Envy - Sylvia Park Winter Magazine 2013

ENVY WINTER|2013

FROM THE INSIDE | 8 FACES OF RETAIL | THE COLOUR OF SOUND | A PLACE IN THE SUN | YOUNG & BEAUTIFUL | VARIETY - THE SPICE OF LIFE | VOLUNTOURISM | WIN YOUR WINTER SCARF

ENVY WINTER|2013

CONTENTS 010 FROM THE INSIDE It’s about comfort this Winter.

018 BLACK &...

Great accessories, when more is better!

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020 SHOE IN SITU There’s nothing like an old pair of shoes, except a new pair!

023 8 FACES OF RETAIL Who are they?

028 WHAT EVER Layering and a pop of colour, for Men. 034 THE COLOUR OF SOUND What’s happening in the gadget world.

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036 A PLACE IN THE SUN Gorgeously basking.

038 YOUNG & BEAUTIFUL Fresh looks on trend, you know it.

048 SHE’LL WALK RINGS AROUND YOU Meet Elsie, our 82 year old mall walker.

050 MEETING THE MAKER Artists of The Texan Art Schools.

052 A BITE OF COLOUR Kitsch kitchenwear never looked so good!

058 VARIETY - THE SPICE OF LIFE A girl has to eat!

060 VOLUNTOURISM Travelling with a purpose has never been more satisfying.

064 WEAR IT YOUR WAY Just say the word and pick up your FREE Winter scarf.

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ENVY CONTRIBUTOR’S

Jo Allen EDITOR, Karla Robertson DEPUTY EDITOR, Bill Miller CREATIVE DIRECTOR, James Gourley PRODUCTION MANAGER, Catherine Garbin ART DIRECTOR, Chris Walsh PHOTOGRAPHER, Evie Kemp JOURNALIST/ILLUSTRATOR, Eloise Morin FASHION STYLIST, Rachel Morton STILLS STYLIST, Leisa Welch HAIR AND MAKE UP, Advertising enquiries: jo.allen@kipt.co.nz or 09 573 4395

MAMA LOCO

Preferring surfing to study didn’t stop Dave Hickey from becoming a success in the hospitality industry.

In fact he reckons his love of parties, and seeing people have a good time, set him up rather nicely in a career he loves. He’s been running the popular Moreton’s in St Helier’s for the past five years and a few months ago, took over Garrison’s in Sylvia Park as well as opening a new Mexican themed restaurant nearby, Mama Loco.

I grew up in a small town in the Bay of Plenty and was basically lazy and didn’t do much else but surf. I certainly wasn’t focussed on getting a career. I started off training as an accountant and was doing a correspondence course and sat exams and everything but I hated it. I started out in the liquor industry with Lion Breweries 26 years ago.

As well as learning the ins and outs of the hotel trade, Dave ran pubs throughout Auckland before going to DB as a sales manager. But his first big break came with the opening of Moreton’s.

I have to say earlier in my life I wasn’t too focussed on a career.

I just sort of fell into hospitality because it was easy. It was

only when I was about 30 that I decided it was a bit late to do anything else so I’d better get serious about what I was doing.

I reckoned the reason I was still in the industry was because I enjoyed it so I set about looking at ways of improving what I did.

For me the best part of the industry is seeing everyone enjoying themselves. There’s nothing better than coming into an outlet and seeing people having a good time and being well looked after by the staff.

When I was young I used to love parties, but especially enjoyed holding parties and making sure everyone was having a good time. I suppose that ties in with what I do now.

Opening Mama Loco’s is a bit of a new direction for Dave, but he’s not scared. In fact, it’s all pretty exciting. Choosing décor, fittings, and menus for the Mexican restaurant has been fun.

Not to mention the vibrant menu and cocktail offerings.

There’s a lot of colour! says Dave. We enlisted Grace Ramirez who has a lot of knowledge of Mexican food to ensure it’s authentic.

Since opening we have had fantastic feedback and personally, I think the lure of fresh margaritas after a hard day working (or shopping) will be too much for anyone to resist.

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ANGELA DANIEL

Angela Daniel is as feminine as a box of sugared almonds. Think pink, think the most delicious and prettiest ornaments you can decorate yourself with.

That’s the brand I’m talking about, by the way. The woman behind the brand is sweeter still.

“I’ve always loved jewellery from the word go. When I was a little girl I used to love going to my Nana’s and dressing up in her clothes and stuff - satins and lace and loads and loads of costume jewellery. Although my Nana is 92 now, she is still glamorous and still sparkles when she goes out for a meal.

She has her hair done, wears make up and likes to wear heaps of jewellery. She inspires me.”

Angela is unashamedly a girly girl, favourite colour pink (obviously), with a penchant for antique jewellery. Since opening her first jewellery store in 2006, two others and an online store have followed, indicating her passion is backed by solid business acumen.

While a schoolgirl at St Cuthbert’s, she enjoyed art but was unsure how to make a career from it. A degree in marketing and commerce from Otago University got her a job as a marketing manager in London, but 18 months later, she embarked on a course with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the foremost authority on gems. Returning to New Zealand, Angela got a job with a jeweller and learnt all about the retail aspects of the business.

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“I was lucky to find something I had a major passion for and something I knew I could build a business on. When I started my company I had a very clear idea about what I wanted to achieve, from the store fit outs to how I wanted women to feel wearing my jewellery.”

“Women want to feel really special, so I wanted to create an environment that was luxurious, pretty and feminine, something that was quite different. As well as the experience, it was important to me to be able to offer unique, one-off pieces as opposed to mass marketed jewellery available everywhere.”

Angela’s degree in gemmology enables her to hand pick all the stones used in her jewellery, ensuring only the best grades are used. Her personal favourite is pink diamonds, but she’s also fond of semi-precious stones like the aforementioned smokey quartz and amethyst.

“I like creating classic jewellery with a contemporary twist with the best stones I can find. I love the design side of the business and the custom-made service we offer is incredibly satisfying. People come to us with a picture or idea and it’s our job to collaborate and interpret what they want.”

“The results are always amazing and people are astounded.

It’s the best part of my job.”

I’d happily settle for one of Angela’s cocktail rings (early Christmas hint). But just in case there’s anyone out there who might want to pop the question sometime soon, a pink diamond would do me nicely.

BING HARRIS

As brand manager of one of Australia and New Zealand’s newest fashion brands, Nathan Price is one cool dude.

Despite claiming his pop culture icon is Bart Simpson’s best friend, Milhouse, it’s hard to see what trailblazer Price has in common with animation’s most lovable nerd. Apart from his glasses.

seeing the growth already, it’s hard to think that last September I had just started and we hadn’t even opened any stores”.

Now heading up marketing for resurrected men’s brand, Bing, Harris & Co, he’s led its metamorphosis from trusty but dusty into Merchant of Style.

Living in the fashion-spotters paradise of Fitzroy, (Brunswick Street, no less!) “I know it’s a bit of a cliche but it’s a great house with great house mates and close to everything. I love being able to step out of the door for a strong flat white at a cafe. I like to visit cafes as often as I can”.

He grew up in Darwin, “very laid back and hot”, with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for classic literature while still at primary school (starting to see the Milhouse comparison) and a love of cars as a teenager. Price has always been a man of many interests.

Being who he is, living where he does, Price is a one-man market research prodigy on street style. Modestly describing his own style as “fairly standard”, he has an inane ability to dress casually in a head-turning sort of way, attempted by many, achieved by few.

