekilos

WhatdoIhavetodotoloseweight?

It’saquestionmanyofuswillhave considered.However,foranyonewho hastriedtoshiftthescales,it’soften notthatsimple—dailytripstothegymandcaloriecuttingmayhaveprovedfruitless.

Despitemorethanacenturyofresearchinto caloriesandbodyweight,thereisstillconfusion onhowtoachieveweightlossandwherethereis advice,itisoftenbasedonsciencethathasbeen extrapolated“farbeyondwhatastudyactually demonstrates”,saysnutritionandmetabolism scientistDrKevinHall.

FoodIntelligence,hisnewbookwithhealth journalistJuliaBelluz,cutsthroughthemyths aboutnutritiontoprovideclarityonwhatworks, sothatpeople“canlookabitmorecriticallyatthe nextbookthat’stellingthemthesecrettoweightlosssuccess”,hesays.Herearesomeofthemost prevalentweight-lossmyths—andwhatactually worksinstead.

MYTH1:EXERCISINGENORMOUSAMOUNTS ISKEYTOWEIGHTLOSS

“Recently,Iwastalkingtoafriendwhohadput onweightandshewassayingthatshejustdoesn’t havetimetogotothegym,”Belluzsays.“Iwas thinking,it’snottheexercisethatistheproblem —itistheoverconsumptionoffood.”

Despiteexercisebeingbrilliantforourhealth— forbuildingandmaintainingmusclemass, protectingourheartfromdiseaseandeven reducingourcancerrisk—researchshowsthat itsroleinweightlossisminimal.

Hallhasseenthisfirsthandduringhistime studyingthecontestantsintheUSTVshow The BiggestLoser, wherepeoplecompetedforseven monthstolosethegreatestpercentageoftheirbody weightinreturnforUS$250,000($432,000).

“Whatweobservedwasthatwhentheywerein thiscrazycompetitionanddoinganenormous amountofunsustainableexercise[oftenatleast threehoursofvigorousworkoutsperday],when itcametoweightloss,therewasnocorrelation betweenthefolkswhodidthemostexerciseand [thosewho]lostthemostweight,”hesays.“Itwas primarilyhowmuchtheycutcaloriesintheirdiet.”

Separateresearch,whichsawpeoplecomplete supervisedexercisesessions,confirmedthisfinding andhighlightedthatexercisewasparticularly ineffectiveathelpingwomenloseweight.“There arealmostasmanywomenwhogainweightinthe processasloseweight,”Hallsays.It’sthoughtthat thisfinding,atleastinpart,isduetothebody adaptingtoahigheractivitylevelandrestricting theoverallnumberofcaloriesitburns.“Mentend todoalittlebitbetter—thereisweightloss,on average,butit’snotanimpressiveamount— they’relosingafewpounds,”hesays.

“Whenpeoplestartanexerciseprogrammeand theydon’tseethenumbersfallingonthescale,they questionwhattheyaredoingitfor.Theanswer is,youshouldn’tbedoingexercisetoloseweight. Youshouldbedoingittoimproveyouroverall healthandfunctionalityandtobeabletoenjoy lifetoitsfullest,notforweightloss.”

Whatworksinstead:Switchingyourfocus Whileexercisewon’tfueldramaticweightloss,it helpsinsuccessfullymaintainingalowerweight, accordingtoHall.Researchfrom TheBiggestLoser showedthatthosewhomaintainedanactive lifestylewerelesslikelytopilethepoundsback on,thoughthereasonsforthisarenotyetfully understood,henotes.

“Youshouldn’tbelookingonthescaletoseehow yourphysicalactivityisaffectingyourweightloss,” headds.“However,it’sgoingtohelpyoumaintain

theweightlossthatyou’vebeenabletoachieve.” Inotherwords,exercisewon’tobliteratefatbutit canhelpkeepthefatoff.

MYTH2:YOURWEIGHTGAINISCAUSEDBY ASLOWMETABOLISM

Likemanyofus,Belluzhadlongblamedherslow metabolismwhenherweightincreased—theidea thatherbodywasburningfewercaloriesthan itshould,meaningthateatingatypical amountoffoodcausedhertogainfat.

Inabidtoconfirmhersuspicions,she spent24hoursinachamberfittedwith anarrayofmetalpipesthatmeasured exhaledgasesfromherbreath—themost accuratewayofcalculatingmetabolism. Resultsshowedthatthenumberof caloriesherbodyburnedwascompletely normalforherage,sex,weightandheight. “Ifellpreytothemythintryingtounderstand mypreviousweightstruggles,”shesays.

successfulinlosingweightalsohadthegreatest slowingofmetabolism.“Wethinkthattheslow metabolismandtheweightlossarebothresponses towhateverlifestylechangesyou’reabletomake,” headds.

Whatworksinstead:Hidingorgettingridof “treatfoods”fromyourhome

“Theideaofslowmetabolismbeingthecausative agentofobesitywasreallyderivedbyaskingpeople ofdifferentsizestotrackhowmuchthey’reeating,” DrHallexplains.Inaninfamousstudy, participantsallreportedtheircalorieintakeas lowerthanitactuallywas,butobesepeople underestimatedtheircalorieintakemuch morethanleanerpeople.

Theresearchers,whodidn’tknowthat therewasthisbias,concludedthatobese peoplewereeatingmoreorlessthesame numberofcaloriesasthinnerpeople, soaslowmetabolismmustbetoblame fortheirlargersize.

“Itwasonlylater,whenwehad accuratebutexpensivemethodsfor measuringmetabolism,thatwerealised thatpeoplewithobesityactuallyburnmore caloriesthanleanerpeople,onaverage,”Hall adds.“Butstill,themythpersists:‘Ihaveobesity becauseofmyslowmetabolism.’Forthevast majorityofpeople,aslowmetabolismisn’tthemain reasonthatthey’restrugglingwiththeirweight.” Infact,duringhistimeworkingon TheBiggest Loser,hefoundthatpeoplewhowerethemost

Whileaslowmetabolism“isnotacausativefactor” ofweightgain,anotherfactoroutsideourcontrol istoblame,accordingtoHallandBelluz:the foodenvironment.

“Thefoodenvironmentisaboutour socialinteractionsandsocialnorms, what’savailabletous,howit’sbeing advertised,whatourfriendsaredoing, howwe’rebeinginfluencedbyothers,the productsthatareavailable,”Hall explains.“Allofthosethingshavechanged quitedramaticallysincethe1970s.

”[Therehasbeenan]explosionofvariety andportionsizeshaveincreased,inadditionto foodbecomingsomuchcheaperandmore convenient.Noone’sarguingagainstmanyofthose things,weallliketohavechoices,convenienceand tastyoptionstohave.”

However,easyaccesstohigh-calorieandhyperpalatablefoodsisundoubtedlydrivingtheobesity crisis,thepairargue.

“Wehopepeopletaketheblameoff themselves,”Belluzsays.However,thereare tacticsthatpeoplecanuseathometocontrol thefoodenvironmentasmuchastheycan. Hallhastakentohidingunhealthyfood inhisbasement,sothatit’snoteasyto access,whileBelluzlimitshowmuchshe keepsatherhouse.

MYTH3:CUTTING3500CALORIESA WEEKEQUATESTOAWEIGHTLOSSOF APOUNDAWEEK

The3500-calories-per-pound(450grams)rulehas formedthebedrockofweight-lossadvicefor decades.“Thatideacamefromaverybasic scientificquestion,whichwas:howmanycalories arestoredinapoundofhumanfattissue?Itturns outtobeprettycloseto3500,”Hallsays.

However,thatfindingwasextrapolatedtothepoint thatadviceisissued—fromthelikesofthe Britain’sNationalHealthServiceaswellasthe NationalInstitutesofHealthintheUS— suggestingthatcutting500caloriesperdayfrom yourdietwillconsistentlyleadtoaweightlossof onepoundperweek,henotes.Peoplemaybeable toloseafewpoundsfollowingthisrule,butitwill soonstopbeingaseffective,asthebodyfights againstweightloss,Hallsays.“Thepointisyou can’tcreatethatdeficitoverandoveragain.”

“Thereweregoodintentionsbehindcomingup withsomesortofruletotellpeople,butwhenthat ruleisbasedoninaccurateevidence,itendsup havingreallybadunintendedconsequences,”he adds.“Itsuggestedthatifyoujustcutalittlebit ofcaloriesoutofyourdietandjustwaitedlong enough,thenyoushouldbeabletoloseanyamount ofweight.”

Whatworksinstead:Beinghonestwith yourselfaboutyourcalorieintake

Unfortunately,scientistshaven’tyetcomeupwith afoolproofmetrictogivetothosehopingtoshift thescales.

“Evenifwedidhaveanaccurateruleofthumb, mostpeoplecan’ttracktheircalorieintakevery well,”Hallsays.Researchshowsthatpeople underestimatehowmuchthey’reeatingbyaround 1000caloriesperday,heexplains.

However,otherdietingexpertsrecommend multiplyingyourweightinpoundsby11forthe lowerendofyourcalorieintakeandby12forthe higherend.

Forexample,thiswouldmeanthatanaverage woman,weighing72kgcouldeatbetween1750and 1900caloriesperdaytoloseweight.

Asaperson’sweightdecreases,sodoesthecalorie rangeneededtocontinueachievingweightloss. However,thiscalculationisalsojustaroughguide.

MYTH4:AVOIDINGCARBSWILLLEADTO WEIGHTLOSS

Threemacronutrientsprovidemostofthefuelthat ourbodiesneed:carbohydrates,fatandprotein. Bothcarbsandfatarefrequentlyshunnedinthe nameofdietingbut,onitsown,thiswon’tchange

thenumberonthescales.“Youcanchangecarb andfatintakebyahugeamount,”Hallsays,but ifcalorieintakeisn’treduced,thisapproachwon’t helpwithweightloss.

Inotherwords,youneedtoeatfewercalories toloseweightandfollowingalowcarbohydrateorlow-fateatingpattern alonewon’tachievethis—unlessyou’re eatinglessfoodoverall.

Hallshowedthisinastudyof19obese peoplewhofollowedacalorie-controlled dietthatwaseitherverylowinfator incarbohydrates.

Bothgroupslostnearlyidentical amountsofweight,althoughthoseonthe low-fatdietlostmarginallymore—40gper day(aroundthesizeofalargestrawberry).

theproportionofUPFsinyourdiet,toprevent overeating.

MYTH5:LOADINGUPONPROTEINWILL

“Whenwepresentedpeoplewithminimally processeddietsthatvariedincarbsandfat,almost everybodylostweightonbothofthosediets,”Hall says.

Butitwasthecalorie-intakedifferencesthat dictatedthedifferencesinbody-fatchangesand lossofweight.

“Peopledohavetremendoussuccesson low-carb[andlow-fat]diets,”Belluznotes. “Butwhenitcomestoweightloss,on average,itdoesn’tseemtobethething tofocuson.”

Whatworksinstead:Cuttingout ultra-processedfoods

Hall’songoingresearchshowsthatdiets highinultra-processedfoods(UPFs) encourageustoovereatexcessively.Hehas recentlytrackedparticipantsexposedto differentdiets,includingminimallyprocessed andultra-processed,andallowedthemtoeatas muchoraslittleastheywantwhilestickingto thesegroupsoffood.

BOOSTRESULTS

Eatingenoughproteincanaidweightloss becauseitcanhelpwithstayingfullfor longer.However,thevastmajorityof peoplearealreadyeatingenoughprotein andtheproliferationofhigh-proteinfoods —whichareoftenUPFs—aren’t necessaryforgettingtrimmer,according toHall.

“Thepublicisgettingahintoftruth,” hesays.

“Ifyou’reabodybuilderorextremeathlete andyouwanttooptimiseyourperformance,the veryfirstthingyoushouldbedoingislookingat yourtrainingregimenandsupportingthatwith enoughprotein.”

However,theaveragepersonbeingsoldthese high-proteinproductsprobablybelievesthatthey arenoteatingenoughproteinandthattheyneed tobuythemtoharnessthebenefits,which“is misguided”,hesays.

Whenfollowingahigh-UPFdiet,participants consumed1000caloriesmoreperdayandgained around1kgperweek.

“That’stheonlydietwe’veseenthatcauses peopletospontaneouslyincreasethenumberof caloriesthey’reeatingandgainweightandgain bodyfat,”hesays.Itthereforemakessensetolimit

“Whatweseeagainandagainisfocuson asinglenutrientremovedfromotherthings infood,”Belluznotes.“Now,it’sprotein andglucose.Inthepast,itwasfatversus carbs.

“Youoftenmisstheforestforthetrees —thebigpictureaboutwhatyoushould actuallybeeatingandhowyourdietshould look.Ifyou’rerelyingonprotein-boosted pancakes[asyoursourceofprotein],it’s probablynotahealthydietinthefirstplace.” Whatworksinstead:Eatingmorevegetables “Theevidenceonoptimalnutritionhasbeenclear andconsistentoverdecades,”HallandBelluzwrite intheirbook.

“It’sboringbythispoint.Eatmorevegetables —alongwithfibre,legumes,wholegrainsand fruits.Limitsodium,sugar,saturatedfatandjunk foods.”Sometimesthesimplest,mostobvious methodsarethemosteffective.

TelegraphGroupLtd

TheFoundationisaboutretirementwithout compromise.Itisaplaceforyoutoenjoy yourretirementyearswithsecurity,vitality andengagement.TheNathanResidences arenowcomplete,andplansareavailable forthenextstage-AbbottResidences.

Placesofmagicandmystery

Popinandexploreyour favouritebookshopnext Saturday,saysCanvasbooks

editor KarenMcMillan

AsNZBookshopDaymarksits10th anniversaryonOctober11,statistics showthatratherthantheindustrygoing intodecline,we’reinfactreadingmore books.

Lastyear,Kiwisbought5.9millionbooks, accordingtoNielsenBookscan,andthenumberof adultswhohavereadabookinthelastyearwent upfrom85%in2021to87%in2025,according toaHorizonResearchreportcommissionedby READNZ.

Eachyear,BookshopDaycelebratesbooksand reading,offeringbookloversachancetodiscover newauthorsandrevisitoldfavourites.Therewill beactivitiesalloverNewZealand—from competitions,readingsandmusictobook-related tattoos.

ReneeRowland,associationmanagerfor BooksellersAotearoaNZ,isoneoftheorganisers oftheday.

“Storiesarewhatmakeushuman,sotheappeal ofastory,inwhateverformthattakes,isalways goingtoendure,”shesays.“Thephysicalformof abookisavesselforthatstory.Bookscontain infiniteworldsandpossibilities.”

Booksellersarekeytoourcommunities,shesays.

“Theyworkwithandencouragelocalwritersand artists.Theybringauthorstotowntoconnectthem withthepeoplewhohavelovedtheirstories,they hostbookclubsandstorytimes,theyencourage literacyinourtamariki,theysponsorthousands ofschoolrafflesandcommunityevents.”

Shecallsthema‘thirdspace’—aplacethatisn’t yourhomeoryourwork,whereyoucangotojust be.

“Eachbookshopreflectsthetastesandpassions ofthepeoplewhorunthemandreflectsthe individualcommunitiestheyserve.”

Useyourlocalbookseller,sheurges.

“Theyholdaninsaneamountofknowledgeand experienceofstoriesandknowhowtoconnecta readerwithastorytheymightnothaveevenknown existedbutwillbecometheirnextfavouritething.

“Whywouldn’tyouwanttotrythatservicefor free?”

BooksellersAotearoaNZprovidessupport servicestobookseller,runninganannual conferenceandlobbyingforbooksellers’issues.“We runBookHub,averycoole-commerceplatformthat letsyousearchtheshelvesofover70bookstores aroundthecountryandbuydirectlyfromthem.”

Rowlandsaysthemoodamongthebooksellers ishighasBookshopDayapproaches.“Theyare excitedforBookshopDayandhopefulforallthe amazingbookscomingoutthataregoingtobeloved andsharedbyreadersallaroundthecountry.”

Overthepast10years,BookshopDayhasalso playedacriticalroleinadvocacyandawareness, shesays.

“IwouldargueBookshopDayhastriggereda renaissanceoverthelastdecadethatsawbookshop numbersgrowagain.Wehaveanewgeneration ofbookshopsandbooksellersfiguringout, individuallyandcollectively,howtomakethis businesswork,strikingabalancebetween idealism,cultureandcommerceandintheprocess showingusdifferentwaysbusinessescanoperate.”

WhileBookshopDayisundeniablyacelebration, itisalsoacalltoarms.

“Thisyearwe’veseenninebookshopsclose;it’s disheartening,butit’salsogalvanising:through showinguswhatwehavelost,webetterknowwhat tofightforandcelebrate.

Amongtheactivitiesplanned,EnamouredBooks inRemuerahastattooartistsAlexHeartandKitty Stablerin-store,offeringbook-relatedtattoosto customers.

TimeOutBooksinMtEdenhasaslotmachine which,forasmalldonation,printsoutstunning

BookshopDayhastriggeredareadingrenaissance,says ReneeRowland(top).Tocelebrate,therewillbeactivities alloverNewZealandincludingEnamouredBooks(centre left),TimeOutBooks(centreright)andDorothyButler (below).

imagesofthestoreaskeepsakes.They’realso runningaReadingRave,invitingteenagerstotheir upstairsroomformusicandreading.

TimeOut,alongwithotherAuckland independentbookstoreslikeTheWomen’s Bookshop,ispartofabooktour.Peopletravelto eachstoreinoneday,collectingstampsand receivingaprizeforvisitingallthestores.

Ponsonby’sDorothyButlerChildren’sBookshop hasaKids’Feast,afulldayofchildren’sauthor visits,drawingcompetitions,readingcorners,toys, andmore.

● Moreinfoat:www.booksellers.co.nz/ bookshop-day-2025-events

Achildhoodrebuiltwithsupport

Sophie’sjourneyshowswhyMcHappySeasonmakesadifference tofamiliesandcommunitiesaroundAotearoa.

StorieslikeSophieStocker’sareattheheart ofMcHappySeasonatMacca’s. At12weeksold,Sophiewasdiagnosedwith cerebralpalsyandherparentsweretold she’dneverwalkortalk.

Suddenly,thedevastatedfamilywasfacingan uncertainfuture–oneofendlesshospitalvisitsand back-and-forthtravelbetweenAucklandandtheir homeinKaita - ia,allwhilejugglingtheneedsoffour otherchildren.

Overthenextsixyears,Sophiewouldpresentat Auckland’sStarshipChildren’sHospitaleverysix weeksorless;butthankstoRonaldMcDonald HouseCharities®NewZealand(RMHCNZ),the familyneverhadtoworryaboutaccommodation. Thecharityprovidedsafe,comfortablehousing, home-cookedmeals,friendlyfaces,andasafe havenawayfromtheward,offeringasilverlining duringadifficulttime.

WhentheStockersfirstarrivedatRMHCNZ, theywereexhaustedfromthefive-hourdriveand terrifiedfor12-week-oldSophie,whoseimpaired bowelmeantflyingwastoorisky.Theyfound comfortinRMHCNZ,whichquicklybecamea homeawayfromhome.

“Onarrival,RonaldMcDonaldHousewasreadyfor uswithwelcomingarmsandprovidedasafeplace formydadandsistertostaywhilemumwaswith meinhospital.Iwastherefor10days,undergoing differentinvestigationsandtreatment.Thiswas justthebeginningofmanystaysthere.Allstress wasalleviatedbythereadyaccommodationforour urgentpresentationstoStarship,”Sophierecalls. “Theyprovidedmeals,friendlyfaces,andahomely environmentinaconcretejunglesoforeigntous.It madethejourneymuchlessdaunting.”

AfterSophiewasgiventheinitialdiagnosisof cerebralpalsy,hermum,fraughtwithworry,found solaceinotherfamiliesandstaffatRMHCNZ.

“Mymumrecallstheonlywayshewasableto getthroughthatnextweekorsowasbecauseof thesupportfromtheotherparentsandstaffat RonaldMcDonaldHouse–thosewhohadsimilar experiencesandcouldwraplovingarmsaroundmy

wha - nauinatimeofdesperationanddevastation,” Sophiecontinues.

Nowaged22,Sophiehasdefiedallodds.Shebegan towalkat12months,andat3shebegantotalk. Cerebralpalsyandalaterdiagnosisofsyndactyly wereruledout.

“Somehow,thosediagnosesfadedaway,thegrief alleviatedwithsupportfromRMHCNZ,andIhadan incrediblechildhood,”Sophiesays.

“ThoughIstillwouldpresenttoStarshipevery 6weeksorlessforkidneyinfections,surgeries, investigations–younameit–thetraumawas replacedwithfondmemoriesofRonaldMcDonald House.Playingintheplayground,creatingartintheir artroom,delicioushome-cookedmeals,meeting Santa,gettingmyfacepainted,andwatching islanddancersonChristmasDay–makingRonald McDonaldHousemyhomeinthespacesbetween treatmentsatStarship.”

Afterspendingyearsofherlifeinthecareof StarshipHospital,Sophiewantedtoreturnthe favour.Today,the22-year-oldishappy,healthy, andaregisterednurseattheStarshipChildren’s EmergencyDepartment.

Sheattributeshernursingcareernotonlyto healthcareworkersbutalsotothestaffatRMHCNZ wholookedafterherandherwha - nauduringsome oftheirtoughestdays.

WhiledoctorsfocusonsavingthelivesofKiwikids likeSophie,RMHCNZensurestheirfamiliesnever havetoworryaboutwheretosleep,whattoeat,or howtostaytogether.

“EachvisittoRonaldMcDonaldHousefeltlike cominghometofamily.Theywerepartofmy journey.TheysawmewhenIwas12weeksoldand watchedmegrow,”shesays.“Mychildhoodwould besodifferentandIprobablywouldn’tbewhereI amtodaywithoutit.”

Asthefoundingmissionpartner,McDonald’s franchisees,crewmembers,teams,andcustomers haveprovidedvitalsupporttohelpfamilieslike Sophie’sstaytogether.Lastyearalonetheyraiseda record-breaking$2.9millionforRMHCNZ,showing howcollectivesmallactionscanleadtolifechangingoutcomes.

Thisyear,McDonald’siswelcomingthereturnof McHappySeason,itsbiggestannualin-restaurant fundraiserthatsupportsthelife-changingworkof RMHCNZ.FromOctober22toNovember1,Kiwis cangetinvolvedbypurchasingMcDonaldland cookiesfor$3,withallproceedsgoingtothe charity.CustomerscanalsocollectMcDonaldland stickers,andonMcHappyDay(November1),$1 fromeveryBigMacsoldwillgotoRMHCNZ–helpinglocalfamiliesstaytogetherwhentheirchild isinahospitalawayfromhome.

ThisMcHappySeason,headintoyourlocalMacca’s andmakeadifferenceforfamiliesacrossAotearoa. Visitmcdonalds.co.nz/rmhcformoreinformation.

MATCHMAKINGATTHE MUSEUM

Believeitornot,theappsaren’ttheonly placestofindromanceinthe2020s. AucklandMuseumishostingitsuberpopularMingleattheMuseumnextweek andit’stheperfectopportunityforyouto meetsomeonetheold-fashionedway: inthewild.Therearedrinksandnibbles availableforpurchase,aDJspinningtunes, acharismaticMC,andacastofhelpers readytoswoopinwithgames,quizzesand activitieswherevertheyseesomeicein needofbreaking—participationoptional,of course.Therearetwoevents—Wednesday andThursday—withThursdaybeingMingle attheMuseumPrideEdition.Gathersome gumptionandputyourselfouttheretomeet somenewfriendsormaybelovers—you won’tknowifyoudon’tgo.

October8and9,7pm-11pm.Auckland Museum,AucklandDomain,Parnell. Tickets$45(10%discountforMuseum members)fromaucklandmuseum.com

TACOTUESDAYSAND MARGARITAWEDNESDAYS

Theschoolholidaysarecomingtoanend,whichmeansweeknightchaos isbackanddinnerdilemmasensue.Ifyou’reouteast,DespensainHowick isofferingtwodifferentsolutionstothisnightlystruggle:TacoTuesdays— forgetcooking,takethefamilyoutandgettwo-for-onetacos.AndLadies NightonWednesday—forgetcooking,leavethefamilybehindandgettwo margaritasandatacofor$35.Eitherway,forgetcooking,eattacosandthe restwillfallintoplace.

