Breast Cancer Awareness Edition // focus magazine - October-November 2021

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

ISSUE 30 | OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

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BIRTHDAY ISSUE

Sarah Butler

NZ ROLLER SKATING CHAMPION

RESILIENCE RETREATS WOMEN IN STEM Victoria Clark & Natalie Prinz

Dee Collins FOCUS FOUNDER AND

BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR

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ALSO INSIDE:

DR CATHERINE BYRNE, DR ANUYA DESHPANDE, LISA GLASS AND ANDREA THOMPSON, PINK DESSERTS, CYCLING IN CENTRAL OTAGO, BREAST CANCER AWARENESS PARTY TIPS

Take me h ome I’M FREE

CONTENTS | focus

20 CONTENTS

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER2021

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COVER STORY

LIFE

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focus magazine editor and founder shares her breast cancer story

NZ roller skating champion Sarah Butler

DEE COLLINS

REGULARS

MAMA ON THE ROLL

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TUNING IN

WHAT’S ON?

Dr Catherine Byrne in the clinic and Catherine Smalberger behind the piano – one woman, two passions

Best events over the next two months

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FOCUS ON BOOKS

WOMEN IN STEM Victoria Clark and Natalie Prinz solving today’s problems using STEM

New releases you’ll love

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ASK THE EXPERTS How to reduce the risk of breast cancer, and, do hearing aids worsen our hearing?

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BEAUTY Celebrating the latest skincare launches

BUSINESS 40

CUSTOMER SERVICE IN MEDICINE Dr Anuya Deshpande shares business lessons

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RESILIENCE RETREATS

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Business and wellness retreat in Waikato

Gorgeous pink desserts

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RECIPES

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TRAVEL Cycling in Central Otago

ELITE EMERGENCY RESPONDERS NZ-EMAT's newest members focusmagazine.co.nz

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focus | DIGITAL

ONLINE IN OCTOBER-NOVEMBER YOUTUBE.COM/FOCUSMAGAZINENZ How much pink is too much? In the five years of sharing Breast Cancer Awareness through our October/ November editions, we haven’t reached our limit yet.

We’ve dressed our heroines in pink, used pink fonts and pink studio backgrounds. This year, we scouted downtown Tauranga for the most vibrant pink spaces in town, which we found at The Nourished Eatery and The Art Lounge NZ, located right across the street from each other – not only a convenient solution for art and vegan food lovers but also a huge relief for our photographer Sandri Blom (try carrying a truckload of gear from one location to another!).

Watch our behind the scenes video of this fun and colourful photoshoot on our YouTube channel.

focusmagazine.co.nz/subscribe The first five people to purchase an annual subscription to focus magazine for only $45 will receive a FREE Dermal Therapy hamper with their first edition.

Dermal Therapy is a range of effective and innovative foot and skincare products with advanced formulations and the highest quality ingredients. They have been producing affordable, functional, pharmaceuticalgrade products for over 20 years. The hamper includes Sensitive Skin Lotion, Very Dry Skin Cream, Heel Balm, Sanitising Hand Cream, Lip Balm and Soap Free Wash, all packed in a pretty makeup case.

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@FOCUSMAGAZINENZ

We’ve created a whole lot of fun birthday Reels for our Instagram account.

Subscribe now and join in on the celebrations!

Don’t miss our most epic birthday giveaway ever valued at over $1,000.

Tune in to our Insta account on Wednesday, 20th October for a live broadcast from our 5th birthday party.

Editor’s Welcome

focus PUBLISHER Align Publishing EDITOR Dee Collins dee@focusmagazine.co.nz CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alex Spodyneiko ONLINE EDITOR Kseniia Spodyneiko kseniia@focusmagazine.co.nz SALES advertising@focusmagazine.co.nz COVER IMAGE Sandri Blom FEATURE WRITERS Jenny Argante Margarete Kraemer Jolly Green Liz French PRINTING Print People CONTACT DETAILS 62 10th Avenue Tauranga 3110 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. 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 Sandri Blom Hair and makeup by Laura Lemos Clothes by Magazine Clothing

It’s our fifth birthday – 30 ISSUES – what a milestone! And, oh my goodness, all those beautiful inspiring women whom we’ve featured in each edition!

I honestly never imagined that one day I would put myself on the cover as I’m definitely one of those people who prefer to be behind the scenes. For the first two years I used the same photo on this welcome page, while my online editor, Kseniia, gently started pushing and coercing me to be more visible.

She’s been patient with me, that’s for sure!

The reason I agreed to a story about my own journey with breast cancer was because I felt I needed to put a word of encouragement out there. My chemo, radiation, and subsequent treatments weren’t easy – often the most I could do during this time was to have a shower before collapsing back on the bed. And the

brain fog… many times I couldn’t figure out how to format a simple sentence in an email, let alone absorb what someone was telling me over the phone. Really hard when you’re trying to run a new business! But here I am, 11 years on and still going strong.

I wanted readers to know that while cancer can be an awful journey, more often than not there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel.

We wouldn’t be celebrating our fifth birthday if it wasn’t for the invaluable support of every advertiser, writer, contributor, photographer and, of course, each inspiring woman who has let us share their story. It has been a multi-layered team effort with so many people supporting the vision I had of creating an uplifting and empowering magazine that we could all access and draw strength from. My sincere thanks to you all.

focus

With gratitude,

LIFESTY LE AND BUS INSPIR E. EMPOWINESS MAGAZ INE. ER. MO TIVATE .

Dee

ISSUE

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Editor & Founder

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DR CATH ERINE BYRNE, ANDREA DR BREAST THOMPSON, PINK ANUYA DESH PAND CANCER AWARENEDESSERTS, CYCL E, LISA GLAS S SS PART ING IN CENTRAL AND Y TIPS OTAGO,

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focus | OUT & ABOUT

FOCUS MAGAZINE

HEALTH & WELLBEING SEMINAR

Our inaugural Health & Wellbeing Seminar brought together a room-full of fabulous women for an inspiring and fun-filled day. Guests heard from Coka Klug (Yoga Tribe), Joelene Ranby (Resolution Retreats), Heidi Jennings (Jennings Coaching), Rachel Grunwell (Inspired Health), Trish Barrs (LOL Wellness), Heather Brett (Simple Happy Spaces), Nikki South (Soul Therapy) and Christine Young (Tauranga Martial Arts Academy).

1. Heather Brett 2. Joelene Ranby 3. Christine Young 4. Rachel Grunwell 5. Tracey Johnston and Tania Spiers 6. Trish Barrs 7. Coka Klug

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OUT & ABOUT | focus

ART EXHIBITION

BY KATJA POTT

Painter, sculptor, photographer, poet, textile worker and seamstress Katja Pott held her solo art exhibition Life In Colour at The Incubator. Her work relates to her feelings of living as a migrant in Aotearoa and Central Australia but also feeling close to her homeland in Northern Germany.

1. Katja Pott and Simone Anderson 2. Amy and Kirsty Clegg 3. Grant Cradock and Fiorella Silva Perez 4. Wendy Pedersen and Hannah Wynn

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THE OPEN ROAD BECKONS. Discover a driving experience that is all about going the long way round.

Visit Coombes Johnston BMW Tauranga to find out more.

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

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focus | WHAT'S ON?

WHAT'S ON? OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

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WHAT'S ON? | focus

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TAURANGA WELLBEING AND VEGAN MARKET 2021 9-10 October Fergusson Park Hall, Tauranga wellbeingmarkets.co.nz

Don’t miss the biggest mind-body-spirit weekend in Tauranga, for free! Learn how to find true balance in your life, to raise your energy, to awaken your inner joy and to make mind heal your body. Meet health practitioners, enjoy vegan food and make the most out of this free event.

TAMI NEILSON THE F WORD 24 October Baycourt, Tauranga taurangafestival.co.nz

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Award-winning singer Tami Neilson uses a rich songbook of country classics to explore why songs of gender equality were banned from country radio. Enjoy a musical concert experience along with humorous storytelling about the women behind one of the most conservative musical genres.

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Biennial showcase of over forty local gardens – from large country expanses to the tinniest, intimate city gardens. You’ll also be able to buy plants and attend cooking demonstrations and gardening workshops.

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Celebrating all things Bavarian, Tauranga’s very own Oktoberfest is back for its second year!

From gourmet smoked sausages to traditional apple strudel, from the locally produced German-styled beer to the fun dancing – there’ll be something for everyone.

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MARY QUANT V&A EXHIBITION 19 November-13 March Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland aucklandartgallery.com

CHRIS PARKER HOW I FELT 24 October Carrus Crystal Palace, Baycourt, Tauranga taurangafestival.co.nz

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GUTSY GIRLS ADVENTURE FILM TOUR 18 November EVENT Cinemas, Tauranga gutsygirlsadventurefilmtour.co.nz

Learn more about the emerging communities of the world’s adventurous women. The tour will take you around the globe by bike, longboard, parachute and more. Redefining femininity in adventure and championing female athletes is a key aim of the event.

In New Zealand from the V&A in London, Mary Quant International exhibition showcases the best works of the legendary fashion designer, who harnessed the youthful spirit of the sixties and created a new look for modern women.

The exhibition includes over 120 garments as well as accessories, cosmetics, sketches and photographs.

During last year’s lockdown, comedian Chris Parker began using cheap crafting kits to beat his pandemic blues and that’s how his latest show was born. Watch Chris seamlessly delivering his iconic camp humour while completing an entire $3 felting kit from Daiso Japan!

OKTOBERFEST TAURANGA 2021 30 October The Historic Village, Tauranga wearethemakers.co.nz

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ROTORUA FESTIVAL OF GARDENS 12-14 November Rotorua City and surrounding districts rotoruagardens.org.nz

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MEET THE AUTHOR DAY 20 November Holy Trinity foyer, Tauranga facebook.com/Everything Books Tauranga

Enjoy a wonderful day of books, chats with authors and book signings. There will be a special area for children to listen to book readings, explore and experience the magic of books and talk to their favourite writers. focusmagazine.co.nz

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focus | BOOKS

NEW TITLES Words DEE COLLINS

SILVER TEARS Camilla Lackberg A stand-alone story, but part of what I imagine will be a trilogy, we revisit the life of Faye Adelheim, who in The Guilded Cage flees a violent marriage and builds her business into a global brand.

