Junction February 2016

ISSUE 0 4

Junction

FEB 2016

M ata k a n a Coa s t | P e o p l e & H a pp e n i n g s | P u h o i to Pa k i r i

+ MIKE & VICKI’S PLACE + ANNIE O BOTANICALS + WINERIES UPDATE

WWW.JUNCTIONMAG.CO.NZ

F REE

CONTENTS - ISSUE 04

www.junctionmag.co.nz

SPOTLIGHT Warkworth Butchery.. ................................................................................ 4 PROFILE Annie O - Botanical Stylist. . ....................................................................... 6 SAVOUR Matakana Wine Trail.................................................................................. 8 Matakana Wine & Food Festival...............................................................10 Local Oysters . . ........................................................................................... 12 Signature Dish. . ......................................................................................... 13 Matakana Market Food Folk.....................................................................14 OOB Recipe............................................................................................... 17

General Manager/Publisher Bianca Howlett 021 117 2833 bianca@junctionmag.co.nz Editor Kathy Hunter 021 203 0526 kathy@junctionmag.co.nz Advertising & Marketing Executive Monique Jansen 021 975 102 ads@junctionmag.co.nz Graphic Design Tracey Stimpson design@junctionmag.co.nz Contributors https://github.com/konsav/social-icons https://github.com/konsav/social-icons https://github.com/konsav/social-icons Words: Kathy Hunter, Luke Williamson, Clinton Howlett, Kaye Mueller, Alex Hunter Photography + Styling Louise M Photography, Roberto Buzzolan, Sandy Meharry, Sorbet Design, Kate Arbuthnot General Enquiries/Distribution hi@junctionmag.co.nz

DESIGN Design House - Mike & Vicki’s Place.. .......................................................18 Get the Look Local. . ................................................................................... 21 NZ House & Garden Home Tours 2016.................................................... 22 CHERISH Fruit Loop................................................................................................. 23 Travelling Tips for Kids. . ........................................................................... 23 COVETABLES Valentines Day.. ........................................................................................ 24 TREND In the Heat of Summer............................................................................. 26

Editorial Enquiries editorial@junctionmag.co.nz

ART Louise McRae........................................................................................... 28 John Mulholland...................................................................................... 28

Front Cover Photographer Roberto Buzzolan Stylist Kate Arbuthnot Wonki Ware black beach sand platter, Mooi Mooi, ‘Frolic’ ceramic cups, tall concrete vase and wine glasses all from Green With Envy. Fresh fish from Matakana Fish Company.

Oysters from Orata Oysters. Rug, table and tin bucket - stylists own.

HAPPENINGS The Chills . . ................................................................................................ 31 Market Meanderings. . ............................................................................... 31 Matakana Beach Outfitters. . .................................................................... 32 Matakana X Run....................................................................................... 33 Whangateau Folk Club. . ........................................................................... 33 Operanesia............................................................................................... 34

Printed by Horton Media Published by Junction Media Ltd All content featured in Junction Magazine is subject to copyright in its entirety and may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the Publisher. Views expressed in Junction Magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Any material supplied for publication is at the owner’s risk. All information is believed to be true by the Publisher at the time of printing.

GIG GUIDE.. ......................................................................................... 35

Matakana Coast Wine Country Words by Olivia Austin February in the Matakana Coast Wine Country brings with it a great line of music, great food and perfect weather (mother nature providing) to enjoy the must do’s of our beautiful region. For the wine lovers out there the Matakana Wine Trail is a great way to taste a selection of fantastic wines - Ascension Wine Estate is a great stop off for lunch or a superb wine tasting.

With seafood in mind, Mahurangi Oysters will be at the Auckland Seafood Festival and also provide Shuckle Ferry tours on the Mahurangi River. Fresh produce from this region is always readily available at the Saturday Matakana Village Farmers Markets.

To help plan your next visit to the region visit: www.matakanacoast.co.nz or like us on our facebook page: Matakana Coast Wine Country.

04 SPOTLIGHT - warkworth butchery

MATAKANA COAST | A WEEK LONG DESTINATION MONDAY

FRIDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

SATURDAY

MORE INFO OR TO BOOK ACCOMMODATION & TOURS CONTACT WARKWORTH i-SITE ON +64 9 425 9081 | MATAKANACOAST.CO.NZ

2

THURSDAY

SUNDAY

06 profile - annie o

Round of Golf Omaha Beach Golf Club Taste Tour of Matakana TUESDAY Matakana Tours WEDNESDAY Oyster Shuckle Tour Mahurangi Oysters Shuckle Ferry Lunch & Pottery Tour THURSDAY Morris & James Pottery, The Pottery Café Beach Horse Ride FRIDAY Pakiri Beach Horse Riding Kawau Island Cruise SATURDAY Kawau Cruises Lunch and Wine Tasting SUNDAY Ascension Wine Estate

MONDAY

CONTENTS - ISSUE 04

08

12 local oysters

18

mike & vicki’s place

21 get the look local

23 fruit loop

28

trend

28

33

34

operanesia

savour - matakana wine trail

art - mccrae + mulholland

matakana x run

Full range of Wonki Ware handmade ceramics Dishwasher + oven safe chip resistant + lightweight

TRADE ENQUIRIES kim@mooimooi.co.nz

homeware | childrenswear | furniture | linen 650 matakana rd | thursday to monday 10-4pm or when the flag is out | Matakana Golden Mile Collectables Trail store fb. facebook.com/mooimooinz | p. pinterest.com/mooimooinz | i. instagram.com/mooimooinz | w. mooimooi.co.nz

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spotlight

pleased to meat you WORDS

kathy

hunter

|

p h o t os s a n d y

m e h a rr y

There’s something about a good local butchery that inspires slavish loyalty in customers. You’ll find followers queuing down the street at crucial times of the year. There are still quite a few dotted around the country, but their numbers are dwindling. The ones that survive and thrive do so because they have a point of difference. Warkworth Butchery is one of those.

Owner Rob Lees did his apprenticeship in Christchurch in a traditional butchery. It was owned by ‘a rather difficult character’ as Rob delicately puts it, and there was a high staff turnover. Rob estimates that during his first five years he’d worked with 35 butchers. But no experience is wasted – and it made him realise what kind of boss he’d eventually like to become.

The Warkworth Butchery is both old and new: there’s been a butchery on this spot for around a hundred years, but Rob and Renee Lees have breathed new life into it since they bought it in 2014.

When they took over the ‘Stubbs Family Butchery’ it was in a sorry state and took a few months to get it going again.

“Local customers seemed really keen for a good butcher to be part of the main street again though,” recalls Rob. “They’d come in with advice and opinions both personal and business-minded. They really seemed to have a sense of community ownership – it was pretty awesome!” He applauds the effort some customers make to shop here and judging by rapturous testimonials from locals, they are equally full of praise for Rob’s service.

With canny forethought, Rob has positioned the butchery at the top end of the market – for quality and consistency, but not price.

Everything is made on the premises: sausages, black pudding (the latest ‘superfood’), white pudding, salamis, chorizo, ham and, of course, their prize-winning bacon. Having his own smokehouse on site is a big plus for Rob. “We sell a lot of bacon,” he says rather ruefully, and you get the feeling it’s a huge understatement.

Most importantly, everything is ethically farmed and free-range, and a lot is organic. Plus, they tend to use single suppliers – they find the good ones and stick with them to build long-term relationships.

Matt Macfarlane at the Wharf Street Bistro over the road says that Rob’s lamb and pork belly is second to none. “Rob being able to source great free-range meat is a real selling point for us,” he says. “He’s been known to come in on a Sunday when I’ve needed something urgently. And he does an amazing smoked brisket just for the bistro. We certainly appreciate having him over the road!”

Free-range and organic however, are labels that have their pros and cons. “People perceive anything with these tags as expensive, but most of our meat is cheaper than the supermarket,” says Rob. “I hate waste, so I price it to move.”

The window is nothing less than art. “Yeah, we know how to put on

Above: Rob Lees and his artful display of prime meats.

a show. But we get our biggest kick out of service. We like to get to know our customers. It’s more than just ‘have a nice day’. We know their kids’ names and we know where they’ve all been on holiday. It’s a real, personal service and that’s what we love most about being in this business.”

As well as your usual beef, pork (Freedom Farms free-range) and lamb (Southdown, from the Kaipara), there’s venison and wild goat, duck, ostrich, pheasant, quail, pouisson, rabbit and hare. The game is mostly from the Fiordland company ‘Fair Game’, which produces wild food, but it’s fully inspected.

Rob’s turkeys are Croziers and the chickens are Bostock brand, from the Hawkes Bay. “We’ve been with them from when they first set up,” says Rob. “It’s a fantastic business – they even grow their own organic chook food. It takes any questions out of the equation, you know?”

ORIGINAL SCULPTURE – MADE IN NEW ZEALAND

Open Wednesdays, weekends or by appointment.

Twin Stream Road, Warkworth [adjacent to The Honey Centre, south of Warkworth]

021 123 4540 www.facebook.com/AlchemySculptures

Innovative concrete, stone and bronze installations - since 1988.

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spotlight

The team outside the historic Warkworth Butchery.

Finally, there’s the knowledge. The same knowledge that allows everything to be made on site, and to order. You can get naturalskinned, allergen-free sausages that are gluten, preservative and nitrate-free. With any additions you like, within reason. If you’ve got a bit of a do coming up, Rob can also give advice on how-to, and how much. “If you’re cooking for a crowd it’s really easy to over-cater,” Rob says. “We tend to save people money by figuring out the right amount per person. And we’ll help you to get the best out of your meat, in any situation.”

In just a couple of years, Rob and Renee have established a rapturous following in Warkworth, and brought a piece of history back to life.

This is one traditional butchery that will be sticking around for a while. www.warkworthbutchery.co.nz 10 Queen Street, Warkworth | 09 425 9947 All charcuterie is hand made and smoked on site.

Traditional Butchery Fresh and Quality Meat 100% Free Range Warkworth Butchery

Find us on Facebook 10 Queen Street, Warkworth Phone 09 4259947 or 021 2444772 www.warkworthbutchery.co.nz | rob@wb.net.nz

5

P RO F ILE

annie o | botanical stylist WORDS

J ENNA

MOORE

She’s been at the top of the flora and botanicals game for over 20 years, and now Annie O is moving her talents out of the city to the coast.

Are you from the Matakana Coast?

My husband, Mark, and I moved to Warkworth in June. We’ve bought this amazing barn on two hectares. We adore it. I have two sons, but they are grown up and don’t live with us. Jordan is 25 and teaching English in Japan and Elliot is 16 and living in Christchurch with his dad. My stepdaughter Bella, Mark’s daughter, is 14 and lives in Cambridge. She comes to stay every second weekend and loves it. She’s met local friends, goes horse riding and has also discovered it’s a great place to learn to drive.

