Phil Taylor
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Articles by Phil Taylor
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.
East Auckland boxers set to duke it out in Glasgow
“I’ve worked really hard this past year, been completely dedicated to this, grinding away,” says Jordan Wilson. Photos supplied East Auckland will be strongly represented in the boxing ring at the upcoming 23rd Commonwealth Games, with two fighters and two trainers now Glasgow bound, reports PJ TAYLOR.
Kapa haka festival ushers in Matariki on sound footing
With pride in who they are and where they come from, Wakaaranga School students shared their voices, stories, and wairua. Times photos PJ Taylor Matariki is an important time of celebration, reflection and reset during winter, and to start this season hundreds of students roused an engaged crowd with empathetic kapa haka performances.
Practical Kiwis rally for Ukrainians
Janet with some of the clothing items now shipping their way to Europe. Photo supplied A heatwave has struck the northern hemisphere, but it won’t be long before winter blows in there again and Kiwis have been making sure Ukrainians are warm when it arrives.
Q&A with Simon Gault, high-flying chef
“Looking back, Mum probably had a bigger influence on me becoming a chef than anyone. Dad, meanwhile, was the king of the barbecue.” Times photos PJ Taylor He’s known for his fervour for food, but as PJ TAYLOR discovers, there’s more to the master of the kitchen. Where were you born and grew up? I was born and raised in Auckland, and my earliest memories are of growing up in Papakura when it was a very different place to what it is today.
Unity meeting proves serendipitous
Members of the community gathered to hear the thought-provoking talk by Farida Master, in front in white top, next to Eric Neal. Times photo PJ Taylor Outside it was cold, but inside there was a warmth of community togetherness as a well-known east Auckland journalist discussed serendipity. The Oxford English Dictionary defines serendipity as ‘the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way’.
The tide rises: How a recent High Court decision could strengthen legal privilege in investigations | JD Supra
Legal professional privilege (LPP) is a uniquely powerful English common law right. It overrides other legal and public interests to protect a client's confidential communications (including emails, transcripts, reports, notes or any another form of material) from disclosure to any third party. That can include the courts, law enforcement agencies, regulators or private counterparties.
Ep. 1-Mike Bonem, Author of ‘Leading From The Second Chair’
In this episode of the Backstage Pastors Podcast™️, hosts Phil and Tyler kick off the series by welcoming longtime executive pastor, author, and consultant Mike Bonem. The conversation centers on the origins and evolution of the executive pastor (XP) and second-chair leader role, drawing heavily from Mike’s seminal book Leading from the Second Chair and his more recent work Thriving in the Second Chair.
Five dedicated decades of kindy care
Bucklands Beach Kindergarten head teacher Elayne Biggam said it’s a privilege to lead such a “valued member of the wider community”. Photos supplied Lindy Fish It was a significant moment in its history as Bucklands Beach Kindergarten (BBK) marked being open for 50 years last month.
Dame Valerie Adams’ captivating quality
Dame Valerie Adams, centre, with Howick Pakuranga Principals’ Association executive members, Riverina School principal Bryce Mills and Mission Heights Primary School principal Caroline Bush. Times photo PJ Taylor Dame Valerie Adams was a strong and dynamic competitor who dominated shot put circles for 20 years and now she’s having impact as a positively inspirational speaker, writes PJ TAYLOR.
Fairway Gardens opens $63m care home
From left, Metlifecare chief executive Earl Gasparich, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Fairway Gardens village manager Dean Jackson, and nurse manager Sheena Benitez. Times photos PJ Taylor The next modern-era block in the quickly developing Fairway Gardens residential village in Botany has been officially opened by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
World champs for 27 BMX Raiders
Some of the Mountain Raiders BMX Club’s youngers riders going the sport’s world championships, with clubman Lance Joyce, one of the NZ team’s managers. Times photo PJ Taylor BMX cycle racing’s accessibility to people of all ages perhaps explains why 27 standout riders of Mountain Raiders BMX Club are heading to the sport’s world championships. The thrill-seeking two-wheel cycling class stages its world champs in Brisbane, Australia, on July 17-19.
Educator in Action, with Mandy Attard of Bucklands Beach Intermediate
Mandy Attard, specialist mathematics teacher and much more, of Bucklands Beach Intermediate School. Photo supplied How long have you been an educator, and where did you train? I started as an educator more than 40 years ago as a volunteer swimming teacher.
Neu The Neu Bulletin ( Slow Fiction , Joe James , Chanpan and more!)
