Best of Times Autumn 2012

Best of Times Vol 3 Issue 3, Autumn 2012

Active living in later life

amazing arts & crafts sanctuary in tauranga

IN The AUTUMN iSSUE:

Travel to:

Gardening, nutrition, health

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Aclasta® (zoledronic acid 5mg) is a prescription medicine for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and the treatment of Paget’s disease of the bone. Aclasta is an infusion and contains 5mg of zoledronic acid. Check with your doctor to see if Aclasta is right for you. Aclasta is fully funded for patients who meet specified criteria. Funding does not include the cost of infusion and normal doctors and prescription charges will apply. Do not use if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Not recommended in patients with kidney impairment or in children and adolescents. Caution while under dental treatment or if dental treatment is planned. Calcium, hydration status and kidney function may be assessed by your doctor before and after you are given Aclasta. Adverse effects are usually mild and transient. Common side effects are flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, fatigue, chills, and bone, joint, and/or muscle pain; anaemia; headache; dizziness, transient low blood calcium; gastrointestinal symptoms, renal impairment, breathing difficulty and lethargy.

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the teaM Editor: alex staines Advertising: Belle hanrahan Production manager: Barbara la Grange Editor-in-chief: shane cummings General manager/publisher: (aPn Educational Media) Bronwen Wilkins Writers: Eion scarrow, Gaye Philpott Stock images: thinkstock Phone 04 471 1600 Fax 04 471 1080 Web www.apn-ed.co.nz/ page/best-of-times.aspx

Contents 2 4 5 8

Desk duty – letters, rVa column, snippets Greening with age – sanctuary in tauranga Interview – John hart’s southern justice Village life – amazing arts & crafts Travelling on – Malaysian holiday;

9 new Zealand battlefields 12 Book reviews 14 Nutrition with Gaye Philpott – staying on top 15 Gardening with the scarrows – Mulching with compost 15 Baking corner – fran’s vanilla hearts Good types with great tips – social networking; cosy

Published by aPn Educational Media, a division of aPn national Publishing nZ limited. level 1, saatchi & saatchi Building, 101-103 courtenay Place, PO Box 200, Wellington Issn: 1179-3252 copyright © 2012. all rights reserved. no part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Errors and omissions Whilst the publishers have attempted to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in this publication, no responsibility can be accepted by the publishers for any errors or omissions.

terms and conditions 1. Entry into our competitions confirms your acceptance of our terms and conditions.

2. Entry is open to new Zealand residents only.

3. Best of times takes no responsibility for lost, stolen, misdirected or incomplete entries. the publisher’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

4. By accepting this prize the winner consents to the publisher using his/her details for promotional use.

5. the prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash.

6. all entries become the property of the publisher.

16 towels at a lower cost; senior moments resolved 18 Health – Putting your best foot forward 19 Leisurely pace – Mahjong and tai chi 20 Yesteryear – By the hatful 22 Puzzles

frOM thE editor I Was PlannInG tO write an article for this issue about happiness, and I have to confess I couldn’t get it to work. I was striving to put into a few hundred words the formula for achieving happiness – taken from research and popular wisdom – and include apt quotes from famous die-hards. I found that the formula for Being happy eluded me on the page – just as it’s difficult to achieve in real life. Or is it? Was it simply my attitude that made the task difficult?

Everyone has their own ideas about how to get happy. so-called experts have made fortunes publishing books on finding the grail of bliss. Doctors dispense antidepressants in alarming quantities to new Zealanders when their quest fails (according to a recent report in the listener). as I was contemplating my non-existent article, I glanced over the content for this issue – at the words of 80-year-olds like David Grace, Jim Pringle, and Gladys shields, at people like carrie hammington, the diversional therapist at summerset trentham village, at my interview with John hart, at young Eva-Maria salikhova, who came from siberia to new Zealand aged six – and saw that these folk are setting an example of living well, by achieving things and giving of themselves to their communities. Enriching the lives of others and creating a better world. happiness? It’s all in how you live it, and look at it.

– Alex Staines

Become a columnist for Best of times Best of times magazine, which is circulated to every resident in rVa-member retirement villages across new Zealand, is interested in ‘villager’ columnists.

If you are a village resident with a background of expertise in careers advice, medicine, finance, sport, the arts, or similar, and you would like to write an occasional ‘expert’ column in Best of times to benefit the readers, then please get in touch with the editor, alex staines. he can be contacted by email: editor@bestoftimes.co.nz or by writing to him at Editor, Best of times, aPn Educational Media, PO Box 200, Wellington 6140.

Vol 3 issue 3 Autumn 2012 1

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journey

Selwyn Village resident Noel Tubman with Charlie, the original robot to be trialled at the village.

Robots part of life at Selwyn Robot healthcare assistantS have been at Selwyn Village in Pt Chevalier since 2008 as part of an ongoing international research project called Healthbots, which involves The University of Auckland and a cluster of South Korean companies.

Duncan Macdonald, CEO of The Selwyn Foundation that owns Selwyn Village, said, “Our residents were initially rather bemused at the prospect of having robots in the village, and somewhat unclear as to how they might be used in a retirement village setting. However, they’ve now really taken to them and are approaching the project with great enthusiasm and interest. Their interaction with the robots is providing the university team with invaluable data, which will help to further refine their functionality and enhance their practical application for independent retirement living.”

The robots can take residents’ heart rate or blood pressure, provide entertainment, remind residents to take their medication, and alert nurses if someone falls. The residents can Skype from some of the robots, find out what daily activities are on at the village and play games to help their mental fitness.

“As the use of this type of assistive technology is in line with The Selwyn Foundation’s philosophy of supporting residents to remain as independent as possible, we’ve been delighted to help The University of Auckland with this ground-breaking project,” said Macdonald.

Where the

becomes a destination

Make sure you take advantage of our great senior discounts.

To book today, visit www.interislander.co.nz, see your nearest travel agent or call 0800 802 802.

2 Best of Times

One of the guide robots located at the reception area and in the community centre at Selwyn Village.

Noel Tubman again with a Paro robot, based on a Canadian harp seal. The robot has tactile sensors and responds to being patted by moving its tail and opening and closing its eyes.

The robots can take residents’ heart rate or blood pressure, provide entertainment, remind residents to take their medication, and alert nurses if someone falls.

Desk duty – letters, RVA column, snippets

A puzzle a day really can keep dementia away A study reported in the Daily Mail recently revealed that keeping the brain active with a daily crossword puzzle is an effective way to help ward off dementia.

Just two hours a day spent keeping the mind and body busy is as effective at warding off dementia as drug treatment, research reveals.

Simple activities such as gardening, doing crosswords or sudoku, making snacks and singing help to keep the brain healthy, and can even slow the course of dementia in sufferers already diagnosed with the condition.

It confirms long-standing theories that keeping the brain active helps keep it healthy.

Researchers in Bavaria trialled a two-hour therapy session, called MAKS (motor stimulation; daily living activities; cognitive stimulation; spiritual elements), in nursing homes for six days a week for a year. It included gentle exercise such as bowling or croquet, half an hour of solving puzzles in groups, and 40 minutes of everyday activities like preparing a snack, light gardening or doing woodwork.

The impact was “at least as good as” treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors, typically prescribed to treat dementia, according to one of the study’s authors, Professor Elmar Graessel.

The sessions postponed the decline in dementia patients’ cognitive function for at least a year.

“Additionally, the effect on their ability to perform daily tasks... was twice as high as achieved by medication,” said Graessel.

Letter to the editor It can be difficult for grandparents to keep in touch with their grandchildren. Families may be scattered and Christmas gatherings too much of a hurly-burly. One solution is a periodic newsletter, easily produced on a home computer. The style and content will depend on the family, though there are one or two general rules.

People are busy, so the newsletter should be reasonably short. Two A4 pages is probably a maximum. The various sections should also be short; a couple of paragraphs at most. To brighten the page, set the first few words of each topic in bold type. The content should be varied and the tone light, remembering that the newsletter should entertain as well as inform.

Content might include: your comments on current family events; items from family history and pen-pictures of ancestors known to you; scenes from your childhood that contrast with today; your views on current social issues or events; items from your reading, film watching etc, which have intrigued you.

In this way, your grandchildren will not only learn more about the family but also get to know you better.

If “putting it on paper” looks difficult, remember it’s not a literary exercise; treat it like a casual chat. Writing about trams, cart-horses or crabby teachers is an easy way to get started and the occasional tale-out-of-school about their parents is certain to amuse your grandchildren. Last word: be generous with praise and sparing with advice.

Changing attitudes to retirement villages The RVA’s research a few years ago showed that more than 70 per cent of people in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty have a positive or very positive attitude towards retirement villages, and quite a few had even visited one. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that there are many people who are confused about what a retirement village is, how it operates, and what living in an active, vibrant and fun community is really like.

We feel this is something that the industry – with residents’ assistance – needs to tackle head-on.

After all, you’ve been telling us for years that moving to a village was the best decision you ever made, and we want to show why that is so to as many other people as possible.

So on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 March 2012, we’re trying something entirely new. That weekend, across Auckland, as many RVA member villages as possible will be holding an open weekend to show visitors just how much fun retirement villages can be. Villages will be open from 11am to around 3pm on both days.

Some ideas residents might like to think about include: »» Invite friends and their families to visit over the weekend »» Be identified as ‘village ambassadors’ to engage with visitors and show them around »» Decorate the village appropriately (remembering that 17 March is St Patrick’s Day) »» Put on morning and afternoon teas »» Organise a barbeque lunch for visitors and promote this in local media »» Alert community groups of which they are members (Grey Power, Probis Clubs, Age Concern, RSA, churches, etc) and encourage them to visit »» Design and put up posters, kerb stands, etc in local shopping centres.

If your village is going to be participating in the open weekend, we really hope that you’ll enter into the spirit of the occasion and make sure all visitors realise just how much fun retirement villages are.

– John Collyns, executive director, Retirement Villages Association

– David Grace, Wellington

TALK TO US We love letters and give prizes for selected ones from village residents.

We also love ideas, complaints, compliments, images, stories.

Go on, get in touch with the editor: by post to Editor, Best of Times, PO Box 200, Wellington 6140; email: editor@bestoftimes.co.nz; ph (DDI): 04 915 9787 Advertise with us – ph: 04 915 9793; Subscribe to us – ph: 04 916 4807

Vol 3 Issue 3 Autumn 2012 3

greening With age Eco-oldies doing great things

Sanctuary in tauranga

Jim Pringle is an 80-something with a purpose in life: he’s heavily involved in an environmental project that’s benefitting his community. We check out the reason for Jim’s enthusiasm.

J

im Pringle, who resides at Melrose Park lifestyle care and Village in tauranga with his wife Margaret, says “people who have chosen to live in retirement villages can stay involved with the rest of the community and make a contribution to society”.