After moving to Brisbane to study marketing at Queensland University of Technology Price started Limedrop, a boutique men and women’s label with his then girlfriend, Clea Garrick.

“These days my style is a bit more toned down, more a variation on a theme. I usually rotate between three pairs of jeans, three pairs of boots, a pair of sneakers, a heap of long sleeve shirts, a jacket and some jumpers. I’d maybe describe my style as understated but considered.”

With business flourishing, the couple moved to Melbourne to grow Limedrop, Clea concentrating on design while Price worked on the branding, marketing, PR and business strategy.

It’s been a winning combination that’s seen Limedrop make the leap into an international label as worn by the likes of the delicious Lana del Rey. Last year saw the brand make a focus shift to womenswear and it was time for Price to leave Limedrop in Clea’s capable hands and seek challenges new.

“I wanted to get back into menswear and the brand manager role at Bing, Harris & Co was perfect timing. It’s really exciting to be in at the start of the relaunch of the brand. It’s been great

In his spare time, there’s nothing he likes more than going to events, launch parties, openings (sounds just like work) and getting out of the city on little adventures on his bikes (some of which he has built himself, fancy!).

It’s clear Price has a busy time ahead of him, looking after the awesome branding and marketing of Bing, Harris & Co, doing the PR, organising and attending events, social media, website and (pause to draw breath) e-commerce. It’s a tough job but Price is more than happy to do it.

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FROM THE INSIDE

Long aztec wrap by Tigerlilly at Amazon, Custard/navy socks by Glassons

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Carmie lace yoke shirt by Forever New Pocket leggings by Forever New Ring by Witchery Black leather boots by Witchery

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Black sheer shirt by Witchery Yellow metallic fitted blazer by Decjuba Necklace by Decjuba Ring by Diva Tweed shorts by Witchery Stockings by Glassons Shoes by Novo Shoes

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Black jacket by Portmans, Cardigan by Esprit, Dress by Cue, Cream belt by Portmans, Clutch by Witchery, Columbine grape stockings by Caroline Eve, Black heels by Novo Shoes

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Shirt by Country Road Jacket by Decjuba Black pant by Forever New Ring by Diva Black and red heels by Tarallucci

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Faux fur coat cream by Forever New, Ring by Colette

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Gaye McLaren Rodney Wayne

You can’t get a more hands on job than a hairdresser. In a world that’s techno-crazy, there is something old-fashioned and satisfying about a visit to the salon for a relaxing head massage and wash followed by some nifty scissor work. It makes me smile every time.

Gaye McLaren always wanted to be a hairdresser right from day one. When I was 16 I started working part-time in a salon, while at the same time juggling two other part-time jobs not to mention my school work on top of that. When I left school I got an apprenticeship at a salon in the Canterbury Arcade in Auckland and worked there for 9 years. One year I won Apprentice of the Year at the Auckland hairdressing competitions.

At the time my gran lived with us and worked at the Auckland Star In the photographic department. Gran had beautiful hair which was half way down her back well into her old age. I used to practice on her and most of the time put it into a French Roll. She was very talented and she used to make my clothes. I would draw what I wanted and then we would go shopping to get the fabric. Gran would always ensure that I was fashionable and up with the current trends.

When I eventually qualified I didn’t go on a spending spree, but saved and saved for my OE. I went to England for three months. When I returned I worked for my old boss and then 16 | ENVY | SYLVIA PARK

decided it was time to have children. I had two beautiful children and went back to hairdressing when my youngest was four.

An opportunity arose at Rodney Wayne St Lukes which I took, working there for more than 10 years, a great boss and a great team of people. Over this time I got to understand the Rodney Wayne brand and what it stands for. Always passionate about hairdressing I knew this would be my future.

Another opportunity presented itself, a Rodney Wayne franchise was for sale. I jumped at the chance to purchase and own my own salon. After 18 months as a franchisee yet another opportunity arose, Sylvia Park. I just knew it was meant to be and after owning two franchises I sold the first one and turned all my attentions to Sylvia Park.

Most of my brilliant, talented and loyal staff at Rodney Wayne Sylvia Park have been with me from day one. This salon wouldn’t be as successful as it is without them and this shows with the positive feedback we get from clients, clients that have been with us for years and years!

At Rodney Wayne Sylvia Park we now have several staff that are part of the Rodney Wayne artistic team. This team as well as my other talented staff every year join forces to help create the models hair for the Sylvia Park fashion show. We love it, the atmosphere and the great buzz. It’s the business we are in, the fashion industry.

I love what I do, everyday after all these years I still look forward to going to work and providing exceptional Rodney Wayne service to our clients. Which I plan to continue to do for a long time yet………..

MURAT

Cafe Casablanca Moving from a region with 5000 years of history to our green and sheep-filled land was a bit of a culture shock for Murat Avcioglu. But after 17 years the Turkish-born restaurateur is proud to call New Zealand his homeland.

He grew up next to the Aegean Sea, famous for its neverending islands dotted in azure blue waters, the stuff of dreams and umpteen calendars. It was a rural idyll and a simple way of life little changed for centuries.

I grew up as a farmer in a small village. My family were olive growers as were many others. The area grows about half of the total olive trees in Turkey. My interest in food began with my mother, who else? She would pick food from the mountains, olives, and food from the forest, mushrooms, as well as different herbs and grasses. Her ancestors were nomads and would make a meal from these wild foods - that’s the sort of woman she is. It was very basic food, but very healthy, beautiful. She is very important to me. There are not many people in the world today who know how to pick food from the ground, which grass is edible, what herbs you can eat.

I didn’t know how special it was at the time, it was just part of my growing up. My grandmother also lived in the Nomad village and she was always making beautiful carpets. It was a very traditional lifestyle that hasn’t really changed for many, many years.

Murat arrived in New Zealand after falling in love with the country during a visit for his best friend’s wedding.

That was 17 years ago when I was 26. I immediately thought it was a country of great opportunities and I got some really good offers that persuaded me to stay.

I love the diversity of living in Auckland, the mixture of cultures, so many different people from all over the world who have chosen to live here. It makes me feel like we are all one planet.

Last year I took over Casablanca in Sylvia Park and I feel totally at home at last. We serve a combination of Middle Eastern and North African dishes, but with Turkish spices and style. Turkish cuisine is very underrated. People just think of kebabs, but in Turkey that’s just street food like McDonalds.

Real Turkish food is so much more and encompasses my culture, a certain style and ambience.

That is what I have created at Casablanca and people tell me they love it. A lot of people who come in are passionate about the Middle East and I enjoy sitting down and talking to them and answering their questions.

I used to enjoy a mixture of flavours but as I’ve got older, I appreciate tasting individual flavours. Because I grew up on it, I can’t eat anything other than olive oil. Olive oil gives everything a beautiful flavour.

Everyone should have respect for restaurant food if it has been cooked properly and not criticise it unfairly. When I go to other restaurants, I don’t have any expectations and go with an open mind. That way I enjoy how they’ve cooked and served it, it’s that simple.

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Left to right - Top: Large filigree cuff, Gold Leaf cuff by Diva, Beige and gold cuff by Forever New, Black stripe cuff, Square cuff by Forever New, Three matching rings gold with route by Colette, Wide gold ring by Forever New, Feather hoops by Lovisa Middle: Blue clutch by Colette, Sirena beaded gold clutch by Forever New, Black and gold stud clutch, Black and gold wallet

by Colette, White mystical shimmer clutch by Forever New Bottom: Ornate black necklace by Forever New, Coloured necklace with black cord, Jewelled main necklace, Blue & pink necklace, Black beaded necklace by Colette

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BLACK &...