How did you become a botanical stylist?

I’ve been a florist since I was 14, and I opened the Daisy Chain Flower Lounge, my first store, when I was 22. It was pretty rock ‘n roll - we had what we called a flower menu. We had all the top accounts in town, and we did soooo many weddings. This morphed into Pick Me, a store I had in Takapuna. I have had a total of eight businesses.

I decided to move out of retail and spent 10 years doing top Auckland weddings, but I saw flowers becoming more and more organic. Anyone could do them. So I began specialising in botanicals and plant installations. Stephen Marr and The Department Store came onboard fairly quickly. sI’ve run workshops out of Studio 46 in Takapuna and also do some with Leanne Yare at Collected in Mt Eden. I teach classes on terrarium making, Christmas wreaths, and floral design.

What inspires your designs?

I like to do ‘different’ things. The fresher and bolder it is, the better. It’s important to keep things fresh and moving with your design. If you get stale it is time to move on or take a break. I love to keep re-inventing the wheel.

Where do you see your future?

I’ve been self-employed for 28 years and I’d really love to help other women in business, especially creatives. To that end I’m working on becoming a business coach/counsellor/mentor. I’ve been training with a life coach and also Philip Gould. Philip runs coaching for beauty and hair salons and he’s an amazingly gifted human being.

It’s hard for businesswomen to juggle everything - kids, husbands, social media etc. I’d like to help them get on top of things. I’d also like to move most of the business up here. I’ll still keep on The Department Store and do specific things but we’d really like to be more centred up here.

blush

BEAUTY LOUNGE

Make Up Artistry • Tinting • Facials Manicures • Pedicures Electrolysis • Waxing • Brow Shaping

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Annie has fun in the garden of our Design House, Ward Rd; an arrangement with Vicki Fanning’s dahlias and ceramics collection (these two photos by Louise M Photography); in her studio; some of Annie’s quirky terrariums in the Department Store, Takapuna; choosing flowers at work.

My husband Mark is a builder, he specialises in renovations, so we’re working on getting him based up here also. It takes time.

We’re planning our new house on the property so that will be a great showcase for his work.

What do you love most about where we live?

We love the tranquility, and the fact that it’s simple, raw and basic. There’s nothing too polished about this area and people are friendly. I walked into the Council offices the other day and this lady actually welcomed me to the area. People are kind. I was working somewhere in the city the other day, there were two or three teams, and they wouldn’t even say hello to me. That sort of invisibility in the city upsets me deeply. www.annieoxborough.co.nz

“Call me now to get the full picture” WENDY DOUGLAS LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

021 244 5683 | MATAKANA 422 9280

(09) 422 9007 Matakana Village www.blushbeautylounge.co.nz

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PREMIUM.CO.NZ | FINE HOMES MATAKANA COASTAL REALTY LTD MREINZ LICENSED REAA 2008

P RO F ILE

Open 10am – 2pm Fri, Sat, Sun & Mon Green with Envy, Sharp Rd, Matakana the7thsister.com

7

SA V OUR

Matakana Wine Trail WORDS

kathy

hunter

Brick Bay vines and view with the Glasshouse Kitchen nestled in the valley.

Keen for a tour of the Matakana region’s famed wineries but don’t know where to begin? Our handy alternative guide will get you started.

The area has a huge range of grape varieties and it’s worth noting that most vineyards have a commitment to sustainability. Pinot Gris has a strong presence in the area, but not enough to stop Gary Heaven, president of the region’s Winegrower’s Association, saying, “There’s no theme within Matakana Coast vineyards - except diversity.”

roofs, lush gardens and Italian menu. They host big gigs here; the likes of Fat Freddy’s Drop and Shakespeare among the vines, not to mention exceptional weddings.

Ascension make a bevy of reds, a rosé and a couple of whites including a rare ‘Rogue Flora’ (related to a Gewurtztraminer).

This is not a full listing of varieties at each vineyard, just a few of the finer points of each, and in no particular order. And we’re only listing the vineyards that are open to the public for tastings; we’ll also let you know if they offer food.

BRICK BAY WINERY, over in Snell’s Beach, is a must-do. This vineyard has its own vines and olives, plus an exceptional sculpture trail through native bush. The Glass House restaurant offers beautiful stylish food all day, is a piece of art in itself and overlooks a lake of water lilies. There’s even a small gift shop. You’ll taste a crisp Pinot Gris, a not-too-dry Rosé, and a Bordeaux-style red, among others.

RANSOM WINERY is the gateway to the region. This winery produces some unusual wines including a beautiful pale pink Vin Gris, a golden Spanish Albariño and one of only two spicy red Carmenères in NZ. Ransom features slick architecture, stunning views, delectable platters and two generations of dry-humoured winemakers to tell you about their work.

MAHURANGI RIVER WINERY has sweeping views of vines with Mt Tamahunga in the background. It also boasts consistently great food that the locals go back for again and again – the snapper risotto is legendary. Wines include a much-loved Rosé, an Albariño, an unusual and lovely Roussanne/Viognier and various Chardonnay vintages.

ASCENSION WINERY is a glorious ode to Tuscany with its golden stone and tiled

MATAVINO WINES is on the corner of the same road – it’s a younger vineyard, which

� Brick Bay’s GLASS HOUSE KITCHEN

� Advertorial

The kitchen at Brick Bay’s Glass House Restaurant is revelling in its recent overhaul – it’s now three times the size it was. A talented team headed by chef Cameron Cook presents an á la carte menu for relaxed all-day dining. The popular vineyard platters are still available, but customers are certainly enjoying the choice offered by the new menu.

It’s not the only change recently – new vegetable beds and orchards have been planted, and the resulting seasonal produce is keeping the kitchen inspired. The 200 acres of Brick Bay estate also provides beautiful extra virgin olive oil, nuts and honey, all of which makes its way to the menu.

“Ecological accountability around our food is really important to us,” says owner Anna Didsbury. “Our meat is free-range and comes from Rob, the Warkworth Butcher. And our seafood is also sustainably sourced.” The vineyard is run according to this code of ethics too, and is accredited under Sustainable Winegrowing NZ. And they’re in it for the long haul; Brick Bay Pinot Gris 2014 is now in its 17th vintage and better than ever.

Enjoy relaxed all day dining in The Glass House Kitchen Open daily 10am-5pm Arabella Lane, Snells Beach 09 4254690 brickbay.co.nz

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There’s nothing better than a relaxed lunch after strolling around Brick Bay’s exceptional sculpture trail. But now we can look forward to weekend breakfasts and monthly Pop Up Dinners at the Glass House, too. Seasonally-themed evening dinners last year booked out fast. Subscribe to the online mailing list now to be notified of autumn feasting! www.brickbay.co.nz | Arabella Lane, Snells Beach | 09 425 4690

savour

grows Italian and French varieties. There’s a highly-regarded and rare Nebbiolo (a hearty Italian red from the Piedmonte region) and a luscious Viognier – a great match for oysters and other seafood. There’s no café at Matavino.

RUNNER DUCK ESTATE’S cellar door is hosted by Plume Restaurant – Matakana’s fine dining establishment on Sharp Road. Set among gardens with views in all directions, it’s upmarket but relaxed. Another excellent wedding or conference venue.

They do a Bordeaux varietal, a Syrah, Rosé and a Pinot Gris and are committed to sustainable practices.

HERON’S FLIGHT WINERY, also on Sharp Road, is unusual in that it specialises in Italian varieties – they’ve just been name-checked in Condé Nast Traveller magazine for this, in fact. Their Sangiovese is widely regarded as one of the premium reds in the country. They also grow Dolcetto and have recently produced a sweet Passito as well. Planted in 1987, Heron’s Flight is the oldest in vineyard in the area, and uses all organic practice. David and Mary have a wealth of information on the history of the region. You’re welcome to picnic under their old olive trees – they have blankets, cheeses and charcuterie, and lots of family games too.

OMAHA BAY VINEYARD is on the Takatu Road. It has jawdropping vistas over Omaha beach and Little Barrier Island, hearty platters and a wide range of wines. You’ll find Pinot Gris, Rosé, Flora, Chardonnay and a bunch of reds to boot, including a rich Montepulciano. Owner Hegman Foster is always good for a yarn.

HYPERION ESTATE, on the other side of Matakana, has a funky converted cowshed as the winery and tasting room. Wine production here is weighted towards the reds, with an award-winning Cab Sav and an interesting, newish Chambourcin. There’s also a Pinot Gris and a Chardy though. No food here, but there are various options close by, including the Morris and James pottery café down the road.

Regional Park before landing at your choice of vineyard for tastings and lunch. They’ll happliy sort out a local taxi van to get you home.

If you’d rather just go to a lovely stylish bar and taste wines from most of the above vineyards, try The Vintry in Matakana Village. They have an exceptional range, and loads of local knowledge.

SOME POINTS TO NOTE: There’s usually a small fee to taste – if there isn’t, it’s only polite to buy at least one bottle. Tasting at any more than three vineyards is completely pointless – you may not be lurching exactly, but your palate will be exhausted. Eat plenty along the way, and drink water – lots of water. And finally, these vineyards are mostly very small; when you’re there, you’re pretty much in someone else’s home. Getting wrecked and trashing the place is most definitely a no-no. Play nice.

For further information on Matakana Wines check out the Matakana Winegrowers Association site. www.ransomwines.co.nz | www.ascensionwine.co.nz | www.brickbay.co.nz www.mahurangiriver.co.nz | www.matavino.co.nz | www.runnerduck.co.nz www.omahabay.co.nz | www.heronsflight.co.nz | www.hyperionwines.co.nz www.matakanatours.co.nz/matakana-winery-tour www.skyworkhelicopters.com Keep up with The Vintry on Facebook: thevintrymatakana Winemakers Association | www.matakanawine.co.nz

There are some other vineyards in the area that don’t do tastings except by appointment or with organised tours: Coxhead Creek, Gillman’s, Hawks Nest, Saltings and Takatu. Matakana Estate is a comparatively large vineyard along from Ascension that may soon be back in public business – watch this space.

If you can’t talk someone into being your sober driver, there are other options. Most Auckland wine tour operators will tailor a Matakana jaunt, but the best option at this end of the trail is Matakana Tours. Liz and Geoff Bays have a wealth of local wine knowledge. They’ll pick up and drop off from wherever you’re staying in the region – including Auckland – in a limo, if you want to go rock’n’roll.

