focus magazine December 2019 / January 2020 (Issue 20)

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

Editor’s Welco me

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alex Spodyneiko ONLINE EDITOR Kseniia Spodyneiko kseniia@focusmagazine.co.nz SALES advertising@focusmagazine.co.nz COVER IMAGE Vanessa Laval-Glad Laval Photo & Video FEATURE WRITERS Millie Freeman Jenny Argante PRINTING Sanyati Print CONTACT DETAILS 62 10th Avenue Tauranga 3110 (n-Gon Group Head Office) P O Box 14004, Tauranga, 3143 Tel: (07) 578 6838 Mobile: 021 535 770 focusmagazine.co.nz facebook.com/focusmagazinenz DISTRIBUTION 5,000 free copies are delivered bi-monthly to high traffic areas such as high-end cafés and restaurants, hairdressers, fashion boutiques, waiting rooms and professional offices across BOP, Hamilton, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

DIGITAL focus is available to view online and is supported by social media sites including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. focus is a free magazine (subscriptions are available) and is published six times a year by Align Publishing (a facet of the n-Gon Group). focus is subject to copyright in its entirety.

All rights are reserved and reproduction in whole or in part, without the written consent of The Publisher (Align Publishing), is prohibited. Align Publishing and all its related companies and officers hereby disclaim, to the full extent permitted by law, all liability, damages, costs and expenses whatsoever arising from or in connection with information or other material in this magazine, any negligence of The Publisher, or any person’s actions in reliance thereon.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and correctness of the information contained within this magazine and inclusion of any copy must not be taken as an endorsement

by The Publisher. Views expressed by contributors are personal views and they are not necessarily endorsed

by The Publisher. Any dispute or complaint regarding placed advertisements must be made within seven days of publication.

All material sent to focus (whether solicited or not) will not be returned unless otherwise agreed beforehand, and all rights, including copyright in such material will be assigned to Align Publishing upon receipt. The Publishers presume all letters and other material submitted to focus and related social media sites are intended for publication unless clearly labelled “not for publication”.

Image by Vanessa Laval-Glad Hair and makeup by Sharyn Butters

W

ell, here we sit on the cusp of a new year.

I can’t believe how quickly 2019 has raced by but overall, in spite of many challenges, it’s been a great 12 months.

In this issue we meet Hilary Price who has walked towards the challenges facing our communities where others might turn away. As CEO of Taurangabased Homes of Hope, Hilary is resolutely carrying out her mission to provide care and protection for vulnerable children, and in doing so, is helping to create positive change in New Zealand society.

We also chat to Tauranga Girls’ College Principal Tara Kanji, and Melanie de la Reta, who is the brains behind successful skincare range Beauty Tofu.

As well, Jenny Argante delights us with a fabulous insight into Tauranga’s steampunk scene.

My husband and I were privileged to spend a few nights at Earth Energies Sanctuary located about an hour south of Auckland. It was magnificent and totally worth a trip if relaxation, wellbeing, nurturing and rebalancing your psyche are your goals for 2020. I can assure you we were not upset when bad weather forced us to spend an extra night!

I was recently asked why I sign my

welcome with the salutation ‘With gratitude’. The truth is simple – I am grateful to each and every one of you because, without you there would be no focus magazine. To the advertisers who support us and enable us to distribute focus for free; to our subscribers who see the value in having the magazine delivered straight to their doorsteps; to the women who let us share their stories; to the writers and photographers and the entire focus team who keep the wheels turning during the whole meticulous process that producing a magazine entails. I am truly grateful to you all.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas. See you in 2020!

With gratitude,

Dee

Editor & Founder dee@focusmagazine.co.nz

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

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focus | CONTENTS

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23 CONTENTS

DECEMBER2019-JANUARY2020

32

COVER STORY 26

HILARY PRICE Tauranga-based Homes of Hope CEO helps children traumatised by violence and neglect

REGULARS 10

focus on books Summer reads

14

Ask the experts The importance of dental implants and the benefits of kawakawa in skincare

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Beauty Skincare for the beach season

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Style Hiking in fashion

51

Giveaways All you need for the perfect holiday

52

Last page Jacqui Knight from Katch Katikati answers our questions

CONTENTS | focus

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LIFE

Best detoxes in New Zealand delivered to your doorstep

Tara Kanji Tauranga Girls’ College principal creates opportunities for girls

BUSINESS

32

Tremains Finding your next home

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Steampunk Tauranga Is it a woman’s world?

34

Earth Energies Sanctuary Luxurious retreat, less than two hours from Tauranga

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The Ultimate Cleanse

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42 46

Green Light for Skincare Local vegan skincare brand Beauty Tofu is on its way to world-wide success!

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Expandasign Cracking good 2019 events

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focus | OUT & ABOUT

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FOCUS 3RD BIRTHDAY PARTY In October focus celebrated an incredible milestone at Coombes Johnston BMW Tauranga with dearest friends, partners, supporters and local influencers.

Guests enjoyed great networking opportunities, delicious food from the Kex Kitchen grazing table, mouthwatering non-alcoholic Seedlip cocktails and the chance to check out the latest BMWs and even the opportunity to win one for a weekend! What a fabulous way to start another year of celebrating, inspiring and empowering women of the Bay of Plenty and Waikato.

Images HELEN CHAPMAN 1. Dee Collins and Kevin Pead 2. Karen Sinclair, Sue Dewes, John DewesHodgson, Sarah Harcourt and Margot van Cingel 3. Marcela Hannouche, Mila Arena, Kseniia Spodyneiko 4. Lynda Johnston, Dee Collins and Kevin Pead 5. Anuya Deshpande and Genevieve Key 6. Riaan Kriek, Amy Rice and Brett Yeatman 7. Tanya Gilchrist and Vanessa Laval-Glad 8. Sandra Simpson, Liz French and Donna Stobie

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OUT & ABOUT | focus

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focus | WHAT'S ON?

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N O S ' W H ABTER /JANUARY DECEM

Image by Hunter Studio hunter.co.nz

A NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2019 21 December Bethlehem College, Tauranga anightbeforechristmas.co.nz The Bay’s biggest free Christmas party is on for the 23rd year!

Over 10,000 people are expected to gather for a festive variety of live music, dance, carols, and a massive fireworks display.

Headlining the event is swing-funk-rock band Late 80’s Mercedes.

LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL 29 November-14 December Westside Theatre, Tauranga taurangamusicaltheatre.co.nz

AARADHNA SHOW 13 December Barcode, Rotorua eventfinda.co.nz Multiple award-winning New Zealand artist Aaradhna is one of the country’s most distinguished singer/songwriters. Listen to her reassuring, charming and effortless music, filled with deepfelt pride in her Samoan and Indian heritage.

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The plot of this musical needs no introduction as it’s based on the adored movie of the same name. Enjoy watching the adventures of Elle Woods who charms her way into Harvard Law, tackling stereotypes and scandal along the way.

WHAT'S ON? | focus

THE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION EXPO 8 December Papamoa Sports and Recreation Centre, Tauranga facebook.com/groups/TheAlternativeSolutionConvention

Image by Mark Hamilton Photography Ltd

If you’re into sound healing, crystals, reiki, tarot and energy healing, this expo is for you. Learn more about alternatives for health, wealth and wellbeing through free talks, workshops and therapy sessions.

FIRST CREDIT UNION CHRISTMAS PARADE 2019 8 December Anglesea Street, Hamilton hamiltonchristmas.co.nz A fun family event for the young and young at heart. Up to 90 floats will parade down Anglesea Street. Come and see marching bands, dance groups, ethnic groups, cartoon characters, amazing balloons, and of course, Santa Claus!

WAIHI BEACH SUMMER FAIR 4 January Wilson Park, Waihi Beach waihibeachsummerfair.com

CLASSICS OF THE SKY: TAURANGA CITY AIRSHOW

Over 200 stalls for fashionistas, foodies, collectors and DIY home decorators. The Summer Fair is focused on waste minimisation, reusing, recycling and supporting 100% Kiwi made.

A great reason for a short trip!

18 January Classic Flyers Conference and Function Centre, Mount Maunganui tcas.nz Amongst an excellent line-up of ex-military and aerobatic aircraft will be crowd favourites the ‘Roaring Forties’ Harvard (Texan) aerobatic team. But the action won’t only be in the sky as more than 180 big rigs will be on display as part of the Mount Truck Show.

ONE LOVE 25-26 January Tauranga Domain, Tauranga onelovefestival.co.nz One of Australasia’s most popular festivals is back. Some of the biggest names in the reggae and roots world will perform in Tauranga in 2020, including Jamaican dancehall legend Sean Paul and iconic reggae superstar Shaggy. focusmagazine.co.nz

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focus | BOOKS

SUMMER READS Words DEE COLLINS

SUMMER TIME – THE PERFECT SEASON TO KICK BACK, RELAX AND DIVE INTO SOME JUICY BOOKS. WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A COMPELLING TRUE STORY, EXCITING FICTION, MOTIVATIONAL ENCOURAGEMENT, A NEW RECIPE, OR INSPIRATION WITH YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.

