Sleep Space says a common dilemma they experience is when clients who are about to move into a retirement village, or even just a smaller home, is that they’re literally not sure where to start in their search for a new bed. Photo supplied Unsplash.com Zulian Firmansyah
At Sleep Space, we are very pleased to launch our Village Lifestyle Packages, which are specifically made for our Retirement village customers.
A common dilemma that we come across from our clients who are about to move into a retirement village, or even just a smaller home, is that they are literally not sure where to start in their search for a new bed.
The space is usually more restricted than it was in the family home, and other requirements may have changed as well.
We are a family business and we are here to help.
Here are some of the features and services we offer with our Lifestyle Village Packages:
A choice of beautiful Warwick fabrics for the perfect individualised Headboard and base.
Three Headboard designs to choose from.
The option of drawers in the base for much needed storage.
Elegant and simple floating base design.
Three mattress comfort levels which all include 5 zone pocket springs and sumptuous NZ wool for ultimate insulation.
A choice of size to perfectly fit your new bedroom living space.
Full ten year warranty.
All proudly made in New Zealand.
Our no charge, ‘white glove’ 2 man delivery and installation service courtesy of our good friends at Smart Express.
Finally, we offer a further 5% discount for all seniors card holders, even on our sale prices.
– Deb Deb, Col and Kian at Sleep Space, Sylvia Park.
Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin of Counties Manukau CIB says: “This is a first step in our public appeal and police are determined to hold the person responsible for Arthur’s death to account, no matter how much time has passed.” Times file photo
Police have today announced a $100,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the person responsible for murdering Arthur Easton 39 years ago.
Counties Manukau Police say the operation is “re-examining the events of that fateful Sunday night in Papakura, on October 13, 1985, after an intruder was disturbed in the Easton family home”.
Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin of Counties Manukau CIB is releasing a fresh public appeal for information, alongside a reward.
“The investigation is being run out of Counties Manukau district, with a team of professional and highly motivated investigators,” Adkin says.
“This is a first step in our public appeal and police are determined to hold the person responsible for Arthur’s death to account, no matter how much time has passed.
“As part of this reward, immunity against prosecution will be considered for any accomplice, not being a principal offender, who gives information or evidence that leads to a successful conviction.”
The late Arthur Easton. Photo supplied
The Commissioner of Police will determine the amount of the reward and will apportion it if there is more than one claimant, police say.
The reward remains in place until January 24, 2025.
Police say, 39 years ago, a male intruder entered the Easton family home on Grove Road, Papakura, at 8pm on Sunday, October 13, 1985.
One of Arthur’s sons disturbed the intruder and alerted the household.
The intruder was wearing a brown woollen hat pulled down over his face, police say, and armed with a bayonet.
Easton and his two teenage sons confronted the intruder in the hallway, leading to a violent altercation, police say.
The 52-year-old received multiple stab wounds and later succumbed to the injuries at the scene.
Police say the offender escaped the Grove Road property and fled through a walkway adjacent to the property leading to Alma Crescent.
The woollen hat and bayonet were recovered at the Grove Road property.
To this day, police say, Easton’s killer remains at large, and the new investigation will work to bring the culprit before the justice system.
“This homicide happened nearly four decades ago, but we know there will be people still in the community today that know who is responsible,” Adkin says.
“Time can help bring perspective and, in this case, it might be an opportunity to get this off your conscience.”
Adkin says the Easton family deserve answers.
“The violent actions that night have denied the Eastons important years with Arthur, and we need to bring them some closure.”
As part of the operation, police say they’ve been reviewing evidence gathered in 1985.
“Police are conscious that charges have been laid over actions taken in the original homicide investigation, and subsequent appeals,” Adkin says.
“What we’re very clear about is that Alan Hall is not the man responsible for Arthur’s death.”
Police have opened a direct phone line to the investigation team through the creation of an 0800 number and email address: 0800 GROVE 1985 (0800 47683 1985); Operation.Grove1985@police.govt.nz. Reference number 200520/4108.
Police say, “anyone with information is urged to make contact to assist in this investigation”.
Other information can be provided by updating police online, by calling 105, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police have also released a statement on behalf of Arthur Easton’s family:
“Thirty-nine years ago, our lives were shattered when our father was brutally murdered in our home.
