Devonportflagstaffmay30

May 30 2014 The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 1

May 30, 2014

Interview: Jo Blair, living with an autistic child… p16

Triple birdie win for golfers… p 3

Devonport architects to Vienna… p5

Pre-match banter…North Shore MP Maggie Barry, the organiser of a charity rugby match between the Parliamentary rugby team and North Shore Rugby Club’s Dad’s Army side last weekend, admitted to having never kicked a rugby ball when she chatted to Shore player Brett Garea. Shore won 17-12. Story and more pictures pages 38-39.

To page 2

True-blue Maggie in talks with the greens

Phil ClarkP 09 446 2125M 021 940 041E [email protected]

Peter AytonP 09 446 2109 M 021 336 300E [email protected]

ONLINE peterayton.co.nz or philclark.co.nzLICENSED AGENT REAA 2008

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The temporary relocation of Devonport’s library has seen a huge drop in library visitors and borrowing numbers.

Since the library moved to 3 Victoria Road last October, library visits have fallen by more

Local library use in free fallthan 50 percent, from nearly 50,000 at the old library to 20,000 per quarter at the new location.

The number of items borrowed has shrunk even more drastically, from 60,000 to 20,000 a quarter.

The number of people taking part in library programmes has fallen from nearly 3,000 to about 300 per quarter.

Wi-Fi users, however, seem to be holding

The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 2 May 30 2014

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NEXT ISSUE: June 13 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: June 6

EDITOR: Rob DrentADVERTISING: Rob DrentREPORTER: Maire ViethDESIGN: Brendon De SuzaOFFICE MANAGER: Janet KleePRINTER: Horton Media Ltd.

Devonport Publishing LtdPO Box 32 275First Floor, 9 Wynyard Street, DevonportTelephone: 09 445 0060Email: [email protected]: www.devonportflagstaff.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS ASSOCIATION AWARDSBest Community Involvement: 2012, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2005Most Improved Newspaper: 2011, 2010Best Young Journalist: 2012Best Journalist: 2012, 2009Best Headline Writing: 2012

Information in the Devonport Flagstaff is copyright and cannot be published or broadcast without the permission of Devonport Publishing Ltd.

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More than 5,000 read Flagstaff online

The first digital versions of the Devonport Flagstaff have been viewed by more than 5,000 people since the paper went live with its new webstie and the May 2 edition. When the Flagstaff went to press the May 16 edition had received 3,000 views.

• Sign up for email alerts when the paper has gone online and go into the draw to win a mystery weekend away. See details on page 29.

Plans to put a public toilet on top of the for-mer landfill site of Ngataringa Park, next to the skatepark, have run aground.

“Geotech and soil testing work has deter-mined that the project cannot go ahead in its current format,” a recent council report says.

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board chair Mike Cohen said: “They hit upon the same problem as the community board did 12 years ago, which is how to hook it up to the sewer line.”

But Cohen is upbeat about the stumbling block. “I am still keen for the toilet to happen because we need a facility there for the skaters and also for the large playground that is planned to go there. And I am sure there will be a solution somewhere,” he said. Cohen did not exclude an arrangement between Council and the nearby soccer club, North Shore United.

Loo plan flushed out

up. The number has fallen only slightly, from 1,200 to 1,000.

The falling numbers are most likely caused by the temporary relocation of the library into a much smaller space. Takapuna Library use has been constant and is not experiencing any declining volumes.

The new Devonport library is expected to open in its previous location next year.

From page 1

Library numbers fall


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Waitemata Golf Club’s women’s division is celebrating one of its best years, with pennant teams winning three out of five divisions.

The Midweek 18-hole team, the Weekend 18-hole No 2 team, and the A Pennant team each won their divisions Each team consists of six players, playing a series of matches against other North Harbour clubs.

Captain Robin Stubbs and the Midweek team had a closely fought final, with Wait-

emata victorious by just one point over two other close contenders. The Weekend No 2 team: Kim Milne, Terri Thompson (Captain) Flo Wells, Karen Ginn, Elaine Flintham, Lianne Hughes, Dale Levett and Barbara Corkill had a successful season with five wins and one draw from six games, and took out the trophy with a win in the final game of the season. The A Pennant team, captained by Annette Muir, was in the lead by one point

after their penultimate match and, making the most of their home club advantage, claimed the trophy.

The other two women’s pennant teams placed well in the competitions, with a 3rd placing for the Weekend 18-hole No 1 Team, and a 5th placing for the B Pennants.

In addition to the 18-hole teams, a nine-hole Pennant team finished in 4th position for the season.

Triple birdie for Waitemata women’s pennant teams

The “A” Team left to right: Judi Turner (Team Manager), Carol Turner, Lyn Crowther, Kaye Grant, Karen Woodroffe, Annette Muir (seated). Reserves (not pictured): Mary Chantry, Hye Jin Hong, Terri Thompson.

The Midweek Team: Standing left to right: Lianne Hughes, Barbara Corkill, Robyn Stubbs (Captain), Judy Howe. Seated left to right: Karen Ginn, Elaine Flintham, Glennis Sligo.

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DESSERT Chocolate Brownie A warm dark chocolate soft cake served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce $15Tiramisu Espresso-soaked sponge fingers, layered with mascarpone and finished with chocolate sauce $15


Four Devonport architects are heading to Venice and are taking two Devonport houses with them.

They are part of New Zealand’s first national exhibition at the Venice Archi-tecture Biennale, organised by the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA). The six-month event is considered the leading global architecture ideas forum.

Devonport architects David Mitchell, son Julian Mitchell and partner Julie Stout, as well as Bayswater architecture professor Mike Austin are part of the team of 10 New Zealand architects who have put together “Last, Loneliest, Loveliest.” It will be housed on the ground floor of the Palazzo Pisani Santa Marina, not far from the Rialto Bridge, from June 7 until November 23.

The two Devonport houses represented with photos in Venice are the 1951 Rother-ham House on Rutland St, which has re-cently been bought by Rotherham’s son and partner architectural historian Julia Gatley. The second house is on Second Ave and was designed by Jack Manning in 1959.

Both houses will help illustrate this year’s exhibition theme of “Fundamentals”. David Mitchell, who is the project’s crea-tive director, says Pacific architecture has its own ideas about what is fundamental.

Devonport represents New Zealand in Venice

“It’s about being light, impermanent, held up by beams and covered in panels rather than floor, walls and ceilings. And those characteristics have left a trail through our national architecture,” he says.

For that reason, Mitchell considers Rotherham House to be Devonport’s most important building. “It is remarkably open and has been thinned down to its absolute minimum,” he says.

“Manning’s house has the Pacific form of a whare, but with a gable that is pro-

jected forward that is held up by posts in the middle of it. It is a kind of crossover,” Mitchell says.

The exhibition also includes the Auck-land Art Gallery, named “Building of the Year” at last year’s World Architecture Fes-tival, Christchurch’s Cardboard Cathedral and Frances Cooper’s award-winning ar-chitecture student proposal to rework Tank Farm into a Venice-like public space with strips of water entering the reclaimed land rather than an iconic building dominating it.

Heading to Venice… Devonport architects, clockwise from left: Julian Mitchell, Julie Stout, Mike Austin and David Mitchell


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Contractors last week ripping through the first third of the Devonport Wharf as part of its renovation have revealed what a rubbish build-ing it actually is. Behind the walls there is not a skerrik of insulation and a builder friend said it looks like it was, “knocked together by an intermediate school woodworking class.”

The horse has bolted on this one but why knock down the Devonport Library - an essen-tially sound building with a leaky roof and some drainage problems - and build a new one for $8 million? At the same time Council is patching up the Devonport wharf building, which to many seems to be in far worse condition.

The construction time frame for the wharf is likely to appear a mystery to tourists and many locals. There is only budget for the first third of the wharf to be renovated. So while Marine Square and the first third of the structure will be upgraded, tourists will still be greeted by the old wharf structure. It is good some work on the wharf is underway, but wouldn’t it have been better - and cheaper - to do all the work at once?

News that a 300-unit retirement village is planned for Ngati Whatua’s Wakakura block is a good outcome. Elderly housing options are in short supply for Devonport residents, with many retirement homes in the suburb closing a decade ago due to the need for fire and safety upgrades. Now many residents who have spent their whole lives in Devonport are forced to leave to eke out their final years in a home in an unfamiliar suburb. The fact that retirement villages generate less traffic than other housing development is also a welcome aside for those battling an increasingly clogged Lake Rd. A worry is the village has the potential to be elitist. Many Devonport residents are now sitting on real estate worth $2 million (renovated villa and land) and could afford $1 million for a unit with money in the bank. I hope the units are not going to be outside the reach of the less well heeled.

Perhaps the solution again lies in Ngati Whatua’s hands. Another retirement village is always an option for its land at Narrow Neck, when the Navy vacates it.

It will be interesting to see what Mayor Len Brown’s aims to expand the $4.8 billion a year Auckland Tourism industry to $7.2 billion by 2021 will mean for Devonport. Public transport-wise lot of work is being done city-side to make Auckland truly international.

Auckland Transport is doing a major study on Lake Rd with the aim of improving the clogged road. But does a wider discussion need to be held on how it fits into Auckland’s tourism planning?

For example what a great attraction a tram from Devonport to Takapuna/Milford would be for tourists. And what about ferry loops around the suburbs? Beachaven, Northcote, Bayswater, Devonport - even St Heliers and the East Coast Bays? The AT study needs to be greater in scope than simply getting cars from A to B faster.