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BOOKS | focus

WHOLE AGAIN: A FRESH COLLECTION OF WHOLESOME RECIPES, BRONWYN KAN This gorgeous, hard cover recipe book contains a fresh collection of healthy recipes from inspirational contributors across New Zealand. Recipes include plant-based bowls for one, to wholesome family meals and loads of yummy raw treats.

POSTSCRIPT, CECELIA AHERN Get out the tissues! The sequel to P.S. I Love You is here. It's been seven years since Holly Kennedy's beloved husband died. She’s forged a new life but in spite of misgivings, agrees to support her sister’s podcast on grief and loss, resulting in a group – the PS, I Love You Club – asking for her help and drawing her back into a world that she sought to leave behind. Does embracing the future mean betraying the past, and what does it mean to love someone forever?

THE FEAR BUBBLE, ANT MIDDLETON Ant Middleton, the front man for TV show SAS: Who Dares Wins, writes an inspiring and thought-provoking book where he reveals his concept of the Fear Bubble and shows how it can be used in everyday life to help us break through limiting beliefs and barriers. Essential reading for those who are looking for powerful tools to push themselves further.

THE WRITING ON THE WALL, JULIET RIEDEN On visits to Auschwitz and Theresienstadt concentration camps, Australian journalist Juliet Rieden meticulously researches the horrific fate of her father’s family and learns about the extremes of cruelty, courage and kindness and the tragic fates so many of them suffered. It brings her to an understanding of the struggles and losses her father faced, from which he was determined to protect his children. This story is important and covers a time in history that we must never forget or allow to happen again.

THE 12-STEP MIND-BODY-FOOD RESET, JESSICA SEPEL In her latest book, clinical nutritionist and health blogger Jessica Sepel shares her 12 key pieces of practical advice and easy-to-implement principles on transforming your health by improving your relationship with food and your body. You’ll find information on synchronising the mind/body equilibrium with a balanced way of eating and relaxation techniques which help women move away from mixed messages around dieting.

WOLFE ISLAND, LUCY TRELOAR For years Kitty Hawke has lived alone on Wolfe Island but she knows that one day, due to the rising seas, her island retreat will be swallowed by the ocean. Turmoil on the mainland brings her granddaughter, Cat, and Luis and Alejandra – a brother and sister escaping persecution – to her doorstep. As the mainland threats draw closer, they are all forced to travel north. The book is a compelling tale that covers human bonds, trust, isolation and what may happen if we continue to abuse our planet.

WEARING PAPER DRESSES, ANNE BRINSDEN Set in the 1950s, we meet Elise, a city girl, who, with her husband and two young daughters, finds herself transplanted to a harsh and unforgiving life on his family’s drought-ridden, sunburnt farmland in northern Victoria. Daughters Marjorie and Ruby have to step up as their mother’s fragile state decays.

Things come to a head when a tragic event occurs which sees Marjorie escaping to the city. In amongst the bleakness there are humorous moments and a glimmer of hope.

THE COLLABORATOR, DIANE ARMSTRONG Annika Barnett sets out on a journey to discover the truth about the mysterious man who rescued her grandmother in 1944. Inspired by real events and people, the story focuses on the fate of 1,500 Hungarian Jews saved from certain death by the actions of one man who, later, stands trial for being a Nazi collaborator. Was he a hero or a traitor?

THE GLOBAL VEGAN, ELLIE BULLEN Even if you aren’t a vegan, the recipes in Ellie Bullen’s new cook book are delicious and well worth making. Inspired by her travels, Ellie’s plant-based dishes are infused with her trademark flavours and colours – find inspiration from wellknown favourites as well as dishes bursting with Indonesian, Indian, Korean and Japanese influences. Definitely one to include on your kitchen bookshelf.

GOTTA GET THEROUX THIS: MY LIFE AND STRANGE TIMES IN TELEVISION, LOUIS THEROUX If you enjoy Louis Theroux’s TV programmes, you’ll love this book. He gives interesting background information to many of his famous and, often controversial, documentaries and is candid about the occasions where he feels he made mistakes in his professional and personal life.  focusmagazine.co.nz

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focus | CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS

gift guide THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX WHEN CHOOSING GIFTS FOR YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST THIS YEAR. MARIO BADESCU ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT GIFT SET $48 Available at Mecca Maxima Bayfair meccabeauty.co.nz

LISSOM ROSE MOISTURE BOOST SLEEPING MASK $68 lissombeauty.com

QUARRY ROAD SOY CANDLE $29.95 Hand poured right here in the Bay, these candles come in 15 divine scents – from retro Tobacco & Honeywood for dad to sweet Rasberry & Vanilla for your sister.

EARTH ENERGIES SANCTUARY GIFT VOUCHER $490 for one or $790 for two All Earth Energies therapies have the common theme of bringing you to an alpha or even deeper theta brainwave state, thus restoring balance essential for optimum relaxation, creativity, insight and mindfulness. Gift voucher is for four glorious hours in the Sanctuary's tranquil healing space, with unique treatments, herbal teas and nibbles. earthenergiessanctuary.com

BEST OF BOXES PLATTER GIFT BOX from $74

quarryroad.co.nz

Full of goodness from local producers, this gift box is a careful selection of the best Bay of Plenty farmers have to offer.

bestofboxes.co.nz

MOPHEAD: HOW YOUR DIFFERENCE MAKES A DIFFERENCE, SELINA TUSITALA MARSH $24.99

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HELEN CHAP MAN PHO GIFT VOUCH TOGRAPHY ER Sessions start from $150 helench apmanphotogra

phy.nz

CHRISTMAS | focus

NIVEA HELLO SUMMER GIFT SET $30 WITCHERY EARRINGS $89.90 witchery.co.nz

LOOBIE’S STORY KERCHIEF $69

LEGENT BOURBON $98.99 The brainchild of two whiskey legends – Jim Beam’s master distiller Fred Noe and Suntory’s chief blender Shinji Fukuyo – Legent blends the best of both worlds for a unique bourbon steeped in Kentucky tradition and Japanese detail.

TATCHA LITTLE LUXURIES BENTO $151 Available at Mecca Maxima Bayfair meccabeauty.co.nz

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focus | ASK THE EXPERTS

ASK THE EXPERTS

ESTÉE KRIEK pyespadentists.co.nz @pyespadentists

WHY SHOULD I GET DENTAL IMPLANTS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE? If you have lost a tooth – for example, when an extraction was unavoidable – and you’ve decided to get an implant, it might be tempting to consider delaying the procedure, particularly if the missing tooth is not in the front. After all, it’s a costly procedure. However, ‘later’ may not be a good idea.

If delayed for too long, implants can end up costing even more. The procedure can also become more complicated because it requires additional interventions before the artificial root can be placed.

The reason for this is bone loss, yet bone is the very structure in the jaw that is necessary to support an implant.

Jawbone is preserved through the constant pressure and stimulus of chewing. In the absence of pressure (following loss of a tooth) the bone resorbs, meaning it naturally shrinks and dissolves into the body. In the first year after tooth extraction already 25 percent of bone is lost, and this process continues year after year.

When bone has already been lost, bone grafting to help grow new bone may become necessary. In the case of missing upper back teeth, a sinus lift might be needed to develop enough new jawbone. From a surgical point of view we therefore recommend replacing missing teeth as soon as the procedure is possible.

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NEISHA CONNOR beekawanz.co.nz @beekawanz

KAWAKAWA, ONE OF THE MAIN INGREDIENTS IN BEEKAWA NZ, IS KNOWN FOR ITS HEALING PROPERTIES. TELL US ABOUT THIS. Kawakawa is an important herb in Māori medicine. It has anti-microbial, antiinflammatory and anti-fungal properties and is super important for its healing properties, which is why we include it in Beekawa products. It’s traditionally used to treat everything from cuts and wounds to skin disorders, eczema, nappy rash and even stomach and rheumatic pain.

But we also include so many other healing, natural products in Beekawa, such as lavender, unrefined beeswax, dandelion and Manuka honey and a variety of oils, such as hemp seed, coconut, magnesium and olive.

So, apart from all the curative ingredients, there are also hydrating, protective and antioxidant ones too. All the components in Beekawa are natural and safe – perfect for the whole family and ideal to include in your nappy bags, makeup bags and your first aid kit too.

focus | BEAUTY

BEAT the HEAT Image by Sergeycauselove / Freepik

BEACH SEASON IS THE HAPPIEST TIME, YET HITTING THE STREETS WITH BARE SKIN FOR THE FIRST TIME MAKES MANY OF US PRETTY NERVOUS. PREVENT SUN, SAND AND SALT FROM WREAKING HAVOC ON YOUR SKIN WITH THESE WATERPROOF AND UVPROTECTED SKINCARE AND MAKEUP ESSENTIALS.

