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Articles by Phil Taylor
Fringe art gallery springs up in Howick
Rick Porter says artists displaying works at the pop-up Fringe Gallery in Howick Village are grateful for the opportunity. Times photos PJ Taylor A pop-up gallery has spung into action to give artists a canvas to display their works publicly. The Fringe Gallery is set up in the for-lease shop space that Howick Village Optometrists previously occupied in Picton Street and is exhibiting works of about 30 artists at different stages of their creative evolvement.
Winston aiming to stop “communists”
New Zealand First party leader Winston Peters campaigning at Grey Power in Pakuranga on August 28. Times photos Sue Townson Doug Mitchell Howick Photographic Society Winston Peters arrived back in east Auckland determined as ever to secure votes in the upcoming November 7 election which he described as “pivotal” in the country’s history.
Challenge on to grow memorable spuds
Stewart Maclaren and Heather Cochrane, manager of Kings Plant Barn Botany. Photo supplied East Aucklanders are being called on to exercise their green-fingered talents and grow potatoes in a special “fun-draiser” for charity causes. The Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay’s Great Spud Tub Challenge encourages people of all ages to grow the biggest, smallest, the most, and even the ugliest potatoes, says spokesman Stewart Maclaren.
Principal in Person, with Billy Merchant of Pakūranga College
Principal Billy Merchant with senior Pakūranga College students. Photo supplied How long have you been an educator, and where did you train? I’ve been an educator for more than 30 years. I’m originally from the UK and trained at the University of Exeter before beginning my teaching career.
Wake up wokesters, Winston’s almost home
It’s a long-running tradition that New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, 81, makes an almost yearly visit to Grey Power Howick Pakuranga, where he talks to the group at 1.30m on Friday, August 28, at Pakuranga Bowling Club. Photo supplied The woke might want to stir from their slumber and straighten up as Winston Peters rides into east Auckland on Friday, a return to one of his home turfs where it all started for him politically in the late 1970s, writes PJ TAYLOR in a news commentary.
Fencibles’ first Chatham Cup Final beckons
Fencibles Utd, in red, blue and white colours, on the ball during their exciting 3-0 Delivereasy Chatham Cup semi-final triumph over Nelson Suburbs at Riverhills Parks in Pakuranga on August 15. Times photos Sue Townson Howick Photographic Society Spring is in the air and with it a purple-patch of success that Fencibles United Football Club is thoroughly enjoying and not taking for granted.
Vibrant art show exhibits community’s spirit
“For art lovers and residents alike, the exhibition offers an opportunity to browse and purchase original, high-quality artworks directly from the creators,” says Julie Mitchell, of the Howick Art Group. Times file photos PJ Taylor One of east Auckland’s biggest yearly art shows including live painting demonstrations is just over a week away from opening and excitement is building amongst the many participants.
Inaugural Rotary quiz proves a hit
The eight competing teams focused on answering questions in Pakuranga Rotary’s Interschool Quiz. Times photo PJ Taylor An inaugural quiz for secondary students encouraged school teams to work together quickly in answering testing questions about the world around them.
Thrill-seeker takes on scooter world
Ronan Kerr-Bell performs an exciting move at the national scootering champs in Napier. Photos supplied When Ronan Kerr-Bell is high above the ground in the middle of a tricky scooter manoeuvre, there’s one thing on his mind. “I just hope I land it,” he tells the Times, after qualifying for the World Skate Games at Paraguay in October.
South-East bowlers beat region’s best
Bev Campi, left, presents the Campi Cup to Janine Hickmore, Dana Taylor and Jo McCarthy at Epsom Bowling Club last Sunday. Photo supplied Four east Auckland lawn bowlers excelled in a highly competitive regional two-day tournament last weekend, collecting a prestigious prize as their reward.
Mum and daughter’s marathon effort for specialist school
Julia and Izzie Brown’s next challenge is running a sub-four-hour marathon at the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon in Minnesota on October 4. Photos supplied A determined mother and daughter are running a marathon in the United States in a fundraising exercise for a school specialising in education for children with disabilities and learning difficulties. Julia Brown says her daughter Izzie, 9, attends Sommerville School in east Auckland. “She has cerebral palsy and is blind.