“He was a kind, hardworking man who cherished his family.
“He would have liked nothing better than seeing his children grow up, be there for their important moments and would have loved being a grandfather.
“We have been robbed of a lifetime of memories with him.
“The pain of his loss and the unanswered questions continue to haunt us every day.
“We believe someone out there knows something that could help bring his killer to justice.
“Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
“If you have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please do the right thing, come forward and help us find peace.”
Tabling of the letter from Speedway New Zealand prompted the recent Auckland Council meeting to come to an abrupt halt and council staff huddled at the back of the room to quickly discuss the procedural matter. Photo supplied
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Plans to consolidate speedway were thrown into question after a letter suggested Auckland Council misrepresented Speedway New Zealand.
At a recent council Governing Body meeting, councillors deferred making a decision on whether to transfer $11 million of funding to the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board for speedway at Waikaraka Park.
The $11m would be used to consolidate speedway in Auckland, winding up speedway activity at Western Springs Stadium.
The adjournment of the meeting for a later decision came after councillor John Watson read out a letter from Speedway New Zealand that was sent to him.
“At no time was Speedway New Zealand notified of any consolidation of speedway at Waikaraka Park nor were we informed that the letter requesting support for the continued funding of Waikaraka Park would be used in such a way,” Watson reiterated.
A letter from Speedway New Zealand, dated August 19, was attached to the meeting agenda and said the organisation ‘wholeheartedly support the ongoing investment by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited to upgrade the facilities at Waikaraka Park’.
Watson read out that Speedway New Zealand felt the use of the August 19 letter to support consolidation was a complete misrepresentation of the intent of the letter.
Watson said Speedway New Zealand’s withdrawn support was on top of a number of procedural irregularities regarding the issue.
“It questions the credibility of this process. There has already been a number of objections put on the record formally as to the way this matter has been conducted,” Watson said.
The letter prompted the meeting to come to an abrupt halt and council staff huddled at the back of the room.
After the break, council chief executive Phil Wilson advised councillors to adjourn the issue till a later date.
“I have got a professional responsibility to keep this process safe and to make sure that you have confidence in it,” Wilson said.
Councillor Andy Baker questioned the role of Speedway New Zealand, a national organisation, in what happens regionally in Auckland.
Baker noted how Speedway New Zealand had not sent the letter to all councillors, and said “the irony of the transparency comments are not lost on me”.
Councillor Josephine Bartley said she did not want to defer the decision and questioned what would happen if more letters came in.
“I thought we were doing Speedway a favour by providing them an option to future proof their sport. Clearly, they don’t see it that way,” Bartley said.
CCO governance and external partnerships manager Alastair Cameron said council staff had a professional obligation to bring councillors accurate information.
“We have put up a report which, through new information, we may have misrepresented the position, or we may not of for an organisation. We just want to clarify that,” Cameron said.
The Governing Body is due to reconvene for a decision tomorrow, October 30.
One of the vehicles seized by police during a large gang event on the weekend. Photo supplied
Four drivers have had their vehicles seized and will now face court following a Tribesman Outlaw Motorcycle Club event in Counties Manukau on the weekend.
Counties Manukau East Police area prevention manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says a number of teams worked across the Labour Weekend holiday weekend to target and disrupt unlawful gang-related activity.
He says three people were charged with sustained loss of traction and one for driving while forbidden.
“All four drivers also had their vehicles impounded,” Cook says.
“Police actively monitored this event to ensure the roads were safe for all users.
“Overall, we’re pleased with the result and will continue to hold people to account for actions that put themselves and others at risk.”
Cook says further follow-up enquires will now get under way into the driving behaviour by all those involved in the event.
“We’d also like to acknowledge those motorists who reported some of the poor driving behaviour, which will assist our investigation.
“This information will be followed up to ensure anyone who was seen putting others in danger will be held accountable.”
Anyone with information or who has witnessed any concerning behaviour is encouraged to report it to police by phoning 105.
Cassandra Peer is being praised for transforming a food pantry in Howick. Photo supplied
The Times is recognising the many wonderful people in our local east Auckland community who go out of their way to help others with our regular Community Hero award.
