Kumeu Courier

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Kumeu Courier

Local free community magazine for Kumeu and surrounding areas. Print run 10,000 to households and pick up stands.
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To find out how you can advertise your business then email [email protected] “Kumeu Courier is a community magazine that is largely written by the community for the community, combining a range of short relevant editorials about our cluster of districts that make up the North Western Ward. The publication is picked up an average of three times within the household. Readers comment that,

“there is always something of interest, and it more local in content than any other publication in the area”. Produced in colour on A4 gloss paper the photography is sharp and the colour is vibrant making this environment a quality long life casual canvas”

19/08/2025

The All or Nothing Podcast with Dr. Heather Anderson ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine

You may know her from her regular Ask Dr. Heather column featured in the Health & Beauty section, Dr. Heather is now launching her podcast called the All or Nothing Podcast. We caught up with her to learn more about this new very cool venture.

Tell us about your podcast – what is it about?

This podcast is dear to my heart as it really is an expression of my passion for cosmetic medicine and how it intersects with human nature. The industry is naturally superficial and often misses core issues we face when considering cosmetic treatments. I discuss these in the podcast and how we can build beauty from the inside, so we can gain the most out of treatments and use them as an expression of inner beauty, rather than shielding aspects of ourselves we dislike.

Where did the idea for the podcast come from?

My patients often ask me to debunk cosmetic treatments as there is a lot of misinformation circulating and many feel they aren’t worthy or embarrassed to have treatments, which I feel is a product of our society. The stigma of cosmetic treatments is slowly diminishing; however, I want to empower listeners to feel worthy on the inside and make informed, sensible choices, so they can feel great on the outside. The name of the podcast is the origin of my clinic name ALLOR, as a reflection of the podcast highlighting the underbelly of the cosmetic industry. It also comes from the phrase “all or nothing”, where I live by the mantra of doing things thoroughly.

Where can people listen to your podcast?

They can listen on multiple platforms including Spotify, iHeartRadio and Youtube. Links to the podcast are on our website at https://www.allor.co.nz/media.

18/08/2025

Fully Wired Electrical LTD

Corey at Fully Wired Electrical is dedicated to providing honest services at competitive rates.

With a commitment to excellence, Fully Wired Electrical specialise in a wide range of services including affordable air conditioning unit installations, perfect for keeping your house warm and cosy in the winter, and cool on those hot summer days.

Get in touch now / mention this magazine for a discount.

0210 232 2584

www.fullywiredelectrical.co.nz

[email protected]

17/08/2025

SWAN Skin Wellbeing and Nutrition
Melasma & pigmentation: A sign of internal inflammation
By Sarah Tumulty – Your Skin Nutritionist, SWAN Skin, Wellbeing & Nutrition

Melasma is often misunderstood as a simple skin concern, but it’s actually a reflection of internal inflammation—especially within the liver. This pigmentation shows up as brown or grey patches, commonly across the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. These facial zones are linked through skin mapping to liver stress, making melasma more than just a surface-level issue.

It’s most commonly triggered by liver damage caused by hormone-based medications such as birth control pills or antidepressants, and hormonal changes during pregnancy—especially after the age of 30. While hormone imbalances and sun exposure can worsen the condition, the underlying cause is often the liver’s reduced ability to process hormonal waste. In some cases, yeast overgrowth in the gut—encouraged by hormonal changes—may also contribute to persistent melasma.

At SWAN Skin, Wellbeing & Nutrition, I take a holistic approach using the Osmosis Beauty protocol, which targets both internal healing and topical repair. Internal support with Osmosis supplements like Immune Activator and Regenerate focuses on reducing liver inflammation and repairing. Topically, products such as Catalyst serum and Rescue Epidermal Repair work to repair DNA damage and calm the skin—without the irritation or rebound effects of harsh lightening creams.
In the clinic, I offer professional skin treatments tailored to support barrier repair and pigment correction using a non-inflammatory approach. These include customised skin infusions and gentle protocols designed to nourish and strengthen the skin from the inside out.

Rather than suppressing symptoms, this method addresses the root cause - restoring balance, calming inflammation, and supporting long-term results.

