Your Stories, Your Neighbourhood, Your Community
www.bhb.nz
DECEMBER 2018
It’s CHRISTMAS at the beach with a twist! see page 3
The New Boys on the Block
Armistice 100 Years On
6th Decade for Music School
Or is that, the New Boys Behind the Block? ��������������������������������� p5
The guns fell silent, but what came after? ������������������������������������������� p7
Read about profound the influence this school has had on many locals ����� p17
2 • December 2018
Guest Editorial
Stephen Taylor, Director, Relationship Matters Ltd www.relationshipmatters.org.nz
Kindness, the best Christmas gift of all It’s been happening for weeks now. The rapid onset of Christmas began around October in some retail stores, and was fortified by the recent “Black Friday” sales. Suddenly, as if we weren’t already under enough stress, our minds and hearts are pulled towards presents, pressure, and performance. For anyone feeling broke, vulnerable, lonely, or burnt out, ‘peak times’ such as Christmas are not much fun at all - so much so that in extreme cases, some consider ‘ending it all’. Clinically, this is known as ‘suicidal ideation’. Suicidal ideation is the process of thinking about, considering, or planning suicide, and can be brought on by a deep and abiding sense of inadequacy, selfloathing, making unfavorable comparisons with others, holding to an unrealistic ideal or expectation, and even being ungrateful for what we already have (any of these sound familiar around this time of year?). But they don’t need experts – they just need your eyes, ears, and kindness. Suicidal
ALL ENQUIRIES: Kerrie Subritzky, Editor & Advertising p 027 290 4444 e kerrie@bhb.nz Design: Wilsy Design Printer: Beacon Print Whakatane 07 307 9562 Distribution: PMP Distribution (09) 928 4200 Next edition: February Deadline: Monday January 22nd Published: Saturday 2nd February Circulation: 13,400 OUTSIDE OUR DELIVERY AREA? Pick up from: • BHB Community Centre • BHB Bay Library • New Lynn Library • Green Bay Community House • Avondale Library • Avondale Community Centre. Copyright: Information in the Beacon BHB is copyright and cannot be published or broadcast without the permission of Beacon BHB. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor.
ideation is pretty easy to spot, if you know what to look for. A person may talk about wishing to die. They may research methods of self harm, talk about feeling helpless, or purposeless, or feeling trapped, or being in ‘unbearable’ pain. They may state “I don’t want to be a burden”, increase their use of alcohol or drugs, drastically alter their sleeping patterns, withdraw from friends or family, experience bouts of rage and revenge thinking, become reckless in their behaviour, and most alarmingly, experience a sudden bright lift in mood after a period of despair (they may have made a decision to act on the suicidal ideation, and the decision brings relief ). Kindness is pretty easy to do too, if you feel confident in being so. Over the Christmas break, if you find yourself wondering about whether someone you care about is considering suicide, simply ask them. If the person says yes, stay with them, and aid in navigating them towards appropriate help (and first ask them what ‘appropriate help’ might look like, because it may not have anything to do with them engaging a mental health service). Kindness is wisdom and resource in action. No-one to my knowledge has ever died of asking or responding to an awkward question, and you don’t have to be an expert to do it. Hot tip: Kindness can be practiced in non-holiday periods as well
WHERE TO GET HELP If you are worried about your own or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if someone is in immediate danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111. IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE: • LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 or 09 5222 999 within Auckland (available 24/7) • SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) • YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline. co.nz or online chat. • NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7) • KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7) • WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) • DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 • SAMARITANS: 0800 726 666.
www.bhb.nz | December 2018 • 3
Cover story
Christmas at the Beach … with a twist!
Santa arrives in style, December 2017
The annual Christmas at the Beach shindig on Sunday 16th December is fast approaching, and this year be prepared for some serious dance action! Along with plenty of fun for all ages, carol singing and rock ’n’ roll, this year for the first time there is a free rock ’n’ roll dance class led by Move Dance Co’s Hannah Honey. Move Dance Co run regular Monday night social dance classes at the New Lynn RSA for everyone from beginners to advanced, and they sure know how to get you on your feet and swinging with your partner. Hannah will be on stage teaching some basic rock ’n’ roll moves which you’ll get to practice a bit later when Shane and the Shazam band rocks the main stage with hits from the 50s and 60s. Incidentally, did you know that Shane is a Blockhouse Bay local and also a proud recipient of the NZ order of Merit for his services to the music industry? The fun begins at 5pm with activities and games for the kids, including a beach
treasure hunt, Nativity quest, bouncy castle, face painters and balloon twisters. Santa will arrive in style in time for your Santa selfies, and the awesome party DJ Dave will entertain the crowds with his usual shenanigans. A Christmas shindig would not be complete without carols, and the carol choir have been practicing for weeks to lead you in singing all your favourites, followed by a thought-provoking Christmas message from Aaron Ironside of Radio Rhema fame. Bring all you need for a picnic dinner, or save the hassle and enjoy the delicious fare available from the several food trucks which will be on site. Shuttles will run from Church of the Saviour and Iona Presbyterian down to the beach reserve from 4.45-6pm and returning from 7pm onwards. This free local event is brought to you by the combined churches of Blockhouse Bay, with generous sponsorship from the Whau Local Board and Ray Whites.
The Editor, I have just read the November Beacon cover to cover. I sometimes think of life as like being on a trampoline: we are each trying to jump as high as we can and make creative twists and turns. But it’s almost impossible without having a sound, sturdy base. There are lots of such ‘bases’ available to us. But one that’s often overlooked is the place of healthy community services and events. That’s why I enjoyed reading about Sue and the Antique Fair, Stephen and Kids4Drama, Shirley and Scouts, and more. Our lives would be so much poorer without their (largely voluntary) active citizenship and service. Let’s take time to look at what’s around for us and acknowledge our appreciation of them. And thanks for the role the Beacon plays in keeping us informed. Rodger Smith (PS. and I read the ads!)
Seniors’ Christmas Helpline A new helpline for local residents is being pioneered by Church of the Saviour. The helpline will be available between Christmas and New Year, a time when businesses and support services often have reduced staff. Seniors’ advocate Lesley Robbins will monitor the helpline and she will be ‘on call’ for anyone urgently needing help from 25th December to 1st Jan. If you are a senior needing support or help during that period, please call Lesley on 021 081 80510 or 09 828 0203 and leave a message. She will get back to you as soon as possible. Please note, for emergencies such as fire, police or ambulance, dial 111.
