E D I T I O N 5 7

Pyrenees café protest

City Fringe FLYEROCTOBER 2015

EDITION 67

See all our listings at www.anneduncan.co.nz

Local MP David Shearer stepped in to offer his support to a local business that was the victim of council officials overzealous policies. “Bureaucracy gone mad,” that’s how he described the ruling which forced the Pyrenees Café to remove seating and pot plants from outside their premises a couple of months ago. So infuriated was Mr Shearer that he organised a protest outside the café where supporters brought their own tables and chairs in a stand against the council’s decision. Between thirty and forty regulars turned up to voice their concerns and offer support to the popular café owners. As a regular to the café himself Mr Shearer was hoping the sit-in would

convince the council to reverse its decision on the furniture. “It’s the compliance police going overboard,” he said. “And it’s the final straw for our neighbourhood already disappointed by council over-promising and under-achieving in Mt Albert”. Mr Shearer was referring to the town centre upgrade that has been planned for years and the fact that the railway over-bridge that was promised is not going to be funded by Auckland Transport after all. Anne Duncan echoed the sentiments of the MP

and said that people at the council should be there to help business owners and the community in general. She said “It’s a case of David versus Goliath here and people power. I’m thrilled we live in a community that care and those tables and chairs answered a need from the people that use it. Visually the outdoor seating was very pleasing and the pot plants livened up the concrete pathway.” The seating and plants were situated on the footpath outside the front of the café which is on their own land but a complaint from one resident sparked the council to react. They say the café is in breach of resource consent and an application had to be lodged for approval. The owners are now waiting for that consent to be signed off and hope that the table and chairs will be back on the pavement in time for summer.

When local friends Sarah Twist and Karen Burge

opened the doors to their new homewares, art and gift store Good Thing, it was a milestone for them but also a celebration for the wider community. Based on New North Rd, Good Thing offers beautiful homewares, gifts and cards, art, plants and fresh flowers.

The pair have sourced covetable brands from home and abroad and also represent a range of local and Australian artists with affordable and original artworks.

But for Sarah and Karen the store means much more than products on the shelves, it’s the chance to be part of the rejuvenation of their own neighbourhood’s main street.

Like many local shopping strips, over the years Mt Albert has been ravaged by a proliferation of big box and mall-style retailing and has been out of step with what the community wants.

“Local people want a vibrant local shopping strip for Mt Albert, like it used to be in days gone by. Since opening in early September we’ve had amazing support from the community; people have a real desire to shop local and support local retailers.”

Opening Good Thing is the

realisation of a long-held vision for Sarah, who has a background in sales, marketing and art consultancy, and Karen, who has had a career in journalism and communications.

“We had talked many times about how great it would be to have a local shop where we could buy gifts and homewares and one day decided it was time to stop talking and make it happen. If we could find the right shop location we would do it.”“We just love the space we’ve created, celebrating the building’s original 1920’s features and adding own touches to bring it into a fabulous new era.”

“On so many levels this store is a “Good Thing” just as the name suggests, not only as the realisation of our dream but for our community. We plan to hold events and fun social evenings for our customers as a place where people can come together, be proud of their neighbourhood and shop local. It’s a good thing for everyone.”

The pair hold the head lease on the shop next door which is vacant and hope to welcome a suitable tenant with the same vision and passion for reviving Mt Albert’s high street.

Good Thing is open Tuesday-Friday 9.30-5pm, Saturday 9.30 – 3 and Sunday 11-2. 849 New North Rd

New MAGS PrincipalA new Headmaster has been announced to replace Dale Burden who is leaving Mount Albert Grammer School.

Mr Patrick Drumm will take over the role as Principal of the school, beginning his tenure from Term 1 of 2016. Mr Drumm is currently the Principal of Botany Downs Secondary College and before that was the head of Aorere College for five years. Mr Drumm is very familiar with MAGS having grown up in Mt Albert where he still lives with his wife Anna and three children.

