stylelife
DESIGN, FASHION, & FOOD
Pie oh pie:
Pretty things: Fashion for the new season.
Pub selector: Peter Janssen on New Zealand Pubs.
Paddy the Goody: Journalist tells his own story. Paint and paper: Tips and more from Resene.
Derek Morrison's new book.
Our Customers make the difference
On a beautiful Spring Saturday, as 35,000 of us stepped out in solidarity to oppose the back peddling on the hospital build, my heart was doing a little jig of hope for the retailers straddling each side of this moving mountain of potential custom.
‘Surely, as we all dissolved back up the main street to our parked cars, the shops would have a bumper retail moment’, I thought.
I Imagined myself, (in the aftermath of the protest) jockeying for position in the lingerie section at the Farmer’s sale, having to queue at Marbecks for a coffee or waiting for the changing rooms to come free in any number of the boutiques on the main street.
It wasn’t to be.
I stood and watched from a vantage point quite central, as the fired up crowd so passionate about Dunedin’s future,
dissolved back up the main street like the breaching bubbles on a glass of Berocca to their cars. Not a backward glance was given as the electronic doors of the near empty stores opened and shut like the gaping mouths of landed groper, in their wake.
It’s been a tough year - ask anyone who owns a retail store.
‘There are going to be a few families who won’t be having a Christmas’, I heard one man say.
And it got me thinking. How fortunate are we here at Active Interiors to have been supported this year.
Labour weekend is not just about saluting the workers, it’s also about those who support the work we do!
With the support of our customers in 2024, we have continued to create
beautifully made drapes and blinds whilst teaching our trainee machinists a valuable trade.
By supporting our Dunedin workroom rather than workrooms based in other cities or countries, our clients have helped us to lessen freight miles keeping the
carbon miles down. Their patronage has provided young people with a valuable skill for life along with keeping money circulating in the community.
Our customer’s support has allowed us to give back to local enterprises and institutions such as schools, kindergartens and local art and craft groups by donating fabric and design advice. In addition we’ve been able to provide free sewing machines and curtains to the ‘Curtain Bank’ who in turn, have repurposed them for those who can’t afford to buy new.
Another community project that we’ve been thrilled to be a part of this year has been the Polytech’ ‘Charity house’ with the donation of free blinds, drapes and our interior design service.
So a big THANK YOU to our customers of 2024 and beyond.
We couldn’t have done it without you! ‘Ehara toa i te toa takitahi, engari, he toa takitini”
(My strength is not that of a single person but instead the strength of many)
HappyweekendLabour
4 Resene
Masterstroke: What’s new?
5 Resene
Masterstroke: Spring into action.
6-7 Pie! Pie! Pie!: Derek Morrison’s New Zealand’s Best Gourmet Pies.
8 Resene
Masterstroke: Decked out for spring.
9-12 Fashion: The best in new season clothing and jewellery.
13 Good news: Journalist Paddy Gower’s new autobiography.
14-15 Pick a pub: Peter Janssen’s updated New Zealand Pubs book.
16 Relics HiFi, Rylock, Acme Acupuncture.
17 Resene Masterstroke: Wonder wall.
18 Design & Build: Stonewood Homes Dunedin.
19 Resene Masterstroke: Power room pop.
Advertiser directory
Building and architecture
Ezy Kitchens 16
Kitchens Revamped 7
Rylock Aluminium 3 Stonewood Homes 18
and beauty
Acupuncture 14
LIFE/STYLE is published by the Otago Daily Times, a division of Allied Press Ltd. Editorial: Gavin Bertram gavin.bertram@alliedpress.co.nz
Design: Michael D’Evereux
Advertising: adfeatures@alliedpress.co.nz The cover image is from Derek Morrison’s book New Zealand’s Best Gourmet Pies Photo: Derek Morrison.
Plywood wall and coffee table finished in two coats of Resene Aquaclear Satin with Resene Colour Enhance Japan Black, flooring finished in three coats of Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K with Resene Colour Enhance Japan Black, tray (one coat), large spoon (two coats) and small spoon (three coats) finished in Resene Aquaclear Satin with Resene Colour Enhance Japan Black and wooden bowl in Resene Aquaclear Satin with Resene Colour Enhance Red Brown.
vase from Public Record.
Garden party
Fade to black
There’s a luxe new kid on the block in the Resene Colour Enhance collection inspired by the Land of the Rising Sun. Resene Japan Black is an homage to the iconic lacquered finish of Japanese furniture and uses the same pigment as Resene Blackest Black. This means you can achieve the jettest tone on your interior timber. Resene Colour Enhance is designed to be added to waterborne clears – Resene Aquaclear and Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K – and will colour the clear finish. It can also be added to Resene Colorwood interior stains and clear concrete finishes such as Resene Concrete Clear and Resene Concrete Wax.
Ask
an expert
Insider tips
Resene Paint Expert Patrick Katoa shares his advice on getting ready for warmer weather at home.
What can we do to prepare our home for spring?
Get inspired by these new and trending Resene products to transform both the inside and outside of your home.
