October 2016

www.bhb.nz

Continued pg 3

With thanks to our contributors:Jai, Jen, John, Kerrie, Lance, Lisa, Suzy, Varsha.

Preserving Biodiversity • p4Keeping Our Seniors Connected • p6Getting a Dog • p12

John Subritzky

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DIWALINumerous celebrations occur all over Auckland during October for Diwali. Also known as Deepavali (the festival of lights).

Diwali signifies different things in different parts of India, and it is a celebration that now extends across different religions: Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists and Muslims.

Some Indians focus on Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and fertility. While others celebrate Rama’s return to the kingdom of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. People set out lamps to light his path, making this the “Festival of Lights.” Diwali signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. The religious festival has a focus on welcoming wealth and prosperity into the home by celebrating with family using lights, decorations and food.

Here in the Bay, Kesha Surti is an award winning

B o l l y w o o d s t y l e choreographer of Khottey Sikkey and

says she is looking forward to the festival. “It’s very special to me to celebrate Diwali with family. We look back a whole year, put any failures behind us and then together look forward to success. There’s a lot of positivity and happiness with the lights, colours and delicious food.”

Kesha teaches dance at the BHB Community Centre to Chottey Sikkey, a group consisting of children three years and over. This group, along with mainstage group Khottey Sikkey, also support events like the Santa Parade and library celebrations

(see What’s on at the Library this month).

It’s Not Over Till It’s OverJim Battersby would probably not want this article to be about him. His self-effacing outlook prefers the kudos to be shared with others. And in some respects he is right. The great things we do in life, those challenges that we rise to and succeed in, are rarely achieved alone. One person, however, is all that is needed to be a catalyst for something worthy and important to happen, and that is the story here.

Four years ago Jim was walking along Dominion Road Extension and heard the sounds of children playing and laughing. He was outside Roskill South Kindy, and these sounds drew him like nothing had in some time. He had been going through a bout of what he calls “the miseries,” and the children’s noisy play had the effect of making him want to be part of that

uncomplicated happiness. He felt like an urchin from the street when

he shyly approached Karen Ramsey, head teacher at the Kindy, and asked if

he might visit for a while.Here’s where the other side of the

story kicks in. Karen and her team decided to take a risk. Yes, it was a little risky; they didn’t know Jim, and didn’t know how it would work out, but he was invited to come for a kindy visit the next term. The team were on tenterhooks, wanting Jim to enjoy his time at the kindy, but they needn’t have

worried. The children took over. Having been told they would be

getting a visitor the next day, the children unanimously decided his name would be “Poppa Jim.” Upon his arrival, Jim was welcomed by the children who all wanted to show him their pictures, books, play-dough creations and sandpit forts. Poppa Jim was a huge hit.

So began Poppa Jim’s regular visits to Roskill South Kindy. Every Tuesday he would walk the short distance from his home to Kindy, and more recently via scooter. It’s normal for Jim to hear “Here’s Poppa Jim!” as he arrives, and “I love you Poppa Jim!” He’s never without a child or three who want to snuggle with him as he reads a story, and Jim encourages their natural curiosity about his infirmities. He believes it’s important that they learn about the normalities of old age.

Jim speaks in soft, glowing tones about his experiences at kindy. He proudly shows the cards and pictures lovingly made for him which adorn his home, and

Dusty and Poppa Jim

2 • October 2016

“Nearly a year ago as I lay in a semi-coma at North Shore Hospital my family were being told to start planning my funeral. The medical record said ‘Rob is expected to pass away soon,’ but now, fully recovered and thanking God for a new liver, I am raring to go with some fresh material for communicators.” Rob Harley

When we visited Rob in hospital he had a life expectancy of 15 minutes if they took him off the ventilator. Now miraculously back from the brink, he is ready to do what he does best – tell stories.

We all want our story to be heard but most of us are just not that skilled at telling it well. Do you want to reach a particular audience or just pass on your story to the next generation? Rob Harley is one of NZ’s best, most empathetic story tellers and he is running a one day seminar to help people tell their stories in a more engaging way.

It has been said that many of us are writing our autobiographies, often one day at a time, usually on Facebook. If you want to step up

It would seem that over the past half century there was something happening – or more accurately, not happening – that has had a huge impact on the current society today. At some point we stopped passing on the knowledge that had been passed on to us; gardening, food knowledge – medicinal and cooking, bottling, pickling, knitting, sewing, crocheting, fixing stuff – cars, houses, plumbing, wiring etc.

We gradually gave over the responsibility for that to the “experts.” Medical practitioners, educators, government – we looked to authorities for our answers. We gave away our personal power, and our confidence in our ability to solve our own problems, to “the authorities” – the people in charge – and we don’t know how to get it back.

How did that happen? Well, at some point we decided that it was more convenient to shop for our food, giving rise to supermarkets. And, we needed stuff that we didn’t have – new stuff. That required more income than what the average person could bring in, so both husband and wife became income earners.

Efficiency became the new virtue of society, and without any thought or awareness of the consequences, progress happened. Much of it has been good, but there has been a cost. The cost has been to our society.

Over the past several decades, there has been a widening gap in society between

the generations. We now find ourselves with a society that has major generational disconnects. The exchanges that used to be a normal part of family and community life, across all stages of our lifespan - childhood, adulthood, elders - are no longer a common part of everyday life. We have institutionalised much of our society – from day-care to retirement villages, and natural opportunities for interaction have been lost.

