Two Stores Close
Local fashion stores Valleygirl and sister company Temt have closed.
Although the outlets at Botany Town Centre were opened as usual this morning with next to no stock in the stores, by 1pm they were both shut.
A sign in both shops reads: “Valleygirl New Zealand Limited was placed into receivership on 26 July 2016 and this store has now closed.” People are directed to put their queries to McGrathNicol’s Mark Brooks.
Conor McElhinney and William Black of McGrathNicol were appointed receivers and managers of the women’s fashion and apparel retailer, Valleygirl New Zealand, last Tuesday – July 26. The company traded under the Valleygirl and Temt brands at 31 stores throughout the country, supported by approximately 160 employees. The company had already been placed into voluntary administration by its director, Hana Ma, on July 22.
Receiver Conor McElhinney said in a media statement today that “after undertaking a detailed assessment following our appointment, it has become apparent that the company is unable to continue to trade due to its financial position and stock levels.
“Consequently, we have had to close all Valleygirl and Temt stores today, other than the Queen Street store. We can confirm that all staff will be paid their wages for the period worked since the company was placed into voluntary administration on July 22; staff were paid on Friday for July 22 to 26 inclusive,” he said.
The Receivers also noted that, based on their initial review of company information, it appears that the cause of the failure of the New Zealand business may have been poor trading of related Australian retailers, Paper Scissors and Chicabooti. Both the Australian and New Zealand stores were stocked by the same suppliers, managed through an Australian head office. When the Australian business failed, the company could no longer secure ongoing stock supply, he said.
A staff member at Temt this morning confirmed they did receive pay on Friday. She had no idea what would be happening with the stores but didn’t hold out much hope they would remain open.
The New Zealand Companies Office lists Hana Ma of Northcote as director of the company and Hyuk Sang Ma of the same address as the sole shareholder.
Hana Ma’s profile on business-oriented social networking platform LinkedIn identifies him as CEO of MHN Trading Pty, Sydney and gives Ma’s current companies as Hanama Collection Pty Ltd/Valleygirl New Zealand Ltd, a position held since 2012. Ma’s previous positions are listed as general manager of MHN Trading Pty (2010 – 2011) and national retail manager of Valleygirl New Zealand Ltd (2008 – 2009).
The Times was unable to find contact details for Ma in Northcote.
Mr McElhinney said it was “very difficult” working through the systems in Australia.
A staff member at Temt said there were four staff there – one full-time and the others part-time.
Valleygirl also has four staff with just one full-time. Desiree Clark, senior marketing manager at Botany Town Centre, said on Friday the centre’s owner AMP Capital is working with the receiver of Valleygirl and Temt NZ “to understand how this will impact their stores in our shopping centres”.
“AMP Capital’s leasing team is actively managing the portfolio, so if the decision is made to close both stores we would take the opportunity re-lease the tenancies, which are good locations in high quality regional shopping centres.”
Unitary Plan battles mainly won for Howick, Howick HRRA Chair says
By: Marianne Kelly
Gayleen Mackereth, who has spear-headed a fight for Howick in Auckland Unitary Plan hearings over the past few months, is pleased to have “protected our precious Howick”.
The chair of the Howick Residents and Ratepayers Association’s initial reaction to the Independent Hearings Panel (IHP) recommendations to Auckland Council for the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP) released publicly yesterday is mainly positive.
“We have achieved the hard fought battle of keeping Howick a ‘Special Character’ business area and this will have to be documented officially by the council,” Mrs Mackereth told the Times this morning.
Other achievements include retaining the ‘single house’ zone in Cockle Bay and preventing the proposed increase in height limits in Howick Town Centre being implemented.
“We are disappointed that the view shafts opposite Stockade Hill have not been protected and we must enjoin our councillors to fight hard in the next few days to have this remedied.
“But overall there has not been too much up-zoning and we are pleased we have protected our precious Howick.”
Mrs Mackereth is also pleased that the so-called Taniwha Tax which the association submitted against has been removed.
