focus magazine April/May 2020 edition by focus Magazine

focus LIFESTYLE AND BUSINESS MAGAZINE. INSPIRE. EMPOWER. MOTIVATE.

Bay of Plenty and Waikato

ISSUE 22

APRIL - MAY 2020

CLAIRE KEEN ALTHORP LIFESTYLE VILLAGE

THE FUTURE OF FASHION CAMBRIDGE BEST PLACES TO VISIT

WIN

FANTAST

IC PRIZES

STREET KAI AUNTYS

FEEDING TAURANGA’S HOMELESS

GETAWAY TO FRANCE

ome Take me h I’M FREE

ONLINE IN APRIL/MAY FOCUSMAGAZINE.CO.NZ

EASTER RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY THIS WINTER

BEST GIFTS FOR MUMS

YOUTUBE.COM/FOCUSMAGAZINENZ

SEE US ALMOST MOVE INTO THE VIBRANT ALTHORP LIFESTYLE VILLAGE DURING OUR COVER PHOTOSHOOT WITH CLAIRE KEEN! THEY HAVE A POOL AND TENNIS COURT – WHY ARE WE STILL HERE? AND, OF COURSE, WATCH PHOTOGRAPHER VANESSA LAVAL-GLAD AND MAKEUP ARTIST CHLOE GRAY WORK THEIR MAGIC.

FOCUSMAGAZINE.CO.NZ/SUBSCRIBE

CHEAPER THAN EVER! Purchase your annual subscription to focus magazine for only $38. The first ten new or renewing subscribers will receive a voucher for a free onemonth Real Health NZ membership. Real Health NZ is an online gym with a whole library of recipes and a great community of likeminded women.

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focus PUBLISHER Align Publishing (an n-Gon Group facet) EDITOR Dee Collins dee@focusmagazine.co.nz

Editor’s Welco me

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alex Spodyneiko ONLINE EDITOR Kseniia Spodyneiko kseniia@focusmagazine.co.nz SALES advertising@focusmagazine.co.nz COVER IMAGE Vanessa Laval-Glad Laval Photo & Video FEATURE WRITERS Millie Freeman Jenny Argante Michelle Joe PRINTING Sanyati Print CONTACT DETAILS 62 10th Avenue Tauranga 3110 (n-Gon Group Head Office) P O Box 14004, Tauranga, 3143 Tel: (07) 578 6838 Mobile: 021 535 770 focusmagazine.co.nz facebook.com/focusmagazinenz DISTRIBUTION 5,000 free copies are delivered bi-monthly to high traffic areas such as high-end cafés and restaurants, hairdressers, fashion boutiques, waiting rooms and professional offices across BOP, Hamilton, Cambridge and surrounding areas. DIGITAL focus is available to view online and is supported by social media sites including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. focus is a free magazine (subscriptions are available) and is published six times a year by Align Publishing (a facet of the n-Gon Group). focus is subject to copyright in its entirety. All rights are reserved and reproduction in whole or in part, without the written consent of The Publisher (Align Publishing), is prohibited. Align Publishing and all its related companies and officers hereby disclaim, to the full extent permitted by law, all liability, damages, costs and expenses whatsoever arising from or in connection with information or other material in this magazine, any negligence of The Publisher, or any person’s actions in reliance thereon. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and correctness of the information contained within this magazine and inclusion of any copy must not be taken as an endorsement by The Publisher. Views expressed by contributors are personal views and they are not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher. Any dispute or complaint regarding placed advertisements must be made within seven days of publication. All material sent to focus (whether solicited or not) will not be returned unless otherwise agreed beforehand, and all rights, including copyright in such material will be assigned to Align Publishing upon receipt. The Publishers presume all letters and other material submitted to focus and related social media sites are intended for publication unless clearly labelled “not for publication”.

Image by Vanessa Laval-Glad Hair and makeup by Sharyn Butters Outfit by Magazine Clothing

It’s an exciting time at focus HQ – not only are we busy working on the next few issues of the magazine but we also recently held our first focus workshops where Kseniia Spodyneiko, our online editor, taught eager participants about all things Instagram. We’re already planning further workshops on other topics so don’t forget to follow us on social media to find out how you can get involved. Claire Keen graces our cover this edition. This effervescent, friendly, powerhouse of a woman is the manager of Althorp Village in Pyes Pa, Tauranga. She’s on-call 24/7 but nothing seems to faze her – she has numerous balls in the air and still has a friendly smile and time for a chat with village residents. It’s a job she loves and she couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Read about her fascinating life experience, her ‘just do it’ attitude to life, and how she ended up managing a retirement village after many years in interior design. Each time I write this welcome page I reflect on how truly grateful I am to be doing what I do. I meet so many amazing and inspiring women who nourish my soul – they are the reason I get out of bed each day. This month’s mag is jam-packed with great stories about some of these women as well as advice from experts,

business stories and so much more. And don’t forget to check out our updated YouTube channel where you’ll find some great interviews and behindthe-scenes action. You may also have noticed that our cover looks slightly different than usual. We’re currently playing around with different papers and finishes for the magazine. Like it, hate it or can’t see the difference? Let us know what you think. With Easter just around the corner, we can’t wait to sit back and enjoy some of the numerous events happening around Tauranga and The Mount during the 58th National Jazz Festival. Hope to see you there! With gratitude,

Dee

Editor & Founder dee@focusmagazine.co.nz

focus LIFESTY LE AND BUSINE INSPIRE. SS MAGAZ EMPOW INE. ER. MO TIVATE .

Bay of Plenty

and Waika to

ISSUE

APRIL -

MAY 2020

CLAIRE KEEN ALTHOR P LIFES TYLE VIL LAGE

lable at focus are avai FREE copies of fice. our of Tauranga 62 Tenth Ave, n-Gon Group, stocks last) le (whi

THE FU TURE OF FASH ION CAM BEST PLA BRIDGE CES TO VISIT

WIN

FAN

TASTIC

STREET KA AUNTYSI

FEEDING TAURAN GA’S HOM ELESS

GETA TO FR WAY ANCE

PRIZES

Take me home I’M FREE

focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | CONTENTS

22 CONTENTS

APRIL-MAY2020 COVER STORY

LIFE

CLAIRE KEEN Manager, Althorp Village. Multitasker, risk-taker and life-long learner

Susan Brocker Writing for young adults

REGULARS 10

Focus on books New releases you’ll love

Street Kai Auntys Bringing kai and aroha to the city’s homeless

Ria Hall Tauranga Arts Festival's new director

Beauty Coffee-enriched skincare and office makeup tips

BUSINESS

Ask the experts The meaning of being Present; and does breast cancer always appear as a lump?

Style Fashion as art

Recipes Delicious and healthy chocolate recipes

Giveaways

The Last Page Miff Macdiarmid, CEO, Destination Cambridge

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Small town, big adventures Best things to do in Cambridge

Getaway to France Live like a local in the country of love with Jo McIntosh

The future of fashion Building sustainable businesses in New Zealand

Useful tools for creative entrepreneurs

focus | OUT & ABOUT

BA5 BlueOcean recently hosted a Chamber of Commerce BA5 event at The Tauranga Club. It was a great opportunity to network with fellow Chamber members and learn more about some of BlueOcean’s recent successes and plans for the future. Images VANESSA LAVAL-GLAD

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1. Susan Lock (Design Clad) and Jo Burns (BlueOcean) 2. Ben Cain (James & Wells) and Kat Macmillan (Dale Carnegie BOP Waikato) 3. Geraldine Hutchison (Trinity Wharf Tauranga), Dan AllenGordon (Graeme Dingle Foundation BOP) and Miriam Hauke (Trinity Wharf Tauranga) 4. Maria and Philipp Wilkens (Computastyle Signs), Lea Lehndorf and Minja van der Paard (both Metro Marketing) 5. Matt Cowley (Chamber of Commerce), Jocelyn Gascoigne (Connect2 Chartered Accountants) and Henrik Arlund (BlueOcean) 6. Kimberley Irwin (Tompkins Wake) and Julie Hammon (Hammon Diamond Jeweller) 7. Emma Hotchin, Stephanie Joblin (both Talent ID Recruitment), Sonia ApplebyMaine (Sonia Appleby-Maine) and Lisa Cooper (Talent ID Recruitment)

OUT & ABOUT | focus

FOCUS INSTAGRAM WORKSHOP The first in a series of educational events for women, the focus Instagram workshop gathered a diverse range of talented local entrepreneurs to The Raft. It was a fabulous day and a great opportunity to interact with such amazing businesses in the Bay. See you at our next event! 1. Martin Gibson, Anuya Deshpande, Kelly Lockett and Rachel Weston 2. Jane Clark and Jackie Knotts 3. Tracy Hearn and Jill Brake

THE 2 GRAN COUPÉ

Coombes Johnston BMW Tauranga 113 Hewletts Rd, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga. (07) 575 5280 www.coombesjohnstonbmwtauranga.co.nz

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focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | WHAT'S ON?

WHAT'S ON? APRIL/MAY 2020 TAURANGA NATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL 8-12 April Tauranga and Mount Maunganui jazz.org.nz For the 58th time, the incredible jazz festival is back in Tauranga! Enjoy a jazz cruise or high tea with jazz, spot new talent at the Youth Jazz Competition or spend a night listening to your favourite artists in one of the local venues. Full programme available online!

DOWNTOWN CARNIVAL 11-12 April The Strand, Tauranga jazz.org.nz A vintage car parade and musicians on Saturday and the Little Big Market on Sunday – Downtown Tauranga is the place to be this Easter weekend! Loads of entertainment for the whole family and the entry is free.