TuesdaysandWednesdays(openTues-Sun).Despensa, 21PictonSt,Howick.Bookatdespensa.co.nz orphone095329337

PLAN AHEAD PLAN AHEAD

YEOLDEMARKETATALBERTON

TomorrowisAlberton’sannualVintageMarketDayandthere reallyisnomoreauthenticlocationforvintagerummagingand quasi-timetravelthanthishistoricestate.Whatthismarketlacks insize—it’sminiwithjust11specialiststalls—itmakesupfor inambience.Amongthewaresonofferarefinechina,clothing, textiles,CrownLynn,crystal,silver,kitchenandtableware, decor,jewellery,accessories,retroknick-knacksandmore. Coffee,gelatoandhomemadeold-fashionedtreatswillalsobe availableforpurchase.Entrytothemarketisfree,howeverto maximiseyourvintageexperience,werecommendpayingfora lookaroundthehouseaswell.

Tomorrow,11am-3pm.100MtAlbertRd,MtAlbert.Free To entrytomarket;$10peradultandfreeforchildrentolook en aroundthehouse. ar

TAKEABREATHFORYOURMENTALHEALTH

OnMonday,AotearoaNewZealand’sMentalHealthAwarenessWeek beginsandthroughouttheweektheArtofLivingFoundationisoffering freeonlinegroupbreathandmeditationsessionscalledBreatheWell Together.Thegroupsessionstieintothisyear’sMHAWthemeTopUp Together,whichisallaboutsocialconnectionandthebenefitsofshared, community-basedapproachestowellbeing.EveryNewZealanderis affectedbymentalhealthwhetherthroughtheirownstrugglesorthoseof theirfriendsorlovedones.Bothbreathworkandmeditationcanhelpwith stressandanxiety,andnextweekyoucanjoindailyfreeonline sessionsat12pmand7pm,andgiveyourbrainandbody somedesignatedtimetorelax.

October6-10,12pmand7pm. Visithttp://bit.ly/4mlW6P0toregister.

PLAN AHEAD

OURVERYOWNNEONCOWGIRL

ThankgoodnessforTamiNeilson’sKiwihusbandforluringthisCanadian owerhousecountrysingertoourshoresandallowingustoclaimher asourown.Neilsonistouringherlatestalbum NeonCowgirl,named foracowgirlsignindowntownNashvillethathasbeenaniconicimage forTamiandasymbolofhercareeraspirationssinceteenhood.Ifyou cangetyourselfalongtoAoteaCentretonight,thenyoushouldmove mountainstomakeithappen.Tamineverfailstobringthehousedown andtonightwillnodoubtbeanabsolutedoozy.

Tonight,7.30pm.KiriTeKanawaTheatre,AoteaCentre.Tickets startat$99+bookingfeesfromplus1.co.nzorticketmaster.co.nz

THECASEOFTHE TRAVELLINGPLANTS

Auckland-basedbotanicalartistFelicityJonesand photographerMarkSmithhaveasharedinterestin theconceptofbotanicalglobalisation,whichhas resultedinongoingcreativecollaborations—the mostrecentofwhichwillbelaunchednextweek.The duohavetravelledAotearoaandtheUKmakingimages that“juxtaposethebotanicalwiththecultural,native withexotic,”ondisplayinanewexhibition HereThere Now,openingonThursdayeveningatSilo6inWynyard Quarter.Theexhibitioncoincideswiththelaunchof theirnewbook CaseStudies:Astoryofplant travel,whichexploresthehistoryand impactofbotanicalglobalisationand hopestoopenthedoorformore discussionsaroundsustainable futures.

PLAN AHEAD

cideswiththelaunchof es:Astoryofplant istoryand ationand more able ISITTIMETO HEADSOUTH?

OpeningOctober9, 5.30pm-7.30pm;thereafter dailyuntilOctober16, 11am-6pm.Silo6, WynyardQuarter,Corner ofBeaumontandJellicoe Streets,AucklandCentral.

PHOTOCREDIT:ESSENCEOF ANENGLISHGARDEN,LONDON BRIDGE,ENGLAND,2023.

It’sthelastweekendoftheschoolholidays andifyou’vegotthegrandkidsandareonthe cuspofenteringretirementliving,thenyoucan killtwobirdswithonestonetodaybytakingthem outtotheGrandDayOutatVividLivingKaraka.The retirementvillageishostingafreeeventspecifically forgrandparentsandtheirfamilieswithfreecoffee, sausagesizzle,icecreams,entertainmentand activities.You’llgettoentertainthelittlepeoplefor freeandpokeyournoseinatVividLivingKaraka toseewhatit’sallabout.

COMINGUP

Today,10am-2pm.VividLiving RetirementVillage,241Park EstateRoad,Karaka.

CERAMIC OFFERINGS

IT’SPLAYTIMEINTAMAKIMAKAURAU

IT’SPLAY

AucklandCou playthisOctobe initiative.Throug freeorlow-cost complements 26)and,thiswe AucklandHerit AucklandatPl BoardGames gamesatB SoccerT na Satu impo Onn auck play/ PHOTO

AucklandCouncilwantsAucklanderstogetoutand playthisOctoberwiththeirmonth-longCelebratingPlay initiative.ThroughoutOctobertherewillbeaplethoraof freeorlow-costactivitiestakingplacealloverthecity.It complementsSportNZ’sannualPlayWeek(October2026)and,thisweekend,overlapswiththefinalweekendof AucklandHeritageFestival,whichthisyearhasathemeof AucklandatPlay.Amongtheeventsontheprogrammeare BoardGamesontheWaterfronttoday;classicschoolyard gamesatBackintheDayPlaytomorrow;aBubble SoccerTournamentnextweekend;andaKidsand WhānauFestivalatAucklandArtGallerynext Saturday.Whentimesarechallenging,playis important.Gohavesomefun.

OnnowuntilOctober31.Visitourauckland. aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/tags/celebratingplay/forthefullscheduleofevents.

PHOTOCREDIT:AUCKLANDCOUNCIL.

Theexcellentlynamed ClaybendersGroupopened anewexhibitionatArthaus ContemporaryinOrakeithis week. RitualsandOfferings isacollectionofworksby thegroup’s28pottersand sculptorsthatrespondstothat theme.CelebratedsculptorToby Twissfeaturesasaguestartistin theexhibit,alongsidethegroup’s establishedandemergingclay artists.TheClaybendershave alsocollaboratedonanartwork thatwillbeauctioned—silently —toraisefundsforAuckland StudioPotters.Allofthework intheexhibitionisforsaleand membersoftheClaybenders Groupareonhandtoexplainhow thepiecesaremade. OnnowuntilOctober19, WednesdaystoSundays,11am3pm.ArthausContemporary,228 OrakeiRd,Orakei,Auckland.

FaultyTowersTheDiningExperience: October 8-26,Christchurch,Wellington,Whanganui,New Plymouth,Rotorua,Tauranga,Auckland. StonesinHisPocketsbyMarieJones: October9-18,ArtworksTheatre,Waiheke. BNZAucklandDiwaliFestival: October11-12, AucklandCentral. TheNZHighwaymentour: October15-19,Tauranga,Putaruru, Auckland,Whangarei,Orewa. TrentDalton’sLoveStories: October16-19, TheCivic,Auckland. RaybonanzaComedyTour: October17,Vic Cinema,Auckland. CaptainMorrowandtheSandsofTime: October21-November8,QTheatre,Auckland. NelsonArtsFestival: October23-November2,Nelson. TitirangiFestivalofMusic: October25-26,Titirangi,Auckland. BillBailey—Vaudevillean: nationwidetour fromOctober29-November23. DungeonoftheDamned: October 31-November2,Birkenhead,Auckland. AucklandFestivalofQuilts: October31November2,AucklandNetballCentre. AnalogueAotearoa: November1-2,TeAroha. TofigaFepulea’i,ShuuushYourMouf: November1-8,Hamilton,Auckland,Tauranga. TheDryHouse: November4-15,Basement Theatre,Auckland. KowhaiArt&CraftClubSaleandExhibition: November7-9,MatakanaHall. NZSculptureOnShore: November7-23, Devonport,Auckland. AllTogetherNowChoir,Mixtapeforthe Mission: November9,AucklandTownHall. AnEveningwithPriscillaPresley, LifeafterElvis: November20, BruceMasonCentre,Auckland. EddieIzzard—TheRemixTourLive: November21-26,Christchurch, Wellington,Auckland. H.R.TheMusical#2: November25-December 6,QTheatre,Auckland. KirkFranklin,TheWorldTour: December 10-13,Christchurch,Wellington,Auckland. Dynamotion&QTheatrepresentAChristmas Crisis: December10-20,QTheatre,Auckland. OprahInConversation: December14, SparkArena,Auckland.

TheASBClassic: January5-7,Auckland. JimmyCarr—LaughsFunnyTour: Nationwide,January7-28,2026.

Emailcanvasguide@nzherald.co.nzwithbrief detailsofyourupcomingevent,including dates/times,locationandwebsite.

SAYCHEESE!

MACNTHREECHEESES

Forgetstodgy,thisisversionisanythingbut!

Serves1-2

150glarge-holedpastaorpastashells

2Tbspoliveoil

1onion,finelydiced

2-3rashersbacon,chopped

50gbutter

2Tbspplainflour

300mlmilk

1Tbspmustardpowder(or1bigteaspoonwholegrain mustard)

1bayleaf

1⁄2 tspseasaltandpepper

100ggratedcheese—mixofagedCheddar, Parmesan,Gruye`re,crumbledblueorwhateveryou please 1cupspinachleaves,chopped

BreadcrumbsandextragratedCheddarandParmesan forthecrunchytop

Preheattheovento170C.

Cookthepastainlargepotofwell-saltedboilingwater untilaldente.Oncecooked,drainandreserve1cup ofthepastawater.

Heatoilinasaucepanandsaute´onionuntilsoft. Addbaconandfryfor3-4minutes.Removeandset aside.

Makethecheesesauceinthesamepan(Idon’t botherwithwashingit)bymeltingthebutterthenstirring intheflour,mixingtoapaste.Addhalfthemilk, mustard,bayleaf,saltandpepperandstirwhileit comesuptoheatandthickens.

Pourintheremainingmilkandcookfor10minutes, stirringtoasmoothsauce.Whiskinthepastawater untilyouhaveapouringcreamconsistency,notathick be´chamel.Stirincheesesandheatuntiltheymeltinto thesauce.Stirinspinach.

Inamedium-sizedovenproofdish,mixtogetherthe cookedpasta,onion,baconandcheesesauceuntil wellcombined.Sprinkleoverbreadcrumbsandextra cheeseandbakefor20-25minutesuntilthetopping isgoldenandcrunchy.

CelebrateNewZealand cheeseswiththeserecipes from

NiciWickes

I’mheretotellyoutobuylocalwhenitcomes tocheese.Whetherit’soozyandsmelly,sharp andcrumbly,ornuttyandmellow,we’re spoiltinAotearoaNewZealandwiththe calibreofcheesesbeingmadehere.

Icanneverquiteresistbringingawedgeortwo homewhenIpassthroughafarmers’marketor specialtyfoodstore—buteventherangeat supermarketsisgoodenoughtosatisfyme.

Whenitcomestocookingwithcheese,thereare afewIkeeponhand.FetaforwhenI’mafter somethingsaltyandbright.It’sperfectcrumbled overroastvegorbakedintoafrittata.Bluecheese isamust,andstirringaspoonfulintoacreamsauce oroverpan-friedmushroomsforaknockouttopping fortoast,isanactofkindnesstowardsyourself. Anagedcheddarisessentialasapantrystaplefor gratingintoscones,piesormeltingoverathick slabofbreadunderthegrill.

Butdon’tforgetcheeseinitspure,unadulterated glory;thickslicesofbriewithfreshpearorapple —thatclassicsweet-saltycombo.Awedgeofblue balancedwithhoney,roastedgrapesandwalnuts makesmefeelinstantlysophisticated.Fresh burrataormozzarelladrizzledwitholiveoiland adecentpinchofflakyseasaltisoneofmymost decadentsnacks.Andnowthatasparagusseason iswithus,allofthesethreeoptionscaneasily accommodatesomeblisteredspearsontheside.

Mytwo-cheeseoniontartthisweekissimpleand gloriousandperfectasashowcaseforalocalblue andbrie.Justslowlycarameliseapileofonions untiltheyslumpandturngolden,spreadthemover apastrybase,scatteroverslicedbrieandbakeuntil thewholethingisbubblingbeforedottingoversome bluecheesetowardstheendofcooking.

Andthenthere’smac’n’cheese—adishthat’s oftenstodgyandheavy.Notmine.Myversionis looser,silkier,almostelegant.Thetrick?Acheese saucethat’smadewithpartpastawaterorstock ratherthanjustmilk,soitstayslightandcoats thepastainsteadofclumping.Andalways— always—uselarge-holedpastashellsorrigatoni insteadofthosetightlittleelbowsweenduredin HomeEc.Thecheesesaucepoolsinthehollows, makingeachbitegloriouslyindulgent.

Cheeseisacomfort,aluxury,acelebration.So nexttimeyou’reoutandabout,pickupacheese, orthree,maderighthere.

You’llbetreatingyourselfandhelpingtosustain ourwonderfulcheesemakerswhopourtheirskill andpassionintoeverycarefullycraftedbatchof curds.

ONIONANDTWOCHEESETART

Thistartisnofuss,evenwithmakingyourownpastry,and whatcomesoutoftheovenisspectacular.

Serves2-4

RoughPuffPastry

140gplainflour

140gcoldbutter

1⁄2 tspsalt

3-5Tbspicecoldwater

Onions

2Tbspbutter

1Tbspoliveoil

3largeonions,slicedthinlyfromroottotip

1Tbspbrownsugar

2Tbspbalsamicvinegar

Fewsprigsoffreshthyme

100gbrieorcamembert,sliced Drizzleofoliveoil

75gbluecheese

Pastry:Pulsetheflour,butterandsaltinafoodprocessor untilit’slikecoursebreadcrumbs.Drizzleinhalfthewater andpulsesomemore.Keepaddingthewateruntilthemixture stickstogetherwhenpinchedbetweenyourfingersbutitwill stilllookverycrumbly.

Tumbleoutonawell-flouredbenchandbringtogether, scrunchingit,intoathickflatrectangle.Rollintoalarge rectanglearound20cmwideand15cmdeep.Keepthebench well-flouredbecausethedoughisquitestickyatfirst.Now foldtheshortsidesintothecentreoftherectangle,tomeet, andthenfolditinhalf,soitlooksalittlelikeabook.Quarter turnit,rolloutagain,fold,thenturnandrepeatthistwicemore. Thiscreatesthelayersthatwillpuff.Wrapandchillfor20 minuteswhileyougettheonionson.

Inalargeliddedpanorpotmeltthebutterandoilthen addtheonions,sugarandbalsamic.Coverwithalidandlet themcookonlow-mediumfor20minutes,stirringwhenyou remember.Theyoughttobelovelyandsoft.Addinthethyme. Cool.

Tomakethetart,turnovento180fanbake.Rolloutpastry to.5cmthickandtransfertoabakingtray.Spoonoveronions andtopwithcamembert.Drizzlewitholiveoilandbakefor 30-40minutesuntilpastryispuffedandgolden.Addblue cheeseinclumpsandcookfor2minutesmore. Servewarmorcold.

Getasizzleon

Thesedeliciouslycrispy pancakesarefullofflavour andtexture.Theyareagreat optionforafamilymeal— everyonecancustomisetheir ownba´nhxe`oaccordingto whatfillingstheylike.The pancakesthemselvesare veganandgluten-free.

Ba´nhXe`o(VietnamesePancakes)

Serves4

Ingredients

Batter

1cupriceflour

1⁄2 cupcornflour

1tspgroundturmeric

1tspsalt

11⁄2 cupswater

1⁄2 cupcoconutmilk

2springonions,finelychopped

FillingOptions—useyourchoiceofproteinsand vegetables

300gcookedkaraagechickenpieces

1cupcookedprawns

1cupbeansprouts

1carrotgrated

1smallonion,finelysliced

NuocCham(DippingSauce)

3Tbspsweetchillisauce

2Tbspricevinegar

2Tbsplemonjuice

2Tbspwater

1Tbspfishsauce

1clovegarlic,finelychopped Toserve Lettuceleaves Freshmint Freshcoriander

Method

Combinealltheingredientsforthebatterexceptthe springonioninabowlandwhiskwell.Setasidetorest forhalfanhour.Youcanmakethebatteraheadoftime andstoreitinthefridgeovernight.Addthespringonions tothebatterjustbeforecooking.

Whilethebatterisresting,cookyourselectedfillings. TomaketheDippingSauce:shakealltheingredients togetherinajarandleaveforatleast20minutesbefore

using.Youcanmakethesauceaheadoftime.

Tocooktheba´nhxe`o,stirthespringonionintothe batter.Heata22cmnon-stickpantomediumhighand addaspoonfulofoil.Pouraboutathirdofacupof batterintothepanandtiltthepantospreaditout.

Sprinklesomecookedchickenorprawnsoverhalf ofthepancake,alongwithsomecarrotandonion.Cook for4minutes.

Foldthepancakeovertocoverthefillingandslide ontoaplate.Handitovertobeeatenimmediatelyor keepitwarmintheoverwhileyoumaketherestof theba´nhxe`o.

Toeat:Tearoffapieceoftheba´nhxe`o,folditin alettuceleafwithsomefreshherbs,anddipintothe sauce.

—fresh.co.nz

BestBooks

KAREN McMILLAN BooksEditor

Nadia’sFarmKitchenby

NadiaLim (NudeFood,RRP$55)

NadiaLimhascreateda gorgeouscompanion cookbooktoherTVseries, featuringmorethan80hearty andwholesomerecipesthat thewholefamilywillenjoy. Organisedbyseason,there arenourishingsoups,vibrant salads,deliciousmainsand mouthwateringdesserts.Thecookbookisinfusedwith Nadia’swarmthandtakesyoubehindthescenesof herreal-lifefarmwithhusbandCarlosatRoyalburn Station.Amust-havecookbook.

—KarenMcMillan

Fly,WildSwansbyJung Chang (HarperCollins,RRP$40)

Fly,WildSwans arrivesmore than30yearsafter WildSwans firstcaptivatedreaderswithits accountofthreegenerationsof Chinesewomen.Thisnew volumecontinuesChang’s personalandpoliticaljourney, exploringtheprofoundbondshesharedwithher remarkablemother.Courageousanddeeplyhuman, thisisamovingfamilysagaandanessentialmeditation onChina’spastandpresent.

—ChrisReed

BeyondtheReefbyGraeme Lay (CreativelyLimited,RRP $38)

Alifetimeofshortstorywriting isinthiscollectionthatisat onceintimateandexpansive. Setagainstthebackdropof theSouthPacific,thesestories revealtherichnessand complexityofislandlife,where ancienttraditionsmeetmodernrealitiesandwherethe oceanitselfisbothsettingandcharacter.Thebook situateshumandramawithinthelarger,timelesscycles ofnature.

—ChrisReed

LessonsonLivingbyNigel Latta (HarperCollins,RRP$40)

In2024,thelateNigelLatta revealedthathehadbeen diagnosedwithincurable cancer.Thisbookisan intimateandcandidjourney throughsomeofthetoughest daysofhislife,andhedistils psychologyintoprinciples designedforlifeasitis:messyandunpredictable. Insteadoftellingyouto“thinkpositive”,heshowshow torespondwelltoanysituation.Abookforanyone navigatingaroughpatch.

—AndreaMolloy

100WordsThatMakeUsKiwi byMarkBroatch (BatemanBooks,RRP$40) Whatanentertainingbook!This isperfectforanyoneinterested inlanguage,iconicKiwiwords andquirkyphrases.Mark Broatchhasresearchedtheir originsandhowtheyhave evolvedovertheyears.Curioustoknowmoreabout “jandals”,“ghostchips”,“dawnchorus”,“cultural cringe”,“percapita”,“yeahnah”,and“bogan”?This compacthardbackisatreasuretroveofinformation aboutourdistinctivelanguage.Choice!

—KarenMcMillan

● Formorereviewsgotonzbooklovers.co.nz

Shapedoesn’tmatter.AgreatfittingBra willmaketheworldofdifferencetohow youlookandfeel.TryonNZ’sbiggest rangeoflargercupBrasandSwimwear. perfectfit

Anepicadventureforourtimes

FRANCESCA RUDKIN Reviews

Couldthisbethefilmthat finallywins directorPaulThomas AndersonanOscar?

FilmmakerPaulThomasAnderson couldn’thaveknown20yearsago,when hestartedtinkeringawayonthisscript, thatwhenitwasfinallyreleaseditwould besuchastartlingandrelevantfilm.

VerylooselybasedonThomasPynchon’snovel Vineland,itauniqueandquietlyexhilarating watch. OneBattleAfterAnother refusestositneatly inonegenreorstickwithonetone,butmanages tocometogethercohesively.

Anepicandsprawlingadventure,itspart comedy,action,thrillerandsatire;drawingon extremism,countercultureandpoliticsfromacross thelast50yearstodeliverastirringandhectic ride.

OneBattleAfterAnother dropsusintoan unspecifiedversionofthepresentdayanddoesn’t overtlytelluswhat’sgoingon;we’relefttowork itoutthroughthecamerawork,costumes,art direction,andscript.It’saworldthat’sbeen impeccablycreatedandit’shardtotakeinallthe detailsinjustonesitting.

So,wejustneedtogowiththeflow,acceptthe

SongsforNobodies

8-19October

Fivefamoussingers.Starringthe incomparableJackieClarke.

CreativeTalks

13October

Freeeventfeaturinglocallegend BraydonPriest

REHAB 22-25October

Anauthenticdarkcomedy exploringaddiction

absurdandtrytokeepup.Whichcanbe challenging.Andersonhasgonewithnaturalistic performancesanditcanbehardtoheareveryline orutterance,especiallyoverJonnyGreenwood’s jarringandoftenagitatingscore,whichmakesa pivotalcontributiontothefeelingofchaos.

Thestorykicksoffinthepast,withmilitant groupFrench75fightingfor“Freeborders,free bodies,freechoices,andfreefromf**kingfear.”

LedbytheferociousPerfidiaBeverlyHills (TeyanaTaylor),thegroupraidimmigration detentioncenters,blowupemptybuildings,and robbankstopayforitall.

Bob(LeonardoDiCaprio)isPerfidia’sboyfriend

andthegroup’sbombmaker, eventhoughhestrugglestokeep upwithwhat’sgoingon.

AfterPerfidiagivesbirthtotheir daughter,sheleavesBobtolookafter WillaandreturnstoFrench75.

Whenarobberygoeswrongthegroupdisperse andareforceddeeperunderground.Wethenjump forwardintimeandfindBob—nowevenmore confusedandparanoidduetodrugsandalcohol —asasingledadraising16-year-oldWilla(Chase Infiniti)offgridinaruralarea.

Thefatherdaughterrelationshipdrivesthis storyfromhere,asBobandWillatrytooutwit formerICEofficerandnastypieceofworkColonel StevenLockjaw(SeanPenn)whoisonamission totrackdownthefamily.

Thecastingisexcellent.Everyoneshines, includingBeniciodelToroasWilla’ssenseiand Bob’scalmingrescuer.

OneBattleAfterAnother moveswithgreat urgency,andasthingsgetwackierandmoreabsurd you’llfindyourselfgettingincreasinglytensein yourseat.

Andspeakingofseats—thisisafilmtobeseen inacinema.Shoton35mmfilmusingVistaVision camerasandwithplentyofreallifeandin-camera action,visuallyit’sacinephile’streat.