Now to the cycle lanes on Lake Rd which people still seem unhappy with. It is perhaps pertinent to reiterate how they were foisted on the community. Government offered a 50% subsidy to councils who put cycle lanes on arterial routes. Keen to get their hands on the money, the former North Shore City Council officers pushed the lanes through without community consultation and with only limited ability for the then Devonport Community Board to tinker with changes around the edges.

Yes cyclists do use the lanes but not in the numbers I would have expected. Belmont Intermediate has the highest number of stu-dents cycling to school in the country, but most don’t use the lanes as they are unsafe. Cycle lanes should be safe for children.

If Simon Herbert can purchase freehold land at Bayswater under moved goalposts, is it time to revisit the lanes again? Auckland Transport will no doubt do so in its study.

There are more cars in Devonport house-holds than ever before and more cars are using Lake Rd. Increasing public transport and its frequency is the only way to cut down this traffic. It seems a physical impossibility to have bus lanes, two lanes of cars and cycle lanes on Lake Rd.

Will the cycle lanes on Lake Rd go in favour of bus/high occupancy vehicle lanes? The Green Party for one is open to the idea of getting the cycle lanes properly separated from traffic and perhaps moved elsewhere off Lake Rd.

The Flagstaff Notes

By Rob Drent

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Sense of Place A portrait of Devonport, its landscape, heritage and people.

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Phone 963 2331www.depotartspace.co.nz

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We continue to be innovative and lead the industry with cutting edge technology and training. You may wish to look at our website at www.devonport.harcourts.co.nz; as it has a large amount of very useful information which could be of interest to you. Please come and talk to us about selling and buying homes, rentals and property management. Our focus on detail and our dedication to excellence is shown everyday by our team and we would love to see you.

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COOPER & CO REAL ESTATE LTD MREINZLICENSED AGENT

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I know that selling your home can be seriously stressful, so when I decided to put mine on the market recently I was braced for the worst.

Luckily, I chose Phil Clark and Peter Ayton of Harcourts Devonport – and they made everything easy.

They were really helpful and informative, had some great down-to-earth advice, and kept me fully up to date with everything that was happening. Plus, they’re all-round good blokes – friendly and a good laugh.

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If you’re thinking of selling, give them a call – you won’t regret it.

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BELMONT 3/19 Westwell Road AUCTION

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE - LOCATION PLUS PLUS PLUS! On the “seaward side” of Belmont, Westwell Road runs off the well revered “millionaires’ mile” of Seacliffe Avenue. This striking, comfortable and wonderfully practical town house is ideal for families with children of all ages. Perfectly positioned beside Belmont Primary School and very close to Takapuna Grammar, ideal for the kids. The end one of three, these town houses were built in 1975 and are of an interesting design. Soaring ceilings on the upper level give the home a complete feeling of space. Be impressed by the high-spec kitchen with its granite bench tops, open plan with the dining and living rooms. Love the wonderful views to the west of the harbour bridge and the sunsets. Built in timber and concrete block, there is far more than meets the eye with this property!

AUCTION On Site, Sunday 22nd June 2014 at 3pm (unless sold prior) 4 2 1 2

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JACKIE: 021 458 797 JANE: 021 735 263P: 09 446 2030 F: 09 445 4004 18 Clarence Street, Devonport

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A Devonport cat survived a year on the streets - defying its doctor owner’s fears that it would die without its medication.

The cat, named Wild, has a hyperactive thyroid and needs a daily dose of medicine to control it.

Owned by the Braatvedt family, father Geoffrey, an endocrinologist, has been in charge of regulating Wild’s thyroid function.

So when Wild disappeared a year ago from

the Braatvedt’s Ngataringa home, Geoffrey was worried immediately.

Wife Charmaine Braatvedt, the Anglican Reverend at Holy Trinity Church, said: “When she wasn’t back after two months, he was cer-tain that Wild had died because she can’t sur-vive without the medicine. Even with medicine, she drinks a lot and eats a lot and still struggles not to lose weight or control her temperature.”

Wild’s return one year later has delighted and amazed the family.

“She is like our prodigal daughter, and it’s a miracle she survived,” says Charmaine.

“We have a gardener and I kept expecting him to come back with a bag of bones one

day,” she says.Last week daughter Claire announced that

she was leaving home to go flatting in the city. “And that same day, we found Wild outside, looking terribly skinny and shivering,” said Charmaine.

Wild had clearly been looked after by some-one. “She had a red collar around her neck and someone must have been feeding her. We are so very thankful to that Good Samaritan.”

Back home, Wild is putting on weight and settling in well, never moving far from her food and water bowls in the kitchen corner.

“It’s funny she’s called Wild, because really she is anything but,” Charmaine says.

One daughter moves out, another returns… Charmaine Braatvedt is keeping a close watch on the family cat Wild

Prodigal daughter returns from Devonport’s wild

www.takapuna.harcourts.co.nz

Contributor to realestate.co.nzLicensed Agent, REAA 2008

Chris Barker P: 486 9204M: 027 44 88 020E: [email protected]

Cooper & Co Real Estate Limited MREINZ Takapuna

VIEW: Sat/Sun 12.00-1.00pm www.harcourts.co.nz #TK24648AUCTION: Sun 22nd June 2014 at 1.00pm on site (unless sold prior)

A Perfect GemBelmont, 2A Moana AveSuperb low maintenance, 2 double bedroom brick and tile townhouse with excellent outdoor flow to delightfully private sunny and level north-facing patios and gardens. Handy to Belmont shops and public transport.Don’t delay – pick up the phone today!

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Devonport18 Clarence St Devonport

09 446 2030www.devonport.harcourts.co.nz

www.harcourts.co.nzContributor to realestate.co.nz

Very Pretty VillaSpacious four bedroom villa offers character and future potential. An added

bonus is the new central heating system and a two car garage.

Devonport 80 Lake Road

Auction On site Sunday 8th June 2014 at 11.00am (unless sold prior)

View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP7268 Open Sat & Sun 2.00 - 2.45pm

Catharina Andersson P 09 446 2110 M 021 812 621

E [email protected]

Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

OPEN HOME

Villa With A Beach House FeelFabulous ever changing views over Shoal Bay are yours to enjoy at this truly

unique property situated on the northern side of the Bayswater Peninsular.

Bayswater 33 Beresford Street

For Sale By Negotiation

View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP7264 Open By appointment only

Caroline Devereux P 09 446 2107 M 021 573 305

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Cheltenham Town "House & Garden"Tucked away in a quiet street is this freestanding 3 bedroom home in a

delightful garden setting. Wonderful, private, sunny, indoor outdoor living.

Devonport 2a Sinclair Street



Glenice Taylor P 09 446 2112 M 021 943 021

E [email protected]


OPEN HOME

Village Opportunity!A spacious three bedroom Bungalow apartment with your own garden,

private outdoor living area and harbour views in the heart of the village.

Devonport 15a Kerr Street (Unit C)

For Sale $765,000

View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP6952 Open Sun 2.00 - 2.30pm

Caroline Devereux & Maria Stevens

P 09 446 2107 M 021 573 305 P 09 446 2111 M 021 979 084


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How We All Grew Up - Character On 737m2 Of Land!Situated close to shops & opposite Bayswater Primary. Full of character

features, solid concrete stucco, the home is insulated & has been rewired.

Belmont 184 Bayswater Avenue


View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP7253

Jackie Mark & Jane Hastings

P 09 446 2113 M 021 458 797 P 09 446 2116 M 021 735 263


Family FavouriteBeautifully appointed one year old, two level weatherboard family home on

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Devonport18 Clarence St Devonport

09 446 2030www.devonport.harcourts.co.nz

www.harcourts.co.nzContributor to realestate.co.nz

Wow 850m2 Of Land - Great HouseMotivation is running at fever pitch for our vendors of this north facing four

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Devonport 25 Regent Street

For Sale $845,000

View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP6956 Open Sat & Sun 1-1.30pm

Jane Hastings & Jackie Mark

P 09 446 2116 M 021 735 263 P 09 446 2113 M 021 458 797


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Quiet Cul De Sac, Solid Large Renovated HomeExtensively remodelled, renovated and extended 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

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Bayswater 53 Philomel Crescent

Auction On site Sunday 22nd June 2014 at 12.00pm (unless sold prior)

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Peter Andrews P 09 446 2105 M 0274 931 826

E [email protected]


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Classic Villa With Water ViewsThis gracious 4/5 bedroom villa set back from the street frontage, has all of

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Devonport 20 Waterview Road

For Sale $1,395,000


Glenice Taylor P 446 2112 M 021 943 021

E [email protected]


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North Facing Section In Stanley BayA freehold 693sq m section on its own title with water, power and

telephone service already connected. Sunny, north facing site.

Devonport 20a Waterview Road



Glenice Taylor & Gary Potter

P 09 446 2112 M 021 943 021 P 09 446 2106 M 021 953 021


Vendor Has One House Too ManyA large family home with a low maintenance exterior, beautifully presented

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Hillcrest 74b Pupuke Road

Auction On site, Saturday 14th June 2014 at 2.00pm (unless sold prior)


Jenny Hinton & Anne Iremonger

P 09 446 2126 M 027 773 1841 P 09 446 2117 M 021 443 959


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Easy Living - Vendors Out Of TownOwned since 2003, this has been a great home and investment. Ideally

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View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP7234 Open Sat & Sun 11.30-12.00pm

Jackie Mark & Jane Hastings

P 09 446 2113 M 021 458 797 P 09 446 2116 M 021 735 263


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The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 14 May 30 2014Letters

Victoria Wharf use symptomatic of poor council planning

TREECARE – Tree Felling • Removals• Thinning • Pruning • Hedges • Chipping

• Reductions • Stump Grinding

Stu Huggins021 175 8660

Phone 446 1258

I attended the regular quarterly community meeting recently that discussed among other things the Devonport Business Association BID issues and also the AT proposals for the Devonport wharf alterations.