VOLFEST 4 April Historic Village, Tauranga volfest.org VolFest, presented by the Wright Family Foundation, is the newest festival to hit Tauranga. Learn more about the ways you can volunteer and give back to the community at this fun festival-type event complete with live music, entertainment and food trucks.

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WHAT'S ON? | focus

TAURANGA HOME SHOW 1-3 May Trustpower Baypark, Mount Maunganui taurangahomeshow.co.nz Spread across two halls and with an epic outdoor display, the Tauranga Home Show will be bigger and more inspirational than ever before. Take advantage of the exclusive show specials and giveaways.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY BREAKFAST 22 April Trinity Wharf, Tauranga eventspronto.co.nz Office administrators deserve special recognition! Celebrate the importance of administrative professional roles at Trinity Wharf – one of several celebratory events happening around the country. Holly Brown, Chief Corporate Services Officer at Comvita, will share her journey through the corporate world of New Zealand, Australia, the UK and China.

CLASSIC FLYERS BIRTHDAY 24 May 9 Jean Batten Drive, Mount Maunganui classicflyersnz.com Celebrate Classic Flyers’ 15th Birthday. Loads of fun for the whole family – plane and jet start-ups, cockpit photos, face painting, sausage sizzle, The CAVE, fire engine rides. Gold coin entry.

ESCAPE! 29 May – 1 June Baycourt Theatre, Tauranga taurangafestival.co.nz Get ready for some cracking stories at Escape! – the little festival with big ideas. What better way to spend Queen’s Birthday weekend than being dazzled by storytelling – tall tales and true, including the legends of Tauranga Moana, learning at a workshop, lapping up a morning tea or taking a dip in the harbour! Purchase tickets from Baycourt or through the Festival website.

ROTORUA TASTERS & WINE CLUB 28 May Terrace Kitchen, Rotorua terrace.kitchen Taste the best wines from various New Zealand vineyards, accompanied by food prepared by the Terrace Kitchen chef. If you like the wine, you can purchase some to take home at a discounted price! focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | BOOKS

AUTUMN BOOK CLUB Words DEE COLLINS

ADULTS, EMMA JANE UNSWORTH

SAVING MISSY, BETH MORREY

Jenny McLaine is a single 35-year-old who works for a radical feminist online magazine as a columnist. It’s her all-consuming obsession with social media – Instagram in particular – that is the main theme throughout the book. Jenny agonises over every image, caption, hashtag, like, following, not following and comment on her feed and constantly asks a friend to proofread her carefully curated responses. Adults is a relevant read about the ‘Love Me, Love Me’ culture of constantly checking and analysing posts and the need to be adored, seen and validated. The outside world demands too much reality and real life relationships suffer as a result.

The story follows Millicent Carmichael, known as Missy, a 79-year-old lady who lives alone and has no purpose in her mundane, lonely life until she unexpectedly faints whilst visiting a local park. From there she finds kindness from strangers who welcome her into their lives and introduce her to Bobby, a dog, who becomes her beloved companion. The narrative switches between Missy’s childhood, adulthood and later life and we learn why Missy, in spite of having children, is living alone. The story is sad yet captivating and the perfect book to get stuck into over a long weekend.

BOSH! HEALTHY VEGAN, HENRY FIRTH AND IAN THEASBY

KINGDOMTIDE, RYE CURTIS

Unhealthy in their 30s, friends Henry Firth and Ian Theasby decided to make the change to a healthy plant-based lifestyle. It wasn’t too long before they had over a billion views of their recipe videos and became bestselling vegan authors in the UK. BOSH! Healthy Vegan is their third book and is packed with nutritional advice, meal plans and more than 80 health-focused recipes. It’s a great cookbook for those new to veganism, where they’ve taken popular favourites, such as burgers, pizza, bolognese, and transformed them into delicious healthy vegan equivalents. There are also recipes to help build muscle, reduce calorie intake and reduce fat. The emphasis is that vegan food can be delicious, flavoursome and healthy.

If you’re looking for something completely different, try this debut novel by Rye Curtis. Cloris Waldrip, a 72-year-old woman, miraculously survives a plane crash and, when no-one seems to be searching for survivors, leaves the mangled bodies of the pilot and her husband of 54 years, and sets off into Montana’s unforgiving Bitterroot National Forest. Intertwined with her story is merlot-swigging, recently divorced forest ranger Debra Lewis who is filled with self-loathing. The story switches from Cloris, who tells her story in the first person narrative from an assisted living facility 20 years later, to Ranger Lewis’s third person account. There are, of course, a number of other flawed characters and subplots woven into the story which makes it more intriguing.

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BOOKS | focus

SUPERFASTDIET, VICTORIA BLACK AND GEN DAVIDSON

BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN, DIANE CHAMBERLAIN

After years of yo-yo dieting, two Australian women, Victoria Black and Genevieve Davidson, used intermittent fasting to lose 40kg between them, and keep it off. They’ve since created the largest online fasting program and recently launched SuperFastDiet for devotees of their weight-loss system. Intermittent fasting requires regular short bursts of fasting. There’s the 5:2 diet, where for two days of the week you are only allowed to eat 500-600 calories, while eating normally on the other days; the Eat-Stop-Eat option where you opt for one or two 24-hour fasts each week, or the 16/8 method where you skip breakfast every day and only eat during an 8-hour window. The book includes real-life stories of dramatic weight loss, the science behind the diet as well as 80 recipes and weekly meal plans.

This is the beautiful unfolding story of two white, female artists living 78 years apart, in Edenton, North Carolina, and how their lives intertwine, and the legacy of Jesse Jameson Williams, a famous African American artist with Edenton roots. In 1940, artist Anna Dale wins a competition to paint a mural for the Edenton post office. In 2018, Morgan Christopher has taken the fall for a DUI crime her boyfriend committed and ends up in prison. Her art career is put on hold until a mysterious visitor offers her an unusual assignment in return for her freedom – to restore the old post office mural in the small town of Edenton. For some reason, Anna’s mural was never unveiled and as Morgan begins to uncover the layers of grime, she finds out about the small town’s racial prejudices, violence, chauvinism and conspiracies that Anna was exposed to. What happened to Anna Dale?

THE GIRL WHO READS ON THE MÉTRO, CHRISTINE FÉRET-FLEURY

MISS-CONNECTION: WHY YOUR TEENAGE DAUGHTER HATES YOU, EXPECTS THE WORLD AND NEEDS TO TALK, DR JUSTIN COULSON

The central theme to this quirky novel is that books can change lives. Juliette’s daily joy comes from seeing what books fellow passengers read on her daily Métro commute. When she inadvertently gets off at the wrong station she comes across an unusual bookstore that doesn’t seem to sell books directly to the public but, instead, has book passeurs who go out into the world to follow and observe strangers in order to give them a relevant book for that moment in their lives. Juliette, of course, is drawn to this strange calling and it isn’t long before she too becomes a passeur. Can the gift of the perfect book transform a person’s life?

Dr Justin Coulson, author of 21 Days to a Happier Family, 9 Ways to a Resilient Child, and 10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know, says in his latest book, Miss-Connection, that we do our best to have strong connections with our daughters but, in spite of this, often feel a disconnect or mis-connect. Drawing on research, surveys and interviews with 400 adolescent girls, Miss-Connection takes you into the oftencomplicated world your teen daughter experiences and gives accessible tips for parents to help them connect with her the way she needs you to. focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | BEAUTY

BETTER THAN A FLAT WHITE NON-FUNCTIONAL WITHOUT A CUPPA? WE’VE FOUND A WAY TO ENERGISE YOU NOT ONLY FROM THE INSIDE BUT ALSO FROM THE OUTSIDE. SKINCARE THAT CONTAINS COFFEE WAKES UP YOUR COMPLEXION, REDUCES PUFFINESS, PREVENTS PREMATURE AGEING AND LEAVES YOUR SKIN SMOOTH AND GLOWING.

GLOW MASK, FRANK BODY $24

COFFEE + COCONUT BODY SCRUB, BE KIND BODY + CO $29.50 So many Arabica coffee beans in it, you’d better not use it before sleep! This scrub is enriched with organic raw virgin coconut oil, organic cane sugar and organic grapeseed oil. bekindbody.co.nz

POMEGRANATE & CHIA ORGANIC COFFEE BODY SCRUB, HONOR BODY SCRUBS $29.50 Created in Tauranga, Honor Body Scrubs are taking care of the environment and advocate fair wages for people who are producing and sourcing their ingredients. Pomegranate Seed Oil in this scrub is a powerful antiageing ingredient. honorbodyscrubs.com

m i h r o F

DEEP ESPRESSO ANTI-PERSPIRANT, NIVEA MEN

Chuck this one in your cart next time you’re shopping for your significant other (because we all know WHO does their shopping!) This deodorant protects the skin from sweat and bacteria, leaves no black residue and has a sensual scent of pineapple and espresso. nivea.co.nz

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Didn’t have enough sleep last night? Pop it on for five. Coffee stimulates the blood flow and reduces puffiness, while goji, cranberries and raspberries make your skin radiant and glowy. Available at Mecca Maxima Bayfair. meccabeauty.co.nz

BODY CONTOURING CRÈME, SUKIN $14.58

This rich body crème is the epitome of self-care routine. It ‘hugs’ you carefully, making a rough morning that much better, and helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, thanks to Stevia and Mate leaves. sukinnaturals.com.au

SKINNY HIPPIE SOAP, DIRTY HIPPIE $4 You won’t need a bathroom diffuser as long as you have this coffee spice scrub soap – it smells fantastic! It’s also the perfect fit for people trying to minimise their waste: this vegan soap is only wrapped in a tiny piece of paper and is suitable both for body and hair. dirtyhippie.co.nz

BEAUTY | focus

OFFICE LOOK PROTECTION BEFORE PERFECTION

Sunscreen should always be the first step, especially if your office desk is by the window! UVA radiation penetrates through the glass, not to mention fluorescent lights that emit UV radiation. Choose moisturising sunscreen – to prep your skin for the makeup products.

