21 minute read
Michael Brake Wins Olympic Gold
Michael Brake. Photos by Vera Búcsú @artofrowingnz
The Shore’s new golden guy! By Heather Barker Vermeer
Many people on the North Shore, and throughout New Zealand, were shouting at their televisions as the Kiwi Men’s Eight team surged ahead in their Olympic rowing final. In the boat was Michael Brake. The former Westlake Boys’ High student and North Shore Rowing Club member shared his experience with Heather Barker Vermeer on his return home…
What went through your mind as you sat on the start line in the final race?
Be relaxed and smile! Adrenaline runs high before a race as the mind wanders easily to how much the following five minutes will hurt. Being tense for a race never helps.
How do you sum up your feelings when you crossed the line and had won OLYMPIC GOLD?
Overwhelming pride (and pain). Pride not just for the boys in my boat but for everyone that played a part and supported the journey. We had so many people supporting us to chase the Olympic Gold dream. To pull it off during such challenging times was quite emotional.
What went through your mind as you listened to the national anthem on the podium?
Being on the podium and listening to the national anthem while surrounded by mates was the most amazing feeling. Again, pride is the primary feeling, but it can also be quite an emotional moment as it sinks in that we have finally achieved everything that we have been training for. For me it had been eight years of training just for that moment!
What was the reception like from your fellow Kiwi athletes?
I'm not going to lie, this was probably one of my favorite moments... possibly more so than being on the podium. Being around some of New Zealand's best athletes is awesome. Seeing the pride in their eyes as they performed a haka for us... I'll remember that for life.
How did you and the team celebrate the win?
Due to Covid protocols we couldn't really do much. We kind of just went back to our apartment with the whole crew and chilled out. Occasionally someone would laugh out loud and exclaim in disbelief, "Did that really just happen!?"
What was life like in the Olympic village this time and how did it compare to Rio?
Similar to Rio, we were in towers throughout a 20 building village. The food hall was incredible. It was effectively a two-storey mall with food from all over the world being served in a Covid-friendly way, buffet-style.
The cardboard beds were also funny. There was no shortage of theories coming through about them.
Credit to the Japanese, they did an incredible job making the village not only functional but sustainable and accommodating for Covid protocols.
What were your personal favourite moments of the whole Olympic experience?
Coming away with a gold medal was epic, but it had to be the New Zealand team culture that I enjoyed most. Kiwis have a reputation for being amazing sportspeople and for punching well above their weight but this year the team really took it to a whole new level. The New Zealand team felt like the New Zealand family.
Did you get to watch many other athletes compete? What was your favourite Olympic moment from elsewhere in the Games?
I only got to see rowers in action. We had to ship out straight after our competition, so I was lucky to have a week of Olympics on the TV in MIQ. My favourite moment had to be watching Lisa Carrington become New Zealand 's most decorated Olympian. Wāhine Toa!
How do you feel, reflecting on your performance?
This is an interesting one. I always assumed that winning a gold medal would feel like the job was done but reflecting on the journey has somewhat motivated me. Considering how much sacrifice and support from others went into getting me where I am today... If I can find the motivation to charge on for three more years, then I'll do it. Winning has really given me a stronger appreciation for representing New Zealand and North Harbour with pride.
What did you most miss about home during your stay in Japan?
The cooler climate, normal food, and not having to wear a mask. I'm not massive on seafood and the amount of times that I found myself eating a new type of fish while sweating and hanging a mask around my neck... I was ready to come home at the end, haha.
How much rowing success would you say comes down to physical strength and how much is dependent on mental fortitude?
The answer to this question will change depending on who you ask. What I do know is that you can't afford to leave any stone unturned at this level. If you want to be the best you need to put time and energy into optimising every possible variable. Strength, mental fortitude, nutrition, sleep, stretching, gear, heat acclimation, language, adversity management... the list goes on.
Do you set goals and visualise achievements or do you just live in the moment?
