Eastern Times February 27 2026

Resident wants fast action taken over intersection

„ By CHRIS HARROWELL

Alocal senior citizen is asking for action to be taken to address what he says is a problematic intersection at a block of shops in east Auckland.

Les Crawley was driving his vehicle up the driveway at Stevenson Village in Botany Road, opposite Howick Intermediate School, at about 4.30pm on a recent Thursday afternoon.

He was behind another village resident and when he approached the top of the driveway he looked left and right and began to merge into Botany Road.

To the right of the driveway is the exit of a car park in front of a block of shops and eateries at the intersection of Ridge Road, Pakuranga Road and Botany Road.

“As I went to go, I saw someone come through here [the car park] and I’m not kidding, he was going bloody fast,” Crawley says. “I would say 40km/h to 50km/h at least. It was a Volkswagen Golf. I just caught this vision, so I braked. It was probably just past where the cycle lane is, so I wasn’t even right out in the road. He [the Golf driver] never even looked left.

“He went past slightly in front of me. In my mind this is an accident waiting to happen. If I’d been a little bit further out, I might not be

here now. It needs something done about it.”

Crawley believes the driver of the Volkswagen had cut through the car park in front of the block of shops. He’s seen it happen before and says impatient drivers don’t want to stop and wait at the red traffic signal when travelling along Ridge Road and heading left into Botany Road.

“Since I had that I’m much more aware of it. Other people probably wouldn’t be.”

Crawley sent an email to the local electorate office of Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown to share his concerns. He’s worried about the safety of school pupils who walk across the car park to get to the shops in case drivers using it as a cut-through are travelling too fast.

“The kids from the school, they press that button [at the traffic lights], which stops the lights, and they walk across [the road].

“The only way they can go is to cross the car park, but there’s no pedestrian crossing and they can’t change their mind, they can’t walk anywhere else. As we’re getting more and more traffic and people are getting more impatient, I’m scared for them.”

Crawley would like to see a large speed hump placed at the entry of the car park so motorists must slow down upon entry.

“The existing one doesn’t stop anybody as it’s quite flat,” he says.

He also wonders if a traffic signal can be installed to prevent motorists from

entering the car park when it’s red. A spokesperson for Auckland Transport (AT) says the agency hasn’t received any public requests about the issue at the service lane in front of the shops in the last five years.

“There are already two speed humps along this short section of service lane, and with the frequent vehicle manoeuvres from the parking spaces, passing traffic should already be discouraged from using the service lane or travelling at speed.

“Therefore, AT does not have any current plan to make changes to the service lane. Changes to the service lane would potentially impact customer access to the shops so would need support from the businesses and wider community.”

Editor Chris Harrowell

027 404 1512 chrish@times.co.nz

PJ (Phil) Taylor 021 644 923 phil@times.co.nz

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Community Comments

DOG-WALKER ASSAULTED BY MALES NEAR EAST

AUCKLAND PLAYGROUND (Times), February 17:

Parichart Sawekthanon – How is that happen? East Auckland not safe anymore.

Jodie Murray – Omg wouldn’t the dogs have attacked to protect the owner.

Monique Haagh – We need more community watch from police.

RESIDENT FIRES UP OVER ROAD CHANGES IN EAST

AUCKLAND (Times), February 17:

David Bousfield – I’m an e-scooter user, one of my favourite trips is along The Parade. Pram crossings are appreciated.

Doug Wickham – So what are the death and accident figures at the moment?

Warwick Neilson – Why?

How many accidents/injuries to pedestrians have occurred on the roads effected? Ever! How many was that? AT seem to just spend money for [the] sake of it. Can’t they just go away! Calming measures! Really?! I need a calming measure after reading this nonsense.

A Baileys perhaps?

Marisa Bramwell – Many of us are very happy and appreciative to know safety improvements are on the way.

Carl Chambers – I’m a resident here and I’m really pleased safety improvements are being done here, it’s only a matter of time until someone gets run over by a speeding driver and then everyone will complain even more, every other beach area has speed calming measures. Because speed humps

are installed on the other local beaches it’s even worse here now. There’s lots of families with kids in this area they just don’t go out riding bikes etc because it’s too dangerous. I think we need more speed humps, bigger ones and a few speed cameras that’ll slow people down.

Jill Jones – We have been begging for calming measure and speed humps on Point View Drive – rural road, gravel berm, mostly no footpath, speedsters taking short cuts to avoid all Chapel Road lights. There are numerous accidents of cars into power poles and fences and yet “there is no budget”. No accidents in Bucklands Beach. Like all the quiet streets in Herne Bay which have had oodles of traffic calming measures installed when residents did not want them.

Wait begins for new maps

„ By PJ TAYLOR

Residents and ratepayers will have to wait to see what the revised Plan Change 120 (PC120) property zoning maps will look like for the city.

Following the Government’s announcement on February 19 that it will reduce the amount of “enabled capacity” for future property planning in Auckland Council’s Unitary Plan (AUP) from two million to 1.6m residences, city planners are now awaiting further instructions.

After last Thursday’s speech by Housing Minister Chris Bishop to the Committee for Auckland, which was live broadcast on the Eastern Times’ Facebook page, the Times has been asking the council when the new maps, scaled down to where 1.6m new properties could be developed in the future in the region, will be revealed for public viewing and consultation.

The council’s policy, planning and governance director, Megan Tyler, says its focus throughout has been on giving Aucklanders a chance to have a say on the proposed planning rules.

“The council acknowledges the Government’s revised approach, and decision to adopt a more flexible capacity requirement.

“Once we have a more detailed understanding of what’s being proposed and any timeframes, we will

his

share more information on what these changes mean for PC120 and Aucklanders.

“More than 10,000 Aucklanders have made a submission on this plan so far. Auckland Council will continue to ensure Auckland’s communities are fairly represented throughout this process,” Tyler says.

On February 19, Bishop said: “Cabinet has agreed to legislate to soften the housing capacity equivalent requirement. Right now, the AUP enables capacity of 1.2m additional homes.

“The Government’s view is that 1.6m is the midpoint between the 1.2m housing capacity enabled by the AUP, and the 2m that would have been enabled by PC120, as currently notified.

“This reduction is significant and strikes an appropriate balance between those Aucklanders concerned

about densification, and those who wish to see more growth.”

Earlier in his speech, Bishop said: “To dispel the myth – PC120 would not mean 2m more houses would get built.

“PC120 also won’t mean houses getting built without appropriate infrastructure.

“In fact, PC120 focuses development on areas served by huge, city-shaping infrastructure investments like City Rail Link, the Central Interceptor, and hundreds of millions being spent on three waters upgrades.

“To be frank, the 2m number was a red herring that transformed into a lightning rod,” he said.

“It’s clear a lot of Aucklanders are concerned about what growth means for them. That’s completely understandable.

“People want to know that

their suburbs will continue to be liveable. This is what Government wants too.

“This kind of angst in Auckland isn’t helpful for our housing goals. We need people to come with us on the journey of more capacity and more housing.

“We hear you and we’re ready to act,” Bishop said.

The council explains PC120 “is a change to Auckland’s planning rules”.

“It meets central government direction to enable increased building heights around five Western Line train stations: Maungawhau, Kingsland, Morningside, Baldwin Avenue, and Mt Albert.

“It also had to meet central government direction to enable the same housing capacity as its predecessor, Plan Change 78 – this has now been eased.”

Full story at www.times.co.nz

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Riverside carnival arrives on tide

„ By PJ TAYLOR

An always popular family-oriented summer event is promising “magic, water activities and entertainment”, say organisers.

The Rotary Club of Pakuranga is again bringing families together for its vibrant Community Carnival on Sunday, March 8, from 11am to 3pm, at the picturesque riverside Farm Cove Reserve in Bramley Drive, next to Pakuranga Sailing Club.

Sponsored by the Howick Local Board and by dedicated Rotary Club members with support from Pakuranga College’s Interact Club students, the free-entry event is designed to give local families with young children a perfect summer day out, say organisers.

“It’s a great event to bring together local families,” say organisers, who have planned an “exciting mix of entertainment and activities to suit all ages”.

“Children will be delighted by two free magic shows through the day, while face-painting, pony rides, bouncy castles, epic slides,

a Ferris wheel, coconut shy and animal cycles will be available for a small charge or $2 gold-coin donation.

“A highlight of this year’s carnival is the water activ-

Back behind the wheel

Three weeks after handing in his keys, Terence was back behind the wheel of another Scania. His wife still won’t let him forget she was right.

For 15 years, the 66-yearold had driven heavy haulage. But inside the cab, his body was telling him to stop.

Years ago, Terence had crashed a motorcycle and severely damaged his left knee. The joint had never quite felt right.

Driving a truck isn’t like driving a car. The clutch is heavy. For Terence, every push sent him a reminder through his knee.

“I was exhausted,” he admits. “I just felt beaten.”

One stormy night, he had finally had enough. He handed in his keys and walked away.

At home, his wife had ordered him a bottle of Koru FX.

“I wasn’t interested,” Terence laughs. “But she insisted.”

One morning, he applied the cream to his knee. That afternoon, an old mate rang needing someone to cover a shift.

“I thought, ‘Perfect. If this cream is useless, I’ll know by tonight.’”

He climbed into the cab. Pushed the clutch.

ities programme, perfectly timed to take advantage of the high tide on the Tamaki River,” say organisers.

“The Farm Cove Scouts, Young Mariners, and Pakuranga Sailing Club will be hosting kayaking, sailing and other water-based activities, providing children with a fantastic opportunity to discover what local youth groups have to offer.

“On a fine summer’s day, it’s a beautiful place to spend time,” say organisers, highlighting the reserve’s scenic waterfront location. “No carnival would be complete without tasty treats, and visitors can enjoy classic festival fare including sausage sizzles, ice creams, candy floss, popcorn, and a variety of food and drinks stalls.”

The Pakuranga Community Carnival is easily accessible via the main gate at 38A Bramley Drive, in Farm Cove, or by using the Rotary Walkway.

The knee responded.

“I did a full day’s work,” he says. “Got out and could move freely. Nothing.”

Now he is back doing what he loves. Koru FX is a major part of his morning routine.

“My wife won’t let me forget she was right. But I don’t mind. I’m back in the truck.”

Building on college’s successes

„ By PJ TAYLOR

Afirst-time secondary school principal is excited by the challenge ahead and keen to build on the great work that’s gone on before his arrival.

Andrew Mackenzie is the new principal at Sancta Maria College in Flat Bush, commencing at the beginning of this school year. He arrives from a senior teaching role at Macleans College, where he had two stints in the faculty – before and after time spent overseas.

As well as being his first principal appointment, it’s Mackenzie’s first in a Catholic school.

He grew up in the St John’s and St Helier’s Bay areas of Auckland, gaining his own Catholic education at Sacred Heart College in Glendowie.

“Most of my [teaching] career has been in the state system and overseas, but I’ve always wanted to return to the Catholic education system that I grew up with,” Mackenzie tells the Times

“I was at Macleans College for a long time. I started my teaching career there and left and returned and now have moved on and come here.”

He went with the blessing

of his former Macleans College workmates, including Steve Hargreaves, the principal there.

“Steve’s a great boss and colleague and has been very supportive as has the board and the team there.”

Mackenzie succeeds Louise Moore at Sancta Maria College and has been very happy with the transition into the higher leadership role.

“The community and staff have been very welcoming. I feel a part of the community already,” he says. “I wanted to return to the Catholic education system and thought this was a good fit. Having worked up the road [at Macleans], it’s a co-ed school.

“This a Catholic co-ed school. It’s got a similar parent community with high expectations. I was very pleased when the opportunity came up.”

Mackenzie says Sancta Maria College’s future is “definitely continuing its academic focus”.

“We recently had our NCEA results. They’re very good. Excellent pass rates. We want to continue with that.

“But to continue to build what I call well-rounded

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students. So that’s academic focus, but also of course our faith special character focus with our strong pastoral care, which is very strong, and co-curricular, sport, performing arts and drama.

“I want to continue to improve them and allow our students to flourish.

“It’s a good set up here. It’s 20 years old, still quite a young school. It’s still ripe for development and growth.”

The Sancta Maria College roll numbers just under 1000 students in years 7 to 13.

They predominantly come from the junior Catholic schools in east Auckland – neighbouring Sancta Maria Primary, Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Howick, and St Mark’s in Pakuranga.

“We have a very strong relationship with St Luke’s, the local church and parish, and a very strong connection with the primary schools, so building on those relationships will be important,”

Mackenzie says.

“I want every Catholic student in our area to come to Sancta Maria College. Come to your local school. It’s a co-ed school. Life’s co-ed.

“We want to continue the great academic and educational standards, walking with your faith. Being a teacher means you’re also a learner. I love that. Every day is different. You’re working with people, whether it be staff, parents or teenagers.

“That’s what makes life interesting, dealing with people. And whether it be motivating or offering them opportunities, I just love that part of education and it’s good for me as well as it’s good for our community.”

Mackenzie also welcomes recent initiatives of the Ministry of Education.

“The changes that have been indicated and coming from the ministry are really good.”

People flock to yacht club’s Open Day

„ By CHRIS HARROWELL

A woman in her late 70s and who’s keen to learn to sail is one of the hundreds of people who attended Bucklands Beach Yacht Club’s (BBYC) successful public Open Day on Sunday.

The community event got under way at 11am and featured a wide range of activities for people of all ages as the Club’s popular Boat Shed restaurant served delicious meals throughout the day.

There were kids’ games, the chance to learn how to tie a knot, face-painting, raffles, Howick Police constable Steve Webb in his police vehicle, a fire truck and demonstrations by firefighters, and crews from the Howick Volunteer Coastguard and police maritime vessel Deodar.

There was also information available for people interested in the Club’s Learn to Sail programme. Numer-

Among the people helping to run Bucklands Beach Yacht Club’s Open Day were, from left, vice commodore Chris Marsh, commodore Vaughan Hunt, and club manager Lyle Tresadern. Times photo

ous local organisations and businesses had stalls set up including the Lions Club, The Marina Brokerage, Milford Asset Management, Team Michael Ellse at Ray White, and the Eastern Times

BBYC club manager Lyle Tresadern says: “We want to engage the public in understanding a bit about the Bucklands Beach Yacht

Club and what we do. I’d say by the end of the day we’d have had 600 or 700 [people through], or maybe more.

“We have a sailing centre that’s separate from this club, but obviously we’ve got the boats out there today so people can experience going out on a yacht and getting a feel for it, and as they register for that they’re getting informa-

LEARN HOW TO PAINT IN

Classes starting

Howick (Saturdays and Tuesdays) Kohimarama (Thursdays).

tion for when the Learn to Sail programme is on.

“Then there’s the adult side of it too. They can learn to sail and people are never too old to get interested it and pick the sport up. There’s a marina there and we’ve got launch owners within the club, so it’s not just sailing.”

BBYC commodore Vaughan Hunt says among those present at the event were people taking part in the upcoming Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay’s Bangers to Bluff charity car rally.

“We’ve got some raffles going and we’re trying to do some fundraising.

“This is ultimately a membership drive. We open up our doors to promote ourselves and this is our opportunity for everybody to wander through and see what an exceptional venue their community has.”

• Check out more photos from the Open Day on pages 62-63.

Email: lorraine@thevillageartclasses.co.nz Website: www.thevillageartclasses.co.nz > Full story at

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Casting lines for distraction

„ By PJ TAYLOR

An action-packed day out for children suffering from cancer is launching again on the Pohutukawa Coast.

Barfoot and Thompson real estate agent Mike Deverell, of Beachlands, has organised the exciting annual CanFish fishing competition since 2022 in conjunction with Canteen, the organisation supporting Kiwi youth impacted by cancer.

“This is my fifth year of organising the event,” says Deverell. “After this year we will have fundraised more than $100,000 in prizes and taken over 150 teenagers, from Canteen, out for a day of distraction and fun.

“Canteen is a mental health charity that helps teenagers affected by cancer.

These kids could have cancer or someone in their family has or has had cancer.

“The event I organise is a little different from most. All the money fundraised goes on running costs for the day or prizes for the kids.

“No actual money is going to the charity. It’s all about a big day of distraction for 30 kids and we try to give them a break from cancer and an ‘out-the-gate’ day to remember.”

Deverell says this year’s 30 children are going to Beachlands from across the country: 16 from Auckland, eight from the lower North Island, and eight South Islanders.

“They are flown or driven up the day before, put up in accommodation and all arrive at Pine Harbour Marina early in the morning.

“We will have 15 launches,

15 Canteen workers, 15 skippers, 15 deck hands, and about five land-based crew, and a crew on our very own SeaLink ferry for the day.

“Sponsors are welcome to come out on the ferry for some water games. It’s quite a highlight for the kids, and they should be prepared to get wet. I believe we exceeded 5000 water balloons last year.

“Some skippers will dress up in costume and dress their launches.”

Canteen chief executive

Nick Laing says its “thrilled” to again have Deverell and Barfoot and Thompson partnering to put on CanFish.