If you know someone who’s doing amazing things in our community please email 50 to 100 words describing why they deserve this recognition, highlighting specific actions they’ve taken to benefit our community, with your and their contact details and a high-resolution photo of them if possible to chrish@times.co.nz.
Be sure to include details about what they’ve been doing, the impact they’ve made, and how long they’ve been involved in these efforts.
The award is sponsored by New World Howick. Recipients will receive a $50 New World gift card and will be featured in our newspaper and on our website.
This week’s recipient is Cassandra Peer, who fixed and used art to transform the community food pantry in Cook Street, Howick.
She was nominated by 19 people including Joy Phillips, Sara Bloore, Ulandi, Jo Charman, Sherol, Bernadette, Sarah Waghorn, Sonja Buhac, Celeste, Karen Symons, Cathryn Putman, Helen Rayner, Simon Lockhart, Audrie Ajan, Nadine, Colette Schlaffer, Mike Peer, Sharlet Aarons, and Celeste Robberts, all of whom praised Cassandra’s inspiring efforts and desire to help others.
Their sentiment is best summed up by nominator Sonja Buhac, who writes: “I want to recognise Cassandra Peer for the incredible impact she has on our community.
“Cassandra goes the extra mile for everyone in her life, always striving to create a healthy and happy environment. Her constant smile and ability to make lifelong friends are truly inspiring.
“One of her recent initiatives – a beautifully painted food box – has made a significant difference.
“Since she took the time to enhance it and fill it, the food box has overflowed with donations, encouraging others to contribute. It’s amazing to see how something so small can lead to such a positive change.
“Cassandra is a shining example of community spirit, and I’m grateful to have her in our lives.”
The current Howick Local Board, from left, Bruce Kendall, Peter Young, Mike Turinsky, Adele White, deputy chairperson Bo Burns, chairperson Damian Light, John Spiller, Katrina Bungard and David Collings. File photo supplied
Despite strong opposition from several of its members the Howick Local Board has voted to open its currently confidential workshops to the public from January 1 next year.
The issue recently came before the board following a recommendation from the Ombudsman for local boards to open their workshops by default to increase transparency.
Before the board voted on the recommendation, its members shared their views.
Member John Spiller said the legislation states there’s no statutory requirement for a non-decision-making workshop to be open.
“I believe if the Ombudsman’s office believes it has just cause to question the way a particular board functions, then it should investigate that … on a case-by-case basis and not recommend blanket operational outcomes for all local boards.”
Board member Adele White also argued against opening workshops to the public.
“There’s a potential of our discussions being shared out of context or misinterpreted by the community before those items have reached the decision-making stage at a business meeting.”
Deputy chairperson Bo Burns said before joining the board she would have supported opening workshops to the public, but now that she understands the process she doesn’t.
“I think being able to have frank and open discussions among the board members … and there’s certain topics particularly that are sensitive or complex that have background information the public wouldn’t know, and they’d only hear in that workshop, and the dialogue won’t be in context.”
Chairperson Damian Light said before he was elected to the board he appreciated being able to attend its meetings in the public gallery “and listen and observe and understand the process and see the workings”.
“I like workshops, I think they’re important, and it’s good we have those free and frank conversations and ask questions and get information.
“But I think knowing that beforehand and having access to that, as a member of the public … it’s a good thing, it’s a positive thing.”
Members Katrina Bungard, David Collings, Bruce Kendall and Light voted in favour of the recommendation, with Burns, Spiller, White and Peter Young voting against it.
With it deadlocked at four votes each, Light used his casting vote to pass the recommendation.
Disclosure: Howick Local Board deputy chair Bo Burns is the owner of the Times.
Ted Waters, left, and Charles Miller. Photo supplied
By Charles Miller
I recently had the privilege of sharing a moment with Ted Waters, known to most as Ted, an iconic Howick business personality.
With four hospitality venues clustered around the west end of Picton Street, he’s arguably ‘the host with the most!’
Ted’s journey began in Taranaki, followed by family moves to Lower Hutt and Pukeoware.
His father, a sports journalist turned business owner, influenced him early on, passing down an entrepreneurial spirit and a capacity for hard work, traits that have served him extremely well.