His grandfather Mr Reginald Harrop was a foundation student when MAGS opened in 1922. Outgoing Headmaster Dale Burden is moving to Cambridge to take over as Principal of St Peters. Speaking about the recent announcement Anne Duncan said: “On a personal note I whole-heartedly support the appointment as I’ve no doubt Patrick will be great in the role. As much as we’re sad to see Dale leaving the school will be in good hands.”

A Good Thing for Mt Albert

Tony Whyte021 896 425

Rentals

Shane Ryder0274 222 585

Rentals

Des Ryder0274 222 334

Rentals

Sarah Williams021 428 343

You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your father was.

City Fringe Flyer is a community newsletter and readers should seek professional guidance before acting on any advice, opinion or information found in its columns. It is published by Anne Duncan Real Estate Ltd, which cannot accept any

liability or responsibility for any loss or damage suffered by any individual or group acting on any material it contains.Editorial inquiries: donna.whyte@anneduncan.co.nz

Anne Duncan Real Estate Ltd MREINZLICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENT (REAA 2008)The Team

746 New North Road, Mt Albert, Auckland

Ph 09 846 9470www.anneduncan.co.nz

HOW TO REACH US

THINKING OF SELLING?

For an obligation-free appraisal of your home, fill out this slip and drop/post it into our offices: 746 New North Rd (opposite Rocket Park). We’ll make contact after that.

Your name

Address

Phone

What best describes your position? (tick)

Keen to sell now/soon

Need appraisal before making up my mind

Simply interested in what my house is worth

Jamie Morrison021 684 400

Vincent Barnao021 275 8925

Emma Duncan021 845 347

Wendy Keats021 216 7332

Kerry Glengarry021 977 670

Theo Thrasy021 0277 6517

Simon Puffett 021 222 2194

Rentals

Damian Sheridan 021 921 229

Rentals

Greg Whitta021 992 612

John Covich021 946 933

Anne Duncan021 996 426

Mo Li021 171 6366

Joe O’Sullivan0279 154 781

Michelle Roache021 615 207

Anya Poching021 708 968

Rachel Berry021 1954 321

Consistently raising the standard in Real Estate

3/42A Kitenui Ave, Mt AlbertJamie Morrison

$795,000

SOLD

16A Martin Ave, Mt AlbertAnne Duncan, Emma Duncan

$900,000

SOLD

48 Methuen Rd, New WindsorWendy Keats, Sarah Williams

$861,500

SOLD

34 Monaghan Ave, Mt AlbertJohn Covich$1,260,000

SOLD

16 Rossgrove Tce, Mt AlbertAnne Duncan, Emma Duncan

$1,285,000

SOLD

1 Rossgrove Tce, Mt AlbertKerry Glengarry

$926,000

SOLD

7A Tasman Ave, Mt AlbertGreg Whitta $1,106,000

SOLD

32 Ennismore Rd, Mt AlbertVincent Barnao

$1,161,000

SOLD

11D Highbury St, Mt AlbertMo Li

$408,000

SOLD

26 Wairere Ave, Mt AlbertMichelle Roache

$1,610,000

SOLD

web ID AD13252

7 Hawea Rd PT CHEVPRICE: $1,850,0001920’s 2 level family home with 4 dbl bedrooms, 2 ensuites, 3 bathrooms, 2 living & fabulous in/outdoor flow to heated inground pool.

Vincent Barnao 0212 758 925

FOR SALE

web ID AD13284

32 Tasman Ave MT ALBERTAuction Wed 21 OctoberA fab, light filled, 3 dbl brm 1940’s bungalow, a perfect aspect for all day sun. Set on a flat fenced 612m2.

Greg Whitta 021 992 612

John Covich 021 946 933

FOR SALE

web ID AD13274

31 Alexis Ave MT ALBERTBy Negotiation3dbl bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, office & internal dbl garage. north facing courtyard with fireplace.