“With more rangatahi aged 12 to 24 impacted by cancer reaching out for support, experiences like CanFish are more important than ever – a chance for rangatahi to unwind, connect, and have fun out on the stunning Waitemata Harbour.”

Deverell says all the children get prizes and the day finishes about 5pm.

New Zealand is turning a corner – and that’s no coincidence. We’ve been focused on fixing the basics of the economy and laying the foundations to build the future.

Last year was about driving change in the areas that matter most. We’ve made real progress, and there’s more to come. The latest Treasury forecasts show growth strengthened through the second half of the year, unemployment is stabilising, and confidence is returning. Momentum is building, but sustaining it requires discipline, focus, and a clear plan.

A big part of fixing the basics has been getting inflation under control. Inflation has fallen from a peak of 7.3 per cent under the previous Labour Government to 3.1 per cent, and the Official

From the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

Cash Rate remains steady at 2.25 per cent. That means more certainty for households, businesses, and investors. Interest rates have come down, which means many people are saving a lot on their mortgage.

We’re also tackling the structural barriers that have held our economy back.

We’re working to replace the failed Resource Management Act once and for all, to make it easier to build the homes, roads, and infrastructure New Zealand needs to grow.

New Zealand’s future prosperity depends on high-quality infrastructure, like roads and public transport. Delivering and maintaining better infrastructure is a key part of our plan to fix the basics and build the future New Zealanders both need and deserve.

The National Infrastructure Plan does exactly that by focusing on what needs to be built over the next 30 years. In the second half of 2025 alone, we began construction on $7 billion worth of central-government-funded infrastructure.

We’ve also unlocked new

economic opportunities by rewriting outdated rules at Eden Park, allowing up to 32 concerts a year alongside more sporting events – bringing visitors, filling hotels and restaurants, and supporting jobs. One of the world’s fiercest sporting rivalries is coming to New Zealand, bringing with it thousands of Aussie visitors and an injection of over $17 million into the economy.

State of Origin is just the first of what will be many events to take advantage of the new rules at Eden Park, boosting our tourism and hospitality businesses. By fixing the basics and building the future, we’re creating the conditions for stronger growth, higher wages, and more opportunities for all New Zealanders.

Forecasts show confidence is returning Minimum housing capacity for PC120 to be reduced

Aucklanders have spoken, and the Government has listened.

Last week, the Government announced we’ll reduce the housing capacity Auckland Council is required to plan for by 23 per cent, and focus growth where it actually makes sense.

This is a significant win for Aucklanders and means a reduction of around 400,000 homes required by Plan Change 120 (PC 120), from the much publicised two million number, down to 1.6 million across the city.

This follows a significant amount of feedback received from people across Auckland, with a lot of concern around how intensification would affect their communities. In east Auckland, the message was clear.

Our city centre, town centres, and the City Rail Link corridor are the right places to be building up, and we shouldn’t be forcing more intensification onto subur-

ban streets where it simply doesn’t fit.

Areas such as Cockle Bay, Farm Cove, Half Moon Bay, Sunnyhills, and other suburbs across east Auckland, are not equipped with the infrastructure to handle such high levels of intensification.

Aucklanders have also raised concerns about new developments going up with nowhere to park, which was driven by Labour removing mandatory minimum car parking requirements.

The Government has agreed to review those rules to ensure there is adequate

provision of parking for Aucklanders who need to park their cars.

These changes give Auckland Council the flexibility to plan for Auckland’s growth whilst focusing intensification where it makes sense.

It’s now up to council to deliver a revised Plan Change 120 that reflects these changes in the minimum housing capacity.

Thank you to everyone who had their say in this process. You made your views on PC 120 clear, and the Government has listened.

Making progress in constraining costs

Auckland Council will soon go out for public consultation on our Annual Plan for the 2026/27 year.

We’re really keen for you to read what’s being proposed and then have your say. I assure you we will alter the plan if enough of you make a good case.

In advance of that I thought it worthwhile to share with you some numbers. The total rates increase for the city will be 7.9 per cent, the largest rate increase Auckland Council has ever had. That 7.9 per cent represents an actual dollar figure of $235 million.

This is the exact same amount as it will cost the city to operate the new (yet to open) City Rail Link (CRL). The $235 million is made up of $26m for Auckland Trans-

port operating costs for services and stations, $167m in interest and $42m for depreciation funding.

To put it bluntly, if it weren’t for the CRL we could have had a zero rate increase. That’s a really good indication of the progress we’ve made in constraining costs. But I thought I should share with you what our total public transport system (PT) costs per year.

That’s rail, ferries and buses. So many people I talk to think PT costs are fully covered by the fares collected from the users.

Sadly, that’s not correct. The total operating cost of the PT system is just over a billion dollars, $1,029,061,000 to be exact.

And the total revenues that contribute to the system

amount to $256m or just 25 per cent of the total cost. The deficit, $773m, is funded by subsidies in an almost 50:50 split. Of the $773m shortfall, $374m comes from Auckland Council (i.e. rates) and $399m from NZTA (i.e. your taxes). So we’re all paying $773m to subsidise PT, either through our rates bill or our taxes.

Finally. I’d like to shine a light on the numbers who use the various modes of transport. From the last census (2023) 90,201 people from the Howick Local

Howick Ward Councillor

Maurice Williamson

Board (the biggest in Auckland) recorded the following means of travelling to work (excludes work from home) See table below.

Interestingly, more people walk or jog than use the bus, and the train is tiny at 0.2 per cent of you, with the vast majority using their own vehicles to get around.

Planning for natural disasters is vital

It’s hard to believe we’re already into late February of 2026. The start to the year has been both tragic and frantic, with unseasonal weather events causing havoc across the country.

Lives have been devastated, properties ruined and large tracts of land scarred forever.

At a local level, such events reinforce the need for community readiness should a natural disaster impact wider Auckland.

It’s pleasing to note that Auckland Emergency Management produced a new Howick Local Board Emergency Readiness and Response Plan in October last year, and this can be accessed online by visiting their website at www.auckland emergencymanagement. govt.nz. Printed copies are also available at local libraries and community centres. I encourage you to download the information, or obtain a

Howick Local Board Member

John Spiller

printed copy, and familiarise yourselves with the information contained therein.

As a long-standing Howick Local Board member, I’ve seen many changes in our local area, not the least being significant population growth and the changing make-up our communities.

Last year, the increase in population for the Howick ward area necessitated a change in representation arrangements, which had become non-compliant with

requirements under the Local Government Act.

The new Flat Bush subdivision was created, requiring three elected members, and the Botany subdivision was decreased slightly in area, which meant it now has two elected local board members instead of the previous three.

In total, the Howick Local Board now has 11 elected members, including three each from the Pakuranga and Howick subdivisions.

I welcome new members Krish Naidu and Kai Zeng, representing the new Flat Bush subdivision, Jack Collins, representing Pakuranga subdivision, and Luke Collings, representing Howick subdivision, to the board.

There’s renewed energy, coupled with youthful enthusiasm, and I look forward to a very positive term working with all members.

Early in February, board members were treated to site

visits at some of the construction zones of the evolving Eastern Busway (EB) project, along the Ti Rakau Drive corridor.

When you get up close to the action and see just what’s involved in creating new bridges, bus lanes and the associated ground contouring and landscaping, you realise just what a massive project this is.

Watching a 300-ton crane in operation, heavy trucks moving constantly along the central corridor, and being given a technical briefing prior to the inspections, was truly inspirational.

The EB team is extremely well-managed and the level of detail used to ensure safe and efficient outcomes is next level.

As a footnote, it was gratifying to learn funding for the final stage of the EB project was recently jointly confirmed by the NZTA and Auckland Council.

Creating more opportunities and strong productivity

Auckland feels different right now – in the best way. There’s a sense of lift in the air, a feeling the city is stepping into the version of itself we’ve been talking about for years.

I was at the opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), and I felt it there. The place hums with possibility and represents confidence in our city, and a strong belief in Auckland’s future. It’s about time!

We’re the country’s economic engine – home to a third of New Zealand’s people, and despite the recent recession, generating more than a third of its GDP, and increasingly the place where ideas and innovation collide.

We’re the commercial centre, the manufacturing hub, and if the tech sector keeps growing the way it has been, we’ll soon be the region’s tech capital too.

A world-class convention centre belongs here! Already

it has more than 120 events booked for this year, is set to attract over 33,000 international visitors annually, and surpass the $90 million economic benefit predicted.

The opening of the NZICC couldn’t be timelier. It’s part of a bigger story of regeneration – the City Rail Link is about to open, the Central Interceptor will make our waterways cleaner and our infrastructure more resilient, and the airport redevelopment is strengthening our role as the country’s international gateway.

Yes, we are still seeing a high number of business insolvencies, but the broader picture matters: business confidence is the highest it’s been in decades and investor visas are up – clear signals of renewed optimism. You can sense the city stretching and getting ready!

February also saw a huge moment for Eden Park. The

Government has updated planning rules meaning it can host more concerts and major events and operate with the flexibility you’d expect from our country’s largest stadium.

It’s a shift that brings us in line with global best practice and cements Eden Park as a world-class venue. The numbers tell the story – Eden Park currently delivers more than $37m in annual GDP benefits to Auckland, and with these changes, that could climb to around $107m. Even better, 97 per cent of locals support hosting more events! And then came the cherry on top –Eden Park will host New Zealand’s first ever State of Origin match in 2027.

The first time this event has been held somewhere other than Australia in over 40 years. That’s a massive win! It signals that international event owners see Auckland as a serious player.

Put all of this together

Time for more predictable Parent Resident Visa system

Over recent months I’ve heard from many families who have lived and worked in New Zealand for years, contributed to the economy, and met every requirement to sponsor their parents’ immigration, yet remain stuck in an uncertain ballot.

That’s why I’ve written to the Minister for Immigration calling for the Parent Resident Visa selection process to be reviewed.

Under the current Parent Resident Visa system, sponsors first submit an expression of interest.

These are then entered into a ballot, and only those randomly selected can advance to the next stage.

This means families who applied years ago can still miss out draw after draw,

with no clear sense of when their turn might come.

The concern I’m raising is about fairness and transparency in how the available places are allocated.

A ballot is random by design. It means someone who applied recently can be picked ahead of a family that has already waited for years, even when both meet the same requirements.

For many families, this makes it very hard to plan their future, particularly when parents are ageing and care arrangements need to be considered well in advance.

To be clear, this is not about increasing the number of parent visas. Residence planning levels and caps must be managed carefully.

and you start to see a pattern. Auckland is shaking off the narrative of struggle and stepping into a new phase – one defined by resilience, confidence, and longterm thinking. Yes, we’ve had challenges, but our city has always bounced back stronger, and 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point.

Our population will keep growing and our role as the country’s commercial heart will deepen. And as we invest in infrastructure, events, and the visitor economy, we create a virtuous cycle: more opportunity, more productivity, more liveability. I like the sound of that.

The issue is whether the system treats waiting families in a way that’s predictable and transparent. At present, many sponsors feel they’re left in limbo despite doing everything asked of them.

I believe Immigration New Zealand should consider moving to a queue-based system, where applications are processed in the order they’re submitted, while keeping the existing cap.

This wouldn’t increase numbers, but it would give families confidence their place in line reflects the time they’ve already waited.

There are also concerns about the two-year expiry of expressions of interest, which can require families to reapply and pay further

fees simply to remain in the ballot.

For people who have already waited years, this compounds frustration and undermines confidence in the process.

New Zealand works best when our systems are fair and predictable. Families who have followed the rules and contributed to our country deserve clarity about where they stand.

I’ll keep working to ensure the Parent Resident Visa system reflects those basic principles.

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Understanding KiwiSaver changes

From February 1, KiwiSaver members have been able to apply for a temporary KiwiSaver rate reduction.

This is ahead of increases to compulsory KiwiSaver contribution rates, which take effect from April 1.

The rate reduction will not take effect until an employee’s first pay on or after April 1.

You can apply for a temporary rate reduction if you want to lower your KiwiSaver contribution rate to three per cent for three months to a year.

If you have more than one employer, you can choose which of them to give notice of the rate reduction to.

You can apply for a temporary rate reduction at any time. You do not need to wait for a current rate reduction to end and can take them back-to-back.

You can revoke your temporary rate reduction early by completing a KS2 form and giving it to your employer.

If you want to use the rate reduction again with the same employer, you’ll need to reapply.

You could apply from February 1 and the rate reduc-

tion will start from April 1, when the change to the default KiwiSaver contribution rate from three per cent to 3.5 per cent comes in.

You cannot apply for a temporary rate reduction if you have a savings suspension.

TO APPLY FOR A TEMPORARY RATE REDUCTION:

In myIR go to your KiwiSaver account panel

Select ‘KiwiSaver temporary rate reduction’ Follow the prompts to complete your application

An acceptance letter that shows the start and end dates of your temporary rate reduction will be sent to you. Show it to your employer to get them to reduce your rate.

Grief and loss support group available to help

„ By CHRIS HARROWELL

Change and loss impacts everyone at some stage of their

People who experience a significant life change, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, move or a traumatic impact, can be left feeling shocked, numb, confused and overwhelmed.

For people in east Auckland who are experiencing such feelings, the Seasons for Growth service in Howick is available to help. Its co-ordinator, Fiona De Ridder, says it helps people about six to 12 months after they’ve experienced the major life change.

“In saying that, everyone is different and could benefit from our groups earlier on or at a much later stage. It’s

important to understand this is not counselling – we aim to strengthen emotional and mental well-being.”

The service offers grief and loss support small group sessions for adults. The next one gets under way on March 2 and runs on subsequent Mondays from 10am to 12pm.

Outcomes of the programme include understanding it’s normal to experience grief reactions; exploring new approaches to dealing with the change; building communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills; participating in a supportive network of peers of adults; and integrating the new learning in daily life.

De Ridder says participants get to know each other

and take home a journal so they can complete activities. Each of the four sessions has a theme matched with one of the seasons of the year. During the “summer” session people in the group talk about what they can do in future when they’re feeling a particular way, or places they can visit and people they can talk to.

“It’s to give them skills to support them to adapt to their new circumstances. They have the opportunity to talk about their story, but not in details that are painful. They talk about the good times they had with the person and make a symbolic memory jar.

“What happens afterward is up to the participants. Some choose to exchange phone numbers so they can con-

tinue to speak to each other. In this group you learn how to speak to people who have also gone through things, so you’re less likely to censor.

“We recommend participants tell someone they’re going to participate in a Seasons group. It might trigger feelings and you can talk to that person outside of the group, so you don’t go through it on your own.”

Phone or text 022 423 8904 or email griefandloss@ allsaintshowick.org.nz.

> Full story at www.times.co.nz

Experienced with all the complex elements of

that

and

Excited to expose Fastback

„ By PJ TAYLOR

An uplifting restoration of a rarely seen automobile is a journey of learning and growth for Elliot Noble.

He bought his now gleaming 1970 Volkswagen Type 3 Fastback eight years ago and says it’s been an ongoing project ever since.

The car was discovered neglected in a garage in Invercargill where it had sat since 1995.

“It had significant rust throughout, a condition that most people would have and did walk away from,” Noble says.

“I got the car when I was 19. The journey since has been about slowly bringing it back to life. Cutting out rust, repairing panels properly, rebuilding mechanical components and learning along the way.

“The car has also been

Elliot Nobel and his 1970 Fastback

important for my mental health. Working on it gives me something steady to focus on, something I can control and improve over time.

“It forces patience, problem solving and persistence. After a long week, being in the garage working on the Fastback is grounding. It’s more than just a hobby. It’s been a positive outlet.”

Noble will be showing the sleek Fastback alongside hundreds of other magnificent motors at this Sunday’s 10th Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga.

“Events like the Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show are important because they bring together such a diverse mix of European

vehicles and enthusiasts.

“It’s not just about polished cars. It’s about the stories behind them and people who keep them on the road. I’m looking forward to being part of it.”

Noble says he’s not usually active in the local car community, attending a car show “here and there”.

“However, this year I’ve pushed myself to get the car out more. The attention and love the car has received both by the car community and people in general has really sparked my love for the car even more. It shows I should become more involved.

“I’ve subtly displayed the car once before, but this will be my first time displaying the car in the special display area, which is exciting.

“The show has a great atmosphere and a wide range of European cars, so it’s awesome to be included.”

Car Show

Elegant ball for compassionate cause

Aucklanders are set for a night of oldworld elegance, as Tōtara Hospice prepares to host its inaugural Black and White Ball from 6pm on Saturday, April 18, at the Cordis Auckland.

Tōtara Hospice is a vital community organisation that provides free palliative care to patients in east and southeast Auckland who are facing terminal illness and support for their families.

Designed to capture the charm and sophistication of a bygone era, its Black and White Ball promises a true blacktie experience. It’s more than a dress code, organisers say, but a full evening of spectacle and celebration.

