The Westerly

04/12/2025

Visual Alerting Devices (VAD's)
Recently, it has come to our attention that Visual Alerting Devices (VADs) have become a focus of fire alarm and building code compliance checks by several city and regional councils. VADs are used in workplaces where noise levels are high and hearing protection is routinely required, such as workshops, manufacturing floors, and sawmills. In these environments, visual alarms may be necessary in addition to audible alarms to ensure that workers can perceive an evacuation signal.

Clause 406.4 of NZS 4512:2021 – Fire Detection and Alarm Systems in Buildings – states that if hearing protection is routinely worn, audible alarms may not be sufficient for life safety. In such cases, visual alerting devices such as strobe lights or flashing beacons must be installed. Because NZS 4512 is a cited standard in the New Zealand Building Code under Clause F7 – Warning Systems, compliance effectively becomes a legal requirement where a compliant fire alarm system is necessary.

However, Clause 406.4 is not written directly into the Building Code. It is contained within NZS 4512:2021, the primary standard used by architects and fire engineers when designing new buildings or major refurbishments. This suggests that the requirement may apply mainly to new builds or significant renovations where a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is required.

In many workplaces, noisy tasks occur sporadically, and hearing protection is worn for only brief periods. Modern fire alarm systems are also deafening and can be heard through most standard hearing protection. In such cases, VADs may not be required.

WorkSafe NZ advised that determining Building Code compliance is not their role, but where hearing protection might prevent workers' hearing alarms, “reasonably practicable” controls should be applied, with VADs being one possible option.

If you believe VADs may be necessary, don't hesitate to get in touch with John Riddell, email [email protected] or check out www.securo.co.nz for assistance.

03/12/2025

Hobsonville Church & Settlers Cemetery

On 25 October 2025 around 180 descendants of the early Hobsonville settlers celebrated 150 years of the Hobsonville Church & Settlers Cemetery. Almost all of the descendant families are related to each other. Cameron Brewer, our local MP, was the keynote speaker.
Hobsonville Church was built in 1875 by John Danby (1849-1923) as a church, school and gathering place, incorporating a graveyard in the grounds on one acre of land donated by R.O. Clark I (1816-1896). Hobsonville was then a thriving community of 25 to 30 houses, with a mixed economy based on brick and pottery production and farming. The weatherboard church and school was a simple, gabled design, with a steep, shingled roof and a small porch at its west end.

In 1877 the land was transferred to five trustees, who are all buried in the graveyard, Joshua Carder (1816-1895), R.O. Clark II (1854-1905), Joshua Ockleston (1836-1896), Thomas Scott (1827-1892) and William Sinton (1837-1880). The earliest recorded burials in the graveyard date from 1875, although it is suspected the graveyard may have been in use well before that year, as European settlers were living in the district from the mid-1850s.

Our cemetery is unique with some of the graves incorporating ceramic bricks and pottery in the design of headstones and tombs, and our cremation wall uses ceramic pipes, honouring Hobsonville’s industrial heritage. The Church building and graveyard are maintained by volunteers, descendants of the early Hobsonville settler families. The Church is a listed Historic Place.

The Settlers' Church is available for Wedding or Civil Union (hire fee $595), Baby Naming, Baptism or other Venue booking (hire fee on enquiry). Wedding or Civil Union bookings from all, any or no denomination are welcomed and you provide your own Celebrant. There are no rules around which Celebrant, or religious or non religious Celebrant you can use. www.hobsonvillechurch.co.nz

03/12/2025

02/12/2025

Christmas on the Point is happening on Dec 7th

Come along to the Rifle Range Amphitheatre on Sunday 7 December from 4:30 - 6:30pm. It's a fun and festive community event with performances as well as a chance to join in singing Christmas Carols. There will be a bouncy castle, a visit from Santa + Santa photo booth, food trucks, and lawn games. The event is free, just bring money for food purchases or your own picnic and something to sit on. Keep an eye on Connected Neighbourhoods Trust page for further details. https://www.facebook.com/connectedneighbourhoods.nz

01/12/2025

A Christmas present from Massey Birdwood Settlers Association
Massey Birdwood Settlers Association and Hall

Sign up before Christmas for Kung Fu lessons, and you will go into the draw for free lessons in February and March 2025.