Also, as a keen cricketer, Ted’s early years on Auckland’s pitches and a spell in Manchester helped develop his resilience and teamwork.
After a short stint in logistics, Ted realised he was best suited working for himself.
He started with an antique shop at 31 Picton Street, marking the beginning of his journey as a business owner.
From there, his ventures grew, culminating in a hospitality hub that includes The Apothecary, Daisy Chang, Piggy, and most recently Despensa.
Today, his establishments are all popular destinations of choice in Howick, known for their eclectic ambiance and quality.
He and the team are currently celebrating Daisy Chang’s being named east Auckland’s Restaurant of the Year.
Ted’s talent for building strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and business partners has been key to his success. He believes in collaboration and the strength of networks.
Surrounding himself with capable support, like his business partner Carmen Holmes and close business associates, Ted is free to focus on what he does best: creating unique customer experiences.
Through his hands-on approach, from personally collecting produce each morning to connecting with patrons daily, and a knack for understanding ‘what people truly want’, he keeps in tune with his supply chain and market, ensuring his offerings are always fresh and on point.
Challenges have been plentiful, but Ted views them as “school fees rather than failures”.
This attitude helped his businesses survive and thrive through the Covid-19 pandemic, with innovative events like BBQs, comedy nights, and, of course, the famous bottomless oyster and prawn lunch with another one coming on December 13.
Daisy Chang, the newest venue at the time, played a critical role in supporting the whole group during that tough period. Ted is a son, husband, father, and proud ‘Howickian.’
He’s deeply committed to Howick’s business community and enjoys supporting emerging entrepreneurs and supporting local businesses.
His availability, generosity, and commitment flow from his passion for Howick’s unique village feel.
Ted’s venues are more than places to eat and drink. They’re spaces that vibrate with energy, fun, and innovation.
His secret? “Great service, happy staff, and employing ‘characters’ who enjoy what they do and back it up with their actions.”
This simple formula keeps customers coming back. For Ted, business is about more than just profit.
It’s about connection, community, and creating an environment where people can come together to enjoy good food, good company, and a sense of belonging. With another venture in the making, watch this space.
A Westpac rescue helicopter crew was called to Maraetai Beach this afternoon. File photo supplied
A person has tragically died following an incident at Maraetai Beach in east Auckland today.
A police spokesperson says: “A woman in her 40s has died following a water-related incident off Maraetai Beach this afternoon.
“Emergency services were called to the scene around 3.30pm.
“Attempts to resuscitate the woman were unsuccessful and she died at the scene.”
The Times reported earlier that emergency services including police and St John Ambulance were this afternoon – October 28 – responding to an incident at Maraetai Beach.
Fire and Emergency NZ and the Westpac rescue helicopter have responded also.
A St John spokesperson told the Times: “Hato Hone St John was notified of a water-related incident on Maraetai Driveat 3.17pm.
“We responded with one ambulance, one rapid response unit, one helicopter, and one first response unit to the scene.
Shamrock Cottage’s tasty cheese scones are often sold out by 11am each day. Photo supplied
By Times Junior Journalist Rio Carter
East Auckland has many cafés and almost always there’s a café on each corner of every street.
Many of these cafés sell the beloved cheese scones. But one place stands out to the people of east Auckland – Shamrock Cottage’s cheese scones.
When the waiters at this refurbished cottage-café were asked, they said they made about 50 scones per day, the majority being turned into cheese scones, along with a smaller amount of other flavoured scones, which are also delicious.
Though these many scones are made every day, they’re always, every single day, sold out by 10-11am.
These delicious scones can be bought by calling 09 533 1370 or going to them in person at 73 Selwyn Road, Howick.
Rio Carter is in year 7 at Bucklands Beach Intermediate School
New Zealand’s business sales market is gaining momentum, presenting exciting opportunities for owners.
Our 15th Market Intelligence Report, covering the 12 months to September, 2024, reveals an 8 per cent increase in sales volumes, driven by a renewed interest in business ownership.
But what does this mean for those contemplating a sale?
After a downturn that began in December, 2022, average business sale prices have rebounded, rising by 5 per cent to $874,000.
This upward trend signals a resurgence of confidence in the market.
