November 29, 2019
Komatua Care to close after 38 years... p3
Josephine Grierson, trilogy author… p6
devonportflagstaff.co.nz
Interview: social scientist Nilima Chowdhury... p18
Heritage building on demolition row after council bungle
A historic commercial building on the Devonport waterfront, now earmarked for demolition, appears to have slipped through the protection cracks due to an Auckland Council
botch-up. The shop at 35 King Edward Pde appears not to have been included in council’s Business Special Character Area Overlay.
The shop was originally included in the heritage protection for the neighbouring building at 37 King Edward Pde. To page 2
Locals flock to Devonport Library concert
Chick this out… Suzanne Lynch, of the 60s pop group. The Chicks was the star performer last Sunday at the first concert to be held at Devonport Library. More pictures, page 30.
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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 2
November 29, 2019
From page 1
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Protection removed from building
Demolition approved… Auckland Council has given consent for the century-old shop premises (above) on King Edward Pde to be knocked down and replaced with a new two-storey building The owner at the time, Wayne Lees, applied to have this removed. This was carried out under Plan Change 10, which was a “tidying up” device for various heritage protections around the city. When the protection was removed, it was not replaced by the Business Character overlay that covers all commercial areas of Devonport and gives heritage shops protection from demolition. A ‘hole’ in the overlay is effectively left at number 35. This is picked up in the Assessment of Environment effects supplied to Auckland Council on behalf of Norman and Almut Kirkcaldy, the current owners of the property: “It is noted that the site is not subject to the special character areas overlay residential and business that applies to most of Devonport.” The report, produced by planning and resource management consultants, Merestone said: “The existing commercial building on the site is a single storey of little or no heritage value, despite its obvious age.” The adjacent buildings at 33 and 37 King Edward Pde both have heritage listings in the Auckland Unitary Plan, the report said. Devonport Heritage spokesperson Margot McRae said: “There has been a major planning glitch here. “We are utterly dismayed at the bureaucratic bungle that has allowed this consent for demolition to go through. “We consider the proposed building to be unsympathetic with heritage. It is also bad planning to allow a vehicle crossing over this
3 Victoria Rd: empty for 508 days
The old Devonport Borough Council Building at 3 Victoria Rd became vacant on 9 July 2018. It has now been unoccupied for 508 days. Auckland Council development arm Panuku is working through the future options for the building.
very busy pedestrian footpath.” Noel Reardon at Auckland Council’s heritage unit refused to admit responsiblity. In a statement to the Flagstaff, he said: “The shop at 35 King Edward Parade is a one-storey building, which has been altered internally and externally, diminishing its significance. This property was assessed for its heritage values in 2013 by an independent heritage specialist, who concluded it did not meet the criteria and thresholds for inclusion in the Heritage Schedule in the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan. However, due to a mapping error, it had been included in the scheduled area of 37 King Edward Parade.” Auckland Council addressed the mapping error via a plan change to the Unitary Plan to remove the historic heritage overlay from 35 King Edward Parade. This plan change was publicly notified on 25 January 2018. The owner of 35 and 37 King Edward Parade lodged a submission in support of removing the historic heritage overlay from 35 King Edward Parade. Council received no submissions in opposition to the proposal, so the heritage overlay was removed. “It is important to note that any future developments that may be proposed for this site would have to comply with the local neighborhood zoning ensuring that new builds reflect the surrounding residential environment and contribute to the unique and special look of the Devonport village,” Reardon said. Devonport Heritage does not accept council’s response. “The whole of the Devonport business area and corner shops, are covered by the Business Character Overlay. There are no exceptions made for individual buildings that may not have heritage value. “An exception has been made here for one small site and this looks much more like a mistake than a deliberate act. There is absolutely no reason why this site should have been singled out to be exempt from the overlay that covers the rest of Devonport. “No one is arguing that 35 King Edward Parade should be a listed building but without doubt it should have been covered by the overlay. “This is a serious mistake,” McRae said.
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 3
November 29, 2019
Komatua Care to close after 38 years
End of an era… the Wichman family was central to Komatua Care operations for almost four decades: Bess Wichman centre with daughters (from left to right) Rangi Cairns, Katherine and Nina Wichman The Komatua Care dementia home will close after 38 years – but the work and legacy of founder Victoria Brown will carry on. Brown died in June, and her family, including sister Bess Wichman and her five nieces Nina, Katherine, Rangi, Barbara and Sarah, who spent decades working at the centre, have reluctantly decided to close on 4 December. “We took months to decide: should we keep it open – should we close,” says Nina Wichman. “We’ve been committed to looking after the residents for decades and helping out families and the community.
“It’s time to look after own families now,” she said. The secure-care facility on Calliope Rd houses 12 residents, who are gradually moving to other homes. The house goes on the market in early January. The sale proceeds will be put in trust to continue Brown’s work with the homeless and disadvantaged – something the Wichman family will continue to be part of. Brown was the founder of Helping Hands of Devonport, which took hot meals to 70100 homeless people every Sunday night outside Auckland Central City Library.
“The first 100 people fed on the street are now housed and have jobs.” Nina says. The closure will be a wrench for the Wichman family. They recall the years working at Komatua Care, keeping residents supplied with meals and morning teas, sitting with clients at night to keep them company, comforting and supporting family members. “We used to get sent out to pick flowers for the vases,” remembers Katherine. Although Komatua Care is closing, the Wichmans will all still be living in Devonport. “What better place to be,” says Bess.
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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 4
November 29, 2019
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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 5
November 29, 2019
Public and media shut out of local-board workshops...
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board workshops will be closed to the public and media, the new board decided last week. As predicted, the issue split the board, with chair Aidan Bennett using his casting vote to get the motion through. Earlier, he and fellow members George Wood and Toni van Tonder had supported closing the workshops to public scrutiny. The previous board was one of just two of Auckland Council’s 21 local boards to hold open workshops. Nearby Kaipatiki Local Board is the other. Local board services relationships manager Eric Perry said after discussions with wider council staff, “it is our view the board has been disadvantaged” by having open workshops, in terms of the information provided and relationships with officers. Aidan Bennett’s key reason for closing the workshops was “good governance”, meaning the board getting the best information it could from council officers, who felt constrained from speaking openly before the public and the media. Relationships needed to be rebuilt to get projects moving ahead: this was easier in private workshops, Bennett said. He was wary of the disruption caused by the “rent a crowd” who turned up to workshops. “Our job is to provide good governance for our community and we need a good structure to do that.” He hoped communication with the public would in fact be better than in the past.
George Wood said he had been uncomfortable with open workshops for some time. He felt long-term board projects such as Lake Rd, and the redevelopment of Takapuna, had taken much longer and become more fraught due to the public scrutiny of officers at workshops. As a result, he often found out more up-to-date information came to the Takapuna Beach Business Association than the board. Officers were trying to do the best job they could, and private workshops would “change the atmosphere, change the environment... it’s better for officers.” Toni van Tonder said she had been elected to do a “bloody good job” and the board would be foolish to create an atmosphere where it was not getting the best information it could. As Devonport BID manager, dealing with the likes of Panuku, Auckland Transport and other council departments, the organisations were “damning” about the local board, and the open workshop process, she said. “Do not take the moral high ground – do your job,” van Tonder told the board. Jan O’Connor said council staff appeared to be scared to front up to the public, but this should be part of their training. The fear of facing up to the public seemed to have spread to board members, she said. O’Connor criticised the moves to make information at the workshops available on the board website and said sessions to explain it to the public were a waste of staff time.
...but they will likely reopen in 2021 The closed local-board workshops will open again in the second half of the board’s term, says Ruth Jackson, who will then be chair. Arguing against the closing of workshops last week, Jackson pledged to reopen the meetings when she takes over from
Aidan Bennett as chair. By voting with her Heart of the Shore colleagues, Trish Deans and Jan O’Connor, to reinstate open meetings, Jackson will be able to use her casting vote in a similar way new chair Bennett did to close the workshops.
It takes time If you are looking for mortgage finance, don’t leave it to the last minute – most of the main banks are now taking 5 to 10 business days to process a loan application! I know, it sounds crazy. The banks are very busy with numerous loan applications, restructures and people wanting to break fixed rates to get lower rates etc. The obvious solution is for the banks to hire more staff, but they seem reluctant to do this (in our space at least) and appear happy to remain short-staffed at the expense of customer service. So the message is, speak with us earlier than later and we can invariably help. But if you leave it too late, it becomes difficult and timing is out of our hands. Watch out for the RBNZ Bank Capital Review on 5th December. If it’s too tough, don’t expect any further falls in interest rates as banks will have to hold more capital and will likely seek higher margins to maintain profitability!
Trish Deans said New Zealand operated within the Westminster political system where “robust debate is always public debate”. The culture of Auckland Council staff was to “close things”, and just because 19 other local boards had secret workshops, that did not mean it was the right path. The media also had the right to report information directly from meetings and not rely on the council or local-board members for updates. Ruth Jackson was adamant the workshops should remain open, as it was the board’s job to serve the public, not council staff. The previous open workshops had worked successfully and were “a great way for the public to be aware of the issues”. She rejected claims that information was withheld by officers as the meetings were public. Workshops could temporarily go behind closed doors if confidential information was to be heard. Any poor behaviour at public workshops could be addressed by the chair, she said. O’Connor accused Bennett of being afraid of public scrutiny and likened him to a “little boy running home to mummy after school”. Bennett said he was aware the move was unpopular with some, but if he was afraid of the public he would not have proposed the motion at all.
New local board will meet earlier Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Tuesday meetings have been brought forward from 4pm to 2pm. Chair Aidan Bennett had wanted the meetings to start at 9.30am, while other board members wanted midday, 4 pm or 6pm – to allow more members of the public to attend outside work hours. Bennett used his casting vote to push through 2pm as a compromise.
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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 6
November 29, 2019
Business hiatus produces epic Roman trilogy
Intellectual journey… Josephine Grierson aimed to keep her novels historically accurate, learning a lot about ancient Roman culture Josephine Grierson doesn’t flinch when asked if she wants to be remembered as a writer or a businessperson. “A writer of course – I’ve always seen myself as a writer. Business was always a means to pay the bills.” The Devonport resident fitted in writing poems and short stories around her business career, but never had time to give writing her full attention, until a mid-life crisis forced a rethink. “I asked myself did I want look back on my life and say ‘was I happy not to have given writing a go?’ and the answer was no.” She put the corporate world aside and enrolled in a creative-writing course at AUT. A 200,000 word thesis later, and Grierson found she had enough material for two books. At one stage she was filing 10,000 words every Friday to her tutor and mentor James George. “It was exhausting. It was a bit like weightlifting at times – I knew what I wanted to write, but was too tired to get another word down.” Still, the end result was deeply satisfying, with the launch this month of Rivers Ran Red, the first of a Last of the Romans trilogy. She finished the first book in 2017, but the pro-
duction, editing and printing took two years. The second two books in the series – Solas Story and Sinner but Saint – are in post-production. Grierson originally wanted to write a New Zealand-based book. But the first chapter of Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell, published in 2004, contained her starting point: the slaughter of Moriori on the Chatham Islands. “It was far better written than anything I could ever have done – it put me off writing for 10 years.” The genesis of her current work occured when she stumbled across a 1938 essay in French on Sidonius Apollinarias, which had been given by a schoolmaster to her former husband Bruce Ryrie. Looking to brush up her French, Grierson began reading and found herself immersed in the final years of the Roman Empire. “From the first paragraph, I was totally hooked.” Five years of researching and writing had begun. The journey took her to Europe and a memorable winter trip with daughter Christobelle, retracing historic Roman settlements and battle sites throughout France. She has aimed to keep her books as historically accurate as possible, including all the
battle scenes. However a point of difference from some other historical novels is provided by strong female characters, such as Sola, a retired gladiator; and voices from across the social strata, such as Ben, a peasant boy, who joins the army for a safe job and the prospect of a pension. It has been a fascinating intellectual journey for Grierson. “I’ve learned a lot about Roman culture. I didn’t know gladiators were largely vegetarian, or that most women could read and write.” Grierson famously stood as a parliamentary candidate for the New Zealand Party in 1984, and then wrote The Hell of It about her year in politics. In 2002, she took multimillionaire Eric Watson to court over a business deal involving the purchase of Bendon. She is currently back in the business world, working in a software company and project-managing a development, but aims to carry on writing. A short story centred on the Navy Musuem has been published in the Fresh Ink collection. Her next longer-form work is likely to be “something contemporary,” she says. • Rivers Run Red, launches on 29 November, 6-7.30pm, at Dear Reader, Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn.