Jim’s no armchair philosopher; he’s walking the walk as project manager of an ecological restoration under way at sanctuary Park, in Joyce Road, Pyes Pa. “this involves a lot of office work, but is also hands on, supervising volunteers and contractors,” says Jim. sanctuary Park covers 8.4 hectares of land. the project aims to restore native bush and wetland, and provide a tranquil haven within the tauranga city boundary for the benefit of future generations. a community centre, to be built on an elevated part of the site, will cater for a wide range of activities. Phase one of the project is complete, and the park was officially opened to the public in october last year. it already has some lovely walks. “to date we have planted some 40,000 trees, planned and built paths and boardwalks, and controlled the many invasive weeds,” says Jim. Restoration of the wetland area has particular ecological importance, as new Zealand’s once extensive wetlands, which provided habitat for myriad birds and fish, have been decimated by reclamation and pollution.

Whitebait rely on wetlands for breeding, and the dramatic decline of whitebait stocks can be directly linked to the loss of these undervalued ecosystems.

“May i suggest this type of activity is excellent for the health and very satisfying involvement for ‘retired’ persons? it is exciting to be involved and have a purpose and objective in life. i’ve been doing this for four years, and at 83, i look forward to a number of

4 Best of Times

years yet with this project,” says Jim. “i would encourage others who are reasonably physically active to consider becoming involved. a few hours a week from a number of people can achieve a lot.” For example, Recycled teenagers, a local exercise-based group for over50s, is looking at lending a hand.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the project, and will be needed for many years, not just for the initial hard work of restoration: weed control, building boardwalks and planting trees – but for ongoing activities like sampling water quality and monitoring native bird and fish populations as they recover. there are already high educational values associated with the park. Kuaka new Zealand – a company specialising in providing students and travellers with cultural and environmental field study experiences – is a partner in the sanctuary Park project trust. in January, Kuaka brought biology students and faculty from calvin college in the Us to survey water quality and vegetation change; and students and faculty on an educational study programme through australearn are visiting in February to continue the environmental survey and restoration work and further their studies. students of history can also visit the site commemorating the vicious battle of te Ranga, fought between Ma- ori defenders and british troops on 21 June 1864, which is nearby. sanctuary Park provides a link – with other environmental projects higher up the valley – in an ecological corridor between the mountains (Kaimai and Mamaku ranges) and the ocean. its restoration is supported by funding from environment bay of Plenty, the regional council.

Find out more: www.sanctuarypark.org.nz

conducted tour of sanctuary Park led

by Jim Pringle.

sanctuary Park wetland before restoration work (insert, left)... and after (below).

INTERVIEW Interesting folk from home and abroad

Southern justice

In our part of the world, the name John Hart is synonymous with rugby, but in the US, it belongs to one of the hottest properties in crime writing. ALEX STAINES interviewed John Hart, a native of Rowan County, North Carolina, when he visited these shores to judge the 2011 Ngaio Marsh Award for the best New Zealand crime novel.

J

ohn Hart has drawn to the head of the crime-writing pack with just four novels. He has twice won the Edgar Allan Poe Award for best novel, and secured England’s Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for his third book, The Last Child.

John describes himself as a “recovering lawyer” (in his time he has also flown helicopters and been a stockbroker). Lawyers who become successful American writers crop up repeatedly. John Grisham, the famous crime author, was a lawyer. Charles Brockden Brown, who is credited with inventing the American Novel in the 18th century, was a lawyer who yearned to be a writer.

John suggested several possible reasons behind this: in America, the law is probably the unhappiest profession. Seventy-seven per cent of attorneys would, given the choice, do something different with their careers.

“Grisham lit a small fire on a very tall mountain,” John said.

When John was a defence attorney, he was asked to defend the most unpleasant characters – the sort of lowlifes that are guilty as sin but expect to get off on a technicality.

He was looking for a change. He had experience as a writer, having already written two novels that failed to get published. He thought, “Well, if Grisham can do it, I can, too.” His first successful book, The King of Lies, features a lawyer. While it was a bestseller and attracted comparisons with Grisham (as well as Scott Turow), John knew he couldn’t out-Grisham Grisham, and he subsequently turned away from lawyer characters and worked hard to forge his own style. “The other thing about lawyers is we’re trained to believe we can get away with anything,” said John.

His favourite setting is the American South, a fertile breeding ground for gothic ideas and characters. It’s a very religious part of America and racism is still an issue. “The South is a vanquished nation, and we’ve never forgotten it,” said John. There is a sense of identity in the South that has stood the test of time.

The South is unique and different from the rest of the US. It’s a very open place. People tended to stay in the towns they were raised in because of poverty; there simply wasn’t the money to move away. There is a strong sense of connection to place you might not find in other areas.

Writing crime thrillers, I reckon, gave

John the opportunity to decide the fate of the characters, to mete out justice. “Justice is usually imperfect,” said John. “It’s never a clean and tidy affair.”

Justice is a big theme in John’s excellent third novel, The Last Child. Not just worldly justice, also the hand of God. The crows follow Levi Freemantle because they ‘know’ he’s going to kill Ken Holloway and they’re going to harvest his soul. “I left it open as to whether Levi is an agent of divine justice or just insane,” said John. But the murder of Holloway is an answer to a prayer of Johnny Merrimon’s (the clear-eyed, selfless and courageous boy who is the ‘hero’ of the book). Other prayers of Johnny’s, though – such as to bring his father and sister back – are not answered.

Johnny turns away from God because a priest told him he didn’t believe enough. He adopts alternative beliefs, but then rediscovers an Old Testament God at the end, a vengeful and righteous God who hears his prayers. The Last Child provides an insight into African Americans and the Church in the American South. African Americans worshipped in open-air churches called “hush arbours” or “brush harbours”; they were prevented from attending mainstream churches where they might hear a message of equality.

Several times in this novel, the sentence

“darkness is a cancer of the human heart” appears. John is exploring the theme of whether evil is innate or caused by life circumstance. He said he probably sides with Detective Hunt, the investigator at the centre of the action, who believes that people are basically good. But John agrees that this attitude tires Hunt out. There is a responsibility in believing that good prevails; everything cannot be left to God to dispense justice. And the ‘good people’ in Hart’s novels are not blameless; they struggle with the darkness in themselves and have to make the right choices.

Down River is a testament to John’s childhood farm. While they lived in town, his family had a 500-acre waterfront property that had been intact since the 1600s. “When my parents divorced, the land was sold and split up and damaged beyond repair. My ambition has always been to get back to the land and raise my children on a rural property. Recently, we’ve bought the place of my dreams in Charlottesville,Virginia. The piece I bought was taken out of developers’ hands,” said John.

There is a very strong sense of family in all John’s books, and even many of the characters’ names are taken from his own family and friends. “I’ve killed both my brothers-in-law,” jokes John.

Iron House, John’s fourth novel, is very different from The Last Child. At the end of the latter, there is hope for brave young Johnny. John said, “I gave him a soft landing. Then I got to wondering about a similar character whose dire circumstances continued unabated. I wanted to write a story about a bleak childhood that led to a very strong man.” It’s a pretty violent book, more so than The Last Child, which attracted the comment that “never have so many people been killed in a book in such a socially responsible manner”. The paedophile Burton Jarvis, for instance, is killed by one of his victims.

John learned plenty about human motivation working with all those guilty people when he was an attorney. “There are no criminal masterminds, I found,” said John. Bad things happen for short-sighted, selfish reasons. Most people who go to prison never think about the consequences of their actions. The King of Lies involves someone witnessing an evil act, not doing enough to stop it, and the ensuing guilt.

“I was starting to come up against soulless, evil people and this was one of the reasons I quit my practice. Most of the criminal defendants I worked with didn’t care who they hurt, had no sense of right and wrong or responsibility. To me, it’s got to be something internal, plus a failing in how they were raised. Perhaps it is true that some people are innately good while others are innately evil.”

As William Blake said, “Some are born to sweet delight, and some are born to endless night.”

Vol 3 Issue 3 Autumn 2012 5

The box Best of Times answers your questions on going digital

83 per cent of New Zealand New Zealand will start going digital in seven months and 83 per cent of households are ready for it.

13 Best of Times

T

he first regions to go digital will be Hawke’s Bay and the West Coast of the South Island on 30 September 2012. The rest of the country will go digital in stages over 2013, with the Upper North Island the last to go digital on 1 December 2013.

The West Coast and the Waikato region have the highest proportion of households currently watching digital television at 92 per cent.

“Television is a leading leisure activity in many New Zealand households and it’s great that so many Kiwis have already gone digital and are enjoying more channels and better picture quality,” said Going Digital National Manager Greg Harford.

“Everyone in New Zealand who wants to watch television after their regional deadline will need a set-top box and the right aerial or satellite dish.”

The Government has launched a targeted assistance package to support some people to go digital.

Those people who could qualify for the package will receive a letter from the Going Digital team at least six

watching digital television months before their region goes digital with details on how to take up the assistance.

The package is available to those who aren’t already watching digital television and are either: » aged 75 and over with a Community Services Card; or recipients of a Veteran’s Pension or Invalids’ Benefit; or » former Veteran’s Pension and Invalid’s Benefit recipients who transferred to NZ Superannuation at age 65 or over.

Rest home residents who meet the criteria are eligible for the package as are eligible people who live in rented accommodation.

People don’t need to do anything until they get a letter from us. Mr Harford said anyone who fits the criteria above and doesn’t receive a letter should check their address is up to date with Work and Income or Senior Services.

Those eligible for the programme will receive a set-top box and the right aerial or satellite dish.

The equipment will be installed and training will be provided, along with technical support for 12 months.

Digital television offers more channels, better pictures, and new features such as an electronic programming guide.

“You don’t need a new television to go digital. Any set can be converted with the right equipment,” Mr Harford said.

For those people already watching Freeview, Sky, or TelstraClear, you are already watching digital television and you don’t need to do anything unless you have other televisions in your home that don’t have a set-top box.

Mr Harford said it is also important to remember that all televisions, video, and DVD recorders will need to go digital if they are to continue receiving and recording programmes.

“If recording is important in your household, you might want to consider a new personal video recorder such as MyFreeview or MySky,” Mr Harford said.

Going digital by the end of 2013 will free up radio spectrum, which is ideal for next-generation mobile telecommunications services. These will support economic development in New Zealand by offering faster and cheaper mobile broadband services.

The Going Digital team includes nine community advisors based around the country who are available to speak with community groups and attend events where they can share the Going Digital story and answer questions about how to go digital.

For further information about goiNg digiTal or to contact a goiNg digiTal Community advisor, visit www.goingdigital.co.nz or call 0800 838 800.