To learn more or book a personalised skin consultation, visit SWAN Skin, Wellbeing & Nutrition. Your skin holds the map—let’s start decoding it.

15/08/2025

Chris Penk MP

I’m delighted to share some wonderful news with readers of Kumeu Courier: central government funding has been approved this month to upgrade the stretch of State Highway 16 at the Brigham Creek end. Many of you will know that this is referred to as “Stage 2” of the safety improvement works, which will also have a great benefit in terms of congestion.

The visible progress of the works at the Waimauku end (“Stage 1”) is exciting to see, meanwhile.

And many of you may also know that this whole project was once planned to have been completed by the end of 2021. The slow progress of these works (and in fact, for whole years at a time, a complete lack of progress) has been unbelievably frustrating.

No doubt governments past will point to covid19-related disruptions as a cause of delays. That’s partly true but not the whole story. Much more important than re-litigating any of that history, however, is the way ahead.

To be clear, though, while plans for the work have existed for years now, they haven’t been real without any actual dollars allocated to make them happen. Until now.

And so I was able to meet this week with NZ Transport Agency representatives to have a meaningful discussion about what can be expected from here.

With land acquisitions needed to widen the road, nothing will happen overnight.

And of course once works commence it’ll be important that these are completed as soon as possible. In my view, the four-laning of that stretch between Kumeu-Huapai to Brigham Creek will be a huge benefit in getting locals to places of work and play. But to achieve that gain there will be some pain, in terms of traffic management (the dreaded road cones!), while construction takes place.

I have raised with NZTA that diversions will need to be in place to minimise the halting of traffic through stop-go signage or traffic light-controlled movements. They have assured me that such measures will be put in place carefully and respect the fact that - throughout the period of the works - this highway will remain the primary route used by northwest residents in heading towards town. Part of this plan will be ensuring that any unavoidable disruption occurs overnight, when traffic is lightest.

I will continue to keep a close eye on this detail, as well as official intentions for other transport infrastructure in the area: the separated, dedicated busway that is being constructed as we speak and also the Kumeu bypass. More on those another time!

For now, though, I’m so pleased that with funding allocated to the SH16 project this month we finally have the key, tangible progress that has alluded northwest Auckland until now. And that’s worth celebrating.

Chris Penk
MP for Kaipara ki Mahurangi

14/08/2025

Kumeu Library
Even though August is often wet and cold, Kumeu Library is warm and full of new things, and winter is a great time for reading.

Join us from 1 August for We Read Auckland 2025, a free festival celebrating writers and readers of Tāmaki Makaurau. Throughout August, discover special reads by local writers in this year’s Bestie collection, featured in our display. Auckland-wide there will be a programme packed with exciting author events and workshops in different libraries. Details of author events and workshops can be found on our website: www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/Pages/we-read-auckland.aspx.

Don't miss out - details and free event tickets will be available in late July.

This winter, We Read Auckland brings you stacks of fresh and fantastic books written by well-known favourites and debut authors from right here in Tāmaki Makaurau - coming soon to a Bestie display near you. Skip the queues on our pick of popular locally-written titles including:

- page-turning thrillers and mysteries
- exciting contemporary and historical fiction
- fascinating and inspiring memoirs
- guides on topics from money management to bringing more te reo Māori into your home
- collections by emerging and established poets in honour of National Poetry Day

We Read Auckland's local Bestie selection debuts at all libraries from 1 August. Selected titles are also available on Libby and OverDrive for our e-reading Besties. Please note that Bestie books have a two week loan period, and a maximum of two Besties can be checked out at one time.

Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kumeulibrary) to keep up with all our news and events.

14/08/2025

Elyse Crowther, Senior Registered Legal Executive at ClearStone Legal

Wills - when you should review yours?

Wills are often one of those documents people put in place and then promptly forget about. However, to ensure they still meet your needs and wishes, they are something you should look to review every 5 years, as well as after any significant life event.

If you have married, then you must update your will as marriage revokes your will unless it was made in contemplation of marriage.

Other significant life events which should prompt a review are divorce or separation, the birth of children, someone named in your will dying, if you have set up or wound up a family trust, or your assets and debts have significantly changed.