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 7
November 29, 2019
Early lessons about the new board
The first meeting of the new Devonport-Takapuna Local Board as held on Tuesday 19 November. • The board is likely to be split down the middle on many issues, with Aidan Bennett, Toni van Tonder, and George Wood on one side, and Heart of the Shore members Trish Deans, Jan O’Connor and Ruth Jackson on the other. Chair Aidan Bennett had to use his casting vote four times on what was a light agenda. • Wood, the only member of his fivestrong ticket to be elected, appears to have allied himself with Bennett and van Tonder of Fresh Approach, rather than carry on as an independent. • Bennett showed the ability to be a good chair, using an easy humour to defuse some of the passion emanating from fellow members. It’s early days though, and it remains to be seen how patient he will be with the often confrontational style of Jan O’Connor, in particular. • Bennett has built up a successful business and community involvement legacy on the Shore based on “relationships”. He hopes to translate this ability to build relationships with the likes of Panuku, Auckland Transport and the Tupuna Maunga Authority to get projects moving in the area. How he navigates this against the often diverse wants and pressure from community groups will be key to his success or failure. • Trish Deans is perhaps the “slow burner” on the board. Without much fuss or fanfare, she presented an indepth analysis of the environmental shortcomings of the $2.7 million Patuone Reserve Walkway in Takapuna. Her report could markedly influence discussions over the project.
Comment
Press table goes missing on dark day for democratic scrutiny The lack of a press bench at the new Devonport-Takapuna Local Board rooms in Takapuna was perhaps an ominous sign as I entered a meeting where media freedoms, transparency and public access to information were about to be discussed. Provision of a press table is a long-held tradition among local authorities – a symbol as much as anything that these meetings and the activities of local-body politicians and council officials, funded by ratepayers, are open to scrutiny. For its first official meeting of the new term last week, the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board moved to its new public home in cramped, reduced premises downstairs from the former North Shore City Council chamber. No press agenda was on offer, either. Board member Jan O’Connor lent me hers. Temperatures rose as staff struggled to get the air-conditioning working, while board chair Aidan Bennett drove through his motion to close workshops to the public and the media. With the board split, he used his casting vote, as predicted. An eleventh hour attempt to mollify opponents was also passed – with all documents at the workshops to be put on the board’s website, and a planned monthly drop-in session where the public can discuss the material with council staff. This could cause more trouble than it’s worth, as the workshop material is often raw, with detail and context fleshed out in the discussion between board members and officers. Wouldn’t it have been easier just to keep the workshops open?
Yes, there is grandstanding. Yes, there is point-scoring at the public workshops – but welcome to politics. The proponents of the closed workshops and council staff say that no decisions are made at workshops, only at full public meetings. This is legally correct, but practically wrong. No resolutions are made at workshops, but decisions are made by the board on the directions projects take, and on what ideas are given air or snuffed out. In fact, it could be argued it is in the workshops where the critical decisions are made that influence key projects in our area. Board-meeting resolutions are often rubber stamps, which follow lengthy arguments in workshops. Bennett and some board members seem surprised at my opposition to closed meetings. Why so? I’ve been seeking transparency and accountability from local authorities and politicians for almost 40 years, in an attempt to bring plans and changes to the attention of the public as early in the process as possible. This issue, we’re printing a letter from a resident who lives on Lake Rd, worried about the impact of a $47 million upgrade on the carriageway and surrounding homes. Why shouldn’t this person be kept abreast of developments and options as soon as they are created by Auckland Transport? My surprise is that Bennett – the publisher of a monthly magazine on the Shore – would seek to restrict media freedoms at all. Rob Drent Managing Editor The Devonport Flagstaff
Four expressions of interest for former council chambers Four expressions of interest to lease the former Devonport Borough Council building at 3 Victoria Rd have been lodged. The building has been vacant for more than a year since community users – including the visitor information centre and Devonport Community Co-ordinator – moved out, in response to building administrator Panuku wanting commercial rents. Panuku said the four proposals for the use of 3 Victoria Road, were of “mixed quality.” “We are currently working through these with each party to fully understand the detail of the proposals.” a Panuku spokesperson said. “We are progressing this as quickly as we can so we can make a decision on a preferred tenant as soon possible.” Community use of the building was comprised after the building was shifted from social to commercial use in the
council portfolio, controversially without the knowledge of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board. A consortium of Devonport community groups, including The Depot, The Devonport Business Association, the Navy Museum, Devonport Museum, Devonport Peninsula Trust and the Devonport Senior Citizens Association have expressed interest in moving back in. Panuku was looking for a commercial operator. While the consortium couldn’t pay commercial rates or to upgrade the building, the council development arm encouraged it to put in the application anyway, group spokesman Lyn Lawton told the DevonportTakapuna Local Board last week. A decision is expected by the end of 2019. Pressure is coming on the new local board to influence Panuku.
Lawton asked chair Aidan Bennett that in the “relationship building” with Panuku, the building’s status shift from commercial to community use. The result would be a “significant innovative intiative in Devonport,” Lawton said. Board member Trish Deans said an option was to create a trust to manage the building, similar to the Victoria Theatre Trust, which has responsibility for the council-owned theatre. Member Toni van Tonder said the “empty building upsets us all”. In her time as Devonport BID manager, which included negotiating with Panuku over the Devonport visitor centre, the legal sticking point was insurance liability and risk for people working in an earthquake-risk building. Deans said Panuku had spent $4.7 million restoring a boat shed in the Viaduct, so it had some history of conserving historic buildings.
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 8
November 29, 2019
NEW LISTING
Devonport 36 Albert Road
Grand double storey double bay villa
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From its striking street presence and stately entrance steps to its spectacularly landscaped gardens and everything in between, this magnificent Devonport residence will truly take your breath away. This grand double storey, double bay villa has everything you’d expect in a large family home as well as to-die-for double garaging, and a dream-come-true al fresco dining area with double-size open fire. It has all the hallmarks of grandeur making it easy to imagine that time has stood still. But no… this home has been fully renovated, and the very best set-up for modern family living awaits you. Large open spaces for family togetherness, yet plenty of places to escape to, including a gate out to the expanse of Cambria Reserve – no end of land for kids to run wild! View video on-line.
Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Wed 11 Dec 2019 83 Victoria Road, Devonport Phone for viewing times Linda Simmons 027 459 0957 linda.simmons@bayleys.co.nz
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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 9
NEW LISTING
Devonport 18 Huia Street
Stunningly restored Lloyd Bates original
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Celebrating an iconic position at the crest of Huia Street in Devonport, this landmark Lloyd Bates original has been masterfully, meticulously and respectfully restored to its former glory. Built in 1929, ‘Inglis House’ is a grand three-story residence designed with English and American Arts and Crafts influences. Aficionados of the style will have the utmost appreciation and admiration for the astounding passion and precision that has gone into the refurbishment of the Category 2 Listed Historic home, led by local Architectural Designer Patrick Malloch. As well as immense historical and architectural significance, the home celebrates astounding 180 degree views of the Auckland harbour and cityscape, and has been fully upgraded to create a contemporary living environment.
Expressions of Interest Closing 4pm, Wed 19 Feb 2020 83 Victoria Road, Devonport View Sat/Sun 1-1.45pm or by appointment Linda Simmons 027 459 0957 linda.simmons@bayleys.co.nz
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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 10
November 29, 2019
Local board divvies up responsibilities
Incoming members of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board have been allocated specific areas of interest and responsibility. The individual board members will be able to make minor decisions in these areas on delegated authority. Items of higher importance or wide public interest will be referred to to the full board, and all correspondence circulated to all members. The delegations are: • Land-owner consents (except filming): Aidan Bennett and George Wood. • Land-owner consent for filming: Aidan Bennett and Ruth Jackson. • Events: Toni Van Tonder and Jan O’Connor.
• Liquor licences: George Wood and Ruth Jackson. • Resource-consent notifications: Toni van Tonder and Trish Deans. • Hearings presenters: Toni van Tonder and Trish Deans. • Park benches and memorial applications: Jan O’Connor and Ruth Jackson Members appointed to external organisations: • Devonport Peninsula Trust: Trish Deans. • Takapuna Facilities Trust: Toni van Tonder. • Takapuna Business Association: George Wood. • Devonport Business Association: Aidan Bennett. • Milford Business Association: Jan O’Connor
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Bayswater SeniorNet rebooted Good attendance at a meeting considering the closure of Bayswater’s once-popular SeniorNet group has led to a final attempt to keep the group going. President Ian Payne says he didn’t recognise many of the people at the special general meeting on 21 November. “We are prepared to give it another go and that’s what we are going to do.” A few people volunteered to go on the committee, which has been trying for several years to find tutors and encourage people to attend meetings. Where two years ago, 20 to 25 people attended meetings, recently only a handful have turned up. People already having the IT skills they need for daily life has been the cause of the decline in attendance. Another special meeting will be held in February to review progress and revisit the question of closure.
FINAL VIEWING
Devonport 7A Macky Avenue
Cheltenham Beach pad with sea views
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This modern easy care brick home enjoys views to the sea and is located in one of Devonports' best streets. This beautifully renovated rear townhouse has sunny open plan living, dining and superb kitchen opening to an elevated private deck. Upstairs are two double bedrooms plus a tiled family bathroom. The downstairs spacious master bedroom with en-suite and walk in wardrobe flows outdoors to a second deck and the well planned landscaped fenced gardens. There is another room either a fourth bedroom, extra living space or home office. An excellent opportunity to enjoy life in Cheltenham and close to all Devonport offers including the ferry to the city. You must see this.
Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 5 Dec 2019 83 Victoria Road, Devonport View Sat/Sun 1.15-2pm Lynda Betts 021 278 3024 lynda.betts@bayleys.co.nz
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November 29, 2019
The Flagstaff Notes
By Rob Drent
After cycling lanes, is there an issue that galvanises peninsula residents more than trees? Trees falling down clifftops, neighbours’ trees blocking views, neighbours chopping down trees to unblock their own views, neighbours cutting down trees on reserves, tree roots ruining footpaths... the list goes on. And now we have exotic trees being removed from our mountains. Residents angry over the Tupuna Maunga Authority plans to cut non-natives from Mt Albert have taken to the streets protesting. Take out pest and weed trees, but what harm are others doing, they ask. The authority counters that its planting programme aims to restore mountains to as close to their original state as possible. No plans have been developed for Devonport’s maunga yet, but the clear direction across the city is the removal of non-natives. The Flagstaff has received photos from a reader of a pair of keruru roosting happily in oak trees on Takarunga/Mount Victoria. It’s a good point. Native trees are slow-growing, and in many cases can take decades to reach maturity. Where will the birds go in the meantime? Is the Maunga Authority’s stance something to be supported or a form of botanical cleansing? I love native trees as much as the next person
Vegan living explained
Learn how you can support the planet by going vegan and enjoy healthy, delicious meals at the same time. The Vegan Society of New Zealand speakers Amanda Sorrenson and Dr Mark Craig, a GP, will talk about vegan living, Devonport Library, 30 November at 11.30am.
and have planted hundreds of them at home and on community planting projects. But I also love the diversity and colour of exotics. Most gardens and city parks have both. The changing autumn tree colours in Central Otago are now as much a part of New Zealand’s landscape as the kauri trees of Northland. In Devonport, getting rid of introduced plants in favour of natives has been tried before. A decade or so ago council wanted to transplant the traditional public flower beds with natives. Councillor Chris Darby was supportive of the plan, but was blocked by other Devonport Community Board members at the time, particularly Roger Brittenden. Back then the argument was over lower maintenance costs, rather than purity of species. Moreover any changes at Takarunga, in particular, could be complicated by recent history. A number of exotic trees on the mountain will have been planted as memorials over the years. Some groves possibly date back to our earliest Pakeha settlers. I’m not sure if an inventory of these trees has ever been done. The broader issue is the widespread removal of trees over the last decade since the government removed height protections; according to some estimates, one third of Auckland’s trees have gone. In the overall loss of vegetation across the city, the Maunga Authority’s stance is something of a drop in the bucket. But a staged transition to natives on the maunga would be a compromise solution. In the ongoing series of one of sports’ enduring rivalries, Devonport beat Belmont last week 27-20 in the latest B&D squash challenge. A bouquet for Auckland Council. I was outside Devonport Squash Club last Friday and noticed a few bottles had been smashed on the adjacent tennis courts. I called the council helpline and a very pleasant officer said a cleanup team would be out later in the day. They arrived a couple of hours later, and the courts were all set to go again for Friday afternoon and the weekend.
