Junction January 2016

ISSUE 03

Junction

JAN 2 0 1 6

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

WWW.JUNCTIONMAG.CO.NZ

F REE

CONTENTS - ISSUE 03

www.junctionmag.co.nz

SPOTLIGHT................................................................................................ 4 Matakana Botanicals NEW & NOTED........................................................................................... 6 PROFILE.................................................................................................7 Wendy Douglas

General Manager/Publisher Bianca Howlett +64 21 117 2833 bianca@junctionmag.co.nz Editor Kathy Hunter +64 21 203 0526 kathy@junctionmag.co.nz Advertising & Marketing Executive Monique Jansen +64 21 975 102 ads@junctionmag.co.nz Graphic Design Tracey Stimpson Contributors https://github.com/konsav/social-icons https://github.com/konsav/social-icons https://github.com/konsav/social-icons Words: Kathy Hunter, Jenna Moore, Luke Williamson, Clinton Howlett, Tracey Lawton Photography: Louise M Photography, Roberto Buzzolan, Sandy Meharry General Enquiries/Distribution hi@junctionmag.co.nz Editorial Enquiries editorial@junctionmag.co.nz Front Cover: Wendy Douglas at home.

Disco top made for Wendy by Steven Ball.

Photo: Sandy Meharry 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.

FASHION ................................................................................................... 8 Sculptural Muse Get the Look Local. . ................................................................................... 11 DESIGN .................................................................................................... 12 Puhoi House DESIGN..................................................................................................... 15 Get the Look Local SAVOUR.................................................................................................... 16 Local Beers & Ciders Ransom Wines .........................................................................................18 Viet Q Food Truck | We Love Food. . ........................................................... 19 CHERISH. . ................................................................................................ 20 Local Christmas Charities | Active Summer Minds GIFTS . . ...................................................................................................... 21 Collectables discover Kawau Island - Music in the Gardens 2016............................................. 22 Kawau Beach House | Ed Bee. . ................................................................. 23 Market Meanderings - Puhoi................................................................... 24 Gypsy Fair Extravaganza.......................................................................... 25 books..................................................................................................... 26 Summer Reading arts.........................................................................................................27 Star Rising Happenings Whangateau Folk Club | Fat Freddy’s Drop.. ............................................ 28 Bobby Alu | The Chills.. ............................................................................. 29 A Summer Guide to Matakana Coast....................................................... 30 gig guide................................................................................................ 31

Matakana Coast Wine Country Matakana Coast Wine Country’s summer events have come to life! Starting off in December with Christmas festivities and leading into the New Year’s Eve parties at some of our great venues with live music and good times. January and February boast great weather to get out and explore the region, whether it’s horse riding along white sandy beaches, diving in some of the clearest waters New Zealand has to offer, snorkelling with fish, visiting unique regional parks, taking a wine tour, following the Collectables Trail or enjoying the many attractions and activities the coast has to offer. There is something for everyone!

To plan your visit to this gem of Auckland visit: www.matakanacoast.co.nz or call in to 1 Baxter Street, Warkworth and pick up the latest Visitor Guide.

04 SPOTLIGHT - matakana botanicals

06 NEW & NOTED - fired pizza company

MATAKANA COAST - A WEEK LONG DESTINATION Monday Wednesday Friday Sunday

Puhoi River Canoes Matakana – Omaha Cycle Trail Sheepworld & Ti Point Reptile Park Matakana Vintage Markets & Sunday Sessions

Tuesday Thursday Saturday

For more information & to book accommodation and tours contact Warkworth i-SITE on +64 9 425 9081 or visit www.matakanacoast.co.nz 2

Brick Bay Sculpture Trail & Wine Tasting Glass Bead making workshop Explore Goat Island & Leigh

CONTENTS - ISSUE 03

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FASHION - sculptural muse

19 viet Q foods - james, phuong + family

12 DESIGN - puhoi house

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savour - local beers & ciders

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DISCOVER - kawau beach house

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discover - gypsy fair

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HAPPENINGS - the chills

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happenings - GIG GUIDE

Star Gossage - ‘My Aroha’

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ARTS - star rising

Junction advert copy.pdf

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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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S P OTLIG H T

Matakana Botanicals WORDS

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m oor e

Have you been wondering what the newly built, ever-so-stylish black barns on the way out to Leigh are? They’re the new home of Matakana Botanicals (formerly Les Floralies). We caught up with Managing Director, Danvers Devereaux, to get the lowdown.

Are you from the Matakana Coast?