Amazingly,Andersonhasacrosshiscareer received11Oscarnominationsacrossbestpicture, director,adaptedscreenplayandoriginal screenplaycategories—andneverwon.Maybe, justmaybe,thisfabulous,nutty,timelysliceof storytellingwillfinallyseehimacceptingastatue.

Aptpupils:TheKing-makers

HowdoyoufilmaStephen Kingnovel?Startbygetting themaster’sblessing, writes CarlosAguilar

IfyouwanttoadaptoneofStephenKing’s manybooksintoamovie,you’llhavetoget hisapproval.Butdon’tworry.Theformer teacherturnedstarnovelistisratherlenient.

“Alotoftimes,Iwillapproveascreenwriter,and it’salmostlikesendingakidofftocollege,”King said.“Youhopethateverything’sgoingtowork andthatthey’regoingtobegoodstudentsandnot gethurtorwindupinrehab.”

Kinghassentthreeofhis“children”offtothe bigscreenthisyear: TheLifeofChuck,fromdirector MikeFlanagan; TheLongWalk,fromFrancis Lawrence;and TheRunningMan,fromEdgar Wright.“Steveiscertainlyinvolvedinapproving thescriptandthecast,andheisn’tshyabouthis opinions,butbeyondthat,hetrulydoesgiveyou spaceandfreedom,”saidFlanagan,whohasturned severalofKing’sbooksintofilms.

Overtheyears,Kinghasbeenvocalabouthis dislikeofStanleyKubrick’s1980renderingof The Shining.Butthereareplentyofadaptationsofhis workthathe’sfondof. TheShawshankRedemption (1994), TheGreenMile (1999)andtheseries The Institute (2025)areamongthem.

Kingeventhinks Misery (1990)isabettermovie thanitwasabook.“ThecombinationofKathy BatesandJamesCaanwasmagic,”hesaid.“And ithadatouchofhumourinitthatwasreally missingfromthebook.”

Flanaganandfourotherdirectorstalkedabout theirexperiencetranslatingKing’swordsinto compellingfilmiterations.

THERUNNINGMAN,EDGARWRIGHT

Evenasateenager,Wrightrealisedhowwildly differentthe1987versionof TheRunningMan was fromKing’s1982novel.Inmakinghisversionof thestoryofBenRichards,whomustsurvivebeing huntedfor30daystowinalargesumofmoney inadystopianreality,Wrightfocusedonpreserving thetext’ssubjectiveperspective.“Youdon’tsee anythingorhearanythingthathecan’tseeorhear. That’showthebookiswritten,”hesaid.

Wrightrecalledanerve-rackingweekendwhen Kingreadthescreenplay,sendingfeedbackoneach pageviaemail.

Italsowasn’tlostonthedirectorthatthetimely loglineforthebookwarnsthat“intheyear2025, thebestmendon’trunforpresident,theyrunfor theirlives”.

THELONGWALK,FRANCISLAWRENCE

Lawrencezeroedinontheelementsof TheLong Walk,aboutagroupofboyswhomustwalknonstop towinadeadlycontest,thathethoughtwouldmake hisadaptationrelevanttoday.Thebook,released in1979,wasanallegoryfortheVietnamWar, Lawrencesaid.“Butweleanedintotheideaof financialnihilism,thelossoftheAmericandream, andhoweverywhereintheworldpeoplearehaving areallyhardtimemakingenoughmoneytoput foodonthetableandaroofovertheirhead.”

THELIFEOFCHUCK,MIKEFLANAGAN

ToFlanagan,Kingissoeffectivebecausehe understandsthecharactersandhowthehorrors inhisstoriesderiveddirectlyfromthem.“Toomany peoplefocusonthewrongelementswhenthey approachhisworkforadaptation.”

Flanaganexplainedhisprocesstokeepthe humanismfrontandcentreandnotgetdistracted bythehorror.“Thedarknessinhisstoriesworks sowellbecausehe’smorefocusedonthelight.”

Hesaid TheLifeofChuck,whichtraceskey momentsinthehistoryofthetitlecharacterusing

a fantasticalend-of-the-worldframework, illustratedKing’sintentthroughouthiswork.

“Itseemstobeastoryabouttheendofallthings, aboutaworlddyingarounditsbaffledandhelpless inhabitants,”hesaid.“ButinKing’susualway, that’swherethemagictrickhappens:He’snot writingaboutdeath;he’swritingaboutlife.”

IT,ANDYMUSCHIETTI

Asateenager,film-makerAndyMuschiettihad readKing’s1986novel, It,whenhecameacross a1990TVadaptationandwasnotimpressed.For his2017big-screentakeonthestoryofchildren facingoffagainstamalevolententity,heaimedto dojusticetothemoreshocking,R18aspectsof King’stextthatcouldn’tbeshownonTV.

Muschiettiupdatedthelookofthecreature, keepingtheessentialtraits(thesilveryfabricof thecostume,theorangehair)butjettisoningthe mid-20th-centuryBozotheClownlook.Hehad alwaysbeencaptivatedbyhowenigmatic It was abouttheoriginoftheterrifyingmonsterandits intentions.

“Kingcanbeverygranularandhandittoyou onatray,stimulatingyourimaginationwith description,”hesaid.“Buthecanalsobevery crypticaboutthings.”

PETSEMATARY,MARYLAMBERT

King’s1983taleofamanwhosedeadchildreturns tolifewasthefirstonethenovelisthimselfadapted intoascreenplay,tobefilmedinhisnativeMaine.

“Ihadnointentionofchanginganything,” directorLambertsaidofher1989film.“Iwas completelyonboardwithbringinghisnoveltolife inthemostthoughtfulandpenetratingwaythat Icould.”

LambertcomparedworkingwithKingtodoing improvwithactors,ashewouldbuildonher suggestions.Mostofherideaswerevisualand subtextual.Forinstance,shethoughtputting17thcenturyNewEngland-styleportraitsofdead childrenonthewallofonecharacter’schildhood homewouldunderscorethethemeofgrief.

AnditwasLambert’sideatoputKingonscreen asapriest,eventhoughsomeoftheproducers thoughthisrecognisablepresencewouldpull viewersoutofthestory.“Iunderstoodfandomfrom myyearsdirectingmusicvideos,”sheexplained. “Isaid,‘Idon’tthinkyouguysunderstandfandom. PeoplewanttoseeStephen.”’

TheNewYorkTimes

6am Infomercials

7.30 RickStein’sFoodStories 30

8am RuralDelivery 30

8.30 CountryCalendar 30

9am BarkleyManor PG 30 A blackRussian’skitchen raidstakeadeadlyturn, alabradoodle’sSydney OEgoesawry,andan abandonedRottweiler needsahome.

9.30 TagataPasifika 0

9.55 MarcusWareing’sTales fromaKitchenGarden

10.30 TheCelebrityBakeOff 3 TopGear’sPaddy McGuinness,Nolansister Coleen,Inbetweenersactor JoeThomasandcomedian EllieTaylormakejaffa cakes,havearoughtime withpastry,andrendertheir hometownsinbiscuit.

11.35 KeepingUpAppearances PGC Hyacinthdecidesto holdariversidepicnic.

12.45 DiaryofaJuniorDoctor PGC 3 DrSteveembraces lifeasanewlywed,meet DrFaseehashetackles EDforthefirsttime,andDr Kerianajugglesworkand motherhood.

1.40 TheTravellingAuctioneers

2.35 AlanCarr’sEpic Gameshow 3 Alanputsa twistonPlayYourCards Rightwithfourpluckypairs ofcontestants.

3.35 TippingPoint:BestEver Finals 30

4pm SittingonaFortune 3

5pm TheChase 30

6pm 1NewsatSix 0

7pm L Cricket:Blackcaps vAustralia 0 ThirdT20. FromBayOval,Mount Maunganui.

10.45 Elsbeth M 30

11.40 Sherwood 16VL 30

12.40 TheSplit M 3

1.40 DrDeath MLC 3

2.25 Quiz

3.30 Infomercials

6am Children’sProgrammes

9.10 MaloryTowers 30

9.35 TheGamers2037 30

10am Fresh PG 0

10.30 ShortlandStreetOmnibus PGC 30

Noon YoungSheldon PGC 30

12.30 TheGrahamNortonShow PGL 30

1.30 GladiatorsUK 0 Four contendersbattlethe Gladiatorsforaplacein thesemis,andunexpected eventsduringhangtough shocksthearena.

2.30 TheAmazingRace Australia:CelebrityEdition PG 30

4pm DanceMoms:ANewEra PGC 0 Recoveredfromher injury,Audreyplansto reclaimtopspot,untilGlo bringsinnewdancerGina.

5pm TwoandaHalfMen PGS 30

6pm TheBigBangTheory PG 30

7pm America’sGotTalent PG 0 Aliveshowgoldenbuzzer willsendoneactdirectlyto thefinals,andAmericacan votefortheirtwofavourite actstoadvance.

8pm Lotto

8.05 America’sGotTalent PG Continued.

8.50 M ForgettingSarah Marshall 16LSC 30 2008 Comedy. Amantakesa Hawaiianholidayaftera relationshipbreak-upwhile awomanistravellingtothe sameresortwithhernew boyfriend.JasonSegel, KristenBell.

10.50 M GirlsTrip 16LSC 30 2017 Comedy.

1am M 2Hearts M 30 2020 Drama.

2.45 Punk 16L 0

4.35 Fresh PG 30 5am Infomercials

7.10 Assassin’sPlan 16VLS2023 Crime. 9.05 ComeOutFighting MVLC2022Action. 10.30 Better Man 16LSC2024Musical. 12.45 Heretic 16VC2024Horror. 2.35 GreedyPeople 16VLS2024 Comedy. 4.30 Joika M2023Drama. 6.25 Conclave MSC2024Thriller. 8.30 TheCrow 16VLC2024Action. Aftertwosoulmatesaremurdered, amanmusttraversetheworldsof thelivingandthedead,seeking revenge. 10.25 AQuietPlace:Day One MVL2024Horror. 12.05 Inthe LostLands MV2025Action.

7.05 TheDiaryofaTeenage Girl 16LSC2015Comedy. 8.45 Love MeifYouDare MS2003Comedy. 10.20 JustgowithIt MS2011 Comedy. 12.15 TalladegaNights: TheBalladofRickyBobby MLS 2006Comedy. 2pm Swingers ML 1996ComedyDrama. 3.35 She’sthe Man PG2006Rom-com. 5.20 TheBig Wedding MLS2013Comedy. 6.50 The FirstWivesClub PGL1996Comedy. 8.30 PineappleExpress 16VL2008 Comedy. 10.20 NakedGun:From theFilesofPoliceSquad PG1988 Comedy. 11.45 NakedGun21/2: TheSmellofFear PGL1991Comedy.

6am CharlesStanley PG

6.30 Infomercials

9.30 SupermarketStakeout 30

10.30 TheZoo PG 0 Anageing camelfacesnewchallenges andaredpandagivesbirth totwocubs.

11.30 AnimalEmbassy 30 Loro Parqueisthenewhomefor aturtlearrivingfromItaly, andaniguanahasalumpy bellythathastobechecked out.

Noon CupcakeWars 30

1pm UnsellableHouses 0

2pm LakefrontBargainHunt: Renovation 0

3pm ParentalGuidance PG 30

4.30 The1%ClubAustralia PG 30

5.30 OceanBounty 0 Nexus BlueInnovationsisa companycombiningcutting edgetechnologyand innovationfortheseafood sector.

6pm ThreeNews 0

6.30 BeachCops PG 30

7pm M Scoob! PG 3 2020 Animation. WithvillainDick Dastardlyouttocapture ScoobytheMysteryInc gangmustthwarttheevil plan.

8.45 M TheSuicideSquad 16 3 2021Adventure. Supervillains joinasecrettaskforce andaredroppedoffata theremoteislandofCorto Maltese,riddledwith enemies.MargotRobbie, IdrisElba.

11.10 DoomPatrol 16 Back intime,Ritaattemptsto navigatetheBureauof Normalcywithhelpfrom afamiliargroup;Jane givesKayherfirsttasteof freedom;Larrygetsclosure withhisson.

12.15 Infomercials

5am LeadingtheWay PG

5.30 CharlesStanley PG

7.10 TheDamnedUnited 2009 Docu-drama. 8.50 TheCount ofMonteCristo 2002Adventure. 11.05 TheIllusionist MVS2006 Drama. 12.55 BasicInstinct 18VS 1992Thriller. 3.05 BeforeSunset MLS 2004Drama. 4.30 TheFallGuy MVLC 2024Action. 6.35 EdgeofTomorrow MVL2014Action. 8.30 TheJane AustenBookClub ML2007Drama. Abookclubdiscussestheworks ofJaneAusten,onlytofindtheir 21stcenturyrelationshipsbegin toresemblethoseinhernovels. 10.20 Sicario 16VC2015Crime. 12.20 Gravity MLC2013Drama.

8am MyFavouriteDeadPerson 30

8.30 KiriandLou 30

8.35 MoeandFriends 30

8.50 ExtremeCakeSports 30

9.35 KeaKidsNews 30

10am Infomercials

Noon Golf:PGATour (HLS) 0 ProcoreChampionship Event.

1pm Rugby:FPC (HLS) PremiershipSemi-final: WaikatovAuckland.

1pm Rugby:FPC (DLY) PremiershipFinal:Waikato vCanterbury.FromFMG Stadium.

3.45 Rugby:NPC (HLS) Southland vNorthHarbour.

4pm Rugby:Heartland Championship (DLY) 0 MidCanterburyvNorth Otago.FromtheAshburton Showgrounds.

6pm PointlessAustralia 0 Contestantsmustscoreas fewpointsaspossibleto comeupwiththeanswers no-oneelsecanthinkof.

7pm Rugby:NPC (DLY) 0 ManawatuvHawke’sBay. FromCentralEnergyTrust Arena,PalmerstonNorth.

9.30 M Mindhunters 16V 0 2004 Thriller. TraineesintheFBI’s psychologicalprofiling programmediscovera serialkillerintheirmidst.Val Kilmer,LLCoolJ,Christian Slater.

11.30 Ambulance 16VLC 30 NicolaandClaireattend toamanwhohasbeen foundunresponsiveonthe roadside,andthensearch foramissingsuicidal woman.

12.30 Infomercials

6.25 TheGold M Mini-series. 7.25 TheGold M Mini-series. 8.25 CitizenSleuth M2023 Documentary. 9.35 Re-animator 16 1985Horror. 11.05 Queer 162024 Drama. 1.20 AristotleandDante DiscovertheSecretsofthe Universe M2022Drama. 2.55 What’s EatingGilbertGrape PG1993 Drama. 4.50 KidSnow 162024 Drama. 6.55 Cottontail M2023Drama. 8.30 ThePenguinLessons M 2024Drama. 10.20 JacquesDemy: ThePinkandtheBlack M2024 Documentary. 11.50 81/2 M1963 Drama.

6am QI PG 7.10 Richard Osman’sHouseofGames Marathon 9.40 Dragons’Den PG 10.40 Shakespeareand Hathaway:PrivateInvestigators PG 11.25 ShakespeareandHathaway: PrivateInvestigators PG 12.15 8 Outof10CatsDoesCountdown M 2pm SignoraVolpe M 3.45 Antiques Roadshow PG 4.45 Father Brown PG 5.40 Grantchester PG 6.35 OurWelshChapelDream PG 7.35 Queen’sGuard:AYear inService M 8.30 Midsomer Murders PG 10.15 NewTricks M 11.15 WhodoYouThinkYouare? PG 12.25 WhodoYouThinkYou are? PG

6.30 KoriClub 3 6.40 MahiPai 3 6.50 HeRourou 3 7am Darwin andNewts 3 7.10 Islandof Mystery 3 7.20 TeNutube 3 7.30 KiaMau 3 7.40 TePamu Kumara 3 7.50 FlyMyPepeha 3 8am Pukana 3 8.30 Nga KapaHakaKuraTuarua 9.30 Te MatatinioteKahuiMaunga Festival 10am L TeMaevaNui CookIslandCulturalFestival. 6pm M FacingGrizzlies 3 2022Documentary. PhilTimpany’s journeytohelpgrizzliessurvive, sharingtheirsecretsonfilmand demonstratinghowpeopleand bearscanco-exist.

7pm HuikiHaere PG 3 7.30 M Finnick PG2022Animation. AyoungFinndoesnotcareabout makingahomeoutofhishouse. Everythingchangeswhenanew familycomestohishouseand histricksdonotwork.Mikhail Khrustalyov,BorisDergachev, AndreyLyovin. 9pm M SlidingDoors M1998 Drama. ALondonwoman’slovelife andcareerhingeonwhetheror notshecatchesatrain.Gwyneth Paltrow,JohnHannah,JohnLynch. 11pm Closedown

6am Rugby:NPC 6.40 Rugby: GallagherPremiership 7.40 L Rugby:Gallagher Premiership BathvSaleSharks. FromtheRecreationGround,Bath. 9.45 Rugby:NPC 10am Rugby: BledisloeCupPreviewShow 10.30 TripleThreat 11am Cricket: ICCWomen’sODIWorldCup 11.30 Cricket:ICCWomen’s ODIWorldCup Noon Rugby: NPC 12.15 Rugby:Bledisloe CupPreviewShow

6am RuralDelivery 30

6.25 BorderSecurity PG 30

6.45 Attitude 30

7.10 TagataPasifika 30

7.35 SongsofPraise 30

8.10 JohnandLisa’sWeekend Kitchen 30

9am Q+AwithJackTame 0 10am WakaHuia

10.30 Marae

11am RichHousePoorHouse 30 Noon Attitude PG Hearabout theexperiencesofthose withcerebralpalsy,ina raw,emotional,funny,and insightfulway.

12.30 FindMyCountryHouse Canada PG

1pm TippingPoint:BestEver Finals 3

1.30 CoronationStreet PG 3

2pm ChateauDIY 3

3pm FindMyCountryHouse: NewZealand 3

3.30 NewZealand’sBestHomes withPhilSpencer 3

4.30 FishingandAdventure PG 0

5pm TheChase 0

6pm 1NewsatSix 0

7pm CountryCalendar PG 0

7.30 NewZealand’sBest HomeswithPhilSpencer 0 Philexploresthreehomes thatcelebrateevolution: ofaninnercitysuburb,a house,andanislandretreat.

8.30 IFoughttheLaw M 0 Ann pressuresthepolicetofind outwhathappenedtoJulie beforeasuspectischarged andissubjecttoajury’s verdict.

9.30 TheCoupleNextDoor MLS 0 Aftertheeventsin Antwerp,Charlottetriesto distractherselfwithwork.

10.30 Reunion 16C

11.30 Q+AwithJackTame 3

12.30 Infomercials

0

6am Children’sProgrammes DarwinandNewts;Love Monster;Bluey;NightEyes; RoyalsNextDoor;Scooby DooandGuessWho?

8.10 IslandofMystery

8.25 YoungRiders 3

8.30 WhatNow? 0

9.30 TheVoiceUSA 0

10.20 HomeandAwayOmnibus PG 3

12.20 DogSquadPuppySchool 3 SeewhatatraineeLand SearchandRescuesnow pupgetsuptoinsummer, andmobilitypuppiesplay go-home,stay-home.

12.50 MKR PG 3

2.30 M Hook 3 1991Family fantasy. WhenCaptainHook kidnapshischildren,an adultPeterPanmustreturn toNeverlandandreclaim hisyouthfulspiritinorderto challengehisoldenemy.

5.05 TwoandaHalfMen PG 3

6.05 TheBigBangTheory 3

7pm HighwayPatrol PG 0 Aself confessedmarijuanauser crasheshismotorbikeinto thebackofacarinbusy Melbourne.

7.30 AmbulanceAustralia PGC 30 Theambulance respondstoan88-yearold withasevereheadwound, amotorbikeaccidentin Sydney’sbusyM4tunnel, andalife-savingcallonan isolatedbushtrail.

8.30 M NoTimetoDie MVC 2021Action. Afterleaving MI6,JamesBondislivinga peacefullife.Butwhenheis contactedbyaCIAfriend, Bondisthrownbackinto theservice.DanielCraig.

11.30 TheGrahamNortonShow PGL 3

12.30 F Watson M

1.15 FBI:International MV 2am F SealTeam 16VL

2.50 F UnidentifiedBodies PGC

3.35 IKnewMyMurderer MVC 4am Infomercials

7.20 Conclave MSC2024Thriller. 9.25 TheCrow 16VLC2024Action. 11.20 AQuietPlace:DayOne MVL 2024Horror. 1pm IntheLostLands MV2025Action. 2.40 BloodlineKiller 16VLC2024Horror. 4.25 Kraven theHunter 16VLC2024Action. 6.35 Treasure MLC2024Drama. 8.30 WewereDangerous ML2024 Drama. NewZealand,1954.Three girlsliveonanislandinstitutionfor delinquents.Theirbondempowers themtorallyagainstthesystem. 9.55 Mercy 16VL2023Action. 11.20 HeartEyes 16VLC2025Horror. 12.55 Anora 16LSC2024Drama.

7.40 AnalyzeThis MVL1999 Comedy. 9.25 TheHoliday MLS 2006Romance. 11.40 SnackShack 16VLSC2024Comedy. 1.30 Menin Black:International MVC2019 Action. 3.25 EmpireRecords 16LC 1995Comedy. 4.55 BenditLike Beckham PGL2002ComedyDrama. 6.45 RocktheKasbah MVLSC 2015Comedy. 8.30 10ThingsI HateAboutYou PGS1999Rom-com. 10.05 MySuperEx-Girlfriend MS2006Comedy. 11.40 The InbetweenersMovie 16LS2011 Comedy.

6am BeachfrontBargainHunt 30

6.30 LeadingtheWay PG

7am CharlesStanley PG

8am KeyofDavid PG

8.30 TurningPoint PG 9am Guy’sRanchKitchen PG 0 GuyFieri’scheffriends recreateVietnamesespring rollsandchickenand mergueztagine.

9.25 TheHui 0 9.55 YouLiveinWhat? 3 Home conversionswithhistory, includinga17thcentury Mission,anoldtraindepot, aformersummercamp,and a19thcenturystables.

10.45 TheGreatFoodTruck Race 0

11.30 Motorsport:FIM SpeedwayGP (HLS)

12.30 Motorsport:NascarXfinity Series (HLS)

1.30 Motorsport:British TouringChampionship (HLS)

2.30 Motorsport:NascarCup Series (HLS)

3.30 Motorsport:MotoGP (HLS)

4.30 Sailing:SailGP (DLY) Spain: DayOne.

6pm ThreeNews 0

6.30 GoldCoastCops PG 30

7pm UltimateEscape PG 0 BeginningatMountCook, thecaptivesmustnavigate theirrescuersthroughthe sixth24-hourleg.

8.30 M TheBatman M 0 2022 Action. WhentheRiddler beginsmurderingpolitical figures,Batmanisforced toinvestigateGotham’s hiddencorruptionandhis ownfamily’sinvolvement. RobertPattinson,Zoe Kravitz.

11.35 Roadies 16 Atight-knit groupofroadies,fora successfulrockband,puts theshowontheroadwhile neverlosingtheirloveofthe music.

12.45 Infomercials

8.22 TheMeg MLC2018Action. 10.12 Snitch MV2013Thriller. Noon MillionDollarBaby MC 2004Drama. 2.15 LondonHas Fallen 16VL2016ActionCrime. 3.55 AngelHasFallen 16VL2019 Action. 6pm WarHorse MV2011 Drama. 8.30 TheGrandBudapest Hotel MVLS2014ComedyDrama. Theadventuresofalegendary conciergeatafamoushotel,and thelobbyboywhobecomeshis trustedcohort. 10.10 Foxcatcher MVC2014Drama. 12.25 Country Strong M2010Drama.

6am KiriandLou 30

6.10 ExtremeCakeSports 30

6.30 TheDrawingShow 30

6.40 KeaKidsNews 30

7am ReligiousProgrammes

9am TagataPasifika

9.30 OnlyinAotearoa PGL 30

10am Football:PremiereLeague (RPL) ArsenalvWestHam.