The ball will be hosted by awardwinning comedian Michelle A’Court, while broadcaster Aaron Ward will run the live auction. Two live bands will keep guests on their feet well into the evening.

There will be special guest

speakers, entertainment, fine dining including a sumptuous three course dinner, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, along with plenty of surprises in a celebration of timeless style. It’ll include a touch of nostalgia and is shaping up to be one of the standout social occasions of the season.

Beyond the glamour, the evening carries a significant purpose. Funds raised will support Tōtara Hospice, which provides specialist

palliative care to people living with lifelimiting illnesses across east and south Auckland.

Fundraising manager Kim Sinfield says: “The Black and White Ball isn’t just a glamourous night out – it’s an opportunity for our community to come together and make a very real difference for patients and their whānau.

“Every ticket purchased helps ensure people facing lifelimiting illness receive

Where the shopping is easy

If supermarket shopping leaves you tired and frazzled, it makes sense to put FreshChoice Half Moon Bay at the top of your shopping list. Our supermarket is located, with plenty of parking, at the centre to the welcoming Half Moon Bay Marina Shopping centre. Our store is just the right size – big enough to stock all your grocery essentials, fresh fruit and veggies, quality meats and wines, speciality items, ready meals and great weekly deals – but not so

big you feel overwhelmed. It’s the perfect place for a quick top-up shop or your full weekly grocery run.

Proudly locally owned and operated since 2012, we’ve built long-standing relationships with people in the neighbourhood who value friendly service and a more personal shopping experience. Our team loves getting to know our regulars and is always happy to help you find what you need or suggest something new.

expert, compassionate care at no cost to them. The impact of that generosity is felt every single day across south and southeast Auckland.”

Tōtara Hospice serves a region of more than 520,000 residents and its vision – to make the world a better place for dying people – is central to its work. Its multidisciplinary team partners with GPs, hospitals and community health providers to ensure patients receive expert, compassionate care wherever they call home.

The Black and White Ball offers Aucklanders the chance to enjoy an exceptional night out while contributing directly to this essential community service. Tickets and event details are online at https://black-andwhite-ball-2026.raiselysite. com/.

Every ticket purchased goes into the draw to win a night’s stay for two people at the Cordis Auckland.

Customer Feedback

Cheryl, a long time local from Eastern Beach is in store every day.

“One thing I’m really impressed with is when you walk around the aisles, the girls that are restocking the shelves, are all so friendly, there’s always a wave or a hello. And I always see one of them checking the date codes on the products. They’re very thorough and everything is so fresh. They also have great specials, I was thrilled to see FreshChoice had joined the Everyday Rewards Programme, that’s a great incentive.

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Cheryl, another happy customer at

It’s a real meeting place, you’ll grab a coffee and bump into someone you know, that’s why I like it, it’s just a really friendly place to shop.”

Here’s a selection of some of the best images shot recently by the talented members of the Howick Photographic Society and entered into the club’s monthly competitions. They were chosen as the ‘Images of the Night’ for the ‘Open’ subject at the club’s meeting on February 2 for both Print and Digital categories for each grade.

The ‘Set’ subject for the meeting on February 16 was ‘Physical Activity’. The club has monthly competitions

for its members for Prints and Digital Images with the first Monday of the month being an Open subject and the third Monday being a Set subject.

DONATIONS NEEDED FOR ‘MACARONI MARCH’

The community organisation Bellyful East Auckland is participating in the ‘Macaroni March’ initiative next month and it’s calling on locals to give it their full support.

The project asks people to donate packets of Diamond-brand macaroni to Bellyful branches to use when cooking meals to feed families in the local community. Bellyful provides up to three nights of meals to families with babies or children aged under 12 years old who are facing challenges such as illness, bereavement, stress, isolation, pregnancy, miscarriage, or baby loss, regardless of financial situation.

It helps families who don’t have a support network and the meals it provides are cooked and delivered by volunteers. Three local businesses have signed up to be donation points for Macaroni March, being Pak’nSave Highland Park, Asco Legal in Howick and Pinnacle Chiropractors Beachlands.

Bellyful East Auckland volunteer branch co-ordinator Andrea Martin says the organisation wants to find a drop-off point in Botany.

“We’d love local businesses and schools to come onboard with collections in schools and work teams.” For more details and to support Macaroni March, go to https://fundraise.bellyful.org. nz/event/macaroni-march.

Discover rare plants and garden inspiration at Ayrlies Plant Fair

Tucked into the rolling countryside of Whitford, Ayrlies Garden and Wetlands is a place shaped by vision and creative ingenuity – a garden where design, ecology and imagination have been woven together over six decades.

Layered plantings, long views, water and woodland reveal a landscape crafted with patience, curiosity and care, inviting visitors to slow down and look closely.

For two days this March, its gates open wider than usual, welcoming visitors to one of the most anticipated events on the gardening calendar: the Ayrlies Plant Fair.

From 9am to 3pm on Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, the fair brings together 20 of New Zealand’s most respected specialist growers, each chosen for the quality, rarity and integrity of their plants.

Set within one of the country’s finest private gardens, it is a plant fair unlike any other.

Visitors come seeking the unusual and the enduring – rare perennials, collector irises from a world-renowned breeder, native plants, tropical fruits and varieties seldom found in commercial garden centres. Just as importantly, they come for conversation.

“This isn’t simply a plant sale,” says Jacqueline McConnell, daughter of

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Ayrlies founder Beverley McConnell.

“It’s an opportunity to meet growers who truly know their plants, to ask questions, and to take home something with a story behind it.”

Beyond the garden lies the wetlands – a onehour loop walk that offers a deeper sense of Ayrlies’ sustainable ethos. Boardwalks wind through native planting, water and birdlife, revealing a living landscape shaped as much by ecology as by aesthetics.

A UNIQUE PLANTSHOPPING EXPERIENCE

The growers at Ayrlies are generous with their knowledge, offering practical advice to help plants thrive long after the fair. Between browsing and conversation, visitors can pause at the on-site café for tea and homemade treats and enjoy live music drifting through

WIN TICKETS

Visit www.times.co.nz and click the Win! tab

the garden – a gentle soundtrack to an unhurried day.

AN EVENT WITH PURPOSE

The $20 entry ticket supports the ongoing care of the 60-year-old Ayrlies Garden and Wetlands. Proceeds from last year’s fair contributed to significant conservation work, including expanding habitat for native birds across the wetlands.

With ample on-site parking included, access is easy, and visitors are encouraged to carpool where possible –arriving together often sets the tone for the day.

Ayrlies Garden and Wetlands: 125 Potts Road, Whitford Tickets: $20, available online at www.ayrlies.co.nz/visit/ payment or cash at the gate. Please note: Due to large ponds and the fragility of plantings, children under 12 years are not permitted.

EMBRACE VILLAGE LIFE

Whatever age, whatever stage, life is for exploring. At Bruce McLaren Village in Howick, we offer the freedom to choose your ideal retirement lifestyle. Enjoy the perfect balance of convenience and leisure – with Botany Town Centre nearby for shopping, and scenic walking tracks and Shelley Park Beach only a short drive away.

Closer to home enjoy the friendly community at Bruce McLaren Village and amenities like a swimming pool, gym and cinema at your doorstep.

Exceptional living

Whether it’s independent living or a little extra support, there’s a home waiting for you at Bruce McLaren Village. Our apartments offer modern, open plan living, surrounded by beautiful village gardens.

Serviced apartments priced from $425,000* Apartments priced from $699,000*

Care you can count on

At Bruce McLaren Village, care is not an add-on, but woven into the fabric of our village. We offer a range of care options including rest home, hospital and dementia care located onsite.

Call Harleen on 09 535 0225.

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Artworks pose poignant questions

The 2026 season of public exhibitions at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick is under way with a display of allegorical paintings and sculptures by two talented local artists.

Showers of Spring showcases pieces created by east Aucklanders Qiuwang Wang and Gavin Chai.

The exhibition includes a range of work across Wang’s career and highlights previously unseen artwork from both artists, including Chai’s new series of ceramic sculptures, Tao Yong.

Uxbridge visual art co-ordinator and exhibition curator Zoë May comments on the interesting interplay between Wang’s paintings and Chai’s ceramics.

“Despite the artworks being created without influence, Chai’s sculptures seem to be leaping forth from the universe Wang has created.

“The figure is a promi-

nent subject for both artists.

“It becomes not only a visual link between the two mediums, but a symbol of the interconnectedness the artists are trying to capture.”

Through symbolic forms and multi-layered compositions, Wang’s work explores the relationship between humanity, nature, and con-

sciousness – feeling the resonance between spirit and nature and sensing the unity of all things within the flow of existence and transformation.

Chai’s work is poetic in nature, reflecting on the human condition and our search for meaning in an ever-shifting world. In 2025,

he began experimenting with ceramics, inspired by the ancient Chinese style of Tao Yong ceramic figurines.

Bringing together realism with elements of the fantastic, he draws inspiration from European and Chinese artistic traditions.

As part of the exhibition, Wang and Chai will lead an artist talk and tour of the exhibition on Saturday, February 28, at 10am. The event will be held in Mandarin as part of the Uxbridge Chinese Community Workshop series.

This event is free (koha appreciated) with booking required.

Bookings can be made at Uxbridge or online at www. uxbridge.org.nz. The Showers of Spring exhibition is at Uxbridge Arts and Culture, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick, until March 14 and entry is free.

> Full story at www.times.co.nz

CARE, COMMUNITY, AND CONNECTION

Acacia Cove, a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula has 31 weekly activities.

For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, bowling green and gym.

Whether you choose to live in a villa or one of our luxurious apartments, you’ll have the security of a 24 hour, fully monitored emergency call system built in.

Contact: admin@acaciacove.co.nz or phone 09 268 8522 Price is for an Occupation Rights Agreement secured by a first-ranking mortgage and in favour of the statutory supervisor on behalf of the residents.

If you’re aged 60 or over, value your independence but want greater security, come and have a look at the superb properties we have to offer.

Chess’s top guns battle it out

„ By CHRIS HARROWELL

One of the international stars of chess has dominated his competition in a simultaneous exhibition against multiple opponents at an event in east Auckland.

It was staged at the Howick Bowling Club by local chess organiser and promoter Paul Spiller.

He’s the co-founder of the Middle Game Chess Foundation, former Oceania president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) from 2014-2023, and vice-president and life member of the New Zealand Chess Federation.

Spiller arranged for British chess Grandmaster Mickey Adams to take on multiple opponents at the event in Howick.

“Grandmaster Adams played against 31 players simultaneously at the Howick Bowling Club and amassed 29 wins and conceded only two draws,” Spiller says.

“Those who held the draw were 17-year-old Oceania under-20 girls champion Isabelle Ning and junior player Tyler Rust. Grandmaster Adams said he was impressed by the overall standard of the junior players at the simul.”

Adams was in Auckland also to compete in the Bob Wade Memorial Masters chess tournament Spiller staged at Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre. The tournament is named for

Felix Xie, centre, receives a Middle Game Chess Foundation scholarship of $5,000 from Paul Spiller, left, and twotime New Zealand chess champion Martin Dreyer. Front left, Polish Grandmaster Jacek Stopa in battle with British Chess Grandmaster Mickey Adams during the Bob Wade Memorial Masters chess tournament.

Bob Wade, New Zealand’s first chess professional and a two-time winner of the British Chess Championship.

“Bob Wade was New Zealand’s first chess ‘professional’,” Spiller says. “He moved to England to pursue his career in the early 1950s. He passed away in 2008. He was three-times New Zealand Champion and twice

– to prepare a dossier on the games of then-Russian World Champion Boris Spassky before their widely publicised match in Iceland for the World Championship, which was convincingly won by Bobby. It’s still regarded as the chess match of the century.”

Spiller says Grandmaster Adams, a nine-time British Chess Champion, took out this year’s Bob Wade Memorial Masters tournament, slightly ahead of fellow English Grandmaster and Commonwealth Chess Champion, Grandmaster Daniel Fernandez.

British Chess Champion.

“He was a key figure in the development of English chess and played important roles in junior chess development during his career.

“He was a strong player and twice drew against American World Chess Champion Bobby Fischer and played a key role –after a request from Fischer

“Adams finished on 6.5 points followed by Grandmaster Fernandez on six. New Zealand Champion Felix Xie placed thirdequal with Hungarian Grandmaster and last year’s winner Gabor Nagy of Hungary on five points.

“This placing qualified Felix for another International Master ‘norm’, part qualification for the IM title, however Felix has already qualified by way of winning the Oceania under-20 championships last December in Brisbane.

“Felix was also awarded the Middle Game Chess Foundation scholarship of $5,000 for his achievements.”

OR OVERKILL? Are seven-seaters

For families juggling kids, pets and gear, the appeal of a seven-seater SUV is undeniable.

But before you trade your sedan for a larger people mover, it’s worth asking, are seven-seaters truly worth it, or just a case of buying space you rarely use?

Seven-seat SUVs promise versatility, and they often deliver it. For families with three children, regular carpool duties or frequent weekend getaways, extra seating can be a lifesaver.

The third row provides flexibility when grandparents visit or when sports practise requires transporting half the team. In most models, those rear seats fold flat, creating generous cargo space when you’re not carrying passengers.

However, size comes with trade-offs. Seven-seaters are typically bulkier, heavier and less fuel-efficient than five-seat alternatives. That can translate to higher running costs and less nimble handling, noticeable in tight parking lots, school pick-up zones and city traffic.

Insurance premiums and tyre replace-

ment costs may also be higher simply due to the vehicle’s size. Another reality check, many families discover they rarely use the third row. For everyday commuting and school runs, the extra seats often remain folded down. If your household usually travels with four or five occupants, a well-

chosen five-seat SUV may provide ample space without the added expense and bulk. So are seven-seaters worth it? For larger families or those who frequently carry extra passengers, absolutely. But if the third row will only see occasional use, you may be paying for flexibility you don’t truly need.

Fire prompts evacuation of major store

On February 13, Costco Wholesale at Westgate had to shut down and start evacuation procedures because of a kitchen fire.

This happened in the evening around 5pm and there were no injuries. When the fire alarm went out, everyone had to evacuate immediately.

Most trolleys filled with shopping items were left behind by the customers. The staff were calm, patient and friendly, who ensured that everyone left the store safely.

The main reason for the fire was an issue with the oil fryer in the kitchen. Fire and Emergency NZ were called on the spot. Two fire trucks came to clear out the fire while the crowd stood outside the store patiently.

Once it was safe to enter, the staff formed two lanes for all shoppers to enter the store slowly.

Money refunds were made for kitchen orders only as the kitchen was not functioning throughout the evening. The rest of the billing continued at the counter.

My father was at Costco when all this happened, and he narrated the full story to me upon return. I listened to him in shock and was amazed at how a simple Friday evening turned out to be.

I was gutted that I couldn’t get the yummy cheese pizza from there, but I was glad to know that all the people were safe. I still got the delicious muffins to relish, till our next trip to Costco! • Mihir Grover is in year 4

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Gratitude, growth, and legal practice

Shortall Lawyers Senior Solicitor Opinder Brar says she’s focused on delivering clear, reliable legal advice.

I was born in India, and after completing my Bachelor of Laws there, I moved to New Zealand in 2017 as an international student. I continued my studies with a Master of Laws at the University of Waikato. Outside of work, I stay connected to my community through voluntary service at the Sikh temple, helping provide food and basic support to people in need.

I enjoy travelling and spending time with my family and friends. I take pride in being part of Shortall Lawyers as a Senior Solicitor. I joined the firm in January, 2024, as a Solicitor and was appointed Senior Solicitor in April, 2025.

I work across the sale and purchase of residential properties, the sale and purchase of commercial properties and businesses, immigration, family law, estate matters, and employment matters. In my capacity as Senior Solicitor, I handle each matter with careful legal consideration and attention to detail.

My role demands a balance of legal expertise, strategic thinking, and a commitment to ensuring each client is fully informed throughout the process. I’m focused on delivering clear, reliable legal advice that clients can confidently rely on.

What I appreciate most about my work is the supportive environment at our law firm, Shortall Lawyers. Our senior management team, Andrew Shortall and Jimmy Song, have created a workplace built on teamwork, respect, and open communication. Their guidance makes coming to work each day meaningful, and I feel privileged to be part of a team where everyone is valued and encouraged to do their best. Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey.

Together with the Shortall Lawyers team, I look forward to continuing to provide clients with clear legal support, professional care, and client-focused legal service. If you need any legal assistance, email me at opinder@shortalllawyers.co.nz or call: 022 397 7172.

Churton Hart & Divers 09 533 9476

Highland Park Auckland

Ti Rakau Drive Office 09 250 1558

Key recipe to The Prospect’s success

„ By CHARLES MILLER

Next year The Prospect of Howick building turns 100 years old.

In its time it’s also been home to GBS Bistro, The Good Home and the Marine Hotel. A century-old building reeks of history. You can almost hear the clip clop of horses in the street and picture a very different Howick.