My mother Colyn started Les Floralies 25 years ago, and about two years after that she bought our beach house in Leigh. It’s been the family sanctuary and creative hub. A lot of our ideas have been born in the ‘ship’ as we call it. Plenty of them started out on wine-stained napkins at one o’clock in the morning. Our Leigh house is also the reason why many of our ingredients are sourced in the region.

How did Matakana Botanicals come to be?

Mum saw potpourri (fragrant wood shavings) while on a business trip to America and realised no one was doing it here. Les Floralies was born - it suited the European luxe image the business called for at the time.

We had an old bathtub in the garage where we lived in Remuera and she used to dye and fragrance the shavings there. One day it might be all pink as it was rose pot pourri making time, the next purple for lavender.

My sister Charlotte and I were the ‘baggers’, and I was the delivery boy the next day. During winter we’d sometimes have to use the dryer to dry the shavings and my shirts would come out tie-dyed afterward!

Why did you change the name from Les Floralies to Matakana Botanicals?

Not so long ago I was hosting some of our overseas distributors and, as is my usual habit, I brought them up to Matakana to visit the markets and see the region to show them where our inspiration and ingredients come from. They said ‘it’s a great picture, but East Tamaki (where we were then based) doesn’t fit’. I was also asked why we had a European name when we were so ‘Kiwi’. The penny dropped. I re-branded the business as Matakana Botanicals and we relocated here.

Matakana Botanicals, built by CustomKit, will be opening a café in spring 2016.

Photo credit above: Sandy Meharry

I bought the property four years ago and it was a mess. Old abandoned cars and other detritus littered the land. The house hadn’t been lived in for six years and was infested with rats. It’s certainly been a labour of love creating our new base.

What inspires Matakana Botanicals?

I’ve been immersed in this area for a long time so everything has evolved in an organic way. Over the years I’ve come to know many local growers who supply our hero ingredients.

We were one of the first to plant olive trees in the area. Our manuka honey and oil comes from Great Barrier Island, with macadamia and olive oil being produced locally. On our property we grow a special variety of lavender, which is steam-distilled. The oil is utilised in our unique ‘sleep sniff boxes’. These are proudly supplied to first-class passengers on Emirates flights.

Sustainability is part of our ethos. A lot of what we’ve created is ecofriendly. We have solar power, which saves us about 83 per cent in power, and the barns were built by CustomKit using regenerated pine.

We have a septic tank system called Biolytix, which uses tiger worms to convert waste into garden water; we harvest rainwater and we plant bee-friendly plants. It’s fantastic!

Where do you see your future?

We’re opening a unique café and store in spring 2016. We have lots more potential to grow our own fragrant ingredients, and we’ll be operating a botanical steam distillery. Watch this space…

What do you love most about where we live?

I have a personal interest and background in horticulture, so I love our connection to this hugely fertile region, as well as to our growers and beekeepers. It provides a wonderful canvas in which to create and present our products to a global market. It’s a constant source of

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Danvers in a favourite spot at Port Fitzroy on Great Barrier Island. Matakana Botanicals source and distill manuka oil from the island.

inspiration. For example, our new Coast & Country range of bath and body care and room fragrances is always in mind as I travel around the area.

Mandarin & Verbena: inspired by the many citrus orchards in and around Point Wells.

Rose & Peony: the gorgeous bay of Whangateau, which is well known for growing unique ‘Whangateau Red Roses’.

Lime & Grapefruit: just past Ascension Vineyard you’ll see an old brick chimney in an orchard, which happens to grow the amazing limes we buy.

Cocoa & Vanilla: inspired by the local farmers market and the early morning aromas of fresh coffee and sweet crêpes floating through the air.

Matakana Botanicals | 09 422 9216 | www.matakanabotanicals.co.nz

S P OTLIG H T

Matakana Botanicals

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new & noted Plume award Head Chef Atesh at Plume restaurant will be happy with being a finalist in the 2016 Beef and Lamb Awards – but even happier with their newly announced Excellence Award for a consistently high standard of cuisine!

New Pop-Ups at Sharp Rd corner The Summer House Anne Bartley has moved up from Wellington. She's put together a smorgasbord of rustically romantic garden accessories, all weather cane outdoor furniture by Swedish company Artwood, and quality handmade garden tools, pots and baskets.

The 7th sister We're unable to resist the literary connotations of this pop-up. Funky collectibles and restored / recovered / re-fabulous'd furniture – from the beginning of January.