Noon RugbyLeague:NRL PreliminaryFinalOne.

12.15 RugbyLeague:NRL PreliminaryFinalTwo.

12.30 RugbyLeague:NRLW

12.45 RugbyLeague:NRLW

1pm UFC:PPVPrelims

3pm RugbyChampionship: AustraliavAllBlacks (DLY) 0 FromOptusStadium, Perth.

5pm Lolo:TheChampion Maker 0 At65-years-old, combatsportscoachLolo Heimuliisfocusingon developingnotjustgreat fightersbutgreatpeople.

6pm RugbyNation

6.30 PointlessAustralia 0 7pm SOS:ExtremeRescues PG 0

7.30 N GaryBarlow’sFood andWineTour:Australia MLS 0 GaryBarlowandTim Minchinsamplekangaroo andlocalwineatthe SydneyOperaHouse;in theHunterValley,Garyand SophieEllis-Bextortakea motor-triketourthroughthe vines.

8.30 M OlympusHasFallen 16VLC 30 2013Action. Whenaterroristkidnaps theAmericanpresident, adisgracedformerguard becomesthepresident’s onlyhope.GerardButler, AaronEckhart,Morgan Freeman.

11pm TheBreakdown 12am AllAmerican: Homecoming MLS 1am Infomercials

6.10 TheGold M Mini-series. 7.10 TheGold M Mini-series. 8.10 KidSnow 162024Drama. 10.15 Cottontail M2023Drama. 11.50 ThePenguinLessons M2024Drama. 1.40 81/2 M1963 Drama. 4pm RyuichiSakamoto: Opus 2023Documentary. 5.45 Evil DoesNotExist PG2023Drama. 7.30 TheGold M 8.30 TheGold M 9.30 HomeKills 162023Thriller. 11.20 TheToll 162021Thriller. 12.45 BodyintheSuitcase:the MurderofDeborahChong M2023 Investigations.

6am AntiquesRoadshow PG 6.55 Ghosts PG 7.55 Joanna Lumley’sIndia PG 8.45 WouldILietoYou? PG 9.55 EastEnders PG 12.15 MidsomerMurders PG 2pm MidsomerMurders PG 3.45 OurWelshChapelDream PG 4.45 FatherBrown PG 5.40 The GoodShipMurder PG 6.35 8Out of10CatsDoesCountdown 16 7.35 GreatCanalJourneys PG 8.30 WhodoYouThinkYou are? PG 9.40 Grantchester M 10.35 Grantchester M 11.30 The GrahamNortonShow M 12.30 Who doYouThinkYouare? PG

Championship:ArgentinavSouth Africa 3pm L RugbyLeague:NRL StateChampionshipFinal:Warriors vBears.FromAccorStadium, Sydney. 5.10 L RugbyLeague: NRLW Final:BroncosvRoosters. FromAccorStadium,Sydney. 8pm LeagueLoungewithShaun Johnson 8.30 L RugbyLeague: NRL GrandFinal:StormvBroncos. FromAccorStadium,Sydney. 12.45 RugbyChampionship: AustraliavAllBlacks 1am The Breakdown 1.50 L Football: PremierLeague Evertonv CrystalPalace. 4.10 Golf: PGA 4.40 Rugby:Australia U18vNewZealandSchools 5am Motorsport:Formula1

Puzzlesandhoroscopes

Crypticcrossword

ACROSS

1. EatingmeatmakestheNavyvoracious(11)

8. Thetongue–andalung–agehadtoadaptto(8) 9. Itisaneternityatanytime(4)

10. Poplarthattrembleslikeaquill(5) 13. Workdoggedlyatskipper’sfirstrecordofvoyage(4) 16. Secondvowelrepeatedlyheardtoslackenoff(4)

17. Endofmovementforfishwithatail(4)

18. Sugarroothoneymakergetsfirsttasteof(4) 20. Intermediateclassmaybeexplosive(5) 24. Thehouronemetwithdisruption(4) 25. Breaktherulesoftheringinfinemix-up(8) 26. PresentingCountridingaround(11) DOWN

2. Shemayberelativelyfreewithheradvice(4) 3. Wordsthatsignifynothingamongsisters(5)

4. Virginiatotakehalfofthoseinvited,butit’snotcertain(5)

5. BowlingspellsfinishedbybeginningofSeptember(5)

6. Withwhichonelyingmaycomeclean?(7,4)

7. Anyhowforgeditforaboutamonthifunwillinglypropelled(4-7)

11. Capitalinwhichonemaygetplastered(5)

12. Armysignalhalfmadegungooff(5)

14. Theappearanceofalavatoryontopofkitchen(4)

15. One’sactualexistencemayaswellbegivenup(4)

19. Pleasureisfreeforonetodealwithit(5)

21. Sharpenedoneinhavinghidoneaway(5)

22. WordsnotesarewrittentoinaLullyricercare(5) 23. Soononewon’tknowwhotheauthorwas(4)

Quickcrossword

WordWheel

Insertthemissinglettertocomplete aneight-letterwordreadingclockwise oranti-clockwise.

Across 1. Bakinginstructions(7)

5. Tally(3,2)

8. Inawaythatattracts attention(13)

9. Takeanexam(3)

10. Businessconductedonthe internet(1-8)

12. Visit(4,2)

13. Statecategorically(6) 15. Wipeout(9) 16. Twitch(3) 18. Headofgovernment(5,8) 20. Yearned(5)

Liberty(7)

Swaysbackandforth(5)

Datadisc(abbr)(2-3) 19. Finish(3)

Previoussolution: ABSTAINS

www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz

Howmanywordsofthreeormore letters,includingplurals,canyoumake fromthefiveletters,usingeachletter onlyonce?Nowordsbeginningwitha capitalareallowed.There’satleastone five-letterword. Good 8 VeryGood 11 Excellent 14

Previoussolution: ego,erg,ergo,foe, fog,for,fore,forge,fro,froe,frog,goer, gofer,gore,ogre,ore,orf,orfe,ref,roe

ARIES(Mar21-Apr19): Intheartgalleryofyourlife, you'retooclosetothepicture,soclosethat youcanonlyseebrushstrokes,notthewhole painting.Stepback.Distancegivesyouclarity. Thebiggerpicturecomesintofocus.

TAURUS(Apr20-May20): Whilethewhirringmind calculatesthebenefitsanddetrimentsasseenin onemomentbyoneperson,theheartconnects withalargerpictureandcomesupwithanswers toservethecollective.Keepfollowing.

GEMINI(May21-Jun21): Yourbrandofopennessiswhat peopleneedmostrightnow,morethanclever phrasingorpolishedresponses.Yoursincerity isthemessage,anditcarriesfartherthanany perfectwordingcould.

CANCER(Jun22-Jul22): You'llblendwhatyouwantwith waysthatotherscanjoinin.Thebestplanwill beflexibleandinclusive.You'llendupwith somethingmorebeautifulandsustainablethan theoriginalvision.

LEO(Jul23-Aug22): Storiesareoftenquitedifferent fromtheobjectiverealityofasituation,but thatdoesn'tmakethemuntrue.Yourfeelings, perceptionsandsubjectiverealitymatter,too. Theperformanceoflifeispartoflife,too.

VIRGO(Aug23-Sep22): Yes,you'rethesovereignof details.Butoccasionally,yourmindcouldusea breakfromthevigilance.Blowoutthepicture untilitallgoesalittlefuzzyandletthatbethe beautyyoulivein.

LIBRA(Sep23-Oct23): Sometimesyouhavetofindyour waythroughasituation,buttoday,you're rememberingasthoughyou'vedoneitalready. Withyourinterestinglensandcreativity unbound,you'llsolveproblemsthatvexothers.

SCORPIO(Oct24-Nov21): Notallpressurestressesyou out.Today'sbrandisexhilarating.It'sjustthe sortofchallengethatopensdeeperresources. Theenergy,creativity,optimismandtalentare allinsideyou,justwaitingforactivation.

SAGITTARIUS(Nov22-Dec21): Doubt,whenbalanced withreflection,ispartofwisdom.Unwavering confidenceisaredflagsignallingegoinflation. Fluctuationsinself-conceptarenotsignsof weakness,butofawareness.

CAPRICORN(Dec22-Jan19): Everythinggoodbuildson thebedrockofacceptance.Fromthere,you willcreatesolutions,systemsorevenbeauty around thereality,insteadofexhausting yourselfbyresistingthetruthof whatis

AQUARIUS(Jan20-Feb18): Youcanspotaphonyamile away.Hunchesareoftentheaggregateof subtlehints,invisibletotheconsciousmind. Also,thelessyouknowaboutaperson,the morespot-onyourinitialimpressionswillbe.

PISCES(Feb19-Mar20): Excellentfriendsdon'tjustgive back;theycaterthegifttotheotherperson's preferences.Yourbrandofgenerositywillbe trulyselflessandastute.

Previouscrypticsolution

Across: 1.Maritime4.Scud8.Nod9.Canoe10.New 11.Cleaner12.Elude13.Misinformed17.Maple18.Cottage 20.Own21.Equus22.Gut23.Tier24.Ancestor Down: 1.Menace2.Ridge3.Minor5.Conjure6.Dowser 7.Meteorites9.Considered14.Impinge15.Impost16.Better 18.Churn19.Argot

Previousquicksolution

Across: 1.Dash3.Lopsided9.Stamina10.Tired 11.Relationship13.Sacred15.Haggle17.Pleasantries 20.Squat21.Narrate22.Pretends23.Fees. Down: 1.Distress2.Stall4.Orator5.Satisfactory6.Darling 7.Dude8.Tittle-tattle12.Reassess14.Collude16.Canned 18.Image19.RSVP.

Fillthegridsothateverycolumn,everyrowand3x3boxcontainsthedigits1to9.

Across

1. Managerinthecentrehireda distractedpersonwithnobrains(7)

5. Martisdamagedbyfall’slast strongwind(7)

9. Scaledshellfishremainabright colour(9)

10. Cutsandstrains(5)

11. Springfixedbetweentwo bearingsexpands(6)

12. Learnerwearingswimmerstalks nonsense(8)

14. Blendofhoney,tomen,isjust right(2,3,5)

15. Colloidalsuspensioninaliquidis solightinitially(3)

18. Constituencynotsupportinga firm(3)

19. Isagentbackingswindle standingfirm?(10)

21. Plumbagocoveredinfruitisa surprisingsuccess(8)

22. Pour,usinganutensil,twoloads ofnitrogenintofuelcontainer(6)

24. Equipmentusedbyananglerto catchriverfish(5)

25. Expert,incaserestrictedby obligations,becomessour(9)

26. Headofsurgeryrepaireduterus withstitches(7)

27. Lidstretchedacrossopeningis tiedup(7)

Down

1. Anescort’sdamagedroots(9)

2. Tailoredteenager,atleast,fora jobinproperty(4,6,5)

3. Personpreparedtopreservethe writerinsculpturedmarble(8)

4. Stafffixedupmarriedquartersfor boarders(4)

5. Eldestmaidworkedinblockof Arabic-speakingcountries(6,4)

6. Iconpublicrelationsfeaturedin weblocation(6)

7. “Testcricketison,”corrected genius(6,9)

8. Stopshavingpreparedlesson endedearly(5) 13. Leaderssupporting somearrangedtimeinfarm accommodation(10)

16. Sanctionedmemberteased ladies(9)

Lastweek

17. Acceptinganamountaspartof ill-gottengains(8)

20. Onefollowingametalengraver (6) 21. Youngwomen,darlings,giving upDNAinadrunkenstate(5) 23. Smallgroupofpeoplereturned itemsfromcollection(4)

Across: 1.Rookie,4.Espoused,10.Godfather,11.Taboo,12.Skipole, 13.Lentils,14.Reeve,15.Inflated,18.Leftists,20.Phone,23.Agitate,25. Verdant,26.Spill,27.Tentative,28.Sendword,29.Severs. Down: 1.Registry,2.Old-time,3.Inamoment,5.Surf-lifesaving,6.Often, 7.Subside,8.Dropsy,9.Chiefinspector,16.Aspartame,17.Deftness,19. Elision,21.Opaline,22.Causes,24.Aglow.

ObserverEveryman Lastweek

Across 1 NorthernIrelandpartyrejected supremegod(4)

4 Drinkspartofeggnoginsilence(4)

8 Racingdamnpoor,terriblycrossin F1event(6,5,4) 11 Frankwantsextractsofvitamins incereals(7)

12 SatiricalPicadorreprinted(7)

13 Putoutoddestpie(9)

14 Subsetofcommiesrunseasily (5)

15 Displayedanxietyaudiblybygum! (5)

16 Usheredinbybears,postman refusestochange(6,3)

19 TwiceinFrance,fellowadmitted, bigcity’snolaughingmatter(7)

21 Paintingswithrelationsinwetweatherwear(7)

Howtoplay It’s likesudoku:each verticalandhorizontalline hastocontainthenumbers 1-6,andthenumberscan’t berepeatedinanyrowor column.Thenumbersin eachheavilyoutlinedsetof squaresmustproducethe numberinthetopcorner. Forexample,5+means thenumbersaddupto5, 15xmeansthenumbers multiplyto15.

Lastweek

©KenKenPuzzleLLC. Allrightsreserved

Across

1. Longpants(8) 7. Correct(5) 8. Anawardforbravery(5) 9. Avegetablethatgrows underground(6) 10. Alongsoftseat(4) 12. Notany(4) 14. Atelevisionuser(6) 17. Alargebirdofprey(5) 18. Thingsforsmoothing wrinkledclothes(5) 19. Mixingwithaspoon(8)

Down 1. Alargestripedcat(5) 2. Get(6) 3. Arithmeticproblems(4) 4. Listentomusiconthis (5) 5. Playedmake-believe(9) 6. Alargeseabird(9)

RNZNATIONAL

Juniorcrosswordsolution

Down: 1.Tiger,2.Obtain,3.Sums,4. Radio,5.Pretended,6.Albatross,11. Bikini,13.Night,15.Wrong,16.Near.

Stirring.

Medal,9.Turnip,10.Sofa,12.None, 14.Viewer,17.Eagle,18.Irons,19.

Across: 1.Trousers,7.Right,8.

22 Asingleman’spartina revolutionthat’smentionedinCV (9,6)

23 Quietly,I’mscaredtotakealook (4)

24 Andtheothers?Flippingtardy!(4)

Down

2 Reducedwhatyoudidwithiron? (9)

3 Losingindependence,foolishly electingtopassby(7)

4 Germanspokeroughly–understood?(7)

5 What’sprimarilynethermost? Absolutelydreadful,irredeemably rotten?(5)

6 Tickledtoseecommercial describingTheObservercutting Everyman(6)

7 Demandsandobtainsone-time performers(6)

9 Offeringsomeillustrationonspec, ifIchoosetobevague(3-8)

10 Communistangrybeforegame that’sseeninthegarden(3-3,5)

14 Tiniestbitdrunk?Extremelyso (9) 15 Gauges–thatsoundslikefruit? (6) 16 Shakespeareancharacter’sfarfrom-boldhair(7)

17 Wakingup,findingtopless partying(7)

18 Rawcurrency(6) 20 Relativeregularlyignored indigencies(5)

11. Atwo-piecebeach suit(6) 13. Timeofdarkness(5)

SATURDAY: 6.00CountryLife:Memorable scenes,peopleandplacesinruralNew Zealand7.00SaturdayMorningpresentedby SusieFergusonandMihingarangiForbes12.10 Ma¯punawithJulianWilcox:Juliantalksto Ma¯orithroughoutAotearoa,fromsports legendstobusinessleaders,toartistsand communityadvocates1.06Music101:Songs, music-relatedstories,interviews,livemusic, industrynewsandmusicdocumentaries5.00 TheWorldatFive:Newsandsport5.10Focus onPolitics5.30TagataOTeMoana:Aweekly Pacificmagazineprogramme6.06Nashville Babylon:Americana,altcountry,folk,souland bluesmusic7.06SaturdayNightwithPhil O’Brien:Requests,nostalgiaandmusical memories12.00AllNightProgramme. SUNDAY: 6.00Storytime7.00RNZ’sPodcast Hour8.00SundayMorningwithJimMora: Currentaffairs,thenewsbehindthenews,indepthdocumentaries,sportfromtheoutfield, politicsfromtheinsiders9.06Mediawatch: RecentperformanceandtrendsinNew Zealand’snewsmedia9.36SundayMorning withJimMoracontinues12.12Culture101: PerlinaLauandMarkAmeryhostaweekly showaboutcreativityandcultureinAotearoa 1.30AttheMovies:Currentfilmreleasesand film-relatedtopics2.06Culture101continues

3.05Drama4.06TheSundaySampler:Latest albumreleases5.00TheWorldatFive:News andsport5.10FeatureProgramming6.45Here Now7.06FeatureProgramming8.06The SundayNightRetroShowwithPhilO’Brien: Musicandmemories10.10Mediawatch11.06 InsideOut:JazzwithNickTipping12.00All NightProgramme.

RNZCONCERT

SATURDAY: NewsandWeather:6am,7am, 8am,9am,12pmand5pm6.00Morningswith CareyMcDonald10.00RNZConcertDays3.00 RNZConcertAfternoons5.00InsideOutwith NickTipping7.00TheMetOperaSeries10.30 Evenings12.00MusicThroughtheNight. SUNDAY: NewsandWeather:6am,7am,8am, 9am,12pmand5pm6.00MorningswithCarey McDonald7.30HymnsonSundaypresented byRobynJaquiery8.00MorningswithCarey McDonald10.00RNZConcertDays3.00The MusicalOmnivorewithDavidMorriss5.00RNZ ConcertAfternoons6.00WorldsofMusicwith TrevorReekie7.00MadeinNewZealand9.00 SoundLounge11.00NewMusicDreams12.00 MusicThroughtheNight. Schedulesmayvaryafterpublication PLANETRADIOwww.planetaudio.org.nz Bengali —Sat6.45pm CookIslands Thu6.30pm. Chaldean —Sat2.05pm Dalmatian —Tue7.20pm. Fijian —Thur 6pm. Ghanian —Sat8.30pm Irish Wed10pm Khmer —Tue2.10pm,Thu 12.00pm,Sunday2.10pm Konkani —Sat 3.45pm Korean —Weekdays9.40am Malayalam —Fri7.25pm Ma¯ori —Fri 3.50pm Nepali —Fri6.50pm. Niue Tue8am,Wed6.35pm&7.40pm. Panjabi —Tue3.15pm Romanian —Fri8.30pm& 9.35pm Samoan —Wed1.35pm Sinhalese —Wed8.15pm Spanish Wed4.25pm Tagalog —Wed12.40pm, Sat12.25pm,Sun4.05pm Tamil —Fri 7am,7.35am,8.10am,Sat7.15am,7.50am, Sun8.25am,9am. Tokelauan —Tue 12.00pm Tongan —Mon7.40pm,Tue 7.55pm,Thu3.55pm,4.50pm,7.40pm, 8.45pm. SPECIALINTERESTS:Children —Sun 3.15pm Property —Mon4.15pm Rainbow —Sat11.50am MentalHealth —Sun 10.45am VinylRevival —Sun6.55pm Jazz,Blues,World,AC —12amto7am PacificHealth —Tue12.00pm,Wed 1.35pm,7.40pm,Thu6pm,6.30pm. Seniors —Sun5.25pm Sports —Mon 5pm,Sat9.40pm Women —Wed3.55pm. BELIEFS:English —Fri1.35pm,2.10pm, 3.15pm,6.40am. Gujurati —Sun7am. Hindi —Sun7.15am

WEEKDAYS6AM–9AM

98.2FM

Chinesemakeris bigonAI,G6SUV isfirstupforNZ thisyear

Chinesestart-upXPenghas confirmeditsentryinto theNewZealandmarket withtheG6SUV,amid-sized electricvehiclethatrivalstheTesla ModelY.

Thecompanywasfoundedin 2014,soit’sonlyalittleolderthan rivalLeapmotor(2015).Itclaimsits specialityis“blendingadvanced technologywithAI-powered innovation,makingintelligent drivingexperiencesaccessibleto abroadrangeofcustomers”.

ItwilldebutinNZwitha showroomincentralAucklandlate thisyear,butheadofmarketing DamianRoycesaystherewillbe arapidrollouttootherkeycities in2026includingWellington, Christchurch,Taurangaand Hamilton:“NewZealandisa naturallaunchpadforXPeng’s operation,givenitsmarket’s strongfocusoninnovation, sustainability,andpremium drivingexperiences.Theseare valuesthatalignperfectlywithour DNA.Weareconfidentwecan deliverworld-classserviceand accelerateEVadoptionacrossthe country.”

XPengconfirmed forKiwimarket

AustraliathebrandoffersG6in twomodels:astandard(66kWh) andlong-range(87.5kWh),both single-motorrear-drive.

Royce,whoislistedasAustralia andNZmarketingmanager,told DRIVENCarGuide thattheKiwi operation“willbeindependentof theAustralianarrangement”.

TheG6standardrangegetsa 190kWmotor,offers435kmona charge(WLTP)andcansprintto 100km/hin6.6seconds.Thelong rangeis210kW,with570kmand 0-100km/hin6.2seconds;peak torqueof440Nmiscommonto both.Sothefocusforthetop modelismuchmoreonmaximum rangethanextraperformance. Thetwoversionsalsouse differentbatterychemistry.The standardrangehasanLFPpower pack,whilethelongrangeuses NMC.TheycanDCchargeatup to210kWand280kWrespectively.

TheG6isbasedonXPeng’sE/E architecture,whichitsaysis “designedforscalability,high performance,andrapidover-theair(OTA)updates”.

TheAucklandlocationwillgive customers“directaccesstosales, service,andtestdrive experiences”.

ThecompanyisyettoshareG6 specificationsforNZ,butin

DEPUTYEDITOR DavidLinklater MULTIMEDIAJOURNALIST DamienO’Carroll DIGITALWRITER JetSanchez

DRIVENEDITORIAL driven@nzme.co.nz PRODUCTION JillStanford,CourtneyWenzlick,IsobelMarriner

DRIVENADVERTISING susana.leitao@nzme.co.nz

TheE/Earchitecturesupports broaderAI-drivenprojects includingroboticsandflyingcars, saysXPeng:“Thismodular approachguaranteeslong-term valuewithupgradablefeatures, improvedenergyefficiency,anda focusonsafetyandsustainability.” NonewsonG6pricingyet,but expectittobesharpagainstthe likesoftheTeslaModelYandBYD Sealion7.

Thecompanysaysitwillshare moreonproductandthedealer network“closertolaunch”.

DISCLAIMER: DRIVENCarGuide isregularlyinvitedtoattend brandevents,whereflightsandaccommodationarepaidfor. Editorialviewsexpressedremainimpartialandindependent.

Hiaceisstillcrash-hot

Twoveryfamiliar Kiwifavourites haveretainedfivestarAncapratings undernewtesting

Whenitwasfirst releasedintothe AustralianandNew Zealandmarketsin2019,theH30 seriesToyotaHiaceachieveda five-starratingagainstthe2019 testcriteriainplaceatthetime. Sixyearson,Toyotahasupgraded itshigh-sellingcommercialvan, addinganexpandedlistofcrash protectionandcrashavoidance featuresthathaveseenitscore anotherfullfive-starratingunder thecurrenttestcriteria.

TheToyotaHiacecommercialvanhasbeenupgradedwithmorecrashprotectionandcrashavoidancefeatures.

MitsubishiOutlander

AccordingtoANCAP,thesafety enhancementshavebeenadded tovehiclesbuiltfromJune2025, andenabledtheHiacetoachieve five-starperformanceinthemore demandingMPDBfrontaloffset andfar-sideimpacttests.Bothof thesetestswereintroducedtothe ANCAPtestregimein2020,after theHiace’soriginal2019 assessment.