4 • December 2018
Body, Mind and Spirit Ho! Ho! Ho! Healthy Christmas! Christmas may not be a time you naturally associate with health benefits, however there are some real up sides to this time of feasting and celebration. Christmas is a time when we gather together and connect with others close to us like family, and we connect more socially in the wider community, in our work places, with our friends and neighbours. Surprisingly people who lack close relationships carry the same risk to their health as smokers and obese people. Loneliness is literally a killer. The benefits of
spending time together and connecting with our loved ones are massive for our mental and physical well-being. Good strong relationships in the community and with close friends and family have been shown to give your immune system a boost and also to guard against the onset of age-related dementia and cardiovascular disease. So, enjoy all those parties and get-togethers, and improve your health as you party. Another plus we can take from Christmas is that it is also a time of reflection. We tend to look back on our year and our health and our wealth and take stock of where we are
Those Naughty Sheep! Those cute little rascals have escaped again! Nearly 40 sheep are have got loose and are hiding in the shops and businesses in Blockhouse Bay. Can you find them for us? Yes, Blockhouse Bay’s annual Sheep Trail is back! Between the 10th and 21st of December, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of these elusive woolly scallywags. They are quite wily, so you might need the whole family searching for them. Of course, the shop owners are in cahoots with the sheep, so don’t think it will be easy! They have given their friendly sheep names, and some have even decorated them. And
apparently some even hide them to make them harder for you to find! Your mission: Find all the sheep and write down their clever names. And don’t forget to vote for your favourite sheep! Once you have found them all, put your entry in the entry box at either Church of the Saviour or Blockhouse Bay Pharmacy. The winner will be drawn at the Messy Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve at Church of the Saviour, 2 Heaphy St. Last year’s best sheep was called Mareep and was found in the Bay Dragon. I wonder where this year’s best sheep will be found!
By Sue Nash Turning Tide Pilates
and where we want to be. We often start the process of forming our New Year’s resolutions or at least making some plans. As we reflect, if we take a certain attitude, we can also benefit our spirit. That attitude is gratitude! Counting our blessings, as we say. The habit of being thankful increases our happiness levels right there and then. All we need to do is pause and list for ourselves what we are grateful for in our lives. Doing this at a set time or keeping a gratitude diary helps establish the habit. Talking about the good in our lives with loved ones has the added benefit of increasing our closeness and connection, as well as our happiness. These are some simple strategies to help us stay healthy, Body, Mind and Spirit during what can be a stressful time for many. Wishing you a happy, connected Christmas and a life full of blessings to count.
PIL AT E S S T UDIO Fitness Streng th Flexibilit y
09 816 8825 | turningtidepilates.co.nz
Oh no! The sheep have escaped again!
www.bhb.nz | December 2018 • 5
The New Boys on the Block With the recent news (Beacon, September) that Peter Bainbridge was packing away his tools for good, speculation has been rife about ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘when’, and even ‘if ’ anything was going to happen in his old premises. Well, now it’s official; there’s some new boys on the block. Ryan Shaw and Tyrone van Graan from Lynfield Automotive have teamed up to open a new auto repair business in Bainbridge’s Blockhouse Bay
premises. Although a new business, Ryan, who will be the face of Bay Auto Repairs, hopes that it will be ‘business as usual’ for many of Bainbridges customers. “We’ve taken over Peter’s phone number and vehicle records, so we’re working hard to make sure the transition for customers is a smooth one,” he says. The pair have had a long working history together. Ryan started in the automotive trade as a 16-year-old in Green Bay in 2003,
The new boys on the block, Tyrone (L) and Ryan (R) with Peter (centre)
Dentists: Dr. Peter Raymond BDS Dr Haydn Gray BDS Emergency appointments Dr Alasdair Regan DDS Hygienist: Rebecca
Phone: 627-9970 www.bhbdental.co.nz 3A Heaphy Street (by the roundabout)
apprenticed to Tyrone. Tyrone at that time was working for Dave Connelly, who owned several of the local Shell/Z stations. Tyrone eventually bought Lynfield Automotive from Dave and Ryan came with him. Ryan claims with a grin that he is still in his first job. Tyrone began his trade with BMW in South Africa, and at age 25 he opened his first shop. He worked there for about 4 years then emigrated to New Zealand, working for BMW in Wellington for three-and-ahalf years before moving to Auckland. Upon hearing about Peter Bainbridge’s retirement, the pair made enquiries with a view to Ryan setting up his own workshop in Peter’s premises. Both Ryan and Tyrone are excited at this new opportunity. With a new qualified mechanic to cover Ryan’s former role in Lynfield, and Tyrone’s son Lee transferring his apprenticeship to Ryan, the boys are sure they’ve covered all their bases. And Ryan even has his mum Sheryl on reception!
Old Mangere Bridge Permanently Closed 6 • December 2018
On 25 November NZTA permanently closed the old Ma-ngere Bridge, due to concerns about the risk to public safety. The gates on the bridge have been permanently locked and four security guards are patrolling the bridge 24/7 and CCTV is being installed. The old Ma-ngere Bridge, which is more than 100 years old, is a much-loved and very popular meeting and fishing place that has linked the Onehunga and Ma-ngere Bridge communities for more than a century. The good news is that resource consent for a new bridge has been granted and the contract for its construction will be complete early next year, with construction also planned to start next year. It is expected to take about two-and-a-half years to build the replacement bridge, which will include walking, cycling and fishing facilities. The new bridge will be at least 8m wide, and up to 12m in some bays to enable fishing. It will curve towards the motorway bridge, be high enough for small boats to pass underneath
and have a wider span to allow some form of opening for larger boats in the future. The new bridge will be constructed next to the old bridge using the same abutments, but further away from the port.
The old Ma- ngere Bridge will be demolished during construction of the new structure, as leaving it in the harbour poses a risk to people passing underneath it.
Back in the Day From the archives of the Avondale Advance and the Blockhouse Bay Beacon. Christmas gift suggestions from prominent retailer, Arthur H. Nathan Ltd (who also had premises in both Karangahape Rd and Panmure!). While ‘Year Round Pleasure’ might be a bit strong, it’s likely that many of these items would have given ‘Decades Long Satisfaction,’ cos they just don’t make ‘em like that anymore.
www.bhb.nz | December 2018 • 7
Armistice, 100 years on Fields of Remembrance, Auckland Museum, 2017. Photo John Subritzky
11 November 2018 ended four years of centenaries of various WWI battles and events. When the guns fell silent on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, 1918, 18,277 New Zealand servicemen had been killed (as calculated by Fields of Remembrance). The impact of every community losing friends and relatives was felt nationwide and led to more than 500 memorials being erected in towns over the following decade. There were also thousands of returned servicemen suffering from PTSD (shell shock), many of whom would never lead a ‘normal’ life. At the time of the Armistice, New Zealand was in the midst of the 1918 influenza pandemic. In two short months approximately 9,000 people died. Deaths peaked on 23 November 1918
and by December it was Memorial declining sharply. The headstone in Waikumete flu death toll was highly Cemetery variable, with the Maori population hit five times harder than Europeans. Mt Roskill recorded four deaths (2.2 per thousand population) but Avondale had 28 deaths (11.4 per thousand). Waikumete Cemetery received many of the Auckland dead and the unmarked graves are along Eucalyptus Way. Graves are recognised with a simple granite memorial. Blockhouse Bay does not have a memorial to WWI as Waikumete was the focus, with the Cenotaph in the Serviceman’s Cemetery. If all that tragedy was not enough, there was still a depression to come in 1921-22.