Facebook: The 7th Sister LA Stories Nip in to this cute store next to Green With Envy – from vintage cowgirl boots to delectable fringed wraps, this place has some covetable clothing for sure. www.lastory.co.nz New bus to Auckland There's a new bus service into town, which sounds more like a party than a commute. Leaving from Snells and Warkworth from 7.20am and from town from 5pm. $15 each way. Do the commute with your eyes closed, as they say! www.mahucityexpress.co.nz The French Cupboard In Riverside Arcade, Warkworth – stocking a gorgeous range of French antique furniture, linens, cotton clothing and that must-have product for devotees of shabby-chic: chalk paint. www.thefrenchcupboard.co.nz Fired Pizza Company at Omaha causeway … are hoping to be back on deck (literally – they're building a new one right now) from Boxing Day, and open daily throughout January from midday till evening. Check facebook for details. Exceptional wood-fired pizza in a funked-up container.

329 Omaha Flats Rd (by the causeway) Facebook: Fired Pizza Company

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new collectibles The canny folk at the Warkworth Wellsford Hospice have really come up with the goods this time. Realising that many a marvellous item of treasure crosses their paths that they may not be making the best use of, they’ve created a specialised vintage, retro and collectibles shop in Warkworth.

Kathryn Ashworth at Hospice says they’ve moved into top gear so as to finish fundraising for the new hospice building at the top of Glenmore Drive.

“The predicted population growth is forcing us to expand – so we’re turning second-hand goods into first class care.” Work starts on the new building early in 2016; they hope to open it within a year.

Hospice shops locally have three retail managers who can spot a vintage collectible a mile off. They’ll be funnelling the big-ticket items into the new shop, which is located at the back of the Argyll Angle, arcade, opposite Paper Plus on Queen Street. Kathryn assures us that “new items are coming in all the time so you’ll always be able to find something fabulous!”

Open Wed-Fri 10am-4pm & Sat 10am - 1pm

profile

WENDY DOUGLAS WORDS

KATHY

Wendy Douglas leads a somewhat hectic life. As a mother of two gorgeous kids, on a twelve-acre farm in Matakana, selling real estate, she barely has time to take a breath.

When Junction does manage to pin her down and unearth a bit of backstory, the results are quite extraordinary. A full biography might take a year, but let's start with this.

Wendy's a north London girl with Caribbean parentage. Her glossy dark skin – there’s barely a line on that face – belies her age (which we would not dream of divulging). What's her routine? She insists it's good genes and diet.

HUNTER

Wendy and Crighton moved to NZ nine years ago. Wendy played a few parties with the massive soundsystem they had brought back. The party people loved her eclectic, bass-heavy beats and before long she had a Sunday slot on GeorgeFM. She did a year on TVNZ's Good Morning show – 'What's on with Wendy'.

But when the family moved up to Matakana five years ago the commuting became a hassle and she decided to stick closer to home.

There's a lot to do: she and Crighton have planted close to ten thousand trees on their lifestyle block.

Wendy's up at 5am most days, meditating or doing yoga. "It's a precious opportunity for me to just stop … an essential part of my life," she says.

She also knits – all the time. Bit of a nana, really.

Wendy has reinvented herself in a most unlikely manner as a fullyfledged real estate agent with Premium in Matakana. She's a regular She began her eye-popping career in 1990 at Kiss FM, the legendary DJ and MC at school discos and local events. And she's just been asked London pirate radio station that played only dance music. All the big DJs of the day were there – Judge Jules, Norman Bomb the Bass Coolio Dennis Hopper Norman Jay A Tribe Called Quest Jay, Laurent Garnier, Frankie Donna Summer David Morales Fundamental Carl Cox Coldcut, Jazzie B, Omar Knuckles Galliano George Clinton Judge Gil Scott Heron Jamiroquai Gilles Peterson, James Portishead Luther Van Dross Dredd Spearhead Naomi Campbell Lavelle, Grooverider…

The Sven Vath US3 Quentin Tarantino Salt’n’Pepa Moby Robin Williams to name a few.

Wu Tang Clan Orb "We had to do two interviews a day of major personalities, so it was full-on" remembers Wendy. "And production-wise, we had to do it all – sometimes I'd be splicing tape at 6.45pm for a show that would be on air at 7!" (See box above for a small selection of her interviewees).

The Beastie Boys

After a few years of this madness, Sky TV filmed her doing an interview and offered her a job. First assignment: fly to Florida to interview Cindy Crawford, André Agassi, Jean-Claude Van Dam and Pamela Anderson.

to narrate a series of kids' books written by iconic NZ authors such as Margaret Mahy and Joy Cowley for the UK market.