Slow Fiction return with a nostalgic beauty, the influence of New York culture creating a yearning for something familiar. Here, the feeling of being watched is one too difficult to ignore, as lead drums atmospherically force the listener to see the world through the eyes of vocalist Julia Vassallo. A feeling of dissonance arises, Vassallo’s vocals enhancing this vulnerability like a diary burning to avoid exposure.
Skilled student cooks scoop prizes
Howick College contestants at the Chef Competition, from left, head of food science Pauli Roodt, Calleigh Hopkins, Blake Lagor, Shaelei Kirby, Lia Wu and Dakota Glass. Photos supplied Five creative Howick College hospitality and food science students were medallists in the recent Chef Competition at Manukau Institute of Technology. “We’re thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievement of our students, who brought home an impressive three silver and two bronze awards,” says Howick College.
Hockey club grounded by strong community ethos
At home at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium, Howick Pakuranga Hockey Club life member Paul Daniel says: “We look after these kids and want them involved. We want them loving hockey and sport in general. With that, you create a good community.” Times photo PJ Taylor As Howick Pakuranga Hockey Club shoots towards its very active Club Day weekend, life member Paul Daniel feels an immense sense of pride.
High-use roads closing for busway works
Gossamer Drive will be off limits to motor vehicles on its section from the junction with Riverhills Avenue to Tī Rākau Drive on Friday, June 26, from 9pm, to 5am on Monday, June 29. Photos supplied Eastern Busway Alliance Mark Barber Motorists face more short-term disruptions as usually busy east Auckland roads close for ongoing Eastern Busway transport project construction, reports PJ TAYLOR.
Baker of the year title comes east
FSNI’s Baker of the Year Pavan Vemula with Diana and Wade Brown. Photos supplied An east Auckland supermarket that’s only been open a year has one of the leading bakers in the land. In the recent Foodstuffs Excellence Awards, Pavan Vemula, bakery manager at PAK’nSAVE Highland Park was presented the Foodstuffs North Island (FSNI) Baker of the Year prize. The supermarket’s owner-operators Diana and Wade Brown say the team is “incredibly proud of Pavan’s achievement”.
Famous London stage awaits Shakespeare prodigies
“Stepping onto the Globe stage in London is a literal dream come true,” says Jay Lane, of Howick College. Photo supplied East Auckland secondary students have impressed judges in an annual nationwide festival commemorating the revered works of 16th and 17th century British playwright William Shakespeare.
College classmates of 1955 reunite
The former schoolmates and lifelong friends assembled at Mary Wilton’s Bucklands Beach home, with retired Professor Emeritus Russell Stone, 103, seated second from left. Times photos PJ Taylor At the grand age of 103, the memory clarity of Professor Emeritus Russell Stone is as impressive as his accomplishments in education and recording Auckland’s history. At a recent gathering of former students who attended Otahuhu College 71 years ago, the Times had the opportunity to talk with Prof Stone.
BREAKING: Old tree branch falls on truck delaying deliveries
As the lorry was moving up the sloped driveway, a branch of the old tree to the left side of the exit fell onto the truck’s cab. Times photos PJ Taylor An unexpected delivery is delaying a truck on a round of Sunday goods drop offs. It’s a case of wrong place wrong time for a truck that was exiting the car park at 24 Uxbridge Road in Howick Village, opposite The Prospect of Howick / Good Home, this Sunday afternoon, June 21.
Q&A with Liz Brown Douglas, committed business leader
“The firm’s commitment to providing personalised advice, high-quality research, and comprehensive investment solutions aligned closely with my own values and approach to client service.” Photo supplied PJ TAYLOR talks with a highly qualified academic all-rounder who has a very friendly style and genuine interest in her community and clients’ financial and life well-being. Where were you born and grew up?
Hitting open water for NZ at world champs
Maeve McDonnell after the Rangitoto Swim where she finished third overall female and first in her age group. Photos supplied Maeve McDonnell is nervous, excited and proud at being selected to swim for New Zealand for the first time. The 16-year-old east Aucklander has been chosen for her national debut in the team of 10 competitors lining up at the 2026 World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships at Santa Fe in Argentina on September 3-6.
New all-weather turf changes game
Happy days – Sunnyhills School opens its new all-weather recreation turf asset, with board member Angela Kendall, second from left, and principal Mark Keenan, fifth from left. Times photos PJ Taylor It’s affectionately called “Little Wembley” and Sunnyhills School is very pleased and proud about it.
NZDF disposes of concerning item on Browns Island
East Aucklanders on social media were commenting earlier on June 15 of hearing an explosion and seeing smoke rising on Browns Island that can been seen from coastal suburbs such as Eastern Beach. Photo supplied The New Zealand Defence Force has disposed of “an item of concern” on Browns Island today Monday.