Paper power
Bring your interior spaces together with the Resene Unify Wallpaper Collection. Choose from subtle textures and colourways in weathered, soft and inviting designs. These wallpapers are ideal if you want to add a little something extra and a touch of texture to your walls.
Available from Resene ColorShops and selected resellers.
Available from Resene ColorShops and selected resellers.
Seal of the century
Thought you were stuck with your dated bathroom and kitchen cabinetry until a full renovation? Think again! All you need is a lick of Resene paint in an on-trend hue after priming the surface with Resene Laminate and Melamine Primer. It’s now available in a handy 500ml pack for those smaller jobs. Available from Resene ColorShops and resellers.
You’ve got a friend
Reader’s Digest has announced its Most Trusted paint brand, and for the 13th year in a row the winner is – drum roll please – Resene!
We thank you for your ongoing support and always welcome any constructive feedback to help us improve. Simply email us at update@resene.co.nz or fill out the contact form on our website.
They're back!
For those who prefer their gumboots full height, the Resene Buckle boots are back. They’re lightweight and come in two colours inspired by fun spring-friendly hues: Resene Aqua and Resene Glamour Puss.
It’s a great opportunity to do a bit of cleaning. We have a handy range of cleaning products, including Resene Paint Prep and Housewash. Dilute and apply with a soft broom, then rinse the surface with fresh water. Treat any mould with Resene Moss & Mould Killer. Again, dilute and allow 48 hours to achieve full kill.
What’s your best painting tip?
Using the recommended brushes and roller sleeves is crucial to achieving a great finish. Pop into your nearest Resene ColorShop or reseller where staff will recommend the correct equipment and materials. What do we need to consider when painting outside in spring? Exterior paint is best applied in the morning. Substrates can get hot in the afternoon which can have an impact on the paint performance. Add Resene Hot Weather Additive to your waterborne paint to help slow down the dry time.
Bloomin’ blanket
Bring the beauty of nature into your bedroom with this Resene Living Yvia duvet cover. Designed with Resene paint colours as inspiration, it makes a bold statement with a selection of rich tropical flora and fauna against a contrasting black base. Available from Briscoes.
Up your gardening game with a stylish new Resene Grow watering can. Available in five uplifting, nature-inspired Resene colours –including Resene Cupid – they have a long thin spout which makes watering your plants easier than ever. For your nearest Resene ColorShop visit www.resene.co.nz/colorshops For more painting tips and advice, visit www.masterstrokebyresene.com/ spring-painting
Resene Smashed Avocado
at Mitre 10, Nichol’s and respected garden centres.
Resene Unify Wallpaper Collection E313508.
Available at selected Mitre 10 stores.
Wooden
Resene Sea Fog
Get inspired Spring into action
Clear the decks
Get rid of any built-up gunk from winter with Resene Timber and Deck Wash. This is also the first step you should complete if you’re planning to refresh your deck or fence with paint or stain. Mix with water according to the instructions and saturate the timber surface. Leave wet for 10-15 minutes, then scrub vigorously and rinse with clean water.
So fresh so clean
Shed appeal
Whether your timber gate is old or new, a fresh coat of paint can really lift the look of your property. This gate is being painted with Resene Lustacryl in Resene Mountain Mist and the retaining wall is stained with Resene Waterborne Woodsman in Hackett Black. Complement with Resene Silvered Grey CoolColour on your weatherboards.
Lucky gate
Painting your timber gate can really elevate the look of your outdoor area and significantly enhance the street appeal of your property, as well as protect the timber against the elements. Give it a good sand first, then prime with Resene Quick Dry. Once dry, paint it in the Resene colour of your choice. And don’t forget your fence – treat with Resene Moss & Mould Killer then clean with Resene Timber and Deck Wash. Once dry, stain with your preferred shade of Resene Waterborne Woodsman.
Table of contents
Finally, spring has sprung! The cold and dreary days are now behind us, meaning the weather is much more favourable to get started on both indoor and outdoor paint projects. Check out these quick, budget-friendly ideas to try over a weekend. 3 4 1 6 2 5 7
It’s time to get rid of all the dirt and grime that can accumulate over winter. Doing this now will mean your house and outdoor areas will be primed and ready for al fresco entertaining and enjoyment in the warmer weather. Apply Resene Paint Prep and Housewash and give surfaces a good scrub. For any mould, apply Resene Moss & Mould Killer and wait for it to work its magic.
Is your old steel shed creating an eyesore? Give it a refresh to ensure your garden looks its best in spring. You’ll be amazed at the difference Resene cleaning and painting products can make. Give your shed a good scrub with Resene Roof and Metal Wash, then apply Resene Galvo One galvanised steel primer, which is specially developed for new and weathered galvanised steel. Finish with two coats of Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen – use a Resene CoolColour formula for dark colours.
walls in Resene Alabaster, Resene Double Sea Fog mixed with Resene FX Paint Eff ects Medium and Resene Sea Fog mixed with Resene FX Paint Eff ects Medium and panelling in Resene Eighth Canterbury Clay.
