Focus Magazine issue 9

focus

Lifestyle and business magazine. About women. By women.

Bay of Plenty and surrounding areas

M TA – I E H KE 'M OM FR E EE

focusmagazine.co.nz

ISSUE 9 | FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018

Frances Denz

resilient and adaptable

Meandering through the Motu

cycling the Motu Trail

Miranda Clark

the face behind 'Tri Chicks'

Women Breaking Barriers Tamara Costar, Kris McCartney, Rachel Button, Xavier Kennedy, Anna Muir and Lyn Wright

Fabulous prizes to be won!

See page 63

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE. GROWTH IS OPTIONAL. - John Maxwell -

SAVANT CREATIVE - an n-Gon Group facet 62 Tenth Ave, Tauranga, 3110 | P O Box 14004, Tauranga, 3143 | Phone: 07 577 0081 design@savantcreative.pro | savantcreative.pro

focus

Publisher Align Publishing (an n-Gon Group facet)

Editor Dee Collins dee@focusmagazine.co.nz Online Editor Kseniia Spodyneiko kseniia@focusmagazine.co.nz Feature Writers Carol Garden Kseniia Spodyneiko Millie Freeman Liz French Rebecca Tereu Kinsa Hayes Mary Parker Laura Weaser Creative Director Cath Hartley Savant Creative Printing Sanyati Print Cover Image Nikki South Photography Sales advertising@focusmagazine.co.nz Contact Details 62 10th Avenue Tauranga 3110 (n-Gon Group Head Ofce) P O Box 14004, Tauranga, 3143 Tel: (07) 578 6838 Mobile: 021 535 770 advertising@focusmagazine.co.nz www.focusmagazine.co.nz www.facebook.com/focusmagazinenz Distribution 5,000 free copies are delivered bi-monthly to high trafc areas such as high-end cafés and restaurants, hairdressers, fashion boutiques, waiting rooms and professional ofces across BOP and surrounding areas.

Digital focus is available to view online www.focusmagazine.co.nz and is supported by social media sites including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. focus is a free magazine (subscriptions are available) and is published six times a year by Align Publishing (a facet of the n-Gon Group). focus is subject to copyright in its entirety. All rights are reserved and reproduction in whole or in part, without the written consent of The Publisher (Align Publishing), is prohibited. Align Publishing and all its related companies and ofcers 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”.

Ed or's Welcome Wow! Can you believe we're already into February! I trust you had a relaxing break and are now busy putting those New Year's resolutions into action. Our creative team had three weeks off over the Christmas period to recharge their batteries and they've come back with fresh ideas that they're already implementing in the magazine layout and look. We're always keen to hear feedback so do let us know what you think.

We've called this edition 'Breaking Barriers' and have sought out women who work in largely male-dominated occupations. Well we didn't have to look far – so many gutsy women throughout the Bay are breaking barriers and following their passion, and we are delighted to share their inspiring stories. You'll meet Xavier Kennedy, one of only 56 full-time professional re ghters throughout New Zealand; Rotorua helicopter pilot, Rachel Button; Kris MaCartney, owner of Fulton Automotive and trackwork rider Tamara Costar.

It was an absolute joy to meet Frances Denz, who graces our cover, and nd out about the barriers she has hurdled and the multiple honours and accolades she has received for her service and professional expertise in New Zealand.

So pour yourself a coffee, put your feet up and enjoy the read. Here's to a fabulous 2018!

Dee Editor & Founder

dee@focusmagazine.co.nz

P.S. Some exciting news from our side – from our next edition, we're increasing our distribution through to include Hamilton.

FREE copies of focus are available at our ofce. n-Gon Group, 62 Tenth Ave, Tauranga (while stocks last)

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COVER STORY

focus

Lifestyle and business magazine. About women. By women.

Bay of Plenty and surrounding areas

M TA – I' E H KE M OM FR E EE

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INSPIRATION

PRODUCT REVIEWS Read our honest reviews on some great products

focusmagazine.co.nz

STYLE PAGES

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ISSUE 9 | FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018

Frances Denz

resilient and adaptable

Meandering through the Motu

RECIPES

cycling the Motu Trail

Miranda Clark

the face behind 'Tri Chicks'

Delicious late summer salads… yum!!

Women Breaking Barriers Tamara Costar, Kris McCartney, Rachel Button, Xavier Kennedy, Anna Muir and Lyn Wright

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Fabulous prizes to be won!

See page 63

FRANCES DENZ

THE FACE BEHIND 'TRI-CHICKS' Miranda Clark – encouraging women to be ac ve

Her biggest challenge has been overcoming her own sense of inadequacy

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Photographer Nikki South Hair Ivy Hair Makeup Lillybeth Makeup: A Beau ful Educa on Loca on The Design Depot

REGULARS WHAT'S ON? Find out what's happening in the Bay

OUT & ABOUT

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CREATIVITY IN THE BAY OF PLENTY

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VOLUNTEERS – The heart of Tauranga Riding for the Disabled

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COMPETITIONS

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FOCUS ON WOMEN EXPO – UPDATE Aargh! - We've had to change our dates!

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Emma Prill is well known for her vibrant and original works of art

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Fabulous prizes to be won

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THE LAST PAGE

Seven quick ques ons for MediaWorks Northern Regional Manager, Belinda Francis

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BUILDING BETTER RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH TRUST Las ng impressions are created by how we act

BUSINESS AT WORK IN THE KITCHEN OFFICE

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WORLD FROM ABOVE

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An interview with helicopter pilot, Rachel Bu on

Meet four women who started their businesses from their home kitchens

HEALTH AND WELLBEING RE-THINKING PAIN We should learn to use pain to our advantage instead of blocking it out

PUT YOURSELF AT THE TOP OF YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION LIST

BREAKING BARRIERS

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Take ownership and control of your year

FLEXING IT – TE PUKE BODY BUILDERS

HORSES AT DAWN

At the racecourse with trackwork rider Tamara Costar

“It all seems really hard at first but when you go on stage it's all worth it!” Meet body builders Anna Muir and Lyn Wright

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I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE Find out what cycling ac vi es and events are happening in the region

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WRITING

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WANT TO WRITE A FAMILY HISTORY?

Kinsa Hayes interviews Amazon best seller, Gracie Stathers

XAVIER KENNEDY – PART OF A TEAM WOMEN IN BUSINESS: FULTON AUTOMOTIVE Kicking stereotypes to the gu er

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Xavier is one of only 56 female career firefighters in New Zealand

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TRAVEL Meandering Through the Motu

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Join Liz French and her group as they cycle The Motu Trail

EMPOWERMENT

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TRANSITIONS Mary Parker explores some of those 'mines' that cause us to resist change focusmagazine

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13 February The Michael Jackson History Show Baycourt Addison Theatre 8pm Celebrate Michael Jackson's creative genius and unsurpassed talent with riveting live performances spanning his early days as a member of the Jackson 5, his groundbreaking theatrics in the 80s and his continued domination of Pop culture into the 21st century.

Tickets: Adults $59; Children (12 & under) $30 baycourt.co.nz

1-31 March Sustainable Backyards A month-long calendar with more than 100 free or low cost events hosted throughout the Bay. The events aim to improve the wellbeing and quality of life for people in the community via informative events, workshops and activities.

For more information visit: envirohub.org.nz/sustainablebackyards

7 March The Bay of Plenty/Waikato Business Expo ASB Arena, Baypark 9am-4pm More than a networking event, this expo will be a place to effectively grow business, create opportunities, generate leads, uncover solutions and get deals done.

Free entry and seminars for visitors. businessexpo.biz

17 March St Patrick’s Day Races Tauranga Racecourse The luck of the Irish comes to Tauranga Racecourse for the Saint Patrick’s Day Races. With an eight-race programme, live music and free children’s entertainment, there will be plenty of fun for everyone, both on and off the track.

Tickets: Adults $10; Children under 18 free racingtauranga.co.nz

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What's on?

FEBRUARY / MARCH / EARLY APRIL

24 March Bayleys International Raceday featuring Shiseido Fashions in the Field Tauranga Racecourse Tauranga’s richest and most glamorous sporting event will feature a full day of top thoroughbred racing action, including the Group 2 Windsor Park Stud Japan-New Zealand International Trophy, the Drymix Cement Bay of Plenty Cup and the Triton Pacic Owens Plate. Off-track activities include the prestigious Shiseido Fashions in the Field, live music and free children's entertainment.

Tickets: Adults $10; Children under 18 free racingtauranga.co.nz

28 March-2 April National Jazz Festival Tauranga Think Jazz. Think Easter. Think Tauranga. Featuring an incredible line-up of events and acts showcasing the many different areas of jazz. From traditional New Orleans jazz to swing, bebop, fusion, blues, funk and soul, there’s something to suit everyone’s musical tastes.

For more information visit jazz.org.nz

12 April Your Home, Your Style Matua Bowls Club 6.30pm An entertaining evening of home styling inspiration featuring John Darke of John Darke Interiors. Elizabeth Cerdeira of Vetro will also talk about her life in Brazil, her return to NZ and Vetro Mediterranean Foods.