TheHiacenowgetsacentre airbagtoreduceoccupant-tooccupantinjuryrisk,aswellas EmergencyLaneKeeping(ELK), intelligentadaptivecruisecontrol, advancedspeed-signrecognition, a“significantlyupgraded” autonomousemergencybraking (AEB)system,andextended

vulnerableroaduserprotection withtheabilitytonowdetectand respondtomotorcyclistsaswellas pedestriansandcyclists. “ANCAP’stestandscoring

version,consumersexpectbetter performanceandaddedfeatures. Vehiclesarenodifferent—safety shouldcontinuallyevolve,and thesereassessmentsdemonstrate manufacturers’commitmentto ongoingsafetyimprovements.”

protocolsareintentionally updatedeveryfewyearsto recognisethesafety advancementsmanufacturersare bringingtomarket,andto

encourageongoing improvement,”saysANCAPchief executiveofficerCarlaHoorweg. “Thinkofsmartphonesor computers.Witheachnew

Thereassessmentpathwayhas beenavailablesince2018andis opentoanymanufacturerthat bringssafetyimprovementstothe market.Toqualify,amanufacturer needstoshowthattherehave beensignificantsafety-relevant changes.Reassessmentcriteria alsoapplywheresafety-related changesarenegative—suchas theremovalofkeyfeatures.

AlongsidetheHiace,the MitsubishiOutlanderhasalso undergoneretestingfollowing updatessinceits2022 introduction,whereitachieveda five-starrating—aresultit repeatedunderthenewercriteria aswell.

“Thesereassessmentsconfirm thattheToyotaHiaceand MitsubishiOutlanderremainsome ofthesafestfleetandfamily modelsonthemarket—fivestars then,fivestarsnow,despite toughertests,”saysHoorweg.

Self-drivingTeslas nowliveinNZ

FullSelfDrivingnowavailablefor Kiwicustomers,butdon’tforget thebitinbrackets:(Supervised)

TeslahaslaunchedFullSelf Driving(Supervised)inNew ZealandandAustralia,the firstright-handdrivemarketsinthe worldtohavetheautomated technologyliveforcustomers.

Infact,TeslaclaimsKiwiand Australiandrivershavealready coveredonemillionkilometres usingFSD.

It’savailableforallModel3and ModelYvehiclesfittedwithFSD technology,asan$11,400option. Customerswhoalreadyownan eligiblevehiclecandownloaditas anover-the-air(OTA)update.

WhatisFSD(Supervised)?It’s essentiallythemostadvanced versionofTesla’scamera-based driver-assistancetechnology.

Whileit’scalled“Full”SelfDriving anddoesinfactallowthecarto completemanyjourneyswithno inputfromthedriver,thebitinthe bracketsiscrucial:(Supervised).

Teslasaysit’sa“hands-on featurethatmustbeusedbyafully attentivedriverwithadditional cautionanddoesnotmakethe vehicleautonomous.Driversmust maintainpropercontrolofthe vehicleatalltimes,payattention andbepreparedtotake immediateactionatanymoment.”

Andyes,thatrequirementalso satisfiesNZlaw,becauseitmeans somebodyisincontrolofthe vehicle.It’senforcedbythecar.

Thatsaid,FSD(Supervised)can theoreticallydoitall:accordingto Teslait“attemptstodriveto

destinationsbyfollowingcurvesin theroad,stoppingatand negotiatingintersections,making leftandrightturns,navigating roundabouts,andentering/ exitinghighways.

“LikeAutosteerandTrafficAwareCruiseControl,FSD (Supervised)maintainsspeedand followingdistancefromthevehicle aheadifthereisone.FSD (Supervised)alsoslowsdownand stopsattrafficlightsandstopsigns asnecessary,andreactsto pedestrians,cyclists,andother vehiclesontheroad.

applyslightforcetothesteering wheel.

Ifthedriverrepeatedlylooks awayfromtheroad,the touchscreendisplaysawarning. Thewarningisdismissedoncethe driverbeginspayingattentionto theroadagain.

Ifthedriverrepeatedlyignores promptstoapplyslightforceto thesteeringwheelortopay attention,aseriesofescalated warningsisdisplayedand,ifthose warningsareignored,disablesfor therestofthedrive.

“Forexample,ifyou aredrivingona residentialstreet andanother vehiclebacksout ofadriveway ahead,FSD (Supervised) slowsdownor stopsas appropriate.Ifthe othervehiclestops backingoutwhilepartially blockingthedrivinglane,FSD (Supervised)slowsdownand manoeuvresaroundtheother vehicleifthewidthofthelane allowsit.”

Thecabincameramonitors continueddriverattentiveness whenFSD(Supervised)is engaged;thiscannotbedisabled.

Theinteriorcameradoesnot requirefullvisibilityofthedriver’s eyesinordertomonitor attentiveness.Butifitdoesnot haveclearvisibilityofthedriver’s handandarmlocations,the touchscreenperiodicallydisplays amessageremindingthedriverto

Ifthedriverdoesnotresume manualsteering,the vehiclesoundsa continuouschime, turnsonthe warningflashers, andslowstoa completestop.

UseofFSD (Supervised)is suspendedwhena driverofthevehicle receivesfive“strikeouts.” Astrikeoutiswhenthesystem disengagesfortheremainderof atripafterthedriverreceives severalaudioandvisualwarnings forinattentiveness.

FSD(Supervised)isavailableto test-driveatTeslastoresnow. Customerswhohavealreadytaken deliveryofaneligiblevehicle(with the“HW4”TeslaVisioncameras, introducedin2023)without purchasingFSDcanupgradeby purchasingthepackage.

IfKiwibuyersdon’twanttopay thefullamountup-front,itwillalso soonbeavailablethrougha subscriptionmodelat$159per month.

surprisingportfolioofdouble-cab uteandSUVtalents

What’sthisnewuteall aboutthen?

Weknowwhatyou’rethinking,but theRiddaraRD6Proisnotthefirst pure-electricutetobesoldinNew Zealand.ThatwouldbetheLDV eT60,althoughitwasmoreafactory conversionofamodelthatwas alreadyabitlonginthetooththan abespokeEVeffort.Strictlyrear drive,too.

TheRiddaraisdefinitelythefirst modern,pure-electricAWDutefor NZthatcancarryalotofstuff (1030kgpayload),towalotofstuff (3000kg)andgoproperlyoff-road.

Whichisallthemoreremarkable, becauseit’snotaladder-frame trucklikeaFordRangerorToyota Hilux;it’sbuiltonamonocoque chassiswithindependent suspensionallaround.

It’sacarwithatray,inother words.Whichiswhatproperutes usedtobe(liketheHolden CommodoreandFordFalcon), beforepickuptruckstookoverthe marketandclaimedthemoniker.So maybeRiddaraisactuallythemost authenticutecurrentlyonsale;we’ll happilyarguethisoneallday. Anyway,it’sfromChinesemaker Geely;we’realreadyfamiliarwith thebrand’snew-generationSUVs, theEX5EVandStarrayEM-isuper hybrid(checkoutnextweek’sissue foradriveofthatone).Riddarakind ofbelongswiththose(it’scertainly inthesameshowrooms)because theyallsharethesameplatform.It’s alsorelatedtothePolestar4,Volvo EX30andZeekrXforthesame reason.Crazy,huh?

Butit’salsoverymuchitsown thing,becauseGeelyregards Riddaraasasub-brand;itdoesn’t weartheofficialGeelysix-section logo,althoughthere’sstillasmall “Geely”scriptonthetailgate.It wears“Riddara”brandingproudly, withanilluminatedfaux-grille.

Theute-adjacentmetricsare prettygoodforanEV(they’re actuallyprettygoodfora mainstreampickuptruck,tobe honest),buttherestofthenumbers

areprettyimpressivetoo.

TheRiddaraisdual-motorAWD onlyforNZ,with315kW/595Nmand adramatic0-100km/hclaimof4.5 seconds.It’sdefinitelythefastest uteyoucanbuyhere.

The73kWhLFPbatteryisgood for360kmrange(WLTP);maximum chargerateisonlyaverageat 110kW,butthat’llstillgetyoufrom 30-80%inabout30minutes.There’s vehicle-to-loadcapabilityof6kW. What’snottolike?Well,you couldsayitlooksabitdorky, especiallyonskinnyroadtyresand thoseretro-lookalloys;somebody atGeely’sobviouslyabigSaabfan. Butdorkycanbeinteresting,orat leastwethinkso.

Forthemedialaunchevent, GeelyNZhadanRD6inblackwith some4x4-appropriatealloysand all-terraintyres.Thechunky footweardidsomewhattransform thelookofthevehicle.

PolarWhite’sthestandardcolour, bytheway.Theonlyotherchoices arePlatinumGrey(whichfeaturesin mostofthephotographshere)and PhantomBlack,andtheybothcost $950.Optfortheblackandyoucan alsogofromthestandardblack/ greeninteriortoaratherstriking tan/black.

Onelastthingbeforewemove on:Riddaralooksquitecompactin pictures,butit’sactuallyquitelarge: at5260mminlength,it’snotfarshy ofadouble-cabToyotaHilux, althoughstill100mmshorterthan aFordRanger.

Thetray’saprettydecent 1520mmlongand1450mmwide (notincludingthewheelarches)and there’sevenaniftypull-outstepin thetailgatewhenit’sopen,tohelp yougetupontothevehiclefor loading.

Howmuchisit?

Thesingle-specificationRiddara RD6ProavailableinNZcosts $69,990;greyorblackpaintisan extra$950.

What’sitliketodrive?

OurexperiencewithRiddarawas mainlyoff-road,withapost-mud 15-minuteopen-roadblasttogeta feelofthethingbeforewetakeone foramoretraditionalweek-long

Double electric Double electric

reviewatalaterdate. Let’stalkon-roadfirst,because that’ssurelystillwherethisutewill spendmostofitstime.Noladderframeutefeelslikeacarontheroad, evenanexceptionallygoodonelike aRanger.It’sjustnotpossible,given the4x4underpinnings.

ButtheRiddaradoesn’thave thoseandsoitsteers,handlesand ridesprettymuchlikeanelectric SUV.Acrazy-fastone.Onceit’s rolling,itjustripsthetarmacup;at onestagewereeledinan enthusiasticallydrivenSubaru Impreza(alocal,judgingbythe confidentcorneringlines)ona windingroadwithouteventrying, suchwasthespeedandtractionof

THERE’SEVENANIFTY PULL-OUTSTEPINTHE TAILGATEWHENIT’S OPEN,TOHELPYOU GETUPONTOTHE VEHICLEFOR LOADING.

theRD6Pro. It’snosportscar,butitgripsand goeswithbrutalefficiency.It’s mostlyRWDinnormaluse,which givesitquiteanicecorneringfeel, butofcourseitcandeploypower tothefrontaxleinstantly.Asktoo muchanditwillundersteerwith alacrity,butyoucannotfaultthe

throttleresponse.Askanditwillbe given,instantly.

Youcanadjusttheregen,which isaneatwaytointroducesome “enginebraking”intothehandling equationatspeed.Oh,and increaseefficiencyandstuff.It’sgot allthedriverassistsyou’dexpectof anew-genEV.

Riddaraisinnowaysupposedto beahard-core4x4machine.It doesn’thavetheaxlearticulationor chassisflextoreallystartcrawling overrocks.Butifyou’rethinkingit’s anoff-roadpretenderbasedonthe above,thinkagain.

Wetackledsteepclimbs,extreme undulationsandrivercrossings;the Riddaraateitallup.Whenyoureally

getallfourcornersworking,it’lllift awheelratherthandigdownlike a“real”pickup,buttheintricateway theelectricpowertraincancontrol theaxlesmeansitmostlyjustkeeps ongoing.Evenonroadtyres.

Wedidmostofour4x4driving inthebasicOff-Roadmode,but therearealsospecificEco,Comfort, Sport,Sand,MudandWading settings.TheRiddarawillplunge into815mmofwaterwithno problem,whichisimpressivewhen Fordisboastingit’sdevelopedthe RangerSuperDutytohandle 850mm.

There’safull360-degreecamera thatyoucanalsousetohelpwith wheelplacementduringoff-road

driving;butwiththeadditionofan “invisiblechassis”function,Geelyis callingit540degrees.

Fromthedriver’sseat,it’svery Geely-SUV:minimalistwithabig screen,super-comfyfaux-leather seatswithheatingandventilation andlotsoflovelyclimatefunctions.

Therearseatissplit60/40and hasIsofixmountsforusingchild seats.

What’sthepickofthe range?

There’sjusttheonemodel.Have younotbeenlistening?Butifthe RD6ProgoesdownastorminNZ, there’scertainlypotentialtoadd othermodels,includinga2WD.

WhatothercarsshouldI consider?

There’snothingexactlylikethe RiddaraRD6Proonthemarket.But thepricepositionisclearly designedtoputitupagainstsome ofthehybridutesoutthere,like BYD’sShark6superhybrid($69,990, funnythat)orGWM’sCannonAlpha PHEV($64,990-$71,990).They’re bothbiggerandalotmoretrucky thantheRiddara. TakingintoaccounttheRiddara’s surprisingon-roadperformance, comfortandride/handling,it’s reallyalsoagreatalternativetoa medium/largecrossoverEV-SUV. Therearen’tmanyofthoseatthis sizeandpricepointeither.

Itmightboast strongnewhybrid technology,but thesixth-gen SubaruForesteris stillveryfamiliar

Iftheshapeand,shallwesay, thevibe(apologiestoAussie film TheCastle)oftheSubaru Foresterchangedtoomuchina newgeneration,itjustwouldn’tbe aForester.Sincelaunchin1997 (funfact:sameyearas TheCastle), it’sbeentheboxy,no-nonsense, ultra-practicalandslightlyantifashionmemberoftheSubaru family.

Thebiggestfundamental changeforourtop-specification Touringhybridisthepetrolelectricpowertrain.Yes,the previousmodelalsohadahybrid option,butitwasabitpuny.

HenceSubaruthrowingaround the“stronghybrid”lingowhenit announcedthiscar,whichretains a2.5-litreandaddsahealthynew 90kWmotor.

At$60,990ourTouringhybrid (aka“e-boxer”)costs$4kmore thanthestandardTouring.The hybridpowertrainmakesa combined145kW,comparedto 136kWforthepetrol.Combined fuelconsumption(Subaruquotes AussieADRfigures,sobeaware) is1.7l/100kmbetterforthe electrifiedversion,at6.2l/100km (6.9l/100kmontheKiwi3P-WLTP scale).Good,butnotToyotagood.

Ahyes,Toyota.Someofthe Foresterhybrid’selectricalbits comestraightfromproductpartnerToyota,includingthat gruntyelectricmotor.Andyes,it doesdriveabitlikeaT-brand hybridintown:thebatteryissmall (1.1kWh)butthecarrunsinEV modealotwhenyou’rebelow 30km/h,becausethesystemisso goodatregen;infact,onacouple ofheavy-trafficcommutingdays theForestergotusallthewayfrom themotorwayoff-ramptohomein pure-electric,astop-startdistance of3km.

Thatshowsthepotential, althoughourForestercouldn’t breakoutofthe6lbracketincity drivingandaveraged7.5l/100km overallduringitsweekwithus; okay,butnotbrilliant.NotToyotabrilliant,anyway.

That’spartlybecauseSubaruis stickingtoitsgunswith“proper” (asmanymightseeit)AWD.While aRAV4hasthepetrolengine drivingthefrontwheelsandan isolatede-axleattherear,the Forester’selectricmotorisinthe gearboxandallfourwheelsare driven,allthetime.

That’scertainlyamoreauthentic

It’sthe VIBE ofit

BREAKITDOWN

SUBARUFORESTER HYBRIDTOURING

POWERTRAIN: 2.5-litre horizontallyopposed 4-cylinderwithfullhybrid systemandelectricmotor, continuouslyvariable transmission,AWD

OUTPUT: 145kW(combined)/ 212Nm(engine)and276Nm (motor)

EFFICIENCY: 6.9l/100km (3P-WLTP)

SIZE: 4655mmlong,1766kg

PRICE: $60,990

+ Vastlyimprovedhybrid tech,ride/handling,still supremelypractical Notasthriftyasyoumight think,traditionalcabin, hybridloses600kgtowing ability

DRIVENCARGUIDE.CO.NZ

SUVdrivetrain,butlessfuelefficient.WouldaToyota-style systemreallymakeaForesterless capableoff-road?Hardtosay(EV axlesareprettynifty)andan irrelevantquestion,becausethis workswithSubaru’spowertrain layoutingeneralandsatisfiesits obsessionwith“symmetrical” AWD.

We’dlovetoknowhowmuch timethecompanyspentmaking Foresterfeel“likeaSubaru” aheadofotherstandalone dynamicgoals,butitdoesfeel good.Andverymuchlikea Subaru,withachassisdesignedto beagileandverythrottleadjustableonloosesurfaces.It’s similarlyengagingonseal. Therideisreallysupplenowtoo —muchmoresothattheprevious

model,withacombinationof initialsoftnessandcontrolled bodymovement.

Thecabinisanotherhugestep forward,withapleasingarrayof texturesandtrims.There’sthe now-signatureSubaru11.6in portraitscreenthat’swellorganised,buthamperedbysome clunky-lookinggraphics.

Themaininstrumentpanelis fullyvirtual,butstyledtolook analogue.Andnoneofthishaptic/ touchnonsenseforthemajor controls;therearenofewerthan 29physicalbuttonswithinreachof thedriver,whichlooksabitmessy butmakesforafunctional workspaceonceyou’reusedtoit all.

Thecabinisupright-as-everand theglassareashuge,includinga

deeprearwindow—longa Forestertrademark.

It’snopeoplemover,butthe rearseatsarestillatreatforacar ofthissize;they’remounted theatre-style,higherthanthefront andgivingoccupantsagreatview out.

Aboxyshapealsomeansanice bigboot.Optingforthehybrid doesmeanyoulosealittlecargo volume,though:it’sdown12lto 484l.Andwhilewe’reatit,the hybriddoesn’tgetasparewheel likethepetrolmodel,becausethat spaceisrequiredforbattery hardware;you’redowntojusta puncturerepairkit.Norcanthe hybridtowasmuch:1200kg brakedis600kglessthanthe petrolTouring. Therearesomepractical

reasonstostickwiththepetrol model,andweshouldn’tdiscount thosebecause...theForesteris primarilyapracticalcar.Butoptfor thee-boxerandyou’regettinga smoothercitydrive,morepower andthepotentialforbetterfuel economy.

There’sactuallynotawholelot ofspecificationdifference betweenthethreeForester grades:standard,Sportand Touring,eachinpetrolorhybrid. Thepricesstepratherneatlyup therange,soyoureallycanmake achoicebasedonbudgetand powertrainpreference.Thehybrid startsat$52,990(thatone’sjust called“Foresterhybrid”),butlike wesaid—we’dgoforthe$59,990 Sporthybrid,theonewiththe snazzybronzewheels.

TheAudiSQ6 e-tronisfastand fancy,butit’s certainlynot showy

Theextra“S”intheAudi SQ6e-tronbadgedoesn’t standforshowy.Thisis currentlythefastestandmost lavishversionofAudi’snewpureelectricSUV,yetyouwouldn’t necessarilyknowit.It’s understatedintheextreme,and continuesthebrand’scurrent trendofnotevenhavingagrille badgedenotingit’spartofthe S-club.

Infact,youmightbehard pressedtoevenknowit’selectric, especiallynowthatthere’sabrand newcombustion-engineSQ5on themarketthatlooksverysimilar. TheSQ6e-tronretainsa traditional-lookAudigrille,albeit onethat’sprettymuchblankedoff.Butyes,suchthingsarestill importantforthevisualcharacter ofpremiumbrands.

TheSQ6e-tronisthemost performance-focusedofthenew Q6e-tronSUVrange—atleast untiltheinevitableRSarrives.Just tobeclear(becauseAudilostthe plotarounditsmodelnamesthere forawhile),theQ6/SQ6“e-tron” isabattery-electricSUV,anda sisterline-uptothecombustionbasedQ5/SQ5.Makesense?

SUBTLESPEED

Theyalllookquitesimilar,but they’rebasedondifferent platforms.TheSQ6ridesonthe VolkswagenGroup’sPremium PlatformElectric(PPE),awhole newarchitecture.Whichismainly onlyinterestinginthiscontext becausethatmeansit’salsoa sistermodeltothePorscheMacan Electric.

They’renotexactlythesame underneath;eventherearmotor ispackageddifferentlybetween thetwo.Soit’snotworthgetting boggeddownincomparisons, excepttosaythattheSQ6e-tron pricelooksprettysharp:at $169,990with360kWand 0-100km/hin4.4seconds,it’s virtuallythesamepriceasthelesspowerfulMacan4($168,400, 300kW,5.2sec)andalotless expensivethanthemorelogical Macanrival,the4S($184,400, 330kW,4.1sec).

Subtleitis,buttheSQ6comes well-dressedallthesame.There’s aunique“Smodel”stylingkit attached(includingbrandingon thebrakecalipers,inredforan extra$1000asperourtestcar), signature-Smatt-chromeside mirrorsand21-inchAudiSport wheels.

BREAKITDOWN

AUDISQ6E-TRON

POWERTRAIN: 94.9kWh batterywithdualelectric motors,single-speed transmission,AWD

OUTPUT: 360kW/580Nm

EFFICIENCY: Range560km (WLTP),maximumcharge rate270kW

SIZE: 4771mmlong,2415kg

PRICE $169,990

+ Speedandluxury presentedinunderstated package,impressivenew technology Bringbackthegrillebadge, isthestylingtooAuditraditionalforanewEV? DRIVENCARGUIDE.CO.NZ

AllQ6shaveMatrixLED headlightswithcustomisable daytimerunninglightdisplays, buttheSQ6alsogetsthefull OLEDrearlampswithmultiple signatures.Prettyfancy.

Inside,theSQ6gets“sports seatsplus”withmassage function,Nappaleather upholstery,Dinamicatrim elementsonthedashboardand CarbonMicro-Twillinlays.Audiis onrecordsayingtheQ6was designedwiththeemphasison theoccupantexperienceinside, andwiththenewcurvedscreen set-upacrossthedashboardit mustbesaidthewholethingis stunning.

It’sasmuchaluxurySUVasa performancemodel.

ThenewinfotainmentOSis deeplyimpressive,withawhole newworldofapps...including gamestokeepyouoccupiedwhile

you’rewaitingtocharge.Although themaximum270kWDCrateis veryfastindeed. Therearesomeneattouchesin theinstrumentation,likethe massiveaugmented-realityheadupdisplay(30%largerthanthe previousgenerationofAudi models)that’susedtogreateffect. Whenyouencounteranewposted speedlimitforexample,theHUD wavesananimationofitinfront ofyourfacemomentarilytoget yourattention,thenitfloatsdown toreplacetheexistingnumber.

TheSQ6canfeelstaggeringly fastifyouwantitto,completewith thatEVtrickofslammingyouinto thebackoftheseatinalarming fashionfromlowspeed.

Butintheappropriatedrive settings,itcanalsodeliver dramaticperformanceinsucha measuredfashion,you’llneedto watchthedigitalspeedreadout

veryclosely.Surrealstraight-line andcorneringspeedisachieved withworryingease.

Adaptiveairsuspensionis standardfromtheSlineupwards, buttheSQ6hasitsownSstate ofsuspensiontunethattiesthings downeventighter.Notatthe expenseofurbanride,though. AndwhilealotofveryfastdualmotorEVscanfeelgrippybut detached,theSQ6e-tron managestoimpartafairbitof nuanceinitsextremecornering ability.

Audihasalreadysignalledthat theforthcomingRSQ6e-tronwill bemuchmoreaggressiveand significantlybolderinevery respect.Surprise,surprise.We’d besurprisedifitcantoptheSQ6’s combinationofperformance prowessandout-of-the-box dynamicability.Thisthingissheer class.

BYD’sYangwang U9Xisnowthe fastestproduction carintheworld

Couldn’tcrackfive hundred,huh?Still,BYD’s performance/luxury brandYangwangnowholdsthe recordfortheworld’sfastest productioncar,aftertheU9 Xtremereached496.22km/hatthe ATPAutomotiveTesting PapenburgtesttrackinGermany.

