Celebrating Kapiti - Autumn Winter 2023

Awarm welcome to this special 10th edition. There have been many captivating and inspiring stories over the years and this edition is no different. I’m sure you will find it interesting. It’s very people focused. The stories feature various people who have been doing great things for a long time such as artist Sonia Savage, rose grower Noel Wright, gardening guru Lance Bills, Indian takeaway specialists Dharmesh and Rina Yadav, farmers’ market organisers Warwick Halcrow and Kevin Jones, and more. We’re very proud of the magazine’s ongoing success and the positive feedback from countless readers. Striving to make each edition as best as it can be has always been important to us. Shout out to the NZME Kāpiti team, all the advertisers, people featured in the stories, and to you for taking the time to enjoy this edition.

The front cover image, taken by Roger Smith, is one of the royal spoonbills that nests on Kāpiti Island and flies over to the Waikanae estuary to feed every day.

- David Haxton

BROUGHT

SENIOR

Artwork by Sonia Savage.

Contents

Tuatara Brewery

From a startup craft brewery in a remote location in the countryside, to a beerproducing giant in the heart of Paraparaumu, the brewery has come a very long way but has always kept its roots.

Round House

James Davis’s Waikanae home has the wow factor and it’s certainly different from the norm with its turret-like presence. His home has featured on primetime television too.

Paraparaumu Beach Saturday Market

This popular market has become a staple of Kāpiti culture and has been established for more than two decades.

Harrisons Gardenworld

Lance Bills’ love for gardening started at a young age and blossomed into what has become one of the most successful garden centres in the district.

South Pacific Roses

When Noel Wright saw a commercial opportunity to grow and sell roses, he grabbed it and never looked back.

Friends of Animal Charities

What started as two women’s passion for animal welfare has now turned into a charity shop that has donated a substantial amount of money to various animal rescues.

White-fronted tern

The Waikanae Scientific Estuary Reserve is home to a lot of wildlife. Some of the recent inhabitants are the white-fronted tern.

Wendy Huston

It’s Q&A time with Kāpiti Hall of Famer and retirement industry guru Wendy Huston. Away from work she loves to delve into a good book, and has a penchant for jet plane and milk bottle lollies.

Divine India

For 15 years Dharmesh and Rina Yadav have been making delicious Indian takeaways from their shop at Kāpiti Lights. The food is always consistent and they don’t compromise on quality.

42 46 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64

Sonia Savage

Known for her bright and bold paintings, Sonia Savage is an artist who has been impressing for a long time. After a brief stint as a hairdresser, she became an artist and has never looked back.

Kāpiti Hot Yoga

Hot yoga has quickly grown in popularity and has become a favourite exercise for many locals. Anjana Mistry discusses the benefits of her classes and why more people should try hot yoga.

Hole in the Rock

On the other side of Kāpiti Island is an amazing area which has become a favourite for divers and sea life.

Thunderbird

Dave Frost’s Chantilly beige-coloured 1965 Thunderbird is his pride and joy. Despite its thirsty nature, he loves nothing better than cruising around, especially going to car shows.

That Little Cake Shop

This dessert shop in Paraparaumu Beach showcases some of their scrumptious goodies.

The Waterfront

Raumati Beach’s iconic Waterfront bar and kitchen is finally getting some muchneeded TLC. Conrad Banks and Zara Lange share their renovation plans.

The Statue of Mary

Our Lady of Lourdes is a well-known landmark in Paraparaumu but do you know the history behind it?

Kerry Dalton

Winning the New Zealand Womad Poetry Slam competition was an impressive achievement for Kerry Dalton who had only read her poetry twice beforehand.

Back in the Day

We look back at olden day Paekākāriki with images ranging from United States Marines arrival, Paekākāriki railway station, surf lifesaving carnival on the beach, and lots more.

Cocktails

Check out some easy-to-make cocktails that will be sure to impress when you have guests around.

Ōtaki River mouth. Photo / Neil Gordon APSNA

Tuatara Brewery

One of the many local success stories is the Tuatara Brewery.

The origins of the brewery started in the backyard of Carl Vasta’s home deep in the Reikorangi backblocks.

He was inspired by the beer he imbibed in Europe and wanted to create his own when he came home from his overseas experience.

Vasta sold his craft beers to various bars around Wellington and quickly developed a cult following.

His passion and skill were recognised in 2008 when Tuatara won the supreme brewery award at the Brewers Guild of New Zealand Beer Awards.

Vasta soon outgrew his backyard operation so relocated it to a large warehouse in Sheffield St, Paraparaumu, where it has been ever since.

The brewery, named after the tuatara on the 5c piece, was officially opened by former Prime Minister John Key in October 2012.

By 2016 the brewery won its second supreme brewery award.

In 2017 the brewery was bought by DB Breweries, which was happy for the brewery to stay where it is, and continue to do what it does best which is make great beer.

“We’ve got a good core range of beer which supports the business,” brewery manager Tupu Gregory said.

“And that gives head brewer Paul Roigard the opportunity to experiment with a few more limitedrelease brews.

“We’ve got a little brew kit where we can produce 600 litres which mostly gets sold in the brewery, locally and in the Wellington area.”

And the operation produces a lot of beer.

“Last year we produced about two million litres packaged out of here.”

The brewery, which celebrated its 21st anniversary in August last year, is well-known for its lizard skin rippled bottles but is getting into canned beer this year too.

“That’s an exciting development,” Tupu said.

“I love seeing all the step changes and constant improvements.”

The brewing team, which also includes long-serving Brayden Drake who was involved in the brewery all those years ago in Reikorangi, are constantly brewing and quality checking.

Roigard brewed in Greenwich, London, beforehand but prior to that was involved in IT for a marketing company in Australia for about 12 years.

“I really love the science of brewing,” he said.

“My passion is trying to make our core beers as consistent as they can be.”

The brewery has about 17 staff on site who are employed in a wide range of supply chain roles from brewers, packaging, logistics, engineering and so on.

Words by David Haxton

Bev Brown next to a chalkboard of brews.

“My passion is trying to make our core beers as consistent as they can be.”

It has a tap room which is headed by the bubbly Bev Brown.

There are always lots of beers on tap to try, plenty of dining space including an outside covered area with wall heaters, food options including pizza and more, and Sessionable Sundays live music.

“We feature a lot of local bands and sometimes have ticketed events,” Bev said.

It’s a chilled-out environment and has even been used for special events such as birthday parties, wedding receptions, and a full wedding from start to finish.

“It was nice to see Tuatara Brewery on their marriage certificate,” she said.

Tours of the brewery usually happen on Saturday afternoons and it’s best to book in advance.

A tour of the brewery is very interesting and you’ll learn a lot about the brewing process and be amazed at the size of the operation.

“People love the history of how the brewery started off small and grew into what it is today,” Bev said.

“People don’t believe that it all happens here.”

There are always lots of beers on tap to try, plenty of dining space including an outside covered area with wall heaters, food options including pizza and more, and Sessionable Sundays live music.

Thinking outside the box

Words by David Haxton

One thing was certain when James Davis decided to build his own house - it had to be different from the norm.

Various ideas were mulled over but a lot of inspiration came from his Uncle Mark Ayre’s octagonal house in Wanaka where he spent many school holidays.

He loved his uncle’s house and wondered if he could create something similar but with a modern twist.

James, who owns Kāpiti Signs, decided to create a two-storey roundhouse on a new Waikanae hillside subdivision in Wilson Way.

The house would be super strong, like a castle turret, but its creation would demand a lot of technical expertise both in terms of design and construction.

He discussed the vision with his friend and engineer Hayden Milburn, from Spencer Holmes, who said it was achievable but would cost a lot.

With his mother Sally Davis helping him financially, he took the plunge and enlisted architectural designer Gary Phillips, from Novare Architecture, to design the house.

He choose the right person because Phillips designed hexagon-type houses years ago.

The house would be 12-sided but the final western red cedar cladding would make it appear round from a distance.

Duane Cameron, from Cameron Builders, and his team, strapped on their toolbelts and got to work.

The first major task was creating a perfectly round concrete base before installing the various framing which was prefabricated off-site.