Hat by Decjuba, Shoes by Forever New, Bag by Forever New, Belt by Forever New

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SHOE INSITU

There’s nothing like an old pair of shoes... except a new pair!

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Left to right: Pentes burgundy leather stud boot by Mi Piaci, Tan aztika loafer by Novo Shoes, Bench blue suede shoes by Overland Footwear, Black leather stud shoe by Wild Pair

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Left to right: Black spot ballet pump by Country Road, Captive red leopard loafer by Overland Footwear, Grey Sachi diamante cowboy boot by Mi Piaci, Leather brogues orange and black by Tarallucci

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Penny - Overland Footwear I’ve worked at Overland for almost 9 years. Before I worked at Overland I did so many things, from admin, to insurance, I even worked as a personal trainer. I grew up in Turangi and then when I was 18, I moved to Te Awamutu. I lived there for 8 years before deciding to move to Auckland. I got a job in retail to see if I liked living in a big city - I’d never lived in a big city before, and then I was going to go on my big OE. But, I started working for Overland and I never left. I love working for Overland, I like retail in general and really enjoy the customer interaction, but this company is amazing, a really awesome family owned business who won the overall Best Places to Work Awards last year and I am extremely proud to belong to the team. I’m a mum, I have two kids, Isla who’s 3 and Max who is 22 months.

I’m a full time mum as well as a manager and I don’t have a lot of ‘me time’, but I wouldn’t have it any other way either, because I love my job and I LOVE my kids, obviously! So, it’s just about juggling the two. I love going to the park with my kids, having family time, chilling out. I truly love what I do.

8 FACES OF RETAIL 8 FACES OF RETAIL Tim - Rembrandt In all honesty, I’m a real t-shirt/short or t-shirt/jeans kind of guy. But when it comes to work or an occasion, if I’m going out for dinner I’ll always try and dress up and look smart. Any other time I try and take a step back and look casual, wear a cap, beanie, something like that. I really enjoy the retail side, putting time and effort in with a customer and knowing they’ll leave happy. I got into retail part-time when I was at uni studying art, I majored in sculpture. As time has gone on and I’ve gone from part-time to full-time, to part-time, left retail and came back to retail. I’ve found a real passion for it. So, it’s taken time, but I think it’s something I want to pursue as far as I can go. I mean, I’m still young, I’m 23. It has taken a while, since school to find out what I really want to do, but I see it now as a career, not just a job. I do enjoy painting, but it’s a shame really as I don’t do it anymore. I always use the excuse that I don’t have enough time but that’s never a real excuse for anything. If it’s a passion it shouldn’t always feel like an effort to pick up a paint brush, so I’ll do it from time to time, but right now my passion and focus is on my job. I’m hoping my career will take me overseas, because there is opportunity there and I’ve jumped on board with a really good company. Ideally, one day I’d like to open my own shop, offering good customer service, using good quality cut garments, using good cloth - things like that. Anything and everything is an opportunity for me, and I’ll take it and run with it.

Matthew - Peter Alexander I’m a qualified writer and director in film, I studied at South Seas film school. I do a lot of independent writing on the side, but after writing, the fashion side of things is what I love. I’m a fan of the big romance, and horror as well – there’s quite a broad range of stuff that I write. I eventually want to end up in the visual merchandising side of fashion. When I’m dressing a window, it’s like a movie scene to me and I try and portray that.

I sort of follow trends after they happen, I don’t like to be in the same crowd as everyone else. So, it will happen…and then I’ll come in, like the indie glasses that were in a while ago, I’d wear them now. I’m always looking at what celebrities are wearing. I’m so passionate about film, so obviously that leads on to that celebrity world. I love Nicole Richie, she’s made such a turn around, and Mary-Kate & Ashley, I’m really in to that luxe boho type look. I’m very in to costuming in film, as I studied that as well…the make up and costuming in American Horror Story is just amazing. I was a big fan of Gossip Girl and all the fashion they had on there, also the new 90210, they all have that whole fashion line. I go for a lot of floral for myself, I think floral shirts look really great on guys if you’re not afraid to wear it.

I’m very Hollywood, I like the romance and the drama while NZ is quite dark and bleak in a lot of the films and I’m not that kind of writer. The type of movies that are my favourite are like The Notebook, Ghost and Dirty Dancing, those 80’s real romantic films.

8 FACES OF RETAIL 8 FACES OF RETAIL Tash - Cue I’ve always had a strong personal style, ever since I was a kid. I’ve always been quite individual and never really afraid of being different…. I remember mufti days at high school, where I’d get ridiculed about the things I put together, but I never really cared because it was my style and I felt comfortable in it, so it didn’t matter.

I pride myself on being unique and different and I really push people to find that within themselves as well. I do a bit of fashion drawing and designing, I have a guy in Vietnam who I send my drawings to and describe what kind of fabrics you want and he makes them up for me and sends them back. I’m inspired by different things and I like to put them together, or if I find a fabric that I’m in love with… I never wear black, or hardly ever, I love colour - no colour in particular - all colours! For me fashion changes my mood so if I need to be really serious and managerial then I’ll wear a suit, but most of the time what I wear is more fun and relaxed. When my hair is properly done, I think it’s quite strong and bold - I do the victory rolls and styles like that, and all together the look really works. Cue is quite fashion forward whereas at home I like to dress up as that 50’s girl, so it’s been quite interesting bringing that 50’s, ‘pin up’ element into my fashion at work, which can be quite hard. In my spare time I sing, I’d like to find a band and do bar singing, jazz band style. When I dress up as a pin up girl I feel like a lady, my mannerisms are different… I think some women miss out on the pleasure of that, the pleasure of dressing up.

Christine – Redcurrent I’m a people person, I love the people, I love the product, I love being around all the girly stuff, the candles and that sort of stuff. My house looks a bit like Redcurrent!

I love candles for relaxation and having a lovely home with lovely smells… I love fresh smells like verbena, and orange scent, I love orange…those kind of things, lovely, fresh sort of smells. I love fresh flowers, fragrance is my signature, they’re my two loves. I’m a gardener, I used to garden for a living, I used to love that, and it kept me so fit. I love my garden, it’s my sanctuary. I have a tropical garden at the back and then a small, quite formal garden at the front with hedging and lots of pots. I’ve always loved plants and fragrance and have always worked in design type stores - they’re my passion. I used to be an interior designer too. My house is very simple, a mix of French and modern.

8 FACES OF RETAIL 8 FACES OF RETAIL Anthony - Strada I’ve been working for Strada for two and a half years. For me personally, it’s like if you don’t love what you do then why are you doing it? I love fashion, I’ve always loved fashion - ever since high school. My Mum always looked her best. I had really good role models too. My mum was a big influence, she’d always dress up.