This event sold out last year so don’t delay – book your tickets now! All proceeds will go to the Cambodia Charitable Trust.

Tickets: $30 eventspronto.co.nz/cctnz or phone Devon on 022 155 3994

27-29 April Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Weekend Retreat Waihi Beach Mindfulness and self-compassion are balms for many modern day ailments and powerfully linked to better health and wellbeing. $395 Places strictly limited. Book now at: annafriis.com/teacher or email Anna Friis at anna@annafriis.com

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Out & about

Celebrating a successful year at the Infuzed and Small Business Tauranga networking event! Brunch and bubbles at The Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club.

Margie Thomas, Cheryl Friedland, Margaret Stodart and Mark Collins Lillian Richmond, Deb Griffiths and Amanda Barker

Jo-Marie Baker and Anita Taylor

Colin Gardiner and Annette Yeatman Alex Petty, Mark Collins and Paul Cousins

Kirsten Bennett and Su Rigney

Marina Davies and Julz Greer

Erika van der Meer, Rose Gilmour and Lillybeth Melmoth focusmagazine

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Margie Thomas from HoneyBliss and Janine Tait, founder of Bestow Beauty, were guest speakers at the end of year Wonder Women event which supports the Cambodia Charitable Trust and is sponsored by Lyon O'Neale Arnold. Guests enjoyed delicious snacks at Macau.

Diane Moroney and Shonamarie O'Brien Lietta Erni and Margaret Stodart

Heather Goodwin and Gillian Blanchard

Angela Mallard, Taryn Mallard and Diane Viggiano

Simone Kleyn, Margie Thomas and Sharon Giblett Helen Dove, Glenis Picklemann, Margaret Green and Diane Hartridge

Barbara Hill, Lillybeth Melmoth and Pamela Gray-Yeates 8

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Diane Hartridge, Devon Harland and Margaret Green

Denise Arnold and Carly Shorter

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focus | EXPO

IMPORTANT UPDATE! Focus on Women – Update: 27-28 October, 2018 | ASB Baypark

News Flash – We've changed dates!

Unfortunately the venue inadvertently(!) double booked our dates in May with the Home Show so, a er some to-ing and fro-ing, alterna ve venue viewing, teeth gnashing and the odd sleepless night, we are delighted to announce that 27-28 October is our new and confirmed date, and the venue remains the same.

The Focus on Women Expo will take place a er Labour Weekend so there'll be no clashes with those dates. The team has already locked in some great speakers, live demos and exhibitors. It will be a fun day out with loads of new experiences and its emphasis will be on inspiring, encouraging, informing, connec ng and entertaining – the same guiding principles we apply to focus magazine.

Bring on the fun!

Focus on Women Expo – try, learn, experiment … Take Ac on!

What you need to know now:

Expo enquiries: Dee Collins

Focus on Women Expo 27-28 October, 2018 ASB Baypark

dee@focusmagazine.co.nz 021 535 770 www.focusonwomen.co.nz

It's new and it's coming to the Bay of Plenty

2018

Focus on Women Expo

Enquiries: dee@focusmagazine.co.nz 10

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ALERT!

NEW DATES ASB Baypark | 27-28 October, 2018

Racing Tauranga

Fresh off the back of two hugely successful ‘Christmas at the Races’ race-days in November and December, Racing Tauranga is very much looking forward to its Autumn Carnival.

This year Racing Tauranga is hosting two race-days in March, Saturday the 17th and Saturday the 24th. Having St. Patrick’s Day (17 March) on a Saturday this year will ensure the Craigs Investment Partners sponsored raceday will be well attended by those with Irish heritage and those who don’t, but wish they did! Live music along with plenty of other entertainment will ensure a most enjoyable day out for all who attend.

The agship race meeting of the season for Racing Tauranga is Bayleys International Race Day, held this year on the 24th of March. This day features all the glitz and glamour with the Shiseido Fashions in the Field.

With excellent prizes up for grabs, the standard of entrants is getting higher and higher each year. Last year’s winner, Lizzie Charleston, went on to represent Racing Tauranga in Brisbane where she nished third in the Brisbane Racing Carnival’s fashion event. As well as beautifully attired women, the fast paced thoroughbred action will be sure to set hearts racing as New Zealand’s best milers compete in the Windsor Park Japan New Zealand International Trophy race worth $100,000.

Marketing and Events co-ordinator Abbie Davie believes Bayleys International Race Day is “a not-to-be-missed day for all ladies interested in fashion, bubbles and quality cuisine. In today’s world there aren't too many opportunities where ladies can go to that extra effort to look the part, race-day is one such opportunity”.

For all bookings and further information visit Racing Tauranga’s website, racingtauranga.co.nz or facebook.com/racingtauranga focusmagazine

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focus | COVER STORY

Frances Denz

– resilient and adaptable Words Carol Garden | Images Nikki South, Nikki South Photography

Courage and determination have characterised Frances Denz's life, which is littered with achievements and hardship in equal measure. In terms of breaking barriers, Frances is something of a legend.

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Frances is one of four directors of the Stellaris Group, which offers business management training at two campuses in Auckland and Tauranga, consulting and training for New Zealand small businesses and community organisations. She has written four books, and run a number of successful businesses.

Frances is the founder chair of the Women's Loan Fund – a microcredit scheme which had 17 branches at the height of its success. She has trained around 6,000 people in smallbusiness skills, with around 75 per cent going on to successfully start their own businesses. She is one of only 43 registered women directors on major boards in New Zealand, and has been a trustee on a community trust with assets of $850 million.

Her abilities have been recognised by the awards she has received which include the honour of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM), being made Senior New Zealander of the Year and being one of very few nonUniversity or Polytechnic lecturers to receive the Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award (the so-called AKO Award).

Whilst proud of these, she says her greatest achievements are the people who are living fullled lives because of the support, knowledge and skills she's been able to offer them.

Rough beginnings

private retirement home, a tourism safari park, a free-range chicken farm and a garden centre. Later she set up a private training company teaching disabled people the skills to become self-employed.

She has also dabbled in politics, and was a high ranking member of the Labour Party's women's committee during the Helen Clark years. She later dropped out of the political arena for a couple of years, only to be drawn into ACT, which she says had a very left wing social side, although its economic policy was that of a right wing party.

She was hit hard by the economic reforms of the 1980s, when successive government changes destroyed her new business, more than once. “I set up a new business based on a contract with a State Owned Enterprise. This contract was for a million dollars of work over time. Within two months the Government changed the rules, and the work could no longer be contracted out to us. Each time I have picked myself up and started again.”

But the achievements came on the back of a very rough start. At 18 she developed cancer and over the next 29 years underwent 12 operations and radiation treatment which left her with chronic pain requiring substantial medication. “My husband left me, and I faced nancial ruin when the Government seized our land – 16,277 acres. In a further blow, the cancer came back. I was abandoned, ill and destitute on the streets of Wellington when there was no benet system for married women,” she says.

Back to health

This was the 1970s, when it was still possible to walk into the Prime Minister's ofce without an appointment.

Desperate and determined, Frances became the rst married woman to get a sickness benet, after doing just that.

She has remained single and shares her Tauranga waterfront home with her Burmese cat. The section is covered in native bush and backs onto a reserve, and the tranquil outlook is a welcome respite from a busy life.

“I told him the effects of his Government's actions on us when they took our land. He listened, gave me some food, and organised a benet for me,” she says.

Self-employment was Frances' way out of poverty. She has started a number of businesses over the years including a

In 1991 she set out to wean herself off the pain medications that had become a mainstay of her survival, and what followed was 29 years of good health. In this time she has ourished. Her second book, Able to Do Business was published internationally, and she has published three others privately in New Zealand. Writing books has become her response to stress and pain – “it diverts my mind and keeps me focused,” she says.

Frances owns Stellaris with fellow director and friend Ron Scott. The pair met during the political years and have successfully worked together for the past 14 years. It's a partnership that she says is founded on having the same ethics and values, despite being 'diametrically opposite in how we think.'

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focus | COVER STORY

“We've shared an ofce for years and we get along well. But we don't live in each other's pockets and we don't socialise together outside work. We talk through each decision and I can't think of a time where we haven't reached a consensus,” she says.

Adapt to change Despite having written extensively on goal setting, she says her views on this have changed as she has gotten older.

“Goals are important but resilience and adaptability are more important, as the world is changing so quickly.

“Ongoing learning and a commitment to adapting to the world is more valuable than the goals themselves,” she says.

Frances practises what she preaches, and has relished new skills gained this year in being part of tertiary research around learning and teaching. “As a Private Training Enterprise (PTE) offering level 7 qualications, we have to undertake research. This year we were involved in a cooperative enquiry project with a Massey University

research team, which explored and validated teaching methods we were using in our classes.”

Frances' focus has always been experiential rather than academic, however she has greatly enjoyed working with the Massey researchers. “It turns out that I've invented methods of teaching that have accredited theories behind them,” she says. For the (AKO) Tertiary Teaching Award, she had to write an 8,000 word portfolio that was judged by 12 academics. “It's the rst time I've ever had my own work assessed. I've had no formal education and was teaching outside the mainstream system. Winning the award gave me huge condence, as not only was our work judged hugely effective for students, it was up to the standard of the universities.”