Now, as Faye finds a new love interest, her business comes under threat of a takeover and her violent and intimidating ex-husband, Jack, escapes from prison with her father. As pieces of her dark childhood filter through, the reader starts to understand more of Faye’s past.

The book has a few steamy sections, which I feel were introduced to please the new range of readers who seem to thrive on soft porn.

LEFT YOU DEAD Peter James On the way home after a Sunday drive with her husband, Niall, Eden Paternoster insists on stopping to buy cat litter.

Reluctantly, he pulls into the supermarket car park and waits... and waits. Eden has gone.

A few days later, Niall is arrested on suspicion of her murder.

But all is not what it seems.

The murder plot is guessable fairly early on but there are a few unexpected twists and turns.

THE MADISON GAP Patricia Donovan Lexi Madison is happily married to Connor and living in Sydney.

When her older sister Chrissy comes to stay, Lexi’s world begins to unravel as dark family secrets are revealed. Who can she trust – her sister, her long-lost brother or her husband? Who’s telling the truth? Is one of them a sociopath?

Great weekend read.

MAGIC BEANS – THE UNTOLD STORY Terrence Bull With over 35 years in marketing and business consulting, Terrence Bull has taught thousands of business leaders how to grow their businesses and dominate the market. In this narrative-style book, he tells the story of how a desolate Jack is off to the market to sell the family cow so that they can eat.

Jack comes across a wealthy and wise old man who teaches him about each of the twelve magic beans.

The premise is that even if you have no capital and are struggling with debt, lack of time, staff and sales, a radical change of thinking can lead to explosive growth.

GOLF: A COURSE IN LIFE John Hanlon This great little book contains a treasure trove of business and life lessons that can be learned metaphorically from golf.

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The golf lessons are on the left page and a relevant metaphorical life lesson sits on the right – be a good loser, play to your strengths, learn from your mistakes and keep your eye on the ball, are just some of the insightful lessons for the reader.

BRAIN RESET David Gillespie One of Australia’s most trusted researchers takes a look at the addictive causes behind the increases in depression and anxiety in our modern lives.

According to the author, addictions such as sugar consumption, gambling, shopping, screen use, drinking and smoking, result in a spike in dopamine levels which, in turn, affects our brain’s ability to regulate our mood and fuels depression, anxiety and stress.

There are a number of causes of mental illness, many of which are beyond our control, however, our see-sawing dopamine levels can be managed, and in Brain Reset the author offers a pathway to break our addictions, conquer uncertainty, reset our brains and improve our mental health with cuttingedge research, case studies and practical advice.

SHE WHO BECAME THE SUN Shelley Parker-Chan Set in a famine-stricken village in China in the 14th Century, two children have different fates. The Zhu’s eighth son is given the destiny of greatness. As a female, their clever and capable daughter is ignored.

When an attack on the village orphans the children, it is the son who succumbs to despair and dies. Desperate to escape the fate that awaits her, the daughter assumes her brother’s identity and enters a monastery where, with a burning desire to survive, learns she is capable of callous deeds and doing whatever it takes to survive.

An expansive novel with armed conflict, political turmoil, unforgettable complex and flawed characters and the underlying theme of self, family and duty.

THE 3-DAY DIET Victoria Black and Gen Davidson An easy diet that says you only have to be ‘good’ for three days a week and then relax for the other four – well, that’s the premise behind the SuperFastDiet. Victoria Black and Gen Davidson are the creators of the world’s largest online fasting community and, in their book, offer scientific research showing how intermittent fasting works, tips for a balanced mindset, inspiring success stories, meal plans and strategies. The 60+ recipes include details on prep and cooking time, and the number of calories per meal. 

BOOKS | focus

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focus | ASK THE EXPERTS

ASK THE EXPERTS What lifestyle changes can I make to reduce my risk of breast cancer?

There are many risk factors for breast cancer, many of which we have no control over, such as being female, increasing age, breast density, our family history and genetics. These nonmodifiable risk factors have the most impact on the likelihood of developing breast cancer.

Women often worry that they caused their breast cancer. This is never true and, overall, the impact of lifestyle factors is small, however, it is an area where you can take control to actively decrease your risk.

Studies show that, compared to other lifestyle factors, maintaining a healthy weight has the most benefit.

This is most important after menopause when estrogen in your body comes from fat cells rather than ovaries.

Moderate exercise of at least 2½ hours per week also decreases risk. We also know that for women who have had breast cancer, regular exercise decreases the chance of cancer recurring.

Drinking alcohol has been shown to increase risk and should be minimised. There is no known safe level of consumption with even one drink a day increasing risk.

Finally, smoking increases the chance of breast cancer, especially in younger, premenopausal women, and cessation is advised.

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

Will hearing aids make my hearing worse?

CAREY WRIGHT FIRST HEARING CENTRE firsthearingcentre.co.nz

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This is a question we are often asked, and the answer is “no” – so long as the hearing aids have been properly programmed for your specific hearing loss. In fact, using hearing aids has been proven to keep your hearing abilities sharper and delay the natural progression of hearing loss over time.

Studies show that even when people know they have hearing loss they tend to wait a number of years before they’ll consider trying hearing aids. When we first begin wearing hearing aids, the volume and clarity of sounds can seem quite sharp and loud for the first few weeks. The brain needs to readjust and learn to recognise a new ‘normal’ level of hearing ability. Once that happens, hearing loss becomes much more noticeable when you aren’t using hearing devices. People may find that without their hearing aids, sounds seem drastically muted… because they are!

Another factor is the amount of energy your brain puts into hearing. You adapt to a hearing-aid world and your brain doesn’t work as hard at compensating for your hearing loss as it used to; when the hearing aids are removed the brain’s workload is ramped up again.

www.scillachocolates.co.nz Phone 0800 724 552 info@scillachocolates.co.nz

focus | BEAUTY

Launchparty

FOCUS ISN’T THE ONLY ONE CELEBRATING ITS BIRTHDAY THIS MONTH. HERE ARE THE LATEST SKINCARE LAUNCHES THAT DESERVE A PARTY OF THEIR OWN! SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER, GLOW LAB $15 each

SKIN RESET SERUM, EMMA LEWISHAM $148

Long-time Kiwi favourite, available in grocery stores, has received a gorgeous glow-up.

The natural haircare range is packed with impressive ingredients, such as Keratin, that are usually found in salon brands. Use the range for softer, healthier and more luscious hair with reduced breakage by up to 55%.

Five years of scientific research precede the launch of this innovative serum boasting 24 highly effective ingredients from all over the world that work in harmony to repair lacklustre skin and hyperpigmentation, refine skin texture and deliver the most radiant, glowing and even-toned complexion.

TRIPLE FIRMING NECK CREAM, NEOSTRATA $84.99

SHOWER BAR, ANIHANA $9.99 3 x 250ml bottles of body wash in one little bar with the world’s best fragrance? That’s the launch we didn’t know we needed! Each bar features Anihana’s signature Coconut oil to keep your skin soft, nourished and cleansed, as well as Aloe Vera (in Raspberry & Lime), Manuka Honey (in Honey & Peach) and Hemp Seed oil (in Cucumber & Mint).

1 HOUR EXPRESS FACE MIST, BONDI SANDS $24.99 Perfectly timed for the spring months, the latest Bondi Sands’ launch has a non-comedogenic formula that provides instant hydration and healthy glow.

A cherry on top of your tanning routine!

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With the powerful trio of NeoGlucosamine, NeoCitriate and ProAmino Acid, this cream was specifically created to improve the appearance of sagging, wrinkled or discoloured neck skin. How is it different from using any anti-ageing face cream on the décolletage area? Neck creams are gentle enough to apply on the folds of the neck where skinto-skin contact might cause an irritation.

They’re not sticky and don’t settle in the creases or transfer to your clothes.

RADIANT CLEANSE POLISHING CLEANSER, THE EDIT $86 Gentle enough for everyday use, it contains natural bamboo powder for a soft yet effective exfoliation that makes a great first step of your night-time skincare routine. Its light, fruity, floral and herbal natural scent, with hints of vanilla, iris, rose, wild mint and clove leaves, creates a calming mood to wrap up the day. The cleanser refines, brightens, nourishes and softens the skin.

A TAHAA AFFAIR DEVOTION, GLASSHOUSE FRAGRANCES $109 Beauty gurus have already named GLASSHOUSE FRAGRANCES’ surprise update a Fragrance Launch of the Year. Brand’s top-selling candle scent, A Tahaa Affair, is now available as a personal fragrance as well! It’s a captivating cocktail of rich caramel butterscotch, juicy pineapple, ripe passionfruit, crushed violet petals and other delectable ingredients.

BIOLUMIN-C GEL MOISTURISER, DERMALOGICA $119 Brand’s iconic BioLumin-C range welcomed a new addition. It’s not just your average Vitamin C-rich moisturiser; its formula actually utilises unique biotechnologyboosted Vitamin C with re-activation technology, improved potency and penetration-enhancing ingredients.

That dull skin colour stands no chance!

MERMAID MAGIC HAIR BALM, ECOBUNI $22 After shower self-care for your hair! This vegan, New Zealand-made leave-in treatment is packed with high-quality essential oils, shea butter, almond and coconut oils and other goodies to keep your hair healthy and rejuvenated and prevent dryness or other possible damage.

focus | STYLE Long Glass Stone Earrings BCBGMAXAZRIA $197.00

BASE

colours

Aztec Pattern Metal Stretch Bracelet AZURA EXCHANGE $83.00

ALL VARIATIONS OF BROWN, GREY AND CHARCOAL ARE SET TO REPLACE THE TIMELESS BEIGE AND NUDE TONES AS THIS SEASON'S WARDROBE STAPLES.