With that history you might expect something tired and stuck. Instead, you find energy. The place is vibrant, relaxed and busy. It feels current. That doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects the judgement and leadership of Barry O’Shaughnessy, who’s been at the helm for more than three decades. I recently spent an afternoon with him talking about the journey.

Barry arrived in Auckland in the late 1970s, a young chef stepping into a venue that needed momentum. Within weeks he was running the kitchen. Within a year he’d negotiated a pathway into management with Lion Nathan. From there it was hotels, taverns, pubs and clubs – some revived, others closed or demolished. Through that churn Barry built something more valuable than a CV: instinct.

Experience in hospitality isn’t just about recipes and rostering. It’s about pattern recognition. You learn to see when a concept is peaking, when customers are drifting, when value perception shifts. Barry speaks plainly about this. If something starts to wane, you don’t defend it out of pride. You call it, make the decision, and move on. That discipline has protected capital and kept the business fresh.

But pattern recognition without imagination is just defence. Barry also creates. George Bernard Shaw stayed upstairs in 1934, and decades later Barry built an entire dining concept around

that connection – GBS Bistro. Inventive, suited to the building’s character, and it worked for nine years. When the numbers drifted, he retired it and moved on. That willingness to kill a good idea before it becomes a tired one is rare.

He bought the lease in the early 1990s and has evolved it deliberately ever since. The restaurant has been refined. The Garden Bar offers a casual streetfood feel. Upstairs, boutique accommodation provides a steady stream of repeat guests. Quizzes, live music, buses to concerts and community fundraisers ensure that doors are opened with purpose, not hope. Each addition serves a strategy: diversify revenue, broaden appeal, stay connected.

Like every enduring business, the bedrock is people. Barry’s model is built on capability and trust, not short-term staffing fixes.

His accommodation manager has been with him 20 years. His operations lead, 15. His chef, eight. Nobody less than three. In an industry notorious for churn, those numbers are not accidental. Standards are clear. Responsibility is pushed down. His team describe him, grinning, as “hard but fair”. Capable people run with the job. That isn’t delegation. That’s architecture.

Barry proves that longevity and energy are not opposites. Watch the trends, make decisions early, back your people, and keep some fun in the mix. I asked him what keeps him going. The answer was immediate. He still loves it. That’s the strongest strategy of all.

Manage My Health hack: three lessons for every Kiwi business and household

„ By SHIV NARAYAN, founder of ClearEdge

Over summer, New Zealand saw one of its most confronting cyber incidents: a major databreach involving the privatelyoperated patient portal Manage My Health.

Hackers accessed and exfiltrated sensitive health documents and then attempted extortion, prompting a national response involving Health New Zealand, NZ Police and the National Cyber Security Centre.

The big takeaway is uncomfortable but simple: you don’t have to be a big bank to be a target.

Health information is high-value. And once data is out, it can be used for identity theft, scams, or even blackmail. So, what can everyday Kiwis and small businesses do right now to protect themselves?

1. Lock down your accounts properly (especially email) Use a password manager (such as 1password) and turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere you can, starting with email, banking, and anything that holds identity information. If a criminal gets into your email, they can reset passwords and impersonate you. Where possible, use an authenticator app or passkeys rather than relying on SMS.

2. Treat “urgent” messages as suspicious After big breaches, scammers often follow up with convincing emails, texts or calls using real details. Slow down! Don’t click links. Don’t open attachments you weren’t expecting. If someone asks for payment or login details, verify independently by calling or meeting with a real person to confirm the request.

3. Reduce blast radius: update, back up, and monitor Keep devices and apps updated. Back up important files. For businesses, the difference between a disruption and a disaster is often whether you can restore quickly and whether someone is watching for suspicious activity after hours. It’s not about IF you get hacked, but when, so when you do your business planning ask yourself honestly: how quickly can we respond when something goes wrong?

At the end of the day, cybersecurity isn’t about paranoia. It’s about making it harder for criminals to win. Find the windows and doors in your business, close them, lock them, and be vigilant.

Before you get the keys: Contracts and delays

By Chris Dykes and Alistair van Schalkwyk, directors of ASCO Legal in Howick

Buying a property is an exciting, busy, and sometimes stressful process, with packing and moving.

It’s easy to get swept up and focus on getting your new keys and the move-in date. From a legal perspective, however, outcomes are largely determined at the contract stage, so it’s best to get things right at the start so you can enjoy the excitement closer to settlement.

Once an offer is accepted, the Agreement for Sale and Purchase governs the transaction. It records what’s being purchased, the price, the conditions to be satisfied, and the settlement date. As with any property transaction, careful drafting and clear conditions are what protect you.

Common conditions include finance approval, building and LIM reports, title review and insurance. Sometimes the contract is also conditional on the sale of another property. Each condition requires appropriate wording, realistic timeframes, and clear confirmation when they’re satisfied or waived. If details are overlooked early, pressure builds as settlement approaches.

Settlement delays rarely stem from one major problem. More often, they arise from processing times with lenders, valuation requirements, or matters identified during due diligence, such as unconsented works, missing compliance documentation, easements, covenants, cross-leases or unit title issues. Where transactions form part of a same-day settlement chain, one delay can impact multiple parties.

The key message is simple: documentation and timing drive outcomes. Involve your lawyer early, understand your conditions, and address finance and due diligence promptly.

Careful preparation ensures that settlement day proceeds as planned, with certainty, not crossed fingers.

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• With over 250 five-star reviews, we are proud to support our clients year after year.

ASCO Legal - A fresh perspective on law, at www.ascolegal.co.nz, phone 09 308 8070

Protecting your business from ‘Key Person Risk’

The premium trap: Stepped vs Level

DAREN LENG, Senior Business Broker at ABC Business Sales, shares his insights on the latest developments in the sector.

Risk Insurance Advisor Steve O’Connor helps people ensure they have the right insurance cover when they need it most.

Every business has a key person, the founder, top salesperson or technical expert, whose absence would materially affect performance. Yet many New Zealand businesses fail to plan for what happens if that person faces long-term illness, death, or disability.

As a Business Broker, I’m increasingly seeing businesses where the key person has suddenly passed away or is navigating difficult divorce proceedings. In these situations, families are left making urgent decisions under emotional and financial pressure, often without a clear succession plan. Enterprise value can erode rapidly.

Buyers certainly consider it. During due diligence, one of the first questions asked is: “What happens if you’re not here tomorrow?” If the honest answer is “the business would struggle,” risk is immediately priced into the deal. Mitigating key person risk requires foresight. In New Zealand, Key Person Insurance can provide capital to offset revenue disruption or fund replacement recruitment. Shareholder or Buy-Sell Agreements ensure smooth ownership transitions. Succession planning, documented systems, and delegated authority reduce reliance on any one individual.

A business that can operate without its founder is more resilient and ultimately more valuable. Preparing now protects both your family and your future sale price.

Daren Leng, Senior Business Broker at ABC Business Sales – Your Business Broker of Choice. Ph 021 0278 6045 or email darenl@abcbusiness.co.nz

Choosing how to pay for personal risk insurance – like Life, Trauma, or Income Protection – is a strategic decision between current cash flow and long-term sustainability. Understanding the mechanics of premium structures is essential to ensure you aren’t priced out of your protection when you need it most.

STEPPED PREMIUMS: ‘Pay-as-you-age’ Model

Most policies default to stepped premiums. These are recalculated annually based on your age, meaning they start out very affordable. However, the cost curve is exponential. As you enter your 50s and 60s, the price jumps significantly every year. This often leads to “premium fatigue”, where policyholders cancel their coverage during their highest-risk years because the monthly bills have become unmanageable.

LEVEL PREMIUMS: “Stability” Model

Level premiums effectively average out the cost over time. While you pay more than the stepped rate in the early years, the base rate is “locked” and doesn’t increase simply because you’ve aged. By overpaying slightly now, you are essentially subsidizing your future self. Over a 15-to-20-year horizon, the total cumulative cost of a level policy is typically much lower than a stepped one.

THE HYBRID STRATEGY

The most effective approach is often a blend. You can place “temporary” debt-driven cover (like a mortgage) on stepped premiums since that need decreases over time. However, for “core” needs, such as providing for a spouse or covering final expenses, utilising level premiums ensures your protection remains affordable and permanent. This proactive choice guarantees that aging won’t compromise your financial security. Let’s talk … Steve O’Connor, Insurance Advisor, Insurance Market, 021 862 330, steve.oconnor@insurance-market.co.nz

YOUTH ZONE

Youth Council releases Youth Survey findings

„ By CHARLOTTE HUTTON, Howick Youth Council secretary

Towards the end of 2025 the Howick Youth Council conducted their bi-annual Youth Survey, which seeks to understand the needs of rangatahi across east Auckland.

This information is then used to inform the youth council, ensuring their output continues to remain relevant to the rangatahi in our community.

The Youth Survey is split into nine key sections covering a range of categories that are applicable to youth including mental health, preparation for adulthood and community connectivity.

In 2025 the survey saw over 750 responses from a diverse range of verified respondents across the four

subdivisions of east Auckland.

The first area covered in the survey was youth involvement within the community, which touched on interactions between schools as well as opportunities for youth connections and how welcome rangatahi feel in the wider community.

The data shows that 37.7 per cent of respondents believed there were sufficient opportunities for inter-

actions between schools and another 30.5 per cent saying there was an abundance of opportunities for interschool connections.

This section of the survey also revealed that youth felt there’s a lack of opportunities to grow their leadership capabilities outside of traditional roles such as school prefects.

The findings from this section of the survey are extremely relevant to the youth council as they reveal some key areas that require focus going forward, leadership opportunities, youth inclusion and involvement across the wider community.

Another section covered was youth issues and change where the main issues brought up were youth mental health, bullying and a lack

How to play

PUZUP® 5x5

of job opportunities, with most youth stating they were being somewhat or well addressed in the community.

This tells the youth council they’re making progress addressing these issues but there’s still more work to be done.

Overall, the findings of the survey provide the council with crucial information that allows them to ensure their plans for the year are on track to accurately provide opportunities for and to represent and empower the rangatahi of east Auckland.

The full Youth Survey findings are now published on the Howick Youth Council website alongside those from previous years.

Aroha nui, The Howick Youth Council

• Use only the numbers 1-5, with each number appearing exactly five times.

• Fill each outlined rectangle with a palindrome (the same number forwards and backwards i.e. 52425 or 1441).

• The numbers in each rectangle must add up to the total shown on the edge of the grid.

• No palindrome may be used more than once.

• Each main diagonal must contain all five numbers (1–5) once. The centre square is shared by both diagonals and must be the same number.

• Solution on page 69

PUZUP palindrome puzzle books are available exclusively through Poppies in Picton Street, Howick AND online (scan QR code). PUZUP is suitable for all ages, comes in three sizes, and three difficulty levels. Scan me

YOUTH ZONE

Adventure at year 10 camp

When was the last time you were given the opportunity to really experience the beauty of our native bush, wildlife, and breathtaking ocean views?

Or to have an adventure with your friends, learning to challenge yourself in exciting outdoor pursuits?

From Monday, February 9, until Wednesday, February 11, I attended the Elim Christian College year 10 school camp. It was held at Camp Raglan, a location with scenic views of the beach and beautiful surrounding farmland.

I had the opportunity to participate in a variety of outdoor activities that I wouldn’t normally be able to do, such as archery, air rifles, the Burma Trail, the confidence course, pool, and a huge flying fox.

The facilities included access to the hall, gymnasium, climbing wall, the long waterslide that extends down the hillside, and a giant hammock.

The variety of food ranged from pasta bake to a delicious bun with chicken and fillings.

It brought me a great sense of enjoyment to take part in many of the activities.

I learned how to fire a bow and arrow and shoot an air rifle. A highlight for me was showing māia (courage) by trying the flying fox, which was extremely long and carried me in a swift, exhilarating glide as I accelerated down the steep hill.

I believe showing courage is the best way to overcome challenges and learn something new about yourself.

The events also included an adventure through the New Zealand bush down to the rough and wild surf beach.

The waves were very high, and there were many surfers enjoying them.

We went for a splash in the water, made sand sculptures, or simply relaxed on the sand in the sunshine.

Afterwards we all participated in an evening of praise and worship together.

I interviewed Miss Gemma Tong, the Joshua Whānau Leader at the Elim Botany campus and a key camp organiser. I asked Miss Tong what the goals of the camp were.

She explained the goal of the year 10 camp was for students to connect at the start of the year, especially as they were moving to a new campus.

Mr Adamson, the principal, wanted the students to attend camp so they could have fun, make friends, and create a strong culture as a year group.

New pupils had joined the school at the beginning of the year, and camp gave them the opportunity to build friendships with the peers they would be studying with.

Another question I asked Miss Tong was what she felt was a highlight of the year 10 Elim Christian College camp.

She said her highlights were seeing the happy smiles, hearing the laughter, witnessing acts of bravery, and hearing about new friendships being formed.

She really enjoyed the year 10 camp and was very thankful for the team of staff and parent volunteers who made it possible.

In summary, I really enjoyed the Elim Christian College year 10 camp. It gave me an opportunity to draw closer to God, learn more about myself, and it reminded me of the importance of being brave enough to try something new. It truly was an adventure.

• Josh Arnold is in year 10 at Elim Christian College

One year ago, we proudly opened our doors to serve the Highland Park community. Over the past 12 months, it has been our privilege to provide great value, fresh food, and everyday savings to local families. This milestone belongs to our community. Your support, loyalty, and encouragement have made our first year truly special. To say thank you, we are celebrating our BIRTHDAY WEEK from 2ND TO 8TH MARCH with special offers and in-store celebrations. We look forward to welcoming you in-store and celebrating together.

East Auckland school pupils raise $147,429 for charity

One pupil at east Auckland’s Saint Kentigern College has raised $10,000 to help children in the Pacific through the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge. And the school’s younger year groups collectively raised a whopping $100,000 for the cause.

When 17-year-old Mia Denholm walks through the gates of Saint Kentigern College, she carries with her more than just books and a school bag – she also carries a calling.

It’s a calling to advocate, inspire, and do her part, no matter how small it may seem, to help children around the world whose lives look very different from her own.

This year, that calling culminated in something extraordinary when Mia singlehandedly raised $10,000 for the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge. That amazing effort led a wave of student participation at her school and reminds Kiwi youth everywhere that meaningful change can begin with just one person who decides to say “yes”.

Mia first took part in the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge when she was in year 7, teaming up with her two best friends to go 40 hours without personal space. The trio tied themselves together with an elastic rope, an amusing challenge for three 12-year-

MEGANZ SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS

Term 1 begins from the 5th Feb

Come along and learn drawing, painting and sculpture.

College pupil Mia Denholm, World Vision NZ’s TJ Grant, Saint Kentigern pupil Houston Elliot, and Saint Kentigern College principal Damon Emtage.

olds who were determined to take on the world. This year, her final year of school, the three reunited to repeat the challenge, but with a very different sense of purpose.

“It was a real full-circle moment,” Mia says. “When we did it in year 7, it was all about fun – we wanted to go out in public, go to the movies, all tied together.

“But this year, we understood so much more about what we were fundraising for. It became about more than fun. It was about making an impact.”

Mia’s passion for the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge was inspired by watching her older sisters take part every year, leading her to follow in their footsteps once she reached intermediate school. But the real turn-

Both tutor and student initiated projects run throughout the terms. Begin at any level of ability, and work at your own pace.

Mixed classes for tweens, teens and adults.

Megan Murphy - 021 108 5419

Check out our website - www.vizart.co.nz

Take a look at the Students past work on Instagram - @meganzsva

ing point came much earlier, during a service trip that opened her eyes in a way few experiences could.

“When I was about year 6, I went to the Philippines with my mum,” she says. “We visited the rubbish dumps there, and I saw first-hand how children, kids even younger than me, were living. That changed everything for me. I realised how insanely lucky I am for the life I get to live.”

As one of her school’s Service Prefects this year, Mia was determined not just to participate in the Challenge but to spark a schoolwide movement. She helped organise a school social and a bake sale with year 7 and 8 students, both of which raised funds for the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge.

She also visited classes

to teach younger students how to successfully fundraise – how to ask, who to ask, and sharing why their efforts matter. The school’s younger year groups raised an astonishing amount –nearly $100,000 collectively, demonstrating what can happen when students feel motivated, supported, and connected to a cause bigger than themselves.

Mia credits her $10,000 raised to her “no stone unturned” approach to fundraising.

“I contacted literally every person in my phone and in my mum’s, and my dad’s, and my sisters’,” she laughs. “People are often scared to ask, but I always say, ‘It’s going to such an incredible cause. Why wouldn’t people want to help, even just a little?’”

Applications are invited for prospective students who live outside the school’s home zone for the 2026/2027 school years.

The Board of Trustees has determined that we have limited places for Year 0, 2, 3, 5 and 6 students.

If the number of applications exceeds available places, a ballot will be held.

To get started with the enrolment process, you’re welcome to download a form from our website (www.elmpark.school.nz). Alternatively, please feel free to pop into the school office if you would prefer to collect a paper copy.

