Weekend Herald 8th February 2025

Black Caps’ quick tri-series in Pakistan

SPORT

Sultans of swing

‘People think I’m a Scrooge’

Inside the life of a Kiwi billionaire

Widespread delays for patients needing cardiac surgery

Under the

PUMP

Judge’s slip won’t change prison term

The

s something you can t recoup.”

He said there was no possibility of

claiming on insurance as it did not cover loss of produce.

Police were notified of the theft on Wednesday and Gregory understood they were trawling through CCTV to find those responsible Oyster farmers were very vulnerable to theft because it was difficult to monitor farms 24 hours a day, he said.

The Marine Farmers Association was discussing possible actions.

Another method to stop oyster farmers being targeted was the possibility of land-based oysters. Gregory said clients had been hugely understanding of the firm’s current situation.

“We’ve had great feedback from high-end restaurants They ve been very supportive but it is disruptive to them, they rely on consistency We won t be able to produce any oysters for a while.”

The way of thinking at the moment is that oyster farmers are going to start putting signs up making it very clear to thieves [that] you will be prosecuted.”

He said the theft had put the business back at least a month. The product is distributed to restaurants such as the Plough and Feather in Kerikeri.

“There’s no cashflow at all and we’ve still got to maintain our staff and meet the overheads. It’s tough.”

Northland Police acting Detective Senior Sergeant Christan Fouhy asked anyone with information to call 105 and use reference number 250206/2212 or call anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Elite SAS assigned to 501s in quarantine

Top

session in December Defence Minister Judith Collins speaking about the value of deploying NZDF personnel overseas, briefly mentioned the NZSAS’ involvement with 501 deportees.

“Being deployed keeps them excited and interested and doing what they joined for They did not join to do MIQ, but they did it,” she said. They did not join the SAS to go and look after 501s coming back from Australia as they had to do during the Covid times. But they do actually join to do what they are trained to do That is what they need It is one of the reasons we have got the attrition rates right down.” The Herald at the time asked the NZDF for more information on the role of the NZSAS with 501s, but the agency decided to treat that inquiry as a request under the Official Information Act leading to a delay in the information being provided.

The NZDF responded to the information request this week, past its due date, saying its contribution to the all-of-government response to Covid required involvement of all available personnel from all three services and from various units”. Given the restrictions at the time on movement around New Zealand personnel were deployed within their respective regions,” it said.

“Being located in the Auckland region, NZSAS personnel were deployed to two MIQF, Jet Park and the Ramada Auckland The Ramada was the designated facility for 501 deportees All NZDF personnel at MIQF undertook management and security duties to protect New Zealanders from the spread of Covid-19.”

It was known that 501 deportees were quarantined at the Ramada on Federal St, but the NZSAS’ presence was not reported.

How long the NZSAS spent with the 501s is unclear The Herald requested the period the force was involved, but the response provided only the timespan the NZDF in general was deployed to MIQ facilities, that being between August 2020 and May 2022.

The Herald made several attempts to clarify the exact timing of the NZSAS involvement but the NZDF has not confirmed that Collins declined an interview, but in a statement said NZDF personnel join to serve at the direction of the Government of the day”.

You will need to ask the Defence Minister at the time for further details around decisions made on the role of NZDF personnel during Covid.

“But I can say the way our people were used for a prolonged period of time to patrol MIQs led to many personnel, including some with 10-15 years experience, leaving for other career options

That has left the NZDF with a hollowed-out middle and this Government has been working hard to address that; already attrition has fallen from 15 8% in December 2022 to 7 6% in December 2024.”

Labour’s Peeni Henare was the Defence Minister during much of the pandemic and couldn’t recall ministers being involved in deciding which personnel from the NZDF were deployed and where they went

He wasn t surprised the NZDF used the highly trained NZSAS given the “risk of the 501 deportees”.

“A lot of those people who were sent here, 501 deportees, have some serious criminal history and, of course, public safety and security had to be at the forefront of our mind.”

Henare said it s clear the MIQ role contributed to some personnel leaving, especially when there was a white-hot labour market making the private sector attractive.

Dr Rhys Ball a senior lecturer at Massey University with expertise in NZ’s special forces, said that like other members of the NZDF, the NZSAS would have had “little or no option” but to take part in Operation Protect regardless of how they felt about it

“I’m sure that none of the soldiers there would have been particularly happy about taking on that role.

We also see that the end result of that is the issues that we see now coming out of Covid the attrition rates ramped up across the board.”

Ball said the 501 population in MIQ would have presented a “challenge” that required a group with specific training to monitor them

You’ve got everything from bluecollar sort of villains to violent criminals the Australians flacked off and sent back They’re problematic.

“You look for who might be able to help out people that have the sufficient training and discipline to handle that sort of problem So the Government turned to the SAS ” Ball said the NZSAS had training to neutralise threats, from the extreme end of the spectrum of having to kill someone, to disarming someone without actually hurting them”.

He said the NZSAS had the discipline” to use the “minimum amount of force” needed to stop an incident spiralling out of control.

Skydiver escapes his crash unhurt

CherieHowie

A skydiver has hit powerlines during a jump north of Auckland.

The skydiver wasn’t hurt Skydive Auckland operations manager Fiona McLaren said.

“We can confirm a skydiver has landed off the landing area in powerlines

“They’re absolutely fine They re now in the hangar with us and the emergency services were called.

She said the male skydiver was experienced. Asked if the weather had a part to play in the crash she said: “Nope Human error”

Emergency services rushed to the scene in Parakai, at Skydive Auckland, after the 11 50am crash. The powerlines were not down on the ground, but the power was cut McLaren said.

“No nothing as exciting as that It probably sounds more

Leoni announces mayoral challenge

She

Two years later, she won the Whau ward and was the first female Maori councillor to be elected to the Auckland Council She plans to go one better this election.

Leoni denied reports she is standing for mayor to get a higher spot on Labour s list at the next election.

As a qualified economist and having spent the past five years as an elected member at local board level and as a councillor I believe I have the skills and attributes to do the job

sending young people to London.

“I am an Aucklander who wants to see a different style of leadership for the most important city in our country Leadership which will encourage entrepreneurs and skilled young people to stay in Auckland and eventually raise their families here Leadership that unites Aucklanders and makes them feel proud and connected to their local communities.”

Waitemata Local Board in 2019 and was deputy chairwoman for the first half of the term but in 2020 she was selected as Labour s candidate for the Waikato electorate, and placed at 66 on the party list She lost to incumbent National MP Tim van de Molen.

“I am the first Maori woman to stand for mayor I already have a team of 60 volunteers and the numbers will continue to grow I have a master s degree in economics. I have previously run my own business in the United Kingdom and a property investment business in New Zealand buying and selling property

“I founded an international youth charitable organisation, Mana Aroha,

Leoni said if elected, she would pull back from privatisation and halt sales of strategic assets, like the Port of Auckland. The policies I oppose is the sale of strategic assets Leoni a mother of 8-year-old twins, said. I don t believe we should have sold the airport shares and I will have no intention in the future to lease out the ports to an international company

“I am also anti-privatisation Where we can continue to maintain council contracts for things like swimming pools and other council-run organisations I will continue to do that as long as the financial outcomes needed to keep rates low

Cooks passport culled, China move

benefit to both countries over the past 60 years. Cook Islanders are integral members of the New Zealand family,” a statement said.

these things while it remains in free association with New Zealand, but could do so if it chose to become fully independent from New Zealand.”

Such a referendum would allow the Cook Islands people to carefully weigh up whether they prefer the status quo with their access to New Zealand citizenship and passports, or full independence from New Zealand.”

Peters told Newstalk ZB yesterday the passport would be dramatic in terms of our constitutional arrangements”.

The Herald has contacted Brown s office for further comment

The proposal of a separate passport was made to mark the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of selfgovernance this year

Brown said in a statement last year he had no intention of altering the constitutional relationship with New Zealand.

It is intended as a means of identifying as a Cook Islander and recognition of our nation, our people and our heritage.

“This initiative does not replace the New Zealand passport or citizenship.”

and his delegation will “meet with key Chinese government representatives to discuss current and future areas of co-operation”.

“A Joint Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will be agreed upon, serving as a framework for engagement and a roadmap for collaboration in the years ahead, a Cook Islands government statement said.

However Peters told Newstalk ZB yesterday the China visit came out of left field and had “blindsided both the Cook Islands people and ourselves”.

“I

the Cook Islands has brought great

The spokesperson said a passport, citizenship and United Nations membership was only available to fully independent and sovereign countries”.

The Cook Islands cannot access

Any proposal to change that relationship, including with a separate passport, must be decided by the Cook Islands people via a referendum”.

The reported comments from Brown come as New Zealand also expresses concern about the Cook Islands’ engagement with China.

Brown will this month visit the Asian superpower during which he

no dispute the financial criteria for hardship assistance outlined in the Social Security Act 2018, which is linked to the family s assets and earnings, were met in this case. The woman was also seeking what was considered a “modest sum”. Her whole application was $1963 94, nearly $600 below the cap of $2559

The $1026 the woman claimed for kai was verified with receipts. MSD told the authority the funeral grant was intended to pay costs directly associated with the burial, and in its view this did not extend to the cost of kai at tangihanga. Under its policy the costs that could be included in the funeral grant were undertakers’ fees for preparing

the body for cremation or burial, the cost of a casket newspaper notices hearse fees, and compulsory fees to buy a burial plot, or cremation fees.

The policy excluded “costs considered to arise from choice”, such as flowers, donations to clergy or missions, koha, chapel fees, car hire and a death certificate. The ministry considers that the cost of food is not an essential cost associated with the burial of a body and is a variable cost decided by the family for cultural reasons,” the auth-

‘reasonable funeral expenses’ can be interpreted broadly and allows consideration of cultural, spiritual and religious practices of Ma¯ori and all New Zealanders,” its decision said.

It said the Supreme Court had recognised that traditions of tangi were central to Ma¯ori society”.

Tangihanga practices deeply intertwine the spiritual and communal aspects of Ma¯ori,” the authority s decision said. Central to this process is the role of the whanau pani (the bereaved family) whose primary responsibility during tangihanga is to mourn the deceased.

“Food is not only an important source of sustenance but is also a vital element in the spiritual and social healing processes,” the decision said.

The practices of kai and hakari (feast) during the tangihanga process are integral to Ma¯ori.

ority’s decision said But the woman argued, among other things, that the policy failed to honour the ministry’s commitment as a Treaty partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

In the case that the woman s lawyers took to the authority, she said this wasn t just about special benefits for Ma¯ori her argument reflected international covenants that allowed for diverse cultural spiritual and religious beliefs and practices.

It was not intended to disadvantage other racial or cultural groups.

‘No special privilege conferred’

The authority said it agreed that acknowledging tikanga within the scope of reasonable funeral expenses for Maori does not confer special privilege and does not diminish the rights of other New Zealanders”.

“We have found that the phrase

“Kai or food is considered noa (ordinary) and serves as a crucial element in lifting the tapu associated with death

“Additionally, the hakari, held after the burial or cremation of the tupapaku (the deceased person s body), allows for the expression of manaakitanga (hospitality) as the hosts provide for their guests as a display of respect and care.

“This feast is more than just a meal; it is a ritual encapsulating the essence of Ma¯ori communal life.”

For these reasons, the authority said the cost of kai associated with tangihanga was integral to the process and a reasonable funeral expense”.

Accordingly the ministry s decision to exclude the cost of kai from the funeral grant was incorrect.” ● Open Justice is an NZME initiative funded with the help of NZ on Air

Teacher owns up to lewd videos

Offender turned himself in after ex-student recognised

This included boys who told him they were 14 and 15

Despite the man believing they were of that age, he continued to engage in sexually explicit conversation, sending images of his genitals and videos of himself masturbating

He received similar content from the recipients of his images.

The man’s offending came to light when he unwittingly communicated and shared images with an ex-student who recognised him

After being spoken to by a colleague, he went to the police station and reported his offending In court Judge Hikaka acknowledged the man had accepted full responsibility

“In fact, you went to the police

Had it not been for how you felt about the offending itself, this [the charge] would not have occurred

Your remorse is genuine, and the consequences are genuine you ve lost your job and the conviction is no doubt that consequence will be something that will remain.”

The judge said the man had taken steps to address his offending and the police had no issue with the matter being dealt with by way of an order to come up for sentence if called upon, an outcome defence submitted was the least restrictive

That is the appropriate end sentence,” Judge Hikaka said describing it as a “reminder”.

man had published his Snapchat username on a website designed to match with others to engage in online sexual conduct

After he friended a person the man would have a general conversation with the unknown user including them sharing their names ages and other details about themselves.

A “handful of times”, he engaged in conversations with people who advised they were under the age of 16

He convicted the man and ordered him to come up for a sentence if called upon within 12 months, meaning if he returned to court within that period, a sentence could be imposed for the earlier offending The order is often referred to as a suspended sentence or a good behaviour bond An

Badger of honour: Snap wins wildlife photo award

light from a nearby lamp-post

An amusing image of a badger has been voted as the People’s Choice in the Natural History Museum s Wildlife Photographer of the Year announced this week The perfectly timed snap shows a Eurasian badger glancing up at badger graffiti at night in the British seaside town of St Leonards-onSea where locals have been leaving food scraps on the footpath for foxes Winning photographer Ian Wood noticed that badgers from a nearby sett were also coming to forage and made a hide to capture them in action with the only

“The outpouring of badger love since my photo was nominated for the People s Choice Award has been beautifully overwhelming Wood said after receiving his award. “Finding out that it has won is truly humbling however there is a darker side to this image ” Badgers have been culled in Wood’s native Dorset where they are considered to be a danger to farm animals The badger

Accused musician’s ex-partner speaks to court in abuse case

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A prominent musician accused

abuse broke down in tears yesterday as his former partner who he is accused of assaulting testified in court

The man who has interim name suppression, faces 11 charges relating to physical abuse alleged to have occurred between late 2022 to late 2023

His trial began this week and he has pleaded denied all charges.

While being cross-examined by defence lawyer Susan Gray, the woman accepted that at times she had high levels of anger towards the defendant during their relationship

When asked what she got angry about, she said when he would criticise her or call her a “ho”.

She told the court she didn’t get angry at him without provocation. “I would retaliate to him abusing me.”

Social media was allegedly an ongoing issue for the pair, and the complainant earlier said she had to delete my social media to prove to him I wasn t being a ‘ho’.”

When she did have social media she claimed he would check her follower count “every second day”.

Gray put to the woman that she also didn’t like him being on social media.

The complainant said she didn t mind him being on it, but began mirroring his behaviour as she thought it was unfair he was able to keep his social media when he said she shouldn’t use hers.

She said he made her remove male followers that weren’t relatives, whereas he wanted to keep his female followers “because they were fans and wanted to appreciate his art”.

During the afternoon session, Gray shared phone records showing one-sided messages from the complainant bombarding” the man with texts and calls.

The complainant said on multiple occasions she was not proud of her messages but she had been mirroring his behaviour

“He would accuse me of being out

sucking dicks if I turned my [location] app off after a fight.”

She said she was upset about him being allowed to have female followers and her allegedly not being allowed male followers.

The defence s case is that the physical aggression was initiated and spurred on by the complainant and he used force against her only in selfdefence.

Gray alleges the man had tried to leave the “toxic” relationship several times and even sought professional help to try to manage the alleged aggression from the woman.

Earlier in the trial, the complainant testified their relationship was troubled from the start and described him allegedly being controlling about her social media presence. She claimed he strangled her after she had posted a bikini selfie he didn’t like while on a trip to Bali.

“He grabbed me by the neck, and I

think he jammed my arm in the door and I hit my head on the doorframe and I scratched him at some point during this,” she said.

“I was scared.”

Later on the Bali trip the woman alleged, he assaulted her again.

“He strangled me, and he put a pillow over my face because he wanted me to stop talking,” she alleged.

After the holiday, she told the court, she reported the alleged incidents to police. “I wanted him to know that I wasn t kidding when I said you can t do that and it is serious and it wasn t my fault.” After the man found out about the report she told the jury he said she would be “so f***ed” without

Dutch paddler: Kaupapa waka changed my

diplomatic representation between the two countries, and a new embassy about to open in Wellington.

Van der Vorst said he came to Waitangi each year to support the Dutch paddlers who were taking part in something bigger than just paddling a canoe.

“There’s so much more depth to it I see it almost as a holy moment for those paddlers, when they have the opportunity to sit together, to be part of that waka, to go on the water together and unite their strength to move the waka forward.”

Van der Vorst said Waitangi Day was fascinating for him as a diplomat

“Relationships matter and at Waitangi there is always a stock-taking of the relationship in Aotearoa New Zealand between communities It’s always very interesting to see where this is going I feel very humbled and privileged to witness and be part of that.”

“It’s

Maori when you arrive here, everybody’s practising and the whole camp is buzzing with energy I haven t found that feeling anywhere else in the world.”

Wabeke said another thing that kept bringing him back was the friendships he had formed over the past 15 years.

“It’s an insane thing to wrap your head around, but it’s like you have family on the other side of the world.

You’re travelling for 32 hours, but you get out of the plane, and you re welcomed like you just came home, like you ve walked in your mum s front door That s the embrace you feel here.” However Wabeke said the appeal of Maori culture went beyond friendships.

Meanwhile, Wabeke said he hoped the relationships he had forged through kaupapa waka would continue even after he had paddled his last stroke.

“My own son is 7 months I can’t wait to bring him here when he’s old enough and have him sit on the waka at Waitangi. I’m already sharing some of the lessons with him that I’ve learned from this relationship over the last 15 years, because it has definitely changed me. It’s helped me find more of who I am and what’s important to me and make sure that I connect more with this world.”

“It’s the connection to the land, the culture, the rituals, the way of being together as a people, looking after each other and looking ahead long term to the future I think that’s something we’ve lost along the way in the Netherlands and that’s something we’re definitely searching for and hoping to find again.”

A huge experience’ Joe Conrad, the Kaitaia-based kaihautu of the great waka Ngatokimatawhaorua has also been involved in the exchange since the beginning Conrad said that at the start there were many who doubted whether a group of Dutch students could adopt the culture and the kaupapa.

“There was huge expectation on

us from our iwi and our critics, about whether we were doing the right thing and if they would meet our expectations I think in the last five years they’ve gone above those expectations and over the years, we’ve not only passed our knowledge on to them, but they’ve been passing their culture on to us So it s been a huge experience and I hope it continues to grow,” he said.

Dutch ambassador Ard van der Vorst was also making regular visits to Tent City during his three-day stay at Waitangi.

He said it was a big year for the Dutch community in New Zealand, with the Dutch waka project celebrating its 15th anniversary, 60 years of

Story behind the Dutch waka The origins of the waka exchange between the Netherlands and New Zealand date back to 2002 when Te Papa requested the repatriation of a mokomokai a preserved Ma¯ori head from Museum Volkenkunde, the Dutch national ethnology museum in the city of Leiden.

The three-year process of returning the artefact fuelled Dutch interest in tikanga Ma¯ori, and led to a close relationship between the museum and Te Papa.

A year after the head’s return in 2005, an exhibition by the acclaimed photographer Ans Westra who was born in Leiden but is best known for her 1960s portraits of rural Maori led to even closer connections with New Zealand and the idea of “ordering” a waka as a living exhibit What had seemed a museum director’s unlikely dream became reality in 2010 thanks to a €425,000

($780,000) grant from the Dutch equivalent of the Lottery Grants Board The grant also meant the museum could expand its wishlist to include a fibreglass-hulled waka tete (training canoe) and a carved whare waka (canoe shelter) for the museum grounds.

The waka was built by the late Sir Hekenukumai Busby at his workshop in Aurere, Doubtless Bay, and designed for Dutch conditions with a lowered taurapa (sternpost) to fit under low bridges and a hull designed for manoeuvring on narrow canals. Busby named the waka Te Hono ki Aotearoa (The Link to New Zealand), and handed it over in an elaborate ceremony as thousands of spectators

lined Leiden s canals. Arts organisation Toi Ma¯ori Aotearoa which brokered the deal set a number of conditions. Those conditions included allowing Toi Maori to

occasions around Europe,

as Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th jubilee

pageant in

Also the museum now renamed Wereldmuseum Leiden (World Museum Leiden) would have to recruit a crew to be trained in waka protocols, so they could maintain the canoe and paddle it when required.

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RNZAF leader gets key role in Australia

“My

Review Mowbray to Z of a successful life

Rich-list businesswoman Anna Mowbray sits down over lunch with Shayne Currie to discuss family, money and business values, and the importance of creating a new generation of Kiwi leaders

I think ultimately my role now, being a female in a leadership role, having had and done what we’ve done is to empower and motivate and encourage others for what’s possible, rather than to necessarily force down my opinions.

Anna Mowbray

and really caring about and respecting those around me and being really driven and tenacious about everything that we did.

“But I didn’t see that as being a great success, or I didn’t look at it and reflect upon it as being this incredible story to share and to tell.” That’s not to say she s now comfortable speaking to media or fronting up to speak to a business audience. “I still prefer to be in the business. I love solving problems. I love being on the tools.”

MOWBRAY’S BROTHER Nick is an outspoken commentator on social media, most noticeably on X, formerly Twitter, now owned by Elon Musk In recent weeks, he s had cracks at the likes of former Prime Minister Helen Clark and current Labour leader Chris Hipkins His right-wing politics are laid bare. Politics and indeed social media more generally is not a major focus for Anna Mowbray, although she clearly has good access to “Chris” and

tool. Zeil, she says, is all about “democratising the path to employability”.

is supportive of the Prime Minister s business-friendly policies and the KPI approach to holding his government ministers to account

“I’m not a huge social media advocate. I just think, stay true to yourself, stay true to who you are, and your personality will come through and shine.

“People can either love me or hate me, and I’m fine with that either which way

“I think ultimately my role now being a female in a leadership role, having had and done what we’ve done my role is to empower and motivate and encourage others for what’s possible, rather than to necessarily force down my opinions.”

Her major business focus now is Zeil, a digital platform for job-seekers and employers.

The Zeil app works similarly to Tinder s swipe-right swipe-left routine it is designed to disrupt the recruitment market with a modernday interface and programmes such as a CV builder and an AI interviewing

It’s exciting, she says, but “we haven’t got a complete product market fit, yet”. Marketplace businesses are tricky and the job market especially so Bringing candidates and employers together at the right time, at the right scale” is everything

Zeil is out to break the monopoly hold of Seek

“They don’t love us,” says Mowbray

The company now has almost 30 staff and according to Mowbray customer sentiment is off the charts. Staff conduct five interviews a week with customers to measure those feelings.

Among other investments are her part-ownership of AFC and a shareholding in aluminium can firm Recorp, which was founded by former Air New Zealand chief executive Rob Fyfe and has a $100m factory in Manukau.

MOWBRAY SAYS she can t imagine doing life without Ali Williams by her side. The pair married last year surrounded by family and friends, at Kokomo Private Island resort in Fiji

The couple met several years ago at a mutual friend’s wedding he

threw her in the pool.

Mowbray says it was “definitely not” love at first sight

“He sort of had this look of shock of ‘like what have I just done?’ Then he tried to redeem himself,” Mowbray told podcast host Dom Harvey last year Life with Williams, she tells me over lunch, is amazing”.

“He’s such an incredible person; a big softie he’s so open, so vulnerable, so real. He has this conviction, determination, and desire that are impenetrable.”

His return to rugby after suffering career-threatening Achilles injuries three times is proof of his mental fortitude, she says. We just get along so, so well. It’s really easy when someone compliments you and gets the best out of you every day There’s not a day I don’t wake up and he says, ‘How are you setting the world on fire today babe? Let’s go make it happen.’”

The pair might struggle to get one of their projects off the ground. They want to build a helipad at their Westmere home, which overlooks the Waitemata Harbour

But according to reports this week the vast majority of public submissions 1277 of the 1397 that have been filed with Auckland Council are opposed to the idea, many of them concerned about the

You’ve just got to know . . . who you want to impact and in what way you want to inspire

Anna Mowbray

Rise of a generation

TKohanga Reo is an undoubted education success story for New Zealand So why isn’t it celebrated, asks SimonWilson

around the country Turning the programme into a movement; turning the movement into a phenomenon. Language immersion teaching spread to primary schools, as kura kaupapa, to secondary schools as wharekura and then to tertiary education, as wa¯nanga. Today there are 4500 kohanga reo and around 25 000 students enrolled in the various levels of language-immersion education. That figure doesn’t include the many more who have te reo integrated into their schooling without it being full immersion.

Ta¯whiwhirangi Auntie Iri to so many didn t do all this on her own but she made a leader s contribution to an extraordinary legacy: children in those language-immersion schools get better academic results than their peers in English-language education. The longitudinal Growing Up in New Zealand study, along with NZ Council for Educational Research studies and others, have all found that full-immersion learning is likely to turn kids into better readers, who get higher grades in NCEA exams and at university and move into better jobs. This outcome” to borrow one of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon s favourite words has a name. It’s called the kohanga generation.

