Focus magazine issue 15 by focus Magazine

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other material submitted to focus and related social media sites are intended for publication unless clearly labelled “not for publication”.

Editor’s Welco me

elcome to the first edition of focus for 2019! January certainly raced by but we weren’t sitting around with our feet up enjoying long relaxing days. Oh no, not us! We had our heads down as we planned and discussed new ideas and themes for the year. But let’s not race ahead of ourselves … we’re hoping you had a relaxing summer and are ready for an invigorating year ahead, full of excitement and new beginnings. We have loads of interesting articles planned for this year and will continue to deliver more of the stories you love, many of which have been suggested to us. So, keep on writing to us … we are listening! Research shows that those people who write down their goals are twice as likely to achieve them, as opposed to those who don’t. While the ink has only just dried on our New Year’s resolutions, Mary Parker, the Fast Track Coach, encourages us to slap on our ‘can do’ attitude and go after what we want. And a ‘can do’ attitude is certainly what Lavina Good has in bucket loads. Lavina, who graces our cover, usually prefers to fly under the radar but we were lucky enough to spend a morning with her and get an insight into the multitude of events, ventures and businesses she’s involved in. We were in awe of how she manages to juggle all those balls and still be really calm, chatty and friendly. Read about the passion that drives her community efforts and how bringing a range of people with different skills together can help to create significant change within communities. Someone else who is serving the community is Lin Keo. Living under a staircase in Cambodia, Lin was starved, lable at focus are avai FREE copies of fice. our of e, Tauranga p, 62 Tenth Av ou Gr n Go nst) la s ck (while sto

Image: Vanessa Laval-Glad, Indigo Moon Films & Photography

abused and beaten before being rescued and given a chance at happiness. She now ‘gives back’ by helping and supporting fellow immigrants through Multicultural Tauranga. There’s also Diana Anderson whose mission in life is to find homes for 600 greyhounds … every year! And Hanna Peters and Deidre Rennie have teamed up to enter the annual Pork Pie Charity Run for Mini owners to raise money for the KidsCan Charitable Trust. If 2019 has you stressed out already, we can highly recommend a girls’ day out in Rotorua. Read all about our fabulous day exploring this geothermal wonderland that included a luxurious pampering session at the Polynesian Spa. Bliss! With gratitude

Dee

Editor & Founder dee@focusmagazine.co.nz

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focus | PICKS

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What we’re reading Words DEE COLLINS EAT YOUR GREENS, PETE EVANS

LONG ROAD TO MERCY, DAVID BALDACCI

Pete Evans is well known for his outspoken comments on his favoured paleo lifestyle diet but, I have to confess, debates aside, I love his cookbooks and was delighted to be sent his latest gem Eat Your Greens to review. Pete encourages his followers to really celebrate veggies and make them the hero at meal times. He also reminds us that every decision we make – from what we buy at the supermarkets to what food we put on our plates and grow in our gardens – needs to be beneficial for us and for the planet. There are over 130 dishes in the book that take veggies from sides to stars. You’ll be very tempted to buy this book once you’ve tried Pete’s Roasted Pumpkin Tabbouleh (see page 36 in this edition).

Ooh, I do love reading a good book on a lazy rainy weekend, especially if it’s a page-turning thriller like Long Road to Mercy. David Baldacci’s latest offering introduces FBI Agent Atlee Pine who is called in to investigate a case in the Grand Canyon where a mule is found dead with strange carvings on its body, and its rider missing. It soon seems clear the lost tourist had something more clandestine than sightseeing in mind. Agent Pine uses her investigative skills and unmatched drive to discover the truth.

What we’re

WATCHing & LISTENing TO

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MEL ROBBINS Mel is an expert on change, human behaviour and mindset. Her social media platform reaches millions of people every month and her TEDx Talk has been viewed by over 14 million people. Mel is well known for her 5-Second Rule which closes the gap between thinking about what needs to be done and actually doing it. Listen to #MelRobbinsLive, an advice series

on YouTube telling people how to get moving to create the life they want. It documents her life on the road as a female CEO and public figure, and her observations of raising three kids with her husband of 22 years. “You’re one decision away from a totally different life,” says Mel. melrobbins.com

SOCIAL | focus

BEHIND THE SCENES We decided to mix things up a bit for this cover and to experiment with both studio and outdoor shots of Lavina. Vanessa from Indigo Moon Photography captured some fab images which meant we spent ages deciding which photo would go on the cover. Decisions, decisions! Watch our behind the scenes video of Lavina’s shoot focusmagazine.co.nz/lavina

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focus | CONTENTS

COVER STORY 10

LAVINA GOOD Well-known for her community work, focus meets Lavina Good to find out what drives her and what new community initiatives are on the horizon

REGULARS 6

What’s On? Find out what’s happening in the region

Out & About

Product Reviews

Style Pages

Creativity in The Bay Of Plenty focus chats with artist Christie Cramer

Recipes Veggie delights for those summery days

Travel Girls' day out in Rotorua

Competitions Three fabulous prizes on offer

The Last Page Quick questions for Helen Stewart, General Manager, Volunteering Bay of Plenty

LIFE 16

Doctor Anuya’s balancing act For mother-of-three Dr Anuya Deshpande, cosmetic medicine is a matter of proportion

Beautiful inside and out As a child, Lin Keo was homeless and abused but she’s come out strong and willing to give back

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CONTENTS | focus

Māori role model Erica Ransfield shares her experience of being bullied at school, to later representing Māori culture on the runways in San Francisco and Paris

Giving greyhounds a home Four years ago Diana Anderson had never met a greyhound face to face, nor did she know much about the breed. Now she’s GM for the Greyhound Adoption Programme Trust

What is it with New Year resolutions? Mary Parker, the Fast Track coach, tackles this topic

Madams of Mayhem - on a mission to raise money for kids Hanna Peters and Deidre Rennie are participating in the Pork Pie Charity Run for Mini owners

BUSINESS 46

Striding Out Suraya Naidoo and Karen Sinclair talk about their massive career changes

The year of the #bossbabe collaboration Rebecca Tereu encourages us to collaborate with like-minded and like-hearted business women

Nuance Dragon Professional software We tested the latest speech recognition software from Nuance Dragon Professional

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focus | WHAT'S ON

N O S ' T A WEH RCH A M / Y R A U BR F

Rotorua Home & Garden Show

Melted: Ice Cream & Frozen Dessert Festival

The Extravaganza Fair

Chinese New Year in Hobbiton

MELTED: ICE CREAM & FROZEN DESSERT FESTIVAL 9 February Tauranga Waterfront facebook.com/meltednz

ROTORUA HOME & GARDEN SHOW 15-17 February Energy Events Centre, Rotorua homeandgardenshow.co.nz

Celebrate all things cool and sweet with ice cream, gelato, sorbet, fruit ice cream, milkshakes, cooking presentations, live music and food trucks.

Everything you need under one roof to transform your home and create the space you’ve always dreamed of. Exclusive show specials make this experience even better!

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THE EXTRAVAGANZA FAIR 16-17 February Soper Reserve, Tauranga extravaganza.co.nz Spend a perfect day out with family and friends at New Zealand’s largest travelling event. There will be market stalls with food, arts and craft, circus performances, unique tiny homes, sack races and so much more to see and do.

WHAT'S ON | focus

Generation Homes Women’s Triathlon

Food For Thought Rescued Food Festival

CHINESE NEW YEAR 16 February Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata hobbitontours.co.nz Experience Middle Earth like never before! A special four-hour event includes guided tour, entertainment, Chinese fusion buffet dinner, hearty Hobbit-sized canapés and market stalls with New Zealand cheeses, freshly baked artisan breads, cured meats and smoked fish and more.

GENERATION HOMES WOMEN’S TRIATHLON 24 February Pilot Bay, Tauranga triathlontauranga.org.nz This event has already sold out but you can always support competitors

The Great Pumpkin Carnival

Art in the Park

from the sidelines. The triathlon, aimed at women from 11 years upwards and of all fitness levels, is designed to encourage the ‘have a go’ philosophy.

ART IN THE PARK 2019 24 February Government Gardens, Rotorua artsvillage.org.nz Wander among the market stalls of over 60 local artists and artisans. Music, coffee and yummy nibbles are waiting for you!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT RESCUED FOOD FESTIVAL 23 March Our Place, Tauranga

A celebration of rescued food and our community. There will be competitive cook-offs between rival teams, food stalls, market items to purchase, live music and fun for the whole family. This inaugural event will raise money for Te Aranui Youth Trust and Good Neighbour, to continue their valuable work within our community.

THE GREAT PUMPKIN CARNIVAL 31 March Hamilton Gardens Hamilton thegreatpumpkincarnival.co.nz A free fun-filled family event with food, entertainment, pumpkin races and the annual competitions for the heaviest and also the smallest pumpkin of the year.