Skyworx Helicopters will take things to a whole new rockstar level. They can create a heli-tour for you that will take in a magical sweep over Omaha and Tawaharanui

Mahurangi River Winery

John Crone at Hyperion inspects the vines.

�

�

ASCENSION WINE ESTATE

Advertorial

Ascension Wine Estate is a beautiful vineyard, restaurant and event venue set among the vines of Matakana. At just 45 minutes north of Auckland, it’s the perfect location – far enough from Auckland to feel you’re in the countryside, but close enough for an easy day-trip.

Come and sample exceptional hand-crafted wine varieties from our cellar door. In this beautiful summer weather, we highly recommend our Viognier, our Flora and our crisp Rosé made from Pinotage grapes. All of these wines are perfect with seafoods and salads.

Relax in the shady gardens and courtyards, or stroll among the Junction advert copy.pdf

1

2015/12/14

vines in the early evening. Try the award-winning, Italianinspired cuisine from our Osteria Restaurant.

Ascension Wine Estate hosts a number of large events over the summer – stay in touch with our Facebook page for up-to-date details. We delight and take pride in organising your wedding, function or conference – call us to discuss your requirements. www.ascensionwine.co.nz | 480 Matakana Rd, Matakana 09 422 9601

4:27 PM

the perf rfect f pair PAIR WITH PINOTA

DUO DI ANATRA Duck leg rottolo with pan roasted duck breast, roasted summer pumpkin, lemon pickled baby zucchini, baby turnips, pumpkin puree, toasted pumpkin seeds, and duck roasting jus.

ASCENSION SUMMER MENU is filled with an array of flavours to tempt and delight. Join us this Valentines Day to find your perfect pair. www.ascensionwine.co.nz info@ascensionwine.co.nz 09 422 9601

DEGUSTATION OF STRAWBERRIES Strawberry parfait, strawberry marshmallow, fresh strawberry puree, strawberry salad with rum, strawberry sorbet, clotted cream and crispy meringue.

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savour

matakana wine & food festival Paul Walker is fizzing with enthusiasm. On the first weekend of March he'll open the inaugural Matakana Wine and Food Festival, and he's very happy about this. Slightly stressed, but happy.

Paul moved to Omaha three and half years ago with his wife and daughter Kate. He owns a serious events management business managing large-scale conferences both here and in Australia. But his background is all about food – and that’s his real passion. He has an extensive background in Hotel Management, over 1,000 cookbooks at home, and he likes to cook five-course degustation dinners for his friends and family. For fun.

He's known for a while that he'd like set up a really great food and wine festival in Matakana. He saw the niche, and knew it could work, but he also knew he needed to get to know his crowd first. So for the last few years, Paul has been on every community committee that could use him. From the Omaha Beach Community Committee, to Matakana Coast Wine Country and Matakana Coast Tourism, this is a man who has done the hard yards round the meeting table.

For this festival, there have been some very large hurdles to jump, including funding (hardly any), applications, resource consents and plans required for everything the council can dream up. Paul will count himself lucky if he breaks even. But he's nearly there. The Country Park will host a new wine and food event to be proud of.

"This year will be a small beginning to something that I want to turn into an ongoing annual festival for Matakana," Paul says with admirable intensity. "One that celebrates the amazing local wine, beer, cider and food we've got here. I want to help grow local businesses – and hopefully create the infrastructure for other events throughout the year too – particularly in the winter months."

The much-loved Fruit Loop Walk and Run fundraiser (see page 23) will be back on the Saturday morning of the Wine and Food Festival weekend. Paul’s organising that too, in his spare time. Tickets for this family walk/run through local vineyards and farms will also include entry into the MWFF, so once you've done your walk, you can indulge in some outstanding local food and beverages. Book those tickets now and let's get behind it.

Matakana Wine and Food Festival | 5/6 March 2016 Country Park | 1 Omaha Flats Rd, Matakana www.mwff.co.nz

MEET, VIEW, TASTE Matakana www.matakanatours.co.nz PHONE 0800 927 596

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Paul Walker, organiser of Matakana Wine & Food Festival.

Experience our Matakana Wine & Food with local guide to meet the locals and hear their stories

50-acre country estate

50-acre country estate

F U N F O R A L L T H E FA M I LY

W E D D I N G S & PA R T I E S

CONFERENCES & EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS • UPCOMING EVENTS • UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, 13 Feb 2016

Saturday, 5 March 2016

Sat & Sun, 5 & 6 March 2016

MilItary ARTs

ENTER EXTREME CHALLENGE RUN

5.5 + kilometres with 65 Killer Obstacle Challenges.

Mud, Fun, Mud and then More Mud !

NOW!

TICKETS ON SALE

ENTER

NOW!

NOW!

SIGN UP NOW! Saturday

13 February 2016 www.militaryarts.co.nz

www.matakanafruitloop.co.nz

www.mwff.co.nz

At the Military Arts Compound inside the Matakana Country Park, 1151 Leigh Rd Matakana

www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz | info@matakanacountrypark.co.nz 09 RIGHT 422 HERE! 7437 | 1151 leigh Road, Matakana, Auckland, NZ HELL ON EARTH....

2 Person Team Event

Team Open Open Open

options Mixed Gender Team Male Team Female Team

Minimum age 16 years Cost per Team

All competitors will be electronically tagged and timed.

Entrants will receive a Cool Event Tee Shirt and downloadable Certificate, showing their finishing place and time.

Great spot prizes on the day !

$180.00

$90.00 pp Supporting the Puriri Tree Foundation Trust

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SA V OUR

LOCAL OYSTERS words

luke

w i l l i a m so n

What noise annoys an oyster lover most? ‘Out of stock’, or ‘season closed’ signs, that’s what. However, you’re not likely to see these on the Matakana Coast. The oysters growth cycle changes at certain times of the year, and the best time is from early autumn, but they’ll be around up here all year long. The Mahurangi Harbour is home to eight commercial oyster growers, four of whom offer oysters direct to customers in the Matakana Coast region.

The local growers all participate in a monitoring scheme for the harbor to ensure the pristine quality of the waters. That’s one of the reasons that Mahurangi Harbour oysters are so highly regarded, both in NZ and abroad.

As always with oysters, the closer you are to the source, the better they’ll be. And since they’re naturally high in many health essentials including protein, iron, omega three fatty acids, calcium, zinc, and vitamin C, you’ll be wanting to hang out around Matakana to take full advantage of our major oyster industry.

One of the reasons I enjoy living here is because I love oysters and I’ll happily knock off two dozen of the finest, washed down with locallyproduced craft beer! So here are a few ways you can track down the freshest, tastiest, most succulent oysters you could hope for.

Orata Marine Ltd

The

Shuckle Ferry

Oyster

farm tours A guided tour to harvest, shuck and eat oysters on the Mahurangi River.

Leaving aboard the Shuckle Ferry from Scotts Landing, Warkworth.

For all bookings, contact

Andrew and Lisa Hay

Phone: (09) 425 5652 or 021 746 401 info@mahurangioysters.co.nz

www.mahurangioysters.co.nz

Every Saturday, for nearly ten years now, Lynette Dunn and Trevor Smith (above right) have sold their oysters at the Matakana Farmers’ Market. Rain or shine, they are there to feed the insatiable desire for fresh, local oysters.

Orata supplies markets and restaurants all over Auckland, and beyond, so it’s not hard to find their gorgeous oysters, but the Matakana Farmers’ Market is the best place to get them fresh from the farm that day. Lynette says that concentrating on maintaining top-quality, good-sized oysters is what has kept their business thriving and ensured regulars return time and time again. The Farmers’ Market has been great for promoting their

Lynette at the Matakana Markets.

own business but Lynette says that the added benefit is promotion of the Mahurangi Harbour as a whole, and that’s good for all the growers.

For more info, call Lynette on 027 477 9690.

Mahurangi Oysters Ltd Whether you buy a bag of fresh-that-morning oysters from the chiller outside their Oyster Shed, sample them in the classy surrounds of The Depot in Auckland City, or take the Shuckle Ferry oyster farm tour (below) on the beautiful Mahurangi Harbour itself, Andrew and Lisa Hay’s carefully tended and mouth-watering oysters will delight you.

Their small, family-run business concentrates on producing top quality oysters that get eaten locally and around the country. The latest addition to the business is the Shuckle Ferry, a custom-fitted barge that will take you to their oyster farm where you can harvest, shuck and eat delicious Mahurangi Oysters. Leaving from Scotts Landing, this is a unique chance to experience the crisp sea air, see where the oysters grow and find out a little about an oyster’s life. You just don’t get any closer to the source than this. we mention that you get to eat lots of scrumptious oysters? www.mahurangioysters.co.nz Biomarine Ltd Matakana Coast is also home to Biomarine Ltd, one of the largest oyster producers in New Zealand. They produce around five million oysters annually, 90% of which are exported. Most of the oysters are captured as juveniles in the Mahurangi Harbour and then grown to maturity at their farm in the Kaipara Harbour. Biomarine have recently opened a new factory for processing their oysters in Warkworth and customers can purchase fresh and frozen oysters from the office at 482 Woodcocks Road.

That’s less than half of the growers working in the Mahurangi Harbour, the remainder of whom supply restaurants, wholesalers and markets throughout the country and overseas; you never need be short of a Mahurangi oyster. However, you can’t beat the opportunity to sample fresh oysters, straight from the ocean that morning so get along to the suppliers mentioned above and find out why Mahurangi Harbour oysters are so revered.

T: 09 425 5076

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Trevor heading out on the barge.

signature dish

vietq foods 969 Matakana Road 021 0614100 | FB vietqfoods | IG vietqfoods

OMAHA BAY VINEYARD 169 Takatu Rd, Matakana 09 4230023 | www.omahabay.co.nz

Photo credit: MATAKANA VILLAGE PUB Louise M Photography 11 Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana 09 422 7518 | www.matakana.co.nz

VietQ foods offers fresh authentic Vietnamese street food every Friday and Saturday from 11am to 8pm at our food truck in Matakana, and Saturday 8am to 1pm at the Matakana Farmers Market.

OBV is one of those ‘must visit’ wineries. Try out fine wines in our underground cellar and outside area with spectacular views over the Hauraki Gulf.

Open Fri/Sat/Sun 11am – 5pm

Our house-made Carribbean spice mix blackens just one side of this beautiful fish. Flavours of cinnamon and allspice work perfectly with the tangy slaw. Any of our local Pinot Gris wines are an excellent match with this dish.