“DON’T BE scared,” said HanaRa¯whiti Maipi-Clarke, the 21-year-old Te Pa¯ti Ma¯ori MP, when she was elected in 2023 “Because the kohanga reo generation are here and we have a huge movement and a huge wave of us coming through.” It’s true. Data from Growing Up in New Zealand, analysed by Te Whare Wa¯nanga o Awanuia¯rangi, a tertiary institute in Papatoetoe, suggests

(children)

So why isn t it celebrated? Shane Jones and Winston Peters urged everyone on Wednesday to move on from “Treaty principles” debates: did they mean to issues like education? After four decades and counting, why hasn t language-immersion schooling been funded, promoted and learned from much more widely? Education Minister Erica Stanford and her associate minister Act leader David Seymour were at Waitangi: imagine if they’d gone with a promise to make that happen. It’s not like there isn’t a desperate need The gap between the highest achievers and the lowest in our schools is one of the largest in the developed world. In 2018, Unicef ranked New Zealand 33rd on this measure, out of 38 countries in the OECD And Ma¯ori students are disproportionately represented among the low achievers. This can’t be explained just by economic status. The evidence suggests Ma¯ori do worse because of the way they are treated in the education system, as Ma¯ori. This mirrors the way AfricanAmerican students are treated in the American education system Seymour knows these statistics and says he finds them as unacceptable as anyone. At Waitangi, he said: “Across all spending, I think we’re doing more for young Ma¯ori than any other party.” The reintroduction of charter schools is his showcase policy to back that claim

BUT CHARTER schools have an uneven track record and the rollout of the new tranche this year is underwhelming One charter school in Seymour’s electorate has just six students. Some others have under 30 At Tipene, formerly St Stephens, which he launched as a new charter school on Waitangi Day, the intake is 40 and the student fees are $15,000 each. I asked Seymour directly about this at Waitangi and he said they’re starting small and it will grow But it does not look like a recipe for either growth or success. Especially as the

kohanga movement offers so much more promise. Again, why are kohanga kura kaupapa and wharekura not being supercharged?

Educationalist Alwyn Poole has an answer He believes that, despite a lot of hand-wringing, too many of us don t want the gap between Ma¯ori and non-Ma¯ori education to close.

“My conclusion is that we take the differentials between ethnicities as natural rather than a function of upbringing, previous education or deeply ingrained expectations,” he wrote a couple of weeks ago “For many, Ma¯ori are still those tactile kids who can play rugby love practical learning and are future stop-go experts.”

ACCORDING TO that view, we don’t want Ma¯ori to become teachers, lawyers, health workers, business leaders, and especially politicians, because they’ll want to change things. And it’s true, they do This was very clear from the protests at Waitangi these last two years, the hıkoi to Parliament last year and the hui-a¯-motu that preceded it Seymour complained that although he was at Waitangi to talk, no one wanted to talk to him In my view, he misunderstood the eloquence of those turned backs, the full in-his-face challenge of the wero, the calculated insults, all framed by tikanga (customs) Nobody was there to hurt him physically But they were telling him as profoundly as they could just how frustrated they are with his refusal to accept he is causing harm It’s supposed to be one of the biggest truisms of any society: for people to prosper and advance, education is the key”. But what if that education produces young people with the knowledge that society needs changing and the skills to push for those changes?

We

THIS IS not the first time there’s been a backlash against educated Ma¯ori. Emma Wehipeihana, a doctor and writer, has said: “This is the education system that, threatened by the graduation of the first Ma¯ori doctor, Ma¯ui Pomare, and others, around the turn of the 20th century, responded by focusing the curriculum for Ma¯ori away from ‘professional vocations and into labouring and domesticwork training We were told that we were too stupid and unfit for higher education by the same people who ensured we wouldn t have the chance to even try.” Seymour s slogan, used often at Waitangi, is that “it’s wrong to treat people differently on the basis of their ancestry”. The kohanga generation would probably agree. But they would say the gaps in home ownership, health outcomes, employment, rates of imprisonment, educational achievement, you name it, speak to generations of Ma¯ori being treated differently This generation says, “Enough.” Wehipeihana asks: What do they fear? They won’t articulate this in any official document but they are driven by the fear that we will gain critical mass and actually start to achieve equity, maybe even rangatiratanga.”

If you’re wondering just why so many Ma¯ori are upset about Seymour s Treaty Principles Bill, that’s not a bad place to start WAITANGI OFFERS so much and on Thursday there were a lot of happy people walking about Most of the politicking had finished, although not all of it

During the dawn ceremony, Methodist president Te Aroha Rountree got stuck into Seymour s bill. She quoted historian Alistair Reese that the Treaty is like a marriage, but it seems our spouse, the Crown, has filed for divorce while we were blissfully unaware”. His claim the bill promised equality for

all, she added, was a masquerade”. There were lots of panels and debates. So many choirs and bands and kapa haka groups performing on the many stages, it could get confusing what to go to next You’re walking around in the hot sun, through three fairgrounds full of stalls, one event here and then another way down over there, and you come across a group rehearsing their poi under the trees. So you just stop watch and listen

Luxon’s sidestep no escape from Treaty bill

Jones attended many years ago).

Jones knew nobody would try anything if he was standing right next to Seymour, eyeballing the warriors.

He didn’t want anything to happen to Seymour, because he knew that would mean the day would become all about Seymour And he clearly wanted people to know that, given Seymour had heavy police protection while in Waitangi. Jones stole Seymour s headlines by design. It was admittedly a haphazard and theatrical design, which included talking about rubbing horse dung into people’s heads, lamenting that he had not brought any with him to do so There was his tirade about demonic microphones” and

declaration that removing a microphone did not remove the voice (he was right, partly because Seymour had a back-up microphone on his lapel for his social media video).

Jones then performed the gymnastic feat of the reverse pork barrel with a double twist: he threatened to remove money he’d already dispensed to the Waitangi National Trust if they did not deliver a tidier powhiri. It meant everybody was talking about Jones’ barely veiled threat and criticism of the powhiri rather than

about Seymour or the Treaty Principles Bill. That did not stop Seymour trying to milk the microphone removals for all he could on his social media. But it could have been much worse. Luxon was more than happy for his coalition partners to be the ones in the headlines as he continued with his effort to talk about anything but the Treaty bill. He has learned a bitter lesson about the cost of giving an inch in coalition talks. As a result of giving that inch, he has now been suffering for what must feel like many miles.

He recognised it as divisive from the start, but his agreement to allow Seymour to put up the bill and get it to select committee has landed Luxon with

Viewpoints

1. What is the name of Joe Biden’s 2017 memoir?

Quiz

●

2 Who was the infamous swindler known for selling the Eiffel Tower twice in the 1920s?

3. What is the nickname often given to the Australian Open?

4. What is the name of the artificial lake that forms part of the Panama Canal?

5. Which country is the largest producer of lettuce?

6. Which river flows through the city of Christchurch?

7 Which tennis player is known as the “King of Clay”?

Rod Emmerson’s view

Online abuse of athletes unforgivable

RNo one should have to put up with threats to their safety and awful taunts about suicide just because they play a game

8. What is the Australian soap opera that all three Hemsworth brothers appeared in?

9. Which Act introduced the first national minimum wage in New Zealand?

10 What is the medical term for the condition commonly known as “lazy eye”?

Ghettoisation of state houses

headline on page one this week Almost one in four youth are jobless! While one could point a finger at the Covid pandemic for the poor school attendance over the past three to four years, the more troubling reason is that there is insufficient alignment between educational curricula and labour market demands, making those school leavers unemployable How could New Zealand, once held up as a shining example of good schools both private and state schools have plummeted into a situation where some school leavers cannot read or write? In 2017, when Chris Hipkins became Minister of Education, he moved the emphasis away from key subjects like mathematics and science and the ability to read and write in English. By September 2022 Hipkins realised that he had a problem Poor educational standards were leading to unemployment and a rising crime rate His answer after five years in power was to commit $53 million to a programme for at-risk youth called “Better Pathways to prevent youth from reoffending And he has the nerve to criticise “boot camps and charter schools! Chris Parker, Campbells Bay

Disrespect to Waitangi

While for whatever reason our Prime Minister chose not to attend Te Tiriti o Waitangi celebrations at Waitangi this year it is disgraceful that our governor-general, Dame Cindy Kiro chose to accompany Luxon to Akaroa instead of staying at Waitangi on Thursday Surely as the Crowns representative in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is incumbent upon her to attend the ceremony at the Treaty grounds? This should be regarded as the most significant event of the year for our country s calendar It was disrespectful enough that the Prime Minster felt he wanted to be somewhere else possibly to avoid protests, but for the two highest appointed representatives of our nation to ignore the event at the place of its genesis is beyond contempt We

expect much better from them

If however Luxon invited Dame Cindy to join him at Akaroa so he could offer his resignation as Prime Minister away from public scrutiny I m sure her non-attendance at Waitangi would be forgiven. Jeremy Coleman, Hillpark

Speedway support

It was good to see your editorial (Feb 5) regarding Western Springs speedway

The issue should be of concern to the wider public as well as speedway supporters, because of the lack of proper consultation and due process undertaken, which must be the basis for correct local governance

In a recent comment on Prime Minister Luxons call for say yes, not no in regard

Compass Group the company in charge of the school lunch programme admits teething problems but that Paul Harvey the managing director “is committed to supporting students education through the Healthy School Lunches Programme” Perhaps student education would be better served if parents taught their own offspring how to make a sandwich rather than having outside organisations do it for them? Bernard Walker, Mt Maunganui.

reveals that parents were asked to pack extra food for their

because

up or were regarded as

A mum in Taupo made her children homemade lunches after finding out that there were delivery problems with the school lunches. It would appear that in these two cases the parents took the initiative to provide food for their children only because they had to not because they couldn t Shouldn t this be the case for all parents to provide for their children and not the state?

Then there was the case of lunches for students with special dietary needs not arriving Why would a parent let an outside organisation cater for their childrens special dietary needs? What if they got it wrong?

School staff have noticed that lunches are quite small” and suggested that parents pack extra food for their children. It begs the question, why can t parents just spend an extra couple of minutes every day to make their own childrens lunches?

Flooding the zone Sharp as a tack one might say about Washington Post contributor Aaron Blake with his analysis of Donald Trump (Feb 7) He looks at the wider picture as Trump floods the zone forcing the media and politicians to keep up We know Trump to be bombastic full of his own importance and unfeathered by restrictions, but the irony for me is what is slipping through unchallenged, things which make sense even a future gain. The first was his immediate closing of the borders and threats to Mexico and Canada forcing

MEDIA INSIDER

‘When I grew up . . . comedians were

funny’

Shayne

Act leader hits back at TV personality Guy Williams’ verbal barbs

Seymour: Can you give me an example?”

Williams: You’re trying to say that Ma¯ori are causing divisions and racist it seems like that’s what you’re doing.” Seymour: “No I’ve never said that at all.” Williams pushed further,

“You’re saying I’m not a real journalist, but even I can see through this bullshit You’re spinning s***”. Seymour: “It’s worse than that

You’re not even a real comedian.”

Williams: Okay well, that’s fair But I feel like you’re setting the narrative and then saying everyone who argues with you is an idiot when really people have been very clear about their arguments. You’re being dismissive because you want to control the narrative. You’re not in it for ideas, you’re in it for asset sales and for creating division to win political votes. That’s what I think.”

Seymour: When I grew up as a kid in this country comedians were funny They were clever they were witty What’s gone wrong?”

Williams: “I think I’m all right.”

Seymour: “Yeah, I know You’re the only person who thinks that.”

Williams: “When I grew up, politicians were a bit more honest.” Seymour said Williams had given him a new appreciation for journalists, joking about having to turn to Herald columnist Simon Wilson to ask a question. Seymour and Williams clashed a third time when the comedian asked whether the politician was joking when he said he was improving the mana of the Treaty

“I would have thought a comedian would know what a joke was, but maybe that’s where you’re having troubles,” Seymour said. He wrapped up his press conference with a final dig All right folks, well, it’s been a

Another communications leader said: “It was a really great opportunity for a bunch of people who cross paths during the year to get together politicians, executives, CEOs, quite a few corporate comms people and Kerikeri locals, just enjoying a night of dance and catchups with old mates over a few drinks.

“rantings of former comedian Guy Williams”.

Bank, PR execs and journos enjoy Shane Jones’ party Just a week ago NZ First’s Shane Jones described banks as woke-riddled corporate undertakers” furious with them for “de-banking” legitimate mineral businesses and vowing to end what he calls their climate change activism

They are the new corporate gatekeepers, imposing moral priorities under the cover of saving the planet upon regional communities, he said “Not only are they inflicting their luxury beliefs on our farming industry but they are actively de-banking mineral firms.”

A BNZ spokesperson earlier told the Herald’s Thomas Coughlan that the bank had announced in 2019 a commitment to reduce its exposure to coal, in line with the Government’s Net Zero 2050 target But all of that was cast to the side on Tuesday as several of New Zealand s major bank executives and a cast of other corporate executives, journalists, PR leaders, members of the diplomatic corp and locals rolled up to Jones’ Kerikeri house for his annual Waitangi party Westpac chief executive Catherine McGrath, BNZ executive Dean Schmidt, and ANZ executive Peter Parussini were all there, along with other senior bank industry names including Jessica Mutch McKay (ANZ), and Cliff Joiner and Shelley Mackey (BNZ).

“Three of the four big banks were in attendance, paying homage to the matua,” one senior PR figure told Media Insider “Pretty timely for them!” However, there appeared to be little time for meaningful work talk the mood was festive, a number of attendees said It was a good buzz after the “political s***storm” of the previous week one said

“It was a beautiful spread that Shane and Dot put on. It was a really fantastic event and a great gateway for many people into the more serious business of Waitangi Day.” The theme was The Great Gatsby Included in the spread this year were monster crayfish The beer and wine poured freely Politicians included Jones’ boss, NZ First leader Winston Peters, wearing his newspaper-patterned shirt which is becoming a tradition. Attendees say he sat in a special VIP area with somewhat limited access for anyone wanting to bend his ear Senior National MPs Paul Goldsmith, Mark Mitchell and Gerry Brownlee were all there as well as Labour s Greg O Connor and Act’s Karen Chhour and members of the diplomatic corps including the Australian high commissioner Lobbyist Mark Unsworth wore a sombrero Jones has been in the spotlight for recent comments in Parliament targeting Green MP Ricardo Menendez March, who was born in Mexico Jones had earlier said he was hoping to enjoy a shot of tequila with the Mexican ambassador to help clear the air Other business figures included the Financial Services Council chief executive Kirk Hope and Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen. The number of journalists this year was down. TVNZ’s Andrew Saville and Helen Castles were there they are friends of the Joneses. Other journalists included NZ Herald senior writers Audrey Young Fran O’Sullivan and David Fisher and political reporter Adam Pearse, along with Richard Harman (Politik website) and Craig Hoyle (Sunday Star-Times). Senior communications and PR people included Sky TV s Chris Major, Auckland Airport’s Libby Middlebrook Fletcher s Christian May and Sherson Willis’ Trish Sherson. Sky CFO departure Speculation is rife of a fallout at the

Wasn’t expecting to get David Seymour v Guy Williams on the Waitangi livestream Sadly for the comedian he has underestimated how sharp Seymour is in front of a camera it was brutal.

highest levels of Sky TV’s executive team That’s the natural conclusion from close observers following the resignation with immediate effect of Sky chief financial officer Ciara McGuigan this week

McGuigan is a highly respected CFO she started with Sky last March after being poached with fanfare from TVNZ and is unafraid to say what she thinks. Equally, Sky TV chief executive Sophie Moloney is one of the media industry s most impressive leaders although she and the company are facing major headaches right

$3 million public grant and the 40% domestic screen production rebate. The Government has expanded the rebate’s scope to accommodate Shortland Street

That all helps reduce the financial burden on TVNZ, which is understood to have been paying up to $20 million a year

While Moloney praised McGuigan in a press statement this week, Sky has refused to explain her sudden departure. McGuigan was quoted in a followup PR statement: “I have enjoyed being part of the Sky crew and have decided that now is the right time to move on”.

Media Insider understands there may have been some sort of relationship breakdown at executive level. We asked Sky specific questions, including the status of the working relationship between the CEO and CFO A spokeswoman responded: The statements Sophie and Ciara made this morning are all we have to say about her resignation”.

Shorty Street revival; Is the SPR safe? The stars of Shortland Street were out in force at Event Cinemas in Newmarket on Tuesday night for the launch of the new-look season of New Zealand s longest-running soap It starts its 34th year on Monday night in a reduced, three-days-a-week format and now with the added financial support of NZ on Air with a

The screen production rebate is certainly a vital lifeline for the New Zealand screen and production industry supporters speak of the benefits it draws in, in terms of economic development tourism and screen and production industry talent

There continue to be murmurings that the Government may be looking at the rebate as part of its Budget decision-making this year

The rebate schemes are demanddriven and require regular top-ups, so consideration of ongoing funding for the schemes is, as in previous years, part of Budget discussions,” Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Media Insider Goldsmith, who also holds the media and communications portfolio, said: “I have stated publicly we are committed to having ongoing rebates. Any future budget decisions will be made by the Minister of Finance.” Willis said the Government provided significant support for the screen production rebate scheme in its first Budget, including $67m to top up the domestic rebate scheme and $114m for the international scheme.

“This support recognised the economic value of the screen production sector to New Zealand, the highly competitive international environment for this kind of activity and the desire to keep New Zealand on the map as an attractive place for film-making.”

Act has been opposed to the rebate for some time, whereas the screen industry is quick to highlight the benefits and economic profits it helps bring into the country Screen producers guild Spada president Irene Gardiner

years, countries in sub-Saharan Africa have accounted for more than a third of US foreign assistance spending

“We spent the weekend feeding USAid into the wood chipper,” billionaire Elon Musk, whom Trump has put in charge of a new pseudogovernment office tasked with cutting

and Chinese influence.

“We are the richest nation in the history of nations, a senior US government official told The Washington Post this week, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press. Despite the potential of individual programme exemptions, tens of millions of people in East Africa alone are not receiving any humanitarian aid today.” In the most desperate places, like war-ravaged Sudan, the fallout has been immediate. Half the population of 50 million needs food aid, and famine is spreading as the country s military battles a paramilitary accused by Washington of genocide.

The USAid suspension has halted national food programmes serving millions and shuttered hundreds of community kitchens that operate in areas too dangerous for big agencies to enter A humanitarian worker in Sudan, who like others in this story spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid retaliation against their employer said their organisation got a stopwork order for grants covering hundreds of millions of dollars.

“It means that over 8 million people in extreme levels of hunger could die of starvation,” said the aid worker What s next? What do we do?”

In the besieged capital of Khartoum more than two-thirds of soup kitchens have closed in the last week said Hajooj Kuka, who handles external communications for Sudan’s civilian-run volunteer Emergency Response Rooms.

“It was a complete blackout overnight,” he said “People are on the brink of starvation anyway they cannot last three days or a week without food.”

Kuka said most families they serve were living on that one meal a day

USAid had also provided security funds to the Emergency Response Rooms cells of pro-democracy demonstrators that have worked to alleviate the suffering of the civil war

More than 60 of their volunteers have been killed since the conflict erupted nearly two years ago, and the young people moving food and medicine across the front lines are often arrested and abused by combatants on both sides who suspect them of being spies.

One volunteer is being hunted by

On the brink of starvation’

The dire impact of US funding cuts in Africa

‘We will not be bullied’: Ramaphosa bites back

South Africa will not be bullied,

we as South Africa a developing economy must now navigate but we are not daunted,” he said. “We are, as South Africans, a resilient people, and we will not be bullied.” Trump asserted this week that South Africa was “confiscating” land via an expropriation act signed last month, a charge the South African Government denies and has described as misinformation The US leader who is advised by South Africa-born Elon Musk also accused Pretoria of “treating certain classes of people very badly” and threatened to cut funding to the country The act signed by Ramaphosa last month stipulates the Government may, in some circumstances offer nil compensation for property it opts to seize in the public interest Land ownership is a contentious issue in South Africa with most farmland still owned by white

people three decades after the end of apartheid and the Government under pressure to implement reforms

After Trump’s charge, Musk used his social media platform X to accuse Ramaphosa’s Government of having “openly racist ownership laws”

Attempts to license Musk s Starlink satellite internet service in South Africa have reportedly been delayed by a policy that requires major companies to provide 30% equity to historically disadvantaged groups US Secretary of State Marco Rubio added to the criticism yesterday, saying he would skip G20 talks this month in South Africa, accusing the host Government of having an antiAmerican agenda Ramaphosa also said Trump s decision to suspend US foreign aid was a concern for South Africa where it funds about 17% of Aids/ HIV treatment programmes

“We are looking at various interventions to address the immediate needs and ensure the continuity of the essential services that we might lose if this funding does not come through, he said. South Africa has one of the highest Aids/HIV rates in the world and about 5 5 million people receive anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment

Last week, after Rubio issued a waiver exempting programmes that provide lifesaving humanitarian assistance”, the medical group said it was allowed to continue portions of its work in one African nation but similar programmes in other places were still on hold, compounding confusion over whether and how they are allowed to operate.

“Our work is to save lives,” said another employee of the organisation If it stops, she said, certainly people will die”.

The funding crisis coincides with massive global upheaval: more people than ever in Africa are hungry and the continent where the median age is 19 is experiencing conflict more widespread than at any point since the end of World War II. In the Mbera refugee camp in Mauritania, home to more than 100,000 people who have fled the crisis in neighbouring Mali, the US aid cuts have caused a panic , said camp co-ordinator Mohamed Ag Malhad.

Malhad s family arrived here in 2012 after fleeing Islamist extremists in Mali.

He estimated that the US provides about 30% of funding for the camp

Already, a school that served 500 students was told to suspend classes. A programme for social psychologists in the camp and another that works to identify the most vulnerable refugees are on hold. What will this big gap cause in terms of damage?” Malhad wondered “Damage in terms of livelihood. Damage in terms of education. Damage in terms of health.”

he wrote on X. After a bipartisan outcry, Rubio on Saturday announced a specific carve-out to enable continued funding for Pepfar, a universally celebrated HIV/Aids programme launched by former President George W Bush that is credited with saving millions of lives in Africa and which 20 million people still depend on Despite the exemption, many Pepfar initiatives have been thrown into chaos. In South Africa, Anele Yawa, secretary general of the Treatment Action Campaign, said more than 15 000 people who had previously provided HIV testing counselling and other social prevention programmes were forced to stop working abruptly, and many had not returned. Deliveries of antiretroviral medicines to homes and contact tracing were no longer happening, she said. Many clinics that shut down last week were still closed.

“I’m told that drugs are

a militia; another volunteer was recently tortured to try to reveal his whereabouts, according to Kuka.

Normally he said, USAid funding could help him escape; now they are trying to move him between safe houses as the militias advance

We are saying our goodbyes,” he messaged, followed by a brokenheart emoji.

An internal report prepared by aid groups providing health services in Sudan and shared with The Post said more than half of the 10 million people targeted to receive healthcare

probably would lose access because of the cuts One medical group which had treated more than 19 000 civilians mostly women in the past two months in Darfur, said it could no longer offer services without alternative funding There was no transition, just an abrupt stop,” an employee said.

At least 54 people were killed and 158 injured in the attack, local authorities said.

The medical organisation said their suspension orders also apply to vaccinations prenatal care for mothers birth attendants for delivery and treatment for malaria in countries across East Africa.

A worker for another medical aid group recounted receiving a desperate call on Saturday from health officials in Omdurman, northwest of the capital, begging them to send an ambulance to a market that had just been bombed. Unfortunately I told them that the ambulance is no longer available because of the suspension; it was a rented vehicle so the owner took it back,” the medical aid worker said.

Abdallah Ag Mohamed, who runs the school, called Hope, was working out on January 27 when he got an email about the cuts A month of funding for the school costs only about US$5300 he said but means everything for the students. Teachers have continued working without pay

The stop-work orders have also grounded efforts to contain a deadly haemorrhagic Marburg outbreak in Tanzania, the spread of an mpox variant killing children in West Africa, as well as the monitoring of a dangerous bird flu that has been identified in 49 countries, according to Atul Gawande, the former head of global health at USAid.

“Consequences aren’t in some distant future. They are immediate,”

Syrians fear new Israeli bases will stay

across but at certain points Israeli troops have advanced several kilometres beyond it local officials said.

Syrian Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra has described the Israeli advance as a “violation against the Syrian people”.

This incursion is unjustified,” he said, adding that the Iranian threat at the heart of Israeli concerns over Syria no longer exists. The Israeli military has the capability to protect its borders from its previous positions he said, calling on it to withdraw

latter has better access to the area s road network as would a third base if built on the area of cleared land further south, he said. Satellite imagery also shows a new road, located about 16km south of the city of Quneitra, stretching from the boundary line to the top of a hill near the village of Kodana.