Breathe new life into some old terracotta pots and a piece of timber by repurposing them into a chic console table. A coating of Resene Sandtex Mediterranean effect gives them a gorgeous Greek or Italian vibe. Resene Sandtex is a unique product that creates a textured finish which brings out the depth of your chosen Resene colour and has the ability to recreate the look and feel of natural sandstone.
Rust do
Keen to make a spectacular statement with minimal effort?
Enter Resene FX Faux Rust Effect, which creates a weathered steel look in just a matter of hours. It’s a waterborne coating that can be used on both exterior and interior surfaces, and the rust effect will continue to develop over time. The colour intensity and depth of the effect depends on the application and technique – the more activator you apply, and the sooner it is applied after the basecoat is touch dry, the more impressive the rust effect is.
Paint and sit
Revive old outdoor chairs with a lick of Resene paint. Doing this not only transforms their look, but will add a layer of protection from the elements. As with all outdoor timber surfaces, blitz mould with Resene Moss & Mould Killer and scrub well with Resene Timber and Deck Wash. After sanding any rough edges, prime with Resene Quick Dry then paint with your favourite Resene colour.
Check with Resene ColorShop or reseller staff for advice for your project. Colours shown are a representation only. Please refer to the actual Resene paint or product sample before making your final choice.
Chair is being primed with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat (top) then painted with Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Sambuca (bottom).
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Eighth Canterbury Clay
Resene Truffle
Console table painted with Resene Sandtex Mediterranean eff ect in Resene Truffle,
Fence painted with Resene FX Faux Rust Effect.
Resene Light Fantastic
We’re a nation of pie lovers, and Derek Morrison has documented the premier examples in his book New Zealand’s Best Gourmet Pies.
LET THEM EAT Pies
“Pie fills the cracks in our heart,” said American comedian Kevin James. Nutritionists and heart surgeons may disagree, but most New Zealanders will agree with the sentiment.
This country has had a long-term love affair with the humble handheld food delivery system, and if anything it’s becoming more entrenched.
Dunedin writer Derek Morrison has documented the recent rise of increasingly sophisticated pies in his book New Zealand’s Best Gourmet Pies
The beautiful coffee table edition spans the land, taking in 38 of the best pie producers in loving detail. There are gorgeous images of the diverse pastries and their makers, along with fascinating backstories.
into the place that pies hold in our culture. “New Zealand is unique in the world when it comes to our obsession for pies,” he says. “I think it has to do with the fact that we’re always going somewhere, and the portability of a pie as a meal is unrivalled. Plus we are very good at making pies.”
A casual flick through the book will have readers nodding in agreement. The pies featured follow a trail from the Far North to the Deep South, and they universally look (and no doubt taste) amazing.
The expanding craft of pie making is evident, spurred by both customer demand and the imagination of the bakers.
In the south for example there are the impressive lamb shank pies made by The Waipiata Pie Company, and the deliberately
The Waipiata Pie Company’s famous 500g lamb shank pie.
Derek Morrison has explored the country’s best pies.
Morrison’s family and friends were sitting around a campfire on the West Coast a few years ago. The discussion about potential book ideas took a turn when Waikuku surfer Louie Mckenzie blurted out ‘Pies!’”
“We all laughed and then realised that it was a brilliant idea,” Morrison recalls. “We knew the idea would be to celebrate the pies, pie makers, and places around the country where they came from.”
From that campfire forum emerged perhaps one of the best jobs ever… the chance to become a member of the pie test team. This grew to more than 80 people from all walks of life across the regions, all enthusiastically sampling their local pies and reporting their intel back to the author.
After working on this tough assignment for two years, the list was whittled down to 38 carefully chosen pie makers.
Wholesale pie makers were ruled out, meaning those that made the cut are generally smaller, artisan producers.
According to Morrison, these largely fall into two categories.
“They’re bakers who are scientists in the world of pastry, and chefs who can combine flavours like wizards wield spells,” he explains. “Ironically, never the twain shall meet… apart from in the pie itself.”
It’s at that magic intersection of pastry and filling that the pie test team found this country’s best gourmet pies. The author then spent months photographing them and capturing their stories.
Morrison was initially worried that some of the stories would be similar, but that theory was quickly dispelled.
Instead he found an entire thriving community of pie makers, each with their own unique lineage.
“Every chapter features amazing people and their stories, which I feel so privileged to be able to share,” Morrison says. “There are stories of pie makers operating out of the tiniest bakeries, pie makers forced to the brink as cyclones wreak havoc on the East Cape, and chefs escaping from the pressure of cooking at the country’s best restaurants.”
While he notes only subtle differences between the offerings from different regions, he says that the South Island does over achieve in the gourmet pie stakes.
Morrison puts that down to the quantity of dedicated independent pie producers in Te Wai Pounamu.
Larger wholesaling operations tend to start cutting their costs and lose some of the
soul of their operation. Whereas smaller makers retain a closer relationship with their customers, driving improvement and offering an effective testing ground for new ideas.
The result of that, and industry-led initiatives such as the Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards, have resulted in New Zealand’s current pie renaissance.
“Pies have never been so popular or delicious,” Morrison reflects.
Creating New Zealand’s Best Gourmet Pies has been a different kind of challenge for the author.