Key elements of your will to consider as time goes on are:

1. Your executors – their age, their ability to take on the role, and their personal circumstances.
2. Specific gifts – do you still have the items you intended to gift, or are there new items you now wish to record?
3. Beneficiaries – have any of them predeceased you, are the shares still appropriate?
4. Guardians – do your children still require guardians and are those appointed still the right person for this role?
5. Funeral instructions – have your wishes in this regard changed?

If you think it might be time to review your will, feel free to give one of our team here at ClearStone Legal a call to talk it through - on 09 973 5102.

13/08/2025

Laser Plumbing & Roofing Whenuapai – your local plumbing & roofing specialists based in Whenuapai.

Laser Whenuapai is your local one stop shop for all plumbing and roofing needs.

Maintenance Plumbing – for all your plumbing requirements, from basic tap washers, leaking pipes, the dreaded blocked toilets, or gas work, our maintenance plumbers are here to help – 24 hours a day.

Roofing – we find and fix roof leaks. We also offer complete roofing services…from repairs and gutter cleans right through to full re-roofs.

Project Plumbing –we are specialists in new home plumbing, design and installation as well as home renovations. We also have extensive knowledge and experience in commercial plumbing. Contact us today and we will help manage your project.

Laser Whenuapai has been trading for 40 years – so choosing us means choosing a solid, reliable and experienced company that you can depend on. Not only can we offer you total solutions for all your plumbing and roofing needs, we stand by all our jobs by offering warranties…and we always use quality New Zealand made products.

Get in touch with us today on 09-417-0110 or [email protected]. We are open five days a week from 7:30am-4:30pm and are conveniently located at Unit 4, 3 Northside Drive, Westgate.

13/08/2025

What’s Your Style Personality? ZUBU

At Zubu, we know style is deeply personal. It’s not about following trends—it’s about finding pieces that make you feel confident, comfortable, and completely you. So, what’s your style personality? Take our quick quiz.

1. When you get dressed in the morning, you want to feel:

A) Polished and timeless
B) Effortless and relaxed
C) Bold and creative
D) Comfortable but still stylish

2. Your dream wardrobe is full of:

A) Blazers, crisp shirts, tailored pants
B) Flowy dresses, earthy knits, vintage finds
C) Prints, colour, statement pieces
D) Soft knits, easy pants, versatile basics

3. Your go-to accessory is:

A) A structured leather bag
B) A wide-brim hat or chunky scarf
C) Bright earrings or a bold necklace
D) A crossbody bag and sneakers

Your Results

Mostly A’s – The Classicist
You love timeless elegance. Clean lines, neutral tones, and structured pieces fill your wardrobe. Pair a tailored blazer with wide-leg trousers for instant sophistication.

Mostly B’s – The Bohemian
Relaxed and effortless, your style is layered and textural. Flowy dresses, chunky knits, and earthy tones are your go-to.

Mostly C’s – The Creative
Bold and fearless, you love colour, prints, and unique cuts. A vibrant dress or statement coat is your style signature.

Mostly D’s – The Modern Minimalist
You value comfort but still want polish. Soft knits, easy shapes, and quality basics are your staples.

Whatever your style personality, Zubu has pieces to make you feel amazing. Pop in-store myself and the team will help you find your perfect match.

visit 84 Main Road, Kumeū

12/08/2025

The Village Market Helensville Showgrounds

Sunday 17th August 8.30am to 1pm

With over 50 stalls we have something for everyone - a barn for your garden, preserves to top up your pantry, fresh fruit & veg, some artwork for the home, something gorgeous for yourself and delicious treats from the market café, fresh coffee, Lions sausage sizzle - we have you covered. Plus enjoy great music from Ralphe - singer/songwriter/DJ while you browse. Can't wait to see you all there – a great morning out for the family

No dogs please with the exception of assistance dogs. Gold coin donation for parking – proceeds to the Helensville/Kaukapakapa scouts and St John youth.

For more information contact [email protected]

11/08/2025

Greetings Geoff Dobson

I went to the Waimauku meeting with Auckland electricity distributor Vector (see report in this issue) and quickly realised I was in a similar situation to many people there.

I’ve also lost power supply occasionally but generally had it restored again within a few hours. Water, the septic system, heating, and the oven (apart from the top gas hobs) all need electricity to operate. The internet and Starlink wifi need to work too as I’m usually working from home these days.