Panthers roar into cup quarterfinals
Pakuranga Panthers’ Callum Dimond heading to the tryline against Beachlands Sharks. Photo supplied The Game Photography One of east Auckland’s favourite rugby sides is advancing through the rounds of a national knockout competition.
Endorsing “home cooking” to be taught in schools
“There could be a huge shift if we were teaching it [cooking] properly in schools,” says Nadia Lim, of My Food Bag and Bargain Box. Photos supplied It’s election season and celebrity chef Nadia Lim has a common-sense policy that could gain traction with voters: Teach home cooking skills in schools. There have been lots of back-to-basics curriculum changes in education over the past three years and learning how to cook could be viewed as an important life skill, like maths and English.
Hornets get one more chance at promotion
Howick Hornets captain Clayton Williams will lead his side into battle one last time in 2026 this Saturday in the winner-takes-all promotion-relegation match against Ponsonby Ponies at Victoria Park, 2.30pm kick-off. Photo supplied Sean Frischer KingFrischer Productions The Howick Hornets premiers have one last opportunity to make it into the Auckland Rugby League’s club first division for season 2027.
Foundation Repairs in Carmel Take Seasonal Soil Changes Into Account
Changing moisture levels and the months ahead can affect the ground around Carmel homes, adding context to cracks, settlement, and other foundation changes. CARMEL, IN, UNITED STATES, August 18, 2026 / EINPresswire.com/ -- Foundation conditions can change gradually as the ground surrounding a home responds to temperature, rainfall, and moisture.
Educator in Action, with Karen Noble-Campbell, Our Lady Star of the Sea School
Karen Noble-Campbell, of Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Howick. Photo supplied How long have you been an educator, and where did you train? I’ve been in education for more than 30 years. I trained at Wellington Teachers’ College where they focussed on developing innovative and creative teachers. I spent the first part of my teaching career in New Plymouth, Foxton and Levin. Since 1992 I’ve been an educator in Tāmaki Makaurau. When did you start at Our Lady Star of the Sea School?
NZDF “training” on eastern waters
Times’ readers in the Beachlands Maraetai area have asked about the activity in the Tamaki Strait involving a privately-owned SeaLink vehicle ferry, and two dark-coloured NZDF helicopters and two small on-the-water craft. Photo supplied The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has been undertaking “regular training” exercises in the Hauraki Gulf between the Pohutukawa Coast and Waiheke Island.
Hornets and Jaguars fall at final hurdle
Gathering tactical kicks proved to be a very competitive area of the Sharman Cup final between Howick Hornets and Hibiscus Coast Raiders. Photo supplied Sean Frischer KingFrischer Productions It was a hard day at the grand finals office for the Howick Hornets and Pakuranga Jaguars respectively, but both rugby league men’s premier sides can hold their heads high for what they’ve achieved this season.
Fencibles create history – into first Chatham Cup final
Fencibles Utd’s two-goal hero Dylan Laing-McConnel also had a strong all-round game, as did his very composed teammates. Times photo Shona Kebble Howick Photographic Society Fencibles United created history for football in east Auckland by winning their first Chatham Cup semi-final, convincingly in fine style 3-0 against Nelson Suburbs on Saturday evening.
Howick Squash on an upswing
Men’s open place-getters at Howick Squash’s recent tournament, from left, Luke Lin (third), Connor Hansford (first), and Senithu Thilakarathne (second). Photos supplied Squash players from across New Zealand travelled to east Auckland recently for a tournament for A2 and under grades. Howick Squash club captain Grant Sutton says the recent competition at its Meadowland Park headquarters was a success and sponsored by Aoki Homes.
New principal excited by challenge
Ludwig Worrall-Bader is bringing a lot of energy and enthusiasm to his first principal appointment at Riverhills School in Pakuranga. Times photo PJ Taylor An east Auckland educator believes he has the attributes and skills to enhance a small school’s culture and academic achievement in his first principal appointment. Ludwig Worrall-Bader took up the job of principal at Riverhills School at the beginning of this term three and embraces the opportunity to lead from the top.