An award-winning veteran photographer, he’s previously written books about New Zealand’s vibrant surf culture.Morrison trusted that there would be good stories behind the pies, and spent a lot of energy making sure they were photographed as “the fine cuisine that they represent to Kiwis”. There’s been a lot of early interest in the book - and the accompanying tea towel depicting the Ultimate New Zealand Pie Road Trip.
“The concept seems to resonate with most people; their eyes light up and they start to think about who they’ll buy a copy for,” Morrison says. “The 38 chapters tell a pretty remarkable story of New Zealand’s pie culture, and that’s what captures people’s imaginations.”
New Zealand’s Best Gourmet Pies by Derek Morrison is available from good bookstores now. See derekmorrison.nz/books for more information.
Azizah Ali and son Jamal at the Brighton Beach Café.
The handmade steak, bacon, and cheese pie at Vanessa’s Cottage Café in Hampden.
Myles Johnson baking at Te Anau’s Miles Better Pies.
Weekend project
Did you know?
Washing timber before staining opens the wood fibres, helping the stain to penetrate better and for the timber to better soak up the stain. With new timber it’s especially important to clean it first as this can also help remove tannins in the wood, which if left untreated can stain furniture and clothes.
Decked out for spring
Get deck-orating to transform your outdoor spaces with Resene
A great deck is transformative for you and your home. Decks create welcoming entrances, outdoor dining spaces and excellent areas for entertaining. If your deck is showing signs of winter wear, Resene Woodsman wood stains can take your deck from drab to fab. Resene Woodsman wood stains are semitransparent in colour and allow the wood grain and natural beauty of the timber to show through. Resene Woodsman will also protect timber from damage from UV light and the elements. Even better, staining your deck is a project that can be completed quickly and easily, making it the perfect job for a DIY weekend.
Which Resene product to choose?
Whether your deck is made of dark and handsome hardwood, or light natural pine, there’s a Resene product – and colour – suitable for every type of deck. Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain is especially designed for timber decks. This hybrid waterborne alkyd stain has lower odour and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than
traditional solventborne stains and is available in many colours, including popular hues Resene Natural, Resene Heartwood, Resene Cedar and Resene Pitch Black. Alternatively, if you are after a traditional looking wood finish, or you are restaining a deck previously stained in a solventborne stain, opt for Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain. If your deck is built from kwila, Resene Kwila Timber Stain is a special stain designed to match the natural red-brown colour of kwila and is also suitable other exotic hardwoods. For a natural lightly oiled look, try Resene Furniture and Decking Oil on your deck.
Give your deck a treat
Before you start staining, you need to prep the surface of the deck.
First treat for moss and mould using Resene Moss & Mould Killer. If left untreated, moss, mould and fungi can damage timber and discolour the stain. Spray and allow it to soak into the timber for 48 hours to kill all mould spores before scrubbing
and rinsing clean. Once the moss has been treated, clean the deck using Resene Timber & Deck Wash using a short-bristled brush before rinsing with water. Remember, because stains are semi-transparent, the cleaner the timber is at the beginning, the better the end result.
Stain and able
When staining a deck, a good result comes down to using the right Resene products and tools and planning your approach (so you avoid walking over your stain or staining yourself into a corner). First use a paintbrush to apply the stain to any fiddly or hard to reach areas such as the sides of the deck or steps. For the flat surfaces of the deck, use a PAL Deckmaster Brush or lambswool applicator pad to apply the stain using long strokes down the length of the planks, following the grain of the timber. In hot weather, stains can dry quickly. To avoid lap marks try to maintain a ‘wet edge’ so your stain doesn’t dry out before the next stroke is applied. To do this, it’s best to work in small sections. The first coat of stain should saturate the timber, but excess puddles of stain can be wiped away using a clean, dry cloth. Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second coat.
Deck staining tips and tricks
• UV light, rain and the weather are harsh on decks. Property maintained decks will last longer than decks that are left uncoated. It’s far easier to restain or repaint your deck than it is to replace it completely.
• Stains are transparent and the colour will vary depending on the type of timber and the number of coats of stain applied.
• The second coat of stain will be easier to apply than the first and the stain will spread easily. Lay off the second coat carefully and wipe away excess stain using a clean, dry cloth to avoid lap marks or drips.
• You can apply different stain colours over each other but the old stain colour will affect how the new stain colour looks. It’s best to test on an inconspicuous area first.
• Old or rough sawn timber will soak up more stain than smooth timber, so you may need to apply more stain.
• For dark-coloured stains, Resene CoolColour formulas are recommended. Resene CoolColours contain special heat-reflective technology designed to reflect more of the sun’s energy than standard colours. This will help your deck stay cooler to touch and reduce the risk of heat related damage.
• Avoid water blasting your deck. This can damage the timber, leading to splinters and a need to replace it faster.
• Decks stained in Resene Woodsman typically require maintenance every two to three summers. Keep any leftover stain in a cool, dark place and write the name of the colour you used and where you used it on the lid with a marker pen so you can grab the right container when you want to apply another coat in the future.
• If you wish to create flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces by using the same flooring, Resene Woodsman exterior colours can be created as interior Resene Colorwood colours. Ask your local Resene ColorShop to tint the formula for you.