At 75 Frances says her biggest challenge has been overcoming her own sense of inadequacy. “Finally I've realised that it doesn't matter – it's one of the good things about getting older,” she says.

Despite having suffered a heart attack ve years ago, she has no plans to slow down. “Why would I retire?” she says.

“I love being in business and I still have lots to do.” n

Cover photoshoot: Nikki South Photography | Ivy Hair | Lillybeth Makeup: A Beautiful Education Photographed at The Design Depot, Mt Maunganui 14

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Words Alex Petty

How many of you out there have had to reach for your reading glasses before you can start enjoying this magazine? Or, maybe you're reliant on spectacles or contact lenses to simply leave the house for the day? Wouldn't you rather have the freedom of being able to wake up and see like nature intended, without the risks or costs of permanent eye surgery?

A modern vision treatment is available in the Bay that allows clear vision during the day without the help of glasses or surgery.

It may sound unbelievable but in fact Orthokeratology (or Ortho-K for short) – the non-surgical process of using special customised contact lenses to reshape your eyes as you sleep – is well-established around the world and achieves excellent visual results. Tauranga-based therapeutic optometrist Mr Alex Petty, from speciality optometry practice Bay Eye Care, is an Ortho-K expert who has been prescribing these 'magical' lenses for over six years.

“I would say that most of my adult Ortho-K wearers are women. They are frustrated by having to wear glasses to see, or are active, outdoor people who nd daytime correction with spectacles or contact lenses a real hassle in their busy lives.”

Ortho-K can correct a range of prescriptions, including myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (longsightedness), astigmatism (rugby ball shaped cornea) and presbyopia (problems with reading up close as you get beyond the age of 40). There is an incredible amount of science behind the corneal remodelling process: each lens is customised to the individual's eye shape, prescription and vision requirements to give a truly bespoke sight correction.

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Alex says that because you don't need to use any glasses or contact lenses during the day, Ortho-K is perfect for a wide range of people including athletes and sporty people, people who love the beach or watersports, those of us who get dry eye or allergies, and people working in dusty or dry environments.

People of all ages can use Ortho-K and Alex has successfully and safely treated clients aged from six to 70. In fact children with short-sightedness are ideal candidates for Ortho-K as the treatment not only improves their vision for school and sports, but it also slows the progression of their condition. High levels of myopia increase the risk of other potentially blinding eye conditions later in life, Alex says. He encourages parents to bring their children in for Ortho-K or other myopia control treatments when myopia is rst discovered, in order to limit the extent of their myopic eye disease during their youth.

If you or your children would like to say goodbye to your glasses, nd out if Ortho-K Vision Correction is right for you by arranging a consultation at Bay Eye Care. After all, the best corrective lens is no lens at all! n

Mr Alex Petty (BOptoms Hons, FIAO)

Therapeutic Optometrist, Contact Lens Specialist

Nature and Science working together, naturally.

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focus | INSPIRATION

The face behind 'Tri Chicks' – Miranda Clark Words Carol Garden | Images Supplied

Miranda nearing the end of her seven-hour, gruelling Half Ironman in January 2011. Her family cheering her on were a big part of her crossing the nish line.

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focus | INSPIRATION

Back in 2009, Miranda Clark was watching the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman with friends when she decided she was going to do the event herself. At that stage she could barely run a kilometre and hadn't swum or been on a bike in years.

“I was watching the event and I just thought 'stuff it!' I'm going to do that,” she says. And in her typical determined way, she did.

Miranda's rst Half Ironman event 12 months later saw her swimming 2km, cycling 90km, then running 21km. It took her seven hours, more than twice as long as the elite competitors, but the sense of achievement was lifechanging.

In 2013 she decided it was time to revive a women's triathlete event in Tauranga. “I was on the committee of the Triathlon Tauranga Club and we realised there was a real gap in the triathlon calendar. In the past there had been the Bendon-sponsored women's event, then it became the Special K Duathlon and then it just stopped after a couple of years.”

Miranda and friends Maria Woods, Bec Dent and Deb Rolls at the end of the 2011 Port of Tauranga Half Ironman.

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The club contracted Miranda to get an event off the ground, and they were rapt when 480 women signed up for the rst one, four years ago. The event has grown bigger since then. Two months prior to this year's event, all 800 places had been allocated, and at least 40 women are on a waiting list to enter, if competitors drop out.

“They were not elite athletes – lots were women like me, who may not have exercised for a long time and had been through tough times. It was amazing, and it has grown every year since.”

The partnership with the club has ensured it stays a community event.

“Because the Triathlon club owns the event, they can apply for grants to help run it. Any prots go back to the club and are put into further developing the sport,” she says. “A lot of our gear is loaned to other sports clubs in the region, so we are sharing around the benets.”

While Miranda is paid for her organisation of the event, the income in the rst years was minimal and she swallows a lot of the costs 'for love'. “I put in about 400 hours a year, and I get so passionate about seeing people succeed.”

“It's a lot of work and last year I had to put my business on hold for six weeks. This year I've organised for one of my sisters to work part-time to help and I have a group of amazing ladies helping me behind the scenes with some of the Tri jobs.”

They are a close family and live handy to each other. Miranda is one of three girls, and mum and dad are just around the corner. “I try to t work around my daughter and to make my life as easy as possible,” she says.

“Being able to work in mum's home ofce nearby means I don't have to commute and I get a lot of support from close family and friends.”

Her ACC business has snowballed, growing at a rapid rate. “Currently we have as many new customers coming on board each week as I had aimed for each month, so it's very exciting.”

Miranda's family and friends are also on hand to help on race Miranda Clark spends more than 400 hours per year day, along with organising and publicising this very successful Triathlon Tauranga women's triathlon event in New Zealand. members. “We have up to 80 volunteers helping with the race, and everyone gets into the spirit of it. Last year Some years it has been a helpful distraction. A really some dressed up for a uoro theme – lots of 80s lycra tough pregnancy and birth, followed by 20 months of and pompoms – it really added to the atmosphere,” she sleep deprivation was a tough time, and she believes says. organising the women's triathlon helped keep her aoat through that period, a few years ago.

This month she's planning to compete in the triathlon herself, to celebrate the fth anniversary of the event. “I'll It's a job she does alongside her own business as an do the race brieng then whip my clothes off and join the ACC Business Consultant, being a wife to husband Leon ladies in the water,” she laughs. and a mum to ve year old daughter Samantha.

Fortunately her family is right behind her, and she works But it hasn't stopped at the Triathlon event. Her own out of the ofce of her mum Heather's security company. need to start training got her thinking about how many focusmagazine

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focus | INSPIRATION

women didn't really know how to run. So with Triathlon club coach Kathy Miller of Fit Goals, they advertised a ten week, zero to 5km training programme, promising to have women running 5km by the end.

“We expected 20-30 women – we have 90 women on our list. Bethlehem College kindly allowed us the use of their grounds, and we started at the end of September.

It's so popular that we're going to keep the group going with weekly runs, then offer another Zero to 5km to begin in March.”

Keenly aware that many women are put off the event because they are not strong swimmers, she has also helped launch women's only swim squads at Liz Van Welie Aquatics in Pyes Pa. “We get 35 ladies in two sessions each Saturday. It's catering for a range of

Free Telfer Young Tri Chicks Coaching/Training Sessions These started January 16 and go for six weeks.

Designed to teach women skills and gain condence for the triathlon; on Tuesdays, 6.30pm. Participants do not have to register and can come along to any of the sessions over the six weeks.

The 2017 Generation Homes Women's Triathlon nish line – “there's nothing like crossing that line” says Miranda.

swimming levels, and some have gone from being able to swim 200 metres to being able to swim 1800 metres in the six weeks.”

A key benet is the coaching, and swimmers are taught a lot of technique to improve their style and breathing.

Like many women, Miranda has struggled with her weight but she is adamant that a less than perfect body is no reason not to get involved in physical events. “Few women have perfect bodies, yet we let this hold us back from doing activities we enjoy,” she says. “It's a tragedy and I'm trying to share that message and get women active, whatever their body shape.” n

Women's Only Swim Squad Liz Van Welie Aquatics has been running a Saturday coached swim squad for ladies of any ability/tness.

The sessions are designed to increase women’s swim tness and enhance swim technique while spending time with other like-minded amazing women. This may continue past the Triathlon event, pending interest from participants. Email admin@lvwaquatics.co.nz for more information.

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Volunteers

THE HEART OF TAURANGA RDA EQUESTRIAN THERAPY CENTRE

Who are volunteers to us?

They are our team. They make our riding therapy happen. They are our lifeline.

Tauranga RDA is growing; we have increasing demands on our services.

We want to offer equine therapy to anyone with disabili es and social challenges so every person is supported to live life to their full poten al.

Tauranga RDA runs six days per week and currently has 80 volunteers suppor ng our riders. With 135 riders coming through each week, our opera on wouldn't be possible without those volunteer numbers.