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 11
WHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER
LIVE MUSIC Every Friday
29TH NOVEMBER Tropic Fusion — from 9pm 6TH DECEMBER Chris Dent — from 9pm 13TH DECEMBER DJ Nite — from 10pm 20TH DECEMBER Kylie T Band — from 9pm 27TH DECEMBER Mackford NEW YEAR’S EVE Thunderwing — from 9pm
WHAT’S ON AT THE PATRIOT IN DECEMBER
Sunday 1st December SANTA PARADE Patroit Fire Engine and Free Face-Painting Friday 13th December Scarey DJ Night New Year’s Eve Great Prizes & Drinks Specials XMAS DAY ONLY Closed
REMEMBER Weekly Specials
MON Pie and Pint Day $20 TUES Quiz Night 7.30pm WED 2 for 1 Main Meal Night
Emma Mackie-Watts Counsellor
Helping you find a way through: • grief and loss • anxiety • depression • trauma • family and relationship difficulties • work and career issues Emma is a professional NZAC-registered counsellor, based in Devonport & Auckland CBD. I want to help you find answers for yourself. Email or call Emma emma@ejmcounselling.com or 021 140 2592 www.ejmcounselling.com
FRI Our famous Happy Hour from 4-7pm DOINA COMMUNITY, the community of Romanians in Auckland, presents QUEEN MARIE OF ROMANIA. It is screened at The Vic as part of the Romanian Festival in Auckland.
Queen Marie of Romania WHERE: The Vic, Devonport WHEN: 8 December TICKETS: thevic.co.nz In Romanian with English subtitles.
Kids eat FREE from the kids menu every weekend and throughout the school holidays NO SURCHARGES PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
14 Victoria Road Devonport
Ph 445 3010
www.thepatriot.co.nz
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Young local hero recognised by scout group
A 10-year-old Cub who rushed to help a woman having a seizure has been honoured by the Devonport Scout Group. Melissa Busch was on a paper round in Narrow Neck, at about 4pm on 15 November, when she saw the elderly woman near Achilles Reserve. Melissa immediately went over, talking to the woman to help her stay calm and looking after her dog, while two other passers-by also stopped to help. She then assisted with putting the elderly woman into the recovery position, until an ambulance arrived. Another woman arrived on the scene and called the phone number on the dog’s collar, reaching the patient’s husband who collected the dog. Melissa says her first-aid training through Devonport Scouts definitely gave her the confidence to assist. She was given a certificate of recognition and a badge for her blanket, at a meeting on 20 November. Assistant group leader Hayley Law said two people had called commending Melissa. Be prepared‌ Melissa Busch with her award alongside assistant Scout leader Hayley Law
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 14
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November 29, 2019
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Letters
November 29, 2019
Lake Rd residents need to be considered in transport decisions When you call for Lake Rd to be fixed, one of the few things that can be done is to widen it, and that would be a terrible thing. It would be terrible to have a four-lane road bisect the peninsula, and it would be terrible for the Lake Rd residents to have traffic pushed ever closer to their homes. What needs to be done is less complaining to Auckland Transport, and more collective action from peninsula residents. How about everyone commits to catching the bus or ferry one day per week? How about we call for electric shuttles running the length of Lake Rd and back on a 15-minute loop ferrying people from Devonport to Takapuna? How about locals explore electric bicycles and other alternative transport options? How about we all find ways of making Lake Rd
I am a keen Flagstaff reader. Thank you for a wonderful local newspaper. Your 1 November issue, however, troubled me. It seemed to include a large number of articles against Lake Rd. As a resident of the peninsula I, like everyone who lives around here, am aware of the problems of Lake Rd traffic. What I wanted to remind you of is that the same Lake Rd is home to many, many people. From tenants of small flats to owners of large houses, and everyone in between; many people’s homes and hearts are on Lake Rd. All have come from different places and have different reasons for calling Lake Rd home. It is probably the longest residential street in the area, so is a place of residence first and foremost.
better instead of all getting in our cars while continuing to complain about the traffic? Alongside that, large employers such as the Royal New Zealand Navy, need to create transport options for their huge workforce who travel up and down Lake Rd, often in single-occupancy cars, on a daily basis. I think if you lived on Lake Rd you would be more circumspect about criticising Lake Rd for fear of making it much much worse. No one wants to a see a Mt Wellington Highway cutting through this neighbourhood. Anna Gould, Belmont • The Flagstaff has always been a supporter of trams as a ‘bigger’ overall solution for Lake Rd, rather than just road widening.
Keruru happy in an oak
Balance please, Flagstaff: Not all residents opposed to Gull petrol station petrol could be obtained, the proposed site being one of them. Reinstating a service here will be for the greater good for the greater number in my view. These opponents have been noisy, but they are not even in the hundreds are they? Also, I have heard some of them making flippant remarks about how those who do not like the present monopoly and inconvenience should buy an electric car. I have news for them – we are not all, as they apparently are, in a position to buy one tomorrow at current prices. Elizabeth Urry
Please give us a little balanced journalism here. I live on Tainui Road and can’t wait for this [Vauxhall Rd] petrol station to reopen. First, BP needs a little competition. Second, it must help ease congestion on Lake Rd if only a little. Part of the charm of living in Devonport is the fact there are small clusters of commercial enterprises in among residential housing – a bit less than before, but still here. Unlike what I call sterile dormitory suburbs elsewhere. There used to be a few places here where
With protests raging over the Tupuna Maunga Authority felling exotic trees on Mt Albert, reader Mark Owen sent over this picture of two keruru “happily perched on an oak on Mt Vic this arvo”.
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November 29, 2019
Bodyline with Guy Body Maria Teape Community Coordinator 445 9533 | maria@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz
SUMMER FUN PRESCHOOL PLAY MORNINGS
Tuesdays (@ Windsor Reserve) & Thursdays (@ Bayswater Park) starting 5 November, 9:30am – 11:00am
A FREE fun time for preschoolers to play with big toys, be active and to make new friends. Bring your toddler and a coffee and enjoy our beautiful parks! Caregiver supervision is required, and sessions are weather dependent. For more info, visit www.devonportpeninsulatrust.nz. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with any changes.
DEVONPORT LIONS SANTA PARADE & DEVONPORT CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Sunday 1 December, 11am–3pm Windsor Reserve, Devonport Waterfront
Commencing with Devonport Lions Santa Parade, stepping off from Clarence St at 11am and then afterwards in Windsor Reserve until 3pm, Dance in the Park – a celebration of dance and music, the Devonport Craft & Fine Food Market – a market full of festive goodies, Devonport Volunteer Fire Brigade combat zone, food stalls, plus rides from Smiles for Miles sidecar tours. For information about the parade contact Bruce Wetherall: bruce_wetherall@hotmail.com or for info about the festival contact Maria ph: 445 9533 or email maria@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz
JETS RUN
Wednesdays, 6pm (register from 5:45pm) Torpedo Bay Navy Musuem
Stop trying to punish motorists Alan Light (Flagstaff letters, 15 November) suggests an uprising over Lake Rd congestion, and I say, hear hear. Derek Brickell, in the same issue, talks sensible solutions. Congestion has grown markedly in recent months to the point where it regularly takes around four traffic-light changes at the Belmont bottleneck before being able to turn right out of Williamson Ave in the mornings. The questions to be asked and answered are: • Why is there greatly reduced traffic during school holidays? Could all the schools on the peninsula perhaps carry out a survey of parents on behalf of Auckland Transport (AT) to find out why so many drive their children to school and from where? • Why has so much traffic started pouring down Lake Rd, filling the Devonport wharf car park and surrounding roadsides by 7am every weekday? I noticed this got much worse after AT had yellow lines painted along the sides of the roads leading into Akoranga Bus station. If commuters have driven this far to catch a bus and then find there is no parking, they will keep driving on to the next most convenient means of public transport where there is parking. Bus stations with no car-parking – it’s crazy. AT thinks that everyone can ride bikes to the bus station – all ages in all weathers; families, pre-schoolers, elderly? I’d like to see those at AT who think this is realistic give it a go every day themselves with their briefcases and packed lunches. Even to catch a feeder bus to the bus stations you have to get to the
feeder bus first, and walking or cycling is seldom an option for many. The retirement village development and now the Ngati Whatua houses coming onto the market were all given the go-ahead while ignoring the effects on Lake Rd congestion. It has got to the point where sticking-plasters won’t fix anything. There needs to be a ‘think big’ solution, probably including multi-storey parking buildings at bus stations. Unless regular buses go around almost every road, people will always be using cars for some of their trip. The enormous amount of taxpayer money going to prop up the AT Local taxi service for the benefit of a very few – and by all accounts not always for the purpose of transferring to and from the ferry (sober driver anyone?) – needs to be put towards better and more regular public transport that benefits many. How can AT justify the money that subsidises the AT Local service while claiming they haven’t the money to replace the Northcote wharf to get the ferries running again? AT doesn’t seem to want to accept that the AT Local service has taken more people off bikes than out of cars. AT needs to change its attitude, stop trying to think of ways to punish people for driving cars and start coming up with realistic and practical solutions. They’ve had long enough to try forcing people into riding bikes on busy roads and it hasn’t worked. Lyndsay Brock (also 15 November) is right to be worried about what AT’s fixes might look like. Janine Leighton
Following Devonport’s picturesque waterfront, course lengths vary and costs are $6 adult, $5 child. Participants get the chance to win both spot and place-getter prizes. For more information contact Paul at jetsrun@xtra.co.nz or 0274 379 423.
INVITATION TO A GARDEN PARTY WITH STEPHANIE PARKYN Sunday 8 December, 3pm Camellia Cottage, 7 Church St Devonport
Devonport Readers & Writers group invite you to join them and Stephanie Parkyn, celebrating her new novel Josephine’s Garden. Tickets cost $59 per person and include wine, canapes, a goodie bag and signed copy of Josephine’s Garden. Bookings can be made at Paper Plus Browns Bay, Glenfield, Meadowbank or Remuera or online at www.eventbrite.com.
Devonport Peninsula Community eNEWS To receive the Devonport Peninsula eNEWS, a monthly email listing of community events, and other community notices, please email us at maria@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz With special thanks to the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board for funding the Devonport Peninsula Trust.
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Interview
November 29, 2019
Former musician turns the spotlight on workplace culture
Nilima Chowdhury once sang on German television to an audience of millions. Now a social scientist, she wants to help workplaces make positive changes. She talks to Helen Vause.