Mahurangi River Winery 162 Hamilton Road, Warkworth 09 425 0306 | www.mahurangiriver.co.nz

Takatu Olives 57 Takatu Road | Matakana

Brick Bay | The Glass House Kitchen 17 Arabella Lane, Snells Beach 09 425 4690 | www.brickbay.co.nz

Mahurangi River ‘Pretty In Pink’ Rose with Matakana Smokehouse gravalax salmon, crispy breads and a smoked tomato graneta - simply gorgeous!

Simple Garden lunch: easy colourful salad of tomatoes, basil, red onion, capers, olives, dressed with our awardwinning Takatu Olives Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. A generous scattering of home-made dukkah for serious crunch just perfect!

Fresh on the dessert menu is a dish that sings of summer: vanilla bean pannacotta, peach and Brick Bay Pinot Gris jelly, served with peaches roasted in Brick Bay Honey.

Ascension Wine Estate 480 Matakana Rd, Matakana 09 422 9601 | www.ascensionwine.co.nz

Ravish 726 Matakana Valley Road, Cnr Sharp Road, Matakana Kerri 021 321346 | www.ravish-hq.com

BRAMBLE 1 Omaha Flats Road, Matakana 09 4227133 | Open 7 days 7am-3pm

Spaghetti Ai Frutti Di Mare Spaghetti with selected mixed seafood, olive oil, Italian parsley and garlic in Napolitana sauce. The incredible seafood is the feature in this dish, but the traditional homemade spaghetti ensures it is rounded off perfectly.

Ravish is proud to be serving fabulous coffee, fresh food and baking daily. Ask about our Catering menus for functions of all sizes. We’re excited to let you know we will soon also be serving from the Omaha Golf Club.

Open 7 days.

Located in the Matakana Country Park, Bramble offers a full menu, cabinet food, fresh baking, homemade pies, locally roasted coffee and a friendly environment to sit, relax and enjoy. Set amongst a petting farm, playground and art gallery, there is something for everyone.

DONNA 172 Rodney St, Wellsford 09 423 9291 | 09 425 4690

MATAKANA VILLAGE PUB 11 Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana 09 422 7518 | www.matakana.co.nz

Donna Wellsford is a licensed café that serves locally roasted fairtrade coffee, freshly baked pastries and uses locally grown produce. We also have salads and fresh made sandwiches. Open until 8pm on Fridays for pizza, serving local wine, beer, cider and organic kombucha.

The Matakana’s whitebait fritter has proved hugely popular this summer. Hoteo River whitebait in a crisp, buttery fritter is served with preserved-lemon mayonnaise and a zingy caper pickle. Great with an Albariño or an icy-cold Pilsner.

Photo credit: Louise M Photography

Open daily 10am-5pm

WE LOVE FOOD Matakana Markets 021 151 3025 | www.welovefood.co.nz We love food, all the taste sensations, memories it evokes, the fun that goes with catering and helping to organise special occasions. We are passionate about good healthy food made with local, fresh ingredients - served in environmentally sustainable packaging .

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MATAKANA market food folk words KATHY HUNTE R PH O T O G R APHY S AN D Y MEHA R R Y

On arrival at the Matakana Markets on a Saturday morning, the first thing most people do is get a coffee from the Love Shack. The beans are roasted less than 100m away and the brew has won 6 out of 7 awards over the last years. The scent of Matakana Coffee Roasters’ espresso is the backdrop to the marketplace, as are the shouts of the baristas calling waiting customers to their coffee.

And the band plays on...

MARKET CRÊPES Cath Lewis’s French crêpes and galettes (savoury buckwheat pancakes) are a huge drawcard at the markets. Cat has a degree in nutrition and a background in large-scale event management (she used to run

Cath Lewis - Queen of Crêpery

Ross Paine - a happy market muncher.

Michael Isbey of Matakana Smokehouse.

Christmas in the Park) which is evident in her crowd-wrangling skills; customers will queue several deep for her mouthwatering crêpes, but they don’t have to wait long.

Sweet fillings range from the classic lemon and sugar through to seasonal fruits with her trademark crème anglaise or whipped cream.

Right now she’s turning plums from her mum’s tree into a tangy, vanillalaced compote, and Otago apricots are served with a mix of Greek yoghurt and cream cheese and pomegranate.

Cath’s galettes are also to die for: there’s creamy bacon and mushroom, a Mexican corn and rice pancake (bean or chicken with hand-cut salsa, sour cream, chilli sauce and zesty lime and paprika sprinkle), or the classic Galette Complète: free-range ham, cheese, and an egg from her neighbour’s chooks, garnished with herbs and folded square.

MATAKANA SMOKEHOUSE Michael and Sophie Isbey have their Akaroa salmon flown up from the South Island midweek. They pack the sleek fillets into the big smoker

“Ransom Wines is highly acclaimed for the elegance and finesse of its Bordeaux blends and for the great food and wine experience in its winebar” Australian Gourmet Traveller

Open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday www.ransomwines.co.nz | 09 425 8862 | info@ransomwines.co.nz

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MATAKANA market food folk

At their Matakana market stall, early on a Saturday morning, the couple serve the first run of locals, most of whom they know well. “This is the best time of day – serving a great breakfast to friends before the crowds arrive,” says David. Film directors and farmers alike munch gravlax and cream cheese bagels, snapper burgers or tacos.

For fresh fish, they’ll always do prawns and at least four types of fish.

“There are so many other fantastic fish out there,” says David. “We encourage people to try out other more sustainable species, like Porae, Blue Moki or Trevally, which is great as sashimi.”

MATAKANA NUT BUTTERS All of the delectable products offered by this family-run business are

Richard Didsbury enjoys a fresh snapper taco.

The team at Matakana Fish Co.

Josie Jackson of Matakana Nut Butter.

at the Matakana Smokehouse as soon as they’ve applied the four different marinades: organic golden sugar and salt, organic coconut sugar, roasted nigella seed and salt, or the fully whammy of nigella seed, organic coconut sugar and salt.

After only a few months on the job, the Isbeys’ delectable salmon is now selling into high-end local wineries, and the market-goers are loving it. New products include smoked mushrooms and twice-cured citrus gravlax. The very latest experiment, straight out of the smoker – fresh, fat sardines.

MATAKANA FISH CO At 4.45am on a Friday morning and David and Janine O’Sullivan from the Matakana Fish Company are on their way to the Auckland fish markets. Their catch will be filleted and packed on ice, then it’s back to Matakana to finish curing their salmon gravlax in Bombay Sapphire gin – picking up an order of Al Brown’s Best Ugly Bagels on the way.

Twenty-four years ago, Charlies was a roadside stall selling grapes.

Nine years ago, after a trip to Italy, Charlie Wrigglesworth and Heather King decided to make a spot of icecream. Now Charlies Gelato Garden has created over 60 flavours of gelato and sorbetto.

Wood fired pizza Friday-Sunday through to mid February Charlies Gelato Garden 17 Sharp Rd, Matakana 09 422 7942 ww.charliesgelato.co.nz

All of their delicious products are made on the premises, using fruit from their own berry gardens and orchards wherever possible.

They also offer Matakana Smokehouse salmon, Whangaripo Valley free range eggs and buffalo cheeses, and local baker Dean Betts’ legendary sourdough bread on Saturday mornings.

Charlies strawberry season is over, but don’t worry – soon it’ll be grape season! Pop in for a sweet treat, have a look round the vintage collectibles in their gallery and relax in their outdoor garden and lounge area.

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MATAKANA market food folk

handmade, starting with whole nuts, roasted till they’re the right shade of golden brown. Matakana nut butters are 100% nuts with nothing else added except sea salt, manuka honey or dark chocolate.

chillies, two of the hottest in the world (you can watch foolhardy types trying to eat a Ghost chilli on youtube) as well as the classic Scotch Bonnets and Habanero – 40 varieties at last count.

Josie Jackson has created variations of almond, hazelnut, cashew and brazil. Standouts include almond and manuka honey, ABC (Almond Cashew and Brazil), hazelnut with dark chocolate, or the new almond and chia seed, which is flying off the shelves. Try the almond and manuka butter on wholegrain toast with sliced banana on top – the best breakfast.

Tom’s created three sauces to date: Pineapple Habanero, a medium-hot yellow sauce which is great with fish and chicken; Berry Hot, a sweet chilli and berry sauce perfect for game, and an all-purpose traditional hot sauce.

SUNWALKER HOT SAUCES Tom Stitchbury’s a relative newbie at the markets. He used to be in the Auckland film industry but quit the rat-race to come and make chilli sauces in Matakana. He grows his own chillies (and many of his other ingredients) using organic methods. He has Carolina Reaper and Ghost

COBARA FOODS Conrad and Barbara Blind create their range of nutty comestibles in their commercial kitchen in Point Wells. They were one of the first in NZ selling dukkah around 16 years ago, inspired by a trip to the Middle East. They now sell four different flavours, including pumpkin and fennel and Tuscan version. Their Turkish za’atar is popular (sesame and Jordanian sumac - trying coating Haloumi in it before frying). There are also four flavours of nutty, healthy salad sprinkles, various nut butters and a cranberry and coconut muesli sweetened only with manuka honey.

Conrad is also the Matakana agent for Puhoi cheeses on another stall, and here you’ll also find his legendary creamy salad dressing.

SILVANA’S ITALIAN

Tom Stitchbury of Sunwalker hot sauces.

Silvana and Mike’s Italian stall.

Wild Caught And Born In The Sea

Silvana Silvestro is a second generation Sicilian who makes classic Italian food that people drive miles for. Her canoli (sweet, crisp pastry tubes filled with vanilla custard or sweet ricotta) and arancini (rice balls with Salumeria pork sausage, mozzarella and egg) are sensational. Her cousin, a pastry chef in Rome, taught her the perfect canoli recipe years ago – with only a slight tweak to the one her grandmother used. Silvana and Kiwi husband Mike also make pizza in their little wood-fired oven at the market, and you can take home pasta meals as well. Everything is home-made from scratch – even her ricotta.

These are just a few of the exceptional foodies at the Matakana Markets – there are also masses of fresh, verdant produce, handmade Swiss chocolates, Vietnamese delights from Viet Q Foods around the corner, bakery and patisserie stalls, hot crispy mussel and whitebait fritters on buttered bread with lemon and pepper, local honey, ocean-fresh oysters, a huge array of artisan condiments and sauces, smoked garlic and red onions, Italian handmade sausages from Salumeria Fontana, olive oils, pies, buffalo burgers and cheeses, and more. But going to the markets is more than just the food – it’s the whole busy, happy vibe – satisfied punters enjoying local music and the beautiful surroundings.