We are lucky to be based in a suppor ve community which is volunteerfocused. The ques on is, why pick us to give your me to? £

We will give you a genuine volunteer experience; your me with Tauranga RDA will be a worthwhile me investment. You can give as much, or as li le, as you can fit into your lifestyle.

£

You will be part of a big RDA team, as well as part of a smaller daily team, where you will make friends, have fun and have a posi ve effect on the lives of the riders.

£

The work is interes ng, varied, challenging and rewarding.

£

You will be involved in an organisa on that is passionate and commi ed to its cause of offering equine therapy to be er the lives of their clients.

£

You will be involved in a place of belonging and community.

Volunteers and Riders at the National Conference 2016 held in Tauranga

Volunteers at RDA Tauranga

Karen Dyer riding Chester and international volunteer, Eliza

If you are interested in volunteering for us, you need no previous experience – we will give you full training. A desire to work with our riders and the horses is the most important thing. Come along for a visit and see if Tauranga RDA is somewhere you feel you can invest your me.

Please contact Angela at info@taurangarda.co.nz or 07 5441899 www.taurangarda.oc.nz focusmagazine

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Angela Fleet

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Anna Muir and Lyn Wright relax during the summer “off season” before preparing themselves for the competitive months ahead.

Flexing it

Te Puke body builders share their passion Words Millie Freeman | Images Millie Freeman + Supplied

Anna Muir from Te Puke has always been a runner and used to play competitive sport, but keeping t as a mum with four kids and a busy life can denitely be a challenge.

In 2016 she was inspired to try something new. She had noticed the stunning achievements of another Te Puke woman, Lyn Wright, who trained at the same gym – Te Puke Health and Fitness – and who had been scoring multiple wins in body building 28

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competitions. Anna decided she wanted to try it.

“I used to see Lyn in the supermarket looking so great and I'd be like, 'what's in her trolley?' In 2016 I had got quite overweight, so I set myself a goal to do one body building competition before I turned 40 (in November 2017).”

Body building is a combination of building muscle, eating the right foods and getting adequate rest. For

competitors, like Anna and Lyn, getting their bodies in shape for contests (the competitive season runs from April to October) is also about shedding fat, known as 'cutting', to make the ripped body fully visible. The sport is not just about pulling some weights at the gym; it's a carefully planned and rigorous routine requiring months and months of determination and commitment and preferably under a trainer's supervision.

focus | BREAKING BARRIERS

“I didn't get serious about it until Lyn put me onto Kaye O'Neill who is a trainer from Mt Maunganui and has done a lot of competitions. She told me what to eat and what category to enter, and I thought, 'Oh my God, what have I signed myself up for?' But I'm a very determined person. I'm at the gym ve days a week, usually for less than an hour, and really enjoy it. I stick my headphones in and go hard out.”

Anna exceeded her goal last season by entering three competitions – each involving a judging session with set poses and an individual routine with dance moves – and even though she didn't place, she's now addicted to the sport. Both women compete in the 'gure' category which requires toning and denition and a bit of muscle without going to the extreme; it's still quite feminine, they say.

Not trying to look masculine Lyn, 53, hadn't played any competitive sport as an adult, and like many people, had always thought body building was about women trying to look like men and didn't want a bar of it.

“At 45, if someone said that I was going to get up on stage and strut my stuff in a bikini I would have thought they were crazy, but then a year later I was doing it and it was great. To be able to accomplish that at 46 felt amazing.

“It's not about looking masculine. It's just a really great way to tone up your body and give you back a bit of shape because when we get to a certain age we tend to lose that shape. Training for competitions was my excuse for going to the gym.”

Now Lyn works there too and is studying to become a personal trainer.

She won the rst competition she entered and has now accumulated “about 40 trophies” from both national and regional competitions in the NABBA New Zealand body building federation (there are four different federations in New Zealand with a

number of different categories). She won the 2017 Nationals in the Open Figure category, the 50+ in 2015 and the 40+ in 2013. Needless to say she got addicted very quickly.

“When you do well there's always that aim to keep working hard at it and do even better the next year,” says Lyn.

Shed fat, maintain muscle Maintaining the right nutrition can be the real challenging part though, especially for newcomers to the sport.

Pre-competition fat 'cutting' needs to begin 3-4 months out and essentially involves a high protein, low-fat diet of limited calories that maintains muscle mass while reducing fat.

Where Lyn can visually judge how much of each food she can eat, Anna weighs her food and counts calories meticulously, initially cutting down to 1500 per day and then to 1200 for three months (maintenance level of calories for an average height/weight female, aged 40, would be approximately 2000 calories per day, depending on exercise levels). Despite having to eat every three hours or so, 'cutting' means the body is in constant calorie decit.

“When I rst started, I really struggled with the fatigue so would sleep a lot and would have to drink a lot of coffee to stay awake,” says Anna. “For me working and having four kids, it hasn't been easy; it felt like I was walking through mud all day.

“I eat a lot of omelettes made with just egg whites and I add spinach and mushrooms, but what saved me was protein bars and Weight Watchers jelly.

I would make a whole jelly in the morning and eat it before bed. I needed to know there was something I could look forward to. It meant I went 10 or so calories over my limit, but then I was expending over 1000 calories during the day just by going to the gym and being a busy mum.”

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In competition mode Lyn's intake consists of rolled oats and protein powder, protein shakes, green salads, scrambled egg whites, grilled chicken breast (without skin) and white sh.

“I'm very strict with myself because I know it works but you have to be really organised and committed, especially during cutting season. You don't want to be a social buttery because you can't eat what everyone else does – that could set you back a whole week; you actually need to hide yourself away a bit more from social occasions.

Following their passion Both women say a lot of people can't understand why they put themselves through all that stress and Anna particularly has had to reassure her children who wonder why their mum is “so skinny and tired and grumpy all the time”. The both say it's a passion that some people just don't get.

“People ask why I do it and I say, 'why do we do anything in life?' I love it and I don't really care what other people think,” says Lyn. “It's my reason for going to the gym and when I do well I feel proud of myself, and for 80% of the year it keeps me really t and healthy.”

As a sport for mature women, there's a lot going for it – the oldest competitor in NABBA NZ is in her 60s – so Lyn is planning to continue for as long as she can. And after a festive season of yummy (and very tempting) foods, both women are now back into training to prepare for the competitive season ahead. n

Lyn Wright

Anna Muir 30

“It all seems really hard at rst but when you go on stage it's all worth it. For some people it's just a one-time bucket list thing and for others they love it so much they go through all that hardship to do it again the next year.”

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focus | HEALTH & WELLBEING

Re-thinking pain

Words Dr Nicole Atkinson, Be Balanced Chiropractic Tauranga

We often think, and are constantly told, that pain is a bad thing and should be avoided at all costs. I thought in this edition of 'breaking barriers' it would be the perfect opportunity to challenge the way we think of pain.

Although pain is uncomfortable and unpleasant, I believe it is necessary and an important warning sign. We should learn to use it to our advantage instead of blocking it out.

Pain is the body's way of letting us know something is wrong – think of it as the engine light coming on or, in some cases, the smoke coming out of it. If we listen to it when it first shows up – rather than pushing through, blocking it out with pain killers or thinking it will just go away – it might save a lot of grief in the long term.

Our bodies are so smart and they will just carry on and compensate as best they can, but they can only do this for so long until something breaks down, which usually results in people coming into my office or rushing to the GP in severe pain. Instead of ignoring these warning signs, why not listen to your body and trust what it's telling you.

Take headaches as an example. Next time you have a headache, instead of reaching for the Panadol have a think about why you may have one. It could be coming from your neck – maybe your desk set-up isn't right for you, or maybe you haven't drunk enough water. Back and neck pain are also best checked in on early. Rather than waiting for intense pain to cause you to act, get it seen to when the niggles first start. You may be surprised at just how good you can feel.

Next time you are feeling uncomfortable, sore or just run down, don't just block it out or push through. Take it as a sign, a prompt to stretch, rest, relax or seek a professional opinion.

Dr Nicole Atkinson

At Be Balanced Chiropractic we offer a Free 15-Minute Consult and are happy to help and answer any questions you may have about your health.

T: 07 2811590 | M: 027 388 3880 180 Eleventh Ave, Tauranga bebalancedchiro.co.nz | nicole@bebalancedchiro.co.nz

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focus | HEALTH & WELLBEING

Put yourself at the top of your New Year’s resolution list Words Rebecca Tereu

Standing at the start line of a new year I can’t help but gaze hopefully at my new horizons.

The beginning of our hopes and dreams for a new year is often lled with excitement and anticipation as we consider all the possibilities and perfect plans we have for a killer year.

New Year resolutions slide off our tongues easily like Friday night’s jello shots, and February is denitely the month we nd our groove and make the ground shake with passionate statements and loud proclamations.

Us women are also very good at walking the talk, at least in the beginning – right up until the walk becomes tedious and boring, as time shunts us toward mid-year. Every year it seems to be the same, from start to nish. But it’s that slow never-ending slog uphill that really does a number on all of our good intentions, am I right? Half way through we’re unconsciously slipping back into old habits until stress, anxiety, insomnia, and just plain old burn-out starts to wave its ugly banner around the unkempt corners of our lives.