"I feel that my association with music and the arts will never be over."

She'll be keen to catch up with many old mates from the UK at the Splore Festival in February. Nothing will be slowing down for Wendy Douglas any time soon.

She moved on to Channel 4's 'Board Stupid' in 1999: cruising around snowboarding meccas in the US and Europe, following the big après party scene. It was here she met her future partner, Kiwi director Crighton Bone. Wendy gets a faraway look in her eye. "Crighton could snowboard very fast while filming, which I thought was just extremely sexy!"

Then came the 'Good Stuff' TV series, which Wendy presented with Roland Rivron. The pair interviewed music, theatre and film glitterati while driving around London in the back of a huge limousine. Another list: Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Peter Ustinov, Will Smith, Wesley Snipes, Sandra Bullock, Jerry Springer, Oprah Winfrey, Seal and Bjork.

When Michael Jackson's album 'HIStory' came out, and his promotors towed a nine metre statue of him down the Thames, Wendy was there. "Sony invited us onto a boat to watch it. We were all drinking champagne, moored up by Tower Bridge – they had to crank it open to get the barge through … it was completely mad."

Wendy interviewing Robin Williams, circa 1995

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SCULPTURAL MUSE p hoto g r a p hy R O B E R T O B U Z Z O L AN | styl i st p a m e l i n h i a | M O D E L S o p h i e H AI R R oby n Mu n ro a t I n s p i r e d H a i r | m a k e u p h a n n a h j a n e L O C A T I O N B r i ck B a y W i n e & S cul p tur e T r a i l

Above: Katya Maker Botanic, floral jumpsuit $219 Summer Sessions Le Specs GO GO GO sunglasses $69.95 Sculpture: Reflective Habitat by Gregor Kregar Left: Two Boutique Kate Sylvester filigree dress $395 Sculpture: Bio Structure by Chiara Corbelletto Below: Summer Sessions All About Eve lense tank $49.90 Katya Maker Costume cocktail necklace $89 Summer Sessions Le Specs Bandwagon $69.95

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SCULPTURAL MUSE

Above: Katya Maker Ooby Ryn burlesque dress $299 Katya Maker yellow striped clutch $89 and floral bangle in gold and crystals $59 Sculpture: Detritus by Jeff Thomson

Above: Katya Maker Lola Espeleta black lace top $59 Two Boutique Creatures day dreamer skirt $179, Heavenly Soles jewel shoes $359 Katya Maker Capri glass teardrop shape blue necklace $49

Right: Two Boutique Camilla & Marc Dietrich Dress $199 KatyaMaker Crystal Gem Necklace $59 Origami Bird Necklace $59 Capri Glass Teardrop Shape Blue Necklace $49

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fa s h i o n

Above: Two Boutique Camilla & Marc Dietrich dress $199, Heavenly Soles Minx, Mimosa Madam heels $179, clutch $239, Katya Maker crystal gem necklace $59 Origami bird necklace $59, Capri glass teardrop shape blue necklace $49, set of stackable rings $39 Left: Katya Maker, Ottod’ Ame Kelly dress $169, Two Boutique Once Was Linear Shadow knit $205, Katya Maker hand bag $129, gold bracelet $39 clear bracelet $89, set of stackable rings $39.

Sculpture: Squeeze Me (Offensive)

by David McCraken.

Right: Summer Sessions, All About Eve lense tank $49.90, Katya Maker Moss & Spy Deloris skirt $359, Heavenly Soles Canson nude suede heels $179, Summer Sessions Le Specs Bandwagon $69.95, Katya Maker costume cocktail necklace $89, leopard clutch $59

BIOTULIN A BEAUTY SECRET REVEALED A natural, injectionless alternative to Botox loved by royals, celebrities and now locals alike.

The Duchess of Cambridge made headlines with her relaxed and radiant appearance just hours after the birth of Princess Charlotte.

After speculation of Botox-injections, her midwife confirmed that she uses Biotulin, an organic skin gel made in Germany.

Since then, Biotulin has become a beauty bestseller in Europe and the US, as well as gaining celebrity devotees like Kim Kardashian, Madonna, Michelle Obama and Karl Lagerfeld.

Now, the world’s first skin gel with botox-like effects is also available in New Zealand.

Claudia Schenz is a holistic beauty therapist who runs Alegria Beautyfarm in Matakana.

Trained in Germany, her experience in the beauty industry spans more than seventeen years, during which she has experimented with many so called 'botox-in-a-bottle' products. None showed results like Biotulin.

