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NewsTalkBLOCK HOUSE BAY OCTOBER 2015

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Glenavon Primary 60th JubileeGlenavon recently held its 60th jubilee and it was a magnificent occasion.

The festivities started on the Friday with a formal school assembly with guest speakers including former students and also local MP David Cunliffe. The students performed songs to the crowd and the assembly ended with every child and visitor signing the huge Glenavon Jubilee banner. The new school flag was also unveiled.

The mix and mingle on the Friday night was brilliant. Former student Dale Husband was the MC and got everyone up on their feet as the night progressed. The keynote speaker was another former student Justice Helen Winkelmann - who spoke about her experiences at Glenavon and the life long memories she has . Former principals also got up to speak and the night concluded with current principal Phil Toomer bringing out the 60th jubilee cake and cutting it alongside the former principals in attendance and also a foundation student.

Several silent auctions were held on the night including signed Warriors gear, local restaurant and cafe vouchers, golf coaching and even a signed Black Caps cricket bat - we thank everyone who supported us in these auctions including the NZ Warriors; ‘The Block’ and ‘Columbus’ cafes, ‘Lone Star’ restaurant and Akarana Golf Club.

Thanks to all who attended, it was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

In further news from Glenavon, the proposed Gala Day which was unfortunately cancelled on the Saturday after the reunion because of inclement weather has now been rescheduled to Friday November 27 - from 4pm onwards on site at Glenavon School. This afternoon/ evening promises to be a fun filled event with lots of games and activities planned - everyone is welcome, hopefully the weather will be fine and we can all have an early Christmas celebration together.

Page 2 ❖ October, 2015

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

A hair raising hat party!I didn’t really realise how big it was, how great the costumes would be. I had been told that it was a massive event- but I didn’t really think there could be that many people in the space.

Last year at our annual Hair Raising Hat Party we had a giant balloon snowman and over 300 adults, kids and families all converge on Blockhouse Bay Baptist. It was a great success with the church packed to overflowing.

We played, we laughed, we applauded great costumes, ate well and were treated to a dance performance by Elsa that had many singing along and left many little ones mesmerised.

Every 31st of October for 14 years the Hair Raising Hat Party has been a fun and safe alternative to trick or treating at Halloween with more lollies and a whole heap of fun. The church clears space for fun, people to parade their hats and costumes and celebrates with family and food!

The party is a great place for families to come together- partake in activities, relax (especially the adults in the café’) and show off their creative skills with wacky hair and amazing costumes. There is has been the ever popular Photo Booth-where many have squeezed in with friends and family to have a lasting reminder of the night and costumes.

If you have been before you will know what we are on about- and if this is your first time we recommend you bring down your family and check it out….start planning your wacky hair and amazing costumes now….there are prizes for individuals across all the age groups and for families.

Put the date on your calendars and in your smart phones for Saturday 31 October 5.45-8.00 pm at Blockhouse Bay Baptist Church. $2.00 per child. Recommended age group 4-14. For enquires contact the church office on 6266980.

Wow! Here comes Christmas!The planning for the Christmas Parade is underway. The competition for the naming of the day which will include the Christmas Parade and Blockhouse Bays carnival is no close and we will be announcing the winner and name in the November News Talk.

We had a great response to the competition and wish to thank everyone who entered and the businesses that are supporting it with donations of prizes for the winning entry, including The Block, Blockhouse Bay Jewelers, Larsmart and Skin N Tonic.

Do you belong to a community organisation, maybe a church or cultural group and would like to have a float in the parade then we are keen to speak to you. Please email Anna at anna@blockhousebay.org.nz for further details or call and leave a message on (09) 626 5081 and we will be in touch. We are planning prizes for the best float and also the most funny float. Come and along and join in the fun and laughter while raising awareness of your group in the community.

The Blockhouse Bay Parade and School Carnival are on the 5th December 2015.

Another community event is on Sunday 20th December and will be held down at the Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve. There will be children’s activities such as face painting and a treasure hunt on the beach from 6.30pm then at 7pm carol singing and items from local churches, followed by Shane and the Shazaam band playing live music for an awesome Christmas Party atmosphere. It’s a first for the Bay and it will be a great night out for free made possible by the generosity of our Whau Local Board. Come sing, party and dance under the stars to celebrate!