A re-balancing of society is certainly necessary, but here’s the thing: There is only one way this can happen, and that is if we are part of it. We must unlearn the habit of expecting the government to sort out our problems for us. For the “educators” to educate our children. For the experts to tell us how to live.

We have the ability, and the mandate, to breathe life into society, and make the changes we want to see happen. We have knowledge. We have expertise that is in danger of being

lost to the generations that follow, unless we wake up and realise what is happening, and, we need to learn new ways of communicating inter-generationally.

But there is more to pass on than just “knowledge.” It’s that indefinable sense of who we are, that is not getting through.

We also need to believe that what we have within us is worthy of communicating. We need to honour the deposits of our own parents and grandparents who passed on their knowledge, and look for those who want to learn from us. And, the wise among us know that learning is a two-way street; the younger generation can teach us a thing or two as well – and I’m not just talking about technology.

Make sure you read Jim Battersby’s story (front page) as his story offers a solution. Also check out Jai Payal’s article on page 4, which relates to much of these ideas.

a level and make your story permanent, then this workshop is a great place to start. Let Rob help you to tell your story well. In future issues of BEACON we will be looking at the practical how to’s of recording your story, especially for seniors, but first you want to make it interesting for your audience.

Having been to one of Rob’s workshops previously, we highly recommend it for anyone who has to communicate effectively in business, social circles or for family history.

Windsor Park Baptist Church, Saturday October 15th. Cost $59. Register by emailing rob@robharley.co.nz More info at www.bhb.nz/storycraft

Telling Your Story

Ref: 1/2-000505-G. Alexander Turn-bull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.

http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23118180

“View of Blockhouse Bay, Auckland, looking across the tidal mudflats and mangroves towards the bush-covered land near the bay. On the right, near to the foreshore, is a tent with three girls sitting nearby. A dinghy is anchored in

the bay. On the left two boys can be seen standing by the fence which runs up the

hill. In the immediate foreground is a wooden hut (possibly `the smokehouse’).

Photographed by William Price between 1900-1930.”

City Vision for Portage Licensing Trust

Authorised by Robert Gallagher, 15 Torrance St.

Vote for your City Vision team of Catherine Farmer, Margi Watson and Jaclyn Bonnici for a strong community voice on the Trust. Maximum grants back to our communities A Trust that pays the Living Wage Action to minimise pokie harm Promoting safe alcohol sales Sound financial management

October 2016 • 3

www.bhb.nz

I read with interest your article on the Roberton Lodge Saga and I commend your balanced approach. You made some valid points, particularly when you said that homes such as the Roberton Lodge serves a vital role. And exactly where do people suffering from mental illness live if they are not wanted in the community?

As the mother of a daughter who developed a mental illness some twenty-five years ago I feel qualified to make a few comments on the way people with mental illness are treated in a discriminatory way. Incidentally my daughter is now doing well on good medication and has done for quite some time, but with a small degree of remaining disability. Fortunately, she lives among her own family.

If we talk about community surely that should include all members within it. We have sympathy and give support to people who suffer from physical illnesses and disabilities. We recognise dementia as something that needs attention and it is talked about, although sometimes reluctantly. But where is the sympathy and support for people with severe mental health problems? A mental health problem is also an illness.

Often the lack of understanding can stem from ignorance, and the unwillingness to understand. The general public may have a misconception of what mental illness really

Letter to the Editor

values them as more precious than any awards he has been given. All the kindy children have a portfolio which is added to each day by the teachers to create a story of their time at kindy. Jim also has a portfolio. In fact, he now has two. If he is sick, he receives emails from the children hoping that he will get better soon. Two years ago for his 90th birthday party, over 100 children and their families attended the celebrations.

Poppa Jim has become somewhat of a local celebrity. Karen describes one child spotting him from the second storey window of her home, and yelling “Hi Poppa Jim!!” at the top of her lungs, much to the chagrin of her mother. Poppa Jim also finds he is sometimes greeted enthusiastically by young children at the supermarket.

When Jim first became a regular visitor at the kindy, he thought it would be lovely to be a kind of grandfather-figure for some of the children who didn’t have grandparents living locally, but the reality was all the children wanted to be with him. Even those who had grandpar-ents living locally. It goes both ways; Jim has no family living in Auckland. Becoming part of the kindy community has given him a sense of family, and a sense of purpose.

Four years ago Jim considered that he had finished everything he had wanted to do in life, and his remaining years lay empty before him, “but then,” he says, “He threw another one at me.” Part of his life’s “work” is unfolding in his twilight years. Jim has become an advocate for seniors getting involved in kindies, both as a cure for loneliness and depression amongst elders, and also as a bridge across the generations, with so many families lacking grandparents close by. He believes that others could also get a great deal out of being part of kindergartens.

There are always opportunities to enrich the lives of others, if one is open to them, and life is not over till it’s over.

is and this is often not helped by media portrayal. Every person with a mental health issue has their own particular set of symptoms. We cannot generalise. It’s true that some awful crimes have been committed by people who have become very unwell. But most people with a mental health issue do not commit crimes. It could be argued that society itself could even be held responsible for those that do, for allowing people to fall through the cracks and not providing adequate treatment,

care and support. It is always mental health that is at the end of the queue for health funding.

