OCTOBER 2015

E D I TEDITION
I O N 67
5 7

City Fringe FLYER

A Good Thing for Mt Albert
W

hen 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.

New MAGS
Principal
A 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 Ive
no doubt Patrick will be great in
the role. As much as were sad
to see Dale leaving the school
will be in good hands.

But for Sarah and Karen the store

means much more than products
on the shelves, its the chance to be
part of the rejuvenation of their own
neighbourhoods 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 weve
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 weve

created, celebrating the buildings
original 1920s features and adding
own touches to bring it into a
fabulous new era.

Pyrenees
caf protest
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,
thats how he described the ruling
which forced the Pyrenees Caf 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 caf where
supporters brought their own
tables and chairs in a stand against
the councils decision. Between
thirty and forty regulars turned up
to voice their concerns and offer
support to the popular caf owners.
As a regular to the caf himself Mr
Shearer was hoping the sit-in would

convince the council to reverse

its decision on the furniture.
Its the compliance police going
overboard, he said. And its the
final straw for our neighbourhood
already disappointed by council
over-promising and underachieving 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

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

and said that people at the council

should be there to help business
owners and the community in
general. She said Its a case of
David versus Goliath here and
people power. Im 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 caf which is on their own land
but a complaint from one resident
sparked the council to react. They
say the caf 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.

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

Consistently raisi
The Team

FOR SALE

Anne Duncan Real Estate Ltd

MREINZ

SO

LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENT (REAA 2008)

26 Wairere Ave, Mt Albert

Michelle Roache
$1,610,000

web ID AD13284

32 Tasman Ave MT ALBERT

Auction Wed 21 October
A fab, light filled, 3 dbl brm 1940s
bungalow, a perfect aspect for all
day sun. Set on a flat fenced 612m2.

Anne Duncan
021 996 426

Greg Whitta
021 992 612

John Covich
021 946 933

Vincent Barnao
021 275 8925

Jamie Morrison
021 684 400

SO

John Covich 021 946 933

FOR SALE
Emma Duncan
021 845 347

Wendy Keats
021 216 7332

Theo Thrasy
021 0277 6517

Kerry Glengarry
021 977 670

Sarah Williams
021 428 343

SO

31 Alexis Ave MT ALBERT

By Negotiation

SO
Mo Li
021 171 6366

Joe OSullivan
0279 154 781

Michelle Roache
021 615 207

Anya Poching
021 708 968

7A Tasman Ave, Mt Albert

Greg Whitta
$1,106,000

Mo Li 021 171 6366

FOR SALE

SO
Des Ryder
0274 222 334
Rentals

Shane Ryder
0274 222 585
Rentals

Tony Whyte
021 896 425
Rentals

Simon Puffett
021 222 2194
Rentals

Damian Sheridan
021 921 229
Rentals

web ID AD13252

7 Hawea Rd PT CHEV
PRICE: $1,850,000

HOW TO REACH US

1920s 2 level family home with 4 dbl

bedrooms, 2 ensuites, 3 bathrooms,
2 living & fabulous in/outdoor flow
to heated inground pool.

746 New North Road,

Mt Albert, Auckland
Ph 09 846 9470
www.anneduncan.co.nz

Vincent Barnao 0212 758 925

LD
SO

LD

Rachel Berry
021 1954 321

Joe OSullivan 0279 154 781

3/42A Kitenui Ave, Mt Albert

Jamie Morrison
$795,000

LD

32 Ennismore Rd, Mt Albert

Vincent Barnao
$1,161,000

web ID AD13274

LD
SO

LD

11D Highbury St, Mt Albert

Mo Li
$408,000

Greg Whitta 021 992 612

3dbl bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,

office & internal dbl garage. north
facing courtyard with fireplace.

LD

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). Well make contact after that.
Your name
Address

LD

1 Rossgrove Tce, Mt Albert

Kerry Glengarry
$926,000

SO

LD

16 Rossgrove Tce, Mt Albert

Anne Duncan, Emma Duncan
$1,285,000

SO

LD

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

34 Monaghan Ave, Mt Albert

John Covich
$1,260,000

SO

LD

Phone
16A Martin Ave, Mt Albert
Anne Duncan, Emma Duncan
$900,000

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

Youve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your father was.

48 Methuen Rd, New Windsor

Wendy Keats, Sarah Williams
$861,500

ing the standard in Real Estate

AUCTION

AUCTION

web ID AD13277

web ID AD13275

10 Asquith Ave MT ALBERT

33 Aurora Ave OWAIRAKA

1900s 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.

On 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.

Anne Duncan 021 996 426

Michelle Roache 021 615 207

Emma Duncan 021 845 347

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

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

AUCTION

AUCTION

web ID AD13281

web ID AD13280

1-2/6 Willcott St MT ALBERT

14B Batkin Rd NEW WINDSOR

1910s 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.

A 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.

Jamie Morrison 021 684 400

Anne Duncan 021 996 426

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

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

AUCTION

Emma Duncan 021 845 347

AUCTION

web ID AD13278

web ID AD13279

81 Rosamund Ave MT ALBERT

11 Caughey Pl MT ALBERT

1930s 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.

Beautifully presented 3 bdm 1950s 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.

Jamie Morrison 021 684 400

Kerry Glengarry 021 977 670

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

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

AUCTION

Anya Poching 021 708 968

AUCTION

web ID AD1 3283

web ID AD13282

2/17 Kingsway SANDRINGHAM

1/45A Asquith Ave MT ALBERT

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

1970s 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

Anne Duncan 021 996 426

Emma Duncan 021 845 347

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

Emma Duncan 021 845 347

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

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

E D I TI O N

5 7

City Fringe FLYER

E D I T I O N

5 7

Gladstone Primary Schools plastic bags pool

C

hildren 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 schools 200,000 litre pool.
The exercise was to highlight the
nasty effects plastic bags have
on New Zealands 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

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,

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.

A day in the life of local MP: David Shearer

What time do you get up & whats

for breakfast? I get up at 6am after
listening to the news, and head
out for a run or workout. Then its
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 theres something topical
happening in my portfolios of Foreign
Affairs and Consumer Affairs.

Three days a week Im in parliament,

so when Im 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 Im in Mt Albert I make
a point of getting around our topclass 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.
Its 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, theres nothing like an
early-morning walk or run along
Point Chev beach with my dog Tino.
Thats 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 Im not a good meeting
person - I get a bit frustrated with

the number of them I need to attend.

Theyre 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 its
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, Ive 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. Thats 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? Im away a fair
bit of the week, so family time is
important. But Im 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 wed 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. Its
important to know why youre there
and keep that in the front of your
mind.
David Shearer is the Member
of Parliament for Mt Albert, and
Labours spokesman on Foreign
Affairs and Consumer Affairs. He
lives in Pt Chevalier with his wife
Anuschka and their two teenage
children.

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