One of the early highlights was the installation of a bespoke metal spiral staircase, which was created by Arvid O’Sullivan, from Fusion Engineering, and had to be craned in.

An early prediction of a 33-week build was soon discarded especially as the Covid-19 pandemic caused delays and a supply chain shortage which forced a sharp increase in costs sending the project over budget.

James project-managed the build with his enthusiasm rubbing off on everyone involved with the project including the various tradies.

There were various challenges along the way, such as waterproofing the roof, but overall it was a smooth process.

With his mother’s eye for interior design, and the

use of orthogonal furniture, James’ dream home was achieved and he moved into it in late May 2022.

And what a liveable masterpiece it is comprising two bedrooms, two lounges, a kitchen, two bathrooms, and much more.

Some of the many touches I liked included the amazing staircase, porcelain-coated synthetic wooden flooring and the honeycomb-coloured plywood negative groove ceiling panels.

The house has extensive use of glass which ensures the extraordinary views are embraced.

The final jewel in the crown is James’ landscaping skill.

The decking, retaining walls, fencing, use of boulders as well as sub-tropical plantings are spectacular.

“It’s interesting, it’s different and I think it’s enhanced by James’ landscaping.”

James, his mother, and all the others who have helped them have created a super-groovy home.

But what is it like to live in?

“It’s fantastic,” James said.

“Everything works.”

Gary added, “It has finished up better than I imagined.

“It’s interesting, it’s different, and I think it’s enhanced by James’ landscaping.”

And Sally couldn’t be more proud of her son.

“Building the roundhouse encompasses everything we love about Kāpiti.”

The house project has appeared on Grand Designs NZ and enchanted host Tom Webster too.

“Conceptually I had my doubts particularly about the practicalities of building a house in the round. But this home has surprised me on so many levels. And by using its circular form, and being open in the right places, it provides a multitude of volumes and vistas. It’s brilliant. James has created a unique, delightful and perfect house for this stunning location.”

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James Davis, right, with his mother Sally Davis, and architectural designer Gary Phillips.

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Paraparaumu Beach Saturday Market

Words by Grace Odlum

Lots of people know about the Paraparaumu Beach Saturday Market - but not everyone knows the extensive history behind it.

The market, which runs from 7.30am to 12.30pm every Saturday, is very popular, with stallholders coming from all over Kāpiti, and even further to attend.

It was established in November of 1999 by Kevin Jones and his co-manager who has since resigned from the role.

Warwick Halcrow joined Kevin in 2006 after they met at the market when Warwick was running a stall selling hand printed silk ties.

Originally, the market was where The Pier apartments now stands, but it is now in its fourth year in Maclean St.

While the two of them come from significantly different backgrounds, they both share a love for the market.

Kevin was born and raised in Kāpiti and now has a career in social work, and is a youth tutor, working

with young people from all over the district - all while also being a single father.

On the other hand, Warwick is from Christchurch and has a background in journalism, but has owned the Barista Boys coffee cart in Waikanae with his wife for the past 17 years.

The market is like a second job for them – Kevin arrives at about 5.30am every Saturday, and Warwick is usually not far behind him.

Warwick said they do a lot more than other markets, and make an effort to help people set up their stalls, unpack their cars and manage the street closure.

Traffic management is a big part of what they do.

They have to have everything packed up by 1pm so that traffic can resume as normal.

Kevin’s dedication to the market has always been strong.

Back when the market first started, he said he used to go around the district putting signs up early in the morning, and would then go take them all down in the afternoon.

They run the market “rain, hail or shine”, said Kevin, and have only ever had two occasions where the market wasn’t run, not including the mandatory Covid lockdown.

They have about 50 stalls that all sell different stock, including, but not limited to, vegetables and fruit, baked goods, books, clothing, jewellery, art, plants, and even second-hand items.

Rebecca Rolls, pictured with one of her home-made loaves of bread, runs her business, Thoughroughbread, at the market each weekend.

She said she thinks she might be the longest standing stall there, and she sold her first 11 loaves of bread there.

Her stall has grown quickly in popularity since then, and Warwick said she runs one of the busiest stalls.

“It is like my second home,” Rolls said.

“I love the customers response, and I love that they have played such a big part in the growth of the business in regard to the direction it has taken.”

Warwick said they are quite particular with the stalls they allow, and prefer to have long-standing stalls that they know have good quality over newer ones.

All of their food related stalls are registered with the Food Act 2014, which ensures food is safe and suitable to eat.

He said they have a limit on how many stalls of a particular type they can have, and like to have their dedicated stallholders taking those places.

There’s a huge community focus at the market, and Kevin said “if you can’t be pleasant don’t be here”.

Kevin and Warwick get to know as many of the stallholders as possible, and even a lot of the customers, and they say the community aspect is incredible.

Kevin said, “It’s like a community centre without walls.”

Harrisons Gardenworld

Words by Grace Odlum

Gardening has had a boost in popularity over the past few years with more people converting to homegrown.

One of the places people go to for all their gardening needs is Harrisons Gardenworld, in Peka Peka, which is owned by avid gardening enthusiast Lance Bills.

Lance is from a family of growers and studied for a Bachelor of Horticulture at Massey University too.

His parents, Arthur and Judy Bills, bought the garden centre from the Harrisons about 40 years ago (10 years after it was first opened).

Lance got involved in the family business about 10 years after his parents took it over, especially when Judy got sick with cancer.

He later took on ownership of Harrisons, and today runs it with a great team of people, including some staff members who have been with him for the past 20 years.

About 25 years ago, another garden centre was opened in Fielding, so Lance now splits his time between the two stores.

“Harrisons is a long-standing name in New Zealand.”

Lance Bills at Harrisons Gardenworld.

His wife Kathy helps out once a week with buying their garden decoration stock, and his brothers and sons also have some involvement in the garden centre occasionally, so it’s definitely still a family business.

They have 1.2 hectares of production land where they grow all of their own produce, and Lance says their point of difference is the beautiful environment.

It’s inviting, with no chain-link fences and an amazing view of the mountains, which attracts a lot of tourists.

“It’s a competitive industry.”

Another one of their points of difference is the advice they give — they’re all experienced gardeners.

In fact, Lance said he hasn’t had to advertise for employees in 20 years because gardeners know gardeners and they often come to him.

“We have a great team.”

Lance said he loves running the business because they sell nice products to nice customers.

“Everyone’s here because they want to be.”

People come from all over the Wellington region to visit Harrisons, and beyond.

They have 1.2 hectares of production land where they grow all of their own produce, and Lance says their point of difference is the beautiful environment.

It’s well-known worldwide too, and in 2004 Lance hosted the International Garden Centre Association at Harrisons and had more than 300 international garden centre delegates attend.

He wants to be able to supply people with all aspects of gardening so they sell everything from decorations, and equipment to fully grown plants.

A lot of their horticulture plants are already producing fruit and vegetables, so it’s an easy way to skip the growing stage — especially for new gardeners.

“We want all our customers to be successful with their gardening.”

Another popular aspect of the garden centre is The Café, which they lease out.

It was opened about 25 years ago and has been a hotspot for cafegoers since.

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Lance said there are so many benefits to gardening from a positive impact on mental health to improving house values.

“They’re also essential in providing oxygen, and improve the environment by reducing carbon dioxide.”

But there was a simple overriding factor. “It adds value to people’s lives.”

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He wants to be able to supply people with all aspects of gardening so they sell everything from decorations, and equipment to fully grown plants.

Award-winning Delane yMitsubishi backs local with opening of ne wKāpiti premises

Longtime Kāpiti business DelaneyMitsubishi has doubled down on itscommitment to the local community,with the opening of anew purpose-built facility thatwill help boostthe local economy and aims to provide morejobs.

The hugerebuild and renovation projecthas been a long time coming, having been carried out through the difficulties of Covid restrictions and supply shortages, however,the award-winning vehicle business has now opened the doors to anew dealership on their existing Paraparaumu site. It includes ashowroom, extensive serviceand partsdepartment,and an increase to their current workshop capacity of over 50 per cent Owners Brent and Rachel Delaneysay doing business in aplaceyou love is awinning formula and something theywouldn’t have any other way. The couple took over the business 17 years agoasatiny servicedealership,and have grown and evolved it to reflecttheir own belief and commitment in the Kāpiti community

“Even though Covid caused delays and the economic situation has been difficult foralmosteveryone in recent times, we know Kāpiti is now seeing significant growth and we aredelighted to be part of thatand to be able to investback intothe local economy by expanding our business here,”Brent says.