Spilanthol, Blady Grass and Hyaluronic acid are the key ingredients acting to relax facial muscles, without the mask-like effect of traditional Botox. The results: visibly smoother, hydrated and radiant skin, after just 60 minutes – lasting up to 24 hours.

Order your bottle of Biotulin today, to ensure you’re looking your best throughout the festive season!

www.biotulin.co.nz | 0800 246 885 | www.beautyfarm.co.nz

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1. Two Boutique Once Was Linear shadow knit $205 2. Summer Sessions Le Specs Go Go Go sunglasses $69.95 3. KatyaMaker.com Moss & Spy Deloris skirt $359 4. KatyaMaker.com Set of three stackable rings in blue $39 5. Heavenly Soles Jewel shoes $359 6. KatyaMaker.com Yellow striped clutch $89 7. Summer Sessions All About Eve lense tank $49.90 8. KatyaMaker.com Ooby Ryn burlesque dress $299 9. Two Boutique Sylvester filigree dress $395 10. KatyaMaker.com Costume cocktail necklace in gold & ocean blue $89 11. KatyaMaker.com Floral bangle in gold and crystals $59

Are you ready to upgrade your health in 2016?

katyamaker.com

YOGA CLASSES | YOGA WORKSHOPS Vibrant Health & Wellness Courses Next Course Starts in February 2016 for Adults & Teens

NEW STUDIO

3 Elizabeth Street, Warkworth Phone 021 707486

www.ingridyoga.co.nz

17 Elizabeth Street, Warkworth 11

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puhoi HOUSE words K A T H Y

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Up a quiet country lane past a well-loved pub lies an oasis of taste and decorum – with a fine twist of eccentricity.

Puhoi House is the newest passion of Bob Gilhooly and John McClenaghan, collectors and purveyors of antiquities.

The couple have been involved in the antiques trade in London, in Warkworth (Mrs Jones) and in Herne Bay (Hawkins & Scuffell). They’ve now opened a new business in leafy Puhoi Valley – a rather extraordinary bed and breakfast.

So why here? Bob says, “We moved here three years ago because it reminded us of NZ before it got bowled over with development. Luckily the village has some historic protection, as it really is a very special place.�

Puhoi House is tucked away in a sheltered valley with abundant bush and birdlife and within easy reach of the many offerings of the Matakana Coast. It’s a gentle stroll down to the pub and village shops. And it’s nice to know that time has caught up with Puhoi Village in one respect: you can get a damned good coffee at the local shop. Not to mention most excellent local oysters and chips.

The house itself was built around 1900. It’s like a traditional English country house – welcoming, comfortable and with a solid sense of history. There are collections to die for: every corner and side table hosts a still life. Weird then, how nothing seems cluttered, just calm and tasteful. A guest was heard to say “It’s not a symphony in beige, but a rustic farmhouse with dramatic aspirations!�

Puhoi House has four ensuite bedrooms to accommodate a maximum of eight people. It can be rented room by room, but bigger groups can take over the whole house. The big country kitchen has everything you need. There’s a gentlemanly buttoned-leather lounge area with a fire and a huge sunny terrace overlooking a bush-fringed stream (complete with eels).

Best of all, the rooms are themed and named. There’s Shanghai Queen, whose ornate marquetry and gold chinoiserie toile de jouy curtains hints at ex-pat intrigue.

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Level 1, Millstream Building, 17 Elizabeth Street, Warkworth

Phone: 09 425 9863

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D ESIGN

puhoi HOUSE

The Tartan Twin speaks of heather and porridge; King offers the full four-poster bed splendour of any number of period dramas. But The Suite Room is the jaw-dropper: a magnificent chandelier (English, c.1850, converted from gas) lords it over a super-king bed, a striped three-piece suite and tiny staircase to the cutest attic bathroom imaginable. All the rooms are linked by little stairways and passages which are art installations in themselves. From taxidermy to tallboys, this couple has it covered.

Bob says, “The rooms themed themselves really. After all our own travels and collecting, we seem to have fallen into the tradition of the classic Grand Tour of a couple of hundred years ago: bringing back exotic souvenirs to give a little bit of excitement within the house. Each room was loosely based on what objects we were most excited about; then it was just a matter of filling them out to fit the vibe.”

The best advice for the antique-hungry? “The most interesting aspect of decorating is not to trap yourself in any one period.

Buy the best design regardless of age; mix it up and create your own individual style. Experimenting with a Georgian piece of furniture and a contemporary painting is what gets the motor running!”