We get to the end of the year and the nish line is in sight, but now we’re wondering how on earth we’re going to make it past December in one piece (again). It’s here we rediscover that somehow we got booted back to square one – hoping the next year will be different, planning how it will be, getting ready to announce our New Year resolutions to the world one more time. The winds of good intentions ll our sails and we’re off...(again), and so the cycle continues.

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I don’t know about you but I’m exhausted just reading that.

But the thing that makes me sigh the mother of all sighs, is the hard truth that I somehow manage to ignore every year.

But THIS year I’m calling it out. And I invite you to do likewise.

It’s 2018 and the average woman is a freaking legend, wouldn’t you agree?

Many of us are juggling full-time jobs, raising kids, tending to husbands (ha!), keeping the home in a respectable state (ha ha!), running businesses – often more than one at a time, and trying to take care of ourselves somewhere in between it all. This is also the age of the entrepreneurial woman, which if we weren’t already crazy busy enough, now we add an extra X amount of hours that don’t even exist into our overowing schedules.

We may be freaking legends, but we’re also absolute crap at looking after ourselves.

At putting ourselves rst and taking care of what our mind, body and soul need in order to keep up with said legendary behaviour.

Somehow these things always nd themselves right down on the bottom of the priority list. So far down that we never actually get to see them most days, let alone activate them.

But whether we like to admit it or not, this is nobody’s fault but our own.

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1 It’s 2018 and the average woman is a freaking legend, wouldn’t you agree?

"

"

Repeat after me: I deserve to be healthy. I deserve to be well. I deserve to have balance in my life. I deserve time for myself. I deserve to be looked after.

But if you’re looking for a fancy fairy godmother to come and wave her magic wand and make all these deserving treats suddenly appear, you’re a little bit out of luck.

In fact, the closest you’re going to get to that magic, is when you go and look at yourself in the mirror.

Put yourself first:

Remember that crusty air safety card or the air hostess with the bright yellow masks? It may just be a boring safety demonstration, but the principle is sound and can be applied to many areas of life. Put the mask on yourself rst, because you’ll be no use to anyone, let alone yourself, if you don’t. You can’t expect to run a successful home, business, or life unless you take care of yourself. Yes lovely, that means putting yourself rst every now and then. A hard concept to wrap our heads around for sure, but trust me when I say, it will be the difference between life and death.

2

Invest in yourself:

You can never put a price on your health (and wellbeing).

That was something a good friend said to me when I was considering investing in essential oils after a massive battle with breast cancer. Sure the bank account may only stretch so far when there are things that we want and need, but when it’s important – and yes your health and wellbeing are important – then sometimes sacrices have to be made.

Don’t be stingy on your health, and don’t be afraid to invest in yourself when needed. The dividends will pay off!

3

Get accountability and support:

You need to be your own fairy godmother.

Take ownership. Take control. Pull your name out from the depths of that black hole of a list, and put it where it belongs. Up the top girlfriend!

As much as that sparkly whip should get you cracking, it’s the long game that will tire you out and, as mentioned at the beginning, will often see you slipping unconsciously back into bad habits. This is where a good accountability buddy is gold! You can have one or many, it doesn’t matter – just get someone to help keep you accountable and cheer you on, especially during that mid-year slog when grey areas start magically appearing. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to help you with this, or join a group (there are so many on Facebook ) that are designed to do just this.

Here are a couple of things I am focusing on myself, and will hopefully help you too:

Happy 2018 everybody – see you at the nish line where we won’t even recognise ourselves, let alone each other! n

But instead of a magic wand, you need to pick up your whip. It doesn’t have to be a mean nasty looking black whip either. It can be a sparkly one if you like.

Now lovingly whip yourself into gear.

Rebecca Tereu is a business advisor, speaker, encourager and author www.lifeandinsights.org | www.facebook.com/LifeandInsights

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I want to ride my bicycle…

Words Laura Weaser | Images Supplied

With trafc congestion an increasing source of frustration, petrol prices on the rise, and people’s awareness of the importance activity plays in living a long and happy life, there’s never been a better time to turn to active transport.

Active transport can include walking, cycling, skating, skateboarding or any other incidental activity associated with the use of public transport. It is an easy way to participate in physical activity and can help you to nd up to 30 minutes of exercise in your daily routine.

Organisations, such as NZTA and Love to Ride and, locally, Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Sport Bay of Plenty, are taking charge of this change. Working collaboratively, these groups are not only encouraging people to get moving, but also developing long-term strategies to create the infrastructure and opportunities for active transport to occur.

Simply put, it’s about breaking down barriers for people to get moving – including fear of congested roads, inexperience and understanding, not being able to ride ‘off road’ for an entire trip, and general tness. focusmagazine

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“When active transport is easy, it provides convenient ways to get to work. It also adds activity into people’s days,” says Sport Bay of Plenty Recreation Team Leader Sonia Lynds.

“Effective active transport routes are safe, supportive, and enjoyable. They also need to be direct, rather than ‘off the beaten track’ or ‘the long way around’.

“The more active transport options that there are for our community, the better.”

That’s why Bike Month is important for Sport Bay of Plenty.

Held in February, the annual, month-long programme focuses on activities and events revolving around cycling, and is part of the Regional Sports Trust’s recreational initiative Play in the Bay – encouraging people to get active through low cost and free activities and events.

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Bike Month incorporates the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Aotearoa Bike Challenge, a workplacebased cycling competition, and Go By Bike Day, a one-off event encouraging people to use cycling as a mode of transport around the region with pit stops loaded with refreshments and spot prizes along the way.

This year also sees a trial of adult Cycle Savvy courses in the Western Bay of Plenty, designed to increase people’s condence and skill level when cycling on the roads.

“Sport Bay of Plenty is always heading towards the goal of ‘more people, more active, more often’, and Bike Month is another way to help us reach our core goal,” says Sonia.

“As part of Bike Month, we’ll be encouraging workplaces to get their staff cycling. There will be cycle skills workshops for beginner cyclists to attend, education about e-bikes, and we’ll be providing guided rides for people to get familiar with some of the local tracks.”

While cycling may come second nature to some, for others it may have been a while since they have hopped on two wheels, but Sonia says getting rolling is as easy as, well, riding a bike!

“Little and often, until activity becomes a habit, is key. If you are attending an event around the beaches this summer, think about taking a bike instead of driving – the parking is much easier! If it becomes part of your life, rather than just an ‘exercise option’, then people are more likely to stick with it.

“It’s our goal to promote this through fun activities and events that encourage participation through socialising with a little bit of friendly competition too. Active transport is to be embraced, rather than feared, and we’re always happy to help people take the rst step – or in this case, spin!”

Bike Month activities are held throughout February 2018. For more information, visit www.sportbop.co.nz/bike-month

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Product Reviews Glow.

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100ml A$45 nowbysml.com focus review: Robyn: “I spritzed this on my face and neck during the day and instantly felt refreshed. After a yoga session a spray of this is perfect so I would denitely keep a bottle in my gym bag.

The afrmation on the bottle was a nice touch – ‘I embody and express unconditional love’.

The ingredients include Rose, Orange and Jasmine waters and Mandarin, Rosemary, Bergamot, Lavender, Sweet Orange and Jasmine oils.”

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Akari Skin Repair Serum

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76A Grey Street, Tauranga info@tranquillobeauty.co.nz | www.tranquillobeauty.co.nz SKINCARERX NEW ZEALAND SALON OF THE YEAR 2017

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focus | RECIPES

Late summer meal in a bowl…

Words, Recipe and Images Carol Garden

The humble side salad generally plays second ddle to the protein on our plates. But by late summer, traditional salads are feeling a little jaded – just like the summer vegetables in them.

Salads that are hearty enough to be a complete meal are a great way to introduce dinners or lunches that don’t make protein the star of the plate. If you’ve been barbecuing all summer, this kind of meal is also a night off from cleaning the barbecue and if you really can’t see your family coping without meat/sh/ham/chicken, serve the protein cooked and cold, mixed in with the salad.

Here I’ve given two recipes for salads that use nuts as the protein source. Nuts also add texture and crunch, and are very lling owing to their high fat content.

Salad bowls make great meals for camping or boating, as they require little or no cooking, especially if you cheat and buy the sachets of cooked brown rice available in the supermarket. Brown rice is a nutritious grain, nutty and tasty, and if kept refrigerated, a rice salad can do a second meal the next day. It is a slowrelease energy food which is great for those who burn through their internal fuel quickly. For people worried about colon cancer risk, brown rice is a concentrated source of the bre needed to minimize the length of time 44

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cancer-causing substances spend in contact with colon cells. It is also a good source of selenium, a trace mineral that has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of colon cancer. New Zealand soil is decient in selenium, so we do not always get as much of this mineral as we need.