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focus | OUT & ABOUT

The team at Coombes Johnston BMW hosted the end of year Chamber of Commerce function at its Hewletts Road premises. Guests enjoyed snacks and drinks whilst networking and had the opportunity to see BMW’s latest model line-up. 1. Jodie Church, Kelly Cranstoun, Angela, Shane and Dion Hale and Erin Scarlett 2. Leanne Elder and Colin Bower 3. Rebecca Meyer and Yvonne Lambert 4. Stan Gregec and Mydawny Nairn-Kusabs 5. Kevin Pead and Quintin Barratt 6. Andrew Hitchfield and Eddie Jackson 7. Gayle Hardie and Bronwyn Jackson 8. Simon Bruce, Rohan West and Jason Eves 9. Sharyn Butters, Valda Niederer and Leonie Roberts

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Background design by Creative_hat / Freepik

THE END OF YEAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FUNCTION

OUT & ABOUT | focus

WESTERN BAY WOMEN BOOK LAUNCH

On 28 November 2018 a diverse group of local women gathered to celebrate the 125th anniversary of New Zealand women casting their first vote in a general election and to launch the book Western Bay Women, which was created to commemorate and celebrate this achievement. Five questions were put to 40 Western Bay women who pursue many different paths from sport, business and education to activism, advocacy and the arts. While no two stories are alike the answers given share a common thread of truth, strength and inspiration. The book, organised by the Suffrage 125 Tauranga Committee, is not for sale but copies will be distributed to local libraries, schools and community organisations. 1. Millie Freeman, Chris Duggan and Joke Gerritsen 2. Deb Primrose and Tanya Trass 3. Leah Owen and Tara Kanji 4. Devon Harland, Fiona Kean and Stephanie Smith 5. Michelle Flynn, Jacky and Amy Robinson 6. Simone Anderson, Ciska Vogelzang and Rev. Glenn Barclay

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focus | COVER STORY

LAVINA GOOD taking action where it’s needed

Words: Millie Freeman Images: Vanessa Laval-Glad, Indigo Moon Films & Photography Hair & makeup: Sharyn Butters Hair and Makeup Artist Clothes: Wendy's Boutique 10 | focusmagazine.co.nz

COVER STORY | focus

Lavina Good from Tauranga is well known for her good work in the community. A co-founder of the Good Neighbour Food Rescue charity, she also has governance roles with the Good Neighbour Trust and Te Aranui Youth Trust, is co-founder of youth awareness campaign P Not Once and co-instigator of the Ladies’ Long Charity Lunch and other fundraising events. focus had the pleasure of catching up with Lavina to find out about what fuels her passion and what new community initiatives are on her horizon.

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focus | COVER STORY

ith a talented team working alongside, Lavina Good is getting ready to launch her latest charitable event – the Food For Thought rescue food extravaganza taking place in Tauranga next month. Using unwanted yet perfectly edible food collected from supermarkets and cafes, business teams – with supervision from Toi Ohomai chefs – will be whisking up an array of street food delights for the public to taste. Food For Thought will be the biggest rescue food event ever seen in New Zealand and replaces the Ladies’ Long Charity Lunch which Lavina founded. As with that event, funds raised will go to the Good Neighbour Trust and Te Aranui Youth Trust. Fundraising is not the event’s only aim. It’s also about showing people what you can do with rescue food, and promoting the good work of the two charities and their hard working volunteers, Lavina says. “It’s going to be exciting and

“

I recognise that we still have hungry people in our community, we have youth that are unsettled and we have a drug problem in this city, and I think if you don’t address it, things will just get worse.

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something really different for Tauranga. We hope to get thousands of people along with their whānau, trying lots of different dishes, all made from rescue food.” Good Neighbour’s objective is transforming communities through its four charitable divisions – community projects, community gardens, food rescue – which Lavina co-founded with John and Jackie Paine in 2014 – and most recently, the Good Neighbour Kitchen. Te Aranui Youth Trust (TAYT) works with young people who may be struggling at home or school and provides mentors and programmes to help them make good life choices. Lavina knows the feeling of being in “struggle street”, having spent time in a women’s refuge as a kid. “I know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of stuff that isn’t so great, and I also think, sometimes bad things happen to good people for no reason. It’s always been in my nature to support others.” And it’s energising, she says,

COVER STORY | focus

especially seeing the difference made in a few years. In Good Neighbour’s case, what started as a few kilograms of food has now grown to several tonnes being rescued each week and distributed to the community. At TAYT, Lavina hears from kids who say the organisation made a difference in their lives – at 14 they often didn’t turn up to school and now they’re at university.

FINDING PURPOSE, CHANGING FOCUS Naturally, you’d expect someone who fits about 101 things into a single day to be time-poor, a little frantic even, especially when having to squeeze in an interview between meetings and phone calls. It was a surprise therefore to be greeted with a friendly hug; even more so to be asked about myself, the interviewer. That’s her inquisitive nature shining through, and what led her, initially, into a journalism career – later becoming a TV sports broadcaster – where she could indulge her fascination of people, travel and love of sport all at the same time. Five years ago she passed up the lure of covering international sporting events for more family time, but you can’t ever take sport, or the media, out of the person, and twice a week she’s still on air commenting on the top sporting stories for Trackside. “When my three kids were young I struggled with how much was involved in being a parent at home and was captivated by offers of going overseas to cover the Olympics or the netball. But later on I remember I was interviewing Irene van Dyk after the netball and had just missed my daughter’s first goal at hockey and I realised that wouldn’t have bothered me a while ago, but now it did.” On top of that, the passion she once had for her role was dwindling, and while she waited for her flight home that weekend in 2013, she read an article about Kaibosh, a food rescue service in Wellington. She called them to say that Tauranga needed one too and they put her in touch with the Paines. John and Jackie were involved with Good Neighbour Trust, founded by Campbell Hill, and planned to add a food rescue arm to the organisation. By this time Lavina and her husband Brendon Good owned Brookfield New World Supermarket and she was acutely aware of the volume of perfectly good food being chucked away and the number of families in Tauranga who struggled to make ends meet. “It was like this lightbulb went off, that maybe there was something more to my life than what I was doing; maybe I could make a difference somewhere else. In the western world we throw away a third of our food, and that bothered me.” Over 90 Food Rescue volunteers now help to collect, sort and distribute the food to 55 charities around Tauranga, helping to save around 10 tonnes of food every week that would previously have gone to the landfill. This year Good Neighbour will open a commercial kitchen and training centre for the benefit of communities and charities.

SUCCESS THROUGH COLLABORATION Lavina says the success of Food Rescue is down to the Good Neighbour pioneers, and the brilliant marrying of John and Jackie’s skills – a combination of systems and strategic planning focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | COVER STORY

with tons of energy and motivation to get the food to where it’s needed as soon as possible. At the same time, she is constantly astounded by the passion and tireless commitment of the Te Aranui volunteers who turn up at 7.30 every morning for a breakfast club and work all through the school holidays to make sure the kids have somewhere to go. So what value does she bring? “My passion is recognising the need and supporting it. I don’t ignore it and put it in the too-

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hard basket. I recognise that we still have hungry people in our community, we have youth that are unsettled and we have a drug problem in this city, and I think if you don’t address it, things will just get worse. I’m not willing to do that.” The value she adds is also in being able to generate ideas and funds, hence the move from more hands-on roles into governance where she can make a bigger difference. Where she sees a need, however, she’ll jump right in, such as tacking Tauranga’s escalating drug problem, in particular the immense damage happening to teenagers who become addicted to P. With friend Jessica Wright she set up the P Not Once campaign which aims to show youth the horrific consequences of taking P, even once, through graphic social media videos. So far two of the five planned videos have gone live, and a radio campaign is scheduled this year. It all takes money of course, and while she’s an expert fundraiser, Lavina realises there is a limit to what businesses and individuals can give. So, in partnership with Long Lunch partner Katy Martley, she’s set up a business to fund her community initiatives. Since last year Brewbus has been running craft beer tours to boutique breweries in different parts of the country to hear brewers’ stories and sample their beers. All profits will be pumped back into community projects. “We want to get enough money together to build a community centre in places like Kawerau where young children can come along and do different activities, or hang out near a skate ramp. You can’t always rely on others to give you money; you have to start generating it yourself.” So if you’re planning your next work gig or friends’ day out, book a Bay of Plenty Brewbus tour and help to support community projects in your region. If you’re looking for other ways to help out, there are plenty of options. Just two hours a fortnight will make a massive difference to beneficiaries of the Good Neighbour Trust, or become a mentor with Te Aranui Trust and support a young person in your community. As Lavina says, “With a little time and effort you can make a difference if you want to”. 

COVER STORY | focus

The Food Rescue sorting team Jackie Paine - Food Rescue co-founder Food For Thought, 10-3pm, Saturday 23 March, Our Place, Tauranga

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focus | HEALTH

Doctor Anuya’s balancing act For mother-of-three Dr Anuya Deshpande, cosmetic medicine is a matter of proportion, balance and harmony, which also sums up her life quest in the Bay of Plenty after a busy 10 years.