• Apply Resene Deep Clean every 6-12 months to preserve your deck. No scrubbing needed!
Woodsman.
Resene Natural
Resene Kwila
Resene Cedar
Resene Heartwood
A S H I
Spring/Summer 2024
Join our Creative Director, Lee, in-store on November 7th for an exclusive sip-and-shop experience from 2–4pm.
Who’d shop online when there’s fashion like this available from the local boutiques?
LINES OF BEAUTY
1. Dimensional dress in cobalt, Split skirt in black by Company of Strangers, available from Company Store in Dunedin. 2. Lagoon wide leg pant in green print, available from Repertoire in Dunedin. 3. Evelyn linen dress in blackberry, available from Repertoire in Dunedin. You’ve Come Along Way dress in blue and gold by Coop, available from Hype in Dunedin. 5. Circle dress in black by Company of Strangers, available from Company Store in Dunedin. 6. Linley short in burnt orange by Ricohet, available from Hype in Dunedin. 7. Smooth Ride dress in navy by Curate, available from Hype in Dunedin. 8. Around Town dress in pink and red by Coop, available from Hype in Dunedin. 9. Showtime waist tie long skirt in black, available from Repertoire in Dunedin. 10. Optical tee in blue white stripes, Dimensional dress in cobalt, Split skirt in black by Company of Strangers, available from Company Store in Dunedin. 11. The DH x Kyla K Simone scarf/sarong in pink by Dark Hampton, available from Hype in Dunedin. 12. Insert top in ivory pinstripes, Whistle shorts in ice by Company of Strangers, available from Company Store in Dunedin. 13. Minimal sweater in blue white stripes, Curve shirt jacket in blue white stripes, Split pants in natural by Company of Strangers, available from Company Store in Dunedin.
Coop
Precious metals
Bisous necklace by Silk & Steel, available from Hype in Dunedin.
Willpower necklace in silver plate from Pilgrim, available from Repertoire in Dunedin.
Star necklace in gold plate by Pilgrim, available from Repertoire in Dunedin.
Sundowner bracelet in gold by Silk & Steel, available from Hype in Dunedin.
(Photo: Stephen Tilley)
NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS
Having navigated numerous personal issues, journalist Paddy Gower tells his own story in a new autobiography and stand-up show.
“Change brings opportunity,” the businessman Nido Qubein once said. It’s a sentiment that Paddy Gower has embraced both by choice and necessity throughout 25 years in journalism.
Among the anecdotes in his new book This is the F#$%ing News is a poignant moment in the aftermath of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings.
Standing with the victims’ families, he saw the van of political correspondents who were travelling with the Prime Minister arrive.
For a decade that’s where Gower would have been, but now he was a free ranging journalist working on the stories that mattered to him.
“I knew I was in the right place for me, outside the political bubble, on the ground with the people,” he writes of the ideal that has driven him since.
At that time Gower was bouncing back after overdosing on New Zealand politics and suffering a mental breakdown.
He’s navigated further setbacks, such as facing up to alcoholism and losing his job at Newshub, and trailblazed a new direction in journalism.
All of that is dealt with in a clear-eyed manner in the book.
Since Newshub’s demise, the autobiography is one of a range of new endeavors he’s tackled.
There’s also a stand-up show that’s coming to Dunedin in November, and a new gig with Stuff.
the ‘Oversharer in Chief’, the approach has resonated.
It was funnelled into shows such as Paddy Gower Has Issues , and Patrick Gower: On Booze, where he eventually confronted his own drinking problem.
There was also a three part documentary in 2021 about New Zealand cystic fibrosis sufferers’ plight to have access to the lifechanging drug Trikafta. That show moved the dial, and the following year Trikafta was funded by Pharmac.
“Coming out of parliament, I had to get my career going again,” Gower says. “I suddenly realised that working with purpose and pursuing bigger issues was what I was into. Campaigning for Trikafta really brought home to me what journalism is about.”
Being able to pursue these personally meaningful stories has partially been due to the journalist building himself into a brand.
That was largely by design, so he could survive in the increasingly volatile media landscape.
But Gower had some unexpected assistance in that branding exercise, when him yelling “This is the f@#$ing news!” became a hugely popular meme in 2014. That strand of irreverence has become an important part of his media personality. And although the brand is a necessary evil, it helps to disarm the people he deals with everyday.
So it’s been a busy time of reinvention for the 47-year-old, whose start in journalism was effectively in the dark ages.
“When I started at the New Zealand Herald in 2000 we shared cell phones,” he marvels. “Obviously all the technology has changed, and my career has gone off in all these different directions.”
Among them was a 2009 shift into television, where within a few years Gower had become political editor for 3News. Television was a medium he hadn’t previously contemplated. One reason for that was a discomfort with his looks that had been amplified by bullying during childhood.
He overcame that unease and became a feared operator in the political realm, regularly locking horns with the likes of Winston Peters.
But after he’d withdrawn from the toxic theatre of politics, Gower candidly spoke about his experience of bullying on The Project show. In some ways that has guided his career since.