Bob and John still trade through their Hawkins and Scuffell website, and also sell a fine selection of pieces through the Vivian Gallery in Matakana.

www.puhoihouse.co.nz | 09 422 0433 AirBnB | Instagram puhoi_house | Facebook Puhoi House www.hawkinsandscuffell.com | www.thevivian.co.nz

Far left: The four poster curtained bed of the King Room.

Left: The lounge area of The Suite Room.

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1. RUMMAGE, MATAKANA Asian plates, $20 each 2. GUTHRIE BOWRON, WARKWORTH Candle sticks, $67.99 3. RUMMAGE, MATAKANA Brass figurine, $65 4. THE FRENCH CUPBOARD, SILVERDALE Painting from Limoges, France, $350 5. Finishing Touches Moroccan hexagon lantern $250 6. RUMMAGE, MATAKANA Blue bowl/ashtray, $35.

7. GUTHRIE BOWRON, WARKWORTH Bird statue, $80 8. Finishing Touches Artsome Calais chair $1,395 9. GREEN WITH ENVY Sika Monet rocking chair $939 (available Feb) 10. Finishing Touches OneWorld Lamp $273

COLLECTABLES TRAIL STOP #1: RUMMAGE MATAKANA The Matakana Collectables Trail kicks off at Rummage on the corner of Matakana and Anderson Roads. Stepping into this large old rustic shed, you get that instant hit of retro and vintage nostalgia and are enticed to delve further into this emporium of homewares, clothing, books and totally random old bits and bobs.

Rummage was rated in Viva magazine as one of the top five retro stops in Auckland. Owner Yvonne Clifton says that new visitors to the shop are always passing on their positive comments.

“All the fantastic feedback keeps us inspired,” she says, “and we enjoy the challenge of evolving and making the experience even more enjoyable.”

With a vision to create a character vintage shop in the beautiful Matakana countryside, an old shed in the middle of a bare paddock has been

transformed into a destination stop for retro and vintage lovers.

Now, four years on from opening Rummage and establishing the Collectables Trail, Yvonne is thrilled with the Trail’s popularity as it continues to attract visitors from all over the country. The Trail offers a really unique shopping experience you get to hunt out a great mix of both modern and vintage collectables, from independent stores that each have their own distinct characters, all while taking in the fresh country air. There is a great variety on offer and this has given the Trail broad appeal to its growing audience.

Our hopes are to eventually encompass a wider area and showcase more of the great stores around the Matakana Coast region. www.collectablestrail.co.nz www.rummagenz.co.nz

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SAVOUR

LOCAL BEERS AND CIDERS words L U K E w i ll i a m so n

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m e h a rry

The beginning of the golden weather. Conditions have definitely been golden (and silver and bronze) for four of our local craft beer and cider makers as they earned well-deserved accolades at this year’s brewing awards. Junction visited them – and we recommend you get out this summer to sample the local award-winning tipples as well.

8 Wired Brewing Company At the Brewers’ Guild of New Zealand awards in September 2015, 8 Wired entered 13 beers and won 12 medals, including two gold for their Hopwired and Hippy Berliner beers, respectively. Chief brewer and owner, Soren Erikson agrees that 13 beers is quite a handful but in reply to the suggestion that he might cut that number down, he says, “No, I want to make more!”

Soren is obviously passionate about his brewing and his eyes light up when he talks about making sour beer from the hundreds of barrels stored in the warehouse. Much like a wine maker, he’s always sampling and blending the different brews to try and get the perfect result.

Established in 2009, Soren and wife Monique, who is co-owner, decided they wanted to move 8 Wired north from Blenheim, and chose Warkworth as the ideal base for their brewing venture.

While half of 8 Wired’s product heads overseas, Soren would like to increase his fresh beer offerings in New Zealand, so in 2016 you can look forward to trying more tasty brews by the glass at Tahi Bar in Warkworth.

The beginnings may have been No. 8 wire technology but the results today are gold ribbon. www.8wired.co.nz

Forbidden Brewing Company “When you own an orchard, a cidery and a cider restaurant, you have to have a harvest festival. It would be a sin not to.” So says Alan Spinks of Forbidden Brewing Company. Along with his son, Jordan, who is the brewer, there is a real sense of ‘anything goes’ and seeing where the adventure will lead.

