Lesley Monk
Lesley Monk lives in Takapuna with her husband Gary who runs international seafood trading business Intersea. They have two adult daughters and three grandchildren. The Monk’s are hugely active in the community – providing time, energy and support to a number of not-for-profit and business organisations.
- Firstly I have a sense of belonging on the Shore. My family has a long history of residing on the Shore, going back to my great-great grandparents who settled here in the mid 1800’s. I was born in Birkenhead, married in Devonport, and have lived in Takapuna for the last 30 years. All my extended family live on the Shore and I am looking forward to watching my grandchildren, 7th generation “ Shoreites”, grow up and continue our family’s history here.
- Of course, as everyone says, the beaches are great, especially Takapuna, and I enjoy walking around Lake Pupuke and around the rocks between Takapuna and Milford.
- The Shore offers wonderful sporting venues for all sports, the Millennium, North Harbour Stadium, North Shore Events Centre and the North Harbour Netball Centre. I have spent many enjoyable hours watching Netball and Rugby at the last three venues.
- Good restaurants and cafes are all in easy walking distance to home. Two of my favourites are Jam and Marvel Grill – always a friendly greeting from Jules at the former and Wendy and Alisdair at the latter.
- I love a relaxing stroll down to the Sunday market in Takapuna, an ever interesting adventure and I enjoyed the night market – a great initiative that can be built on.
No matter where we travel to it’s always so good to come back home to the Shore – we are so lucky to live in this wonderful community.
Janet Marshall