You can also do the same with Krav Maga West Auckland.
The Association has decided to provide the above offer as by the time you read this column, the 100th Annual General Meeting of the Association will have taken place in the Den.

The rules are pretty simple: contact See Wong from Kung Fu, pay your fees for the balance of 2025, and he will put your name in the draw for free Kung Fu lessons in February and March 2025, paid for by the Association.

The Association is also offering the opportunity for someone to have their fees for Krav Maga lessons paid in February and March 2026. You will need to contact Bertrand van der Plas on 0226909837.

See Wong, the Kung Fu Sifu at Massey Birdwood Settlers, can be contacted by phoning 021383021.

If you want to join the Association and learn about Local Government, you can do so by contacting our Secretary, John Riddell, at [email protected].

30/11/2025

WE are dedicated to exceptional patient care

For many, the thought of having a Colonoscopy or Gastroscopy can be a time of anxiety and uncertainty, which is why choosing a trusted provider is essential to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

At Waitematā Endoscopy, genuine patient experience is the most meaningful feedback and powerful form of endorsement. We deeply value the trust patients and referrers place in us during these vulnerable moments, and authentic feedback reminds us of the responsibility we carry and how care is felt.

As expressed by a few of our recent patients who have shared the following:

“From the very minute I walked in I was so impressed with how friendly and helpful all the staff were. They went above and beyond and I loved the little touches like putting on a heater for me and lots of smiles and great instructions. My Doctor John Perry was very good and informative and I felt I had a very professional procedure to the highest standard. All the nurses were so friendly and helpful and I had the best experience. Thank you for your hard work and I really appreciated it all.”

“I know it sounds very strange to say you had a positive experience having a colonoscopy but that is how the staff here make you feel. From the time I walked through the door everyone was so kind and caring. From the receptionist to the nurses, and the lovely Dr Pandey, everyone was very professional and everything was well organised. Lovely touch at the end when I was having my sandwich and coffee and they brought my friend, who had come to pick me up, through to sit with me. Sent me home with a full report and lots of helpful literature to provide more information. They managed to make something that is inherently very stressful into a very calm and positive day. Thank you.”

“What a great experience from the team - fully prepped for my colonoscopy (yikes!) I turned up early - a day early it turns out - I was met without judgement and with incredible kindness and they fitted me in without it feeling like they were - 6 star service when it was my responsibility for mixing up the days - so grateful.”

These speak to our level of clinical excellence and affirm that our purpose, to provide exceptional endoscopy care at every opportunity, matters.
With a commitment to continuous quality improvement, we also regularly survey our patient’s experiences, and are delighted that in our most recent results, over 99% said they would recommend us to a family member or friend needing an endoscopy.

At Waitematā Endoscopy, we aim to make taking a proactive approach to your health easier. Our experienced team will help to put you at ease when it comes to your endoscopy. Take a virtual tour of the patient journey and our clinic for an insight of what to expect at www.waitemataendoscopy.co.nz/locations

Noho ora mai (Stay well)
Sarah McNamara
Quality Coordinator & Endoscopy Nurse
Waitemata Endoscopy

30/11/2025

🎶 Experience the Magic of the Auckland Folk Festival! 🎶 Courier

📅 23–26 January 2026 | Kumeu Showgrounds
After 50+ years of delighting families and friends, the Auckland Folk Festival is back for a roaring return. 🌟 From local talent to international stars, this is New Zealand’s largest folk festival—and there’s truly something for everyone.