A different stage... Having switched from music to the academic world, Nilima Chowdhury is now recruiting organisations to be part of a culture-change project
Nilima Chowdhury is a social scientist and consultant on a mission to increase gender equality in the workplace. But the Devonport mother of one has a back story far removed from the academic path she has followed in recent years. A few twists of fate could have seen the ivory towers swapped out for the bright lights of show business in Europe. Chowdhury grew up in Berlin, the daughter of a Polish mother and Indian father, who met in a German language class. She honed her skills as a singer and songwriter and after university in Berlin, where she gained a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, spent several years in Canada pursuing a career as a performer and recording an EP. Returning to Germany, undecided about whether her future lay with music or postgraduate research, she became a contestant in the hugely popular television talent show Voice of Germany, making it through to the quarter-finals, watched by an audience of
millions. Many online clips show the singerguitarist on stage, capturing the hearts of the judges and audience. But not long after the lights had gone down on the show, Chowdhury began to wonder
again about her future career. Would she be a serious singer or a social scientist? Was the music world – with all its pressures shaping how women present themselves – the place she wanted to be? Was it really a sustainable way to live?
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November 29, 2019 The academic path won out. Chowdhury had by then met her Kiwi husband-to-be, artist Sam Mesler – in a classroom, just as her parents had met. She came to New Zealand with Mesler to pursue her professional dream of helping make positive changes. Now a clinical psychologist and doctoral candidate at the University of Auckland, Chowdhury will be kicking off the new year with a highly challenging resolution — to make changes in workplaces and, in the process, lift the lid on life in the typical office environment. Her mission is to work with organisations ready to change. Our workplaces, she says, have traditionally been set up to suit working men, and they become environments that can be unhealthy for women. “They are based on a very old model that still works for many, but it’s also a model that is hurting many others like women, or men, who for various reasons don’t fit the workings of the old models. The concept of toxic or hostile work environments and how they affect our well-being is now accepted, but change is yet to really start moving for many reasons.” Chowdhury is a member of the well-being advisory group in the university’s Faculty of Science. She says her project ‘Turn the Tide’ is generally about getting organisations to be more flexible about how people do things at work. “That may include encouraging men to take paternity leave, for example. Or it may be about how many hours people work in their day. Why should a willingness to work very long hours and always go the extra mile, automatically be equated with being committed to the job? What about the hard-working employee who is very committed to their job but has other demands on their time? The ones who have to leave work at a certain time? What about the women, and some men, who can’t fit into that expectation?” Turn the Tide is a funded pilot for developing more sustainable workplace cultures.
Interview
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 19
The project follows on from her research on depression in young, professional women and her findings from talking with focus groups of women who are working in law, information technology, accounting and finance. They candidly shared their lessons for surviving in workplaces that they largely reported were still ‘a man’s world’. Chowdhury says they told of ongoing sexism in the workplace, and how motherhood remains a career barrier.
not question. “We reproduce them just because this is how things have always been done. “This also applies to organisations. For example, studies regularly report that women express less anger and more happiness at work than men. It’s easy to assume that this is due to the notion that women naturally feel less anger than men. But research tells us that only those higher up the ladder can afford to express anger without negative social repercussions. Anger is still considered to be unfeminine. “We are all familiar with the business case for gender equality, and many organisations have introduced new policies and regulations to increase gender equality. Why then is change so slow? “The ideal of what I call the ‘make-itwork-woman’ is a reaction to workplaces that are still shaped by norms, expectations and behaviours, often hidden from view that disadvantage women. It is essentially a survival strategy, a way for women to ‘cover their bases’ by always going the extra mile trying to be ‘perfect’.” Chowdhury is recruiting organisations to be part of the pilot culture-change project, which she expects to run for around six months. “We will look at issues such as what do we think of as professional behaviour? What is good leadership? “We will be considering how unspoken assumptions about mother/fatherhood, work-life balance and commitment to the organisation negatively affect both women and men. “And they’ll be asked to consider how common workplace routines like running meetings, distributing tasks and communicating between team meetings contribute to women’s distress by (inadvertently) making them feel inadequate.” In the later stages of the exercise, the teams will be working on ways to create change, and creating what Chowdhury calls a “new normal” that could ultimately become embedded in the workplaces of the future.
“Distress in the workplace is seen as an individual problem. It needs to be seen as a social problem.” “While there was collective understanding of how trying to act like a man could be a coping strategy, they talked of really struggling to find the balance in showing traits considered to be too masculine or feminine. They were all too aware that if they seemed too bossy they may risk being seen to be a bitch. If they were emotional at work, or showed vulnerability, they feared that they could be been as being incompetent. “So many women report finding themselves on the back foot with behaviour in our workplaces and feeling constantly that they have to prove their worth.” For some young women, this struggle in their jobs can lead to distress and depression, she says. “Distress in the workplace is seen as an individual problem. It needs to be seen as a social problem and it’s time for change. “Cultural norms and practices often seem to us just like the tide, as things that can’t be turned around; a fact of nature and something we take for granted but do
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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 20
November 29, 2019
Auckland’s leading theatre for children
The
Santa Claus Show
by TIM BRAY
30 NOV – 21 DEC Bookings ph 489 8360 or
www.timbray.org.nz
Letters
November 29, 2019
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 21
No surprises in Bennett’s behaviour
It is not surprising that Aidan Bennett, in these early days, seems to be running the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board like a personal fiefdom, when I had him on recently about his photo appearing about a dozen separate times in a recent publication of his own Channel Magazine. This is the danger when silly residents foolishly vote for high-profile, business
Sonic postponed until later in summer The Sonic youth music festival planned for December 13 on Windsor Reserve has been postponed until late January or early February. Foley – one of the headline bands on the bill – has had to cancel due to a member having work commitments, Devonport Community Co-ordinator Maria Teape said. Rather than organising a last-minute replacement act, it was decided to reschedule the event to later in the summer. Attendee numbers were also likely to be higher outside the busy lead-up to Christmas, Teape said. Exact times and dates will be finalised soon. Sonic, a night event, replaces Devonstock, which used to be held in mid-December, during the day, most commonly at Windsor Reserve, but occasionally on the summit of Takarunga/ Mt Victoria.
people with vested interests to elected positions and don’t consider the possible consequences. History has shown, on many occasions, that successful businessmen do not necessarily make good local-body politicians, particularly when they are used to getting their own way, without community participation. It is generally ‘my way or the highway’, they usually don’t last long when they don’t get their own way. It would be interesting to know how much he and his team spent on advertising and lobbying. I have first-hand experience, as an Independent, of local-board elections not being a level playing field. Perhaps it is about time, and this is a good example, why
this government should place limits on how much teams and individuals can spend on local-board electioneering and lobbying, particularly when they have the backing of their own publishing empire blatantly behind them. Does Donald Trump ring a bell? These vested busines interests need to be somehow balanced with community interests. Jan O’Connor, Trish Deans and Ruth Jackson may, sadly, largely irrelevant and impotent. It sounds like it may be a long three years until the next election, but the damage may have been irreversibly done. As they say, there is “no fool like an old fool”. Bruce Tubb
CHRISTMAS AT THE CLUB
Ngataringa Tennis Club in Stanley Bay Park welcomes families, friends and neighbours to our family
Sunday 15 December 3pm to 8pm
A chance for children to try out tennis or improve their skills. Bouncy castle, on-site playground, free sausages and ice blocks.
Live music by Major Tom from 4pm
Everyone welcome! BYO picnic and refreshments.
TIM BRAY YOUTH THEATRE
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TAKAPUNA
Hit the Stage! 5-Day holiday escape for children and teenagers Under the direction of the creative team from Tim Bray Youth Theatre, students will have the opportunity to explore their performance skills, build confidence, and create a unique piece of theatre, ready to ‘Hit the Stage!’ at the end of the week with a free entry performance for family and friends.
TAKAPUNA
Lake House Arts Centre 37 Fred Thomas Dr. Monday 20 Jan – Friday 24 Jan 2020, 9.00-3.00pm 8-12yrs
For more Information ph 09 486 22 61 Or visit timbray.org.nz
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 22
November 29, 2019
Teen recognised for stress-reduction project
As social media adds to the existing stresses of school and other pursuits, a Devonport teenager’s efforts to help have earned her a national prize. Isla Sangl, aged 14, was first in her age group in the Future Problem Solving competition – community problem-solving (individual) category – for a project aimed at teaching children stress-reduction techniques. “Yoga, mindfulness and breathing have been a part of my life since I was really young,” says Isla. “It’s always something that I’ve used if I’ve ever been feeling stressed or needed to calm myself down.” Isla could see students around her suffering from stress and related disorders, such as anxiety, which academics have found is worsened by social media. One in five New Zealanders under 19 will meet the criteria for a mental-health disorder by the time they reach adulthood, according to a display Isla made for her project. Isla’s focus has been on teaching children tools they can use as they get older. She has worked all year on her project, making 12 short videos demonstrating breathing techniques and yoga poses, training as a children’s yoga teacher, and teaching yoga and breathing classes to 7- to 8-year-olds at her school, Kristen. She has developed a resource, including the videos, for use in primary schools. The judges were “blown away” by her entry, says Future Problem Solving adminis-
tration director Julie Styan. “With ‘community problem-solving’, the kids identify an issue and then get out there,” Styan says. “To do that as an individual, rather than a team, is quite a feat.” The national contest was held at Henderson’s Carey Park camp early this month, with 170 schoolchildren, aged 11 to 18, having to solve problems and present their projects.
Devonport 09 445 2010 Major sponsor for the North Shore Cricket Club
Flexitime... Devonport’s Isla Sangl (centre, in blue singlet) teaching junior Kristen pupils yoga and breathing techniques. Emily Logue and Emmy Sutherland are in the foreground. Inset: Isla with her Future Problem Solving trophy and certificate.
November 29, 2019
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November 29, 2019
Devonport 09 445 2010
Major sponsor for the North Shore Cricket Club
November 29, 2019
Devonport 09 445 2010
Major sponsor for the North Shore Cricket Club
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November 29, 2019
Devonport inspires poetic outpouring
Local poet Ian Rockel, often seen awaiting inspiration in Bookmark, has had his third collection of poetry published in three years. Rockel’s poetry has flourished in Devonport, where he and wife Jean have lived for the past five years. They were previously in hilly Mt Eden, but were prompted to move when Rockel snapped an Achilles tendon falling down a flight of stairs. “This portent has been followed by the production of three books while living in Devonport: What know you, stars? (2017), This was then (2019) and now Gone World (2019),” Rockel says in a reflective piece of writing. “Since the book went to print, another 35 poems have emerged. It seems that Devonport means I just can’t stop.” Previously, while working as director of Rotorua Museum, Rockel wrote Taking the Waters, about early spas in the area. He has also written historical essays, including a chapter for Alister Taylor’s book on painter C.F. Goldie. Over the years, Rockel, 80, has worked as a teacher, museum curator, editor, librarian and historian. Gone World, published by Wellington’s Steele Roberts, is illustrated by Devonport artist Robyn Gibson. Its themes are love, family, mortality and the state of the world, especially with regard to climate change and sea-level rise.
Full flow... Poet Ian Rockell has written 35 more poems since his latest book – his third in three years – went to print From his Anne St Cottage, Rockel can hear ships entering and leaving the port, something that has made its way into a poem in Gone World: “Somewhere in the deep, a drowning ship’s hoot to the universe. “And in the house, next to our sealed entrances, I hear, ‘Daddy, there’s water in my room.’”
The collection will be launched at the Depot Artspace on 8 December at 4pm, when Rockel’s brother-in-law, renowned actor Ian Mune, will read from the book. Rockel’s long-time friend, Gary Mutton, will be at the same event launching a novel set in Wellington in the 1960s, which will be introduced by fellow writer Denys Trussell.
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR DECEMBER
5th — 7th VENUE
Calliope Sea Scout Hall King Edward Parade, Devonport
A collective of local artisans with beautiful wares for Christmas in a beautiful location for three days only. There will be a range of kimonos, jewellery, ceramics, bags, candles, linen rabbits, xmas wreaths, robots and more...