TheYangwangbeatthe previous490.484km/hmaximum setbytheBugattiChironin2019. WhiletheChironisacombustion car,theU9Extremeispureelectric.

OriginallyknownastheU9 Track/SpecialEdition,andnow officiallyconfirmedastheU9 Xtremeinproductionguise(U9X forshort),thenewmodeltakesthe existingtechnicalarchitectureof theU9currentlyonsaleinChina andaddsanumberoftechnical innovations.

Thepowertrainfeatures 1200-voltelectrics(comparedwith 800V),alithiumironphosphate BladeBatterywithadischargerate of30C,fourultra-high-speed motorsoperatingatupto 30,000rpmforatotalofmore 2200kW,track-levelsemi-slick tyres,andarevisedDiSus-X suspensionsystem.

“Thisisanincrediblyproud momentforeveryoneinthe researchanddevelopment division,”saysBYDexecutivevicepresidentStellaLi.“Yangwangis abrandthatdoesnotrecognise theimpossible,andonlythrough thiscommitmenttowhat’scoming nextcanyouendupwithavehicle liketheU9X.

“Iextendmygratitudetothe wholeteam,andmythankstothe driver,MarcBasseng,forhisskill andtechnicalinput.It’sterrificthat thefastestproductioncarinthe worldisnowelectric.”

BassengisaGermanracing driverwithalonghistoryinsportscarracingandendurance motorsport:“Thisrecordwasonly possiblebecausetheU9Xtreme simplyhasincredible performance.Technically, somethinglikethisisnotpossible withacombustionengine.Thanks totheelectricmotor,thecaris quiet,therearenoloadchanges, andthatallowsmetofocuseven moreonthetrack.”

“Production”isarelativeterm forsuchaspecialisedcar.BYDis producinga“limitedseries productionrun”ofnomorethan 30units.Thecompanysaysthe name’semphasisonthe“X” representstheunknown.

Yangwanghasfangs Yangwanghasfangs

INTERVIEW SHANECOOTE

Words:DonnaFleming

Photo: FionaGoodall

ShaneCootewasjust21whenhe startedinrealestate,and26whenhe becameanagencyowner.Nowthe directorofRayWhiteMairangiBay,hereveals howacoursesuggestedbyhisdadledhim downthepathtosuccess.

Q:Whatdidyoudobeforerealestate?

Afterleavingschool,IwenttoAustraliafor ayearanddidstufflikewashingdishes. WhenIcamebacktoAuckland,Ithought I’ddoayear’sworkbeforegoingtouni.A matewaslookingafterpeoplewithspecial needs,andIthoughtIwouldtrythatwhileI decidedwhatIwantedtostudy.Iendedup beingalive-incaregiverforguysintheir lateteensandearly20swhohad intellectualdisabilities.Theyhad behaviouralandangerissues,sosomeof theshiftswereprettyhairy,butIwasgood atbuildingrapportwiththem.

Mydad,who’sabitentrepreneurial,took meonaweek-longcourse,BradSugars’ BillionaireInTraining,andthatwasa turningpointforme.Propertywas somethingtheytalkedabout,andI thought,I’llgetmyrealestatelicenceand lookattheindustryfromtheinside.You couldgetyourlicenceintwoweeksin thosedays,soIdidthatandgotintoreal estatewhenIwas21.

Q:Wasbeingyoungahindrance?

you’reworthbecausethere’snoway aroundit.Ifyouputthehoursinanddoit efficientlyandeffectively,you’llgetgood rewards.Afriendofminehasasaying: “Realestate’snotaverygoodjobtobe mediocreat,butit’safantasticbusinessto bereallygoodat.”Youdohavetowork hard.Peoplesee SellingSunset andthink realestateiscrazyoutfitsanddinner partiesandgoingforcoffees,butthere’sa lotofgrind.Youhavetomakesacrifices.

Q:Whathaveyousacrificed?

Mostlydowntime.Iworklonghours.Idon’t havetimeforsomethingsI’dliketodo,like playinggolf.I’vegottwokidsunderfive,so anytimeI’mnotworking,I’mspending timewiththem.Sleep-insaredefinitely somethingIhavesacrificed!ButIstill managetotravelandgotoconcertsandbe involvedwithmylocalcommunity.Ilove sponsoringclubsliketheEastCoastBays RugbyClub.I’veplayedrugbymostofmy life,butmyjointsachetoomuchtoplay now.Idoliketoexerciseeveryday, though,soIgotothegym.I’malsoa marriagecelebrant.It’saboutmanaging time.Idon’treallyhaveanydeadtime;I makesurealmosteveryminuteoftheday isproductive.

Notreally.Iwasluckytohaveagreat mentor,RogerSimpson-Marvin,andbeing partofateamwithhimgavemeinstant credibility.Idon’tthinkagematterswhen you’vegotknowledgeandpassion,but havingtheassociationwithsomeonewho wasolderthanmeandreallyexperienced didhelpatthestart.AboutayearafterI started,webecamebusinesspartnersand fourorfiveyearsafterthat,weboughtthe businessfromthepreviousownerandran ittogetheruntil,unfortunately,hepassed awayaboutfiveyearsago.

Q:Canyourememberyourfirstsale?

WhenIwastryingtogetmyfirstlisting,I askedallofmymates,“Whodoyouknow thatmightwanttosellahouse?”Iendedup gettingthelistingforahouseownedbythe parentsofamatefromrugby.Itwasa townhouseinAlbany,andforthefirstopen home,Icoveredthestreetinopenhome signs.Youcouldn’tseeabladeofgrassfor theShaneCooteOpenHomesigns

everywhere.Igottoldoffbythecouncil, butIsoldthehouse.Ittooksixmonthsto getthatfirstsale.Ispentthattimebuilding foundationsandgettingtoknowthe business.Iwastoldrealestatesalesisn’ta sprint,it’samarathon.Aftersellingnothing forsixmonths,Isoldthreehousesina week,andafterthat,Iwasoff.

Q:Didhavingconfidencemakeadifference? I’vealwayshadabeliefthatthisjobwas rightforme,andIwouldbesuccessfulatit. IthoughtIhadtherightskillset;I’ma peopleperson,andIthinkifyou’regoodat dealingwithpeopleandyoucangetthe mostoutofasituation,you’lldobetterin realestatethanpeoplewhodon’thavethat. Ialwaystellmyteamyouhavetohavefaith thatthedealisgoingtogetdone. Alotofthetime,theonlydifference betweensomeonewhoisnumberonein thecountryandsomeonewhoisnumber 10,000isbelief.Thenumberoneperson wakesupinthemorningknowingtheyare goingtosmashit,andtheotheronehasno ideawherethey’regoingtogettheirnext sale.You’vegottobelieve.

Q:Youbecameabusinessownerafterjust fiveyearsinrealestate.Howdidthatcome about?

Myboss,MikePinkney,saidtoRogerand methathewasdonewithrealestateand askedifwewantedtobuythebusinessoff him.Hegaveusareallygooddeal,andit wouldhavebeensillytosayno.Itwaslike theuniversegavemeagift.Wetookoverin 2009andcreatedourownindependent businesscalledCentralRealty.

Aboutfouryearsago,thebusinessjoined forceswithRayWhite,andnowwe’reRay WhiteMairangiBay.Whenwegotthe internationalbrandingandsystemsofRay White,itwaslikepouringgasolineontoa fire.Sincewemovedover,we’vegonefrom ninepeopleto59,andnowwe’vegottwo offices.Istillsell,butwhatfillsmewiththe mostprideandpurposethesedaysisbeing theleaderofagreatteam.

Q:Doyoufeellikeyou’veachievedwhatyou wantedtointermsofearningwhatyou’re worth?

Ithinkso.Inthisindustry,there’sno hiding.You’realwaysgoingtoearnwhat

Q:Otherthanhavingconfidence,whydo youthinkyou’vedonesowellinrealestate? I’mhyper-focusedandreallycommittedto achievinggoals,andIthinkrealestateisa greatjobforpeoplelikethat.Integrityis alsoakeypartofbeingsuccessfulinthis business.Notjustbeingtruthful,butifyou sayyouaregoingtodosomething,actually doingit.Alotofpeoplesaytheywillfollow thingsup,andtheydon’t.Iwillalwaysdo whatIsayI’mgoingtodo.

Q:Whatdoyouloveaboutrealestate?

Thefactthatthere’snoceiling.Whenever I’veachievedagoal,I’vehadthechanceto startanewjourneywithanewgoalanddo somethingbiggerandbetter.Ilovethe chaseoftryingtoachievethegoalsIset myself.Beingproductivekeepsafidgety personlikemefulfilled.

Q:Haveyouhadanyparticularlymemorable sales?

Onethatstandsoutissellingahousethat belongedtooneofNewZealand’shighestpaidsportspeople.Ican’tsaywho.We smasheditoutofthepark–theauctionwas exceptionalandwentexactlyhowIwanted ittogo–andthenextdaywegotapersonal phonecallfromthisguytellinguswhata greatjobwedid.Thatwasprettycool.

Award-winningsculpture

Thisaward-winninghomecouldn’t be moredifferentthanits predecessoronsite,whichhoused itsownersandtheirtwochildrenformore thanadecade.

Oneoftheowners,whocollaborated extensivelywithYoung+Richards+onthe project,says:“It’shardformetodescribe thishouseinafewwords,becauseIhad suchahandinitscreationanditfeelslike partofme.

“It’sthebiggestsculptureI’veever attempted.Thevisionwastwopristine whitecubes,whichhadseeminglytumbled downthehilltosettleonthissolidbasalt rockplinthatstreetlevel.”

ItwonHOMEmagazine’s2025Homeof theYearReaders’ChoiceAward.

“Whenweoriginallymovedherein2010 itwasdefinitelyforthelocationinaquiet cul-de-sac,afewminutes’drivefromthe beach,andzonedforStThomas’sPrimary School.”

Theprevious1970shomewasthen around40yearsoldandgettingtired;dark insideandeffectivelyafridgeinwinterand anoveninsummerbecauseofalackof insulation.

Theylivedinitfor11years,considered andrejectedthecompromisesrenovation woulddeliverbeforehavingYoung +Richards+conceivethisnewhome.

Thestrikingtrapezoid cantileverroofprojectsout acrossaportionofthe saltwaterswimmingpool.

Completedinlate2023,it’sawashwith beautifullight,fusingcontemporary elegancewithfamilyfunctionalityand relatingbeautifullytoitslandscapeina wayitspredecessordefinitelydidnot.

“AfterrentingnearStHeliersbeach duringthebuildwerealisedhowluckywe werecomingbackhere,tothewonderful senseofprivacyinthisquietcul-de-sac.

“Theloudestnoisesweheararethe birdsandneighboursoccasionallymowing theirlawns.”

Thehome’sgeometricdesign,reminding someofBrazilianmodernistaesthetic,was noflightoffancybutahighlyconsidered site-specificresponsetoitssetting.

Evokingarockplinth,honeycomb basaltveneerwrapsaroundthelowerlevel, whichhousesthestoragerichinternalaccessdoublegaragewithgym,and continuesaroundthesidesofthislushly landscapedhome.

ConstructionutilisestheBRANZappraisedINTEGRALightwghtConcrete Fac¸adeSystembyReseneConstruction Systems,givingtheappearanceof monocramatichewnstone.

Asideentranceleadstosculptural staircasesrisingupwithinthehome,inside andoutsidemirroredthroughasoaring glass-cladstairwell.

Thesecondlevel’srestfulensuited mastersuitewithwalk-inwardrobeenjoys separationfromthreeotherbedrooms (anotheralsoensuited),thankstoaliving roomwithtongue-and-groovecedar gracingtheceilingandonewall.

Thebedroomsandthislivingspaceflow outtoaprivatelevelofoutdoorliving.This levelalsoprovidesgalleryspacedisplaying

12BEROWALDPLACE,SAINTHELIERS Auction,October22

432

Contact: Justa Bain,Barfoot&Thompson, 0277100580;MaryRichardson,021747550

theirart,abathroomandseparatelaundry andstorage.Thetopfloorservesasa privatepavilionwith270°offloor-toceilingglassskillfullymeldedwiththe upperlevelofoutdoorspace. Sittingtowardstherearofits799sqmof

land,itcontainstheoak-flooredlivingdining-kitchenwithengineeredporcelain benchtops,Gaggenauappliancesand scullery.Thisspaceisfantasticfor entertaining,itsbeautifultongue-andgroovecedarceilingcontinuingabovea partiallycovereddeckwithsvelteoutdoor fireplaceandspapoolnearby.

Thestrikingtrapezoidcantileverroof projectsoutacrossaportionofthe saltwaterswimmingpool,guaranteeing someshade.

“Whenyoulookouttothesouthfrom thistoplevelyoulookoveravalley,a wonderfultreedvistawithhousespoking through.”

Thehomehasstate-of-the-artCreston homeautomationthroughout,enablingfull controlofitsintegratedfeaturesfromthe palmofyourhand. Barfoot&ThompsonagentJustaBain says:“Fromthestreetthisexceptionally highqualityhomeseemssomewhat unassuming.Stepintothemainliving spaceandmarvelattheblurringof boundariesbetweenindoorsandoutdoor alfrescoentertaining,wonderfullyprivate withinperfectlymanicuredgardens.”

SEASIDETREASURE

ByLouiseRichardson

Whenthecurrentownersand their nowadultsonfirstsaw thishistoric1920sArtsand Craftshousein2014,theywere immediatelyattractedtoitsunique roughcastandtilecharacter,butalsotothe superbandunadulteratedviewsacross HaurakiGulf,takingintheshipping channeltoRangitoto–andGreatBarrier Islandbeyond.

“Sittingandgazingouttoseacanbea greatwaytospendtime,asitchangesso muchbetweensunriseandsunseteach day,”saystheowner.

Previousresidentshadcompleteda majorremodellingofthehome’sinterior, inanaward-winningrenovation,opening upandalsoextendingwhatwereonce crampedspaces,whilekeepingtreasures suchasleadlightwindows.

Onthefirst–andmain–floor,alightfilledHamptons-styleopen-plankitchen seguesseamlesslyintoabaywindow diningarea,complementedbytwo expansivefamilyrooms–onebehindand onetotheside.

Allenjoyaccesstoextensivedecking withalfrescodiningandloungingspaces.

Therearetwoseparatesittingroomsat therearonthislevel,alongwithagiant laundrywhichprovidesloadsofstorage. There’salsoawell-appointedmain bathroom,withasaunaadjacent.

Nativetimberusedinthehome’s interiorwascarefullyrestoredduringthe previousrenovation,andthecurrent owneroptedtopaintmostofthepanelling andarchitraveswhite,inanothernodto thebreezycoastallocation.

However,thegrandstaircaseinthe

entrancehallsstillpresentsinitsoriginal, richlypolishedkauriglory.

“Sincewe’vebeenhere,we’vealso replacedallthewindowjoineryand installeddouble-glazing,”hesays,adding thatthenewframesareveryhardwearing anddurable.

Upstairsliesasuperiormastersuite, completewithensuite,agenerous wardrobeandprivatebalconyformorning coffeeandeveningdrinks.Therearetwo furtherbedrooms,adressingroomanda familybathroom.

Theownersaredownsizingbecausethe propertyisnowtoolargeforthem.

“Coastalpropertieswithsuch

crazy-good viewsarepretty rareandthisisaverywellpresentedfamilyhome.”

“We’regoingtomissthishomebecause it’ssoprivateandquiet.Idon’tthinkwe willeverfindsuchagreatplacetolive, again.”

Hesaystheywillalsomisstheeasywalk alongthebeach(reachedviaCliftonRoad) toTakapunaeachmorning.Ittakesabout halfanhourfromtheirfrontdoortothe cafe´forawell-deservedcoffee.

“We’realsowelllocatedforthe motorway.Gettingtotheon-rampisreally simple,soyoucanbeintheCBDquickly.”

RichardThode,fromRayWhite,says thatthisisanexceptionalpropertywith thesignificantaddedbonusofafully consentedandseparateminordwellingon topofthedoublegarage(withworkshop).It comprisesabedroom,bathroomplusopenplanloungeandkitchen.

Hesaysit’sidealforextendedfamily–maybeateenagerorelderlyparents.The currentownershaverenteditoutforextra income.

“Coastalpropertieswithsuchcrazygoodviewsareprettyrareandthisisavery well-presentedfamilyhome.Ibelieve buyerswillrecogniseitasagreat opportunity.”

SPACE, FLOWAND LIFESTYLE

ByAmyHoulihan

Thisfamily-friendlyRemuera pocket holdsaspecialplaceinthe heartsoftheownersof 142AUplandRoad,andtheypurchased thisparticularpropertyaround10years ago.

“ItwasclosetoBensonRoadandwe usedtoliveonBensonRoad–thehomethe kidswerelittleinisjustovertheback fence,”oneofthemexplains.

“AfterBensonRoadwebuiltahousein PortlandRoadandthenoncethekidswere atuniversity,wewerehomealoneagain.So wedecidedtomovefromthebighouseinto asmalleroneinaneighbourhoodweknew andloved.Itwassortoflikecominghome.”

Shesaystheythoroughlyenjoythe multi-generationalfeelofthelocal communityandthespeciallifestyleit offersforeveryone.

“Thelovelythingabouttheareaisthat it’sgotolderpeople,youngerpeopleand children.We’realsojustahop,skipanda jumpfromtheBensonRoadshops,which hastwocafesandarestaurant,sowehead upthereforcoffee.”

Alongwiththestellarlocation,thehuge appealofthisclassicweatherboardhome liesinitssingle-levelfloorplanand fabulousindoor-outdoorflow.Offeringfour bedroomsandthreebathrooms,itsuits familiesofallsizesandlifestages.

It’sbeenbeautifullyexpandedand upgradedovertime,sharestheowner.

“Itstartedlifeinthelate50s,early60s asamodestbungalowandthenin1985, RonSangdidsomelovelyalterationsthat incorporatednegativedetailingandraising theheightofthedoors.”

Thefollowingownerthenreconfigured theinteriortoamoresensiblelayoutthat wasconducivetopracticalmodernliving.

“Thekitchenisthecentreandcoreof thehouse,thenthelivingareaopensupto thefabulousbackyardwhichhasahuge avocadotree.”

Sunnydecksareframedwithlush,level lawnsandlandscapedgardensthatoffer enoughspacetoenjoy,butaren’taburden intermsofupkeep.Fourbedroomsare servicedbythreebathroomsandthelayout workswell,withthecurrentowners utilisingoneofthebedroomsasastudy.

Amoveisnowonthecards.

“We’reheadingtoPointWellsbecause ourfamilyisupthere,wehavetwoyoung

grandchildrenandwewanttobeavailable forthem.”

SteveandNilaKoerber,fromBayleys, aremarketingthepropertyandStevesays thatthisisafantasticoptionforbuyers aftersingle-levelliving.

“It’salsogotanamazingaspectandflow totheyard–evenwithtwo-storeyhomes it’sdifficulttofindthatperfectindooroutdoorflow.Beingsinglelevelandhaving

thatmakesitreally,reallyunique.This isn’tjustacourtyard,it’saproperbackyard andthat’sthekeyhere.It’salsobeen modernisedinrecentyears,soit’sagreat package.”

Stevesaysthebuyerscouldbeafamily, oremptynestersthathavesoldtheirbig familyhomeandwantsomethingalittle moremanageable,butstillenjoygreat spaceandalovelygarden.

likesellyour placeandchase yourdreams

Whateveryournextbigthingis, we’llhelpmakeithappen.Book anappraisalatyourlocalbranch today.

Builtin1958,thismid-centuryhomehasbeeninthesamefamilyeversince.Itcaptures sweepingBay-to-cityviewsandall-daysun,withaversatilesemi-self-containedareaonthe groundlevel.Somemaylovethesizeablehome,andrefurbish.Forothersthe852m²section (MixedHousingUrban)maybethegreaterdrawcardtoredeveloporstartafreshandbuildin thisprimeposition.Thisisadeceasedestatewithgenuinemotivationtosell.Optionsabound.

Newlycompletedandobsessivelycrafted,thisinspiredStHeliershomeismorethana remarkablepieceofarchitecture;HOMEMagazineReaders’ChoiceAwardwinnerfor2024, everydetailreflectstheowners’passionfordesignandconstructionexcellenceinharmony withitslushgardensetting.Seton800m²inacloselyheldcul-de-sacinbaysideStHeliers; justaflat,easystrolltothebeach,MadillsFarm,cafés,waterfrontbarsandpremiumschools.

4 2 3

AUCTION

1:30pm,15Oct2025at34Shortland Street,City (unlesssoldprior) ONEHUNGA 23INKERMANSTREET

barfoot.co.nz/920032

VIEWING Saturday&Sunday 1:00pm-2:00pm

FamilyHaven,PremiumFinish

BeautifullyrefurbishedEdwardianVilla.Future-proofedfortoday'smodernfamily,withdouble glazingandfullyinsulatedthroughout.Abespokelight-filledkitchenwithqualityappliances, fixturesandfittings.Fourwell-proportionedbedrooms,spaciousopenplanlivinganddining roomleadtoawidedeckandlevelmanicuredlawns,setonasunny612m²site.Thecurrent ownersdescribeitasanidyllicplacetoraiseafamily.Thisexceptionalhomeisamust-see.

HelenPaterson 021721659

h.paterson@barfoot.co.nz

ElegantLiving,TimelessAppeal

2:00pm,Thursday23Oct2025at184 PonsonbyRoad(Office) (unlesssoldprior)

3 1 2 3 1 1 4+ barfoot.co.nz/918391

VIEWING PhoneForViewingTimes

Sun-soakedandelevated,thisvillaisallaboutstyle,space,andunforgettableentertaining. Vaultedliving,asleekdesignerkitchen,andaheatedpoolwithtropicalgardenssetthescene, whilecleverstoragekeepslifeeffortless.Carloverswillgowildfortheturntableandgarage space.Fun,flair,andlifestyleallinone!

JamesMacDonald 0210761450 j.macdonald@barfoot.co.nz

It’sAllAboutThatView

4 1 3 2 2 2

10:00am,Wed8Oct2025at34 ShortlandStreet,City (unlesssoldprior)

barfoot.co.nz/906090

VIEWING SaturdayandSunday 3:00pm-3:30pm

A gold-platedaddresswithprotectedharbourviews,thisprime400m²(approx)freeholdsite offersanexceptionalopportunity.Theexistinghomehasmajorweathertightnessissues,sothe focusisontheland.Bringyourarchitect,builder,orconsultanttounlockthepotential.Justa shortstrolltoStHeliersvillage&beach,theelevatedpositionboastsbreathtakingviews, magicalbyday&night.Arareofferinginasought-afterlocation—estatesale,actnow!

AlexBaker 0274579805 a.baker@barfoot.co.nz

Boundarylinesareindicativeonly

10:00am17Oct2025at34Shortland

(unlesssoldprior)

5 2 2 1 2 1 3 barfoot.co.nz/917629

VIEWING

Sunday11:00am-11:45am orByAppointment

JulieFitzpatrick 021530290 j.fitzpatrick@barfoot.co.nz

CoastalLivingwithJetty

Auniquewaterfrontestateisavailableforthefirsttimein36years.Theoriginal1960sfamily home,setonoverhalfanacreofgardens,includesaprivatepathtothejetty.Locatedon prestigiousWaimarieRdinWhenuapaivillage,approx.20off-peakmin.totheCBD. Ourvendorhasmovedon-thiswaterfrontresidencewillbeSOLD! Pleaseregisteryourinterestwithus!

LeilaMorris 021893413 l.morris@barfoot.co.nz

AnikArundel 0275175194 a.arundel@barfoot.co.nz

Whitford’sGrandEstate

48PORTERFIELDROAD

TENDER

Closing4:00pm,16Oct2025

VIEWING Saturday&Sunday 3:00pm-3:30pm 6 3 5 1 1 7 barfoot.co.nz/916584

Locatedinthesought-afterCliftonPeninsula,thisimposing“oneofakind”80-acrelifestyle propertyoffersauniquecombinationofscale,privacy,anduninterruptedseaviews.Themain homeisanexpansive740m²andoverlookstheproperty'sfarmlandandbeyondtosomeofthe HaurakiGulf'smostwell-knownIslands.