East premiers march into two league grand finals
Howick Hornets second-rower Justin “Juddy” Reynolds about to score a try in his side’s 48-18 Sharman Cup preliminary semi-final victory over Otara Scorpions last Saturday. Photo supplied JLS Photography jls.co.nz Two east Auckland men’s premier teams are chasing championship-winning glory as they battle it out in their respective Auckland Rugby League grand finals this Saturday.
Football’s biggest moment in east Auckland
Fencibles Utd’s exhilarating victory over football “heavyweights” Auckland City FC was described as the “miracle at Riverhills Park”. This Saturday evening, the east Auckland club tackles Nelson Suburbs in the Delivereasy Chatham Cup semi-final at home. Photo supplied Photosport It’s arguably the most important football match to be played on east Auckland turf, this Saturday’s high-stakes Chatham Cup semi-final between home side Fencibles United and Nelson Suburbs.
Dancing with stars to a global audience
Maddy Barnett, left, dancing with popstar Lisa at the opening ceremony for the men’s FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles, California, in June. Photos supplied A world-class east Auckland dancer was in the global spotlight performing with international pop-music stars at the recent men’s FIFA World Cup. Howick’s Maddy Barnett, who was featured by the Times earlier this year, is based in one of the world’s great entertainment capitals, Los Angeles, in the United States.
Quartet of biotechs join Nasdaq after stellar IPOs
Braveheart Bio, Latigo Biotherapeutics, Attovia Therapeutics, and BlossomHill Therapeutics have finalised their Nasdaq listings, collectively raising more than $1.2 billion – with all overshooting their predicted proceeds. Braveheart heads the trio in terms of the amount raised, amassing $382 million from the sale of 21.25 million shares at $18 each, with the underwriters exercising all options to buy additional stock, bringing the total to nearly $440 million.
Q&A with Louise Lonsdale-Cooper – eye for detail
“You have to be looking at all that’s around you and checking that people are not feeling uncomfortable when you put the camera up to your eye to focus.” Photo supplied Marion Skelton PJ TAYLOR talks to an artistic Whitford woman who saw everyday Auckland life through a lens five decades ago and captured important snapshots of its social evolvement for posterity. Where were you born and grew up? I was born on October 29, 1953, in the railway town Pahiatua in Tararua district.
Seven smiling decades of wedded bliss
Shirley and Colin Ford at their happy home in Howick, with the framed Times’ photo from their 60th wedding anniversary story pictured over Shirley’s shoulder. Times photo PJ Taylor It’s become a pleasant tradition as Colin and Shirley Ford celebrate another decade of marriage, the Times reports on the special event. The Howick couple’s 70th wedding anniversary – a platinum jubilee – was in May, but the Times had to visit with them as they head into their eighth decade of wedded bliss.
Neu Slow Fiction : “If everyone always had a unanimous opinion, what would be the point in working together?”
With debut album ‘Dollhouse’, Brooklyn’s Slow Fiction are widening their horizons and firmly refuting any tired guitar band tropes. Magic is born from tenacity - that’s the message that Brooklyn outfit Slow Fiction are underscoring with the long-awaited arrival of their self-produced debut album.
League season on the line for Hornets
The happy Howick Hornets rugby league premiers and team management and supporters after last Saturday’s 18-6 victory over Manurewa Marlins in the Sharman Cup elimination final at Paparoa Park. Photo supplied The Howick Hornets premiers’ season comes down to its mighty battle with Otara Scorpions in this Saturday’s preliminary semi-final in Auckland Rugby League’s second division.
Howick RSA officer engaged in welfare
Howick RSA president Barry Dreyer and new welfare officer Donna Searle. Times photo PJ Taylor Former New Zealand Defence Force personnel and their families and dependents can qualify for Veterans Affairs’ assistance and help from the Howick Returned and Services Association. That’s when Donna Searle, the new Howick RSA welfare officer, can lend a hand. “I’m here to support Veterans, [NZDF] service members, RSA members and their dependents, and members of the wider Howick community,” she says.