I'm definitely a goal setter. I set up a stepping stone path of small goals that get me to my big goals. Visualisation is good too but I'm pretty new to it. We started trying it this year in our efforts to leave no stone unturned and I'm not sure we got it quite right. Either that or it just wasn't that well suited to our group! Our time would probably have been better spent practicing the haka, haha.
What's next for you (aside from your first public speaking gig at Westlake – with a gold medal to show off - when lockdown allows)?
It's going to be a mix of gym training in preparation for what's next and public/corporate engagements. There are a lot of young people on the North Shore who could be inspired by seeing an Olympic gold medal and I'm always happy to be contacted to discuss a time that may work to visit schools.
Michael offers corporate public speaking engagements. He has a once-in-a-lifetime story about what it's like to perform as a team during a crisis and deliver results that aren't expected. He says, “It's a story that will motivate people in a corporate environment and is relevant to every business in New Zealand.” Email: michael.brake@olympian.org Tel: 0210443139
This feature was produced in conjunction with the North Harbour Club and Charitable Trust. The North Harbour Club has supported Michael with AIMES Emerging Talent Award and AIMES Sport Award grants as he has worked towards reaching his goals on the world stage. They don’t come much bigger than Olympic gold!
New parent Governors for Kristin School
From humble beginnings, with just a handful of small classrooms, Kristin had grown into a leading independent school, with a state of the art campus featuring modern innovative learning environments and some of the best sporting facilities in Auckland. Kristin is a school founded by families for families with values of Progress, Integrity and Love.
Our Vision is to provide our students with an exceptional, allround education that prepares them to be responsible global citizens who think creatively, communicate effectively and learn enthusiastically throughout life. As a School we have been the leaders in New Zealand in adopting IB and Mandarin. We continue to explore and introduce innovative ways to educate our students so they are future ready.
The foundation of this success has been the recruitment of outstanding educational leaders and Board members. We have recently gone through a process of recruiting four new parent governors to serve on our school board. As an indicator of the engaged parent community we enjoy, we had close to 50 applicants put themselves forward for consideration. We are delighted to announce the appointment of four outstanding new Parent Governors, effective August 2021.
The new board members are Matthew Bellingham, Mayurie Goodwin, Tammy McLeod & Dennis Secor. Matthew is the Founder and Managing Partner of Bellingham Wallace Chartered Accountants. Mayurie is the NZ Group Leader of global consultancy firm Arup Group, Tammy is a Trust Law expert and the Managing Director of Davenports Law and Dennis is a former CFO of NASDAQ and NYSE listed companies Fossil Group & Guess, Inc.
Wendy Chen, the acting Chair of Board said “As a board we were delighted to have secured four outstanding new members, who will bring significant experience and expertise to our board, along with a genuine passion to serve and further develop the school. We were humbled by the quality of the applicants and want to thank all who put themselves forward for consideration”
Mark Wilson, the Executive Principal of the School said “As the Executive Principal of Kristin School I am constantly energised by the wonderful parent community that Kristin enjoys. To have close to 50 interested parents highlights the wonderful engagement we enjoy. As the leader of the school I look forward to working with the new board members as we strive to deliver the very best learning experience for our children.
Matthew said “I am delighted and privileged to have been selected to join the Kristin Board and get the opportunity to work with such high calibre people. I am really looking forward to contributing to the future direction and ongoing success of the school and becoming further immersed in the Kristin community.”
Mayurie said “Tena koutou katoa. Our family has been a part of the Kristin whanau for the past eight years and I am delighted to now have the opportunity to bring my professional skills to serve on our Board to
Mayurie Goodwin. Tammy McLeod.
contribute to the shaping of our future generation. I am also looking forward to working with Mark, our Executive Leadership Team and our Board, to develop the future direction for our school.”
Tammy McLeod said “I am thrilled to be appointed as a Parent Governor on the Kristin Board. It is truly a privilege to serve and contribute back to the fabulous Kristin community. I am passionate about the ‘Kristin difference’ and look forward to working with the other Board Members as the school looks to the future.”