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HEALTH | focus

A self-confessed workaholic, over the past decade Anuya had three children and at the same time gained postgraduate qualifications in cosmetic medicine, phlebology (diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins) as well as skin cancer medicine and surgery. She opened Gisborne’s first cosmetic clinic in 2008 and recently sold this business and moved to Papamoa to concentrate on spending more time with Safia, 7, Marcus, 3, Ariana, 2 and her husband Marty, who she met in Gisborne – a place she had never heard of – where she went to find sun and do a locum for his father’s general practice. “I started cosmetic medicine training in the UK in 2006 and brought my skills to provincial New Zealand when I came to work as a GP to get away from the British weather. Some locals thought it was a bit ‘out there’ – Gisborne having a ‘Botox clinic’ – but enough people loved what was possible with modern appearance medicine that 10 years on the clinic is thriving.” There are still plenty of people who think of overdone celebrities when they think of cosmetic medicine, but Anuya’s aim is for people to look like themselves, but better. “It gives people a lovely feeling of self-confidence, especially when we can change features that would otherwise distract them from getting out and seizing life.” Varicose veins are satisfying to treat for the same reason. They can hold people back from living to their potential, says Anuya, who has treated “around 2,000 legs”, freeing their owners to enjoy summer in shorts. As well as her clinics in Tauranga, she flies to other centres – Auckland, Wellington and Nelson – to hold one-day vein clinics. “There’s always an added relief for people beyond the cosmetic benefits, which is so satisfying – for me and for them. It might be helping people to resolve problems with restless legs, a feeling of heaviness, itching, cramping, swelling or it can be as extreme as having venous ulcers that need dressings twice a week.” The changes people experience after using cosmetic medicine might not be quite as dramatic, but they can still be life-changing. Anuya says the key to getting great, natural-looking results is

to understand how a person’s face differs from the archetypal human face, then gently give it balance in that direction. Study of facial anatomy and training in facial skin cancer surgery, including dissection tutorials from plastic surgeons, combined with treating patients with blepharospasms and facial palsies for almost 10 years has allowed Anuya to move beyond the techniques of cosmetic medicine and into her first love, the art. “The overall proportion and harmony of a face is really important to produce a pleasing result because unless you start with a full face analysis, the process can determine the outcome and it sometimes looks wrong. What I see in my mind’s eye – the outcome – determines the process, the treatment plan and the techniques I use. I’m lucky in that I love my work – meeting people and assessing faces is like opening a present for me as well as them, and I’m very clear about what I see, and what is possible. “It’s incredible what can be done, sculpting the face with injections of muscle relaxants like Botox or Dysport, with hyaluronic dermal fillers, or more recently with fat-dissolving techniques. It’s immensely satisfying.”

focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | HEALTH

Vein assessments

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Today’s ‘selfie culture’ and the emergence of low-cost clinics staffed by poorly supervised injectors, with as little as a weekend of training, could lead to many more of the ‘trout-pouts’ we see in women’s magazines. Worse still, poorly placed fillers can lead to skin necrosis or blindness if there is vascular compromise. Anuya prepares for every filler procedure like a skin cancer operation. “Every single patient I treat has a thorough medical consultation and consent process; something they may not have had elsewhere, which always amazes me.” Anuya belongs to New Zealand’s medical college for cosmetic medicine, NZSCM, which is lobbying for better training and supervision of nurse injectors in this country. That Hippocrathic Oath “First do no harm”, that every doctor takes, must apply in every case, Anuya says. “I feel if a treatment is not necessary, or will do more harm than good, I will gently but firmly refuse to do it.” Every face has key features that give people their individual identity. “I’m not into making people look like someone else. For me it’s about helping people be

the best version of themselves. As the old saying goes, ‘If you try to be someone else, who will be you?’” 

Dr Anuya specialises in varicose veins, skin cancer medicine and surgery as well as cosmetic medicine using Botox, Dysport, dermal fillers and Belkyra at two convenient locations – Papamoa Plaza and Tauranga Specialist Centre. doctoranuya.co.nz facebook.com/Doctor-Anuya @doctoranuya

LIFE 20 LIN KEO

BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT

24 DIANA ANDERSON

FINDING HOMES FOR GREYHOUNDS

38 A PERFECT

GIRLS’ DAY OUT IN ROTORUA

Plus STYLE PAGES, PRODUCT REVIEWS ... AND MORE

focus | COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS

BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT Lin Evans Keo is getting ready to represent New Zealand in the Ms United International beauty pageant in Last Vegas this June, but her life wasn’t always catwalks and sparkling dresses. As a child, Lin was homeless and has lived through abusive relationships, but she’s come out strong and willing to give back.

t’s always easy to spot Lin in a crowd and it’s not because she is the only one wearing heels and statement earrings; it’s the underlying pain that is suddenly broken with her big beautiful smile that makes her stand out. Her story would turn anyone’s hair grey. Lin was born in Cambodia. Her mother was a housekeeper for prostitutes; her father a soldier who died at war. Lin’s ‘home’ was the space under the stairs of a butcher shop. Starving, abused and beaten by awful people, Lin despaired of ever having a better life, but then along came Tim who was working in the American Embassy in Cambodia. Tim adopted Lin and her six sisters and a decade of serene happiness followed. But then Lin fell in love and found herself in an abusive relationship. “He was awful to my son and me. He manipulated me and totally destroyed my self-esteem. He didn’t want me to grow and wouldn’t allow me to dream. I wasn’t myself any longer.” They had moved to New Zealand and fortunately, Lin found the strength

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COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS | focus

to leave the relationship and took her son with her. Her recipe to heal her wounds lay in beauty pageants. Competing became Lin’s way to prove to herself, and others, that she was strong, brave and worthy of love. With her very first pageant, Lin returned to Tauranga with a crown and the title of Ms Earth New Zealand 2016. Later that year she flew to Las Vegas to represent New Zealand on an international level. “Beauty pageants are no longer those stereotypical cat fights with fake ideas anymore. It’s an era of true beauty from within, a way to open up to who you really are, to find new friends and to become a better version of yourself,” says Lin. “To be accepted as a participant these days, you need to start by giving back – to the environment, as in Ms Earth, for example, or to the community, as in Ms United International. Anyone can compete but you’ll only be invited if you’re doing enough for your community and people, and supporting the cultural diversity of your country.” As a result of her own active social work in Tauranga Lin was recently approached by Ms United International to represent New Zealand in 2019.

GIVING BACK TO HER COMMUNITY Fluent in Cambodian, Chinese and Vietnamese, Lin serves as a translator to many Cambodian refugees in New Zealand. “They often don’t speak English very well or don’t know the local laws and regulations and can’t represent

Photos by Mark Miller

themselves in difficult situations.” Currently Lin is working with a woman from Rotorua who was beaten by her husband and ran away from home. She is now trying to get custody of her two children and, as the Police were unable to get enough information because of the language barrier, they turned to Lin for help. To show compatriots that there is local help and support, Lin joined forces with Multicultural Tauranga to start a series of seasonal events, bringing Cambodians together. “I had no idea there were so many of us here! I knew, maybe, 10 people … but over 80 Cambodians turned up at our first event. For many, it was a rare chance to hear their own language, indulge in some specialty Cambodian dishes and to finally feel protected and cared about. “I certainly have scars. I have shadows from my past and I know what it’s like to be empty, to feel hopeless and trapped. But I also know there is always a way out and I’m doing everything I can to show that way to others. I want people to know that I will be there for them. And I want to show that a bird that has been kept in a cage its whole life, can still fly free one day. That happened in my life and can happen to them too!” 

Lin’s journey to Ms United International 2019: facebook.com/harmonyofglass

focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS

MĀORI ROLE MODEL The rise of social media has inevitably led to a global. increase in bullying, anxiety and even teenage suicide. Yet, despite its negative impact, it has also given many. people an opportunity to speak up and encourage. others. Model and fitness guru Erica Ransfield. (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Raukawa) shares her experience. of being bullied at school, to later representing Māori. culture on the runways in San Francisco and Paris. Words KSENIIA SPODYNEIKO 22 | focusmagazine.co.nz

Images CARLENE RASCHKE

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS | focus

You’re no stranger to bullying. What is your story? It first happened at primary school. We were having a break, when the girl next to me started looking at my legs. She reached over, grabbed my calf muscle and said, “Your legs are fat!” How was she even aware of body image at this age? My view of myself really took a turn from then on. I would always find myself tugging on my shirt and wearing my jumper on hot days just to keep my stomach hidden. When you’re a kid, you take in everything. This messed with my mentality a lot. Step-by-step my confidence came back. I took to health and fitness – it was the only thing that made me feel strong and beautiful. But even though I train, I still find myself getting sucked back into that weak mentality scrolling through social media. You start to compare yourself to the images you see on Instagram, thinking ‘I wish I had her abs, I wish I had her arms, and her hair, and her body’, and you get dragged right back to square one. The turning point for me was last year in Paris. We were at a photoshoot and one of the organisers called me fat and heavy. I knew the industry was harsh, but to have come so far in my training and nutrition to be told that I was heavy really consumed me and I felt like that vulnerable kid at primary school again. I felt like my years of hard work had gone out the window. But I also knew that I couldn’t let her one comment get to me. I decided to put more time and effort into myself and to use it as my push to grow. I know I’m strong and I had come too far in my life to let anyone speak to me in that way. I wasn’t going to accept that and let that affect me negatively. I know so many other women who have the same struggles, so I decided my first step was to share that experience on my social media, and the reaction I had was unbelievable. I’m glad I did share it! I’m glad I could help other women find their own honesty as well. The power of social media is incredible! How else did it help you? I’ve had a lot of business opportunities through social media. Recently I had the privilege of working with Tammy Hembrow and her brand Saski Collection

in Australia. I’ve looked up to Tammy ever since I had an Instagram account, so working with her was the best experience ever! I’ve travelled to the US and Paris as a runway model, also thanks to social media. And because of social media, I am a sponsored athlete for one of the biggest supplement brands in the world which I have used religiously for four years. Talking of San Francisco and Paris, you went there as a part of Ataahua Portraits. How important was it for you to represent a Māori agency rather than a local one? I never wanted to be a model but I’m also never one to say no to any given opportunity and I hate being stagnant in life, so I put myself forward to take part in a project that Ataahua Portraits was holding, and ended up being cast. I think there aren’t enough opportunities or support for young Māori to showcase their talents and their beauty. As a culture, we are quite humble which makes us shy to put ourselves forward and to stand out. I came into the modelling world on the basis that I could familiarise myself with the agency on a cultural level. For me that made it easier to say to myself, ‘They get you. They will understand your tā moko. They will understand your beliefs. You don't have to worry.’ I didn't want to put myself into a team or agency I couldn't connect with, especially when I had spent the majority of my life surrounded by my own culture. I know who I am, what I represent, and I didn't want to have to be a certain way or conform to anything else to fit into an agency.