FLAWLESS SKIN WINS Nothing makes a better impression than a perfect, smooth, glowing skin. Start with a good primer to ensure your makeup survives a long day. Use translucent powder on top of your foundation and under your usual powder to ‘lock in’ the creamy texture. Highlighter on the cheekbones, under the eyebrows and at the Cupid’s bow will add that healthy radiance.

Natural lashes, Ardell $14.99 farmers.co.nz

UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44, EltaMD $78 prescriptionskincare.co.nz Gold Elixir Priming Potion, Designer Brands $19.99 dbcosmetics.com.au

FOCUS ON THE EYES No matter how powerful your cat-eye makeup is on a Friday night, the office is not a place for it. Enhance your natural beauty with the soft, warm shades of gold, brown or plum. To make your eyes look bigger, apply a white or peach pencil on your waterline.

MAKE A STATEMENT

Glow Stick, Tailor $29 tailorskin.co

Don’t forget lip enhancer and lipstick to complete this picture.

Lip Enhancer, Clinicians Complex POA prescriptionskincare.co.nz Vice Lip Chemistry, Urban Decay $40 meccabeauty.co.nz

The Natural Nudes, Too Faced $86 meccabeauty.co.nz focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | HEALTH

The Gym Tauranga Image by Freepik

IT’S MY INTENTION IN 2020 TO IMPROVE MY OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLBEING. WITH THAT IN MIND, I’M EXPLORING SOME OF THE EXERCISE OPTIONS OUT THERE AND THOUGHT IT WAS HIGH TIME TO GET BACK INTO A GYM. FIRST UP, ONE OF THE LONGEST STANDING FITNESS CLUBS IN THE BAY – THE GYM TAURANGA. Words DEE COLLINS

ccessible 24/7 and conveniently located on First Ave, you’re immediately drawn into its spaciousness. A tour of the premises shows an extensive main area filled with loads of cardio equipment such as treadmills, stationery bikes, rowing machines and stair climbers. Weight machines and free weights are in other zones as are all the other equipment that you would expect to find in any good gym – kettlebells, battle ropes, punching bags, medicine balls, etc. There’s also HPA (High Performance Area), an Athletic Zone and group fitness studios. If you’re not quite ready to train with men around, there’s also an air-conditioned female-only circuit room with a great range of equipment. The Gym also offers ongoing free personalised programmes and boasts a great range of group fitness classes – over 60 classes weekly – most of which are based on the Les Mills training systems – BodyCombat, BodyPump, BodyBalance, etc. They’re a great way to maximise workout results. And if you require a bit more accountability and encouragement, there’s always the option of hiring a personal trainer. The changing rooms are spacious and clean, have high pressure showers, hair dryers, straighteners and even an ironing board – so, no excuse for a prework sweat sesh. There’s also a sauna which does wonders for aching muscles. I would highly recommend two other standout services that The Gym offers – 3D Scanning and

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MyZone. Both are additional costs but well worth the investment. For the 3D Scanning, more than 1,200 photos using three infrared cameras generate over 400 body measurements within a few minutes and a report is emailed through to you. It’s quite startling when you see this putty-shaped figure that’s quite clearly you, and you realise how out of shape you really are. It’s a good wakeup call, and encouragingly, a second scan eight weeks later already shows some improvement! The MyZone activity belt is worn around your chest and uses wireless and cloud technology to monitor your heart rate, calories used and time exercising, which are converted into MEPs (MyZone Effort Points) which puts the focus on the effort rather than fitness. The App allows you to connect with others, get live feedback, record your workouts and compete with friends. Worth noting is that Active Kids Early Childcare Centre, a sister company to The Gym, is open from 7.30am-5.00pm and offers two 2-hour sessions for gym members per day (9.00-11.00am and 12.002.00pm). Body In Motion Physiotherapy also has a satellite location at the gym that members can book into. I have no more excuses … so stay tuned for updates on my 2020 resolution towards a healthier, stronger, more toned me! www.thegym.co.nz

focus | ASK THE EXPERTS

ASK THE EXPERTS WHAT DOES BEING PRESENT ACTUALLY MEAN AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT? When you are being present, it means that you are not in your thinking head. Thinking head is remembering to follow up that email, pick up that ingredient for dinner, or worrying about how to word that difficult conversation. When you are present you are Right Here, in This Present Moment. We usually access this by tuning into our senses: what we can hear, smell, taste, feel. Obviously, you are not going to be present ALL the time – engaging your cognitive mind at certain times is helpful (you need that cumin for the curry!) However, it is crucial that you switch it off multiple times during the day. Yes multiple. Don’t panic, you don’t need large chunks of time to do this (phew, feel your shoulders drop). You can just switch off your thinking and tune into your senses during your everyday activities, for example, when brushing your teeth, chopping an onion or putting on moisturiser. Studies show that even a few minutes of shutting off the thinking (being present) can help relieve stress, overwhelm and anxiety; we become less reactive and more connected and have more flow in our lives. Cue happiness. Cue ease. It’s easy to see how being present is actually A Present. A gift for you.

ANGELENA DAVIS angelenadavies.com @flowwithangelenadavies

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DR NICOLA DAVIS SPECIALIST BREAST AND GENERAL SURGEON nicoladavis.co.nz

DOES BREAST CANCER ALWAYS APPEAR AS A LUMP? Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting New Zealand women with more than 3,300 diagnosed per year. Screening mammograms with BreastScreen Aotearoa can diagnose small, asymptomatic cancers early, resulting in better outcomes. Being breast aware by performing regular self-examinations is also important to detect changes early. A new lump is a common symptom of breast cancer. Breast cancer lumps are usually hard, non-painful and grow with time but they may just be a thickened area that feels different to the rest of your breast tissue. Checking under the armpits for lumps is also important. You should also be on the lookout for other breast changes, for example, nipple changes – including inversion, discharge and crusting – may signify cancer. Distortion of the breast with an alteration of shape, dimples, dents or puckering can be caused by a tumour pulling the skin inwards. Changes to the skin, including persisting or progressive redness, dimpling/orange peel appearance or thickening may also indicate cancer. Finally, unusual pain that is not related to your menstrual cycle is an uncommon symptom. Whilst most breast changes are due to non-cancerous conditions, it is important that you see your GP for an assessment if you notice something unusual in your breasts.

HEALTH | focus

VGB

VIRTUAL GASTRIC BAND PROGRAMME a safe alternative to surgery EASY LIFE HYPNOSIS easylifehypnosis.co.nz easylifehypnosis@gmail.com 021 129 2249 Angel Esvella has been a Clinical Hypnotherapist since 2003 and has had tremendous success with clients using a combination of powerful techniques, such as hypnotherapy and EFT. She is passionate about helping people achieve their full potential in life and living more positively.

WHAT IS THE VGB PROGRAMME? It’s a non-surgical technique, using the power of your subconscious mind, to hypnotically put a band on your stomach so that you are satisfied with smaller portions of food and have no desire to eat more. This way, you lose weight easily and naturally. HOW DOES THIS WORK? The VGB is like flicking a switch in the brain. It changes a person’s attitude towards food and helps them regain control over cravings, old patterns and bad habits so they shed those stubborn kilos and have more confidence in themselves. IS THIS JUST ANOTHER DIET? No, it’s not a diet nor is it about deprivation. When people are deprived of foods they enjoy, they tend to overindulge when they’re allowed to eat them and the weight piles back on, twice as fast. And you are left with feelings of frustration, shame and guilt. HOW MANY SESSIONS DO YOU NEED? The subconscious mind takes time to reprogram to a new way of being – just

like it’s taken time to program it with your current disempowering beliefs, attitudes and habits with food. So, it’s four sessions, once a week. One session won’t change those old patterns you have towards food. IS THIS DONE IN A GROUP OR ONE-ONONE? Both • Personalised one-on-one sessions allow clients to enjoy safety and confidentiality as we dig deep into the changes you need to make and explore any underlying beliefs and issues which have stopped you losing weight in the past. • Small intimate group sessions allow you to have the support of others as well, while making positive changes in your life. This allows those who are time- or money- restricted to take part. I also use EFT tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) which focuses on energy points to help restore balance to your body's energy and this helps with the efficacy of the programme. All the sessions can be done face-to-face at my clinic, or online (Skype or Zoom).