October, 2015 ❖ Page 3

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Greetings from Iona Scout GroupThis term is Kiwiana themed and we are looking forward to a camp at Ambury Farm to learn more about local ecology; JOTA/JOTI – two days when Scouts from around the world communicate with one another over the radio and on the internet; and we are looking forward to taking part in the Bay’s Christmas celebrations, plus much, much more. Come join us.

We had lots of fun in Term 3.

We meet on Wednesday night under Blockhouse Bay Community Centre (Exminister Street)

6-7 pm Kea’s School years 1-36.30-8.00 pm Cubs School years 4-6

6.30-8.00 pm Scouts School years 7-10Would you like to learn about bush craft, camping,

play games and having fun outdoors? Come and join our group.

For more information please phone: Colin 0212081103Visit: www.ionascouts.webs.com

Facebook: Iona Scout Group, Auckland

We made a balloon tower

We made sushi

Keas learnt about other countries by playing international games including eating Dutch biscuits off a rope!

We made a debating team.

We played ball games, sheared balloon sheep, toasting marshmallows and made apple crumble for campfire.For “Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week” in September Cubs and Scouts picked up rubbish around the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre and the shopping area.

Counting Down toSchool Carnival

We are counting down the days to Blockhouse Bay Primary School’s Carnival, Saturday 5th of December, from 11:00am – 3:00pm, which takes place straight after the Blockhouse Bay Santa Parade. This annual event is always an entertaining day for the whole community and everyone is welcome to come on over after the parade.

As usual we will have a wide range of delicious food stalls, rides, bouncy castles, the cake stall, performances, the white elephant Stall and much more. The entrance to the school is behind the public library.

Last year’s Carnival helped pay for heating for the school pool. This year we are fundraising for an astro turf surface to be placed on part of the school field. This would be a great enhancement to our school as it would increase the amount of playing area for the students, in particular over winter. It will also be a valuable resource for the community as the school encourages use of its facilities by the public.

To make our Carnival even better, we need sponsors – either by way of monetary donation or goods and services donated towards the Carnival. Please contact Michelle Wratten on021 130 3233 or email pta@blockhousebay.school.nz if you are interested in being a sponsor and she will be able to discuss what we can offer you in return for your assistance. We really would appreciate assistance from the community to ensure we reach our fundraising target, thank you.

Page 4 ❖ October, 2015

Diwali Events @ the LibrarySaturday 31 October, 10.30 am – 12.00 pm: Diwali Celebration. Join us in celebrating Diwali at the library! Come and listen to Bollywood songs with Sandhya Rao and group. Watch traditional Indian dance by the Khottey Sikkey dance group. And watch Bollywood dancing by Ella Kumar and her dance troupe.

Sunday 1 November, 1.00 – 2.00 pm: Henna Painting. Get your hands henna-painted with traditional Indian designs and celebrate Diwali in style!

Library Events for KidsThursday 29th October, 10:30am – 11am: Melbourne Cup pre-school storytime. Wear your favourite hat and join in the fun of learning about Melbourne Cup Day through stories and songs.

Thursday 5th November, 10:30am – 11:00am: Diwali StorytimeDress up in your festive Diwali clothes and join in the fun of learning about Diwali through stories and songs.

Friday 6th November, 3:15pm – 3:45pm: Diwali Lantern makingHelp celebrate Diwali by joining in on this fun after school activity to learn how to make your very own Diwali lantern.

Regular Library EventsWednesdays, 9.30am - 10am: Wriggle and Rhyme for 0-2 year olds. Enjoy a free and fun way of interacting with your baby or toddler by learning developmental skills through songs and rhymes. (During school term time only) Thursdays, 10:30am - 11am: Storytime for pre-schoolers Come along for free and have some fun learning literacy development through stories and songs. (During school term time only)

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, Dipavali, Dewali, Deepawali or the Festival of Lights, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartika (October/November) in the Hindu calendar. Diwali celebrations can last for about five days.

Diwali also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, marks the Hindu New Year. It is one of the biggest Hindu Festivals. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair.This year a group of parents from the Blockhouse Bay Primary School are getting together to organize the celebration of Diwali (Festival of Lights). The event is to be held in November at the Blockhouse Bay School Grounds.