At question time I asked the Auckland Transport (AT) advisor about when the Vic-toria wharf is complete “would it be open for traffic”. The answer was a definite, “NO!!! It is for pedestrian use and emergency ve-hicles only.”

Therefore this makes a farce of spending such a large amount of our rates dollars to extensively reinforce the wharf for a few pedestrians and a couple of random vehicles annually.

Look at the wharf’s history for goodness sake. It has always been a shared wharf and

indeed was built originally for vehicular ferry use.

In recent years, before its closure, it had been used for picking up and dropping off people to catch the ferry where there was a shorter distance to walk for the elderly, especially those with walking sticks and frames as well as disabled in wheelchairs etc. It made sense also for those passengers returning from a trip being picked up by relatives and taxis, carrying luggage from the likes of cruise ships or even Waiheke Island weekends and holidays; it made such perfect sense.

It should also be Council and AT’s man-date to make usage of public transport more user friendly and therefore more used by the public in general.

I don’t recall there ever having been issues over this 100-plus years of combined usage and the decision does not make any common sense to me at all.

But then we in Devonport get used to less common sense being used increasingly as decentralised governance takes place firstly to North Shore City and now Auckland Su-per City amalgamation. It appears to be far worse and more remote than ever.

Just look at the decision to allow the three major contract jobs led by Auckland Council or its affiliated organisations run-ning all at the same time after taking away at least 35 precious car parks. That along with the 30 odd contractors’ vehicles and their staff car parking along with the ad-ditional fenced-off areas, seems just plain poor management from Council yet again.

I won’t even mention the incompetence and poor decisions made by ATEED of the changes made with the local informa-tion centre, on promoting our very special Devonport and North Shore region. ( Not )

Oops but then I have mentioned it......However I am more positive in the ex-

tended bus shelter installation, as long as the tour buses organised by an Australian tour company are forced to use this instead of taking over hundreds of metres of our precious waterfront, directly next to what is the most used public park and children’s playground in the borough.Warwick Squire

Superb office for Professions, central Devonport.

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CONTACT Lara Mullane P 446 2108 M 021 960 313 E [email protected]

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ESTABLISHED 1971

24 Hour TowingDevonport Owned

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Dennis Hale & Nathan HaleESTABLISHED 1971

24 Hour TowingDevonport Owned

and Operated

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Letters

I’m very concerned at the thought processes (or lack of them?) behind the latest set of proposed changes to Marine Square/Devonport Wharf. Whilst we may well all have personal opinions about the actual designs, it’s what’s driven them that concerns me.

It would seem that Auckland Transport (AT) are looking to do the following:1. Add a glass canopy over the exterior

boardwalk to the right of the wharf as you approach it.

2. Close off the current pedestrian access through the main doors, in order to create an improved ‘retail space’.

3. Build a 50-metre-long bus shelter, capable of having four buses at a time.Let’s examine Items 1 and 2...The mere

idea that ferry users will be forced to use the open boardwalk is a joke, when there’s a completely serviceable building to provide shelter as they walk to the ferry. Without any form of side-screen down from the canopy, to protect them from the weather in winter, this is a nonsensical idea. Maybe some senior members of Auckland Transport need to try it out in mid-July during a decent downpour and see how they like arriving at work soaked to the skin.

It seems to be driven by Item 2 in my list above: the drive to create a better retail

environment within the wharf building. However, what AT seems to have completely overlooked is that retailers require passing trade in order to survive (and there are plenty of examples in Victoria Road where they still struggle), so to force potential trade away from their store fronts is so counter-intuitive, it beggars belief.

As for the bus shelter, it seems to be the brainchild of the same beleaguered thinking. Part of the new plan is to construct a new and enlarged canopy at the Devonport end of the wharf. Surely, as the vast majority of bus passengers joining and leaving the bus at this point are ferry users, where is the logic in spending scarce cash resources on a huge bus shelter? Passengers leaving the ferry can, if necessary, shelter under the newly-extended canopy and the poor buggers who are heading to the ferry can trudge straight down the boardwalk in the rain sheltered only by a glass canopy... Furthermore, there are, at best, only two buses serving the wharf anyway, so why such a huge shelter?

Whilst I can see sense in creating an improved ‘gateway’ to Devonport, the basic thinking behind these plans seems to me to be fundamentally flawed. Auckland Transport doesn’t need to go back to the drawing board; their issues run far deeper than simple design. Tim Lofts

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VAUXHALL SCHOOL EXHIBITION OF FINE ART 2014 (VEFA)

Friday 6th – Sunday 8th JuneVauxhall School, Morrison Ave, Devonport

Works from over 90 accomplished artists in a variety of media will be featured at VEFA 2014. The weekend commences with a ticketed gala opening at 7pm on

Friday 6th June and throughout the weekend a series of children’s art workshops will be running. There will be

activities for preschoolers and refreshments available. For more information contact Justina Frost

0220 7 500 55 or Angela Frazerhurst 027 221 1677.

STRAW BALE GARDENING Saturday 7th June, 1pm

Devonport Community Garden, Mt Cambria Reserve, Devonport

Come along to Devonport Community Garden for a talk with Virgil Evetts. Virgil will talk you through things to

consider followed by a chance to answer your questions over a cup of tea. Workshop fee is $15. Please contact Charlotte to book a place: [email protected]

or call 021 949 049.

COAT SALE AT DEVONPORT ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SHOP

Saturday 7th June, 10am-1pmThe Arcade, off Wynyard St, Devonport

Devonport Anglican Community Shop is having a special sale of winter coats on Saturday 7th June.

The shop is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturdays 10am to 1 pm.

Ball gowns are also now in stock.

BEVERLEY YOUNG AT DEVONPORT FOLK CLUB

Monday 9th June, 8pmThe Bunker, Mt Victoria, Devonport

Share an evening with one of New Zealand’s finest singers of traditional song.

Tickets $15 cash. Ph: 445 2227 for bookings.

Devonport Peninsula Community eNEWSTo receive the Devonport Peninsula eNEWS, a monthly email listing of community events

and other community notices, please email us at [email protected]

The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 16 May 30 2014Interview

[email protected]

Devonport community provides solid support

Family challenges for Paul, Jo, Alex, Matthew and Jamie (foreground) are met head on with the help of a circle of friends

Jo Blair is a mother of three. Her middle son, Jamie (10), is autistic and intellectually disabled. Two years ago she and husband Paul decided to take Jamie out of the spe-cial education system and enrol him at a local primary school. Jamie’s journey to “mainstream” schooling has not been easy but Blair believes Jamie can go further still, with the help of a “Circle of Friends” and the Devonport community. She spoke to Maire Vieth.

In 2012 the Blairs’ world was shrinking. While Jo and Paul’s autistic son Jamie was a toddler, his behavioural issues had been ac-ceptable. But as he turned eight, they started to create problems. “His and our lives were getting smaller and smaller. We no longer got invited to places because of him, and if my other two sons played sports or did other activities, one parent always had to stay home with Jamie,” says Blair.

Jamie was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. He had fallen out of bed and was limping, so Blair took him to the paediatrician. “He checked out his leg and asked me if I was concerned about anything else. I said Jamie was a bit aggressive with other children and the diagnosis slowly evolved from there,” she says. While Blair says it took her five years to come to terms with the diagnosis, in some ways it came as a relief. “He was a difficult child and I thought I wasn’t doing a good job at disciplin-ing him because he was getting naughtier and naughtier. Now I knew I just had to learn how to mother differently,” she says.

Jamie’s speech had developed early but then regressed again. “At one point he was pointing and saying words but over the next three years his brain function started to shut down,” Blair says. Today, physically he is a ten-year-old, who can bike, run and swim, but mentally he has life skills of a three or four-year-old, she says.

There is no cure for autism and care and

education has fallen back on families and schools. Jamie had been going to special needs schools since he was five, first in Australia, and since 2011, in New Zealand. His aggression had grown over those years, says Blair. “It got to a point where words like ‘assault’ came up. I feared someone was eventually going to be hospitalised because he hurt them and that Jamie would be in the legal system by the time he was 16,” she says.

Jamie’s disregard for danger means he needs constant supervision. This summer, he got to ride on a biscuit in the sea off Cheltenham Beach and back home tied it to the back of the car to have another go. When the Blairs stopped at a petrol station next to an 18-wheeler this Christ-mas, he remembered a scene in the Toy Story movie where Woody walks under such a vehicle and wanted to have a turn himself, says Blair.

At their Cheltenham home, the Blairs have had to fence Jamie in. They built a 2.6 m high fence around their property, but Jamie soon found a way over it and escaped on adventures. Blair briefly considered installing an electric fence and also put more and more limits on Jamie. “But then I looked at the longer term of our situation and realised that fencing him in was a failing strategy because it meant that Jamie and l would soon be locked inside the house.

“That might work fine while he is young and I am around to look after him, but he also needs

the skills to operate in society, and if I don’t equip him with those skills now, I fear there is very little hope for him later.”

Jamie’s brothers Alex (11) and Matthew (8) both went to Devonport Primary School (DPS) at the time. “But because Jamie went to the Wil-son School it was, at times, as if he didn’t exist in the community. On Saturday mornings when I had Jamie with me, people would say things like, ‘Oh, I didn’t know you have three children. I thought you only had two,’” Blair says.

“I realised that Jamie’s progress was intrinsi-cally linked to our progress as a family. He is, I guess, our weakest link and any team is only as strong as its weakest link,” she says.