COCONUT BEACH SUNSCREEN OIL, BONDI SANDS $18.20 Non-greasy water-resistant SPF30 spray takes literally two nanoseconds to apply and lasts for a good two hours. As with most Bondi Sands products, its fragrance is addictive.

REPLENISHING HYDRATION MASK, 8+ MINUTE $23.98 Deeply hydrating and replenishing product for an ultimate ‘me time’. Eight minutes of luxurious relaxation will make your skin look healthy, rejuvenated and shining inside out. jemarose.co.nz

BR ORGANIC ROSEHIP OIL BIOLOGI $40.35 Unrefined, cold-pressed, 100% plant oil protects from environmental factors, decreases damage from sun, improves skin tone and encourages healing. Use it for face and body!

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SENSITIVE PROTECT, NIVEA SUN $12.99 This light and non-greasy sunscreen is enriched with Aloe vera and chamomile to calm and repair sensitive skin of all ages. The fourhour water-resistant SPF50 is 100% safe for coral reefs!

BEAUTY | focus

DYNAMIC SKIN RECOVERY, DERMALOGICA $136

IN A GOOD LIGHT TINTED MOISTURISER, MECCA COSMETICA $44

Control ageing before it even begins! This daily moisturiser protects skin with SPF50, combats signs of photoageing, helps neutralise free radicals and boosts collagen production.

Multifunctional product that makes a perfect replacement for heavy foundations in summer. Hydrating cream gives your skin a light tint, while also protecting it with SPF30. Available at Mecca Maxima Bayfair.

COCONUT LIP BALM, BONDI SANDS $6.40

SKINPERFECT PRIMER, DERMALOGICA $106

Ultra-hydrating, with SPF50+ and smells like the best summer of your life. This lip balm will keep your lips soothed and nourished.

Don’t wait til you hit the beach!

Velvety silicones and soy protein in this SPF30 primer even out skin texture for a flawless makeup application. Other active ingredients provide a radiant tint and support skin firmness.

COLLOIDAL SILVER SPRAY, COLLOIDAL EARTH $45.98 Recognised for its healing power since ancient times, Colloidal Silver is a go-to product to fight germs, viruses, fungi and many more unwelcome summer guests.

It also heals cuts and minor burns in no time! colloidalearth.com

KEEP GOING EYESHADOW STICK, WET N WILD $4.99 Waterproof and sweatproof, these eyeshadow sticks were tested at hot yoga studios and will survive both harsh New Zealand sun and high humidity on your next Bali vacation.

GARDENERS HAND CREAM, EARTHS BOTANICS $17.95 Botanical blend with a refreshing lemongrass aroma, created specifically for very hardworking hands.

Contains New Zealand Manuka oil and Manuka Honey to moisturise and repair.

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focus | BEAUTY

FACE LIFTING WITHOUT SURGERY

1.

Dr Anuya Deshpande travels to Korea to sample cosmetic technology and culinary joy.

2.

IN A SAGA WORTHY OF A KUNG FU PANDA SEQUEL, DR ANUYA DESHPANDE MADE A LONG JOURNEY TO KOREA TO TRAIN WITH A MASTER AND EAT MANY DUMPLINGS, AND RETURNED HOME WITH INCREDIBLE NEW SKILLS. 18 | focusmagazine.co.nz

3.

BEAUTY | focus

S

he first met world-renowned cosmetic surgeon and inventor Dr Kwon Han Jin at the annual New Zealand Cosmetic Conference in Queenstown earlier this year. Knowing South Korea to be years ahead in cosmetic medical technology, she joined his twoday workshop in advanced non-surgical face-lifting techniques.

She was so impressed at the effectiveness of his techniques that she bought several medical devices for her new clinic on 10th Avenue in Central Tauranga. She also accepted his invitation to travel to Korea to attend his intensive advanced master course on non-surgical face-lifting in Seoul.

After a 22-hour journey, she arrived in the city of 25 million people. Although she has lived in New York and London, the scale of the metropolis came as a shock after 12 years mostly spent in Gisborne and Papamoa. “The cab ride from the airport to the hotel took 80 minutes, and to my surprise, the roads were full of traffic at 11pm.”

After a day’s sightseeing where she experienced interesting Korean cuisine, Anuya joined other doctors from around the world learning and experiencing Dr Kwon’s advanced treatments.

Reabsorbable threads, which last up to two years, are a less invasive alternative to the traditional surgical facelift, and are used for face lifting, tightening and collagen induction. HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a non-invasive face tightening treatment which can be done over a lunchtime. Radiofrequency (RF) cannulation is a minimally-invasive treatment for the reduction of facial fat pockets under the eye, chin and jowls.

Fibroblast therapy using a “Plasma Pen” adds surface tightening and rejuvenation, and Dr Anuya now offers clients all these technologies at her Tauranga clinic.

“As a cosmetic doctor, it’s always best to experience treatments yourself. I had lifting threads for my lower face and neck to improve my jawline and prevent the inevitable sagging that occurs with age. I also had a treatment for midface pigmentation and skin texturing called “Airshine” that left me a little swollen for a couple of days but the improvement to my skin is marked. These treatments felt a little odd here and there, but were relatively painless as they were done under local anaesthetic in less than an hour.”

Used in combination, the treatments Dr Anuya now offers in her Tauranga clinic are more than the sum of their parts. “These technologies really augment fillers and muscle relaxants, and they’re not widely available in New Zealand at the moment.

This training completed my toolbox by bridging the gap between surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments that are safe and really effective.” doctoranuya.co.nz  1. Inspired: Dr Anuya with Dr Kwon, in one of his 16 Dermaster cosmetic medical clinics 2. Palace selfie! Anuya visits Korea's royal palace dining hall 3. Dr Kwon supervises as Dr Anuya Deshpande inserts threads in a patient's lower face to give her a more defined jawline

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Wanderlust

focus | STYLE

Top & Pants WITCHERY

Verona Woven Sunhat WITCHERY $109.90

Sneakers ADIDAS BY STELLA MCCARTNEY $360.00

Pearl Playsuit LEO+BE $159.00

Mahinepua Bay Tank Top TSJWEAR $60.00

HIKING ESSENTIALS TO FEEL GOOD IN REAL LIFE AND LOOK GREAT IN PHOTOS. TIME TO PLAN YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURE! Mahinepua Bay Belt Bag TSJWEAR $60.00

Fashion Tee TUESDAY LABEL $89.00

Sleeveless Playsuit WITCHERY $179.90

Culture Short KETZ-KE $145.00

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LEGAL ADVICE | focus

NO BETTER TIME THAN THE NEW YEAR TO GET ORGANISED

F

or many of us, the start of a new year is a time of reflection and for making plans. New ideas, new goals, and perhaps a tweak or two of the bucket list as well. Whether you’re a stickler for planning or if you’d rather go with the flow, with certain things in life it’s best to be prepared.

“Having your property and personal care in order with a contracting out agreement, or a Will and Enduring Power of Attorney, isn’t difficult. Even if you plan things tightly, you just never know what’s around the corner. That’s why it’s important to think ahead and organise your affairs sooner rather than later,” explains Stephanie Northey from The Law Shop.

If you’re well prepared, things will be easier and less stressful in the long run. Getting your affairs in order is a logical step to prepare for whatever life throws at you this coming year.

At The Law Shop, you’ll find a skilled and experienced team of solicitors who specialise in property, business, personal and family law. There’s nothing scary, stuffy, or complicated about dealing with them, and all but one member of their friendly team is female.

“Whatever your situation or stage of life, we can provide you with all the support and legal advice you need. You also have our promise that we will keep things as cost-effective as possible,” Stephanie says.

“We make the process easy, and make sure you fully understand everything that’s involved. We’ll guide you every step of the way.”

If you’re looking for a lawyer who listens carefully, doesn’t talk jargon and truly understands your needs and issues, call 0800 LAW SHOP. You’ll find their Rotorua office on 1268 Arawa Street, and in Tauranga, they work in the virtual space.

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focus | PROMOTION

UNBUNDLED RECRUITMENT SERVICES

CREATING JOB DESCRIPTIONS, ADVERTISEMENTS, BACKGROUND CHECKS Drake can assist in creating the job description, placing the advertisements, and creating a candidate flow for you. Receive criminal checks, credit checks, employment verifications and a gap analysis – quickly and accurately.

RESUME SCREENING Don’t have the time to sift through a large volume of applicants? Drake can sort through the clutter to find you the right candidate.

BEHAVIOURAL INTERVIEWING ONBOARDING AND ORIENTATION Drake can help you develop interview questions that gauge your candidate’s experience and performance to ensure you’re getting your next top performer.

DrakeWize provides a full suite of Windows and Mac-based testing for all levels of staffing so you can hire the right candidate with the right skills.

BEHAVIOURAL ASSESSMENTS AND SKILL TESTING Drake’s P3 behavioural assessment solution can determine if a candidate is a good fit for both your organisation and the team.

Overcome the barriers to integrating new hires and reduce the number of days it takes for them to

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contribute to your bottom line.