In March this year the group organized a successful ‘Holi’ (Festival of Colours) event. There was a good turnout of parents from the school as well as people from our wider community. The organisers of the ‘Festival of Lights’ are putting together a fun filled event for the whole family. There will be Vegetarian Food Stalls, DJ Music, Games, Dance Performances, Craft Stalls and More. This year we will have Bouncy Castles and various fun activities for kids. There will be spot prizes and giveaways. Invite your family and friends to this event and enjoy cultural music and items. There will be Bollywood dance performed by some talented children from Blockhouse Bay School!

People of all ages and cultures can enjoy the celebrations. There will be sponsors shed for those companies that have kindly made donations towards the running of the event. We still have space for more sponsors. Please contact one of the event organisers for more information on sponsorship.

For further info, please contact : Glenn D’Souza on 0274 472 454, Roma Kaur on 021 263 9947 or Bo Singh on 0800 74 3828. Alternatively, you could email on : bhbevent@mail.com

Diwali – ‘The Festival of Lights’When: Saturday 14th November 2015Time: 11am – 3pmWhere: Blockhouse Bay Primary School Grounds

Diwali also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, marks the Hindu New Year. It is one of the biggest Hindu Festivals. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge

Continued...

October, 2015 ❖ Page 5

Village Market Day

Local Food and Craft Market

For info contact: Anna Crane – BHB Village Centre ManagerMobile: 027 272 8062 • Fax: 627-9447 Website: www.blockhousebay.org.nz

Blockhouse Bay Business Association’s...

Last Saturday of each month

9.00am - 1.00pmunder the shopfront verandahs

Page 6 ❖ October, 2015

Following a three month cooling, the arrival of spring has seen a rebound in the rate at which Auckland house prices increased in September.

“The average sales price in September at $836,275 jumped 1.9 percent in one month and the median sales price at $790,000 increased by 4.6 percent, with both setting new price records,” said Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & Thompson.

“September was extremely active with sales at 1358, which were up 3.4 percent on those for August and up 41.6 percent on those for September last year. Nearly a third of all those homes (428) were for in excess of $1 million, which is the highest number of $1 million plus homes we have sold in a month. You have to go back to June this year to see a similar lift in values in one month to that we experienced in September. In part the price surge may be down to buyers getting in ahead of the new regulations around equity ratios for investors, which came into force in October, but without doubt an element of the traditional lift that comes with spring was there”.

“New listings at 1940 were the highest in a September for 12 years, and created a reasonable level of choice. Whether September’s prices have set a trend for the remainder of the year has yet to be seen. New regulations for international buyers are due to come into force in November and these have coincided with a tightening of requirements around the export of money out of China.”

September 2015 Housing Market UpdateAuckland house prices rebound in September

“In the last week of the month there was a fall off in sales made under the hammer at auctions, and there was less pressure on buyers to make immediate decisions. This end of the month development carries with it a note of caution that September’s prices may not prove to be the start of a new round of increases, and that buyer’s may not be prepared to overstretch themselves to secure a property”.

“The future direction of prices still remains at the crossroads. At month end, the number of properties on the company’s books was 3148, the highest number for the past 5 months. During the month we sold 161 homes or 11.9 percent of all homes for under $500,000. This is significantly lower than the 14.3 percent of sales in August or the 31.8 percent of sales recorded in September last year.”

Barfoot & Thompson Managing Director - Peter Thompson

*Includes Barfoot & Thompson Auckland residential sales that have gone unconditional. Excludes Northland and commercial sales.

October, 2015 ❖ Page 7

TPP - Unlockingopportunities for NZ

by Tim Groser MP As a small country relying on exports, New Zealand can’t get rich selling things to ourselves. That’s why the 800 million customers in the recently completed Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement will make all the difference. It will build on the Government’s wider plan to diversify and strengthen our economy, support more jobs, and provide more opportunities for Kiwis to get ahead. As the largest economy in the world, the United States is responsible for over a quarter of all household consumption in the world. Japan is the third largest economy and TPP includes both of them. New Zealand has being trying to get free trade agreements with these two countries for 25 years.