“Talking about bullying, or talking about having an alcohol problem, the feedback that I got just blew me away.” he relates. “I know from doing all of this that actually all of my problems are shared problems. I’m hoping that it’ll make people feel that they’re not alone.”
While a colleague once nicknamed Gower
“Being realistic, you do need to do it to kind of get ahead,” Gower considers. “It can help you. My brand, so to speak, helps me connect with people. In that way it’s a gift.”
There aren’t too many downsides, other than constant public recognition. But as someone who just enjoys “being around Kiwis and having a yarn” that’s not too taxing.
The F#$%Ing News: Paddy Gower On Tour will have him yarning across the length of the country, from Stewart Island to Waitangi.
Pitched as a mix of stand-up comedy, motivational speaking, hardcore journalism, and great yarns, it’s something that he’s looking forward to.
“It’s going to be a proper live performance,” Gower says. “I’ve never done anything like that in my life. I’m going to get around the country and make Kiwis laugh. They’re going to have a good time.”
Having deeply reflected on the challenges he’s faced and overcome, there are ideas that have been distilled into something like a personal philosophy.
He refers to the ‘forced entrepreneurship’ that he’s embraced since Newshub’s demise, reshaping himself and taking on new challenges.
Then there’s ‘trained optimism’, with Gower having improved his life by choosing to view things through a positive lens.
That idea has bled into the positive news brand that he’s busy developing, and his views on the importance of journalism as a force for good.
“I think people want inspiration in their news,” Gower says. “People everywhere are craving connection at the moment. And journalism is actually all about connection - it is really straightforward. In the end people’s desire for connection will mean that there’s always a place for us.”
Journalist Paddy Gower has written his own story in This is the F#$%ing News.
This is the F#$%ing News by Paddy Gower is published by Allen & Unwin.
The F#$%ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour: Mayfair Theatre Dunedin, 7.30pm Thursday, November 21.
Happy
Hours
There are many southern hostelries included in the fourth edition of Peter Janssen’s New Zealand Pubs .
In 1960, writer Maurice Duggan described Dunedin’s Captain Cook Hotel as “the awful spectacle of the New Zealander enjoying himself”. Thankfully that vision of the booze barn has largely disappeared. But the pub remains part of this country’s social fabric, as it’s been since the early days of European colonisation.
The oldest still operating in its original premises is the Moutere Inn near Nelson, which was established in 1850. It is one of the 170 classic pubs featured in the new edition of Peter Janssen’s New Zealand Pubs
A guidebook-sized publication, it offers brief but insightful descriptions of the various hotels and taverns selected from the Far North to Stewart Island. As well as some history on each establishment, Janssen comments on their food and accommodation offerings.
Given the place that pubs have long had as hubs of community activity, the book acts
as a shadow social history of New Zealand.
“There’s a good portion of pubs in this book that were built in the 19th century,” Janssen says. “A lot of people say ‘we don’t have pubs like in the English fashion’. Well, we do actually. Law Courts in Dunedin is a really good example.”
That’s just one of many pubs in the south that are included in the book. As well as a handful from the city, there are many in the regions. These include the Otago Gold Rush era Vulcan Hotel in St Bathans, New Orleans Hotel in Arrowtown, and the legendary Cardrona Hotel.
The first New Zealand Pubs was published in 2010, with subsequent editions in 2018 and 2021.
Janssen’s criteria for a pub to be included was simple - they had to have been built before 1967 (when six o’clock closing ended), and still be operating. But he’s also looked for establishments that retain some aspects of their original character.
“I’m looking for some historical architectural integrity, some historical background,” he says. “There’s nothing worse than seeing a beautiful old wooden pub, and they’ve ripped out all the windows and put aluminium in.”
However, the author has taken into account the fact that the social landscape has massively changed and pubs have had to adapt to survive.
The same has been true in the United Kingdom, where two pubs are closing for good every day. Many have seen the same fate here, but the pubs that continue to thrive are those that remain central to their communities. Janssen says there are commonalities between those places.
“Where they are the heart of the community, and they’re well
run, they’re well patronised,” he considers. “And if you don’t have half-decent food in a pub you are going to struggle.”
The food offering has become a hugely important part of the equation, while family-friendly establishments with beer gardens and playgrounds generally do well.
Janssen praises many of the Central Otago pubs featured in the book, including the Ranfurly Hotel, the Royal Hotel in Naseby, the Wedderburn Tavern, and Queenstown’s Gantley’s Tavern.
Some of the owners of pubs dating back to the 19th century take pride in the history, while others are barely aware of it.
“People want to walk into an old pub,” Janssen says. “They love to see those old photos and stuff like that. But some publicans think ‘I’ll
modernise it completely’. And they lose it.”
A generation of younger publicans with fresh ideas is emerging, bringing their establishments into the modern era. And during a challenging time for hospitality, many older owners are looking to get out of the pub business… but some don’t know how to.
Janssen draws a parallel with the many ghost stories around older pubs, whose halls are haunted by publicans past.
“One common theme is that the licensee or publican doesn’t want to leave and they stay as a ghost,” he says. “So, you know, older publicans holding on to their pubs is not a new theme!”