Aswimbeforebreakfast.

Havingtravelledtheworldmanytimes, theownersof38JubileeAvenuefound thishometobethebestplaceinthe world.Rebuiltinthe1980'sonthe volcanicrocksofNorthHead,thefamily havelovedandenjoyedeverydayfor40 yearsinthisuniqueandspeciallocation. Rebuild,updateorliveinasis.

TENDER 2:00pm,30Oct2025at39VictoriaRoad, Devonport(BranchOffice) (unlesssoldprior) VIEWING

PatriciaHinchey 0272223367 p.hinchey@barfoot.co.nz

MikeDeverell 021466300 m.deverell@barfoot.co.nz

NadineBryant 0212657512 n.bryant@barfoot.co.nz

Location,Character&Return

TENDER

2:00pm23Oct2025at18Commerce Street,CityCentre VIEWING PhoneForViewingTimes barfoot.co.nz/920540

AriTidyman 02102646621 PhilipDavis 021873934

Aspecialopportunitytosecurethisweatherboard bungalowinthreeflats,situatedona747m²,frontage sectioninoneofAuckland’smostdesirablesuburbs. Flat1ontheroadfrontagecomprisestwobedroomsand onebathroomwithanopenplankitchen/living/diningroom. Theflatwasrecentlyrenovated,isingoodconditionandwe understandisrentingfor$570.00perweek. Flat2inthemiddlepositioncomprisestwobedroomsand onebathroomwithanopenplankitchen/living/diningroom andweunderstandisrentingfor$500.00perweek. Flat3attherearcomprisesthreebedroomsandone bathroomwithanopenplankitchen/living/diningroom, openingtoanorthfacingdeckandbackyard. Accordingtoapastrealestateadvertisement,thetotal incomewas$93,000perannum. ThepropertyislocatedwithinwalkingdistanceofCoxsBay Reserve,JervoisRoadshopsandPonsonby.

Practicallyre-builtfromtoptobottomwithnewroof,fullyinsulatedanddouble glazedforyear-roundcomfort-the flexiblefloorplanisdesignedtosuita varietyoflifestylesanditisreadytojust moveinandenjoy!

4:00pm16Oct2025 (unlesssoldprior)

VIEWING

PhoneForViewingTimes

SilviaPoletti 021311311 s.poletti@barfoot.co.nz

Thismuch-lovedhomehasbeen thoughtfullycuratedbythecurrent owners.WellpositionedbytheUplandRd shops,CollegeRiflesparkandRemuera Village,itisashortdrivetoRemueraGolf Clubandprivateschools.Inzoneforthe sought-afterMeadowbankSchooland RemueraIntermediate.

ChiLi 021986997 q.li@barfoot.co.nz DianaWest 021408303 d.west@barfoot.co.nz AUCTION

5:30pm22Oct2025at280ManukauRoad, Epsom(BranchOffice) (unlesssoldprior) VIEWING Sat/Sun1:00pm-1:30pm barfoot.co.nz/920374

MORTGAGEETENDER

SpecialCityFringeProject

Thisisauniqueandspecialestateinthecity!A3,192m²sitezonedMixed HousingSuburbanwithalltheextras.

Theresafull-sizedtenniscourt,aswimmingpoolandalargeentertaining deck.Accordingtoapastadvertisement,the254m²(accordingtoRelab) dwellingprovidesfivebedrooms,spaciousopen-planliving,threelounge areasalongwithparkingtoaccommodateseveralvehicles.

ThepropertyislocatedwithinwalkingdistanceofNewLynnandlocalparks andashortdrivetoBlockHouseBayandmotorwayaccess.Somuch potentialtoaddvaluehere!Calltoday.

Tender: Closeson23Oct2025at2:00pm,18CommerceStreet,CityCentre

www.barfoot.co.nz/920594 AriTidyman 02102646621

AgentOnSite: Sun10:35-10:50am PhilipDavis 021873934

TrophyProperty–InTwoTitles! Securethistrophypropertyon11.7751haintwotitles.Tenderforoneor tenderforboth.PositionedontheprestigiousgoldenstretchofGlenbervie andreminiscentofacharmingEnglishcountrymanor,getreadytofallin love.Theprincipalresidence,seton11.1228ha(C/TNA397307)isjust perfectforcelebrationsandgatherings,withmultiplelivingareas,four doublebedrooms,threebathrooms,studyandtheformallivingareawitha welcominglogfireplace.Upstairsisamassivemasterbedroom,enjoying sweepingviewsoverlushnativeforest.Thereisalsoaseparate,secure, triplebaygarage.Thesecondtitle,seton6523m²(C/TNA397308)isa versatiletwo-storeyclassicbarn/workshopwithastudioaboveand brimmingwithpotential!Thisuniquepropertyenjoyspicturesqueviews overmajesticrollinggreenhillsandnativebush.Daretodream,callnow!

FamilyFantastic! This210m²(accordingtoProperty Smarts),three-level,four-bedroom, two-bathroomhomeona604m² freeholdsectionoffersbothspace& lifestyle.Thegroundlevelfeaturesa

CLOVERPARK 43IsraelAvenue

MORTGAGEEAUCTION

GreatStarterHomeorInvestment Lookingforyourfirsthomeornext investment?Thisistheone.A100m² (acctoPropertySmarts),threebedroomhouse,situatedona911m² rearsection.Fromourlimited exteriorviewing,theinteriorlayout comprisesalounge&diningareaon theeasternsideofthehousewith thebedroomdownthewesternside. Thereisplentyofoff-streetparking &thehouse&groundsappeartobe ingoodcondition.Calltoday! Auction: 2:00pm29Oct2025at18 CommerceStreet,CityCentre www.barfoot.co.nz/920919 View: PhoneForViewingTimes AriTidyman 02102646621 PhilipDavis 021873934

HIGHCOURTSALE

Anestateinstratuminfreeholdbeing401/28CollegeHill,FreemansBay,Auckland,referredtoinRecordofTitle 220820(NorthAucklandRegistry)isofferedforsalebyGAMortimer,SheriffatAuckland,actingonbehalfofJia JunQu,JianPingWang,YanQu,JMBuildingMaterialsCompanyLimitedandFormodaRealEstateDevelopment CompanyLimited(together,the“EntitledParties”)whohaveobtainedjudgmentintheHighCourtatAuckland.The solicitorfortheEntitledPartiesisChenJiangofTompkinsWake,Auckland.

Thepropertycomprisesa71m²(accordingtoPropertyGuru),two-bedroomapartmentinthePerspective Complex.Theinteriorlayoutfeaturestwobedrooms,familybathroom,gallykitchenandopenplanliving/dining roomwhichflowstoacoveredbalconythatoverlookstheswimmingpoolandthecommongardenareaofthe complex.Theapartmentcomeswithasecurecoveredcarparkasanaccessoryunit.Theresidentsofthecomplex enjoysharedcommunalfacilitieswhichincludeaswimmingpoolandoutdoorcoveredcourtyard.Theapartmentis welllocatedinapopularlocationwithinwalkingdistancetoPonsonbyRoad,JervoisRoad,VictoriaPark,TheViaduct andvibrantlifestyletheCBDhastooffer.

Auction: 2:00pm15Oct2025at18CommerceStreet,CityCentre(willnotbesoldprior)

Location,CharacterandReturn

Aspecialopportunitytosecurethisweatherboardbungalowinthreeflats, situatedona747m²,frontagesectioninoneofAuckland’smostdesirable suburbs.Flat1ontheroadfrontagecomprisestwobedrooms&one bathroomwithanopenplankitchen/living/diningroom.Theflatwas recentlyrenovated,isingoodcondition&weunderstandisrentingfor $570.00perweek.Flat2inthemiddlepositioncomprisestwobedrooms& onebathroomwithanopenplankitchen/living/diningroomweunderstand isrentingfor$500.00perweek.Flat3attherearcomprisesthree bedrooms&onebathroomwithanopenplankitchen/living/diningroom openingtoanorthfacingdeck&backyard.Accordingtoapastrealestate advertisement,thetotalincomewas$93,000perannum.Locatedwithin walkingdistanceofCoxsBayReserve,JervoisRdshops&Ponsonby.

Tender: Closeson23Oct2025at2:00pm,18CommerceStreet,CityCentre

www.barfoot.co.nz/920540 AriTidyman 02102646621

AgentOnSite: Sun12:00-12:30pm PhilipDavis 021873934

Anestateinfreeholdbeing19MillbraePlace,Pokeno,AucklandreferredtoinCT682006,NorthAucklandRegistry, isofferedforsalebyPeterGayaman(Deputy)SheriffatAuckland,actingonbehalfofAlaimatagiandFeagai JaninaLauitiitiwhohaveobtainedjudgmentintheHighCourtatAuckland.ThesolicitorforAlaimatagiandFeagai JaninaLauitiitiisAndrewLemaluofAndrewLemaluLaw,2RobertStreet,Ellerslie,Auckland1051,ph(09)5790045, andrew@andrewlemalulaw.co.nz.

Thepropertycomprisesa269m²(accordingtoPropertyGuru),six-bedroom,four-bathroomhousesituatedona 1434m²section.Accordingapastrealestateadvertisementoftheproperty,theinteriorcomprisessixbedrooms, fourbathrooms,doubleinternalgaraging,largedeck,sculleryandwasbuiltin2022.Thegroundsoftheproperty aremaintainedandtheexteriorappearstobeingoodconditionandpresentable.Thepropertyislocatedwithin walkingdistanceofallthelocalPokenoamenitiesandclosetomotorwayaccess.

Auction: 2:00pm15Oct2025at18CommerceStreet,CityCentre(willnotbesoldprior)

PaulaTuhaka 0272389496

PAPATOETOE 8/20CharlesStreet

MORTGAGEEAUCTION

EndTownHousewithParking Checkoutthis136m²(accto PropertyGuru),three-bedroom, two-bathroomtownhouseinanend position,situatedona99m², freeholdsection.Thetownhousehas threelevels.Itappearstheground levelisanoversizedsinglegarage, kitchen/living/diningonthemiddle levelwiththebedroomsonthe secondlevel.Themiddlelevelhasa westfacingbalcony.Calltoday! Identifier:1025326. Auction: 2:00pm22Oct2025at18 CommerceStreet,CityCentre www.barfoot.co.nz/920496 AgentOnSite: Sun1:00-1:10pm AriTidyman 02102646621 PhilipDavis 021873934

AgentOnSite: Sun1:30-2:30pm PhilipDavis 021873934

PrimeDevelopmentorInvestmentOpportunity Positionedonahigh-profile2,403m²freeholdsitealongbusyGreatSouth Road,thisexceptionalpropertyoffersawealthofpossibilitiesforinvestors &developers.Thesitefeaturesa715m²building,hometoarestaurant& commercialkitchen,withtheaddedbenefitofthirty-fouron-sitecarparks &multipleaccesspointsforeaseofuse&trafficflow.ZonedBusiness–MixedUse,thepropertypotentiallyallowsfordevelopmentofupto twenty-sevenmetresinheight(subjecttoconsents),makingitidealfora rangeofcommercial,residential,ormixed-useprojects.Well-locatednear SH1&SH20motorways,thesiteenjoysstrongconnectivity&excellent exposuretopassingtraffic.Previouslyadvertisedbyothersasreturning $160,000netp.a.plusOPEXplusGST,thispropertypresentsstrong holdingincomepotentialwhileyouplanyournextmove.Enquiretoday!

www.barfoot.co.nz/919189 ColinStewart 021555642

View: Sun2:30-3:00pm PhilipDavis 021873934

WAIOTAIKIBAY 46SilvertonAvenue

MORTGAGEEAUCTION

WaterfrontOpportunity! Checkoutthepotentialherewiththis 116m²gentlysloping,waterfront, 976m²,roadfrontagesectionzoned MixedHousingSuburban.Online recordsshowaResourceConsent fortenResidentialDwellingswas issuedin2023(purchasersshould maketheirownenquiryastothe currentstatusofthis).Accordingtoa pastrealestateadvertisement,the interiorcomprisestwobedrooms& onebathroom.C/TNA42A/1324 Auction: 2:00pm8Oct2025at18 CommerceStreet,CityCentre www.barfoot.co.nz/919636

AgentOnSite: Sun4:15-4:30pm AriTidyman 02102646621 PhilipDavis 021873934

MTWELLINGTON 22TideClose

MORTGAGEEAUCTION

GreatNorthFacingHome Thissubstantialtwo-leveldwellingof approximately278m²floorareais positionedona616m²freeholdsite, withaccesssecuredbyelectroic gates.Accordingtoapastreal estateadvertisement,thelayout providesmultiplelivingareas,alarge kitchenenjoyingviewsacrossthe adjacentlagoon,awraparounddeck, fourbedrooms,threebathrooms,a doubleinternal-accessgaragewitha bar/multipurposeroom.NA117C/891. Auction: 2:00pm8Oct2025at18 CommerceStreet,CityCentre www.barfoot.co.nz/919628

AgentOnSite: Sun3:30-4:00pm AriTidyman 02102646621 PhilipDavis 021873934

MANUREWA 57CastlefinnDrive

SunnyandElevatedBrickHome Wow!Asoughtafter139m²(accto PropertyGuru),three-bedroombrick &tilehousesituatedonarear, 499m²section.Theperfecthomeor stress-freeinvestment.Fromour limitedexteriorviewing,itappears thehousehasanopenplankitchen/ living/diningroomopeningtoanorth facingyard,&adoublegarage. Thereisagrassedlawnareaonthe westernsideofthepropertywith wellmaintainedgrounds.Calltoday! Auction: 2:00pm29Oct2025at18 CommerceStreet,CityCentre www.barfoot.co.nz/920943 View: PhoneForViewingTimes AriTidyman 02102646621 PhilipDavis 021873934 MORTGAGEEAUCTION

ThisisYourChance! Thepropertycomprisesa115m² (acctoPropertySmarts), weatherboardhomeona417m² streetfrontagesectiononaquiet cul-de-sac.Accordingtoapastreal estateadvertisement,theinterior comprisesanopenplankitchen/ living/diningroom,fourbedrooms, decking,bathroom,toilet&laundry room.Locatedashortdriveto Papakuratownship&theSouthern Motorway.Calltoday! Auction: 2:00pm8Oct2025at18

BeachyVibesinStanmoreBay

ThisisyourchancetobeaStanmoreBaylocal!

Thisthree-bedroom,250m²(accordingtoPropertySmarts)property comprisesatwo-levelhomeconstructedofboardandbattenwitha portionofweatherboardcladding,ironroofingandaluminiumjoinery, positionedona941m²frontagesitezonedSingleHouse.Fromanexterior viewing,anofficeisattachedtotherightwithitsownseparateentrance.A concretedrivewayoffersampleoff-streetparking. Localbeaches,schoolingandshopsareonlyashortdriveaway.Call Malcomforfurtherdetails.CTNA964/247.

www.barfoot.co.nz/920029 MalcolmParker 021622220

AgentOnSite: Sun12:30-1:00pm

MORTGAGEEAUCTION

Private,BrickFamilyHome Checkoutthis100m²(acctoProp Guru),three-bedroombrick&tile housesituatedonarear,425m² section.Fromourlimitedexterior viewing,itappearsthehousehasan openplankitchen/living/diningroom openingtoanorthfacingyardwhich ismainlyusedforparking&asingle garagewhichhasbeenconverted intoaroom.Locatedwalking distanceofGreatSouthRd&a shortdrivetothemotorway. Auction: 2:00pm29Oct2025at18 CommerceStreet,CityCentre www.barfoot.co.nz/920947 View: PhoneForViewingTimes AriTidyman 02102646621 PhilipDavis 021873934

MORTGAGEEAUCTION

ModernHome,FixedReturn, GrowthLocation Setonacornersiteof275m²witha 69m²(acctoPropertySmarts)floor area,thismoderntwo-bedroom homeofferslow-maintenanceliving. Theopen-plankitchen,dining& loungeprovidealight-filledhub,while doubleglazing&aheatpump ensureyear-roundcomfort& energyefficiency.Greatlocation,with easymotorwayaccesstoAuckland &Hamilton.Identifier:932056. Auction: 2:00pm29Oct2025at18 CommerceStreet,CityCentre www.barfoot.co.nz/920900 View: PhoneForViewingTimes

PaulaTuhaka 0272389496

PhilipDavis 021873934

MORTGAGEEAUCTION

SpaciousFamilyHomeinWellsford Recentlybuilt,thishomeissetona 611m²(MOL),fullyfencedsection. Offeringlight-filledlivingwithhighstudceilings&open-plandesign flowingtosunnynorth-facingdecks. Accordingtoapastadvertisement, thehomefeaturesthreegenerous bedrooms(masterwithensuite), built-inwardrobes&smartstorage throughout.Aseparatelaundryadds convenience,whileaconcrete drivewayprovideseasyparking. Auction: 2:00pm15Oct2025at18

CommerceStreet,CityCentre www.barfoot.co.nz/920019

AgentOnSite: Sun1:00-1:30pm

BradMatthews 0211389953

PhilipDavis 021873934

MORTGAGEEAUCTION

StunningHomewithAmazingViews! Thissubstantialhomeof324m²(accordingtoPropertySmarts),features brickandweatherboardconstruction,situatedonanelevatedrear,620m² section. Accordingtoapastrealestateadvertisementoftheproperty,theinterior comprisessixdoublebedroomsandthreetofourlivingareas,supported byatotalofthree-and-a-halfbathroomsincludinganensuite.Alarge sunnydeckispositionedtotakeadvantageoftheviewsandprovides additionaloutdoorlivingspace.Internalgaragingisprovidedfortwo vehicles,withadditionaloff-streetparkingavailableonsite.Thedwelling andthegroundspresentwell.Thepropertyislocatedashortdriveto HendersonandLincolnRoadmotorwayaccess.Calltoday!

Auction: 2:00pm15Oct2025at18CommerceStreet,CityCentre

www.barfoot.co.nz/920013

AriTidyman 02102646621

9SPRINGCOMBEROAD, SAINTHELIERS StHeliersTrophyEstate -3,038sqm Developers,Visionaries&LuxuryEstateBuildersThisisOneoftheRarestLandholdingsinStHeliers. Setonanexpansive3,038sqm(moreorless)singletitlesite,thisgrandestatestandsasoneofthemost prestigiousprivateholdingsinStHeliers.Offering scale,position,andunrivalledcoastalprestige,itis trulyaonce-in-a-generationopportunity. Elevatedandperfectlynorth-facing,theproperty capturespanoramicviewsacross theglisteningWaitemataHarbourtoRangitoto Island.Fromsunrisetosunset,theoutlookisnothing shortofextraordinary-amajesticbackdropfordaily lifeandentertainingalike.

AgentOnSite: Sun9:45-10:00am PhilipDavis 021873934

86StanleysRoad CountryStyleLivingintheCity Enjoytheperfectblendofrurallifestyleandcity conveniencewiththisstunning2.6hapropertyin Harewood.Thespacioushomefeaturesfourbedrooms, threebathrooms(twoensuites),arumpusroom,and open-planlivingwithachef’skitchenandlargeisland bar.Bi-folddoorsopentoadeck,heatedsaltwater pool,andpoolhouse.Afloodlittenniscourtandtriplecargarageaddtotheappeal.Highstudthree-bayshed andaseparateoffice/storagebuildingwithkitchenand bathroomsuitswork-from-homeorextendedliving.

EachOfficeIsIndependentlyOwnedandOperated.NZSIRNorthLimited(licensedundertheREAA2008)MREINZ.

Motivatedvendors

Thissolidbrickandtilehomeofferscomfort,space,and plentyofpotential.Withfourbedroomsandtwo bathrooms,it’sanexcellentchoiceforfamilies,retirees, orasaholidayescape.Thehome’sdesignflows seamlesslywithanopenplankitchen,dining,familyarea; complementedbyaseparateloungethatcanbeclosed offforquietevenings.Withawesterlyaspecttheliving areaflowsouttoexpansive,covereddecking.Double internalgarageandoff-streetparking.Handytoboat launching,golf,beachandcafes.Greatvaluehere. Familywantssold-don'tdelay!

bayleys.co.nz/1154454

4 2 2 2

Auction (unlesssoldprior) 1pm,Thu23Oct2025

Bayleys,83MolesworthDrive,Mangawhai

Central View Sat/Sun1-1.45pmorbyappointment

DianneChristensen 021741541

dianne.christensen@bayleys.co.nz

RobbieRobertson 021959798

robbie.robertson@bayleys.co.nz

MACKYSREALESTATELTD,BAYLEYS,LICENSEDREAA2008

ORATIA,

581WestCoastRoad

4 3 30 12.88ha

Seton32acres(moreorless)ofnativebushandparklikegrounds,581WestCoastRdoffersscale,versatility, andcompleteprivacy.Tuckedawaydownalong driveway,theestateunfoldsintoatranquilhaven, borderedbythegentleflowoftheOratiaStream.This uniquemulti-dwellingpropertyisperfectlysuitedfor extendedfamilies,investors,orthoseseekingalifestyle withincome.

Attheheartoftheestateliesastrikingfour-bedroom contemporaryhome,renovatedwithamodernrustic aesthetic.Burntblackfeaturewalls,soaringcedar ceilings,andbespokedetailscreateanatmosphereof warmthandsophistication.Designedforcomfortand connection,itisaninvitingsanctuaryforfamilyliving.

TENDER: InternationalTenderCloses17November2025at 4pm(UnlessSoldPrior)

VIEW: nzsothebysrealty.com/NLA00773 Viewingbyappointment

JESSEHOOPER:M +64225317365 jesse.hooper@nzsir.com

DavidNightingalehasbuilthiscareeraroundfirst-classmarketingand negotiationskills,exceptionalcommunication,andasenseofenergyand enthusiasmwhichistrulyinfectious!Theresultisatrulyoutstandingtrack record,anarrayofindustryawards,andareputationastheleadingexpert acrossAuckland’sCentralBays.