The 12 countries involved in TPP account for 36 per cent of the world economy. Last year, New Zealand sold $28 billion worth of goods and services to the other 11 countries in TPP. With these numbers in mind, it’s no surprise TPP is New Zealand’s biggest ever trade deal. TPP will save New Zealand exporters around $259 million a year in tariffs they currently have to pay just to get their products into these markets. That’s money they can now spend growing their businesses, and employing more New Zealanders on higher wages.

Take the New Zealand dairy industry for example. This deal will save them $102 million on the $4.6 billion worth of products exported to TPP countries. Another industry set to benefit is New Zealand meat – $2.3 billion worth is sold to TPP countries and this agreement will save us around $72 million in tariffs. Other industries set to save millions of dollars in tariffs include wine, horticulture and forestry. Tariff savings are just the start of the benefits this trade agreement offers to New Zealand. Barriers to access are often even more important to exporters. Eliminating these barriers will unlock enormous opportunities. All this is expected to be worth at least $2.7 billion a year to New Zealand by 2030. We know from the free trade deal with China these figures are likely to be underestimated. Two-way trade with China exploded after that deal was signed.

Now TPP negotiations have concluded people will see many of the concerns raised previously have not been reflected in the agreement.To touch on a few of these concerns we have not given up our right to govern our own country and New Zealanders will not pay more for subsidised medicines.

The signing of TPP is a very positive for New Zealand and it’s going to be a real boost for our economy. It has been welcomed by many of New Zealand’s top export companies and business organisations.

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Celebrating historyand future

by David Cunliffe MP I recently attended an event celebrating New Lynn’s brickmaking history and recognised it as an important opportunity to both reflect on our local ceramics history, but also consider our direction of travel and what kind of community we want to be.

Our modern ceramics tradition was the bedrock of development in New Lynn throughout much of the 20th century and we owe a lot to the pioneering spirits of Sir Tom Clark, Albert Crum, James Archibald and Briar Gardner. Bricks formed in the kilns of New Lynn are found in iconic buildings across the isthmus – the Auckland Art Gallery, Chelsea Sugar Refinery, Ceramco House and Auckland Grammar School among many others. However, after a century of making bricks, the closure of the Monier site heralds a new chapter for New Lynn that invites a very important question for all of us: what does good development look like for New Lynn? For too long, New Lynn was a second-class citizen that missed out on resources and seemed uncertain of its place – a fringe suburb of Auckland or a cornerstone of the west? First it was its own unique borough, then part of Waitakere City’s vision for a sustainable eco-city of the future, and now part of the behemoth ‘‘Super City’’.

As the local MP since 1999, I’ve seen a lot of change and recall working with Sir Bob Harvey, then Mayor of Waitakere City, to strongly advocate for investment in local facilities and services. I also remember vigorously arguing with Treasury about the value of infrastructure investment in New Lynn – looking around the town centre today, winning that battle has clearly paid huge dividends. With Infratil’s support, the old bus terminal was moved, with a new apartment complex now in place at the former site and at full occupancy. The announcement in August of an 1800-unit development on the old Monier site is a sign that more high-density housing is on the horizon. In the current climate, increasing the number of affordable houses has never been more important. The need for large-scale private sector developments is even more acute.

That is why I am delighted to welcome Avanda as a major investor and partner in the next phase of development in New Lynn. It is essential that we capitalise on this once in a lifetime opportunity to grow the local economy, create hundreds of local jobs and build a sustainable future for all. We must also ensure that the community infrastructure – both physical and social – is there for the thousands of new residents that this large scale housing development will bring. That means not only the roads, water and broadband fibre, but also the parks, public spaces and amenities that will make this new part of New Lynn a desirable and sustainable neighbourhood. It means social services including schools, health services and police are all resourced appropriately. It means not closing any more post office and Kiwibank branches. And it means continuing to build our cultural capital, celebrating the ancient Maori portage, and the rich ceramics history of New Lynn.

Page 8 ❖ October, 2015

Whau Unsung Heroes AwardsThere are many unsung heroes in the Whau – from gardeners to piano teachers and corrections’ officers. Some of those people have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to community well-being and volunteer work by the Whau Local Board.