Village life

Photos by alan Wickens

One avenue to happiness is creativity, and we found a wealth of talent on display around Wellington.

Amazing arts&crafts Retirement villages are places where people can get together to participate in a variety of activities, and many of these are good for mind, body and soul. arts and crafts are no exception, and at the summerset villages at aotea (in Porirua) and trentham, residents and staff combine to create and share their skills. People who never had time to paint or crochet when they were working and bringing up children can pick up their interest again when they retire, and many skills that were taught in a bygone age can be revived and passed on. an exhibition that took place at aotea in october last year was an illustration of the success of art and craft participation in a retirement village. twenty-two residents took part, exhibiting a range of pieces in different media – from oil painting and photography to embroidery, metalwork and even bonsai trees. the exhibition was open to the public.

Many of the artists have a following and are quite well known. barbara hefford, for example, has always been an artist; she studied at art school in her youth and became an art teacher. now, well into retirement, she’s living her dream of being an illustrator of children’s books. her most recent production – a book of songs – was on display at the exhibition. also in the show was June Gunn, whose previous work is displayed at the offices of the Porirua city council, and Paddy McMillan has been exhibited at topflight department store Kircaldie & stains in Wellington.

Gladys shields, who’s nearly 77, exhibited a couple of the amazing rugs she’s made over the years. the rugs are knitted, using very large wooden needles. the original pattern came from australia. “i couldn’t tell you how much wool i use,” said Gladys.

With some other rugs she has made, Gladys would knit smaller squares and then crochet

them together. “i’ve got a bit of arthritis in my hands and making rugs keeps my hands going,” said Gladys. father John heijnen – a prolific painter. she started out many years ago making bedspreads for her two sons. her mother – a dressmaker and milliner – taught her the skills of sewing, knitting and crocheting. “i can remember my mother making embroidered hessian aprons,” said Gladys. “her only regret was she never learned to tat.” tatting used a shuttle and cotton to make lace edging around camisoles and handkerchiefs.

Gladys belongs to the aotea craft group that meets weekly – and these are social Victor smith – bone carving. occasions as well as creative, said Karen White, the activities coordinator at aotea. there are 180 residents and most of them are living independently, so the activities tend to be broad. they have art tutors come in to give lessons to the group members, with painting in particular. “it keeps your mind active and it’s a way to meet other people,” said Karen. the tutors come from the community, for example from the Mana arts society. “another came up from invercargill looking for work, and now she lives at aotea,” said Karen. the group has a lot of fun – in December gladys shields with her hand-made rugs. they created a Kiwiana christmas tree, complete with pukekos, penguins, mini pavlovas and a Kiwi with a santa hat – made from all sorts of materials. carrie hammington is the diversional therapist at the trentham village. she has incorporated art and craft activities into the daily life of residents in the care centre at the rest home. there is a morning and afternoon programme. the afternoon activities tend to be ‘quieter’, said carrie, to suit the residents who have dementia or who are in palliative care. they do everything from baking pikelets, to making things in keeping with a theme, such as ‘Remembering the ’50s’. “We have a laugh out here,” said carrie.

left–right: Barbara smith, diane harriss, ann Bos, daphne tobin, Maureen Wilson and June chippindale.

8 Best of Times

Marie trethowen working on her needlework.

Margaret Wake working on appliqué.

Barbara hefford – painting in her villa.

Travelling on Going places because you can

Fancy a holiday with all the mod-cons, plus the spice and interest of the Orient? SARAH DUNN tells us anything and everything is possible in Malaysia, only a hop, skip and a jump north of New Zealand.

Holiday in Malaysia

F

rogs’ legs with porridge is a popular breakfast treat for locals in Malaysia.

Luckily for tourists, Malaysia’s unique mix of ethnic groups ensures plenty of frogfree meal options.

In fact, Malaysia offers some of the best cuisine in the world.

Kuala Lumpur is essentially the capital of eating and shopping – it’s cleverly designed to facilitate very little else, but for casual visitors staying a few days, this is certainly enough to be going on with.

Hawker (street food) stalls at the Imbi market offer iconic dishes such as the noodle dish char koay teow; a spicy coconut-cream soup with beansprouts and cockles named laksa, and the fierce red Malaysian curry, rendang. Reasonable prices means you can afford to cover the table with plates and try everything on a whim.

There are between-meal distractions. On Bukit Bintang street, you can sit for half an hour and let a school of “doctor fish” nibble the calluses from your feet. Five minutes down the road will find you haggling for knock-off sunglasses and bright silk dresses at the colourful Chinese markets on Jalan Petaling.

As in the rest of Asia, counterfeit DVDs are widely for sale despite heavy policing by the state. While it pays to be cautious, Malaysia is generally a very safe country for tourists.

From the capital, my brother and I took a bus two hours south to historic Melaka. We negotiated our way inland through a steady

stream of one-horse towns via a selection of bus companies, switching to a long wooden canoe at Kuala Tembeling. The rickety boat whirred upstream past water buffalo, wild boars and a troupe of grey monkeys before bringing us into Malaysia’s largest national park, Taman Negara.

Visiting Taman Negara is like stepping inside a nature documentary. The boundary line for the forest is located on one side of the river, and food and accommodation on another. Restaurants float between these two zones on the river, built on poles and inflated plastic barrels, connected by an elaborate network of jerry-rigged planks and ropes.

Some eating-houses can only be reached by tipping a boatman to row you to their doorstep, and for a little extra the same men will take you all the way across to the park.

We were lulled into a false sense of security walking into the rainforest the first day. The scenery and weather were glorious, damp heat bringing out the deep, lush smell of the jungle growing and decaying amongst itself.

We reached our camp in good time, but luckily did not have to set up a single tent – we were camping in a dry limestone cave bigger than Melaka’s Christ Church cathedral. The roof soared high into the cliffs, and a few bat colonies hid in hollows near the top.

They began squeaking loudly when the first peal of thunder rolled across the forest, and within seconds, torrential rain appeared

Reasonable prices means you can afford to cover the table with plates and try everything on a whim. out of nowhere and poured across the cave’s mouth like a curtain. We laid out our sleeping bags on the floor and went to bed early.

About the size of thin, elongated slugs, leeches are less intimidating than I’d been lead to believe but much more numerous.

The rain brought them out of hibernation in the mud, and they seemed to crawl towards us from all over Taman Negara.

While painless, removing a leech by hand is inadvisable as their jaw detaches and becomes lodged in the skin, causing infection. The best technique involves holding a flame to the leech until it lets go on its own. I still bear a tiny, perfectly circular scar on one ankle as a souvenir.

Returning to the little village by the river, hundreds of black and yellow froglets hopped out of the trees to gather on the footpath and the garden all around us, croaking happily and absorbing the moisture from the rain.

It’s possible to plan for many different holidays in Malaysia. We could have happily dined our way around the coast and never set foot outside a city, or rambled through sprawling rose gardens and tea plantations in the temperate highlands. The choices are all there.

Vol 3 Issue 3 Autumn 2012 9

Travel Going places because you can Looking west towards Pirongia Mountain from the Alexandra redoubt, Pirongia. Photo: David Green.

Battlefields of New Zealand Many people are familiar with the battlefields of the First World War in France and Belgium. Resources such as Major and Mrs Holt’s battlefield guides are legendary ‘bibles’ for the Great War battlefield visitor. Places like Verdun and Passchendaele might be better known to New Zealanders than the location of the battles fought here during the 19th century. A guide recently published in New Zealand helps to remedy this.

Battlefields of the New Zealand Wars – a visitor’s guide, by David Green, published by Penguin Books, guides readers to the most significant battlefields of the New Zealand Wars and provides a sense of what they are looking at when they get there. It’s an excellent resource for the traveller interested in local history, and includes precise directions to battle sites, accompanied by maps, old photos, paintings of the battle scenes done by artists of the day, and modernday aerial and on-the-ground photos.

The New Zealand Wars

The 1914 memorial on the site of the pa- at Orakau. The defenders fled across the fields in the background towards the Puniu River. Photo: David Green.

10 Best of Times

The ‘New Zealand Wars’ refers to the sporadic fighting among shifting groups of Māori, British troops and Pākehā settlers between 1843 and 1872 over who was to occupy the land and who was to rule it.

The New Zealand Wars were fought in the North Island, though they began in the South, with the bloody Wairau Affray near Tuamarina in 1843. The colonists were warned by this ‘incident’ not to take Māori lightly.

There were three main phases to the campaigns of the Wars. In the

1840s, there was localised fighting in the Bay of Islands, Wellington and Whanganui. Then, in the 1860s, fighting erupted in Taranaki and Waikato, during which 10 British regiments were deployed against Māori. From the mid-1860s, colonial military forces and their Māori allies took over from the British to oppose messianic Māori warriors attempting to hold onto their people’s lands.

About 3000 people were killed in the Wars; and Māori casualties were two or three times greater than those of Europeans. On a per capita basis, the numbers involved in the fighting, the casualties and the lasting effects were similar to the American Civil War. On the ground, this aspect of our heritage has continued to disappear – the visitor has to search for clues in the landscape, such as the outline of ditches and banks. New Zealand fortifications – both European (redoubts and stockades) and Māori (pā) – weren’t built to last.

Farming has destroyed many of the sites. Some of the major locations, though, are historic reserves, well signposted, and many are on public land or are visible from the road.

Your war medal stories

Readers are invited to post or email photos of their family war medals, together with an explanation, for example, of who won them, where and in what campaign. We’ll publish the best story and picture in Best of Times, and there’ll be prizes, too. We won’t publish your name and address if you ask us not to, to safeguard your privacy and security.

Mail to: Editor, Best of Times, PO Box 200, Wellington 6140; or email your story (with JPG files of medal photos, 1MB in size or bigger, attached to the email) to: editor@bestoftimes. co.nz It would be great to hear from anyone with medals from the New Zealand Wars period, especially the New Zealand Medal (a campaign medal awarded to 4400 colonial and imperial troops), the New Zealand Cross (for acts of valour by colonial troops and only awarded 23 times), or the Victoria Cross (for acts of valour, usually by imperial troops – 15 awarded).

Experiencing the Waikato War of 1863-4

There was a major battle between British forces and the Kingitanga at Rangiriri in the spring of 1863, resulting in 47 casualties on both sides. Rangiriri was a must-win for the Kingitanga warriors, in order to stop General Cameron’s advance onto their capital, Ngaruawahia. But the defenders were drastically under-manned and the British forces carried the day.

It’s possible to visit the defenders’ citadel which is signposted, 400m north of the Rangiriri township on State Highway 1. The low-profile defences, masterfully designed

by Pene Te Wharepu, withstood several frontal assaults and were largely artillery-proof. There are plans to restore the site by 2013 to mark the 150th anniversary of this, the most important battle of the Wars.