Joe O’Sullivan 0279 154 781

Mo Li 021 171 6366

FOR SALE

Consistently raising the standard in Real Estate

Anne Duncan Auction Centre - 746 New North Rd, Mt Albert

AUCTION

web ID AD13277

10 Asquith Ave MT ALBERT 1900’s Villa, located in the heart of Mt Albert. Offering 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, separate lounge, open plan kitchen and dining with the bonus of a huge basement rumpus room.

Anne Duncan 021 996 426 Emma Duncan 021 845 347

AUCTION 7pm Wednesday 21 October 2015. Unless sold prior.

AUCTION

web ID AD13275

33 Aurora Ave OWAIRAKAOn the market for the first time in 30 years, this property is a do up or an opportunity to rebuld. Investors should also search out the development potential of this property.

Michelle Roache 021 615 207

AUCTION 7pm Wednesday 28 October 2015. Unless sold prior.

AUCTION

web ID AD13281

1-2/6 Willcott St MT ALBERT1910’s villa that has been converted into two flats, each with their own courtyard and carport. The first flat has two bedrooms and the second has one bedroom with an office.

Jamie Morrison 021 684 400

AUCTION 7pm Wednesday 28 October 2015. Unless sold prior.

AUCTION

web ID AD13280

14B Batkin Rd NEW WINDSORA superb first start, family home or investment in a sought after New Windsor location. Featuring 4 bedrooms, separate lounge and dining with fenced yard area for the kids.

Anne Duncan 021 996 426 Emma Duncan 021 845 347

AUCTION 7pm Wednesday 28 October 2015. Unless sold prior.

AUCTION

web ID AD13278

81 Rosamund Ave MT ALBERT1930’s bungalow on a large, freehold site with a recent extension. The property offers great indoor outdoor flow from several areas of the home. All this in a superb location.

Jamie Morrison 021 684 400

AUCTION 7pm Wednesday 28 October 2015. Unless sold prior.

AUCTION

web ID AD13279

11 Caughey Pl MT ALBERTBeautifully presented 3 bdm 1950’s bungalow on a freehold site. Open plan living flows out to the fully fenced back yard. Located in a cul-de-sac. MAGS and Gladstone zone.

Kerry Glengarry 021 977 670 Anya Poching 021 708 968

AUCTION 7pm Wednesday 28 October 2015. Unless sold prior.

AUCTION

web ID AD1 3283

2/17 Kingsway SANDRINGHAMA large 1970’s 2 bedroom brick and tile unit which has new kitchen and bathroom. Spacious open plan living. Single garage and laundry area an added bonus.

Anne Duncan 021 996 426 Emma Duncan 021 845 347

AUCTION 7pm Wednesday 28 October 2015. Unless sold prior.

AUCTION

web ID AD13282

1/45A Asquith Ave MT ALBERT1970’s 2 bedroom unit with open plan kitchen, dining and lounge. Handy to schools, public transport and motorways. Gladstone and MAGS zones.

Anne Duncan 021 996 426 Emma Duncan 021 845 347

AUCTION 7pm Wednesday 28 October 2015. Unless sold prior.

There is only one thing worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about. (Oscar Wilde)

A day in the life of local MP: David Shearer

E D I T I O N 5 7

Gladstone Primary School’s plastic bags poolChildren from Gladstone Primary

School made headlines recently for doing their bit to help the environment and the local area. Pupils had the mammoth task of collecting as many plastic bags as they could find in order to fill up the school’s 200,000 litre pool. The exercise was to highlight the nasty effects plastic bags have on New Zealand’s waterways and wildlife. And it only took two weeks to fill the entire pool with the plastic pollutants. The children made it their mission to collect as many bags as they could in order to rid their homes and suburbs of them. The school had spent the past term studying the ocean and the effect that rubbish can have on the environment.