She wouldn’t dress me up, I had my own kind of style going on. Like, she’s more of an inspiration. I knew what I liked in high school, which is pretty cool, as most guys that age don’t really care. I did art at school, I loved art. Colours and design and putting everything together. Leaving high school was a big eye opener, once I got a job, I had more money, I could spend more on myself. My first major purchase was these shoes, these Converse shoes that I saw Nathan Rarere wearing on TV, I thought they were really cool, they were quite odd - like a thicker, chunkier version of a Converse shoe. I wore them out, that’s how much I loved them. A lot of the music idols were a huge inspiration on me growing up - it was just something different. I just found it cool that they were dressing up so differently on stage Michael Jackson, was a major influence, the red leather jacket, the black pants…I know everyone says this, but it’s true! And that’s something that’s still a staple in my wardrobe today - the black, nicely fitting pair of pants. Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & the Supremes, all those old school groups really paved the way for a nice, classy, classic look. You can take a picture from then to now - it still looks amazing, the fit, the cut, the way it falls on them. I just found it really inspirational.

Melissa - Forever New Fashion has always and will always be a BIG passion of mine. I have studied 2 years at AUT gaining a diploma in Fashion and Design and I enjoy the odd sewing project, I love embellishing items and styling things up. I am very much a girly girl and accessories is my thing. You should see my collection, it’s like walking into a shop!

I love by just adding a statement necklace or a great pair of earrings it can enhance and change your look. I love how the best fashion trends always come back to be repeated and worn again - timeless. I’m also interested in reading fashion blogs and keeping an eye out on what my favourite celebrity looks are.

Facebook and channel E! is how I stay updated, some of my fashion icons would have to include Lauren Conrad, Kim Kardashion and Beyonce, it’s amazing how music and celebrities can have big influences on what we chose to wear.

I first discovered (and fell in love with) Forever New while on holiday in Melbourne, I was absolutely in awe of the store design and product, it was my style down to a T! I remember thinking if they EVER came to New Zealand I HAVE to be a part of it! I was thrilled to be the first person employed for Forever New in New Zealand.

It’s so exciting to be a part of a Brand that is the first choice fashion destination for so many on trend fashion lovers. Confidence is the best accessory you can own....

But you can never have enough pairs of shoes!

8 FACES OF RETAIL 8 FACES OF RETAIL Marinde - Country Road I’m 26 now and I’ve been managing since I was 19. I studied make-up design and production for a year. I realised I wanted to get more into the beauty side of things. I became the make-up artist at The Body Shop in Christchurch (I grew up there) and at age 19 went to being store manager. I’m from Apeldoorn, Holland originally. When I was 7, me and my parents, and my sister came to New Zealand for a holiday. We thought it was just a long, cool, holiday but my parents had it in the back of their mind that we might be moving here. We did the camper van around New Zealand and it was amazing, we loved it. Then, going back to school and telling all our friends about our amazing holiday, two months later Mum & Dad sat us down to tell us we were moving to New Zealand and we were devastated.

When you’re that age all you know is your little community, your friends and your pets and you’ve got to leave that all behind. I have my Nana and heaps of aunties and uncles and cousins and nieces and nephews over there. I feel like when I go to Holland young people there haven’t travelled and seen the world as I have or had the career opportunities I have.

I like to be quite sophisticated, I’m quite a neutral girl so I like my pieces that are long lasting. I’ve always had my own style, I’ve always liked classic, timeless pieces, but then adding in a little bit of print and pattern that’s in style at the moment. I’ve always stayed away from colour, but at the moment I have this fluorescent yellow top that I just wear all the time, I just love it, but mainly I stick to my neutral colours.

WHAT EVER

White shirt by Barkers, Tie by Hallenstein Brothers, New Orleans slim fit jacket by H.Brothers at Hallenstein Brothers, Blue wool scarf by Kit at Hallenstein Brothers, New Orleans slim fit pant by H.Brothers at Hallenstein Brothers, Belt by Barkers, Socks by Hallenstein Brothers, Brown brogue by Overland Footwear, Black umbrellas from Megachoice 28 | ENVY | SYLVIA PARK

Cream & navy jumper by Barkers Westhaven jacket by Barkers Parisian Envelope satchel by Barkers Pants by Barkers Shoes by Country Road

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Leroy indigo shirt by Bing, Harris & Co Malvern merino vee jumper by Barkers Bauhaus buttonbythru knit cardigan by Jet Oakwood scarf by Bing, Harris & Co The AB’s woollen coat by Barkers Paprika Byron chino by Bing, Harris & Co Boots by Country Road

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Branning flat cap by Barkers, Blue shirt by Barkers, Clyde knit jumper by Bing, Harris & Co, Blazer by Barkers, Scarf by Rembrandt, Morrison jean slim straight by Factorie, Boots by Country Road

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Blue shirt by Rembrandt, Bow tie and pocket hankie silk by Rembrandt, Garcia jacket by Rembrandt, Mac trouser

by Rembrandt, Black socks by Kit at Hallenstein Brothers, Black brogues by Hannahs

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Check shirt by H.Brothers at Hallenstein Brothers Cable crew pullover by Country Road Wool pea coat by Country Road Knot textured scarf by Country Road Gloves fingerless by Country Road Standard raw jean by Country Road Boots bullboxer by Overland Footwear

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THE COLOUR OF SOUND

Jumper by Forever New, Cream woollen hat by Forever New

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Left to Right: Bose portable iPod dock black from Noel Leeming, DS retro Bluetooth headset yellow & blue from Dick Smith, Dyson AM04 heater/fan blue from Noel Leeming, Beats solo HP red from Dick Smith, Logitech boombox from Noel Leeming, Sony Alpha SLT A58 camera from Sony Store, Delonghi Nespresso from Noel Leeming, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Samsung Galaxy note 816GB from Dick Smith, Action cam from Sony Store, HP Envy X2 from Noel Leeming, Xperia Z smartphone from Sony Store, Sony XB920 headphones from Sony Store

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Kirsten: Black knit by Cue Red tweed jacket by David Lawrence Red tweed skirt by David Lawrence Coat by David Lawrence Necklace by David Lawrence Gloves by Max Fashions Stockings by Rubi Shoes Heels by David Lawrence

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Holly: Cream shirt by Country Road Sweater by Esprit Tweed skirt by Esprit Leather biker jacket by Max Fashions Stockings by Rubi Shoes Socks by Glassons Black leather boots by Mi Piaci

A PLACE IN THE SUN

Navy shirt by David Lawrence, Plum coat by David Lawrence, Amethyst ring by Witchery, Black belt by Portmans, Oatmeal lux trim pant by David Lawrence, Black heels by Witchery, Dark camel bowling bag by David Lawrence WINTER13 | ENVY | 37

YOUNG & BEAUTIFUL

Joel: Black Beanie by Long Lost at Amazon, Floral shirt by RPM at Amazon, Military jacket by RPM at Amazon, Pants by thingthing at Amazon, Globe sneakers by Amazon Holly: Shirt by Glassons, Orange jumper by Amazon, Gloves by Dotti, Denim jeans by Forever New, Stud sneakers by Novo Shoes 38 | ENVY | SYLVIA PARK

Tan hat with feathers by Ripcurl at Amazon Burgundy leather jacket by Glassons Scarf by Dotti Wet look jegging by Forever New Ring by Diva Tan boots by Novo Shoes

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Holly: Hat by Rubi Shoes Pheasant shirt by Max Fashions Joel: Duffle Coat by Hallenstein Brothers

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Joel: Hat by Rembrandt, Shirt by Billabong at Amazon, Braces by Bing, Harris & Co, Leather gloves by Rembrandt, Wrangler jeans by Jet, Boots by Bullboxer at Overland Footwear Holly: Honey box pleat dress by Forever New, Frankie military coat by Max Fashions WINTER13 | ENVY | 41