Staple Tee KOWTOW $99.00

Lily Slip Dress J.CREW $269.00

Handbag MISS SERENADE $168.00

Intuition Pant LEO+BE $155.00

Nero Giardini Sandal MAVIS&MICK $359.00

Ray Top KOWTOW $149.00

Sunglasses DIESEL $284.00

Ownership Tank KETZ-KE $125.00

Invent Pant KETZ-KE $165.00

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Elia Vest CAMILLA&MARC $660.00

Settling Short KETZ-KE $98.00

Rollie Slingback MAVIS&MICK $185.00

Elis Cigarette Trouser CAMILLA&MARC $504.00

LIFE

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MAMA ON THE ROLL

NZ ROLLER SKATING CHAMPION SARAH BUTLER

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DEE COLLINS

FOCUS MAGAZINE EDITOR AND FOUNDER

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TUNING IN

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DR CATHERINE BYRNE IN THE CLINIC AND CATHERINE SMALBERGER BEHIND THE PIANO

WOMEN IN STEM, CYCLING IN CENTRAL OTAGO, GORGEOUS PINK DESSERTS, HOW YOU CAN HELP A FRIEND WITH BREAST CANCER

focus | LIFE

MAMA

on the roll

SARAH BUTLER’S RECENT PHOTO ON INSTAGRAM SHOWS HER SNUGGLING HER LITTLE SON WITH ONE HAND AND HER 2021 ARTISTIC ROLLER SKATING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY WITH THE OTHER. THIS SINGLE MUM IS AN UNSTOPPABLE MULTITASKER AND LOVES IT! Words KSENIIA SPODYNEIKO Images RANIERO CORBELLETTI, MADISON COLLIS

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YOU STARTED SKATING AT 6. WHAT SPARKED THE INTEREST? I grew up in Australia but my parents are from New Zealand, where they used to skate when they were young.

They took me and my siblings to a roller skating session and it became our obsession straight away. For years we were skating every day after school!

YOU’VE REPRESENTED AUSTRALIA AT SEVERAL JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS . WHAT WERE THEY LIKE? It was surreal! The most amazing experience of my life. I’ve competed at four World Championships – 2012 in New Zealand, 2013 in Taipei, 2015 in Colombia and 2016 in Italy. You get to meet the best skaters in the world, everyone is so welcoming and you just feel at home, surrounded by so many people who love this sport as much as you do.

WHY DID YOU MOVE TO NEW ZEALAND? I actually always wanted to live in Aotearoa. Although I loved living in Australia, it never felt like home to me.

I’m so grateful for every opportunity I was given there, especially the chance to represent Australia in skating, but my heart has always been here, in Aotearoa. So, when I took a break from skating in 2017, I figured it was a ‘now or never’ moment.

IS THE ROLLER SKATING SCENE HERE MUCH DIFFERENT FROM AUSTRALIA’S? Maybe it’s because I’m older now but it seems so much more relaxed here in comparison to Australia!

YOU’VE RECENTLY BECOME A MUM. IT’S A WHOLE NEW CHAPTER IN LIFE. HOW DID IT CHANGE YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE?

Oh my goodness, it’s such an amazing, tiring but fulfilling chapter! My son is the best thing that has ever happened to me. He’s my whole world and I’m so grateful to be his mama. Having him really grounded me, gave me a purpose and new understanding of what is actually important. I don’t get as stressed and overwhelmed by the ‘little things’ anymore. It also gave me a new appreciation for my body and a greater understanding of just how strong and capable I really am.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE MUM DUTIES WITH ROLLER SKATING? YOU’RE NOT ONLY A COMPETING ATHLETE BUT ALSO A COACH. It’s definitely a challenge but with a bit of creativity we get through it. I don't have him in childcare (nothing against it, just not for me!), so I do all of my own training and lesson planning during

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focus | LIFE

nap-time or overnight. When he was a bit younger, I would coach while holding him but now that he’s bigger, he plays on the side of the rink whilst I coach.

Competitions are a little trickier, as I’ll be coaching for 6-8 hours first and then compete myself straight after! So my skating family and I always create a bit of a schedule and they play with him or take him for walks, so I can get through the day!

My skaters are all used to having him around.

I often breastfeed him or have him napping on my shoulder while coaching.

I am very blessed to have understanding and supportive friends, skaters and parents around. I couldn’t do this without them! I always dreamed of having a baby and being able to bring him along every step of the way means so much to me.

WHO IS SARAH BUTLER WITHOUT HER ROLLER SKATES? To be honest, I don’t even know! Having a toddler is a full-time job, especially when you’re raising him on your own. If I ever get any free time, I tend to use it to skate or to plan lessons. Other than that, I spend a lot of time on the phone with my family in Australia or my friends up in Auckland. It can be a little overwhelming at times but I know it won't always be like this. One day he'll be older and won't want or need me as much, so I'm trying to soak up every minute while I still can. 

+64 2040876273 +64 2040876273 info@sandriblom.com info@sandriblom.com www.sandriblom.com www.sandriblom.com

Sandri Blom Photography Sandri Blom Photography

blomsandri blomsandri

Do it for your

FAMILY It’s not just for your peace of mind, but your whole whanau, they worry and want to know you are ok too. Put your mind and theirs at ease with regular breast screening. A mammogram increases the chance of detecting breast cancer at an earlier stage. With this in mind, Bay Radiology offers the very latest development in mammography imaging – 3D Breast Tomosynthesis – at our Promed House branch in Tauranga.

Our team of specialist consultant radiologists, sonographers and medical imaging technologists are on-site every day. We are committed to providing medical imaging services of a consistently high standard to our community, because this is when your image matters most.

0800 467 4260 P 07 578 0273 E info@bayradiology.co.nz

www.bayradiology.co.nz

SCREENING SERVICES Breast cancer Prostate cancer Bowel cancer Bone density Antenatal chromosomal abnormality Coronary calcium scoring DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES X-ray Ultrasound Echocardiography Bone densitometry Mammography 3D Breast Tomosynthesis Fluoroscopy CT scanning CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA) MRI scanning INTERVENTIONAL SERVICES Image guided biopsy Image guided cortisone injection Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment (PRP)

focus | COVER STORY

Dee Collins

NOT MERELY SURVIVING, BUT THRIVING

WORDS: JENNY ARGANTE IMAGES: SANDRI BLOM PHOTO EDITING: ALEX SPODYNEIKO HAIR AND MAKEUP: LAURA LEMOS OUTFITS: MAGAZINE CLOTHING LOCATIONS: THE ART LOUNGE NZ, THE NOURISHED EATERY

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COVER STORY | focus

DEE COLLINS FOUND A LUMP ON HER BREAST WHEN SHE WAS LIVING IN AUSTRALIA. BECAUSE SHE WAS MOVING BETWEEN BRISBANE AND THE SUNSHINE COAST, SHE WAS TEMPORARILY UNLISTED WITH ANY MEDICAL PRACTICE. SO INSTEAD OF A VISIT TO A GP, DEE CALLED IN TO A BREAST CANCER CENTRE, AND WAS INSTANTLY OFFERED A MAMMOGRAM.

T

his came back clear, but Dee insisted on ‘a second opinion’, which was secured through an ultrasound scan.

There was something there and a biopsy revealed the presence of cancerous cells.

Says Dee, “I would strongly advise any woman who senses something is still not right to go with their intuition and push for a followup. We’re told if we find a lump to go to a doctor immediately and it’s well-known the earlier a woman is diagnosed the quicker treatment can begin and the higher her chances of a full recovery.”

Dee had a lumpectomy and the biopsy revealed that she had an aggressive Grade 3 ductal carcinoma which was HER-2 positive.

She was now with a GP, and tells us, “The doctor described it as oestrogen-driven. My husband Mark and I had both been married before and

wanted a child of our own. We’d been trying for some years, and I had undergone IVF fertility treatment.”

Sadly, this never resulted in motherhood for Dee, and perhaps the oestrogen supplementation that is part of IVF lingered too long in her system. One never knows the reason.

HOPE, HARD WORK AND FOCUS But Dee is not a person to stay in the negative and doesn’t say much about her trials or tribulations. She’s a woman of hope, with no fear of hard work, and whose entrepreneurial spirit and enterprise has ensured a rewarding level of achievement, both personal and professional.

Meeting Dee for the first time, you cannot fail to sense the energy and purpose in her.

She is friendly and confident, and presents as a stylish, attractive woman of intelligence and

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good humour. You suspect she strives to work to a high standard, both as an individual and within a team. Dee constantly praises those who work with her and for her, and you guess it’s no accident that she now owns a printing and packaging company with her husband Mark and that the magazine she produces is called focus.

With such a strong sense of what she knows she’s capable of and such a positive attitude to challenges – and Dee has faced many – she refused absolutely to be intimated by the Big C. “I was fortunate,” she asserts. “I was living in Oz at that time, and the drug Herceptin wasn’t funded in New Zealand-Aotearoa, though it is now.

Herceptin works by attaching itself to the HER-2 receptors on the surface of the breast cancer cells and blocks them from receiving growth signals. This slows or stops them spreading.”

CHOICE IS IMPORTANT Dee believes it is important to refuse any concept of being a victim when cancer strikes. She understands that, if knowledge is the power, then information is the key. Dee came to the conclusion she needed to study what would work best for her. She decided to go for a mix of medicallyprescribed drugs and treatments with alternative therapies, these to be adopted if deemed useful in a direct or supplementary role.

“When you’re working with a medical team to get well, it’s important to listen to them, yes. It’s also important to realise it doesn’t have to be one thing or the other,” she says now. “We do have choices. So I asked questions and I read up on my illness. That did evolve into a course of treatment that I had faith would work best for me at the time. I wanted to maximise both physical and emotional wellbeing. Taking charge helped me to stay optimistic for a positive outcome.”

She pauses to smile, somewhat wryly. “Like many patients, I found chemo in particular exhausting. There are different kinds of chemo and

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COVER STORY | focus

The Cancer Society of New Zealand cancer.org.nz

Offers good basic information that is regularly updated, and helpful information and resources. Runs Daffodil Day yearly as a fundraiser.

The Breast Cancer Foundation of New Zealand breastcancerfoundation.org.nz

A comprehensive, readable website by an association whose belief is that, one day, no one will die of breast cancer. Organises the annual Pink Ribbon Appeal.

Breast Cancer Support breastcancersupport.co.nz

Not-for-profit specialising in peer support services for women experiencing breast cancer.

Dee on the job as focus editor

everyone does chemo differently.”