Most of the British dead lie in unmarked graves in Rangiriri cemetery, where there is also a monument to the Māori dead.

Across from the cemetery, the Rangiriri Battle-site Heritage Centre houses a small museum

featuring an audio-visual show on the battle.

The town of Pirongia on the banks of the Waipa River was founded as a military settlement in 1864. Virtually the entire town is an historic site. The Alexandra redoubt at the southern end of the town, restored by the Historic Places Trust, is well worth a visit (see photo).

By 1864, the tribes of the Waikato region had lost almost all their lands. The last battle of the Waikato War was fought at Orakau, south-east of Kihikihi.

The large, low-lying, redoubtshaped pa was still being built when it was spotted from the Kihikihi redoubt. A large British force surrounded the pa and besieged the 300 defenders for three days. Then the beleaguered garrison, including 100 women, broke through the British lines in a wedge-shaped charge.

Many were hunted down and killed in the open country lying between the pā and the Puniu River, although at least half the defenders reached the river and safety. Between 80 and 150 Māori were killed – the greatest losses

in a single battle in the Wars.

The British also suffered heavy casualties.

A granite memorial stands beside Arapuni Road, 3km from Kihikihi via Whitmore Street (see photo). The road cuts through the pa site and the graves of some of its defenders. The memorial was unveiled in 1914 in the presence of veterans from both sides.

The Waikato Museum in

Hamilton is a good place to visit for its collection of artefacts, and for the restoration of the gunboat Rangiriri under way on the riverbank opposite the museum. Almost 150 years ago, the Rangiriri – purposebuilt for the confines of the upper Waikato River and the earliest surviving iron-hulled vessel in New Zealand – brought the Fourth Waikato Militia settlers to the future site of Hamilton.

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Vol 3 Issue 3 Autumn 2012 11

Book reVieWs

a controversial churchman essays on george selwyn, Bishop of new Zealand and lichfield, and sarah selwyn Edited by allan Davidson Published by Bridget William Books rrP $49.99 reviewed by alex staines The name ‘Selwyn’ crops up everywhere, 130-plus years after the death of our first and only ‘Bishop of New Zealand’. There are many institutions and landmarks named after him. He was a dominant figure during the formative years of the colony. “He was a great man,” says Sir Paul Reeves in his foreword, and he would know, though recent historical writing has tended to marginalise Selwyn.

Selwyn’s term as bishop in New Zealand extended from 1841 to 1868. He then served as Bishop of Lichfield after returning to England, until his death in 1878. Selwyn got involved in the tumultuous relationship between Māori and Pākehā – he was fearlessly outspoken in his criticism of the dispossession of Māori by the Crown. Yet he served as chaplain to the 10,000 British troops who invaded the Waikato. The Anglican Church was, after all, the religious face of Empire. He founded the innovative Melanesian Mission and battled with evangelists.

Bishop Selwyn comes across as a tough and intelligent Victorian, who chose a career as an Anglican churchman. His wife Sarah, whom he married in 1839, was the daughter of an English judge. While she may appear too timid for 21st century tastes, older readers will admire her devotion to her husband and the determined way she lived her very long life.

This is an attractive, well laid-out volume containing 11 essays grouped into four sections: the largest are devoted to the Selwyns’ place in New Zealand history and the bishop’s role in the colonial church – including the churches in North America. There is an excellent notes section at the back of the book.

I heartily recommend this book – it’s both readable and scholarly; and there’s a lot to like about a man who, while interested in power, was happy to pay the price of commitment to his cherished ideals. ★★★★

The clever device Slovo uses to background the story is that of a series of letters written by Stead to The Times, exhorting Gladstone’s government to rescue Gordon from the Sudan. The letters are answered

by A. Bartholomew, who adamantly opposes any military force being sent to rescue Gordon. Their story is undercut by that of a young wife, Mary, left at home while her husband goes to the Sudan as a doctor.

Mary, addicted to laudanum (not unusual for the day), is in London, fighting battles of her own.

All the characters develop during the book, changing as the realities of war affect their lives. Slovo has researched this book meticulously and her descriptions of the hardships and battles of the Camel Corps, as well as medical procedures and conditions of that time, are memorable. The way Slovo describes the battles is fascinating.

This book would be an excellent choice for a book club. I’m sure it would encourage much discussion. ★★★★

an honourable Man

By Gillian slovo Published by little, Brown rrP $36.99 reviewed by Margaret Maisie It is impossible to judge this book by its cover. The artwork is at odds with the reputation of the author, Gillian Slovo, who is the president of English PEN with 12 novels to her name, and has been shortlisted for the Orange Prize for her novel Ice Road.

Set in 1884 in London and the Sudan, An Honourable Man portrays the slide towards the end of the British Empire by citing the lives of two real men: Charles Gordon, who many of us will remember from our school history as Gordon of Khartoum; and W. T. Stead, editor of the Pall Mall Gazette, who was also the father of tabloid journalism.

inheritance By christopher Paolini rrP $38.00 Published by Doubleday child reviewed by alexandra Wilkins-Phear, aged 12 Inheritance fits in perfectly with the three previous books in the Eragon series; it is the best of them and is a wonderful finish to an extraordinary adventure written by Christopher Paolini. The only drawback is a lack of interest in the first 100 pages, though the interest builds steadily as the book progresses. Having an introduction summarising the action thus far is a great idea; it means you can read Inheritance as a stand-alone story without having to go back and read the others first. The most interesting chapter is ‘Death throes’, which has a great action scene. ★★★

12 Best of Times

Learn aBout the changes to new ZeaLand’s give way ruLes At 5am on Sunday 25 March, two of the give way rules are changing to make New Zealand’s roads safer.

Whether you drive, walk, cycle or ride, you’ll need to know about these changes, to stay safe on our roads.

change 1

the LeFt-turn versus right-turn ruLe examPle facing nO signs Or signals

change 2

uncontroLLed t-intersections The new rule will require all traffic turning right from a terminating road (bottom of the T) with no signs or signals, to give way to all vehicles on the continuing road (top of the T).

Other give way rules remain the same Not all of the give way rules are changing – only the two outlined above.

You should continue to obey all traffic signs and signals. If you’re turning, you’ll still need to give way to all vehicles not turning. If all other give way rules (and signs and signals) don’t determine who gives way, give way to vehicles coming from your right.

You should continue to give way to all vehicles that will cross your path from your right as you enter a roundabout. why are the rules changing?

Overall, the give way rule changes will reduce the level of judgement needed in complex and dynamic traffic environments, and are expected to promote smoother traffic flow and improve safety.

This new rule will require all traffic turning right to give way to all vehicles coming from the opposite direction and turning left.

This new rule will apply at crossroads, T-intersections and driveways where: a) Both vehicles are facing each other with no signs or signals (as shown above) b) Both vehicles are facing give way signs c) Both vehicles are facing stop signs (as shown above) d) Both vehicles are facing green traffic signals.

think:

if yOu’re turning right,

give way

examPle facing the same signs Or signals

think:

tOP Of the t gOes befOre me This change will bring the rule into line with T-intersections where there are stop or give way signs on the terminating road.

This change will also apply at driveways including public driveways such as at a supermarket or hospital. Vehicles should continue to give way to pedestrians on a footpath or cyclists and pedestrians on a cycle path or shared path.

Public awareness camPaign A dedicated web page is available at www.giveway.govt.nz and has resources such as leaflets in various languages, a video and interactive quiz about the changes. National advertising starts on 15 March.

The NZTA publication Keeping moving – the positive guide for senior road users is being updated and will be available for order from Sunday 25 March. The online senior road user section of the NZTA website, www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/senior-road-users/ index.html will also be updated at this time.

Five things to rememBer:

1 2 3 4 5

Only two give way rules are changing They change at 5am on Sunday 25 March, 2012 Change 1: Left turn vs right turn Remember: If you’re turning right, give way Change 2: Uncontrolled T-intersections. Remember: Top of the T goes before me Driveways are like T-intersections – so Top of the T goes before me still applies

www.giveway.govt.nz Vol 3 Issue 3 Autumn 2012 13

nutrition with Gaye Philpott

staying on top Our resident healthy eating expert looks at ways to stay happy through the stomach.

i

’m a foodie at heart. i love to cook, especially for family and friends. Whether it’s a good steak or a vegetarian meal, rhubarb crumble with custard or a moist chocolate mud cake, i enjoy preparing food that tastes good and is good for us. some people might argue that food that is good for us couldn’t possibly taste good, or vice versa. but such a comment comes from far too narrow a mindset about what foods are healthy. overall, healthy foods far outnumber unhealthy foods, so the chances are we’ll all like a fair number of healthy options. there’s also a tendency to look at foods in isolation and not in the context of what we eat during a day or over a week.

indulging in a sweet treat at the end of the day or fish and chips with the grandchildren on Friday nights, when we do a good job of eating sensibly the rest of the time, is fine for nearly all of us. and the flip side of this is also true. there is no one food that is essential for us to eat. to help guide us, foods are grouped according to the nutrients they contain: breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables; milk and foods made from milk; meat and meat alternatives. as long as we choose enough serves of foods each day from each group, we can generally be assured of getting the nutrients we need. so if we don’t like broccoli, there are plenty of other green vegetables to choose from, and if cow’s milk

doesn’t agree with us, chances are we will tolerate cheese or milk that contains no lactose. as people age it is more likely that they will suffer from one or more chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. People who have type 2 diabetes are encouraged to avoid high-sugar foods in order to help manage their blood sugars, but this doesn’t mean they must avoid any food that has sugar listed as an ingredient. When people have heart disease, and high blood cholesterol levels in particular, they are encouraged to use unsaturated plant-based fats and oils and avoid saturated animal fats, but this doesn’t mean they have to forgo lean red meats and all cheese. so for all of us, dietary variety is the essence, and for most of us the old adage “all foods in moderation” remains true. here are some tips about foods and eating, which can help keep us resilient, our bodies in working order and our minds in a good space as we age.

Eat 3 meals a day. this is a good strategy for ensuring you have enough energy to get through your day and keep your weight stable. if you have a small appetite, eating a snack between meals helps ensure you won’t lose weight. however, if you have a good appetite but are not active, then a drink between meals might be all you need.

Be sure to include a main meal each day. Without this, it is difficult to access three serves of vegetables and the amount of protein we rely on from the serve of meat, fish or chicken we usually eat at this meal. it can be hard for people living alone to keep motivated to cook such a meal each day. so why not invite a friend or two over for dinner? they may return the invitation later in the week. choose meat dishes such

14 Best of Times

as casseroles or mince dishes more often than you might have in the past. While these take more effort on the day you cook them, if you cook plenty, there will be some left over for the next day and to put in the freezer for next week. if you feel tired and not inclined to cook at the end of the day, move your main meal to the middle of the day and rely on a sandwich or a simple egg dish in the evening.