SUPPLYING FRESH WHOLE SHELL & HALF SHELL OYSTERS DIRECT TO YOU

Contact Trevor & Lynette on 027 477 9690 trevor.lynette@xtra.co.nz

Check out the website for the constantly updated stallholders. www.visitmatakana.co.nz/villa ge/farmers-market

Established in 1987, we opened Matakana's first cellar door in 1992. In 1994, we created Heron's Flight Cafe as part of our cellar door experience. We operated this until 2006, when we built and opened a restaurant on our road frontage. We realized our plan and sold the restaurant in 2010 and returned to our original cellar door down the long drive.

Being winemakers first and foremost, we wanted to focus on organic grapegrowing and winemaking.

We are the only NZ winery specializing exclusively in Italian grapes. Conde Nast just featured us in an article entitled: The Best Italian Wine Comes from.....New Zealand?

for a moment of pleasure and rest

And we are about to have a deli fridge featuring picnic items made locally. So come along, grab some cheese, charcuterie, olives etc and make yourself at home. Enjoy our gardens, vines and old olive trees. Oh, we also have lots of outside games which all ages can enjoy.

Corn-hole anyone??

Anyway, we welcome visitors to our cellar door.

Cellar door and deli picnics, to have here or takeaway, Daily 11am-5pm

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www.heronsflight.co.nz 49 Sharp Rd, Matakana, 021 025 88203

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bbq blueberry ribs

iconic local brand

The Auton family of Omaha are absolutely flat-out at the moment with a bumper harvest of luscious organic blueberries. It’s all hands on deck for staff and family as the fresh fruit season is nearly at it’s peak .

Shannon Auton says, “This has been a really good season with a bigger than normal yield – A combination of the El Nino weather patterns and new fruit varieties coming on has been very helpful!”

For over a decade the Leigh Sawmill Café and the Sawmill Brewery have happily shared the iconic Sawmill name. Their close relationship, proximity and joint identity have meant some punters were unaware these are actually two separately owned businesses.

OOB’s most recent addition to their range, the Organic Smoothie Mix, was introduced at the end of last year and has been hugely popular both here and in Australia. There are two versions, strawberry and blueberry – both with added frozen banana and kiwifruit. Great for a high-antioxidant treat on these hot days.

Everyone in the Matakana Coast area knows and loves the iconic OOB ice cream store on the roundabout in Matakana, as well as their orchard shop on Jones Road Omaha where locals and those in the know come for fresh blueberries and ice cream on their way home from the beach.

It’s not all about sweet treats though – here’s an unusual and mouthwatering recipe for the summer BBQ.

Ingredients 2 cups OOB organic frozen blueberries 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/3 cup diced shallots 1 tablespoon molasses 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

After 2 years of timber milling in 1996 the Guinness family transformed the Leigh Sawmill into the Leigh Sawmill Café.

Till this day the Café is a synopsis for amazing live performances coupled with the perfect combo of gourmet pizzas and local craft beer from Sawmill Brewery.

In 2004 the Sawmill Brewery became the Cafes new tenants/ neighbours located onsite at Leigh Sawmill Cafe. Mike and Kirsty purchased the Brewery in 2010 and after expanding its range and distribution have outgrown its current location. A new purpose-built premise on Leigh Road, Matakana will allow the Sawmill Brewery to keep up with their expansion while providing Beer tastings alongside a small matched menu of simple, beautiful food.

The Leigh Sawmill Café along with its accommodation is staying in its historic location in Leigh as it welcomes its 20th year in business.

As for the Sawmill Brewery, Junction looks forward to to unveiling fresh surprises from them at their new location in Matakana soon.

Leigh Sawmill Café T: 09 422 6019 www.sawmillcafe.co.nz 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Sawmill Brewery T: 09 422 6555 www.sawmillbrewery.co.nz

Please note: Junction Magazine apologises for using the incorrect Sawmill Café logo in the craft beverages article in our January issue.

Method In a medium saucepan stir together the blueberries, honey and balsamic vinegar over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer, and cook until the blueberries have burst and released their juices. Add the red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper (a bit at a time – you can always add more!), shallots and garlic and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes more. Blend the sauce with a stick blender or masher to puree the sauce into a smoother consistency.

Stir in the molasses, salt and pepper, and continue simmering the sauce until it has thickened, about 15-20 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and let cool to allow sauce to thicken.

Brush ribs with blueberry sauce while cooking, and serve with any leftover sauce in a small side dish.

Note: The sauce may be used right away or stored in an airtight container in the fridge after cooling completely. It’s also great with chicken or fish.

www.oob.co.nz

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mike & vicki’s place WORDS kathy hunter p h o t os l o u i s e m p h o t ogr a p h y

Fourteen years ago, artist and designer Mike Petre bought what seemed to be a terminally run-down council house on five acres in Ward Rd, Matakana. He later found out that it was actually the original farmhouse, thought to have been built in the late 1800s.

The little block had been carved off the huge farm that used to run between Matakana Valley Rd and Omaha Flats. Mt Tamahunga loomed benignly in the background. The place was rather interestingly marketed as a ‘Handyman’s Wife’s Nightmare.’ But the agent hadn’t reckoned on the remarkable skill-set and sheer determination of Mike, who at that stage, didn’t have a wife.

“It had been two stories high, but somebody along the way had ‘bungalised’ it,” Mike says ruefully. “The kitchen was so tiny, I could touch all the walls without moving. All the windows had been shot out and there was cow poo in the lounge. It was unloved – but underneath it all it was in really good nick.”

He slogged through 80-90 hour weeks for five months, with help from friends. The best bits were kept; tongue-in-groove panelling and original mortise and tenon lintels were lovingly conserved for their craftsmanship. Although some walls were taken out, Mike reckons, “It’s nice to have hidden nooks – and an L-shaped lounge gives you more room to hang art!”

Space for Mike’s large art collection had to be factioned into the renovation. This was lucky in hindsight: Vicki’s collection was soon to double it. The pair have done a lot of bartering over the years with many of their artist friends. Mike would build a shed or a fence for someone and get a piece of art in return. In this way they’ve built up a formidable collection of NZ art across a wide range of media.

Mike hails from Piopio in the King Country and comes from solid farming stock. Part of his design degree at Carrington Tech was a dissertation on rural architecture, particularly the relationships between buildings and outdoor spaces.

He believes firmly that “interior design should begin at your letterbox” and began setting out the property on these principles.

A couple of years down the track, Vicki Fanning was over her film catering job in Wellington and wanting to get back home to Matakana and make art. Vicki had

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studied ceramics at Carrington, followed by glass at Wanganui. She’s born and raised in Rodney; went to Kaipara Flats Primary and Mahurangi College.

Mike and Vicki had been good friends at art school in the nineties, so when Mike heard she was coming home, he offered her a flat-share in his new house.

As Mike’s cattle beast canvases took off, so did Vicki’s witty glassworks, all produced in their shared studio close to the house.

Recently, Vicki’s been spending more time with small son Sam, and putting a lot of energy into creative programmes at the local school. So although she’s still fitting in her beautiful glasswork whenever she can, she has utilised her original training and started a new ceramics business. The rustic domestic flatware she’s producing now under the brand ‘Frolic’ is quicker and easier than glass for these busy parenting years – and it’s proving almost too popular. Customers at local homewares store Green With Envy are clamouring for it; Brick Bay’s Glass House restaurant and soon the new Sawmill Brewery will feature her platters, bowls, plates and cups.

Vicki has also created a special ceramic container for the organic microgreens she loves. “I got really over having a plastic tub on my windowsill that dripped everywhere, so thought I’d just make something to fix it,” she shrugs. Mandy and Craig of Organic Herbs and Seedlings now sell the deep, square bowls alongside their microgreens on their stall at the Matakana Farmers’ Markets.

Meanwhile, Mike’s art is fending off an attempted takeover from his architecture. Since he designed a well-known local house, as well as Matakana’s Vivian Gallery a couple of years ago, clients have been lining up for his highlycrafted take on ‘the elegant shed’. He’s finding it a little hard to keep up, but thinks it’d be worse if he had a mobile phone. Yep – Mike doesn’t own a cellphone, and never uses computers. Ever.

All his design work is done the old-fashioned way – draughted by hand – and he firmly believes in face-to-face meetings as the best way to conduct business.

Mike smiles and shrugs. “It drives everyone nuts, but somehow it seems to work.

And it keeps me focused and grounded.” He’s currently working on the soon-tocontinued on page 20

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mike & vicki’s place

From top: The house from the studio Very old ketes from Mike’s family The sink and mirror for campers Vicki at work on a glass piece

From top: Vicki and Vinnie Vintage drawers, grouped ceramics Domestic ceramics by various artists Dahlia bowl by Morgan Haines

From top: The studio deck Dahlias ready for sale at Charlies The guest room with glass cushion Vicki’s ceramic ready for glazing

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mike & vicki’s place The two are both very handy and have done all the work around the block themselves.

The majority is recycled; Mike is a demo-yard addict. He also has an abiding love for native timbers, holding forth on the special characters of totara and rimu. When he heard of a huge amount of storm-felled beech going for a great price down on the West Coast, he jumped at it. He’s turned it into an extraordinary sarked feature wall at the new Sawmill Brewery.

In any tiny amount of spare time, they garden – Mike and Vicki share a deep need to connect with the soil. There are overflowing vege beds, banks of lush hydrangeas and orchard trees, both very old and new. Vicki’s extraordinary dahlia garden pays its way, with cut flowers being sold at Charlie’s Gelato Garden in Sharp Road, Matakana.

“Art, gardening, building – it all crosses over,” observes Vicki. “It’s a natural evolution that’s all based on scale and textures and spaces.” There’s virtually nothing this couple does that isn’t creative, in a no-nonsense kind of way. There’s not a scrap of artyfartiness about them, but they’ve made a home that’s a showcase for art and their many artist friends – and is also a harmonious outdoor haven. *Note to readers: If anyone out there has any information on the history of the house, please get in touch with Vicki, on 09 422 7180.

Vicki will have new glassworks in a shared show with Elizabeth McClure at the Vivian Gallery later this year. Mike’s work can be seen in various shows at the Vivian Gallery throughout the year. He also has a solo show at the Milford Galleries in Queenstown in October. www.thevivian.co.nz | www.milfordgalleries.co.nz

The ceramic light shades above the totara kitchen bench were moulded from dog food cans.

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The bathroom hosts a Regan Gentry pumice lilo and glass bathroom accessories by Vicki.

Above from top: A collection of NZ art in the lounge. Sam plays with Vinnie, reading room in the background. The kitchen sideboard is loaded with ceramic treasures.

design

get the look local 4.