Forbidden Brewing is only two years old, but they have just won a handful of medals and the trophy for Champion Cider at the Brewers’ Guild of New Zealand awards in September 2015. However, there’s no time to rest on their laurels as they prepare their new dedicated smokehouse and cider restaurant for launch, and plan for a harvest festival in April.

Bold packaging and flavours are encouraged but within strict boundaries of quality, authenticity and staying natural. Says Jordan, “We’ve experimented with all sorts of flavours, including pears, plums, pineapple, coconut, lime, mint and even Thai basil – pretty much anything I can find in the orchard, I’ll try out.” Alan points out, though, that all the ciders are still 99% apple juice and the ‘funky flavours’ are subtle – and never overwhelm the cider taste.

Forbidden Brewing is a little bit brash, a little bit brassy, definitely naughty – and a whole lot of golden delicious. www.forbidden.co.nz Above: Alan (left) and Jordan Spinks, Forbidden Brewing Company Left: The 8 Wired team

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SAVOUR

LOCAL BEERS AND CIDERS

The Sawmill Brewery It says a lot about the rapid growth of craft brewing in New Zealand that, at a mere 11 years old, Sawmill Brewery is one of the old hands in the industry. In preparation for the precocious teenage years ahead, Sawmill has a new, purpose-built brewery, restaurant and bar on Leigh Road.

From not having enough room to produce the quantities or range of beer they wanted, owners Mike Sutherland and Kirsty McKay will now have the ability to brew up to one million litres of beer per annum.

The beautiful rural location sets them apart from many craft breweries, Kirsty explains, as others tend to be located in cities and industrial areas. The bar will offer up to 15 Sawmill brews on tap, plus a guest tap. Included in those beers will be the nine medal winners, gold, silver and bronze, from the 2015 Brewers’ Guild of New Zealand awards.

To complement the beer there will be a small menu of “beautiful, simple, generous, good food,” says Kirsty.

She’s also excited about offering refills for flagons. The Sawmill retails two different sized flagons – the Growler and the Squealer – that are branded with the iconic circular saw logo. “I love it because the beer is fresh from the source, there’s less waste, it’s more economical and it’s more social – it fits with all our values.” www.sawmillbrewery.co.nz Jones Road Cider It’s all about tradition for Lesley and Philip Lindesay of Jones Road Cider. They’re the new kids on the block, having only opened their cellar door last summer, but the cider apples in their orchard are generations old. Those apples will be key to their success.

Lesley and Philip developed a taste for traditional cider during their travels to Europe and the USA. ‘When we returned to New Zealand, we simply couldn’t buy proper cider so we decided to make our own,’ says Lesley.

The orchard now has around 1,200 trees and over 50 varieties of cider apples. Lesley explains, “Our cider is made the same way as wine. We have a cider maker who blends the different varieties of juice, it ferments for around six months, it’s bottled, and then we age it in the bottle so that what we’re selling contains apples picked 18 months ago.

That’s how real cider is made.” That dedication to authenticity earned Jones Road a silver medal at the New Zealand Cider Awards this year.

The cider and apple juice sold out last summer so get in early this year, and take Lesley’s advice, “use half a bottle in your cooking – and drink the other half.”

Above: Mike and Kirsty in the new brewery

Below left: Lesley packs up an order at Jones Road Cider

Tahi Bar craft beer No article on crafty beverages would be complete without a shout out to the marvellous Tahi Bar in Warkworth.

Ian and Silke Marriot are truly, madly, deeply passionate about beer and cider – they were one of the first craft beer bars in NZ in fact. The back-alley bar (a favourite haunt of bikers) is currently getting a well-deserved makeover. "Not a single piece of furniture will be the same – everything will be hand-made," says Ian. And there'll be a conversationstarter in the form of a full-sized Harley Davidson that master woodcarver Dean Harris has created – from swamp kauri.

Tahi Bar | 1 Neville St, Warkworth www.tahibar.com | 09 422 3674

www.jonesroadcider.co.nz

In the competitive world of real estate, one couple clearly stand head and shoulders above the rest: Mike Pero’s only Premier Gold Elite ranked agents in the North Island: Angela Wain & Andrew Steens Legendary Find out why - call now to get an “Ang & Drew” result for your property!

Andrew Steens & Angela Wain

027 493 6800 • (09) 422 7067 andrew.steens@mikepero.com, angela.wain@mikepero.com Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA (2008)

OFFICE RECOGNITION AWARDS 2015

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17

SAVOUR

ABODE

RANSOM WINES - LAVISH LUNCHES

FURNISHINGS MATAKANA

MODERN INTERIOR AND OUTDOOR DESIGN We import custom quality furniture View full collection and information online www.abodefurnishingsmatakana.co.nz Showroom - Main Road Sandpit Open Weekends Phone 027 425 6311 abodefurnishingsmatakana@xtra.co.nz

Heading down the driveway at Ransom Winery, there’s little indication of what’s in store. The bold architecture and sweeping views of the vines are a nice surprise, and tend to provoke a delighted response from visitors.