The Blairs resolved that a dramatic change of approach was needed. Rather than isolate Jamie from the community, they would attempt to help him be part of it by sending him to Devonport Primary School (DPS). Since 2012, the New Zealand Government has strived for a fully inclusive education system, with a par-ticular focus on Maori and Pasifika students as well as students with special education needs. School curricula also teach children about the importance of caring for others, mutual respect, equality and fairness.

The transition was not easy and Jamie left DPS after a term. “It was a steep learning curve for everyone,” says Blair. Since then, he has been going to Vauxhall School in Year 6 and


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will graduate from there this year. Settling in had been a challenge there too. “We since have put Jamie on medication to reduce the anxiety that was underpinning some of his aggressive be-haviour, and it has been a godsend,” Blair says.

The two years of mainstream schooling have changed Jamie’s life, that of his family and some of the views of the community around him, says Blair. “At home, we noticed a dramatic change in him straight away. In the past he never wanted to go to school and threw a huge tantrum every morning. After we told him he was going to school with his brothers, he queued at the garden gate for an hour on his first day,” she says.

Jamie has been on school trips and at school camp and does Physical Education with his classmates, Blair says. “He is going from strength to strength. His school work, his rela-tionships and his communication are all coming along,” she says.

Blair believes that mainstreaming has di-minished Jamie’s aggression and nurtured his social skills. “It’s in part because there is a higher level of behavioural expectations and standards than in special needs schools and so wayward behaviours are stamped on. I love that, because it is what I do at home. While we sent Jamie to a special needs school, he was allowed a plethora of behaviours and was becoming entrenched in them,” she says.

As his mother, Blair worried that other kids might bully Jamie at school because of his dis-ability but her concerns were unfounded. “The kids are amazing. They just get him as he is. He is interacting with them during playtime; not all of them, but there are always a few who are drawn to him,” she says. Alice Jones, a girl in Jamie’s old DPS class, still visits him every Monday. “She has taken it upon herself to be his little friend,” she says.

On Tuesdays, Jamie now also takes dog Chewie for weekly walks. Chewie belongs to Toby Downs, another DPS student and classmate of Jamie’s brother Matthew. Jamie first bonded with Chewie while watching his brothers play cricket.

Toby’s mother Catherine said: “Jamie played with him and made little movies of him that he watched over and over again. It’s lovely for Jamie to have a bond with Chewie and it is fantastic to have someone help us walk him because he needs lots of exercise,”

Jamie also did Waterwise this year. Neigh-bour Phil Wood is a Waterwise instructor and put his hand up a while ago for that, as did Michelle Scott, another instructor.

“I just felt there was an opportunity for Jamie to be involved in Waterwise in some way,” says Wood. “Initially we just tried simple things, like taking him out in the patrol boat, but in the end we got much further. He was sitting in a kayak and sailing an Optimist. Jo had designed a mat with numbers on for the boat and it helped us communicate with him. We’d say move the tiller to the one and he would be able to do it. It was good fun,” he says.

Blair is grateful the community has reached out to Jamie, despite his difficulties.

“The fact that people in the community, who have the skills and the tolerance and see

the need said ‘we’d love to make it happen for you,’ means the world to us. And there are many,” says Blair.

Scout Leader Christopher Jones is another one of those. He runs the 1st Devonport Scout Group and welcomed Jamie along with his brothers Alex and Matthew.

“Scouting New Zealand has an equal oppor-tunities policy so everyone is welcome. Jamie always comes accompanied by his helper and is able to join in a lot of activities. Last term he got his first badge for swimming in the Navy pool,” says Jones.

Blair says it was another inclusive step for-ward, welcomed by the family. “It’s a big call to take on a kid like Jamie and this is his first structured activity outside of school, so it was monumental for him. He can’t do all the circle time and games but he loves lighting fires and pitching tents.”

Jamie also joined his brothers in the Weet-Bix TRYathlon for the first time this year. His behaviour has now improved so much that the Blairs even leave their gate open at times. “That is huge for me but I know now that being an over-protective mother isn’t the way forward,” says Blair.

Introducing Jamie to the community while he is young is important, she says. “I can’t send him out when he is 21, big, ugly and autistic. People would be scared of him because they didn’t know him. But if I allow the community to get to know him now while he is young, both he and the community can grow together,” she says.

“Peter McPherson, an intellectually handi-

capped member of North Shore Rugby Club was my inspiration. I saw him give a speech at the Junior prizegiving. He is out there every Saturday during the games and the people in the community embrace him. There is no reason they can’t do the same for Jamie,” says Blair. McPherson suffers from Williams Syndrome, a genetic condition characterised by cardiovascu-lar disease, developmental delays and learning disabilities. He moved to Devonport in 2008. “The rugby club welcomed me with open arms,” he says.

It is an example of why Blair wants to in-crease Jamie’s public profile. She is also looking for locals who might be interested in joining a “Circle of Friends” (COF) for Jamie. COFs are recognised tools to support a disabled person’s inclusion and mainstreaming. They are based on the notion that social isolation exacerbates difficult behaviour while being part of a group reduces it.

Jamie looks like a typical 10-year-old boy. “One of our biggest problems then is that people don’t know he needs help until he acts strangely or doesn’t respond to them,” says Blair.

Blair is used to disapproving looks from oth-ers when Jamie acts inappropriately for his age. “As a mother of an autistic child you develop a Teflon coating. You forgive people easily for judging him because he looks so normal.”

Humour is another way Blair copes. “If Jamie gets wet he is easy to find. He always gets naked because he doesn’t like wet clothes and all you have to do is say, ‘Did you see which way the na-ked kid went?’ and everyone remembers that.”

The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 18 May 30 2014Letters

Devonport residents need to give their feedback on the so-called improvements to Devonport wharf to ensure the worst of these proposals don’t go ahead.

The changes proposed are for two new canopies on the east and west sides of the wharf building, the redirection of the central pathway through the building and a huge new bus shelter to the west of the wharf.

The proposed bus shelter runs at least 50 metres along the seawall and would be an un-sightly, unnecessary and unsympathetic blot on the environment. The seawall is an historic piece of Devonport and this area should be allowed to remain open giving people unimpeded views

over the beach and to the city. The area should not be obscured by a structure with associated seats, posts and canopy.

This was never in the wharf design plans that were approved after much community consulta-tion but has just been tacked on by Auckland Transport as an afterthought. It would have a terrible effect on the waterfront.

The bus shelter would not even work well because it is so open it would be highly exposed to the wind and rain.

Devonport Heritage does not object to the east and west canopies, which will provide shelter for people moving to and from the ferry, but is concerned about the loss of the existing front

entrance to make way for retail space. The society believes this area provides the

best shelter for bus patrons especially with the canopy extended over the footpath.

Devonport Heritage wants Auckland Trans-port to do a leaflet drop of the feedback form to every Devonport household to ensure everyone can have their say. The society is concerned that unless Devonport people respond in large numbers to these proposals Auckland Transport will plough on with its plans.

People can also respond online to:www.AT.govt.nz/devonportwharf

Claudia Page, Chair Devonport Heritage

Bus shelter unneccessary, unsightly and unsympathetic

When I first visited Mumbai in 1998, I stayed in the Taj Mahal, a grandiose hotel next to the harbour and the Gateway of India and some years later, attacked by terrorists.

The interesting thing about this hotel was that it was built the wrong way round so the elegant entrance opened onto a nar-row side street while the back enjoyed the views across the harbour. On the day that it opened, the contractor responsible jumped off the roof.

So my question is: who is going to jump off the roof of the new building on Stanley Bay wharf when it opens?

When the original designs were first pre-sented for public submissions, I was very impressed. With a pitched roof similar to the old building and a veranda overlooking the bay, I thought it reflected the area and enhanced Stanley Bay, one of Devonport’s prized jewels.

Then, to my dismay, as construction progressed, it became obvious it had been turned around (without public consultation) so now the front - the veranda side - faces out over the Navy dockyard while the back - which is plain and ugly - now faces the bay and beach.

How did this happen? I did hear from Mr. Darby during the submission process that someone had mentioned the southwest prevailing wind but that can’t be the reason. The entrances at either end have no doors and are in the same place whichever way round the building is.

The logic defies me. (Photos at right)Roger Brittenden

The “front” now overlooks the Navy dockyard

The “back” is now is what Stanley Bay beachgoers get to look at

Letters to the EditorLetters to the Editor are welcome. They

should relate to Devonport issues. Un-signed or nom-de-plume letters will not be published. Email letters to [email protected] or post to Devonport Flagstaff, PO Box 32-275, Devonport.

Stanley Bay ferry terminal faces wrong way


Three Vauxhall School parents recently moved in together to help raise fund for their children’s school. Dion Hitchens, Kirsten Newton and Keala Campton share a large studio where they have created nine pieces of art for VEFA, the Vauxhall Exhibition of Fine Art that runs from June 6 - 8.

The three artists met through their children, not their art. “We met at North Harbour Gym-nastics and then Dion found this space and encouraged Keala and me to come along,” says Newton.

Hitchens, a renowned New Zealand sculptor of Maori-Chinese descent, has just returned from a residency in South Taiwan and is work-ing on a series of lit aluminium bird sculptures. “They are 3D sculptural drawing with a lot of light and shadow and the birds are a reference to the spiritual world,” he says.

Newton, a graphic and interior designer, con-fesses that her husband also asked her to move her art studio off the dining room table. “After I finished my piece for the Wearable Arts last year, we had recycled PVC pipe shavings eve-rywhere in the house, including all our clothes. Now that I am in a studio I don’t have to tidy up anymore, which is the best bit,” she says.