Bumblebee crazy beanie by Rusty at Amazon, Denim dress by Glassons, Bag by Esprit, Stockings by Rubi Shoes, Metallic shoes by Glassons

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Joel: Shirt by Barkers Braces by Barkers Bow tie by Rembrandt Suit pant by Barkers Black socks by Hallenstein Brothers Olver black brogues by Overland Footwear

Holly: Kirsty dress by Wild Pair Faux fur by Decjuba Fingerless gloves by Max Fashions Stockings by Glassons Englin heels from Truth or Dare by Madonna at Hannahs

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From top - left to right, First shot: Ruby and diamond cluster ring, Aquamarine and diamond ring, Platinum cut diamond ring, Diamond solitaire ring by Pascoes Second shot: Thomas Sabo pendant necklace, Pastiche pendant necklace, diamond ring by Angela Daniel Jewellery Third shot: 2.7ct Solitaire platinum diamond ring by Walker and Hall Fourth shot: Balmain watch, White and rose gold butterfly pendant necklace, White gold cluster ring by Diamond & Time

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HEIRLOOM

Kagi necklace by Carati Jeweller

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SPICE IT UP

Clockwise from top: Hoyts Gold Card from Hoyts Cinemas, Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb eau de parfum extreme (black) from Life Pharmacy, Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb eau de toilette natural spray (pink) from Life Pharmacy, Elle MacPherson bra and brief from Bendon, Aromatherapy room spray from Acquisitions, Elizabeth Arden ceramide capsules from Life Pharmacy, Makeup purse from Forever New, Elizabeth Arden beautiful colour lip gloss from Life Pharmacy, Shiseido Camellia compact from Life Pharmacy, OPI nail polish ‘Lincoln Park After Dark’ from Life Pharmacy, Pink petal shaped dish from Origin Interiors, Star necklace from Diva

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MATERIAL GIRL

Clockwise from top: Justin Bieber Girlfriend perfume from Life Pharmacy, Baby Lips lip balm from Life Pharmacy, Marc Jacobs Daisy Sunshine perfume from Life Pharmacy, Makeup brushes x 2 from The Body Shop, Nicky Minaj Pink Friday perfume from Life Pharmacy, Mirror from Megachoice, Hair colourchalk in yellow, green and lime from Life Pharmacy, Revlon nail enamel in Pineapple Fizz and Watermelon Fizz from Life Pharmacy, Headband with ears from Equip, Nail files x 2 from Forever New

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SHE’LL WALK RINGS AROUND YOU Elsie, 82 year old Mall walker

“I was 28 years ahead of my time when I opened a health food shop in Willis Street in central Wellington in the early 1980’s. I learned how to grow wheatgrass when no one else had heard of it. I sold organic fruit and vegetables long before it became fashionable. There were lots of people growing organically around Auckland and I used to have it air freighted to Wellington.

I became interested in nutrition when one of my daughters had her tonsils taken out and had asthma. I did a lot of reading on how to build up the body’s natural immunity. I really believe you are what you eat and to have a healthy body, you must feed it with wholesome food.

When I was growing up in Rotorua in the 1930’s, my family was the only Chinese there. My father came over and had to pay the poll tax. His uncle was here and he got him to come to New Zealand so he could send money back home to China.

My mum joined him and they had five children. I’m the eldest.

They ran a fruit and veg shop in the main Street in Rotorua. It was open six days a week and used to stay open until 11 at night, but eventually it closed at 6.

My parents worked very hard and their only day of rest was Sunday. Although they were Buddhists, they sent us to Sunday school so they could have some peace. That’s how I became the only Christian in my family. When I was 12, I took a temperance pledge and didn’t touch alcohol even when I started going into pubs with colleagues I worked with at the NZ Broadcasting Corporation. I used to ask for H2O on the rocks with a twist of lemon. Nobody ever guessed I was drinking water but would assume I had a glass of gin or vodka. When I was 58 I had a glass of pink champagne at a leaving party, but I prefer wheatgrass.

I met my husband Kent when I was 19 and fell head over heels. We were married within six months even though we didn’t have to. He was one of only three chicken sexers in New Zealand and worked for six months of the year in the South Island while I looked after his sick mother in Wellington.

That lasted for 11 years during which time I had three daughters and was taught to cook proper Chinese food by my mother-in-law.

My husband had had enough of the travelling by then and took a job selling Electolux appliances. He was one of the top salesmen in the country. He contracted hepatitis from a customer and died when he was just 42. I was left to care for our children who were aged nine, eleven and twelve.

In 1989 I moved to Auckland to be near my daughter and am lucky to live a very full life. I made a bucket list of things I wanted to do, my life plan, and am working my way through it.

I did the Harbour Bridge climb and walked the half marathon when I was 72. I want to walk off the Sky Tower sometime. It’s just as important to keep your mind healthy as well as your body. In 2006, I decided to challenge my mind by going to Bejing to learn Mandarin. I speak Cantonese. I spent nine months there and stayed with a wonderful family. I was known as the granny homestay.

I learned to tap dance a few years ago and am in a dance group that performs at old peoples’ homes. I have 16 medals for dancing and some cups too. Keeping fit is important to me and I love to swim and do aquarobics. Twice a week I catch the train to Sylvia Park to meet up with the walking group.

I’m 82 this year but I can’t see myself slowing down. I have a job as a food demonstrator in supermarkets and get work as an extra in TV, film and advertising work. I’m about to do filming for Power Rangers and have modelled for an ad for fan heaters for Mitre 10. I was supposed to be an Eskimo and had to wear a fur-trimmed parka. It was shot in summer and I got very hot. I have been to auditions and been told I don’t look old enough for the part. People are always surprised when they learn my age.

At school I was told I was a people’s person and that has proved to be true throughout my life. There is so much more I want to do so the pile of books I have collected to read in my retirement will continue to gather dust. Everyday I thank God for my good fortune, I have much to be thankful for”.

MEETING THE MAKER

Every product you buy has a maker, a creator, a designer, and with local and independently made products, that craftsperson might be closer than you think. So often we think about what a purchase can mean to you, your mood and your life, but this is a two-way transaction - so what does it mean to the maker? We asked three artists and designers who stock their products in Texan Art Schools about how it feels knowing their creations are being enjoyed out in the world.

Nick Feint- Stone Arrow Jewellery

Nick lives and works near the beautiful Able Tasman National Park with his family. He is committed to running a socially and environmentally sustainable business, while producing timeless and distinctly New Zealand jewellery collections.

Can you describe how it feels to know people own and treasure your work?

I love it! My best moments are when I meet or see someone wearing my work that I have no connection with. My favourite meetings are seeing a really old and worn piece of my work much treasured and loved by a customer for years and being able to say “I made that, how long have you had it and where did you get it?”

What’s a special encounter that you’ve had with a customer?

Telling the lady in the supermarket checkout “I made that”.

Seeing a pair of my earrings on a lady in a newspaper article when I was in Wanaka recently.

When you buy something handmade or independently designed for yourself (or your home) what connection do you feel with this thing?

I love the idea that people can wear something beautiful, created from something they would normally throw out. The trick is it has to actually look really fantastic - not just be a gimmick. That is what I try and achieve with every design before I make it public.

Knowing that something is made in a little factory in Golden Bay by NZ artisans with ethical business ideas adds a story and value to a product. Something mass made in China can’t compete with this.