✨ What to Expect:
• 5 stages including a dedicated kids’ stage
• Covered marquees, onsite camping & food stalls
• Music, dance & craft workshops (flax weaving, pottery & more!)
• Delicious food trucks catering to every diet
• Shade, space, and the perfect relaxed summer weekend vibe

🎤 Headliners:
• Mel Parsons – multi-award-winning indie-folk sensation
• Old Man Luedecke (CAN) – two-time JUNO award winner
• Cassie & Maggie (CAN) – critically acclaimed sibling folk duo
• Dragkroka (SWE) & Marine/Simonson/Wiskari (SWE) – Nordic folk delights
• Jennifer Reid (UK) & Culverake (UK) – returning international acts

✨ Plus: Bazurka, Turkey the Bird, Hot Diggity, Butter Wouldn’t Melt, Tom Cunliffe, Mice on Stilts, Miriam McCombe, Simon Stanley & Parrot and the Pocket on the Kids Stage, and amazing waiata workshops led by Hinekoia Tomlinson.

🎸 Love playing an instrument? Join a workshop with international tutors and hone your skills—fun, friendly, and full of learning.

🎟️ Be in to WIN
Comment below with what you want to see at the festival and tag who you’d take. Choose between a family pass or tickets for you + 3 friends.
✨ Extra entry: Share this post!

🗓️ Winner drawn Monday, 15th December 2025

Tickets & full lineup here 👉 www.aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz

Bring your family, bring your friends, and soak up the music, food, dance, and magic of the Auckland Folk Festival. 🎶💛

30/11/2025

📢 The combined DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026 issue of The Westerly is OUT NOW!

🗞️ Full of local news, events, community stories, and businesses you’ll want to support.

📲 Scan the QR code or Click on the Link below to read it online – wherever you are!
https://heyzine.com/flip-book/TheWesterlyDecandJan2026

✨ Check it out & ENJOY! 🙂

20/11/2025

"C'mon Hobby, Let's Reconnect" is being facilitated again by Connected Neighbourhoods Trust and runs from December 2025 through to June 2026. They provide $100 local food vouchers to any streets, laneways or blocks in the Hobsonville area that want to get together for a neighbours' gathering. Super easy and great way to connect with your neighbours and embrace community. Minimum of 10 households (although a $50 voucher available for between 5-10 households). More info at neighbourhoods.nz/connect
Good things happen when we connect!

19/11/2025

Christmas on the Point is happening on Dec 7th.

Come along to the Rifle Range Amphitheatre on Sunday 7 December from 4:30 - 6:30pm. It's a fun and festive community event with performances as well as a chance to join in singing Christmas Carols. There will be a bouncy castle, a visit from Santa + Santa photo booth, food trucks, and lawn games. The event is free, just bring money for food purchases or your own picnic and something to sit on.

Keep an eye on Connected Neighbourhoods Trust page for further details. https://www.facebook.com/connectedneighbourhoods.nz

19/11/2025

Sip your way to better gut health Clover Ferments

Introducing Clover Spritz

We’re fizzing with excitement to share the latest addition to the Clover Ferments family, Clover Spritz. A refreshing, naturally sparkling drink made with all the fermented goodness you already know and love.

Available in Turmeric and Beetroot, Spritz is the bright, zesty, feel-good way to support your gut daily. Crafted right here in Aotearoa, it’s made from organic and spray-free ingredients, with no added sugar, sweeteners, or artificial flavours. Just pure, functional refreshment.

So, what exactly is Spritz?

It’s a lightly fizzy, traditionally fermented drink packed with live cultures, made using the same slow fermentation methods as Clover’s well-loved tonics. Think of it as the refreshing version of your daily gut ritual. Something you can sip at midday, take on the go, or enjoy as a mindful alcohol-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavour or function.

Meet the flavours

Turmeric Spritz – A golden blend of fermented turmeric root, ginger, and a zing of lemon. Anti-inflammatory, grounding, and deeply refreshing.
Beet Spritz – Naturally sweet beetroot with bright notes of lemon. Rich in prebiotics, nitrates, and colour that’s good for you, inside and out.

Whether you’re already on a gut-health journey or simply looking for a cleaner, more conscious alternative to soda, Clover Spritz is your new go-to. NZ-made, small-batch brewed, and packed with living cultures, it’s more than just a drink, it’s your new daily ritual.

Ready to give Spritz a go?
Find it online at cloverferments.co.nz or at your nearest stockist