“It’sbeen on the drawing boardfor over four years and is acase of something thathas grown naturally to this point,aswecouldn’t imagine when we took over the business thatwe’dbewhereweare today.While it’s been an uncertain environment over the lastfew years, whathas never wavered is our belief in doing business in Kāpiti. We couldn’t think of abetterplacetoinvest our time and energy into”

The expansion means the couple has been able to create jobs and makeadditions to their team along with an increased ability to provide fortheir existing loyal client base. Newand used vehicle sales form part of the business, and they’re offeringtop-of-theline vehicles from Mitsubishi, which wasthe number

one selling brand forpassenger vehicles in Kāpiti in 2022. Theyalso supply light commercials and SUVs, including the hugely popular plug-in hybrid Outlander and Eclipse Cross, as part of an increased focus on hybrid and electric vehicles.

Warren Brown, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors NewZealand, who is also aproud long-term resident of the Kāpiti Coast, says it has been ajoy towatch the Delaneys evolve and transition their business from apartsand serviceoperation to afull franchise dealership while winning the loyalty of the community at the same time.

“Werequireanextraordinaryeffort from our dealer team and Brent and Rachel areideal ambassadors for the Mitsubishi Motors brand and, on apersonal level, theyare agenuine, humble and caring duo,” he says.

“Their investment in newpremises is ahugestep forwardand avote of confidenceinboththe Kapiti region and the Mitsubishi Motors brand. The team at DelaneyMitsubishi have always offered the highest

levels of customer support and now theycan do that from abrand-newand veryimpressive facility”

The Delaneys, who have won Mitsubishi’scoveted Diamond Dealer title forfive consecutive years, say going ahead with such abig expansion wasa big call, especially through the ups and downs of the pandemic, which createddelays and setbacks throughout the project.

“Aswith everyother business, we had to change the wayweoperatedattimes, which createdheavy workloads and wasimpactedbyrestrictedsupply lines, but we’ve seen the lifereturning to Kāpiti and Transmission Gully opening up access to the Coast, so we couldn’t be happier to be doing business here,” Brent says.

“Welove being part of and supporting the local community.Kāpiti has agenuine local feel and has to be one of the bestplaces to live in NewZealand” Formoreinformation visit www.delaneymitsubishi.co.nz

Rachel Delaney, Marie Barrett, Brent Delaney, Tiri Tipuna, Luke Edwards, ChaCha Ellis, Craig Lynn, James Horne, PeterBarrell, MikeVoss (absent Tristan Smith)

South Pacific Roses

Words by David Haxton

One day, way back in 1978, Noel Wright started ripping up his backyard and planted lots of bush roses.

It wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment hobby thing but a calculated move because he had a long-term grand vision in mind.

Years before his backyard transformation, Noel worked at Oderings Garden Centre where he learnt a lot about all things gardening and specialised in bedding plants.

“At the time Oderings was one of the biggest nurseries in Australasia and still are pretty big.”

He left Oderings, after over a decade, primarily to earn more money as he was married to Rita, they had children as well as a mortgage on their Hillmorton house in Christchurch.

After 11 years as a rubber worker in the Firestone factory in Papanui he tired of the shift work and regular union strikes, and decided it was time to get back into the gardening industry.

“That’s when I ripped up my back garden and put my first crop of roses in.

“It was a straight-out commercial decision.

“There wasn’t a rose grower in Christchurch and I had grown them at Oderings.

“I thought I knew all about roses when I started out on my own but then found out I knew bugger all.”

Before long Noel and Rita bought a 4.8 hectare slice of land and then a further eight hectares nearby for their emerging rose empire.

Noel called the company South Pacific Roses.

“I wanted an international flavour.

“When I was getting into it, exporting was a very big thing, and the government was trying to get anyone who could do anything to export, so I thought we would give it an international name South Pacific.

“We have exported to Tahiti but that’s as far as we got.”

Fast forward to 1996 and the family decided to buy a third property in Ōtaki (4.6h), which used to be a market garden, and turned it into a rose nursery too.

South Pacific Roses is split into two operations — Christchurch and Kāpiti.

Noel fronts the Kāpiti operation while his three children Glenn, Paul, and Angela spearhead the company’s original rose nursery in Christchurch.

“We grow 100,000 roses between the nurseries and have about 300 varieties.

“We grow old world roses, which are quite popular with the older generation, and grow modern bush climbing roses as well as standard roses.”

South Pacific Roses owner Noel Wright.

“We grow old world roses, which are quite popular with the older generation, and grow modern bush climbing roses as well as standard roses.”

Iceberg roses are the most popular, and whitecoloured roses are generally the most popular colour.

Overall roses were “very popular” and he was thankful the wide varieties had provided a steady income for the family over many years.

Noel, who is nearing 80, said there was a “sense of satisfaction” with the business.

He’s still heavily involved and has no intentions of putting his feet up.

“With it being a family business I can’t retire,” he smiled.

“We’ve got grandchildren in the company as well so there are three generations.

“Sometimes I think it would be nice to retire and do nothing but I think I would be bored.”

So he will carry on working in a job he’s invested so much time and energy in.

And maybe one day Noel will find his own answer to a thorny question.

“Roses are a funny thing — you either hate them or you don’t — I’m still undecided.”

“When I was getting into it, exporting was a very big thing, and the government was trying to get anyone who could do anything to export, so I thought we would give it an international name South Pacific.”

Foil & friends Siren Lania The Label Design Nation Seeking Lola Newport

Friends of Animal Charities

It was about 20 years ago when Janine Tieman and Brenda Cavanagh decided they wanted to make a difference in the lives of animals throughout New Zealand.

The two women wanted to provide a voice for those who couldn’t speak for themselves — animals.

They were volunteering at the SPCA at the time, but decided to embark on their own volunteering journey by opening their charity shop Friends of Animal Charities, or FOAC for short.

Many of their co-volunteers followed them, believing in what they were standing for, and from there family members, friends, neighbours, and many others joined them too.

“We were a group of likeminded individuals,” Janine said.

It wasn’t always easy though — at first, they were only able to sell through garage sales and market days.

After quite a long process, the charity became registered about 10 years ago and officially opened in Maclean Street in Paraparaumu Beach in April of 2014.

“It was really a dream come true when we were able to open our own animal charity,” Janine said.

Nine years later its success speaks for itself, with more than $418,000 being donated to charities New Zealand wide.

There were about 20 people at the beginning, and that number hasn’t changed much over the years.

“Some have passed away, some have joined in, some have moved away.”

Their endeavour is completely not-for-profit — no one makes any money from the sales — it’s all for the animals.

While most of their raised money comes from donated items that they sell in the shop, Janine said they do have people who donate money, including one man who donates between $50 and $100 a month, and children who bring in piggybanks of change.

More than 70 per cent of their raised funds go directly to animals in need, with the rest being used for operational expenses and the rent of the store. Janine said they have donated to 55 charities throughout New Zealand.

One of the organisations they donate regularly to is HUHA (Helping You Help Animals), who rescue and adopt out different kinds of animals.

Words by Grace Odlum

HUHA was involved in saving and rehabilitating animals during the Christchurch earthquakes, and FOAC donated a sum of money towards this.

FOAC also has a number of other organisations they donate to as needed, including Wellington Rabbit Rescue — a non-profit that rescues and rehomes rabbits — and New Zealand Riding For The Disabled Association who are a nationwide organisation which provide interactions with horses to improve the health and wellbeing of disabled people.

“It’s extremely rewarding to know that the hard work and effort of our volunteers has helped these organisations along the way,” Brenda said.

All of the volunteers at FOAC are animal lovers, and Janine said that many of them even adopt older animals to make the end of their lives better.

“Everyone here has at least one pet.”