When you are creating, do you have a customer in mind or do you feel you work more for yourself?

A bit of both, I have made many designs that I loved, but didn’t go so well on the market so I have to keep that in mind. Having said that, I would never sell something I didn’t resonate with no matter how well it sold. The beauty is it is not hard to have designs that both myself and the customer love!

How does it feel sending your work out to be sold in shops?

It feels great, every order from a gallery is an affirmation that people are enjoying my jewellery and I never fail to have a little buzz when an order comes through.

Adele - Borrowed Earth (ceramics)

Borrowed Earth ceramics are a family business based on the Whangaparoa peninsula. A commitment to environmentally friendly production practices, unique design and affordable price point combine to make thoughtful and treasured decorative ceramics.

Can you describe how it feels to know people own and treasure your work?

It feels great! To be able to do what you love and make a living out of it....well it’s a dream come true! It still gives us such a buzz to know people collect and treasure our work.

What’s a special encounter that you’ve had with a customer?

We have a lot of positive encounters with our customers and we love getting their feedback. We have had people track us down when they have broken a piece of our work to get us to replace it for them. Sometimes it’s something that we had made years and years ago! Now that’s a loyal customer!

When you buy something handmade or independently designed for yourself (or your home) what connection do you feel with this thing?

We are passionate about handmade and love to support other artists. Handmade has a soul and energy that mass-produced pieces can never have. Handmade tells a story about the artist, the material used, its origin. It has a life that you can connect with. It is unique and original as is the person buying it.

When you buy gifts for other people, what values are important to you?

We need to know the story behind the piece. We need to know where it has been made. Is it fair trade, is it from sustainable materials. NZ made, handmade? Are we supporting a cause that we believe in? Every time you spend money you are making a vote for the type of world you want....we all need to choose wisely.

When you are creating, do you have a customer in mind or do you feel you work more for yourself?

It’s a bit of both. We only make things that we love to make.

You can’t create good work if you don’t love it yourself. But you always need to keep in mind your customer and make sure it will be something that they also will love.

How does it feel sending your work out to be sold in shops?

Oh it feels like we are sending a little piece of ourselves out there into the world! We are so lucky to have our work in amazing shops like Texan Art Schools, who believe in our work and share our values about NZ handmade.

Angie Dennis - Artist

When you buy something handmade or independently designed for yourself (or your home) what connection do you feel with this thing?

When you acquire something unique you treat it like a treasure – for example, my Great Uncle made me a jewellery box out of various woods (he was highly skilled at marquetry) – it’s unique, and beautifully crafted, and means so much to me.

Can you describe how it feels to know people own and treasure your work?

I’m honoured and humbled.

When you buy gifts for other people, what values are important to you?

It depends on who I’m buying for. I like things with contextual meaning, and hopefully that lasts.

Angie is an Auckland-based artist whose background in Environmental science and the preservation of native flora and fauna feature widely in her work. Her distinctive artworks are enjoyed in homes (and TV studios!) within New Zealand and overseas.

What’s a special encounter that you’ve had with a customer?

I’ve recently created an original Pohutukawa commission for a NZ couple who live in Sydney. It was 3 panels size 90 x 60 cm each. They were such a lovely couple and wanted a piece of NZ in their Sydney home, it took me about 6-8 weeks to finish the piece. When it arrived this is the email response I got from them “We absolutely love it!!! It looks fabulous!! The colours are amazing, and we love the way that it all flows together. Just perfect! Thanks so much! That made my day!”

When you are creating, do you have a customer in mind or do you feel you work more for yourself?

Generally I paint what I feel like painting. If however, a customer wants me to commission a piece, I like to get them involved in the design process.

How does it feel sending your work out to be sold in shops?

Great – what more can I say!!

A BITE OF COLOUR

Kitsch kitchenwear never looked so good!

Towels and towel holder from Bed Bath N Table, Jug, bottles and table from Redcurrent, Gerberas from Tomuri & Co Floral Designs 52 | ENVY | SYLVIA PARK

Top shot: Coloured nesting bowls, knives and forks from Stevens, Round green tray from Stevens, Patterned cups, coloured whisk, navy spotty plates from The Homestore, Red tea towel (one of a set of three) from Acquisitions, Salad servers from Stevens, Patterned table runner from The Homestore Bottom shot: Blue spotty milk jug from Acquisitions, Lime green scale from Stevens, Blue Le Creuset spoon holder from The Homestore, Blue and pink spoons from Stevens, Kitchenaid in yellow from The Homestore, Red pot and blue pot (mini) from Stevens, Strawberry timer from Stevens, Green butter dish from Stevens, Two French cooking books from Whitcoulls, Yellow tea cup & saucer from Acquisitions, Blue rolling pin from The Homestore, Gingerbread man cutter from Stevens

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Left: White jug from Acquisitions, Plant from The Warehouse, Three crates from Typo, Heart and circle shape carved stamps from Trade Aid, White textured bowl from Acquisitions, Dice from Redcurrent, Heart dish from Stevens, Plant from The Warehouse, White textured bowls from Acquisitions, Tumble Tower game from Paper Plus Right: Pottery jug with white text from Redcurrent, Round wooden spoons from The Homestore, Wooden spoon with flat end from Stevens, Wooden pepper grinder from Acquisitions, White bowl from Stevens, Textured glass from Acquisitions, Mortar and pestal from The Homestore, Knife, Pizza board from Stevens, Tea towel from Acquisitions, Little and Friday cookbook and Notebook from Whitcoulls, Rolling pin from The Homestore, Beige mixing bowl from Acquisitions, Cream tin with hanging scoop from Redcurrent, Steamers (set of 3) from Acquisitions, Spotted oven mitt from The Homestore

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SUNDAY MORNING

Glasses from The Homestore, Plates, Egg cup and spoon, Knife from Stevens, Dualit toaster from The Homestore, Egg trays, Milk bottles (set of 3) from Stevens, Salt and pepper grinders from The Homestore

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COLOUR WHEEL OF FUN

Clockwise from top: Beanie from Pumpkin Patch, Fox mask (part of a kit set) from Typo, Sheriff Badge from Megachoice, Ball from Toyworld, Socks, Marbles, Wooden blue robot and High top sneakers Cotton On Kids, Jeans from Pumpkin Patch, Crayons in a colour wheel, Orange rubbish tin from Smiggle, Mini milk bottle and straws from The Homestore, Letterman jacket from Pumpkin Patch, Shirt from Cotton On Kids, Green rubber ice-cream, Blue and White notebook and green ruler from Smiggle

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FAIRGROUND FAIRY

Clockwise from top: Slinky from Megachoice, Coloured pencils from Smiggle, Patterned necklace from Cotton On Kids, Coloured windmill from Origin Interiors, Ice-cream cone lip gloss from Life Pharmacy, Fujifilm instax mini yellow camera from Noel Leeming, black and pink ballet flats from Pumpkin Patch, Spotty hair clips and popcorn box from Megachoice, Spotty skirt from Cotton On Kids, Butterfly rubber and jump rope (carrot/bunny) from Smiggle, Pink t-shirt and jacket from Cotton On Kids

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VARIETY-THE SPICE OF LIFE I’m not going to pretend that a foodcourt can’t be a scary place, well it is, if like me, you struggle with even basic decisions. Choosing from one menu is hard enough but having to choose from over a dozen is daunting to say the least. But then, variety is the spice of life, and a girl has to eat. So, in the name of research and vital retail sustenance I’ve overcome my fear of choosing the wrong thing for lunch and branched out. I won’t lie, this wasn’t hard, it was seriously yummy.