To build the outpost near Jubata alKhashab Muraiwid said Israeli bulldozers have ripped down village fruit trees and other trees in part of a protected nature reserve.

Budour Hassan 55 as she picked leaves for tea a few dozen yards from an Israeli roadblock In response to questions about the nature and duration of its activities in Syria, the Israel Defence Forces said: “IDF forces are operating in southern Syria, within the buffer zone and at strategic points, to protect the residents of northern Israel.”

Israel which killed about 1200 Israelis In Gaza Israeli forces have destroyed thousands of buildings within about 1km of the border fence to establish a “special security zone”. During the war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Israeli military has systematically levelled villages near the border between the two countries.

inside Syrian territory, and in some cases beyond. Israeli troops now come and go in the 233sq km buffer zone which is supposed to be demilitarised, according to the 1974 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria Israel has said it considers that deal void following the Assad regime’s collapse. At its widest, the buffer zone is about 9 6km

The two new construction sites, located within what had until recently been Syrian-controlled territory, appear to be forward observation bases, similar in structure to those in the Israeli-held part of the Golan Heights said William Goodhind an imagery analyst at Contested Ground.

The base in Jubata al-Khashab is more fully developed while the one to the south appears to be under construction. The former would provide better visibility for troops, while the

“We told them we consider this an occupation,” the mayor said. Since entering Syria, Israeli soldiers have also set up checkpoints, closed roads, raided houses, displaced residents and fired on protesters who have demonstrated against their presence locals say At night patrols have been spotted on back roads with lights turned off before returning to base.

“No one knows what they were doing No one dares to ask,” said

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously said the troop presence is indefinite citing security concerns. Regarding reports that Israeli troops had fired on protesters, the IDF said it had operated “in accordance with standard operating procedures” after demonstrators had been asked to distance themselves from soldiers.

The push into territory previously controlled by Syria comes at a time when Israel is operating beyond its borders on multiple fronts to keep its enemies at a distance, following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack in

The militants who now control the vast majority of Syria are noticeably absent from areas near the boundary Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, has said he is committed to upholding the 1974 agreement that created the demilitarised buffer zone between the Israelis and Syrians. Maybe they have a deal with Israel we do not know,” said Hayel alAbdulla, 77, the tribal leader in the tiny village of Samdaniya al-Gharbiya. When Israeli troops blocked a road just south of Abdulla s home with earth and rocks, he said he objected. “I told them this is not Gaza,” he said. “You can’t just block

‘Superman’ Smith ready to swing into action again

Six talking points for 2025 season

“It’s

New Zealand and Australia, so why not come and have a try? It s at Highlands Motorsport Park [in Cromwell] and Tony Quinn [owner] is a shareholder in Triple Eight so it just works.

“I’ve been to this track before and if it [the Grand Prix] wasn’t here, it probably wouldn’t have been an easy decision.”

While the FT60 single seater may

not have the power of his Supercar, driving a single seater is a world away from hustling a big, heavy saloon car around a racetrack

Feeney is not in New Zealand to make up the numbers and is confident he will be up to speed come the first race of the weekend today before the Grand Prix tomorrow

“One of the biggest differences is that I’m braking with my left foot, which I’ve

Aussie rugby’s tide of pessimism turns at last

All Blacks and NZ Rugby need Wallabies revival, as does Australia

its 10th year and competing well against Foxtel and Netflix with a movie/drama and sports mix, also bought the rights to the 2027 Rugby

The next five years offers Australian rugby a once-ina-generation opportunity to clamber off the canvas, starting with the Lions series and ideally punctuated by a strong Wallabies campaign in an Aussie-hosted World Cup Indeed, RA chief executive and former Wallaby Phil Waugh has set an ambitious 70% winning rate for the national team over the next five years, including winning the Bledisloe Cup every two seasons. If the Wallabies can achieve that bullish target maybe we should not begrudge them Rugby would suddenly have regained a foothold in one of the most competitive commercial markets for the code.

With South Africa doing their own thing (successfully), NZR needs a strong Wallabies side and improved Super Rugby performances. It will provide leverage for future joint commercial opportunities. It was just a few years ago that NZR’s board tried to railroad RA into a minor role as a junior partner Now they need to attach their wagon to the Australians. The worm has turned.

Kirk is key to a renewed relationship with Australia The scenario playing out in Australia

means relationships with the Aussies are more critical than ever (not withstanding one of them has just been elected World Rugby chairman).

When it was first reported that David Kirk would chair the newlyformed NZR board post the Pilkington Review shake-up there were some murmurings about the former All Blacks skipper living much of his year in Sydney It turns out that could be an advantage given Australian rugby’s opportunities.

Kirk’s relationship skills also won t go amiss after years of NZR officials looking down their noses at their Australian counterparts, all the time fiddling while Rome burned.

Rugby Australia’s pending broadcast renewal with Channel Nine/Stan has an intriguing element to it that Sports Insider has never seen in any previous rights deal of substance

According to the Australian Financial Review, the deal earns RA and the players more money the better the Wallabies perform

The outlet reported the new agreement includes cash incentives related to Wallabies and Super Rugby franchise performances.

One source was

French tour squad snub can aid All Blacks

Les Bleus bring a side more likely to be tagged Les Ennuyeux (The Dull). The Wales test showed some of what we’ll be missing with Dupont replaced after 50 minutes, having sparked France to a 28-0 halftime lead by setting up three of their four tries.

player that no one argued; the video ref stayed silent

the crowds stay away if

For the first he went on one of his trademark, slightly backwards, sevens-style, angled runs from a ruck before a perfect kick-pass for young winger Theo Attissogbe to score. He also fashioned a huge cut-out pass for the other winger, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, to touch down but the piece de resistance was his run through the heart of the Wales defence

He broke the tackle of a loose forward and sidestepped Wales and Lions fullback Liam Williams so cleanly that he didn’t lay a finger on him Dupont could have scored himself had he not passed to Attissogbe to score.

It looked suspiciously forward but such is the mana of the man almost universally hailed as the world s best

He is maybe accorded a bit much respect at times (the world used to say that about Richie McCaw) but we are unlikely to see how he’ll cope out here. “Tony Bridge” will be having a bit of R&R instead. Maybe the French are still smarting about 1986, when a strong French side was humbled by an All Blacks team of such greenness they were known as the “Baby Blacks”. That’s maybe what New Zealand should do again.

Why not? There is a need, after a two-steps-forward-one-back 2024 season for the All Blacks, to grow their depth as France have done. Why not field a side against the second-stringers in all three tests that aims to grow test experience in positions where it’s needed: lock, openside flanker, No 8, halfback, firstfive and the midfield, off the top of my head. New Zealand needs more depth

because of the retirement/move overseas of many top players after the 2023 World Cup; the next one isn t far away and already some second-tier players have figured

March 2023 the Parliamentary Service said TikTok would be removed from all devices with access to the parliamentary network on the advice of cybersecurity experts a ban that is still in place. (Politicians can still use personal devices, or those controlled by their social media teams outside Parliament to access and campaign on the social media platform as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and others did last election.)

The Herald asked the Parliamentary Service if DeepSeek would be allowed on MPs’ phones and/or other government devices. It wouldn’t say All applications are regularly reviewed to ensure they comply with Parliamentary Service security and privacy standards,” said acting chief executive Mitch Knight in a statement He was not available for an in-

terview and refused written questions but one senior politician forwarded the Herald a message that Knight’s Parliamentary Service team sent to all MPs and parliamentary staff on January 28. It read: As you may be aware, a new AI service called DeepSeek has been launched. We strongly advise that all parliamentary staff refrain from using DeepSeek at this point as we need to review the application to ensure it complies with Parliamentary Service security and data privacy standards. We are working directly with partners to provide future guidance We recommend familiarising yourself with our guide on using AI technology to ensure our information and data is kept safe.

“We will complete and advise on this review as soon as possible.” For Crown agencies outside the Beehive network, the Government has not issued any guidance specific to DeepSeek, acting deputy chief digital officer Amy Allison told the Herald The recently released DeepSeek AI-powered chatbot like other chatbots available publicly is a form of Generative AI, or GenAI. The Public Service AI Framework outlines expectations around the responsible use of AI, and applies to all forms of AI used in New Zealand public services. This includes the use of GenAI tools like DeepSeek,” she said. The Public Service AI Framework offers a series of general guidelines for the use of generative AI that is light on detail and heavy on buzzwords. Beyond the public service advice, our Government and the Cabinet have had no specific advice on DeepSeek for the general public.

Again, that’s a contrast with Australia, where the Government’s special envoy for cyber security, Andrew Charlton, said the app “raises serious concerns around data security and potential vulnerabilities people should be vigilant when using DeepSeek”.

‘NZ should follow Australian ban’ Cyber CX chief strategy officer Alastair MacGibbon told the Herald:

“We welcome the decision by the Australian Government to ban Chinese AI app DeepSeek on Government devices The New Zealand Government should now follow Australia s lead and ban DeepSeek on Government devices too “Both the Australian and New Zealand Governments should take this a

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Trump’s tariff threats will beggar the world

Steven Joyce

great advances and comparatively long lives we enjoy today

Back in the very old days (I’m talking cave dwelling and wearing animal skins here), we did everything ourselves. Each family unit was an island. Members ate what they killed or grew and moved on when food was scarce. This was a highly inefficient existence. Some were better at hunting, others were better at growing things. After a very long period of beggar thy neighbour”, the concept of bartering developed. As a good fisherman, I’d swap fish for my neighbour s corn at an agreed rate, and so on. Everyone’s quality of life began to improve, as people specialised in what they were good at

What turbocharged trade was the development of currency Before money it was almost impossible to swap your goods with more than one person. Every transaction involved bartering to establish the value. The development of paper money (effectively promises of future payment) meant I could sell my fish for a written amount of value” in dollars and cents and then hang on to that until there was something I needed to buy from a different person (rice perhaps, rather than corn). They would accept my currency and use it to buy what they wanted from a different person. Everyone was better off by specialising and achieving the best value they could for their skills. Just as it developed with individuals and families, trade became a thing between geographic locations. Towns, regions and ultimately countries began trading with each other Some countries were good at spinning yarn, others at growing food. They specialised in

what they were best at and used their currency to trade with each other and make their citizens better off In our case, we are damn efficient at turning grass into milk and by selling our milk we can buy other things. Consumers in countries that aren’t so good at growing milk can buy it at a cheaper price and higher quality than if they grew it themselves. Everyone is better off In case you think it is all about commodities, we are also good at other things, like niche tech products where ingenuity and flat structures tend to favour innovation. With trade and currencies, it doesn’t matter if you buy more from one country or another A two-way trade imbalance is irrelevant to a country s wealth and strength. It doesn t matter if you buy more from the US and sell more to China, because currencies themselves can be used to buy from different countries to the ones you sell to In fact it’s important to buy off and sell

to the consumers that get the best value from the trade. The main thing is that by specialising in what you are good at everyone is better off You would think the world wouldn’t have to relearn these basic economic lessons in the second quarter of the 21st century But here we are. The most powerful country on the planet is led by a President who is either wilfully or ignorantly disregarding this economic equivalent of gravity thereby imperilling his own voters and consumers and their quality of life. In using irrelevant two-way trade imbalances to bully countries into doing things he wants, each time he is dampening the case for wealthenhancing, cross-border investment and trade. He has also set himself up as a standard-bearer for the use of tariffs, a type of taxation that falls on his own consumers, and impedes the very trade that has lifted standards of living

and longevity around the world, especially in his own country This is not a first Brexit was another recent case of economic selfharm where voters in the UK turned their back on the benefits of access to the world’s largest single market for illusory economic benefits that quickly turned to dust Or even here, where in 2017 we decided to turn back time to the economic policies of the 1970s,

Counting the ways Trump’s trade war could hit Kiwis in

they can find other markets that will take their goods at a better price, they’ll go there. It’s been suggested by economists there could be an upside for New Zealand in this. If goods that are no longer economical to sell into the US increase supply to tariff-free nations like New

Mary Holm

he’s moved on to a new partner already, unbelievable.

A: Now now! As Kate Winslet apparently said, “It’s very easy to be judgmental until you know someone’s truth”.

Perfect tax? Q: With

the data Massey uses. We should note, too that these days almost half the people aged 65 to 69 are still working, full-time or parttime. And working people tend to spend more on transport, work clothes, convenience food and so on, and also in many cases on nonessential items because they feel they can afford them

These guidelines may therefore suggest too high estimates of the savings balances needed at age 65 for retirement income ” says the society It recommends: • “Industry and Government should review and adjust their assumptions and tools, such as calculators and savings guidelines, to reflect the typical reduction in spending through retirement.” Opes might be among those who should take note.

Retirees consider “choosing to draw down more from savings earlier in retirement than later”. Matthews responds that “anecdotal evidence supports [the society s] findings that spending reduces in retirement as one ages. However, most of the sums suggested for savings in the 2024 guidelines are not excessive (other than the one extreme case) and are achievable by many New Zealanders”.

She points out that most current

retirees are mortgage-free homeowners, whereas home ownership figures suggest future generations may not be so fortunate. Therefore, if a lower level of savings would be sufficient for current retirees, this may not be the case for future generations that are renting or still paying off a home loan.”

It’s a fair point

How much spent on what?

“Rising costs put squeeze on retirees”. This was the headline on the front page of a recent NZ Herald It refers to calculations provided by Massey University’s Fin-Ed Centre.

But it is not enough to simply provide total weekly expenditure.

The breakdown must be provided so we can all compare our weekly costs with those provided.

In May I will be 77 and live in a retirement village, and our weekly living costs are far lower than what Fin-Ed calculated. I realise that we do not pay building insurance and rates, directly, but we do indirectly via our weekly village fee. Our total living costs are approximately $30,000 a year, or about $577 a week

It would be helpful if Fin-Ed would provide their tables.

A: The Massey report which you can find at tinyurl.com/ MasseyRetSpending does include a breakdown of retirees’ spending in some detail in an appendix.

For example, it breaks down food into: fruit and vegetables; meat, poultry and fish; grocery food; nonalcoholic beverages; and restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food.

The two largest spends for all household groups are: housing and household utilities (15-35%) and food (14-23%) says report author Claire Matthews.

You can compare your spending with the numbers in the appendix, keeping in mind that the older you are, the less you are likely to spend.

Townies v rurals Q: We are looking ahead to our retirement and are considering a move away from central Auckland for a more affordable lifestyle.

Could you please comment on living costs in our big city versus small towns in New Zealand?

According to retirement calculators such as on sorted.org, our main centres are far costlier to live in than regional towns.

But I can’t see that differential Apart from housing, basic costs such as insurance, food, petrol, power and other utilities etc seem to be the same. Rates tend to be even higher in comparison. I would appreciate your view

A: The Sorted Retirement Calculator uses the FinEd data. And, as our table shows, provincial households do usually spend less in retirement than metro households. However, oddly, couples with a No Frills lifestyle are spending more in the provinces. Matthews notes this, and says the main differences are spending on recreation and culture, and, to a lesser extent transport It seems rural retired couples are out there having fun!

More broadly if you compare metro and provincial spending in the appendix mentioned above, it’s hard to draw any conclusions. In one set of circumstances, townies spend considerably more on something In another, the more rural folk do

One eye-catcher: provincial singleperson No Frills households spend more than three times as much on booze as their metro counterparts.

But when we look at Choices households, they spend just 25%

more. Make of that what you will!

The trouble is that each of us has different spending priorities. If you look at that appendix and apply it to how you spend your money you might be more enlightened.

Two final points:

• After all this discussion, how much do we really need for retirement? As I’ve said before, a good rule of thumb is that for every $100,000 of savings, you can spend $100 a week or $5200 a year and your money will probably last from 65 until you die.

This is fairly consistent with the NZ Society of Actuaries’ four Drawdown Rules of Thumb at tinyurl.com/ NZRetire. They discuss the pros and cons of the different rules and which ones suit which people. I recommend looking at that

• A recent article in the Australian Financial Review headed “Relax, here’s why you don t need that much super”, quotes experts saying the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia’s estimates of what’s needed in retirement are too high. Their figures for a “comfortable” retirement: A$690,000 ($762,470) by age 67 for a couple. For a single it’s A$595,000 ($657,493). They assume mortgage-free home ownership, and receiving the age pension. While the Aussie situation is somewhat different from ours, those numbers feel more realistic and several Australian experts say they should be lower

“Unbelievable”?

Q: I couldn’t help but notice that a reader wrote last week asking for advice about his finances. He’s allowed to stay in his late wife’s home for five years with four years to go, and seeks advice on buying a home with his new partner Poor wife’s

Bayleys flexes its industrial muscle in

benefits offered by standing lease arrangements, including a billboard lease.

“The flexibility to acquire these properties as a single portfolio or via individual selldown adds further versatility for purchasers keyed into the long-term vision for growth,” he points out Approximately 72 per cent of the portfolio is zoned Business–Mixed Use, allowing for flexible land use with a height variation control of up to 21m

The balance falls under the Business–Town Centre zone, with permitted heights of up to 18m enhancing its suitability for largescale residential and commercial redevelopment,”

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WHAT’S IN A NAME?

It could be sweet or something that ruins your golden years. Should grandkids be allowed to choose our monikers?

YGuy Kelly

ou could be forgiven for thinking that by the time you reach the age at which your children are having their own children, you’d know your name and be stuck with it. Gavin, Janet, Kriss Akabusi, Narcissus.

In reality, that’s when you must choose your final character. A last flick of reinvention before you gain the epithet “the late”. Because if you don’t get ahead of the matter, you can be sure somebody else will choose a moniker for you.

So here are your options

In the first instance you have the classics. Your Grandmas, your Grandpas, your Nans, your Granddads. All fine, all classics for a reason. But they risk ageing you further than time already has, drawing attention to the fact that you are a grandparent. The logic of this is questionable.

Nobody being called something like ”Bompy“ by a toddler in Pizza Express is assumed to be anything other than their grandparent.

The next strategy is to play with it a bit. My mother who my brother and I have called ”Gilly” since we were teenagers, as that is her name and it used to annoy her elected to go with the chic ”GG” when her first grandchild burst on to the scene.

Gaga fits in this category too, especially in its fuller form “Lady Gaga”. See also Gandalf, Papa Smurf, and Sir David Attenborough All great.

A third ploy is to simply use your own first name.

“No titles, man, we’re all equals here. Just call me Neil and let’s shoot the breeze down at the duckpond, Arlo.” This is progressive. The Steiner School approach to secondary parenting. It’s best avoided, though; everyone in the park will think you’ve abducted the child

And then there’s the fourth option, which is to risk it. To throw caution to the wind and let your own children decide Or worse still, their own children, with their tiny, under-formed brains and complete lack of respect for word structure. But beware.

This is how some people end up being called Googah, Noonoo, Peewee and Womp for the final straight of their lives. A mortifying end. Choose wisely.

Christopher Howse

Tom Parker-Bowles has revealed that his children refer to the King, their stepgrandfather, as Uppa. The Queen mentioned in 2016 that “my own grandchildren call me Gaga. I don’t know if it’s because they think I am! It is funny but is still very sweet.”

Indeed: the cute things kiddies say. But sometimes the grown-ups get their retaliation in first. John Betjeman called his son Paul “It” and that hurt. “I minded so much about that,” he told his father’s biographer A.N. Wilson. “He wanted to keep me down.” Betjeman lived in the golden age of nicknames, those aggressive stealth darts. “Philth” was his nickname for his wife; “Feeble” his nickname for his mistress. His friend Evelyn Waugh called his own wife “Whiskers” and his favourite daughter “Pig”

At Oxford, Betjeman and his friends had been fond of a don called George Kolkhorst, who wore a cube of sugar on a string around his neck, “to sweeten my conversation”. His nickname: Colonel. “We called you ‘Colonel’ just because you were, / Though tall, so little

like one,“ wrote Betjeman in Summoned by Bells. In the war of nicknames, I was surprised and delighted to discover that the nickname Smarty-boots, for literary critic Cyril Connolly was invented by Virginia Woolf.

Some nickname victims have complained. The painter Simon Elwes thought Waugh’s circle’s nickname for him, “Pouncer”, was unfair and unfortunate, according to Mark Amory in his brilliantly elucidatory notes to The Letters of Evelyn Waugh “People won’t come to have their portraits painted,” Elwes said, reasonably enough. I remember a similar problem in less elevated circles with a regular in the Coach and Horses whose nickname was Brian the Burglar.

We seem to lack the ruthless invention now to land all our contemporaries with telling nicknames. Of course there may be a “school teacher” nickname in play which you never use to the victim’s face. Only in the family are you stuck with one openly. The Telegraph

TURKISH DELIGHTS

Alex Crevar finds a wealth of culture and culinary delights to fill a weekend on the Aegean coast

For much of its history, Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, was arguably the centre of the world. Halfway down the Aegean coast, Smyrna, as Asia Minor ancients called it, was where East met West as an economic and cultural synapse at the end of the Silk Road. Today, the vibrant, 8500-year-old “Pearl of the Aegean” flanked to the north and south by the Unesco World Heritage city ruins of Pergamon and Ephesus, among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World has again redefined itself as a hub for international explorers. The 2400-year-old bazaar and the ancient Agora remain Izmir’s chief attractions. But the city, which played a key role in Turkey’s independence 100 years ago, has also reopened a former tobacco factory as a culture and art complex and opened a480km sea-hugging section of the EuroVelo 8 cycle route.

FRIDAY

Start from a bird’s-eye vantage of Izmir with a ride up the Historical Lift (free). The elevator once steampowered, now electric was built in 1907 to connect lower districts to hilltop neighbourhoods, which are separated by 58m of elevation. The tower-top terrace provides panoramic views of the coast, the ferries traversing Izmir Bay and neighbourhoods influenced across epochs by Hittites, Greeks, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Ottomans and Sephardic Jews.

More recently, this port city on the western shore of Anatolia includes a mix of immigrant communities including Italians, Armenians and French. Settle into the historical vista at the terrace’s Tarihi Asansor Cafe with a cup of stove-brewed Turkish coffee or traditional tea.

Down on Izmir’s shoreline promenade, known as Kordon, college students play music on

surrounding grassy quads, families picnic, fishermen cast into the bay, and vendors hawk mussels, nuts and fruit. A bike lane, part of a 48km path, runs along the walkway.

Nearby, in the centre of Ataturk Square (more colloquially, Konak Square), is an octagonal 25m clock tower. Built in 1901, it has ornate Ottoman motifs across its four levels of carved marble, fountains and columns. The mechanical clock, a gift from the last German emperor, Wilhelm II, is still reset manually every sixth day.

On the square’s sea side, the First Bullet Monument depicts the first shot fired in Izmir during the Turkish War of Independence in 1919 Across the square, the tiny, 18thcentury Yali Mosque is adorned with exquisitely painted tiles.

Izmir’s constant is change. The city weaves disparate eras, styles and architecture: Ancient ruins meld with Ottoman, neo-Romanesque and art nouveau architecture and glass-and-steel constructions The other consistent theme is the image of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on buildings, flags and signs. The country’s founder, in 1923, he espoused secularism and is a hero to the Izmirli people, who are stereotypically more progressive than the rest of Turkey The Izmir Ataturk Museum is housed in a 19thcentury neoclassical house Ataturk used when in Izmir. Then amble along Kordon to the patio at Sirena, an open-air bar favoured by locals since 1976.

SATURDAY

For much of its 24-century existence, the Kemeralti Bazaar was the beating heart of Izmir, a key western port on the Silk Road. This open-air market Turkey’s largest united Asian and European traders exchanging goods and world news. Today, mosques, cafes, restaurants, approximately 2000

protected buildings and thousands of shops crowd the market’s tangle of nearly 100 streets. Smells of incense, roasting coffee and spices waft through Kemeralti’s pedestrian-only labyrinth filled with coppersmiths, cobblers, gold and silver merchants, and artisans. Along a street named Havra (the word for synagogue), one of the market’s busiest corridors, fishmongers, butchers and produce vendors vie for customers.

According to lore, Alexander the Great took a nap on Pagos Hill above Izmir, where the ruins of Kadifekale castle are today, and dreamed of

system and graffiti adorning merchant stalls are believed to be more than 1500 years old.

Take a ferry from the Alsancak terminal to the Bostanli terminal in the Karsiyaka district on Izmir Bay’s north side. Like the Konak and Alsancak districts, Karsyaka has pedestrian shopping streets, cafes and bistros, but with a more residential vibe. Then, either walk or take the tram to the Mavisehir fishermen’s harbour for a 90-minute Flamingo Road Boat Tour. The wetland is home to around 300 identified bird species and more than 80,000 wintering fowl, including Dalmatian pelicans, great cormorants and oystercatchers.