Dennis Secor said “I am delighted and honoured to join the Kristin board. Kristin is an outstanding school with a strong reputation for educational excellence. I am excited to contribute my commercial and financial experience to work with management and my board colleagues to carefully steward the school’s resources, build on its amazing legacy, and develop its long-term vision for the future.”
Matthew Bellingham.
Dennis Secor.
Five star luxury at Lexus of North Shore’s new showroom
The upstairs customer lounge.
In July the Lexus of North Shore team opened their new showroom. The design of their wonderful new facility is based on the Japanese principle of Omotenashi. Their aim was that the look and feel of the dealership should be like that of a five-star hotel, luxurious, warm and welcoming.
This is a home that truly complements the Lexus brand, one of the world’s finest range of premium motor vehicles.
“Omotenashi is a key part of the experience and what differentiates us from other luxury dealerships,” explains Lexus of North Shore CEO Mark Jago. “Omotenashi at Lexus of North Shore is to wholeheartedly look after our guests, and to take pride in anticipating and fulfilling our guests needs in advance. This has been applied to every aspect of our Lexus business.”
At Lexus of North Shore Omotenashi principles have been applied to the luxurious leather customer lounge areas with wi-fi, wireless charging, music and reading; to matching bathrooms with rolled cotton hand towels, quality soaps, candles and diffusers; to hospitality with refreshments such as Nespresso Coffee, T2 teas, Antipodes Water and daily treats from Toasted Café next door.
“Our customers are a focus like never before,” adds Mark Jago. “As you would expect from a five-star hotel, customers are greeted by our friendly concierge who will also assist by parking their car. Those who wish to wait in our customer lounge will be escorted upstairs and offered a refreshment and freshly baked muffin. A customer taking delivery of a newly purchased new or used vehicle is a special occasion at Lexus of North Shore. A place card welcomes them to the dealership and their vehicle is covered ready to be revealed. We recognise this is the start of a special relationship.” The Lexus of North Shore team includes Lexus Vehicle Consultants Helen Wang, Tristan Liu and Julie Grgicevich. They are supported by Kelsey Keegan (Reception/Customer Care), Joyce Vaz – (Customer liaison) and Service Advisors Steve Shannon and Patrick Duddy. They are ready and waiting to show off their fantastic new facility!
The Lexus range of new vehicles available from Lexus of North Shore includes 11 different options, luxury SUV's, comfortable sedan's and sporty coupes. They also have a good stock of pre-owned Lexus vehicles.
Talk to the team about any of these vehicles today and their ‘Lexus Electrified’ range. Hybrid vehicles and fully electric vehicles that are on their way – including the all-electric UX 300e.
Lexus of North Shore – 4 Link Drive, Wairau Valley, North Shore. Phone 09-442-3670 Visit: www.lexusofnorthshore.co.nz
The customer is a focus on every level.
A great showroom for premium motor vehicles. Waiting in comfort.
Meet the Team
Lexus of North Shore's new reception.
Helen Wang, Vehicle Consultant. Joyce Vaz, Customer Liason. Julie Grgicevich, Vehicle Consultant.
Kelsey Keegan, Reception and Customer Care. Steve Shannon, Customer Liason. Tristan Liu, Vehicle Consultant.
Local Life
In Channel Magazine we love highlighting people in our community who make a difference. Two local Devonport Peninsula people, Kate and Lauren, have created ‘Local Life NZ’ a social media entity doing similar online. We love what they do, so we’re now collaborating with them to include content in Channel Mag. This month they profile Mark Rainey, Di Humphreys, and Andy Thompson, as well as Buona Sera.
Charmaine
“When Five Loaves cafe closed its doors for lockdown, the owner Kwan cooked up a pile of meals and brought them over to us for the foodbank. She was facing her own hardships, but was totally selfless in what she did that night.
“People’s kindness is infectious. They really want to help others in need -- it’s often a way of healing for them, and we all Charmaine Braatverdt. stand to benefit. I don’t want the church to be an ivory tower. It’s less about what one particular person or group is doing - it’s a community thing.