For VEFA, Newton is working on three shelving display systems, made of steel folded

in origami fashion. She has also taught Vaux-hall students how to turn old tyres into round pouf seats topped with grass beds. “And I am in charge of pimping up the marquee for the gala night,” she says.

Campton was born in California and moved to Devonport 12 years ago. She is of Hawai-ian descent. “My work is influenced by the Californian pop art movement. I use a lot of mixed media and am upcycling wood and glass materials we throw away. All three of us have a passion to use light in our art right now,” she says.

All three have also recently had a sculpture accepted for this November’s biennial outdoor NZ Sculpture OnShore at Fort Takapuna.

Hitchens, Newton and Campton are only three of more than 100 New Zealand artists exhibiting at VEFA, many of them locals. “VEFA started out when Lucy Bucknall and Jane Pearce were parents here. Dion, Kirsten and Keala are the next generation,” says Melissa Jenkins, the lead organiser of the event.

Jenkins expects 2000 people to visit the weekend exhibition and says the Gala Night on June 6 is likely to be sold out again.

For more information, go to: www.vefa.co.nz

Birds of a feather flock together for art

Mastering the art of having fun… (from left to right) Vauxhall School parents Kirsten Newton, Dion Hitchens and Keala Campton MAGGIE BARRY

AUTHORISED BY M BARRY, 15 ANZAC ST, TAKAPUNA

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Friday 6 June - 7pmExhibition open Saturday 10 - 4pm and Sunday 10 - 3pm free admission

Chi ldren 's Ar t Workshops and act iv i t ies a l l weekend

Visit www.vefa.co.nz for information and bookings.

.

Malfunctioning hydraulics left the gang plank leading onto the ferries at Devonport wharf’s Gate 1A hanging in the water

Walking the plank temporarily suspended

last week. As the tide rose last Friday morning, the plank hadn’t come up with it. Ferry users had to use the

platform on the other side of the building that day, causing some congestion loading and offloading passengers.


Devonport youngster, 10-year-old Sebastian Lawrence, contin-ues to make promising tennis gains.

He won the Northern Region 10-and-under boys doubles title and was runner-up in the Northern Region singles for that age group. He then won the Auckland Region 10-and-under boys doubles title. This follows on from him winning the doubles in the Wanaka Open earlier this year. He played with different partners each time.

Sebastian, who plays for Ngataringa Tennis Club, is trained by the club’s Head Coach, Gilles de Gouy.

De Gouy has just been selected to play Davis Cup for Pacific Oceania and will be flying off to Iran in early June for a series of matches in World Group 4.

This follows on from him leading Ngataringa to the Mens Divi-sion 1 and the Mixed Premier interclub titles this season, and to the semi-finals of the Chelsea Cup.

Teamwork… Sebastian Lawrence with his coach Gilles de Gouy

Young and not quite so young excelling at Ngataringa tennis club

Quick sand: locals say council botched historic shell pathApparent heritage botch-ups by Council are

still being quickly picked up by local residents - if the historic shell path along the waterfront is anything to go by.

A council contractor had ignored instruc-tions to repair the path with shell and chose to put down hoggin instead, according to Devonport-Takapuna Local Board chair Mike Cohen. Hoggin is made of clay, gravel and sand.

T h e a p p a r e n t m i s t a k e w a s picked up by three Devonport resi-dents, committed to local heritage, who alerted Cohen. By Friday, the shell was back, added on top of the hoggin.

Sylvia Emm, a former member of Devonport Heritage, likes to run along Devonport’s wa-terfront five or six times a week for exercise and noticed that the shells were gone.“When the Auckland Supercity was formed contrac-tors started driving on the shell path, emptying rubbish bins and performing other tasks. As a result the path developed holes, mostly around the bins. So then when it rained the path was under water when it didn’t use to be,” she says.

Joyce Fairgray, whose husband’s family has lived on Queens Parade since 1896, found workers busy on the path one day. “I became concerned because what I saw going down didn’t look like a true repair on a heritage item. Shell paths have a very distinctive look, at least Edwardian if not Victorian in origin, and are very much a feature of Devonport, even if the park on Queen’s Parade was only reclaimed in 1927,” she says.

Fairgray knew about the mistake because she was involved when North Shore City Council developed its heritage schedule in 1995. “I lobbied for the path on Queens Parade to acquire the same heritage protection as the one on King Edward Parade already had and succeeded,” she says.

Devonport Heritage’s Claudia Page says council should not rely on people like Emm and Fairgray to make sure heritage is looked

after properly. “It is not up to the public to have institutional memory and to be vigilant about compliance. It’s up to the paid council staff to do their job properly,” she says.

However Council’s parks manager Martin Van Jaarsveld insists that no mistake was made. “The path was part of general parks

Shifting sands… Council appeared to act quickly to get a shell path in place after complaints by local residents such as Joyce Fairgray (above)

maintenance and cost about $20,000. The previous path was a shell and aggregate mix and was coming to the end of its life. We have replaced the base with hoggin to give a firmer, longer lasting surface under the shell. This should make it easier for running and pushchairs,” he says.


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Sheryl Beaumont’s love of young peo-ple is illuatrated both internationally and locally.

Her first young adult novel, The Carls-wick Affair received an Honourable Men-tion at this year’s San Francisco Book Festival.

While locally she has encouraged her neighbour, St Leo’s School, to paint a colourful mural on the outside wall of her house.

Beaumont is a chartered accountant and writes romantic suspense novels on her days off. She has written since primary school, when she worked on the student newspaper.

Two years ago she decided to ramp her hobby up a couple of notches. She had done a weekend writing course at the Rose Centre the year before and another course at the Writers’ Workshop, a London edito-rial agency.

“Then I tried the indie route of self-publishing and really enjoyed it,” Beaumont says. Along the way, she enlisted the help of professionals, including an editor who helped her structure the book, a copy edi-

tor and a book designer for the cover. The pen name SL Beaumont also has a profes-sional ring to it. “Just like JK Rowling,” she laughs.

Beaumont’s effort paid off at the San Francisco Book Festival. “I was gob-smacked because I thought it was a long shot. They get hundreds of submissions,” she says.

The Carlswick Affair is set in the UK, where an 18-year-old Kiwi girl spends the summer with her grandmother in the fictional village of Carlswick and meets a boy. In his posh home, she stumbles across a painting of Nazi-looted art.

Publishing the book was a bit of an investment, Beaumont says. “But I don’t play golf, so if I spend a little money on this hobby, it’s okay,” she says.

Beaumont is already working on a second volume of what she thinks will become a trilogy.

On her mural the Kauri, Kowhai, Ko-romiko and Pohutukawa flowers that represent the school’s house system are painted, together with an appreciation of the environment, and a quote by Pope Francis.

Writer draws inspiration from young people

Colourful collaboration…St Leo’s principal Mary Kedzlie and Sheryl Beaumont next to Mary Byrn (11), Eva McNae (10), Charlotte Lampen-Smith (11), Ryan Lynch (9) and James Pita (9), who were part of the student team that created the mural on Beaumont’s property


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Paddy’s 10th Anniversary piano concerto Eleven years ago Patrick (Paddy) Corn-

field played his first concert with the Devonport Chamber Orchestra (DCO). It was in the Depot Artspace and a small classical orchestra was squeezed around Paddy’s piano for a wonderful performance of Beethoven’s 4th Piano Concerto. During rehearsals, Paddy was uncertain whether he’d be able to perform and, on the day, played with a bandaged little finger, having broken it while playing with his youngest child not long after he and his family had moved back to Devonport.

Since then, the people of Devonport have been treated to an annual piano concerto or two from Paddy’s generous hands. Paddy has refused to repeat any concerto that he’d performed in previous years so, after this year’s “25

10th Anniversary” concert on 8th June, Paddy and the DCO will have treated au-diences to 15 different concertos over 11 consecutive years.

Although an excellent chamber music venue, the Depot was too small for piano concertos and so, through the generosity of Rev. Murray Spackman and later Rev. Char-maine Braatvedt, we moved to Holy Trinity Church for the annual “Paddy” concerts. That gave the orchestra and audience more space, and quickly led to Paddy choosing more and more ambitious works that required larger orchestras. This year’s programme features two concertos written in the 1920s and influenced by the jazz idiom of the time. Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand is an intriguing work commissioned by the Austrian pianist Paul Wittgenstein, who had lost his right arm during World War I.

Both the Ravel concerto and George Ger-shwin’s Concerto in F need a large orchestra and, when Paddy and I looked at what was possible, we realised that we could only squeeze 56 players, a 9-foot Steinway grand piano and three timpani into the space at the front of the church, and there would have to be some compromises around the percus-sion parts. So, in his inimitable way, while learning the solo parts for the two concertos, Paddy spent many evenings on his computer

arranging the remaining percussion parts to be played on a synthesizer.

Ashley Hopkins has also become an institution as the conductor of almost all of the “Paddy” concerts. We’re delighted that Ashley will be conducting this 10th anniversary concert because the orchestra very much enjoys his musicality and style of working with us. Also, as well as the usual strong community involvement in the con-cert – around two thirds of the players are from Devonport or elsewhere on the Shore – there will be four family contingents in the DCO – five Cornfields, four Hopkins, three Chois and two Ravens – and who knows, there might even be a Partridge in a pear tree.By Roger Booth

• Paddy Cornfield in concert – Sunday June 8, 2pm, Holy Trinity, Church St. Ad-mission $20, children under 12 free.