Drake P3 is a user-friendly system that enables managers to select highcalibre candidates and maximise the career potential of existing employees.

By using Drake P3 as the foundation for any process involving the evaluation of people and teams, your organisation will benefit from: • Quality candidate selection based on best ‘fit’ for the role • Insights of how to motivate team members to achieve greater productivity • Enhanced teamwork and engagement • Identification of training and development areas • Improved communications through understanding key behavioural traits • Greater job satisfaction • Lower costs through reduced staff turnover

Image by pressfoto / Freepik

DRAKE CAN ASSIST YOU AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITING PROCESS. CHOOSE FROM A FULL SUITE OF TALENT ACQUISITION SOLUTIONS TO AUGMENT OR OUTSOURCE YOUR CURRENT RECRUITMENT PROCESS. and HR solutions across a variety of industries since 1971.

“The pre-screening of potential candidates done by the team at Drake is a real time saver. They only present the candidate determined by the criteria I set.

And, they always adapt to my schedule for interviews.” HR Manager “Dealing with Drake has been wonderful. In our experience, Drake is one of the best recruitment agencies we have dealt with. It was very easy to communicate with them, and all of our needs and requirements for personnel were met. Their quality and professionalism in delivering results is what makes Drake stand out from others. I can’t speak highly enough of the team.” Manager (Auckland Office) Intech Instruments 

REFERENCE CHECKING You’ve found some good candidates but don’t have time to complete the reference checking? Drake will tailor and conduct the reference process to meet your key criteria and job requirements.

SOURCING CANDIDATES Drake can proactively source candidates who are not necessarily looking for a job, but who would be the perfect fit for your role and company.

A customisable solution to fit your business and budget – Drake New Zealand is a recruitment and HR solutions company, providing permanent and flexible recruitment

0800 854 714 DONNA WALLACE dwallace@nz.drakeintl.com 3/87 The Strand, Tauranga

LIFE

24 TARA KANJI

PRINCIPAL OF TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE

26 HILARY PRICE

CEO OF TAURANGA-BASED HOMES OF HOPE

32 STEAMPUNK TAURANGA THE CREATION OF DIFFERENT PERSONAS

Plus THE ULTIMATE CLEANSE ... AND MORE

34 EARTH ENERGIES SANCTUARY

focus | LIFE

TARA KANJI CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIRLS

PRINCIPAL TARA KANJI AIMS BIG. SHE WANTS TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE TO BE THE SCHOOL OF CHOICE FOR ALL GIRLS IN THE BAY. ALMOST TWO YEARS SINCE HER APPOINTMENT, SHE SHARES THE PROGRESS WITH FOCUS .

Words + Images KSENIIA SPODYNEIKO YOU HAD SOME BIG SHOES TO FILL! PAULINE COWENS SPENT 19 YEARS AT TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE. Pauline had long been associated with the school and did a fabulous job. In my first year, I took the opportunity to find out what people already loved about this place and what they might be interested to change. Everyone, from the 1,350 current students to teachers and the wider Tauranga community, had a chance to have their say. Students mentioned a lack of student voice and a narrow leadership structure.

This year we went from three deputies to six deputy head girls covering school spirit, cultural diversity, communications, arts, sports, and learning. We are already seeing the impacts of this change. Our deputy head girl of learning leads positive change within our school, nationally and globally regarding sustainablity. I want students to have greater advocacy so that they can have strong impact. They asked for more visibility of our cultural diversity and more house activities, so this year we had a full school assembly dedicated to the success of our kapa haka roopu Te Tauranga o Ngā Waka, house waiata competition and more everyday use of Te Reo. AND WHAT WAS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU FOUND OUT WHILE TALKING TO PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL? We spoke a lot about the school’s core values. Our current values are pride, respect and participation. But when we asked the community what values should underpin the school going forward, the words ‘kindness’, ‘confidence’ and ‘opportunities’

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also came through. Tauranga Girls’ College is empowering tomorrow’s women and the community wants the students to gain confidence in themselves, be kind to one another, and to grow strong in their identity. We need to make sure the students are valued and cared for, that they are encouraged to ask questions, think outside the box and take risks in their learning. I want them to stress less about NCEA results, which are an overpowering but not always a correct measurement of success in today’s schools. Instead, we want students to have choices and opportunities, be able to grow their capabilities, leave school feeling confident and empowered, and, also with some great NCEA results if that’s important for their pathway.

TARA KANJI RECOMMENDS BOOK: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck MOVIE: The Shawshank Redemption CAFÉ: Love Rosie DESTINATION: Gujarat State in India POSITIVE HABIT: Sing!

LIFE | focus

SOUNDS LIKE A HUGE SHIFT IN THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM! Schools became too assessment driven but what we actually should be doing is properly equipping our students for life outside school. The world is changing rapidly due to advancing technologies so future thinking and collaborating matters more now than ever before.

Students need to be ready for jobs that don’t even exist, different careers, and ways of living. How do we make sure our girls are ready to not only survive but to thrive in new societies? Accessing information is not a problem today – everyone can Google everything. What we really need to teach at school is to understand how knowledge is made and then how to apply it. For example, we shouldn’t just teach math – we should teach how to think as a mathematician.

This applies in all subjects because it is the transferable skills that are key, not just the subject knowledge. If we can teach students to be able to ‘flounder intelligently’ they are more likely to be in a situation where they know how to respond, for example, to an unfamiliar NCEA question. They’ll be able to apply their problem solving skills and knowledge from different classes and answer the question the best way they can. Being able to transfer knowledge and skills to different contexts is what prepares students for life beyond school. Rote learning alone is a thing of the past.

DO YOU FACE ANY CHALLENGES IN TAURANGA THAT YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO DEAL WITH WHILE WORKING AT

SACRED HEART GIRLS COLLEGE IN HAMILTON? Every school is different and I have been able to draw from all the schools I have worked at to lead here. What I have learnt is that a school will thrive when all students and colleagues have a sense of belonging no matter who they are or where they come from. Our special character is that we are a state girls’ school that provides opportunities for everyone. We have amazing young women here – three of our top six student leaders are Te Reo speakers and identify as Māori. These students have allowed me to grow my capabilities as well as others in our school, hence positive change has been a result of their leadership and that of our senior leadership team.

One of the things I noticed when arriving here is the gap between people who have access to resources, and those who do not. Reducing this economic disparity is a national issue and I applaud the government’s initiative to address how schools are resourced by considering an equity index. An equity index – replacing the decile system – endeavours to reduce socio-economic factors as a reason for differences in learning outcomes.

We are working with our diverse communities to strengthen our school’s sense of identity and to realise our potential. We are doing this together – students, parents, teachers, and community. This is an exciting time to be at Tauranga Girls’ College and our growing school role is testament to this.  focusmagazine.co.nz

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focus | COVER STORY

HILARY PRICE TAKING ACTION TO CREATE CHANGE HILARY PRICE IMAGINES A SOCIETY WITH FAR LESS BROKENNESS AND FAR FEWER CHILDREN TRAUMATISED BY VIOLENCE AND NEGLECT. AS CEO OF TAURANGA-BASED HOMES OF HOPE, SHE IS HELPING TO EFFECT THAT CHANGE AND LAST MONTH RECEIVED A 2020 KIWIBANK LOCAL HERO AWARD. SHE TALKS TO FOCUS ABOUT WHAT STEERED HER DOWN THIS PATHWAY AND WHAT KEEPS HER GROUNDED.

Words: Millie Freeman Images: Vanessa Laval-Glad Hair & makeup (excl. cover): Sita Engling Clothes: Magazine Clothing & Hilary's own

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COVER STORY | focus

A few of the Homes of Hope phenomenal team: from left, Hilary Price; Robyn Walker, Operations Administrator; Pam French, Funding and Communications; Maraea Ranapia, Lead Caregiver.

In the mid-90s, after leaving South Africa and sailing the world for two and a half years with her husband and three children, Hilary Price was ready to put down roots, and New Zealand beckoned.

The couple had always seen New Zealand as a “glowing light”, and the friendly people and stunning beaches of the Bay of Plenty did not disappoint. Yet, from a newcomer’s perspective, there were smudges tainting the sparkle. Hilary saw brokenness in the community and children suffering from domestic violence and neglect.

“That was the saddest and most surprising thing for us to find out after we arrived,” she says. “Later, a colleague and I asked ourselves, ‘Well, what are we going to do about it?’”

Putting trust in her strong Christian faith, Hilary walked towards the challenge rather than away from it and embarked on a plan to take care of children in the community, who, for whatever reason, were not able to live

with their own families. The Homes of Hope Trust was formed in 2002 and the first home opened in June 2003.

The result has been a highly effective organisation providing care, protection and love for more than 250 children, who, in many cases, had nowhere else to go. Yet it hasn’t been without its challenges, and despite doubting herself many times, Hilary says a clear passion and “vision to serve these tamariki well” has enabled her to rise to the challenge at hand.