The PAUP said that certain resource consents within 50 metres of a boundary of more than 3600 ‘sites and places of value to Mana Whenua’ may be required to obtain a ‘cultural impact assessment’ from any number of Auckland’s 19 iwi groups.
“Howick RRA and my name has been specifically mentioned several times in the report, as has Cockle Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association, which vindicates the long hard battle we have fought,” she says.
One of the significant references in the IHP’s report to the council refers to the fact that Auckland’s typography, site orientation, existing street and subdivision patterns (especially for smaller-scale brownfields redevelopment or infilling) would mean that many potential developments would not be able to comply and many of the standards in the PAUP are not appropriate.
“This will trigger a number of consent applications to justify why particular development standards cannot be met,” the IHP says.
“In this regard the Panel notes the comments of Mrs Mackereth of the Howick Ratepayers and Residents Association who stated that people need to be able to build houses to orient to the sun and views, and that as sites can be steep (either above or below the road) it is not always possible or desirable to orientate houses to the street.”
Consequently the IHP has recommended that a number of development standards in the PAUP be deleted.
Blomfield illustrates dodgey fibre installs
Darren Blomfield’s cartoon takes a look at the Mellons Bay infrastructure.
Locals were this week venting about sub-standard broadband installations by infrastructure provider Chorus in Mellons Bay.
Complaints include use of electrical tape and duct tape on fibre cabling, and running of cable along fencing.
All the world’s a stage
Young illustrator and graphic designer Jeremy Kyle’s mother couldn’t contain her excitement when she found a letter in their mailbox addressed to her son from basketball legend Michael Jordon.
“Look, who you’ve got a letter from!” she piped up, as she handed over the sealed envelope to her son, 23, in the middle of the ‘Times’ interview.
Her excitement was contagious but the young illustrator and artist who was recently commissioned to do a series of artworks for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, decided to savour the moment later.
However, he couldn’t resist whisking out a prized 50th anniversary game basketball autographed by the Chicago Bulls team that he received in the post a few days earlier.
“I have been in touch with Michael Jordon personally and told him how he is my role model. I do believe that you can achieve the impossible—like he did. I am doing it in my own way in the creative field,” he said confidently about breaking personal and international boundaries.
“I do believe I am on the threshold of a world stage.”
Apart from being commissioned by powerhouse brands like Under Armour, Dior, 2Pac Brand and Chicago Bulls, Jeremy’s latest and most challenging assignment is for the United Nations.
“The UN project where all the world leaders came together has been a very meaningful one. It was for the first ever World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul on May 23-24, where the UN asked me to create a series of artworks explaining secretary general Ban Ki-moon’s vision for human kind.
“The vision is called ‘The Agenda for Humanity’,” says Jeremy pointing to the artworks that has international media contacting him for his views.
“When creating this series of works, I wanted to convey a real sense of unity and diversity while cultivating a sense of awe in the viewer.
“I have kept the concepts simple (not abstract) yet thought-provoking to ensure that all people understand and relate to the work.
The series speaks of the Agenda for Humanity that articulates five values: prevent and end conflict; respect the rules of war; leave no one behind; working different to end need; invest in humanity.
The New York Times along with History Channel has also been on long Skype chats with the local artist that has culminated in another major project.
Jeremy was recently commissioned to do eight illustrations rebooting the all-time popular multi-generational saga in the 70s, ‘Roots’ that still inspires American art and society.
Known for its poignant and painful portrayal of an African-American family over generations, it’s inspired millions of Americans to explore and embrace their roots.
Jeremy has been asked to visually communicate the artistic theme that traces personal identities, through lucid water colours.
He is working on an exhibition that will give locals and the media a glimpse of his work.
‘I couldn’t bear it’
Clare White, the mother of 17-year-old schoolboy Josh Martin who was killed following a collision near his school in October, was so distraught following his death she considered ending her own life.
Mrs White (O’Hanlon) asked in an emotional victim impact statement this afternoon in the Manukau District Court how she could ever expect to explain the extent to which the death of Josh had impacted her life.
“I was struck with an intense sense of pain the day I found out Joshua had died…that pain continues to live in me daily,” she told the court while fighting back sobs.