Back in Konak, head to the Konak Pier. Designed by Gustave Eiffel’s firm in the late 19th century, the irongirded building has served as a customs office, fish market and, today, a collection of shops, restaurants and bars. After dining, dive into Alsancak’s lounges, tattoo parlours, palm-lined avenues and kebab kiosks.

SUNDAY

relocating the city known then as Smyrna to its current position. The Oracle of the god Apollo confirmed Alexander’s vision and that the move would make citizens at least three times happier. The Smyrna Agora the result of that dream, originally constructed in the 4th century B.C. on the slopes of that hill and behind Kemeralti acted as the newly moved city’s social, governmental and commercial hub Roam the ruins to get a sense of the sprawling site’s importance. The intact Corinthian portico columns, the subterranean arched architecture, aqueduct and cistern

Fuel up at Reyhan Patisserie, an institution in Alsancak for almost six decades. Then hop on a bike and pedal part of the EuroVelo 8 cycle route.

For many Izmirli, weekends mean getting out of the city.

Urla is a go-to spot because of its old town, outdoor market, vineyard-covered countryside, and surrounding peninsula with both secluded and lively beaches. Jump off your bike in the traditional bazaar and have lunch at the Michelinrecommended Begendik Abi, a family-run restaurant surrounded by olive and fig trees.

Finish your odyssey with a celebratory cocktail at Urla Berlin’s, next to Urla’s harbour. The New York Times

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COLOUR UP YOUR LIFE

Interior paint is not just decorative it can affect your quality of life, writes Caroline Biggs

When Roberta Freymann moved into her apartment at the Apthorp on the Upper West Side three years ago, she knew her first order of business would be repainting the dull, grey walls.

“The wrong paint colour can ruin your life,” Freymann said. “Colour affects the way you feel when you’re at home.”

Freymann, the woman behind the lifestyle brand Roberta Roller Rabbit, prefers bright paint colours which she believes can boost productivity, creativity and positivity over traditional neutrals and earth tones.

She painted her three-bedroom home using a fiery red-orange in the library to promote productivity, a soothing deep indigo in the guest bedroom and a Tiffany-blue in the dining room, which she says helps stimulate conversation at dinner parties, or at least gives bored guests

“something interesting to look at”

“Colour is uplifting,” Freymann said. “It improves your mood and, in turn, your quality of life at home.”

Chromo therapy, also known as colour therapy, is the practice of using certain colours to stimulate various emotions and to improve health, and it is something that many architects

and designers have long recognized as having psychological benefits.

“Architects, artists and designers have treated the ills of human societies with colour since the shaping of environments began,” said Donald Kaufman, who owns the paint company Donald Kaufman Color with his wife, Taffy Dahl.

Some colours, in short, simply make people happy.

For the past 30 years, Kaufman and Dahl have made mixing such paint colours their business. Together they develop custom shades for their clients based not only on the architectural details of a space but also

Left: Apryl

Miller opted for a sunny yellow-orange for her kitchen, with shimmery cerulean-blue cabinets’ whereas winecoloured lacquer and black-andwhite-painted floors adorn another New York kitchen, above

PHOTOS / THE NEW YORK TMES

on their clients’ personalities.

“Wall paint influences us by its pigment composition, the colours and finishes with which it’s combined and the light that it carries to our eye,” Kaufman said. “Balancing those parts in relation to the whole is a key to our quality of life.”

Certain colours and, more specifically, their pigments and finishes can absorb light or illuminate a space.

So not only should you take your personal tastes and colour associations into account when choosing paint, you also should pay attention to how a specific shade

might affect a room’s lighting (or lack thereof).

While the aesthetic value of colour is hardly up for debate, researchers are still looking into its scientific significance. In their 2015 study, Chromo Therapy: An Effective Treatment Option or Just a Myth? Critical Analysis on the Effectiveness of Chromo Therapy, Somia Gul, Rabia Khalid Nadeem and Anum Aslam, from the school of pharmacy at Jinnah University for Women in Pakistan, looked at the physiological and emotional effects of colour therapy on 200 people from 15 to 36.

For the study, published in the American Research Journal of Pharmacy, the researchers used lasers of different colours to gauge the physical and emotional responses to light and colour of participants with various ailments. They discovered that certain hues have a “tremendous effect” on a person’s mindset. Red, for example, can enhance alertness; yellow can improve focus; and blue can reduce the onset of stress-related tension headaches.

Their findings concluded that although not widely understood, chromo therapy should be “recognised and adopted by physicians” as an “effective and potent complementary treatment option” for those undergoing conventional forms of treatment.

For those of us who just need a little mood adjustment, however, colour can also be helpful. As

designers have long known, by enhancing the architectural features of a space, paint can affect the way you feel in a room.

While designing the Fifth Avenue apartment of Michael Lorber, a real estate broker, Nick Olsen selected paint colours that appealed to his client’s love of Pop Art, but more important, enhanced the character of the space.

For the north-facing living room, which doesn’t get a lot of light, Olsen chose a bright royal blue a colour that Lorber said evokes feelings of creativity in him and recalls the energy of a favorite artist, Yves Klein applying it in a lacquer finish.

“The glossy blue reflects light from the streetscape and bounces it around the room,” Lorber said. “It feels comforting and energizing at the same time.”

Near 96th and Fifth Avenue, Katie Ridder, a designer, used ochre-yellow paint for the library of Allan Reine and Amy Mulderry. The room’s windows face another building, and the colour makes up for the lack of direct sunlight, creating a warm glow in an otherwise dim space.

It has also altered the library’s ambience, Mulderry said: “The yellow walls enhance the natural light streaming in from adjoining rooms and provide a comforting warmth during evening hours.”

The same colour, though, can affect people differently.

“Colour is a sensation,” Kaufman said. “And like other senses, each individual sees, feels, tastes and hears differently.”

Freymann, for instance, once painted a bedroom bright orange, which resulted in lots of sleepless nights

“I could never sleep surrounded by such a stimulating colour,” she said. “I realised moodier hues work best in bedrooms.”

So she has made it a point to stick with cool, calming colours in all of her bedrooms, painting even an awkwardly shaped guest room with little natural light a deep indigo her way of embracing the room’s tricky layout.

“Guests always argue over who gets to sleep in there,” Freymann said. “It’s a dark and calming space that people actually want to be in.”

While the psychological effect of certain colours might vary for different people, there is still evidence that certain hues can produce similar responses.

At the Pantone Colour Institute,

A multicoloured mix with kaleidoscopic floors also featured in Miller’s guest bathroom

Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director, works closely with clients and students to better understand people’s interpretations of colour. With the help of colour-word association exercises, Eiseman is able to observe their responses to different colours and to identify general patterns.

When she is not teaching or researching, Eiseman, who studied psychology at Antioch University, works with clients to develop things like brand colours and wall paint, emphasising the role of colour on the success of the product or environment.

“Every colour has a personal meaning that we inherently sense or learned about via conditioning,” Eiseman said. “Whether it’s ‘red means stop’ or ‘green means go,’ colour is implanted in our psyche.”

However subjective colour may be, there is no doubt that bold hues can leave a big impression on the

people surrounded by them.

Freymann is in the process of selling her apartment so she and her husband can move to Buenos Aires to be closer to their family.

Elizabeth Spahr, a real estate agent who listed Freymann’s apartment, has seen firsthand the positive response to the home’s colourful interior.

At a recent cocktail reception to kick off an open house, buyers “went wild” for the saturated colours, Spahr said.

And if some prospective buyers are put off by the colour, Spahr said, they know it will be an easy fix: “No one wants to have to rip out a wall, but they’re okay with a quick paint job. They’re probably going to paint anyway.”

Whether it’s ‘red means stop’ or ‘green means go,’ colour is implanted in our psyche.

Inside her Upper East Side apartment, Apryl Miller, an artist, created what might be seen as a habitable art installation, in an attempt to engage and inspire her two young daughters with the use of colour.

“Colour itself is optimistic, and the brighter the better,” Miller said. “As a parent, it was important to me to spread optimism and selfexpression in the best environment I could give them.”

Miller covered the walls of her fivebedroom condo with a medley of bright colours, including a sunny yellow-orange in the kitchen (with shimmery cerulean-blue cabinets), chartreuse in the living room and a multicoloured mix in the guest bathroom (with kaleidoscopic floors).

“Every single wall is painted at least one colour,” Miller said. “The whole apartment was one giant emotional endeavour.”

Now adults, Miller’s children, Dylan Sparkle and Lyris Faron, still feel the influence of growing up enveloped in all that colour.

“Colour is just a part of who I am,” said Sparkle, 25. “I would never be able to live in a colourless space.”

Faron, 22, added: “Wherever I move, I try to make it colourful. Bare walls make me feel like I’m in a hospital.”

Miller set out to create a colourful and invigorating atmosphere for her children, but even now, when they are living elsewhere, the flashy paint palette remains intact, more than 20 years later.

“It never occurred to me that the colour would impact me emotionally,” Miller said. “But the space continues to inspire me as an artist and help me grow as a person.” ● —The New York Times

TRAILBLAZING TRAILBLAZING

Bridget is back

We rarely see rom-com heroines after the happy ending, much less watch them age. In this way, Bridget Jones has become a barometer for how we talk about women, writes Esther Zuckerman

Normally, we spend only about 90 minutes with the heroine of a romcom. We watch as she meets the man (or, rarely, woman) of her dreams and falls in love, out of love and in again. Then we say goodbye, never to know what fate will befall her after that final kiss. Not Bridget Jones.

Since first appearing in Bridget

Jones’s Diary in 2001, as the deliriously chaotic Londoner, Renee Zellweger has persisted. We’ve cringed (but also secretly cheered) as she ended up in bed with the devilishly handsome cad Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). We’ve watched her humiliate herself in front of Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), then find herself smitten with him, realising he’s her one great love, even

though he’s an insufferable snob. We’ve observed as Bridget and Mark have broken up and got back together many times over. She’s landed better jobs and given birth. And now, in the latest instalment, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy she’s a widow with two young children, trying to start again in her 50s.

The perseverance of Bridget Jones in popular culture undermines the idea that when the credits roll on a rom-com, the characters’ lives turn out perfectly, and while the sequels have varied in quality, that sense of real life is in itself refreshing. (Although, chances are it works out for Bridget at the end of every movie anyway.)

At the same time, having Bridget Jones in our lives all these years reveals a surprising amount about the way we talk about women. The character and specifically Zellweger’s performance have led directly to uncomfortable but sometimes revealing, conversations about body image and ageing in the public eye. Bridget has been, unintentionally, a bellwether.

The beauty of Bridget Jones a creation of novelist Helen Fielding, who had a hand in all of the screenplays has always been her messiness. Think of her in comparison with, say, Meg Ryan’s Sally, in When Harry Met Sally, perhaps the Platonic ideal of a romcom heroine. While Sally can be a

tad overbearing and unlucky in love, she is exacting and neat, almost to a fault. She always looks perfect. She alphabetises her videotapes. Bridget, on the other hand, is unruly. She drinks too much and smokes like a chimney. (The number of cigarettes she puffs in the early movies is downright shocking in 2025.) Her apartment is a disaster, clothes strewn about. And, yes, she weighs too much or at least she thinks she does To talk about Bridget Jones in the zeitgeist is to talk about her weight. In both Bridget Jones’s Diary and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004), she is not tiny, although calling her overweight would be an overstatement even though plenty do. At the outset of Diary she resolves

‘‘ In Mad About the Boy, Bridget’s new challenge is the death of Mark Darcy, a grim reminder of the passage of time and our fragile mortality.

to lose 9kg, despite weighing in at only 62kg. In Edge of Reason, she hides from her new boyfriend, Mark, after they have made things official, changing under a sheet, concerned about how he might react to her in the light. He tells her he loves her “wobbly bits”.

Zellweger famously gained weight to play Bridget, a fact that was more discussed than her mastery of a British accent. Though she never revealed exactly how much, the news media spiralled over the idea that this American movie star would deign to eat pizza to bulk up. When interviewers harped on how she put on the pounds, Zellweger would deflect. Speaking with The Guardian, she said, “I understand the intrigue.

women, famous and otherwise, should look. Whereas “body positivity” might have been the buzzword 10 years ago, today slimmed-down celebrities face questions about whether they have used Ozempic or a similar drug.

It makes re-watching the early Bridget Jones movies a strange experience. Seeing her body on screen is still almost revolutionary given how thinness remains the norm in Hollywood. But she’s brutally selfcritical, even though handsome men find her sexy enough to get into fistfights over her. It hurts to watch her self-loathing, but there’s also an honesty to it: How often are we our own worst enemies? The frothiness of the plots means this question isn’t examined, but it nags at you.

When Bridget returned for Bridget Jones’s Baby in 2016, more than a decade after The Edge of Reason, the fracas was not over her size; that was also sidelined as an issue for the character. Instead, it was over her face. Upon the release of the trailer, Variety published a column speculating on whether Zellweger had “work” done, and charging that she “doesn’t look like Bridget Jones”. Zellweger responded with an essay in HuffPost. “Not that it’s anyone’s business, but I did not make a decision to alter my face and have surgery on my eyes,” she wrote. “This fact is of no true import to anyone at all, but that the possibility alone was discussed among respected journalists and became a public conversation is a disconcerting illustration of news/entertainment confusion and society’s fixation on physicality.”

Bridget Jones, however, is someone who has been shaped by that fixation. You can see that in the way she berates herself because she does not match an unrealistic, media-set standard. By the third film in the franchise, age is a factor. Bridget looks different because more than 10 years have passed since we last saw her. She has crow’s feet and her pregnancy is considered “geriatric”. She may not know who the father of her child is, at least at first, because she’s still the same old chaotic Bridget, but she is older, making her a pioneer, in a way, too. Only now, with films like The Substance, has culture caught up to the conversations Bridget Jones’s Baby provoked about ageing.

In Mad About the Boy, Bridget’s new challenge is the death of Mark Darcy, a grim reminder of the passage of time and our fragile mortality. But Bridget soldiers on, once again with an on-trend love interest, a younger man played by Leo Woodall.

It sounds like it would be such a liberating experience, but I hope that that won’t be what becomes most important.”

A year after the film’s release, Kate Betts, the former editor of Harper’s Bazaar, issued a mea culpa. Writing in The New York Times, she explained that she had pulled a cover of Zellweger tied to Bridget Jones’s Diary because the actress looked “too fat”. Betts admitted that “fashion’s antifat bias and obsession with thinness, so ingrained among those who make careers in the business, is looking increasingly like a blind spot”. And yet the damage had been done. Since 2001, society has gone through innumerable cycles of quasiinvasive conversations about how

Bridget’s adventures have long been silly and fantastical, but at their heart is just a woman, trying to figure out her life. Her journey might have more hunky men and goofy scenarios than the ones we encounter as audience members, but we can easily recognise her anxieties and how they mirror ours as we age. Every time she gets a happy ending, it’s qualified by a sequel that throws another obstacle in her path. She’s been scrutinised and picked apart on-screen and off but always finds her way out of the muck. And that’s why it’s been a blessing to have her around for all these years. ●

POORHARA by Michelle Rahurahu (Te Herenga Waka University Press, $38)

Erin has ditched school to help her aunt clean houses. Her cousin Star is home for the first time in years. Together, the cousins escape in a Daihatsu without a warrant, hoping to return to the whenua where it all began. Compelling and profound, Poorhara swept me up with humour and heart. Michelle Rahurahu will be at the HAMLIT Festival on February 22.

Rebekah Lyell

STUDIOS OF THEIR OWN by Alex Johnson

BEST BOOKS

BEST BOOKS

THAT ISLAND FEELING

by Karina May (Pan Macmillan, $38)

An escape from real life on Pearl Island was what Andie Alcott had in mind when she organised a week away with her girlfriends. But despite the beauty of the island, nothing is going to plan, let alone a possible fling with handsome Jack A simmering but tender romance with a cast of quirky but loveable characters the perfect escapist beach read. Karen McMillan

Karina May

by Catherine Jinks (Text, $40)

Bronte posted a drunken rant online that went viral. She’s now jobless, friendless and broke. In an attempt to escape the online trolling and inperson harassment, she takes refuge as a volunteer carer on a rural property. She’s hoping to lay low until the unwanted attention passes. However, she soon finds herself immersed in a world of paranoia, conspiracy theories and secrets. A gripping thriller with a tense narrative. Andrea Molloy

● Compiled by Karen McMillan. For more reviews go to nzbooklovers. co.nz

(Allen & Unwin, $45)

A captivating exploration of the workspaces and habits of more than 50 iconic artists, Alex Johnson expertly blends history, inspiration and creativity. From Claude Monet’s serene garden to Frida Kahlo’s talisman-filled bed, this beautifully illustrated book explores the role of physical spaces in shaping artistic output. An intimate look at the creative process and the connection between space and inspiration.

Andrea Molloy

365+ WAYS TO SAVE by Lottie Dalziel (Murdoch, $38)

Environmental advocate Lottie Dalziel knows how to practise living sustainably to help the environment and save money. This book covers everything, from cleaning and travel to working, shopping and relationships. I particularly loved the section that included conversation tools ways to introduce and encourage others to this way of life. Carole Brungar

The Foundation is without doubt, one of the most sought-after retirement locations in Auckland. With the completion of the Nathan Residences, final apartments are now available, starting from $1,250,000. Contact us today to arrange a private tour and experience the immense potential of this property firsthand.

A LENS

ON LIFE

Despite the partial loss of her sight, Auckland photographer and film-maker Serena Stevenson’s latest project is a visionary masterpiece, writes Joanna Wane

You could say Serena Stevenson has seen it all. From shooting fashion spreads for glossy magazines to covertly interviewing political activists by candlelight, she’s been telling stories with pictures since she was given a Pentax K1000 camera on her 16th birthday

For her first full-length documentary, Roots on the Move, released in 2011, Stevenson went undercover with a travelling music festival, amid violent unrest in northeast India, filming and smuggling out archive footage burned on to a CD.

A decade later, she was at Tapapakanga Regional Park, south of Auckland, making a series of minidocumentaries on five female artists performing at Splore.

It was late February 2021 when the last act wrapped and Stevenson packed up her gear for the drive home to Te Henga/Bethells Beach.

Six months later, she woke up one morning to discover her peripheral sight had gone dark.

A CT scan quickly ruled out a brain tumour, but swelling had caused permanent damage to her optic nerves possibly the delayed effects of untreated concussion.

The diagnosis came as a devastating blow to Stevenson, who’s now blind in one eye and has impaired perception in the other.

“All the fibres just broke and died, and they don’t grow back,” she says. “It happens over two weeks and basically you just watch your eyesight disappearing in front of you.”

The arts community rallied behind a Givealittle campaign that raised money to help her travel to a specialist clinic in Germany for electrical stimulation therapy.

The treatment improved her vision by 35%. Despite the imperfections that remain, Stevenson is back on the

camera and remains a visionary storyteller at the top of her game.

Her latest project, a homage to Splore, is one of the most ambitious, innovative works she’s ever created.

Described as an immersive “cinematic experience”, Three Days in February has no interviews or linear narration, blending documentary footage with a curated soundscape and an original live musical score.

Celebrating Splore’s colourful culture and diverse community, it’s been compiled from some 40 terabytes of footage shot at the three-day festival by Stevenson and a handful of others every year since 2018.

The festival is taking a break this year, but on February 14, the film will be presented as a multimedia concert at Auckland’s Civic Theatre, featuring circus, music and dance performances. A massed choir will sing people through the doors.

While that’s a one-off event, it’s also been chosen to screen as part of the 2025 Doc Edge film festival programme in July and there are plans to tour it more widely.

Stevenson has a long history with Splore, attending the festival for the first time in 2000 and documenting it as part of the official crew since 2008.

As a child, she used to go camping along that coast with her family. “So I have my own personal connection with it and it’s become such a huge part of my culture, this eclectic, colourful, creative community,” she says.

“But I didn’t want to make a documentary about a music and arts festival. I wanted to make something that really expressed my beliefs and values in life and what it is that I feel I’m contributing to with my work.”

Three Days in February devotes little screen time to the performers on stage. Instead, it’s a celebration of the relationship between people and place, with extended

Stevenson at Splore in 2018 She has been shooting photos and winning awards since she first picked up a camera in her teens

/ SERENA STEVENSON

Three Days in February, a live, multimedia concert show, will be held at Auckland’s Civic Theatre on February 14, followed by a Lucky Star after-party in the Wintergarden

camera shots lingering on everything from the intimate beauty of the opening powhiri to a burst of purple tinsel dancing in the wind.

Like the festival itself, the effect is both poetic and playful. In one vignette, a couple dressed up as sheep, wearing tutus over their onesies, are knitting on a haybale by the beach.

Splore founder Amanda Wright, who handed over the reins to her co-director John Minty in 2014, has remained a close friend. She still DJs at the festival and is part of Stevenson’s wellness network as her qigong teacher and breath-work coach.

“I’m blown away by her bravery and her boldness and her vision,” Wright says.

“Splore is about human connection, which is so vital in all of our lives, and Serena captures the essence and spirit of that in her own unique, magical way.”

A blend of diverse cultural influences herself, Stevenson was born in South Auckland to an Italian mother and a Scottish-Kiwi dad.

As a teenager, she began photographing her Italian family at mealtimes, in particular her grandmother, who migrated from southern Italy to Melbourne after World War II and raised 10 children.

One of Stevenson’s works in progress is a “storytelling cookbook” called No English, Darling, documenting 40 recipes handed down by her nonna, who lived until the age of 93.

Another ongoing initiative is the Preloved Project, a large-scale multimedia concept inspired by op-shop culture, combining video, photography, interactive installations, events and street art.

Always an intuitive photographer, Stevenson believes that quality has been heightened by her partial loss of sight.

“It hasn’t been easy, going from being that fully sighted person before. But I think it’s made my work and this is the feedback I’ve had from people even more powerful,” she says.

“I know about light and composition. It’s second nature, because I’ve been looking at it for 30 years. I can see light, but my memory helps me to see it, too, because it’s embedded in all my cells.

“Photography is not just about seeing. It’s about feeling. I’m a people photographer and I’m a storyteller, so it’s always been about feeling for me.” ●

YOUR GUIDE TO THE WEEKEND AND BEYOND

HAMILTON ARTS FESTIVAL TOI ORA KI KIRIKIRIROA

Consistently one of the best arts festivals in the country, Hamilton Arts Festival starts in two weeks and the programme is flush with events that will make it well worth a trip if you’re not a Kirikiriroa local Opening night kicks off with a large-scale orchestral performance of Carmina Burana by Hamilton City Brass and the Festival Chorus and the first Saturday night features the Sunset Symphony by Trust Symphony Waikato Orchestra, both on the glorious Rhododendron Lawn Also on opening weekend, you can catch acting royalty and real life wonder-couple Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Hurst in their two-hander, In Other Words, about dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and, for the first time, HamLit a mini readers and writers festival within the festival As always, the resplendent Hamilton Gardens will be the festival hub with additional venues throughout the city There are loads of free and family-friendly events, along with ticketed performances like Katchafire and NZ Opera’s The Elixir of Love, among others February 21-March 2. Various locations in Kirikiriroa Hamilton. hamiltonartsfestival.co.nz for more information.

PLAN AHEAD

RHYTHM & CUTS

The newest exhibition at Sumer Gallery in the central city is by Sydney-based artist Huseyin Sami, who’s showing here in Aotearoa for the first time. Born in the UK, Sami has been practising art for 30 years and has pieces in public and private collections in Australia and internationally Known for his “cut paintings”, Sami’s work references European modernists, particularly Lucio Fontana. His paintings are playful and whimsical in their experimentation with paint, often using a pastel colour palette. The show, Rhythm & Cuts, is a worthwhile stop for art enthusiasts travelling through the city this month.

On now until March 1, Saturdays 11am-3pm, Wednesday-Friday 11am-5pm Sumer Gallery, 27 Beach Rd, Auckland Central.

AFROFEST & LUNAR NEW YEAR IN AOTEA SQUARE

Aotea Square is going to be loud with afro beats and cultural pride this weekend for Afrofest. Taking over the square this afternoon with live music, dance, food and fashion, the festival celebrates the growing African diaspora population in Aotearoa. In only its second year, the festival welcomes everyone to take part in the festivities and celebrate the many cultures of Africa. Tomorrow, the Square pivots to Chinese cultural celebrations for a Lunar New Year event, which will be equally as vibrant. There are dance battles, karaoke competitions and mahjong, along with loads of Asian delicacies to feast on. While you’re there, look out for the giant Lucky Cat on the Town Hall that’s wishing prosperity and good fortune to all at 3m high, you can’t miss it.

Afrofest: today, noon-7pm Lunar New Year: tomorrow, 11am-6pm Aotea Square, Auckland Central.