on the runway or backstage, I would think back to what I represent and my tā moko and how proud I am of who I am. So, I’d pull my shoulders back, chin up, walk with mana and ‘moko the world’. One city, one stage, one runway at a time. In Paris, we had a photoshoot at the Eiffel Tower and we took some poi with us. There were crowds of people around and we were just playing with the poi, not thinking anything of it. We looked around and people were watching us, so we stepped out into the middle of the Eiffel Tower and put on a little bit of a show. That was a really beautiful moment! What advice can you give women who are still struggling with self-love and confidence? That’s a difficult one because I’d be lying if I said that what people say about me doesn’t hurt me anymore. Know your worth and remind yourself every day of how much better you are than all these words people are calling you! Learn not to be afraid to block people. If it doesn’t benefit you, it shouldn’t worry you. My favourite quote says: “Your competition isn’t other people. Your competition is your procrastination. Your ego. The unhealthy food you consume. The knowledge you neglect. The negative behaviour you’re nurturing and the unrealistic millionaire celebrity lives you idolise. Compete against that.” 

Did you get a chance to demonstrate your culture while modelling abroad? In San Francisco I was able to educate people about my culture through my tā moko as there were many people interested in them and the meaning behind them. You could always see when us Māori girls walked into the room, people were captivated by our look – we looked completely different to everyone else. We were ‘exotic’ and that alone made us stand out to designers and even to other models. If ever I doubted myself while I was focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS

GREYHOUNDS Four and a half years ago, Diana Anderson from Tauranga adopted her first greyhound – a sleek black girl named Zeva. Before signing up with Greyhounds As Pets (GAP), Diana had never met a greyhound face to face, nor did she know much about the breed. What she wanted was a dog that needed a home. Words MILLIE FREEMAN

ow she’s General Manager for the Greyhound Adoption Programme Trust, also known as Greyhounds As Pets, responsible for a dedicated team of paid staff, contractors and volunteers around the country, and tasked with the goal of rehoming up to 600 greyhounds every year. For Diana, greyhounds are the perfect pet – intelligent, affectionate, non-aggressive, and, contrary to what most people think, don’t require lots of exercise. They are so chilled they hardly bark at all – another plus, unless of course you want a guard dog. The real drawcard however was finding out that greyhounds don’t smell, slobber or lose

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Images KSENIIA SPODYNEIKO

much hair all over your furniture, and many are happy to sleep all day while you work. She was sold! Zeva quickly stole Diana’s heart, and before long, she adopted her second greyhound, Achilles, a big blue-brindle* boy.

WILLING ADOPTERS NEEDED Greyhounds are sight hounds which means their keen sight will spot potential prey a kilometre away. Their athletic, cheetah-shaped body also makes them fast; coupled with the love of a chase, they are prized on New Zealand’s racetracks.

GAP is a charitable trust set up by Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) in 2005 to rehome retired racing dogs, or those greyhounds who, for whatever reason, never made it to the track. The industry is GAP’s main sponsor but the organisation is racing neutral and does not get involved in the racing side of it. “Our aim is to find homes for all retired greyhounds and to do this we need more people to adopt them,” says Diana. To supplement GRNZ funding, the organisation has formed partnerships with Nutrience dog food and teamed up with some vets around the country but still relies on sponsorship and donations from businesses and individuals to help

*brindle – mottled or tawny fur colour, with coloured streaks

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS | focus

pay for operational costs including vet appointments and food for dogs awaiting adoption. While GAP and other smaller organisations rehome approximately 450 dogs in total each year, it’s still not enough. Outcomes from the 2017 Hansen Report (an independent review of animal welfare in the greyhound racing industry) included recommendations for the industry to implement population management controls and establish an annual census of greyhounds in New Zealand. These changes are underway, and combined with a potential increase in the number of willing adopters, Diana hopes to reach a point where all dogs will be rehomed. Public education to dispel perceptions is therefore a big part of GAP’s role, and volunteers around the country talk with people at various events, like A&P shows and pet shop adoption days, encouraging them to meet a greyhound face to face. “People are often concerned they will not be fit enough to own a greyhound, but despite their racing background, these dogs don’t need lots of exercise. They are sprinters, not endurance athletes. Sometimes I wish I could get mine off the couch!” she says. Another misconception is that greyhounds are considered aggressive because they are muzzled during a race, but this is because of their competitive nature and because their skin is very thin, says Diana. “We want people to meet a greyhound and see that they’re happy lying around and often have children cuddle them. Perceptions have definitely changed since I first became a volunteer. Now people come up and say, ‘I heard they make really great pets; can we talk about that?’ We’d love to hear more of that. “Zeva and Achilles are the ideal

companions for me and they’ve helped me learn to calm down when I get stressed. They pick up on my energy, so if they’re going crazy in the house, I recognise that it’s me who needs to calm down.”

FINDING HER PLACE Diana, from Germany, came to New Zealand in 2004 to study at Massey University for the honours year of her biotechnology degree. She was 24. Initially she struggled with the cold Palmerston North winter in an unheated house, but soon grew to love the less formal environment, the friendly people and easy access to the great outdoors. “I went home for a couple of months to submit my thesis and then applied to return to New Zealand for my Masters in Agribusiness. I came back knowing that I wanted to live here and unless I was kicked out I wouldn’t be going back.” Over the next 10 years after graduating, as well as getting New Zealand citizenship, she worked in the horticulture industry. Most of that time was in the Bay of Plenty as inventory and harvest manager for two large kiwifruit postharvest operators. But stress took its toll, working 7-day weeks for about a third of the year. “I reached a point where I didn’t recover anymore between seasons and I realised I needed to do something else.” Initially, the something else became a business analyst role with an IT company, and later a sales role. But it wasn’t the job for her. “I thought I’d be less stressed but I wasn’t; I was constantly run-down and sick. I realised what kind of impact stress can have on your life and did a lot of soul searching to figure out what’s really important.” She had already started volunteering

at GAP soon after adopting Zeva, and for two and a half years had a part time role as regional coordinator for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. When the General Manager role came up, she knew it would be her dream job. She is now responsible for all facets of the organisation, from staffing, to operational management, to strategic planning – having her hands in a variety of tasks is the perfect role for her, she says. “When I talk about greyhounds people think I’m such a great sales person but that’s because I truly believe in the product. They make wonderful pets and I want to see all of them rehomed. I have chosen to do something I really love and because of that I feel calmer, happier and my health has improved. I still have a weight on my shoulders but it’s a good feeling because there is purpose to what I do.” 

ADOPTING A GREYHOUND Anyone can adopt a greyhound – families with young children, single people, couples or retirees. What matters is matching the personality and temperament of the dog to the adopter’s lifestyle. Volunteers meet with potential adopters to find out what they’re looking for, whether they have young children, other pets, and whether their home is fenced. Prior to adoption, all greyhounds are desexed, vaccinated, health checked and registered. Post-adoption, GAP staff keep in touch to ensure the new greyhound is settling in well.

To find out more about adopting a greyhound visit greyhoundsaspets.org.nz focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | FAMILY

Guardianship

and the Family Court Caring for children isn’t always straightforward. In most situations, the child’s parents are responsible for making important decisions in relation to the care of a child.

owever, sometimes the Family Court gets involved in situations where, for example, someone who is not a natural guardian of a child needs to be able to make important decisions about a child in their care or where two natural guardians of a child need help to resolve a dispute. If you’re caring full time for a grandchild or whānau, it’s important to know about your legal status in relation to them. What your rights and responsibilities are might not be clear-cut. The Family Court can appoint other people to be additional guardians of a child, usually when a child is being cared for by a person other than their natural parent. “Guardianship rights and obligations include making decisions on matters such as the place they live, the child’s legal name, education and schooling, medical care, culture, language

and religion. It also includes decisions around whether the child can travel overseas,” says Sarsha Tyrrell from The Law Shop. “The Family Court often deals with applications for a grandparent, or other family member who provides care for a child, to be appointed as an additional guardian, so they can legally make important decisions in respect of the child.” Once an additional guardian is appointed, the natural guardians and the Court-appointed guardian are expected to work together and keep each other informed in respect of any guardianship issues which may arise. The Family Court encourages parents and guardians to work together to resolve disputes without the need for Court intervention. If there is a dispute, for example, a disagreement on what town a child should live in, an application can be made to the Family Court and a Judge will decide. “If you need help with an issue involving guardianship or a parenting dispute, contact either our Tauranga or Rotorua office anytime and we will be happy to assist you,” Sarsha says. “We care about getting the best outcomes for you and your children and we can provide you with all the support and legal advice you need.”

focus | PSYCHOLOGY

WHAT IS IT WITH New Year Resolutions? The idea of New Year resolutions dates back to Roman times. January is named after Janus, a mythical god of early Roman times who was portrayed with two faces. The Romans saw Janus looking backward into the old year and forward into the new year. This became a symbolic time for Romans to make resolutions for the new year and forgive enemies for troubles in the past. And thus the New Year’s resolution was born! Words MARY PARKER, THE FAST TRACK COACH

ccording to some statistics 40% of us set resolutions for the New Year, however in this same statistic, only 8% keep those resolutions. We are already into the second month of 2019 and if you are someone who has set a resolution, are you still on track or has your focus turned to frustration? Many of us will be in the 32%, so why then do we continue to make resolutions year after year even though most us don’t follow through on them? A strong reason might be that we have a natural tendency

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toward self-improvement and, although the New Year is a somewhat inflexible date, it does provide us with a goal date in order to prepare for the plans we want to implement. A resolution is like a promise to yourself to improve your life and to make the new year a better one for yourself and for others. However, you don't become a new person overnight; who you are carries over to the new year, and this means you are bringing more wisdom and life experience to this new year, compared to where you were last year.