We grew red cabbage in our garden this summer, and this inspired a rash of new recipes, as we had to think of new ways to serve it. Cabbage is an excellent vegetable to take away on a boat or camping, when fridge space is limited. Both red and green cabbage last well out of the fridge, so long as they are kept in the shade. Cabbage has an unfashionable reputation, but it is extremely versatile. It’s also highly nutritious, being packed with vitamin C, bre, vitamin K, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, thiamine, riboavin, folate, calcium and magnesium. It is also believed to have anti-cancer properties. A Thai-style salad lifts the humble cabbage into something very alluring.

focus | RECIPES

Cabbage, cashew and crispy noodle salad

Rice bowl salad

¼ small red cabbage, sliced very thinly ¼ savoy cabbage, sliced very thinly 1 red pepper, sliced thinly 1 large carrot, cut into thin batons ½ small red onion, sliced thinly handful of mung bean sprouts 2 stalks of celery, diced thinly ½ cup fresh coriander leaves 8-10 cooked green beans 1 cup broccoli orets, cooked or raw ½ packet of crispy noodles 1 cup of roasted cashew nuts Dressing 4 Tbsp sweet chilli sauce 4 Tbsp lime juice 3 Tbsp sesame oil 2 Tbsp soy sauce To make dressing: combine all ingredients in a jar and shake well. Add more lime or sweet chilli until you are happy with the sweet-sour avour.

Combine all the vegetables and coriander in a large bowl and toss well. Just prior to serving, add half the noodles and cashew nuts. Shake dressing then throw over salad and mix gently. Serve in individual bowls, with the rest of the noodles and salad on top. Serves 4-6

3 cups cooked, cooled brown rice 1 red pepper, nely diced 1 yellow pepper, nely diced 1 cup baby spinach or rocket leaves, roughly diced 3 spring onions, chopped ½ cup currants, or cranberries 1 large carrot, diced nely ¼ cup soy sauce ¼ cup pumpkin seeds 1 cup tamari roasted almonds Dressing ½ cup olive oil 1 clove crushed garlic 2 tsp sugar

4 Tbsp lemon juice 2 tsp grated ginger

Put cooled rice in a large bowl and add soy sauce. Mix through so rice is well coated. If you can, leave it to marinate for a couple of hours, then add other ingredients – except nuts – and mix well. Combine dressing ingredients in a jar and shake till well mixed.

Just prior to serving, pour dressing over salad and mix well, adding ¾ of the almonds. Serve in individual bowls with extra almonds scattered on top. Serves 4

Carol Garden is a writer who likes to explore healthy, interesting food ideas.

She has worked as a caterer, vegan chef, journalist and public relations consultant. To contact Carol email: wordgardenwriters@gmail.com

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focus | CREATIVITY

Creativity

IN THE BAY OF PLENTY

Emma Prill Emma Prill is a Bay of Plenty artist well known for her vibrant and original Flower Garden works which featured in last year's Garden and Art Festival and are familiar to many from café walls and galleries. Emma has been a nalist in recent Molly Morpeth Awards and the Miles Art Award, winning People’s Choice in 2014. A mother of two young children, Emma made the decision to work as a professional artist years ago and has not looked back. focus asked her some questions about her lifestyle and plans.

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What is a typical day in the life of Emma Prill?

My days are really varied which I love. I usually start with checking my emails and responding to enquiries and orders. I’ve recently launched my Home Art Workshop Kit and have received several international orders, which is fantastic. I love working from home so I can work around my two children's also very full lives.

During the week I vary my time between working on my commissions, planning or taking art workshops and art parties, and working on my limited edition Giclée print range (ne art digital prints made on inkjet printers). I sell them through several galleries in NZ – Zohar at The Mount being a great local one.

What inspired you to create your rst Home Art Workshop Kit? The Indian Elephant Workshop is the rst in a series of workshops I am planning. I rst designed this workshop for children and then had some interest from adults so I took exactly the same workshop for them and it was a real success.

I felt if I pulled all the elements of this workshop together in a kit, people could create a special project in their own homes. I have spent months and months creating the pack and I have created it to be sustainable, using quality paints (I hand mix them myself) and a project for all ages to enjoy (ages 5+). With the different designs and colour choices, everyone will create a unique and original work of art.

focus | CREATIVITY

You are well known for your intricately made Flower Garden works.

What’s your inspiration behind these?

I see the Gardens as a place to retreat and rejuvenate into. They are inspired by forms and colours found in gardens both on land and under water.

I hand paint each and every ower and part of the garden using acrylic on canvas. I’m often asked if I use fabric in my Gardens. I love this visual question that the Gardens provoke. Is it a painting? What is it made from? I see them as sculptural paintings, using very traditional materials, acrylic on canvas but in a non-traditional way.

Vase Arrangement

What's next for you?

World Within a Flower

I really enjoy exploring the uidity and exibility when canvas is not bound to a frame. My last works were both nalists in the Molly Morpeth Award 2017 and Miles Art Awards and explored cutting into canvas and inviting shadow and light into the work. I will be exploring this further. I will also be working on my commissions and adding to my collection of Home Art Workshop kits. Recently I’ve been invited to exhibit at the Warwick Henderson Gallery in Auckland so I am also looking forward to taking my work to a new audience. I will also be taking adult art workshops (at The Incubator in Tauranga) and have several adult art party gatherings booked. I think it's going to be another busy creative year! I love what I do and often wish there were just a few more hours in the day to manifest all the creative ideas that are bubbling away.

W:emaprill.co.nz | E: emma prill@gmail.com | facebook.com/emmaprillartist @emmaprill focusmagazine

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focus | WRITING

Want to write a family history?

This story will inspire you to write yours.

Interview with Gayel Collinson by Kinsa Hays

The Long Journey from Steam to Cyber – from rst ction novel to Amazon best seller, Gracie Stathers – not her real name – has made it a short journey. After telling a story about her family history to amuse passengers on a long-haul bus tour, Stathers realised that the deeds of her ancestors belonged not just to her family, but were a part of the history of the settlement of the New World. The story belonged in the public domain.

Stathers had a head start – a boxful of anecdotes collected from her family over fty years, written on scraps of paper, serviettes even, turned into booklets for her grandchildren. “Our stories must not be lost,” she says. “They’re the fabric of who we are.” As a sixthgeneration New Zealander, she has a wide repertoire from the four Europe-wide families who bravely crossed, or were forced across, the oceans to the unknown.

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Gayel Collinson Pen name: Gracie Stathers

“The Long Journey is neither a history book or ction. It’s a hybrid, a cross-genre. I had the facts, but I had to imagine how the people felt, make assumptions, invent conversations. That’s when a story becomes ction.”

While collating her ‘story scraps’, Stathers discovered the gaps between them, highlighting the need for research and verication of the information, gleaned from Google, to tie the scraps together to become a cohesive work.

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“I’d wake at ve each morning with a solution to a problem, or a realisation that I had a problem, and set to work,” she says. “The process of writing a book is stepping into the unknown. I’d like to encourage people to write the story they have always dreamed of writing. I had a loose plan and found putting the information in chronological order suited me. If you’re serious, all you have to do is sit in a chair and write daily.”

What advice would she give to someone wanting to write a book and self-publish?

“The rst thing I found was that I needed a good and trusted friend to send the odd paragraph or chapter to for feed-back. Their response was all-important; it told me whether they understood what I was trying to say or more relevant, if it was exciting or just plain boring.” Stathers feelings over not being boring were evident.

She continues, “I was fully aware of how much self-editing was required because I had written other books and a thesis for my Osteopathic diploma. If I was having difculty with a new chapter I would leave it and use the time to recheck what I had written and rewrite where necessary. Often it was at this stage that the emotion in the scene became truly evident to me so I would rephrase sections to impart those feelings to the reader.

By the time I was ready for a professional editor I was sure of my material and ready to put up good arguments to keep the integrity of my work.

“I had help from two editors and for a rst-time writer I believe that may well be necessary,” Stathers says. “It takes time to nd the right person for you and your style of writing. There are always parts of your book that you know need attention, but can’t quite nd the words or ambiance that you are looking for. Working beside an experienced editor helps to make those parts not just ordinary but extraordinary.” Her body language emphasises her belief.

“Once you are happy with your edited story, a good proof reader is essential. Some editors are proof readers as well, but by the time pieces have been reworked it may be a good idea to use completely new eyes to nd the pesky little errors or introduce changes that make a truly professional manuscript.” We both understand the pain when an error is spotted in printed copy.

“Next you need to nd a printer,” says Stathers. “How many copies do you want? The more you order, the cheaper per unit it will be. There are many reputable printers in New Zealand. Ask around. Get quotes. You may like to publish a digital e-book on Amazon as well as having printed copies. I had a few books printed locally for a family launch – this allowed me to see any changes that needed to be made, before the work of creating The Long Journey as an e-book.”

Stathers joined a writing group, Tauranga Writers, and attended a workshop where she gained her knowledge of formatting. This enabled her to format the book herself to meet Amazon’s requirements. She says, “If you’re not condent or don’t have time to format your work you can pay someone to do this for you.”

The step by step process in the Amazon uploading site seemed an impossible task at rst to her. However, she just kept biting away at it. “Like any online process,” she says, “it is a matter of getting to know the program you are working with. I used the Amazon, Print on Demand (POD) option and ordered fty books. Fifty to 100 books don’t require much storage space.”