“It’s so important that we learn to grow healthy families and protect our children, and that vision will always be my driver; the children keep me firmly grounded. We all have a level of brokenness, but these children have more than their fair share of it. I think if we’re kinder to ourselves, we’ll be more compassionate and empathetic to others and then our society may start changing and we’ll see less of this damage and trauma.”

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says her organisation refuses to offer emergency or temporary care.

“By the time they come to us some very young children have already been in and out of ten foster homes. Our focus is care, protection and restoration of the child, and having that period of restoration is really important so that they’re well positioned to successfully be placed in a family again. We’re not a It’s so important forever home but the children remain that we learn with us until they’re ready to move on.” to grow healthy Ideally a child or sibling group will families and return home when other agencies have worked with the family and reunification protect our is possible. In other situations a children, and that permanent home will be found elsewhere, vision will always often with extended family. be my driver; the Collaboration, she says, is the key to children keep me success, not only with other agencies, but firmly grounded. also the wider community and Hilary is hugely grateful when others volunteer their help. “The involvement of tangata whenua is very important and provides a rich kete, weaving knowledge of kaupapa Māori into the children’s lives, which is a way of helping them to find their tūrangawaewae. We also have cultural advisers stepping in and guidance from kaumātua.

“It’s a collective Aotearoa New Zealand responsibility. We’re not all called to this work but there’s something we can all do to make a difference in these precious lives. Kiwis are naturally very open and friendly people – you see it everywhere – but we need to take this deeper than just the surface.”

The Tauranga Moana community helps in many other ways too with volunteers regularly turning up with baking or making birthday cakes for the children. Church groups bring groceries, knitters create woollies and a local doctor brings a massive bag of frozen chicken every week. Local organisations also pitch in with working bees, including the creation of a new child-centred play COMMUNITY GRASS-ROOTS therapy space by a team of ANZ staff.

Financial resource, however, remains the biggest limitation Hilary, who is a trained teacher, social worker and child-centred to what they’re able to achieve and Hilary would dearly love play therapist, and her team of 12 currently care for nine to reach out and offer homes to the many other children in children aged from two to 12, referred to them by Oranga our communities needing stable care. In the past, prior to the Tamariki. Live-in house parents attend to the children’s day-toadmin team moving into the third house to provide on-site day needs in two Trust-owned properties and are supported by support, Homes of Hope cared for up to 19 children at one time. social workers, an admin team and board of trustees in a third However, as the needs of children increase and new research building – all are clustered on the same large piece of land in becomes available on best approaches to care and nurturing, Gate Pa, Tauranga.

Hilary says they have capped numbers across the two homes.

While not a big organisation, Homes of Hope focuses on “In the beginning we thought it was a simple thing to care caring and advocating for this population group of children for these children, but we’ve uncovered so many complex for as long as they need it and staunchly keeps sibling groups layers – it is such a complex journey for these children to work together. Permanent homes will be found eventually, but Hilary through. We are learning more and more about the effects of

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COVER STORY | focus

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Homes of Hope relies on community assistance to care for kids in need. Every little bit of help makes a huge difference to their work. You can help by: • making a donation • becoming a friend of Homes of Hope by donating a small amount on a monthly basis • leaving a gift of hope in your will • volunteering, for example, with maintenance and repairs, cleaning, or fundraising.

Find out more at homesofhope.org.nz, or call Hilary on 07 578 9826

trauma on the development of the child, and the importance of how we engage with each one of them in appropriate, responsive ways to help them heal.”

As part of that learning, Hilary and two other social workers have recently returned from an intensive one-week course in the US on Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®), which trains professionals in deepening their understanding of neuroscience while linking this with practical ways to respond to children who have attachmentdisrupted lives brought about by trauma and family dysfunction. As accredited facilitators they will now be able to extend their efficacy, both within Homes of Hope and in the community, by training other caregivers, foster and adoptive parents, social workers, teachers and medical professionals in this modality.

CHARTING HER COURSE The realisation of her life’s purpose was a surprise even for Hilary. She never set out to work with children, although always carried a love and affinity for them. In fact, she was destined to study law or journalism in South Africa, but a last minute change of plan saw her remaining in Zimbabwe, where she grew up, and attending teacher’s college instead.

She then moved to Cape Town to save enough money to travel, specifically to the Mediterranean to sail – for the time being that was her mission in life.

In 1979, a number of key events happened – she made it

to Gibraltar (the gateway to sailing the Med), met a bloke (a South African) who needed another crew member to assist in sailing his boat to the West Indies, and, within a few months, she married him there! Hilary and Jon sailed for another two years around the Caribbean before heading home to meet each other’s families. focusmagazine.co.nz

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They lived in Cape Town for 10 years and started a yacht charter company, which Hilary ran for the first three years until she had her first child. Her pathway back to teaching began when she was involved in setting up a small Christian preschool with some other mothers. At the same time she helped at a church ‘soup kitchen’ for street kids, opening her eyes to the poverty of squatter communities in their area.

“One boy, James, started living with us and talked about what life was like for his family. I thought, ‘I’m living here and I don’t even know this?’ Then I started going out into the communities and observing and realised we had to do something about it.”

With the help of her home group, Hilary spearheaded the establishment of James House, which provided a safe and nurturing home for up to 20 children with live-in house parents.

The older children also had the opportunity to gain life skills so they would be better prepared to eventually find employment.

James House opened in 1986 and is still operating today.

CREATING LASTING CHANGE The blue water glistened, however, and one more epic sailing adventure hovered on the horizon before Hilary would settle in New Zealand with her family and lay the foundations for her next mission. The family built a new boat and in early 1993 set sail to circumnavigate the world.

On arrival in Aotearoa they bought an old camper van to tour the country and decide where to live. The Bay of

It’s a collective Aotearoa New Zealand responsibility.

We’re not all called to this work but there’s something we can all do to make a difference in these precious lives.

Watch the behind the scenes video for this photoshoot: focusmagazine.co.nz/hilary

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Plenty called, and they later discovered Tauranga means ‘safe anchorage’ which, she says, was a comforting confirmation.

Hilary soon got relief teaching at Bethlehem College and later worked in an early childhood centre. Over the next seven years she became increasingly aware of the struggles evident in the wider community, and when approached by her colleague to consider how to respond, it was Hilary’s gift for connecting with children, her previous experience in Cape Town and her deep-seated faith that led her to imagine once more – this time a more collaborative society with unified, functioning families.

Over the past 16 years, Homes of Hope has become a beacon of hope for the many desperate children who have passed through its doors. And as she reads beautiful letters from children in her care and recounts some of the wonderful stories of former foster kids now living confident and fulfilled adult lives, Hilary reflects on the mission she felt compelled to say yes to and says it has been God’s presence in her life that has held her in the tough times, alongside the inspiration of the children.

“I would not have continued to stand in the face of all the challenges that have occurred in this journey if it wasn’t for my faith,” she says. “You do get knocked back at times, and if you’re going to be courageous, you will be vulnerable. You have to learn to step into that vulnerability and live with it because with every step, you grow. I am just so thankful to be gifted this.

“And I truly think we are seeing a positive change in this country and that our work is rippling out. We are helping to effect that change. It’s happening, but there is plenty of work still to do.” 

C O R P O R A T E C O M M E R C I A L P E O P L E P R O P E R T Y

TAU R A N G A S T U D I O

focus | LIFE

STEAMPUNK TAURANGA

STEAMPUNK TAURANGA RECENTLY CELEBRATED ITS SECOND BIRTHDAY, AND CONTINUES TO GROW. THE QUESTION MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED ABOUT STEAMPUNK IS “WHAT IS IT?” Words JENNY ARGANTE Images SUPPLIED Ann Dugmore as The Honourable Mrs Minerva Cholmonderley-Smythe

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LIFE | focus

A

ndria Goodliffe answers.

“I believe definitions of steampunk are as diverse as the people drawn to it. And it’s not just about clothes and fashion; it’s closer to a social group for those inspired by elements of the Victorian steam era.

Steampunk is a style that combines historical elements with anachronistic technological features often taken from science fiction. The essence is homage to the Victorian age, made sassy with additions from the Edwardians, dieselpunk and cyberpunk.

“Most steampunkers aren’t historical re-enactors or cos-players, though there’s plenty of scope for overlap or to develop your steampunk persona with fancy names and backstories.”

Lindsey Morgan elaborates on that.

“For me it’s definitely about creating a different persona and the costumes that display character. I’ve got two. One is a lady with a fondness for buttons, lace, feathers and braid. Her name is Lady Hannah Dashery-Buckle, a play on the word haberdashery. Then there’s Professor Thelma Turgey.” She laughs.

“Another twist. Thaumatology has been described as the art and science of 'wonder-working' – using magic to change things in the physical world.

“I like to imagine a world where the technologies of today are powered as in the past. Sewing machines that can embroider, but are hand turned, for example. Steampunk aligns with this thinking, where Victorian meets sci-fi fantasy.”