People in need of support and care need to be provided for in the community and this

is precisely why we need houses where our vulnerable feel safe and protected. They also need back-up care from community mental health services and the community need to know that these are in place. I see from your article that the lodge manager maintains close contact with these. If basic material needs are given priority, then a person is more likely to remain well. I should

point out that more often than not when a person becomes mentally unwell, friends often drift away. It is also difficult to maintain social interaction and the person can become isolated and marginalised.

In many big cities of the world you will see the homeless. Some are there because they wish to be. Others are clearly very unwell. A community can be judged by the way they treat their most vulnerable.

Thank you for presenting your article and putting across an alternative approach. (abridged)

Name withheld Kerrie SubritzkyRead full

version online

It’s Not Over Till It’s Over (cont’d)

4 • October 2016

Moving more families.

Michael CassidyM 027 270 9478 | A/H 626 7271

E m.cassidy@barfoot.co.nz

Blockhouse Bay 627 8325

get moving, get Michael!

Preserving BiodiversitySpring has sprung into action and summer is not far away. The calligraphy of nature is already visible on each and every plant. Seeds left in the garden consciously or unconsciously have come back to life either to haunt you or provide pleasure to your senses. Every gardener is bringing out seeds which were stored away in the previous season, or heading towards the garden centre to buy packets of seeds and seedlings. Most of us have come to rely on garden centres and commercial nurseries to stock our gardens. But, do you realise that every step towards the garden centre is a step towards loss of agrobiodiversity?

Science has given us Green Revolution* to feed the millions, but at the same time it has depleted the genetic pool of plants. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, 75% of plant genetic diversity has been lost due to adoption of high-yielding hybrid varieties of plants and crops. Rice, maize and wheat contribute to nearly 60% of calories and proteins needed by humans. 30% of livestock breeds are at risk of extinction and some are lost each month. Out of 300,000 edible plant species, we only use 200. Food diversity not only contributes to sustainability but is a vital source of different nutrients. Consuming wheat - or more accurately, hybrid wheat and sugar - has made us a diabetic nation.

Have you ever planted a “walking onion,” purple broccoli, multiplying spring onions, climbing spinach, potato onions, cancer curing herbs, a sugarless sweet plant, or a black tomato? Are any of these things familiar

to you or even your grandparents? Imagine one spinach plant giving you a year’s supply of greens, onions multiplying, or a strawberry plant that can heal you.

Each and every plant has its place on this planet, be it a sweet mandarin, a sour grapefruit or even a lemon tree which has never fruited in the last century. It is a bridge between new varieties and old genes. Future

is only possible if past is preserved, and in a true sense, the future is a reflection of the past. This non-fruiting plant can be used as a rootstock for new hybrid varieties, which is like great-grandparents passing on their wealth of wisdom to the new generation. Genetic

diversity is essential, and don’t confuse genetic modification with genetic diversity.

This is a vast topic to cover in a small column, but there is always something we can do and it doesn’t cost us anything. My garden started with a small, struggling sorrel plant given to me, and now it has more than 23 different varieties of plants. The best way to preserve genetic diversity is to multiply it. Share your unique seeds and root stocks with your friends, relatives and neighbours, learn about beneficial weeds, make your food diverse, learn and teach about the medicinal use of plants that are new to you. Every backyard must be a sanctuary itself, each and every seed needs

to be preserved, multiplied and shared.* Green Revolution: a large increase in crop

production in developing countries achieved by the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and high-yield crop varieties.

Jai PayelSustainable Landscapes Consultant021-050-3048 | jppayal@gmail.com

See online for references

October 2016 • 5

My priorities are simple.

David Whitley Whau Local Board

They are yours!

Authorised by David Whitley 8 Fairmount Road, Titirangi

Blockhouse Bay Primary School Performing Arts Centre is being turned into Neverland these holidays as Kids 4 Drama teams up with the Bay Lynn Youth Band for an outstanding school holiday treat.

Celebrating 25 years in the Bay, Kids 4 Drama students have been busy working hard to bring this classic tale to life with lots of comic twists to hook all the family in.  Using the Westend version the music is guaranteed to get you tapping along.  Two casts alternate perfor-mances and this year the pantomime rules have been thrown out the window with director Stephen Dallow from Blockhouse Bay, casting a male and a female Peter Pan.

“Our productions are always a highlight for the year and this year we have something very special as we team up with the Bay Lynn Youth Band to provide audiences an unforgettable experience”.  At the young age of 16 Stephen directed his first production and has never looked back.  “Theatre teaches children so many vital life skills and has children and teens working together in a safe and positive environment and after months of hard work the entire cast and band are ready for an audience and just hope the community will get in behind it and support them so they can play to full houses”.

Peter Pan is on the second week of the holidays, Monday 3rd to Saturday 8th October.  For tickets and a list of performance times go to www.ticketor.com/kids4drama 

PHOTO: Peter Pan’s played by Taylor Rogers from Blockhouse Bay and Erik Bielby from Green Bay practise with the band under musical direc-tion from ZyaiLi Teh

In Term 3 we had our first ever Fun Run Olympics event at Chaucer! We started our day with a karakia, torch bearers’ run and a super fun flash mob.

Each house represented a country Karekare - New Zealand, Muriwai - Canada, Bethells - South Africa, Piha - England

As a country we took part in sports and activities like playing Badminton, running, and dancing with

Shane for Jump Jam and Zumba songs. We ended our day with a closing ceremony

speech from Mr Fletcher and Mrs E. Despite the very windy weather, all Chaucer students par-ticipated and joined in in the Olympic spirit. Kudos to the children!