Future public projects to “focus on value for money”
“The next stage of Eastern Busway is expected to open in 2027, with most construction between Pakūranga and Botany completed by the end of 2026,” says Auckland Transport. Photo supplied AT Mark Barber It’s 24 years since city leaders first announced east Auckland’s inadequate public transport was going to be improved, and PJ TAYLOR now asks the Mayor and Transport Minister is there a better and quicker way of delivering public projects?
Eastside cannabis operation busted
“Police received a call regarding suspicious activity at a Cockle Bay property just after 10pm [on July 30],” says detective senior sergeant Chris Robson. File photo supplied A domestic cannabis growing operation, described as “large-scale”, has been discovered in east Auckland, Counties Manukau Police say. The Times was contacted by a Cockle Bay resident earlier today, Friday, informing of a strong police presence in the area before dawn.
Fox’s Claret Jug pours across hometown
“Being able to come back with the Claret Jug and be able to celebrate it is pretty special,” said Ryan Fox, at the Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club on Tuesday. Times photo PJ Taylor He’s on top of the golf world, and down-to-earth Kiwi champion Ryan Fox remains proud his east Auckland roots, reports PJ TAYLOR in a special Times sports feature.
On the scent for new type of journal
The team of ecoEntries from Ormiston Senior College is, from left, Ryan Bui, Lucas Lin, Sophia Nacario, and Arush Garg. Photos supplied There’s no doubt, ecoEntries, a business run by secondary students, has its sales pitch down pat: “We’re redefining what a notebook can be.” Ormiston Senior College is where the ecoEntries team hails from – senior students Lucas Lin, the chief executive, production director Ryan Bui, finance director Arush Garg, and marketing director Sophia Nacario.
Busway mega-project enters construction home straight
Breaking the ground with shovels last Friday at Botany were, from left, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Auckland Transport chair Andrew Ritchie, Pakūranga MP and senior Government Minister Simeon Brown, and Transport Minister Chris Bishop. Photos supplied It’s been a long time coming, with many public disruptions on the way and more around the corner, but the final project within the $1.4 billion Eastern Busway super transport venture has started.
Educator in Action, with Lucy Barker of Pigeon Mountain School
Louise Barker, of Pigeon Mountain School. Photos supplied How long have you been an educator, and where did you train? Teaching is my second career after a long time working as a children’s librarian. I completed the Graduate Diploma in Teaching at Auckland University in 2015 and began teaching in 2016. When did you start teaching at Pigeon Mountain Primary School? While sailing around Fiji in 2018 I applied to start a new entrant class in term four at Pigeon Mountain.
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Ballet of lights: Sleeping Beauty
Anxious patrons gathered at Hendricks Live in Plainfield, Indiana to witness of an unforgettable performance of a traditional Ballet of Sleeping Beauty mixed with modern twist using glow in the dark costumes and LED lights to give a unique perspective to dance and traditional Tchaikovsky music. Ballet has always been about tradition, grace, and discipline. Could glowing costumes truly belong on the same stage as centuries-old choreography? View the photos and judge for yourself.
Nats campaign on extending paid parental leave
Surrounded by news media crews, supporters and onlookers, National Party Leader Christopher Luxon and finance spokesperson Nicola Willis talk with a mother of young children at the paid parental leave policy announcement this Sunday in Botany. Times photos PJ Taylor Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other National MPs announced today Sunday that if re-elected in November’s general election, they’ll “gradually” extend paid parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks by 2029.
Public invited to civic reception for Ryan Fox
Ryan Fox and his caddie Dean Smith with the coveted Claret Jug after the one-shot victory at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale last weekend. Photos supplied New Zealand’s latest sporting superstar, east Auckland golfer Ryan Fox, is being accorded a civic reception next Tuesday and the public is invited to celebrate his recent monumental success at The Open.