Try something new. Most of us get bored eating the same food and welcome a change. today, supermarkets provide many food choices including foods and ingredients from other cultures. Many also produce their own magazine or recipe sheets that can help us use products or foods we might not be familiar with.

Preparing a healthy meal, whether it is something new or an old favourite, can help us feel good about ourselves and give our day purpose. When people feel sad and lonely, food can be an anchor, helping to give structure and relevance to the waking hours. the smells from cooking or baking can improve our mood. Who doesn’t smile on the inside at the smell of freshly baked muffins? as a health professional, my advice must come from evidence-based science, so when someone asks me what they can eat to cure their arthritis or reduce the pain it causes, i have to be frank and say that there are no foods or nutrients that have been found to achieve either. however, there is some evidence suggesting that doing what we believe is good for us, can be good for us. so, eat a variety of foods daily including some from each food group, and follow the individualised advice given you by your registered health professional.

– Gaye Philpott, registered dietitian

Baking corner

gardening with the Scarrows

Best of times’ gardening guru, Eion scarrow, discusses the benefits of mulch and extols the virtues of compost.

Mulching with compost How many of you use compost as mulch? if you think of a driveway drying up after rain, while an area under a pile of leaves stays moist and damp, then you can understand how mulch retains moisture in the soil, reducing watering and the impact of drought.

Water some mulched soil and the water soaks into it. Water bare earth and the water runs off and is lost. soils drain better and hold more moisture when they have plenty of organic matter and/or a layer of mulch. organic matter is much like a sponge in the way it soaks water up. Plants can take up this water later. inorganic mulch, and especially plastic sheeting, can result in ‘sour’ soil, as the soil lacks the air pockets present when there is plenty of organic matter or humus. Without these air pockets, the soil cannot breathe and oxygen levels may become low. after a year or so, the mulch can become thin and patchy and weeds will begin to break through. Putting down a new layer of mulch will overcome this and any weeds that do emerge will be easy to remove. Mulching can reduce herbicide use and is one of the best options for weed control in organic gardens.

Mulch is also good for erosion control as rain can hit bare soil with considerable force, compacting the soil and preventing good moisture absorption. not only the rain, but also soil washes away. a thick, loose layer of mulch absorbs the force of the rain and lets water soak through to the soil. if you walk through our native bush, you will see mulching at its very best, achieved by nature in the shape of fallen leaves, branches, etc. compost, stones, paper, straw, pine needles and so on all work well as mulch, but sometimes, with mulch such as sawdust, wood chippings and pine bark, signs of nitrogen starvation – a serious condition –

might be seen in the leaves of plants that have been mulched. nitrogen starvation is caused by minute bacteria that break down natural mulch such as sawdust into an earthy-type mix. these bacteria are living organisms that feed on nitrogen. they obtain this food from the soil, robbing plants of their basic diet. the first sign of nitrogen starvation is yellowing of the leaves. if this is not rectified, the next stage is reduced growth and poor flower development. the solution is to add at least 1kg of blood and bone to every large barrow load of mulch applied if you’re using wood products for mulching. this will provide the bacteria with their nitrogen food. apply blood and bone at 100mm depth over flower and shrub beds. the resulting plants will be healthier, with no chemical feeding needed. in the vegetable garden, incorporate 100 per cent compost with some lime flour and you will soon see a huge difference in the quality of your crops. in general, adding compost to the soil results in healthier plants – better flowers, exceptional-tasting fruit and vegetables – and you don’t have to rely on soil-destroying artificial fertilisers that tend to kill soil bacteria and useful fungi, and fewer pesticides are required.

For more information: Google “the soil food web”. aDVErtIsEMEnt

‘Dig This’ organic fertiliser the scarrows’ ‘Dig this’ fert is suitable for all plants. from tiny orchids to large trees and tender indoor plants. Wonderful in the vege and flower garden.

500ml bottle: $14.50 plus $2.75 P&P. 1 litre bottle: $24.00 plus $3.25 P&P. Payment can be made by cheque (please add 0.25 cents); addressed to 135 hampton Downs rd, rD 2, te Kauwhata 3782; or by direct payment to national Bank account 06-0329-0704468-01. Please print your name and address clearly. email plantguru@infogen.net.nz, ph 07 826 3002.

Fran’s vanilla heart bikkies 3 x 250ml cups cake flour 5ml baking powder 250ml sugar 1 jumbo egg 5ml vanilla essence 250g good quality baking margarine the margarine must have an 80 per cent fat content and must be at room temperature. If the weather is cold, flash the margarine in the microwave for 15 seconds.

Put softened margarine in a mixing bowl. add sugar. Mix well. (I use my hand-held electric beater.) add egg and vanilla, and beat until pale in colour.

Beat in one cup of flour at a time. let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes, covered with a damp cloth. * roll out the dough on floured surface to 3mm thick and cut into desired shapes.

Bake in pre-heated oven at 190°c for 10–15 minutes.

Place on cooling rack when removed from oven. fran says vanilla hearts can be a bit tricky to make, as the dough mixture is quite soft and can be difficult to work with. she says to make sure that you are you using three 250ml cups of flour to 250g margarine, and that the margarine has the right fat content and is at room temperature. the way the dough is handled after resting is important too. * handling the dough: Dust the work surface lightly with flour. Gather the dough into a ball and place on the floured surface. Press the mixture flat with the palm of your hand. Dust the rolling pin with flour. Proceed to gently roll the dough in different directions to form a rough circle about 3mm thick. Press out heart or any other shapes. lift gently onto greased baking tray, with a floured flat knife. Gather the leftover dough into a ball again, and repeat the process, making sure that your surface is again lightly dusted with four. the first roll-out has quite a soft, ‘buttery’ texture and needs careful handling. as you gather the dough after the first roll-out, the dough becomes less buttery, as it will collect some flour from the work surface. I do three rollouts per batch. a batch should make around 60 biscuits.

Vol 3 issue 3 Autumn 2012 15

Good types with great tips

Excellent advice for free: Saving on power bills, online socialising and resolving disputes.

Social networking: our future?

Social networking (such as Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus) has grown exponentially in popularity in recent times.

I think there are many parallels between the online world and the way younger generations are growing up in the 21st century; after all, they, or should I say we, are indeed the product of what technology has created. And what technology has created is a fast-paced, ever-changing world that surprises us every single day.

I remember when the iPhone first came out, and a speaker from the US was addressing a workshop I was sitting in on. I was not impressed by some of the points he made about why people needed to get on to the new technologies and embrace them.

I was even less impressed when he took out his iPhone, and went on to show the audience a new application (app) where you can tilt the phone and it makes it look like the phone is a glass with ‘drink disappearing down your mouth’. A teenager at the time, I was most of all unimpressed by how easily these ‘adults’ were impressed. I had heard of this new drinking app, but there are surely more impressive things in the world.

What I’m trying to get at is not that young generations are not easily amused; it’s that the world is constantly coming up with new inventions and discoveries with the potential to do something better; to amuse people more and more. It’s not impressive to have a touch-screen phone anymore. If anything, speaking from my own experience, I dislike my new touch screen phone. I need a phone to call and TXT; I don’t want all the weird gadgets on there, and I get very restless when a TXT takes longer than a split second to open on my screen.

Social media has brought people closer. What we couldn’t do 20, 10, or even five years ago is available at our fingertips now. Think meetings. I’m on the national executive of the National Speakers Association.

We have a meeting every month. It would take a large collective investment to fly everyone to one city, but the association can use the pool of knowledge from people all over the country by having a Skype conference. People across the world hold meetings over the internet; I can coach people about relationships with their teens, or about how to use social media for their business over the internet.Years ago, we couldn’t

even dream of doing business deals without meeting someone in person, but it’s now possible.

Social media can serve a higher purpose: to connect. Connecting with clients, family members, anyone. It’s about starting a conversation.

Imagine you’re at one of those networking events, standing in a corner, and everyone but you seems to have some sort of natural link. Enter the online world; you can butt into any conversation, put in your two cents about a topic or person, and it’s normal.

You don’t need to be the awkward freak of nature trying to ease your way into the conversation. Online, it’s a GOOD thing to butt into conversations, compliment people, and so on.

Of course, the how-to of engaging with people online isn’t something you can break down in a few words, but when you start with the ‘why’ when you sit down at a computer, ready to take on the social media world, just keep your goal in mind – is it to keep in touch with existing friends, colleagues or relatives? Is it to make new friends or find a soulmate?

Facebook for oldies

I got my grandma interested in Facebook by mentioning that I upload all my photos there. My grandma, who’s always asking me to print and fax my photos to her (and I can never seem to find much time to do it),

realised that by going online, she could see photos and what I’ve been up to, almost in real time.

Facebook has been described as a bit of a confusing child, so here are a few specific Facebook-related tips to keep you safe on there.

1. Through the ‘Settings’ menu, set your profile to private. That way, people who aren’t your ‘Facebook friends’ can’t see your profile or what you’ve been looking at or updating.

2. When someone adds you as a friend, you can put them into a ‘list’ – after you click ‘Accept friend’, a link pops up that asks if you want to put them into a list.

Lists are great because that way you can sort your ‘Facebook friends’ into different categories of who those people are in your life – family, relatives, children, friends, acquaintances, and so on.

3. Although Facebook is great for looking at other people’s profiles, sometimes you may want to share an update about yourself, or share a photo or something else. After you type in your update, there is a little drop-down menu that lets you choose what list of people (see previous tip) you want to make this update visible to. It’s great, because sometimes you may have something you want to share only with friends, or only with family, so don’t forget that option is there for you to use.

4. Lastly, security is a big deal online.

Always set your profile to ‘private’ – that option is always there on every social network. The other big one is to never give out your credit card details to websites that look dodgy or that don’t use a trusted payment website with a secure URL (the website’s name in the URL toolbox will start with ‘https://’ instead of the regular ‘http://’). To see a trusted payment website, have a look at PayPal – most companies online use PayPal anyway.

Stay safe, get connected and have fun!

– by Eva-Maria Salikhova, author, international speaker and certified coach, who published the first-ever parenting book written by a teenager – You Shut Up – in 2007. Born in 1990 in Akademgorodok in Siberia, Eva Maria is a graduate of Athena Montessori College in Wellington. Eva-Maria’s mission is to help improve 10 million adult-teenager relationships around the world. Her latest book Shush,You! talks about how anyone can achieve a harmonious relationship with a teenager in just five minutes a day – check it out at www.shushyou.com

Frank de Zwaag (left) with electrician installing a heated towel-rail timer.