The group of volunteers believe that all animals have a right to live a pain free life, and live in a loving home environment.

NZ-11874234AA

“We believe it’s up to us to help them.”

FOAC are always looking for more volunteers, so if you want to make a difference in the lives of animals everywhere, consider popping into the store and filling in a volunteer form.

If you don’t have the time to dedicate to volunteering, donating is an easy way to help, whether it be money or items — and they’ll even pick your donations up for free!

They accept most things, like clothing, jewellery, books, toys, and small pieces of furniture, but do not want TVs and large furniture.

If you want to donate you can visit their website www.friendsofanimalcharities.co.nz/donate

Brenda Cavanagh, left, and Janine Tieman in the Friends of Animal Charities shop.

Terns enjoy estuary life

The Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve has long been a very special place for our endemic and native birds especially the charming banded dotterels and New Zealand dotterels that have been breeding here for several years. With new restrictions on vehicle and dog access to this protected area now having been in force for over 12 months, there has been a very noticeable increase in the variety and number of birds here.

This year has seen a huge increase in the number of white-fronted terns resident on the estuarine sand spit. For the first time in living memory, about 150 pairs of these terns have created a nesting colony right in the centre of the estuary. Local photographer Roger Smith has been visiting the nesting site almost daily to document the progress from pairing up, laying eggs, hatching, feeding and, finally, fledging.

This has involved him wearing sand-coloured clothing, crawling along the sand and taking up semi-concealed positions behind driftwood in order to minimise disturbance to the birds. Lying still for hours in close proximity to the nesting birds has given him wonderful opportunities to view the comings and goings at the nests, and the relationships between the various birds and their ever-demanding chicks. These photographs are representative of the nesting sequence and are just a small proportion of the hundreds of images he has taken.

- Roger Smith

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Graham Rodney Hannah Andrew (ManagingDirector )

My Kāpiti

It’s time to catch up with businesswoman and Kāpiti Hall of Fame recipient Wendy Huston.

Some of the things I enjoy about living on the coast are... It’s just the best place to live — our climate, beaches, all the communities so close and each with its own story and character. And how easy it is to access all that Wellington has on offer in the south and Palmerston North just an hour north. First thing you do when you arrive home? Get out of my work clothes so I feel I’m really at home. If it’s the end of the week — put my feet up and have a long gin!

What do you enjoy about being Kāpiti Retirement Trust chief executive? There’s so much but in one word — people. I get a real buzz when a resident tells me that coming into our village was just the best decision. I can’t change the world but perhaps, in this small part of it, I can make it a better place to be.

Interesting fact about the retirement industry is... With the number of New Zealanders reaching retirement age continuing to increase as a percentage of the total population, this is significant to the

retirement village and aged care sector. By 2042 the current number of New Zealanders over 65 is predicted to increase by 60 per cent to 1.3 million while there will be a 145 per cent increase in the number of those aged over 85. This will have a huge impact on all the resources needed to support such significant numbers.

Best business advice I received was... Everyone remembers the most recent interaction they have had with a business. You can only be as good as the last experience someone visiting your organisation had.

How do you like to spend your free time? I wish I had more! Catching up daily on WhatsApp with the antics of my very active 18-month-old grandson Theo in Singapore. Sitting outside reading a book, walking on the Waikanae beach, baking a scrummy dessert.

My go-to local eatery is... For eat-in Passo Pizza Pasta Caffé on Kāpiti Rd and for takeaways, the wonderful Indian dishes cooked by Dharmesh at Divine India, Kāpiti Lights.

“I can’t change the world but perhaps, in this small part of it, I can make it a better place to be.”

What is the best book you’ve read? Any where I can stop what I’m doing and read. I’m currently working my way through the Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley. Once I get into one, I find it impossible to put down.

Have you ever met someone famous? I can’t compete here with my husband John who had an unplanned hour with Mother Teresa in her office in Calcutta several decades ago on one of his trips to India.

What countries have you been to? Quite a few but nothing compared to the numbers visited by other members of my family. Highlights have been a holiday in Ireland, time spent in Venice and visiting China, Vietnam and Thailand with my daughter on combined shop-till- you-drop/tourist holidays.

What is your guilty pleasure? Chewy lollies such as jet planes and milk bottles. When an open packet presents itself, I can scoff the lot in a very short time.

What are your biggest pet peeves? The often unnecessary compliance regime every aspect of business is exposed to and has to meet; along with common sense seemingly very uncommon these days.

People might not know but... I have a current Irish passport.

What is your favourite movie of all time? While gruelling and so very sad to watch, Schindler’s List - a reminder, individuals can make a difference. For sheer silliness and great fun, The First Wives Club — how could you not love something starring Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler.

Favourite holiday escape is... Home when no one knows I’m there! Advice to my younger self would be... Don’t be afraid of change; the most surprising and rewarding outcomes can come from it.

Kapiti Uniting Parish

Methodist – Presbyterian ChristianChurchesNZ

Raumati Church

10 Weka Road, Raumati Beach

Sundays 9 am and 10 am

Waikanae Church

9 Taiata Street, Waikanae Beach

Sundays 9.30 am

Minister: Rev. Anna Gilkison

www.kup.org.nz

Paraparaumu Hospice Shop open 7 days Shop pre-loved to share the love

Pop in store to shop fashion, furniture, homeware, books and more. All goods are generously donated by people in your local community, and lovingly cared for by our team.

Donations of quality goods gratefully accepted.

Thank you - your support helps keep Mar y Potter Hospice’s palliative care free of charge for the people of Kāpiti, Porirua and Wellington.

Free collection ser vice

For larger items such as furniture, appliances or estate lots, we provide a free collection ser vice from your home or business.

Divine India

Words by David Haxton

With various tilts of the metal frying pan, Dharmesh Yadav expertly manoeuvres another curry around the surface. The aromas smell divine.

He’s done it countless times but every meal demands precision and concentration to get it just right.

It’s that attention to quality and consistency that has made Divine India one of the enduring takeaway places on the coast.

Located in the Kāpiti Lights business precinct, in the heart of Paraparaumu, this popular Indian takeaway spot has been operated by Dharmesh and his wife Rina for 15 years.

The couple, who have been married for 30 years, came to New Zealand from Mumbai, India, in 2004 to manage two Indian restaurants — one in Rotorua and one in Taupo — for Dharmesh’s sister and her husband who were moving to Australia.

After both businesses were sold Dharmesh and Rina ventured south where he worked in a fish and chip shop in Lower Hutt.

He then became manager of a new Indian restaurant in Paraparaumu, and then, less than a year later, and with residency secured, there was an opportunity to buy the nearby Curry To Go.

They bought the business in February 2008 and quickly changed the name to Divine India, changed the recipes, changed the decor and changed the layout.

With the foundations in place, they started to build their Indian takeaway empire, and customers responded favourably.

“We have a very good relationship with our customers, the food is always consistent, and we don’t compromise with our quality,” Dharmesh said.

“We enjoy making customers happy and giving them value for their money.

“The success of our business is customers coming back again and again.”

The menu features 29 non-vegetarian dishes and 22 vegetarian dishes.

“Some of them are our specialities including punjabi, makhanwala and kashmiri.

“People who have eaten our punjabi curry have always come back and ordered it again.”

He also praises Rina’s tandoori bread skills, and recommends her masala paneer naan.

“She does it very nicely.”

Not surprisingly the most popular dish ordered is butter chicken.

“If anyone orders five curries, or three curries, or two curries, the first one they will order is butter chicken.”

Daily freshness is important and they buy their meat directly from M and M Master Butchers, in Kāpiti Rd, Paraparaumu.

“Frankie Manclark, who is the owner, was the guy who supplied us meat when we opened the shop.

“He used to work for Preston’s [butchery] before opening M and M Master Butchers.”

The only item Divine India freezes is prawns. Divine India is a bit old school as it doesn’t really have an online presence apart from a Facebook page and has recently joined up with Delivereasy.

“It’s all word of mouth,” Dharmesh said. Any day when Divine India is open can be busy, particularly Friday and Saturday nights when the wait time can be an hour and a half.