EDUCATOR IN ACTION

With Leesa Hill, Kids Crafty Clubs

How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?

Kia ora, I’ve been working in early childhood education for over 38 years. Education has always been a strong part of our family, and it’s been incredibly special to now see my daughter Brooke in her second year of early childhood training, continuing that passion into the next generation.

When did you become principal of Kids Crafty Clubs?

Kids Crafty Clubs (KCC) was first established in 1988 as an OSCAR (Out of School Care and Recreation) programme operating from the garage of my family home in Pakuranga. In 1995, we opened our first childcare centre in Pakuranga Heights on local schoolgrounds, which was proudly built by my father. In the early 2000s, we transformed our family home in Howick into what’s now known as Phoenix House, creating a unique learning environment for children. What began as a small family initiative has grown into a longstanding community service supporting generations of local families.

What’s the best thing about being an educator and

principal?

Leesa: The most rewarding part of being an educator is watching children thrive, grow and explore in our care. One of my proudest moments is now welcoming parents who once attended our centre as children and are returning with their own families. My passion has always been supporting children through their learning journeys, helping them build confidence and independence as they grow into the next generation of young adults.

Brooke: I attended KCC as a child, so for me it’s a real full-circle moment! From being a child at the centre to now completing my degree and supporting the next generation in the same environment that helped shape me. I love creating positive learning experiences, showing kindness and making education fun and meaningful for children every day.

What’s special about Kids Crafty Clubs?

Kids Crafty Clubs is a proudly family-owned centre with strong family values at its heart. Those values continue today with my daughter teaching within the centre and my sister-in-law, Toni Hill, supporting the team as our 2IC. The centre itself has a

unique history, originally being our first family home before being thoughtfully converted into a childcare environment. Over more than 20 years, we’ve expanded by purchasing neighbouring properties to create what we believe is the perfect setting for children to learn, play, and explore. Our large outdoor environment includes natural play spaces and even a small petting area with rabbits, birds, and an insect habitat, encouraging children to connect with nature. Most importantly, our teaching team shares the same values, kindness, care, fun, and a genuine passion for providing high-quality early childhood education.

Is there anything you’d like improved in the early childhood education sector?

The early childhood sector plays such an important role in shaping children’s futures, and continued investment in

tors,

resources and support systems would allow centres to continue providing the highest quality learning environments for children and families.

How is the relationship between Kids Crafty Clubs and its immediate local community?

Having been part of the community for more than 30 years, we’re well known locally as KCC and have built strong, lasting relationships with families and schools in the area. Alongside our early childhood centre, we also operate the OSCAR programme called KCC Kids Club for children aged five to 14, offering before and afterschool care to local schoolchildren in the area and school holiday programmes. KCC Kids Club allows children from different schools across the community to build friendships.

WHITE ADELE LIFELONG SERVANT OF HOWICK Q&A with

PJ TAYLOR talks with a much-admired born-and-bred Howickian who has dedicated most of her life to caring for, educating and representing the people of east Auckland.

Where were you born and grew up?

I was born at the former Howick Obstetric Hospital in Selwyn Road. I grew up living in the lovely, relaxed Howick Beach neighbourhood, attending Howick District High School, Owairoa Primary, Howick Intermediate, and Pakuranga College.

How was your early life in this area?

Howick always felt safe and we looked out for each other. I was happy to walk to Brownies and later Guides in Howick Village, to friends’ homes after school, and up to the old Monterey Theatre for a movie. You could go away for a holiday at Christmas time and leave your windows open and house unlocked. We were surrounded by great neighbours, many elderly, whom we all knew well. Their doors were always open to my sister and I whom they treated like their grandchildren. We shared fruit and vegetables from our gardens, and we were regularly treated to freshly caught fish by a keen fisherman living a couple of doors away. Our nextdoor neighbour was Mary Louise Luplau, who lived alone and reached the amazing age of 105. Our street was named after her. Dad played cricket at Ohuiarangi-Pigeon Mountain, and mum played at Howick Women’s Bowling Club.

What’s your connection to the early Fencible settlers.

My dad left me with a handwritten paper outlining a simple family tree. It was fascinating to research and find the names of my great-great grandfather and greatgrandfather among those of the Fencibles who arrived on boats at Howick Beach in 1847 and subsequently settled in Howick. I guess this makes me a true Howickian!

When and why did you join the New

Police, I continued my specialisation in education and added the topics of drug education, bullying prevention, personal safety and more, to various elements of road safety. I developed a special interest in child protection and enjoyed working with schools to assist with implementing a child safety programme in the classroom and also preparing policy and procedures for dealing with disclosure. I became a mentor to new officers and returned to Police College often to instruct there. I also held portfolios in equity and diversity, and women in policing. Policing has many highs and many lows. There’s an immense amount of sadness dealing with victims of crime and abuse, and the outcomes of this. On the high side it’s rewarding to share empathy and understanding, and to provide advice and assistance to those in need. Also positive are the bonds you form with other officers both as colleagues and friends.

What are some of your favourite memories as a police officer?

The highlight of my policing career was spending eight months as a police advisor in the Solomon Islands, an amazing experience with many notable adventures and a great opportunity to share skills alongside police from other nations. I always loved “walking the beat” through Howick. It would often take ages as so many people would stop and say how safe this made them feel. Business owners would chat about crime prevention, and I’d meet loads of people I knew who just wanted to say hello! During my years in the job, I shared some memorable times with colleagues. As well as work stories there were some fun social occasions. In out-of-work hours I had another

interest – facilitating antenatal classes. Over the years, a number of officers, with their partners, attended my classes. As a celebrant, I’ve been honoured to officiate at many significant ceremonies for my police colleagues – some very special weddings, and sadly some funerals too. After 10 years of retirement, it makes me smile to still be recognised as “the police officer that came to our school” or “the police officer that helped us”.

You’ve recently been re-elected as a Howick Local Board member for the Howick subdivision. How many terms have you served and why do you stand to serve your community?

I’ve just commenced my sixth three-year term in local-body politics. Three terms were as a Howick Community Board member and latterly on the Howick Local Board, which governs the whole Howick ward. The pride, loyalty and affection I have for Howick, and the local knowledge I’ve gained over many years inspires me to ensure our people are well represented in local decision making. Ensuring our special place is preserved and cared for, and the provision of up-to-date services for all is important to me.

Are there achievements from your time as a Howick Local Board member that you’re particularly proud of?

As part of a team, I’ve seen the completion of a number of projects – the Half Moon Bay Ferry Terminal, numerous children’s play-spaces, additional walkways, improvements to Barry Curtis and Lloyd Elsmore Parks, the rebuilding of Uxbridge Arts and Culture, improved sports facilities, to name just a few. Recently, I was able to

contribute significant local knowledge to feedback from the local board opposing the Plan Change 120 prior to the public being able to contribute their own. For me, forming connections with many local groups has been valuable. This helps define their needs, connects them to the community, and the feedback they provide is useful to our board.

In your downtime, where are some of your favourite places to visit and activities to do in east Auckland?

We’re very spoilt with lots of lovely places to walk. I especially enjoy the rural and coastal walks in Whitford and on the Pohutukawa Coast. I really love photographing the scenery, flora and fauna and animals along the way! Our growing multicultural population has ensured we have a wide choice of local eateries of many nationalities. I’m one of a small group of friends affectionately known as the Gourmet Globetrotters. We aim to “visit a different country” whenever we dine out together. A couple of other east Auckland treasures worthy of mention –the Fo Guang Shan Temple – for peace and serenity; Minos – to treat my Italian side; and our historic Shamrock Cottage, All Saints Church, and the Howick Historical Village are all special. After a busy week I also enjoy spending downtime at home – where I can bake, craft, and have our grandchildren to visit until my heart is content!

If there was one thing you’d like to see change in New Zealand society, what would it be?

That all New Zealanders live in harmony with each other and their surroundings.

FEBRUARY 2026 PROPERTY

Buying real estate across East and South Auckland offers options for every lifestyle. From Barfoot & Thompson Howick specialists in established East Auckland homes, to One Agency selling Stage 1 at Bayside Estate, Paerata Rise house-and-land packages, GJ Gardner Homes in Clevedon, Geoff Peterson, Mortgage Adviser for Loan Market, and a private sale in Howick, buyers can choose location, lifestyle and long-term value with confidence.

Be a part of this exciting seaside development in sunny Kawakawa Bay, Auckland’s best kept secret. Bayside is surrounded by rolling hills, farmland and forestry & only 200m to the beach. Brand new 3/4 bedroom homes from only $979,000. Visit our Showhome at 25 Ferndale Drive Sat/Sun 1-3 pm or make an appointment.

Need help finding the right loan? Talk to your local mortgage adviser.

Access to over 25 banks and lenders, with one expert by your side.

Reach out or scan the QR code to get started.

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YOUR LOCAL HEALTH CARE

EAST HEALTH COMMUNITY HEALTH EXPO BRINGS HEALTH SUPPORT TO LIFE

Earlier this month the East Health Community Health Expo brought together local families, seniors and neighbours to learn more about staying well.

The free event, held at The Park Community Centre in Flat Bush, gave people of all ages a chance to take simple steps towards better health in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Visitors enjoyed health checks, including heart and diabetes screening, blood tests and follow-up results delivered alongside personalise advice from our friendly nurses.

Free immunisations were administered including those having a second dose of MMR and our partners at Hato Hone St John offered free basic CPR training so families could gain confidence in helping themselves and others in an emergency.

Visitors saw practical demonstrations and received health-education where people learned how to read food labels, test their knowledge of standard drinks, and connect with local wellness services. They also discovered ways to keep active and well, including how to connect with local GP services and why it’s important.

By being enrolled with a GP, you connect with a group of trusted health professionals who know your medical history and can help keep you well over time. Being enrolled often means lower visit costs, easier access to regular check-ups, reminders for important screenings and immunisations, and a team who can support you with ongoing care.

Enrolment is free and voluntary. If you aren’t enrolled or you are unsure, reach out to your local practice or the one you visit regularly. You can simply phone a clinic to check your enrolment status.

East Health clinics are listed on their website at www.easthealth.co.nz/ clinics. Stay tuned for your next local health update in the next issue of the Eastern Times

What?

Gumboot Friday is a FREE counselling service for any young person in New Zealand aged 25 and under.

Why?

An overworked and under resourced public mental health service has led to excruciatingly long wait times for young people needing immediate help. Gumboot Friday was designed to meet the needs of young people and provides free and timely access to counselling.

Using fully qualified, licensed practitioners from the private sector, our rangatahi from 5 to 25 years old are able to access help and more often than not, are now seen within a fortnight.

FUNDRAISING IDEAS

We have listed some ideas of how you could start your fundraising e orts, but don’t be limited to this list! Get creative and have some fun. Tag us on socials or send us some photos so we can keep up to date with what you are doing.

Bake sale

Quiz night

5/10km gumboot walk

Host a gumboot breakfast or lunch

Sausage sizzle or BBQ

Run a (gum)boot camp gym class or challenge

Gift basket ra e

Have a gumboot donation box on front desk

Advances in regenerative therapy

for osteoarthritis

Wear gumboots to work for a donation

Hold a community sports day

Gumboot fashion show

Workplace gumboot decorating competition

Donate a portion of sales for the month of October

What can you do?

about Gumboot Friday and the Government funding that supports free counselling for five to 25 year olds. Much of it’s been driven by sensationalist and inaccurate reporting, repeated so often it’s begun to sound like fact. It isn’t. Let’s clear a few things up.

Without you there is no counselling. We need your passion, energy, and positivity. We need your drive, dedication and fun, but most of all we need your involvement. Changes in 2024 have brought about an allocation of Government funding for this program, however we still rely on public donations alongside this to match the growing demand for this service.

DONATE HERE

Do a physical challenge for sponsorship

100% of donations support the administration and delivery of Gumboot Friday, providing free counselling for all young people 25 and under around New Zealand

Hold a gumboot ball (boots & suits, gummies & gowns)

Dr Hassan Mubark offers his patients groundbreaking work in regenerative medicine.

Start a givealittle page

Start your fundraiser at https://givealittle.co.nz/drafts/new

Long before any Government funding was announced, everyday New Zealanders put their hands in their pockets and donated $9 million to Gumboot Friday. They did that because the service worked. Because their kids were being seen. Because help was finally available when it was needed. Government investment followed public trust, not the other way around.

One of the most common claims is that I personally received $24 million. I did not. Not a cent. That funding pays counsellors for sessions already delivered to young people. Every session is verified, audited and only then reimbursed by the Ministry of Health.

Purchase your o cal Gumboot Friday merch: store.iamhope.org.nz/collections/ gumboot-friday

Osteoarthritis and soft-tissue injuries affect thousands of New Zealanders every year.

For many, the treatment journey feels familiar: physiotherapy, pain relief, injections, and eventually surgery. But medicine is changing.

Visit our ‘gumboot army’ facebook group for more ideas & connect with others!

I Am Hope covers all other costs. Technology. Administration. Clinical oversight. Safeguarding. None of that is paid for by Government.

gumbootfriday.org.nz

Another claim is that by not running a traditional RFP, other services missed out. The reality is that before Gumboot Friday there was no free, nationwide counselling service for five to 25 year olds operating at scale. That gap existed for years. Gumboot Friday filled it, first with public support, then with Government backing once the model was proven.

This was not a fly-by-night operation. Gumboot Friday has been delivering care for years, building systems, clinical standards and a national network of

How do we know it works? Simple. Because the six-month waiting lists are gone. We no longer hear the stories of kids waiting half a year for help while things got worse. When a young person reaches out now, support is available when it matters. As of January 26, Gumboot Friday has delivered 147,867 free counselling sessions.

Mike King

I’m stepping down because I’ve become a distraction. The kaupapa is bigger than any one person. The noise will fade. The need will not. And the kids will still need help tomorrow.

Regenerative medicine is opening new doors by helping the body repair itself. Through treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), injectable gel therapies, and cellular treatments using a small sample of your own abdominal fat, the focus is on reducing inflammation, supporting cartilage and tendon health, and restoring movement – rather than simply masking pain.

These treatments may help people with knee, hip, shoulder and ankle osteoarthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, bursitis, meniscal problems, spinal joint pain, and many sports or overuse injuries. The best results are often seen in early to moderate stages, when tissues still have the ability to respond.

For active individuals, this can mean a faster return to movement. For those living with joint degeneration, it may offer meaningful pain relief and improved function, sometimes delaying or avoiding surgery altogether.

All care is delivered in line with safe medical practice standards in New Zealand, including careful assessment, informed consent, image-guided procedures where appropriate, and strict clinical safety protocols.

Our focus is simple: supporting our valued patients with responsible innovation and the latest medical technology. Modern medicine is no longer only about replacing worn parts. Increasingly, it’s about helping your body heal itself.

Dr Hassan Mubark – Auckland Regenerative Clinic

(Based out of Ormiston Specialist Centre)

Ground Floor, 125 Ormiston Road, Flat Bush

Phone: 09 271 3305

Email: drhassanmubark@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/auckland.regenerative

ASK THE DOCTOR

It’s patterns, not perfection, that matter to your

heart

 By KIMBERLEY HALL, Health Coach, Tend Pakuranga

February is Heart Health Month

– a reminder to pause and think about how we care for one of the hardest-working muscles in our body.

When people think about heart health, they often imagine dramatic changes: strict diets, intense exercise plans or giving up all they enjoy. It’s no wonder many switch off before they even start. But here’s the truth: your heart isn’t asking for perfection. It’s paying attention to patterns – the small, repeated choices you make day after day, not the big ones you make once and abandon.

As a health coach, what I notice most isn’t a lack of motivation, it’s exhaustion. People are already juggling full lives, so adding “do more” or “try harder” rarely works. Heart health improves when habits are realistic enough to repeat, not impressive enough to abandon. That’s the pattern-not-perfection approach: consistency over intensity, every time.

MOVEMENT: the pattern that protects

Supporting your heart doesn’t require hard workouts. Regular movement – walking, light strength work or simply moving more – improves circulation, supports blood pressure and strengthens the cardiovascular system. The best movement is the kind you’ll still be doing months from now because it fits your life.

NUTRITION: steady patterns, not strict rules

Heart-supportive eating isn’t about restriction, but reliable nourishment. Meals built around whole foods, including vegetables, fibre, healthy fats and protein, help stabilise blood sugars and cholesterol levels. One simple pattern that makes a real difference is including protein at each meal – no perfection required, just repetition.

SLEEP AND STRESS: the patterns we overlook

Ongoing stress and poor sleep increase inflammation and quietly tax the heart. Small, regular wind-down routines and protected sleep often prove more powerful than people realise. Again, it’s not about perfect sleep every night – it’s about making rest consistent.

Heart health isn’t built in bursts of effort. It’s shaped by the patterns you live with – and when those patterns fit your real life, they’re far more likely to last.