Individuals and organisations were put forward by local board members who presented them with ‘Whau Unsung Hero’ awards at a business meeting in New Lynn.

The recipients were:

• Avondale College Pacific Network – Nua Silipa. In memory of Semau Melaine Sagala. Proposed by member Seumanu Simon Matafai. Award acknowledges the partnership between school staff, board, parents, and community leaders to advance Pacific academic achievements.

• Avondale Community Gardeners – Imi Tovia & Johan Van Ekeren. Proposed by Chair Catherine Farmer. Award received for outstanding contribution to design, planting and maintenance of biodynamic orchard at Orchard Reserve, Avondale. Also, advocacy and design of the Tait Park upgrade.

• Hannah Sports & Culture Association Inc – Jinbo Cui. Proposed by Deputy Chair Susan Zhu. Award received for managing a recreation centre in Portage Road, for outstanding help to individuals and organisations within the Chinese community, and for leadership in organising the 2015 Chinese New Year celebrations.

• Department of Corrections, New Lynn – Paul Rudkin. Proposed by member Ruby Manukia-Schaumkel. Award received for his outstanding commitment to community safety, liaison with the local police and other relevant government agencies and key stakeholders.

• Festival of Cultures Trust – Lusi Schwenke and Savitri Chand. Proposed by member Seumanu Simon Matafai. Award acknowledges outstanding contribution to enhancing the cultural fabric of the Whau and celebrating the area’s diversity.

• Marjorie Sheat. Proposed by member Seumanu Simon Matafai. Award recognises work as a piano teacher for 60 years and 53-year service as the organist/pianist for the Avondale Union Parish Church. Marjorie is also parish liaison officer for Presbyterian Support and volunteers her time to play the piano at rest homes.

• Martin Ball. Proposed by member Ami Chand. Award acknowledges unrelenting work as a volunteer dedicated to keeping the Whau River clean and safe.

Local Board chair Catherine Farmer says: “We are passionate about fostering and supporting great local communities across the Whau.“People and organisations like these are the lifeblood of our communities and we are pleased to recognise their work through these awards.”

Seumanu Simon Matafai, Whau Local Board member

• Physiotherapist Specialists in all aspects of injury

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Rachel

Would you like to...Feed the Lions?

Yes, your local Lions need feeding at least once a month, to keep up their strength and morale so that they can help the community.

The Lions Club of Blockhouse Bay- Lynfield’s head feeder (caterer) now finds long distance travel from her base at North Head a problem, after many years of providing a range of excellent meals to satisfy the Lions and guests. So your local pride is seeking a sympathetic provider of good tucker that can cater to their whims. Their tastes range from roasts like Beef and Yorkshire, Pork and fresh roast veggies with apple sauce, or Chicken and themes like Liver and Bacon, Tripe and Onions, Fish pie and believe it or not a few non meat eating Lions to cater for. On the sweeter side (Bearing in mind our Diabetic Awareness profile) desserts such as apple crumble, custard, fresh fruit salad, with ice cream.

Ideally the person(s) can also provide the implements to eat with, plates, utensils and the like. A new kitchen with stove, microwave and instant boiling water is waiting so that the fresh cooked food they bring in can be kept warm or given that final touch.

If you have the desire to help the Lions keep their energy up to help others, the facilities and ability to supply a good feed for a reasonable price on the 3rd Wednesday evening of the month, please contact the Secretary: 027 66111 22 or email proposal to: blockhouse.bay@lionsclubs.org.nz.

October, 2015 ❖ Page 9

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Auckland InvolvedIn Massive Shakeout

Nearly half a million Aucklanders registered on the ShakeOut website and thousands more participated alongside colleagues at work in the national earthquake drill at 9.15am on the morning of October 15.

ShakeOut is an international initiative created to help people and organisations be better prepared for major earthquakes by practising ‘Drop, Cover and Hold’, the right action to take during an earthquake.

Every year New Zealand experiences more than 20,000 earthquakes. Most of them are too small or deep in the earth to be noticed, but more than 100 are big enough to be felt. While Aucklanders generally have a low level of concern about these catastrophic natural disasters, the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 have proven a severe earthquake can occur at any time, and in unexpected locations.