Mrs White and a large family contingent were in court for the sentencing of local man Josef Kadlcik, 46. He was charged following the collision that killed Josh.
Joshua, also known as Josh O’Hanlon, died less than 300m from the school when Kadlcik’s SUV collided with his motorbike on October 15 last year near McDonalds on Pakuranga Road at around 12.50pm.
The Year 13 student was heading to KFC nearby to collect his pay cheque when the accident occurred.
Kadlcik was sentenced by Judge Jane Lovell-Smith to 200 hours of community work, disqualified from driving for 15 months and ordered to make reparations of a little over $24,000.
Kadlcik pleaded guilty last month to careless driving causing death.
“What an amazing young man that lost his entire life on the day of 15 October 2015,” Mrs White said in her victim impact statement today.
“The accident where another road user thought he could pass across the road… unfortunately that impatience has brought me to the brink of suicide on more than one occasion.”
Josh, she said through tears, had just achieved his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, his advanced scuba diver certificate, represented his school at the Stage Challenge as Romeo in the play Romeo and Juliet. Her son had also starred in a film in the leading male role and was recognised as best actor.
“Josh represented the school playing the tuba in the school concert band and was also awarded a certificate for his work as a peer support person and he was house leader for Kauri House and was awarded for his leadership skills,” she said.
“Just before Josh died he was awarded a scholarship for Massey University but sadly Joshua will not be able to fulfil that dream.
“My life changed in an instant from happiness to anguish and it is going to take years to overcome that anguish and sincere pain that has engulfed my life. I have suffered multiple nights without sleep and I often wake up in the night and find myself crying.”
Mrs White and husband Darren had with them in court a framed photo of a smartly-turned out Josh in a white shirt with black tie and big smile. They also brought with them a glass orb which contained some of his ashes.
Every time I see a student, see a motorbike, see a family, have a birthday, have Christmas, it reminds me of what I have lost and will never have again,” Mrs White told the court.
“Unfortunately, Josh has had his future life stolen from him and from me and my family forever. There is no excuse for failing to give way but then there is no punishment that would do any good.
“Now I have seen Mr Kadlcik’s brokenness…nothing will bring our Joshua back.”
Meanwhile Kadlcik, who stood with his head bowed during the reading of the victim impact statement, looked up at Mrs White when she proffered an unscripted addendum. “I just wanted to say I forgive you…I feel your pain.”
Her brother Keith O’Hanlon, fighting back tears, added: “Josh would hold no animosity towards Josef. He would forgive him.”
Judge Lovell-Smith accepted submissions from both the police prosecution and Kadlcik’s counsel that the defendant took responsibility for Josh’s death and was profoundly affected as a consequence of the accident. “He’s absolutely devastated that his actions resulted in the death of this young man,” his counsel said.
“His remorse is extreme…words cannot express his grief.”
Kadlcik, a man the judge said was of impeccable character and a devoted father and family man, had stopped at the lights and turned around in front of Josh at low speed, the court heard.
“I accept your remorse is genuine and I accept that you have been broken by the events of that day,” Judge Lovell-Smith said.
By: Nicholas Krause
Armed Offenders Squad respond to hoax threat
The Armed Offenders Squad was dispatched to Golflands today after a threat was made on Facebook, police have confirmed.
“This morning police visited an address in response to a threat made via social media.,” a police spokesman told the Times.
“They have since found the threat to be a hoax.”
Posts on a local social media site speculated that there had been deaths. This is incorrect, police confirmed.
A steal at $1 Million
The latest from Blomfield (Darren Blomfield) following our story on March 19 of Eastern Beaches median residential dwelling prices reaching a heady $1m in April.
‘He deserves jail’
A local man has admitted a charge of careless driving causing the death of popular teenager Joshua Martin.
A grieving mum believes the man who admitted careless driving which caused the death of her son should be jailed.
Media gang story was wrong: College
Pakuranga College has denounced a media report this week claiming young gang members waited outside the school with weapons, seeking to attack a student.