Principal in Person, with Belinda Johnston of Sommerville School
“Our satellite classes allow students to be part of both Sommerville and their local mainstream school community. It creates opportunities for friendships, inclusion and shared learning for everyone involved. Inclusive education benefits everyone.” Photo supplied Angela Scott 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 College of Education, but most of my teaching and leadership career has been in Auckland.
BREAKING: Car leaves road crashing through fence
The incident occurred at the corner of busy Cascades Road and Hope Farm Avenue in Pakuranga Heights, adjacent to the Cascades shops. Times photos PJ Taylor A car has left the road and dramatically burst through a residential property fence, crashing into a parked vehicle on the other side. If it hadn’t collided with the stationary vehicle, the car could have carried on and hit the property’s house.
Rotary Walkway cleaned up by creators
Dedicated members of Pakuranga Rotary collected rubbish in the Rotary Walkway area last month. Photo supplied The highly valued coastal Rotary Walkway has been celebrated with an environmental clean-up event run by its makers. Members of the Rotary Club of Pakuranga proudly strolled the Pakuranga Rotary Walkway on May 16 as an activity for International Epic Day of Rotary Service in Action, says club secretary Joan Swift.
East Auckland educators fly NZ flag in China
Mark Keenan, left; Ed Roper, second left; and Kate Keenan, right, signing sister-school agreements on the prestigious New Zealand education leaders’ trip to China. Photos supplied East Auckland school leaders have had the honour of representing New Zealand on the international education stage in Asia.
Arsonists spark dangerous fires on public assets
The fire-damaged children’s adventure climbing structure in the Reelick Park playground is taped off and out of action with repairs due to be completed by early next month. Times photos PJ Taylor Reckless arsonists have been brashly lighting public assets on fire, deeming them unusable awaiting repairs to the annoyance of east Aucklanders. A reader has informed the Times of two destructive arsons at an Auckland Council park in Pakuranga Heights.
Community collaboration delivers covered bowls green
Past presidents of Howick Bowling Club, Noeline Sadgrove and Lyn McKay, cut the ribbon to officially open the covered green. Photos supplied Howick Photographic Society Margaret Jones Sue Townsend There was a sense of irony when Howick Bowling Club held its official opening for the super structure canopy now covering one of its greens, enabling play in all weather.
Budget 2026: Endorsing the path to fiscal prudence
Senior Government Minister and Pakuranga MP, Simeon Brown, told the business audience: “The Budget and the Treasury’s forecasts show the Government’s programme over the last two-and-a-half years is making a difference.
Germans learn Kiwi education lessons
Owairoa Primary School principal Alan McIntyre and recent visitors from Germany, Claudia and Professor Martin Weingardt. Times photos PJ Taylor Owairoa Primary School has long been a welcoming destination for teachers to go for good lessons in education. It gets visits from other educators from across New Zealand and overseas, and the latest is a husband and wife from Germany.
Q&A with Rudy Bakker, mental health champion
Rudy Bakker: “Mental Health is something we all have and we need to look after it. ‘There is no health without mental health.’’’ Photos supplied PJ TAYLOR talks with one of New Zealand’s most experienced healthcare practitioners working at the forefront of mental health issues in east Auckland. Where were you born and grew up? I began by journey from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Melbourne, Australia, where I joined the world. We then returned to Amsterdam.
Courting tennis all year round in Howick
Head coach Matt Jones is making a difference, says the junior committee of Howick Tennis Club. Photos supplied Howick Tennis Club is serving up an invitation that if people, especially younger ones, want to play or try the racquet sport, everyone is welcome, even in the damper colder winter months. “Our club is such a fishbowl,” says the junior committee, referring to its prominent position in Howick Valley next to Howick Domain.
Man arrested over arson attack on PM’s office
On Wednesday, a crime scene was established at the Botany electorate office at 122 Millhouse Drive. Times photos PJ Taylor An arrest has been made over the arson attack on the Botany electorate office of the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Wednesday, Counties Manukau Police say.
Three-day stays delivered for newborns
Announcing the $34.4 million investment in the maternity sector at Botany Downs Birthing Unit, from left, Health Minister Simeon Brown, MP Catherine Wedd, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and Minister Louise Upston. Photos supplied In tough economic times and as election year campaigning heats up, two Government parties competing for votes together pledged $34.4 million in last week’s Budget 2026 funding for supporting mothers and newborn babies.