At that time, she owned a bridal exhibition business – what Dee describes as being ‘Sunshine Coast wedding-day vendors’ – and that involved commitment, networking and a fair amount of travel. She also created the Sunshine Coast Wedding Guide, which was her first foray into the magazine and publishing arena.

“Too often my mind was in a fog, I got confused and my energy levels could rapidly drop to nil at any time.

That, for me, was the worst part of my cancer experience. But I was determined not to be beaten.”

Dee fully acknowledges she couldn’t have done so without the support of family, who, albeit living in New Zealand, rallied around, especially her husband Mark.

“It is often hardest on the partner,” Dee reflects. “The patient has her own struggles and they are expected to carry on and care for her, and life for both of you becomes a little like being a hamster on a wheel. There’s the routines of the medication, the drives to and from the treatment centres, appointments with specialists and the strain for your partner of being outwardly cheerful, being the mediator between you and the world you are both now dealing with.”

She leans forward to emphasise what she says next.

“Look, I’ve been tremendously lucky. I met Mark when I had given up looking and I have never wished for anything better. I was relatively new to Australia when I fell ill and had not yet been able to build a circle of close friends. On my own without him it would have been a lonely battle.”

RISING TO CHALLENGE One thing that was particularly hard was her father dying soon after she was diagnosed.

Yet Dee has faced tough challenges before. Born in Zimbabwe while it was still Rhodesia, she entered a world where a long, fierce battle for independence was being fought, and a

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Discussing the next story with online editor Kseniia Spodyneiko

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country that began to crumble with a dictator who was determined to inflict ruin with his Marxist ideology.

Under the iron-clad, 40-year rule of Robert Mugabe it was a country that eventually disintegrated into conflict, crime and chaos, the forced sale of farms long-held by the descendants of settlers, and famine and economic collapse.

As with many other Zimbabweans, political instability, a deep uncertainty about what the future might hold and the collapse of the rule of law prompted Mark and Dee to emigrate.

Dee's brother had already moved to Christchurch, and that’s where they headed, together with Dee's parents.

Later, after nearly eight years in Australia, the couple came back to New Zealand to put down permanent roots.

“It had to be in a region with interesting possibilities,” says Dee, “and the Bay of Plenty beckoned. Most of my career has been in exhibition and event management but I wanted a change. We bought a printing company and I launched focus. I describe it as a lifestyle and business magazine about women, by women and for women. I was tired of the gossip and negative news in the media and wanted a magazine that would empower, inspire and shine a spotlight on the amazing women in the region.”

With cancer, there is always a chance of recurrence after remission or cure but Dee refuses to dwell on such a possibility.

“The cancer journey isn’t easy but, at the end of it, I’ve found there is hope.

I’m also a life coach and I don’t think negativity can ever be helpful. Since my illness I’ve become more health conscious, favour an organic diet and try to take care of mind, body and spirit.

I try to get the work-life balance into sync but it doesn’t always happen...”

It’s obvious that Dee believes it’s best not merely to survive cancer, though it’s definitely an achievement of merit. It’s better, once it’s beaten, to thrive.

Something Dee Collins seems to have made a habit of. 

LIFE | focus

AS A FRIEND, HOW CAN YOU HELP?

GOING THROUGH BREAST CANCER TREATMENT CAN BE EXHAUSTING AND NEVER ENDING. THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS YOU CAN HELP A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER WITH THEIR JOURNEY. RATHER THAN SAYING ‘LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED ANYTHING’, BE PROACTIVE AND ANTICIPATE WHAT SHE MIGHT NEED. SHE HAS ENOUGH ON HER MIND AND MAY NOT WANT TO ASK. HERE ARE SOME OF THE WAYS YOU CAN HELP: • Make wholesome meals for the freezer. She might not eat them but she’ll be so appreciative when it comes to feeding the family or her partner.

• Drop off some baking.

• Suggest a walk. This will be in her time and at her speed and she may get exhausted very quickly, so be patient.

• Learn to listen. Your friend might repeat the same questions whilst she is in decision-making mode and just need a sounding board rather than advice.

• Take your friend’s children for a while, particularly over school holidays when they are spending all day at home and your friend feels unwell.

• Shop for groceries.

• Drive your friend to appointments.

• Take notes at these appointments so your friend can go over them later.

There is so much information to absorb from the medical team that she’ll have difficulty remembering everything that was said.

• Collect prescriptions.

• Organise a movie night with girlfriends.

• Offer some books or magazines.

• Ask her partner out for a meal, or a drink, especially on those days after chemo. Partners often need a change of scenery, conversation and an opportunity to share how they are coping/feeling. The spouse/partner is often forgotten as all focus is on the ‘patient’ – so reach out to them often.

• Know that sometimes your friend may not want help and that is okay too.

• Don’t forget your friend half-way through treatment. Initially friends and family rush in to help at the beginning, but breast cancer is a long road and people can get ‘help weary’, so work out a roster with her friends and check in with each other from time to time.  focusmagazine.co.nz

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TUNING IN

SOME HAVE A JOB AND A HOBBY. SHE HAS A PROFESSION AND A PASSION. AS A DOCTOR, SHE FOUND HER CALLING IN PALLIATIVE MEDICINE. AS A MUSICIAN, SHE PURSUES HER PASSION BY PERFORMING ON STAGE AS A PIANIST AND SINGING SOPRANO IN A CHOIR. Words & Images MARGARETE KRAEMER

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LIFE | focus

Image: 2020 Scholars Baroque – Ashley Hopkins

Her patients know her as Dr Catherine Byrne. When she plays the piano or sings in the choir, she goes by her married name, Catherine Smalberger. Medicine and music are two constants that have defined Catherine’s life over time and across continents.

Born in Derbyshire as the oldest in a family of four girls and two boys, Catherine was the first in her extended family to go to university. Since she was a little girl, she had always wanted to be a doctor, but at school all her best subjects were arts. While she was doing well at sciences, they weren’t her natural bent at all.

At age six Catherine started piano lessons with a teacher. However, it is her maternal grandfather whom she credits for sparking her love of music. When she was seven, he took her to a concert version – no costumes or sets – of Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni. “You would think this would put a seven-year-old off for life, but I just loved it.”

SELF-DOUBTS For the first two years at university Catherine didn’t enjoy the course because it was pure science. She seriously contemplated dropping out but wasn’t brave enough to do it because she knew how proud everybody was of her. Luckily, she followed the advice of her mother. “She said: ‘Wait until you get to the wards. If you still hate it, then leave’,” Catherine remembers. And as predicted, from day one she thrived on the contact with patients.

By the time she went to university Catherine had studied piano privately and had passed all her music exams.

She also took the exam for her Associate Diploma. “My teacher was great for playing the piano, but he didn’t really help me much with the theory. I passed the practical part, but I failed the theory and didn’t get the diploma.” For years she never considered herself a proper pianist because of that. “It hung over me. I thought I’d never do it again.”

After finishing her degree and her years of practical training, Catherine didn’t feel ready to settle down yet.

Instead, she took a job in Canada, where she met her future husband, a South African doctor, who worked at the same hospital. Following some back and forth between England and South Africa, they settled in Cape Town. Catherine learned Afrikaans and secured a position at Groote Schuur Hospital, staying there for five years.

SETTING UP AIDS CLINICS The enormity of the AIDS epidemic had just become obvious, and Catherine wanted to work with HIV-infected patients. “Most doctors didn’t. AIDS was like leprosy,” Catherine puts it. She was involved in the very first AIDS clinic at Groote Schuur Hospital – as far as she knows the first one in South Africa – and in setting up an AIDS clinic for the mothers of children with AIDS at Red Cross Children’s Hospital. “Later I set up another AIDS clinic in George, which I see is still going,” says Catherine. There was no cure, though there were a few medicines that helped. “I couldn’t do a lot for my patients, but I could give them a hug, show respect and love, and treat them politely.”

STRUGGLING TO SETTLE IN In 2002, her husband, by now a consultant anaesthetist, accepted a locum job in Tauranga. Catherine was devastated and said: “I can live anywhere in the world except Australia focusmagazine.co.nz

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and New Zealand. It’s too far from Europe. I’ve done my southern hemisphere bit in South Africa.” It took her at least five years to settle here, “helped by wonderfully supportive friends and family,” she adds.

In Tauranga, Catherine found there was no need for her, or so she thought.

Running AIDS clinics in South Africa she had felt useful because she was looking after the sickest people nobody else wanted to care for.

But as luck would have it, she met the then CEO of Waipuna Hospice.

“We need more doctors at hospice. A lot of doctors don’t want to work with the dying. Would you be interested?”

Catherine went to have a look – and has been working there in palliative care for 19 years. “For me this was the replacement for my work in AIDS clinics – the right place for me to work, a niche that I fit into.”

A MASTER’S IN PALLIATIVE CARE At Waipuna Hospice Catherine studied a Diploma and then a Master’s degree in Palliative Care through Flinders University. In 2019 she was awarded distinction on completion of her Master’s research project based at the hospice.

She also worked as a GP in various medical centres – the last one for 16 years. “But I realised that the aspect of general practice I really liked was dealing with patients who had cancer or were dying. I wasn’t so interested in ‘the worried well’. I wanted to work with really ill people.”

As well as working at the hospice, earlier this year Catherine joined Cicada Health, a company that provides primary care to patients in aged residential care in greater Tauranga. “With this job and the hospice I’m no less busy now than I was in general practice.”

DA CAPO: THE PIANO DIPLOMA Changing countries for Catherine always meant looking for a local piano teacher. In Tauranga she found a marvellous teacher in the late Beverley Read, and it was she who made her re-attempt and finally get her Associate Diploma, ANZMEB, in piano performance. “Now I am studying for the next level, the Licentiate Diploma, LNZMEB, with Chalium Poppy, founder of Scholars Baroque Aotearoa.”

Since 2019 Catherine has also

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been singing in the auditioned Scholars Baroque choir, where she can perform high classical music. “It’s my highlight of the week. I just can’t wait for Tuesday night rehearsals. It’s the one thing that everything else gets cancelled for.” Finally, she found everything she wanted: “I joined the choir and took singing and piano lessons. I was accompanying and played a few piano solos. And now I’m learning the organ as well, which is difficult for me as it is nothing like the piano.”