New Zealand Pubs (4th Edition) by Peter Janssen is published by White Cloud Books.
“PEOPLE WANT TO WALK INTO AN OLD PUB. THEY LOVE TO SEE THOSE OLD PHOTOS.”
1&2: The famous Cardrona Hotel is from the Gold Rush era.
3&4: Oamaru’s Brydone Hotel is grand inside and out.
5: First built in 1863, Dunedin’s Law Courts Hotel was rebuilt in 1937.
6&7: The 1874 Carey’s Bay Hotel is built from local bluestone.
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Hear your favourite music through a better system this summer with some new gear from Relics HiFi in Dunedin.
SOUNDS OF SUMMER
Acme Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs Clinic (Acme Acu) is an Acupuncture NZ (formerly NZRA) member and ACC treatment provider, founded by Hong Wang in 2013 in Dunedin.
Hong Wang is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner and has about 30 years of practical experience.
In November 2016, he was awarded the title of Chief TCM Physician by the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies.
In September 2019, he was recognized as a formal disciple of Professor Zhang Jin by the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies, one of the four representative lineage holders of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in TCM, as inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. Acme Acu focus on providing TCM services, including acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Tui na (Chinese massage), cupping, Gua sha, and moxibustion (more details at www.AcmeAcu.co.nz).
They offer competitive rates for the general public and discount rates for students, SuperGold Card or Community Service Card holders. Wheelchair accessible.
1. The Bluesound Node Nano wireless music streamer, available from Relics HiFi in Dunedin.
2. Tex Tone Nicola McLaren Art Speakers one-off design crafted in Dunedin, available from Relics HiFi in Dunedin.
3. Plinius Hautonga New Zealand made integrated amplifier, available from Relics HiFi in Dunedin.
4. Audio Pro T3+ wireless bluetooth speaker, available from Relics HiFi in Dunedin.
Some renovations are designed to modernise, but for some customers, they want to ensure the original look is preserved. Rylock Otago does both. Where thermal performance and low maintenance durability
meets aesthetics. Contact Rylock Otago for a free quote on all your window and door requirements, whether it’s a new build, renovation, or a double glazing retrofit. They do it all.
Wonder wall
Looking for a simple, striking and cost-effective way to transform your space this spring? Creating a feature wall using Resene paint is just the ticket.
How to paint a feature wall
Choosing to paint a wall in a feature colour is one of the most low-cost, high-impact ways you can make a change to your home. It’s an ideal spring project as the weather is getting warmer, making painting conditions more favourable – plus you can throw open the doors and windows for ventilation and to speed up your drying time. As always, proper preparation is key to getting the best, most professional looking results. In terms of colour, remember that it is your home so you can be as bold and daring as you like. The beauty of a feature wall is that an impactful colour won’t completely overwhelm the space. Specific colours can create a different vibe and ambiance to a room. We’ve painted this bedroom in Resene Dream Big, a restful sky blue.
Why choose blue?
Build a timber headboard
Build a timber headboard
Elevate your space even further and enhance the beachy bach vibe by making your own timber headboard and staining it with Resene Colorwood Whitewash. For a 160cm square headboard, we used 21 palings and two battens. Once assembled, apply Resene Colorwood Whitewash using a paintbrush or speedbrush. Finish with Resene Aquaclear to enhance and protect the timber.
For more detailed instructions and to watch the full how-to video, visit, www.masterstrokebyresene.com/ headboard
You will need:
• Resene drop cloth
• Painter’s tape
• Safety gear
• Resene Interior
Paintwork Cleaner
• Microfibre cloth
• Resene EzyFill Quick
• Scraper
• 100 grit sandpaper
• Dusting brush
• Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat
• Paintbrushes
• Resene Acrylic Undercoat (optional, depending on how much your colour is changing)
• Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in your chosen colour (we used Resene Dream Big)
• Resene #7 Smooth
Surfaces roller sleeve
• Extendable roller pole
• Paint roller tray
Step-by-step
1 Protect Move your furniture as far away from the wall as you can to ensure you have enough room to work, as well as keeping it away from paint splatters. Place a drop cloth down and secure it with painter’s tape for extra peace of mind. Use painter’s tape to mask off the areas you don't want to get paint on.
2 Clean, fill, sand Spray the wall with Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner and wipe it down with a microfibre cloth. Use Resene EzyFill Quick to fill any holes in the wall and wait for it to dry, then sand with 100 grit sandpaper. Wipe or brush away sanding dust with a
dusting brush or microfibre cloth.
How to make a PVC pipe lamp
Blue is one of the most popular choices for bedrooms. It’s associated with feelings of calm and serenity and research shows that it can reduce the heart rate, which is helpful when it comes to drifting off to sleep.
Brighten your bedside table with this super cool PVC pipe lamp. The bold colour and quirky design are a nod to the Memphis style. Thanks to the maximalism trend, the Memphis style is having a resurgence, and this colour – Resene Turbo – is a perfect example of the punchy hues Memphis is famous for.
3 Prime For the areas that were filled, spot prime with Resene Quick Dry. Then on the entirety of the wall, apply Resene Acrylic Undercoat – we’ve used this because the colour is going from dark to light.