THURS 5TH: 2 - 8PM BUBBLES AND BRIE
• FRI 6TH: 9AM - 7PM • SAT 7TH: 11AM - 4PM
November 29, 2019
Looking Back
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 27
20 years ago from the Flagstaff files • Sitting National MP Wayne Mapp increases his Devonport vote by around 300 in the face of a stern challenge. Mapp appeared under pressure after being confronted by an angry crowd of 350 at a pre-election candidates meeting at Wakatere Boating Club, held on the Tamaki Land issue. However, in the 10 polling booths on the Devonport peninsula, Mapp’s vote was up to 4366 from 4084. • Labour’s Helen Duncan more than doubled the party’s candidate vote from the previous election, posting 3342, compared to Perry Cameron’s 1469 in 1996. • The Devonport Arts Festival 2000 launches a national short-story competition with $2000 in prizes. • Police are upping their presence in Devonport over New Year’s Eve, with thousands of people expected in town for the millennium celebrations. Interview subject… artist and musician David Kayrouz • North Head is open to the public for New Year’s Eve, but alcohol will be banned. Park to raise money for the Scott Brewer • The Devonport area council office is • Prominent Devonport journalist and travel writer Molly Elliot dies. Skate Park. stripped of numerous planning functions by North Shore City Council – planning • Cars are banned from Devonport cargo • Three-hour parking limits are to be imposed wharf annoying local fisherman and in Anne St. staff and property files are being moved whitebaiters. • Artist and musician David Kayrouz is the to Takapuna. Councillors Joel Cayford, Flagstaff interview subject. Genevieve Becroft, Andrew Eaglen, Tony • A jazz concert is planned in Ngataringa Holman and Wyn Hoadley voted in favour of retaining services in Devonport. But 11 councillors were against. • The historic Toroa ferry is given an extra six months to berth on the eastern side In-store Naturopath and Pharmacists of Stanley Bay Wharf while $450,000 is Value – Best Prices raised for restoration work. • Residents of Takarunga Rd and Macky Ave Value – Best Range want tour buses banned from North Head Value – Best Advice because of increasing congestion.
Belmont Pharmacy
Your natural health specialists
Click & Shop @ www.nzpharmacyconnect.co.nz
DEVONPORT DENTAL
Allan Pollock Kathryn Pollock SINCE 1989
Belmont Pharmacy 143 Lake Rd, Devonport • Ph 445 8247 www.belmontpharmacy.co.nz
YOUR LOCAL
FUNERALS Dr Andrew Steele BDS OTAGO
Book your appointment now
445 0097
info@devonportdental.co.nz
8 VICTORIA RD
NELSON & SUSAN
ELLIOTT
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 28
November 29, 2019
November 29, 2019
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 29
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 30
November 29, 2019
Not a book in sight – library becomes concert hall
Music fills library…The Helen Crook Quintet entertains the crowd (above) Books were removed from Devonport Library’s central atrium last Sunday as it was turned in a performance hall. The concert featured a number of artists and was the final event on the calender to mark the Devonport Library Associates 50th anniversary. Olivia Allen (right) after her performance, and organiser Ian Free (far right)
Belmont Music Centre Saturday morning music classes for Yr2–Yr8 children
2020 price: $150 per year for a student to learn a musical instrument.
EARLYBIRD SPECIAL – 50TH ANNIVERSARY Introduce a friend to Belmont Music Centre (BMC), mention this ad, and pay half price ($75 each) when you both enrol and pay in full by 31st December, 2019. Instrument hireage available (an extra fee applies).
All welcome to our Open Day and free Student Concert 10am 7th Dec. Belmont Intermediate School Hall
•
info@belmontmusic.org.nz
•
www.belmontmusic.org.nz
•
Belmont Music Centre
•
bmc_nz
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 31
November 29, 2019
A REMARKABLE AND VIBRANT RENOVATION 11 Empire Road 4
2
2
1
4
If you believe that all renovated period homes are much the same, you simply cannot afford to pass the opportunity to inspect this stunningly styled family home.
In this bottom up, craftsman-led renovation, hints of arts and crafts heritage blend elegantly with advanced styling and appointments. Quality and attention to detail are its hallmark. A breath-taking Rachel Howie-designed living space at the rear of the house gives light and wonderful views of Mount Victoria. Here, cooking, dining and living combine into one irresistible gathering place that offers seamless access to the secure, fully fenced rear lawn and expansive hardwood decking. If location is your driver, then this cul-de-sac is spot x; in the heart of Devonport’s golden triangle and an equal 15 minute stroll to the ferry, Devonport shops and two magnificent swimming beaches. People stay on this quiet street for many, many years. This stunning family home is your investment in pride and move-in comfort and it far surpasses anything currently on the market. Your immediate attention is definitely warranted.
Open homes each Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 12 pm or call for an appointment.
Mike van Wagoner AREINZ
M 021 567 577 E mike.vanwagoner@xtra.co.nz
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 32
November 29, 2019
Round North Head icebreaker draws friends and families
Knocked the classic off‌ Dave Bowes (left) and Tim Johnson
Out on the water‌ Abbie (12), Richard and Jamie (10) Wells
November 29, 2019
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 33
Veteran wins classic… Brent Foster Evergreen Brent Foster was the first swimmer home in the Round North Head Classic, which was completed by more than 200 competitors on November 16. Foster completed the 2.5km tide-assisted course from Windsor Reserve to Balmain Reserve in 26.36 minutes. Nick Bone was second in 27.23 minutes and Alex Dunkley, a junior, was third in 28.21. The first female swimmer home was Claire Badenhorst in 31.30 minutes, followed by Charlotte Carter (32.16) and Louise Bockett (32.25). In the nude-swimmer division, David Liversidge was first-placed male in 31.23, while Natasha Bowyer was the first female to finish, in 32.07.
It’s all relative… Matt (left) and Jamie Hopkins
Swimming mates… (from left to right) Jenny Stark, Helen Adams and Karen Hunt
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 34
Trades & Services
November 29, 2019
ObOrn
(formerly Ogden Electrical, same people & service, different name)
Call us for all your Electrical & Data requirements No job too big or too small No travel charge Shore-wide
Carl Ogden – 445 7528 carlo@searchfield.co.nz
North Shore based renovations, new builds, design & project management since 1985. Trustworthy licensed builders specialising in residential alterations/extensions, kitchens, bathrooms, tiling, re-cladding.
Contact Alex Carey on 0274 660 666, or visit our website
www.efd.kiwi
PlumbinG AnD DrAinAGE lTD Professional Quality Service
• Gasfitting • Certifying/Licensed • Digger Hire • Plumber/Drainlayer • All Aspects of Plumbing & Drainage
Contact Dan info@obornplumbing.co.nz www.obornplumbing.co.nz 0800-143-051 or mob 021 119 3227
Guy Anderson
Painting and Decorating All commercial and domestic decoration undertaken. Interior and exterior decorating. All wallpaper and fabrics. Expertly hung. Skim coat plastering and stopping Specialist in decorative paint finishes, carried out by a tradesman with 25 years experience. Competitive pricing. All work guaranteed.
www.scapetech.co.nz
s
ar PHONE 445 2549 30 yreience e MOBILE 021 767 093 exp
scapetech@clear.net.nz scapetech@outlook.com
John Bisset LtD
Painting & Decorating Specialists Serving Auckland for over 35 years Master Painter of the Year 2017 Interior and Exterior – New and existing, roofs, fences, decks and balustrading, wallpaper stripping, paint stripping, gib stopping, pressure cleaning. Accredited Lead-based Removal Specialists. Office: 445 8099 email: info@bissetltd.co.nz
www.bissetltd.co.nz
Professional Quality Service Craftsman Plumber and Gasfitter
Ph 021 841 745 David Mortimore New installations Repairs and Maintenance
Precision Plumbing 2010 Ltd
david@precisionplumbing.co.nz www.precisionplumbing.co.nz
YOUR LOCAL CRAFTSMAN
PLUMBER
Friendly, experienced service for all of your plumbing needs.
CALL DERRICK TRAVERS
021-909790 445-6691
We guarantee our Workmanship
Backed by over 35 years’ experience of quality preparation and painting
ph ross kingdom
021 723 413
registered professional painters
Kitchens by TGK
‘DIY’ with a twist
• NZ custom made • Unique cabinetry systems • Innovative handle-less solutions • Villa and traditional kitchens
PH 021 748 866 email kitchensbytgk@xtra.co.nz
Royal Design & Drapes Made to Measure
Curtains, roman Blinds, roller Blinds, Venetian Blinds, shutters and tracks 15 yeaRs expeRience royaldesign.gk@gmail.com www.royaldesign.nz Gabrielle 021 050 4961
November 29, 2019
Trades & Services
DEVONPORT DEVONPORT DEVONPORT DEVONPORT DEVONPORT DEVONPORT DEVONPORT AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO CENTRE CENTRE CENTRE CENTRE CENTRE CENTRE CENTRE NEW SERVICE
Andrew Holloway � Vehicle Servicing � Servicing � Full Full Vehicle � Full Full Vehicle Vehicle Servicing Tyres andVehicle WheelServicing Alignment � Full Servicing � Full Vehicle Servicing and and � WOF WOF � WOF WOF Floorsander and Maintenance Maintenance and Maintenance Maintenance � � Full Vehicle Servicing and Maintenance and Maintenance � WOF � WOF • Floorsanding • Floorsanding and Maintenance WOF • Polyurethaning and staining ANDRE & WENDY CUMISKEY ANDRE & WENDY CUMISKEY • Polyurethaning and staining
ANDRE & WENDY WENDY CUMISKEY ANDRE & WENDY CUMISKEY • Tongue and Groove repairs ANDRE CUMISKEY ANDRE & & WENDY CUMISKEY ANDRE & WENDY CUMISKEY • Tongue and Groove repairs •445 Serving Devonport since 1995 Ph (09) 445 4456 4456 Ph (09) 4456 Ph (09) 445 Ph (09) 445 4456 • Serving Devonport since 1995 Ph (09) 445 4456 Ph (09) 445 4456 Ph (09) 445 Please4456 phone for a free quote Fax 445 7629 7629 Fax 445 7629 Fax (09) 445 Fax (09) 445 7629 Please phone a 4519 free quote Phone 027for 285
Fax (09) 445 7629 Fax (09) 445 7629 Fax (09) 445 7629 Phone 027 285 4519 ahfloorsanding@xtra.co.nz 1A Fleet Street, Devonport 1A Fleet Street, Devonport 1A Fleet Street, Devonport
NORTH HARBOUR CONCRETE
Specialist in all aspects of concrete. Small diggers and Bobcat (for tight excavation work). For free quotes and advice Phone Alan Michie
0274 957 505
ahfloorsanding@xtra.co.nz www.ahfloorsanding.co.nz
Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainage, Roof Leaks
MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS Prompt courteous service Fully insured for your peace of mind
Call Mat
0800 277 566 Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer
kitchens DESIGN MANUFACTURE INSTALL
Call our designers to bring your ideas to life. Free consultation. 10 year workmanship guarantee.