It’s an impressive operation when you consider it’s only the two of them running the business. While there’s a range of factors behind Divine India’s success, Dharmesh points out the most important.

“The success of my business is my wife Rina and my son Harsh.”

“We have a very good relationship with our customers, the food is always consistent, and we don’t compromise with our quality.”

Divine India owners Rina and Dharmesh Yadav.

Sonia Savage

With waves crashing in the distance, birdlife chirping in the trees, and fresh sea air swirling about, Sonia Savage’s summer house art studio in Ōtaki Beach is a great place to work in.

It’s here she has created numerous works of art which have featured in exhibitions or sold to individuals.

She is one of the coast’s foremost artists whose colourful artwork has had widespread appeal.

Sonia, a busy mother of two, had a creative flair from a very young age.

“I would take myself away to draw and paint by myself with no distractions. It was all I ever wanted to do.”

She went to St Patrick’s School, in Paraparaumu, and remembered getting excited every time her teacher Jenny Pilcher would conduct an art lesson.

“I was lucky to have such encouragement so early on. That was my happy place. My art only grew stronger from then on.”

After a brief career as a hairdresser, Sonia decided to look for a new path, which, upon her mother Anne Patricia Savage’s suggestion, led to her attending Art School at the Learning Connexion in Island Bay where she gained a diploma and honours.

She learnt a lot by herself and also spent precious hours with her grandfather Brian Trask in his art studio where a love of landscapes was fostered.

“That was very inspiring and I learnt some tricks and techniques from him.” Other influences were her great uncle Cedric Savage, a famous painter in his time, Magritte’s surrealist work, and Raumati South artist Bodhi

Words by David Haxton

Sonia Savage next to an artwork in her Ōtaki Beach studio.

“I remember going to an early Kāpiti Arts Trail, way before I started my career, thinking to myself that I would love to be able to create some amazing pieces like him [Vincent].”

Sonia soon had the confidence to sell her work, have her own professional exhibitions and distribute her art to various galleries throughout New Zealand.

She is known for her various styles including landscape, surrealism, realism, sculpture and ceramics.

“Over the years my works have been heavily influenced by Kāpiti and its surroundings, personal experiences and emotional journeys. My artworks are often layered with cultural influences and elements of narrative and myth. And they are known for their bright, bold characteristics using various icons, broken up compositions and geographical symbols.”

Often she would paint intuitively letting ideas “flow from their subconscious rather than predetermined or drawn out in detail”.

“I generate ideas from my surroundings and experiences. I would picture a scene and think that would make a great painting but interpret it in my own broken-up way, not exactly how it looks.

“I have followed my heart and developed my own style over the years, bringing more of an abstract approach using a wide range of textures and colours and a keen eye for composition.”

Sonia loves how her art is able to bring “joy and happiness into people’s lives”.

“When someone buys my works it really is an emotional connection and I feel privileged that my work

Some of her favourite artworks have included a commission piece for former Ōtaki MP Darren Hughes, which he had in his parliamentary office, and a large triptych [set of three associated artworks] piece which is in Kāpiti Coast District Council’s reception in Paraparaumu.

“There is something satisfying about creating big pieces for a

Her preferred medium is water-mixable oil paint.

“This, for me, is less toxic and easier to work with than the classic oil paint with potent smelling mediums.

“I can create some great depth and texture using this particular paint.”

Sonia is primarily a painter but in the last few years has been doing hand building and wheelwork with clay.

“I received a wheel for a present and quickly got hooked.

“For ceramics, my preferred medium would be using BRT [buff raku trachyte] clay as this gives the finished piece more of an earthy feel.”

Sonia, who would love to have her artwork in an international exhibition, also enjoys sculpturing with Oamaru stone when she gets the chance.

Some of her hobbies, outside of art, include playing tennis, listening to music, dog walking and managing the Lost & Found Animals Kāpiti Coast page on Facebook.

“Helping animals is a huge passion of mine.”

www.soniasavageart.com

“I have followed my heart and developed my own style over the years, bringing more of an abstract approach using a wide range of textures and colours and a keen eye for composition.”

www.kapiti heliworx .co.nz

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Looking for somewhere unique to visit?

Then why not check out the Southward Car Museum on the Kāpiti Coast.

Located just 40 minutes north of Wellington, the museum host one of the most unique vehicle collections in the world and currently contains over 450 exhibits!

Why not make a day of it?

Bring a picnic, grab a drink from the on-site coffee shop and make the most of the extensive park-like grounds.

Open 7 days 9am to 4.30pm 250 Otaihanga Road, Paraparaumu 04 297 1221

www.southwardcarmuseum.co.nz

PARAPARAUMU BEACH GOLF CLUB

Kāpiti Hot Yoga

Words by Grace Odlum

It was a spur-of-the-moment decision that jolted Anjana Mistry to take her first hot yoga class.

She wasn’t sure what to expect when she attended the class in Sydney, but she ended up loving it.

“I walked home with a sense of peace and calm.”

She was hooked, and after this first lesson, started practicing hot yoga semi-regularly.

Anjana’s love for yoga followed her across the world, and when she and her husband Sean Fitzgerald moved to Boston she continued practicing.

After having her son in 2011, she moved back to her homeland, New Zealand, with Sean, where they took up residence in Kāpiti.

At the time there weren’t many options for hot yoga in Kāpiti, so Anjana found herself travelling to Wellington’s Yoga for the People to practice.

Not long after the move to New Zealand, an opportunity arose that meant she could go back to Australia to study to be a hot yoga teacher.

She took that opportunity, and after four weeks of study in Gosford she gained certification and was officially a qualified yoga instructor.

With her certification secured, she returned to New Zealand and worked as a hot yoga teacher at Yoga for the People.

In December 2020, when what used to be an office building was made available, Anjana took the chance and started up Kāpiti Hot Yoga which is based in Ihakara St, Paraparaumu.

Anjana then fitted infrared heaters and got new flooring put in, and also lined one of the walls of the studio with mirrors.

Her studio specialises in 26 + 2 yoga, also known as Bikram yoga, which is the original hot yoga and the most popular type.

Traditionally, Bikram yoga consists of 26 poses and two breathing exercises, with a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius and humidity of 40 per cent.

Anjana’s studio is equipped to meet all of these traditions, and while she does offer the classic 90-minute sessions, she offers 60-minute sessions too.

She said the benefits of hot yoga are limitless, with some examples being working out all the muscles in the body, sweating out toxins, and circulation improvement.

Hot yoga has a ripple effect on other aspects of your life too including being more hydrated and eating better.

“It’s a bit like magic.”

Anjana also finds it to be a great form of meditation, and said you need to be able to focus on your breathing and focus on being still.

Hot yoga has a ripple effect on other aspects of your life too including being more hydrated and eating better.

The classes sound like a rainforest, and the sound of sweat falling off of peoples’ bodies can be quite daunting to new clients.

“There’s always a level of discomfort in the room.

“Everyone’s sweating and heart rates go up.”

That’s why the mirrors are so important — they help to set a focus point for clients and help them to be still.

The classes are taught in a traditional way in that there is no music or background noise, and the teachers have all learned a specific script through their studies.

“No matter where you practice in the world the script stays the same.”

She said hot yoga leads to a healthier life outside of yoga as well and has a number of clients who consider

The buildingcompany with anicefamily feel

Astheir sixth year anniversary approaches, one Kāpiti-based building company putstheir success down to having apersonal touch and keeping things small.

The business has grownpredominantly through word of mouth, according to coowner and directorRuth Roberts. ‘Wehave really strong relationships with our clients and alot of clientsare returning customers thatgoontobefriends, basically.’

Keeping things small allows forfocus and forwardplanning as well as high attention to detail. During Covid, when materials became scarce,itwas Steve’s forward-planning thatenabled the team to getthe supplies theyneeded, which ultimately inspired alot of confidencein clients.

Working closely with architects and other businesses, Steve’sknowledgebase gives the firm the ability to problem solve, by spotting issues beforetheybecome issues.

Despitetheir high levelofactivity, ranging from renovations and extensions to newbuilds, the firm’s ethics means that theynever want to say no to the small stuff

People likethe fact that Legacy Building is afamily business with ahusband and wifedynamic. Wherever possible theywill go and meetnew clientstogether.‘Ican’t imagine thatsomeofthe bigger players

havethat,’saysRuth.