That erroneous news story – published in the NZ Herald – was wrong, the school claims. That paper’s story follows revelations in the Times last week that a group of drunk teens calling themselves the Green Gang intimidated a Northpark family, turning up at their home wearing bandanas demanding to see their teenage son.
This week the Times reported that a social media site post claimed: “So have just heard there’s been another incident at Pakuranga College involving the green gang. A bunch of girls in the “gang” waited outside the college with wrenches up their sleeves in an attempt to attack a young girl. Luckily other students got to the girl and got her to the office before the gang got her.”
The Times reported that it was likely to be untrue however the Herald suggested otherwise.
The college has subsequently issued a statement countering the Herald’s story.
The full unedited statement reads: “It has been reported in the NZ Herald in an article titled, ‘Green Gang’ threatening students,’ ‘that most recently, a small group of youths waited with wrenches hidden up their sleeves for a Pakuranga College student to leave school. However, the girl was intercepted by another student and taken to school officials, who notified the Community Constable.’
“This is not accurate, as we have undertaken enquiries and no school official was approached as stated in this extract. We have no record of any such incident involving Pakuranga College students.
“The article goes on to make reference to the activities of teenagers in the community calling themselves the ‘Green Gang’ and reference was made to our board chair person’s comments, who referred to multiple incidents involving the ‘Green Gang this year, which have been referred to the Police’.
“We also wish to correct this statement, as the board chair, Trevor Middleton, was referring to instances in the community.
“Pakuranga College is aware that there have been a number of incidents within the community involving a group of teenagers and we have met with Police to discuss the activities of this group and to better understand what if any risk they pose to students at our school. We have been advised that they are a relatively small group of individuals within the community.
We take the safety of our students extremely seriously and pride ourselves on providing a safe environment. We would encourage any parent whose child is the subject of intimidation from others within the community, to report to us and the Police.”
- Want to comment? Email editor@times.co.nz or post on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/TimesOnlineNZ/
Police look into Green Gang scare
Police are looking into an incident in which drunk teens – possibly from a gang – are alleged to have terrorised a family in Northpark.
A post on the Not So PC East Auckland Facebook page said: “Last night (Thursday night, Northpark) at about 7.40pm we had a knock at our door from the “Green Gang” looking for my 15-year-old son who is constantly being harassed by them.
“Four of them stood at the door with their bandana’s around their faces asking to see my son. When my husband asked for them to remove them they kept asking for my son. They were drunk and clearly on something else. The rest of the group were standing on my driveway,” the worried mum said.
“When my husband was asking what they wanted with him, they then turned and started walking away. My husband followed as he wanted to ensure that they didn’t come back but I then heard a girl, her name is Brianna, saying “He is gonna die tonight” referring to my son.”
Police told the Times they received no 111 call.
“Police are aware of an incident at an address at Northpark on Thursday April 28 and a community police officer has since followed up with the occupants of that address,” police told the Times.
“There is no investigation, however community officers will be working with the young people involved to resolve the matter.”
Meanwhile the concerned mum said the youths were no older than 15 and “clearly up to no good”.
“This is not the first time that my son has been threatened by this gang. One of my neighbours called the police after she heard all the commotion going on but we are yet to see or hear from the police,” she said.
“ Where is the support for our teenagers when we need it. Clearly there is an issue here and if the police had bothered to show up last night, they would have been able to find these kids roaming around the streets and dealt with them all, (whilst they were all still drunk and high).
“I am tired of my son having to walk around constantly looking over his shoulder during the day and now not feeling safe in his own home. We are yet to actually find what the actual problem is and what they are wanting from him. He has no ties to them and does nothing to do with a gang.She said the so-called “Green Gang” is known to police.
“Something has to be done before it is too late. I don’t want another child to go through what my child is going through or for my child to be harmed in any way,” she said.
Comforting traumatised kids
Helping society’s forgotten women is something a committed pair of Howick and Botany residents have in the bag – the pikau bag.
Mary Ann France and Kim Callard formed Comfort Kidz, an organisation dedicated to helping traumatised children, and they have harnessed the energies of prisoners and retirees to help them do it.