Thank you Mrs E for organising such an awesome event! Varsha Gomathi

Chaucer Olympics

Art Above the BayBlockhouse Bay Primary recently held an art show which was the culmination of the Term Two focus on the concept of diversity. As reflected in the whakatauki; ‘E Koekoe te tui, e ketekete te kaka e kuku te kereru. ’The tui sings, the kaka chatters, the pigeon coos. (It takes all kinds of people). The children explored their differences and similarities in order to gain deeper understandings and cultural awareness.

Nowhere is diversity more strongly reflected than in our school cultural mix, with representatives from New Zealand, Polynesia, Asia, Europe and Africa – a true ‘melting pot’.

The children’s art work was stunning and demon-strated a wide variety of media and technique.

The works were then sold by silent auction to help fundraise for the school.

As pictured, pupils in Room 13 created 3D dolls to represent their cultural background.

Jalia holds the Olympic Flame

6 • October 2016

Paid for by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Parmjeet Parmar MP, Unit 1, 165 Stoddard Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland

Easy and reliable bus transport is an essential part of having a functioning, thriving community.

I want to hear what you think about the bus network in your area.

Are the stops too far apart or poorly sheltered? Are the routes not usefully planned or the buses not frequent enough?

Please let me know at: www.betterbusstopsmtroskill.nz

Dr Parmjeet Parmar MP National List MP based in Mount Roskill

Unit 1, 165 Stoddard Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland

PHONE (09) 620 6707

EMAIL parmjeet.parmar@parliament.govt.nz

Keeping Our Seniors ConnectedThe Selwyn Foundation was originally set up by a Bishop, in order to help care for the needs of seniors. As a non-profit organisation, any surplus is poured back into the charity and to helping seniors in all kinds of ways. These days the Selwyn Foundation is known for its retirement villages, however the foundation continues to invest in local communities such as Blockhouse Bay.

4 Seniors at the Bay is a ‘Selwyn Centre’ based in the community hall at Church of the Saviour. It is all set up to welcome seniors, and to help them connect with others in their community. As the trend these days is for people to stay in their homes for longer, this can sometimes be incredibly isolating, especially for those unable to drive. Loneliness is listed as one of the major issues facing seniors today. So twice a week on a Monday and Friday the centre opens its doors and people come for community, for morning tea, for outings and entertainment.

The centre has also experienced a real upturn in numbers over the last year. As the population ages there is more demand for their services. Barry O’Rourke who co-ordinates the centre acknowledged that there is a need for transport to help people attend sessions. He is looking for anyone who might have some spare time on a Monday or a Friday morning to help pick up and drop off people on a roster basis.

Barry explained that it’s great people want to use the centre, but when they are unable to provide transport he is concerned that people miss out, who otherwise might stay at home the whole week. A couple of reliable people with a car in good condition would make a huge difference to people who might otherwise be stuck at home. If anyone is able to help with this valuable community work please contact barry@cots.org.nz, a little bit of your time could make a big difference to one of your neighbours.

‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’.

This famous quote relates surprising well to a new initiative at Block-house Bay Primary. Last term, two ‘walking school buses’ started with great enthusiasm and positivity. Whilst the children are literally stepping out to walk to school each day, they are also taking their first steps in forming skills for life.

They learn the value of keeping fit, communicating with others, considering the impact of vehicles on the environment, and economic and road sense! What a great opportunity to gain so much so easily.

“We’ve been running our walking school bus for over a term and a half, it’s fun for the kids and the parents! We talk about road safety on our way to school and it’s nice to see that the younger ones on the bus are developing a sense of this”. Says Hena Farooq, WSB coordinator of Windermere Crescent route. (Pictured).

William Gu, coordinator of the Kinross Street bus says, “It started slowly, but smoothly, and is running well now. Children love talking to each other on their way to school. They learn about road safety and are looking forward to their first 25-walk milestone.”

Please contact Mrs Addison helena@blockhousebay.school.nz if you would like to start a walking school bus or join one of these two.

October 2016 • 7

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P 09 627 9010 564 Blockhouse Bay Road, Blockhouse Bay

Did you know…?Monopoly was designed by a woman

This popular board game was designed and patented by American woman Elizabeth Magie in 1903, originally called The Landlord’s Game. It was created to be a

practical demonstration of the present system of land grabbing. Based on the principles of “Georgism,” the object was to demonstrate how rents enrich property owners and impoverish tenants. Her game was ripped off by Charles Darrow who sold it to Parker Brother’s 30 years later. However, Parker Brothers later paid Lizzie $500 for her game.

AIC Talent ShowHeld at the Community Centre on Saturday 17 September, the 14 Auckland International College student performer groups put on a fabulous talent show. This was the first time

in their 10-year history that they have performed for the public, and audience

reaction indicated it was very impressive.

A high calibre from beginning to end, the show was compered by a trio who linked each act with a bio about the performers. Starting with the drama of the Japanese drummers, the acts included duo singers, rap and musicians - both traditional and modern - to dance, theatre and musical groups. The show was as diverse as it was spectacular. There was even a violinist with a paper bag over his head! Tae Kwon Do performed to hip hop music was very original, and the exuberance of the traditional Vietnamese dance group featuring girls and boys was catching. Special mention should also be made of Guzheng, two young women on classical zither-like instruments, and of the grace of Liang Yue and Xinyi Chen who performed traditional Chinese dances.

Many thanks to AIC students, performers, back stage people, the Baking Club and volun-teers for providing Blockhouse Bay with such an entertaining afternoon.