Though steampunk has been in New Zealand for over a decade, the first meeting in Tauranga was in October 2017, a meet-up with like-minded locals.

Only four turned up – the Morgans along with Ann Dugmore and David Hamilton in full steampunk gear. Lindsey and hubby Mick were not, but she’s made up for it since, creating fabulous costumes with ingenious accessories.

“I scavenge op shops and garage sales to re-purpose old fabrics and trimmings to create something new. It’s so satisfying to say, ‘This outfit cost only $28 for everything!’”

Dressed to impress, she and Mick have been to many steampunk events. She reels off names. “Copper, Cogs and Corsets in Whanganui. The League of the Splendidly Attired in Thames. Steampunk Waihi. Steampunk Paeroa. The Endeavours Assemblage in Whitianga. The Extraordinary League of

Mick and Lindsey Morgan 'strutting their stuff'

Pyroclasts in Whakatāne. The Lords and Ladies of Steampunk and The Steampunk Society in Hamilton. Air Krakens in Auckland.”

Then there’s the growing list of steampunk performances in Tauranga.

Costumes on parade at last year’s Cherryblossom Festival in Greerton.

Two fundraisers: Around the World in (Almost) 80 Days and Blue Tache Bash (teamed with Artorama, an exhibition of fantasy artworks.) Teapot races and tea parties, and as an added splash of colour at community events like the Hot Pink Walk or as bearded ladies at the inaugural Fringe Festival in the Village on 17.

And Tauranga steampunkers yearly attend Steampunk the Thames, probably the largest steampunk festival in the North Island.

Ann Dugmore is another costume enthusiast with over 30 outfits. Her steampunk name is The Honourable Mrs Minerva Cholmonderley-Smythe, whose character changes with her clothes, from traveller to a Times of London artist and war gazetteer to Red Admiral of an interstellar cruise liner or trainer of birds as spy communicators.

“The Victorian Age lasted 63 years, time for numerous changes in ladies’ fashion, including crinolines, bustles and hobble skirts, all under-pinned with corsets and bloomers! The gentlemen dressed elegantly, wore top hats and carried walking sticks. I regret the informal modes of today. At my son’s wedding I was the only woman wearing a hat!

“The Victorians adored detail, leading to a cluttered sense of interior design. We’ve got fashion books showing

daywear and ball dresses with frills, fringes and furbelows! We’ve even got patterns for Victorian plumbing and engineering.”

Andria Goodliffe is another experienced (and professionally trained) costumier, who makes outfits for herself and others, including steampunk men and the women who outnumber them.

“Creating fantasy costumes is a playful aside from the carefully researched Living History clothes and props I make for a multitude of time periods such as the Dark Ages, High Medieval and Victorian. Steampunk allows the use of historically inaccurate fabrics, styles and accessories.”

There’s another factor, too.

“Stepping into costume you become a different person, able to relax among like-minded friends. For those of us battling mental or physical health issues, that can be a big help.”

Lindsey, Ann and Andria are only three of the more than 300 members of Steampunk Tauranga. So what’s next on the agenda?

“We’ll continue to organise events we can invite the public and performers to, and contribute to what others are doing within the community,” says Lindsey. “We’re also keen to extend our craft skills to include ingenious objects and machines. Like the Trifa my husband made recently – part-tricycle, part-sofa, and running well on engine power.”

Sounds like Steampunk Tauranga intends to carry on time-travelling within their unbounded imagination between fantasy pasts and speculative futures. facebook.com/SteampunkTauranga 

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focus | TRAVEL

EARTH ENERGIES SANCTUARY SWAPPING STEELCAPS FOR GUMBOOTS

THE WEATHER GODS DECIDED AN ADDITIONAL NIGHT AT THE SANCTUARY WAS NECESSARY. NO HARDSHIP, I ASSURE YOU. BLESSED, IN FACT, TO BE SPENDING ANOTHER EVENING IN THIS SECLUDED HAVEN, CUDDLED UP TO MY HUSBAND, CONTEMPLATING LIFE WHILST WATCHING THE FLAMES LICK THE INSIDE OF THE FIREPLACE. Words DEE COLLINS

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Images SUPPLIED

TRAVEL | focus

To say that Earth Energies Sanctuary is relaxing is an understatement. Located in Mangatarata, an hour’s drive south of Auckland and set in the heart of a 200-acre rural estate with fantastic views, the sanctuary touts itself as a spiritual, deep relaxation, rebalancing and mindfulness retreat, where guests can escape the stresses and anxiety of the outside world.

After many successful years globe-trotting with careers in the mining industry, Marie Latus and Duncan McKenzie realised that with all the stresses and challenges of their high-flying vocations, it was time to swap their steelcaps for gumboots and purchase some land. Then the work began.

With no road, power or buildings and only a few paddocks, Marie, Duncan and the kids set to work reforming the estate.

The cabin, as it’s called (I can think of more eloquent words, such as lodge or chalet to describe it) was where the family first lived and where guests now stay. Some six challenging years later, work on their forever home – 800m up the road and perched on the property’s summit – began, and in May this year, Marie’s therapy rooms were ready.

Everything Marie and Duncan do is based around positive energy, whether it’s growing native kawakawa for their unique botanical range of creams, ointments, flower essences and other natural products, caring for their small herd of Red Devon cows, flock of chickens and beehives, or looking after their guests.

It’s this energy that is present from the moment Marie met us at the farm gate and whilst showing us around the ‘cabin’, the workshop where she creates her botanical range and the therapy rooms, and talking about the therapies on offer.

When asked why they only have one cabin and one group of guests at a time, Marie responds by saying that this is

her life purpose – it’s more than just a business. She wants her guests to have a personalised, private and secluded experience where she can focus on their specific needs and tailor the right therapies to help them achieve their desired outcomes.

“When you are stressed, your brain generates beta brainwaves. These in turn can lead to high levels of anxiety, which put you out of balance and can manifest as physical ailments,” says Marie. “We do have the capacity to heal ourselves but, to do this, we need to restore and reset our balance and the mind outwards. All Earth Energies therapies have the common theme of bringing you to an alpha or theta brainwave state, thus restoring balance – essential for optimum relaxation, creativity, insight and mindfulness.”

THE CABIN From the moment you enter the light-filled cabin, your eyes are drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows offering neverending views of rolling green hills, native bush and gullies, the Hauraki Plains, Firth of Thames and Kaimai Ranges.

There are two bedrooms – one on the ground floor with a huge egg-shaped bath in the bathroom across the passage, and a mezzanine bedroom with ensuite, which is the one we choose. There are uninterrupted views everywhere – it is magnificent.

The open plan living area has a self-catering kitchen, dining room and comfy lounge which leads out to welcoming decks on every side. You’re welcome to bring your own food but I would highly recommend the option of ordering in delicious, prepared meals from Orchard Providores, which Marie can organise for you. They also do BBQ and kid-

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“

If you have a dream, passion, or feel a calling for a life purpose, we say go for it. It may not be easy, but you will grow through the pain, become wiser for challenges and oh, when you succeed, there is nothing more satisfying.

Marie and Duncan, Earth Energies Sanctuary

friendly menus. But wait, there’s more … a delicious farm-to-table breakfast with yoghurt, eggs, bacon, sausages as well as fresh fruit and vegetables so that you can whip up a delicious smoothie.

If you’re staying two nights, let’s not forget the bottle of wine and welcome platter of pâtés, chocolate and crackers.

EARTH ENERGIES THERAPIES No expense has been spared in the purpose-built luxurious therapy rooms, located beside the main residence on the property’s summit. First up, we enjoy a delightful foot soak with essential oils and kawakawa, while Marie conducts an in-depth discussion with us to uncover any issues that may need to be rebalanced. “Through discussion the right therapies will present themselves,” says Marie.

While Mark enjoys a session in Marie’s capable hands – he goes for Zero Balance and Secrets of the Skull therapies, which help clear major energy

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pathways, relieve compression in the head, neck and back, ease headaches, sinus and facial pain – I enjoy my first encounter with floatation therapy. I turn off the music and light in the pod and hear my solid heartbeat and relaxed breathing as I surrender to the surreal feeling of weightlessness.

Completely relaxed, Mark and I swap treatments and Marie works her magic on me. A refreshing kawakawa tea follows with a light meal as we discuss our thoughts, feelings and experience of the therapies. And, as if we aren’t zoned out enough, Marie takes us through a final session of deep relaxation hypnotherapy.

Back in our cabin, we both pass out on the bed for a few hours. We haven’t felt this relaxed for ages. So when very heavy rain prevented us from getting through the property’s access road, we were delighted to savour our relaxed state for one more luxurious night.  earthenergiessanctuary.com facebook.com/EarthEnergies instagram.com/earth_energies_sanctuary

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focus | HEALTH

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focus | HEALTH

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GREENLEAF ORGANICS PRICE: from $79.00 per day greenleaforganics.co.nz

We all tend to fall into the trap of buying the same products every time we go grocery shopping. But are we getting all the nutrients we need? Greenleaf Organics cleanses are full of beneficial, lesser-known superfoods – spirulina, maqui, flaxseed, psyllium husks, moringa – that provide our bodies with everything they’ve ever dreamed of.