CKLAND LANTERN FESTIVAL

true highlight in the Auckland event calendar, the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival kicks off on Thursday with more than 500 handmade lanterns illuminating the Manukau Sports Bowl. No longer in the central city, AT offers free public transport to travellers with tickets to the festival and there’s a free shuttle bus to the venue running from Westfield Manukau and the Manukau rain Station. Along with mesmerising lanterns, are 60 stalls selling food, 26 retail stalls, a courtyard where visitors can buy traditional and ontemporary art and find traditional clothing for hire and an outdoor movie screen courtesy of Cathay Pacific showing short films from Disney+. As BNZ is a sponsor, there’s also a basketball court with guest appearances, skills sessions and giveaways. Tonight and tomorrow night will conclude with a fireworks display Entry is free, though you need a ticket, which helps the organisers manage crowds. Celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Wood Snake at the Auckland Lantern Festival let’s hope this year brings the wisdom, intuition and positive transformation that is symbolised by the snake.

February 13-14, 3pm-10pm and February 15-16, 1pm-10pm. Manukau Sports Bowl, 1 Boundary Rd, Manukau. Free tickets available from universe.com

BUBBLES & GIGGLES AT MOTAT

It’s hard to find better entertainment for little people than the magic of bubbles. Motat is hosting one of its ever-popular Ngā Mirumiru Bubbles weekends this weekend and it’s bound to bring some wonder and delight to everyone who attends. Over the years, Motat has perfected the art of bubble entertainment and you’ll find live-action science shows, bubble displays, hands-on activities and more, taking place all weekend. They’re also hosting something to wonder and delight the adults next week: Mile High Comedy Club. Part of the Auckland Pride Festival, on Wednesday night comedians David Stuart (2025 Billy T nominee), Abby Howells (Taskmaster NZ), Janaye Henry, and Eli Mathewson (two-time Billy T nominee and double Auckland Fringe Best Comedy Award winner) will be performing in the Aviation Hall alongside drag stars Medulla Oblongata and Hugo Grrrl. There’s even an aviator cocktail available on the night. Motat’s truly serving up good times for young and old, this weekend and beyond.

Nga Mirumiru Bubbles: today and tomorrow, 10am-4pm. Motat, 805 Great North Rd, Western Springs. Usual entry fees apply Mile High Comedy Club: February 12: 6pm-10pm. Aviation Hall, Motions Rd, Western Springs Tickets $20 from motat.nz

Auckland Shakespeare in the Park 2025 18 January-15 February

Enjoy a summer evening under the stars watching The Taming of the Shrew and Richard III, performed on alternate nights. Pretty Legal 19-22 February

Auckland Pride presents a sharp, heartfelt journey through marriage, equality, and the messiness in between

Pride

ICONIC AUCKLAND EATS

AUCKL

LAND PRIDE

Tāmaki Makaura doubt you can find in all its workshop, DIY ra of activist graffiti Potluck might walk” through Birk bingo, a social an give your weeken

celebrations continue this weekend and throughout the month all over aurau and if you’re in the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, without nd something fun to do this weekend that champions love iterations. Feeling creative? Join in the HB Pride Temporary Tattoo rainbow jewellery workshop or Rainbow Walls, an afternoon fiti. Feeling bookish and peckish? Then Taste This! A Tantalising be for you. Feeling active? Join the Pride Ride or take a “gay Birkenhead War Memorial Park. There are also performances, and many other Pride events across the weekend that could eekend both a bit of fun and some meaning.

Until February 2

Visit aucklandpr

28. Various locations throughout Tāmaki Makaurau. aucklandpride.org.nz for more information.

RED BULL TROLLEY GRAND PRIX

This is your call to action to get eating in Tāmaki Makaurau because nominations opened this week for Iconic Auckland Eats 2025. Now in its fifth year, Iconic Auckland Eats is all about identifying Aucklanders’ favourite dishes or snacks on the menus of our fave eateries. Last year, we the public nominated more than 1800 bites that were whittled down to a top 100 by public vote. This year, five lucky nominators will win a $500 voucher to be spent at any of the Iconic Auckland Eats top 100 eateries, so there’s more in it for you than just the joy of sharing your love of food. There are two dishes Depot’s Fish Sliders and Sugar’s Strawberry Lamington that have been on the list every year since Iconic Auckland Eats launched, which is quite a mean feat. Could they be ousted this year by your nomination? This is a great way to get out hospitality industry times while getting to of the city’s best kai. Nominations open until March 5, 4pm. Visit aucklandnz.com/ iconic-eats

PHOTO / BABICHE MARTENS

Here’s one to put on the schedule for next weekend: the Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix at Auckland Domain is back It’s been 10 years since this supremely fun and slightly chaotic family-friendly event was last held Fifty teams of five from all across the country are all set to design and build a legendary trolley that they’ll race with just gravity, the wind and positive thoughts to propel them The more creative, the better, the teams will be judged on things like showmanship and wow-factor as well as their speed on the New Zealand-themed course If the crowd goes wild for their invention, they’re probably on to a winner It’s a very entertaining day out for the whole whanau February 15, noon-6pm. Auckland Domain, Park Rd, Parnell. Free entry

PHOTO / GRAEME MURRAY

/ RED BULL CONTENT POOL

JOSH WOLF

If you’re looking for a laugh this weekend, look no further than the highly acclaimed comedy stylings of Las Vegas’ Josh Wolf. This is his third tour of New Zealand and his second in the last two years, after his sold out tour of the country in 2023. A 25-year veteran of the United States comedy scene, Wolf has

out headline shows across Canada, the UK and Australia and has appeared on hit television shows such Chelsea Lately, Home Improvement and My Name is Earl He hosts a popular podcast with his son Jacob, called Hay Maaan: A Father & Son Comedy Podcast Nothing like a good giggle to perk up your weekend. Tonight, 7.30pm. Q Theatre, 305 Queen St, Auckland Central. Tickets $49.90 and $69.90 + booking fees from qtheatre.co.nz PLAN AHEAD ut and support our through difficult to enjoy some ai. en now pm om/

THE HUNGRY GAMES

First timers

1 In 1890, Invercargill’s David Strang patented the world’s first what?

a Spreadable butter b Sliced white bread

c Soluble “instant” coffee

d Salt-free crisps

2 Where was the country’s first St Pierre’s Sushi?

a Wellington b Christchurch

c Auckland d Tauranga

3 Which citrus was first discovered in New Zealand?

a Lemonade fruit b Grapefruit

c Tangelo d Bergamot orange

4 What vending machine “first” recently opened in Auckland?

a Sugar cane juice b Kava

c Canned hot coffee d Bubble tea

5 Which of these had its first release in New Zealand?

a Vanilla Coke b Cherry Coke

c Coca-Cola Raspberry d Diet Coke

6 New Zealand’s first airline was also the first to do what?

a Offer a vegan meal option

b Serve passengers hot meals

c Dispense chewing gum for airsickness

d Boil water inflight

BERRY NICE

Failsafe recipes for late-summer fruit, by Nici Wickes

Oh the joy of summer berries! From late November through February and March, if we’re lucky, these little bursts of sunshine make their way into our breakfast bowls, desserts, salads and more. Raspberries, boysenberries, strawberries, blueberries, and the deeply underrated blackberry each has its own special magic, its own way of making summer sing. However, dear reader, they will not be around for much longer so make the most of them while you still can.

Strawberries are the quintessential Kiwi summer fruit, the headliner in so many desserts at Christmas but I prefer the late-summer ones that are smaller and have a hugely intense, almost jammy, flavour. There’s no need to mess with perfection, so I’ll often eat them fresh or just lightly roasted with cream or ice cream. But if you’re looking for a failsafe crowd-pleaser, my rhubarb and strawberry shortcake never disappoints. The sharp tang of rhubarb, tamed with a little sugar, is the perfect foil for sweet, juicy late-season strawberries. Sandwiched between buttery shortcake layers it’s the kind of dessert or sweet treat that’s irresistible.

I have a soft spot for blackberries, often overlooked but packed with bold, almost wine-like intensity. Their wild, untamed quality makes them perfect for more adventurous pairings. Blackberries and venison, for example, might not be conventional but they team up so well. Served in a salad with the pepperiness of radish and black pepper and a splash of balsamic vinegar, it eats very well indeed.

Berries can be refined, as in the salad this week, or more rustic (like the shortcake), sweet or savoury, decadent or simple. Eat them fresh, bake them into something glorious, or, in the case of blackberries, get a little bold and let them surprise you or some guests at the dinner table.

VENISON & BLACKBERRY SALAD

Oh this salad! It is so simple and yet so full of flavour. Venison, pepper and blackberries are the perfect marriage to me earthy, juicy, sweet, spiky and paired with fresh salad greens it is a meal for any occasion. Try it as a sophisticated entree next time you have guests for dinner.

SERVES 2 or 4 AS AN ENTREE

400g venison medallions or steaks

1⁄4 tsp sea salt

1⁄2 tsp cracked pepper

1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped fine

1 Tbsp olive oil

3-4 handfuls of greens a mix of spinach, rocket, lettuce, etc

2-4 small cooked beetroot, cubed

1-2 radish, sliced thinly 125g fresh blackberries

DRESSING

2 Tbsp balsamic or red wine vinegar

4 Tbsp quality olive oil

3-finger pinch of brown sugar

Pinch sea salt & decent grind of black pepper

Trim any silver skin (the shiny membrane) from the venison, as it becomes tough and shrinks on cooking. By removing it the meat will cook evenly and not curl. Sprinkle salt, pepper and chopped rosemary on a chopping board and roll the venison until coated on all sides. If not using immediately, wrap tightly in cling film and refrigerate overnight.

In a pan, heat the first measure of olive oil to medium to hot. Gently lay peppered venison in pan and sear for about one minute on all sides it should still feel quite “squidgy” when pressed. Cooked this way venison will be rare (or cook for slightly longer if you fancy it more cooked but remember, the best way to eat venison for it to remain meltingly tender is rare). Cover with foil and rest for 10 minutes so that the juices settle in the meat. Using a sharp knife and cutting on a diagonal, slice into 1.5-2cm thick slices.

In a bowl whisk the dressing ingredients together and toss the greens in the dressing to coat. Tumble out on to serving plate(s). Scatter over beextroot, radish and blackberries on each plate, top with slices of venison and drizzle over any remaining dressing.

STRAWBERRY & RHUBARB SHORTCAKE

This is my nana’s shortcake recipe (originally measured in ounces of course) that has been passed down to my mother and now me. It really is the best shortcake and the combo of strawberry and rhubarb is startlingly good.

MAKES 1 x SWISS ROLL TIN

1 cup 2-cm chopped rhubarb

2 regular punnets of strawberries, hulled & chopped

1 heaped Tbsp sugar

225g butter

1 cup sugar + 1 Tbsp

2 large eggs

2 1 2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

Icing sugar to dust

Set the oven to 180C Place a baking tray in to preheat. Line a swiss roll tin with baking paper.

Toss the rhubarb and strawberries in the first measure of sugar and set aside.

To make the shortcake, cream the butter and sugar until light and creamy, then beat in eggs Stir in the sifted flour and baking powder, mix well and chill for 15 minutes.

You won’t be able to roll this mixture (it’s too buttery) so with floured hands gently flatten roughly two-thirds of the mixture into the tin.

Spread the fruit over the base then crumble or spoon over the remaining shortcake mixture (it will spread as it cooks) and cook on the pre-heated tray for 40-45 minutes hour until lovely and golden.

Serve warm with whipped cream or cool and dusted with icing sugar.

Note:

This would work with other berries too, such as blackberries, raspberries and blueberries and, as we transition into later summer, use peaches, apricots or nectarines.

Summer of love

MINI FRUIT PAVLOVAS

These gorgeous little meringue nests are perfect for a special occasion. You can make the meringue nests the day before and top them with some fluffy whipped cream and a spoonful of fresh summer fruit just before serving.

MAKES 24

INGREDIENTS

6 size 7 egg whites, at room temperature

1

2 tsp cornflour

1

TO ASSEMBLE

1 1⁄2 cups cream

2 cups fresh summer fruit: strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries Fresh mint to garnish

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 120C. Using your stand mixer, beat the egg whites on high speed for 1 minute until peaks form.

With the mixer on full speed slowly add the sugar into the stiff egg whites, adding 1 Tbsp at a time, making

sure the mixture comes back up to stiff peaks after each spoonful of sugar.

Once all the sugar is added, add the lemon juice. Continue to whisk at full speed until the mixture is stiff and glossy. Fold in the cornflour and combine well.

Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Place the meringue mixture into 8 circles on the baking paper, using about 3 heaped Tbsp of the mixture to each one.

Using the back of a spoon, shape the meringues into nests

Bake in the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, then turn the oven off and let them sit in the oven without opening the oven door until completely cool (you can leave overnight).

To assemble, whip the cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

Carefully remove meringues from baking paper. On a serving bowl, place the meringue, top with a generous amount of cream, followed by fruit of your choice and and a few small leaves of fresh mint. Serve immediately or within 3 hours.

NOTE: If you don’t need to use all the meringue nests at once (because you’re having an intimate dinner for two rather than a big party) they can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, or frozen for a month. Add the topping just before serving. fresh.co.nz

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A FILM TO LOVE AND HATE

Francesca Rudkin reviews Babygirl

Babygirl is a sexy, erotic thriller that is very complex and challenging and most likely will be polarising. I really loved it.

Directed by Helena Reijn, the film stars Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson and Antonio Banderas.

Kidman plays a chief executive, Romy Mathis who, to all appearances, has it all.

She has an amazing job, she’s a female leader in business, she has a beautiful home and two gorgeous children and she’s married to successful theatre director Jacob (Banderas).

Despite all that, she’s at a point in her life where she’s prepared to blow it all up, just destroy everything, find herself and start afresh.

The catalyst for this life change is

Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson in

young intern Samuel (Dickinson).

He’s a unique character who challenges her in an inappropriate manner in the workplace. He’s quite bold, but he’s also young and lacks sophistication.

He’s a hard character one minute, then charming. He can be cruel, sexy, angry, and then sweet and quite immature.

He represents a fantasy for Romy. She’s able to delve into and explore some of her darkest sexual needs.

There’s been a lot of reaction to this film for the reason I just mentioned, from a woman wanting to explore her darkest sexual needs, to a female leader abusing her power over an employee, to the way Romy deals with her marriage.

But it’s fabulous in the way it’s so confrontational. You can’t leave this film without thinking, “Okay, that was really full-on. There’s a lot going on here.” And you could potentially have some really interesting conversations with your girlfriends.

Kidman is absolutely fantastic in this film. I think it’s fair to say that often when we see her in TV shows and movies now, the lighting shows her in such a way that you don’t see her age. She always looks immaculate and amazing.

She does in this film as well, but I think she’s been shot a little bit more naturally. You can see the crow’s feet under her eyes, you see the lines on her face, you see her as a middle-aged woman addressing her sexual needs. And I think that’s really important for you to relate to her.

You’ll love it and you’ll hate it. You’ll understand her behaviour and her actions, but you won’t like them all.

I just felt like she’s really put herself out there in a very brave role. She also did that with Eyes Wide Shut in 1999, but she had a husband by her side when she shot that film. In this movie, obviously she’s older. It’s a film about a middle-aged woman exploring her sexuality, and she really puts it all out there.

● Baby Girl is showing in cinemas now. Francesca Rudkin reviews films on Saturday Mornings with Jack Tame

6am Children’s Programmes

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9.05 The Worst Witch 3 0

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1.25

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3.55 The Great British Bake Off: Extra Slice 0 Jo is joined by Stephen Mangan, Babátúndé Aléshé and Josie Gibson to snap Biscuit Week in two.

5pm The Chase 3 0

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7.45 Password PGLC 0

8pm Lotto

8.05 Password PGLC Continued.

8.25 Travel Guides NZ M 3 0 The Guides head to the East Coast for a classic Kiwi road trip in campervans.

9.25 After the Party 16LSC 3 0 A death in the family sends Penny spiralling into dangerous transgressions in her search for the truth.

10.25 Queer Aotearoa: We’ve Always Been Here ML 0 After six teens are acquitted of killing a gay man, the queer community rallies to fight for homosexual law reform, sparking a fierce battle with conservative groups.

10.55 The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe M 3 0

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6pm The Big Bang Theory 3 0

7pm Dynamo: Magician Impossible PG 0

8pm M Fun with Dick and Jane ML 3 0 2005 Comedy When a couple lose all their money following a series of blunders, they turn to a life of crime to make ends meet. Jim Carrey, Téa Leoni, Alec Baldwin.

9.45 The Love Triangle UK 16L 0 As Lloyd and ZaraLena meet the matches they rejected, their chosen suitors come together at a rural retreat.

10.55 The Summit PG 0

1.25 M Blades of Glory 16 3 0 2007 Comedy

3am Looking for Alaska 16LC

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4.40 Closedown 5am Infomercials

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10.30 Dr Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet PG 0 Dr Jeff treats a dog with a mysterious injury; a neglected turtle needs a new home; the team falls in love with stray kittens.

11.30 The Zoo PG 3 0 The hatching of a little blue penguin causes a sensation at the zoo; the vet team scrambles to figure out what is wrong with a snow leopard; a home is designed for the new arrival, a blue iguana.

12.30 The Block Australia: Auction Grand Final PG 3 0 There is $100,000 for the winning home, in the 2024 auctions.

3pm Lakefront Bargain Hunt 3

3.30 Lego Masters: Australia vs the World PG 3

5pm Gold Rush: White Water PG 3 0

6pm Three News 0

6.30 M Igor PG 3 0 2008 Animation.

8.15 M Like a Boss M 3 0 2020 Comedy A friendship is tested when two women’s cosmetics company is offered a tempting buyout by a makeup mogul. Tiffany Haddish, Rose Byrne.

10.05 Hannibal 16 0 Will Graham is released from Chilton’s asylum; the discovery of Miriam Lass gives Jack Crawford new hope in finding the Chesapeake Ripper.

11pm Hannibal 16 0 Will assists the investigation into a woman’s body found inside a horse; Alana frets about Will’s intentions toward Hannibal; Will and Hannibal race to protect a witness.

11.55 Infomercials

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5.30 Charles Stanley PG

8am Kiri and Lou 3

8.30 Michal and Moe 3

8.55 Moe and Friends 3

9.10 Extreme Cake Sports 3

9 30 My Favourite Dead Person 3

9.40 Kea Kids News 3

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Noon Impossible Animals PGC 3 (Starting Today) Biologist Patrick Aryee introduces the incredible creatures that live in deserts.

1pm Guy! Hawaiian Style PG 3 Guy Fieri’s family goes spearfishing off the Big Island, then he heads to Oahu to make lunch for troops at Pearl Harbour.

2pm Fishy Business PGC

2.30 Pawn Stars PG 3

A Japanese Godzilla toy comes into the shop; a special guest helps Chum determine if a Johnny Drama whiskey bottle is the real deal

3.25 Football: A-League Men (HLS) Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar

3.55 Football: A-League Women (DLY) Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory. From Porirua Park.

6.30 Pawn Stars PG 3

7.30 One Question PG 3

8.30 Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber 16LC 3 Gurley and his backers present Travis with an ultimatum that will change the course of the company.

9.40 Yellowstone 16VLSC 3 Beth heads to Salt Lake City to take care of unfinished business; a trap is set for Jamie; Kayce makes an important decision for his family.

12am High 16LC 3 1.30 Infomercials

Arcadian 16 2024 Action Thriller 9.45 The Book of Clarence M 2023 Comedy 11.55 Lao Lao Lao Le PG 2023 Drama. 12.15 Ten Canoes M 2006 Adventure. 1.50 A Storm Foretold 16 2023 Documentary 3.35 Let the Dance Begin 16 2023 Comedy 5.15 Mad About the Boy: The Noel Coward Story M 2023 Documentary 6.50 The Rooster 16 2023 Drama. 8.30 The Taste of Things PG 2023 Drama. 10.50 Palm Trees and Power Lines 16 2022

6am Country House Hunters 3 0

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7.10 Amanda and Alan’s Italian Job 3 0

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8.15 Secrets of the London Underground 3 0

9am Q+A with Jack Tame 0

10am Waka Huia PG

10.30 Pathfinders 3 0 Composer Dame Gillian Whitehead’s diverse and innovative career blends taonga puoro and traditional musical compositions.

11am Hans Zimmer: Hollywood Rebel PGV 3 0 The 40 year journey of composer Hans Zimmer, from post-war Germany to Hollywood royalty.

Noon Space Invaders PG 3 0

1pm Emmerdale PG 0

1.30 Border Patrol 3 0

2.30 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out PG 0

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5pm The Chase 0

6pm 1News at Six 0

7pm Travel Guides PG 0 New guides Karly and Bri join the gang in Northern India and Nepal, where they stay at an Ashram, frockup at an Indian wedding, marvel at the Taj Mahal and see Mount Everest from Kathmandu.

8.30 F Grand Designs UK PG 0

9.35 N The Wives ML 0 The Morgan family returns to Malta for the first time since Annabelle disappeared, a year ago.

10.35 The Responder 18L 0 Chris has to stay ahead of Franny whilst deciding what to do with his Encro phone.

11.35 Q+A with Jack Tame 3 0 1am Infomercials

0

L

6am Children’s Programmes Darwin and Newts; Ready Steady Wiggle; The Adventures of Little Penguin; Bluey; Go Diego Go; Master Moley; The Psammy Show; Ninjago: Dragons Rising; Dragons: The Nine Realms.

8.35 Mystic 3

9.30 The Voice USA 0

10.55 Home and Away Omnibus PG 3 0

12.55 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds PGC 3

2pm School Spirits PGC 3

3pm M Dakota PG 2022 Family A woman, who lost her husband in the war in Afghanistan, struggles to maintain her farm with her daughter, while also running the volunteer fire department.

4.50 Two and a Half Men PG 3

5.45 Australian Gladiators PG 7pm The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition PGL 0 On the Inca trail, the competitors trek through vast valleys with some furry friends, build structures that will last the test of time, and learn about local traditions.

8.35 M Uncharted MV 3 2022 Action. A street smart man is recruited by a seasoned treasure hunter to recover a fortune that was lost 500 years ago. Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg.

10.55 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 16L 3

11.55 Paranormal: Caught on Camera M A skydiver is knocked unconscious above Texas; a man dives into New York’s East River to save a drowning dog; a kayaker is attacked by an alligator in North Carolina.

2.20 Serial Killer Capital: Baton Rouge 16C

3.50 Infomercials 5.50 Closedown

Joika M 2023 Drama. 12.25 The Siege 16VL 2022 Action.

6am Beachfront Bargain Hunt 3 0

6.30 Leading the Way PG 7am Charles Stanley PG 8am Key of David PG

8.30 Turning Point PG 9am Animal Cribs PG 3 0

9.55 Dodo Heroes PG 3 0

10.45 Extreme RVs 0 Custom RV owners show off a 1950s retro atomic retro camper and a rugged race rig; Marathon Coach builds a luxury, family friendly RV.

11.35 The Great Food Truck Race 0

12.30 Garage Squad PG 0 A battered 1993 GMC Typhoon is rescued after crooked mechanics left it damaged.

1pm Hand Built Hot Rods PG 0 Steve’s team strives to create the world’s best 1969 Nova for comedian Joe Rogan.

2pm Car Kings PG 0 The Galpin team takes inspiration from the past to build an advanced parts truck.

3pm Misfit Garage PG 0 A wiring mistake almost burns a 1931 Ford to the ground.

4pm Garage Squad PG 0 The brakes are put on the restoration of a 1963 Split Window Corvette when its owner cannot find parts.

4.30 L Yachting: SailGP Sydney Day One.

6pm Three News 0

6.30 Bondi Rescue PG 3 0

7pm Married at First Sight Australia 0 8.30 M Wonder Woman M 3 0 2017 Action. When an American pilot crash lands on her island and warns of a global conflict, Diana sets out to stop the threat: as Wonder Woman. Gal Gabot, Chris Pine.

11.15 F Timeless M

12.15 Infomercials

6am Kiri and Lou 3

6.30 Kea Kids News 3

7am Religious Programmes

9am Rural Delivery 3

9.30 Golf: TGL (HLS) Boston Common v LA GC.

10am Football: FA Cup

Noon Football: A-League Women (HLS) Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory

12.30 Motorsport: Bathurst Twelve Hours Endurance Race. From the Mt Panorama Circuit, New South Wales, Australia.

2pm UFC PPV Prelim Events MC

4pm Football: A-League Men (HLS) Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar

4.30 Golf: PGA Tour (HLS) Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

5.30 Golf: LPGA Tour (HLS) Third Round.

6pm Mud Mountain Haulers M 3

7pm N Our Other Islands Musician Troy Kingi travels to the deep south and connects with the locals living in Rakiura-Stewart Island.

7.30 N Miriam Margolyes in New Zealand PG Actor Miriam Margolyes is on a road trip, and starting in Wellington, she digs into what it means to be a Kiwi

8.40 The Jetty 16VLSC Miniseries. Detective Ember Manning investigates the links between a fire at a holiday home, a journalist investigating a cold case, and an illicit love triangle.

