My Auckland: Ellerslie

Above, left to right, Laurie Hinchcliff, neighbour and long-term Ellerslie resident Nancy Bernard and Laurie's son Ben Hinchcliff at the mosaics under the motorway overpass. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Laurie Hinchcliff, an Auckland WiSE Guide, has lived in Ellerslie for six years. She tells Rebecca Kamm why it's her favourite place in the world,

The best thing about Ellerslie is its sense of community: I have friends and family all around me; there's a street party and fairy festival every year; and we even have our very own old-fashioned Christmas parade. Just yesterday we saw a community working bee in the township. People were painting, varnishing, fixing - you name it. It was truly amazing.

There's a great mix of shopping and the stores are all stable and well-patronised, thanks to the Ellerslie business area across the motorway. The Richoux Patisserie has won gold medals for its pies, the Ellerslie organic butcher has won medals for his sausages. He has amazing free-range eggs too, big ones that don't fit the cartons - the best.

I go to an Indian grocer called Shahji's Royal Masala that has 18 different kinds of flour. And just across the road from Shahji's is La Mamma, an affordable gourmet food store. My son and grandchildren all go to Ceres Wholefoods, where they reduce the prices on pies after 3pm.

There are lots of cafes and restaurants in Ellerslie and I like them all. Legend Noodle House is good for cheap takeaways. And if you want fast-food there's your Pizza Huts and Burger Kings. You can get good coffee almost anywhere.

There are some pubs, too. I like the Cock & Bull for comfort food. There aren't really any upmarket restaurants but there are definitely lots of good place to eat.

Our favourite place in Ellerslie has to be Michael's Park Reserve. It has lots of ducks because it's wetland. Waiatarua Reserve is great, too - we can let the dogs off the leash.

My husband and I use the Ellerslie YMCA. They have a programme called Never Too Old, which was developed by AUT specifically for seniors. You don't have to be a gym bunny with Latex, it's more social than that - you have a cup of tea afterwards.

Ellerslie station is just down the street. I've never lived so close to a train station before, it's amazing. Plus I'm a senior so I get free rides, which is lovely.

I've lived all over the world, but Ellerslie is my favourite spot. It offers a small-town feel in a big city. When I go shopping there are people who actually know my name. We just love it - they'll have to carry us out.

The WiSE Guides are a passionate group of volunteers who share their wisdom and passion for Auckland with domestic and international visitors. If you're keen to join the WiSE Guide team, ph (09) 979 7060.

Laurie's picks

* Richoux Patisserie, 119 Main Highway, Ph (09) 579 1815

* Cock & Bull Restaurant & Brewery, 3 Robert St, Ph (09) 579 5592

* La Mamma, 182 Marua Road, Ph (09) 579 0445

* Ceres Wholefoods Store, 181 Ladies Mile, Ph (09) 579 7126

* Legend Noodle House,135 Main Highway, Ph (09) 579 8466

Ellerslie Meats, 128B Main Highway, Ph (09) 579 6393