McDonalds

I have to start with the icon that is McDonalds. It may not be an adventurous start but it’s a classic. Childhood treats of a happy meal and a movie still come to mind when I tuck into fries from that familiar red carton. I know McDonalds is always updating their menu, but sometimes you just need a cheeseburger and nothing else compares.

Smart Sushi

The queue for Smart Sushi is so long, it snakes out of the foodcourt itself. Don’t worry, it moves quickly and is totally justified, because the sushi at the end is delicious. Forget meager portions of sad looking sushi waiting to be picked, Smart Sushi make it so fresh chances are your meal hasn’t even been out 5 minutes before you start eating. Generous servings of avocado, salmon, ginger… well, everything, make this a top sushi spot. Try the California roll wrapped in avocado, sooo good.

Katsubi

Katsubi is a fun and modern take on traditional Japanese donburi and Korean bibimbap. The basic premise is a bowl of fluffy rice to which you choose your own veges, a traditional meat or seafood (you have to try Teriyaki Salmon at least once in your life) and sauces. It’s a novel play on traditional cuisine and it’s always fun to play around with different flavours and try Japanese your way! It turns out my way has an indecent amount of sauce.

Kiwi Grill

If it can be grilled, it will be available at Kiwi Grill. While some of the meals would challenge even the biggest appetite, there are loads of offerings to satisfy that need for comfort food, especially in winter… or when you’ve maxed out your credit card. Huge breakfasts with all the trimmings, steak and chips, garlic potatoes, macaroni cheese, burgers, fried onions, hot dogs and bbq pork ribs are all on the menu. I recommend several trips to try it all – that’s a warning.

Scoops

Every good lunch deserves a delicious dessert, and some days perhaps lunch should just be ice cream. Scoops has an​ 58 | ENVY | SYLVIA PARK

eye watering selection of gelatos and ice-creams, as well as waffles, cones, cups and milkshakes to accompany. Just be sure to leave space as it’s located right at the entrance so is hard (near impossible) to ignore.

Habitual Fix

Imagine your perfect sandwich. Now go to Habitual Fix and they can make it for you. It doesn’t have to be a sandwich either, how about a wrap? Or a toasted pita? Or a salad? Habitual Fix has changed the sandwich scene, with not a suspect piece of dry chicken breast to be seen, they only use the freshest and highest quality vegetables and deli meats. Plus they have all those things that boring sandwiches just don’t have, like fresh lamb, blue cheese dressing, bacon and croutons. This is making me so hungry.

Tank Juice Bar

A big drawcard for choosing Tank is that you can get your 5+ a day in one go (leaving you free to have ice-cream for lunch?) but they also make getting all your vitamins super delicious. The Jamaican lime smoothie is divine, and a good way to pretend it’s summer all year round. If you’re more serious about what you put in your body, they also have a menu of ‘Tank Shots’ tailored for specific health aspects. Life is too short for boring juice, not to mention the smug factor you get from clutching one of those green and orange cups. Why, yes, I am healthy.

Gloria Jeans Coffee

I’m not going to pretend I can shop my way round Sylvia Park fuelled purely on enthusiasm and shoe-finding determination, I’m not superhuman. I need coffee. Is there any better feeling than putting those shopping bags down and sipping on a hot coffee before round two (or three)? I think not.

Winter is the perfect time to indulge in one of Gloria Jeans white hot chocolates, topped with marshmallows (of course) followed by a flat white for energy. You’ll be 80% better equipped for shopping*.

Kebabs on Queen

Kebabs on Queen is a bit of an Auckland institution. Recently it’s undergone a bit of a facelift, the yummy, juicy kebabs are still there but now they have more healthy and low carb options

as well. While a traditional falafel kebab is always a favourite, when you’re having trouble deciding on sauces you have to try one of the Turkish pade (pizza) available from the cabinet – heated up they are AMAZING and totally addictive.

Oporto

The Oporto combination of fresh, grilled chicken with hot chilli seasonings and sauces is a winning one. They’re some of the most satisfying and healthiest burgers around. If you don’t fancy a burger, their wraps are just as tasty and filling. While the chicken is always delicious, I’m a sucker for sides and Oporto excels here with choices of pasta, coleslaw, mashed potato and of course chips.

Spice Traders

It’s no secret that it was the spicy aromas wafting from Spice Traders that led you in to the foodcourt in the first place.

Spice Traders creates authentic indian cuisine that truly tastes as good as it smells. They have a huge selection of rich and flavoursome curries including options for both vegetarians and vegans, generous servings of the fluffiest rice and amazing buttery naan. Spice Traders is the perfect option for taking home for dinner at the end of a hard day, with no need to wait.

LJS

You can try all the adventurous, new dishes you like but sometimes real fish and chips is the only thing that will hit the spot. LJS are pretty serious about their premium NZ ‘fush & chups’. Beneath the crispy golden batter is your choice of fresh hoki, snapper, tarakihi, dory or flounder. Another great one you can stop by on the way home for that classic Friday night supper or for Saturday afternoon date. The fish is delish but be sure to treat yourself to a battered oyster or two.

Hungry Wok

With my decision-making difficulties Hungry Wok is always a no brainer for me. I don’t have to choose between rice or noodles, black bean beef or sweet and sour pork, I can have it all. The Chinese smorgasbord is (in my opinion) a foodcourt legend and Hungry Wok does it so right, the selection is huge, the dishes tasty and well stocked, you’ll never have that ‘missed the last wonton’ trauma here.

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VOLUNTOURISM

Travelling with a purpose has never been simpler or more satisfying.

Fuelled by a plethora of TV programmes featuring celebrities in strange lands doing extraordinary stuff, I decided to see what might be possible for the rest of us. My eyes have been opened to a travel phenomenon called voluntourism. Not to be confused with voyeurism, not at all. This is a strictly hands on experience, guaranteed, I’m assured, to make your world (and those you are helping) a better place.

Alyson Oliver had ambitions of becoming a journalist when she came across a project working as a reporter on a regional newspaper in Ghana. She lived in a house with other volunteers who worked in orphanages and schools, and spent four months in the country. Unlike many other African countries, Ghana has no real tourism industry and is perhaps most famous for being one of the largest cocoa producers in the world.

The next step along the traveller’s path from ecotourism, voluntourism claims to show us how to immerse ourselves in the places we visit and leave them, not so much undisturbed, but changed for the better. As a faint-hearted philanthropist, it’s beginning to sound like something I could be persuaded to get out of my armchair and stop watching Bear Grylls re-runs for. Maybe.

“I lived in a village in a house with about nine other volunteers, but everyone else were locals. The family who lived next door looked after us and we also had a support guy who showed me where the bus stop was and where my place of work was.

But first I have to decide where my (as yet faint) heart lies. Do I want to help badly-treated elephants in Thailand or assist in an orphanage in Vietnam or Cambodia? Teach children in New Delhi or work on a conservation programme with the famous orangutans of Borneo? Believe me, there is a voluntourism destination for everyone. If you are bored with travel where you simply tick off the sights on the same old tourist trail, then you should seriously consider this option.

Opportunities to volunteer on projects overseas have literally mushroomed over the past decade. An ever-increasing number of people are finding out just how exciting, educational, emotional and downright out-of-the-ordinary such travel can be.