Last week’s 50 basis point drop in interest rates to 4.75 per cent is making finance more accessible, and as rates continue to fall, buyer confidence is expected to strengthen further.
Compounding this positive outlook is the record buyer demand.
A staggering 22,404 potential purchasers entered the market in the past year, a remarkable 45 per cent increase from the previous year.
With more buyers competing for a relatively stable supply of businesses, up only 2 per cent, this environment presents a unique opportunity for sellers.
For business owners, understanding these market dynamics is crucial.
Effective preparation, including accurate pricing, strategic market positioning, and optimal timing, will be essential to maximise your sale in this increasingly favourable climate.
As you navigate this shifting landscape, consider the key question: Is your business ready to attract the right buyer?
Daren Leng, Senior Business Broker, phone 021 0278 6045 or email darenl@abcbusiness.co.nz
Police want to hear from anyone who saw the suspect in a fatal bus stabbing on Wednesday this week. Photo supplied
Police investigating a fatal stabbing on an Auckland bus want to hear from anyone who saw the victim or offender prior to the incident.
Auckland City Police Relieving District Crime Manager, Acting Detective Inspector Alisse Robertson, says work is ongoing to establish the victim’s movements on the day she died, Wednesday this week, and the public’s help is being sought.
“Police continue to establish the victim’s movement’s and now believe she may have known the man charged with her murder.
“Ongoing enquiries have included reviewing a range of CCTV footage in the Panmure and Onehunga area between 8.30am and 1.30pm on Wednesday, October 23, which show the victim with a man at several points throughout the day.
“Police continue to establish their movements through that area.”
Police want to hear from anyone who was in the following areas and times, and may have information to share:
• Outside Woolworths Onehunga, about 8.30am;
• Boarding a bus on Church Street, Onehunga, at about 9am and disembarking at 9.30am at a bus stop on Tripoli Road, Panmure;
• Between 1.30pm and 2pm, in the Panmure township and its bus station;
• About 2pm, boarding the No.74 Bus at the Panmure Bus Station.
Police would like to hear from anyone who saw the victim and the man wearing a:
• Baseball cap with ‘Niue’ written across the front
• A zip-up camo-coloured hooded sweatshirt
• A light coloured pants and white shoes
• Carrying a black backpack
The victim, Bernice Marychurch, was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, light coloured shorts, black shoes and carrying a black satchel.
Information can be provided to police by making an online report at www.105.police.govt.nz using “Update Report” or by calling 105.
Please use reference number 241023/8926.
Following the fatal stabbing, a man handed himself in at the North Shore police station on Thursday this week.
The 37-year-old has been charged with murder, threatening to kill, assault and burglary.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care report details the experiences of numerous New Zealanders who were victimised. Stock photo
Warning – this story contains details of sexual abuse
A man who says he was raped several decades ago at an east Auckland health camp is among the brave survivors who detailed their horrific experiences for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
The five-year inquiry examined the abuse and neglect of children, young people and adults in the care of the state and faith-based institutions in New Zealand between 1950 and 1999.
Its resulting report, which was delivered to the Government earlier this year, is almost 3000 pages.
Among the harrowing experiences of abuse it details are those of victims sent to health camps established as a short-term care option for children considered to be in need of rest, exercise, and nutritious meals.
By the 1950s seven permanent health camps had been established around New Zealand with one located in Pakuranga.
“Survivors were subjected to degrading and violent abuse and neglect at the hands of authority figures who were responsible for their care,” the report states.
“Some survivors of physical abuse at health camps recall seeing it happen to other children.
“As well as physical violence, survivors, some of whom were aged from five to seven years old, were also subjected to sexual abuse, including sexual harassment, sexual assaults and rape.”
Among the survivors who recounted their experience to the inquiry is a man identified in the report as ‘Mr V’.
He said: “I got sent to Pakuranga Health Camp in term 2 of 1987. I was sexually abused by a staff member at Pakuranga Health Camp. Eventually, the abuse progressed to rape.”
Another survivor, Mr KE, said nightshift carers would check on the children as they slept.
“If a child had urinated in their bed, staff would put them in the shower and sexually abuse them.
“After the abuse was finished, I would get put back in bed and was given stickers and told how much of a good boy I was.”