Male prisoners at Northland’s Ngawha have been taught pikau bag making. The drawstring duffel bags, which can double as pillows, are packed with toiletries, towels, clothes, books and other items, and given to the Multi-Agency Centre, a Middlemore Hospital facility dealing with traumatised children, bringing together health, welfare and police – though no uniforms are permitted.
“We are trying hard to keep up with the demand, because far too many kids are at the centre every week, and that is a horrible reflection on our society,” Ms France said.
Women from the Wiri correctional facility are being taught quilting, the finished items also given to the centre – commonly known as MAC, as are the recycled woollen blankets Ms France beautifully cuts down and trims with satin to create comforters for the children. Ms Callard, a former fashion designer, says it’s been a privilege to see prisoners wanting to contribute something positive. Both women have been passing on their skills and their pikau and comfort blanket project has recently been backed by the Rotary Club of Highbrook, where Ms France is a member.
To speed up the production line, fellow Rotarian and Botany House of Travel director Katrina Cole allowed her premises to become a factory for the day. Quilters, including professional pattern-makers and textile designers, and women from the retirement villages, made around 200 pikau bags on Sunday. While fabrics have been donated, the pair need volunteers, and woollen blanket and cotton cord donors.
The relentless workers are also looking for someone to donate labels they can stitch on the Comfort Kidz blankets saying: “This is mine” – where a child can add their name.
A shot at international fame
How does a young, local artist get commissioned to do a series of artworks for the 50th
anniversary of the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA), that too sitting at his home studio in Eastern Beach?
For Jeremy Kyle, the 23-year-old commercial artist and graphic designer, it began with saying yes to opportunities.
Working on global campaigns with powerhouse brands like Under Armour, Dior, 2pac Brand and Chicago Bulls, the graphic designer with a following of 45,000 on Facebook, Instagram and Behance says it all happened by chance.
“I was at a church meeting where we were told they needed a place to put up some people,” he says.
“When I offered him a place to crash, I had no idea that Emaneul Hay was a band member of the Esther Melody Band group.”
Seeing Jemery’s work of watercolour with splatters and intricate line work that denotes controlled chaos, Emanuel asked if he could design a feature album for the band.
Saying yes, opened doors.
Now Weta tweets his work, people get his illustrations tattoeed and he is being commissioned by big players in the America to work on global campaigns.
“To celebrate their 50th season, the Chicago Bulls have asked me to create a campaign for them, articulating their five most iconic moments / players in a series of historic artworks,” he says excitedly.
“They were all originally created using water colours and ink mixed media. Each artwork took me around 35 hours of work each,” says the young artist, a successful brand in himself.
Another series that has gone viral is the illustration of Tupac Amaru Shakur, also known as 2Pac and Makaveli. The American rapper sold over 75 million records worldwide.
The design that was created in collaboration with West Coast Activewear has the rapper angrily spitting at the camera as he heads out of court– an intuitive-emotive piece that hinges between semi realism and abstract .
“They approached me saying they wanted a powerful, iconic illustration that would be used on t-shirts and other merchandise,” he says.
“The design illustrates not only his music but also the attitude of the hip hop artist.”
The first edition illustration now hangs at the Shakur studio.
Under Armour, American sports clothing and accessories company is another brand that approached him to tell their story in 20-25 artworks.
“They wanted me to communicate where they started and where they are now, competing with Nike.”
When Jeremy is not working on commercial projects, he is busy with Kiwiana art, painting native birds in lucid water colours that appeals to the New Zealanders as well as the tourism market.
Most of all, he enjoys his new passion of speaking to students at design schools in New Zealand and Australia. “I love empowering people on how they can use the power of the internet to be their own boss and yet get international acclaim,” he enthuses.
Parsley – an easy-peasy growing guide
Having dealt with some of the myths surrounding this aromatic herb, and considered some of its uses in cooking and herbal remedies, readers will want to know how best to grow this plant of many benefits.