There are a raft of organisations that list hundreds of worthy projects in countries the world over, but I was pleased to learn STA Travel has been a trailblazer for voluntourism since its inception.

Better still, it actually funds projects itself (to the tune of $250,000) including building a community centre in a Tsunamidevastated island in Thailand and a children’s ward in a Kenyan hospital.

But it gets better. Its staff at Sylvia Park don’t just talk the talk, they’ve walked the walk and experienced volunteering first hand. What’s refreshing is that they don’t claim voluntourism will transform you into Mother Theresa or David Attenborough, but it will change your life for the better.

“I wasn’t prepared for the amount of attention I got for being white. Ghana is not really a travel destination so there are very few westerners there. It is a totally different way of life. Being a woman you need to take extra care, but it’s common sense really. I felt safer walking about in Ghana than I did when I lived in England, especially at night. If we were out a bit late, someone would generally insist on walking us home and make sure we were ok.

“There’s obviously lots of cultural differences and I have to say I found the food horrible. It was mainly some type of meat ground down and mixed with palm oil. It tasted revolting. I got very good at pretending I liked things when I didn’t so as not to offend my hosts. But it was fun trying out new things. One of the biggest challenges, believe it or not, was catching a bus, something I had to do every day. Getting on the right bus and making sure it was going to where I wanted to go was a major.

All the buses are privately owned and they try to get as many passengers on the bus as possible. They don’t really seem to care where you are going; they just want you to get on. You never know when, or even if, they are going to turn up. It’s the African way - things might come, but never on time, or not at all. You just have to hope for the best.

“I worked in a newsroom with about 20 others and it was really cool. I got sent to loads of press conferences and because I was the only white reporter there, people would come up to me afterwards, even heads of state, because they thought I was someone important from the UK. Most of the things I got to write about were on local trade. A piece I did on social inequalities got hacked to bits unfortunately so didn’t really represent what I had written. A story I found fascinating was WINTER13 | ENVY | 61

about Ghana’s desperation to get the internet set up when it didn’t have many of the basic amenities we take for granted, like a sewage system for example.

Lisa Sherrard’s experience of voluntourism combined a two week adventure programme around Thailand followed by two weeks volunteering in Khao Sok national park.

“I went into orphanages. It’s quite sad because a lot of overseas aid intended for them never gets through. The real teachers don’t seem to care about the children, but lean on the volunteers to teach them. It opens you eyes to charity and how it does, and doesn’t, work.

“Khao Sok is about two hours south of Bangkok literally in the middle of absolutely nowhere. It’s the oldest evergreen rain forest in the world. I went with two friends and we were shown our accommodation, which was bit of a shock. It was a thin mattress on the floor with three little pillows, our bed for the next two weeks!

“There are lots of things about Ghana which challenge you.

Like parents who cut off their children’s arms or legs because they know it will get them more money when they go out begging when they are older. That seems very harsh, but you start to become immune to that sort of thing after you’ve been there for a while. It’s a fact that if you felt sorry for everyone on the street you would just turn around and leave the country without helping anyone at all.

“Ghanians may not be financially well off, but in terms of attitude, they are a lot happier than most Europeans or Kiwis despite all the West has to offer. It’s a less stressful way of life.

The people are amazing, warm and welcoming. That’s what made the country for me.

“Travelling is awesome, but often you are just a passer-by and you don’t really experience the culture or the different way of life. You are alternatively travelling, staying in hostels, not really interacting with people. When you volunteer you are definitely interacting with locals. They’ll invite you into their homes and you’ll see how they live day to day as opposed to a holiday when you just mix with other westerners and see a country’s highlights.”

“I learnt so much about Ghana’s history, including its slave trade, which helps you appreciate the difficulties the people have had. I definitely came away feeling more aware of what is important in life. I would recommend it to everyone.”

Alyson, who manages STA Travel in Sylvia Park, is now planning her next voluntour, working for Bikes for Humanity in Africa, an organisation that supplies bicycles to needy communities.

“It’s a really cool organisation that collects old bikes and sends them over to Africa in shipping containers. The containers stay in the country and become community bike workshops. 100 per cent of all donations are used to get bikes into the hands of those that need them.”

She’s planning to raise sponsorship by doing a marathon later this year and is organising fund-raising events like quiz nights and bingo.

62 | ENVY | SYLVIA PARK

It was a huge culture shock. I’d only been thinking of all the fun stuff I’d be doing on my trip to Thailand and hadn’t given the volunteering side much thought. Having to do things like flush the toilet with a bucket of water was a huge wake up call. When I first got there I wanted to come home, but had no option but to sit it out. I am so glad that I did.

“My work mainly focussed around looking after the dusky leaf langur monkeys that live in the park. We recorded their behaviour and cleaned up the environment they were living in.

We also did some extra work teaching children English and helped build them a little conservation centre.

“I definitely got to know the real Thai people. I guess you can go to some parts of the country and its very touristy, all night parties and things like that. But by volunteering you get to experience the real culture. I got to meet some amazing people that I wouldn’t have met if I’d just been backpacking through.

I got to live with them, they cooked for me and I really got to know them and their families. When we left, they even gave us presents. It was a real authentic experience.”

“One thing I did struggle with was the food, which was rice and noodles for lunch and dinner every day. By the time I came back to NZ, I was sick of it. I didn’t eat rice for about two years after and still won’t touch noodles.”

“Before I volunteered, me and my mates used to go out quite a bit. When I came back, it didn’t seem like such a big deal anymore. You learn to value the people and things around you that much more.”

“If I ever go back to Thailand, I want to revisit the village I stayed in and meet up with the community which was so kind to me.

Although it’s hard to see the poverty they have to live in on a daily basis, it makes you realise how lucky you are to live in New Zealand.”

Ten reasons why you should become an intrepid traveller (with a heart) 1. Get off the beaten that track and see things can’t the average tourist

ily 2. Live with a local fam e enc eri exp life l and get rea 3. Become part of the tander community, not a bys into 4. Gain a unique insight a foreign culture

le 5. Be part of a valuab se tho g pin hel is t project tha you visit

to learn 6. It’s a great way e uag the local lang lls 7. Helps vocational ski 8. Make new friends nal amongst the internatio volunteer community

your 9. Feel good about lf rse you travels and the 10. The emphasis is on t jus not y, journe the destination

If you still need convincing…

There’s no doubt in my mind that voluntourism is a great way to take your travel experience to a higher level. It’s a win-win situation for the traveller who can be rightly proud of helping others in a practical way.

By volunteering through a respected organisation like STA Travel you can be sure that things operate the way they say they do and you won’t be in for any nasty surprises. STA Travel has embarked on a responsible travel journey with Planeterra, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing volunteer travel projects across the planet. One of the many benefits is that a substantial donation is included in the price that can make a significant impact on the local community. You’ll also get the services of an in-country project coordinator who will welcome you and get you set up.

Some of the projects you could be helping out with this year include working ‘hands on’ with elephants at a rescue centre in Thailand; help with Bali’s reef rehabilitation; work in a childcare centre in Kathmandu or at a wildlife animal rescue centre in Vietnam.

It really is as easy as booking a holiday.

Now where’s my suitcase…

STA Travel Shop S075, Sylvia Park Shopping Centre Phone: 09 582 0271 Email: sylvia@statravel.co.nz WINTER13 | ENVY | 63

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