Over six yearsthe business has built into an incredibly close-knit team. To celebrate their six year anniversary, theyare going to alocal potteryworkshop,which Ruth thinks will be the perfectteambuilding experienceasit’sabit out of the comfort zone forsome of the team. The teamalso socialise outside of work:‘We all went to Guns N’ Roses together.’

The company also makeitafocus to giveback to the local community in various ways, ranging from regular donations to one-off sponsorships.

Legacy Building has supported Kāpiti Run forYouth fortwo years, and also makes monthly donations to Surf LifeSaving NZ. Theyhavesponsored ayoung man with his stockcar and alocal boywho raceskarts. Over the yearstheyhave supported youngpeople fundraising from their chosen sport,fromtouch rugbyto ten-pin bowling to basketball. Theywere proud to contributetothe funding of the installation of batting cagesfor Kāpiti Softball Club,and their biggestannual contribution is to theSpecial Children’s Christmas Party,aspectacular Christmas partyfor special children who livewith life threatening illness, physical or intellectual impairment,domestic violence, or arein underprivilegedcircumstances.

To find out moreabout their services, contactRuth on 020 4004 6900.

provide a professional and personal interior design service, making your selection of home furniture

furnishings as seamless as possible.

Sleep well lastnight?

We’ve allheard the phrase “sleep is forthe weak,” butinreality, nothing could be further from the truth.Sleep is avital component of ouroverall health and wellbeing, andwithout it,wecan quickly find ourselves struggling to function in our daily lives.

Duringsleep,our bodies arehardatwork repairing and rejuvenatingour cells, regulating

ourhormones, andconsolidating ourmemories.This is why alack of sleep canleadtoa variety of health problems, including obesity,diabetes, heartdisease, andevendepression

Sleepalsoplays acrucial role in ourcognitive function. Studies haveshownthat individualswho don’t get enough sleep aremore likely to struggle withfocus, concentration, memoryand a decreased ability to problem-solve and makedecisions.

However,itis

notjustabout the quantityof sleepweget,itisalsoaboutthe quality.A poororunsuitable mattress canmakeitdifficult to getcomfortable andnot provide the necessarysupport,which canleadtotossing andturning throughout the night.This can makeitdifficult to achieve the deep, restorative sleepthatour bodies need

Findingthe perfect bed can be achallenge, butitisworth the effort.A comfortableand supportive bedcan greatly improve thequality of your sleep and contribute to better overall health and wellbeing.

Considering youare goingto spend thenext7-10years in your newbed, it is imperative you try

outvarious bedstoensureyou getthe best fit

At Wellington Bedsweare experts in assisting you to findthe idealsleep solution, bestsuited to your individualcomfort and support needs. Manufactured locallyatour Tawa factory, we know beds through and throughand have onesimple goal -toget you the best night’s sleep. Ourstrong reputation for delivering exceptional results and outstanding customer servicehas allowedustocontinue assisting the Wellington community in getting greatsleep forover30 years. Contactyournearest store nowtobooka sleep consultation

We spend athird of our lives in bed and quality sleep is essential in supporting our physical and mental wellbeing.

"Sleep easy with our Comfort Guarantee "

Hole in the Rock

On the other side of Kāpiti Island - the side not visible from the coast - is a secluded bay with a magical "hole in the rock" accessible only from the sea. Here is where the New Zealand fur seals can be found, and where their young pups play in the shallow, crystal clear waters. This is also a favourite spot for divers to swim in the Kāpiti Marine Reserve among shoals of fish, inquisitive seals and wonderful undersea scenery.

- Roger Smith

BE SAFE, BE SEEN

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR WA LK , SC OO TO RR IDE TODAY

Backpack covers will be available from April from our council servicecentres

All go for this Thunderbird

Dave Frost’s passion for classic cars, especially American ones, started at a young age while he was growing up in Berkshire, England.

“My father Len had always been a petrolhead.

“He was the manager of a gas station and very prestigious car sales garage in Ascot, which is quite a flash area.

“He was always coming home at lunchtime in E-Type Jaguars, Rolls Royces, Bentleys or some exotic American car they were selling at the garage.

“So, I guess it started from there.”

Years later, Frost built a replica Cobra in England, and then another one in New Zealand “which unfortunately died in an accident on Paekākāriki Hill Road, but we don’t mention that”.

Over the years he’s had a 1965 purple Thunderbird, a 1968 Mustang, a 1970 Pontiac Trans-Am, a 1965 red Thunderbird, and now the jaw-dropping Chantilly beige-coloured 1965 Thunderbird.

All of his cars have been — good-naturedly — called Camilla.

“That’s from Princess Diana once saying that there was a third person in the relationship.

“So, my wife has called my cars Camilla. As a third person in our relationship.”

He knew he had to have his latest car when he saw it appear for sale online about nine years ago.

“It looks so stunning.

“The colour, big whitewall tyres, and general, overall condition of the car.”

Frost, from Paraparaumu, hasn’t had to do much to it other than replacing the V8 motor because he felt the original was getting a bit tired.

“I wanted to make sure it was okay.”

Frost said the car, which is a bit of a people magnet, drove “extremely well”.

“I have no fears about taking it anywhere.”

There’s one place the car never tires of visiting, though.

“It’s the friend of every gas station.”

The car’s number plate reads ‘VERGIL’, which amuses some people, and is a play-on-name reference to a well-known puppet called Virgil.

“There was a puppet show on television called Thunderbirds where the characters were involved in international rescues.

“When they went out on a rescue it was always: ‘Five, four, three, two, one...Thunderbirds are go’.

“One of the characters was called Virgil Tracy, who was the pilot of Thunderbird 2, which was a big green bulk carrier.”

The car’s indicator lights have a sequential countdown, which is super-cool and a bit of a nod to the iconic Thunderbirds show.

Frost loves using the car for weddings, but nothing beats driving around the country and parking up at car shows with his fellow enthusiasts.

Words by David Haxton

“It’s the friend of every gas station.”

Dave Frost with his 1965 Thunderbird.

That Little Cake Shop

Words by Grace Odlum

About six years ago Alisha Lewis accidentally started her cake making business when friends fell in love with her baking.

Alisha has no prior hospitality experience, but when her kids were diagnosed with celiac disease, she started baking cakes for them.

Her friends quickly discovered how good the baking was and wanted her to bake for them too, and thus That Little Cake Shop was born.

She created a Facebook page for her friends to order through, but it quickly grew in popularity around the district.

Alisha said it became a bit of a side hustle for her, and she worked online for about four years before opening her store last September.

She said when a store became vacant on Maclean St, she had to take it.

“I had always really wanted a shop in Paraparaumu Beach.”

At first, the store mainly made large cakes, but with Covid affecting party sizes, Alisha said they now specialise in mainly mini cakes.

They also have a variety of other goodies, like gelato ice cream, coffee, macarons, cupcakes and more.

A new thing for That Little Cake Shop is its Dessert Nights, which happen every Friday.

It started in January, and Alisha said “Kāpiti really supports us with this”.

With their Dessert Nights being such a new thing, Alisha said Fridays are what she’s really excited about.

That Little Cake Shop caters for a number of different dietary requirements, including vegan, keto, celiac, and allergies.

“If you’ve got allergies, you shouldn’t miss out on delicious cake.”

NEW CANDY STRIPE CARNATION THE PRODUCT OF FIVE YEARS OF CULTIVATION

The latest achievementoflocal Otakigrower

Don Watson Senior is the new Candy Stripe Carnation,which has also turned into the naming inspiration for the newcaféatWatson’s GardenOtaki.