Auckland Council Civil Defence and Emergency Management Director John Dragicevich thanks everyone for their involvement in ShakeOut this year.

“We’re so impressed with the large number of Aucklanders who took part, from individuals and families to schools, shops, businesses and other organisations. Thank you all for your support in helping New Zealand become the first country in the world to take part in the global drill this year.”

New faces at the Post Shop!Blockhouse Bay residents will see new faces when they go to post their letters. The stationers and PostShop comes under new management from October 1. The incoming managers are Jaini and Prakash Patel. All postal, courier, PO Box and bill payment services will operate as usual. Kiwibank services will no longer be offered, due to low banking volumes. Kiwibank users will need to use the Lynfield branch instead. New Zealand Post will support customers and the Patels through the transition and will provide in-store consultants to discuss alternative banking methods.

Page 10 ❖ October, 2015

Whats On - Spring/Summer 2015The sun is shining and its workshop time again!

The weather is finally warming and it’s the perfect time of year to be thinking about better living and EcoMatters is here to help. All of our workshops for this Spring/Summer edition are designed to empower you with the tools, knowledge and confidence you need to get your garden shipshape, solar energy in place, having creative fun with the kids including gift making for Christmas, through to building yourself an affordable high performance home.

We also have some exciting new permaculture design courses coming up in association with Daniel Tohill and Carl Pickens from Otamatea Ecovillage. Participants will get theoretical and practical experience in a rural permaculture setting (and get to enjoy a natural/biological swimming pool too!). Our new Environment Centre at 1 Olympic Place is starting to shape up with painting first off the block. The former Sustainable Living Centre at 4 Olympic Place is now an office for EcoMatters project staff featuring stylish upcycled desking, lighting and pallet window seats.

Hosted by Laurie Dee, Inventor, Hedgehog Sat 31 Oct, from 10.30am-12.30pm, Cost: $20Held at EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Pl, New Lynn.

It falls! It’s free! Catch it while you can! Entertaining and multi-talented presenter Laurie Dee will show you how to calculate how much rain your roof can capture, and how to take practical advantage of it. Step-by-step rain barrel instruction with tips and money saving ideas. Set up your barrels before summer hits.

Hosted by Shaye Boddington Wed 4 Nov, from 6.30pm-8pm, Cost $20Held at EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Pl, New Lynn.

Small is BIG right now! Get the low-down from Shaye who has designed and helped build her own cute and highly functional tiny house. Tiny Homes provide a flexible solution for anyone wanting to escape the rental trap but can’t afford to buy the traditional kiwi dream. It’s time to think outside the square.POINTS COVERED: • How to “downsize” your life • How to finalise a design • How much money has living TINY saved us? • Legal stuff (both in keeping it road legal and council friendly) • Choosing a trailer (your house ‘foundation’) • How to build a Tiny Trailer House.

Green Xmas - Making Groovy Upcycled GiftsHosted by Buffie Mawhinney,Funk up My JunkSat 5 & Sun 6 Dec from 10.30am-12.30pmCost $25 for one day, $40 for both days. Materials provided.Held at EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Pl, New Lynn.

Avoid excess Christmas consumerism and take part in this fun workshop instead! Learn to make your own upcycled gifts for friends and family. A range of wood, paint and other small building materials will be available to enable you to create a wide selection of gifts from photo holder to personalised wall hangings and much more. Projects range from very easy to medium difficulty (for ages 12 and over) so everyone can make a couple of items.

Landmark Pines Up for Removal The Auckland Council is about to decide the fate of eleven 90 year old Monterey Pine trees in Blockhouse Bay village in Gittos Domain, directly behind the Blockhouse Bay shops. These are the skyline pines that you can see from as far away as the intersection of Blockhouse Bay Road with Rosebank Road and the same trees that you glimpse all the way up to the village.

The same trees that you regard as part of the early colonial history of Blockhouse Bay, planted by Francis Gitto around 1920. They are listed as scheduled trees in the Unitary Plan because of their visual and historical significance, which means they should have the highest level of protection. But even though they can live to be 150 years old, they will probably not be there much longer. Not many people will know of their impending fate since Auckland Council Planners have already decided to remove them under a non-notified basis, meaning residents will not have an opportunity to provide their opinion.