And the best part? The ingredients are blended, not juiced, to make sure all the nutritional goodness reaches your body. With fibre still inside the bottle, it takes longer to digest the blend, so you’ll feel full for hours. Having essential fats like hemp-seed oil and activated nuts among the ingredients also helps.

The flip side of indulging in these new ingredients is the unfamiliar flavours. Some of the blends might taste funny for an unprepared palette. Take morning 50ml GLOimmunity shot, for example – apple cider vinegar (ACV), mixed with grapefruit and cayenne pepper, or charcoal and lemon, or any of five flavours on offer. Avid wellness junkies will love it; beginner cleansers might need to take a few deep breaths before slugging it down. But the benefits of drinking ACV on a daily basis are unquestionable – it lowers blood glucose levels, assists in weight loss and aids digestion by increasing enzymes in the gut, to name just a few.

The comforting and deeply hydrating Ocean that you can drink at any time during the day refreshes the palette, while pink super-berry Lotus with coconut kefir, chia seeds, hemp-seed oil, banana, flax seeds, maca, maqui, brazil nut, cashews, dates and cinnamon tastes so yum you’ll be tempted to order a whole pack after the cleanse ($8.50 per bottle).

The other juices have equally poetic names, by the way – Fern, Bodhi, Enlighten, Sunset.

1 cup organic pineapple chunks with juice ½ cup mixed red or green organic cabbage ⅓ cup fresh organic mint leaves juice of ½ freshly squeezed lime or lemon 1 tsp ashwaganda 1 Tbsp organic hemp seeds 100ml coconut water 265ml Greenleaf Organics Switchel Put all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth.

Visit @focusmagazinenz Instagram on 16 December to win a 1-Day Greenleaf Organics cleanse.

#WHATSINSIDEMATTERS #GOWITHYOURGUT #EXPERIENCEBEINGALIVE 40 | focusmagazine.co.nz

HEALTH | focus

V ON WHEELS x JUST BLEND PRICE: $99.00 vonwheels.com

T

hat one time Mila Arena agreed to supply food to a Tauranga gym for athletes who were ‘shredding’, she swore to keep away from all things detox for the rest of her life. Bland broccoli with steamed vegan ‘chicken’ is a long way from what colourful and flavourful V on Wheels meals are all about. Mila’s philosophy revolves around hearty, mouthwatering food that is fun to share with the whole family.

The detox box is not your typical cleanse of low calories and no chewing for days, but rather a set of wholesome meals to get you back on track to healthy eating after all the Christmas festivities. It consists of five generous portions of V on Wheels signature dishes and five bags of smoothie ingredients from Just Blend – you can either switch to this food entirely for a few days or stretch it out for a week by swapping your breakfast and lunch with one smoothie and one meal from the box.

V on Wheels food is vegan, oil free and gluten free, and creates a great habit of making better food choices that are easy to stick to even after this initial week. In her cooking, Mila focuses on flavours from all over the world, so you’ll try curry, risotto, polenta and other ontrend dishes with a healthy twist. The dish that will send every Kiwi to taste heaven is her lentil roast with balsamic onion gravy and peas – dense, moist, perfectly balanced classics.

The researchers say we should be eating around 10 portions of fruit and veggies per day (approx. 800g for those who prefer more precise figures).

With V on Wheels x Just Blend detox box, reaching those quantities finally becomes achievable!

Brown rice and quinoa risotto nutritional information: Energy: 2,110kj Protein: 13.5g Fat: 12.3g Carbohydrates: 80.2g Fibre: 8g

Visit @focusmagazinenz Instagram on 23 December to win V on Wheels Detox Box.

#PLANTPOWERED #WHATTHEHEALTH #WHATVEGANSEAT focusmagazine.co.nz

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BUSINESS 43 TREMAINS

FINDING YOUR NEW HOME

46 BEAUTY TOFU

VEGAN SKINCARE FROM THE BAY

48 EXPANDASIGN

CRACKING GOOD 2019 EVENTS

Plus GIVEAWAYS, THE LAST PAGE ... AND MORE

We’re your kind of people.

FINDING YOUR NEXT HOME EVEN THOUGH YOU’VE BEEN THROUGH THE PROCESS ONCE ALREADY, DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE COMPLEXITY OF HOME BUYING – ESPECIALLY FOR SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT HOMES.

When Mandy and Shane from Tauranga started looking for their second home, they had a specific search area and unfortunately only 12 houses had sold in the previous 12 months that met their criteria.

Engaging their real estate agent meant they were able to find the home they wanted with a lot less stress. Read their story:

The plan was to find somewhere we liked in the Avenues and make an offer conditional on the sale of our house in Papamoa. Unfortunately we missed out on several – not because of the money we were offering, but because of the conditions we offered.

That’s when we teamed up with Deborah Peake. We were happy to do a renovation, so we opened our minds to looking at every possible option.

TIP: You may have a long list of criteria for your second home but make sure it’s realistic or at least understand how challenging it may be to meet each and every point.

We were starting to get to the end of our tether. Then Mandy’s dad, who’s done up houses in Auckland, said ‘OK, show me what you’ve been looking at’. We showed him some of the places we’d seen and he said, ‘this is the one!’ He could see the potential even though we couldn’t.

I understand my clients because I’m just like them.

If you are looking to buy or sell, upsize or downsize or for any property related needs, call me today.

Deborah Peake 022 647 2865

Tremain Real Estate BOP Limited Licensed Agent REAA 2008

focus | BUSINESS

TIP: Use a spreadsheet to evaluate the houses you see.

Write down what’s important to you and every time you visit an open home enter the house into the spreadsheet and score against your criteria. This will help you decide on what you’re willing to compromise on.

So we made an offer, which was accepted, organised bridging finance and put our own house up for auction. That way we didn’t need to make our offer conditional on selling our other house.

We knew when we went to auction that the house wouldn’t sell on the day, however we can see the benefit in what we did as it gave us time to test the market and price correctly. The advice we received worked in our favour and we had three offers on the house 48 hours post auction. It was a Saturday night when they were presented and we had to decide whether to watch the All Blacks or sell our house!

TIP: There are multiple ways you can go from house number 1 to number 2 in terms of finance, such as long settlements, bridging and possibly renting.

Talk to your real estate agent and finance provider regarding options.

We were lucky to have a builder in the family to help work out our renovation options. Option A was a simple makeover, option B was more complicated, and option C was a bit of a major reno, so of course we chose option C! It was one of those ‘do it well, once’ ideas.

Renovations are like an iceberg, because you don’t realise the full extent of what you’ve taken on until you start.

We just can’t stress the importance of family and friends when it comes to doing a major renovation. We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved.

TIP: Consult a builder, or potentially the council, before you buy a property to renovate, particularly if it involves structural changes. You need to know what’s involved to achieve your dream.

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BUSINESS | focus

We’d definitely recommend using your preferred real estate agent to help you find a property. We wouldn’t have this house without Deborah working with us and understanding exactly what we were looking for.

Our lifestyle has changed so much for the better. Our new location means we have weeks where our cars just don’t move. We love it! 

CONTRIBUTORS

DEBORAH PEAKE Tremains

KIM NOCK Habit Tauranga Limited

LINDA LODETTI Prendos New Zealand Ltd

022 647 2865 tremains.co.nz

07 570 3455 thehabit.co.nz

07 927 0763 prendos.co.nz

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focus | BUSINESS

Green light for skincare

BEAUTY TOFU IS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SKINCARE BRANDS IN NEW ZEALAND. IT’S VEGAN, CRUELTY-FREE AND 100% NATURAL. AND IT WAS CREATED BY MELANIE DE LA RETA RIGHT HERE, IN THE BAY. Words KSENIIA SPODYNEIKO 46 | focusmagazine.co.nz

BUSINESS | focus

WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND BEAUTY TOFU? My journey started 15 years ago. I was working in the beauty industry and noticed that some of the hair stylists had dermatitis on their hands. I started questioning what chemicals were being used in beauty products and their effect on us. When I did the research, it turned out these products I was using on myself and my clients were largely made up of synthetic chemicals. Certain products weren’t even allowed during pregnancy or breastfeeding!

I then went on to study beauty therapy, which led me to paramedical studies. A new-found love for yoga and Ayurveda changed everything – I no longer wanted to work with salicylic acid and harsh chemicals. I wanted to create something natural, safe and nurturing that would be good for my clients’ health and wellbeing. I believe skincare went down the wrong path – nature has enough to offer our skin and there’s no need to harm animals in the making of products. From my kitchen to markets to women’s centres in Cambodia, Beauty Tofu came to life. It was never about money or starting my own business; it very much came from a place of love and learning. I hope all of my customers feel that when they use Beauty Tofu.