If you’d like guidance on finding habits that suit you, even a short chat with a health coach can help you take simple, consistent steps to support your heart and energy every day.

LOCAL SCHOOL RECEIVES LIFE-SAVING GIFT

A partnership between Hato Hone St John and MAS has delivered to Macleans Primary School and it’s east Auckland community round-the-clock access to a new life-saving device.

As part of last year’s successful Shocktober campaign, when more than 35,000 New Zealanders were taught how to save a life, MAS ran an AED (automated external defibrillator) giveaway, calling for people to nominate a community organisation they felt was deserving of the impactful prize.

Macleans Primary School was nominated by school staff member Kathryn Stankovic, who noted that its closest known AED was located at Macleans College some 850 metres away. Macleans Primary was then randomly selected by MAS as the winner.

Hato Hone St John and MAS representatives visited the school in Bucklands Beach for a presentation on February 10. Matthew Cooke, the Macleans Primary principal, accepted the AED on behalf of the students and staff and says they’re grateful to receive such a significant gift.

“This new defibrillator will benefit the whole community and offer easy access to such an important device. It’s centrally located and highly visible with clear signage. Macleans Primary thanks Hato Hone St John and MAS for their support in providing and installing the machine. A thank you also goes to Kathryn, who made the initial nomination for Macleans Primary to receive this AED,” says Cooke.

The AED will not only be accessible during school hours, but available 24/7 to the

public in the event of a cardiac emergency. The device is housed in a fluorescent yellow lock box on an exterior wall near the school office, which can be unlocked by calling 111 for an ambulance and following the emergency call handler’s instructions.

Mia Noyes, the Hato Hone St John 3 Steps for Life delivery lead, emphasises the importance of AED use in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. “When an AED is used alongside CPR, it can double a person’s chance of survival during a cardiac emergency, where every minute counts. This is why it’s part of our 3 Steps for Life programme – calling 111 for an ambulance, starting CPR, and using an AED.”

Noyes attended the presentation with local MAS advisors Esha Puggal and Andy Schlaffer. “I’d like to extend our sincere thanks to the team at MAS for supporting Shocktober and making this generous donation,” she says. “There’s no doubt it will make a life-changing difference for the people of east Auckland when it matters most.”

Acupuncture

MAS chief executive Jo McCauley says the company “was founded by doctors to care for those who care for others. Supporting the 3 Steps for Life programme is a natural extension of that legacy. By donating this AED to Macleans Primary School, we’re giving this community immediate access to life-saving support if it’s ever needed.

“It’s a practical way we can stand alongside Hato Hone St John to strengthen community resilience and help improve survival outcomes across Aotearoa,” says McCauley.

Following the AED presentation, junior students at Macleans Primary attended a Save Your Teddy session led by Noyes.

The sessions build children’s awareness of how their actions can save lives in the event of cardiac arrest, through practice and sharing their learning.

Noyes will also be returning to the school to teach the remaining students, as well as delivering a 3 Steps for Life session for the staff in the coming weeks.

Welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse: Tradition,

health and wellbeing

Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It carries deep cultural meaning and greatly influences people’s health and well-being.

Family reunion is at the heart of the celebration. People return home to gather with loved ones, which eases stress and calms the mind. Dr Jing Dong, one of our experienced GPs, explains that Chinese New Year is fundamentally about renewal and balance.

“In traditional Chinese culture, the start of the lunar year is a time to reset both physically and mentally. We encourage patients to view it as an opportunity to establish healthier habits and strengthen family bonds, which are essential to overall wellness.”

Dr Lily Liu notes that many of her patients use this period for health reflection. “We encourage people to ‘cleanse’ their health routines by scheduling overdue check-ups, updating vaccinations, and addressing lingering concerns they may have postponed.”

The festival’s emphasis on shared meals resonates with modern wellness principles. Dr Lily Liu reminds patients to balance indulgence with mindful eating, stay hydrated, and maintain physical activity during the celebrations.

The Year of the Horse carries a powerful symbol of perseverance. As Dr Jing Dong notes: “The horse symbolises perseverance, and positive health changes require that same persistence, whether it’s quitting smoking, managing weight, or building a consistent exercise routine.”

Chinese New Year is more than a holiday – it’s a precious tradition that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit. At Ormiston Medical, we celebrate the diversity of our community and support all patients in maintaining their health throughout the year.

Gong Xi Fa Cai – wishing you prosperity and good health in 2026. Be sure to look out for your next local health update in the next issue of the Eastern Times.

MICHELLE KEENAN empowers people and organisations to achieve optimal wellbeing by providing customised wellness coaching programmes tailored to their unique goals.

For many people, stress is no longer an occasional spike – instead, it feels constant. Emails, deadlines, financial pressure, family responsibilities, world events. The nervous system barely gets a chance to stand down.

When you’re stuck in ongoing stress, your body stays in a heightened state of alertness. Heartrate runs a little faster. Muscles stay tense. Sleep becomes lighter, if you can even get to sleep at all. Patience disappears. This is nervous system dysregulation, and it’s exhausting. Over time, it negatively affects mood, focus, relationships, immunity, and overall wellbeing. Being in this state isn’t a personal failure, it’s a biological response. Your nervous system is doing its job of trying to keep you safe. The problem is that it was designed for short bursts of stress, not months of low-grade pressure.

If this is all sounding a bit too close to home, you can start regulating your nervous system right now with these simple tips:

Breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth, focusing on a long exhale to encourage your nervous system to move from “fight or flight” mode, into “rest and digest” mode.

Movement helps work off those stress hormones. A walk, stretching, or shaking out tense muscles can interrupt the stress cycle. Time outdoors adds an extra layer of calming benefit. You can even combine beneficial breath and movement in practices like yoga, qi gong, and tai chi.

Reducing overstimulation is crucial. Being glued to our phones, with the constant, but ever-reducing, dopamine hits we get from social media, games, and news, is keeping us wired every waking moment, but it’s something we can control. Change your screen to greyscale, do some yoga or stretching first thing rather than reaching for your phone, and pick up a book to read before bed.

Finally, prioritise sleep and predictable routines. Regular wake and sleep times provide stability, which your nervous system loves. Regulation is built through small, repeated moments of safety, which have a cumulative effect and can help the body and brain shift from constant vigilance back toward a calmer default state.

www.michellekeenan.com

EXPLORING MOTUKARAKA ISLAND

„ By DAVID MALLOWES

About 500 metres off the Beachlands coastline sits a 5.7-hectare bush-clad island, connected by a low tide sandspit. It’s ideal for a fun family walk from Beachlands or as a stop on a longer coastal walk from Pine Harbour towards Omana and Maraetai.

This is very much a low tide walk, so check the low tide height via the MetService or other app or website. A height of 0.6m is awesome, 1.2m is still walkable, and if any higher then you’ll need to walk out and back right on low tide time.

For a 1.8km family walk, park by the Motukaraka Reserve on Puriri Road in Beachlands and directly access the sandspit.

For a 4km coastal there and back walk start from Pine Harbour. Maybe a coffee and morning tea at one of the cafe/restaurants.

Then, supercharged, head across the grass to the gate at the marina side of the boat drystack.

Cross, then follow the path and track along the coastline – a dry walkway through a coastal wetland, duck under a few pohutukawa trees, follow the foreshore, and after about 10 minutes you’ll see Motukaraka ahead.

For an extendable 5km loop walk, continue the 4km route along the foreshore. The coastline around to Sunkist Bay has suffered severely from erosion and the route requires reasonable balance and footwear with good tread. There are ledges to negotiate, barnacles to be wary of. Return via the low-density original streets of the older Beachlands.

Always do the walk out to the island before the turn of the tide. Advisable to wear

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sturdy footwear and be wary of soft sand and slippery areas. Best to forego venturing onto the island, enjoy the view back to Beachlands, have a rest, then head back. It’s a bit of a scramble up a clay path to get onto the island, there are not any views or clearly marked tracks.

Toilets – at Pine Harbour and at Sunkist Bay. Playground at Sunkist Bay. Unsuitable for prams. Dogs only allowed at Sunkist Bay over summer in evenings and before 10am. For more information, photos, and walk video link, visit Facebook page WalksOutEast.

THE BUSY BUSINESS BADDIE

BEAUTY THAT KEEPS UP

„ By SARAI ELORA, Bonita Artistry

In a world of back-to-back meetings, school drop-offs, workouts and last-minute dinner plans, make-up should feel strategic, not stressful. The modern businesswoman isn’t layering on products, she’s choosing them wisely. Here’s how to create a polished, camera-ready look that lasts from first email to final toast.

1. Prepped skin is power

Hydration equals longevity. When skin is balanced, foundation sits seamlessly and wears longer. A glow-boosting serum like Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops (MECCA from $39) delivers niacinamide to brighten and refine while adding a subtle, light-reflective sheen. It works beautifully under makeup or tapped on high points for a natural glow that reads polished, not oily.

2. Primer + setting without overload

The trick isn’t more product, it’s smarter layering. A hybrid like Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer + Hydrating Primer (MECCA from $31) combines skincare hydration with primer performance, helping foundation grip without heaviness. Lightly set only where you get oily, think T-zone to keep dimension intact.

3. Match to shoulders, not screens

Always shade-match to your décolletage and shoulders in natural light. It’s the simplest way to avoid flashback and maintain harmony in photos and real life.

4. Colour correct, don’t cake

Stick (MECCA $74) delivers targeted pigment to counteract darkness while maintaining a skinlike finish. A small swipe under the eyes or around pigmentation brightens instantly without excess buildup.

5. One palette, twice the purpose

Streamline your routine with multi-use products. The Smashbox Halo Sculpt + Glow Face Palette (MECCA $88) offers bronzer, blush and highlight tones that double as eyeshadows. Using the same tones across cheeks and lids creates cohesion, effortless and intentional.

6. Just six brushes

You don’t need a full kit to look professional. The Morphe Along For The Glide 6-Piece Travel Brush Set (MECCA $59) includes streamlined essentials perfect for on-the-go application. A dense buffing brush, fluffy blender and precise eye brush can take you from natural to elevated in minutes.

7. Lash lift, simplified

Curl lashes to instantly open the eyes, then apply Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara (MECCA from $23). It lengthens and builds soft volume without clumping, keeping lashes lifted and defined from morning meetings to evening plans. Polished, wide-awake, minus the fuss.

8. Shadow as liner

forgiving and fast.

9. Long-lasting lip strategy

Opt for a stain or long-wear satin lipstick, then layer balm in the centre for comfort and dimension.

10. Brow gel = instant structure

Brows frame everything. Kosas Air Brow Fluff & Hold Treatment Gel (MECCA $51) tints, lifts and sets while treating hairs with conditioning ingredients. A few upward strokes instantly create structure and polish.

The takeaway? Beauty that works as hard as you do isn’t about complexity, it’s about intention. Choose multitasking formulas, apply strategically, and let your routine support your ambition, not slow it down.

Press a matte brown or charcoal shadow along the lash line for a softer definition that’s

Follow us for more pro beauty tips @ bonitartistry

FLORIOGRAPHY:

DISCOVERING THE ART AND LOST LANGUAGES OF FLOWERS

This is a shared arts column put together by the Howick Historical Village, Te Tuhi, and Uxbridge Arts and Culture. By Francesca Lolaiy, Howick Historical Village.

Upcoming flower pressing workshops at Howick Historical Village seek to revive a popular Victorian pastime and give insight into a rich visual language, little known today.

When picked at the right time and pressed between pages in a heavy book or a press, many botanicals will be fully preserved once dry. If stored in a humidity-free environment, they’ll keep for centuries.

First practised in the 16th century by Japanese samurai in an art form known as oshibana, flower pressing was part of a meditative practice on patience and harmony through the close study of nature.

In the 19th century, the hobby took off in the west after the Convention of Kanagawa, signed in 1854, opened trade routes with Japan. Tapping into the Victorian craze for cultivating and collecting plants, pressed flowers and foliage were displayed in albums

Community Hero

The Times is recognising the many wonderful people in our local east Auckland community who go out of their way to help others with our regular Community Hero Award. If you know someone who’s doing amazing things in our community, please email 50 to 100 words describing why they deserve this recognition, highlighting specific actions they’ve taken to benefit our community, with your and their contact details and a high-resolution photo of them if possible to chrish@times.co.nz.

Be sure to include details about what they’ve been doing, the impact they’ve made, and how long they’ve been involved in these efforts.

The award is sponsored by New World Howick. Recipients receive a $50 New World gift card and are featured in print and online.

or arranged into pictures and framed, preserved in lockets, and more.

Queen Victoria herself was a keen practitioner, filling albums throughout her life from age 15 well into her 80s. These books contain floral mementos of special occasions and official visits, as well as intimate walks with loved ones. Lily of the valley and iris from her 1897 diamond jubilee bouquet are pressed among her pages.

When combined with floriography, the art of using flowers to send secret messages or express emotions that couldn’t be said aloud, flowers pressed in these keepsakes spoke the language instead. Roses, violets, and forget-me-nots symbolised sentiments of love, fidelity, and remembrance.

The meanings of flowers and plants was encyclopaedic and drew on extensive social and cultural references from folklore, mythology, art, and literature. Varieties and

colours held nuanced meanings, and a whole genre of books was published to help decipher them.

A 1913 handwritten dictionary of flower symbolism has 39 entries for roses and rosebuds alone. Entries include different varieties and their states – e.g ‘thornless’, ‘full blown’, ‘withered’.

To learn more:

Sign up for a workshop at Howick Historical Village in March or April! Explore the heritage gardens with historic interpreter Ruth Page. Get her tips on what to pick and how to press for the best results. Then get to work in the parlour of historic Puhi Nui homestead with a hardcover book or press of your own.

Bookings essential as places are limited. Book on Eventfinda. Saturday 21 March, Saturday 28 March, Saturday 11 April, and Saturday 18 April from 1.30-3.30pm. $28 (no press) or $42 (press included).

This week’s Community Hero is

Michael Rowse

This week’s recipient is Michael Rowse, nominated by PJ Taylor of the Times and East FM. Rowse created community station Howick Village Radio in 2008, which has evolved into East FM, and for the past 18 years he has been station manager.

He recently decided to step down from the role, for which he has been highly respected for, and he’s staying involved.

“East FM has been my baby,” says Rowse. “I’ve poured my heart and soul into the station and watched with pride as it grew from success to success. So many great friendships have been forged, and careers have been spawned.”

PJ says Rowse is one of the most committed people he’s known.

“He’s been wholeheartedly dedicated to something he created, and we all jumped on the bandwagon to enjoy what we do – play music and get involved in community events and activities.

“ Mike has led us magnificently. Doing something for East FM every day voluntarily for 18 years is legendary dedication.”

Tony King, another East FM original DJ, is the new station manager.

Nominate a Community Hero online at www.times.co.nz/ nominate/

PUREWA CEMETERY HONOURS LITTLE DAISY SPURGEON, BORN CHRISTMAS DAY 1888

Christmas Day, 1888, was an especially joyous occasion for Auckland’s esteemed Spurgeon household. It was on this day London-born Thomas and Dunedin native Lila welcomed their firstborn child.

“Our little one rejoices in the name of Daisy,” the proud father wrote, “her full title being Marguerite May … she is, of course, superlatively lovely in her parents’ eyes!”

The Spurgeon Legacy

Thomas came to New Zealand in 1881 as a missionary. His father was legendary evangelist Charles Spurgeon, and Thomas clearly took after him.

By 1884 he was packing out Auckland’s Choral Hall and soon embarked on a campaign to build a new house of worship in Auckland to be modelled on his father’s spectacular Metropolitan Tabernacle in London. This of course is the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle located on the corner of Queen Street and Karangahape Road.

Upon its completion in 1885, the city newspapers gushed that Thomas’s work was

“an ornament to the city, and an enduring monument to the self-devotion and energy of the gifted young preacher who initiated the enterprise ….”

Soon he married fellow Baptist Lila Rutherford at Dunedin’s Hanover Street Church, and going from success to success, the muchpraised preacher continued to minister to overflowing crowds, apparently set to carry on for many years to come.

Short-lived joy, long-lived faith

Alas, it was not to be. Just three months after her Christmas birth, little Daisy became ill and died.

“Have some of my readers lost their little ones?” Thomas wrote, “then hear me, for I too have walked that Via Dolorosa. I own no foot of land save a little plot in an Auckland cemetery … a little shell-strewn mound, and a simple stone with this inscription – ‘Daisy Spurgeon, aged 3 months’. Even so, Father….”

It was a devastating blow that took its toll on the young minister’s health. “I did not feel able enough to do justice to the all the work,”

he wrote his father and on November the third, he preached his farewell sermon.

Restoration

Owing to the initiative of retired Tabernacle Pastor Bruce Patrick, Purewa Cemetery has now restored Daisy’s grave – Thomas Spurgeon’s shell-strewn mound. It serves as a reminder of Thomas and Lila’s faith in the face of death.