Where, when and how to plant
Said by some to be one of the easiest plants in the world, parsley thrives in well-drained, moisture-retentive, nutrient-rich soil. However, drainage is important because water logged roots can result in crown rot (rotting where the stem meets the root, usually fatal!). Parsley can be grown in containers, but because this plant can also be a little fussy, it will benefit from compost, rotted organic matter and a little bit of general purpose fertiliser.
Parsley can be grown year round in many parts of New Zealand, but in colder areas sow in late summer. It grows best whenreceiving six hours of sunlight a day with shade for the rest of the time.
Growing from seed can require at least a 3-4 week germination period, often longer, and because it doesn’t transplant well, some trial and error may be needed.
Because parsley doesn’t like being transplanted sometimes the best option might be to sow directly into ground (warm areas and after frosts are over) or grow in pots/planters so no transplanting is required. Soak seeds in warm water for about 24 hours before planting, this will help with germination.
Care
Once established, remember to thin seedlings to about 20cm apart, giving them room to grow. Water regularly to prevent drying out but take care not to over water. Feed with liquid fertiliser about every four weeks.
Note: if buying plants from a local nursery, choose smaller plants as larger plants may be root bound and when planted could bolt and go to seed quickly.
Give parsley time to grow and establish; if picked too young, growth will be stunted. Clip away any yellow, dying or dead leaves on mature plants and side dress with compost, manure or blood and bone in mid season.
Parsley can also be prevented from going to seed too quickly by cutting back the flat topped flower heads when they appear i.e. before plant has gone to seed. This will encourage the plants to produce leaves for a longer period of time.
If blooms have formed, deadhead before they go to seed. Cut flower stalks at the root and don’t be afraid to prune parsley if plants are growing too high. Occasionally, top plants by about 85mm to maintain a nice appearance whilst also encouraging leaf growth.
Be careful when weeding not to disturb the tap root and if growing in a pot make sure the pot is deep enough to give the tap root room to grow. Forget shallow containers. Keep parsley well watered in hot, dry conditions.
Harvest
Pick parsley as you need it by cutting the outermost stalks just above ground level. This will also promote further growth. As you harvest work inwards and don’t worry about taking too much, healthy plants bounce back.
Of course, gardeners need to remember that parsley is a biennial and after two years it will bolt (send up lots of flower stalks) then seed and die. When this starts to happen in earnest, dig up and discard the old plant. Nothing will prevent its dying although some will self-seed and grow back the following season just don’t count on it.
Uses – cooking and medical; click here for more information.
By: Jon Rawlinson
Man charged over motorcyclist’s death
A man has been charged in relation to the death of Josh Martin, the Year 13 Pakuranga College student killed on his motorbike in a crash last year.
Police have confirmed a 45-year-old man has been charged with careless driving causing death relating to the crash near the school on October 15.
Josh, who also used the surname O’Hanlon, was just two months shy of his 18th birthday when he died.
The Times reported on October 16 that the crash was between an SUV and Josh’s motorcycle on Pakuranga Road opposite the netball courts in Lloyd Elsmore Park and almost directly in front of the McDonald’s car park entrance. The occupants of the SUV were uninjured.
Photos and tributes portrayed a talented, go-getting youth who loved sports, the sea and the outdoors, had a sense of humour and was well-respected by his peers.
Josh, 17, was a Bucklands Beach Sea Scouts member and cub leader as well as a founding member and captain of the Tamaki Lightning American Football Club.
He played the tuba in the Pakuranga Concert Band, members of which were present at his funeral service to perform Amazing Grace.
The service was led by Josh’s scout leader Keith Nisbet who aimed to capture some of the “diversity” of Josh’s multi-faceted life.
“Josh grabbed hold of life for what it was worth and he would want us to do the same,” Mr Nisbet said.
Pakuranga College principal Michael Williams said at the time: “Mistakes happen. One of the dangers is that people look for someone to blame and blame doesn’t help.
“There are so many different versions of the eye-witness accounts. It could be fate, an accident.
“What we need to do is acknowledge it and ensure it doesn’t happen again. There is no point in second-guessing the tragic circumstances which causes a lot of angst. Let the authorities do their job.”
Meanwhile the accused is scheduled to appear in the Manukau District Court on May 12.