Many see the New Year as a fresh beginning. Perhaps you want to create a large bucket list or undertake to start a makeover, whether personal or professional. When creating a resolution, check whether you are setting your resolution based on expectations others have of you, or you are being driven by a false need to conform to societal norms, or you want to make this resolution for yourself. If you want to be successful in following through on your resolution it’s helpful to pick a small action.

Photo by Freepik

PSYCHOLOGY | focus

Creating small goals can still have a wide-ranging and positive impact when achieved, and they are easier to reach. You might consider changing just one habit that you are not completely happy with. Real change takes time, effort and patience. For example, if you say you want to get more exercise, that’s not a small goal. Instead of ‘get more exercise’, be more specific and choose ‘walk a quarter more than I usually do’, or ‘instead of the lift, take the stairs each morning to get to my office’. What is helpful to success is attaching your new action to a previous habit. If you already go for a walk three times a week, then add on 10 minutes to the existing walk. This will connect your new habit to an existing one and now becomes a ‘cue’ for the new habit. It’s important that you make the new action EASY to do

for at least the first week. This lets you practise the new habit from the existing stimulus three to seven times before it starts to become a habit, and allows you to upload and strengthen a new pattern of behaviour into your subconscious and into your life. And to continue creating success and staying motivated with your resolution, celebrate even the smallest positive change. Self-awareness is the key to unlocking your potential for success, and celebrating your small victories helps you train your subconscious brain to acknowledge those ongoing successes. Here is a short list of possible suggestions: • tweak a bad habit • learn a new skill • save money

• eat a particular food more often • visit a new place • read a challenging book • complete a project • write and send a letter • step out of your comfort zone • do a good deed Take one or two, or create your own list of a few small things you want to improve on, then set smaller goals around them and choose one to focus on each month over the next 12 months. What this does is remove the ‘can’t do’ attitude, and creates a ‘can do’ approach which makes your resolutions more achievable. They become a ‘want to’ rather than a ‘have to’, and by working on them in small increments all year, you may be one of the few able to say that you did keep a New Year's Resolution. 

mary@thefasttrackcoach.co.nz 07 577 1200 thefasttrackcoach.co.nz

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PRODUCT REVIEWS | focus

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FACIAL SPRAY, MARIO BADESCU $11 Infused with a blend of aloe, chamomile and lavender, this refreshing spritz combats skin-aging and free radicals and is the best way to quickly top up on skin nutrients over summer, especially when there’s an abundance of air pollution and air conditioning. The spray has a rich lavender fragrance which might initially feel a bit overpowering but it disappears in two seconds, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and cool.

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BB-CREAM, INIKA ORGANIC $69

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e c n e v o r P h c n e r F focus | STYLE

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focus | CREATIVITY

y in ty n e l P f the Bay o

vit i t a e r C

CHRISTIE CRAMER Christie Cramer was born in Haarlem, in The Netherlands, and immigrated to Auckland in 1969, when she was eight. In the early 90s she moved to The Mount with her own family and now lives in Papamoa.

lthough Christie didn’t start painting until 2014, she had felt a strong connection to nature all her life. She was drawn to the play of light on things and was always taking photos. It was only recently that she realised she’s always had an artist’s eye; she just didn’t appreciate she could paint. The world then became a new and amazing place and inspiration was everywhere. For Christie it was like being Alice in Wonderland and falling through the looking glass into a most amazing world. She realised that this is what she was always meant to be doing, it just took rather a

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long time to figure it out. focus caught up with Christie to find out more.

Where do you find the inspiration for your artwork? Living in Papamoa, in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, it’s hard to ignore the inspiration that surrounds me. The beautiful coastline, particularly the dunes and grasses, and walking up Mt Maunganui which is surrounded by native plants and the beautiful colours of the sea, I come home with a head full of ideas.

CREATIVITY | focus

How would you describe your style and method? Colourful and experimental. I purposely don’t like to categorise my work as I want to remain free to experiment. I don’t want to limit myself. At the moment I am enjoying a very loose flowing style, using acrylics, almost like water colours. I love allowing the colours to mix and seeing what happens. What themes do you pursue? Currently I am most interested in botanical shapes and a lot of my work is based on the simple New Zealand foliage that we see all around us, every day. I strive to represent them in a way that surprises – larger than life in both size and colour. Shells and the seascapes of the Bay are other themes I enjoy. What research do you do? Before I start a piece I spend a lot of time finding examples of the plants in nature, photographing, drawing and bringing pieces home where possible. Looking, looking looking! Trying to find the essence of what shapes and shades make up this plant.

Why do you do what you do? In 2014 I went through some negative ‘life stuff’, as we all do, and had a huge rethink about what I was doing with my life. Rather than let things get me down I was fortunate to discover this hidden talent which I had been completely unaware of. Once I started, there was no question of not continuing. Painting makes me happy, makes me whole and what I really love is that my work seems to make other people feel happy too! I hope my work brings people back to nature from their busy lives in this digital age. I want people to see nature in a fresh and positive way, the way I see it. How has your art changed over time? At first my work was almost completely representational, quite realistic, but as time goes by I find I enjoy, more and more, the freedom of creating images that come from a mixture of chance and what I feel inside. My subjects are still recognisable but are usually represented larger than in life and colour. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given (relating to your art)?

Don’t compare yourself to other artists, but only to your own progress and growth. We are all doing our own thing and it’s great to learn from seeing what others are doing, but not comparing your work to anyone else’s. The whole point of making art for me is to express my view of the world and it’s hard to do that if you are judging your work by other people’s standards. Be yourself. Give us some highlights of your career. Being involved in the 2016 Tauranga Garden and Art Festival having my work in the Ring Garden in Ohauiti was a definite highlight. Another highlight was becoming involved with the Macandmor Gallery and having my first solo exhibition at the gallery, Revealing the Positive, in 2017. I was also runnerup in the Tauranga Society of Artists Supreme Award last year with my painting Nikau Dreams. 

Most of Christie’s work is sold via Macandmor Gallery macandmor.nz facebook.com/christiecramerartist

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focus | RECIPES

Veggie dinner These veggie meals are so satisfying, even the biggest meat-lover will ask for more!

Roasted pumpkin tabbouleh Ingredients:

• 900g butternut pumpkin, cut into 3 cm pieces • 1 tsp ground cumin • 2 Tbsp coconut oil or goodquality animal fat,* melted • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • 60g (½ cup) finely chopped cauliflower • 1 large tomato, finely chopped • 2 large handfuls finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves • 1 handful finely chopped mint leaves • 2 spring onions, finely chopped • 1 Tbsp pumpkin seeds (activated if possible**), finely chopped (add more if you like) • 3 Tbsp lemon juice • 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Eat Your Greens by Pete Evans, Published by Plum, RRP $39.99, Photography by William Meppem

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Method:

• Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Line a large baking tray with baking paper. • Place the pumpkin in a bowl and add the cumin and coconut oil or fat. • Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. • Arrange the pumpkin mixture in a single layer on the prepared tray. • Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the pumpkin is golden and tender. • Allow to cool before adding to the salad. • Meanwhile, place the cauliflower, tomato, parsley, mint, spring onion, pumpkin seeds, lemon juice and olive oil in a bowl and mix to combine. • Season with a little salt and pepper. Add the cooled pumpkin, gently toss and serve.

* Coconut oil or good-quality animal fat have high smoke points (meaning they do not oxidise at high temperatures). Use lard (pork fat), tallow (rendered beef fat), rendered chicken fat or duck fat. ** Nuts and seeds are a great source of healthy fats, but they contain phytic acid, which binds to minerals so that they can’t be readily absorbed. Activating nuts and seeds lessens the phytates. Soak nuts in filtered water (12 hours for hard nuts, 4-6 hours for seeds and softer nuts), rinse and then spread out on a baking tray and place in a 50°C oven to dry out.

RECIPES | focus

Mushroom Risotto Ingredients:

Unleash your inner chef and use Tatua Mascarpone to impress your dinner guests with café and restaurant-style delights, whipped up in your own kitchen. This smooth Italian-style cheese is a game-changer for both sweet and savoury dishes. Tatua products are made locally from fresh Waikato cream and crafted with the highest quality cow’s milk.