Phone 09 443 4461 VISIT OUR SHOWROOM:
96 Hillside Rd, Glenfield, Auckland Hours: 8 - 5 weekdays
www.neodesign.co.nz
DESIGN AND BUILD NZ Devonport builders since 1990 Residential Building Architectural Draughting Scott Peters 021 606 737 www.designandbuildnz.co.nz
All Safe Electrical Services Ltd • New builds and renovations • Rewires • Home network cabling • Wall-mount TVs • Home theatre
LocaL to Devonport Call Peter Cairns for your free quotation
Phone 021 858 243 or 445 4675
email allsafe.electrical@xtra.co.nz
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 35
Call SteveBros. at Barnett SPECIALISING IN VILLA/BUNGALOW Barnett Bros. RESTORATION, RENOVATION & ALTERATIONS
Jefferson
SPECIALISING IN VILLA/BUNGALOW Qualified RENOVATION builder and & craftsman RESTORATION, ALTERATIONS
Plumbing Ltd
Carpenter available now Qualified builder and craftsman for door/window/sash/cord/sill Carpenter available now replacements for door/window/sash/cord/sill All joinery repairs replacements Your quality local All carpentry and associated All joineryservices repairs building plumbing tradesman All carpentry and associated Home for inspections over 30 years building services Bathrooms Home inspections All work guaranteed Bathrooms Ph. (021) 731 646
Scott Barnett 021 188 7189 AllPh. work (09)guaranteed 445practitioner 3764 s.barnett.builder@gmail.com Licensed building Scott Barnett 021 188 7189 email: sjefferson@xtra.co.nz
Barnett Call SteveBros. at s.barnett.builder@gmail.com www.jeffersonplumbing.co.nz
SPECIALISING IN VILLA/BUNGALOW Jefferson RESTORATION, RENOVATION & ALTERATIONS Plumbing Ltd
QualifiedYour builderquality and craftlocal sman plumbing tradesman Carpenter availabl30e now for over years for door/wi ndow/sash/cord/si Ph. (021) 731 646 l Ph. (09) 445 3764 replacements All joinery repairs All carpentry and associated building servi ces Blocked Drains Sewer and Stormwater, Home inspecti ons Tree root removal unblock Toilets, Basins,Bathrooms Showers etc
email: sjefferson@xtra.co.nz www.jeffersonplumbing.co.nz
All work guaranteed Same Day SerViCe Scott Barnett 021 188 7189 CCTV camera if required
Ph 021 841 745
s.barnett.builder@gmail.com
Villa Masonry Ltd Masonry Ltd •Villa Brick work
PLUMBING & GAS-FITTING
NEW INSTALLATIONS HOT WATER SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS 40 YEARS SERVICING DEVONPORT
GRANT 027-459-3880 MIKE 021-934-898
Block work work • Brick • Paving Block work • Cobble Paving driveways Paved Patios • Cobble driveways Repair Patios work • Paved No job too small! • Work • Concrete Repair work No job too small! Ph 09 551 3171
Ph021 09 465 551 460 3171 021 465 460 villamasonryltd@gmail.com villamasonryltd@gmail.com
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 36
Classifieds
ACCOMMODATION.
ACCOMMODATION.
SERVICES OFFERED
2 bedroom Bayswater home for Rent. Very Warm, 5 mins walk to Ferry. Available for long term rent. $580pw Pets Negotiable. Email - carolyn@carolynharper.co.nz Accommodation wanted. Will you be travelling overseas? We are a reliable, tidy Dutch family (two children) looking for a temporary home in North Shore. We love pets. Arriving Auckland on Jan 20, and can stay between 1-6 months. Email us on deboerart@gmail. com or phone +8210 3036 2102. Cheltenham Beach Studio. Stunning studio with new fit-out only metres from the beach. Available for short or long-term holiday accommodation. Self-contained with separate access and private garden. WiFi included. Phone Mike 021 747 526. Classy 3 bedroom, 2 full bath, fully furnished Devonport house on Achilles Reserve near Narrow Neck. More information go to www.devonporttuihouse.weebly.com or www.sabbaticalhomes.com. Devonport - Self contained one double bedroom fully furnished and equipped private accommodation in shared family home. Suit single person or couple. Handy to Devonport amenities/buses and ferry service. Email Colin via balgray@xtra.co.nz Holiday Accommodation, Bayswater. Norwood studio. Private, well presented. $95 per night. Ph 446 1203. flexmans@gmail.com Holiday Accommodation Cheltenham, absolute beachfront. One double and two singles, shady setting, everything supplied. Ph 027 425 3008.
Stunning Cheltenham Beach Cottage, metres from the beach. Available for short or long-term holiday accommodation. Beautifully refurbished, one bedroom, self-contained cottage with a private garden. Phone Rebekah 027 694 3933 or email devonportbeks@gmail.com.
Amazing home cleaning including windows. 15 years’ experience. References available phone 027 492 6220. Concrete-laying specialist. Shadbolt Concrete. Broom, Exposed and trowel finishes. Free quote call Ben Shadbolt 022 102 5700. Devonport upholstery. Recover specialist. Antiques and contemporary styles. Recycling furniture for 36 years. John Hancox. Phone: 446 0372. Custom-Made Lampshades An easy & effective way to update your interior decor!20yrs+ local known business serving commercial & residential customers, specialising in new creations or reviving old favourites & vintage. Free quote & design advice.Contact: Claire, Oscuro NZ Ltd on 021 0249 7428, oscurolampshades@gmail. com, www.oscuro.co.nz Devonport Window Repairs. Sash and casement windows, wooden doors. Rotten sills and window components repaired or replaced. General carpentry. For your local window specialist. Phone Hubert Strang 446 6174 or 021 274 4191. Gardening help? Call the WEEDS & WORMS team. Local, experienced, efficient, reliable. Free quotes. Jeni 021 951 153 or Kirstan 021 540 226. Gardener Available Qualified and experienced landscape designer. Enjoys getting his hands dirty. Good plant knowledge. Hard-working, reliable and creative with plantings. Contact Paddy 022 502 2122 or 446 6188, paddyvogt@gmail.com
FOR RENT Carport budget rental. Suit camp or boat in Spring St. Tel: 445 2978. Office / Creative Studio to rent. 163 Lake Road, Belmont. Contact: hello@ threadroom.co.nz REST HOMES Ascot House Retirement Home, quality care with dignity in a friendly, family atmosphere. Phone Shona, 445 2518. Komatua Care Centre – We care for older people who have memory loss and behavioural difficulties. Professional care is given in a nurturing environment. For all enquiries phone 445 1707. Palm Grove Rest Home: A non-institutional style home providing compassionate, holistic care. Soul food and good people. Call Sharon Byron-McKay: 445-0009. SALE – ART Art Sale: Saturday, 16th and 23rd November 2019, from 8am – 12pm. Art by Angelika Schuster Website: art.angelikaschuster.co.nz. Some artworks are sold by ‘Make an Offer’ others have a ‘Fixed Sales Price’. Location: 1/31 Fraser Rd, Narrow Neck. Please park on the roadside. Contact: 021 129 6372. SERVICES OFFERED A1 Handyman Excellent work, budget. No job too big or small. Josh: 021 261 8322. A1 Home cleaners Weekly/ fortnightly. Husband and wife. Honest, reliable, careful workers. All equipment supplied. Refs avail. Ph/txt Joyce on 022 073 1550.
SERVICES OFFERED
Gardening. Do you need regular help? No time for a tidy-up? Let me help. Experienced gardener. Ph Carolyn on 446 6517 or 027 292 8167 for a free on-site consultation. Gutter Guards / Gutter Cleaning LeafScreen Gutter Protection, Competitive Rates, Flagstaff discount. info@leafscreen.co.nz, 0800 LEAFLESS (53 23 53) Handyman. Mature professional in Devonport, Bayswater area. Repairs, painting, those jobs you just don’t have time to do. Free quote. References. Ph. Brian 021 150 8898. House/Pet Sitter. Mature woman. Very experienced. References & Police check. Please Contact: 021 071 6988. House plans, renovations, alterations, and sketch designs. 30 years experience in heritage area. First hour’s consultation free. Call Donn 021 273 9739. Housekeeper. Home cleaning, including windows. Experienced. References. Phone 442 2273, 027 492 6220. Jones electrical. Domestic and commercial electrician. Great rates, quick service. 020 4154 5904. Let me mow your lawns and trim your hedges. I live locally. Phone Chris from Lifestyle Plus on 09-488-7279 or 027245-6264. Or you can email me on chris@lifestyleplusltd. nz. References available. Locksmith, Devonport’s own Scott Richardson. Mob 021 976 607.
November 29, 2019 SERVICES OFFERED
TUITION
mint. HOME CLEANING Learn piano/keyboard. Your local cleaning couple Lessons from $19.00. Priis ready to deliver our 5-star vate, Professional, Affordshine to your home. For week- able, Enjoyment for all ly cleaning, Spring, Moving ages. Competitions, Pracor Open-Home cleans, and tical, Theory Exams. NZ a FREE quote, call Pat (09) Modern School of Music 415 0028. 0800-696-874.TUITION Rotten wooden joinery etc Learn the bagpipes! Berepaired by craftsman builders ginners of all ages welcome. using marine glues and fillers Contact Lewis at lewismacd@ and treated timber. Call Duane gmail.com or 021 182 0566. on 027 488 5478. Mathematics Tuition AvailSection services. Trees: pruned, removed. Hedg- able for years 9 to 13 by a es: trimmed, reduced. retired maths teacher. Phone S e c t i o n c l e a n - u p s . Graeme 445 8575. NCEA Maths Exam specialPh Dom 027 222 1223. Shadbolt Concrete. Local ist. 100% Student pass rate in Concrete layer. Small job 2018 for all my level 1 and specialist. Exposed, broom 3 students. Please ph Peter and trowel finishes. Call Ben 021 0817 5037.TUITION Shadbolt on 022 102 5700. Piano Lessons. Piano & Tagbuster, graffiti looked music theory tuition from trained piaafter Devonport to Hauraki classically Corner. Call the Tagbuster nist. Devonport-based and 0800antitag, 0800 2684 824. can travel to your home. Ph 021 079 0005 or email TUITION windarc.darius@gmail.com Adult beginners music: Primary Tutor Maths, C e l l o , p i a n o , t h e o r y. English, Health & WellE s p e c i a l l y t a i l o r e d . being and Drama for h a r m o n y m u s i c @ 5-11-year-olds. School hotmail.co.nz or Anne: prep also available. Visit www.gschuwertutoring.com 021 0306 436. Art Classes Devonport for further details. 027 410 Community House: Friday 6871 gschuwertutoring@ morning, mastering art. Ph: gmail.com Lucy Bucknall - 09 446 0389. Sewing Classes Learn the Bonjour! Visiting France? sewing essentials through A French student? Or a working on fun, creative projdevout Francophile? French ects. Classes to suit a range of tutoring - one-on-one or group ages and abilities. Get in touch: sessions. $40 per hour per hello@exhibit12.com or conperson. Call Vicky on 0274 tact Katie 021 124 2589 899 011. SLSS Swim School, 11 Guitar lessons. Private tuition Evan Street, Belmont (off in Bayswater, near the school, Eversleigh Road). Specialby experienced professional ists in preschoolers. Phone musician. Learn in a recording 486 6728 for more info. studio atmosphere. All ages, Vocal Coach Jenn Shelall levels. Phone: 022- 309 t o n , o ff e r i n g s i n g i n g 2272. lessons to all ages and abilities. Hauraki based. jenn.shelton@gmail.com
REAL ESTATE
Buying // Selling // Renting www.harcourtsdevonport.co.nz
Licensed Agent, REAA
COOPER & CO REAL ESTATE LIMITED MREINZ DEVONPORT
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Devonport Flagstaff
Our last issue for 2019 is Dec 13 Taking bookings now
November 29, 2019
RECOVER YOUR
LOUNGE SUITE
Professional Services
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 37
Devonport’s Locksmith SPECIALIST IN PROVIDING
• New keys for existing locks • Lock repairs • Installation
Call us for a free quotation and put the life back into that favourite chair or lounge suite
• Lock Hardware Contact Scott on IGNITE SOHO QUARTER LANEWAY TAKAPUNA, AUCKLAND
Assessment of Environmental Effects 03.07.2018
AWARD FURNITURE Phone COLIN on 480 5864
021 976 607 445 3064
72 Lake Road, Devonport
Call Sean Reeves for a free quote • Housewashing • Roof treatments • Waterblasting • Window cleaning bubbleboyshousewashing@gmail.com
Tax and advisory services for your business. Vision examinations Glaucoma checks Contact lenses and solutions Spectacle repairs Driver’s licence certificates
Arcade 85The Victoria Rd 6 Wynyard St, Devonport Devonport Phone 215 9178
Contact Mark Spooner Office: (09) 486 6099 Mobile: (021) 221 2348 mark@insightaccounting.co.nz www.insightaccounting.co.nz
Ovlov Marine Ltd • Full boating services • Repairs and maintenance • Expert advice • Free peninsula pickup • Mobile service available
NEW MOVIES Knives Out (M) 130 min
142 Beaumont Street, Westhaven Parking out front in loading zone
OOF
Ph (09) 377 4285 www.ovlov.co.nz
.