“Poverty and hardship isn’t always obvious. This time around we’re giving out more food parcels, there’s no doubt about it. People are hurting and we’re just happy to be able to help.” – Charmaine Braatvedt, vicar, Holy Trinity Church, Devonport.
The church has run a food bank for families in need for the past 14 years. During the lockdowns they’ve had additional donations and support from local groups and organisations, including Devonport Rotary Club, Ryman Healthcare, Ryman’s Duder’s Block residents, New World, Baked at Devonport and Jess’ Underground Kitchen
Kate
“During lockdown you have to be really adaptable because you don’t know what you might need to do on any given day – it’s always changing. I’ve done a lot of swabs, that’s for sure.
“I really enjoy talking to people while I’m doing COVID swabs, being isolated is hard so it’s nice to Kate Iremonger. be able to have a quick chat and a laugh of course. I’m lucky to have grown up in Devonport so I know some of the people coming through and it’s nice to see a friendly face. It makes your day when you get a thankyou.
“This lockdown’s been busy and demanding on the frontline but I feel very lucky to be working with such a great team. I feel like I’m doing my part to help keep our community safe. In my bubble at home it’s just me and my boyfriend, and sometimes when I walk through the door at the end of the day it feels like I’ve still got my mask and visor on – the PPE gear becomes a part of you.” – Kate Iremonger, Registered Nurse, Medplus Medical Centre, and frontline COVID worker
Maeve and Ella
What do you love most about Devonport?
“All the people are so kind. People are nice and friendly to each other and Curtis (the dog) at Vondel’s welcomes all the people who go there. I love biking into the village and going to the library and on the way back stopping at Narrow Neck Cafe to see Josie and getting a cookies and cream ice cream. That’s my favourite.” - Maeve (aged 8)
"I love Curtis the dog too and how he greets everyone everyday. I also love stopping at Echo to see Laura when we're in the village because she's nice and unique. My perfect Devonport day is waking up early and watching the sunrise on Cheltenham beach and biking to the Milk Bar for a peppermint milkshake and going to the playground.” - Ella (aged 5)
OUR PLACE Stories of Local Life
Maeve and Ella.
If you have a story you would like to share or know of a local hero, contact Kate Dobbin & Lauren Lulu Taylor at hello@localifenz.com Follow Local Life NZ on Facebook and Instagram – @LocalLifeNZ
Late in 2020 we published a book “OUR PLACE” featuring 50 Local Life stories from our community. The interest saw us sell out of the first two print runs so we did a third run.
We still have a few copies left that can be purchased. If you missed out and are interested in a copy then email us at hello@locallifenz.com.
The book is available for purchase at Paradox Books, Devonport for $30.
“We’re all in this together. Laura Foote u are a bloody legend!! Oh Hannah you really are wee shining light in this dark time for many. Keep glowing n growing you special woman you. Thank you Sam for your welcoming smile, a joke or song. You cheer up my day. Sam is such a delightful and special human being who goes out of his way to be helpful to everyone. Poems, politics, saving the world are but a few of his attributes. Love the Patriot, guess that makes me a Patriot! We as a family have been going there for around 25 years. Amazing how little we need and how much we have. Ron- I know this man and what a privilege that is. I have many happy memories of this lovely Vic theatre, used to visit in the late 50’s - early 60’s. I’m a big fan of Devon on the Wharf. Nigar is very welcoming and warm hearted. Nilesh & Dosa- They are just lovely human beings, love them. LOVE Paradox books! A wonderful selection of books and great service always and ambience. It’s not what you do that’s important ...It’s the passion you do it with! Thanks so much for the yummy croissants Alan. Can’t wait to claim the table again on Wednesday mornings. Sam is wonderful and my dog Ivy is absolutely besotted with him. Sam, you are a legend ... such a star and we hope you keep on shining your bright light. Thank you for being you.We love