IS THIS A QUICK FIX OR MAGIC PILL? This is a long-term solution, definitely not a quick fix. It has long-term results that enable you to change your life and relationship with food. Studies now say it takes 90 days to change a habit, so I work with you to achieve a long-term solution by changing your mindset. ARE THERE OTHER BENEFITS THAT I CAN ACHIEVE WITH THIS PROGRAMME? As well as looking after your future health, you will gain more selfconfidence and body confidence, improve your health, gain more energy and become more motivated. You’ll also improve your fitness and be able to fit clothes that you haven’t been able to wear. How does it get any better than this? WILL THIS WORK FOR ME? Yes, if you truly want it and are committed to making this change. 

focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | STYLE

NO T a blank canvas

EXPRESS YOUR CREATIVITY THIS SEASON BY PICKING PRINTS THAT LOOK MORE LIKE PAINTINGS. NOW YOU’RE THE ARTIST AND DAILY OUTFITS ARE YOUR MASTERPIECE! Drawings Blazer EACH X OTHER X AUSTYN $593.00

Amelia Bracelet WITCHERY $64.90

Butterfly Print Crossbody Bag PERTEMBA INTRIGUE $50.87

Absolute Shirt KETZ-KE $145.00

Ruffle Front Dress WITCHERY $229.90

Component Skirt LEO+BE $185.00

Verona MI PIACI $380.00

Yasmin MERCHANT 1948 $289.90

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Paisley Bias Skirt ANTIPODEA $150.00

LIFE 20 SUSAN BROCKER

WRITING FOR YOUNG ADULTS

22 ALTHORP VILLAGE

MANAGER CLAIRE KEEN THE ULTIMATE PEOPLE PERSON

28 STREET KAI AUNTYS

Plus CHOCOLATE RECIPES, THINGS TO DO IN CAMBRIDGE ... AND MORE

FEEDING THE CITY’S HOMELESS

38 TIME FOR A TRIP

TO RURAL FRANCE?

focus | LIFE

SUSAN BROCKER WRITING FOR YOUNG ADULTS

IN THE EARLY YEARS OF SUSAN BROCKER’S MARRIAGE TO LIONEL, HER HUSBAND WAS POSTED TO THE NETHERLANDS AS TRADE COMMISSIONER. AS A DIPLOMAT’S WIFE THEN, SUSAN WAS UNABLE TO TAKE ON FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT. INSTEAD SHE ENROLLED IN A POST-GRADUATE COURSE WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON ON RUSSIAN HISTORY AND POLITICS. Words JENNY ARGANTE

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUSAN BROCKER HERE: susanbrocker.com facebook.com/susan.brocker. author

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“For me, that was where becoming a writer began. I travelled extensively through what was then the Soviet Union and wrote it all down. Then I went on to write about other historical sites I visited in Europe and began to publish travel and human-interest articles.” Writing requires dedication and discipline, and Susan learned about their importance in Auckland during the 1980s and 1990s when she worked in-house for an educational publisher. Her multifarious titles were mainly structured for the US school curriculum, and one series was aimed at reluctant teen readers and had to be high-impact, immediately drawing in the reader. “This taught me the need for a strong story, and the importance of engaging, active language,” she says, and when Susan became a full-time writer, such lessons served her well. No one’s life is ever smooth sailing and in her late 20s, Susan was diagnosed with a brain tumour and had to undergo surgery and ongoing radiotherapy. Sadly, this meant she was unable to have children. Soon after, she and Lionel made the call to move from inner-city Auckland to their ‘hobby farm’ in Pyes Pa, Tauranga. “Here I could surround myself with animals,” she says, smiling. “We kept goats and horses, and added our muchloved pets.” You’re always greeted by a dog or two when visiting Susan, and she often cares for SPCA foster-kittens that need

socialising before they go to a permanent home. “We also fostered older children and teenagers and what a great place for them to grow up in. For the two of us it was a difficult, but also extremely rewarding time. Animals have definitely been a major inspiration, and it’s true that many story ideas have developed through my interaction with animals, how they relate to humans, and especially to troubled children and teenagers. The therapy they offer is incredible: unconditional love and loyalty. “Our old German shepherd dog, Layla, for example, was gentle and loving with kids. From observing that, a story, Saving Sam, developed about a dog who helps a young boy gain his confidence and rescue his older brother from a gang. I often use animals to serve as a means of introducing problems the main character will face.” Fostering could be where Susan obtained the useful insights into teenage behaviour that are such a feature of The Wolf in the Wardrobe, Dreams of Warriors and The Drover’s Quest – titles begging to be turned into films. The ‘strong story’ is always there, and her characters are fully-defined, 3-D young humans dealing with crisis and conflict. Susan and Lionel present as a team and she values the support he’s given her over the years of her ongoing development as a Young Adult writer of high reputation.

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“Lionel is the first person to read my drafts and give helpful feedback. He also supplies emotional support during those times when I question myself and the worth of my writing.” She agrees that New Zealand is a particularly challenging country to be a writer in. “Definitely. We don’t have a large enough population to support local writers, yet it is difficult to get our books sold offshore, especially if they’re set here. Also, traditionally, it could be said many New Zealanders are more interested in sporting endeavours and outdoor pursuits than arts and literature.” You also have this strange dichotomy that most of our writers, and especially those who are grant-aided, are expected to write the New Zealand-based, New Zealand-biased stories that fit best within our country’s culture. These are not necessarily those that do well outside of New Zealand. Though mainly published by HarperCollins, Susan was commissioned by Scholastic to write Riding into War, one of four commemorative books on World War I for Young Adult readers in New Zealand. “After Brave Bess and the ANZAC Horses, which is set in World War I, I was approached by Scholastic and asked to write the first book in the series. And now I’m writing a set of animal stories for them aimed at younger reader in picturebook format.”

With the first out now, expect an extended fan base for this award-winning writer! Some words of advice for intending writers? “Generally, write about what you love or care about and the passion will shine through. Specific to writing for older children and young adults: Don’t ever ‘write down’ to your readers, and don’t preach or teach. Your first duty is to entertain! And never allow adults to feature too prominently or solve your young character’s problems. You’re in their world. Put them in charge.” 

Jenny Argante is a writer and editor with over 30 years of experience, and a life member of Tauranga Writers, New Zealand's longest-running self-help group for writers. focusmagazine.co.nz

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COVER STORY | focus

CLAIRE KEEN MULTITASKER, RISK-TAKER AND LIFE-LONG LEARNER ALTHORP VILLAGE MANAGER CLAIRE KEEN IS THE ULTIMATE PEOPLE PERSON, HAPPILY CHATTING TO RESIDENTS WHILE EFFICIENTLY TAKING CARE OF A MYRIAD OF PROJECTS, AND ON-CALL 24/7. ALTHORP, LOCATED IN PYES PA, TAURANGA, IS LIKE HER SECOND HOME; EVEN HER MUM LIVES THERE! FOCUS TALKS TO CLAIRE ABOUT HOW SHE FOUND HERSELF MANAGING A RETIREMENT COMPLEX AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN INTERIOR DESIGN AND WHAT SHE LOVES IN HER PEOPLE-FACING ROLE.

Words: Millie Freeman Images: Vanessa Laval-Glad Hair & Makeup: Chloe Gray

laire Keen has just finished her ‘what’s on for the week’ update to Village residents when I arrive for an interview on a Monday morning. The teacups are cleared and most residents have headed home or onto the host of indoor and outdoor activities on offer. Some pass by reception and Claire doesn’t miss the opportunity for a cheery wave here, a joke with a gentleman there, a courteous follow-up and reassurance with another resident on some repair work, and a quick phone update with the on-site builder on a refurbishment – all in the first few minutes of our interview. It’s a busy place! “Yes, and I love it!” says Claire. “I’m dealing with 1020 things a day and my desk is always a mess but there’s something different happening all the time and I never tire of that. I think quickly on my feet and I have a fantastic team working with me.” She’s also really good at multitasking and listening, and

loves dealing with all sorts of personalities – an important skill set when there are 211 different properties and homeowners on-site and you’re overseeing more than 30 activities each week. Yes, there’s a lot going on but Village residents enjoy independent living and mostly organise their own groups and events, with support from Claire and her team of eight permanent staff. “Our vision is to create an environment where our residents can find like-minded people and where they can be happy and enjoy their golden years, stress free and trouble free.” With all the stuff on offer and the expansive park-like setting, it’s rather like a holiday resort, with architecturally designed homes, stunning gardens and well thought-out recreational facilities. And, as it turns out, Claire was mostly responsible for the look and style of Althorp before she even became employed there.

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LEARNING BY DOING Claire’s been Village manager since 2009, but her involvement with Althorp began in the late 90s when the Church and Munro families decided to transform their kiwifruit orchards into a retirement complex. At the time Claire was a busy and highly successful interior designer with a host of domestic and commercial projects to her name, including bars and restaurants along The Strand in Tauranga. She was recommended to the Althorp establishment team and worked on the interior design and fitout of the on-site private hospital, which opened in 2000 and is now operated by Radius. She then carried on with developments for the Village. When the project manager became ill, Claire took on the role on top of her design work, not knowing a thing about project management, earth works or construction. “I literally learnt on the job – from the ground up – from the builders, electricians, surveyors and every other tradesperson on-site. I had no formal training, but I can tell you everything about Althorp, both above and below the ground.” So when asked several years later

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if she wanted to take on the Village management position, it was really a no-brainer. Besides, she’d already packed up her design business six months earlier and moved to Australia, intending to live there, but with her kids all independent and her friends in New Zealand, she decided to head home. As well as Village manager, Claire is also responsible for marketing and property sales – a mix of villas, townhouses, apartments and serviced apartments – refurbishments, garden planting, staffing and supervision of the gardening team.

SUPPORT WITHOUT INTRUSION The Althorp Village philosophy promotes the idea of residents staying in their own homes for as long as possible and with as much help as required – it’s a happy balance between keeping a close eye on how everyone is doing without being intrusive. Knowing what to do next as we age can be really daunting for families, she says, and the team can help facilitate the process, whether it’s making that significant move out of the family home, or transferring into the Althorp

You never know where you can go unless you take a risk. If it doesn’t work out the way you planned, and you take a different direction, that’s success not failure.

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serviced apartments, or, at a later stage, into Radius Althorp Hospital. “It’s all about looking after people and their welfare and it’s important for family members to know that we have a community of people who can provide support,” she says. “In fact, some of our residents don’t have any family but they have huge support from neighbours and friends and, of course, from the management team.” Incredibly, her carefully fostered culture of support and neighbourliness soon turned tail and focused on Claire herself when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and went through two years of treatment. She is now a board member of Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga. “Going through chemo was tough but I came to work every day because it’s such a lovely environment here, and my husband Tony as well as the residents and staff got me through, along with lots of iced coffees! I’d just lie on the couch when I needed to rest and everyone was fantastic. Thinking positively definitely helped too.”