Property Market Update Harcourts’ figures show Auckland’s average residential sale price is now close to $1m, hitting an all-time high of $955,275 in August.

And Blockhouse Bay’s average price is fol-lowing the city-wide trend, sitting slightly under $1m.

Record prices are symptomatic of the underlying problem affecting the Auckland property market – high demand and low supply, fuelled by record immigration and insufficient new builds.

For Blockhouse Bay residents it means now is an excellent time to list your property for sale, with many houses being snapped up by keen buyers before auction day.

For those wishing to purchase a home, there is also hope with the traditional spring surge in listings about to occur.

Sales consultants are already reporting a lift in the number of appraisals being sought, and it means there will be more choice for buyers as we head towards summer.

Across Auckland, the number of houses available to buy remain low – with just 1248 residential properties for sale on Harcourts’ books. This means at current levels of sale there is only enough stock left for 2.4 months, if no further properties were listed.

However, the recently adopted Unitary Plan looks to address this issue, with affordable new builds and intensification expected to ease prices over the next several years.

Suzy BrayGM, Harcourts Blue Fern Realty Ltd

8 • October 2016

6 Exminster Street, Blockhouse Bay

Phone: 09 627 3555nitin@aucklandortho.co.nzwww.aucklandortho.co.nz

Specialist orthodontics for all ages

Dr Nitin RanigaOrthodontist

BDS (Otago), DclinDent (Otago), MOrth RSCEd, MRACDS (Orth)

Phone: 627-9970www.bhbdental.co.nz

3A Heaphy Street(by the roundabout)

Emergency appointmentsavailable daily!

Dentists:Dr. Peter Raymond BDS

Dr. Haydn Gray BDSDr Kathleen Sandberg DDS

Dr Ravi de Saram BDS

Hygienist: Anna

• Physiotherapy Specialists in all aspects of injury

and rehabilitation• Acupuncture andmassage treatments

• Open Monday to Saturday –7.00am till late

• Home visits available

2 Kinross Street, Blockhouse Bay (under the Westpac Bank)

Purchase equipment and products direct from our clinic www.advancedrehab.co.nz

Phone 627 9560admin@advancedrehab.co.nz

Visique Blockhouse Bay 1 Donovan St, Blockhouse BayPh 626 7713*T’s & C’s apply.

Our lifestyle packages provide quality eyewear and eyecare solutions to suit your needs.

CLASSIFIEDSElohim / Colour Healing

Feeling out of sorts or off-colour? Enjoy a massage for the soul and have a full body balance using a combination of hands on healing

and energy work. This aligns the chakras and releases blockages on all levels.

Very relaxing and feel completely at one. Contact Denise on 627-5449 for an appointment.

Expert Maths Tuition100% money back guarantee

All levels up to year 13 NCEA & Cambridge + All types of entrance tests. Parents’ observation of

assessment session welcomeP: 0800 Math Me [0800 6284 63] E: info@expertmathstuition.co.nz www.expertmathstuition.co.nz

Temptation CakesAre you organising a corporate event, birthday or wedding? Do you need a custom-made cake that

not only looks fantastic, but tastes great too? I provide FREE DELIVERY to the Beacon BHB area,

so it could not be easier. ALSO receive 4 FREE mini cupcakes with your order when you mention

this ad. Check all my cakes and prices out at www.temptationcakes.co.nz

or call Janine on 09 6251885 or call/text 021749141

Iona Presbyterian Church Fair38 Donovan St, Blockhouse Bay

Saturday 8th October 8am till 11ishAlso Car Boot Sale - $15/spaceContact Robert 027 625 9342

Volunteer Visitors Needed for the Elderly

Age Concern needs volunteer visitorsto help alleviate loneliness among seniors

living alone.Contact Sue Campin, ph 820 2713

What’s on at the Library? Join us for our Diwali celebrations. 15 – 30 October 2016: Special Diwali storytime with songs in Hindi and English, Thursday 20th October, 10.30 am – 11.00 am.

Grand Annual Diwali Celebration, Saturday 22nd October, 10.30 am to noon. Programme highlights:10.35 am – 11.00 am – Popular Bollywood songs by renowned artist Sandhya Rao- Badakere and her Swar Sadhana Music Academy students.11.00 am – 11.20 am – Lavani, a folk dance from Maharashtra, India by Yaara dance troupe11.20 am - 11.40 am – a dance performance by Kesha Surti’s dance troupe Chottey Sikkey.11.40 am – 12.00 noon- Bollywood dance and interactive session by Ella Kumar and her Bollywood dance group.Henna painting, Sunday 23rd October, 1.00pm -3.00pm. Get your hands decorated with beautiful henna designs (Free!)Diwali Children’s activities, 15th October

2016 to 30th October 2016. Have fun creating your own Diwali scene using our colourful interactive picture cut outs. Design and colour your own henna painting and decorate our special display boardNew Windsor, the in-between suburb. A talk by historian Lisa Truttman, Wednesday 5 October, 11 am.