GIVING AND RECEIVING PLEASURE When she sings in the choir or plays the piano, Catherine can feel that indescribable electricity in the audience and knows she has given them something. “In return, music gives me a real high. In the end I feel like floating on air for days afterwards. It’s like a drug, but it doesn’t do any harm.”

In medicine, it gives Catherine pleasure if she can make somebody feel better, especially in palliative care when nothing can be done curatively.

“There are seemingly little things, like stopping symptoms. But it’s really a big thing for the patient if the pain, the nausea or the vomiting stops.

There is so much you can still do to help and bring relief.” This happens to her regularly, and she finds it utterly satisfying.

NEVER A MATTER OF EITHER-OR Catherine’s life has never been a matter of choosing one or the other.

Despite moving between continents and having to find her feet again each time, she has succeeded: in music, in medicine and, most importantly, in achieving consonance and harmony by reconciling all aspects of life that matter to her, “including travelling to Italy whenever I get the chance,” she laughs.

Now in her happy place, is there anything the mother of four still misses? “Yes,” says Catherine with a dose of British humour. “Christmas should be in winter. Easter should be in spring. I can’t get over it. I’m depressed every Christmas because it’s in summer.” But this minor seasonal flaw is tolerable in the grand scheme of things that have fallen into place so perfectly otherwise. 

One family member who can’t wait for Catherine to come home from work is Maple the dog. For her, it means playtime in the garden.

DJ10708_Grace_Hospital_Breast_Cancer_Nurse_Advert_v4_ol.indd 1

18/08/20 9:36 AM

focus | LIFE

STEMFest Solving some of today’s problems using STEM THE TAURANGA STEM FESTIVAL (STEMFEST) IS RETURNING TO DURHAM ST TO ENCOURAGE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY WOMEN, TO CONSIDER A CAREER IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. THE FREE FAMILY EVENT WILL FEATURE HANDS-ON EXPERIMENTS AND AIMS TO INSPIRE A

NEW GENERATION OF SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS. STEMFEST AMBASSADOR NATALIE PRINZ AND TAURANGA ENGINEER VICTORIA CLARK ARE TWO LOCAL WOMEN WHO HAVE BUILT SUCCESSFUL CAREERS USING STEM AND WHOSE WORK IS CONTRIBUTING TO OUR REGION’S WELLBEING AND PROSPERITY.

VICTORIA

CLARK

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

B

eing the youngest or only woman in a room of engineers isn’t unusual for Victoria Clark.

The 30-year-old is a senior environmental engineer with Beca.

She leads a team of 12 in Tauranga who are responsible for design, management and construction of water infrastructure, and they also work with colleagues in Hamilton and Auckland.

Being outnumbered by men in her professional life is an extension of her experiences at university where she remembers women making up only 20 per cent of civil engineering classes.

“It was more like 50/50 in my natural resources classes and, on the whole, all the guys knew who we were, but we didn’t know all the guys... they

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made up the majority. You get used to it.”

While the gender imbalance is currently considered the ‘norm’, Victoria says she’d like to see that change during her career. She’s helping by contributing to The Wonder Project, an Engineering New Zealand initiative aimed at educating school children about the industry by introducing them to design processes and physics concepts. She also talks to senior students about engineering at school career days and she has a keen interest in seeing more young women enter the industry.

“I really enjoy sharing what I do. I went to an all-girls school and there were only three of us who went on to

study engineering. The more women like me who share our knowledge about the positive opportunities and experiences in engineering, the more women will enter the field.”

Victoria has been with Beca for over seven years, joining the engineering firm in Christchurch as a graduate. She was involved in the city’s rebuild after the earthquakes as part of the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT), an alliance of consulting companies and contractors. It was an experience that exposed her straight out of university to complex multidisciplinary projects.

“Those projects are good fun,” she says. “My area of expertise is stormwater design, but I enjoy

LIFE | focus

working with people with other technical knowledge across different engineering disciplines. I’m always learning.”

In recent years, her Tauranga water team has been kept busy with the planning and development of the Waiari water treatment plant in Te Puke. It is designed to supplement Tauranga’s water supply to reduce the frequency of city water restrictions over summer.

Every engineering project has its unique challenges, which keeps her work exciting, she says.

“I love the variety it brings.

Now being a senior, I’m enjoying having input at a higher level early in the project and influencing how it develops.”

Water infrastructure is often difficult to see, with most of it underground, but she says it’s critical to the functioning of any city or rural

area.

“People often don’t realise that a sports field may perform a stormwater management function and one of the largest design aspects of a major new road is its stormwater. With big roading projects, we’re factoring in geometric, geotechnical, structural, civil and landscaping designs, and bringing all those things together into one project.”

Master’s Degree in Tropical Marine Ecology. This took her to the Cook Islands where she investigated the impact of tourism practices on coral reef fish.

After later working alongside researchers on an Arctic expedition vessel and other scientists in Saudi Arabia and Italy, she arrived in Tauranga in April 2020 to start a five-year PhD and teach at The University of Waikato.

This year she helped the Tauranga campus host more than 400 scientists for the New Zealand Marine Sciences Society conference – the first time the city has hosted the group in 40 years. The event highlighted the broad range of marine science topics and strengthened Natalie’s passion for science and its ability to restore valuable marine ecosystems, including estuaries that line New Zealand’s coastlines, which are the focus of her PhD study. Her thesis will test the idea that two endemic shellfish (tuangi/New Zealand cockle and hanikura/wedge

shell) can short-circuit the recovery of degraded estuaries. Her experiments are underway at Tuapiro Point near Katikati and are likely to extend to other estuaries over the next two years.

It’s her passion and bubbly personality that led to the 30-yearold’s appointment as the STEMFest ambassador. The family-focused festival – the only event of its kind in New Zealand – aims to inspire a new generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

Natalie says it’s important to encourage more children with curious minds to pursue scientific careers.

“I’ve never reached any ceiling and I want to make it even easier for the next generation coming through to solve some big challenges. We need a diverse workforce that works together to create healthier, more sustainable environments.”

NATALIE

PRINZ INSPIRING FUTURE SCIENTISTS

S

urrounded by water and spending months travelling the world with a father who worked as a cruise ship director, it’s no wonder Natalie Prinz fell in love with ocean life.

But the German-born marine biologist and STEMFest ambassador recalls it was a family visit to the forest that sparked her career path.

“I have a very strong memory of my parents taking me on a forest walk one weekend,” Natalie says. “I asked, ‘What can I be that has to do with nature?’

Mum said I could be a natural scientist.

From that moment on and without really knowing what it meant, I told people that’s what I would be.”

Following her dream and wanting to understand more about oceanography and how animals interact with the environment, she studied in Perth and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science. Natalie spent a year working in science and tourism in Western Australia before returning to Germany to do an International

Getyour free STEMFest tickets at stemfest.nz  focusmagazine.co.nz

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focus | FOOD

PINK high tea BREAST CANCER HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH CONSUMPTION OF SUGAR AND SATURATED ANIMAL FATS. TRY THESE HEALTHY RECIPES TO KEEP YOUR PERKY PEACHES HEALTHY AND HAPPY!

TIP

For a gluten-free version, swap spelt flour for half brown rice flour and half buckwheat flour.

Buffy Ellen is one of Australasia’s leading plantbased nutritionists and naturopaths, with over 10 years’ experience and an audience of more than 180,000. She is the founder of Be Good Organics, New Zealand’s largest plant-based food blog. After experiencing her own healing journey from Graves' autoimmune disease, she is now passionate about helping others achieve their very best health. begoodorganics.com

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FOOD | focus

BLUEBERRY & BEETROOT CHEESECAKE INGREDIENTS: Base ingredients: • ½ cup sunflower seeds (soaked for 8 hours or overnight) • ½ cup oats • ½ cup desiccated coconut • ¾ cup dates • 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil • 1 tsp vanilla extract • ¼ tsp sea salt

PINK CUPCAKES INGREDIENTS: • ½ cup ground almonds • 1 cup wholemeal spelt flour • ½ cup fine desiccated coconut • ⅓ cup coconut sugar • 2 tsp baking powder • ½ tsp baking soda • 2 Tbsp dragonfruit powder (optional) • Pinch of sea salt • ⅓ cup plant-based milk • 2 lemons • ¼ cup olive oil • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract For the icing: • ½ cup cashews • 1 lemon • 4 tsp brown rice syrup METHOD: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C/ 355°F. Line or grease a standard 12-case muffin tray.

2. Blitz almonds to a flour and sift with remaining dry ingredients.

3. Blend the wet ingredients in a blender and pour into dry mix, folding until combined.

4. Bake for 14 minutes until a skewer comes out almost dry, then remove and cool on a baking rack.

5. Meanwhile, blend cashews to a flour in the smallest blender you have (e.g. a smoothie/bullet attachment). Add remaining icing ingredients along with 2 teaspoons of water, and blend again until super smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed.

6. Top the cupcakes with icing, a sprinkle of coconut, and fresh blueberries if you like.

Filling: • 2½ cups soaked cashews • ½ cup water • 1 lemon juice and flesh • 1 tsp vanilla extract • ¼ tsp sea salt • ⅓ cup brown rice syrup, coconut nectar or other sweetener • ½ cup melted coconut oil • ½ cup melted cacao butter • 2 cups blueberries • 4 tsp beetroot powder To decorate: • 1 cup fresh berries + edible flowers if desired • Sesame seeds • Be Good Organics Cashew Macadamia Chia Cream is also a delicious choice METHOD: 1. To make the base, blend sunflower seeds, oats and desiccated coconut in a food processor until well chopped but still with some chunky texture.

2. Add dates one by one while the motor is still running. Add remaining base ingredients and blend until well combined.

3. Pour the mixture into a 20cm spring-form cake tin with the base of the tin lined with baking paper. Press the mixture down with a spatula until firm and flat. Place in the freezer to firm.

4. Blend all the filling ingredients, except coconut oil, cacao butter, blueberries and beetroot, in your preferred blender until completely smooth, scraping down the inside of the food processor a few times to remove lumps. The mixture should be completely smooth like a thick cream.

5. On a low setting, slowly pour in three quarters of the coconut oil and cacao butter, and put aside the remaining liquid for the blueberry layer.