EARLY RISK-TAKER Her positivity and bubbly personality

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Our vision is to create an environment where our residents can find likeminded people and where they can be happy and enjoy their golden years, stress free and trouble free.

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have certainly got her places – that and never being afraid to jump in head first and take a risk. From New Plymouth Girls High, she went straight into nursing training in Palmerston North, and, by the time she was 20, was living in LA and working as a nanny. She married an Iranian, had the first of four children, and then took on a nursing role in a Beverley Hills health clinic for male pattern hair loss and smoking cessation. “All the who’s who of Beverley Hills came to the clinic, so it was a really interesting time of my life and I made lots of friends.” With one friend, she started a business – in her spare time – decorating Christmas trees for hotels and commercial premises, not realising this was to be the genesis of her hugely successful career in interior design, several years down the track. When her 12-year marriage ended she returned to New Zealand with four young children and began designing and making a range of children’s clothing called Spoiled Rotten. It was well received but, as a solo mum, money was tight, so when a friend asked for her help with design and layout for a new home design store in New Plymouth, Claire saw a route back into her love of interior design. She was soon in demand, helping a range of clients with interior fitouts and design, as well as training store staff in setting up displays, and teaching interior design at community evening classes. “You never know where you can go unless you take a risk,” she says. “People worry about how it’s going to work out, but what is ‘failure’? If it doesn’t work out the way you planned, and you take a different direction, that’s success not failure.” That’s what she tells her staff and also other retirement village managers she’s mentored: “You’ve got to look at everything from a different perspective – if you hit a wall, you can go around it. There’s always a way, you just have to keep looking for it and keep going. Attitude is everything!” Collaboration is another key ingredient in her management toolkit, and indeed her recipe for life, and since taking on the Village manager’s role she’s actively recruited the local retirement village industry to work together so that everyone can benefit and grow. “When I first started in this industry

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it was a closed book, and I couldn’t see the sense in that at all. My belief was that every village offers something different so why don’t we work together more.” Now, local villages and retirement complexes openly share details of their service with each other and Claire attends all the industry meetings to network and co-operate. It means growth for everyone, she says, because there’s always someone who knows more than you or someone who has another idea.

“This industry is about people so why wouldn’t you want to embrace that?” She’s right; people are often too quick to see the negative in something rather than the opportunities on offer. So, as Claire says, go for it, take a risk and see what new doors open. You might be surprised. It’s lunchtime; Claire has another meeting and, on my way out, I spy some of those comfy couches she mentioned … hmmm, not today, but I’ll file that thought away into ‘retirement planning’ for future consideration! 

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STREET KAI AUNTYS bringing kai and aroha to the city’s homeless

Milo Night Auntys and volunteers, from left, Tracey Carlton, Sandrine Fabre, Gaynor Wilkie, Ian Smith, Pip Brook, Margaret Collins, Anne Butler

ON A HOT FEBRUARY EVENING IN DOWNTOWN TAURANGA PEOPLE BEGIN TO GATHER AT THE BUS STOPS OPPOSITE THE PUBLIC LIBRARY TO MINGLE, CHAT AND SHARE KAI. KIND SOULS BRING THEIR SMILES AND PLENTY OF FOOD TO FEED WHOEVER NEEDS IT; OTHERS COME BECAUSE THEY’RE HUNGRY. IT DOESN’T MATTER WHO’S WHO – THEY ARE ONE COMMUNITY, OUR COMMUNITY, RIGHT IN THE HEART OF TAURANGA. THERE’S TALK, LAUGHTER AND, MOST OF ALL, AROHA IN ABUNDANCE. IT’S MONDAY, MILO NIGHT, AND EVERYONE IS WELCOME. Words + Images MILLIE FREEMAN 30 | focusmagazine.co.nz

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ilo Night has never missed a Monday since 2017 when a small group of volunteers began offering hot milo drinks from a couple of flasks to people sleeping rough around the city. Now the core team of volunteers, known as the Street Kai Auntys, aim to feed around 100 ‘peeps’ – as they’re warmly known – every week, for free. Some peeps sleep rough, or couch surf, others sleep in cars or tents with their children. Some work but still struggle to pay the bills and feed their families. ‘Would you like some kai?’ is the only question asked. Since last year, when the Council banned begging and rough sleeping within 5m of shop entrances in the CBD, the Auntys have redoubled their efforts to help make a difference to the lives of a growing number of people in our community who are struggling. Aunty Tracey Carlton says the bylaw pushed the issue of homelessness aside, without offering a helpful solution. “It effectively pushed the peeps into the shadows and away from shelter, access to water, public toilets, social services and lighting and security cameras. It also took them away from their street whānau and community support.” Earlier this year submissions were heard on the proposal to revoke the

bylaw and Tracey and the Street Kai team are lobbying Council for a different approach. They would like to see a wellbeing hub set up near the CBD where the city’s homeless can come during the day to shower, wash clothes and get medical help. Her vision, ultimately, is that all peeps will be housed and Milo Night won’t be needed. Until then she has committed to be an advocate for the voiceless, and her work is rippling out. “It’s changing the conversation in the community and raising awareness. Before Milo Night, we didn’t have that.”

THE NIGHT BEGINS Dr Sandrine Fabre is one of the first Auntys to arrive at 4.30pm. With her box of supplies she sits on the footpath behind the public toilets and offers first aid to anyone who needs medical attention. In terms of hygiene it’s less than ideal, but she does the best she can cleaning and dressing wounds, attending to foot problems and a myriad of health issues that the peeps have no other means of dealing with. The limited access to personal cleaning facilities simply perpetuates the chronic problems, and next week they’ll likely be back again. Originally from Reunion Island off the east coast of Africa, Dr Fabre is not a

CAN YOU HELP STREET KAI? Cook: the Auntys can collect food from you if you don’t want to attend Milo Nights or aren’t able to get there. Please call 027 456 7849 or email: milonights@yahoo. com if you can help. Donate: it costs the equivalent of $700 to feed around 100 people on Milo Nights and provide basic needs, such as toiletries and sanitary products. All donations are gratefully accepted – even $5 a week will make a big difference. Please visit streetkai.org for bank account details to donate funds directly.

Margaret Collins, Annamarie Kraitzick, Hughie Kraitzick

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donations, delivering Annamarie’s meals and lending a hand on Milo Nights while on a 45-minute break from his evening bus driver shift. Then there’s Sam, the barber, who cheerfully offers slick fades to spruce up the grateful queue of peeps. They tell him what they want, and a few minutes later leave his stool standing tall, a smile on their face. Young, elderly – they all help. Two children have come with their dad and nana to serve fresh homemade samosas; Aunty G (a gentleman) brings a tray of meatballs every Monday night, and an 86-year old woman rarely misses a week with her contribution of a dozen boiled eggs.

STEPPING UP TO HELP Three generations of the Lal family – Manjula , Nikita, Rea and Sanjay – bring homemade samosas to feed the peeps at Milo Night

registered GP in New Zealand, but says it is an honour to be part of the Street Kai team and serve this population of people. She is studying for her PhD in homelessness and access to care at the end of life, at Waikato University. “There is extreme poverty where I come from, but here it is more insidious and hidden. From my study I hope to provide some deep change for homeless people here and accessibility to healthcare, particularly at the end of life.” Meanwhile, Tracey offers water to the growing crowd. There’s a huge need for hydration especially on this hot Monday with temperatures still in the 30s. Aunty Margaret Collins arrives with juicy watermelon slices that disappear before she’s even rounded the group. “I should have brought more,” she says. Margaret is a yoga teacher and comes down every Monday night to be with the people. “I will always speak out when I see injustice,” she says. “As a white, educated woman living in New Zealand I know how enormously privileged I am, so it is with great joy that I share with other people. There is no distinction between ourselves and the people we meet at Street Kai; we are all a team.”

KAI TO SHARE By 5.30pm more Auntys arrive with

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loads of food – hearty homemade chicken pies, pasta bakes, and casseroles. It’s simple yet filling and delicious food, made with love and respect. The serving tables are up, the lines are forming and Tracey welcomes everyone to another Milo Night. They gratefully tuck in, filling recyclable containers and enjoying their nourishing meal. “Are you hungry? Come and have more food,” says Annamarie Kraitzick as she offers the last of the kai into grateful hands and makes room on the tables for cakes and other baking. An early childhood teacher by day, she puts a day aside every week to cook for the homeless – whatever she can in her own kitchen. “By nature I’m a shy person and I felt this is a way I can do my bit, to give back to my community. I feel honoured to be in a position to do what I can and they are so grateful. I cook with dignity and respect, because the food needs to look inviting – this is my way of showing respect to the recipients.” Annamarie was attracted to Street Kai because it had no affiliation to any religious group or foundation. “Just ordinary ladies who were trying to do what they could,” she says. And men too, of course. Hughie Kraitzick, Annamarie’s husband, also provides a valuable service, collecting food

Another Aunty, Anne Butler, became part of the Street Kai team 18 months ago. She cooks, picks up baking from neighbours and helps out on Milo Night. She also mends clothes for the peeps and makes ponchos from woollen blankets. One gentleman, I’m told, never takes his off, and sure enough, there he is on this hot February evening, with his poncho slung over his shoulder. Anne has more requests for the coming winter. “I saw a problem and thought about the most useful thing I could do to help sort that problem,” she says. “That’s what I’d like to see: for people to start thinking about other people and what’s happening on their doorstep. Do something; step up and help us.” By around 6.30pm all the food is gone and Aunty Pip Brook finishes up distributing newly purchased underwear, socks, toiletries and sanitary products from her car. The peeps give thanks and say their goodbyes, then drift away to their uncertain lives. It’s been two hours of joy, watching a community come together to give and receive, and share love. To Aunty Gaynor Wilkie, also a yoga teacher, Milo Nights are the best part of her week. “I love hanging out with the peeps; it’s my absolute joy and pleasure to be accepted by them,” she says. “We’ve gone from one thermos and a rickety table, to feeding over 100 peeps, caring for them, clothing them and helping them with medical issues – I think we’re doing a bloody great job.” 