As Thomas later wrote, he could know comfort in grief because of an assurance of life beyond the temporary and material: “Did we do wrong to grieve? Is weeping sin?” ‘No, no – for ‘Jesus wept…’ But we did not sorrow as those without hope; we did not refuse to be comforted …”

Purewa is always open to visitors who would like to visit Daisy’s memorial and reflect on hope. While there, be sure to download the Purewa Heritage Tours app and enjoy many more stories of the lives of those remembered on Purewa’s beautiful, park-like grounds.

COMMUNITY CARNIVAL 2026

WHAT WE ARE WATCHING

PRIMATE

PrimeVideo

This horror film from Paramount Pictures is directed by Johannes Roberts and stars Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, Victoria Wyant, Gia Hunter, Benjamin Cheng, and Troy Kotsur. It’s about a group of friends whose tropical vacation in a remote part of Hawaii goes haywire when Ben, an adopted chimpanzee, is bitten by a rabid animal and suddenly becomes violent. Ben starts attacking the characters, who fight for their lives.

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S SEVEN DIALS

Netflix

This new three-part British series is based on the 1929 novel The Seven Dials Mystery by the “Queen of Crime”, Agatha Christie. The story centres on a lavish party at the Caterham estate that results in sore heads the next day, and one guest not waking up at all. Grief following the unexplained death leads one character to search for answers and to hunt for the killer.

SMALL TOWN MONSTERS

YouTube

This is the YouTube channel for people with an interest in cryptozoology and the search for the mysterious beast known as Bigfoot, or the sasquatch. It’s produced hundreds of highquality documentaries on its team’s investigations into subjects such as Bigfoot, Mothman, Dogman, and American folklore, led by filmmaker Seth Breedlove. The films take the viewer out into the woods where mysterious creatures may roam.

NOTEWORTHY PODCASTS

QUARANTINE NATION

WATCH READ LISTEN

BEST NEW BOOKS

SO LATE IN THE DAY RRP $20.

This podcast series from Stuff tells the story of this country’s experience during the Covid-19 pandemic. It talks to the key people involved in the response to the pandemic and ordinary Kiwis to identify what worked and what failed. “Memories of sourdough starters, Netflix binges and daily press conferences may fade, but the scars of the pandemic remain, so Quarantine Nation asks what the pandemic taught us about ourselves and how it continues to affect us.”

GRIEFCAST

Each episode of this podcast sees host Cariad Lloyd talk to a new guest about their experience of grief. They share their views on the pain, loss and the weirdness that happens when someone dies. Griefcast is hosted by edited by Kate Holland and recorded remotely in Lloyd’s living room. People can listen online through iTunes or Acast. Griefcast won three Gold prizes at the British Podcast Awards 2018 as well as Podcast of the Year 2019 at the UK ARIAs and was nominated for a Rose D’or in 2019 for Best Podcast.

THE KILLING OF JILL DANDO

The 1999 murder of popular British TV presenter Jill Dando shocked the nation, and this two-part true crime podcast series revisits the unsolved case that continues to baffle investigators. Dando was shot dead outsider her home. Despite one of the largest homicide investigations in the country’s history, the case remains unsolved. Host Martin Brunt asks why the police focused on their prime suspect, what clues were missed, and why the case still leaves so many questions unanswered?

Author Claire Keegan’s new novel is an exquisitely written story which finds an unsatisfied man on his bus journey home reflect on the love that got away. After an uneventful Friday at the Dublin office, Cathal faces into the long weekend and takes the bus home. There, his mind agitates over a woman with whom he might have spent his life, had he acted differently. All evening, with only the television and alcohol for company, thoughts of her and others intrude, and the true significance of this date is revealed.

NORTHBOUND: FOUR SEASONS OF SOLITUDE ON TE ARAROA

RRP $40.

Walking from Bluff at the bottom of the South Island to Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island, awardwinning journalist Naomi Arnold writes about her search of New Zealand in this new non-fiction book. She spent nearly nine months following Te Araroa, fulfilling a 20-year dream. Arnold traverses mountains, rivers, cities and plains from summer to spring, walking through thick mud, blazing sun, lightning storms, and cold, starlit nights, encountering colourful locals and travellers. This is an inspiring memoir of the joys and pains found in the wilderness, solitude, friendship, and love.

TYING THE knot...

The Small Wedding Details Couples Often Overlook (But Shouldn’t)

Weddings are usually planned around the big-ticket items: the venue, the dress, the food, the guest list. But once the day arrives, it’s often the small, easily overlooked details that shape how calm, comfortable and memorable the experience really is – for both partners.

Thinking about these details ahead of time can save stress and help both people feel present on the day, rather than managing problems behind the scenes.

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FOR HER: the quiet details that make a big difference

One of the most overlooked things is comfort. Wedding dresses are chosen for how they look standing still, but the day involves hours of movement, sitting, hugging and dancing. Practising sitting, walking and even using the bathroom in the dress can prevent surprises. Having a trusted person assigned to help with dress logistics is invaluable.

Another commonly forgotten detail is food and hydration. Many brides are so busy greeting people or taking photos that they forget to eat. A small snack packed away, plus a water bottle nearby, can prevent energy dips or light-headedness.

Hair and makeup timing is another pressure point. Padding the schedule with extra time allows for delays and creates a calmer start to the day. It also gives space to enjoy the moment rather than feeling rushed.

Emotionally, it helps to plan a quiet pause – even five minutes alone or with a close

friend — to ground yourself. The day moves fast, and having a short reset can make everything feel more meaningful.

Finally, consider backup items: blister plasters, bobby pins, tissues, lip balm, deodorant and a phone charger. These tiny things are often lifesavers.

FOR HIM: details that ease pressure and boost confidence

Men often assume they have fewer responsibilities on the wedding day, but overlooked details can still cause unnecessary stress.

One is fit and comfort. Wearing the suit in advance – shoes included – helps avoid stiffness, sore feet or awkward tailoring issues. Breaking shoes in beforehand is a simple but crucial step.

Grooming timing is another detail that matters. Planning haircuts, beard trims and skincare several days before the wedding avoids last-minute mishaps. On the day itself, having a small grooming kit on hand keeps everything polished.

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Men also tend to underestimate the importance of emotional preparation. The ceremony can be intense, especially with public speaking involved. Taking time beforehand to practice vows, breathing, or simply grounding yourself can make a noticeable difference.

Another overlooked role is being a steady presence. Having a calm plan for logistics –rings, timing, transport – takes pressure off everyone else, especially your partner.

Lastly, just like brides, grooms benefit from eating regularly and staying hydrated. A light meal before the ceremony can prevent nerves from turning into exhaustion.

It’s the details that let you enjoy the day

Weddings don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. Paying attention to these small, practical details allows both people to relax, feel confident and actually enjoy the day they’ve worked so hard to plan.

Because when the basics are quietly taken care of, there’s more room for what really matters – being present, connected, and celebrating together.

WEE LS

MONDAY: COMPLIMENTARY STARTER (Pizza Bread, Salad or Cheesy Fries)

TUESDAY: HALF PRICE PIZZA

WEDNESDAY: $20 PASTA

THURSDAY: $6 HOUSE DRINKS

�� Book: www minos co nz 09 535 5282 | 1/43 Cook Street, Howick

Get your hands messy and make your tastebuds happy! Grab your mates, bring the fam or treat yourself. It’s messy, it’s delicious and it’s pure weekend magic. Every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm. Book your table now so you don’t miss out Botany Town Centre | 09 271 2001 | botanycommons@gsh.co.nz

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DOUBLE PASS TO ‘THE KNOCK OFF’ ON TRADES’ DAY

at DISCOVERING THE EVERYDAY CONVENIENCE

MEADOWLANDS SHOPPING CENTRE

Nestled between Botany and Howick, Meadowlands Shopping Centre is more than a retail destination – it’s a true community hub with convenience at its core.

With over 300 car parks and car charging stations, the centre makes errands simple and stress-free. Whether you’re stopping by for a single item or planning a relaxed afternoon, accessibility and comfort are part of the experience. Open daily from 9am-6pm (individual store hours may vary), Meadowlands offers a balanced mix of essential services and specialty retailers, bringing practicality and lifestyle together in one location.

A key anchor is Woolworths New Zealand, open extended hours from 7am-10pm and featuring a convenient in-store chemist. From grocery essentials and fresh produce

to prescriptions and last-minute necessities, it provides added flexibility for busy households.

Beyond the supermarket, the centre delivers genuine one-stop convenience. Pick up a Lotto ticket, organise a courier parcel, repair your phone, refresh your wardrobe or book a beauty treatment, all without leaving the complex. When it’s time to pause, local cafés offer inviting spaces to meet friends over coffee or lunch.

For those looking to add something special to their visit, The Cheesecake Shop provides a tempting selection of celebration cakes, desserts and sweet treats – perfect for birthdays, gatherings or simply elevating an ordinary day.

What sets Meadowlands apart is its

Power Up while you shop Charge your EV while you shop at Meadowlands Shopping Centre

Convenient, accessible on-site charging designed to power your day.

approachable scale and strong local focus. Retailers pride themselves on personalised service, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits. The result is a centre that feels familiar, efficient and genuinely connected to its community.

Whether you’re managing a busy schedule or carving out time to relax, Meadowlands simplifies the process. Everything you need, plus a few indulgences, is right here. Make life easier. Make it Meadowlands.

THOUSANDS EXPECTED FOR 2026 BNZ AUCKLAND LANTERN FESTIVAL

The colourful BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival returns to the Manukau Sports Bowl from February 26 to March 1, marking the conclusion of Chinese New Year celebrations and welcoming the Year of the Horse.

As New Zealand’s largest cultural festival, the free, family-friendly event takes place across four evenings and features lantern displays, live performances, food and fireworks.

It’s supported by Auckland Council Events. This year’s festival features more than 500 handmade lanterns, including the new Year of the Horse lantern, and a new Kiwiana lantern celebrating iconic elements of New Zealand.

Across the four evenings, festivalgoers can enjoy mainstage performances showcasing a mix of traditional cultural and contemporary acts, along with activities and giveaways at the BNZ Basketball Court.

A wide range of flavours will be on offer, with 50 food stalls and 20 retail stalls selling food,

gifts and merchandise from across Asia. The festival is open daily from 4pm-10.30pm and the final three nights finish with a spectacular fireworks display at 9.50pm.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited director of destination, Annie Dundas, says the festival is an important part of Auckland’s Chinese New Year celebrations and a standout event on the region’s summer calendar.

“Each year, the festival brings communities together to celebrate culture, creativity and shared experiences. With tickets now available, we’re encouraging people to plan ahead and secure tickets so they can enjoy everything the four-day event has to offer.”

BNZ executive personal and business banking, Anna Flower, says: “The festival offers memorable experiences for people of all ages. From exploring the lanterns to enjoying performances and food, the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival gives people the chance to be part of something special.

“We’re proud to support an event that’s free, welcoming and accessible for families and communities across the region.”

Before people arrive, check out www. aucklandnz.com/lantern for festival tickets, maps, performance locations and schedules, and the latest event information. Entry is free but tickets are required. Visitors need a ticket for free entry and free public transport. With no public parking available at the venue and road closures in place, using the festival’s integrated transport with Auckland Transport (AT) is the easiest way to get there.

As part of the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival, Vector Lights returns to the Auckland Harbour Bridge to celebrate the Year of the Horse with a light and sound show.

It’s the result of a partnership between Vector, Auckland Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. The show runs from February 23 to March 1, from 8.30pm until midnight, playing every 15 minutes.

ROB’S CHOCOLATE MARQUISE

INGREDIENTS

• 5 large egg yolks

• 1½ cups icing sugar

• 250g unsalted butter, softened and cubed

• ½ cup dark cocoa powder

METHOD

• 600ml cream

• ½ tsp vanilla essence

• 3 Tbs orange liqueur (triple sec, Cointreau, Grand Marnier)

Line a terrine mould or loaf tin with cling film. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and icing sugar until thick and pale (around five minutes). In a double boiler (or a stainless-steel bowl placed over a saucepan of boiling water), add chocolate and heat, stirring regularly, until melted. Add butter one cube at a time, whisking with each addition. Remove from heat then stir in cocoa powder. In a bowl, whip cream and vanilla until soft peaks form then fold in orange liqueur. Combine melted chocolate and whipped egg yolk mix then gently fold in the whipped cream. Pour mixture into prepared mould or tin then refrigerate for three hours before turning out and serving.

SIMON SAYS... Slice and serve with a quenelle of crème fraîche, fresh berries (I used raspberries) and mint.

WITH GAULT simongault.com Scan to discover Simon’s Secret Pantry Weapons

MAKE IT WEEK NIGHT FRIENDLY

SHORTCUTS FOR BUSY HOUSEHOLDS

Even the most inspiring recipe can feel ambitious at 6pm on a Wednesday. Between meetings, school pick-ups and after-work activities, time is tight, but that doesn’t mean dinner has to default to takeaways. With a few smart shortcuts, a chef-quality dish can become entirely weeknight-friendly.

Start with preparation. Pre-chopped vegetables, washed salad greens and quality store-bought stock aren’t compromises, they’re timesavers. If a recipe calls for slow-cooked components, consider rotisserie chicken, tinned legumes or pre-cooked grains to cut preparation in half without sacrificing flavour.

Next, simplify techniques. If the original method involves multiple pans, see what can be consolidated into one pot or tray. Sheet-pan roasting delivers caramelised flavour with minimal cleanup, while one-pot pastas reduce both cooking time and washing up a win for busy households. Don’t be afraid of smart swaps. Dried herbs can stand in for fresh in cooked dishes, and a good-quality simmer sauce can act as a flavour base you elevate with extra garlic, chilli or citrus.

The goal isn’t perfection; it’s practicality. Batch cooking is another weeknight hero. Double the recipe and freeze half for a future evening when energy is low. Many dishes, from curries to pasta sauces, taste even better the next day. Finally, think ahead.

A little planning on Sunday, marinating meat, chopping onions, or prepping a sauce, can transform a 45-minute recipe into a 20-minute dinner. Great food doesn’t require hours. With thoughtful shortcuts, weeknight cooking can be both achievable and satisfying.

Hitting fairways to fundraise

„ By PJ TAYLOR

An always favoured one-day golf tournament is swinging into action again to collect money for worthy community causes.

And organisers of the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay’s Ambrose Golf Tournament say there are still spots available for golfers who want to participate.

The Half Moon Bay Rotary Club’s 28th annual Ambrose Golf Tournament is played on Monday, March 9, at Pakuranga Golf Club.

Organisers says it’s “a milestone year for this beloved local fundraiser”.

“Over nearly three decades, this tournament has raised substantial funds for The Rising Foundation and other vital youth and community organisations, including the Howick All Saints Foodbank.

“This year’s event continues that tradition of supporting our community’s most vulnerable.”

Beneficiary, The Rising Foundation, has the motto: “Unlocking Your Potential.”

“We apply this to every young adult and have seen first-hand how a sustained programme of intervention, prevention and support works,” it says.

“Our programme currently runs in partnership with four secondary schools in south Auckland.

“The Rising Foundation works with students from

years 8 to 13 through weekly meetings and adventure camps.

“Our employment pathways team, journeys on with our programme graduates until they’re in the workforce or further education.”

It’s a busy time for voluntary Half Moon Rotary Club members who’ll also be assisting in the running of the Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga this Sunday, March 1.

And as well as supporting fundraising efforts for The Rising Foundation, it’s gearing up for its yearly Bangers to Bluff car rally in March.

Organisers say funds collected from the golf tournament combines with the

Bangers to Bluff run, helping to support other community causes.

They include the youth programme Rotary Young Leaders Award (RYLA), described as a mini Outward Bound course, and the Usborne Illustrated Dictionary programme that supplies the educational books into south Auckland primary schools.

Rotary community fundraising also sponsors a year 13 student to attend a weeklong national science and technology forum at the University of Auckland, and two local primary schools with a Trees for Survival programme in which students grow plants and Rotary assists with their planting to help clean waterways.

And the youth sailing programme at Bucklands Beach Yacht Club is also supported.

The Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay has also recently donated two defibrillators for 24/7 public access at Half Moon Bay Marina, and grants to Howick Community MenzShed and the Howick Historical Village, respectively.

To enter the Half Moon Bay Rotary Club’s 28th annual Ambrose Golf Tournament and for more information, go online to www. golf-rchmb.co.nz.

School principal preparing to tackle Ironman NZ race

Alocal school principal is preparing to take on one of New Zealand’s toughest endurance challenges.

Wayne Gillard, who leads Brookby School in rural south-east Auckland, is set to compete in the 2026 ANZCO Foods Ironman New Zealand, staged at Lake Taupō on March 7, with support from the Tony Jackson Scholarship.

The scholarship honours the legacy of Ironman NZ Hall of Fame member Tony Jackson, a 28-time Ironman finisher who believed “nothing is impossible … to the willing mind”.