6. Pour half of the cream mixture into a bowl and set aside. Add the blueberries and the rest of the coconut oil and cacao butter to the remaining cream mixture in the blender and process until well combined.

7. Remove base from freezer and, using half of the plain cream mixture set aside, spread evenly on top of the base. Return to the freezer until the cream layer is firm. Repeat this step with half of the blueberry mixture and then again with the remaining cream layer once the blueberry has set.

8. Add the beetroot powder to the remaining blueberry mixture and process until well combined. Add this final layer to the cake once the second cream layer has set.

9. Place in the freezer overnight and in the morning remove from the tin and place in the fridge. You can also slice the cake and return to the freezer in individual slices to remove from the freezer as you need.

10. Serve with fresh berries (or whatever fruit you would like) and some coconut yogurt or Be Good Organics Cashew Macadamia Chia Cream! focusmagazine.co.nz

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focus | TRAVEL

Roxburgh Gorge

Misty morning

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Unloading the bikes

Poolburn Viaduct

TRAVEL | focus

Cycling in CENTRAL OTAGO The Tauranga team in Clyde

TOOLING ALONG TANTALISING TRAILS WITH GOOD FRIENDS, SAVOURING THE EARLY AUTUMN SUNSHINE, ADMIRING THE SCENERY, ANTICIPATING THE NEXT COFFEE STOP… RECREATIONAL CYCLING DOES NOT GET MUCH BETTER THAN IN CENTRAL OTAGO. Words & Images LIZ FRENCH

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Made it! Liz and Mark at Middlemarch

E

ven better when your trip is all organised for you.

We couldn’t fault Clyde- (and Cromwell-) based Bike It Now, who arranged all the accommodation including breakfasts, and bag and shuttle transfers which enabled our group of eight to cycle for six seamless days.

While Bike It Now does hire mountain and e-bikes (now the norm not the exception in Central!) we all brought our own, having driven down from Tauranga via different routes to meet in Clyde for the ride; six of us on standard bikes, two on electric. Bike It Now provides a full itinerary and a briefing so comprehensive you’d have to try very hard to get lost.

We were linking the Roxburgh and Clutha Gold Trails that follow the Clutha River, then returning to Clyde to ride the well-known Otago Central Rail Trail, which tracks the original railway line between Clyde and Middlemarch.

Clyde is a pretty little historic town above the Clutha with interesting shops and plenty of places to eat. Our accommodation there was the Antique Lodge Motel, a small complex run by two friendly golden retrievers and their equally affable owners who let us leave our vehicles in their paddock while we were away cycling.

Lauder School

Lunch stop - Chatto Creek

ROXBURGH GORGEOUS The Roxburgh Trail officially starts in Alexandra. We rode there via an attractive 12-kilometre track weaving through the trees along the Clutha riverbank. Coffee in Alexandra is compulsory, going by the number of Lycra-clad latte drinkers.

Next, the best part of the entire six days, through the Roxburgh Gorge with the river right below, craggy hills either side, and only a couple of slightly gnarly bits where it pays to look where you are going rather than at the view!

The several kilometres gap in the trail is filled by a jet boat ride, where our driver shared his deep knowledge of the area’s rich gold mining history and swooped from side to side to show us old mine sites. Our bikes went on the boat too of course.

More river tracks and a few steep switchbacks later we arrived at the Roxburgh hydro dam to spend the night at the Lake Roxburgh Lodge… in time to watch the America’s Cup, a daily deadline until we cheered the final race several days later on the Rail Trail.

Our second day, now on The Clutha Gold Trail, involved a short side trip for coffee in Roxburgh township and lunch outside the pub at Miller’s Flat some 30 kilometres later.

It started to rain mid-afternoon by which time we were very comfortably settled at Melrose Cottages on an apple orchard a few kms off the trail. I soaked in the outdoor bath in the drizzle while the others watched yachts race. Dinner was a sumptuous BBQ, ingredients provided by our hosts.

The weather was threatening the following morning as we started our 43-kilometre ride to Lawrence. We had just taken a short and very interesting walking detour along the Horseshoe Bend Track to a suspension bridge built in 1913 when there was a downpour. Despite raincoats, we were pretty soaked by the time we reached Beaumont, nothing that could not be solved by a whitebait sandwich and bums by the heater at the characterful Beaumont Hotel.

The rain eased as the Gold Trail left the Clutha and wound its way through countryside to Lawrence, an old Otago town with some gorgeous homesteads. Gabriel’s Gully, site of New Zealand’s first gold rush, is just up the road, worth the ride, especially on e-bikes. That was the

Switchbacks on Roxburgh

advantage for the e-bike riders; they could go more places and do more side trips with less energy expenditure.

Bike It Now picked us up in Lawrence and ferried us the hour and a half return trip to Clyde, past some of the tracks we’d cycled and back to a waggy welcome at the motel. Next morning, we hit the next trail.

RAIL TRAILING The Otago Central Rail Trail starts (or ends) in Clyde. As it is a rail trail and rail lines run in straight lines where possible, there are lots of long straights.

The first starts right at Clyde. You can avoid it by riding along the Clutha River to Alexandra but then you’d also miss the great Industry Café beside the trail for that fix you need after a whole half hour in the saddle.

Day one from Clyde also has some long steady uphills. Luckily it was calm, as they can be challenging with a strong headwind. The straights and climbs are rewarded by the huge expanse of sky and the wide rural panorama.

Forty-four kilometres later we arrived at Lauder Railway Schoolhouse’s quirky accommodation for our first night on this trail, in time to watch NZ win the America’s Cup. We celebrated at the local Lauder pub, and were fed and entertained by its very droll publican. We got the feeling these old hotels are a dying breed as fancier options threaten to usurp them.

Waking to four degrees on a bright clear morning necessitated coffee at the cute Stationside Café before we even got on our bikes. Typical Central Otago autumn weather – freezing in the morning and gloriously warm later.

The second day (if riding it over three days as we were) on the Rail Trail is the best, for its concentration of viaducts and tunnels. Lunch at Hayes Engineering’s cafe in Oturehua, and the short detour via Ophir and its historic bridge are other highlights. We pass the trail’s highest point near Wedderburn, site of the railway shed featured in one of many paintings of this region by Grahame Sydney. We biked through Ranfurly to stay the night in the rustically luxurious Tussock Lodge, with dinner at the nearby Waipiata Hotel, fairly pumping on a Thursday night.

We left Waipiata shrouded in morning mist and biked in atmospheric gloom until the fog lifted to another perfect day. All steady, gentle downhill from here, so it was a pretty quick 52 kilometres to Middlemarch, stopping for coffee at Hyde and passing the site of a 1943 rail disaster that killed 21 people, New Zealand’s second worst after Tangiwai.

Very satisfying to arrive in Middlemarch, having happily cycled a total of 285 kilometres over six days. Bike It Now had us shuttled back to Clyde, where we farewelled the motel dogs and headed to Wanaka for some R and R. Lots of great biking there too… 

One of many small stations on the Rail Trail

Ophir Bridge

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BUSINESS 40

CUSTOMER SERVICE IN MEDICINE DR ANUYA DESHPANDE SHARES BUSINESS LESSONS

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RESILIENCE RETREATS

BUSINESS AND WELLNESS RETREAT IN WAIKATO

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ELITE EMERGENCY RESPONDERS

NZ-EMAT'S NEWEST MEMBERS FROM TAURANGA

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CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF YOUR BUSINESS, BREAST CANCER AWARENESS PARTY TIPS, GIVEAWAYS, THE LAST PAGE

focus | BUSINESS

CUSTOMER SERVICE in Medicine

Dr Anuya's veins team (L to R) sonographer Louise Victor, Dr Anuya Deshpande and sonographer Taryn Moore

IN THE MIDST OF NEW ZEALAND’S SECOND LOCKDOWN DR ANUYA DESHPANDE, THE OWNER OF COSMETIC AND VEINS CLINIC IN TAURANGA, DRAWS ON TWO DECADES IN MEDICINE AND CONTINUOUS LEARNING, AND OVER A DECADE OF SELF-EMPLOYMENT TO SHARE SOME OF WHAT SHE HAS LEARNED ALONG THE WAY. Images TRACY STAMATAKOS PHOTOGRAPHY

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TOPIC | focus

SERVICE One of the key drivers of my success in business is high patient retention. Once people come to see me, they tend to stick with me because I make sure I have the skills to get them the results they want, and I also make sure that the way I treat them conveys that I care about them, and that they’re important to me. To give people the service they want, you have to empathise with them. If you always remember how unfamiliar everything is to them, and bear in mind how uncertainty makes people feel, you can turn low expectations and fear into really high satisfaction. This is especially the case in a medical field where patients can be really nervous about a procedure. People appreciate it, and feel cared for and understood, which are basic human needs that colour every experience we have.

FEMININITY IN BUSINESS Although many of my veins patients – both men and women – tell me they feel more comfortable with a woman performing their procedures, we have never marketed my gender. Firstly, it’s self-evident, and secondly, it would not be acceptable to market being a man as an advantage, so why have a double standard? I’m not just one of the most qualified women in my field in New Zealand, I’m one of the most qualified people. I don’t have stories to tell about being a woman struggling in a boys’ club, or being disadvantaged by being a ‘woman of colour’ either – it hasn’t been an issue the way it might have been 40 years ago. So many men in the various fields I work in have mentored me and been generous with their time and assistance. I like to think that is a more hopeful message; if you’re willing to do the work, you will get there. People who see your sincerity and commitment will go out of their way to help you in ways you could never plan for.

I express my femininity in the business by making things comfortable, being considerate and making an effort to make the environment beautiful. My clinic looks beautiful, sounds soothing and smells nice… just for the joy it brings to our patients, our staff and to me.

FAMILY My husband often describes himself as a chief mechanic in a formula one race team. In order to be so focused on my skills and the business, I have to know my kids are really well looked after while I’m not there – that they’re safe, loved, well-fed, and developing to their potential. Someone needs to put in a lot of time to achieve that, and trying to do it with a revolving door of nannies is a nightmare. It’s not an easy thing to get right, the whole mum at work, dad at home thing, because it doesn’t always suit people culturally and even biologically.