LEGAL ADVICE | focus

SMART WOMEN

PROTECT THEIR ASSETS No one likes to talk about what happens when we die, but, unless you already have your legal documentation perfectly in order, you may wonder if you need a Will. It depends on your situation. If you have a family or run a business, you should absolutely see a lawyer and get it organised. “People often assume that when they die, everything will automatically be left to their spouse or their children. But what happens if your child is a minor? Who is going to manage the assets for the child? What happens if you’re separated from your husband but not divorced? There’s plenty to think about,” says Paula Lines from The Law Shop. If your family assets are managed in a Trust, if you have a blended family or if you are a business owner, the protection afforded by a Will – drawn up properly by a lawyer – is a must, and well worth the expense. DIY options are not a good idea, especially if there are large financial interests or other complicated financial affairs in play.

“Many people don’t know that an estate is usually not distributed for between six and twelve months after Probate of the Will or Letters of Administration (if there is no will) is granted by the High Court. This is to give time for any claims against the estate to be made, whether it’s from spouses, partners, children or creditors,” Paula explains. “During that time, your executor will be looking after your assets so it is hugely important to choose the right person to act as your executor, and to specify in your Will who should operate or shut down your business after you’re gone.” If you have questions about protecting your assets or how to get a Will, contact Paula and her friendly team at The Law Shop – it all starts with an easy questionnaire. Call 0800 LAW SHOP or email team@thelawshop.co.nz and get it sorted.

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LIFE | focus

Ria Hall

Tauranga Arts Festival’s new director

“NOTHING EXCITES ME MORE THAN THE REALM OF POSSIBILITY THAT A ROLE LIKE FESTIVAL DIRECTOR PROVIDES,” SAYS RIA HALL, AWARDWINNING SINGER, SONGWRITER AND NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF THE ICONIC TAURANGA ARTS FESTIVAL. Ria, who is of Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Pukenga descent and is a champion of te reo Māori, was born and educated in Tauranga, returning to her hometown in 2014. She is the first wāhine Māori to take on the role of director of the Tauranga Arts Festival. Involved with the biennial 10-day festival since 2015, Ria co-composed the specially commissioned waiata, ‘Takiri ko te Ata’ (‘A Chorus Dawn’), and has trained a community choir to perform it at each festival since. As well, she was named the festival’s first ambassador in 2017. At the 2017 festival she performed her concept show, ‘Rules of Engagement’, based on her album of the

same name which takes its inspiration from the local land wars and their aftermath. For the most recent festival in October Ria worked as an intern, taking on support roles across the entire organisation. “Community is a huge driver for me, and bringing new and diverse audiences to experience the power of the arts is a dream I look forward to realising for Tauranga Moana.” For Ria, the arts are one of the most powerful ways to impact a critical mass – a profound means of storytelling, messaging and self-enquiry. “The arts has been my life – it’s paid the bills, kept a roof over my head but more importantly, it has fed my soul. Now that I am in a position to really affect

some positive change in our community, I intend to do my utmost to expose a more diverse audience to our incredible festival. It really is an exciting time to be at the helm.” Another huge driver for Ria is family. Last April she became a first-time mum, and her son, Te Rongotoa, has had a major impact on putting things into perspective for her. In spite of all her accomplishments, she says becoming a mother has been the most rewarding journey of her life. Escape! Festival is the first event on Ria’s calendar – the festival of ideas and conversation takes place at Baycourt from May 29-June 1.  taurangafestival.co.nz focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | TRAVEL

CAMBRIDGE Small towN big adventures

WITH ITS HISTORIC BUILDINGS, CAMBRIDGE IS THE MOST ‘EUROPEAN’ TOWN OF THE WAIKATO. LOVELY AND VIBRANT AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR, IT’S ESPECIALLY BEAUTIFUL IN SPRING DURING THE CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON, AND IN AUTUMN, WHEN ITS TALL, LEAFY TREES TURN GOLDEN. ENJOY ALL THE COLOURS OF CAMBRIDGE WITH OUR DETAILED GUIDE! Words KSENIIA SPODYNEIKO Images ALEX SPODYNEIKO 36 | focusmagazine.co.nz

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CAMBRIDGE MUSEUM This museum is free to visit (donation is appreciated) and boasts an extensive collection of artefacts and archives relating to the history of Cambridge, its districts and people. 24 Victoria Street Weekdays 10am-4pm Weekends 10am-2pm

HERITAGE WALK The architecture of this cosy little town is stunning! Learn more about the history of Cambridge by walking around with a free Heritage Walk map that you can download from the Cambridge Museum website. It will take you from The Masonic Hotel, built in 1866, to about 30 other worth-seeing sights nearby.

GOOD UNION Its exclusive location – inside the historic Trinity Presbyterian Church – vibrant atmosphere and spot-on menu make Good Union one of Cambridge’s most popular restaurants. Ideal for lunch or dinner but avoid peak hours, as it might get too crowded! 98 Victoria Street 11am-10.30pm (until 12am Fridays and Saturdays) goodunion.co.nz

TRASH ‘N’ TREASURE MARKET Every second Sunday of the month Cambridge city centre transforms into a treasure hunt quest, with over 200 stalls offering everything from preloved books to rare vintage jewellery and hand-made toys. Walk along the historic streets and enjoy unexpected finds! focusmagazine.co.nz

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ARAPUNI SUSPENSION BRIDGE At 152 metres long, this is one of the longest suspension bridges in the country. With the river and power station somewhere far below, walking this almost 100-year-old bridge feels more like flying. On a windy day, you’ll even feel… that’s right, THE SWING!

WAIKATO RIVER CYCLE TRAIL Right from the Arapuni swing bridge starts a scenic cycle trail along New Zealand’s longest river. It’ll take you through native bush, wetlands, volcanic outcrops and cute little riverside villages. The whole trail takes up to four days to complete but you can do a part of it – multiple exit points make it easy to tailor your route.

BLUE SPRING PUTĀRURU The legendary blue springs, where 60% of the bottled water we see in supermarkets comes from. It takes around 100 years of natural filtering processes for this water to become so transparent. Seeing it run through the bright emerald seaweed is as hypnotising as it is magical. Take a shorter scenic loop from Leslie Road carpark or walk all the way to Whites Road carpark (1.5 hours one way).

LAKE DISTRICT ADVENTURES Have you ever kayaked through a breathtaking canyon with mysterious glow worms sparkling all around you? This family-run business on Lake Karapiro offers exactly that! The guided kayak tours also include a refreshing stop for drinks and snacks. 396 Horahora Road, Piarere From $109 pp lakedistrictadventures.co.nz

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MAUNGATAUTARI SANCTUARY MOUNTAIN A safe space for many endangered species, including kiwi and kākā, this fenced sanctuary is a step back into the pre-human times of New Zealand’s history. The world-class conservation project, with the longest pest-proof fence in the world, is an example of what New Zealand might look like if the Predator Free 2050 project is successful. 99 Tari Road, Pukeatua From $49 for a guided tour 8.30am-4pm daily sanctuarymountain.co.nz

MAUNGAKAWA SCENIC RESERVE A short drive from Cambridge is a nice dogfriendly loop walk that ends at a platform overlooking the mighty Waikato region. On a clear day, you’ll even see Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki from there! The walk is super easy and takes you through picturesque bush with loads of birds.

KARAPIRO DAM Hard to imagine a better spot to admire autumn in full glory than from the Lake Karapiro shore, right next to the Karapiro dam. Dazzling blue water, golden leaves and bright red berries – it’s a true masterpiece of nature! Crossing the lake via the dam is an amazing adventure as well. focusmagazine.co.nz

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Getaway to FRANCE IT ISN’T LONG INTO MY MEETING WITH JO MCINTOSH THAT I LEARN JUST HOW CREATIVE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL THIS GORGEOUS WOMAN IS. SHE LITERALLY DOESN’T HAVE ENOUGH HOURS IN THE DAY TO WORK ON ALL THE PROJECTS AND IDEAS SPINNING AROUND IN HER HEAD – FROM UPCYCLING CLOTHES AND FABRICS TO REPURPOSING FRENCH TAPESTRIES INTO UNIQUE CUSHIONS AND BAGS, CREATING NECKLACES FROM TRINKETS FOUND WHILST FOSSICKING AROUND THE BROCANTE (SECOND-HAND) AND VIDE GRENIERS (ATTIC SALES) NEAR HER FRENCH HOME IN CHAUVIGNY – JO DOES IT ALL. Words DEE COLLINS

But let’s step back to the year 2000 when Jo’s husband, Tony, was offered a job as a boarding supervisor at a school in Bunbury, Western Australia. A huge move from their settled lives in Cambridge, New Zealand, but one that Jo and Tony, with their two daughters, Melissa and Chelsea, embraced. It wasn’t long before Jo had an extra 100 children to watch over – a job she relished. Whilst in New Zealand, Jo had nurtured her creative side by attending

interior design and cooking classes with Wayne Good and when she realised there were no similar opportunities in Bunbury, she started flying Wayne over to run a week’s worth of classes in the town. Wayne soon suggested Jo teach the eight-week interior design class herself as well as her French Provincial Paint Finish class, and, as if Jo didn’t have enough on her plate, she decided to start a home-based retail business too. Tragedy struck in 2006 with Tony’s

sudden death. The following year Jo and the girls travelled to Europe for the first time and it was then that France really lit a fire for her. She had always felt drawn to the history and timeless appeal of France – the old stone buildings, the wooden shutters and wrought iron – and she loved the importance that the French put on family and food. She felt like she’d come home. She also realised her Australian home-based store could be so much more.