Chinese Family History, Monday 17 October, 10.30 am – noon. Come and learn how to research your Chinese family history. This talk by Annie Cui from Auckland Libraries will be run in Mandarin.中国血统的家族史讲座，周一10月17日，上午10点半时至 中午12点。快来学习如何研究和记录中国血统的家族史, 奥克兰图书馆的Annie Cui将用华语讲解。Don’t forget our regular events:Wednesdays, 9.30am – 10am: Wriggle and Rhyme for 0-2 years. Enjoy a fun way of interacting with your baby or toddler by learning developmental skills through songs and rhymes. (Only during the school term.)Thursdays, 10:30am – 11am: Storytime for pre-schoolers. Come along and have some fun learning literacy development through stories and songs.

www.bhb.nz The Christmas at the Beach event last year attracted a huge crowd down to the Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve. This year it’s going to be bigger and better than ever, and you could be a part of it!

We are looking to recruit singers for a gospel style choir who will sing the Christmas carols. Rehearsals start October 30th, 6.15pm in the community hall at Church of the Saviour (Kinross St entrance) and will be held weekly on Sundays. You need to be available on the 18th December in the afternoon for the dress rehearsal and that evening for the big

Carol Singers Wanted!

performance. The choir will be coached by one of NZ’s

top vocal coaches Jo Shanahan. For further details, and to register your interest, please contact jo@vocalcoach.co.nz

October 2016 • 9

AA Meeting 10.30am Mondays, Thursdays (Armanasco House)

AA Meeting 7pm Mondays & Fridays (Armanasco House)

Active Seniors Mind Games! 9:30am MondaysAerobics – Annie’s Movers & Shakers 9am FridaysAntiques & Craft Fair 9.30am 20 November, 15 JanuaryBallroom & Latin Dance Class 6.45pm WednesdaysBusiness Mandarin for beginners 10am-11.30am SaturdaysBelly Dance Advanced 7.45pm MondaysBelly Dance for Fitness 7.30pm TuesdaysBollywood Dance for Children 12pm,1pm,2pm SaturdaysBonsai Group 2.30pm 2nd Sunday

Cardio Fix for All Ages 8.45pm Tuesday & Thursdays (Also Sundays 9.30am)

Cards 12.30pm WednesdaysChildren’s Latin Dance 3.30pm Wednesdays, ThursdaysDancing in the Dark 8.00pm ThursdaysEmbroidery 10am WednesdaysEngineering Concepts for Children 3.30pm ThursdaysFitness Fusion 6pm WednesdaysFree English Class 1.15pm Mondays & FridaysFree Help with Phone,Tablet Computer 3pm Mondays

Garden Club 1pm 1st TuesdayGentle Exercise for over 60’s 10am WednesdaysGreen Bay Community Choir 12.30pm ThursdaysHighland Dance 10am SundaysHistorical Society 10am Tuesdays (Armanasco House)Historical Society 1pm Wednesday (Bi-monthly meeting)Housie 7pm TuesdaysIona Scouts 6pm Wednesdays

Kids 4 Drama Various 3.30pm & 4.30pm Wednesdays & Thursdays

Krav Maga/Taekwondo 6.30 Tuesdays & ThursdaysLine Dancing 9.45am Tuesdays & Fridays Low Impact Aerobics 9.15am Mondays (Also 9am Fridays) Mah Jong 12.30pm Mondays (Armanasco House) Markets 7am 2nd and last SaturdayMaths Tuition 5pm WeekdaysMoving Mums 10am & 7.30pm Thursdays (also 11am Tuesdays)

Pilates 7.30pm Mondays (Also 10.30am Thursdays)

Pregnancy Help 9.30-11.30am WednesdaysProbus 10am 2nd Friday Rummikub 12.45pm WednesdaysSalarix Dance Fit 9.30am SaturdaysScience Tuition 5pm Tuesdays & ThursdaySequence Dancing 12 noon Mondays

Taekwondo 6.30pm Tuesdays & Thursdays (Scout Hall)

Tai Chi 10.30am Mondays (Also 10am Thursdays)Ukulele 11.30am Mondays

Womens’ Institute 12.30pm 3rd Wednesday (Armanasco House)

Y’s Walkers 8.15am Mondays & Wednesdays

Yoga 5pm & 6.30pm Mondays (Also 10.30am Fridays & 8.45am Sunday)

To register interest, or for more information please contact the office or download a full programme from our website.

Phone: 6264980 | Email: info@bhbaycommunitycentre.co.nz Website: www.blockhousebaycentre.co.nz

Activities/Classes at the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre and Armanasco House TERM 4 2016

Last month, Graham Edwards of the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre was handed a bag of cash, totalling just over $240 – money raised by students of Auckland International College (AIC), from a mufti-day at the school.

AIC student Brian Lin approached his school with the idea to raise money for a community project, and after consultation with Graham Edwards it was decided that the recipient would be Food Pantry – a combined churches of Blockhouse Bay venture, based at Blockhouse Bay Baptist Church.

Food Pantry is a similar concept to a food bank, except that those in need can choose what they want from 17 basic commodities, rather than just being given a bag, thus allowing them some dignity. The donation has been earmarked for the fruit and veggie initiative, which aims to raise $50 a week to supply people in need with fresh produce, along with the basic supplies being offered.

Mr Edwards commented, “Although I had talked with Brian a couple of months ago, I was amazed when given the donation, as you can imagine, although I am rapidly becoming used to the great things AIC students do for our community.”

“The AIC donation goes a long way to kick-starting the fruit and veggie initiative, which we hope will attract regular sponsorship from local businesses and the community. Just $10/month from 20 people provides $50 worth of fresh produce each week.“

To donate, or for more information, contact Graham or Maree at the BHB Community centre – 09 626 4980.