Then after a period of slow growth the big one hit with the Great Depression in the early Thirties followed by WWII. They must have been very resilient people. NZ has enjoyed comparatively golden times over the last 50 years. John Subritzky
8 • December 2018
Penalty Shootout Decides Soccer Tourney Friday 7th November was a perfect day for soccer. Blockhouse Bay, Arahoe, Green Bay, Glenavon and Chaucer primary schools fielded teams across 3 grades, for the 11-a-side soccer tournament at Riversdale Reserve in Avondale. In the first A Grade match Blockhouse Bay went down to Arahoe, 1-0, but then beat Glenavon 1-0 in their second match. The semi-final saw Blockhouse Bay defeat Arahoe on penalty kicks. The final was a closely fought affair between Blockhouse Bay and Glenavon, with both teams displaying a good level of soccer. At full time the score was nil all. Penalty kicks were needed to decide the winner, resulting in Glenavon narrowly winning the penalty shootout 1-0. The tournament was organised by Bay Olympic Soccer Club, based in Portage Rd, New Lynn, who have been running this event for a number of years. It was very well run, and it was clear all the kids enjoyed the day. Thanks to Shane Knowles and Bay Olympics Soccer Club for giving the local kids the opportunity to showcase their footballing skills.
Blockhouse Bay Primary's A Grade team. Photo Bo Singh
2018 in Review – Whau Local Board Dear community, 2018 has been a fantastic year, and it has been a pleasure to serve you as your Local Board Chairperson. Along with our board members, I thank you for being part of our great community, and acknowledge all those who have consistently given their time and energy as volunteers, helpers and community advocates. 2018 has also seen the completion of several local projects for the community of the Whau, and work begun on some new ones. The sports field renewal at Sister Rene Shadbolt Park, the new playground at Craigavon Park, and the development of new plans for the small local parks in Green Bay and New Windsor are among some of the major projects funded by the Board. The Whau Local Board is a proud supporter of the Blockhouse Bay
Ross Clow City Councillor for Whau Phone 021 808 214
ross.clow@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Community Centre, the Green Bay Community House, and has recently welcomed the Glenavon Community Hub as a funded Board partner. These are spaces where locals are involved, connected and engaged in community and social activities. We are also pleased to be a financial supporter of both the Blockhouse Bay Santa Parade run by the Blockhouse Bay Business Association, and the Christmas at the Beach event run by the combined local churches. This year the Whau Local Board funded and supported the Maori Responsiveness Plan and the Diversity Plan for the Whau community, a first of its type for local boards. We were also an active partner in youth projects and the Whau Youth Awards via our funding of Community Waitakere. Youth, healthy homes, heritage, public transport, economic development, an
enhanced natural environment and celebrating our creative edge were some areas of focus for 2018. We also worked with Auckland Transport and Council-controlled organisations to fund and implement projects that improve our community and environment, such as footpath upgrades. To learn more about the numerous small projects we have undertaken, or measure how well we are doing, we invite you to visit the recently developed Whau Local Board Achievements Report by searching “Whau Plans, Agreements and Reports” on Google. Best wishes, and enjoy the festive and summer seasons. Tracy Mulholland Chair, Whau Local Board Tracy.mulholland@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
www.bhb.nz | December 2018 • 9
RSA Gets New Home, New Life It’s hard to believe it’s the same club. Avondale RSA’s former premises in Layard Street have been demolished, and the club is now housed in stylishly renovated premises at 48 Rosebank Road. The RSA, which now incorporates the All Golds Cosmopolitan Club, re-opened in its new premises in July this year. Since opening their doors, the club’s membership has jumped from 150 to 850. While the new premises are a massive step up from the old, it’s possible that the club’s increasing popularity is due to its growing reputation for excellent food, great entertainment, and a cheap pint. The RSA also have a strong focus on events, with a children’s Christmas party on 8th December and a Masquerade Ball on New Year’s Eve (see below for details). With regular sports throughout the week and a line-up of live bands on Fridays and
Sundays to dance to, the Avondale RSA has become a great venue for all ages and interests. From Thursday to Sunday Crumpy’s Kitchen - run by Martin Crump (yes, Barry’s his dad) and assisted by his family; wife, Jill and his kids, Georgie, Levi and Olivia - serves a wide variety of consistently good food, including fabulous Sunday roasts. Martin, who spent much of his childhood in Blockhouse Bay, attending New Lynn Primary and Blockhouse Bay Intermediate, describes himself as “passionate about everything I do”. With a natural ability to communicate, Martin has been a writer, MC and broadcaster. As a radio talkback host for 15 years, he was often a ‘voice in the night’ for people on their own. Martin loves connecting with people and regards that time in his life as very meaningful.
Crumpy's Kitchen, daughter Georgie (L) and Olivia (front) with Martin behind.
Martin brings his enthusiasm for life to his kitchen, and with Crumpy’s Kitchen now a huge drawcard for Avondale RSA, his Masquarade Ball buffet on New Year’s Eve is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Tickets available from office and bar.
New Year’s Masquerade Ball
Monday 31 December 7pm – 12.30am Tickets $25
Formal dress code. Live band, spot prizes, door prizes, buffet dinner and December Entertainment dessert, plus 1 free drink. Sun 2 Dec Rangi & Judy Fri 7 Dec Quen Be (Lise) Sports Sat 8 Dec Children’s Xmas Party Mondays Over 60s Club (2nd & 4th Mondays) Sun 9 Dec Willie Tavita Band Tuesdays Darts Fri 14 Dec Willie Tavita Band* Wednesdays Darts, Pool, Raffles Sun 16 Dec Rangi & Judy Thursdays (am) Bowling, Raffles (pm) Euchre, Raffles Fri 21 Dec Blame the Cats Fridays Darts, Pool, Raffles. Live bands 6.30-10pm Sun 23 Dec Willie Tavita Band Sat. & Sundays Pool (afternoon) + 22 gaming machines! Fri 28 Dec Rangi & Judy Live bands Crumpy’s Kitchen Sun 30 Dec No band Fridays 6.30pm to 10.30pm Dinner Thu – Sun 5.30pm – 8.30pm Mon 31 Dec Masquerade Ball Sundays 4.30pm to 8.30pm Lunch Fridays only 12 – 1.30pm with the Willie Tavita Band
Help for seniors with mobiles and tablets Struggling to understand new-fangled technology? Bring your phone or tablet along on Thursdays between 4pm and 5pm and Bernie will set it up for you and show you how to use it.
*Special requests
Open 7 days, from 11am to close
48 Rosebank Rd, Avondale www.avondalersa.org.nz www.facebook.com/AvonRSA Ph 09 828 5000
10 • December 2018
FAMILY DAYS OUT
By Mia Bradley
Planning a day out that everyone can enjoy can sometimes be a bit hard. Each issue I will be reviewing two different activities, giving my honest opinion as a ten year old girl.
Onehunga War Memorial Pools
Christmas In the City
Last issue I did a review on a great family activity in Onehunga. Now I ’m doing it again. Onehunga War Memorial Pools is a fun place to cool off, and joy for the whole family. As summer is coming, Auckland can get very hot. Or, sometimes it can get very cold. That doesn’t matter! At Onehunga pools, there is an inside pool that is warmer, and a huge outside pool that is cooler. There is also a diving board, so those thrill seekers in your family can have some fun. I rate Onehunga Pools a 5 out of 5 stars, because there is something for everyone, and it’s a great activity for all ages, with both a toddler pool and a deeper pool. So, I dare you to make a splash this summer at Onehunga War Memorial Pools!