Trees are a leading cause of power failure, and I know one major tree near the top of our road lost a huge branch in an easterly storm (we used to get mainly westerly winds) which took out lines.

Our power bill has skyrocketed – it usually goes up in winter anyway but more so this time.
It will be interesting to see what the bill is for a son’s nearby house as his hot water cylinder failed after nearly 23 years and he went several days without hot water until a replacement was installed.

His downstairs area (mostly tiled) flooded and we all helped clear the water as quickly as possible to minimise damage (mainly confined to door bottoms).

I asked Rodney Local Board Kumeu Subdivision and Kumeu Emergency Network member Guy Wishart at the Waimauku meeting whether solar, a battery and an electric vehicle with vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) or vehicle to everything (V2X) would help.

He reckons it’s all a good idea and that if enough people have them we could avoid many of the power cuts.

The cost of solar panel and battery storage can be high (I’ve been told around $20,000) so I’m waiting to see whether prices will reduce and what subsidies (if any) may be available. That would give me energy independence and I may be able to sell some surplus electricity back to the grid (and provide some in emergencies).

An electric vehicle with V2L could also help keep the lights on and other things operating but I haven’t got one – yet. About the only battery electric vehicle I do have is an electric bicycle and that doesn’t have enough juice.
I’ll explore solar and battery storage again later, probably in summer if the cost-of-living situation allows.

And if petrol prices rise again I may go for an electric vehicle too if the initial cost is right, although it’s hard being a “petrol head” to make the switch as a I grew up in a town with a motor racing circuit and regularly visit the Kumeu Classic Car and Hot Rod Festival at the Kumeu Showgrounds.

11/08/2025

Matariki Celebrations at Craigweil House

The stars of Matariki may have been shining above, but the real sparkle was at Craigweil House as residents came together to mark the Māori New Year in June.

In the days leading up to the celebration, residents enjoyed getting creative with Matariki-themed artwork. There were plenty of colourful stars, painted night skies, and thoughtful pieces reflecting memories and wishes for the year ahead. The lounge was buzzing with creativity, conversations, and of course, a few cups of tea.

A special highlight was the visit from the wonderful students of Parakai School. Their energy lit up the room as they sang, shared stories, and spent time with the residents. It was heartwarming to see different generations connect and enjoy each other's company.

The day was filled with warmth, laughter, and meaning. It was a lovely way to reflect on the past, enjoy the present, and welcome the future with open hearts.

If you or someone you love is considering rest home or hospital-level care, we’d love to welcome you for a visit. Come see what life at Craigweil House is like and meet the wonderful people who make it feel like home. PH 09 420 8277

10/08/2025

Responsibilities of Justices of the Peace

Justices are available at Kumeu Library Saturday morning between 10 am and noon.

Whilst J.P.s are not legal advisers ,there are some legal processes that a J.P. can assist with and save people having to visit lawyers. A J.P. can witness signatures on documents and certify copies of documents as true copies of the originals or images/texts viewable on a computer or smartphone screen. They also take declarations for documents requiring a Statutory Declaration and oaths or affirmations on court related documents requiring an affidavit. They can also officiate at Citizenship ceremonies.

Some of the documents commonly presented requiring Statutory Declarations relate to immigration matters such as sponsorship, bank documents, change of name, KiwiSaver withdrawals, insurance claims rate rebates applications, etc. Certification of photos as being a true likeness are common as is certifying that people receiving overseas pensions are still alive

There are some things people needing a J.P. need to note. If they want a printed copy of an original to be certified they must bring the original with them. Or be able to show it on their smartphone screen. For Affidavits or Statutory Declaration. The person making the declaration must be present. You cannot do this for someone else. Bring your Driver Licence or passport with you so the J.P. can confirm you are the person making the declaration. Do NOT SIGN the form before you come as you must do this in front of the J.P.

There is a Justice of the Peace service at the Kumeu Library between 10 am and 12 noon every Saturday There is no charge nor appointments needed for this service

Jim Coward J.P.

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Auckland

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+64277578251

Website

http://www.kumeucourier.co.nz/

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