9.55 N The Girl From Plainville MLS A teen’s suicide brings up painful questions for his family, and reveals a complicated relationship with a young woman who may have the answers.

10.50 The Breakdown

11.45 The First Lady 16VLC 3 1am Infomercials

6.30 Frog Dreaming PG 1986 Family 8.05 The Rooster 16 2023 Drama. 9.45 The Taste of Things PG 2023 Drama. 12.05 All Gone Wrong 16 2021 Drama. 1.50 Cannes Uncut M 2023 Documentary 3.20 Black Stone 16 2022 Comedy Drama. 4.50 A President, Europe and War M 2022 Documentary 6.50 The Listener 16 2022 Drama. 8.30 Swung 18 2015 Drama. A man, having trouble in the bedroom, and his partner stumble upon the swinging scene, which might be a solution to their problems. Elizabeth McGovern. 10pm Stormy 16 2024 Documentary 11.50 Subtraction M 2022 Drama. 6am Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure PG 6.50 Joanna Lumley’s

Puzzles and horoscopes

ACROSS

1. On which conductor quietly shows hatred of it (6)

8 A lot of fishes have

halos (5) 9. Send on his letters to the player in

(7)

Picked Socialist leader and had him returned (8)

The fruit of a lobster's egg (5) 15. Lounge about, making no end of money (4)

16. Skimpy odds given for such a small drink (3)

17. The linden is a mile out of place (4)

19. There's too much French with English figure of speech (5)

21. Try no car that could turn so perverse (8)

24. It isn't as old as your gen may be (7)

25. Fruit people half look to include (5)

26. Small creature with parts to make up has net put back (6) DOWN

2. There's nothing ahead of the belt in this layer (5)

3. In an internal way is idly about to warn of change (8)

4. It spoils a heavenly body (4)

5. With the tares, it might come into bloom (5)

6. Defensive place held by RAF or TA (4)

7. Go wearily, but do turn up after first half of play (4)

10. Treatment of teeth, if dirty, sent the wrong way (9)

12. This is the account for a battle-axe (4)

13. It is instrumental in entering Bordeaux (8)

14. In this place you'll see woman begin to expand (4)

18. A thousand-pound pianoforte (5)

20. A part one can penetrate right away (5)

21. A hair-tidy may be filled with honey (4)

22. It is of no legal force as a kink (4)

The yellow you don't finish, like its consonants (4)

WordWheel

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Some of the most capable people are under-confident, but you are an excellent judge of character who sees through people's estimation of themselves into the truth – a skill you'll use today.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): When your troubles are few, savour it. Don't borrow trouble. If this message comes to you too late, don't worry. All you have to do is return the trouble like a library book and don't check it out again.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): Egos are like pot-bellied pigs sold as "miniature" that are actually a typical pig who will grow according to their feeding. Egos shrink when they are not indulged. You define the parameters of your ego's proper diet.

CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): You'll get to know someone by bringing up new topics in hopes of finding more common ground. Where your taste intersects with another person's is the magic –a confluence of aesthetics and values.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): It is only natural to fall into automatic behaviours with familiar people. Interrupt the pattern with a contemplative pause to consider that the very best way to help may not be your typical response.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Explore the tension between individuality and connection. A tricky friend embodies support that comes with consequences but also rewards – an interesting mirror for your own exploration of self-esteem.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): Your work is a mirror showing aspects of yourself. Because you're incredibly observant, with a rare awareness of how your personality comes across, you'll find interesting ways to collaborate.

SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): Ailments of the soul call for the healing balm of faith. The healing isn't in the ointment itself. The balm creates the conditions in which the soul can restore itself.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Your fears are deeply human, and they don't diminish your value. Reflect on all you've done, and the memories you've created – significant proof of your ability to bring light into the world.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): If there's too much distraction in your world, there's no room for your talents to flourish, unclouded. You have what it takes to rule a room. The work now is believing it and staying aligned with the life you're meant to create.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Your uniqueness stems from an acute awareness of what's fair, kind and right – and a willingness to pursue it no matter what. What works for you may contradict the world's expectations, but you won't be boxed in.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Sailors use the wind to navigate, even though the wind itself has no intention to assist them. Today you'll adjust your sail to turn an indifferent force into forward motion. Life isn't about control so much as response.

Styx KenKen

Across

1. One leaving hire car reassembled a missile launcher (6)

5. Cat, showing sign of infection, should be clipped (4)

9. 10. Homosexuals, holding a view, distributed handouts (9)

13. Something with a liquorice

(7)

14. Prominent detective turned set off (7)

15. They look east, no doubt (4)

16. Fine line is rather loosely drawn around seal of approval (4,6)

19. Kindly burn one piece of furniture (10)

20. Skin and bone extracted from frothing amphibian (4)

23. Reserve is punched by awfully nice head of security (7)

25. middle of reel (7)

26. Popular opening taking place in sensitive Asian capital (9)

28. Carry around hospital’s record of treatment (5)

29. Waste disposal units may be disconnected shortly (4)

30. Salad ingredient prepared with lamb (6)

Down

2. Makes short work of grasses growing in wet areas (6)

3. Greeting spoken by doctor, a short man, with great excitement (4,5)

4. Tramps scrambled over east side of mountains (5)

5. Vegetables harvested by workers and small farmers (8)

6. Nervous cast (3)

7. A new driver needs this record delayed (1-5)

8. Be seen in food shop helping with discussion (12)

11. A court, one working with agent, set down short rerun (6,6)

12. Small border plant that likes wet conditions (5)

17. They back up wrong information stored in corrupted server (9)

18. Valuable resources are stacked up and left in minutes (8)

Last week

19. Bow of container ship at sea suffers minor damage (5)

21. They are associated with visiting time, in theory (6)

22. Amyl extracted from chemicallyaltered bromide? (6)

24. Cool passengers on board bus to Iceland (5)

27 Two learners following one in a bad way (3)

Across: 1 Jammed, 5. Nest, 9. Eyrie, 10. Gone to pot, 13. Ensnare, 14. Enforce, 15. Lane, 16. Discredits, 19. Bear in mind, 20. Face, 23. Toilets, 25. Ebonite, 26. Handicaps, 28. Of use, 29. Tins, 30. Sedate. Down: Presentation, 11 Pertinacious, 12. Tress, 17 Condensed, 18. Miseries, 19. Batch, 21 Eleven, 22. Got out, 24. Swags, 27 ACT

How to play It’s like sudoku: each vertical and horizontal line has to contain the numbers 1-6, and the numbers can’t be repeated in any row or column. The numbers in each heavily outlined set of squares must produce the number in the top corner For example, 5+ means the numbers add up to 5, 15x means the numbers multiply to 15.

Across 1 In reverse (9)

6. Eat soup with this (5)

7. Putting to use (5)

9. Get a good one from the front row seat (4)

10. Taken away illegally (6)

12. Do over again (6)

14. Mix with a spoon (4)

17. Memorise (5)

18. Tag (5)

19. Spoke very quietly (9)

Down

2. Higher than (5)

3. A throne user (4)

4. Grown-ups (6)

5. A boring tool (5)

6. More than a few but not a lot (7)

8. (7)

11 An artist uses these (6)

13. A furry fruit (5)

15. Sit at this to eat (5)

16. Sky colour (4)

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crossword solution

Across: 1. Backwards, 6. Spoon, 7. Repeat,12.Stolen,10.,iewV9.Using, 14. ,Stir 17. n,Lear 18. Label, 19. Whispered. Down: Above,2. 3. King, Adults,4. 5. aints,P1.1General,8.Several,6.Drill, Blue.16.able,T15.Peach,13.

cleanse your palate (6)

It is looking more than likely that Brady Corbet’s masterly epic

The Brutalist will sweep both the Baftas and Oscars after its recent success at the Golden Globes. This will be despite or perhaps because of its truly staggering 215-minute running time, although this does, helpfully, include a 15-minute interval factored into the picture, which gives audiences a welcome chance to recover from the emotional and intellectual onslaught.

In any case, there is something wonderful about being able to luxuriate in a lengthy masterpiece. Last year’s Oppenheimer flew by at three hours, and truly great directors understand that, in the right hands, a three- (or, on special occasions, four-) hour picture can justify their length more than amply.

From the beginning of cinema, there have been long films. Abel Gance’s 1927 epic Napoleon, about the life of the Emperor, lasted a staggering 330 minutes, although it was swiftly cut down to a more conventional length, and Gone with the Wind ran nearly four hours when the various overtures and intervals were included. Sometimes, these pictures can end up being interminable, but there are also some timeless masterpieces. Here are six of the best in chronological order.

1

Les Enfants du Paradis (1945): 3 hours 10 mins

None other than the great director Francois Truffaut said of Marcel Carne’s masterpiece that “I would give up all my films to have directed Les Enfants du Paradis.” High praise indeed, and the picture is all the more impressive for the circumstances under which it was made: shot between 1943 and 1945, production was continually delayed by everything from rationing to the effects of filming in occupied and Vichy France. This affecting tale of a young courtesan and the men who find themselves near-obsessively in love with her is not only one of the finest examples of cinema ever made a remarkable testament to Carne’s skill as a film-maker and has been compared to Gone With the Wind. (Whisper it, it’s better.)

2

Seven Samurai (1954): 3 hours 27 mins

Akira Kurosawa’s masterpiece remains one of the most influential and thrilling films ever made. Forget The Magnificent Seven, the inferior (although still hugely enjoyable) American remake; this peerless picture, pitting a group of samurai against the bandits who continually pillage their village, features some of cinema’s most exciting action scenes, coupled with Kurosawa’s near-anthropological dedication to exploring the codes of honour, loyalty and integrity that the titular samurai live by. Its DNA can

three-hour-plus films worth every minute of your time

Seen The Brutalist and have many, many more hours to spare? Then watch these great films epic in both scale and length, writes Alexander Larman 3 4 6

be found in everything from Mad Max: Fury Road to Blade Runner, and countless film-makers and critics have described it as their favourite film ever made But it’s one of those rare classic pictures that’s both intellectually rigorous and great fun to watch.

3

Lawrence of Arabia (1962): 3 hours 47 mins

One of the films that Oppenheimer was justifiably compared to, David Lean’s masterpiece boasts one of cinema’s greatest-ever performances in Peter O’Toole’s intense, driven T.E. Lawrence. He’s a man capable of peerless heroism and hideous cruelty at almost the same time, and increasingly unsure of who or what he is, as the desert slowly eats away at his psyche. Yet over its three and a halfhours, Lean manages not only to make the setting practically a character in its own right, but assembles one of cinema’s greatest supporting casts (Alec Guinness, Claude Rains, Anthonys Quayle and Quinn, Omar Sharif, et al), and then tops it off with extraordinary cinematography from Freddie Young and an immediately iconic score by Maurice Jarre It won seven Oscars; it should have taken twice that.

4

The Godfather Part II (1974): 3 hours 22 mins

Why are we including The Godfather’s sequel and not the original? Simple answer: the first runs five minutes shy of three hours and the continuation is a mightier 202 minutes Debate will never end as to which one is superior, and it’s undeniably true that Brando’s Don Corleone is much missed, but the second part of the trilogy is richer, darker and more Shakespearean in its

scope. In the film, Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone shoulders the soul-destroying responsibility of taking over the family business and losing everyone he cares about in the process, interspersed with flashbacks showing Robert de Niro’s young Vito rising to prominence in early 20th century New York. There are moments that drag, but all is forgiven when it comes to the magnificently bleak resolution in which Michael obtains absolute supremacy at the cost of killing his brother, John Cazale’s

pitifully weak Fredo, and ruins himself forever.

5

Schindler’s List (1993): 3 hours 15 mins It’s certainly not Steven Spielberg’s most entertaining film, but Schindler’s List still remains his masterpiece three decades after its initial release. Its account of the horrors of the Holocaust shocks not so much because of the nearly unwatchable moments of grotesque and shocking violence, but because of their sheer banality, best represented by Ralph Fiennes’ star-

making performance as the SS commandant Amon Goth, a midranking bureaucrat who takes casual pleasure in murder and torture. And Liam Neeson’s Schindler, an opportunist who discovers a conscience, is a powerful reminder that, before he became cinema’s resident OAP on a mission of vengeance, Neeson was a very fine and subtle actor indeed. Perhaps the ending is a moment of Spielberg sentiment too far, but the rest of this distressing and humane picture justifies that one touch of emotional release.

6

Braveheart (1995): 3 hours

“They may take our lives, but they will never take our FREEDOM!” Today Braveheart is rather more problematic than it was when it was first released, partly because of its director-star Mel Gibson’s frequent lapses into controversy, and partly because its account of the attempt by William Wallace to drive the English from his homeland of Scotland has been seized upon by the Scottish National Party as a quasi-recruiting tool. None of this damages its standing as a thrilling (if historically wildly inaccurate) epic, paced and directed to perfection and featuring one of cinema’s most purely thrilling battle scenes in the Battle of Stirling Bridge, as Wallace and his men repel an English cavalry charge and seize victory. The fact that it’s all done without CGI makes it all the more impressive, and exciting.

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Third time unlucky? The humble Toyota Aqua hybrid (aka Prius C as a New Zealand-new car) is still the country’s most stolen vehicle, according to AMI insurance data for 2024. It claimed the same honour in 2023 and 2022.

AMI says it has the largest insurance dataset in New Zealand, with almost 12,000 vehicle claims on record last year. Last year Aqua made up 8% of all stolen vehicle claims, followed by the Toyota Corolla (6%) and Nissan Tiida (5%).

Most thefts were in Auckland, followed by Canterbury, Waikato, Wellington, and the Bay of Plenty.

However, AMI executive general manager of claims

Wayne Tippet says that stolen vehicle claims have begun to decrease for the first time in four years, with those related to ram raids down by 50% compared to 2023.

“This might suggest that, among unprecedented vehicle theft rates, New Zealanders have put security measures and practices in place, and are being more mindful about where they park their cars,” says Tippet.

The Toyota Hilux ute was the big mover on the list, up four spots. Tippet says this indicates

its “increasing value, rural and urban appeal, and strong resale value, driven by high demand for its parts”. About 30% of stolen vehicles were not recovered in 2024, and just 52% of recovered stolen vehicles were repairable

“It’s also important to caution that thefts don’t just occur while a vehicle is parked,” says Tippet. “Unfortunately, we have seen claims resulting from carjackings at low-speed areas such as intersections, traffic lights, or carparks too. We should always lock our car doors when driving and consider keeping the windows up.”

DEPUTYEDITOR David Linklater MULTIMEDIAJOURNALIST Damien O’Carroll DIGITALWRITER Jet Sanchez

DRIVENEDITORIAL driven@nzme.co.nz PRODUCTION Sue Baxalle Jill Stanford Courtney Wenzlick Isobel Marriner DRIVENADVERTISING susana.leitao@nzme.co.nz

What are these new cars all about then?

The GLA and GLB are two Mercedes-Benz models that are very different but also very much the same car in many respects, with shared platform and powertrain technology.

The GLA is a higher-riding reinvention of the A-Class hatchback. The GLB is a more traditional SUV that’s smaller than the medium-sized GLC but also happens to squeeze seven seats into a modest overall footprint, partly thanks to a boxy body shape with distinct G-Wagen vibes. Both are available in MercedesAMG 35 guise, and this is where the new bit comes in: the feisty 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine shared by both has gained mild hybrid (MHEV) technology.

There’s a 48-volt power system and belt-driven starter-generator, which enables sailing/restart and takes some of the load off the petrol engine. It can even provide a temporary 10kW boost, although official outputs remain at 225kW/ 400Nm. The AMG “Speedshift” dual-clutch 8-speed transmission is carried over, driving through an AMG-tuned all-wheel drive system.

You’d think MHEV would make these cars more economical, but comparing old with new is tricky. The Rightcar website (which uses New Zealand’s official 3P-WLTP standard) suggests an increase in consumption by around 1l/100km for both, to 10.0 (GLA) and 10.1 (GLB). Really?

Mercedes-Benz’s factory figures for the previous models are the older NEDC formula, which doesn’t really help. But let’s not get derailed by all that; neither is an eco-SUV.

How can you identify the new models? You probably can’t, unless you’re an absolute AMG details nerd. Both have a new front apron, but you might have more luck looking at the new LED light signature, which has a DRL pattern that now goes across the top like an eyebrow, rather than curving around the main beams.

Inside, both GLA and GLB have the same basic dashboard architecture, with a few minor trim/ detail differences.

The AMG Performance steering wheel is standard and the updated Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) display and infotainment setup has lots of AMG-specific lights and dials.

There are new alloy wheel designs, with Kiwi cars picking up the larger 20-inch option offered by the factory as standard.

How much are they?

The GLA 35 is $112,200, while the

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35

Mild updates

Mercedes-AMG’s GLA and GLB 35 SUVs have gained mild hybrid technology

GLB 35 is $119,500. They both come with the Plus Package II (optional on non-AMG models), which includes enhanced driverassistance technology, Burmester surround sound, illuminated door sills, head-up display, Multibeam LED lights with adaptive highbeam assist and surround lighting with exterior projection of the Three-Pointed Star logo on the ground.

What are they like to drive?

There’s a school of thought that says these aren’t “real” AMG cars, because they’re a tier down from the really serious stuff and don’t have hand-built engines.

Whatever your views on AMG core values and credibility, this is a perky pair. That little 2.0-litre can propel the GLA and GLB 35s to 100km/h in 5.2 and 5.5 seconds respectively.

There are multiple ways to get to the drive modes, including a shortcut button on the console and a steering wheel-mounted dial; once you get to Sport+ the engine pops and crackles, the dual-clutch gearbox banging between gears like you’re running very late indeed for daycare pickup.

A second steering wheelcontrol allows you to individualise the suspension, so you can have silly engine noises/transmission with softer ride, for example.

The steering is substantial at speed and both models are supremely grippy. They don’t feel like SUVs through the corners, although you could argue they aren’t really, given the lower ride height of the AMG versions. The GLB in particular looks more like a little station wagon.

What’s the pick of the range?

They’re different models for different buyers. But we do love the slightly left-of-centre look of the GLB and, for a 30mm increase in wheelbase over the GLA, you get a whole new world of practicality: as a 5+2-seater it’s brilliant and the second/third rows fold properly flat.

The GLA is a well-rounded and undeniably fun little machine, but seems expensive compared to the vastly more useful GLB. If the SUV vibe is a must, go for it, but we’d also suggest you take a look at the A 35, which is essentially a hatchback alternative to the same.

What other cars should I consider?

If we’re talking German baby SUVs with performance equity, the obvious rivals for the GLA 35 would be the Audi SQ2 ($86,990) and BMW X2 M35i ($109,900). But if you’re keen on a bit of Spanish flair, also take a look at the Cupra Formentor VZ, which serves up 228kW for $79,500. Finding direct rivals for the GLB 35 is harder; it really is a unique little (fast) family SUV.

BLUE BEAT

For well over two decades, the Volkswagen Golf R has steered between being completely boisterous and offering genuine grand touring credentials.

The most recent versions have done their best to bring both worlds together, even.

The mission is coming along nicely in this, the facelifted “8.5” version of the Golf R; it’s the new flagship for the revised Golf lineup launched in New Zealand late last year, with mainstream and GTI versions.

A Golf’s just a Golf sometimes, but make no mistake: the $82,990 R is a very different proposition to the GTI. Even though the GTI has grown in size and weight over the years, it’s pretty much stuck to the hot-hatch formula it invented in the 1970s: front-drive, decently fast but always playful. The R is a genuinely rapid, raspy and

The Golf R 8.5 hasn’t changed that much, but still manages to up the wow factor

menacingly grippy all-wheel-drive corner-to-corner express.

Reality check: the new R is not really that different to the previous model. It certainly doesn’t look that different, with a new front section that includes different headlights and air curtains in the lower section with bigger holes; basically, look for the painted aero bits that meet under the number plate, rather than sitting on the outside edges of the bumper as they used to. That’ll be the new one, then.

Or just look for the worryingly bright illuminated VW logo on the grille; R is the second model to get it, after the GTI.

There’s an extra 10kW from the 2.0-litre engine and the interior has picked up VW’s new infotainment system with 12.9in screen, which looks imposing at first but is crisp and full of impressive features.

Oddly, the R is the only Golf that

hasn’t reverted to physical buttons on the steering wheel It retains the controversial haptic-touch design of the Golf 8.0 and VW’s ID-EV models, but with a little blue “R” logo that takes you straight to the drive modes on the big screen. There’s an extra one for the R of course: Race.

The drive modes are more significant in this than other Golfs, not just for the extra options but also because the R has Dynamic Chassis control (DCC) as standard, meaning the suspension can be adjusted (separately through 15 steps if you want, via Individual mode).

There’s a unique digital instrumentation layout for R that puts a big blue recounter right in the centre, with configurable menus either side. Or you can still have boring dials if you want.

So let’s Race! You can’t help going straight to the most

BREAK IT DOWN

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R

POWERTRAIN: 2.0-litre turbopetrol 4-cylinder, 7-speed automated dual-clutch transmission (DSG), AWD

OUTPUT: 245kW/420Nm

EFFICIENCY: 8.4l/100km (3P-WLTP)

SIZE: 4290mm long, 1666kg

PRICE: $82,990

aggressive drive mode, but you probably shouldn’t. It’s pretty brutal: the engine remains distantly growly but the 7-speed transmission hangs on to gears for dear life and when it decides to change, it happens with a bang. Sport is far more suitable for road driving, still with a fruitier powertrain setup, although the suspension remains pretty firm even if you manually click it right down to the most compliant Comfort setting. It’s not terrible, but it’s the main thing

+ Can be mild or wild at will, astonishing torque-vectoring chassis, new infotainment

— Haptic buttons not to all tastes, firm ride even in Comfort mode

DRIVENCARGUIDE.CO.NZ

that stands in the way of the

R serving as a truly friendly Golfaround-town; the rest of the car can be as hushed and well behaved as you like.

But the chassis is also truly astonishing when you ask the big

questions. It has AWD to tame that extra power (50kW more than the GTI, 0-100km/h in 4.6sec), but the true genius is in the torque vectoring system at the rear, which can apportion 100% of the axle’s power to the outside wheel; so it actually helps push you around a corner.

You can even have a graphic in the instrument panel showing you which wheel is getting power, although we’re not sure why you’d be looking at that midcorner.

Like the colour? Lapiz Blue Metallic is classic R, but you can also have white or black. There’s a factory model called Black Edition (for an additional $4500) that has pretty much everything blacked out on the exterior, top speed increased to 270km/h and a large rear spoiler.

The 8.5 changes to Golf R are all well-judged and worthwhile; small things, but they do make this a much better car. Having the fastest Golf ever made is also a powerfully appealing idea, but we can’t but notice VW NZ still has the R 8.0 on runout for $74,990, which is a substantial saving on a car that’s already a performance bargain in our books. The new R is a better proposition, but if you’re buying now it’s a case of deciding whether it’s $8k better. Either way, you’ll have a ball.

It’s all right, Jac

Truck-maker Jac’s first ute, the T9, is impressive even before you consider the sub$50k price

These days it seems like everyone wants a one-tonne ute. Fleets, of course, love them, while their continued domination of new-vehicle sales proves that private buyers want them as well.

That means that there’s another demographic that desperately wants utes too carmakers. Everyone, it seems, wants into the ute game EV/PHEV brands like BYD (Shark 6) and established mainstream brands like Kia (Tasman) are dropping new onetonne (or thereabouts) utes as you read this, while American manufacturers that have relied on their big trucks are getting into the “medium” segment as well: Ford has launched the Ranger in the US to great success, as well as the smaller Maverick, while Ram recently confirmed a revival of the Dakota.

Then there are the van- and truckmakers getting into the ute game Mercedes-Benz attempted with the undeservedly ill-fated X Class (it was a product of M-B’s commercial division), while Chinese giant LDV has its T60, and Isuzu the successful D-Max.

Now there is a new truckmaker getting into the ute market and it is one with an extensive history of selling heavy vehicles in New Zealand, although you may not even have heard of it (unless you’re really

into trucks, of course).

Jianghuai Automobile Co Ltd (or Jac) is China’s top-selling commercial brand and has sold trucks under the Jac name in NZ for more than 60 years. Yes, you read that right six decades.

The T9 is our first taste of Jac in the car market (yes, I know it’s not

technically a “car”, but you get my drift) and while we initially only get the diesel-powered version, the company has an all-electric one in the works that is rumoured to be making its way here as well.

So how does a one-tonne ute from a Chinese truck-maker measure up to some of the bestselling new vehicles in NZ?

Remarkably well, and that’s before you even bring price into it.

The T9 lands in NZ in a single form a fully loaded top-spec 4WD model with a diesel engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, placing it right in the meat of the ute segment.