Theflower,which is uniquetoWatson’s Garden, is the culmination of 65years of experienceinlocalgrowing

Five yearsago Don Watson Senior purchased some redand white carnations at aflorist, but he was not happy with thecolour.Hebegan to picture in his mindthe look of an altogether new design of flower.Hesowed somered, white and pink carnationsand potted them up. Once theygrewlarge enough he let themflower He repeatedthe process forfive years until unforced natural growth produced adesign that he was finally contentwith Don still couldn’t think ofanamefor the flower,sohetookthe idea over to thelovely teamatWatson’s Garden to askthemfor help with thenaming. After anumber of names were discussed, Kirsten suggested the nameCandy StripeCarnation. Don learnedhow to change the colourof flowersmanyyears ago when workingfor

Wa

the originalowner of Watson’s Garden, Jim McCor mick.Don is currently in theprocess of writing hismemoirs, which include many ‘recipes’ andtips on floral cultivation. He is modestabout his totallyuniqueachievement:

‘You’ve got to trynew things.’

Speakingoftrying new things –anew café has recentlyopened at Watson’sGardenwhich has been namedafter the flower The Carnation Café offers pies, spiders,teas and barista-made coffee, milkshakes, kids’ ice cream, icechocolates and icecoffees.

The public clamourfor acaféatWatson’s Garden had eventuallybecome too loud:many visitors to the garden centrehad asked ‘Whydon’t you have coffee?’

With locally sourced ingredients and biodegradablepackaging, thecaféhas been taking off. It is theper fect addition to Watson’s Garden –perhapsthe onethingthe business has beenmissing.

The beautifulnew variationcan be viewed outside the Carnation Café at Watson’s Garden andisevenavailablefor sale.

17 Bell Stre et 06 364 8758

www.watsonsgarden.co.nz

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Closed on Sundays andPublicHolidays

LOCAL GROWER DON WATSON SR OUTSIDE THENEW CARNATION CAFE

The Waterfront

Words by Grace Odlum

When Conrad Banks and Zara Lange took ownership of the iconic Waterfront bar and kitchen, they saw lots of potential for improvement, and now that time has arrived.

The pair, who have owned the Waterfront since May of last year, have started a three-stage renovation plan.

Stage one involved replacing the bar and giving the Waterfront a general clean up, and stage two will be the improvement of the bathrooms, expanding the kitchen, and extending the deck.

“All of those things just mean we can fit more people in here,” Lange said.

“It’s a necessity,” Banks added.

Banks said these two stages are expected to be completed in November, and they will need to take a break over the busy season and begin stage three in March.

Stage three will be the addition of a retractable roof on the deck, so that people can enjoy the views all year round despite the weather.

“It just kind of winterises everything.”

Banks said there is also a bonus fourth stage which is the addition of a rooftop bar.

“The bar will be on the east side, so it doesn’t block the view.”

He said it will be able to seat up to 36 people and is expected to be completed in about 18 months.

“It’s like the jewel in the crown.”

Lange said despite it being such a huge project, they will stay completely operational throughout the construction.

“It’s a bit of a learning curve.”

The building is owned by Kāpiti Coast District Council (KCDC), but Lange and Banks have a lease on it until the late 2030s.

... the Waterfront was such a central community point, so they had to do something. “It’s an amazing place.”

Banks said they are investing quite a substantial amount of money into the renovations and are funding it all themselves.

“We’re investing a lot into someone else’s property.”

The pair, who moved to the coast about three years ago, own two other hospitality businesses in Wellington, Bin44 and Dockside, which they renovated as well.

Banks said it’s an awesome location where you enjoy the “West Coast ruggedness”, but the two agreed the building could use an upgrade.

“She’s a bit tired,” Lange said.

Banks added they want to “smarten the old girl up”.

The two spend a lot of time in the Waterfront talking to their patrons, and Lange said the upgrade is what the community wants.

“I spend a lot of time talking to people and getting to know them.”

Banks said he wants to showcase what the coast has to offer, so they’re throwing everything they have at it.

They hired Ric Slessor from Slessor Architects located in Te Aro, Wellington, to design the upgrades, and Banks said he really understood the brief and what was wanted.

“He’s done a lot of stuff around the region.”

They also have a group of workers from local contractors doing the refurbishments and project management.

Banks said the Waterfront was such a central community point, so they had to do something.

“It’s an amazing place.”

Big Mac Slabs Creative Centre

Our Lady of Lourdes

Words by David Haxton

On a hillside in Paraparaumu is one of the coast’s most dramatic landmarks.

It’s the Our Lady of Lourdes statue which is prominent from a distance during the day.

And at night the head is featured by a series of lights.

You can also go to Tongariro St where there is a short walkway up a paved zigzag which will take you right next to it.

It’s a bit of a wow moment being so close to it.

A history panel says the 14-metre high statue of the Virgin Mary was

commissioned by the parish priest, Father J.S.Dunn, in 1958 to mark the 100th anniversary of the apparition of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes.

“A Dutch artist, Martin Roestenberg, built the statue, one of the largest in the world of its kind.

“He moulded the two-metre high head at his home in Taihape.

“At the site, a crane lifted it onto the scaffolding.

“The statue grew from the head downward as layers of plaster-of-Paris were applied to scrim and moulded into the shape of draperies.

“A small door in the base gives access to a trapdoor leading up to the head.

“Through a winter of cold gales the artist persevered until, in August 1958, the massive statue was completed with its crown of 17 lights.

“When floodlit, its sparkling halo is visible for kilometres.

“Later, to protect it from vandalism and weathering, the statue was protected by several layers of fibreglass.

“Stations of the Cross, scenes of Christ’s passion in mosaics, were placed beside the hilltop path.”

Turf Management

on world class golf course

Athree year apprenticeship at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club leading to aCertificate in Turf Management and aposition as Head Greenkeeper gave local entrepreneur BrettSmith the handson experiencethathas helped him launch Multi Turf.Italso gave him an appreciation of the unique challenges of managing arange of lawn environmentsinapart of the countryknown forits rough southerly weather

Nowwith fifteen yearsofTurf Management experienceunder his belt,Bretthas the knowledgeto help Kāpiti residentsfind the best fit fortheir environment.The lay of the land plays an important role in determining the solutions on offer, as does the unique circumstances of each owner -animal lovers, forexample, may need to think carefully about the types of lawn thatare suited to them.

Agreat lawn should notbe unaffordable, and aconsultation with Brettcould saveyou thousands. On one occasion an owner waspreparing to invest thousands of dollarsonartificial turf –but because the owner was intending to sell up in afew months’ time, Brettproposed hydroseeding,

anatural lawn solution thatsaved them thousands and would be less risk of asunk costfor the new owners.

Brett’sexpertise extends from artificial lawn to hydroseeding to ready lawn, and the solution presented will be designed to suit your unique situation and requirements. Hydroseeding is a method thatisgrowing increasingly popular,largely driven by word of mouth. An alternativetorolling out instant lawn, hydroseeding is a wood fibremulch thatyou spray out and thatcontains seeds. The mulch acts as asort of papier mache, which keeps seed moistduring germination.

In an agewherevisual impressions canaffectproperty values, the look of alawn canmake ahugeimpact. And Brettcan’t help but be an admirer of the lawns he sees from other Turf Managers. It’salmostlikeanartform –ashe passes areally impressivelawn he can’thelp but say to himself,“Wow, they’vedone agreat job.”

Thinking about finishing off your home with agreat lawn?Contact Bretton027 7400 209 or email him at admin@multiturf.co.nz to start the conversation today

“The statue grew from the head downward as layers of plaster-ofParis were applied to scrim and moulded into the shape of draperies.”

Kerry Dalton

Words by David Haxton

It’s fair to say Kerry Dalton had a few nerves running through her as she saw the size of the crowd in front of her.

Dalton was among 10 poets who took part in the New Zealand Womad Poetry Slam competition held at the Womad festival in the Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth.

Not only were about 1000 people waiting to be entertained but three judges as well, including New Zealand poet laureate Chris Tse.

Judging wasn’t just on the poem itself but on how well the poet delivered it. No pressure.

Dalton, who is the Citizens Advice Bureau chief executive, certainly felt a long way from her humble abode in Paekākāriki.

With a few deep breaths, and as much courage as she could summon, there was only one thing Dalton could do as she stepped out onto the stage — give it her best shot.

The poets were whittled down during a series of rounds before Dalton was declared the overall winner.

Dalton read three of her poems in the competition: My Night Sky, To Pluto on the

occasion of its demotion from being a planet, and Let Us Breathe.