The final decision rests with a Duty Commissioner, someone paid by the Council to provide “independent decisions” on resource consent notification. That will happen at the end of this week.

The decision to remove all 11 trees will proceed despite the fact that seven of them share a low risk of structural failure as reported in an arborist’s assessment undertaken by Council. Two trees at the end of the row have been earmarked for removal due to their lack of vigour but why fell all eleven? According to the Council, by removing some of the trees the visual amenity will be lost and the wind could impact them negatively. This despite the fact that Monterey Pines have historically always been planted on ridges and headlands because they withstand the elements so well. This despite the fact that according to the arborist, these trees show little signs of structural decay and thus have been assessed to require annual monitoring in contrast to shorter term higher risk monitoring.

So, if you are shocked and saddened at what is about to happen to compromise our neighbourhood amenity, please ring Council - either Katherine Exeter Intermediate Planner Resource Consents Officer or Nick Stott Heritage Arborist. Tell them you would like a say in a publically notified hearing. Tell them you are concerned about the complete removal of our row of notable trees.

Suzanne Caron

October, 2015 ❖ Page 11

Chinese Experience Adds Depth to Levels of Understanding

Four lucky and adventurous Year 5 girls from Blockhouse Bay Primary School spent their final week of term three visiting their sister school in China as well as seeing the awe-inspiring sights of Shanghai. The families of the ‘Fab Four’ had spent months fundraising for the trip to offset the costs and this certainly helped the parents as well as encouraging the girls to appreciate the experience.

To make the most of the time away, the girls spent three nights with Chinese families and gained a really good understanding of what it is like to live in this country. They also attended school with their host buddies and even performed Maori waiata and poi in front of almost 1000 children!

Two teachers set up the trip and accompanied the small group to ensure that everything went well. Peter Richmond had visited the school the previous year to establish the contacts and relationships required for a venture such as this. He was joined by Melody Casse whose knowledge of Mandarin certainly helped to ensure that everyone knew what was being said. Both teachers had a great time and were very impressed with the behaviour and attitude of the girls. “Their adventurous spirit and willingness to try new things certainly helped the group to make the most of this experience” Mr Richmond said.

Blockhouse Bay Primary School has had an Asian focus for a number of years and Principal Neil Robinson believes that this will give the children a real advantage in the future. “More and more of NZ companies are trading with Asia and giving children some knowledge and understanding of these cultures, can only help them in their future. All of our year 3-6 children spend time learning Mandarin and can continue on with this when they go to Intermediate or College,” he added.

In preparation for next year, parents of current year 4 students are being asked to come along to a special presentation evening where the four girls and their parents will talk about what they did to make the experience so successful. It is expected that even more children will be interested in making the trip next year.

Photo – left to right Peter Richmond, Sara Ranchhod, Melody Casse, Isabella Penney, Ella-Rae Lee Sang and Porsha Conning

Avondale Christian Kindergarten Cultural Launch

Avondale Christian Kindergarten recently celebrated their rich cultural diversity by having a Cultural Day. Families came to share the food, songs, dance, and traditional dress of their culture. Parents, children and teachers thoroughly enjoyed the day. A real highlight was when some of our young children performed songs and dance from their home culture. They were very brave!

“We had a wonderful time of sharing,” said Sonja, the head teacher. “Here in Avondale we are blessed to have so many fabulous cultures in the same community, and today was a celebration of this. We have up to 12 different cultures here at any one time. It’s great!”

If you have pre-schoolers and would like to join our kindergarten community, please visit our website on www.ackindy.org

We provide high quality teaching and care for 2½ to 5 yrs old

We offer 20hrs FREE for children over 2 ½*, in a stimulating, inviting and multicultural environment We have a fabulous new outdoor area that stimulates learning.

Spaces available now

Serving the Community for over 40 years

63 St Georges Rd, Avondale - ph 828 3222 - www.ackindy.org

A warm, caring, family atmosphere 100% qualified teachers All Day or Sessions: Morning or

Afternoon

For more information, contact Ruth on

ph 828 3222 www.ackindy.org

63 St Georges Rd Avondale, Auckland

Ph 09 828 3222 www.ackindy.org

Page 12 ❖ October 2015

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