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Jo (left) with daughter Chelsea in one of France's prettiest villages, Angle-sur-l'Angin

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Visiting Paris and saying you have been to France isn’t the same as the experience you’ll get from living in a French village for a week.

On a trip back to New Zealand, Jo told her mother about this strange spiritual connection she seemed to have with France and learned there was French ancestry in the family and, at one stage, even a chateau! This all began making more sense to her. Despite the tragic loss of her husband, and the girls going off to university, Jo wasn’t about to slow down. She opened a French homewares store called Rustic French Living in a beautiful old church in Western Australia and it was on one of her buying trips to France that she and her friend Cherry, from Bunbury, found a property in Chauvigny, Western France. On initial inspection the run down three-level house was in a bad way. “There was no electricity so we had to use our phone torches to pick our way through all the rubbish and building materials. It was a total mess and uninhabitable, but had a lovely feel.” Back in Bunbury, Cherry and her husband Andy agreed to going in with Jo and purchasing the house. “Just like in all those programmes you see on TV, it wasn’t long before the artisans we employed to renovate the house told us they’d have to start from scratch because the earlier work done on the house was of such a poor standard. It was definitely not something we wanted to hear.”

42 | focusmagazine.co.nz

Jo (left) with daughter Melissa at Chauvigny's weekly open air market

A VERY FRENCH EXPERIENCE Jo met a lot of people during her time at Rustic French Living and found out there were many middle-aged women who would love to go to France but were too scared to go on their own. Jo launched the Bespoke French Village Experience and now offers two couples, or three ladies, the opportunity to experience real French village life at her home in Chauvigny, which includes soaking up the history of the region, shopping at local produce markets, exploring nearby picturesque villages, visiting nearby brocantes, galleries and chateaux. The experience offers a real-life opportunity for a limited number of guests to enjoy the laid-back life of French country living. The three-story house is perfectly situated on the main street, five shops down from the closest patisserie and just across the road from the friendly tapas and beer bar. Jo works on a bespoke itinerary that gives her guests plenty of cultural and enriching experiences, such as visiting the nearby village of Montmorillon, with its quaint winding cobbled streets and boutique shops that are all themed around books, writing, calligraphy and art. Fresh produce markets, crêpes and cider at one of the local castles, wine, plat du jour luncheons, dinners at great little

restaurants and aperitifs at home are also all part of the experience, as well as impromptu outings and introductions to her friends in the area. With the sale of Rustic French Living, Jo started an online business called My French Door. It’s now known as Linen and Stone. It fuels her creative side and visceral longing for France and love of all things French. The online store is filled with one-off vintage brocante treasures that she finds while out and about. She also sells handmade cards, cushions and totebags made from recycled French tapestries, jewellery, wall sconces, candelabras, embroidered tray cloths and linen. Jo now divides her time travelling between Matangi, near Hamilton, where daughter Chelsea lives; London, where her other daughter Melissa lives; Bunbury, Western Australia and, of course, her French home in Chauvigny. 

linenandstone.co.nz Jo is taking bookings for 2021 for the Bespoke French Village Experience linenandstone.co.nz/experiencefrench-village-life-with-me

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focus | FOOD

& healthy

DECADENT

GUILT IS NOT AN OBLIGATORY INGREDIENT FOR A CHOCOLATE DESSERT. THESE YUMMY AND EASY TO PREPARE RECIPES ARE BETTER THAN ANY TRIPLECHOCOLATE TREAT OUT THERE YET THEY’RE LIGHT AND HEALTHY!

IN OUR CABINET, SHARNA MCELLIGOTT In Our Cabinet is a book of vegan recipes by Sharna McElligott, the owner of well-known vegan café The Nourished Eatery in Tauranga (114 Willow Street). Most of the dishes from the book are prepared at the café on a daily basis. thenourishingbaker.com

44 | focusmagazine.co.nz

FOOD | focus

MINT CHOCOLATE COOKIES INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup vegan butter • ½ cup brown sugar • 1 tsp vanilla essence • 1¼ cups flour • ¼ cup cocoa powder • ½ cup icing sugar • Few drops peppermint essence • Tiny amount of melted almond butter or milk • ½ block dark chocolate

METHOD: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line two trays with baking paper. 2. Cream together butter, sugar and vanilla essence until smooth and fluffy. Sift flour and cocoa powder and stir into butter mixture until fully combined. Spoon a tablespoon of mixture at a time onto the trays and flatten with a fork (they’ll spread slightly in the oven so leave enough room between each cookie). 3. Aim to have about 9 cookies on each tray. Bake on the middle oven rack for 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and leave on the tray until cooled. 4. Prepare peppermint icing: combine icing sugar, peppermint essence and almond butter or milk in a bowl and mix until creamy – this should be quite thick. If you’ve added too much liquid, keep adding icing sugar until the mixture is a spreadable consistency. Spread icing over cooled cookies, then set in fridge for 20-30 minutes until hard. 5. Melt chocolate. Spoon the melted chocolate over the peppermint cream and cool to set.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE INGREDIENTS: • 1 avocado • 1 banana • ½ cup dates • 1 tsp vanilla essence • 1 Tbsp cocoa • 2 Tbsp coconut oil METHOD: 1. Soften dates by sitting in a small amount of boiling water for 15-20 mins, then drain. 2. Blend everything together into a smooth paste and set in your favourite glass container in the fridge.

Foodbox delivers groceries fresh from the market to your doorstep at a great price. This service is completely personalised and customisable – configure your order to get exactly what your family would like and choose convenient delivery days! foodbox.co.nz focusmagazine.co.nz

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BUSINESS 46 WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD A

SUSTAINABLE FASHION BUSINESS?

48 BEST TOOLS

FOR ENTREPRENEURS

52 MIFF MACDIARMID

CEO, DESTINATION CAMBRIDGE

Plus GIVEAWAYS, ... AND MORE

focus | BUSINESS

The future of fashion Stephanie Saxon, Saltysea

Caroline Miria, Wired Seaside

STEPHANIE SAXON, HEATHER CRAWFORD AND CAROLINE MIRIA ARE THE FORCE OF TOMORROW, BUILDING SUSTAINABLE, ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY BRANDS TO HELP SAVE THE PLANET.

Heather Crawford, Sunshine Soul Scrunchies

Words KSENIIA SPODYNEIKO HOW WAS YOUR BUSINESS BORN? Stephanie: I love comfortable clothing and, having grown up with an active lifestyle, found myself wearing activewear 90% of the time. When I moved to New Zealand seven years ago, I developed an even bigger love for the ocean and swimwear. Saltysea is an activewear and swimwear lifestyle brand spreading a positive, healthy and ethical message. Heather: I was once chatting to my mum Glenys (co-founder of Sunshine Soul Scrunchies) about her involvement in Boomerang Bags, which are bags for local businesses sewed together from upcycled fabric. Seeing the amount

48 | focusmagazine.co.nz

of discarded fabric the ladies picked up from the op shops inspired me to curate something new and fashionable. My mum taught me the ropes of sewing and we now both have so much fun collecting and sifting through fabrics with potential. Caroline: Back in 2017 I was on holiday in Bali and couldn't find a bikini that could fit my larger bust and so the idea of a swimwear company was born. Seated in my favourite cafe in Canggu, I started to brainstorm but all I could see was plastic bottles and packaging that had been discarded on the side of the road. I knew I could make a positive change! I found Econyl – 100% Regenerated Nylon made from fishing

BUSINESS | focus

nets – that we now use as our main fabric for the swimwear. Wired Seaside also celebrates natural representations of the female form, vowing to use untouched, raw images.

EXPLAIN THE POSITIVE IMPACT YOUR BUSINESS HAS ON THE WORLD. Stephanie: Saltysea sets a standard to encourage other brands and people to operate sustainably – from the production processes to the people involved and right down to the sustainable packing. It also encourages body positivity, celebrating women in all different forms. Lastly, Saltysea promotes a really healthy lifestyle of selfempowerment, friendships, confidence, inclusiveness, sisterhood, getting outdoors and adventuring. Heather: Giving old fabric new life and promoting circular fashion in a unique way. Caroline: As well as being a solution on waste, our swimwear made from regenerated fishing nets is also better when it comes to climate change. It reduces the global warming impact of nylon by up to 80% compared with the material made from oil. For every swimsuit sold we donate to protect one square metre of rainforest in Indonesia's Kalimantan Rainforest.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES TO COMMITTING TO SUSTAINABILITY? Stephanie: There is an old adage that in business, time is money. Being sustainable means you aren’t just picking the cheapest option first. You need to put time into researching the people, the processes, the materials, business ethics and values behind all the businesses and individuals you associate with. It can also be more expensive to manufacture using sustainable materials. I’ve chosen to swim against the flow and to set the precedent for profit to play a secondary role to the important message that businesses are wanting to spread through their brands. Heather: Using upcycled fabric can be a process! We forage through op shops to find suitable items, like clothing, old table cloths, tea towels, sheets – you name it, we’ve upcycled it. We then scan fabrics to ensure there are no flaws and wash the fabric for hygiene. The process is even more time consuming because I’m not bulk buying massproduced fabrics; I’m hand-picking pieces of pre-loved clothing which only make a limited number of scrunchies. Caroline: The process of creating swimwear from recycled fishing nets is more expensive than using normal fabrics. The recycling process is done by Econyl in Italy. We then import the fabric to Bali where our swimwear is made. Importing from Italy means our production and sampling is a lengthy process. Using imported fabrics instead of local fabrics also means that most of our colourways are limited edition and delivery can take upwards of 12 weeks.