Ep. 13-Drew Hyun on Emotional Health for Executive Pastors
Phil and Tyler sit down with Drew Hyun, Lead Pastor of Hope Church NYC and Executive Director of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship (EHD), to explore why emotional health is foundational for effective ministry leadership. Drew shares his ministry journey—from serving under Pete Scazzero at New Life Fellowship to planting Hope Church NYC and eventually stepping into leadership of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship.
AT responds to car park fiasco
An older gentleman is seen squeezing his way out of his vehicle, while the passenger is wondering how she’s going to exit. The car park spaces in the middle section are barely 2m wide, 50cm narrower than what they should be. Times photos PJ Taylor People trust authorities to get things right, but when one can’t get the size of car park spaces correct, it erodes confidence and causes traffic mayhem, reports PJ TAYLOR.
Using pageant stages to expose security issues
From left, Shae Parsons, Miss Global New Zealand 2026, with Keilana Pornnikom, Miss Earth New Zealand 2026. Photo supplied Protecting women against online threats is reason enough for a courageously determined east Aucklander to step out on beauty pageant stages here and overseas. Shae Parsons was featured by the Times last year when she won the Miss Earth New Zealand 2025 title and went on to represent her country at the international Miss Earth final.
First XV gets all-access pass to national stadium
Rugby players of the Macleans College First XV on the hallowed turf of what has always been known as Eden Park No. 1 field. Photos supplied East Auckland rugby players have been motivated by a behind-the-scenes experience at the venue known as “New Zealand’s national stadium”.
Lasting recognition for athletics luminary
The late-great Mike Murray, pictured during his third separate term as Pakuranga Athletic Club president from 2000 to 2003. Photos supplied An east Auckland track and field legend has had a permanent memorial installed in his honour. A remembrance seat was dedicated to former Pakuranga Athletic Club president, the late Mike Murray, at the club’s Lloyd Elsmore Park headquarters on July 11.
Q&A with Michael Biddick, Pakuranga United Rugby Club president
“You create a sporting environment for the greater community to come in and create pathways for different people in different sports. That’s really the only way a lot of clubs are going to survive.” Times photos PJ Taylor PJ TAYLOR talks to a key leader who with others has established Pakuranga United Rugby Club (PURC) as one of the country’s biggest and successful sports clubs, bringing to it a professional business approach with strong community culture on and off the field.
McCartney embraced by home club
At Pakuranga United Rugby Club’s annual pre-Auckland rugby test luncheon on Friday, from left, Tom McCartney, club president Michael Biddick, and MC Martin Devlin. Times photos PJ Taylor There was a strong sense of pride at Pakuranga United Rugby Club’s annual luncheon today as the audience listened intently to one of its own homegrown high achievers.
Thieves hit East Tamaki auto business
Police are encouraging anyone with information about a burglary of an East Tamaki business in Harris Road that’s involved in the auto trade to contact them. File photo supplied Counties Manukau Police are calling for information on the actions of impudent thieves who have broken into an East Tamaki auto business and stolen “a large number of items”.
World Matchplay Darts 2026 Blackpool’da 18-26 Temmuz’da
2026 Betfred World Matchplay, 18-26 Temmuz tarihleri arasında Blackpool’daki Winter Gardens’ta düzenlenecek ve Luke Littler unvanını korumak için sahneye çıkacak. Geçen yıl Phil Taylor Kupası’nı kazanan genç yıldız, ilk turda Niko Springer ile karşılaşacak. Littler, 2025 finalinde James Wade’i 18-13 yenerek tarihe geçmiş ve “Triple Crown”u tamamlayan beşinci oyuncu olmuştu. Turnuva, toplam 1 milyon sterlinlik ödül havuzuyla dikkat çekerken şampiyon 225 bin sterlin kazanacak.
Educator in Action, with Renuka Lal, Mission Heights Primary School
“Programmes such as Garden to Table provide authentic opportunities for tamariki to learn essential life skills alongside the curriculum.” Photos supplied How long have you been an educator, and where did you train? I’ve been an educator for the past 23 years. I trained at Auckland Teachers College. When did you start teaching at Mission Heights Primary School? I joined in 2010, so Mission Heights Primary has been my home for the past 16 years.
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