Member of the Real Estate Institute of NZ Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)
er: 179763
Real Estate Sales Fixed Commission!!
$15,000 plus GST Includes Advertising! 19 Years Selling Locally
Estate company offering a simple rnative for selling your property.
e. Full signage, colour flyers - all included
$10,000 plus GST
usands!!
h the Agent you list with
agent, who has been selling 5 including 10 years of ompany - Devonport Realty Ltd
www.sellingsimply.co.nz
Mobile : 0274 326 731
joe@sellingsimply.co.nz www.sellingsimply.co.nz
Joe Martin
0274 326 731 joe@sellingsimply.co.nz
Frozen II (PG) 104 min The Addams Family (PG) 87 min – ADVANCE SCREENINGS
RELEASE 28 NOV 28 NOV 30-31 NOV
The Addams Family (PG) 87 min
5 DEC
The Biggest Little Farm (E) 92 min
5 DEC
The Good Liar (R13) 110 min
5 DEC
Vita & Virginia (M) 110 min
5 DEC
In Safe Hands (Pupille) (M) 110 min
12 DEC
Playmobil (G) 100 min
12 DEC
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (M) 122 min
12 DEC
The Queen’s Corgi (PG) 85 min
12 DEC
SPECIALS CHEAP TUESDAY $10 Adult / $8 Child *EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
VENUE HIRE
FREE VENUE HIRE* Birthday parties, Private functions, Catering optional *minimum spend applies
LIVE SHOWS & SPECIAL EVENTS SUN 1
FROZEN II: DRESS-UP SCREENING – 2.40PM
FRI 6
DAVE WALKER – 8.00PM
DEC DEC
Join us for a Special Dress Up Screening of Frozen II. Come along as your favourite Frozen character and enter our special prize draw! Dave Walker’s Acoustic Lounge live show is back for a one-off Christmas show!
48 Victoria Road | (09) 446 0100 | info@thevic.co.nz
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 38
November 29, 2019
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 39
November 29, 2019
Vanishing seat reappears
Resting easy…The Vic’s Philipp Jaser christens the newly arrived seat
Memorable Christmas gifts for the whole family
A ‘seat with a view’ in a small park at the top of Victoria Rd, which disappeared earlier this year, has been replaced, to the delight of the manager of nearby The Vic theatre, Philipp Jaser. Jaser was annoyed when his favourite spot for a break or meeting went mysteriously AWOL back in May. Questions from the Flagstaff initially led to a denial the seat had gone. Then Auckland Council found records the seat was removed as it had deteriorated and become unsafe. Now the seat has been replaced by an apparently recycled and slightly longer one, but Jaser isn’t complaining. “I’m very happy to see it back,” he says, adding the older style of seat fits well with the character of Devonport.
Remember that November event
DEVONPORTCHOCOLATES.CO.NZ 17 WYNYARD ST, DEVONPORT SHOP 34, QUEENS ARCADE, 34 -40 QUEEN ST
An event to celebrate women voting in New Zealand for the first time, on 28 November 1893, will be held this weekend. Remember that November will be held at Devonport Library at 2 pm on 1 December. Music, speakers and memories are on offer. Contact: ruth.calliope@gmail.com or 021 169 7638.
The Devonport Flagstaff Page 40
Takapuna SCHOOL NEWS
Special Awards 2019 CONTINUED FROM 15 NOVEMBER EX-PUPILS’ SCHOLARSHIP Recognises a student in the senior school to support him or her to return to school the following year. It acknowledges unstinting diligence, participation and co-operation. Tayla Davis THE TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP One year further study awarded to a student who has used the opportunties Takapuna Grammar School affords for personal growth and international experience. Mai Thanh Van (Jade) Nguyen ROWAN NICKS SCHOLARSHIP Further academic study at tertiary level to a student who has achieved in top 10% for two sciences and who is also studying an arts subject. Phoebe Peng WARREN MASON SCHOLARSHIP Further academic study at tertiary level for a student achieving at the highest level in mathematics and science. Libby Lord THE DORACE MASON SCHOLARSHIP To recognise a student who is achieving at the highest level in Science. Zoe Martin THE PTA ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD Recognition of a student who has persevered and shown resilience to achieve personal excellence. Reina Stilwell (jointly) Aloi Moataane (jointly) MASSEY UNIVERSITY VICE-CHANCELLOR’S HIGH ACHIEVER SCHOLARSHIP Anna Videler Kyle Hensel James Arrowsmith MASSEY UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL FUTURE LEADERS SCHOLARSHIP Talisha Green VICTORIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL LEAVER EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP Tangiwai Scholarship Carina Oliver Tangiwai Scholarship Madeliene Malone Tangiwai Scholarship India Worsnop Tangiwai Scholarship Sylvie Porter Tangiwai Scholarship Emily Handyside AUT VICE-CHANCELLOR’S ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP AUT SCHOOL LEAVER KIWI Amy Pullen-Burry AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF ARTS AWARD Outstanding achievement in Geography and History Tayla Wheeler
AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY TOP ACHIEVER SCHOLARSHIP Top Scholar Zoe Martin Top Scholar Libby Lord Top Scholar Phoebe Peng Top Scholar Faith Poppelwell CANTERBURY UNIVERSITY GO CANTERBURY MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Zachary Jones CANTERBURY UNIVERSITY EMERGING LEADERS SCHOLARSHIP Jessica Hamlin OTAGO UNIVERSITY VICE-CHANCELLOR’S SCHOLARSHIP Anya Fry OTAGO UNIVERSITY MAORI ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP Patience Davis OTAGO UNIVERSITY NEW FRONTIERS ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP Ella Claridge OTAGO UNIVERSITY VICE-CHANCELLOR’S SCHOLARSHIP Isabella Dunleavy OTAGO UNIVERSITY LEADERS OF TOMORROW Katherine Daniels OTAGO UNIVERSITY PERFORMANCE ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP Montana Cooper UNIVERSITY OF NSW WARRANE COLLEGE LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP Volkan Ozyurteri VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP For further study in Primary Industry Harrison Free 2007 PREFECTS CUP Recognition of Service as a School Prefect Jessica Hamlin 2013 LEGACY CUP Year 13 Student Worthy of Recognition for Service to the School Felicity Lewis 2019 HEAD BOY IAN GRAY MEMORIAL TROPHY Ethan Dawes 2019 HEAD GIRL BATTERSBY CUP Carina Oliver 2019 DEPUTY HEAD BOY Emre (Volkan) Ozyurteri 2019 DEPUTY HEAD GIRL Nadia Veljanovska 2020 DEPUTY HEAD BOY Connor Cowie Will Dalzell 2020 DEPUTY HEAD GIRL Tayla Wheeler Libby Easterbrook
November 29, 2019
Grammar NOV 29, 2019
Libby Lord, Academic Excellence in Year 13 and Dux of the School
2020 HEAD BOY Jake Avram
2020 HEAD GIRL Catherine Fairbairn 1970 PREFECTS CUP Sportsman of the Year Evan Williams SANDIE WILTSHIRE CUP Sportswoman of the Year Nina Edgar CLEVERDON CUP All Round Effort and School Spirit in Year 11 Sean Brownlow WHITE CUP All Round Effort and School Spirit in Year 12 Jake Avram SPOONER CUP Best School Spirit Overall in Year 13 Emre (Volkan) Ozyurteri JUNE SPOONER AWARD Academic Excellence Year 11 Andrew Crotty ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME YEAR 12 Ella Schenkel JUNE SPOONER AWARD Academic Excellence Year 12 Evelyn Campbell
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME YEAR 13 (JACKIE ROGERS CUP) Vu Bach Nguyen SUMMA CUM LAUDE Academic Excellence Year 13 Suyeon Kim Academic Excellence Year 13 Phoebe Peng Academic Excellence Year 13 Anna Videler Academic Excellence Year 13 Zoe Martin Academic Excellence Year 13 Vu Bach Nguyen JUNE SPOONER AWARD Academic Excellence in Year 13 and Proxime Accessit Faith Poppelwell THE DUX CUP Academic Excellence in Year 13 and Dux of the School Elisabeth (Libby) Lord
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November 29, 2019
Takapuna SCHOOL NEWS
Grammar NOV 29, 2019
f rom the WRAP-UP OF RECENT TGS SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT
Zephyr Lovelock, Junior Sportsperson of the Year, at the recent Co-curricular Awards Evening
HOCKEY TAINE KEARNY and FELIX BLANCHARD were part of the U15B North Harbour Hockey boys team that won the North Harbour Hockey Championship Team of the Year at the recent Harbour Hockey awards. Their team won the U15 Northern Region tournament in the October holidays (undefeated). SAILING TGS student CARRINGTON BRADY is being mentored by the world’s best navigators, in the wake of her famous yachtie dad. Carrington helped guide the trimaran, Beau Geste, on a record-breaking quest between Auckland and the Bay of Islands in the Coastal Classic race. They set a new race record, sprinting the 119 nautical miles in 5 hours and 37 seconds – not too much longer than it would take to drive a family car that distance – and shaving 12 minutes off the old record. Awesome! VOLLEYBALL Junior Super League has come to an end with an amazing effort put up by all our junior teams. A huge congratulations to MAAKI MURI and BILLY EDGSON who were selected in the Junior Harbour Tournament team! Well done boys. TENNIS TGS boys yellow and TGS boys blue both had 6-0 wins again this week. We have a strong and growing group of tennis players at the school, which is great to see. MASSEY UNIVERSITY HARBOUR SPORT AWARDS TGS Year 9 student ZEPHYR LOVELOCK was invited to the prestigious Harbour Sport Awards night as a nominee for Junior Sportsman of the Year, despite his age. Zephyr has a huge list of achievements, including first place in the U16 Boardercross, the Slopestyle and the Halfpipe at the National Snowsports Championships. Zephyr is the NZ National Snowboard champion in the U16 men’s age group, retaining this title each year from 2014–2019. Invited to represent NZ in the Winter Games, he competed in the Snowboard International Cup in both Slopestyle and Halfpipe placing 11th in Halfpipe, and finishing overall as the highest placed NZ athlete (despite being 14yrs). Finally, he has been asked to join the NZ Olympic Development Squad – the youngest athlete to have ever been asked.
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November 29, 2019
Combined Churches
of
Devonport & Belmont
present
COMMUNITY CAROL SINGING Thursday 12th December
at Holy Trinity Church Fun starts at 6.00pm Bring a picnic. There will be a sausage sizzle and ice-creams
Carols Start at 7.00pm LOCAL CHURCH CHRISTMAS SERVICE TIMES HOLY TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH 20 Church St Ph: 445-0328
DEVONPORT METHODIST CHURCH Cnr Lake and Owens Roads Ph 445-6801
A Service of Christmas Reflections
Christmas Eve 7.30pm Celebrating Christmas
19th December 6.00pm
Christmas Day 9.30am All-age celebration service
(When Christmas is not the jolliest of times for you)
Christmas Eve 5.00pm 1st Christingle Service 7.00pm 2nd Christingle Service 10.30pm Community Carols 11.00pm Midnight Eucharist Christmas Day 8.00am Traditional Eucharist 9.30am All Age Communion 11.30am Christmas Lunch
Free event but bookings essential
THE LIGHT DEVONPORT CHURCH 90a Victoria Road Ph 445-1580
Christmas Celebration Service Sunday 22nd December 10.00am Everyone welcome
St FRANCIS de SALES & ALL SOULS CATHOLIC CHURCH 2a Albert Road Ph 445-0078
Christmas Eve 5.30 Vigil Mass 11.30pm Carols service and Midnight Mass Christmas Day 9.00am Mass ST LUKE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH Cnr Bayswater & Rosyth Aves, Bayswater
ST MARGARET’S BELMONT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 151 Lake Road Ph 445-0018
Christmas Eve—24th December 9.00pm Christmas Eve Service Christmas Day 9.00am Christmas Service
Ph 489-6338
Christmas Eve 5.00pm Carols Service 5.30pm Christmas Vigil Mass The Church Leaders from the Devonport / Belmont Ministers’ Association would like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday.