Cosy towels at a lower cost When it comes to saving energy, if everyone makes a small contribution, it will make a big difference. That’s the main reason Frank de Zwaag, 53, decided to embrace new technology and install a couple of timers on the two heated towel rails in his Lower Hutt home.

“We’re very focused on saving electricity in our home, but I have to admit, with the towel rails, they were on all the time, despite our best efforts to turn them off,” said Frank.

Thanks to the timers, the heated towel rails are set to run for four hours a day, delivering warm, dry towels when they’re needed – saving about $230 a year in electricity usage.

It’s one of the energy-saving actions that the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is encouraging Kiwis to adopt – along with using energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, as well as changing other energy-wasting habits, like leaving lights and standby appliances on, which soak up energy unnecessarily.

Indeed, according to Stuart Ross of EECA, heated towel rails across New Zealand are silently sizzling away large amounts of energy by being left on all the time. “It’s estimated that many of the 1.25 million heated towel rails

in New Zealand homes are left on 24 hours a day – and most of that is wasted energy,” said Ross.

However, if Kiwis followed Frank de Zwaag’s approach and installed timers, we could shave up to $70 million a year off our electricity bills – equivalent to the energy consumption of 23,000 households.

Heated towel-rail timers are cheap and easy to install. Several models are available, retailing from $30 to $220.

They reduce the annual running cost of one rail by up to two-thirds or around $115.

Installing a timer is a quick job for a registered electrician. “Next time an electrician is working on your home, ask them to install one,” said Ross.

As well as installing timers, there are plenty of other easy ways for families to reduce their power usage by following EECA’s easy energy-saver tips chart (see sidebar).

Easy energy savers

It’s easier and cheaper than you think to save energy at home. The simple tips from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) in the table below will help cut your electricity bills – without compromising your lifestyle.

Action

Cost

Estimated saving

Replace your most frequently used 100W light bulbs with 20W energy-saving light bulbs

Approx $7 per bulb

Around $20 per bulb, per year

Install a timer on your heated towel rail

Varies. Why not get it done the next time you need an electrician?

Up to $115 per towel rail, per year

Switch off your second or beer fridge if not in use

Free

$100–$300 a year

Dry your clothes outside rather than using a dryer

Free

Around $200 a year

Wash your clothes in cold rather than warm water

Free

$50–$75 a year

If your shower fills up a 10 litre bucket in less than a minute, install an efficient shower head

Varies

$150 or more a year

Senior moments resolved DEBORAH HART, executive director of the Arbitrators and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand, has some good tips on resolving disputes.

History repeats, they say. To which some wag once responded, “It has to. No-one listens.” The older we get, I suspect, the faster we would smile knowingly at that.

How true it is that life is not so much one darn thing after another, but the same thing over and over – and nowhere is this truer than in the area of disputes. And it doesn’t necessarily follow that the older we get, the savvier we become at resolving disputes, or that the passing of time means we have fewer disputes to resolve.

Indeed, one of the things I’m constantly reminded of, from my vantage point within the dispute-resolution business, is how relevant the subject is to the older generation. And that’s the case whether we’re talking about property, issues relating to retirement and life in supported accommodation, or the inevitable challenges of business-succession planning.

So what does history teach those of us who are prepared to listen about disputes?

First, of course, is the simple fact that the best way to resolve disputes is not to get into them in the first place.

Should that point have been reached, however, it’s vital not to ignore the writing on the wall – or the frosty emails and telephone calls, as the case may be – but rather put paid to the matter that is causing the ugliness.

That starts by talking about it – while bearing in mind that the reason we have two ears and one mouth is because we should be listening twice as much as speaking.

Alas, more often than not the temptation is not to listen to what the other person is saying, still less to appreciate the wisdom of conceding a small point in order to have one’s own larger point heard.

So, listen to the other person, really listen, and be prepared to offer something positive to ease the discussion (although not in the spirit of Winston Churchill, who famously conceded that a certain adversary had “all of the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire”).

Prepare fully for a discussion to resolve a dispute. All things being equal, in any negotiation the person who has done the most research will “win” the argument.

Of course, well-handled disputes aren’t, or shouldn’t be, all about winners and losers; they’re about achieving the most positive, realistic outcome.

Don’t go it alone. Resolving or preventing a dispute from escalating can often be difficult for everyone involved – the protagonists themselves, as well as friends and family.

In almost every serious dispute, it’s only the support of a properly trained, professionally credentialed mediator that will help you affect the best outcome. The Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand would be only too happy to put you in touch with such support.

Wesbite: www.aminz.org.nz

For more information, visit www.energywise.govt.nz Vol 3 Issue 3 Autumn 2012 17

Health

Putting your

best foot forward Poor footwear linked to foot impairment and disability in gout patients New research shows that use of poor footwear is common among patients with gout. According to a study published recently in Arthritis Care & Research, gout patients who make poor footwear choices experienced higher footrelated pain, impairment and disability. Gout patients also reported that comfort, fit, support and cost were the most important factors for selecting footwear.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the crystallisation of uric acid within the joints and other tissues.

Those with gout experience severe pain and swelling, with the majority of cases affecting the feet. Previous studies have shown that chronic gout contributes to changes in patients’ gait parameters, which is consistent with a pain avoidance strategy, and likely leads to impaired foot function. According to Keith Rome, the Professor of Podiatry at AUT University who leads the research team in the study, doctor-diagnosed gout has risen significantly over the past 20 years.

“In New Zealand, rates of gout have increased, with most recent prevalence estimates of 7.6 per cent Pasifika adults, 6.1 per cent Ma-ori adults and 3.2 per cent European adults.

“We found that gout patients in our study often wore improper footwear and experienced moderate to severe foot pain, impairment and disability,” says Professor Rome. Roughly half of the patients made good footwear choices by wearing walking shoes, athletic shoes or oxfords/brogues.

Those gout patients who wore poor shoes or sandals reported higher foot-related impairment and disability. Factors that study participants identified as important for selecting footwear included comfort, fit, support and cost, yet many seem to make inappropriate choices, says Professor Rome.

“We found gout patients in our study wore footwear that lacked cushioning, control and stability. Many patients’ shoes also showed excessive wear, and we suggest that proper footwear selection be discussed with gout patients to reduce foot pain and impairment.”

Professor Rome says that further research assessing economically-priced footwear with ample cushioning, adequate motion control and sufficient forefoot width is needed.

18 Best of Times

O

ur feet aren’t likely to be high on the list of priorities when we think about looking after our health. But perhaps they should be. After all, chances are they have supported us for many years and we have largely taken them for granted.

At least half of all adults have some problems with their feet, and as we get older our feet seem to get further away from us. As it gets harder to reach or perhaps even see our feet, it can be more difficult to take care of them, so why not let someone else take care of them for you?

It may sound obvious, but if your tootsies aren’t in tip-top condition, your comfort and possibly your mobility can be affected.

A foot care specialist can help your feet stay in good shape and address concerns that might affect your health or ability to get around before they become a problem. A visit every six to eight weeks from an experienced and qualified foot care provider will ensure your feet are comfortable and in the best possible shape to keep serving you well.

Celia Fraser is a registered nurse with a wealth of experience. “It’s too easy to neglect feet, but they really can be an indicator of your overall health,” says Celia. “If you’re unable to keep an eye on your own feet and give them the regular attention they need, it can lead to more serious issues. Getting someone else to help out with them is a good option for

many older people or people with health and disability issues.”

For people with certain health concerns, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, regular foot care is a must, as even small abrasions can have serious consequences.

Riffy Jahan, coordinator for Iris Foot Care Services, is an experienced nurse who says the initial assessment needs to look at the health of the whole person including understanding any existing medical conditions and medications. She points out that some medical conditions can have significant impact on feet.

“Diabetes can cause nerve damage that takes away the feeling in your feet and reduce blood flow to the feet, making it harder to heal an injury or resist infection.You might not notice a small problem like a blister or sore – unfortunately this can lead to infections.”

Riffy believes the benefits of having your feet cared for go beyond the outwardly obvious.

“Just having that physical contact with someone can be important. A foot massage is beneficial not just for circulation but for the human contact and sense of wellbeing it can bring.”

What you can expect during a foot care session

On a first visit, feet are assessed and the foot care specialist will find out more about your general health and current medication.

leisurely Pace sedate & soulful pursuits

if there are no infections or other complications, clients are treated to a softening and restorative foot spa before dry, dead skin is thoroughly removed. after exfoliation, nails are cut and filed with an electric filer with attention also given to hard areas of skin that can make feet uncomfortable. a moisturising foot and lower leg massage rounds off the treatment. as an optional extra, some clients choose to a touch of luxury and have nail polish applied.

What to consider when you are choosing a foot care service

» be sure that your foot care service service provider is an expert in foot care. it should not be an add-on service to hairdressing, applying nail polish, or even gardening! » check that your foot care practitioner is qualified to do the job and has been trained by a podiatrist. someone who has a health or nursing background can easily pick up on indicators of your general health and wellbeing and will be able to refer to you another healthcare professional as and when necessary. » choose a provider with a good reputation and reliable, friendly staff.

Make sure you feel at home with your foot care nurse – entrusting your feet to someone else can be uncomfortable for some people at first. seeing the same person on a regular basis can be a real advantage, not only building rapport but it could help in detecting any changes in your foot health. » Does the service offer good value for money? check for any hidden costs, as some services use a menu of costs in which each part of the service is itemised.

looking after your feet

Finding a good foot care service is one big step on the road to happy and healthy feet, but there’s plenty you can do in between times to make sure your feet remain comfortable. our top tips: » Make sure you wear shoes that fit properly and don’t put pressure on your toes. » choose shoes made from good quality natural materials where possible and that have a flexible sole. » avoid shoes with seams across toe joints. » Keep your feet mobile if possible – wriggle, move and use them as often as you can. » Make sure your skin is dried well after bathing, especially between the toes where fungal infections can occur. » allow feet to breathe. every day try to give your feet a break from shoes and socks.

tai chi

an ancient chinese ‘art form’, tai chi is a gentle exercise practice, involving repeating various movements. it is regarded as particularly good for relieving stress and improving balance. there are a set of basic movements that can be practised sitting or standing depending on levels of physical ability.

Robert Gemmell tai chi new Zealand has developed a modified tai chi programme as part of an acc falls prevention programme. Medical research has supported the claim that when practised weekly, tai chi can reduce the risk of falling by up to 80 per cent. targeting the 65-plus age group, the acc programme has identified tai chi as beneficial to the ‘stay on your Feet’ campaign. strength and balance quickly develop with tai chi practice. “traditional tai chi,” says Robert Gemmell, a tai chi grand master, “is wonderful for those able enough to do it.”

Robert believes anyone can do tai chi regardless of age or fitness level. it is recommended that people interested in tai chi first check their suitability for tai chi practice with their healthcare professional.