• 1 Tbsp olive oil • 1 red onion, diced • 1 tsp crushed garlic • 1 cup risotto rice • 3 cups vegetable stock • 100g snow peas • 200g mushrooms, sliced • 200g Tatua Mascarpone • 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped • 1 tsp lemon zest • Sea salt and cracked pepper

Method:

• Heat oil in a large heavy-based saucepan, add red onion and garlic and sauté gently for 1 minute, then add risotto rice and toss for 2 minutes to coat the grains in oil. • Gradually add 1/2 cup of stock at a time, stirring until liquid is absorbed, before adding more. • Cook for 12-15 minutes until the risotto rice is al dente. • Stir in mushrooms and snow peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until mushrooms are cooked, then lastly stir through Tatua Mascarpone, dill, lemon zest and season well.

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I N R OTO R U A

Girls’ day out

Rotorua is known as the ‘geothermal wonderland’ of New Zealand and, after signing off the latest edition of 2018, the two focus editors (Dee Collins and Kseniia Spodyneiko) decided this would be a great destination for an ultimate girls’ day out. As everyone knows, Rotorua is a sensory experience with so many things to see, touch, taste, smell and soak in. We couldn’t wait. Images ALEX & KSENIIA SPODYNEIKO

TRAVEL | focus

TO SEE: HELL’S GATE Guided by enthusiastic Mark Frazer, we navigate our way through the dramatic scenery of Hell’s Gate, the most active geothermal area in Rotorua. To our right is the 122°C boiling lake, while on our left is one of the tallest mud volcanoes in the world, erupting every six weeks. Everything here is steamy, bubbly and highly acidic – the heat source feeding Hell’s Gate is only 1km below the surface. We’re literally walking on a hot frying pan right now! This area had once scared Irish playwright and famous atheist George Bernard Shaw, but it certainly doesn’t scare local workers. On the contrary, they are passionate about their job and have a great sense of humor. ‘Persons who throw litter or stones into the thermal pools may be asked to retrieve them’, says the sign by Inferno Pools, whose name speaks for itself. Despite ‘Hell’, ‘Inferno’ and ‘Devil’ being frequently used words here, the area itself is not as dead as it might seem. In fact, there is a small flourishing ecosystem in the middle of the park with green trees, singing birds and silver ferns glinting in the shadows. We also spot blossoming Mingimingi, Mānuka and Kānuka plants all round. And there is no smell! After the tour, most people head

directly to the iconic Mud Bath and Sulphur Spa, that has just been upgraded with a brand new infinity pool overlooking the whole geothermal area. We decide to wrap up our walk with the warm Mud Foot Pool and a delicious tea made from unique local plants and served exclusively at the Hell’s Gate café.

Rotorua is part of the Taupō Volcanic Zone, a geothermal field extending from White Island to Mt Ruapehu. The constant activity of these volcanoes is mostly hidden from the human eye but on the surface we can see the magnificent results: volcanic crater lakes, spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools, hissing fumaroles and colourful sinter terraces all around the town.

focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | TRAVEL

TO SOAK: POLYNESIAN SPA

Market Fish

TO TASTE: TERRACE KITCHEN Thermally heated floors are Rotorua’s calling card, especially on a windy cold day. Take Eat Street, for example – a whole row of bars and restaurants with a heated pathway, allowing its visitors to indulge in food from all over the world, while staying warm and cosy outdoors. We find Terrace Kitchen on Tutanekai Street to be friendly and bright. The light interior, authentic menu and, you guessed it, thermally heated concrete on the terrace in the backyard, make us feel most welcome. It’s good to sit here and rest our feet after a long walk. Terrace Kitchen has an ever-changing menu and offers us a good selection of items, many of them with an Asian twist: Chicken Ramen (with miso roasted pork mince, sesame nori, chili and soft tea egg) and Baa in a bun (tomato and turmeric shredded lamb in a potato and flaxseed bun). Kseniia can’t resist peeking over to see what the table beside us has ordered and ends up ordering the same mouthwatering Soy Mushroom Bao Buns ($12). Dee opts for the Market Fish ($32) that is given the thumbs up. It’s a modest serving but certainly ample for lunch.

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A trip to Rotorua is never complete without a swim in one of the hot pools. Boiling water seethes from underground in every backyard here. From free Kerosene Creek to the luxurious spas, there are many options to choose from. But nothing can beat a pampering session at the award-winning Polynesian Spa. This is every girl’s dream come true. From the warmedup towels in the changing rooms to the most relaxing beauty treatments, every little detail here screams ‘the best day of your life’. The Polynesian Spa is the only place in the area to have both acidic and alkaline springs. The first one is perfect for arthritis sufferers. There is a legend that Catholic Priest Father Mahoney, who suffered from severe arthritis, spent a week in this spring in 1878 and felt so good he even walked all the way from Rotorua back to Tauranga! Unfortunately, although the original healing pools are still there to see, they can’t be used anymore. For those guests looking for a nourishing skin treatment that has anti-aging properties, the alkaline springs are recommended. There are surprisingly few people enjoying the healing waters at this time of day and apparently, it only gets really busy between 5-8pm when tourists, who have spent the day exploring neighbourhood sites like Hobbiton, start to arrive. We take our time admiring the pools, the views from the ‘Deluxe Lake Spa’ and those awesome heated benches before our pre-booked one-hour facial. It’s very easy to choose the right treatment in the Polynesian Spa. Most of them cost $179, so the choice is based on the procedure and the skincare used, rather than on price. We’re each shown to an airy treatment room, right on the edge of Lake Rotorua. Therapists use Aromatherapy Associates for our facials and it isn’t long before we’re nodding off in their capable hands as our skin is hydrated, soothed and refined. The scalp and hand massages are an unexpected and most welcome bonus. We reunite in the relaxation lounge with a signature view over the lake. This place would make a perfect fit for the luxurious 5-star spa hotels somewhere in Switzerland. Who knew we had such a strong competitor within arm’s reach!

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BONUS: REDWOODS TREEWALK Though it’s definitely time to head home, we make one more stop to see the legendary Redwoods Treewalk. A few months ago, a whole new section – elevated even higher above ground level with a glass-bottomed viewing platform – was added to the existing 21 suspension bridges. Best part about it? The price hasn’t changed significantly, with daytime admission currently priced at $29 per adult and the Day/Night Combo at $39 per adult. The short 700m walk allows people to observe the majestic forest from a new perspective and is also a great example of sustainable eco-tourism. The bridges are constructed in a way that doesn’t harm the 100-year-old trees. It’s hard to believe this unique facility was only added to Rotorua’s tourist path in late 2015! Fitted so organically into the scenery, it feels like it’s always been there. As we were leaving, the Redwoods team were starting to switch the David Trubridge-designed lanterns and colour spots on in readiness for Redwoods Nightlights; the night walk has had rave reviews.

••• Rotorua certainly offers visitors a wide variety of things to enjoy and experience. “Rotorua – feel the spirit – Manaakitanga” is its catch-cry and whether you’re seeking to encounter Māori culture, geothermal earth forces, spa rejuvenation, biking trails, trout fishing, walking tracks or lakes, Rotorua has it all. Our thanks to Destination Rotorua and participating companies for an epic Girls’ Day Out. 

ITINERARY Polynesian Spa 100 Hinemoa street 8am–11pm Deluxe Lake Spa – $55 pp Adult & Priest Pools – $30 pp polynesianspa.co.nz

Hell’s Gate State Highway 30, Tikitere 8.30am–10pm Special Combo Package – $90 pp hellsgate.co.nz Terrace Kitchen 1029 Tutanekai Street

7.30am–late terrace.kitchen Redwoods Treewalk 1 Long Mile road 9am– 1pm Daytime admission – $29 pp treewalk.co.nz focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | TRAVEL

Madams of Mayhem ON A MISSION TO RAISE MONEY FOR KIDS This Easter 60 Minis will gather in Kaitaia for the start of a 2,500km drive through to Invercargill – in just six days. All eyes are on Tauranga’s women-only team, Madams of Mayhem.

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Background design by Freepik

Words KSENIIA SPODYNEIKO

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“Madams of Mayhem really stood out on our huge list of possible names. Only later did we realise we’ll actually have to talk to people and name it out loud,” laugh team members Hanna Peters and Deidre Rennie. The name was needed to enroll in the annual Pork Pie Charity Run for Mini owners. Every year the lovers of these compact stylish cars drive through New Zealand to raise money for KidsCan Charitable Trust. KidsCan supports over 700 low decile schools by providing children with lunches, shoes, raincoats and basic health provisions. Every team participating in the charity run is expected to donate at least $1,000. Hanna and Deidre have been organising sausage sizzles and talking to local companies about donations in exchange for a banner on their car. They have also created Mini-shaped badges and sets of drink coasters to sell. “It’s as competitive as it gets! We check the results of the other teams on GoFundraise all the time. We know that some people have collected up to $14,000 in the previous years and we’re not giving up! We aim to raise at least $5,000.” Both women are no strangers to kids in need. Hanna works at the Tauranga Library and often sees kids who stay hungry for the whole day or who don’t have their own pair of shoes. Working in the recruitment business, Deidre also sees a lot of young people who, for whatever reason, have not benefited from an ideal education. So, they are more than keen to help. But registering for the run wasn’t easy as the event has gained so much popularity. This year’s Pork Pie Charity Run sold out in just 20 minutes! “We didn’t know if we had made it into the first 50 applicants until the next day. Apparently, the

demand was so high, they’ve even increased the number of teams to 60 this year.” That’s a huge difference from 20 cars in the first year! Madams of Mayhem is one of five Tauranga teams participating in 2019. Friends, and now also teammates, Hanna and Deidre met at the Tauranga Mini Owners club. “I found out about the Pork Pie run about two years ago,” recalls Deidre. “I thought it sounded cool but wasn’t ready to go then. What if my 1982 Mini couldn’t make it? But, this year I turn 60 and it’s Mini’s 60th Birthday as well. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate! I even bought a more reliable car for this trip!” Deirdre is now the proud owner of a shiny dark blue 1998 Rover Mini Cooper with sporty white stripes at the front. If the route from Kaitaia to Invercargill sounds strangely familiar, you’re not far from the truth – it’s the exact replica of the Blondini Gang’s journey in a Mini, in New Zealand’s 1981 movie Goodbye Pork Pie. The ‘Madams’ are especially excited about the South Island leg of their trip. “I’m from Wellington and I have never been to Kaikoura before,” admits Deidre. “And I can’t wait to see the Franz Josef glacier,” adds Hanna. 