Stathers took the books with her to promote them in a re-enactment of the landing of the rst French ship of immigrants at Akaroa, near Christchurch. Her family was among the group that rst stepped ashore on August 19, 1840.

And why the pseudonym?

She is using the pen name Gracie Stathers for her debut novel. “This was my mother’s name and it was she who taught me to appreciate history and understand how things in the past impact future generations. And because it’s a book about the trials my ancestors lived through, I felt it was important to step back from the personal and write it from an onlooker’s point of view.” n

Stathers The Long Journey from Steam to Cyber may be purchased from Books a Plenty, Grey Street, Tauranga and Amazon. Gracie is happy to answer any queries about writing a family history.

Contact her at graciestathers@gmail.com

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focus | TRAVEL

Meandering through the Motu Words Liz French | Images Raewyne Cathie and Lynanne Stanaway

Motu Falls

George II

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focus | TRAVEL

You can cycle the Motu Road Trail in a day, all 70 or so kilometres of it, plus the extra 10 along the dunes to Opotiki, but why would you when there are interesting places to stay and explore on the way.

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Motu-vation Café at Motu Village

Sign post at Motu Village 52

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focus | TRAVEL

Danger, what danger!

Toatoa Farm

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Made it!

The team on Pakowai ki Otutaopuku Bridge.

From left: Raewyne Cathie, Yvonne Barker, Helen Fritchley, Lynanne Stanaway, Liz French 54

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PROTECTING PETS AND WILDLIFE AROUND FISHING TACKLE

Words and Image Liza Schneider, Holis c Vets

Fishing can be great fun for the whole family but unfortunately shing tackle can cause severe injuries to our wildlife and our pets too. This is especially true when hooks and line are left, irresponsibly, to litter our environment and when hooks have bait still attached, they are a target for greedy dogs and hungry cats.

Over the years, I have treated many animals with 'body piercings' caused by sh hooks; especially seabirds with hooks stuck in their beaks or hooks that have been swallowed and become lodged in their bodies.

One day a shag was brought in with a shing hook in its beak. Shags are robust seabirds with sharp beaks and will not hesitate to bite. Their long necks give them plenty of range and we are always careful to handle them with care.

Thankfully it was easy to remove the hook and unwrap the attached shing line. An anaesthetic was not necessary and the injuries were supercial. We placed the shag in rehabilitation and it soon devoured a meal of sh.

Moments later I examined my next patient, a delightful and large chocolate Labrador called Duke. Duke loved life and enthusiastically bounded into the room snifng excitedly at everything around. He was especially captivated by my table and jumped up to sniff intently, much to the embarrassment of his owner who would have preferred to boast a dog with more discipline. I laughed at Duke's antics and mindlessly explained to Duke's owner, “Don't worry mate, it's all good, I've just had a shag on the table.”

Duke's owner was stunned into silence and it took a moment for the penny to drop when I suddenly thought to explain that the shag was a bird that I had just treated and that our staff always have time for a shag! He was most amused. n

FOR PEACE OF MIND AND NATURALLY HEALTHY PETS Our AWARD WINNING approach combines all the advantages of conven onal veterinary medicine and surgery with complementary therapies to achieve excellent results for our pa ents.

"The next day he roared into the house like a puppy; we couldn't believe the difference. No limp, no s ffness, no nothing - our boy was back! ..."

ü Surgery ü Digital X-Rays ü In House Blood Tes ng ü 24 Hour Emergency Care ü Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy ü Home Visits ü Acupuncture ü Osteopathy ü Herbs & Homeopathy We offer long distance consulta on by phone

56 Fraser Street, Tauranga Phone: 07 578 7054

Visit www.holis cvets.co.nz for a comprehensive list of services, informa on and tes monials. focusmagazine

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focus | EMPOWERMENT

Words Mary Parker, The Transition Coach

Change can be creative and fun – you get the opportunity to reboot, refresh or restyle if you choose to. Transition is the process of change, whether you are changing schools, careers or cities or the smaller ongoing transitions you experience.

However, for many of us, change is intimidating because we don't know what lies ahead. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zone and into a new stretch zone – for some that's exhilarating but for many it creates resistance, almost like standing at the edge of a mineeld.

We have to decide where to step rst, and that can require knowledge, determination and courage.

Let's look at some of those 'mines' that cause us to resist change:

Mine #1 : Fear of failure

You don't have to

When you’re considering a see the whole life change, you may wonder staircase. Just take if you'll be able to do it. Your the first step. inner voice kicks in saying, “what if I fail?” We tend to Mar n Luther King Jr look at the nal outcome, which can be huge, however, all goals have steps that move us towards the nal outcome. You gain prociency and experience as you go and this gives you the condence to take that next step. As your sense of achievement grows you will feel stronger and less weakened by that fear of failure.

Mine #2 : Lack of belief in yourself Another ‘mine’ is comparing yourself to others who are already succeeding in what you want to do. You may think, “I'd never be able to manage that”.

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Sometimes the hardest thing to do is step Great things outside your comfort never come zone, cast aside your from comfort normal practice of zones. comparing and embrace the opportunities that will naturally occur in this new, condent you.

Believing in yourself takes you outside your comfort zone because you have to face the world. Although it involves a degree of discomfort, remember that every expert was once a beginner. In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell said it takes about 10,000 hours under your belt before you can achieve expert status. So only compare yourself to yourself and observe how far you have already come, because every week you will clock up more hours, more experience and more condence.

Mine #3 : Fear of the unknown

Worry o en gives a small thing a big shadow.

Worry is often a small thing that casts a big shadow; a Swedish Proverb shadow laden with stories of what you fear will happen. If you cast your mind back to those times when you faced your fears and stepped out anyway, how often did the stories you had concocted actually come to fruition? Most likely, not often. You changed your perspective and so the dynamics also changed.

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I recall once needing a large sum of money in a very short time in order to travel to the other side of the world to attend a six-month programme. There didn’t seem any possible way to get this money in the time available.

Rick Godwin However, I made the decision to do everything I could to get the money and then to let go of the outcome and trust the best would happen. Amazingly, through some fascinating and previously unseen ways, I managed to accumulate the entire amount in this short time, whereas, if I had allowed my mind to talk me into staying put, many of the wonderful things that happened to me in the next decade may not have occurred.

One reason people resist change is because they focus on what they have to give up, instead of what they have to gain.

It’s not easy to let go of fear. You believe your mind knows what will be safer, so you resist and come up with all the reasons why you shouldn’t move forward … “what if it doesn’t work?”, “what if I feel humiliated?”, “what if I just can’t do it” … and you believe that if you stay where you are you’ll remain safe in your comfort zone. It’s important to look at these fears, question them and nd ways to move beyond them.

You will only move on from the fear thoughts by seeing the outcome of your actions. As you move into your stretch zone and achieve success you will notice that it starts to become more comfortable – and when this happens it’s no longer a stretch zone – you have now grown your comfort zone. By moving beyond your fear you are able to see opportunities and possibilities you couldn’t imagine when you were locked into your ‘what ifs’.

Mine #4 : Am I the only one experiencing this?

Most of us think so, but in reality you're no different to many people who struggle with decision making. Like many of us, you'll sit on the fence, procrastinating over whether to take the big leap, while telling yourself you should be sensible and stay with what you know.

Meantime, you continue to question everything, work yourself up, and still avoid the decision.

When I'm faced with a big decision I nd it useful to quiet my mind and look at both options … and how I feel about each of them. I did this when I was struggling about whether to come back to New Zealand or stay in Europe, which I was enjoying, but I had a feeling it was time to move. As I quieted myself and thought about staying where I was I felt a little uneasy and when I thought about coming back to NZ I had a feeling of peace; my feelings about it were quite gentle. Some people may have a stronger reaction, feeling enthusiastic about one and repelled by the other.

Sometimes it's just about listening to your gut.

Mind #5 : No choice You may feel you have no choice, like having to stay in your present job because you fear you won't get another one.

As with most situations, you have intermediate choices – you can research what's out there, update your cv, set up interviews etc. Believing there are no other options will only apply if you keep thinking this way.

The worst part about being afraid of change is you end up settling for whatever happens. This is a far more frightening way to live because not only do you continue to fear what might happen, but you have also given up control of your life to some extent, and have to live with whatever comes next. Having condence in yourself – even while you are facing your fears – gives you a sense of control and in the long term it will give you more peace.

Taking risks and setting out into uncharted territory can be scary, but it inspires new beginnings and creates the opportunities to grow. When you start focusing on new circumstances and new reasons to be happy you’ll stop focusing on those ‘what ifs’ that prevent you from taking the next step.

Take a step back and look at the bigger picture … examine your ‘mineeld’ and look for ways to remove the power of those mines that have been getting in the way of you taking the next steps to a more enjoyable, exciting and pleasurable life with fewer self-imposed limits. n

Mary Parker, The Fast Track Coach … Coaching to Clarity mary@thefasttrackcoach.co.nz 07 577 1200 | www.thefasttrackcoach.co.nz

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focus | BREAKING BARRIERS

Women in Business: Fulton Automotive Words and Image Carol Garden

Kris McCartney is the face behind successful Mount Maunganui automotive business Fulton Automotive Solutions.