Students were shocked to see just how many bags end up in the sea. Year 5 teacher Megan Earley said she wanted to show the children that a simple act can make a huge difference on the environment and

McLean St and Richardson Rd. If the zone is implemented by the ministry, residents living in those streets will be able to pick which school their child attends. Consultation with the community and neighbouring schools is ongoing and nothing has been finalised yet for the introduction of the enrolment zone. Owairaka District School has plans to build five new classrooms to cater for the expanding roll growth.

that the choices they make today will have consequences tomorrow. “Many marine animals mistake plastic bags in the ocean as food,” she said. “This is a serious concern for the animals. We collected plastic bags to see what they would look like in a small place. Our advice is to use canvas bags so we can be part of the solution, not the pollution.”

Meanwhile The Ministry of Education has proposed the introduction of

an enrolment zone at Owairaka District School to ensure classes do not get too overcrowded. The proposed zone that was drawn up has an area that overlaps the Gladstone School zone meaning that some streets would be in both school zones. The streets included in the zone are Allendale Rd, New North Rd (from Woodward to Mt Albert Rd), Mt Albert Rd, Stilwell Rd, Summit Drive, Toroa Ave, Ferner Ave, Sadgrove Tce, Kerr-Taylor Ave,

E D I T I O N 5 7

City Fringe FLYER

Three days a week I’m in parliament, so when I’m in Wellington the focus is on the various activities around select committees and question time, often until 10pm when parliament closes for the day. On the days I’m in Mt Albert I make a point of getting around our top-class schools, local businesses, and dealing with the many constituent issues that come through the door. I recently dropped into MOTAT and met with new CEO Michael Frawley, for example, to hear about his vision for its development. Pretty inspiring. It’s my job to stay in the loop with our major institutions, and support their plans. Favourite part of your day? When I can fit it in, there’s nothing like an early-morning walk or run along Point Chev beach with my dog Tino. That’s pretty magic. But what I enjoy most is not so much all the official functions, but simply chatting with people in the street, shops, and cafes, and getting a feel for what matters to them and their community. Keeping a finger on the pulse is an important part of being a good representative in Wellington. Least favourite part of your day? I confess I’m not a good meeting person - I get a bit frustrated with

the number of them I need to attend. They’re an important part of the job, but I prefer getting on with it. How did you get into your profession? I used to work as a humanitarian aid worker, most recently for the United Nations in Iraq and Gaza – but the day came when I felt I wanted to contribute to my own country. Politics is where it’s possible to make a difference. It tied in with Anuschka and I wanting to bring our kids home to grow up as kiwis and know where they belong. Best thing about your job? When there are tangible results. Over the past year, for example, I’ve worked hard to publicise and pressure power companies to bring electricity prices down for families who are on the prepay system. Last month, the last stubborn power company brought their prepay prices within the range of fairness. That means a lot of people will get a better deal and save hundreds of dollars. That’s a cool feeling. Most memorable moments – good or bad? Being elected in the Mt Albert by-election was a definite high. And it was a real privilege being elected leader of the Labour Party. How do you unwind? I’m away a fair bit of the week, so family time is important. But I’m a keen amateur

gardener. I keep it going all year, but in summer I produce most of the vegetables for our family, and find it a great way to relax. At this time of year I look forward to dusting off the barbecue and inviting friends over for dinner, a beer, and perhaps a bit of guitar.Favourite holiday destination? We lived overseas for many years but we’d always come home for a Northland summer, camping at the beach. We still go to the same place with the same friends and family but a few years ago bought some land – without phone or electricity connections. Great stuff. What advice would you give to people considering a career in Parliament? Think carefully about why you want to go into politics and what you want to achieve. Much of it can be tough and distracting. It’s important to know why you’re there and keep that in the front of your mind.• David Shearer is the Member of Parliament for Mt Albert, and Labour’s spokesman on Foreign Affairs and Consumer Affairs. He lives in Pt Chevalier with his wife Anuschka and their two teenage children.

What time do you get up & what’s for breakfast? I get up at 6am after listening to the news, and head out for a run or workout. Then it’s usually back for poached eggs on Vogels and plenty of coffee..What does a normal day look like for a politician? Early mornings are for catching up on the news, sometimes a breakfast radio interview - especially if there’s something topical happening in my portfolios of Foreign Affairs and Consumer Affairs.