I asked my 5-year-old son what he wanted to do when he grew up and he said: “I want to be like Dad.” I asked what Dad does, and was a little taken aback when he said: “He’s your manager”, but it’s true. My husband listens to me, supports me through the various issues we have in the business and works with me to develop and refine the overall strategy, as well as reminding me to keep striving for a balanced life.

STAFF In the time I’ve been in business here in the Bay of Plenty, focusmagazine.co.nz

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and in Gisborne where I started out, I’ve employed more than 20 people, and have done my best to provide a friendly, supportive environment. We pay well, train people to a high standard and provide them with flexibility to give them a good work-life balance, but staffing is still one of the biggest challenges to people with their own business. It’s sad when you talk to a frantically busy business owner and they recoil in horror when you suggest they hire someone to take the pressure off them. Like so much that the government does, employment law is riddled with unintended consequences, I suspect mostly because the people who write the laws have never employed anyone. When good employers have to walk on eggshells it’s harder to have open communication that helps employees to be more productive and develop themselves. The risk and hassle employers have to go through employing staff creates risk-aversity, which means that good people often don’t get a chance to prove themselves and it also stifles creativity.

Employment law takes a patronising attitude to employees, while there is little or no consideration of what employers can go through, and I suspect it’s a factor in New Zealand’s much-lamented low-productivity.

HEALTH Take responsibility for your health. Right now, I’m recognising I’m at risk of burning out through being so single minded. Recognising the signs of that – not enough

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hours in the day to complete never-ending, ever-growing to-do lists and lack of light at the end of the tunnel – means I can address it. Especially as my children, who are 5, 6 and 10, are growing I’m determined to find better balance in my life – a bit less coffee and a bit more yoga, fewer late nights dealing with whatever has cropped up at work and a bit more living happily in the present moment.

THE FUTURE We’re living in uncertain times of rapid change and that can create a feeling of vertigo trying to work out what’s going on and how it might affect us, our businesses and families. In my family we’re addressing that by being a bit more introverted I guess – making sure we do the things we know we should do, and stop doing the things we know we shouldn’t and not stressing about the news. It means making sure our kids know how to think and have good character so they consistently make good choices.

There’s a price you pay for success in business, but you can end up paying more if you don’t confront the neglect of the ‘important but not urgent’ things in your personal life because you’re overrun by ‘urgent but not important’ things in business. My focus now is to stop saying, “I’ll be happy when …” and live in a way I’m happy to live for the rest of my life, so I don’t have to deal with regrets later on. cosmeticandveins.nz 

BUSINESS | focus

DO YOU CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF YOUR BUSINESS? Words MICHELLE MORTLOCK on its feet without you? What do you need to achieve to make it self-sufficient?

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU’VE ANALYSED THESE AREAS? The first thing I do is create a list of tasks that I don’t enjoy doing anymore.

What tasks frustrate you? Can you computerise the task, or get someone else to do it? The longer the list the better because once you start to tick off these items you will: • have more time • feel more satisfied • see your business thrive.

AS BUSINESS OWNERS WE TEND TO GET BOGGED DOWN IN OUR BUSINESS AND FORGET TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF THE BABY WE HAVE WORKED HARD AND LONG TO GROW.

I like to use the birth day as a day for planning.

An ideal health check incorporates both the business and the owner – this is really a top-to-toe look at your life to ensure you can continue in a healthy way.

Some of the areas I look at are: 1. Brain – are you coming up with new ideas for products/sales/services?

2. Mouth – is sufficient money coming in to create new products/sales/services?

3. Heart – do you still have a passion for the business?

4. Arms – are you getting the reach you want with your customer base?

5. Stomach – can you absorb the extra customers you want to attract?

6. Legs – is your marketing reaching a new customer base?

7. Feet – can your business really stand

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07 578 5803 • michelle@elevationaccountants.nz • elevationaccountants.nz

Once you have your list it’s crucial to then create a 90-day plan. This plan has two purposes – firstly it’s goal orientated and secondly, it provides you with accountability.

Start with three goals you wish to achieve in the next few years then break these into weekly tasks. You must tick off each week’s tasks before starting on the next week. Doing this with a friend will provide you with some accountability and you can brainstorm answers to your challenges.

Make sure you continue to add in items from your task list so you are ticking tasks off weekly.

The real key to the 90-day plan is to ensure each task is achievable. We tend to set big tasks rather than small achievable tasks and as soon as we chunk them down they stop being daunting.

Just like humans have birthday milestones we should be setting business milestones. In time they become small tasks rather than large hurdles.

Transformation in the business then becomes a transformation in you! Your health is very important when you are the business as well.

If you need some assistance in giving your business a health check or celebrating its birthday then contact michelle@elevationaccountants.nz to complete your health check and a 90-day plan to start your next journey... just imagine how good the next celebration will be! 

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Resilience Retreats Joelene Ranby

TRAVEL | focus

I FEEL MYSELF INSTANTLY RELAXING AS WE TURN INTO THE RESOLUTION RETREATS DRIVEWAY AND SEE THE FAMILIAR GROUNDS AND MODERN BUILDINGS THAT I REMEMBER FROM LAST YEAR’S RETREAT. I’M HERE TO RELAX, LEARN NEW THINGS, ENJOY SOME PAMPERING, FORM NEW FRIENDSHIPS AND I’M RELISHING THE IDEA THAT SOMEONE ELSE WILL BE DOING ALL THE COOKING FOR THREE WHOLE DAYS. AND WHAT MAKES EVERYTHING PERFECT, IS THAT I GET TO ENJOY THIS EXPERIENCE WITH MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND, MARK. Words DEE COLLINS

Y

ou may be wondering why Mark is with me – after all, isn’t Resolution Retreats an award-winning women’s only retreat? Yes it is, but thankfully Joelene Ranby, the owner and founder of Resolution Retreats, has seen that many men and women are battling through these tough times and need some assistance to build their inner strength, with the help of a few new tools in their toolbox. And this is where Resilience Retreats comes in.

Held at the same stunning location with expansive gardens, modern buildings and all the facilities you could imagine, Resilience Retreats offers a destination where issues such as stress, conflict and anxiety are acknowledged, and guests are empowered with tools to manage them.

RESILIENCE What exactly is resilience? It’s the ability to withstand adversity and be able to bounce back from difficult life events. I’m sure you’ll agree these past 18 months have been anything but easy. Resilience in all aspects of our lives has been severely tested yet we are still expected to perform as normal in our roles as parents, family members, leaders and professionals.

Having resilience is important because it gives us the psychological strength needed to process and overcome hardship so that we don’t get easily overwhelmed and turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Resilience Retreat’s tagline is ‘taking care of the wellbeing of your people’ and the idea is to empower people with tools to manage stress, conflict and their mental health. Its aim is to help people build a stronger mindset, rather than always defaulting to the ‘ambulance at the bottom of the cliff’. In other words, it’s about tackling the root causes – a scenario where prevention is better than the cure.

LIFE ON RETREAT Mark and I are shown to our beautiful, self-contained private bungalow, where we quickly unpack before heading back to the communal building to meet the other guests and Retreat Team. Guests have come from all over the North Island – some have come alone, others in pairs.

Over the course of the three days we attend two workshops a day given by professionals in their respective fields. We all make copious notes in our workbooks as we absorb information on sleep, mental health and resilience, confident communication, stress and heart health, essential energy and nutrition, and effective habits and productivity.

In between the workshops there is ‘bliss time’ where you choose how to spend your time, and the choices are endless – go for a walk, play tennis, curl up on the couch in your chalet and read a good book or have a snooze. Many guests head to nearby Cambridge for a wander around the shops or, perhaps, prefer to indulge in a mid-afternoon bubble bath!

The heated swimming pools are popular and Mark and I enjoy swimming a few lengths before joining a number of guests in the smaller, warmer, pool to wallow and chat. Mark also enjoys time trying out both the wet and dry saunas – both “wonderful”, is his verdict.

What we really look forward to, is time at the on-site, 5-star spa, where a full menu of treatments is on offer for guests at an additional cost – everything from lash tints, manicures and pedicures, through to massages, facials and pamper packages. I indulge in a Resolution Facial one day, a Revive Massage the next; Mark enjoys two different types of massages. The Spa team are very good at what they do and we emerge from each treatment wrapped in fluffy white robes, dozy and relaxed. Life is good.

When we aren’t learning new tools at the workshops, enjoying some bliss time or a spa treatment, we are eating!

The meals are delicious and nutritious and there’s plenty of variety – homemade pizza, massaman fish curry, chicken and mushroom filo, and a chef’s lamb dish. The portions are generous and the added joy is that I haven’t had to prepare a single one of them… or tidy up.

Each morning there’s a yoga and meditation session in the specially built yoga centre – but there’s no pressure to attend. This is our time, after all.

The three days are over before we know it and everyone agrees that they would love to stay longer. Our batteries are recharged and we’re armed with new tools to help in these unprecedented times. It’s time to head on home. 

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ELITE

EMERGENCY

RESPONDERS IT’S NOT AN EASY TASK TO BE PART OF THE NEW ZEALAND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE (NZ-EMAT) SQUAD, WHICH RESPONDS TO EMERGENCIES LIKE FLOODS, EARTHQUAKES OR TSUNAMIS ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY. BUT IT’S EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO QUALIFY FOR THE JOB. THAT’S WHY, DESPITE BEING LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER 2019, THE TEAM STILL ONLY HAS 46 MEMBERS. TWO OF THEM, LISA GLASS AND ANDREA THOMPSON, ARE FROM TAURANGA. Words KSENIIA SPODYNEIKO

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WHAT’S YOUR BACKGROUND BEFORE JOINING NZ-EMAT? Lisa: EMAT is not a full-time job – everyone on the team also has a day job.

Andrea and I work as emergency managers for Emergency Management Bay of Plenty (EMBOP) in Tauranga. Other EMAT members work for agencies like Fire and Emergency (FENZ) or various parts of government, like DOC, Te Puni Kōkiri, GNS Science and DIA. I was a TV reporter for a long time, and worked in journalism training and in communications.

Emergency Management actually has a few things in common with working in a newsroom environment – you need to be comfortable with uncertainty, pressure and being sent to places where you might be dealing with people who are having the worst day of their lives.

Andrea: I grew up in Taranaki and have been in Tauranga and with EMBOP for about five years. I had always been in administrative roles before this.