At Christmas time, little attractions will be popping up around Auckland’s city centre. Last year, there were giant Christmas presents along Queen Street with little peep holes in them, so you could see the surprise inside. We really enjoy going to see the giant Christmas Tree in Aotea Square. It is always different, and great to sit under with an ice cream. There is also the Smith and Caughey’s Christmas window display. Each year, little elves come and decorate the shop windows with fun, moving scenes from popular Christmas stories. I’ve heard that this year they will be doing The Nutcracker. This activity gets a 4 out of 5 from me, as it is lots of fun. It might be more suited to younger people, as people my age might get a little bit bored, but younger children always have their noses to the windows. However, it won’t take much time, so you might want to plan another activity afterwards like Wynyard Quarter or Mission Bay.
PLAY THE GAME! Game reviews by Kerry Lee
Injustice: Gods Among Us reviewed for the PS4 Have you ever wondered what would happen if your favourite superheroes turned into evil dictators? Well, wonder no longer as developer NetherRealm Studios gives us a game where Superman and the Justice League have pretty much given up on being heroes, and have instead turned evil. GAMEPLAY: At first glance, Injustice looks just like your standard fighter. You’ll pick from a vast selection of DC heroes and villains and duke it out using fighting moves that are specific to the character you’ve chosen to play as. What helps to separate Injustice from the rest of the herd is the amazingly well-told story. In it, Superman has finally snapped and killed the Joker. He soon decides to take over America and what follows is a classic fight between Superman’s forces and those that stand against him. The game is chock full of little details pulled straight from the comics, some of them so small that only the real diehard fans will see them, which only makes the gameplay so much more fun.
It really is amazing, and rightfully became a new standard in terms of presentation when the game was first released. GRAPHICS: Injustice’s visuals are outstanding; every detail of the characters have been fully realized. Even the backgrounds (which play a part in combat) are impressive, each one is animated which helps to make the game feel more alive somehow. SOUND: Injustice comes with a stirring orchestral soundtrack that suits the game perfectly. All the characters are voiced really well, and everything sounds exactly as it should. VERDICT: Injustice is a love letter to DC fans everywhere and would be a fantastic addition to anyone’s game library.
www.bhb.nz | December 2018 • 11
Mt Albert Gymnasium Centenary Santa Needs Help! The Mt Albert Gymnasium Club was established in 1919 and next March celebrates 100 years of teaching kids the joy of gymnastics. The club started off in the Mt Albert Presbyterian Church with just 10 boys, where it flourished until its move in 1922 to the King George Hall. With increasing numbers, in 1964 the club raised funds to help build the Frank Turner Stadium in Mt Albert and even got ‘hands on’ building the seating area. The Club remains in the stadium to this day as part of the Mt Albert Recreation centre complex. In the early 1970s a second branch was established, first from the rugby league hall in Whitney Street, Blockhouse Bay, then in the late 1980s moved to Lynfield Recreation Centre at Griffin Park where it remained until the club was consolidated back to Mt Albert due to a decline in membership in the early 2000s. Some descendants of those original founder members are still involved with the club including four generations of the Hyde and Hinton/Turner families and three generations of Wood family, originally from the Blockhouse Bay branch. The club would love to see past members at the Mix and Mingle to be held Sat 9th March 2019 – please register as soon as possible if interested at www.mtalbertgym.co.nz/centenary.
Ken Wood, Russell Hyde, c 1950s
Daniel Hyde (instructor) and Russell Hyde (gymnast). Mt albert Gymnasium Club, King George Hall, c.1952. Hyde Family collection.
Dance classes have finished for the year, but the fun doesn’t end there. Rebecca from the Gayle Prescott Dance School heard that Santa needs some ‘little elves’ to help get ready for the Christmas rush, so she's planned a ‘Santa’s Dance Workshop’ - a fun, Christmas-themed day of activities including games, crafts, music and dance. It’s a chance for children to get creative and try new things while helping the grownups get through the busyness of preparing for Christmas. Children will be introduced to new and fun dance steps to their favourite songs and learn how to create their own Christmas decorations to take home and put on their Christmas tree or give to friends and family. It also wouldn’t be Christmas without the music so there will be plenty of singing and dancing to festive tunes that they know and love. Open to all, not just dancers! For details, see ad on page 12.
YOUR AD HERE! BUT, WHY ADVERTISE WITH US? YOU’RE READING THIS So are potentially 35,000+ other people HYPER-LOCAL We’re all about YOUR community PERSONAL SERVICE We go the extra mile for you because we care (yes, really!) contact Ruby on 021 0810 5146 or ruby@bhb.nz
12 • December 2018
What’s happening DECEMBER Sun 2nd Iona Presbyterian Church 10am Family Service - Children’s Christmas pageant. Wed 5th Green Bay Network Meeting 2-3pm. This is a platform for locals, local organisations and businesses to promote themselves and to connect with each other. Join us to talk about your plans for 2019, identify possible collaborations, and discuss how we can support and promote each other’s activities. Everyone welcome. Contact: Anja Thomas, cd.gbch@gmail.com Wed 5th Green Bay Community House AGM 2018 6pm The GBCH Management Committee warmly invites you to join us for our AGM at 1 Barron Drive. Light refreshments provided. Please RSVP by Mon 3rd for catering purposes: gbcommunityhouse@gmail.com or 09 827 3300
Wed 5th Community Forum with the Puketa-papa Local Board 6.30-8pm YMCA, Lynfield. Presentation by Auckland City Mission. Opportunity to donate a Christmas gift for a child who may not otherwise get one (particularly short of gifts for boys 12-17). All welcome, light refreshments provided. Sat 8th Community Market 7am-12noon at BHB Community Centre. Sat 8th Blockhouse Bay Village Santa Parade See ad below for details. Sat 8th Gayle Prescott Dance School. Free Open Day. To register interest email admin@gayleprescottdanceschool.co.nz Sat 8th Dinner at French Bay 5-9pm Hosted by Green Bay Street Food. French Bay Yacht Club, a stunning location for some of the best street food in Auckland. Last one for 2018. Licenced bar, live music, zero waste event. 10th-21st Blockhouse Bay Sheep Trail Find the wandering sheep in the shops and
businesses around BHB. Entry form in the foyer or all participating shops. See article p4. 14th & 15th Gayle Prescott Dance School Jubilee celebration show Green Bay High School PAC. Tickets from www.gayleprescottdanceschool.co.nz Sun 16th Christmas at the Beach Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve from 4.30pm. See article p3. Fri 14th Green Bay Street Food 5-9pm. International foodie fiesta at Barron Green (Green Bay Community House). Bring a picnic mat and fold up chairs if you like. Contact: Marc Hershman, greenbaystreetfood@gmail.com Fri 21st Santa’s Dance Workshop 10am3pm. Santa needs help! He is looking for little elves (aged 4-10) to help get ready for the Christmas rush. See ad below for details. Sat 22nd Community Market 7am – 12noon at BHB Community Centre.
www.bhb.nz | December 2018 • 13
more over page > CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICES CHURCH OF THE SAVIOUR 24th Messy Christmas, 5.30pm sausage sizzle and crafts then at 6pm a creative retelling of the Christmas story, suitable for all ages. 11pm communion service with readings and carols followed by mulled wine and mince pies. 25th 9am Christmas Day family celebration service. IONA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 24th Christmas Eve Service at 7.30pm 25th Christmas Day Service at 9.30am LYNFIELD COMMUNITY CHURCH 25th Christmas Family Communion, 9.30am ST DOMINICS CATHOLIC CHURCH 24th Carols 8.00pm, followed by Vigil Mass at 8.30pm 25th Mass 9.30am
JANUARY 2019
REGULAR EVENTS
Sat 12th Community Market 7am-12 noon at BHB Community Centre
Please check with contacts for holiday hours.