November 29, 2019
Opinion
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A case for halting tree-felling across Auckland’s volcanic mountains By Michelle Androu As I write this, it is day10 of the protest on Owairaka/Mount Albert, and I have spent three of those days keeping them company, listening to their stories and reasons why they are making such a stand against the felling of 345 mature exotic trees on the mountain. According to the Tūpuna Maunga Authority’s Integrated Management Plan, all trees on this mountain that are not native and deemed a pest species will go. Residents and Auckland citizens had seven days’ notice after a plan drawing was erected at the gated entrance showing the native trees as white dots and the exotic trees as yellow dots. The yellow dots are to be felled. They include oaks, flame trees, ancient and rare olives, magnolia, wattle, poplar, majestic eucalyptus (two varieties), flowering cherry, giant mature cherry trees, hawthorn (which is taped off due to nesting tuis) and other species of tree that no one can, as yet, identify. This is not “Vegetation Restoration” as the signage states — it is a massacre. My interest was initially sparked by the protest and what it would mean for Takarunga/Mount Victoria. So, I decided to visit Mount Albert and the so-labelled “old rabble-rousers” to see exactly what is going on. What I have found is a highly sophisticated and knowledgeable, organised grass-roots movement of every age and background, from local residents and beyond. Everyone is quietly busy doing something: answering questions from curious visitors, showing people around the mountain and the various tree species and generally managing, with grace and sincerity, what is actually an incredible exercise in ecological protection and preservation. Here also is a veritable forest, natives and exotics side by side, a peaceful and healthy ecosystem that is doing just fine. The magnificent high canopy, which native birds so love and thrive in, needs to be seen to be believed, and I have sighted more tuis here on Mount Albert in these three days than in my whole lifetime. It is bird-breeding and fledgling season (September to February), and Mount Albert is a throng of frolicking and mating birds, the vast majority native. If it was not for the protesters here who, so far, have afforded protection, the place would be a devastated mess and the birdlife degraded and scattered. Is this really the way we want to do things? Very soon, there will be a notice like this one erected, probably at the gate entrance of Takarunga/Mount Victoria, informing locals that felling of exotic trees will begin. And this will happen for every volcanic-cone maunga across Auckland. If you haven’t taken a walk around Mount Victoria lately, I suggest you do and take in the visual splendour of the mighty oak trees: it may be the last you see of them. They are considered a pest species by the authority. Mount Victoria is well known to Aucklanders for its oak trees, the lush emerald green foliage. They are robust, healthy and have a character and beauty all of their own. The root system of the oak has a wide, complex spread and a deep tap
Tree-protection history… Michelle Androu as she appeared on the front page of the Flagstaff in 2002, preventing the felling of trees on New Zealand Defence Force land root, which serves to prevent erosion, especially during heavy rainfall. Thus, oak trees can easily weather storms and even drought conditions, unlike many species, which is why they have prospered on Mount Victoria. There are other, some unidentified, exotic tree species on Mount Victoria and many large, valuable natives, like the puriri and pohutakawa. It is apparent that every volcanic mountain cone in Auckland has a different variety of native and exotic trees. So why exactly are so many huge mature trees being cut down on all 14 mountains across Auckland in the name of restoration? There is great support to carry out native planting and ample space on every mountain perfect for saplings. However, New Zealand’s large native tree varieties are among the slowest trees in the world to grow and reach maturity, and may take at least 100-150 years to match existing canopy heights on Mount Albert and the other Auckland maunga. In the meantime, if these mature, deep-rooted trees are lost, we surely risk the erosion and waste of precious
top soil from the notoriously heavy rainfall Auckland endures? Felling existing exotics, which serve our planet so well, is destructive to the ecology and fauna and unethical in this day and age. How can any group justify such carnage? For Mount Wellington, Pigeon and Mangere mountains, it is too late. Hundreds of trees have just been felled there in the past weeks. I feel, like many others, the puritanical approach the Tupuna Maunga Authority has imposed for all of Auckland’s most valuable maunga regarding these trees is misguided, disrespectful, out of step with sound environmental practice and should stop now. I call upon Auckland Council and The Tupuna Maunga Authority to immediately halt all tree-felling on all the maunga of Auckland until the people of this city know what is going on. I also ask the Devonport and wider Auckland community, if they are interested, to take time to visit those most reasoned and courageous people who are the first to make a stand on the unique and beautiful Owairaka/Mount Albert.
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Taitamariki Hall
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November 29, 2019
Peninsula schools perform at Onepoto Cultural Festival
Girls and boys in blue… Devonport Primary students get set to go on stage
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November 29, 2019
Grinning and baring it‌ forty-five children from Stanley Bay School took part in the festival. The 27th annual cultural festival, hosted on 22 November by Onepoto Primary School in Northcote, saw groups from across the North Shore performing Kapa Haka and traditional dances from a range of cultures.
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November 29, 2019
Flying high at Hauraki School
Springing into action…was Connor Dick (9) at the Hauraki School Twilight Fair, which attracted 3000 people and raised around $55,000 towards a replacement school pool
Interest rates heading lower With interest rates trending lower both globally and locally, investors who require regular income are facing a dilemma as to how to structure their investments in this new and unfamiliar investment environment. They have three main choices: • Reduce their income needs and adjust their lifestyle • Start to use some capital to top up the shortfall • Look for alternative investment options At this point in the cycle, some investors may seek out
riskier investments in order to produce a return that provides them with the level of income they require. However riskier investments offer a potential of higher returns because they carry a greater risk. It is wise for anyone considering this option to take professional advice which is something Jenny and Pip can assist with. Investing in shares and bonds often carries more risk than investing in bank term deposits, but the ability to diversify creates an opportunity to reduce that risk. Just like owning rental property, investing in financial markets offers potential for
income and capital gain. Jenny and Pip draw on the wide expertise and experience of Forsyth Barr’s team of award-winning strategists and analysts to build portfolios of investments that offer returns which take account of risk. To do this they assess their client’s needs and capacity for risk, and structure tailored portfolios that reflect those requirements. At all times they consider the quality, liquidity and
diversification attributes of the securities that make up the whole portfolio. We look forward to discussing how our investment services can work for you. Pip Irwin and Jenny Smith are Authorised Financial Advisers with Forsyth Barr, North Shore. To arrange a meeting to discuss your investment objectives in confidence, call (09) 368 0150 or email ns@forsythbarr.co.nz
(09) 368 0150 forsythbarr.co.nz This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements for Forsyth Barr Authorised Financial Advisers are available on request and free of charge.
NSH5081-36 © Forsyth Barr Limited November 2019
Pip Irwin Jenny Smith
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November 29, 2019
200 fewer vermin on North Head thanks to volunteers Volunteer trappers have taken nearly 200 rats and mice off Maungauika/North Head in the past two years, and plan to step up the campaign in the coming year. Neighbours and regular users of the maunga report that since the trapping started there are more birds, and the team of volunteers is keen to try new ways of moving towards the long-term objective of making the area pest-free. That has been made easier by the management of Maungauika/ North Head shifting from the Department of Conservation (DoC) to the Tupuna Maunga Authority, which has provided more resources for pest-control efforts on the maunga. Among the ideas planned are: • Installing self-setting traps on parts of the maunga that are difficult to reach. • Trialling baits other than the usual peanut butter – such as chocolate peanut butter and chocolate sauce – following research by the grandson of one of the trappers indicating that chocolate is the smell most attractive to rats. • Utilising alternative control methods to avoid rodents from becoming bait shy. • Adopting monitoring tools, such as chew cards and tracking tunnels, to discover the presence or absence of pests. • Using certified DoC rat dogs to aid in strategic trapping placements. Early next year, the team also hopes to get more people living near maunga to install traps, to create a pest-free ‘halo’ to reduce re-infestation. On streets, such as Jubilee Ave, the extension of King Edward Pde, Takarunga Rd, Macky Ave and Cheltenham Ave, several homes have traps, following an earlier leaflet drop. But in March 2020, the plan is to go door to door to try to get a more solid barrier of traps around the hill. Anyone living in those streets who is happy to have a trap can contact Restoring Takarunga Hauraki coordinator Lance Cablk at pestfreedevonport@gmail.com. Cablk would also like to hear from anyone interested in supporting the trapping effort on a regular basis or taking part in the door-to-door effort to get more traps installed around the maunga.
IMPROVED LOUNGE CINEMA AT THE VIC The lounge cinema on the ground floor of The Vic is being upgraded. We are installing an acoustic wall to make the cinema quieter and enhance the movie experience for our audiences. This quirky, cosy 25-seat cinema is a favourite with audiences and popular for private movie parties and birthdays.
Scratch patch... Lance Cablk checks cards for evidence of rodents
A new dedicated gelato area is also being built to house Devonport Gelato’s new gelato kitchen. The new equipment will produce an even better product that is 100 percent hand-made on-site. Recipes are traditional Italian-inspired, with favourites being dairy-free chocolate, raspberry sorbet, salted caramel, and pistachio. A special white chocolate with blue sprinkles will celebrate Disney’s Frozen II movie season.
We have a brand-new website! Go to the victheatretrust.org.nz to find out about our foyer restoration project. Donating to the project is easy on our website or givealittle page. Live at The Vic Sat 30 November Lloyd Cole – From Rattlesnakes to Guesswork Tour
Hound up… dogs eager to go on a search for vermin
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
Ian Cunliffe & Diana Murray
IAN CUNLIFFE 027 227 9322 DIANA MURRAY 021 911 522 Rat-catcher… Jim Eagles
LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
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November 29, 2019
BELMONT | 48 SEACLIFFE AVENUE | Classic Coastal Masterpiece Timelessly traditional and freshly contemporary this family home offers perfection from the incredible panoramic views and a huge selection of spaces resulting the finest of family living. Enjoy the magnificent master suite and parents lounge, a further three bedrooms, formal and informal dining, formal and informal living spaces, office, media room, spa pool and wine cellar. Your classic coastal family masterpiece of a home awaits you now!
LEWIS GUY 021 867 355 LewisGuy@premium.co.nz TAKAPUNA 916 6000
PREMIUM.CO.NZ/9886 VIEW | PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TENDER CLOSES | 19 DECEMBER 2019 AT 4 PM UNLESS SOLD PRIOR BY PRIVATE TREATY
DEVONPORT | 15A ASCOT AVENUE | A Contemporary Sanctuary Rarely does a property of this nature come to the market, boasting attention to detail and beautifully considered for modern day living. Offset by the smart vertical construction, what lies beneath is a contemporary spacious home. Two generous bedrooms, one occupies the entire upper level complete with office and grandstand views. Surrounded by easy care gardens, the main living spaces are light and airy with superb outdoor connection. This is a property worth exploring, offering the conveniences of a lifestyle frequently sought.
KIM PAUSINA 021 201 7488 KimPausina@premium.co.nz DEVONPORT 445 3414
PREMIUM.CO.NZ/60588 VIEW | SAT/SUN 1.15 - 2 PM & WED 11 DEC 5.45 - 6.30 PM EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | 12 DECEMBER 2019 AT 4 PM UNLESS SOLD PRIOR
p re m iu m.co.n z | Fin e Homes | Fin e A pa rt m e n t s | Fin e L if e s t y le s PREMIUM REAL ESTATE LTD LICENSED REA 2008