Robert Gemmell’s modified forms are based upon traditional tai chi and offer a subtle but effective fitness programme for older people.

Robert Gemmell tai chi new Zealand classes operate in auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Marlborough and the christchurch region.

Mahjong Mahjong is a table-top game invented in china, involving four players trying

to accumulate matching tiles. think of a type of rummy (the popular card game) played with elegant domino tiles and you’re close. a mahjong set includes tiles, counters (for scoring), dice (to decide how to deal), a marker to keep track of who’s dealing and the round being played, and racks for the tiles similar to those used in scrabble. the 136 tiles used in the game are based on chinese characters and symbols. to begin, each player receives 13 tiles. Players draw and discard tiles in turn until they complete a legal hand using the 14th drawn tile to form four groups (melds) and a pair. there are fairly standard rules about how a piece is drawn, stolen from another player (melded), the use of basic (numbered tiles) and honours (winds and dragons), the kinds of melds, and the order of dealing and play.

It’s the most popular table game in Japan. there’s even a hong Kong movie genre based on it. studies in hong Kong have shown that the game is beneficial for people suffering from dementia or cognitive memory difficulties.

Mahjong is also a popular game in new Zealand. sets are available ranging from inexpensive pocket ‘magnetic’ versions, through to deluxe sets worth hundreds of dollars.

Vol 3 issue 3 Autumn 2012 19

Yesteryear Old-time trends

By the hatful Bird hat

The huia bird, native to New Zealand, became extinct in the early 20th century due in part to hats. When the Duke of York visited Rotorua in 1902 he was given a huia tail feather, which he put on his hat. After this, rich and famous people the world over were willing to pay lots of money to have their own huia hat feather – sounding the deathknell for the bird. Birds and hats have an unhappy association: the Audubon Society was founded in order to protect the bird population from Edwardian millinery trends that saw whole birds put on hats.

Combat hat

The beret started out as a French shepherd’s hat. In 1918, the British Tank Corps trained with a French mountain regiment that had adopted blue berets because they were warm and weatherproof. Close-fitting, and with no peaks to snag on things, berets were perfect for tank crews. They were also cheap to make, didn’t show sweat stains and fitted nicely under an epaulette. This has made them the universal hat for the modern soldier.

Cooked hat

The tall chef ’s hat, or toque blanche, traditionally had 100 pleats to represent the number of ways an egg could be cooked. Toques were originally worn by French magistrates. They were adopted by haute cuisine types like Escoffier to make it clear who was chef (boss) in the kitchen. The Muppets’ Swedish chef wears one.

Felt hat

Felt hat manufacturing is a very old industry. The ancient Romans wore a type of felt hat, called a ‘petasus’, on journeys.

Until the early 1920s all the operations were performed by hand. Hat felt was made from beaver or rabbit fur that had been ground, squeezed and heated.

20 Best of Times

First hat

Hat-wearing goes way back. A cave drawing in France is the earliest known record of the practice, and it’s 15,000 years old. Hatters really began to flourish in Germany in the 14th century.

Fools’ hat

Students of theology in the Middle Ages were the first to wear dunce’s caps. The cap was supposed to funnel God’s wisdom into the head. The failure of this system, demonstrated by followers of theologian Duns Scotus talking twaddle, lead to the dunce’s cap being associated with foolishness instead.

Fine hat The inventor of the top hat, John Hethrington, was fined £50 in 1797 for “appearing on the public highway wearing upon his head a tall structure having a shining lustre and calculated to frighten timid people”.

Mounted hat

The bowler hat, the symbol of the London commuter, began life as a riding helmet. It was designed in 1849 by London hatmakers Thomas and William Bowler to protect mounted gamekeepers from low-hanging branches. Its practicality and strength made it the hat of choice for American cowboys, who called it the derby. Peruvians and Bolivians adopted the bowler as part of their national dress when British railway workers wore it there in the 1920s.

No hat

People stopped wearing hats after the Second World War, possibly due to new hairstyles and the rise of the motorcar. At first the hat industry thought hatlessness was a passing fad. People who walked bareheaded through the British hat-making towns of Denton and Stockport risked abuse from local factory workers who saw their livelihoods disappearing.

Get free stuff!

Write your preferred giveaway, your name and address on the back of an envelope and post to: Best of Times Giveaways, PO Box 200, Wellington 6140.

Or email: prizes@bestoftimes.co.nz Closing date: 20 april, 2012.

the Money MaP

in The Money Map, leading wealth coach and investment expert Martin hawes presents his six-step process to creating a financial plan. a must-read for anyone dreaming of financial freedom.

Jersey Boys – the stage Musical touring neW Zealand

darrell lea “the freshest liQuorice!”

Darrell lea has spent decades creating the finest and freshest liquorice. our soft eating liquorice is low in salt, 98% fat free and crafted with pride from our original family recipe. once you taste it, you will see why it’s been renowned for generations. Win a Janssport bag full of Darrell lea liquorice.

that’s country encore

Win a DVD featuring standout performances from the original tV series – suzanne Prentice, Ray columbus, John Grenell, Patsy Riggir, eddie low, Jodi Vaughan and many more. the That’s Country stage show is on tour across new Zealand in March – for more information visit www.stetsongroup.com

ePic conclusion to fantasy cycle!

not so very long ago, eragon – shadeslayer, Dragon Rider – was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. now the fate of an entire civilisation rests on their shoulders.

how did four blue-collar kids become one of the greatest successes in pop music history? the Four seasons – Frankie Valli, bob Gaudio, tommy DeVito and nick Massi wote their own songs, invented their own sound and sold 175 million records before they were 30. sPecial oFFeR for Best of Times readers - win double tickets to the Jersey boys show in auckland, at the civic on saturday 14 april at 2pm. Please get your entries for this prize in to us by 31 March.

Please send us a letter including your phone number; or an email so we can contact the winners promptly after the closing date.

unforgettaBle Bestseller

the superb fourth crime novel from this multi-award winning author from the american south. “lean, hard and absolutely riveting, iron house is a tour de force. With his best book yet, John hart has clearly joined the top rank of thriller writers.” – Vince Flynn

guns and utu Matthew Wright’s history of the new Zealand musket wars disputes the mythologies, and examines the whys and wherefores of this generation-long culture collision. this was an age of courage, heroism, great character and astonishing deeds.

Julie le clerc’s faVourite cakes

award-winning Julie le clerc – a former café owner, caterer and chef – is the author of 14 cookbooks. in this book, Julie brings you her all-time favourite recipes from a lifetime spent creating cakes. From divine chocolate cakes to gluten-free delights to celebration cakes – and everything in between – this is the ultimate book for any cake baker.

history coMes aliVe!

acclaimed historian and writer (author of the bestselling The Other Boleyn Girl) Gregory has written a sweeping, powerful story rich in passion and legend and drawing on years of research. The Lady of the Rivers tells the story of the real-life mother of the White Queen.

Vol 3 issue 3 Autumn 2012 21

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Across 1. Cut pooch with scissors - just a little bit (7) 5. Al left Australia for the land of Von Trapp (7) 8. Wow! Letter number seven! (3) 9. Queen hides behind fat in pantry (6) 10. Scheme for vacant site (4) 12. Mail cubicle could pose toffees, Spock’s claimed (4,6,3) 13. Creature known to be an underwater celebrity? (8) 14. Little Kenneth, do some Japanese fencing (5) 16. Tropical fruit makes Guy depart (5) 18. Faint as a change is made to a Disney classic (8) 22. In addition, commonplace becomes Media exceptional (13) grid 24. Dash into Ireland (4) ank.pdf 25. Give a very loud order without tions 17/02/2011 hesitation (6) 26. Former dictator Amin hiding inside (3) 27. Pet eels escape in church tower (7) 28. Little Rod will grow up to be a frog (7)

solutions

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 3.3

22 Best of Times

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(7) We have the stars!” exclaimed Bette 5. In Copenhagen, cyclists found a Davis at the end of ..., Voyager (3) business providing a service (6) 14. Tibetan spiritual leader, ... Lama (5) 6. Tangled lead Rex unwound (7) 15. The Beatles’ drummer ... Starr was 7. Coasters company quits making born on July 7, 1940 (5) blooms (6) APN Educational Media 16. Michael Caine heist film with the car 11. Forgetful like the professor?

(6-6) Memory Lane 546 blank grid chase of Minis (3,7,3) 15. Kelly and Ida together are awfully APNMemoryLane546blank.pdf 20. The post-WWII New Look was the polite and dignified (8) © Lovatts Publications 17/02/2011 creation of this Paris designer (9,4) 17. Over-age duck becomes a standard 24. Steven Jobs and Stephen Wozniak (7) tempted the world with this PC (5) 19. Publicise drink where thousands of 26. Montgomery Clift, Shelley Winters flyers get distributed (7) and Elizabeth Taylor star in A Place In 20. Guardians like Charlie’s? (6) The ... (3) 21. Rabbit on pancake? (6) 28.

The King And I actor who left us the 23. Spanish friend made French friend message, “Just don’t smoke”; ... depart (5) Brynner (3) 29. Jewish coming-of-age ceremony, ...

Mitzvah (3) 30. Dr Benjamin Spock warned in 1968, “To win in Vietnam, we will have to ... a nation” (11) Memory lane 3.3 32. American writer of The Sun Also B R I S B A N E C A L L A S Rises and A Farewell To Arms, ...

E L L O U A L Hemingway (6) H I L L O F B E A N S T WO 33. This 1961 film starred Gregory Peck, I N E G T I C David Niven and Anthony Quinn, The N OW D A L A I R I NGO Guns Of ... (8) D A I R I M S C R A B B L E

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Down 1. The Coastwatchers operated in dangerous conditions, ‘somewhere ... enemy lines’ (6) 2. “And the oboe it is clearly understood; Is an ... wind that no one blows good,” according to Danny Kaye in The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (3) 3. Dagwood Bumstead’s comic strip wife (7) 4. Scientist Marie Curie became the first woman to be awarded this Swedish prize (5) 6. Johann Strauss’ homeland (7) 7. In the 60s this ancient language began to be used less in Roman Catholic services (5) 8. Mollie Sugden played the role of Mrs ..., famous for her concerns about her pussy on Are You Being Served?