Entertaining Devonport audiences for a decade… Paddy Cornfield

www.depotartspace.co.nzMonday 12pm to 5pm

Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 5pmSunday 11am to 3pm

28 Clarence St, DevonportPh 963 2331

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS

Tūrangawaewae Sense of Place

14 June – 3 July

We want YOU to participate in our upcoming exhibition,

Tūrangawaewae – Sense of Place, that focuses on the evolution and

history of the Devonport community.

You are invited to display old and new photographs that reference your identity, history, heritage, memory,

community and represent your sense of place.

THE DEADLINE FOR ALL IMAGES IS THURSDAY 12 JUNE. So just

bring them into the Depot!We look forward to seeing your

wonderful photographs.

If you have any questions or for further information please contact our

Curator Robyn Gibson [email protected]


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Apologies over conflict-of-interest allega-tions, were rejected at the last Devonport-Takapuna Local Board meeting.

Board members Joseph Bergin and Alison Roe apologised last week for causing hurt feelings to members Grant Gillon and Jan O’Connor. But Gillon and O’Connor said they did not accept the apologies.

Bergin and Roe had filed a code of conduct complaint with Auckland Council’s Chief Ex-ecutive Stephen Town in March about “conflict

of interest” actions by Gillon and O’Connor. They argued that O’Connor and Gillon had “closed minds” about potential developments of the Bayswater marina and the Takapuna Holiday Park.Town rejected the complaint.

In a statement read at the beginning of the meeting Bergin said: “I apologise if you feel personally offended.” But he added he did not regret making the complaint itself. Roe sup-ported Bergin’s stance.

However Gillion said: “A decent apology

would go a long way but I cannot accept a ‘Bill Clinton apology’ that does not actually admit to having made a mistake or having erred in making a quite serious allegation in any way. To say sorry if we were offended is not good enough.”

He and O’Connor said the complaint has caused a loss of trust within the board, was a distraction from the work that needed doing and had incurred substantial costs in the use of council staff time.

Board split over “conflict of interest” continues

Letting nature take its course along the dam-aged foreshore on Lansdowne Street has proven successful. Council officers and local residents last month agreed that the foreshore had corrected itself via natural processes to an acceptable level and that no further remediation is needed.

The Bayswater foreshore was damaged by council contractors who drove diggers along it last July. As a result, the shell beach turned into a muddy bog and became unusable for walkers during low tide. It also left a deep sink hole that had to be fenced off for health and safety reasons.

In September, council officers decided the best course of action was to let tidal inundation and sediment redistribution take care of the damage. It turns out they were right.

They monitored the foreshore with site visits, photographs and a range of tests to measure ground stability and noticed continuous im-provements.

In March, they decided the job was done. A health and safety audit confirmed that there was no longer a risk and that the precautionary safety fence could be removed.

Applying for permission to hold a lo-cal event has just become a lot easier. To “improve the customer service experience,” Council’s application form has been, reduced from six to three pages.

“Additionally event organisers can now

submit a significantly reduced amount of documentation to support their application,” a report to the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board says.

The new form is available on the Auckland Council website.

The cliff rockfall that closed off Belmont’s Westwell Road beach access for safety reasons, in June 2013, won’t be fixed until July 2015, a council report says. The stairs are located on the Westwell Road Reserve, a narrow strip of public land between Seacliffe Road and the beach.

“Cliff instability and rockfall has closed beach access stairs. Engineering reports have been received and the design of a stairway is under way. Consent will be needed. Con-struction is likely to be in the financial year 2015,” the report says.

Extensive renovation on a house border-ing the reserve, for which the owners had consent to use a narrow strip of reserve land for temporary access, are now completed.

The closest alternative beach access in the area is from St Leonards Road.

Westwell beach access to be restored next year

Council event applications made easier

Hands off at Lansdowne wins hands down

Local archaeologist and historian Dave Veart is the new chair of the Devonport Peninsula Trust, a locally based community development agency. The trust governs the role of the Devonport Community Coordinator. Veart replaced Mike Cohen, who had been the trust’s chair since 2010.

Veart joined the trust in 2012 and says he has been enjoying it. “It gives me a deeper insight into how our part of Auckland works. I have learned a lot about the community that I wasn’t aware of previously,” he says.

As chair, his goals are “to connect with the new wave of people who have come to live on the Peninsula, many of whom have arrived from other countries, and to ensure the Trust represents the different groups and generations of people who live here,” he says.

Veart says the trust has a big role to play in the amalgamated Auckland. “Local communities need to take care of things that are important to them so as not to lose them. I feel our trust can assist with this,” he says.

Cohen resigned from the trust to avoid an on-going conflict of interest he had to declare as the chair of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board. He is now the board’s liaison with the trust, but no longer involved in its governance, he says.

Veart new chair at Devonport Peninsula Trust


Devonport drivers are ignoring pedestrian crossings and putting the lives of the young, old and disabled at risk says Multiple Sclerosis (MS) sufferer Pip McNair.

McNair gets around on her mobility scooter and has been taking family dog Foster for regular walks to Mt Cambria. But not a day goes by where at least one car runs the zebra crossing in front of her.

“I want people to be more aware of the young and old and the disabled like me, when we are waiting at a zebra crossing. Some drivers already are, and they often give Foster and me a wave. But every day there is at least one person who doesn’t stop. Usually I give them a mean look and shake my fist,” she says.

Shaking her fist is a bit of an effort for McNair these days. She was diagnosed with MS 20 years ago at the age of 26. Most of last year, she has had a particularly difficult time. “I wouldn’t get out of bed and never wanted to leave the house,” she says.

McNair says her carer Loretta Devonshire’s positive outlook played an important part in getting her out of her slump. “Loretta makes me go out. I have even been to New World a few times and the Devonport Primary School fair,” she says.

A special highlight has been going again to watch son Lockie (12) play cricket and daughter Tessa (16) race in triathlon events. The daily get-together with other dog owners at Mt Cambria is another. “The bottom line is that I like people and enjoy being out, as long as I don’t get run over at a zebra crossing one day,” McNair laughs.

“Drivers have to slow down a bit and work on being more aware and respectful of pedestrians crossing the street, especially Victoria Road,” she says.

McNair has always been a keen swimmer and still visits the pool once a week with her sister Louise. “I get a belt put around me to lower me in the water but what I would really like is for someone just to throw me in one day,” she says.

Pip wants safer driving at crossings

Out and about but wary of errant drivers… Pip McNair with her carer Loretta Devonshire and dog Foster

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a Mystery Weekend Getaway for two courtesy of the Devonport Flagstaff

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Malcolm Beazley and John Kilroy are back growing their own vegetables. The senior citizens both live in social housing units close to the Devonport Community Garden and now the two are literally growing closer together.

Garden volunteer Charlotte Smith says, “There was a council initiative to link com-munity housing with community growing projects. I looked at the map and saw 33 Vauxhall Road was part of it. So I invited the council and residents up for afternoon tea and now we have two very productive growers.”

Beazley and Kilroy have been sharing a raised garden bed since March, with Beazley growing dwarf and broad beans in the front and Kilroy basil and celery in the back. “I don’t have green fingers, so I grow only sim-ple things,” Beazley says. Kilroy is about to prepare the soil for winter planting.

“I want to have things like spinach and cauliflower. And then next summer I think some tomatoes and runner beans would be okay,” he says.

Both say the garden has also grown their world a little. “It is a busy community up here. People give you good tips. We each have a key and can even use the kitchen to make a cuppa,” says Beazley while emptying food scraps into the garden’s compost bin.

The garden is open to the public on Wednesdays and weekends and also features

New bed fellows cultivate fresh growth

a pizza oven, picnic tables and chairs, not to forget the bees and chickens.

Beazley says that while his flat is small, he loves its location and the fact that he is surrounded by activity, including the rugby grounds, Devonport Kindy and the Devonport Museum next door.

Both men moved to Devonport only after retirement, Beazley five years ago and Kilroy

18 months ago.Some of their other neighbours have

larger sized flower beds around their flats where they grow mostly flowers, including roses and geraniums, but also the occasional onion or tomato.

“But I am kind of sandwiched in and apart from the plot only have a herb pot outside my back door, so it’s great,” Beazley says.

Sowing seeds of community…Malcolm Beazley checks the broad beans growing in his plot at the Devonport Community Garden


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Devonport residents have joined together in a human chain of opposition to a proposed bus shelter outside the Devonport ferry building.

They say the bus shelter will compromise harvour views to the city.

Ian Magan is one of 16 apartment owners at 2 Queens Parade, opposite the proposed shelter. He says he is “no activist at heart,” but wants to do something about the bus shelter, recently proposed by Auckland Transport.

Magan says the 50-metre-long glass and steel structure will be a permanent obstacle to a clear eyeline view. “It will forever block the general view of the harbour. And while buses won’t be there all the time, the shelter will be,” he says.

“Once it is there, it will not go away. It will

Human chain says ‘on yer bike’ to bus shelter

Chain of command orders halt to bus shelter… Residents of the Esplanade Apartments (at 2 Queens Parade), neighbours, and friends: (from left to right) Susan Waddell, Lorraine Wood, Maurie Richards, Clarence and Helen Mitchell, William and Ngaire Bennett, Dianne Lamont, Pat Habgood, Reina Richards, Gillian Norling, Ian and Anna Magan, Ross and Jenny Doughty and Peter Raos.

Breast cancer survivor Nic Russell’s brain-child “Hope Emerges” runs from May 31 un-til June 2 at The Kerr Street Artspace as part of the Auckland Festival of Photography.