Students Fundraise for Local “Food Pantry”

The Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions’ invite you to take part in a fundraising walk for children with Cerebral Palsy and other serious mobility issues. The 10-10-10 Walk for Kids will help the NZ Lions’ Club Child Mobility Foundation to provide mobility for those children who would otherwise be bed or wheelchair bound.

Consisting of 10 (or less) leisurely circuits of the school grounds, there will also be stalls, novelty events and a communal atmosphere. It’s not a race; the idea is to enjoy, mix and mingle and raise a few dollars to help the kids who need mobility.

To register, go to bhbl-lions.org.nz. Sponsorship forms also available at BHB Primary school or text “10-10-10 Sponsor” to 027 66 111 22, with name and address and the Lions will arrange.

Adults $10, Children $5, or if they raise sponsorship of $20 or more a $2 gold coin will suffice.

Take a Walk on the Lions’ Side

10 • October 2016

Automotive RepAiRsMonday - Friday and Saturday MorningS

570 Blockhouse Bay Rd. Blockhouse Bay. Behind THE BLOCK Café

• WOF • Mechanical RepaiRs • autO electRical RepaiRs • seRvicing tRans Flushing • BRakes • clutch • exhaust • luBes • BatteRies

627 9925

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T: 09 826 3937 | M: 027 404 012919 Cutler Street, New Lynn, Auckland.

reggis.ca@gmail.com | www.bizaide.co.nzServices Include: Tax returns - Income Tax, GST, FBT.

Accounting - Cost & Management. Business Advisory Services.

ContactPrateek MalhotraPh: 09 215 6912 | Mobile: 021 424 119Email: info@everesthomeloans.co.nzVisit us at 557 Blockhouse Bay Road, Blockhouse Bay

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Learning in Action @ St Dom’s Children at St Dom’s have had an action-packed term 3, beginning with learning about plants and their growth, and including taking the whole school to the Botanical Gardens.

Jason enjoying some hangi

Following on from that we studied kai and learned the te reo words for the food we eat. Our Māori and Pasifika group came and prepared the pits for the umu and hangi. Many of our children had never experienced this before; they got to see the process from the start, and of course, everyone tasted the delicious food! Thanks to the many parents who helped to get this off the ground - or more accurately, in the ground! The food was fantastic and we just love that palusami!

We recently held our Annual Pet Day where we had a range of livestock, none of which ate any children, or escaped, which was a real bonus! A special liturgy was held for the pets, and St Francis (Patron Saint of Animals) definitely helped out on the day!

Term 4 sees rehearsals underway for the school production – ‘The Garage Sale’ a play showcasing the talent of many of our budding young actors and actresses. We sincerely appreciate the support of Blockhouse Bay Primary, and using their Performing Arts Centre is certainly something special for us.

We are now looking forward to the build up to Advent and unpacking this very special season with our children.

If you are thinking about a Catholic education for your child, we do encourage you to enrol sooner rather than later, as spaces are limited. We look forward to meeting you, and would love to walk with you and your child/children on this journey! Jennifer Naran

Hair Raising Hat PartyEvery October for 15 years the Hair Raising Hat Party has been a

fun and safe alternative to trick or treating, with more lollies and a whole heap of fun. Space is cleared in the church for activities, games and food, and for families to parade their weird hair or wacky hats.This year we are planning an even bigger and better event; come and hear about the ‘Greatest Superhero,’ plus there will be some new fun activities for older kids. The ever-popular photo booth is back, so come and squeeze in with friends and

family to create lasting memories.If you haven’t been before you’re in for a treat! Start planning your

weird hair or wacky hat now - there are prizes for individuals across all the age groups and a prize for best dressed family!

Put the date in your calendars and smart phones:Monday 31 October 5.45-8pm

Blockhouse Bay Baptist Church$2 per child donation. Recommended age group 4-14.

Enquiries 626 6980 or www.baybaptist.org.nz

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The ‘think pink’ facial includes: • Joyce Blok Classic facial • Lash tint & brow shape • Hand or scalp massage

• Plus you take home a FREE 200ml Face & Body Exfoliant worth $60!

Call us today to book your appointment! 09 627-5924

566 Blockhouse Bay Road Blockhouse Bay, Auckland

OCTOBER SPECIAL

October 2016 • 11

www.bhb.nz

The time to bid fair winds and following seas to ‘La Grande Dame’ of the New Zealand shipping scene has come. The iconic cement carrier Westport has been berthed at the Port of Onehunga throughout the past seven weeks, after discharging her final load of cement for Holcim NZ on July 23. But she set sail from Onehunga for the very last time on 21 September, on the tide, after being sold to European interests.

SMT Shipping has purchased Westport as a going concern, and intends to employ her in the cement trade, with Norway her new operational base. Holcim representative Robyn Flynn said of the transaction, “I am so pleased that we have sold her and she will continue as a cement carrier rather than going to scrap”. She was handed over to her new owners, and taken out of the New Zealand registry at the same time. Westport is now known as Fjordvik, and flew the Bahamas flag when she

departed Onehunga for the final time.A full crew is now on board, along

with two Holcim employees, who will oversee the vessel’s operational handover. They also guided the ship through the Manukau Heads one final time before heading south to New Plymouth. While there, Westport will undertake

an in-water survey before commencing her longest voyage since first arriving at Onehunga from Hamburg, Germany, on 27 March 1976.