Fri 18th Green Bay Street Food 5 - 9pm. International foodie fiesta at Barron Green (Green Bay Community House). Bring a picnic mat and fold up chairs if you like. Contact: Marc Hershman, greenbaystreetfood@gmail. com. Upcoming dates: Friday 15th Feb and 15th March
MONDAYS
Sun 20th The Fair (Antiques and Crafts) 9.30-2pm at BHB Community Centre. Admission $2. Sat 26th Community Market 7am-12 noon at BHB Community Centre
Advertise your event here for FREE! Email kerrie@bhb.nz
LIBRARY LINE-UP Thu 6th 11am: Join us to hear the Chaucer School Choir fill the library with their favourite Christmas carols. Wed 12th 9.30am: Christmas Wriggle and Rhyme with home-baked goodies to enjoy. Thu 13th 10.30am: Christmas Storytime with Mrs Claus and the Christmas Fairy for under-5s. Tue 18th 11am–12 noon: Want to go digital this year and send Christmas e-cards? Find out how! Come along to our Christmas Digital E-Cards class for adults. Bookings are essential.
Dare to Explore Join our summer reading programme, Dare to Explore Kia Ma-ia te Whai and keep the children busy over the school holidays. Every child receives a free activity booklet filled with ideas to make and create, as well as fun reading challenges to try. Children who complete six activities can come to our celebration party in January. Register for the programme at www.daretoexplore.nz and collect the activity book from Blockhouse Bay Library anytime from 10th December.
BHB Y’s Walking Club Enjoy meeting new friends as you discover places you’ve never been before! A different walk each week including our monthly away trips where morning tea is on us! Mondays & Wednesdays at 8.30am. For more info contact 626 3381 or 837 5441. Indoor Bowls 10am at the Senior Citizens Hall $1 Social Partner Dancing with Move Dance Co. No experience necessary and no partners required. New Lynn RSA, parking onsite. 7pm Beginners, 8pm Intermediate, followed by social hot chocolate at Bodrum Café, Brick Works. First lesson free, casual $15. Ph Hannah, 021 576 210
December The activities can be done anywhere, so you can enjoy the fun even if you are going away on holiday.
Children’s book reviews We have lots of great Christmas stories in the library for you to enjoy reading and sharing this Christmas. You can also search the library catalogue using the words “Christmas”, or “Santa Claus”, or “Jesus Christ Nativity”, to see everything in our collection. A few of my Christmas-time favourites are: Pukeko dancing on the old dirt track, by Lotte Wotherspoon. A New Zealand family and a pukeko family celebrate Christmas. Santa Bruce, by Ryan T. Higgins, is a snowy Christmas story sure to make you laugh. Room for a little one, by Martin Waddell, is a very simple Nativity story with gorgeous illustrations. A guinea pig Nativity, by Bloomsbury, is the classic Christmas story with guinea pigs photographed in the starring roles.
14 • December 2018
TUESDAYS Housie Sales from 6.30pm. Starts at 7.30 till 10.00pm at the BHB Community Centre. Western Quilters’ Circle 7:30pm at Kelson Community Centre. Meets last Tuesday of the month, except December. Contact Michelle Dawson on 021 148 6888 for more info.
WEDNESDAYS BHB Y’s Walking Club (See entry under Mondays) Church Service with Communion 9.30am at Church of the Saviour, 2 Kinross St. Best morning tea in the Bay. Mainly Music for 0-4 yr olds 9.30am @ BHB Baptist, 504 BHB Rd. Singing, dancing, craft, morning tea. Ph Mary 8289027 Note: final day for 2018 is 5th December, resuming 13th February 2019. Wriggle & Rhyme for 0-2-year olds 9.30-10am @ BHB Library. Songs, rhymes and gentle exercise to music for babies and toddlers (during school term only). Indoor Bowls 10am at the Senior Citizens Hall $1. Iona Scouts meet under the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre. Keas (school yrs 1-3) 6-7pm Cubs (school yrs 4-6) 6.30-8pm Scouts (school yrs 7-10) 7-8.30pm. Contact Colin (021 208 1103) or Gill (021 187 9988) for more info. Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions Club Monthly Dinner - all welcome. Network and socialise. Themed nights or speaker. Third Wednesday of the month. Find next event, venue and details at www.bhbl-lions.org
THURSDAYS Activity Corner From 9.30am (for morning tea) at the Senior Citizens Hall $1 Preschool Storytime 10.30-11am @ BHB Library. Free and fun, learning literacy development through stories and songs.
Community Singers Blockhouse Bay practice weekly from 12.30-2.30pm at Blockhouse Bay Community Centre, and sing at rest homes monthly. Contact Dawn Carseldine on ph 817 2405 or ruth52@ outlook.co.nz 6th Auckland Girls’ Brigade 6 - 8pm at Iona Church, 38 Donovan Street, Blockhouse Bay. All girls 5 years upwards welcome. Contact Dorothy at dorothy. findlay@xtra.co.nz or 027-275-9592
FRIDAYS Ladies Probus meet 9am to noon 2nd Friday of each month (Feb to Dec). Speakers and morning tea. Outings available 4th Fridays. Enquiries to Elaine Penn: epenn@xtra.co.nz or ph 626 6949. Auckland Grey Power Seniors Connect will operate a drop-in Friday session during December, January and February at our office 10.30 till 1pm 557 Blockhouse Bay Rd. Contact ph 626-0895 (answer-phone) or email us akldgreypowerinfo@gmail.com. First Friday sessions at 1pm begin in March at Blockhouse Bay Community Centre. Food Pantry Open 1-3pm at BHB Baptist Church. Housie Blockhouse Bay Bowling Club 5.30pm. Join us for some food and drinks. 33 Terry Street, Blockhouse Bay. All welcome. Social dancing with Johnny and Jeanette. 8-11pm, every 2nd Friday night at Blockhouse Bay Community Centre. $10. Starts February.
SATURDAYS Blockhouse Bay Village Market Last Saturday of the month, from 8.30am, along mainstreet on Blockhouse Bay Rd. Contact Jodie Judd manager@blockhousebay.org or ph 09 626 5081. Community Market Second and last Saturdays of the month. 7am – 12noon at
BHB Community Centre. New stall holders welcome – contact Terry: 027 221 1860. Free Dinner 2nd Saturday of the month, 5pm – 7pm, at Iona Presbyterian Church hall, 38 Donovan St BHB. All welcome. For more info phone 09-627 9845.
SUNDAYS Knitting Circle 2-4pm at the Blockhouse Bay Library. BYO knitting needles and wool and join others in these casual knitting group sessions for all levels. Experienced knitters available to help.