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1. Lucy Harris Flax Kete Yellow $75 Blue $85 021 202 8932 2. Board & Batten Turquoise Base with Shade 3. The Fine Line Gallery Richard Cadness Stoneware Bottle Vases $65 - $75 4. ‘French Café’ Replica Tolix chair $129 www.kiwiliving.co.nz 5. MooiMooi Little & Fox Cushion with Feather Insert $125 6. Abode Furnishings Matakana Fruit Platter $45 7. Guthrie Bowron Floressents Throw $175 8. Board & Batten Hasting Settee $2,879 9. Green with Envy Microgreens ceramic dishes by Vicki Fanning $35 each 10. The Fine Line Gallery Mid-Century Teak Sideboard $730

At Old School Inc, much of our stock is sourced on twice-yearly trips to Bali, including hand-forged industrial lamp shades and light cages and 1940s cafe stools. Take your pick of mid-century teak pieces, school desks, workshop tins, iron shoe racks, metal hat boxes. We also buy from vintage markets in Tokyo and the US. Up-cycling and re-purposing is our speciality. We scour hospice and tip shops, garage sales and TradeMe to find as many NZ vintage items as we can. There’s always plenty to see, as new pieces are added weekly.

Come for a visit. Open Friday-Monday 10-3pm. www.oldschoolinc.co.nz or call Haidee: 021 294 0086.

OLD SCHOOL INC | 745 MATAKANA ROAD VINTAGE INDUSTRIAL TREASURES & NEST FEATHERING

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nz house & garden home tours 2016

NZ House and Garden are in their eighth year of running tours of exceptional homes in support of the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation.

This year the Auckland tour is set in Matakana and Omaha on Friday March 4, with tours running from 10am to 4pm. There’s a selection of ten to twelve homes to visit in the area, many of them featuring the work of local artists. Particularly inspirational if you happen to be building or renovating.

In 2016 the Home Tours team is introducing the new ‘House Tours Hub’. It’ll be the perfect stop along the way for a chance to relax and rejuvenate with delicious snacks, a spot of retail therapy, competitions and prize draws – and the chance to meet NZ House & Garden Editor Sally Duggan (between 12-2pm).

For the Matakana tour, the gorgeous grounds of the Vivian Gallery will host the Hub. Guests will be given an exclusive sneak preview of The Flower Show exhibition before it opens on March 5. There’ll be parking, portaloos and picnics dotted around a massive marquee.

NZ House and Garden are taking their fundraising efforts to a new level this year. In addition to the $50,000 cash and $100,000 media campaign they’ll donate to the Breast Cancer Foundation, there’s a limited edition apron to purchase and an opportunity to make a one-off donation when buying your ticket.

Note: Once you’ve bought your ticket, and two weeks prior to the tour, you’ll be emailed an information pack with addresses, maps and a starting point. It’s self-drive, except for a couple of hard to reach places which will have a free shuttle from the Hub. Don’t delay – these tours sell out.

Above and below: One of the stunning homes on the Matakana and Omaha Home tours.

Photo credit: House and Garden Magazine.

NZ House and Garden Home Tours | Friday March 4, 10am-4pm Tickets from www.ivvy.com/event/NZHGHT/

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ABODE FURNISHINGS MATAKANA MODERN INTERIOR AND OUTDOOR DESIGN

POP-UP SHOP

ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND SALE

Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday

Matakana Hall, 43 Matakana Valley Road

IMPORT SALE

We import custom quality furniture.

View full collection and information online www.abodefurnishingsmatakana.co.nz

Showroom – Opening soon, Main Road, Sandspit | Phone 027 425 6311 | abodefurnishingsmatakana@xtra.co.nz 22

ch e r i s h

travelling tips

words T i a W oo l l e r t o t a r a h i l l m o n t e ssor i p r e s c h oo l

Travelling this summer? Long car trips are really hard for little people who are programmed to move. Being strapped down is like torture for them, so think about getting prepared.

Audio books are fantastic but think about one the whole family can listen to together – it's much more social and shared experiences make memories.

Maps are fun showing the trip and marked-off stopping points, but have a few games in mind to pass the time: • “Mrs Brown went to town and she bought…” each person takes a turn to add an item to the list, so it becomes a memory game. You have to remember what everyone else said in order and add an item.

• The alphabet game can be played with one child or a group – find the letters in order from sign posts and registration plates.

• Tell a story, a few lines at a time, and then the next person adds a line and so it goes on. This can be hilarious – try making it as random as possible.

• “I spy with my little eye something that starts with…”. Narrow the search to inside the car, and for younger children, use colours. “I spy with my little eye, something… blue!”

• "I went around the world and I bought a…" here a person who is ‘it’ thinks of a theme – perhaps food, colours, things from a certain continent, something that starts with an 'a', then 'b'…. For example for things that are green: "I went around the world and I bought some parsley". Everyone else follows, saying what they bought around the

MATAKANA FRUITLOOP

WORDS

KAY

MUELLE R

Run, ramble or ride!

Pull out your fruit-loopiest costume and join the fun at the 2016 Matakana Fruit Loop charity run/walk/cycle on 5 March. Starting from the Matakana Country Park, you’ll head off through seven easy kilometres of vineyards, orchards, olive groves and farmland. Whether you sprint, stroll or cycle, there’s plenty of entertainment along the way with live music, fruit and wine tastings and stunning views. What’s more, you’re doing something really great for yourself and the community.

By entering the charity event you not only support community initiatives, such as making our popular Matakana to Omaha cycleway/walkway even more awesome or contributing to the Tamahunga Bridge project, your ticket also gives you entry to the inaugural Wine and Food Festival at the same venue.

world; they get a no or a yes if it fits with the theme. This continues until everyone playing has figured out the theme.

• Counting something, like Christmas trees, or yellow cars, this can be two children looking our different sides of the cars, or done as a family.

• “Can you count to 100?” may give you a little peace with a younger child!

• When all else fails or you need some cooling off, there is always the silence game – “starting from… now!”

Festival, expects a bumper turnout. “There’s something for everyone, it’s a real family affair. Local landowners have given us exclusive access to their stunning properties. The Matakana Community Group and I are very grateful to them.”

And, of course, no event is complete without prizes, not just for the fastest but for other weird and wacky categories: loopiest fruit, looniest group or team, best-dressed bike and the judge’s favourite.

Matakana Country Park, 1 Omaha Flats Rd, Matakana Saturday, March 5, 2016 10am start (earlier this year so that participants can also enjoy the W&F Festival) Registration and information: www.matakanafruitloop.co.nz

For kids 12 and under, a new discipline has been added this year: The Kids’ Loop, an actionpacked one kilometre circuit around the Country Park, filled with obstacles and activities for all ages. Anyone not taking part is encouraged to cheer these youngsters from the sidelines.

Paul Walker, the organiser of the Fruit Loop and the Wine and Food

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co v e ta b l e s

valentine’s day

Doubt thou the stars are fire Doubt that the sun doth move Doubt truth to be a liar But never doubt I love

William Shakespeare

Women’s Gifts Clockwise from bottom right 4-box Babyhearts $8.50, Champagne Truffles $16.90, Chocolate Brown, Warkworth Matakana Botanicals Lime and Grapefruit Diffuser $38, Finishing Touches or www.matakanabotanicals.co.nz Reindeer Hide $595, Finishing Touches, Matakana Stylestalker ‘Anais’ silk and lace shorties $120, Two Boutique, Matakana Selection of books from the Matakana Village Bookshop Taupe lace top, JDL Collection de Vetements $129, The French Cupboard, Warkworth Flowers and galvanized vase by Twig and Bloom, Matakana Tigerlily ‘Ivann’ hat in black $69.95, Bach Surf, Matakana Mooi hide clutch $99, Two Boutique, Matakana Oslo teapot in taupe $14.99, Taste the Kitchen Shop, Warkworth Raymond Stokes sterling silver chainmail bracelet $435 Piece Gallery, Matakana STOCKISTS OF

FRENCH ANTIQUE, VINTAGE & NEW INTERIORS GIFTWARE, HOMEWARE, LINENS, ITALIAN & DANISH CLOTHING

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New designer store open now.

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More space, more range, more of the classic with a touch of contemporary.

38 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana | 09 422 7339 | touches.co.nz

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PHONE 09 425 7207 RIVERSIDE ARCADE, QUEEN ST WARKWORTH

co v e ta b l e s

valentine’s day

if you were a transformer, you’d be optimus fine

Anonymous

Men’s gifts clockwise from bottom right Rusty 100% paper hat $34.99, Bach Surf, Matakana Vintage French Le Postes Leather Satchel $499 The French Cupboard, Warkworth Duskies sunglasses $189, Two Boutique, Matakana Wire basket $145, Twig and Bloom, Matakana Batch 10 Boubon with NZ honey $49.95, The Vintry, Matakana (special Valentine’s day package available with chocolates and roses.

Enquire at the Vintry or Twig and Bloom) Tractor seat $512, Finishing Touches, Matakana Babyhearts $8.50, Whisky Figs $19.90, Chocolate Brown, Warkworth Matakana Botanicals Macadamia and Wild Fig Massage Oil $31, Finishing Touches, Matakana or www.matakanabotanicals.co.nz Muka sterling silver, kina oval cufflinks $250 Piece Gallery, Matakana ‘The Thinker’ Bookends $65, Finishing Touches, Matakana Selection of books from Matakana Village Bookshop Kearose black soy candle, Cuban spice and patchouli $52 Twig and Bloom, Matakana Arcis oyster knife $13, Taste the Kitchen Shop, Warkworth Selection of Valentine’s Day cards from Matakana Village Bookshop

EXCLUSIVE STOCKISTS OF SEAFOLLY & TIGERLILY

6 Mill Lane, Warkworth • www.chocolatebrown.co.nz

Open Monday – Sunday 9am – 5pm (09) 422 – 7447 19 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana www.bachsurf.co.nz

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in the heat of summer M O D EL K a t i e G a t t PH O T O S N i c o l e M i l l e r - W o n g MAKEUP B l u s h B e a u t y Lo u n g e L O CATI O N B a l i G a rd e n Po i n t W e l l s

Above: DeLovely, Sills Denim Drawstring Pants $249, DeLovely, Loobie’s Story Gracias Blouse $325 Below left: Katya Maker, Darling Ella pants $159, Summer Sessions, All About Eve Shaker Top $59.90 Below right: Bach Surf, Surfside bustier $49.99 Two Boutique, Vanishing Elephant Paint Splash Jumpsuit $309

26

trend

Clockwise from top left: Summer Sessions, Pamelinhia Coral Shorts $70 Design Pod, Floral & Spot Top $169 Two Boutique, Arianne Sapphire Dress $139 Summer Sessions, Pamelinhia Coral Top $70 Summer Sessions, All About Eve Laneway Shorts $69.90 Katya Maker, Epifania Silk Kaftan $119

katyamaker.com NEW SHIPMENT ARRIVED

Sale 5

all summer clothing and footwear online & instore 17 Elizabeth Street, Warkworth 27

arts Lo u i s e

McRae

and

jo h n

nulholland

louise mcrae Louise McRae's work is the centrepiece of many a Matakana coast home. But her dealer galleries in Newmarket (Seed) and Wanaka (Gallery 33) field commission requests from much further afield. Her pieces (available locally at the Vivian Gallery) are essentially scraps of painted, charred or foiled wood, individually hand-split and glued on to ply. But there’s much more to them than that.