Whites. Legends. Brilliant ♥ lovely! Amazingly inspirational. Laura- a very special uniquely gorgeous being ♥ One of Devonport’s unsung heroes! Laura’s positivity is inspiring. Just simply the best! Love this all the way! The Pub looks (and is ) Amazing. Well said Ken. You’re a good man ♥ Some of my favourite people right here! Kate Walden Ben Walden Bill and Gerri, two big hearts. Making a huge difference and changing lives. ♥ ♥ Thank you Kashish & Sam, you’re both so friendly and helpful, every time I walk in I feel so welcomed. Wonderful...there are some great people out there… It just goes to show how valued you are in the community Josie. You provide us a happy place to come to.” OUR PLACE Stories of Local Life
OUR PLACE – STORIES OF LOCAL LIFE DEVONPORT LOCAL LIFE NZ
Foodie Finds is a monthly column by Kate Dobbin and Lauren Lulu Taylor which profiles local food producers and their products in the Devonport area. If you have suggestions of products or producers for us to consider, please email Kate on kdobbin7@gmail.com or Lulu at Lulu@secretkiwikitchen.com
Sweet Celebrations
Let’s face it, we all deserve a sweet treat right now. After five weeks in Level 4 lockdown, we’re craving barista-made coffees, takeaways, and that extra little shot of sweet goodness that
helps you get through the day. The baklava at Devonport’s Cafe Masoud, Farnaz and their children Melina, Elina and Mahan. Akdeniz was the restaurant’s saving grace after the last lockdown with restaurant owner Masoud Atashko crediting his wife Farnaz for helping turn the business round after a particularly challenging last year.
“Farnaz introduced baklava and the customers came back,” says Masoud with pride. She’s been perfecting their finely-honed recipe for more than eight years.
The trays of sweet, crispy baklava are homemade daily by Farnaz with honey, finely crushed pistachios and a syrup made of sugar, water, and lemon juice giving the traditional Lebanese dish its distinctive crispness and stickiness. It’s sublime with a thick and syrupy Turkish coffee or a light and fragrant Earl Grey tea.
Corelli’s impressive double-tiered carrot cake is famous Aucklandwide, packed with nuts and sultanas and smothered with an abundance of cream cheese icing. You get a mix of delicious textures with every single divine bite. It's worthy of its fame.
Vondel’s banana bread is another addictive go-to when you need an instant pick-me-up. Freshly baked on site, this fan-favourite plant-based loaf has just the right mix of banana and chocolate and is topped off by nutty, creamy hazelnut butter.
If something cold is more your thing, the refreshing and tangy raspberry sorbet from Devonport Gelato at The Vic Cinema is to-die-for, while their homemade ice-cream choc-tops will make you realise what you miss most about going to the movies. Philipp and Sasha Jaser, Devonport Gelato.
And if you want to whip something up for yourself and your loved ones at home, try the fabulous collection of premade baking mixes by local Devonport company Secret Kiwi Kitchen. Their hot favourite over lockdown was the Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle mix, closely followed by Triple Fudge Brownies and the White Chocolate Blondie.
Go on, be kind to yourself - eat sweet.
Cafe Akdeniz, open every day except Wednesday. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday 9:30am to 3pm and Friday, Saturday 9:30 am to 8pm. Call 09 600 2125 to pre-order and arrange for contactless payment and collection. Vondel - open 9am-1pm Tues to Sat, and 4pm-8pm Friday and Saturday for collection and contactless payment. Call 09 4466 444 or email hello@vondel.co.nz to pre-order Corelli’s - Open daily from 8am-3pm for contactless collection and payment Devonport Gelato at The Vic cinema - open from 10am-7pm daily for contactless collection and payment Secret Kiwi Kitchen - all products available online at Secretkiwikitchen.com and in New World, Farro and other selected stores on the North Shore
NORTH SHORE’S FAMILY CLUB FOR SAILING, BOATING & SOCIALISING
• The best sailing waters in NZ • Conveniently located beside Milford Marina • Affordable membership • Sailing, Boating & Social memberships • Strong Junior Sailing Programme • Social events for members every week • Fantastic Venue for Hire