CHURCH SERVICES Blockhouse Bay Baptist 504 Blockhouse Bay Rd. Ph 09-626 6980. Sundays 10am Worship and teaching for all ages, 6.30pm Worship, teaching and coffee Blockhouse Bay Community Church 76 Dundale Ave, Blockhouse Bay. Ph 09 626 6284. Email info@bbcc.org.nz www.bbcc.org.nz Sundays, 10.30 am service. Church of the Saviour 2 Heaphy St. Ph 09-627-8779 Sundays, 9am - Communion service. 11am - Café Style church. 1.30pm - Mandarin service. 4pm - Interdenominational Service. 7pm - Intimate acoustic worship. Iona Presbyterian Church 38 Donovan Street, Ph. 09 627 9845 Sundays, 10am service Lynfield Community Church 35 The Avenue, Lynfield. Ph 09 626 4141. 9:30am service. St Dominic’s Catholic Church 34 Bolton St, ph 09 626 6207 Weekend Masses: Saturday vigil 6:00pm; Sunday 9:30am Weekday Masses: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:15am; Wednesday 7:00pm.
For a flexible approach to advertising Your Stories, Your Neighbourhood, Your Community
contact Ruby on 021 0810 5146 or ruby@bhb.nz
www.bhb.nz | December 2018 • 15
BLOCKHOUSE BAY COMMUNITY CENTRE
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY BHB
SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME 21 JAN - 01 FEB 2018
THANKS TO THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR SUPPORTING OUR PROGRAMME BLOCKHOUSE BAY COMMUNITY CENTRE
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62 6 4980
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MONDAY 1 - FRIDAY 12 OCTOBER 2018 · SUITABLE FOR AGES 5 TO 13 YEARS · PRE-ENROLMENT AND PAYMENT ESSENTIAL PLEASE ENROL VIA OUR WEBSITE - WE WILL CONFIRM YOUR PLACE & SEND YOU DETAILS FOR PAYMENT OR SIMPLY DROP YOUR ENROLMENT FORM INTO THE OFFICE ON WEEKDAYS BETWEEN 9AM & 4.30PM
HOURS 9AM – 3PM $30 PER DAY · OR BOOK ALL 9 DAYS FOR ONLY $250 · BEFORE CARE: 8.30AM - 9AM (EXTRA $3) AFTER CARE: 3PM - 3.30PM (EXTRA $3) PAYMENT BY CASH/CHEQUE/EFTPOS/INTERNET TRANSFERS/OSCAR SUBSIDY AVAILABLE
PLEASE REMEMBER lunch, drink, jumper, sunhat, socks & shoes · PLEASE BE PUNCTUAL especially on trip days! MONDAY 21 JANUARY
MOVIES AT EVENT CINEMAS NEW MARKET
TUESDAY 22 JANUARY
OUR KITCHEN RULES: DELICIOUS DUMPLINGS CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR BY LEARNING HOW TO MAKE TASTY DUMPLINGS & CHINESE LANTERNS.
SNACK MONEY OPTIONAL.
WEDNESDAY 23 JANUARY
STARDOME & CORNWALL PARK
SEE HOW AMAZING SPACE IS AT THE PLANETARIUM THEN LUNCH AND PLAY AT CORNWALL PARK
THURSDAY 24 JANUARY
LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE: CANDLE MAKING
MAKE YOUR OWN CANDLE AND COLOUFUL CANDLE HOLDER TO TAKE HOME WITH YOU.
FRIDAY 25 JANUARY
DIY DAY: HERB HEADS
START YOUR SUMMER GARDEN BY MAKING YOUR OWN HERB HEAD TO TAKE HOME WITH YOU.
MONDAY 28 JANUARY
AUCKLAND ANNIVERSARY DAY
NO SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME RUNNING!
TUESDAY 29 JANUARY
MINI OLYMPICS @ BHB PRIMARY SCHOOL
INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM CHALLENGES, TRACK AND FIELD, WATER BASED CHALLENGES IN THE POOL. BRING YOUR TOGS & TOWEL IF YOU WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WATER BASED ACTIVITIES. SUNBLOCK, SUNHAT & WATER BOTTLE ARE ESSENTIAL!
WEDNESDAY 30 JANUARY
CORNWALLIS BEACH TRIP
FUN IN THE SUN...SAND SCULPTURES...PICNIC UNDER THE GAZEBOS...SAUSAGE SIZZLE (BUT STILL BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH)...GET YOUR SUMMER ON! IF YOU BRING A BUCKET & SPADE PLEASE NAME
THURSDAY 31 JANUARY
NERF WARS: IN-CENTRE
GET YOUR GAME ON!! TEAM & INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGES…GAMES ...COMPETITIONS!
FRIDAY 01 FEBRUARY
FLIPPIN’ FUN : TRAMPOLINE PARK
BOUNCE THE DAY AWAY - SPECIAL JUMPING/GRIP SOCKS IF YOU HAVE THEM ARE OPTIONAL.
16 • December 2018
New Dining Concept where Everybody Eats Everybody Eats is a not-for-profit, pay-asyou-feel dining concept, which began in June 2017 as a pop-up each Monday night at Gemmayze St in St Kevin’s Arcade, a popular restaurant on Auckland’s K’ Rd. It’s an initiative that sees food that would otherwise go to waste be turned into restaurant-quality meals, prepared almost entirely by volunteer chefs, and served at the table by volunteer staff. In September 2018, Everybody Eats expanded to Avondale where they now operate out of Woodworks Café, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6.308pm, feeding between 100 and 150 people each night. Dayne Smith, founder of I Love Avondale, collaborated with Everybody Eats founder Nick Loosley to bring the Everybody Eats concept to Avondale. Dayne recently spoke to one of the volunteers, Leonie, about what she likes most about the dining experience that serves rescued food and allows customers to pay what they’re willing or able to. “I love that EE use food that is otherwise destined for the bins, and am slightly intimidated by how the chef of the day works with whatever ingredients are in front of them to make truly tasty food. I love that it’s feeding families who might be struggling for money this week, or people who might not have had a decent feed that week, or someone who has never had a restaurant meal ever. But my favourite thing about EE is that it gives people the chance to sit down with people that they might never otherwise sit down with... There’s no differentiation
Everybody Eats volunteer Leonie. Photo courtesy of Dayne Smith, I Love Avondale.
between the people who pay and those who don’t, you can’t order a drink or more than what’s on offer, and everyone is served the same (bloody delicious) meal. Nearly everywhere else in society the gap is getting bigger and we are getting more divided – at EE those walls are taken down. Because surely, when we all sit down at the same table, we get stronger as a society.” Editor’s note: We are really privileged to have a new restaurant in nearby Avondale that is very different. It is bringing people together from all sectors of society to socialise and enjoy a quality meal. Those who can, “pay what they feel”, and those who can’t pay are welcomed. We have been along twice so far including on our 31st wedding anniversary. We met good people and had meaningful conversations each time at the long tables. If you’re worried you’ll be taking food from someone who needs it, don’t be. Take a chance and try it out – those who can afford to pay are important to enable
this restaurant to continue and fulfil its vision of feeding the homeless with dignity. - John and Kerrie Subritzky
Serving the community since 2013
• Fast, friendly service • Affordable cuts for the whole family • No appointment necessary Located in the Green Bay Shops on Godley Rd. Easy parking right outside.