I’m now also doing other roles in emergency response, for example, logistics.

That’s something that becomes possible when you work in emergency management – we all have formal job titles but during an event we get to perform different roles.

AND WHAT ARE YOUR OFFICIAL ROLES WITHIN THE TEAM? Lisa: I don’t know if either Andrea or I are the stereotypical emergency managers. Historically, the team had been filled with military and ex-police or fire service personnel, and while there are still some really amazing people with those sorts of backgrounds (both men and women), there are also people like me who had never really heard of it as a career until recently. In an emergency, I generally will be in the PIM (public information management) role. That includes media support and liaison, making sure people know what to do and where to get help, and keeping mayors and other leaders informed.

Andrea: Since I joined EMAT, I have worked in several emergency roles – we pretty much have to be able to do anything that needs to be done. There are specific emergency functions that need to be filled when there is an event, including operations, intelligence, planning, logistics and welfare. I want to build up my expertise so that I can slot into any of them if needed! I enjoy the variety. During the massive flooding in Westport, for example, I looked after the complex welfare cases who needed extra support, and also worked to find emergency accommodation for hundreds of people – this was in a town of 4,000 people where around 500 homes couldn’t be lived in, so it was a huge task.

WHAT EMERGENCIES AROUND NEW ZEALAND HAVE YOU HAD TO RESPOND TO SO FAR? Lisa: Westport was the most recent one. EMAT people were the first out-oftowners to arrive and they found it almost impossible to get in because of the flooded roads. The local teams were doing a great job but when half of your population has to be evacuated, that’s already a massive task. Andrea was awesome! I wasn’t working alongside her in Westport because we were doing different jobs, but she worked her butt off and really made a difference for the people she was helping.

Andrea: The Edgecumbe floods happened two weeks after I started in this role – it was a big response that went on for several weeks. There were two cyclones and a stopbank breach, so it was a large-scale event. The other big natural disaster was the Whakaari eruption, which was a really difficult time for a lot of people and is still a real trauma for Whakatāne citizens. And of course, I should mention Covid. We’ve been working to support the health response.

I’VE HEARD THAT NZ-EMAT MEMBERS HAVE TO GO THROUGH A RIGOROUS SELECTION PROCESS. WHAT WAS IT LIKE FOR YOU? Lisa: The final selection process was a two-week residential training camp in Wainuiomata, near Wellington, earlier this year. Before we went on camp, there was an application, an interview and a testing process and at each stage there were people who did not progress to the next one. The

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training camp was a mix of leadership, hands-on skills and emergency scenario training. The scenario training was designed to be really stressful – we had to show that we could manage ourselves in a ‘worst case’ environment: setting up tents and generators in the dark, sleep-deprived and eating army rations while trying to respond to a major emergency where unexpected things kept happening. It was intense, but if you’re going to fall over in these sorts of circumstances, it’s better to find out during training rather than in real life!

HOW DOES BEING AVAILABLE TO RESPOND ANYWHERE AROUND THE COUNTRY AND AT ANY TIME AFFECT YOUR FAMILY LIFE? Lisa: We don’t have to deploy if we aren’t able to, so if there was a crisis at home, nobody would think less of us if we couldn’t go. But at the same time, it’s what we’ve signed up for, so, generally, if I’m physically able to respond, I would want to do so. I have two daughters, aged 11 and 13, and they have been amazing. So has my husband. And I think it’s good for the kids to see me doing this – it reminds them that mums are still interesting people!

Andrea: My dog and I live with friends and they’ve been kindly taking care of him when I need to go away for work. The kind of work we do is often unpredictable, so it’s important for the people in your life to understand that. I am very fortunate to have supportive friends! And our team members are really good at making sure we’re getting the support we need.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND AFTER SUCH HARD WORK? Lisa: It’s so nice to come home and talk to the kids about stupid things, like Harry Styles’ hairstyles and their latest TikTok obsessions. Matt, my husband, and I have totally different jobs so it’s nice to give each other some outside perspective, which we normally do over an unfeasibly full glass of pinot.

Andrea: I have just bought a self-contained van, so the pup and I have been going for road-trip adventures. The van is called Myrtle and there’s a great online community of women with vans so I’m looking forward to some more trips once we’re free to travel again! 

Andrea and Lisa

Lisa Glass

50 | focusmagazine.co.nz

! c i t s a t k n i P

BUSINESS | focus

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH AND IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO TURN YOUR OFFICE INTO AN AWARENESS AND FUNDRAISING MECCA, HERE ARE A FEW CREATIVE IDEAS THAT WILL HELP.

Words JOLLY GREEN PINK RIBBON Pink ribbon is a recognisable symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness, so incorporating it into your office décor should be the first step. Let your creativity flow with this one! You can create a beautiful paper or textile bunting of pink ribbons for the wall above the reception, so the eyecatching element is the first thing to greet your employees and customers this month.

Another cool idea is to tie little pink ribbons to various supplies and utensils around the office. That will add a festive mood to even the most mundane items.

PINK PARTY BALLOONS Balloon installations are a quick and budget-friendly way to decorate your office. In order for your installations to look stylish and not overwhelming, mix traditional pink balloons with white ones or trendy transparent balloons with pink confetti inside.

That will add colour and dimension to your decoration. At Balloon Party

Box we use latex balloons that are biodegradable, so you won’t have to worry about the environmental impact of your event.

SNACKS There is no such thing as too much pink in October! If you’re hosting a fundraiser, think about your menu in advance – salmon, watermelon salad, strawberry cupcakes all make a great choice for a Breast Cancer Awareness party.

But what if there is no special dinner? You can still treat your employees and clients to cute pink candies, cookies or raw balls. Many local companies, like Spongedrop or Real Rad Food, usually offer special Breast Cancer Awareness treats. Put them in a huge jar in a place where everyone can easily access them.

the office. Forget ‘black tie’, pink is the colour of the month!

PARTY FAVOURS Party favours are cute little gifts given to the guests at the end of the event. They might include things like a photo-memory of the event, pocketsized notebook, candle, bath bomb, nail polish or sleeping mask. Whether you’re creating cute pink bundles to thank your fundraiser guests or posting them out to your biggest customers, make sure you wrap them beautifully and tie them Want to offset an abundance of pink in your with a ribbon! office? A pink and gold  combo looks absolutely incredible as does pink and black.

TIP

DRESS CODE Every party looks more impressive with a dress code. And there is nothing easier than having your employees dress in every shade of pink around

Jolly Green launched Balloon Party Box just over a year ago and her team has already decorated over 285 parties in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions.

They design and style events, such as baby showers, birthday parties, bridal showers, weddings, themed parties and corporate events. balloonpartybox.com | @balloonpartybox contact@balloonpartybox.com

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SOLOMONS GOLD CHOCOLATE The Mount’s very own chocolate producers believe that, “you should eat chocolate for the cacao, not for the sugar”. Their chocolate bars are created from organically grown cocoa beans from the Solomon Islands, with just the right amount of organic coconut sap sugar. Win $250 worth of healthy and delicious chocolates!

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ANGELA JACKSON SWEET LOUISE SUPPORT COORDINATOR

THE SWEET LOUISE CHARITY FOCUSES SOLELY ON IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR HUNDREDS OF WOMEN AND MEN IN NEW ZEALAND WHO ARE LIVING WITH ADVANCED BREAST CANCER. THEY OFFER INFORMATION, ADVICE, SUPPORT AND ACCESS TO A RANGE OF PRACTICAL AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES FREE OF CHARGE.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT HOW SWEET LOUISE CAME ABOUT. In 2005, Scott Perkins established The Louise Perkins Foundation, named after his wife Louise who passed away in 2004 after living for ten years with incurable breast cancer.

Louise lived with absolute positivity and didn’t let cancer be the main focus of her life. Sweet Louise was launched in 2006 with the vision of improving the quality of life for New Zealanders living with incurable breast cancer.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE WITH SWEET LOUISE? As a support coordinator covering the Bay of Plenty region, my job involves coordinating member support group meetings, visiting people at home or in hospital, coordinating Sweet Louise vouchers, liaising with healthcare providers and making referrals to other agencies. As we provide very personalised support, my role is mostly about being present with members, providing support and listening, and helping in any way I can.

WHAT SUPPORT CAN A SWEET LOUISE MEMBER ACCESS? Every member of Sweet Louise receives one-to-one care from their local support coordinator. We also connect them with others in the community facing the same challenge

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through member meetings as well as our online support group. Our members often tell us it makes a huge difference to be with others who just ‘get it’. We also help with vouchers for practical support, like ready-made meals, and provide information resources and regular newsletters.

WHAT DO YOU FIND PARTICULARLY REWARDING? Living with advanced breast cancer can be a long and sometimes difficult journey, with people facing ongoing treatments, tests and scans and often coping with anxiety.

It’s rewarding to be able to listen, be present and facilitate that ‘gang of support’ around members and their families.

Many Sweet Louise members do not look unwell and they live normal lives, with jobs, family and hobbies but still need some extra support sometimes.

CAN OUR READERS VOLUNTEER THEIR SERVICES, DONATE OR HELP SWEET LOUISE IN ANY WAY? We would hugely welcome support. A fun way to get involved is by hosting a Sweet October tea party. You can find out more about this at sweetoctober.nz Readers can also make a donation, or find out about other ways to get involved on our website sweetlouise.co.nz 

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Staycation in lakeside luxury Five-star boutique luxury lodge On the shores of Lake Rotorua, overlooking the sacred island of Mokoia, sits Peppers on the Point – a luxury 5-star rated boutique lodge.

Choose accommodation from lakeview lodge suites, self-contained cottage suites or apartment style. Unwind and relax on five acres of peaceful, tranquil and beautifully manicured grounds, and enjoy the many onsite activities – from tennis, massages and feeding the petting animals to reading a book at the lake edge. Enjoy fine dining in the à la carte Mains Restaurant. Breakfast is served daily, and lunches or picnics can be pre-arranged.

It’s hard to believe the property is only minutes from the centre of Rotorua and within easy commute to the many adventure activities and cultural experiences in this destination.

07 348 4868 | info@onthepoint.co.nz | peppersonthepoint.co.nz