With a high level of standard equipment (it’s broadly equivalent to a Ford Ranger Sport or Mitsubishi Triton GLXR), the T9 also boasts a genuinely high-quality interior, with lots of soft-touch surfaces and some excellent build quality on show.

wireless phone charging and a surprisingly grunty six-speaker audio system. It also gets a full suite of driver assists and safety tech, most of which is genuinely wellcalibrated and subtle, with minimal intrusions.

Even the systems that are a bit naggy (the speed limit assist and driver monitoring) are at least very quiet and easy to ignore. Which is good, because you’ll be ignoring

The T9 is packed with the latest technology, including a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera, rain sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights with auto-levelling,

both are so subtle they are really only an issue for the first few days of driving.

While they can be turned off each time you fire the T9 up, it’s actually easier just to ignore them.

In terms of ride and handling, the T9 excels, with an impressively smooth and resolved ride quality for a ute. While it’s not up there with the Ford Ranger (nothing else is either), it stands out by being

The speed limit assist will regularly accuse you of exceeding the speed limit when you’re well under it, while the monitoring system will tell you to pay attention to the road even when you haven’t looked away.

them a lot the speed limit assist will regularly accuse you of exceeding the speed limit when you’re well under it, while the monitoring system will tell you to pay attention to the road even when you haven’t looked away except to look at the notification telling you to look at the road, that is.

impressively composed over small imperfections, particularly corrugations that usually unsettle anything with leaf springs at the rear.

the market leaders that all tend to be around the 150kW/450Nm mark.

It’s not something that particularly affects the driving experience, however, as the engine is punchy and impressively refined at speed. Our particular T9 was quite sluggish off the line, with not much happening down low in the revs; but this is more to do with the fact that it only had 100km on the clock when we picked it up. The company assured us things free up considerably with a bit more running in.

Also down on the segment average is the T9’s tow rating which, at 3000kg is down on the competition that can generally haul around 3500kg.

But then there is something else that is massively down on the market leaders that goes a long way to make up for that: price.

It does seem to be easily confused by sunglasses; but as we said, the alerts for

So, while the level of kit and technology on offer is right up in the meat of the segment, and the ride quality handily exceeds the average, what’s not quite there is the engine: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel that produces 125kW/ 410Nm, which is slightly down on

BREAK IT DOWN JACT9

POWERTRAIN: 2.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder, 8-speed automatic transmission, 4WD

OUTPUT: 125kW/410Nm

EFFICIENCY: 8.4l/100km (3P-WLTP)

SIZE: 5330mm long, 2055kg

PRICE: $49,990

+ Truly polished for a first-time ute, quality, high level of equipment

Engine is sluggish off the line, tow rating down on rivals

DRIVENCARGUIDE.CO.NZ

At $49,990, the T9 is a full $20k less than a Ford Ranger Sport dual cab 4x4, while also undercutting the Mitsubishi Triton GLXR by $3000. This means it’s also around the same price as the equivalent LDV T60 and KGM Musso (formerly the Ssangyong Rhino), both of which it effortlessly outclasses in terms of quality, ride and equipment. Anyone looking for a high-spec ute with excellent build quality and a comfortable ride, priced less than an entry-level, single-cab-chassis Ranger, should certainly have the Jac T9 on their radar.

In fact, the T9’s closest competitor is probably the Mitsubishi Triton GLXR, which is just $3k more than the T9 and makes for an interesting comparison.

That $3k could well be worth it for the Mitsubishi’s extra grunt and towing capacity, but the T9 makes an extremely strong case for itself if ride quality and refinement matter to you more.

When should you use cruise control to improve fuel economy, and when should a human take over?

While chasing fuel efficiency, drivers often seek ways to optimise their vehicle's performance. One question you may have is whether cruise control can help save fuel, or end up doing the opposite.

Let's explore the relationship between cruise control and fuel consumption, shedding light on situations where it can lead to better mileage and instances where it may actually increase fuel usage.

What is cruise control?

Cruise control is a feature found in most modern vehicles. It allows you to set a desired speed for the car to maintain automatically. Once activated, a system takes control of the throttle and keeps it at a steady pace without the need for continuous inputs. You can typically operate this

system through buttons or switches on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to engage, disengage and adjust the cruise control function as needed.

Meanwhile, adaptive cruise control (ACC), sometimes known as radar cruise control or dynamic cruise control, is an advanced extension of this technology. While non-adaptive versions maintain a set speed, adaptive cruise control adds the capability

Summer CRUISE

to automatically adjust the vehicle's speed based on cars ahead or even the surrounding traffic conditions. It does this through various sensors, including cameras, radar, or lidar. When using cruise control makes sense

Cruise control can improve fuel economy in specific scenarios. For example, driving at a consistent pace on open roads and highways often calls for cruise control By eliminating fluctuations caused by

Don’t fade away

‘Brake fade’ sounds very technical, but it can happen to anybody. Here’s how to avoid it.

crucial for safety. Look out for these symptoms:

● Increased pedal travel: you may notice the brake pedal requires more effort or sinks further than usual.

human input, the feature keeps the vehicle operating at a steady speed, minimising unnecessary acceleration and braking that tend to waste fuel.

Another example is tackling uphill climbs. Cruise control can be beneficial in this scenario if your vehicle has an adaptive system More advanced tech can adjust throttle inputs and gear ratios more efficiently, optimising fuel consumption and power output during ascents.

However, you should exercise caution during steep inclines, as these may require manual intervention to ensure safety.

When you shouldn't use cruise control

There are situations where cruise control may not be the best choice.

Using cruise control in heavy traffic may not be helpful or fuel efficient. Frequent acceleration and deceleration caused by the changing traffic dynamics can render cruise control ineffective and lead to increased fuel consumption.

However, some manufacturers do offer adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. These systems allow you to use the feature even in congested areas. In this situation, use your best judgment to determine whether or not to activate the feature, as less advanced tech can be iffy at creeping speeds.

Lastly, cruise control may not be well-suited for winding roads or routes with multiple inclines and declines. These terrains require constant adjustments to maintain appropriate speeds through corners and manage changes in elevation effectively.

Manual control over acceleration and braking lets you make informed decisions based on road conditions, potentially maximising fuel economy.

Remember, fuel efficiency is not solely dependent on cruise control usage. Other factors, including vehicle maintenance, driving habits, and traffic conditions also play crucial roles.

traffic flow to minimise stop-andgo situations. Smooth driving habits prevent excessive brake wear while improving fuel efficiency and overall vehicle longevity.

Schedule regular inspections

● Reduced stopping power: even when pressing firmly, the vehicle takes longer to slow down or stop.

Brake fade is a critical issue that can compromise vehicle safety, especially during extended use or highstress driving. Here's a comprehensive guide to recognising the signs and taking steps to prevent it.

WHAT IS BRAKE FADE?

Brake fade occurs when braking efficiency diminishes, due to excessive heat generated during heavy or prolonged use. This heat reduces friction between the brake pad and rotor, or causes brake fluid to vaporise, leading to reduced stopping power.

Common scenarios include descending steep hills, towing heavy loads or aggressive driving.

SIGNS OF BRAKE FADE

Identifying brake fade early is

● Unusual odour: overheated brakes emit a distinct, acrid smell

● Spongy brake feel: the pedal might feel soft or unresponsive, a sign of fluid boiling in the brake lines.

● Visual clues: discoloured or warped brake rotors, visible through the wheels, could indicate overheating.

● Lots of braking noise: while brake fade can occur silently, unusual squealing or grinding noises may accompany it, indicating overheating or wear. If you experience any of these signs, reduce speed and allow the brakes to cool down.

HOW TO PREVENT BRAKE FADE

Preventing brake fade not only ensures your safety but also extends the lifespan of your braking components.

Incorporating these practices into your routine, especially during

long road trips or challenging conditions, can save you from costly repairs and dangerous situations.

Practice engine braking

In hilly terrain, downshift to use engine braking, reducing reliance on your brakes. This technique prevents overheating while enhancing control on steep descents.

Familiarising yourself with how your vehicle handles engine braking can make it easier to manage speed safely, without overloading the braking system. Check your brake fluid

Brake fluid degrades over time and absorbs moisture, lowering its boiling point. Replace as recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer.

For extreme conditions like track driving or towing, consider upgrading to high-performance brake fluids, such as DOT 4 or DOT 5.1, which offer better resistance to heat and moisture. Regular inspections ensure your braking system operates at its peak efficiency.

Avoid overloading

Exceeding your vehicle’s load capacity increases brake stress. Stay within recommended limits for safe and efficient operation. Overloading not only risks brake fade but also compromises the handling and safety of your vehicle, especially during emergency braking.

Drive smarter

Maintain steady speeds and avoid unnecessary braking. Anticipate

Routine checks for pad wear, rotor condition and fluid levels are essential for identifying issues early. Worn brake pads or warped rotors can drastically increase the risk of brake fade during highstress situations.

Ask your mechanic to inspect the braking system during every service, and replace components proactively instead of waiting for visible signs of wear.

EMERGENCY MEASURES FOR BRAKE FADE

If brake fade occurs while driving, remain calm. Pump the brakes lightly to maintain some hydraulic pressure and shift to a lower gear to use engine braking. This reduces reliance on your brakes while helping control speed. Next, find a safe place to pull over and allow the system to cool completely before driving again. Continuing with overheated brakes can cause lasting damage or complete failure, so it’s crucial to have them inspected promptly after the incident.

These measures are crucial for maintaining control during emergencies and preventing more severe outcomes, especially in high-risk conditions.

“It’s a beautiful experience to ride motorbikes, but if you get it wrong, they can bite Having spent 41 years attending and investigating crashes I’ve learnt this firsthand; I’ve investigated a multitude of crashes, tragically many, many, fatal crashes involving motorcycles.

And I came to discover a common theme with riders coming to grief was simply outriding the road. I’m not just talking about ability. I’m talking about wrongly anticipating or making assumptions as to where the road went and what was occurring.

I’ve been guilty of this too My crash occurred after making eye contact with a driver, an elderly gentleman, at a give way, and he still pulled away I hit the right rear door of his car, wrote the bike off, and compressed my spine. I’ve suffered back problems ever since

I was still learning then and I’m still learning now And you have to learn from your mistakes As they say ‘There are old riders and bold riders but there a very few old-bold riders’

Every ride you undertake on your bike is new and different. But remember that you are the master of your own destiny The Ride Forever courses teach you that, and they are brilliant. I’ve done three of the Gold level ones and intend to do more

So that’s my advice, if you want to stay alive on a motorcycle, keep learning, don’t let the rust set in.”

-Les

Formerly one of the brightest SUVs, the Mahindra XUV700 has gone black-on-black

Indian brand Mahindra isn’t afraid of a bit of colour. The last XUV700 we reviewed was finished in a stunning Electric Blue exterior with sparkling silver wheels and white interior trim, which is the standard factory cabin colour for the flagship AX7L (seven-seater).

Enter the XUV700 AX7L Black Edition. Self-explanatory. Blacked-out finish is all the rage at the moment of course, but it’s a big change for Mahindra; in fact, “all the rage” for the XUV is usually Rage Red, another look-at-me hue from the paint chart.

Anyway, Black Edition: for an extra $2000 over the $47,990 XUV700 AX7L you get the full blackout treatment including grille, gloss alloy wheels and blackon-black interior.

The cabin is the most significant update, because white has been the one and only colour for the AX7L until now, and that isn’t to everybody’s taste. The black interior will become standard on all XUV700s at some point this year, which could open the car up to more mainstream family SUV buyers.

The price and seven-seat configuration will continue to do that job, too. The AX7L is a fully loaded medium SUV with occasional third-row seating, for the price of a mid-range, frontdrive, five-seat Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5. The cheapest Mitsubishi Outlander seven-seater is $56,990.

The XUV700 Black Edition ticks a lot of standard equipment boxes from the top down: there’s a “Skyroof” panoramic glass lid with opening sunroof, fancy-looking twin digital screens, wireless phone projection, a 360-degree camera system and ventilated notquite-leather seats, which do get quite hot in the summer sun. Because they’re black and not quite leather.

The phone projection works well and takes over the cinema-shape infotainment screen nicely, although the car’s operating system doesn’t allow other functions to show through; so if you’re adjusting the climatecontrol temperature for example, you have to quit out of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to see what temperature you’re setting. It’s not a full-on-attention-to-

Colour wheel

BREAK IT DOWN

MAHINDRA XUV700 AX7L BLACK EDITION

POWERTRAIN: 2.0-litre

turbo-petrol 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic, FWD

OUTPUT: 149kW/380Nm

EFFICIENCY: 9.2l/100km

(3P-WLTP)

SIZE: 4695mm long, 1835kg

PRICE: $49,990

+ Outstanding value for a 7-seater, impressive quality, lively engine

Infotainment OS has its quirks, no steering feel whatsoever DRIVENCARGUIDE.CO.NZ

detail luxury SUV, but for this price it doesn’t have to be. And the fit/ finish is good; there’s plenty of hard plastic, but also enough of the soft stuff to create a nice

environment for driver and passengers.

There are a few quirks. Only the driver’s seat has power adjustment (with Mercedes-Benzstyle controls on the door), and the front passenger chair is mounted noticeably higher than the driver’s, with seemingly no way to lower it. Why? We truly don’t know.

That same front passenger chair has a release on the side that allows the rear-seat occupant to slide it forwards; presumably because many car owners/users of XUV status in India employ drivers and it’s common for the back seat to be more important than the front, even in mainstream SUVs. No wonder this Mahindra is so roomy.

In fact, the whole car is well packaged for something that’s less than 4.7m long. One-third of the second row can be released for third-row access and while it’s not

exactly adult sized back there (headroom is the most limiting factor), a grown-up can certainly sit in the rearmost row for short journeys. There are even separate air-con controls.

The boot is a decent size and you get something pretty close to a flat load though with everything folded down. Oddly, Mahindra doesn’t quote boot size by litres, which is a shame because it’s quite big.

The drive is pretty well sorted. The throttle is touchy at low speeds, but the 2.0-litre engine is smooth in the mid-range and while a 6-speed automatic might sound a little short on ratios these days, it seldom feels wanting.

It’s a snip thirsty, though. No electrification of any kind for this vehicle and it’s pretty heavy, so you’ll struggle to get the average fuel consumption into single figures; we recorded 10.4l/100km during our week, with a varied mix

of motorway and urban driving.

The ride is suitably plush for city driving and the chassis is wellcontrolled, although dynamically the XUV can feel a bit disconcerting because the steering is ultra-light. It’s not just that it’s short on feel it has none whatsoever, and it takes a bit of learning to place the car accurately in corners.

The XUV is the first Mahindra to truly compete with mainstream Japanese and Korean SUVs. It still has a few rough edges, but it’s also an immensely likeable and practical 5+2-seater.

It may even go down in history as the start of a new generation of models from the maker: there will be a pure-electric version of the XUV this year (aka XUV.e8) and we’ve already seen the smaller, futuristic-looking BE 6e and XEV 9e EVs. All are starters for New Zealand colours to be announced.

Mind your

Cs Es &

Premium Platform Electric and Premium Platform Combustion underpin the next wave of new Audis

It’s all change for Audi going forward, with 15 new models heading our way by the end of 2026, with some of the most important riding on a brace of brand-new platforms: Premium Platform Electric (PPE) and Premium Platform Combustion (PPC).

Q6 e-tron is the first Audi on PPE, although it’s already in good company: the Porsche Macan Electric is also a PPE car.

Advanced is the introduction to the range, starting at $134,990 It’s rear-wheel drive with 225kW and 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds. It comes with 19-inch wheels, privacy glass, and contrast paint in Mythos Black. It features Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators and customisable daytime running light signatures.

The Q6 e-tron S line has all-wheel drive as standard, with 285kW and 0-100km/h in 5.9 sec. Additional features include 20in Audi Sport wheels, customisable OLED tail lights, S line exterior and interior details, a three-spoke steering wheel, B&O audio and an augmented reality head up display. It’s $155,990.

Q6 also introduces a whole new look in the cabin. There’s a curved digital dashboard that keeps displays at the same arm length right across its surface, and both models have a passenger-side screen as standard that can be used by the front-seat occupant while the car is being driven (it’s not visible to the driver when the vehicle is in motion).

The “Hey Audi” voice assistant knows more than 800 phrases and can even understand who is talking (driver or passenger), acting accordingly.

Both Q6 variants come with Style pack options to upgrade to a variety of extra equipment,

THE ‘HEY AUDI’ VOICE ASSISTANT KNOWS MORE THAN 800 PHRASES AND CAN EVEN UNDERSTAND WHO IS TALKING (DRIVER OR PASSENGER).

depending on model. The PPE platform brings improvements in electric tech and more compact emotors. The Q6’s newly developed lithium-ion battery offers range of up to 567km on the S line and 638km on the Advanced.

The 800-volt technology allows a maximum DC charging capacity of 270kW. Audi claims up to 255km range can be added in 10 minutes at a suitable charging station.

“Q” signifies an SUV in Audi’s world, but also on the way to NZ is the A6 e-tron Avant. It shares its platform technology with the Q6 e-tron, but packages it in a sleek wagon body shape.

Meanwhile, the first PPC to arrive in NZ will be the S5 Avant: part of the new- generation line that replaces the A4 and being an “S”, this is of course a high-performance version. The $147,990 S5 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 with mild hybrid technology, making 270kW/550Nm. It can accelerate to 100km/h in just 4.5 secs.

It’s a high-tech car, too. Standard on S5 are Matrix LED headlights and digital OLED rear lamps, Digital Key, a smartphone interface with Audi Application Store and S suspension with damper control.

Buyers will be able to personalise the S5 with different wheel choices, gloss-red brake calipers and a black exterior package.

Inlastweek’sQ6e-tronreview,the priceofthetestcarinthe specificationpanelwasincorrect. TheQ6e-tronquattroSlinemodel ispricedat$155,990.

SAVE THOUSANDS ACROSS AN IMPRESSIVE RANGE OF NEW, DEMO & USED VEHICLES NATIONWIDE

INTERVIEW

Words: Donna Fleming

Photo: Fiona Goodall

When John Greenwood’s daughter, then aged six was asked in a school assembly what her dad did for a living, she said: “He walks on beaches and flies in helicopters.” She pretty much nailed it, says John, who sells luxury waterfront properties and special projects for Bayleys, mostly north of Auckland up to the Bay of Islands. After 50 years in the property industry –with the last 25 selling real estate – he has transacted over $1 billion in sales. As he puts it, “I don’t really sell property, I sell dreams.”

Q: What did you do before selling residential real estate?

I’ve got a degree in civil engineering but never really practiced. I did lots of different things – I ran an earthmoving company, I had my own construction company (we built the Devonport naval wharf) – but all of them were to do with land and property. I ended up in the 1980s as the property director for Lion Nathan, and set up a company that managed all of the shopping centres they owned, including 277 in Newmarket. When we closed the property division at Lion Nathan I took that company out and sold it to Colliers From there I started selling commercial real estate. It was fantastic because I went from having 56 employees to having none. It was a lot less stress – when you own a company you can’t get sick.

Q: How did you end up selling waterfront properties?

I knew [Bayleys executive director] John Bayley from when I was selling down property assets with Lion Nathan – Bayleys did most of the sales of the shopping centres and pubs. One day in about 2000 he called me into his office and said he wanted me to work for him. He employed me to run the waterfront side of things. It was different to what I’d been doing but it’s still selling property. I fell on my feet straight away and I’ve loved it ever since.

Q: Can you remember your first sale?

Within weeks of joining Bayleys I was given three properties to sell by [the late property developer and philanthropist] Adrian Burr in Sandy Bay, on the Tutukaka Coast, after he found out I was working for Bayleys. I sold all three of them so that was a big tick for me. Twenty-three years to the day, one of the people who bought one of

them rang me up and asked me to sell it for him. He said, “You probably won’t remember me ...” but of course I did.

Q: Do you really spend your time walking on beaches and flying in helicopters?

The walking on beaches, yes, but there aren’t as many helicopter flights these days. I still take some buyers on the “Greenie trip” – I hire a helicopter and take them to look at a range of properties. I can show them what’s available and what places nearby have sold for, so they can make comparisons.

I remember doing the Greenie trip 15 years ago with a Kiwi buyer who was based in the States. He came over to look at properties and rang me and said he was interested in one I was selling in Waiwera –which he hadn’t even been to – but first he wanted to fly up to the Bay of Islands to look at other properties, to check there was nothing else he’d rather buy.

This guy turns up at Mechanics Bay for the flight and he was about 25 and I thought, “Oh no, is he even a serious buyer?” But he swiped his card to pay for the flight and that made me relax a bit.

We went to the Bay of Islands and back –

we didn’t land – and that convinced him he did want to buy the Waiwera property. It was a waterfront farm owned by the heart surgeon Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes, and it was $8.5m. Then the next day this guy rang me and said, “I see you’ve got an apartment for sale in Metropolis.” I thought, Oh no, how can he want the apartment instead of the Waiwera place? He said, “Don’t worry, I want to buy both.” So he bought the Waiwera property and the top two floors of the Metropolis. And when he sold Waiwera four years ago, he got me to do it for him.

Q: What’s it like working with high net worth people?

I have met some incredible people. There’s not one ratbag among them. People often perceive high net worth individuals to be arrogant but I’ve never dealt with anyone like that. They’re all pretty genuine. Most of them have worked hard for what they’ve got and it’s allowed them to have a lifestyle that is better than most. But they don’t abuse that. Well, maybe some of the younger ones who have inherited their wealth can do, but most of my vendors are 60-plus and most of my buyers are 40-plus. These days the really young ones who have

big money tend to buy in Queenstown. It’s very brand-driven and you can be seen there. You’re not seen in the Bay of Islands.

Q: Do you have to be patient when it comes to finding the right buyer?

You do. The longest listing I have had is Pakatoa Island. I listed it when I first joined Bayleys 25 years ago and it’s still for sale. I’ve listed it seven separate times and presented six offers but each time the vendor has said, “No, I don’t want to sell it for that.” I relisted it again just before Christmas. When it does sell, I think it will be to a hotel group that will turn it back into a resort. Things can just take time.

Q: What’s the most expensive property you’ve ever sold?

Carey Bay, on Waiheke Island, a magnificent coastal farm with a couple of beautiful beaches. It went for over $70m two years ago. That was the biggest sale I’ve done but I’ve got a couple of others for similar amounts brewing at the moment.

Q: Do you have a waterfront property yourself?

Not anymore. We used to have a place in Pauanui which was good when the kids were younger but we sold it. But I’m lucky that one of the nice parts of my job is that I get to stay in a lot of these places I sell.

Q: What do you do when you are not selling real estate?

I love spending time with my grandkids, I love fishing, I love golf. My hobby is carving large pieces of wood with a chainsaw. I do it at home, I’ve got a carving yard. I got into it in 2007 when I was selling a subdivision at Matauri Bay and I was asked to commission a sculpture for the entrance. I found a guy in Kaiwaka to do a big kauri carving and I used to call in and see him every time I went up there. One day he said to me, “John, you could do this, you understand it.” The next time I was there he gave me a chainsaw and a bit of wood, and I’ve been doing it ever since. I do Maori pieces, figures, mostly copies of things I’ve seen.

Q: What do you love about your job? The people, both the sellers and the buyers. I’ve met some incredible people. And getting to see these amazing places. My job gives me energy, and makes me feel like I am helping people. I’m 72 now and I’m never going to retire. Why would I stop? I get to meet great people, I don’t have to wear a suit and tie, and I don’t have any employees. I love what I do.

BRINGING EUROPE TO RODNEY

Warwick Simmons says that when he took on his glamorous, castle-like property nestled in a quiet corner of Waimauku in 2020, it was already quite sensational, having been extensively improved by its second owner, a wellknown businessman with a liking for luxury.

He had added a further lounge, two new bedrooms and an extra outside studio to the original dwelling, which was built around 1999 – using nothing but the best materials available.

“Our job was mainly outside,” Warwick says. “We opened it all up and allowed the house to breathe.”

The resulting garden is a beautifully structured affair with strong mediterranean influences – think Tuscany or Provence – and incorporates box hedging, topiary, and well-established trees – serving to enhance the handsome masonry mansion, which sits proudly elevated on an 8.32 ha site, looking out over the surrounding valley.

Warwick says that his own efforts have included a complete overhaul of the heated swimming pool – replacing every single aspect, so a new owner can simply dive in and enjoy late summer dips.

Inside the house, the scene is reminiscent of a top-end boutique hotel in a European capital with lavish interior design featuring statement materials such as patterned tiles, meticulously laid by skilled craftspeople, and unique hand painted floral wall decorations.

The living spaces are expansive and drenched with sunshine while the kitchen is straight out of a glossy overseas decorating magazine, complete with statement splashbacks, extensive cupboard space and marble benchtops.

Warwick says he likes the fact that it doesn’t just look good, it’s perfect for entertaining.