ARE YOU NOTICING A RISE IN INTEREST TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE, ETHICAL BUSINESSES? Stephanie: Today’s customers seem to be more enlightened,

informed and concerned for the planet. There is still going to be substantial interest in established and reputable brands (think Nike, Adidas, etc.) because they’ve been building a loyal customer base for many years. Saltysea wasn’t created to do damage to other brands. Part of the ethos behind having an ecologically and socially sustainable brand is to encourage dialogue about the effects of our consuming on the planet and to push those big brands to take a more environmentally-friendly stance with their productions. Heather: Instagram has been a positive influence in promoting sustainability – there are many like-minded creatives who inspire and support me in my upcycled endeavors and encourage more conscious consumerism. It’s hard to break the multi-million dollar fast-fashion industry, and I do receive comments about how cheap Kmart scrunchies are. It is an uphill battle explaining to people the reason for my price – but it is an important conversation to have. Educating people in taking small steps towards living more sustainably has become my mission. Caroline: Our swimwear primarily targets the millennial demographic and, being one myself, I know we are more risk-averse when it comes to purchasing. There is and always will be consumers who favour price over quality and ethics, but in time I believe there will be a shift. Having strong brand values and sharing all parts of our business have really allowed our customers to get to know who we are and what we’re about. Transparency is the first step in changing the system and is what keeps businesses ethically accountable.

BUSINESS ASIDE, WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL SUSTAINABLE DAILY HABITS? Stephanie: I always try my best to make decisions that support my personal ethics, such as using re-usable coffee cups and packaging, or buying local. Growing fruit and vegetables in our garden and picking up rubbish on the beach are some of the things we find ourselves doing naturally now. We’re currently working on an e-book about creating and running a business ethically, so keep an eye on our social media channels for the launch of this later in the year! Heather: My family have always been conscious of plastic consumption and recycling and have composted since as long as I can remember. My partner and I buy in bulk and reuse containers – sometimes I bring my lunch in an old butter container and get a laugh from my fellow students! I don’t get caught up in fast fashion and avoid buying new clothes, but when I do, I research the brand’s sustainable practices. Caroline: I've grown up in a culture of consumerism and that way of thinking is something I've had to unlearn. One of the biggest changes I've made is my purchasing habits – ensuring I purchase quality items from sustainable brands and steering clear of fast fashion. It's important that I spend my money on clothing that is less harmful to the planet and the people making them. My favourite place to shop for special occasions is Designer Wardrobe. It allows me to hire clothing which ensures circularity of garments and less textile waste in our oceans and landfills.  focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | BUSINESS

USEFUL TOOLS for creative entrepreneurs

THINKING OF LEAVING YOUR 9-5 TO STEP INTO SELF-EMPLOYED WORLD? STARTING A BUSINESS AND BEING YOUR OWN BOSS IS NO DOUBT ONE OF THE MOST THRILLING VENTURES IN LIFE. HOWEVER, THESE POSITIVES DO COME WITH A LEVEL OF RISK, SURPRISES AND STRESS. NOT ONLY ARE YOU OFFERING YOUR SPECIALISED SKILLS TO YOUR CLIENTS, YOU ARE ALSO WEARING THE HAT OF ACCOUNTS, ADMINISTRATION, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, CLIENT SERVICES, A CREATIVE, AND A CEO WHO IS DRIVING EVERY DECISION BEHIND YOUR BUSINESS. MICHELLE JOE OF CRAFT ‘N CONNECT SHARES SOME OF THE TOOLS THAT HELP HER TO OPTIMISE AND GROW HER BUSINESS. 50 | focusmagazine.co.nz

BUSINESS | focus

hen I first launched my creative writing business Craft ‘n Connect over a year ago, some people weren’t too surprised and I received a lot of support. However, I also got told I was crazy for leaving my comfortable marketing job and salary. But with plans to relocate to Tauranga after my travels, I couldn’t think of a better time to take the leap. When starting your own business, you really need to shift your thinking and up your game in being self-driven and disciplined. Whether the tools are to improve the productivity, draw inspiration and motivation, or to improve the craft, I’ve adopted the following to help me along this creative entrepreneur journey.

PODCAST ADDICT An app for motivation, inspiration and learnings from business coaches and other entrepreneurs to challenge and improve the ways we’re doing things. When working for yourself, it’s easy to lose direction and focus, and listening to a podcast helps kick-start the working day and always puts me in the right frame of mind.

PLANOLY Planoly is great for scheduling your posts in advance on Instagram and a way to get a visual preview of your feed before your new posts go live. It’s a clean, easy-to-use visual platform for your social media planning created from a designer’s and editor’s point of view.

TRELLO I’m a big advocate for Trello and have been using this tool both professionally and personally for several years to organise my life, client projects and for team collaboration. The highly visual interface allows you to prioritise your tasks in a fun and flexible way. Users can create task cards and drag-drop them between columns of statuses: To Do, In Progress, Under Review, Done. This web-based tool can be set up so you receive notifications on-the-go. If you’re a visual person and love post-it notes, you’ll love Trello.

AIRTABLE This is used as my bigger picture content scheduler where I plan and load content a month ahead across a range of mediums. Airtable has features of an online database but applied to a spreadsheet and it can be personalised to suit how you want to edit and label columns. I also use this platform as a timesheet to track hours and any tasks outsourced to other freelancers or contra arrangements.

CANVA Those who aren’t graphic designers and require designs created frequently will find Canva useful for whipping up basic designs through a drag-anddrop method. You receive access to photographs, graphics, fonts and readily created templates for web or print media use. Drastically reduces the time spent on creating various visuals!

XERO MOBILE APP

MICHELLE JOE, CRAFT ‘N CONNECT Craft ‘n Connect specialises in creative copywriting for digital channels including websites, blogs, promotional emails, landing pages and brand messaging. We help businesses build their online presence and communicate their story more effectively to their customers. @craftnconnect facebook.com/craftnconnect michelle@craftnconnect.co.nz craftnconnect.co.nz

Managing your accounts is no doubt a key element to running a business and not one of my favourites. The Xero mobile app provides you with better visibility to your accounts wherever you are. We love it for claiming and tracking expenses and using the photo upload feature, so we save admin time and keep the wallet paper-less.

BRENDON BURCHARD PERFORMANCE PLANNER I’m now going back to basics with the pen to paper method and the Performance Planner by Brendon Burchard. It’s not only used as a daily task organiser, but also a journal that helps hold yourself accountable for goals you have set. I’ve found this especially useful being my own boss. It encourages self-awareness, mindfulness and gratitude through morning mindset prompts and selfassessment scorecards. It hones in on breaking down sections in both your personal and professional life – clarity, productivity, energy, influence, necessity and courage. 

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Arture skincare set Arture is a specialist natural skincare that gives you visible results. It’s made in New Zealand from products that are created from ethically and sustainably produced ingredients and not tested on animals. The prize includes three wrinkle-filling treatments, a microdermabrasion cream, retinol serum and hydrating rose water.

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focus | LAST PAGE

MIFF MACDIARMID CEO, Destination Cambridge Inc

Image by Stuff/Waikato Times

DESTINATION CAMBRIDGE IS THE PROMOTIONAL BODY FOR CAMBRIDGE. WE RUN THE I-SITE AND MANAGE THE ICONIC CAMBRIDGE TOWN HALL, AND OUR MISSION IS TO ATTRACT AND INCREASE VISITORS TO OUR TOWN. CAMBRIDGE IS A WELCOMING, RELAXED AND PICTURESQUE TOWN AND WE THINK WE’VE GOT THE BEST LOCATION FROM WHICH TO EXPLORE THE CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND – CLOSE TO MAJOR ATTRACTIONS SUCH AS HOBBITON AND WAITOMO, TO AIRPORTS, THE EAST AND WEST COASTS, AS WELL AS BOASTING WORLD CLASS SPORTING FACILITIES, EATERIES AND BOUTIQUE RETAIL. SO, IT’S AN EASY PLACE TO PROMOTE!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME? Getting outdoors, and we’re spoilt for choice here. We have a superb network of off-road walkways and river trails plus our best kept secret, Lake Te Kouutu, is right in town. We also have custom-made cycle paths, Lake Karapiro for a cheeky waterski or SUP, and we’re close to two awesome mountain bike parks. Or, just lying and reading on the bean bag in the back yard.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST LIFE HACK? Any Nadia Lim recipe. They’re always nutritious with the bonus that the kids always love them.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? The first paid one was working in the shearing sheds on the farm – hard but fun!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN CAMBRIDGE? We were recently awarded “Most Beautiful Large Town” by Keep NZ Beautiful, and it wasn’t just about looks. We won the award because of the efforts of those in our community – from the Community Gardens to the Trees Trust and Social Support – it was how we care for each other and the town. People are genuine, giving and positive and I love that about Cambridge.

WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB? There are quite a few actually – I love the community connections that go hand in hand with my role, working with our volunteers (aka rockstars) and sending visitors on their way armed with all the knowledge they need for Cambridge and the rest of New Zealand. There is real satisfaction in helping our visitors, and we are often one of the first faces they see in New Zealand so we ensure we give them the best Manaakitanga (welcome)

54 | focusmagazine.co.nz

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN? Henry Ford’s quote that goes along the lines of: “If you think you can or think you can’t – you’re right”. It just shows what mindset can do!

WHAT NEW INNOVATIONS OR DEVELOPMENTS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING IN CAMBRIDGE? The completion of our new community pool mid-2020 and the Te Awa cycle way Hamilton to Cambridge section – two huge assets for our community and for visitors. 

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