4 Paint Give your Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen a good stir then decant into your paint tray and apply the first coat using a roller and extension pole. Wait the recommended drying time before applying your second coat. Remove the painter’s tape and you’re done!
Top tip: For the best finish, make sure you load your paint roller with enough paint – it should resemble a hot dog dipped in batter.
For detailed instructions and to watch the how-to video, visit, www.masterstrokebyresene.com/pvc-pipe-lamp
Resene Triple Black White
Resene Dream Big
Resene Colorwood Whitewash
Resene Turbo
Resene Half Black White
Resene Rice Cake
Feature wall painted in Resene Dream Big, headboard in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, other wall in Resene Half Black White, side table and vase in Resene Rice Cake, lamp in Resene Turbo. Resene Living Evergreen duvet cover in Resene Alabaster from Briscoes.
Pipe lamp painted in Resene Turbo.
Make this funky lamp
Step-by-step
A Stonewood Lifestyle
Your lifestyle by Stonewood epitomises everything we love about the kiwi way of life. These are homes that are aspirational in both style and size, destined to be different and stand out from the crowd. They stretch across the land, capturing the sun and views as they do so, and create a dramatic first impression for all who arrive at the door. Such houses are for people who want the best of both worlds: to create an exceptional and unique home, while still enjoying the security, convenience and cost benefits with a national home-builder.
Lifestyle change? Considering downsizing? Stonewood homes plans just like the Waterview pictured below, can be a more sustainable size with many choices for claddings, roof designs and a design to fit your land.
Powder room pop
Transform your powder room into a whimsical wonderland with a vibrant design from the Resene Wallpaper Collection.
Starting small
While a powder room or guest bathroom may not be the largest or busiest area of your home, when it comes to decorating, you can be as adventurous and bold as you like. In fact, many Resene colour experts recommend this as a low-risk starting point and a great way to build confidence in your skills before moving on to more significant renovations. You can also gain a better understanding of the prep and products, as well as fine-tune the style and aesthetic you’d like for the rest of your home.
Bold on a budget
Powder rooms can be small, dark and narrow, and usually only contain a toilet and basin – and
a window if you’re lucky! There are many ways you can brighten the space and add pops of fun Resene colour and texture, with a little design inspiration. These changes can also be done on a budget and are able to work with what you already have in place, without any major structural changes. It’s an ideal weekend project any time of year.
Why wallpaper?
Wallpaper is making a major comeback, and it’s easy to see why once you take a look at the stunning designs available at Resene ColorShops. You can go all-out in your powder room and
Getting the hang of it
Wallpapering is easy once you know what you’re doing. Here’s a brief summary of the key steps involved:
• Always start on the side of the wall that is most visible and has the most amount of light, and work across until you reach the least conspicuous area.
• Measure the vertical length of the wall, then measure your first piece of wallpaper to this length, allowing an overhang of at least 10cm.
choose a design that might be too intense for other rooms in your home. Resene has thousands of wallpaper options to look through, and new paste-the-wall papers make hanging it yourself easier than ever. Remove any old paper first, and if you’re planning to paint your trims and ceilings, do that first with Resene Lustacryl. Applying wallpaper size is a key step in the process. It adds a barrier between your wall and the wallpaper, and helps the wallpaper stick better.
Absolutely floored
If you’re going bright and bold on the walls, keep the flooring simple. Tiled floors can often make a powder room feel narrow but painting the floor with Resene Walk-on can make the space feel less enclosed. For a modern take, stain timber flooring in Resene Colorwood and protect with Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K.
• Using a pencil and a plumb line, mark the width of the wallpaper roll on the wall. This will help you to hang the first piece of wallpaper straight.
• Use a roller to apply the wallpaper paste to the wall –aim to get it about 2mm thick.
• Smooth the paste-the-wall wallpaper onto the wall and use a rubber roller to remove any bubbles.
• Use a straight edge tool and a sharp knife to trim the excess paper at the top and bottom of the wall.
• Remember to take your time and be patient. Wallpaper is much more forgiving than you think.
Top tip: If your bathroom doesn’t have a window, invite light in with a pop of bright patterned Resene wallpaper. Large-scale prints will open up your space. Try bold florals or create a tropical paradise with palms and parrots. For more tips and to watch the step-by-step video, visit www.masterstrokebyresene.com/wallpaper-tips
Transform any room with the latest new Resene wallpaper patterns
Left: Resene Golden Age Wallpaper Collection 101077036 totally transforms this small guest bathroom. Ceiling painted in Resene Quarter Rice Cake. Above: This narrow powder room uses Resene Utopia Wallpaper Collection 91173 to create an unexpected contrast to the rest of the house.
Resene Curiosity Wallpaper Collection 537345.
Wallpapers are best seen in person. View the full wallpaper collection at your local Resene ColorShop.
Resene V & A Wallpaper Collection 2311-170-03.
Resene Only Blue Wallpaper Collection ONB102696234.
Resene V & A Wallpaper Collection 2311-168-04.
Resene Versace Wallpaper Collection 386104.