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Cooper & Co Real Estate Limited MREINZ Takapuna

VIEW: Sat/Sun 12.00-1.00pm www.harcourts.co.nz #TK24648AUCTION: Sun 22nd June 2014 at 1.00pm on site (unless sold prior)

A Perfect GemBelmont, 2A Moana AveSuperb low maintenance, 2 double bedroom brick and tile townhouse with excellent outdoor flow to delightfully private sunny and level north-facing patios and gardens. Handy to Belmont shops and public transport.Don’t delay – pick up the phone today!

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get old, stained by perpetual sea spray. It is also likely to be a magnet as a late night shelter and hang-out for people who have nowhere else to go,” he says.

Magan questions the need for the shelter at all. “Given the short stay of all bus services, it is no coincidence that Devonport commuters have never really needed or asked for further shelter that is already available in and around the ferry building. By roofing the east and west walkways, there soon will be more,” he says.

Ian and Anne Magan have found that other apartment owners, neighbours and friends share their views, and they met up to take a photo to show their unity. Olympic rower Rob Wadell’s mother Susan is one of them. “I’m outraged. This is a prime waterfront view and there are

never lots of people waiting for a bus,” she says.Gallery owner Peter Raos was less critical.

“With 1.5 million people coming through here, we do need something,” he said.

Magan says he is not being a Nimby. “People might say we have most to lose here because we live across the street, but I don’t think that is the case. Our apartments are upstairs and will look over the shelter. It is the general public walking at ground level that will lose the extended view of the sea, during the day and at night,” he says.

The shelter, and three further additions to the Marine Square design, are currently out for consultation.

The submission deadline is June 6. Forms are available online and at the Devonport Library.


Osteopathy is a hands on therapy that successfully alleviates a wide variety of symptoms and can accelerate the healing process for a many musculoskeletal injuries. The Devonport clinic has been running for 10 years helping young and old alike.

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Tel: 09 445 6783 for an appointment 19 Clarence St, Devonport Village

www.devonport.harcourts.co.nz

Real Estatebuying, selling, renting

CoopER & Co REal EstatE limitEd mREiNZ dEvoNpoRtlicensed agent, REaa

ClassifiedsACCOMMODATION

Cheltenham - stunning luxury. Fully furnished apartment. Steps to the beach. Short term/long term. Phone 445 1118 022 105 0712Classy 3 bedroom, 2 full bath, fully furnished Devonport house on Achilles Reserve near Narrow Neck. More in-formation go to www.devon-porttuihouse.weebly.com or www.sabbaticalhomes.com.Devonport, incredible Harbour view. Close village 2 broom im-maculate. Fully turn, garage. $695 pw. Ph 445 1118, 022 105 0712Furnished or unfurnished house to Rent. Central location. $800 pw Ph 07 888 1931.Holiday or Short Term Fully furnished 1 bdrm flat with stun-ning views of harbour & city. Only 2 mins walk to Devonport and ferry. $120 p/night, $500 p/wk or just $450 p/wk mthly Ph: 445 7895Relatives visiting? Spacious garden studio with en-suite and kitchenette; minutes to Narrow Neck beach. Reasonable rates. Ph Pauline 445 6471.Renovating June /July?? Need to move out? Warm, fur-nished house for rent Ascot Ave 21 June -17 July, $700/week For more info call Kristy 021 356 003.Special Person Required Kind, retired non-smoker needed to share Belmont unit with mildly intellectually handicapped 60 year old man. Free rent in return for support, companionship and assistance with evening meal preparation. Share costs of phone and power. Please ph 488 9960 and leave your contact details.Stunning Cheltenham Beach Cottage, metres from the beach. Available for short or long-term holiday accommodation. Beau-tifully refurbished, one bedroom, self-contained cottage with a private garden. Phone Re-bekah 027 694 3933 or email [email protected] Island – Palm Beach. Cute, little, character bach. Sunny, private, spectacular sea views. $85 per night. Phone 027 602 6351 or 09 445 1206.

ACCOMMODATIONYoung family of five seeking a long-term 3 bed rental property in Devonport. Clean and reli-able tenants. Can provide refer-ences. Telephone 021 813 966.

REST HOMESAscot House Retirement Home, quality care with dignity in a friendly, family atmosphere. Ph Shona, 445 2518.

SERVICES OFFEREDAAA Window Cleaning, Free Quote ph David 021 368371 At Your Request Home Cleaning. Our local team is ready to deliver 5 Star ser-vices in your home for weekly cleaning, spring, moving or open home cleaning. Call Yvonne for a free quote 415 0028. Bookkeeping Service for small/medium local compa-nies. Let me help with your GST, PAYE and all monthly accounts. I can set you up with online accounting and work in my office or your home/office. Phone Janet on 486 1222 or 021 661138 to discuss your needs.Bookkeeping services of-fered. Experienced with Xero and MYOB, all IRD returns. Contact Sue on 445 6802.Builder available Small job specialist, repairs and maintenance. Skilled, reli-able and local. Please phone Clive Melling. Hm 445 2485, Mob 027 29 222 84.Devonport upholstery. Re-cover specialist. Antiques and contemporary styles. Recycling furniture for 36 years. John Hancox, Telephone: 446-0372.Devonport Window Repairs. Sash and casement windows, wooden doors. Rotten sills and window components repaired or replaced. General carpentry. For your local window special-ist. Phone Hubert Strang - 446 6174 or 021 274 4191.Diggadrain. Drain unblock-ers and drainage experts. CCTV drain locating. Repairs. New drains. 0800 your drain. Dog Grooming in Hauraki Corner. www.thedoggroomer.co.nz Louise 486 2321

SERVICES OFFEREDGardener Available Quali-fied and experienced landscape designer. Enjoys getting his hands dirty. Good plant knowl-edge. Hardworking, reliable and creative with plantings. Contact Paddy 022 502 2122 or 446 6188 [email protected]. Do you need regu-lar help? No time for a tidy up? Let me help. Experienced gar-dener. Ph Carolyn on 446 6517 or 027 292 8167 for a free on-site consultation.SERVICEOGroove Kitchens , new kitchens, stove tops, German hardware, Garth Waring ph 021 397 863 or 476 7666.Handyman: need something fixed, quickly and well? Or need garden maintenance? Contact: David 445-0668, [email protected], prof. service, 10 years-plus experience, reli-able and prompt. Free quotes, also decks, driveways, paths fences, roof moss treatments etc Phone Rod 021 390800.Locksmith, Devonport’s own Scott Richardson. mob 021 976 607.Stonemasons, Landscapers. All terrain TATONKA crane truck. Dave Milina & Barb Cooper. W: sustainableland-scapes.co.nz, P: 0275 430 288, E: [email protected] Design service. De-sign, hosting and maintenance available. Special rates for the Devonport Community. Contact Vanessa: [email protected] are specialists in creating custom-design kitchens - all over Devonport. See our website - or call 09 810 8136 - for a friendly kitchen consultation. www.wood-tech.co.nz

SITUATIONS VACANTSupport worker, be a buddy to a 10 y.o autistic boy based in Devonport. Are you fit, outgo-ing, enthusiastic with a good imagination? Enjoy working with children? After school hours and some weekend work, 10 hours. [email protected] or phone 022 077 6403Twigs Garden Care Services is looking for a part-time team member. Reliable, teachable with a great attitude! Heavy lift-ing involved. Interested? Please email [email protected] or call 027 553 2942

TUITIONAstrology Charts w. Xanthe Katsouras@ The Devonport Health Store, Victoria Rd, every Thursday 1-3pm.Classical and acoustic guitar, music theory. Fun, comprehensive, tailored to you! Devonport based. Michelle Birch, BMus (Hons) [email protected], www.michellebrich.com Text 021 1275184Devonport drama since 2002 Drama classes 8 - 18yrs Art-space on Mt Vic. [email protected], 021 262 4907.Guitar tuition - beginner/inter-mediate guitar lessons. Flexible hours. can come to you. Call or txt Josh 021 128 5556Gardening Tuition at ‘Natives & Roses’ $30hr. Individual lessons in technique, planting design, se-lection and shopping. Your garden or mine. Ph Gillian 488 7059 Learn piano/keyboard. Les-sons from $17.00. Private, Professional, Affordable, En-joyment for all ages. Competi-tions, Practical, Theory Exams. NZ Modern School of Music 0800-696-874 .

TUITIONMaths at Hauraki. $30hr. All ages up to Year 11, NCEA 1. Friendly, individual tutori-als. Ph Gillian Steele BCom CA(retired) 488 7059Mathematics Tuition, Sensitive tutoring offered at all levels of the secondary school curriculum. NCEA, IB and Cambridge wel-comed. 93% pass rate in 2013. NCEA 3 calculus specialist. ph Peter Ridge BE,Dip Tchg (sec) 445 2283.Piano and Theory of Music lessons available from experi-enced, registered teacher. Ph. John Mercer (M.Mus. LTCL) 445 6471.

TUITIONSinging/instrument lessons in Devonport/Belmont. Vacancies available! Ph 376 4009 or visit www.singschool.co.nz.SINGING TUITION. All ages. I will show you how to be better. Pat Urlich 022 314 3001.SLSS Swim School, 11 Evan Street, Belmont (off Eversleigh Road). Special-ists in pre-schoolers. Phone 486 6728 for more info.