Foranagentwho’llbeaspassionateaboutyourhomeasyouare, contactDavidon0272272949ordavid.nightingale@bayleys.co.nz

Avillaofscale,sunandsophistication

Forthefirsttimeofferedtotheopenmarketinmorethantwodecades,thistimelessHerneBayvillapresentsan exceptionalopportunity.Combiningscale,charmandmoderncomfort,homesofthiscalibreareseldomavailable. Behindtheclassicfaçadeliesaspaciouslayoutfeaturingfourbedrooms,twobathrooms,andmultiplelivingareas,all designedforversatilefamilyliving.Therenovatedkitchenconnectsseamlesslytoopen-plandiningandliving,extending toalouvre-covereddeckwithanoutdoorfireplace—perfectforyear-roundentertaining.Sun-drenchedandnorthfacing,thedeckflowstoaheatedpoolandlandscaped519sqmgrounds,completewithrareoff-streetparking. Impeccablymaintainedandmove-inready,thisvillaoffersablendofheritagecharacterandmodernconvenience,just momentsfromJervoisRoad'scafés,boutiques,andtopschools.Atightlyheldopportunitynottobemissed. bayleys.co.nz/1451797

4 2 2 2

Auction (unlesssoldprior) 2pm,Wed22Oct2025

BayleysHouse,30GauntStreet,AucklandCentral View Sat/Sun2-2.30pm ChrisBatchelor 0212177026 chris.batchelor@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,TAKAPUNA,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Theultimatefamilyhome

Radiatingtimelessstreetappeal,thisimpeccableWestmerehomesittingonapprox589sqmofland,honoursthe exclusivearea’sheritagecharacter,withahaventhatseamlesslycombinestraditionalandcontemporarystyle. Craftedasabrandnewbuildlessthanfiveyearsagotocapturetheverybestofvilladesign,everydetailhasbeen carefullyconsideredtomeettheneedsofmodernfamilylife.Thisresidenceoffersarareopportunitytoenjoyclassic architecturewiththecomfortandefficiencyofacontemporarybuild. Followthewarmherringbonefloorstotheopenplanlivingdomainattherear.Setbeneathasoaringcathedralceiling, naturallightandgardenviewsfillthespacewithserenity. bayleys.co.nz/1672723

4 2 3 2

Auction (unlesssoldprior) 2pm,Wed22Oct2025

BayleysHouse,30GauntStreet,AucklandCentral View Sun/Thu12-12.30pmorbyappointment EdwardPack 021428241 edward.pack@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,PONSONBY,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Solidmasonrymasterpiece

Setonagenerous761sqmsite,thissolidmasonryhomeintheDGZoffersuncompromisingarchitecturalsophistication andeverydayluxury.Withitsnorth-facingorientation,thesettingisbothtranquilandprivate,whilestillbeingmoments fromParnellvillage.Inside,multiplezonesdeliveranelevatedlifestyleacross624sqmofconsidereddesign.Dramatic openplanlivingflowstoexpansivecoveredterraceswithHobsonBayviews,whiletheMorganCroninkitchenisatrue epicureancentrepiece.Fourbedroomsincludethepalatialprimarysuitewithprivateterrace.Amediaroom,separate gamesloungewithkitchenette,winecellarandsecretgardenwithfirepitallelevatetheexperience,whileaguestsuite andfifthbedroom(orgym/study)ensureflexibleliving.Wrappedinresort-stylelandscapingandwithaheatedpool, threecargaragingwithturntable,glasslift,underfloorheatingandadvancedtechintegration.Alifestylemasterpiece. bayleys.co.nz/1755038

SetSaleDate (unlesssoldprior) 4pm,Thu23Oct2025 303RemueraRoad,Remuera Phoneforviewingtimes Vicki&GaryWallace 021988585 vicki.wallace@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,REMUERA,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Graceandgrandeur

BuiltbyaprominentScottishfamilyfromCraigellachie,thishandsomeandimmaculatelypresentedthree-level bungalowhasrealstreetpresence. Duallivingspacessitalongsidethewell-appointedchef’skitchen,whichopenstooneofseveraldeckspositionedtotake intheincredibleMuseumview.Upstairsarefourlovelybedroomsincludingthenorthfacingprimarysuite.Onthelower levelisalargeroom,bedroomandensuitewithFrenchdoorsopeningtoaprivatedeck,withinternalandexternalaccess. InDGZ,closetoACGandtopprivateschools,youarealsomomentsfromParnellVillageandtheCBD.Ifyou’relooking forahomefulloflove,characterandhistory,donotdelayviewingthisgracefulmasterpiece. bayleys.co.nz/1755034

Auction (unlesssoldprior) 10am,Wed22Oct2025

303RemueraRoad,Remuera,Auckland View Sat/Sun1-1.30pmorbyappointment FleurDenning 02102723624 fleur.denning@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,REMUERA,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Irresistiblecharacter,enduringstyleinDGZ

Discerningfamiliesseekingaqualityrenovatedhome,inoneofMtEden’smostsought-afterGZaddresses,mustinspect thisimmaculate4bedroom,3bathroombungalowwithstunningstreetappealthatretainstheallureof1920s architecturewithits3mstuds,ceilingrosettes,largebedroomsallwithwalk-inwardrobesplusaddedinfrastructurefor modernlifestyles.Enjoytheeaseofmodernandopenplanlivingthatflowseffortlesslytolow-maintenance,north-facing groundsincludingaheatedpool,anoutdoorkitchenforgourmands,andanenclosablepergolasettingwithfireplacefor coolernights.Futureproofedwithsmartwiring,theinternalaccessgarageisfullyinsulatedandlinedformulti-use comfortandhasanadjacentmediaroomthatdoublesasthe4thbedroom(withownbathroom)andforconvenience, thereisliftaccessfromthegaragetothekitchenabove!Inspectwithoutdelay. bayleys.co.nz/1755054

4 2 3 1 2

Auction (unlesssoldprior) 10am,Wed22Oct2025

303RemueraRoad,Remuera,Auckland View Sat/Sun2-2.30pmorbyappointment LorraineYoung 021764032 lorraine.young@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,REMUERA,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

GrandscalefamilylivingbyAGS&EGGS

Commandingawidefrontageon954sqmoflandscapedgroundsinthisprestigiousandtightly-heldaddressisan executive-styleresidencedisplayinganelegantblendofscale,characterandfamilyfunctionality.Featuringaformal lobby,soaringatrium,andthreespaciouslivingareasthatflowouttoshelteredalfrescopatiosandlawnsforeasy entertaining.The406sqmfloorplancomprisesfivelargebedrooms,threewithnewluxuryensuitesincludingan impressivemastersuiteopeningtoafull-lengthnorthfacingterrace.Thereisalsoadownstairsguestsuite,ahomeoffice withseparateentry,massivestorageandarare4-carinternalgarage.Thisquietstreetofonly12homesiswithineasy walkingdistancetoAGSandEGGS,closetoNewmarket’sretailprecinct,andoffersexcellentmotorwayaccessfora quickCBDcommute.Off-shorevendorshavegivenclearinstructionsforadefinitesaleandisessentialviewing. bayleys.co.nz/1755063

Auction (unlesssoldprior) 10am,Wed29Oct2025

303RemueraRoad,Remuera,Auckland View Sat/Sun1-1.30pmorbyappointment

LorraineYoung 021764032

lorraine.young@bayleys.co.nz

HarryCheng 0212306877

harry.cheng@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,REMUERA,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Thesweetspot.Sun,seclusion,andschools

WelcometooneofRemuera’smosttightlyheldpockets,aprestigious,leafyenclaveonthedesirablenorthernslopes. Nestledneartheendofacul-de-sac,thissun-drenched,beautifullyrenovatedbungalowofferstheperfectbalanceof location,lifestyle,andfamilyliving.Thismuch-lovedhomeisofferedafter14yearsofenjoyment.Withthreegenerously sizedbedrooms,afourthversatilebedroomorstudy,andasleeknewkitchen,it’simmaculatelypresentedandmove-in ready.Familieswilllovethefunctionallayout,centralheating,andseamlessindoor-outdoorflowfromtheopen-plan livingareatoasunnywest-facingdeck.Enjoyentertainingorrelaxingwhilethekidsplayontheflatlawn,surroundedby elevatedvalleyviewstowardArneyRoad.VictoriaAveSchoolisminutesfromyourdoorandinthedoubleGrammar zone,thisisararefindinaprizedneighbourhood.Thistimeless,renovatedhomeisreadyforitsnextchapter. bayleys.co.nz/1755058

(unlesssoldprior) 10am,Wed22Oct2025 303RemueraRoad,Remuera,Auckland View Sat/Sun1-1.30pm SteveKoerber 021864166

steve.koerber@bayleys.co.nz

NilaKoerber 021723559 nila.koerber@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,REMUERA,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Iconiccharacterhomewithpositionandpotential

Onthemarketforthefirsttimein58years,thisoriginalhomeisbiggerthanitlooksandfullofperiodcharmandpotential. Featuringtimberpanelling,leadlights,fireplacesandasweepingstaircase,it’sarareopportunitytorestoreatrueclassic. Withfourbedroomsandtwobathrooms,thehomeoffersmultiplelivingareasincludingaformalloungewithparkviews, sunnyfamilyroom,diningroom,breakfastroom,kitchenandanupstairslivingspace.Manyroomsenjoyharbourviews andestablishedgardenson850sqmprovideapeacefulbackdrop.Asinglegarageandworkshopcompletetheproperty. Situatedoppositeaparkandplayground,andjustmomentsfromthewaterfront,Devonportvillage,excellentschools andtheferrytothecity,thislocationismuchcoveted.

Vendorsreadytomeetthemarket.

bayleys.co.nz/1470775

Lifestyle–privacy,sun&parkviews

OverlookingWesternPark,thiscedar-cladterracedhomeoffersarareblendoftranquilityandcityconvenience.Bathed inall-daysunandsurroundedbybirdsong,it’shardtobelievePonsonbyRoadisjustatwo-minutestrollaway.Setacross twolevels,thegenerouslayoutfeaturesmultiplelivingzonesandanelevatednorth-eastaspectthatfillstheinteriorswith morninglightandlushparkviews.Theopen-planlivinganddiningspacesflowseamlesslytoasun-soakedwest-facing courtyard,whilethespaciousreardeck—partlycoveredbyaLouvretecsystem—isperfectforyear-roundentertaining. Privatelynestledamongstmaturetrees,thishomeoffersasenseofsanctuarywhilekeepingyouclosetocafés,boutique shopping,andsomeofAuckland’sbestdiningspots.WithWesternParkliterallyonyourdoorstep,you’llenjoytennis courts,walkingtracks,andanoff-leashdogareajuststepsaway.Thisisn’tjustahome—it’salifestyleyou’lllove. bayleys.co.nz/2157634

4 3 2 1 2

Auction (unlesssoldprior) 1.30pm,Thu9Oct2025

28NorthcroftStreet,Takapuna View Sat/Sun11-11.45am

LyndaBetts 0212783024

lynda.betts@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,DEVONPORT,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

TriciaLafferty 021611205

tricia.lafferty@bayleys.co.nz

021596222kym.aikin@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,WAIHEKE&GREATBARRIER,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Lowmaintenancearchitecturalluxury

DisregardtheCVonthisone,thispropertywillsell.

Ifyou’researchingforalockupandleavealternativetoapartmentliving,whetheryou’reaprofessional,family,or downsizer,73WestEndRoaddeservesyourattention.Thishomeisperfectlypositionedjustashortstrolltothevibrant Westmereshops,cafes,andcoastalwalks.

TheexpansiveopenplanlivingareaframesthepicturesqueCox’sBayboatshedsthroughfullheightglazing.Thisentire spaceflowsseamlesslytoalarge,northeastfacingbalcony,floodingthehomewithnaturallightandprovidinga spectacularbackdropoftwinklingHerneBaylightsbynight. bayleys.co.nz/1672725

Theprestigiousgoldenmilelifestyle

Embraceluxury,futurepotential,andanunrivalledlifestylewiththisJannHurley-designedresidence,masterfullybuiltby HarryVanderPuttinonGraceJamesRoad.Morethanjustahome,thisstrikingestateisatruestatementofqualityand opportunity.Withatriple-carinternalaccessgarage,expansiveatticstorage,andpark-likegrounds,itoffersboth everydayluxuryandexceptionalland-bankingpotential,furtherenhancedbyitsFutureUrbanzoning.Thespacious loungewithgasfireplaceflowsseamlesslytotheformaldiningandpatio,capturingsweepingnorth-facingviews.Atthe heartofthehome,themagnificentkitchenfeaturespremiumappliancesandanentertainer’slayout,idealforhostingor intimatemeals.Themastersuiteisaprivateretreatwithwalk-inwardrobeandensuite.Outside,manicuredlawns,apond withwaterfall,greenhouse,andanorchardof87fruitingtreescompletethisremarkableestate. bayleys.co.nz/1972869

3 2 2 2

Auction (unlesssoldprior) 2pm,Wed15Oct2025

BayleysHouse,30GauntStreet,AucklandCentral Phoneforviewingtimes

NickGilbert 021809413nick.gilbert@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,PONSONBY,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

(unlesssoldprior) 3pm,Tue21Oct2025 8 MasseyAvenue,Pukekohe Phoneforviewingtimes

MikeMurphy 021404189

mike.murphy@bayleys.co.nz

PatrickMurphy 021404954

patrick.murphy@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,PUKEKOHE,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Cocoonedinluxuryandfinishedtoimpeccablestandards,this exquisiteretreatcombinesvisionarydesignwithamid-century inspiredaesthetic.

Thehomeoffersthreebedrooms,eachthoughtfullydesignedfor wellnessandrelaxation,whilethelowerlevelfeaturesaselfcontainedrumpusroomwithkitchenette-currentlystagedasa fourthbedroomwithitsownwardrobeandensuite.

Homesofthiscalibredonotcometothemarketoften,actquickly tosecurethisoutstandingopportunity!

12:00pm,Wednesday 8 October2025 (unlesssoldprior)

AUCTION

4/10StGeorgesBayRoad,Parnell

Thisrenovated,characterapartmentfeaturesalargesplitlevel newlyconstructeddeckthatfloatsoffthemainlivingareaandthe masterbedroom.SundrenchedandfacingNorthWest,yourviews overParnell,theCBDandtheharbouraresimplyspectacular.A newlylandscapedentrancewayandparkingareaincludesasingle lock-upgarageandanadditionaloff-streetparkingspacewhichis highlyvaluedinthisprimelocation.Builtinthe1940sofdouble brickandsituatedalongsideHeritageprotectedbuildings,this stunningboutiqueapartment(oneofonlyfour)isperfectlysituated forthosewhoappreciatefinediningandcoffeeculture,withsome ofthecity'sbestrestaurantsandgalleriesjustmomentsaway.

2:00pm,29October 2025,Inrooms,411 RemueraRoad (unlesssoldprior)

JayneKiely 021352007 jayne.kiely@raywhite.com

AmyRobertson 0274820100 amy.robertson@raywhite.com

AUCTION

Thispropertyismorethanahome-it'salifestyle.Completely strippedbackandreimagined,thiselegantweatherboardresidence deliverstherareluxuryofabrand-newbuildwhilehonouringthe timelesscharmofitsera.Everydetailhasbeencraftedto magazine-worthyperfection,blendingsophisticationwitheffortless familyliving.Pleasenote:The2024CVdoesnotreflectthe substantialrenovationscompletedsincethepropertywas purchased.

Beautiful.Functional.Unmissable.Thisisfamilyliving,perfectedin theheartofStHeliers.

11:00amThursday23 October,411Remuera Road,Remuera (unlesssoldprior)

SimonSiddells 0276058067

simon.siddells@raywhite.com

DianneMaxwell 021676668 dianne.maxwell@raywhite.com

Sun-soakedmornings,longafternoonsonthedeck,andeasy indoor-outdoorliving,thisexceptionalfamilysanctuaryinvitesboth relaxationandconnection.Multiplelivingzonesontheground floorofferflexibility,whilebifoldwindowsopentoabar-style outdoorserveryandcoveredlouvreddeck,idealforsummerBBQs orcosywinterevenings.Aguestsuitewithensuiteandapowder roomensurecomfortforfamilyandvisitors.Upstairs,threerestful bedroomsincludeaprimarysuitewithwalk-inwardrobeand elegantensuite.JustashortstrolltoSacredHeartCollege,and withbeaches,parks,andcaféscloseby,thishomecombines lifestyleandconvenienceinasought-aftereasternsuburb.

$2,395,000

RichardThode 021336002

richard.thode@raywhite.com

MarkRoberts 0278081830

mark.roberts@raywhite.com

AUCTION

5A3B2C

FromtheHarbourBridgesweepingrightacrosstoBeanRock,this protectedpanoramaofWesthavenandbeyondissimply extraordinary.Perchedonatidy,flat465sqmparcelinprestigious StMarysBay,thisfour-bedroomhomeplusself-containedstudio offersafront-rowseattoAuckland'smostintimateharbourviews.

Acovenantonyournorthernneighbourprotectsyourview. Combinedwiththeversatile,light-filledlivingspaces-ablank canvasawaitingyoursympatheticupdates-thisisanincredible opportunitynottobemissed.

8 AmiriaStreet,SaintMarysBay rwmteden.co.nz/EDN33919

Auction

5:00pm,Wednesday 22October2025.In rooms,RayWhiteMt Eden(unlesssoldprior)

View Sun11:00-11:30am andTues6:45-7:15pm andViewingBy Appointment

RobynEllson 021800891 robyn.ellson@raywhite.com

JoshPowell 021905234 josh.powell@raywhite.com

AUCTION

Astunninghomeinaprivatesettingwithbeach/mooringmakes thisaspecialhaven.Theuniquehouse,bymodernistarchitectLen Hoogerbrug,sitsattheendofasweepingdrivewaymaximising PutikiBayviews.Aspaciousinteriorisscrupulouslydetailed,with cedarshuttersonfloortoceilingglass,solidashdoors,Chant hardware,SEVREcolouredglass,ECClighting,passiveheating fromporcelaintilesandinterior/exteriorbrickwallsenhancedby skylightsandPyroclassicwoodburner,zincflashings&garagedoor. TheRobynLabbdesignedkitchen/pantryisabsolutelysuperbin polishedstainlesssteel.Thegardensareasuniqueasthehousedesigned&plantedasamaturewoodlandfullofcolour/character.

2:00pm,Saturday 1November,Onsite (unlesssoldprior) MatthewSmith 021924435

matthew.smith@raywhite.com

SETDATEOFSALE

2DTweedStreet,SaintMarysBay

IntheheartofSaintMarysBay,thiselegantthree-levelendterrace combinesstyle,comfort,andconveniencewithglimpsesofthe harbour.Thesun-filledmainlivingopenstoanorth-facingterrace, complementedbyadesignerkitchenwithpremiumfinishesand integratedappliances.Thegroundfloorhostsaguestsuite,office, courtyardgarden,anddoublegarage,whileupstairsfeaturestwo ensuitebedrooms.Themasterretreatincludesastudy,walk-inrobe andanamazingluxuriousbathroom.

raywhite.co.nz/GRY30963

LocalsGreyLynnLimitedLicensed(REAA2008)

8SchofieldStreet,GreyLynn

4:00pm,Thursday9October 2025(unlesssoldprior)

elaine.ferguson@raywhite.com

Steepedintraditionalcharm,yetperfectlydesignedformodernliving, thismagnificentvillaisastatementinrefinedelegance,sittingproudly abovethestreet.Behindthehome'stimelessfacade,theexpansive livingzoneopenstoalargewest-facingdeckwithfireplaceand manicuredgardens.Perfectforyear-roundentertaining,thisprivate oasisiscomplementedbyasleekkitchenwhileaseparateformal loungeoffersaquietretreat.Asensationalopportunitypositioned momentsfromGreyLynnPark,WestLynnandPonsonbyRoad.

LocalsGreyLynnLimitedLicensed(REAA2008)

3GoringRoad,Sandringham

Thisisyourchancetosecureanimmaculatelypresented,beautifully consideredhomeinoneofAuckland'smostdesirablelocations.

Behinditsclassicvillafacade,thehomeisbathedinall-daywarmthand sunshine,thecleverextensionhasbeendesignedtocapturethe goldenafternoonlight,makingeverydaylivinghereadelight.

Don'tmissthisexceptionalhome!

rwmteden.co.nz/EDN33773

JTRealtyLimitedLicensed(REAA2008)

NewListing

AUCTION

60AWaiataruaRoad,Remuera

5:00pm,Wednesday8October, Inrooms,RayWhiteMtEden (unlesssoldprior)

View

SaturdayandSunday 1:00-1:30pm orByAppointment

RobynEllson 021800891 robyn.ellson@raywhite.com

JoshPowell 021905234 josh.powell@raywhite.com

Therearehomesthatsimplyprovideshelter,andtherearethosethat elevatethewayyoulive.DesignedbytheacclaimedMonkMcKenzie, isanarchitecturalstatementinoneofAuckland’smostsought-after suburbs,yetfeelsworldsaway,cocoonedinitsownprivate,bush-like oasis.Thisisahomeofsculpturalbeautyandquietconfidence. Sunlightpoursthroughvastpanesofglass,glidingacrosstiledfloors andwarmtimberaccents,creatingaserenebackdropfordailylife.

JQRealEstateLimitedLicensed(REAA2008)

1:30pm,Saturday25October Onsite(unlesssoldprior)

View Saturday1:30-2:00pm orByAppointment

JohnQ 02102782708 john.q@raywhite.com

AUCTION

600CowanBayRoad,Warkworth Pictureahomedesignedentirelyaroundyou,everywindowframing sweepingviewsoftheMahurangiHarbour,surroundedbypeaceand privacy.AtTheHeadland,you’renotjustbuyingland;you’resecuringa lifestyleandalegacy.Withexceptionalnorth-facingwaterviewsthis two-hectaresectionofferstheperfectfoundation,withgentlysloping contour,driveway,andbuildingplatformalreadyinplace.Tuckedwithin anexclusivegatedcommunity,itprovidesbothseclusionandsecurity, whileaccesstothewaterbringsthecoastlinerighttoyourdoorstep.

rwparnell.co.nz/PNL37358

JQRealEstateLimitedLicensed(REAA2008)

Auction

12:00pm,Thursday30October, Inrooms,272ParnellRoad (unlesssoldprior)

167OrakeiRoad,Remuera

Thisrare,much-lovedarchitecturalgemfromcirca1987enjoys gloriousspaceinagenerousprivatesunnygarden.Animmaculately maintaineddeceasedestate,itisperfectforafamilyseekingentrytoa topDGZlocation.Highpitchedtongue-and-grooveceilingsadd voluminousspacethroughoutandbigpicturewindowsframebeautiful leafygardenviews.

Move-inreadywithscopetoaddvalue-earlyoffersencouraged.

rwremuera.co.nz/RMU42683

MeganJaffeRealEstateLimitedLicensed(REAA2008)

10:00amWednesday8October, Inrooms,411RemueraRoad (unlesssoldprior)

View SaturdayandSunday 2:00-2:30pm

HarryChamptaloup 0220363015

harry.champtaloup@raywhite.com Auction

AUCTION

2D/154StStephensAvenue,Parnell Declaredreserve-$4,650,000,$1,000,000belowCV! LocatedonarguablyAuckland'smostcovetedstreet,enjoying unencumberednorth-westposition,thisgroundfloor,corner residence,offersunrivalledspace(over300sqmincludingcovered terracesandgardens),privacy,sunshineandseaviews. Withadeclaredreserve,themessagecannotbeanyclearer,don't delay,secureyourhomeforthenextgeneration.CallRossandCarl today.

rwremuera.co.nz/RMU43905

MeganJaffeRealEstateLimitedLicensed(REAA2008)

11:00am,Wednesday22October 411RemueraRoad,Remuera (unlesssoldprior)

RossTierney 021855721 ross.tierney@raywhite.com

CarlRussell 021896783 c.russell@raywhite.com

FORSALE

12/31GreenLaneEast,Remuera

GloriousGardenViewsAtTheRemueraMews! Thisbeautifulapartmentoverlooksmagnificent parklikegroundsjust

AskingPrice

View

SaturdayandSunday1:00-2:00pm orByAppointment

brimmingwithbeauty.Size124m².Itissituatedin asecuregatedcomplexwithpedestrianaccess from33LochielRoad.GrammarZone!

JanetLambert 0274736023

$849,000 2A2B1L1J

AUCTION

101/85DaldyStreet,Wynyard Quarter

Sleekdesignandluxuryfinishesdefinethis exceptionalnorth-facingapartmentbasksinan abundanceofnaturallightandsunshine.

Auction

12:30om,9Oct2025,atLevel3,246Queen St,AucklandCentral(unlesssoldprior) 2A2B1J

View SaturdayandSunday 12:00-12:30pmorByAppointment

Presentstwogenerousbedrooms,twoelegant bathrooms,securecarparking,aconvenient storagelockerandwheelchairaccess.

GabrielaGalateanu 02041413853

RisingabovethesparklingWaitematāHarbour, Seascapeisthedefinitivestatementinluxury apartmentliving,intheheartofAuckland’sCBD. Withconstructionnowinthetrustedhandsof IconConstruction,thisiconictowerisbackon track—andbetterthanever.

Designedfordiscerningcitydwellerswho demandstyle,security,andsweepingviews, Seascapeoffersanunmatchedopportunityto ownaprestigeresidenceofunrivalledscale. Whetheryouseekaweekdaycitybaseorarefined full-timeaddress,Seascape’slimitedcollection ofone,two,andthree-bedroomresidencesare designedforthewayyouwanttolive,work andplay.

Thisiselevatedlivingatitsfinest—sophisticated, lowmaintenanceandutterlyserene.

Salessuiteopen Saturday&Sunday,11am-12pm 81CustomsStreetEast,Auckland