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www.bhb.nz | December 2018 • 17
6th Decade for Music School The Marshall Laing Music School has been providing quality, affordable music tuition to kids for generations, and is well-known locally. What may not be so well-known is the influence this music school has had on countless individuals who have gone on to make music their career or life-long passion. Jenny Rawlings’ children were all pupils of the school, and she recalls, “With two mortgages and a lease, and four children, we were extremely grateful for Marshall Laing Music School, as it opened up a door to different instruments that would not otherwise have been available.” Jenny’s eldest, Deborah, learned violin and subsequently played in orchestras. While studying performance music at Auckland University, she also taught keyboard at Marshall Laing. Deborah is now pursuing a professional career in music in Germany. Another daughter, Christine, also learned the violin at Marshall Laing, becoming a member of the Auckland Youth Orchestra and occasional member of the St Matthews orchestra, while pursuing medicine. Jenny herself is now one of the team of dedicated and passionate music teachers at the school. Generations have benefitted, and former students have passed on the torch to their children. Heather Robinson, who lives in Lynfield, was a foundation member of the music school when she was 10 or 11 and
learned the piano accordion. She recalls that leaflets came to Waikowhai Primary advertising that a music school was opening up. Years later when her eldest son, Warwick, received a leaflet at school and was keen to learn, she realised the music school Photo courtesy of Mala Photography was still going. At this stage the effects of the 1987 crash were still being felt by many families, with unemployment quite common. Heather’s three children all availed themselves of the music school, and Warwick went on to teach there. After completing his music performance degree Warwick qualified as a secondary school teacher and is now H.O.D of music at Westlake Boys. “Orchestras became part of their lives,” says Heather. “Warwick met his future wife, Miriam, at a combined orchestra. All these opportunities would have been missed without Marshall Laing.” The Marshall Laing Music School started in 1963 and is still going strong. Their aim is to provide group music lessons for primary and intermediate age school students, the majority of which are Ministry of Education subsidised. They also offer a
Community Centre Happenings The Centre office will close for the holidays on Friday 21st December at midday and reopen on Thursday 10th January at 9am. Our thanks to all our hirers and users and we look forward to welcoming you again in 2019. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season. Our regular Oscar subsidized holiday programme runs from 21st January to 1st February and is a fun-filled fortnight of exciting activities and trips. This popular programme fills quickly so enroll early to avoid missing out. Our popular Sequence Dance instructors, Johnny and Jeanette, are running a social dance night on the 2nd Friday of every month, starting from 8th February. At just $10 for a night of socializing and dancing, it will be well worth attending. Our popular Ukulele classes are starting again in February. The tutor has a great way of teaching that benefits both beginners and more advanced. Pre-enrolment essential for this class. Don’t forget The Antiques and Crafts Fair on 20th January. The $2.00 entry (for adults, children are free) goes towards the upkeep of Armansco House. A fabulous array of items for sale, plenty of bargains to be had and treasures just waiting to be discovered.
range of non-subsidised music lessons for all age groups. Music School Coordinator since 2014, Michael Greenwood, is enthusiastic about new developments at the school. A large, new, multi-purpose music space has recently been completed which has made it possible to now offer after-school lessons, as well as being perfect for orchestra rehearsals. Michael is also excited about the new summer school in January being offered for the first time. This unique two-day school, called Feel the Beat. Put a Rhythm in your Feet! will be taught by Marie Willis, a specialist in the Dalcroze method. The course is designed to help children explore and understand rhythm, without the use of musical notes on a page.
SUMMER SCHOOL 16 and 17 January 2019
‘Feel the Beat. Put a Rhythm in your Feet!’ Make sense of beat and rhythm through this 2 day Summer School based on music-movement games and improvisation. $90 for 2 days ($85 for early bird) For more details and to book online: https://mlmusic.school.nz/news Phone: 09-626 5103 ext. 211 Email: office@mlmusic.school.nz 39 Marshall Laing Avenue, Mount Roskill
18 • December 2018
Let’s talk business by Chris Bunce
www.bhb.nz | December 2018 • 19
GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK By the time you read this, we’ll be approaching Christmas, New Year, and the good old Kiwi holiday at the beach. Many business owners use this time to reflect on their business and what they need to do differently in the new year, so I thought I would take a break from the four primary management practices (three down, one to go) and provide some suggestions about structuring that reflection time. The first thing I suggest you do, is forget about it. Most likely, your business has driven you crazy over the last few weeks. You didn’t get everything done you wanted to, and for the first few days of your holiday, you’ll be in recovery, de-tox, and stress reduction mode. This is not the right time to start trying to plan for the future. Remember there are more important things than making yourself fabulously wealthy. Relax. Read, fish, go to a concert, socialise, swim, snooze, whatever floats your boat. Never fear, your brain will be surreptitiously sorting through all the factors you need to include in your thinking about your business. Ever marvelled at the way you get a sudden flash of inspiration about something you haven’t been consciously thinking about?
Read, fish, go to a concert, socialise, swim, snooze, whatever floats your boat. After 3-4 days, you can start to think constructively about the future. Now’s the time for a bit of note-taking while those insights burst out. Supplement them with some reflection on these questions: • What do I want from my business? Is it the same as it was, or has it evolved? • Does my business have a competitive advantage? Is it clear to my customers why they should buy from me instead of my competitors? • Is the business culture where it should be? Is it a great place to work for the type of people I am trying to attract? • Is my team optimal? Do I have enough people and are they the right people? • Are we executing? Did we make progress last year?
The good old Kiwi holiday at the beach. Photo: Kerrie Subritzky
Collate the answers to those questions with the insights you recorded earlier. Sift through it all, and carefully come up with the THREE most important projects you need to complete in 2019. Big chunky projects that will take most of the year, are challenging yet achievable, and which you would be delighted to complete. Write them out in full, making it clear exactly what is required. Share them with your team when you start back, and assign accountabilities for leading and contributing to each priority action.
In closing, I’d like to wish every reader a Merry Christmas, and a very happy and prosperous 2019. God bless you all!
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20 • December 2018
Avondale Business Association gets new Chair Marcus Amosa was recently voted in as the new chair of the Avondale Business Association. This change of leadership marks a new era for the Business Association which was chaired for 19 years by appliance store owner and Whau local board member Duncan MacDonald. Marcus is co-owner of Cain Tattoo, Copra Audio and a new co-working space all based in Avondale and is also involved with many community initiatives. Marcus says: “Having grown up in the area, my belief in my neighbourhood spurred me to open Cain Tattoo, Avondale Co-working space and Copra Audio, all within the Avondale Mainstreet. “While I never set out to challenge the leadership for this position, I have responded to a call from our members for leadership that is more collaborative, more involved, more approachable and more focused on our association objectives. “The Avondale Business association requires leadership that is committed to our
town centre’s continued growth, that is dynamic and collaborative. I'll be looking to inject my positive energy into this role, my youthful passion for business, as well as my commitment to serving the hardworking members of our association. “My vision is for an association that supports our businesses, encourages business Marcus Amosa (right) development, and fosters meaningful relationships Business Associations work in partnership with our community, with the Auckland Council BID (Business that enables collaboration. Supporting Improvement Districts) programme which and lifting our local businesses in the town centre, helps to support and lift our sees targeted rates based on the businesses’ capital land value returned to the Business community too! “To lead is to serve and I'm forward to Association as a grant to support economic serving our members in this role.” development of the town centre.