It provides a deserving athlete with an Ironman NZ event package, including entry and training support, to help them reach the start and finish lines of Ironman

NZ. Gillard, 54, is a passionate educator and community leader who’s dedicated his life to inspiring others,

LIFE EDUCATION TRUST COUNTIES MANUKAU

Charity Golf Day

Friday 17 April 10:00am Shotgun Start

Enjoy the day with: Morning egg & bacon rolls Halfway sausage sizzle

Sumptuous lunch in the Club House

Hole Sponsor $1,000 includes: Team of 4 & 2 carts

Individual player $175.00 Tee off for a great cause and help support Harold Clarks Beach Golf Course

100 Stevenson Road, Clarks Beach 2122 kelvin.ricketts@lifeed.org.nz | 021 612 984

especially the students and staff at his small semi-rural school.

His dream is to become New Zealand’s fittest principal by completing Ironman NZ and show his school community anything is possible with determination and belief.

“For me, it’s about showing that even in a busy leadership role, you can still look after your health and chase big goals,” Gillard says.

“I’ve heard from others in educational leadership who have encouraged me, but also shared their fitness and health stories. If students see their principal getting up early, training hard, and sticking at something challenging, that’s a pretty powerful message, and if it inspires others to give something a go, even better.”

Gillard’s Ironman journey began after a tough year battling recurring bacterial infections. Determined to reclaim his health and fitness, he began training the day after speaking with athletes who’d completed Ironman NZ in March, 2025.

“Training has been going really well,” he says. “The biggest thing for me has been trying to be consistent – to

turn up every day and follow my training plan. There are plenty of early mornings involved, but it’s been great to feel the fitness and ability building.

“I’ve continued to work on my swimming, including lessons with Andrew Mackay from Boost Coaching. I’m also now into the long rides, which take dedication and planning. What’s been really cool is how much the school has got behind it.

“I love it when students, staff, and the Brookby community ask how training’s going. I really want this to be ‘Team Brookby’ and continue the positive vibe this has created.”

Gillard’s commitment to ‘paying it forward’ – one of Tony Jackson’s core values –is evident in everything he does. He founded a school running club, leads weekly runs with students, and created a cross-country course for his school and surrounding zones complete with mud, hills, and lambs. He also trains with a local group of beginner triathletes, supporting each other through the ups and downs of endurance sport. The Brookby community has been at the heart of Gillard’s Ironman journey. When he was awarded the 2026 Tony Jackson Scholarship in October last year, his staff and pupils surprised him with the announcement during a school assembly, complete with kapa haka performances to celebrate his achievement.

“The reception since being named the Tony Jackson Scholar has been amazing,” Gillard says.

“The encouragement from students, staff, parents, and the wider community has been incredibly humbling. I find it hard for things to be about me, but I know there’s genuine support for me to get this done.”

Competitors will be coming from far and wide to take part in a sailing event in east Auckland.

supplied

Top sailors heading to Howick Beach for nationals

Thursday afternoon.

The Howick Sailing Club is excited to be hosting the upcoming 70th New Zealand Zephyr National Championship in collaboration with the Zephyr Owners Association.

The sailing competition will be staged at Howick Beach from March 12-15.

“The Zephyr, a sailing dinghy designed by Des Townson, has been sailed since 1956 and the class is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year,” Club commodore Reneta Money says.

“We look forward to welcoming 55 sailors and their families from Canterbury to Northland, who’ll compete for the National title off the waters of Howick Beach in the Tamaki Strait.

“A total of nine races are scheduled, commencing

“We expect to see some great racing from a very experienced fleet of senior sailors.

“The majority are aged over 50 years, with four sailors over 75, including Les Gallagher, who’s representing Howick Sailing Club.”

Money says the organising committee will cone-off part of the car park from the area adjacent to the Howick Volunteer Coastguard building to the Waterwise Kiosk during the event to ensure the safety of the sailors and volunteers.

The Club encourages anyone who’s interested to head down to Howick Beach during the competition.

“We’ll have a coffee cart open during the day, plus Drifters Pizza on Thursday evening, and Phat Uncle’s

Money says the winner of the National title and Zephyr Championship Trophy will be the sailor with the lowest score. The following prizes are also up for grabs:

• Zephyr Championship Runner-up

• Zephyr Championship Female

• Zephyr Handicap Trophy

• Zephyr Under 30 years Trophy

• Zephyr 40-49 years Trophy

• Zephyr Masters Trophy 50-59 years

• Zephyr Masters Trophy 60-64 years

• Zephyr Masters Trophy 65-69 years

• Zephyr Masters Trophy

70-74 years

• Zephyr Grand Masters Trophy 75+ years

• Female Masters Trophy 50+ years

• Heavy Weight Trophy (for sailors more than 95kg)

• Fresh Breeze Trophy

• First Townson Trophy (boat numbers 1-233)

• Whanau Cup (Family related entries)

• Most Improved Trophy The competition’s planned race times are from 2pm on March 12 and from 11am on March 13-15, but may change depending on the weather.

BUCKLANDS BEACH YACHT CLUB OPEN

DAY

Photos supplied Howick Photographic Society

Hundreds of people turned out to the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club’s successful public Open Day last Sunday to learn more about what the Club has to offer, including its Learn to Sail programme.

Secure Trailer Boat & RV Storage

THE SUN AND THE TIDES

FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY

Sun: Rise 7.02am Set 8.02pm

Tide: 3.50am 4.15pm SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY Sun: Rise 7.03am Set 8.00pm High Tide: 4.59am 5.24pm

SUNDAY 1 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.04am Set 7.59pm High Tide: 6.02am 6.29pm

MONDAY 2 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.05am Set 7.57pm High Tide: 7.00am 7.28pm

TUESDAY 3 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.06am Set 7.56pm High Tide: 7.52am 8.20pm

WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.07am Set 7.55pm

High Tide: 8.40am 9.08pm

THURSDAY 5 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.08am Set 7.53pm High Tide: 9.25am 9.52pm

FRIDAY 6 MARCH Sun: Rise 7.09am Set 7.52pm High Tide: 10.09am 10.34pm

SATURDAY 7 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.10am Set 7.50pm High Tide: 10.50am 11.14pm

SUNDAY 8 MARCH Sun: Rise 7.11am Set 7.49pm High Tide: 11.30am 11.53pm

MONDAY 9 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.12am Set 7.48pm High Tide: 12.09pm

TUESDAY 10 MARCH Sun: Rise 7.13am Set 7.46pm High Tide: 12.34am 12.49pm

WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.14am Set 7.45pm High Tide: 1.17am 1.32pm

THURSDAY 12 MARCH Sun: Rise 7.15am Set 7.43pm High Tide: 2.07am 2.18pm

PUZZLE TIME

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Manage to get the policeman to come to the point (4).

7, A litte nourishment for the dog’s consumption (4,2,3).

8. A marine band (4).

9. Skedaddled, which is sinister (4).

10. Fall for a boring pain in the neck (4).

11. Date one boy (4).

14. At which you won’t find a band of robbers!(6,4).

16. How the pilot said “Grow up!” (4,6).

19. Takes action and gets us back to quarters (4).

22. Rock back when touched (4).

24. Mean to get the blueprint (4).

25. The female left the day after, worried (4).

26. Private transport? (5-4).

27. Love of mathematics (4).

NO. 8198

1. The plants, when it’s cold, I do have inside (5).

2. A composition, or only part of it (5).

3. Ring dad back first and plead (6).

4. What makes a moving broadcast not moving? (6).

5. Claim to have in one’s possession (4).

6. Shilly-shally as to whether, empty, I’ll occupy it (9).

12. Leaving for something new (9).

13. Pops up in turn (4).

15. Bananas for creatures at the zoo (4).

17. Show out of and ask questions to (6).

18. Free the deserter the soldier’s holding (6).

20. In practice, giving the American agency half (5).

21. Speak, on that account, with authority (3-2).

23. There’s a number, all right, in the corner (4).

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8198

ACROSS

1. Unresponsive (4)

7. Cloth (9)

8. Relative (4)

9. Clothed (4)

10. Encounter (4)

11. Stalk (4)

14. Frighten (10)

16. Evil (10)

19. Type (4)

22. Mountains (4)

24. Title (4)

25. Port (Yemen) (4)

26. Deadlock (9)

27. Secure (4)

Puzzle answers on page 69

13. Exploit (4)

15. Twilight (4)

17. Generator (6)

BATHROOMS

ACCOUNTING

Support for BUSY Business Owners

Admin Rescue can assist with all your bookkeeping needs:

• Accounts payable/receivable

• GST filing

• Invoicing

• Payroll management 021 616 909 michelle@adminrescue co.nz

REPAIRS

SECURITY

MEDICAL

Clinic name Opening hours

CLINIC HOURS

Extended hours Same day walk in service

Beachlands Medical Centre Mon, Wed - Fri 8.15am - 5pm Tues 8.15am-7.30pm No, bookings only

Botany Terrace Medical Centre Mon - Fri 8.30am-5.45pm No No, bookings only

Clevedon Village Medical Centre Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm No No, bookings only

Crawford Medical Mon - Fri 7.30am- 7pm Sat 9am-noon Yes. Walk-ins M-F 9am4pm & Sat 9am-noon

Eastern Family Doctors Mon - Fri 9am-5.30pm No No, bookings only

Botany Junction Medical Centre Mon & Wed 7am-5pm Tue, Thu & Fri 8am-5pm Sat 8am-noon Yes. Walk-ins via Highbrook Medical Ormiston Medical Mon - Fri 7.30am-5pm No

Highbrook Medical Mon - Fri 8am-5pm No Yes. Walks in Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

Howick House Medical Centre Mon - Thu 8.30am-6pm Fri 8.30am-5pm No No, bookings only

Juliet Ave Surgery Mon - Fri 8.30am-5pm No No, bookings only

Kawakawa Bay(K)/ Orere (O) Health Clinic Mon, Wed - Fri K: 9am-noon Tue O: 9-10:30am K: 11am-noon No No, bookings only

Highland Park Medical Centre Mon - Wed & Fri 8.30am-5pm Thu 8.30am-8pm No, bookings only

Marina Medical Mon - Fri 8.30am-5pm No No, bookings only

Millhouse Integrative Medical Centre Mon - Fri 8.30am-6.30pm Sat 9am-noon No, bookings only

Picton Surgery Mon - Fri 8.30am-5.30pm No No, bookings only

Pukekohe Family Health Care Mon - Fri 8am-5pm No No, bookings only Vincent Street Family Doctors Mon - Fri

TUITION

ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES

Weekly (during school terms)

Wednesdays, 9.30-11.30am

Classes at three levels

Corresponding to IELTS performance levels 0-7 Also, exercise class held @ 1 30pm

INTERNATIONAL BAPTIST CHURCH

2 Dannemora Dr Howick (Opp Kmart)

09 273-3349 - www ibcchurch com

WINDOW CLEANING

The Window Bros

One stop for your house’s needs

We can provide: Simple window clean all the way to a full house wash Provide roof and gutter treatments

Charlie Lambourne 0223752564

thewindowbrosnz@gmail.com

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUDOKU

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

276 3 9514 8 3 9 4618 7 25

518 4729 3 6

75 38 6 9 214

8 21 5 4 7 3 69

64 91 23 587

QUICK NO. 8198

Across - 1, Cold. 7, Gabardine. 8, Aunt. 9, Clad. 10, Meet. 11, Stem. 14, Intimidate. 16, Wickedness. 19, Kind. 22, Alps. 24, Name. 25, Aden. 26, Stalemate. 27, Safe. Down - 1, Class. 2, Lunge. 3, Mallet. 4, Random. 5, Edam. 6, Entertain. 12, Titillate. 13, Milk. 15, Dusk. 17, Dynamo. 18, Enmity. 20, India. 21, Dance. 23, Sole. CRYPTIC NO. 8198

Across - 1, Cop-E. 7, Spot to eat. 8, Crew. 9, Left. 10, Drip. 11, I-Des. 14, Police ball. 16, Gain height. 19, Su-E-S. 22, Stun (rev.). 24, Plan. 25, L-ady. 26, Troopship. 27, Zero. Down - 1, C-act-I. 2, Piece. 3, Ap-peal. 4, Static. 5, Hold. 6, Vac-I’ll-ate. 12, Departure. 13, Spin (rev.). 15, Bats. 17, Ex-pose. 18, G-rat-I’s. 20, US-age(ncy). 21, Say-so . 23, No-OK.

We have arranged for Maurice Williamson to speak on the topic of Rates and Intensification. We hope to see you there

body fitne

• Great pla have a lau

Ph Anne 021 Ph Lynn 021

Information about wills

Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga hosts a free information session on Wills and Enduring Power of Attorney at Howick Local Board room, Pakuranga Library Building, 7 Aylesbury Street, on Friday, February 27, from 10.30am to 12pm Tea/biscuits provided. It’s facilitated by Auckland Community Law Centre. Registration required. To register, text 022 308 9337 or email settlement. pakuranga@cab.org.nz.

Garage sale

Our next Barn sale is on March 7 at Trinity Methodist Church, 474 Pakuranga Road beginning at 8am. We will have most earrings and necklaces at $1, and special reduced prices on all toys and games. Come and browse and pick up a bargain!

Neurodiversity talk

Come and listen to a presentation by Judith and Len Nel on Supporting

Zonta East Auckland

International Women’s Day and Rose Day awards go hand in hand at our next meeting where we celebrate women in our community. Zonta’s mission is ‘making the world a better place for women and girls’ and encompasses women from birth to senior years. At our next meeting our guest speaker is Andrea Martin from Bellyful. We welcome visitors to our dinner meeting at Howick Club in Botany Road from 5.45pm on Tuesday 3 March. If you would to join us please contact Gay 021 145 1574 for more details.

Genealogists

The next meeting of the Howick Branch of the NZSG will be held on Saturday 14 March at St Andrews Church Centre, Vincent Street, Howick at 1.30pm Robert Clark will be speaking on the life of Rewi Alley, 18971987, the most important New Zealander in Chinese history. Door charge $5.00.

CARETAKER/HANDY PERSON

Stand Tu Maia are looking for a Caretaker/Handy person for our facility in Manukau City

The job includes the up keep of the building and surrounding area

Twenty (20) hours per week - days/hours can be negotiated

The successful applicant will need :

Have general maintenance & repairs knowledge Complete monthly safety check sheets

Clean & maintain company fleet vehicles Have good time management skills and be self-motivated

Maintain high standards and be Health & Safety conscious Comfortable working in an environment alongside children

A full drivers licence is essential Applicants will be required to complete the Police & Oranga Tamariki

Vetting process We welcome informal visits (by arrangement) and calls Contact Helena Dean on 09-534-4017 or email your CV to auckland@standforchildren org nz or you can visit our website:https://standforchildrenjobs co nz/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6863351 Applications close: Sunday 01 March 2026

SITUATIONS VACANT

Office Administrator

Part-Time (24.5 Hours per Week)

Are you a master multitasker with a friendly smile? Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School is looking for a dedicated Office Administrator to join our vibrant school community. You’ll be the first point of contact for our families and the "go-to" person for making the school day run smoothly. This is a varied role where no two days are the same. Your core responsibilities will include:

General Administration and some financial admin; Enrolments - guiding new families through the journey of joining our school; Collating contributions from staff to compile and publish our weekly community updates and fortnightly newsletter; Providing basic First Aid (and a little comfort) to students when needed;receiving student absences and follow-ups.

We offer a consistent part-time schedule totalling 24.5 hours per week:

● Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

● Wednesday: 8:15 am – 3:15 pm (Attendance focus)

The ideal candidate is organised, tech-savvy, and has excellent communication skills. A calm demeanour and First Aid certificate (or willingness to obtain) are essential. School experience is a plus, but a "can-do" attitude is a must! Pay as per the Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement, depending on skills.

If you’re ready to join our school team, send your CV and cover letter to syandell@starofthesea.school.nz by 05.03.2026.

Proposal to grant community lease for installing all-weathered canopy over existing block of courts at Lloyd Elsmore Park

Auckland Council invites feedback on the above proposal. Where: approximately 3,168 m² increase at 2R Bells Road, Pakuranga Heights, (Lloyd Elsmore Park). See link below for more information on the land parcels held under the Reserves Act 1977 as classified recreation reserve.

What: an agreement to develop and lease, and community lease, for installing all-weathered canopy over existing block of courts. The proposed term would align with the expiry of the club’s current ground lease, which ends in May 2038. See link below for more information on the proposed plans and Council’s Community Occupancy Guidelines. Who: the lease agreements are proposed to be granted to Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre Incorporated, which is a registered incorporated society under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. Its purpose is to promoting and facilitating playing the game of netball. More information: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/have-your-say/ public-notices/Pages/default.aspx

Deadline for submissions is 5.00pm, 4 weeks from publication. Information provided to the Council is subject to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and may be released by the Council under that Act.

Any person wishing to comment or object to the proposal (or request further information) is to send this in writing to Tsz Ning Chung, Community Lease Specialist. Please indicate if you wish to be heard concerning your submission.

By email: tszning.chung@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

By post: Private Bag 92300, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142

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