Lou has been very successfully working this medium for five years, but she's only now finishing her Masters in Fine Arts at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design.

Why now? "I needed to be able to articulate my work, to challenge myself and sharpen my critical thinking," she says.

The conceptual work she's been doing at Whitecliffe, although an intellectually rigorous process, has by necessity been a practical one. To start with, she's possibly not the easiest student – "My tutor said my main strength is a complete disregard for the conventions of painting," she says wryly. And as a solo mum with little time or money, necessity has informed the process.

Materials are thrifty and the process is fast and loose, but that speed has charged her Masters works – and her established processes – with a new energy.

"It's all about the deconstruction process. Breaking stuff, and finding meaningful spaces within the breaks.

Splitting wood breaks it along the grain, and makes it fluid again. The grain may be curved, which, when I put it back together, gives it the organic lines that create the movement within the whole piece. I look for that Lou with one of her Masters kind of unexpected spatial interaction in a lot of what I final show pieces. do, but studying has made me really think about it. I’m often subconsciously going the wrong way down supermarket aisles and coming in through exits – you tend to get some very interesting interactions that way!”

This summer, Lou is packing up her studio to move into a new workspace in Pakiri with her partner, bike builder Tim Stewart. They plan to build the ultimate studio workshop where they can each hone their respective crafts. “There will inevitably be changes – the environment will ensure that,” she says. But that won’t be the only change: Louise’s trademark paint-splattered jeans, ascerbic wit and huge grin will be sorely missed in village coffee shops in the mornings. www.seedgallery.co.nz | www.gallery33.co.nz | www.thevivian.co.nz

john mulholland John Mulholland has just concluded an exhibition in the gallery upstairs at the Country Park Woolshed. It worked across a range of media including paint, geometric prints, and whimsical found-object sculptures.

A multi-media artist, his background has moved from music to architecture, performance to stonework. This exhibition, 'Formation', showed John's ongoing interest in the evolution of objects, as well as his passionate adherence to the concept that 'thoughts shape objects as much as objects shape thoughts.'

Stern geometrical diptychs and triptychs of black on white have foregrounds that are chipped away, charting a gradual background reveal. Next to these are more playful sculptures that have what John calls 'morphic resonance'. An old paintbrush that's lost its handle evolved into a piu-piu skirt with delightful movement in its swish; John's addition of little steel legs and a tiny, painted Maori motif on the steel 'waistband' leaves it wanting only a portly upper body and a wide grin.

ABOVE: A small new show of John’s large-scale sculptural works has just opened on the brand-new Smith Bar deck, behind the Stables at Country Park.

These are strong, abstract steel or aluminum sculptures. Some are two-three metres tall, and each tells a story. Be quick to check out this exhibition – it finishes on February 9, but may extend. www.johnmulholland.co.nz | Artist and Artwork | 141 Carran Rd, Warkworth

MUDWIGGLE BOUTIQUE Local Matakana artist Katherine Norman offers a range of handmade screen prints and paintings through her brand Mudwiggle. This year the range will include some limited edition prints and small abstract paintings.

Popular among locals and visitors to the area, Mudwiggle sells in a select range of local shops including the Vintage Market (Sundays at Matakana Village square) and online at facebook.com/mudwiggle.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR JUNCTION READERS: This February we are offering Junction Mag readers 15% off all stock. Simply mention Junction on our facebook page, or send us a message to hellomudwiggle@gmail.com and take your pick from our large range of prints. We’re happy to discuss commissions.

28

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For an unsurpassed lifestyle choice

THE ULTIMATE LIFESTYLE PACKAGE IN GULF HARBOUR Luxury waterside living, boating and golf close to Auckland.

Package includes: THE HOUSE ¤ A fantastic 350sqm architecturally designed home ¤ 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom ¤ Concrete construction using Monarc textured panel system ¤ Galvanised internal steel framing ¤ Copper spouting and downpipes ¤ Italian kitchens by Spacio Casa Miele appliances ¤ Roof top garden and spa pool ¤ Fully landscaped THE BOAT - INCLUDING YOUR OWN MARINA BERTH ¤ 6.6m Rayglass Legend 2150 ¤ Mercury 150hp four stroke outboard GULF HARBOUR COUNTRY CLUB MEMBERSHIP ¤ A one year full membership for two people to the Country Club.

Enjoy all the facilities including golf, tennis courts, squash courts, swimming pool, gymnasium, spas and saunas THE BUGGY ¤ HDK Express 2 seater golf cart

ALL FOR AN UNBELIEVABLE $1.6M

Two homes sold.

Six still available.

28

Lenie Buis Mob: 0274 990 001 lenie.buis@lochores.co.nz Chris Gemmell Mob: 0274 928 110 chris.gemmell@lochores.co.nz

29

lochore’s real estate ltd lochores.co.nz REAA 2008

Minor dwelling living

BIRKENHEAD 19-21 Rawene Road Development

2

1-2

OPEN PLAN

1

Highview Apartments – Sneak Preview 56 x 2 bedroom apartments (12 already on hold) plus 3 Commercial Units These beautiful high spec. apartments are situated in the heart of Birkenhead on point-side with shops, library and transport within 50 metres, and which we might argue are the best views on the Shore!

Easy access to City ferry and a pleasant walk to a quiet Inner Harbour bay.

Resource consent is granted. Pricing is from $535,000 – $990,000.

For more detailed information please call Jack to make an appointment for a personal presentation at our Display Centre.

DISPLAY CENTRE Lochore's Real Estate – 100 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead VIEW ONLINE lochores.co.nz PBH13411, PBH13412 & PBH13413

Jack Gibb direct 481 0645 mob 0274 903 871 jack.gibb@lochores.co.nz

Mark Gibb direct 481 1429 mob 0274 903 872 mark.gibb@lochores.co.nz LICENSED AGENT REAA 2008

30

h a pp e n i n g s

the chills @ the sawmill 17

january

2016

Left: Martin Phillipps and below Erica Scally from The Chills.

Above clockwise: Madeline Walker & Jordan Blaser, Patrick O'Connor, Ian McDonald & Karen Crisp, Levi Patel, Alex Hunter.

Above: James Larkin

markets @ leigh 10

january

2016

DAN’S CLAN

ABBEY & HAYLEY CULLEN

KIKI

THE PIPI PICKERS

Auckland

Auckland

Leigh

Various locations

GUCCI CHEUNG

SALLY CARWARDINE & REBECCA BUTTS

VISITORS FROM TAIWAN

NIK MASSEY

Auckland

Matheson’s Bay

Eponymous

Kaipara Flats

31

h a pp e n n g s

matakana Beach outfitters | sup lesson words

clinton

h ow l e t t

As a one-year veteran of the Matakana Coast, I’m constantly surrounded and inspired by the abundance of new things to try and do in the region. Growing up and spending most of my adult life in the Australian outback, the nearest body of water was 4.5-hour drive away, so I can very confidently say that my water sports skills are both crap and non-existent.

At some ungodly hour on a Sunday morning I was greeted at Omaha Boat ramp for a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) lesson by the most energetic, excitable person I’ve met for many years. Matt Craig is Owner, Head Surf and SUP Instructor at Matakana Beach Outfitters (MBO). He’d just finished a 2-hour surf lesson and was primed to help with my first foray into this rapidly growing international sport. I was a little apprehensive, but Matt’s enthusiasm, experience and proficiency as an instructor had me not only out on the water, but standing up on the board in a matter of minutes. I had to put aside my initial instinct to muscle my way through the first 20 minutes and just let balance and technique do all the work.

The basics of SUP are so simple that even a desert rose like myself could pick it up in my first 60-minute lesson. Things like doing sharp turns and one legged yoga poses will require a few more lessons. The quick learning curve and the guidance of a good instructor is where this sport’s massive appeal lies. Paddleboard, life vest and paddle were supplied to me for the lesson and I was also able to hire an additional board and paddle later in the day.

This is truly a sport for all ages and skill sets when using correct technique. It’s very low impact and is self-paced. Not many sports have an age range from 4 -70 year olds enjoying themselves side by side. SUP is extremely popular on the Matakana Coast and the local community is encouraged to get behind upcoming events like the 2016 New Zealand Stand Up Paddle Nationals at Omaha Beach on 27th and 28th February, as well as regular events hosted by the Omaha Paddleboard Club.

PAKIRI BEACH HORSE RIDES Gift Vouchers Available Daily Rides | School Holiday Riding Camps Accommodation

Above from top: Clinton receives his first SUP training. Matt’s expert advise had Clinton standing up within minutes. Group lessons are a fun way to bond with family and friends.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL P 09 422 6275 | 317 Rahuikiri Road, Pakiri Beach E pakirihorse@xtra.co.nz | W www.horseride-nz.co.nz

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Matakana Beach Outfitters www.matakanasup.co.nz | www.facebook.com/omahasup New Zealand Stand Up Paddleboard Nationals, Omaha Beach www.nzsup.org.nz/2016_Race_Notice.pdf Omaha Paddleboard Club

h a pp e n i n g s

matakana x run “Hell on earth... right here!” The annual Matakana X Run is on again. This is the perfect time to put your New Year’s resolutions into action. The two-person team event offers three team options of Open Mixed Gender Team, Open Male Team and Open Female Team. At only $150 per team you’ll have a mud-filled day competing in 65 killer obstacle challenges over a 6km purpose-built course. This is the premier event on the obstacle racers calendar. The Matakana X Run will push you to your limits and with the addition of electronic tagging you will be able to set the bar for your team-mates and other competitors. All proceeds are being donated to ‘The Puriri Tree Foundation Trust’ to assist their Youth Development Programme of team-based camps and one day courses. Trust assistance is available to low decile schools in the greater Auckland Region.