Help Madams of Mayhem raise money for KidsCan: gofundraise.co.nz/page/DeidreRennie Follow the Tauranga team on their journey: facebook.com/pg/madamsofmayhem2019

focusmagazine.co.nz

BUSINESS

48 CAREER CHANGERS

MAKING THE SWITCH

52 HELEN STEWART VOLUNTEERING BAY OF PLENTY

Plus GIVEAWAYS, DRAGON SPEECH REVIEW … AND MORE

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Shutters set the contemporary Bay scene

Brought up in the Bay of Plenty, Yvonne Kane moved to the UK – and later, Auckland – to foster her love of creating beautiful interiors, but she always called shutters and blinds her signature design element. After moving back to the Bay, Yvonne found herself living the dream – raising two kids with her husband in her favourite region while working at Brightshine, a full-service blind company. What’s your signature style? I love to create a relaxed, comfortable ambience by mixing coastal and rustic elements. For example, light airy spaces with high beams work well with reclaimed wooden floors and natural fabrics.

has been spared on this property. They give a room a spacious feeling and optimise the light so the buyer sees the property at its best. Solid Basswood shutters, like those we sell at Brightshine, also last way longer than curtains.

New Zealand styles sometimes follow those from the UK. Any similarities you’ve noticed in interior design? Shutters are definitely a global trend! But in the UK they are normally more traditional, with smaller panels, louvres and centre front-tilt rods, whereas Kiwis are all about a contemporary look. In the Bay, for example, larger louvres, wide panels and hidden tilt rods are the hottest trend. The larger the louvre, the more you see through when it’s open. I love this Cape Cod feel and how it allows us to take in the stunning views around us.

What do you love about working for Brightshine? It’s a family-owned and operated business which makes it a more personal place to work. Every day I’m surrounded by a very caring, supportive team which definitely adds soul and joy to my work.

Is it true, that adding shutters adds value to the house? Absolutely! Shutters give a home the ‘wow’ factor. They are a high-quality stylish product that show no expense

What are your goals for 2019? I’m really excited to expand Brightshine. I travel to Waikato at least once or twice a week and trips to Taupō are becoming more frequent too. With the business growing rapidly we will definitely be looking at employing more people in the area and, of course, I look forward to working with more lovely customers in different areas!  brightshine.co.nz focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | BUSINESS

STRIDING OUT Over the past few editions we’ve featured some amazing women who have followed their dreams and launched themselves into unknown territory and a new career. It hasn’t always been easy and we admire them for refusing to stand still – instead they have reached out to explore new paths.

SURAYA NAIDOO Medical doctor

Home food business facebook.com/sweetandsavouryspot

What were you doing? I was a medical doctor, a specialist in clinical Haematology, primarily diagnosing and treating teens and adults with leukaemias and lymphomas. I absolutely loved my job and, in fact, I still consider it my vocation, my purpose in life. In the meantime, though, I'm passionate about pursuing this new direction. What are you doing now? I am the owner of The Sweet and Savoury Spot, an owner-operated (self-run) home food business that specialises in South African-styled Indian food and currently serves as a takeaway, with customers ordering and picking up directly from me. I also cater small events, usually corporate meetings and small parties. A pop up stall/ store is envisioned for 2019. I will also be hosting cooking classes from March 2019. These are aimed at spreading the love for cooking by teaching keen curry makers how to perfect their skill and hopefully bring with it a sense of fulfilment and joy. It will also be an awesome way to meet and interact with new people. What do you love about your work? Everything! I love cooking, I love seeing people smile after a hearty meal cooked with love. In fact, the strapline of my business is ‘the secret ingredient is always love’. There’s also freedom and a degree of creativity in it. I also have the opportunity to meet new people through the various aspects of the business. What did you have to do to make the change? Accept my new reality. I love haematology and felt blessed to enter a patient’s life at their most vulnerable time and it fulfilled me deeply to assist them during this period

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of their lives. However, having only recently moved to New Zealand with two young children, I had to change my primary role from doctor to mum and repurpose myself. In that I discovered my love for cooking and created my new reality. How hard was it to make the leap? I had no experience in the food industry or in business however it wasn’t a difficult leap. I embraced and enjoyed the process, and the environmental health officer at Tauranga City Council was really helpful in my start-up. What challenges have you faced? My challenges have mostly been internal. It’s been a journey of building my selfconfidence and looking outside of medicine for fulfilment. Whilst I enjoy cooking, I’m somewhat of a perfectionist and often doubt myself, but the creation of a food business has helped me be more sure of myself and confident in the kitchen. I appreciate honest feedback as it helps me grow in the kitchen and internally as well. I also yearned for work-home balance whilst in medicine and didn’t realise that a self-run cooking start-up could be as time consuming as a full-time job. However, I am learning new ways of creating and not sacrificing this delicate balance and am always grateful to build a clientele. What would you say to other women thinking of making a career change? My new anthem is ‘what’s meant for you will come to you at the right time’. Having said that, I’d rather live a life of failed attempts than missed opportunities. Looking back in 20 years’ time, I’d much rather think, “I can’t believe I did that” than “I wish I had done that.” If you’re thinking of it, do it.

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KAREN SINCLAIR Banking

Beauty skinresults.co.nz

What were you doing? I was in banking and finance for 11 years, based in Tauranga and Auckland. What are you doing now? I’ve been in the skin and beauty industry for over 30 years. There are two aspects to my business: clinical treatments and recommending ingredients/products; and, distribution, contacting clinics to become stockists, and training clinicians. I’ve learnt from dermatologists, plastic surgeons, a bio scientist and skin mentors. What do you love about your work? Helping people find a solution to their skin concerns using powerful ingredients that are safe without compromising on results. I have never recommended a product or a treatment to a client unless I truly believed they needed it. What did you have to do to make the change? After working in banking for 11 years I felt I needed a change. I had always had a huge interest in skin so I took a job as a medical typist/PA for a dermatologist. During my 17 years there, the business grew into a busy appearance medicine and cosmetic surgery practice where I was office manager. My interest in the industry grew under the guidance of my dermatologist boss, who was a fantastic

businessman, mentor and friend. I had it all – an amazing husband, a great job and two beautiful children. Then my life changed forever – my husband was killed in a car crash. I moved back to Tauranga with my children and worked for a dermatology clinic for the next 10 years. During this time I attained my Diploma in Beauty Therapy and became a Specialist Medical Beautician and Sales Consultant/ Trainer for a specialised cosmeceutical skincare line. What challenges have you faced? I have had a few challenges in life but another life event turned my world upside down. I remarried but had to deal with a marriage breakdown, the related financial outcomes and then the worry of insecure employment. But my breaking point was a turning point. I managed to keep my home and I found my driving force again. My faith grew, and it gave me inner strength to get on with the task ahead. There was no room for self-pity. A US company approached me to represent its product line – 302 Professional Skincare – as a distributor for New Zealand. I didn’t know how, but I knew I had to take this amazing opportunity and make it happen. A second Australian product line, Aderm, followed soon after, also with exclusive New Zealand rights. It was a huge boost to my morale. So I set up a distribution

business before opening my own clinic. There is no back-stop when you are doing it on your own. There were financial challenges setting up and I knew no bank was likely to give me a business loan. I sold items and had just enough to buy a laptop using some money my late grandmother had left me. I was determined not to get myself into further debt. I joined a business networking group and surrounded myself with positive, like-minded people – one of whom said, “Karen never spend what you know you don’t have”. There’s a big difference between working for a business and running one yourself. What would you say to other women thinking of making a career change? It’s never too late to make a career change – don’t spend your life wondering “what if?” Follow your gut feelings. When I started in the skin and beauty industry I never imagined it would lead me to where I am now. Sometimes outside circumstances become the driver of change. I probably wasn’t prepared but I always recognised an opportunity. Also, be brave – courage is important. If what’s in your heart is truly what you want to do, it doesn’t let go – I am proof of that, and today I’m passionate about what I do and love helping people get the skin results they want. 

focusmagazine.co.nz

# bossbabe

No doubt you’ve all heard that word being thrown around by women everywhere wanting the world to know that being both a boss and a babe is not only possible, but worthy of a pair of power-pumps to walk in. However which way you define this empowering declaration, I believe it serves to remind us that we can ALL be bossbabes in our respective universes. The definition is yours to make, and that’s what I truly love about this statement. Words REBECCA TEREU