(8) 10. Peter Sellers & Goldie Hawn comedy, There’s ... My Soup (1,4,2) 13. WC Fields claimed never to drink this (because of the disgusting things that fish do in it) (5) 17. Matching cardigan and jumper, usually worn with pearls (4,3) 18. Cartoon cat and mouse series produced in 1940 by Joe Barbera and William Hanna, Tom And ... (5) 19. Alfred Butts, an unemployed architect, dreamt up this still successful spelling board game (8) 21. In 1966 the Australian group The ..., had a hit with Georgy Girl (7) 22. John Wayne’s WWII Marines classic, Sands Of ... (3,4) 23. He played Basil in TV’s Fawlty Towers, John ... (6) 25. The new president of Argentina on June 4, 1946, was General Juan ..., husband of the later famous Eva (5) 27. Leslie Howard and ... Shearer played Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers in Romeo And Juliet (5) 31. Will Rogers claimed, “I’m not a real movie star. I’ve still got the same wife I started out with twenty-eight years ...” (3)

Construction will start soon on The Summerhouse, the first of several community facilities at Pacific Coast Village.

“(Before moving in) we hadn’t heard much about Gracelands, but I did hear that should you later need care this was the place to buy a villa” Gracelands offers independent living plus rest home and hospital care.

Pacific Coast Village is resort style retirement living across from the beach between Mt Maunganui and Papamoa.

In 2010, we asked residents for their thoughts on life here and why they chose Gracelands in the first place.

The quote above is from one resident, here’s what others said: “Well spoken of in Hastings and near to where I lived” ‘People we knew at Gracelands seemed happy” “Before moving in, I stayed here for two nights with a friend of mine.

I moved here because of the peaceful atmosphere and the people.”

“I am happy and contented – people can see that and that’s a recommendation in itself” “Everybody is friendly and the staff are always obliging” We have 60-plus villas in total, but they are popular: only a handful are usually available at any given time.

Talk to Louise Gibbs on (06) 872 6179 or 027 660 5801.

Gracelands Lifestyle Care & Village Tel 07 572 3029 | www.PacificCoastVillage.co.nz

730 Pakowhai Road Hastings

Brand new retirement village apartments in the Auckland suburb of Meadowbank Imagine for a moment living in a pleasant and likeable place with people like you as neighbours; and good transport links putting family, friends, shops and services within easy reach.

On those days when people visit or when you just want to relax at home, a well –designed apartment in which to spend time. Plus; when you want to mix and mingle with neighbours, there’s both an indoor and outdoor community area for all to enjoy.

From October 2012, this is just the sort of warm and welcoming community you will be able to enjoy right here at Meadowbank Retirement Village. Think of it as a “homely Hotel’ – somewhere comfortable, familiar and smart.

Currently under construction and due for completion in October 2012 are: 1. New one and two-bedroom; and two-bedroom with study apartments.

Some say the finest village in Christchurch

2. A community centre with dining room hospitality area and gas fire place.

3. An outdoor community area with pergola, seating and BBQ area.

For immediate enquiries and to receive an information pack: Phone: (09) 356 1810 or 0800 623 264 Email: info@oceanialiving.co.nz

Limited new unit construction is about to start: be quick.

Contact Nola Lamb on 03 982 8280 www.russleyvillage.co.nz

VIllaGEs directory

So why not act now and arrange a visit?

Advertise your villa, apartment, unit or village in

Best of Times We distribute to all RVA member villages and an additional 5,000 people currently on waiting lists, those who have yet to make a decision on their next steps.

VIllaGEs directory

Based on feedback from residents and managers, we have developed a village directory; for only $950 you can place a quarter page to promote options you have on offer.

Advertising in Best of Times provides extra credibility to operators and by us restricting the advert size to quarter page blocks, it puts all providers on an even playing field.

Best of Times in the Winter 2012 issue »

Legends of the air: relive the glory of the lancaster bomber and the sunderland flying boat.

»

Who messed up the planet?

Is the older generation really responsible?

»

The chicken and the egg: Explaining caged, free range, and biodynamic poultry.

»

Keeping the faith: Discussing religion with over-55s.

»

Villager profile (Bert ten Broeke): ‘can’t’ is not in his vocabulary!

»

Past Lives: Baron von lücknow, new Zealand’s pirate of the south seas.

»

Plus health, gardening, books, competitions, and more!

To advertise contact:

Bronwen Wilkins

P +64 4 915 9786 Best of Times F +64 4 471 1080 E bron@apn-ed.co.nz

“In the village there are both cottages and apartments for you to choose from, with options to suite every budget” In 2010, we asked people living here what had been behind their decision to move to Lady Allum.

The comment above is from one of them, here’s what others had to say: “I had a friend here and it was close to my support group” “A friend in the village recommended it” “My mother was here for eight years” “My in laws live here” Conveniently close to Milford, Lady Allum offers independent living with rest home and hospital care also available.

In the village, there are both cottages and apartments for you to choose from with options for different budgets”.

Why not make arranging a visit the next thing you do?

Contact Rowena Pearce on (09) 488 2900 or 027 501 8269.

Lady Allum Lifestyle Care & Village 20 Napoleon Avenue Milford Auckland

“A Retirement Village with friendly staff and residents, and we live in a well designed villa. It’s everything we expected - and close to the Botanic Gardens” Elmwood offers independent living with the “back up” of rest home and hospital care.

In the village, there are serviced apartments, cottages and NEW villas; with options usually available from $ 165, 000 to $ 375, 000.

The comment at the start is from residents Bill and Betty Dowswell. Here’s what some of the other people who enjoy living here had to say: “Elmwood succeeds because of location, layout and long serving staff. The environment is informal and homely” Innes Clarke.

“Companionship is here when needed, and the location is excellent” Bessie Salmons “The friendly environment is very comforting” Elizabeth Head The most recent developments include new 2-bedroom villas and the refurbishment of the community centre.

Enjoy the Good Life at Acacia Cove A New Zealand-owned and operated lifestyle village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula.

We currently have a 102sqm, 2-bedroom apartment available with a large deck overlooking our full-size bowling green.

The apartment has 2 WCs, a separate computer area and an amazing top-of-the-range kitchen.

Why not make arranging a visit the next thing you do?

Talk to Helen Kingi, Sales and Village Manager, on (09) 268 56 89, 021 278 0026 or SM.Elmwood@oceanialiving.co.nz

Elmwood Lifestyle Care & Village 131 Hill Road | Manurewa www.oceanialiving.co.nz

Contact: Bruce Cullington Ph: 09 268 8522 email: bruce@kirkade.co.nz www.acaciacovevillage.co.nz

www.eldernet.co.nz for the latest information on services for older people Call us now on 0800 162 706, mention this advert and receive our companion regionalised handbook FREE* (*usually $5 + pp)

Supporting you to make the best choices!

eldernet st come to us fir

Value your jewellery for the future A passionate and qualified gemmologist I value jewellery, and am available for group talks and presentations regarding gemmology and gemstones. ✦ Modern & Estate Jewellery ✦ Confidential and Discreet ✦ Mobile Service - 7 Days ✦ Gold Card Rates Contact: Jill Towers, FGA, DGA, BSc New Zealand Jewellery Valuations Ltd P.O. Box 25801, St Heliers, Auckland 1740.

Ph +64 (09) 5755955 www.nzjvl.co.nz

Market Place To advertise here call 04 915 9783 or email ads@bestoftimes.co.nz

from $13,945 pp

Highlights include Orkney Island and 7nts on board ‘MV Lord of the Glen’ sailing to Isle of Skye and Mull, and through the magnificent Caledonian Canal.

Fully escorted from NZ, includes flights and tips for crew and local guides.

Request your copy of the itinerary or visit us online: www.calderandlawsontours.co.nz Freephone: 0800 853 276

Gardens of Holland & England with Floriade 2012 02 – 25 May 2012

from $14,970 pp

5 nts Amsterdam (including a full day at Floriade 2012) + 2 nts Tunbridge Wells + 1 nt Lyme Regis + 2 nts Plymouth + 4nts Bath + 3 nts London+Singapore Stopovers Fully escorted from NZ, includes flights and tips for local guides.

Request your copy of the itinerary or visit us online: www.calderandlawsontours.co.nz Freephone: 0800 853 276

 Ph:

0800 356 728

Email: info@travcorp.co.nz Web: www.FloraTours.co.nz

TREAT YOURSELF! 29 Day LEISURELY UK TOUR

Highlands & Islands of Scotland 27 Aug-18 Sep 2012

                  

Join our small group tour (max. 20.)

The original aches & pains relieving honey.

2012 tour start date is 23rd April.

2013 tour will be June/July.

You may choose to also join our (optional) post tour to Ireland (10 days.)

Minimum numbers apply.

YES! SEnd mE a nEctar EaSE SamplE pack: n contains 120g nectar Ease. n plus 10g nectar Balm.

Enough product for a 2 week trial.

please send me my $5 Sample pack ($5 enclosed) to: nelson Honey and marketing (nZ) ltd, motupiko, 276 SH6, rd2, nelson 7072 name: ........................................................ address: ..................................................... ................................................................

Freephone: 0800 289 992 Email: info@nelsonhoney.com

Ask about a private tour for clubs, friends, family etc.

Please call 0800 276312 within New Zealand (64) 3 312 6635 outside New Zealand Or visit

www.tourwithusnow.com NZ Govt. Licenced operator, 18 years experience.

together

we can do more

When you give to cbm, you can be assured that your donation will help make a positive transformation in the life of a child or person with disabilities in the world’s most impoverished communities. Below are two of our most popular ways of giving to make a difference - our Child Disability Sponsorship, and a general donation.

Become a cbm

sponsor For $30/month, you can change the lives of children living with the double disadvantage of disability and poverty.

Our Child Disability Sponsorship programme works in three ways: 1. Finds children with disabilities often hidden away; 2. Gives them life-saving medical care or rehabilitation; 3. Provides them with ongoing care.

We look after the child’s physical and mental well-being, with the aim of full inclusion into their communities.

donate to our work

When you donate to our work, you make a real difference in someone’s life.

We support work with visual, hearing, physical, intellectual and mental impairments. Our projects provide medical and rehabilitation care, support for education for children with disabilities, and livelihood training for adults with disabilities. Our vision is an inclusive world where all people are fully included in their communities, and can realise their human rights.

Accountability: Over the last four years, 81% of annual average income went to the field. In emergency situations, at least 90% of donated funds go to the field. We are registered with the Charities Commission, CC26154. Any donation of or over $5 is tax deductible.

Meet Justine

Justine’s life has been heartbreaking. As a baby her feet were amputated. When she was very young her mother died and her father became too poor to afford the artificial feet Justine needs as she grows.

Justine was reduced to hobbling about with old sandals strapped to her knees. Other children never stopped teasing her, so every day was filled with loneliness, rejection and humiliation for Justine.

Visit our website and witness the moment when all that misery turned around.

The first clear difference with cbm Child Disability Sponsorship is its focus on children with a disability – kids too often forgotten – by national health and educational programmes, by their communities and too often by other development programmes.

To become a cbm Child Disability Sponsor, and learn about more success stories like Justines go to:

www.cbmnz.org.nz or call us on 0800 772264