Abusers at the camps were highly manipulative, the report states, using their positions of power to get children alone, then threatening them about not disclosing the abuse to anyone.
Another survivor, Mr NK, described how an older male staff member whispered sexual things in his ear and tried to touch him under his clothes.
“He said if I say anything he will do the same to my little brother … I was very scared that he would sexually abuse [my brother] and so I put up with it.”
A survivor identified as Mr KP described being assaulted by a male staff member at the health camp.
“I was sexually assaulted by him on at least three occasions, two times in the carving room on school grounds, and one time in the sick bay, which was located next to the dining room in the residence. He warned me not to tell anybody about the assaults.”
Erica Stanford is the Government’s Lead Co-ordination Minister to the inquiry into abuse in care.
She recently said the coalition “broadly accepts” the Royal Commission’s findings.
“The Government is working through the 138 recommendations and the 95 recommendations from the 2021 interim report on redress.
“A Crown Response Office has also been established to drive the Government’s ongoing response and the Prime Minister will publicly apologise to abuse in care survivors in Parliament on November 12.
“The recommendations are complex and it’s important they are considered carefully and respectfully.”
A document provided to the Abuse in Care inquiry states that in April, 2000, the statutory Children’s Health Camps board, which oversaw the network of camps, was dissolved and its assets and liabilities were transferred to a new charitable trust.
Any survivors of abuse at state-run facilities in east Auckland who wish to share their story can email us in confidence at chrish@times.co.nz
The Burswood Walkway offers a quiet, flat 7km jaunt with wide well-made paths. Photo supplied David Mallowes
Keen walker David Mallowes offers suggestions about fun and interesting routes people can take to get some exercise and enjoy the area in his new column.
If you’d like to stretch your legs on a quiet, flat 7km walkway with wide well-made paths, the Burswood Walkway is one to explore.
The views are – well – mainly mangroves but, hey, then there’s bird and marine life to look out for.
Two loops and each has a playground and a fitness station. The Golflands loop passes through several grassy reserves. All stroller-friendly except perhaps the Corta Bella Place Reserve, which you can detour around.
We started from Bunnings on Ti Rakau Drive. You can use their toilets and we combined with shopping the store afterwards, then to Botany Town Centre for lunch.
The route: Cross Burswood Drive from the Bunnings car park. The track start is easy to find, follow for 200m to a bridge then a left turn to follow the estuary. Loop back through four small parks, after recrossing the bridge take a right and follow the path.
About 800m further on look for the Weta Walk on your right (opposite Atworth Way on your map). Explore, enjoy! Then continue past a playground and back along Burswood Drive. Time to shop.
Manna Kitchen serves up generous portions of traditional Filipino dishes and its menu is a fusion of modern and traditional Filipino fare. Photos supplied
For those craving an authentic Filipino dining experience, look no further than Manna Kitchen at Ormiston Town Centre.
This family-friendly restaurant has quickly become a hub for the local Filipino community, providing a cozy, welcoming atmosphere where guests feel like they’re part of the family.
Manna Kitchen specialises in serving up generous portions of traditional Filipino dishes, bringing the vibrant flavours of the Philippines to the heart of Ormiston.
Their menu, a fusion of modern and traditional Filipino fare, delights food lovers who appreciate authenticity.
From savoury adobo to crispy lechon, every meal is crafted with care and full of flavour.
What sets Manna Kitchen apart is not just the food but the warmth of its hospitality.
The staff, always friendly and attentive, enhance the dining experience with a personal touch, ensuring that every guest feels right at home.
If you’re looking for a restaurant offering not just great food but also a welcoming sense of community, Manna Kitchen is the place to be.
Customers often rave about the service, with one saying, “the cuisine is superb and well worth the price,” and another adding, “very friendly staff and yummy Filipino food!”
Beyond its culinary offerings, Manna Kitchen has become a popular gathering spot for the Filipino community.
Whether for family dinners or social get-togethers, it’s a place where friends and family come together to share both food and memories.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers not just great food but also a sense of community, Manna Kitchen is the place to be.
Make sure to stop by during their generous opening hours and prepare to be welcomed with open arms and delicious meals.
Ormiston Town Centre, 240 Ormiston Road, Flat Bush