That maiden call was the first of 1104 times she tied up at Onehunga, a tally no other ship visiting the port has come remotely close to matching. Barring any calls by the other Holcim ship, Milburn Carrier II, to replenish the silos with cement from Timaru before the year is out, Westport’s departure has brought down the curtain on roughly 180 years of shipping activity at the Port of Onehunga.

LPG tankers continue to make sporadic visits to the Manukau, usually in winter to meet high demand. The most recent was Panama-flagged LPG tanker Bougainville (4752-dwt, built 2014) on 9 September.

Roskill South Athletics Going to SchoolRoskill South Athletics Club and Lynfield College are uniting for the summer season to offer athletics to our community. Auckland Council is undertaking major turf renovations at Margaret Griffen Park which has meant the Roskill South Athletic Club has had to find an alternative venue for the coming season.

Club President, Peter Wyatt says “We did not want to move too far and risk inconveniencing our members and not being able to offer children of the local communities our services. As a result of speaking to the College, we are grateful for them agreeing to us using their facilities and at the same time excited by the opportunity to help the College raise its profile in Secondary School athletics through the availability of our coaching programmes.” Roskill South is known for their quality coaches who include the current

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New Zealand men’s 100m and Long Jump champion.

The club has been based at Margaret Griffen Park for over 60 years supporting the local communities of Mt Roskill, Lynfield, Blockhouse Bay and further afield. Children from as young as 2 years through to 16 years can experience a family-friendly environment, enjoy healthy exercise and gain skills in running, jumping and throwing from beginner level through to participation in regional and national athletics competitions.

Auckland Council has been very helpful with the relocation and set up, providing facilities needed such as shot put and discus circles, rebuilding the existing long jump pit

and marking the three tracks required for the season. This will leave a permanent legacy of better facilities at the College after we return to the park next season.

Roskill South has seen some notable international sportspeople come through the club as children including at least six of the Rugby Sevens players at the Rio Olympic Games. As Peter says, ‘athletics is regarded as the foundation sport for children providing speed, agility and co-ordination beneficial to almost all other sports and we look forward to welcoming new members to the club at our new venue’. For more information on joining Roskill South Athletics please go to our website: www.roskillathletics.com

Jeremy Ruane; Photo: Tim Morrison

12 • October 2016

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www.bhb.nzGetting a dogHaving a new puppy or dog join the family is an exciting time. When I was a child all I ever wanted was my own dog. I pestered my parents relentlessly for them to get me a puppy. I made promises about brushing it every day and taking care of all its needs. They eventually caved and I got my first Golden Retriever puppy, Amy, at age eleven.

Like most children I didn’t keep my end of the bargain and had to be nagged to brush Amy, and Mum ended up feeding her. I did, however, love that dog. I lived on a farm and Amy was my constant companion.

As a young adult I really missed having a dog, but as I planned to travel the world I knew it would not be possible. When I finally settled down and knew I wouldn’t be doing anything but work for at least fifteen years (that sounds so depressing) I decided it was time for another Golden Retriever.

It therefore surprises me when I see people who get dogs but haven’t really thought it through. We often get overseas students who get a puppy. Some take them home with them at the end of their studies, but many do not.

I have lost count of the number of people who tell me the dog is actually their son or daughter’s but they now live overseas. There is nothing wrong with Mum and Dad taking over care of your dog, but I think it is only fair to ask them first, rather than expecting them to do it.

I guess what I am saying is, a

dog is a big commitment. You need to think not only can I meet those commitments now, but also for the rest of its life. A situation that I find really tough is when an elderly client’s dog passes away. They often tell me they won’t get another as they won’t outlive the dog. This makes me very sad as I know how important having a companion like a faithful dog can be to the wellbeing of an elderly person.

Like the student leaving their dog for their parents to look after, I think the same can occur the other way around. If you are worried about not being able to look after a dog when you become too elderly, then ask if your children would be willing to take on the care. Possibly joint ownership with a friend or neighbour might work. You could even consider rescuing an older dog.

Having a dog as a companion is a truly awesome thing. It is, however, important to think about your situation now and for the

lifespan of that dog, and how you will go about meeting those needs for

that period.Lance Eastman

Lance and Amy

Have You Tried Alpha?The Alpha course is an international phenom-enon running in 169 countries and 112 lan-guages, with over 27 million people having taken the course worldwide! It’s free and it explores the big questions of life, the universe and everything, in the context of presenting the evidence for the Christian faith, and allowing people to debate and discuss the presentations.

A typical evening includes supper (delicious desserts) followed by a video presentation and then a facilitated discussion and question time. Bear Grylls endorses the programme. He says ‘Got questions about life? Then try alpha…’ A recent participant said that the course had made an incredible difference to their life and they couldn’t wait to do it again!

The Alpha course will be running an intro-ductory night on October 12th at 7.30pm at Church of the Saviour, 2 Heaphy St, Block-house Bay. You are welcome to come along for a taster session. Pre-register with the office at office@cots.org.nz to help us plan the catering, or simply turn up on the night. The course runs for around eight weeks on Wednesdays following the intro night.

Copyright: Beacon BHB reserves copyright over all material printed herein, except where other copyright is shown. No material may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of the copyright holder. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor.

Editor/Advertising: Kerrie Subritzky e: kerrie@bhb.nz | Ph 0273 44 44 16

Designer: Alistair Craig e: al@seriousmedicine.co.nz | www.seriousmedicine.co.nz

Printer: Words Incorporated | Ph 626-6158

You can also check out the alpha website at www.alpha.org

IS THERE MORETO LIFE THAN THIS?