February 13th 2016 Military Arts - Matakana Country Park 1151 Leigh Road, Matakana 0985 | 09 4229944 www.militaryarts.co.nz/matakana-xrun.html

Fiddle Pie’s Old Time Country Music & Dance Variety Show W ords

Alex

Hunter

Judging by their American Gothic styling and their classic folk sound, Fiddle Pie seem to have do-si-do’ed their way out of a Wes Anderson film set in the deep south.

But though the song titles (Cornbread n’ Butterbeans, Hunting the Buffalo) and the look screams Americana, there’s definitely a bit of Kiwiana in the harmonies and singalong style. The group’s made up of six young multiinstrumentalists keen on banjo and fiddle, who hail from America, Canada and little ol’ New Zealand (band member Flora Knight).

Fiddle Pie also sing and call square dances. They’re all about reminding audiences of the youthful spirit and fun of traditional music and dance – raucousness compulsory, no blushing necessary. And Whangateau Hall is the perfect space for such an event.

If you haven’t been along to this kind of shindig before, you’d best get on down—you’ll be wanting a nice big slice of Fiddle Pie. Have a pre-listen at fiddlepie.bandcamp.com/album/fiddle-pie.

February 8, 7pm | Tickets $12 presale, $15 door from Eventfinda

Graphic communication

Level 1, Millstream Building, 17 Elizabeth Street, Warkworth

Phone: 09 425 9863

•

www.halcyondesign.co.nz

ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF JUNCTION MAGAZINE NEXT PUBLICATION – MARCH ISSUE Thursday 25th February ADVERTISING DEADLINE Wednesday 17th February CONTACT Monique Jansen on 021 975 102 ads@junctionmag.co.nz

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h a pp e n i n g s

Operanesia Concert @ jones road Operanesia is a quartet of classically trained and qualified vocalists, all of whom hail from the Pacific Islands. The quartet is made up of two Tongan tenors, a Samoan baritone and a Samoan bass baritone.

On February 27 they’ll be featuring in an evening concert staged at a beautiful property in Jones Road, Omaha. It’ll have a something for everyone, from Bizet and Puccini to Elvis. Bring your own picnic and wine to enjoy on the expansive lawn.

All proceeds of the concert will go to the Auckland Opera Studio Foundation to assist with a travel fund for young singers. The Foundation is a charitable trust set up to provide tuition and performance platforms for talented university graduates.

This concert will be raising money for four vocalists to travel to the USA for a special short-term study programme. They’ll work with Virginia Zeani, one of the great opera divas of the sixties and seventies, and one of the most successful teachers in America.

Joel Amosa, Noah Filimoehala, Kalauni Pouvalu and Benson Wilson are all highly experienced, award-winning artists. Their infectious humour, incredible vocal talent and obvious love of music has won them quite a fan club. Don’t miss the chance to experience this very special concert in a glorious location.

Operanesia | February 27, 5.30pm | 144 Jones Road, Omaha Tickets $35, under 16 free Contact Helen for reservations on (09) 523 1013 or shelen@jpasearch.com

34

H A P P ENINGS

february gig guide MARKETS: Date Every Sat Every Sat Every Sat Every Sun Every Sun, Nov – Mar First Sun of the Month Second Sun of the Month Last Sun of the Month

Time 8.00 – 13.00 8.00 – 15.00 9.00 – 14.00 9.30 – 13.30 10.00 – 14.00 8.00 – 13.00 9.30 – 13.30 9.00 – 13.00

Event Matakana Village Farmers Market Matakana Markets Matakana Country Park Family Market Matakana Indie Market Matakana Vintage Markets & Sunday Sessions Warkworth Museum Market Day Leigh Summer Markets Puhoi Farmers Market

Venue website Matakana Village The Old Dairy Factory, Matakana Matakana Country Park Matakana Country Park Matakana Village Old Masonic Hall Leigh Hall Puhoi Domain

Date Time Event Venue Website Sat 23 Jan – Sun 28 Feb The Landscape Show The Vivian Art Gallery thevivian.co.nz Sat 30 Jan 17.00 Fat Freddy’s Drop Ascension Wine Estate www.ascensionwine.co.nz Sat 30 Jan 21.30 Ha The Unclear Leigh Sawmill Café www.sawmillcafe.co.nz Sun 31 Jan 10.00 – 14.00 Whangateau Country Fair Whangateau Reserve, Leigh Rd www.whangateau.co.nz Sun 31 Jan 10.00 – 12.00 Girls on Curls Ladies Surf Event Omaha Beach Surf Club www.saltwatereco.co.nz Tue 2 Feb 9.15 Lydia Group – Speaker Louise Pagoins, Media Coach Geen with Envy

Ann Mellor 021 929 776 Tue 2 Feb 19.00 Whangateau Folk Club ...

with Kirsty Bromley, Gillian Boucher & Bill McNeill Whangateau Hall www.whangateau.co.nz Fri 5 Feb 21.30 The Freestylers Leigh Sawmill Café www.sawmillcafe.co.nz Fri 5 – Sat 6 Feb 10.00 Blue Voluntours Goat Island Learn & Explore Tour Goat Island www.bluevoluntours.com

/learn-explore-goat-island Sat 6 Feb Warkworth Rodeo Warkworth Showgrounds www.rodeonz.co.nz Sat 6 Feb 20.45 The Man Who Fell To Earth Matakana Cinemas www.matakanacinemas.co.nz Sat 6 Feb 21.30 Tunes of I and L.A.B. Leigh Sawmill Café www.sawmillcafe.co.nz Sun 7 Feb 10.00 – 15.00 Family Gala Day Snells Beach, Ariki Reserve Sun 7 Feb 15.30 NZ Youth Choir - Europa Mahurangi College Auditorium www.choirsnz.co.nz Mon 8 Feb 16.30 Warkworth Trolley Derby Morrison Drive www.wwtrolleyderby.co.nz Mon 8 Feb 19.30 – 23.00 Fiddle Pie’s Old Time Country Music & Dance Show Whangateau Hall www.whangateau.co.nz Sat 13 Feb Matakana Xrun Military Arts Matakana Country Park www.militaryarts.co.nz Sat 13 Feb 14.00 Music in the Gardens Kawau Island www.musicinthegardens.co.nz Sat 13 Feb 21.30 Esther Stephens & The Means Leigh Sawmill Café www.sawmillcafe.co.nz Sun 14 Feb 9.00 – 12.00 EMR Community Guided Snorkel Days Whangateau Reserve www.emr.org.nz Sun 14 Feb 17.00 Luke Henry – Triple Album Release Leigh Sawmill Café www.sawmillcafe.co.nz Sun 14 Feb Valentine’s Day Degustation Dinner Ascension Wine Estate www.ascensionwine.co.nz Fri 19 Feb 21.30 Albi & The Wolves Leigh Sawmill Café www.sawmillcafe.co.nz Sun 21 Feb 18.00 Nathan Haines Quartet Leigh Sawmill Café www.sawmillcafe.co.nz Fri 26 Feb 9.00 – 17.00 The Urban Farmer Masterclass One Day Work Shop Whangateau Hall www.sixfigurefarmingnztour.com Fri 26 Feb 21.30 Tami Neilson Leigh Sawmill Café www.sawmillcafe.co.nz Sat 27 Feb 17.30 Operanesia – Opera in the Gardens 144 Jones Road, Omaha Sat 27 Feb 21.30 Sorceress Leigh Sawmill Café www.sawmillcafe.co.nz Sat 27 & Sun 28 Feb SUP National Championships Omaha Beach www.nzsup.org Sun 28 Feb 10.00 – 12.00 Girls on Curls Ladies Surf Event Omaha Beach Surf Club www.saltwatereco.co.nz Mon 29 Feb 19.00 Whangateau Folk Club – Keith Levy Whangateau Hall www.whangateau.co.nz Fri 4 Mar 10.00 – 16.00 NZ House & Garden House Tours The Vivian Art Gallery www.ivvy.com/event/NZHGHT Fri 4 Mar 21.30 Aldous Harding Leigh Sawmill Café www.sawmillcafe.co.nz Sat 5 Mar 9.00 – 12.00 EMR Community Guided Snorkel Days Tawharanui www.emr.org.nz Sat 5 Mar 10.00 – 14.00 Matakana Fruitloop Matakana Country Park www.matakanafruitloop.co.nz Sat 5 – Sun 10 Apr The Flower Show The Vivian Art Gallery thevivian.co.nz Sat 5 & 6 Mar 12.00 – 17.00 Matakana Wine & Food Festival Matakana Country Park www.mwff.co.nz Sat 6 Mar 16.30 Hopetoun Brown – Brass Yourself Leigh Sawmill Café www.sawmillcafe.co.nz Sun 13 Mar 9.30 Warkworth Lions Club Take a Kid Fishing Day Sandspit Wharf www.lionsclubs.org.nz

Clubs/202K/Zone-4/Warkworth Sat 19 Mar Leigh Fishing Contest Leigh Community Hall www.leighfamilyfishing.co.nz Sat 19 Mar 9.00 – 12.00 EMR Community Guided Snorkel Days Mathesons Bay www.emr.org.nz Sun 20 Mar 9.00 – 12.00 EMR Community Guided Snorkel Days Goat Island www.emr.org.nz Sun 20 Mar 17.00 Crooked Weather Leigh Sawmill Café www.sawmillcafe.co.nz Sat 26 – Sun 27 Mar Grape Vinyl – Last of the Summer Wine Ascension Wine Estate www.ascensionwine.co.nz Tue 29 Mar 19.00 Whangateau Folk Club – Daniel Champagne Whangateau Hall www.whangateau.co.nz Sat 2 Apr 7.30 Colliers Coastal Challenge Fraser Reserve www.coastalchallengeseries.co.nz Sun 3 Apr 8.00 Omaha Classic Omaha Surf Club www.omahaclassic.co.nz Sat 22 Apr 20.30 Jimi Hendrix Tribute Ascension Wine Estate www.ascensionwine.co.nz

35

Photo & Chocolates: Chocolate Brown - Warkworth

YOU CAN NOW

TAKE YOUR PICK

AT BAYLEYS Life is about choices. And we have even more options for you at our new home.

As the Bayleys family of Rodney North real estate specialists is expanding rapidly, we’ve moved to larger premises in Warkworth and a new office in Matakana. Take your pick which of our offices might work best for you.

We offer some of the best known real estate names in Omaha, Matakana, Warkworth, Snells Beach and surrounding areas, covering the entire mix – residential, lifestyle, country, commercial, rentals and property management. Whatever you are looking for, we have the people and we have the expertise to put it all together.

Mackys Real Estate Limited, Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Make your choice Bayleys, call Debbie Jones now on 021 412 530 or 09 425 7640.

Warkworth

Matakana

Omaha

41 Queen Street

38 Matakana Valley Road

1 Matariki Street