She was a bit hesitant with her first poem as it included some swear words, but it went down well with the audience and gave her a lot of confidence as the competition progressed.

Before the competition, Dalton had only read her poetry twice in public — firstly at the New Zealand Poetry Society Competition in Auckland where her Pluto poem placed third, and secondly at the Raumati South Club’s poetry open night, which she used to prepare for the Womad competition.

At Womad, she read her poems off by heart and put in as much expression as she could.

“I was really happy,” she said about winning the competition.

“You write things but don’t know how someone is going to respond to them.

“But I had this large audience responding very enthusiastically, which was great, and the judges as well.

“It was very encouraging to me.”

The prize for winning the competition was two luxury tickets to Womad next year.

“You write things but don’t know how someone is going to respond to them.”

Dalton said that, once she gets an idea for a poem, it snowballs into other ideas.

“It can take a long time for me to feel a poem is completed.

“I play around with words, take words out, add more in — a lot goes into them.”

“I’ve written poetry in fits and starts, especially because of working full-time.

“In 2021 I was lucky enough to have a sabbatical from my work so I spent quite a bit of that time writing poetry, which was wonderful.”

She’s had a love of poetry for as long as she can remember.

“I think poetry is a wonderful thing.

“It’s people expressing themselves, crafting words and connecting with other people through it.

“The more we can have of it the better.”

We can expect to hear more from her, especially as the reaction from the Womad audience had been “hugely affirming”.

“At the very least I think I will be writing more poems and trying to perform them.”

Let Us Breathe

You call to me within the sphere that CO2 is making disappear. I climbed your branches took you for granted did not see your rings of history I release my breath It gets transformed inside your chest

The air is cool cleansed by your skin a place to be renewed in Place your feet here, anchor the soil here filter the wind through your leaves let us breathe, let us breathe, let us breathe You reach up high span earth and sky hold the arcing moon, hope in your limbs. You rustle all through the night, pollinate the stars give the birds respite I will not trade you on the future’s market. I will not give you up to the cutting floor I breathe you You breathe me We make atoms swarm Place your feet here, anchor the soil here filter the wind through your leaves let us breathe let us breathe let us breathe

Meet your local Celebrating Kāpiti team

GraceOdlum, Kelly Dawson, Shiree White, Ali Drury,Nadine Goodman, David Haxton and Archie

Back in the Day: Paekākāriki

These yesteryear photos feature on the windows at Finn’s Paekākāriki.

Surf lifesaving carnival at Paekākāriki Beach, 1926.

Picnicking on Paekākāriki Beach, 1926.

Special train of visitors and competitors arriving for the Sanderson Cup lifesaving carnival in 1929.

Ames St on the left, Wellington Rd in the distance, old hotel and train departing the station in 1909.

Old Paekākāriki School, on State Highway 1, which closed in 1945. The school master’s house is still standing.

United States Marines band playing outside St Peter’s Hall during World War 2.

V class steam locomotive no 6, Wellington and Manawatu Railway Co, 1905c.

Paekākāriki Railway Station and houses, 1981.

Paekākāriki Railway Station looking south from Tilley Rd in 1910.

The Parade, 1914.

United States Marines arriving at Paekākāriki Railway Station in 1942.

Overlooking Paekākāriki township, 1930.

Cocktails

HOT TODDY

Ingredients

▸ 50ml whisky

▸ 3 tsp honey

▸ 1 cinnamon stick, snapped in half

▸ 1 lemon, half juiced and half sliced

▸ 2 cloves

Method

STEP 1: Whisk the whisky and honey together and split between 2 heatproof glasses. Add half of the cinnamon stick to each, then top up with 200ml boiling water.

STEP 2: Add a splash of lemon juice to each, then taste and add more to your preference. Finish each with a slice of lemon, studded with a clove and serve immediately.

MUDSLIDES

Ingredients

▸ 50g dark chocolate

▸ ice

▸ ¼ cup coffee-flavoured liqueur

▸ ¼ cup vodka

▸ ¼ cup Irish cream liqueur

▸ 100ml double cream

Method

MOJITO

Ingredients

▸ juice of 1 lime

▸ 1 Tbsp granulated sugar

▸ small handful mint leaves, plus extra sprig to serve

▸ ¼ cup white rum

▸ soda water, to taste

Method

STEP 1: Muddle the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves in a small jug, crushing the mint as you go – you can use the end of a rolling pin for this. Pour into a tall glass and add a handful of ice.

STEP 2: Pour over the rum, stirring with a long-handled spoon. Top up with soda water, garnish with mint and serve.

STEP 1: Put two small glasses in the fridge to chill overnight. Put 30g of the chocolate in a shallow bowl and melt in the microwave in short bursts. Dip the rim of the chilled glasses in the melted chocolate, then stand them upright so it gradually drips down the sides. Return to the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

STEP 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then pour in the coffee-flavoured liqueur, vodka, Irish cream liqueur and double cream. Shake until the outside of the shaker is very cold.

STEP 3: Put a few ice cubes in the prepared glasses, then strain in the cocktail.

STEP 4: Finely grate over the remaining chocolate and serve with a paper straw.

MINT TEA PUNCH

INGREDIENTS

▸ 3 cups hot water

▸ 1 cup fresh, packed mint leaves

▸ 4 black tea bags

▸ ½ cup white sugar

▸ ½ cup honey

▸ 1 cup orange juice

▸ ¼ cup lemon juice

▸ 5 cups cold water

▸ 1 orange, sliced for garnish Method

STEP 1: Place the tea bags and mint in a large bowl. Pour the hot water into the bowl and let the tea steep for 10 minutes.

STEP 2: Remove the tea bags and squeeze them to get all the liquid out. Discard the tea bags then remove the mint leaves and discard them as well.

STEP 3: Add the sugar and honey to the bowl and stir to dissolve.

STEP 4: Add the orange juice, lemon juice and cold water and stir.

STEP 5: Add the orange slices to the bowl and serve the punch with a ladle.

MULLED WINE INGREDIENTS

▸ 1 bottle red wine

▸ 1 orange, sliced into rounds, plus more for garnish

▸ 6 whole cloves

▸ 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish

▸ 3 star anise

▸ 1/4 cup honey

▸ 1/2 cup brandy

Method

STEP 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients.

STEP 2: Simmer gently over low heat for 10 minutes.

STEP 3: Serve warm and garnish with more citrus slices and cinnamon sticks.

MALIBU SUNRISE

Ingredients

▸ ½ cup pineapple juice

▸ 15ml orange juice

▸ ¼ cup Malibu coconut rum

▸ 1 Tbsp grenadine

▸ maraschino cherries, pineapple chunks and/or orange slices for garnish

Method

STEP 1: Place a few ice cubes in a glass.

STEP 2: Pour in pineapple juice, orange juice and Malibu coconut rum. Stir until well combined.

STEP 3: Slowly pour grenadine down the side of the glass. Do NOT stir.

STEP 4: Garnish with maraschino cherries, pineapple chunks, and/or an orange slice, as desired and serve immediately.

Innovate to elevate - enter the 2023 Electra Business & Innovation Awards

2023 is here with the Electra Business & Innovation Awards championing Kāpiti and Horowhenua businesses success and celebrating innovation in our districts!

Top Shop Awards

Top Shop is the Electra Business & Innovation Awards customer choice text-to-vote awards, aimed at recognising those that are providing excellence in customer experience!

• Business registrations 20th March - 17th April

• Public text to vote 24th April - 8th May

Main Awards

The Main Awards celebrate business excellence and innovation through industry based categories. Simple and quick entry form, with a two stage judging process.

• Entries open 22nd May

• Entries close 30th July

• Finalists announced 4th September

• Awards Night 19th October

Rise up and show us what you’re made of and put your business forward for the recognition it deserves!

• Finalists and winners will be featured in a comprehensive marketing programme

• Industry expert Judges

• Shorter & simpler entry application for the Main Awards

• Awards evening – recognition by the broader business community and the rest of the country as an innovator in your industry!

• Free entry for Top Shop and the Main Awards

For full information on both the Top Shop and Main Awards go towww.bkh.org.nz