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Kris McCartney can often be seen washing her customers' cars, wearing high heels and full make up. As the owner of a 'female friendly' automotive repair shop, she's kicking stereotypes to the gutter without a conscious thought.

She switched on to listening to what customers wanted a few years back, and it has paid off. Her team grooms most cars that come in for a repair, and customers love that. So much so, that now they are requesting car grooming, without needing a repair.

Kris is not a mechanic, and has never worn overalls to work. She runs a smart operation, and her background as a legal executive has been a major contributor. “Legal work is about working through and solving problems for people, and I've never found the book work difcult. I'm always looking for ways to improve our service,” she says.

Fulton Automotive Solutions has been at the Mount since 1990. Kris and her son Ryan bought the business in 2012 from the previous owner, Jim Fulton, who stayed on for a couple of years to mentor Ryan and make sure the business handover was seamless and successful.

Ryan had worked at the garage after school for a few years before doing his apprenticeship under Jim, and the pair shared a love of motor sports. It was a business the family knew well, and a trusted repair shop with a strong customer base.

When Ryan left to go travelling a few years back, Kris had to decide if she wanted to continue with the business. “It was one of those decisions that would keep you awake at night, but I decided that if I could nd a mechanic who was happy to work with a woman boss, and who shared my philosophies on service and quality, then I could do it. Fortunately Shaun walked in off the street at the right time, and we work well together.”

The relationship is based on mutual respect and a clear understanding of roles. “Shaun runs the workshop, I run the business. Having a good team and being willing to work hard have been key success factors.”

Fulton Automotive has grown year on year, and Kris says she likes to do her best for her clients. They get a lot of repeat business, and she has created an environment that is 'female friendly'. “We don't just do the work and

give you the price at the end. We'll ring you, tell you what the problem is and the cost, and let you decide if we go ahead,” she says. “No nasty surprises.”

She is in and out of cars all day, picking up cars, dropping customers back at work, making life easy for others. Washing the cars is part of the service, and she pitches in with this when things are busy.

She's also worked hard on keeping the company's Facebook page up to date, and a quick Google search shows more than 40 positive reviews on line – more than any other garage in the area. That ranking has paid off too, with lots of new customers who've found them online.

She's a high achiever, but manages to maintain a reasonable work-life balance. At 5.30 each morning she walks up Mount Maunganui, something she's been doing daily for the past 14 years. She's at work by 7.30am, and tries to nish each day at 5. “Usually my husband calls about 5.45 asking 'are you coming home?'” she laughs.

The service ethos extends to the opening hours. Fulton is one of the few automotive shops that opened through the Christmas-New Year period, after she picked up more than 90 calls on the answer phone the previous year.

As for being a woman in a male-dominated industry, Kris doesn't give it a lot of thought. “I've proven that you can succeed in an industry that's not your area of expertise,” she says. “As a woman I can bring different perspectives to the business, but it's the team, the systems and listening to the customers that create success.” n Fulton Automotive Solutions entered the local MTA business awards in 2017 for the rst time, and were a nalist in the best small business category. Independent judges reviewed the entry, interviewed Kris and visited the workshop. It proved once and for all that Kris could stand her ground among mainly male-owned businesses. She has since joined the local MTA executive committee.

Fulton Automotive Solutions offers all mechanical repairs and maintenance, Warrant of Fitness inspections, vehicle grooming and motorhome servicing and repairs. In addition, they provide a break-down service, pre-purchase inspections and a six-monthly safety inspection. focusmagazine

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Jo Tricker focusmagazine

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Building better relationships through trust Words Dee Collins

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WIN

Enter online now!

Entries close 8 February, 2018 www.focusmagazine.co.nz/category/competitions

We have two one-month passes for Health Quarters to give away Tauranga's mul disciplinary wellbeing one-stop-shop has a team of health prac oners that work together to ensure you receive the ul mate care experience.

Health Quarters runs a range of exercise and fitness sessions – strength and condi oning, rehabilita on, suspension, high intensity and fat burning, bodyweight as well as Pilates, Yoga and Qi Gong. They also provide ACC registered services such as Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Acupuncture, Podiatry and also Psychology, Homeopathy, Zero Balancing, Massage and Sports Therapy.

We have gorgeous bars of chocolate from Solomons Chocolate to give away to two readers. Free from dairy, gluten, nuts, soy and refined sugar, Solomons Chocolate has no ar ficial flavours, addi ves or preserva ves. Flavours include Dark Orange, Dark Berry, Dark Nib, Dark Mint and Dark Caramel.

Enter online for your chance to win.

Entries close 8 February

Enter online for your chance to win.

Entries close 8 February

WIN bars of delicious Solomons Chocolate

WIN a fabulous hamper from The Black Ke le The hamper includes a topping shaker, whisk, aero la e milk frother and mug plus six bags of La e Blends including Ginger Aid, Golden Milk, Dandela e, Cacao Bliss, Licorice and Zesty Matcha. The hamper also includes a nut milk bag with recipes and a guided tea medita on card.

WIN one of two HZP+Co gi packs

Enter online for your chance to win.

Entries close 8 February

Enter online for your chance to win.

Entries close 8 February

Sourced from orchards and forests in New Zealand HZP+Co products are blended with the very latest innova ve formula ons from around the world.

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The Last Page Name: Belinda Francis Company: MediaWorks Position Held: Northern Regional Manager

MediaWorks is New Zealand’s largest independent broadcaster, reaching Kiwis through an extensive platform across radio, television, digital and live platforms.

Prior to my promotion, I was General Manager of MediaWorks Tauranga.

What book would you reread or what movie would you watch again, and why?

I love to read but really struggle to reread any books again, however, I have watched The Sound of Music and Grease many, many times and look forward to watching them both again!

What do you love doing in your spare time?

Spending time with family and friends and I always enjoy a quick walk up The Mount.

What do you wish you had more time for?

Time with family and friends!

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What’s next on your bucket list and when are you planning to do it?

This year I will spend the year working through my ‘40 things to do before 40’ list. The tasks range from big to small and are things that will really challenge me rather than just things I am meant to do but never get around to!

What’s your best life hack?

If you walk up The Mount twice in a row – particularly if you are doing the Mount Everest Challenge – do the stone stairs twice at the start…it makes going up the second time so much easier knowing you don’t have to do the stairs again!

How do you feel about the BOP’s vibe?

The city vibe is exciting! There are more and more opportunities popping up everywhere with such amazing people doing really great things. The city is growing up and is no longer the place people come to just retire.

What tips could you share about your best approach to getting through a challenging day?

Get through it one step at a time and don’t sweat the small stuff. I like ticking things off lists – I feel a small sense of achievement as I go! The key is also not to be a martyr – if you need help, ask!

2018

Focus on Women Expo

– It's new and it's coming to the Bay of Plenty Featuring: exhibitors, workshops, seminars Like our magazine, the Focus on Women Expo will inspire, empower, educate, connect and entertain women in our region.

Step up, get moving, live your best life! Whether you're exhibi ng or visi ng, at the Focus on Women Expo you can: Get networking! Meet, greet and chat with visitors and other exhibitors.

Get mo vated! Learn new things and ideas at expo seminars, led by successful women in our region.

Get interac ve! Step out of your comfort zone and try something new – you might just discover a new passion.

Get shopping! Visit a range of exhibitors and find out more about their products and services.

Get pampered! Pull up a chair and take a break – we'll have some relaxa on delights in store for you.

Business owners – don't miss this opportunity to promote your fabulous business to women in the region.

For bookings and further informa on – call Dee today.

ASB Arena | 27-28 October, 2018

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES!

Book your stand today.

Contact Dee Collins for further informa on: dee@focusmagazine.co.nz Mobile: 021 535 770 | www.focusmagazine.co.nz

When it comes to printing, we have you covered

Offset Prin ng

Producing top quality prin ng to suit any large run print job ... efficiently and cost effec vely. Ideal for catalogues, newsle ers, manuals, invoice/statements, quote books and other higher quan ty orders.

Digital Prin ng

Solving quick turn-around, cost effec ve short-run prin ng needs ... solu ons from business cards, brochures and flyers to small and large booklets.

Wide Format Prin ng

Delivering the punch when visual impact is required. Poster and banner wide format ... the right solu on when size does ma er.

Finishing

Presen ng the op mal finish ... op ons from binding and trimming to numbering and perfora ng, foiling and embossing to creasing, padding, folding and/or die-cu ng and lamina ng jobs from business cards to A2.

Sanya Print an n-Gon Group facet

Company Sta onery Invoices | Statements Docket | Receipt Books Booklets | Programmes Invita ons | Tickets Presenta on Folders Brochures Flyers Pads Envelopes Labels Posters ... and so much more!

62 Tenth Ave, Tauranga, 3110 | Phone: 07 578 6838 | info@sanya print.co.nz | sanya print.co.nz