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Images by senivpetro / Freepik

focus | BUSINESS

BUSINESS | focus

ow I’m not trying to sell this as a new thing. #bossbabes has been around for a while, yet here I am absolutely fizzing with excitement about the concept of women in business in the year 2019. And not just any women – but #bossbabes who combine forces and create magic TOGETHER. Ah yes. THIS is the thing to watch for in 2019. A new style of network marketing, where collaboration breeds collaboration. This is the thing you should seriously consider getting in on if you’re a woman in business and looking to make this new year one for the records. Again – collaboration is no new thing, in fact I've seen and heard about some stunner examples of women in business collaborating in 2018, but in my professional opinion this is only the beginning. A few years ago I designed and taught the collaborative practice paper for a local creative degree in Tauranga. There were many learnings to be had for everyone, but I’ll always remember the amount of (adult) students that would trudge into my office on a daily basis, complaining that no matter what they did they couldn’t get equal amounts of effort and action across their group. There were always a bunch of students who would either ride the coat-tails, or disappear altogether, leaving the rest of the group with the lion’s share of work. These students would often turn up at the final hour and bask in undeserved glory, and expect to be given the same grades. Oh yes, there were a bucket load of strategies we would roll out to get everyone to collaborate successfully, but some people just couldn’t be forced onto the same page. On the other end of the spectrum, there was always an overwhelming and immense feeling of pride at the accomplishment of those collaborators who did pull it off. Yes, collaboration is indeed possible but there are some fundamental foundations to lay first. This is what I love about what’s happening more and more here in the Bay. There is a new generation of bossbabes coming together almost

seamlessly, all with a clear idea about what they want to achieve and all united in that common goal. Competition has been replaced with Collaboration and the results speak for themselves. There is no dragging of the heels, shirking responsibilities, or lack of heart and effort. We all have different objectives, but hearts and intentions are on the same page. I believe this heart-centred serving attitude is the difference. I myself was involved in multiple collaborations in 2018, either directly or indirectly so I’ve seen first-hand what these collabs are capable of. One of my favourites was the Wardrobe Love Fashion Show, hosted by Remix Gym and supported by a large consortium of business women. The event was a huge success, but one of the real bonuses for many of the bossbabes participating was the future partnerships that came out of that event. Lillybeth from Lillybeth: A Beautiful Education was there to lend a hand with makeup and give beauty advice to the attendees. What she came away with was several partnerships that shaped some amazing events in 2018, with more to come in 2019. That’s success right there! A few months ago I teamed up with Cloe from Cloe’s Creationz for several projects including an essential oils workshop down on the lovely edge of Kulim Park. Cloe provides 'pop-up dinners', with a wooden table, cushions to sit on, decorations in a chosen theme, and grazing platters or catering if needed. This combo of grazing table and workshop under the big trees overlooking the Mount was both unique and amazing. In true bossbabe style, business women are not only maximising the marketing and financial opportunities through collaboration, but also joining forces for the good of community and charity. Recently Sian from The Hair Co. put the call out to other bossbabes to come and support her fundraiser for the Meningitis Foundation. A group of business women answered that call and an amazing #loveyourself pampering afternoon was had by all with over $1,000 raised for the foundation. There was makeup by Melissa, nails by

Seasons Beauty Therapy, hair by The Hair Co team, doTERRA essential oils by moi, décor by Cloe’s Creationz, and lots of generous prize sponsors. Each supporting bossbabe was able, and encouraged, to promote their business, and the outcome was beneficial for all. Kate Lovell from event planning company ‘As You Like It’ and founder of the Tauranga Women’s Networking Facebook Group, knows all about collaboration both professionally and personally. Together with a large group of collaborators, Kate put together a fundraiser to help get her best friend to Moscow for stem cell treatment so she could have a chance at living without MS. Together this group of women were able to raise $5,180.50 for “Miracle for Amanda” but in Kate’s words, there was even more to this success than met the eye: “A lot of the businesses I collaborated with are quite new. I wanted to work with other bossbabes who are starting out as I remember what that was like. It can be hard getting your name out there. Working alongside these brilliant, generous women on this project was a fantastic experience.” Normally I disdain bandwagons, but this is one wagon you should all consider jumping on together! If you want to grow your brand or business, work with mature likeminded and like-hearted business women, and increase your ROI in 2019, then consider linking arms with this generation of bossbabes. See you out there! 

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

focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | REVIEW

THE LOWDOWN ON speech recognition software The world has already moved rapidly towards intelligent voice recognition software – think Siri and Google Home – so we’re probably not too far off the point where computer keyboards become a thing of the past as we interact with our computers through speech. In light of this, I was delighted to be given the opportunity to try out the latest edition (version 15) of the Nuance Dragon Professional® speech recognition software for PCs. Words DEE COLLINS

oading of the programme is really simple but you’ll need 4GB of RAM and 4GB of disk space, a sound card supporting 16-bit recording and, of course, an internet connection and DVD-ROM drive for installation. The pack comes with a wireless Bluetooth headset and, once loaded, you’re taken through a few voice training sessions so that the system learns how you speak and pronounce words. There are a few short tutorials that take you through the different commands. As with any software, there is a learning curve and it takes a bit of time to remember what the various commands are, such as ‘period’, instead of ‘stop’, but you can also personalise the software and install voice commands that you use often, manage vocabularies and add new words and phrases. Once installed, Dragon puts a floating window – called the DragonBar – at the top of the screen to indicate the voice recognition software is running. The bar collapses to an icon that shows whether the microphone is on or off and easily opens up if you hover your cursor over it. The software can use your voice to open menus, choose commands and turn the microphone off (but not on). I used the software to write a few articles and have to say I was super impressed with the accuracy. It's also easy to do simple formatting whilst dictating, such as creating numbered or bulleted lists, putting words into bold or italics or underlining them, changing the capitalisation of words or putting a phrase into quotes. You can also tell Dragon to search the web for specific keywords, photos, videos or visit specific sites such as YouTube and Facebook, and replying and sending emails was fairly easy. I did revert to using my keyboard for a number of edits as I haven’t yet learned the list of navigation commands. It’s a process that will take some time to master and, in the long run, should be an invaluable time-saver. Dragon is a program that you would need to keep using and practising to realise the full benefits and potential but I can really see how this software would be invaluable to those in the corporate world and medical fields who need to transcribe notes, assignments, reports, correspondence, etc. Two tips: make sure you don’t have any background noise going on when using the software and run your eye over the final document to ensure it’s accurate.  We have a Nuance Dragon Professional Individual v15 with Wireless Bluetooth headset valued at $648 to give away – see our competition page for details

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WIN

GIVEAWAY | focus

ENTER AT FOCUSMAGAZINE.CO.NZ/WIN ••• ENTRIES CLOSE 6 MARCH 2019

Win a PC-compatible Nuance Dragon Professional Individual (version 15) with wireless Bluetooth headset Nuance’s Dragon speech recognition software solution is perfect for busy individuals. Whether you are a full-time mum, studying or working, Nuance Dragon Professional Individual v15 for the PC lets you do more by using your voice. Just talk and the text appears on the screen. Use Dragon to ‘type’ up shopping lists, and create, edit and format documents, to transcribe notes, assignments, reports, correspondence, and more. Plus, Dragon also lets you command and control your PC by voice, search the internet and send emails. This prize is valued at $648 Find out more at newzealand.nuance.com/dragon

A whole range of Raglan Coconut Yoghurt This tasty creation is an all-round winner! Use it in smoothies, transform into dips or aioli and use it in baking or, eat it on its own … perfect as a healthy treat. We have two sets of this dairy-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free yumminess, in all flavours, to give away!

Private sessions with Hayat Coaching Always wanted to start a business, change career or work on personal development? With a coach by your side you’ll achieve your goals a lot faster. Win two one-hour coaching sessions with Hayat Coaching to set your mind up for success. focusmagazine.co.nz

focus | LAST PAGE

HELEN STEWART COMPANY: Volunteering Bay of Plenty POSITION: General Manager Volunteering Bay of Plenty is the place to come for anything volunteer related. Our mission is to enrich lives and communities through volunteering. We do this through matching volunteers with organisations and have been developing our employee volunteering programmes to help those businesses with strong corporate social responsibilities and commitment.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Take more risks and expand your boundaries. Tell us about a recent Bay event you have attended? The Tauranga Migrant Expo – a great place to meet lots of different people, hear stories and find luscious foods. What would you study if time and money allowed? As a child I spent a wonderful time fishing and roaming around the shores in Kaikoura, walking to the wharf and seal colony and passing the Marine Laboratory. I have always loved the sea and marine life, especially shells, so wanted to study marine biology,

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however I diverted into biochemistry instead.

pubs and villages and visit the place his family came from.

Who has been an inspiration to you at any point in your life? Why have they been an inspiration? My nieces and nephew who are following their dreams and making a difference in the world, helping others.

Can you tell us about one new thing you’ve learnt recently about the Bay? One thing I have learnt about the Bay is how many different nationalities now call the Bay their home. Tauranga alone boasts over 200 different nationalities and with the new initiative of Welcoming Communities I look forward to seeing more people engaging in ‘head, heart and hand’ volunteering opportunities across the Bay.

Who would make an interesting dinner guest, and why? Sir David Attenborough as he must have some wonderful stories, has a great sense of humour and is really in tune with issues affecting our world from a global perspective. Where would you love to visit one day? England to show my husband English

What is the most pressing issue facing humanity? Global warming, growing gaps between rich and poor and the lack of available clean water. 