WHAT MAKES BEAUTY TOFU STAND OUT AMONG VEGAN SKINCARE BRANDS? Beauty Tofu was never supposed to be just a product or a brand. It’s a lifestyle, a whole community on Instagram and far beyond the digital world, where women feel safe and can be vulnerable and open to share their insecurities, worries and, of course, great achievements. We call ourselves ‘Green Girls’ . No matter who and where our Green Girls are, we want them to feel supported!

WHAT ROLE DID SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY IN LAUNCHING AND ESTABLISHING YOUR BRAND? Our growth online has been overwhelming! It has been completely organic and our Green Girl tribe is growing every day. They are all a part of something

bigger and without our Green Girls, there wouldn’t be Beauty Tofu. We hope they know that! Beauty Tofu is not just a skincare brand, it’s a platform for Green Girls to share their wellness rituals and their personal stories.

YOU'VE SPENT MOST OF YOUR LIFE IN AUSTRALIA. HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS MARKET FOR YOUR BRAND? Beauty Tofu was born in New Zealand and that will always be our home. Originally it was only supposed to be sold in New Zealand but we started receiving requests from our neighbours and step by step found ourselves selling to Australia as well.

It’s all about our Green Girls, really, and wherever they are in the world. I’m glad we’re now able to help not only Endometriosis New Zealand but also Endometriosis Australia to raise awareness and funds through the sales of our products. But Beauty Tofu will always be made in New Zealand and I’m very proud of that.

YOU'RE ALSO INVOLVED WITH OTHER BUSINESSES, SUCH AS KALON AESTHETICS. TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOUR ROLE THERE. Kalon Aesthetics is a beauty clinic in Tauranga and was originally created to help Beauty Tofu be able to grow. I never had a loan or investors and, as most people would know, creating a business and keeping your head above water is a struggle for many business owners. I worked full time in my clinic as well as full time in Beauty Tofu until 2018 when I was finally able to focus solely on Beauty Tofu and hand Kalon Aesthetics onto other specialists.

T3 Tip to Toe Organic Temple Detox $43

Vitamin C Super Serum $84

WHAT ARE YOUR BUSINESS PLANS FOR 2020?

We are launching in America and Canada, which is very exciting! We have a couple of new products coming and we will be hosting Green Girl Retreats in beautiful Bali. beautytofu.com 

Collagen Wand $69

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focus | PROMOTION

CRACKING GOOD 2019 EVENTS AS WELL AS BEING A PARADISE TO LIVE IN, THE BEAUTIFUL BAY OF PLENTY IS ALSO HOST TO MANY AMAZING SPORTING EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. WHETHER AT PROFESSIONAL OR RECREATIONAL LEVEL, THERE’S SOMETHING ON OFFER FOR EVERYONE.

W

hat motivates local women to participate in these events is varied. Perhaps it’s been on the bucket list for years; maybe they’re overcoming hardship and have something to prove to themselves, or they’re doing it with a group of friends. One thing’s for sure though – they feel an enormous sense of achievement at

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the finish line, creating memories they will hold onto forever.

The best events in 2019 have had two things in common: they were focused on audience engagement and had expert organisers behind the scenes who chose to partner with Expandasign for their portable, branded signage.

Let’s take a look at some of those events.

PROMOTION | focus

PINK WALK ROTORUA Adorned in pink from top to toe, friends and family rallied together in October and enjoyed a fun evening of love and laughter, celebrating life and sharing a moment of remembrance.

Presented by the Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust, proceeds from registrations and sponsorship of the 3.4km walk have gone towards assisting those with breast cancer in the Rotorua community, specifically to help fund education, tailored support, exercise programmes and support groups.

“Thank you so much for getting involved, and for your kind donations which made the event possible!” – Pink Walk

ROTORUA MARATHON The Rotorua Marathon is New Zealand's most iconic marathon event and for good reason. For 55 years runners and walkers of all ages have accepted the challenge, taking a lap around the beautiful Lake Rotorua, experiencing the hidden gems, surreal scenery and stunning natural wonders in Rotorua. The Rotorua Marathon also offered competitors the Red Stag Timber offroad half marathon, 10km and 5.5km run or walk options to choose from.

TOUGH GUY AND GAL CHALLENGE Rotorua is the home of this roll-your-sleeves-up event and 2019 saw the series enter its 17th year – a real testament of its popularity. Men and women aged 13 years and older competed across 6km and 12km distances on a course that included swamp crossings, barbed-wire crawls, tunnels, hurdles, climbing frames, bush trails, net crawls and plenty of mud! The idea of the challenge is to push yourself right out of

your comfort zone and have a bit of fun doing so.

“Our team have had a strong relationship with Expandasign for over 12 years now, with their team doing all our flags, corflute barrier signs and finish gantry signage across all our events. The quality of their work and the service that their team provides is second to none. We look forward to a continued successful working relationship.” – Tough Guy and Gal

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focus | PROMOTION

ROTORUA RUNNING FESTIVAL Event Promotions hosted the first Rotorua Running Festival in late November (previously the Podium Rotorua Half Marathon). New Zealand’s premiere tourist city provided a spectacular backdrop for one of the most scenic and varied running events in the country, which included 50km ultra marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km and 3km event distances. Major city boulevards, forest trails, an active geothermal park, a petrified forest, and historic buildings all played their part in making the new event a thoroughly enjoyable day for all.

CITY TO SURF Mount Maunganui main beach played host to the runners and walkers crossing the finish line in the Mitre 10 Mega Tauranga City to Surf on Sunday 3rd November. Competitors took on the half marathon, 11km or 5km distances in the Bay of Plenty’s largest fun run/walk.

Music was blasting at the finish line as those who’d just completed their races received finishers’ medals and soaked up that feeling of accomplishment.

“Expandasign are always so efficient and accommodating to our often tight schedules.”– City to Surf

The high you get from completing these kinds of events is unreal; some would say almost contagious. If you’ve started to set goals for the new year, absolutely think about getting out of your comfort

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Expandasign is NZ’s no1 for portable event signage. Visit www.expandasign.co.nz to view our range of signs and services.

zone like hundreds of other women did this year, and achieve something you never thought possible by entering an event right here in our own backyard. 

GI VEAWAYS

GIVEAWAYS | focus

ENTER AT FOCUSMAGAZINE.CO.NZ/WIN | ENTRIES CLOSE 15 JANUARY 2020

The Ultimate Relaxation Retreat at Earth Energies Sanctuary Free your body, mind and spirit from the ‘outer noise’ at this luxurious private sanctuary. Spend an amazing two hours in this tranquil healing space with your own personal therapist, and enjoy two deep relaxation treatments, a fruit platter and refreshments.

Lissom

Avocado Smash Brightening Eye Cream This innovative eye cream nourishes the delicate under-eye area, combats the signs of ageing and brightens the skin. It’s cruelty free, fragrance free and suitable for all skin types.

We have five eye creams to give away! You’ll also receive a 5ml Youth Activate Renewal Serum with your prize.

A one-year membership with Real Health NZ Ren and Jen are providing women with everything they need for a healthy lifestyle. Busy boss, young mum, athlete on a break – their recipes and at-home workouts are suitable for everyone. Win a one-year membership, signature tank top and a water bottle to kick start your summer!

Summer camping set Plan to spend this summer hiking and camping?

You’ll need this epic set that includes a tent for two, a chilly bin with ice blocks, two 1-litre flasks and a family-size thermos. focusmagazine.co.nz

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focus | LAST PAGE

JACQUI KNIGHT Company: Katch Katikati Position: Promotions Manager

KATCH KATIKATI AIMS TO PROMOTE THE KATIKATI AREA FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS. OUR ORGANISATION WORKS ACROSS SECTORS TO ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, WHILE PROMOTING KATIKATI AS A ‘DESTINATION OF CHOICE’. KATCH KATIKATI IS LARGELY A PROJECT-BASED ORGANISATION WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE IN THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF EVENTS.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME? I really enjoy walking, especially in the Kaimais, along local bush tracks and the beach. We have such beautiful walkways that cater to everyone’s abilities and the native bush is stunning. Every weekday morning I walk up the Waihi Beach Trig track which is a fantastic start to the day.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Working in kiwifruit orchards and packing sheds during the school holidays.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN? Don’t spend time worrying about things you cannot control. (Although that’s a lot easier said than done!!)

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE BAY? The beach and the bush. They are both so accessible

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in the Bay and are a constant in life – no matter what happens around you the bush is still there and the tides still come in and out. I find them both very grounding.

WHAT TIPS COULD YOU SHARE ABOUT YOUR BEST APPROACH TO GETTING THROUGH A CHALLENGING DAY? Breathe and stay calm. A bit like the best advice I was given – don’t sweat the small stuff. Just get on and get the job done. Procrastination gets you nowhere. If you can’t change it, deal with it and carry on. Deep breaths!

IF TIME-TRAVEL WAS REALITY AND YOU COULD HOP BACK 20 YEARS, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Save more money! 