Emotional moment reopening McDonald’s
Everyone who assembled for the opening of the new rebuilt McDonald’s Pakuranga on May 29. Times photos PJ Taylor It was a special early morning ceremony tinged with emotion to open the rebuilt McDonald’s Pakuranga last Friday. Owner Amon Jones spoke from the heart when he talked with the group that assembled for the daybreak karakia blessing conducted by east Auckland kaumatua Billy Davis.
UPDATED: Police investigate “suspicious” incident at PM’s office
Five police cars were parked around the property on the corner of Millhouse Drive and Kilimanjaro Drive this Wednesday morning. Times photos PJ Taylor A crime scene has been established at the Botany electorate office of the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The Times visited the address at 122 Millhouse Drive in Northpark at 10.25am today, June 3, and police had cordoned off the property at the boundary using ‘Crime Scene’ tape.
Principal in Person, with Carolyn Massey, Sancta Maria Primary School
Carolyn Massey, the principal of Sancta Maria Primary School. Photo supplied How long have you been an educator, and where did you train? I’ve been involved in education since the age of 22, although I also took time away from teaching to be at home raising my four children, an experience that shaped me greatly both personally and professionally. I trained at Auckland College of Education in Epsom and at the University of Auckland.
Photos display society’s heart and soul
At the opening of the Howick Photographic Society’s annual Photography Exhibition at Ormiston Town Centre, with in the foreground from left, Doug Mitchell, Adele White, John Clare, Margaret Jones and Shona Kebble. The show is open daily until June 20. Times photos PJ Taylor The best pictures captured by east Auckland photographers over the past year are now showing for the public’s enjoyment.
Lack of drive for more traffic lights
Public consultation on Auckland Transport’s proposal to construct traffic lights and pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Pakuranga Road, Hutchinsons Road and Aberfeldy Avenue at Highland Park closes tomorrow, Friday, May 29. Times photos PJ Taylor Who exactly wants new traffic lights and pedestrian crossings worth about $750,000 of ratepayers’ money installed at the intersection of Pakuranga Road, Hutchinsons Road and Aberfeldy Avenue?
Photographers revel in 70 years of snapping Howick
Howick Photographic Society members Margaret Jones and Shona Kebble assembling photo images to go on display in the HPS’s annual Photography Exhibition that opens at Ormiston Town Centre this Sunday, May 31, and is open free to the public for viewing until June 20. Photo supplied Howick Photographic Society A respected east Auckland institution dedicated to capturing images of the area’s people, history and environments is proudly recognising its seven decades of achievements.
Shooting to top of golf leader boards
Archie Thompson started swinging golf clubs three years and eight months ago and has recently been chosen for Auckland Golf’s senior amateur provincial 10-man team. Photos supplied A teenage golfer is putting his best foot forward taking giant strides down fairways and driving towards a career pin. Archie Thompson, a year 13 student at Macleans College, is making his mark amongst the best amateur golfers in the country in only his second year of competitive play.
Life of brave Hugo to be celebrated
Samantha Donaldson has written of her son Hugo, pictured: “You are so so loved Hugo by so many. You kept us all in fits of laughter right till the end.” Photo supplied Samantha Donaldson A celebration of the life of a very courageous Beachlands boy who has lost his battle with a rare soft tissue cancer is happening tomorrow Thursday. Hugo Donaldson passed away on Monday. He had his 12th birthday on February 18.
Upgrade of frustrating intersection to cost $2.5m
“Since its opening [in October], the flyover has improved travel times for those using it, but on Pakūranga Road at the intersection with the flyover there has been congestion, particularly for afternoon peak traffic,” says AT. Photo supplied The intersection of Pakūranga Road and the Rā Hihi (Reeves Road) Flyover is to finally be upgraded after motorists’ frustrations have been heard by Auckland Transport (AT).
China wins men’s hockey series opener
On Tuesday evening, China, in red, defeated an Auckland Invitational side 5-3 in the first of five friendly international field hockey matches being played at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga this week. Times photo PJ Taylor It finished China 5 Auckland Invitational 3 in the men’s friendly international field hockey match on Tuesday evening at Lloyd Elsmore Park Hockey Stadium in Pakuranga, east Auckland. They played four 15-minute quarters, and at three-quarter time it was 2-2.
Fifty years of Rotary service honoured
Bill Duncan presents the Paul Harris Rotary International ruby pin to Del Johnston. Photo supplied Graham Kearns When looking back over half a century of voluntary service to east Auckland, Del Johnston says above all it’s been “the people” that have mattered most to him. The people that have benefitted from the thousands of tangible voluntary efforts, and the people he did it with.
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