Not surprisingly, the three bedrooms upstairs in the main house are also ultraopulent, as are the bathrooms, which have eye-catching gold accents including mirrors and trims.

The enormous dressing room that forms part of the master suite is especially outstanding with seemingly endless wardrobe space, plus huge solid timber cabinets for shoes and handbags.

In addition to the home itself, there are two studios one of which lies above the triple garage and is the ultimate in Parisian chic.

“I love being able to push a button to open the blinds or use my phone to turn the lights on when I’m driving home,” says Warwick.

“We enjoy sitting outside in the mornings with a cup of coffee and this morning watched a family of quail marching across the lawn.”

Another bonus is the 52sqm utility shed which provides ample space for mowers and other essential implements.

Originally from Coatesville, Warwick never imagined himself living in Waimauku, but he’s really enjoyed the

relaxed friendly neighbourhood and easy proximity to Huapai and Kumeu. He’s sad to be leaving 909 Old North Road, but this self-confessed “projects person” is already looking forward to his next challenge.

Debs Wallace, from Harcourts Takapuna, can vouch for the exceptional quality of the property.

“As you come up the drive you know you’ve been transported to somewhere wonderful, and you’re deliciously enveloped in European style. It’s one of the best properties I’ve marketed in 25 years.”

THIS CONTENT WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HARCOURTS

Disregard CV

After 40 happy years the owners are heading to the South Island so this home will be sold Packed with potential on 931m² of north-facing level land Zoned for popular ENPS ANI Auckland Grammar and Epsom Girls Grammar schools, it is handy to Watling Reserve, Greenwoods Corner and Cornwall Park Options abound; add your own decorating flair, develop the site or build your dream home

'The Pines' Priced and Selling

After 31 years of great family memories friends and entertaining here it's time for our vendor to follow a passion thought about for years Living is so easy in this amazing location nestled on the northeastern slopes of Maungawhau (Mt Eden) with superb panoramic views over the Waitemata harbour and its surrounds Offering 163m² of living area plus terraces, well presented with a nod to keeping true to the classical décor of 'The Pines'

Timeless Design with Island Vibes

Seaside Bliss in Kohi

This contemporary Kohimarama home boasts stunning ocean views and sea air The openplan living area is light and airy with large windows framing the views The wraparound decks extend the living space outdoors, perfect for relaxing or entertaining The ultra-modern kitchen is the heart of the home, with an additional separate living area for privacy Enjoy off-street parking, room for a boat, and a low maintenance, fully fenced yard Don't delay phone today!

Timeless English Charm

Residence Edendale a stunning character filled family home set on 819m² of manor like formal gardens - homes of this calibre are a rarity This home has been loved and cared for by the same family for the last thirty-two years and now it’s the turn of the next generation A very special property, book your viewing today

10:00am

It’s All About That View

Parnell waterfront magic

Amagical calm settles on this waterfront property poised on a substantial site above the Hobson Bay walkway Architecturally designed in 1972, the timeless home invites you to admire sunrises and moonrises across the water and watch oyster catchers fossicking for shellfish

Several living areas embrace the views while soaring double height timber ceilings and beautifully lit alcoves generate wonderful ambience The kitchen includes a scullery and there’s fantastic indoor-outdoor entertaining by the pool A spacious retreat with ensuite sits above upper-level lounge areas which open to the magnificence beyond Escape the everyday to a breath-taking property that promises a lifetime of special family moments bayleys co nz/1754427

FINAL VIEWING

Timeless elegance

Step into a world of timeless elegance with this extensively renovated original homestead an entertainer’s dream and a haven for families of all sizes This freehold property, steeped in history and brimming with character, offers sprawling spaces where families and creativity flourish and memories are made

Be captivated by the grandeur of the home’s impressive entryway, where idyllic gardens welcome you Inside, discover a sanctuary of light with several generously proportioned living areas that seamlessly flow onto wraparound covered decks Immerse yourself in elevated north-facing panoramic views of the water, Rangitoto and beyond

On a prestigious no-exit street in DGZ, serious buyers ready to start their next chapter will want to view immediately bayleys co nz/1754600

Spectacular Whitford estate

Amasterpiece of craftmanship and design - set amongst a natural backdrop with serene ponds and lush gardens this remarkable estate consists of approximately 2 5515 hectares which showcases an idyllic semi-rural lifestyle of luxury and privacy which perfectly bridges the rustic and the refined Impeccably presented, the main residence is an impressive solid masonry home The over 900sqm is meticulously crafted from the finest materials including South Island schist exterior and an impressive selection of natural stone and hardwood timbers on the interior To complement the main residence there is a separate three-bedroom cottage ideally located for extended family living, long-term guests, or staff An implements shed, and a helicopter landing area are available on the property bayleys co nz/1852807

Lifestyle excellence - Omaha waterfront bare land

This prestigious 2-hectare/5-acre (more or less) waterfront land estate located at the gateway to Omaha Beach offers a rare and exceptional opportunity for luxury development in one of New Zealand's most coveted coastal locations

Set in a prime position the property boasts flat expansive land with stunning views of the surrounding water and landscape, providing a perfect canvas for custom design and development Across the water from an 18-hole links-style resort golf course, this property is ideally situated to offer both privacy and access to world-class recreational amenities

The property’s size will allow the future owner to create a living space that reflects their personal style and with over 125 metres of water frontage, the estate is perfect for those looking for an investment in a rare, high-value location bayleys

House, 30 Gaunt Street, Auckland

by appointment John Greenwood 021 970 077

Kellie Bissett 027 530 6843

25 Delamore Drive offers a rare opportunity to own a private sanctuary on Waiheke Island's north-western tip Set

hectares, it combines seclusion, stunning views, and easy access to Oneroa Village, Owhanake Bay, and the ferry terminal The property includes a two-level architect-designed studio, a smaller studio, a 144 sqm barn reimagined as an art space, and a potential building site With 180-degree views over the Hauraki Gulf to Great Barrier Island, sheltered from prevailing winds and facing north, this property basks in all-day sun The established olive grove, planted in 2002, produces premium olive oil promoting a sustainable lifestyle Located in a sought-after area with access to coastal walkways, the property offers privacy and convenience Dual access allows for potential development of a luxurious home, swimming pool, or additional amenities This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a unique island estate bayleys co nz/2156947

Private waterfront oasis

This stunning 1987 architectural gem designed by Ian Burrows is a true icon of its time perfectly situated on an expansive 1087sqm waterfront land with Riparian Rights Known for his bold designs, Burrows' signature forms continue to captivate today 105 Aeroview Drive offers unparalleled privacy, tranquility, and sunlight Inside, you'll find exposed timber beams and a sunken conversation area that promote a seamless indoor/outdoor flow, enhancing daily living With five spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms, and multiple living areas, every corner of this home is designed for entertainment, showcasing breathtaking views of the water and lush surroundings The home's unique layout features soft curved walls that guide you from room to room while the north-western orientation ensures stunning sunset views from expansive decks, BBQ areas, and a swimming pool-perfect for alfresco dining or unwinding in your own oasis bayleys co nz/1451658

• Gracious 1880s-character home on 1051sqm (more or less) freehold

• Westerly aspect showcases dazzling panoramic harbour and city views with incredible sunsets

• Spacious, sunny entertaining decks and swimming pool complex with a secluded cabana

• Dedicated private master suite on the top level with a balcony and unbelievable harbour views

• Two ensuited bedrooms and two lounges on the entry-level with French doors and a wraparound

• Self-contained apartment downstairs ideal for granny flat/teenagers plus a studio

• Exclusive

Gracious estate with harbour views

Spectacular Devonport apartment

Discover the ultimate in exclusive living with this beautifully upgraded Esplanade apartment perfectly positioned on the Devonport waterfront Across from the park, beach and ferry, this top-level residence boasts soaring ceilings, a sun-filled open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, and sliding doors leading to a private, sunny deck-ideal for entertaining or relaxing while soaking in stunning sunsets With three spacious bedrooms, all with wardrobes, the master includes a walk- in wardrobe, an ensuite and deck access Afamily bathroom and laundry add convenience Enjoy the comfort of ducted air conditioning intercom security lift access and a secure internal-access garage Devonport village's vibrant lifestyle, top schools, beaches, parks, and ferry access to Auckland City are all at your doorstep Whether you’re looking for a peaceful home or a lock-and-leave property, this exceptional residence is must-see Act fast-homes like this are rare! bayleys co nz/1470724

Ashort stroll to heart of Ponsonby

Take a short stroll and find yourself at the very heart and soul of Ponsonby That is the magic of living within walking distance of this vibrant and dynamic suburb Surrounded by award-winning eateries, cozy cafes, lively bars, boutique shopping, and beautiful parks, you will quickly discover your go-to favourites Whether catching up with family or friends, the sheer variety ensures there is always something new to enjoy This charming character home captures immediate appeal, offering a move-in-ready experience with nothing left to do but embrace the lifestyle The kitchen has been recently renovated, and the bathroom upgraded, ensuring modern comfort blends seamlessly with its timeless charm At the rear floor-to-ceiling French doors open onto a west-facing lawn – a private suntrap designed for year-round enjoyment, where simplicity takes centre stage bayleys co nz/2156960

3 1 2 1

Auction (unless sold prior) 1.30pm Thu 27 Feb 2025

28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland

View Sat/Sun 1-1.30pm

Lynda Betts 021 278 3024

lynda betts@bayleys co nz

BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD DEVONPORT L CENSED UNDER

REA ACT 2008

NEW LISTING

Prime Grey Lynn villa

The home features a spacious hallway with whitewashed floors leading to a stunning modern extension with poured concrete floors, skylights, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors bringing the outdoors in The steel kitchen by IMO sunny wraparound decking and private garden with room for a pool

it perfect for entertaining With a cosy lounge, media room, four immaculate bedrooms, off-street parking, and secure fencing, it’s the best of urban family living bayleys co nz/1672505

Champagne supernova – your Grey Lynn oasis

Roll out of bed and roll into the pool The main bedroom is literally steps away There is no question that the swimming pool is the focal point of this renovated Villa and the architect built all living around it Whether watching the rain dance on the pool in winter; or enjoying a private swim in summer, living around water is a joy in this beautiful sanctuary - perfect for those with busy lives From the street the house presents as a handsome 19th century home However, this all changes as soon as you open the front door and are greeted by a long view through the heritage dwelling, over the pool and through the modern pavilion out to the garden beyond Excellent for entertaining, it simply opens all around to provide multiple living spaces inside and out for any occasion It is also perfect as a quiet haven on your own with the wild wonders of the tropical garden giving constant delight bayleys co nz/2156959

FINAL VIEWING

Downsizer’s delight

In expansive resort-like tropical grounds this exceptionally spacious apartment is the ideal downsize without compromise Just one of nine in a boutique complex, it sits at the quiet end of Parnell’s prestigious St Stephens Avenue With three large bedrooms, a home office and two bathrooms plus powder room and separate laundry, it is undoubtedly substantial Thanks to a high stud and huge picture windows on three aspects it is sun-filled and light The living room basks in warm light, capturing glorious sunsets, views of the city and Sky Tower This pet-friendly escape with expansive resort-like grounds is handy to Parnell village the waterfront and the CBD With two-car secure basement garaging and a storage locker, the DGZ apartment offers ‘the best of both worlds’. An absolute downsizer’s delight Ignore the CV and enquire today bayleys co nz/1754611

Penthouse level living with breathtaking views

This apartment is a must-see! Positioned on the penthouse level it offers spectacular uninterrupted views of Auckland’s mountains, city skyline, harbour, Coromandel, and the Waitakere Ranges Enjoy your morning coffee on the impressive north-facing balcony, basking in the sun and soaking in the breathtaking vistas The master bedroom is a sanctuary, opening onto the balcony and featuring a spacious walk-in robe and luxurious ensuite The guest bedroom is conveniently located near the main bathroom, ensuring both comfort and privacy The designer open-plan kitchen comes complete with a butler’s pantry, ideal for those who love to entertain Additional features include a separate, oversized laundry a study nook two car parks and a secure storage unit bayleys co nz/1451689

NEW LISTING

Architectural & tranquil with city convenience

Only 10mins from the CBD in a vibrant inner-city location discover this stylish architectural 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home, on a freehold 839sqm site with emerging designer homes Professional families will love the low-maintenance and minimalist lifestyle on offer with its full double glazing and stylish shiplap-timber exterior Entertain from the serene outdoors with open fireplace and enjoy the discreet, state-of-the-art enhancements, or simply experience a peaceful and sun-drenched environment with its fully landscaped site The north-facing living areas and master bedroom open out to the beautiful balcony framed with established trees and birdlife and there's a convenient downstairs ensuited bedroom which can be a teen retreat The double internal access garage has great storage Commuters will delight in the easy access to public transport close by; just a stroll to popular Coates Ave eateries and the waterfront lifestyle Inspect early! bayleys co nz/1754652

Ramarama 9 Helland Drive

Charming home and gardens – Martyn Farm Estate

Picturesque gardens amidst mature park surrounds this elegant property is an exciting opportunity to own a beautiful home and country lifestyle set on 6405sqm (more or less) amongst, lovingly landscaped and maintained gardens and located in highly desirable Martyn Farm Estate, Ramarama within the rural fringe of Auckland city The four-bedroom home was built in the 1990s in a colonial country style with French doors that open out under a veranda onto the magnificent garden and outdoor living areas Martyn Farm Estate is a genial lifestyle enclave with bespoke homes and gardens located in a former hospital grounds and approximately 3 5km from motorway access to Auckland and Waikato bayleys co nz/1972607

4 2 3 2

Auction (unless sold prior) 10am Wed 26 Feb 2025

303 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland View Sat/Sun 11-11.30am or by appointment

Lorraine Young 021 764 032

lorraine young@bayleys co nz

Stephanie Chan 021 822 555 stephanie chan@bayleys co nz

6,406sqm 4 2 Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 2pm,

Waterfront living redefined

FINAL VIEWING

bayleys.co.nz/4483023

For

Jimmy Allen 021 676 013 jimmy.allen@bayleys.co.nz

Phoebe Swale 027 843 8653 phoebe.swale@bayleys.co.nz

Jessica Coburn 021 955 558 jessica.coburn@bayleys.co.nz

4483022 Auction

Donna Hewitt 022 418 9904 donna.hewitt@bayleys.co.nz

4483021

Donna Hewitt 022 418 9904 donna.hewitt@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/4504464 For Sale by Negotiation bayleys.co.nz/4482982

Sarena Glass 027 589 6133 sarena.glass@bayleys.co.nz

Sarah McBride 021 790 156 sarah.mcbride@bayleys.co.nz

Madeline Braun 027 741 7747 madeline.braun@bayleys.co.nz

1 Tewa Street Frankton

bayleys.co.nz/4483015

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Fri 14 Feb 2025

Mark Martin 021 626 686 mark.martin@bayleys.co.nz

Hope Martin 021 283 9457 hope.martin@bayleys.co.nz

Deadline Sale 4pm, Fri 14 Feb

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Fri 14 Feb 2025 55 Loop Road Kelvin Heights

bayleys.co.nz/4482953

Hemi Brown 027 524 1962 hemi.brown@bayleys.co.nz 4 723 sqm 2 1

Monique Simpson 021 312 478 monique.simpson@bayleys.co.nz

Donna Hewitt 022 418 9904 donna.hewitt@bayleys.co.nz Sarah McBride 021 790 156 sarah.mcbride@bayleys.co.nz

• OIO certified, approved for overseas purchasers

• Residential and visitor accommodation investment options

• On-siteresidentialandvisitoraccommodationmanagementservices

• 365-Day visitor accommodation consent • Stunning mountain views

CONTEMPORARY LIVING WITH ALPINE CHARM

Modern comfort, stylish design, supreme convenience, and a stunning mountain backdrop Kawarau Villas brings it all together in Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s most sought-after locations

• A selection of two and three-bedroom, two-bathroom terrace homes

• Nestled in the heart of the Remarkables Park precinct in Frankton, Queenstown

• Modern and minimalist Scandinavian-inspired design with Master Build 10-year guarantee

• Well-appointed homes with a spacious and functional open-plan layout

• Easy outdoor living with private courtyards and unique shared spaces

Ideal for first-home buyers holidaymakers and investors (with 365-day visitor accommodation consent), Kawarau Villas offers unbeatable value and will cater to a diverse range of lifestyles

Priced from $880,000 kawarauvillas co nz

AUCTION

G04/2 Tagalad Road, Mission Bay

This boutique ground-floor apartment cleverly combines contemporary living with the charm of one of Auckland's most sought-after suburbs, adding luxury and convenience to your lifestyle This north-facing ground-level apartment offers an exceptional opportunity for downsizers, professionals, a lock and leave Auckland base, or investors looking to secure a slice of Mission Bay's vibrant lifestyle

Don't miss your chance to secure this new home in a highly desirable location This is more than an apartment It's a luxury lifestyle!

View Saturday and Sunday 1:30 - 2:00pm 10:00am, Thursday 6 March, 411 Remuera Road (unless sold prior)

After a top to toe refurbishment, this classic four-bedroom (plus study) villa, larger than you expect, on a huge elevated, northfacing site is an absolute family wonderland No need to lift a finger From a new roof to new kitchen and bathrooms –everything’s fresh, done to a high standard Character details combine with tasteful contemporary comforts and the vast blank canvas flat lawn has space for a pool One of the legendary ‘ seven sisters’ built for the original landowner’s seven daughters – these homes seldom surface for sale

View Saturday and Sunday 12:00 - 12:30pm 11:00am, Wednesday 19 February at 411 Remuera Road (unless sold prior)

Style, space, sophistication - this is resort like living in the city This stunning 303sqm architecturally styled home, set on a 539sqm freehold title, offers the best in modern design and effortless living Bordering Centennial Park on two sides and with a heated swimming pool, this is a rare opportunity to purchase a home in this tightly held pocket of Mt Eden Built in 2004 by its builderowner and available for the first time, now is your opportunity to secure this absolutely magical home - our sellers are eager to see your early offers

AUCTION

3 Sherwood Avenue, Grey Lynn

Reimagined by Jones Architects, this captivating 1920's bungalow is the family-sized luxurious retreat you've been searching for With its light-filled interiors and effortless indoor outdoor connection, this stunning residence offers a lifestyle of unparalled sophistication in one of Grey Lynn's most exclusive Avenues Vast floor to ceiling sliders extend the expansive living zone out to the Louvretec-covered entertaining area and north-facing garden with heated pool An unmissable opportunity, positioned moments from West Lynn village

(REAA 2008)

New Listing

AUCTION

21 Tutanekai Street, Grey Lynn

6:00pm, Wednesday 26 February, Atomic Kingsland, 420C New North Road (unless sold prior)

View

Sunday and Wednesday 12:00 - 12:30pm or By Appointment

Chloe Wither 021 672 191

chloe wither@raywhite com

Scott Wither 021 225 5988

scott wither@raywhite com

com

Set on a substantial 501m² parcel, this superbly maintained character home offers families, professionals with flatmates or investors, an excellent entry point into this sought-after pocket of Grey Lynn At the front of the residence is a welcoming lounge spanning the width of the home Follow native timber floors past four double bedrooms to the smart kitchen/dining at the rear A freestanding sleepout is a fantastic addition for guests or a great home office Off-street parking for three vehicles is a rarity in this location Your Grey Lynn dream starts here

6:00pm, Wednesday 26 February, Atomic Kingsland, 420C New North Road (unless sold prior)

View

Sunday 2:00 - 2:30pm and Thursday 12:00 - 12:30pm or By Appointment

chloe wither@raywhite com

Scott Wither 021 225 5988

scott wither@raywhite com Chloe Wither 021 672 191

Grennell fliss grennell@raywhite com

AUCTION

2/12 Bella Vista Road, Herne Bay

Ignore the CV - Our owner is on the move so this is your opportunity to pick up this beautifully renovated unit A peaceful oasis, West facing, in the heart of Herne Bay, the location couldn’t be better Relax on the private deck, stroll down to the beach at the end of the road or take advantage of the restaurants and cafes both Jervois and Ponsonby Roads have to offer

This is a must-view – you won't want to miss out

raywhite.co.nz/GRY30809

(REAA 2008)

138B Paritai Drive, Orakei

6:00pm, 26 February 2025 Atomic Cafe, 420 New North Road, Kingsland (unless sold prior)

View Sunday 2:00 - 2:30 or By Appointment

George 0274 784 119 jan george@raywhite com Aaron Haabjoern 021 469 226 aaron h@raywhite com

A masterclass of perfection, expertly designed and constructed over three levels, this brand new family residence harmoniously blends indoor and outdoor living, making a bold statement in luxury living featuring state-of-the-art technology and top-tier appliances This is further exemplified by every element of its construction, carefully curated to ensure durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal with a 10 year Master Builders guarantee certificate Marketed by EK Bespoke Real Estate

5:00pm, 20 February 2025 On Site (unless sold prior)

View Saturday and Sunday 2:00 - 2:30pm

Thomson 021 790 552 eden thomson@raywhite com

Pausina 021 201 7488 kim pausina@raywhite com

ASKING PRICE

804/8 Middleton Road, Remuera

Sea Views And Security At The Ascot

Imagine waking up every morning to beautiful ever-changing sea views from this north-facing, 124m², apartment in the Ascot block The large, light, modern living room opens out to a generous deck, wonderful for entertaining or just relaxing in the sun There are two pools, two tennis courts, two saunas and two gyms This treasured apartment is pet friendly and an easy walk to the Westfield shopping mall Grammar Zone

rwparnell.co.nz/PNL36737

SET DATE OF SALE

728B South Titirangi Road, Titirangi

A coveted sanctuary for many years, the current owners now bring this incomparable beachfront estate to the market for the very first time There is a distinctly generous and welcoming ambience to this family residence, where vaulted timber ceilings and a built-in fireplace invite intimate gatherings, and the expansive windows capture nature's ever-changing beauty With direct access to Davies Bay beach, this waterfront retreat is truly a once in a generation opportunity

raywhite.co.nz/PBY30806

Megan Jaffe Real Estate Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

AUCTION

Date of

4:00pm, Tuesday 26 February 2025 at 3 Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby (unless sold prior)

Lynn Lacy-Hauck 021 190 0611 lynn lacy-hauck@raywhite com

Charlotte Inglis 021 306 898 charlotte inglis@raywhite com

75 Woodlands Park Road, Titirangi Rebecca Smith 021 147 2003 thesmiths@raywhite com

With beautiful rimu panelled ceilings, rimu dado featured walls, exquisite ornate timber fireplace's, and an exceptional conservatory with heated swimming pool, this home is literally packed full of character and charm Adding to its appeal is the substantial secondary dwelling, offering remarkable versatility The property showcases rolling lawns with park-like grounds, and gorgeous native bush with a hidden track to exhibition drive Offering exceptional privacy, abundant sunlight, and serene tranquility, this is a truly special retreat

and Sunday 3:00 - 3:30pm 11:00am, Saturday 22 February 2025, On site (unless sold prior)

View Sunday 12:15 - 1:00pm or By Private Appointment

Smith 021 960 565 thesmiths@raywhite com Brendan Smith 027 211 0002 thesmiths@raywhite com

VeritàVillas LAS

Cooper&Co

TheUltimateFamilyResortwithSeparateIncome.Indulgeinperpetualholidaylivingat thiselevated,north-facingretreat,aprivateoasisspanning6,139sqm(moreorless)ofprime freeholdland Craftedin1986andexquisitelyrenderedinbrick,this480sqm(approx)architectural masterpieceharmoniouslyblendstimelesselegancewithmodernluxury Aresort-inspiredtropical saltwaterpoolcomplex,floodlittenniscourt,andpanoramicseavistasareframedbymeticulously landscaped,fullyfencedgroundsperfectforbothserenerelaxationandgrand-scaleentertaining A charmingthree-bedroomminordwellingaddsversatility,whilestate-of-the-arthomeautomation ensuresunmatchedconvenienceandcomfort Atitsheart,expansivelivingspacesembracea stunningcentralkitchenwithbreathtakingseaviewsbydayandaprivateGoldClasscinema experiencebynight JustfiveminutesfromAlbany,atrulyextraordinaryrealestateholding

Auction20thFebruaryat1200pm (USP) ViewbyPrivateAppointment wwwharcourtsconz/L32374112

JoGlancy 021994874

joglancy@harcourtsconz

Kirsten Bishop

+64 27 660 6446

kirsten bishop@bayleys co nz

Chris Bell

+64 27 498 8640

chris bell@bayleys co nz

Jimmy’s Point is the new standard of waterfront living Positioned within the thriving Launch Bay neighbourhood at Hobsonville Point

Created by Winton and recently completed, Jimmy’s Point is ready for residents to start their coastal lifestyle in a picturesque setting

A LIMITED SELECTION OF NEW AND COMPLETED TWO AND THREE-BEDROOM SPACIOUS APARTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE NOW. PRICED FROM $1,225,000

winton.nz