Your Local PlumberFast and Efficient Service

For All Your Plumbing Requirements

Call Swift Plumbing021822672


Phone COLIN on 480 5864

RECOVER YOURLOUNGE SUITE

Call us for a free quotation and put the lifeback into that favourite chair or lounge suite

AWARD FURNITURE

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handyman services

John Campbell

answerphone/fax 445 4390

phone 027 246 5891

Caledonian Premier Tiling• Tile Installation• Certified Waterproofing

SPeCialiSing in• Ceramic Tiling• Stonework• Bathrooms• Kitchens

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Call Doug 09 446 0687Mobile 021 187 7852

Corey NortonM 021 0220 5444 | After Hrs 550 4218


Interior / ExteriorResidentialCommercialLive Locally

Free Quotes /Quality WorkFor all your painting needs

Contact Scott on 021 976 607

445 3064 72 Lake Road, Devonport

SPECIALIST IN PROVIDING

• New keys for existing locks

• Lock repairs

• Installation

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Devonport’sLocksmith

Red Dragon Computers

Christopher Jones Ph 445 7810

www.red-dragon.net.nz

Providing IT support to Devonport’s home users and small businesses since 2001

Get it right first time with a Microsoft Certified Professional

• Fast, reliable & cost effective• Windows computers & iPad Setup• Wi-Fi networking and ADSL broadband• New computers custom built• Repairs, Upgrades, Servicing• Virus & Spyware removal

We provide gentle, holistic chiropractic care to enhance you

and your family’s health and wellbeing.

Dr. Adrian Stocco

The Arcade, Devonport 445 8030 www.villagechiropractic.co.nz

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GrammarTakapunaMAY 30, 2014School NewS


Tasty treats for a good cause

A successful ribbon day for our riders

Students explore Vietnam

Cupcakes, cookies, slices and warm drinks tempted hundreds of students in from the cold weather recently, for the annual Oxfam lunch. The Fairtrade tea, coffee, hot chocolate and delicious baking was sold to eager students and staff, with all proceeds being donated to Oxfam. An impressive $374 was raised for the charity, which will go towards helping impoverished communities make a better income. Oxfam works with third-world country farmers and other workers by helping them gain fair pay for the work they do. Danielle Desvaux- Marigny had this to say: “I had the privilege of being able to organise the OXFAM morning tea with Tamara Bullock and Phoebe Rendle. This was a challenging, yet very rewarding experience, as we cooperated with OXFAM and our school. OXFAM provided us with some produce and TGS allowed us to hold the hot drinks and bake sale in the school hall. Thanks to all those who helped out.” Tamara Bullock was also proud of the team’s effort claiming, “It was awesome that so many students were willing to help out with this fundraiser, purely for the benefit of underprivileged people.”

By Lizzie Vercruyssen

The Vietnam history trip was an experience to remember. The two weeks were filled to the brim with amazing experiences from walking through bright, exotic markets to a majestic Halong Bay boat cruise. Twenty-seven students and three teachers were fortunate enough to take part in this adventure, experiencing opportunities they had never dreamed of getting. “This trip was a life changing experience and everyone is missing it so much already!” claims Ella Nelson.

The purpose of the trip was to learn about the Vietnam War. Visiting the sobering site of the My Lai Massacre and crawling through the claustrophobic Cu Chi tunnels helped the students to realise

the war’s impact in a hands-on manner. However, there was still time for holding

a python, riding in local horse-drawn carts and sampling the exquisite Vietnamese cuisine, among many other activities. Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body was an eerie, yet mystical site, and learning about everyday life for the Vietnamese people proved to be an interesting lesson.

AJ Balmer, another student lucky enough to go says, “The History trip to Vietnam was an all-round amazing experience. The places we went to, the food we ate, and the things we did were all incredible and something I will remember for the rest of my life. But, despite all this, the thing I will miss most of all was our whole group, and

the good times we all had together, which makes me smile every time I think back.”

The students travelled from the jam-packed capital city of Hanoi in the north, through Hue and the quaint village of Hoi An until finally reaching the bustling Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Their trip was guided by an enthusiastic, friendly pair of local Vietnamese guides who were both equally knowledgeable and entertaining. Lillie Lamb, a student who also went, says, “The opportunity to learn about the culture and history of Vietnam was unbelievable and it is definitely a trip we all think should be continued.”


Up bright and early on a Wednesday morning, four Takapuna Grammar girls and their horses travelled to the annual equestrian Schools Ribbon Day, held by Kristin School. Taija Renker-Darby, Aila Morgan-Guthrie, Kayla Gerber and Juliet Tubby all competed successfully at Woodhill Sands, with Juliet winning Open Hack Champion in the morning, Aila, Open Pony Reserve Champion and Kayla, Maiden Hack 4th Champion.

Aila also placed first in two categories in the after-noon jumping classes. The team placed 7th overall, which is an amazing result considering the stiff com-petition from numerous talented riders.

The manager of the TGS equestrian team, Shelley Power, said she think this indicates that, “we can now start to lift the profile of equestrian sports at our school, and I think we would rate very highly for a town school.” The team has aspirations of entering a larger team next year due to the growing interest in equestrian sport at TGS, and hopes to place within the top teams.

By Augustine MorgAn-guthrie




Tasty treats for a good cause

A successful ribbon day for our riders

Students explore Vietnam

Cupcakes, cookies, slices and warm drinks tempted hundreds of students in from the cold weather recently, for the annual Oxfam lunch. The Fairtrade tea, coffee, hot chocolate and delicious baking was sold to eager students and staff, with all proceeds being donated to Oxfam. An impressive $374 was raised for the charity, which will go towards helping impoverished communities make a better income. Oxfam works with third-world country farmers and other workers by helping them gain fair pay for the work they do. Danielle Desvaux- Marigny had this to say: “I had the privilege of being able to organise the OXFAM morning tea with Tamara Bullock and Phoebe Rendle. This was a challenging, yet very rewarding experience, as we cooperated with OXFAM and our school. OXFAM provided us with some produce and TGS allowed us to hold the hot drinks and bake sale in the school hall. Thanks to all those who helped out.” Tamara Bullock was also proud of the team’s effort claiming, “It was awesome that so many students were willing to help out with this fundraiser, purely for the benefit of underprivileged people.”


The Vietnam history trip was an experience to remember. The two weeks were filled to the brim with amazing experiences from walking through bright, exotic markets to a majestic Halong Bay boat cruise. Twenty-seven students and three teachers were fortunate enough to take part in this adventure, experiencing opportunities they had never dreamed of getting. “This trip was a life changing experience and everyone is missing it so much already!” claims Ella Nelson.

The purpose of the trip was to learn about the Vietnam War. Visiting the sobering site of the My Lai Massacre and crawling through the claustrophobic Cu Chi tunnels helped the students to realise

the war’s impact in a hands-on manner. However, there was still time for holding

a python, riding in local horse-drawn carts and sampling the exquisite Vietnamese cuisine, among many other activities. Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body was an eerie, yet mystical site, and learning about everyday life for the Vietnamese people proved to be an interesting lesson.

AJ Balmer, another student lucky enough to go says, “The History trip to Vietnam was an all-round amazing experience. The places we went to, the food we ate, and the things we did were all incredible and something I will remember for the rest of my life. But, despite all this, the thing I will miss most of all was our whole group, and

the good times we all had together, which makes me smile every time I think back.”

The students travelled from the jam-packed capital city of Hanoi in the north, through Hue and the quaint village of Hoi An until finally reaching the bustling Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Their trip was guided by an enthusiastic, friendly pair of local Vietnamese guides who were both equally knowledgeable and entertaining. Lillie Lamb, a student who also went, says, “The opportunity to learn about the culture and history of Vietnam was unbelievable and it is definitely a trip we all think should be continued.”


Up bright and early on a Wednesday morning, four Takapuna Grammar girls and their horses travelled to the annual equestrian Schools Ribbon Day, held by Kristin School. Taija Renker-Darby, Aila Morgan-Guthrie, Kayla Gerber and Juliet Tubby all competed successfully at Woodhill Sands, with Juliet winning Open Hack Champion in the morning, Aila, Open Pony Reserve Champion and Kayla, Maiden Hack 4th Champion.

Aila also placed first in two categories in the after-noon jumping classes. The team placed 7th overall, which is an amazing result considering the stiff com-petition from numerous talented riders.

The manager of the TGS equestrian team, Shelley Power, said she think this indicates that, “we can now start to lift the profile of equestrian sports at our school, and I think we would rate very highly for a town school.” The team has aspirations of entering a larger team next year due to the growing interest in equestrian sport at TGS, and hopes to place within the top teams.

By Augustine MorgAn-guthrie


National List MP and Devonport local Cam Calder (out of the Parliamentary team through injury) looks concerned alongside manager Richie Guy and MP Damien O’Connor, as Dad’s Army took control in the second half

Match-winning try… Gareth Williams scores for Dad’s Army to put the game out of reach for the Parliamentary side

Robbie Ford on attack for North Shore

Dad’s Army guns down parliament teamNorth Shore’s Dad’s Army Rugby

Team beat the New Zealand Parlia-mentary Team 17-12 in a charity match at Shore’s Vauxhall Rd ground last Saturday.

It was a close tussle, especially in the forwards, with Shore scoring three tries to two.

The parliament team scored first, but as the Shore pack gradually got on top, the side scored two late first-half tries to lead 12-5 at the break.

Gareth Williams scored in the second half to give Shore an unassailable lead, although parliament scored at the final whistle to draw closer at 17-12.

The game was fast-paced and the han-dling generally good. But one sideline commentator pointed out some of the quickest movements were players com-ing to the sideline to be subbed.

The parliament team was made up of three MPs – Paul Goldsmith, Mark Mitchell and Damien O’Connor – and a variety of government staffers.

Some prominent Shore players of yesteryear turned out for Dad’s Army including Boyd Gillespie, Phil Weedon and Nick Laurie.

A raffle and auction at the clubrooms after the match raised $4,416 for YES Disability.


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Pride of the Shore... Dad’s Army forwards get ready for a lineout (above) while former North Shore captain Phil Weedon peels back the years with yet another burst on his old Vauxhall Rd home ground


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