No Excuses for Landlords Rental Property Update By Janne Breetvelt, City Property Management As rental property owners would now know because of all the publicity generated by the Department of Building and Housing regarding rental properties, all rental properties must now have suitable smoke alarms, which are the responsibility of the tenants to maintain during the tenancy but are the responsibility of the owners to check that they are in working order between tenancies. On a different subject, all owners will likely know the cut-off date for compliance with insulation regulations is July 1, 2019. What owners may not realise, however, is that all tenancy agreements in place since July 2016 must state what insulation is in place and if it is not known, what steps are being taken to find out this information. It is not good enough just to state ‘not known’. Plus, there is a compliancy team from the DBH who are checking tenancy agreements
from 2016 to ensure they comply. The fine for noncompliance is $500 per property. What is way more important from the owners’ point of view is that ALL tenanted properties (unless exempt for a particular reason) must have their rental properties insulated to the standard by July 1, 2019. The compliance team is taking this extremely seriously. If an owner of a rental property is taken to court for noncompliance, the fine is paid out to the tenants and this can be up to $4000 per property as from that date. This will make tenants very keen to ensure properties are compliant because it is in their best interests, plus they can report on non-compliant owners and thereby be awarded the amount of the fine. Residential tenanted property owners all need to be aware of their obligations. There are compliance teams already checking on smoke alarms and they will definitely be checking on insulation. They are not listening to any excuses because owners have had three years to comply.
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www.bhb.nz | December 2018 • 21
Call for Clarity on Footpath Usage The Puketapapa Local Board has requested Auckland Council to investigate establishing a comprehensive set of rules to increase the safety for users of footpaths in the city. The Board noted the proliferation of vehicles using footpaths including scooters, bicycles, New Zealand Post vehicles and skateboards which is increasing the risks to pedestrians. There is widespread ignorance about which users have right of way on which footpaths. Board Transport Lead David Holm describes the situation as "Footpath free-for-all." “Rules need to include maximum speeds on city footpaths and requirements for bells or other warning devices on the faster vehicles using footpaths,” he says. "As
happens at sea, faster users need to give way to slower users." The Board wants measures to educate the public about these rules and to enforce sanctions for breaches. Holm suggests that there should be a well-publicised complaints procedure; "There is a need for the increased funds now being allocated by both the New Zealand Transport Agency and Auckland Transport, for safety improvements to include proper enforcement," he said. The Board is not proposing total bans on the use of electric scooters but believes that the code of conduct set up for hirers of scooters failed to provide any means of dealing with their misuse. The code concentrated on measures to protect riders, such as helmet provision, without spelling
out any requirements for avoiding harm to other footpath users. The Board has also been actively seeking a bigger share of transport subsidies for upgrading footpaths, many of which are unsuited to shared use by pedestrians and vehicles able to travel at up to 25 kilometres per hour.
Local Park and Athletic Club hosts School Zone Athletics On Thursday 22nd November, over 500 children converged on Margaret Griffen Park in Lynfield for their annual Central Primary Zone athletics competition. The organisers come every year to the park for its excellent capacity for both the events and for the space for parents to watch their children enjoy their sport. Roskill South Athletic Club for whom the fields are home, lend their equipment for the day, including jump mats, discus, shot put and track equipment. With ten central schools competing on the day, the top three placing schools on the day were (in order), Owairaka, Balmoral and Maungawhau. Most rewarding of all, the children had a fun and enjoyable day.
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22 • December 2018
Fabulous new apartment plans released!
These apartments are priced from $660,000 Our brand new independent apartments at Ryman Lynfield Retirement Village are proving popular! There are spacious one, two and three bedroom options available. Choose an apartment with a balcony with elevated views looking over the bowling green or enjoy a more private setting out
to Manukau Harbour and surrounds – the choice is yours! Living in an independent apartment means you keep your independence. We take care of maintenance and costs such as building insurance and rates which is all included in your fixed weekly fee of $129 - guaranteed for life.*
For more information please phone Frances or Michelle on 627 2727 Sales office: 9 Commodore Drive, Lynfield *Terms and conditions apply
www.bhb.nz | December 2018 • 23
Bob’s moved next door!
Bob points out the view from the balcony – which takes in his former home of 50 years on Tropicana Drive!
The first-ever resident of Ryman’s latest retirement village in Lynfield is settling into his brand new apartment after moving in from just a few metres away. Bob Caley has lived next door on Tropicana Drive, which leads up to the village site, for 50 years, meaning the move was also a new record for the moving company. “The guy said it was the shortest distance he’s ever had to move someone,” laughed Bob, who for the last year has been watching the progress of his new apartment being built from the comfort of his back yard. “I could see where my apartment was going to be and I realised I would be able to see the house from the far end of the balcony of the apartment,” said Bob. Not only that, he will have a clear view of the rest of the complex while it gets built since his living room looks out onto the heart of the village.
Bob’s three daughters (L-R) Fiona, Denise and Joanne were thrilled to see their dad move into his new home.
His verdict? “Good! Yes, it’s lovely. “It’s been a bit of a worry up until now getting everything sorted but the girls have been excellent,” he said, referring to his three daughters Denise, Joanne and Fiona. Both the views and the apartment prompted wows from the daughters who were there on the day to help their dad move in. “It’s beautiful, it’s really great!” said Denise. The sisters said they had taken their dad out for dinner the previous night to mark the end of an incredible era and as a distraction from last night jitters. “It’s good for all of us to know he’s safe and secure and he won’t have to deal with things as they start to break down in the house,” said Joanne. “Knowing he’s settled in here will take away quite a lot of that worry for us.”
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Bob and his late wife Val bought their section on Tropicana Drive for £2,000 from Bill Subritzky who was also the former owner of village site. Bill went on to develop the whole of the street as part of the Parade of Homes, which were unveiled by the then prime minister Rob Muldoon in 1968. As part of his welcome into his new home Bob was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers by sales advisors Frances Quirk and Michelle Garland plus a lunch platter to tide the family over during the big move. There were Ryman staff on hand to shift his furniture up from the basement and brief him on how everything works. The biggest challenge would be using the dishwasher, said Joanne. “He’s never had a dishwasher in his whole life so he’ll have to figure that one out!”
Opening Special Register your pet before the end of the year and go into the draw to WIN FREE CONSULTATIONS FOR LIFE for your pet*! Mention this ad to RECEIVE 10% OFF services and retail** *pay no consultation fee for up to four visits per year for the life of your pet. Winner to be drawn 31st December 2018 6pm and announced on our Facebook page **valid until 31st December 2018
24 • December 2018
Wairaki Stream Restoration
The removal a 1980 Mitsubishi Mirage GLX from Wairaki Stream was a great result for the community initiative Friends of Wairaki Stream to mobilise council and other resources. Wairaki Stream is the only waterway that drains into the Manukau Harbour from the Puketapapa local board area. Friends of Wairaki Stream are looking forward to doing further hands on clean-ups of rubbish in the Wairaki Reserve, as well as weeding and plant releasing and welcome volunteers. Thanks to Alf from Downers, Nic Finch from Treesafe Limited, Avon Towing, and Angela and John from Healthy Waters, Auckland Council.
Pictures courtesy of Kathy Neilson from Friends of Wairaki Stream, and members of Puketapapa Local Board.
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SERVING BLOCKHOUSE BAY SINCE 2002
Gigesh Pala
BMS (Accounting), CA, CPP Phone 09 627 1706 Fax 09 627 1709 Email office@baytax.co.nz Website www.baytax.co.nz Address 8 Donovan Street (opposite Countdown)