This vineyard has been around for over 20 years.

It’s a family business run by owners Robin and Marion Ransom, their winemaker son Gabriel and Marion’s brother Rob as Vineyard Manager.

Enjoy a delicious platter with your choice of wine, and treat yourself to a leisurely lunch overlooking lush rows of vines.

Marion says, “Thanks to Gabriel, our outdoor area has had an excellent redesign, so it’s all looking good for the holidays.” She adds, “It’s best to book ahead if you’re coming for lunch though – we’re expecting a busy summer!”

All Ransom wines are made only from grapes grown on the premises. Recently they’ve finished a whopper of a planting programme - 900 Chardonnay vines, 900 Syrah vines and 400 Cabernet Franc.

Three new wines have been recently released: the 2013 Clos de Valerie Pinot Gris and the 2012 Mahurangi red. Ransom’s first ever 100% Malbec from the excellent 2013 vintage has also just been launched, so there’s plenty of excuses for tastings.

This summer the team has honed your food and wine experience to the point of perfection.

Valerie Close, Warkworth | 09 425 8862 www.ransomwines.co.nz

NEW SHIPMENT ARRIVED

18

SAVOUR

easy takeout viet q food truck

we love food

Phuong and James Graham are a familiar sight at the Matakana markets Vietnamese stall on a Saturday morning. They should be – they’ve been doing it for about ten years. The couple met when Phuong was utilising her food science degree at a Marlborough winery where James was working (he now consults for Babich Wines, Takatu and Runner Duck).

They have two boys aged six and nine.

Their whopping great commercial-kitchen-in-a-truck can be seen occasionally at various local events but on Fridays from 11am-8pm it’s firmly parked in the Grahams’ driveway. Happy locals hang out on beanbags eating takeouts, or zip in to pick up their texted orders.

James says, “Phuong gets a huge amount of pleasure from people enjoying her food – and from doing it properly. We grow most of our own Vietnamese herbs and greens – fish mint and perilla can be hard to source.” Phuong smiles her wide smile. “Yep – all my food is totally authentic – the recipes come from my mum. No shortcuts here!”

This summer they plan to do a few short trips in the truck to Omaha or Martin’s Bay campground, but mostly they’ll be right here in sunny Matakana.

Their philosophy: “Keep it simple, keep it local!”

In the heart of Matakana village is a bespoke catering company whose name says it all: We Love Food.

Cameron Travan began the company three years ago to follow his dream of owning a company which could cater for all kinds of events, celebrations and food experiences. He has also developed a range of artisan food products to complement his menus.

Cameron’s team at We Love Food are serious about their products and service. “Whether it’s for 10 people or 200, we can take on just about any venue for your event or function,” says Cam. We Love Food thrives on a creative challenge.

Cam will be taking his team on the road as usual for the New Year, feeding bands and crew backstage at the Northern Bass festival in Mangawhai. Soon, various cunning plans will be moving into phase two, says Kelvin Napier, We Love Food’s new hospitality manager. “As well as developing our stable of Love Sauces, Chutneys and Mayos, we’ll be bringing a range of our most popular market food to the public as takehome meals – and the availability will be… improving, shall we say.”

Subscribe to Junction Mag online and go into the draw to win a fantastic four-pack of Love condiments! Terms & conditions apply.

Facebook: Viet Q Foods 969 Matakana Rd 021 0614 100

www.welovefood.co.nz | 021 151 3025

BBayleys l M Matakana t k –O Open N Now Bayleys have long been a force in real estate in and around Matakana. We live in the area, we live for the area – and we love working with the people in our unique community. Our new office at 38 Matakana Valley Road brings our full range of expertise to Matakana with our high profile agents and exceptional track record.

We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you with your property requirements.

Call Debbie Jones on 021 412 530 www.bayleys.co.nz/inthenorth Mackys Real Estate Ltd, Licensed under REA Act 2008

Debbie Jones MANAGER

021 412 530 debbie.jones@bayleys.co.nz

Dahnie Burton 021 628 327 dahnie.burton@bayleys.co.nz

Dallas Honey 027 477 9957 dallas.honey@bayleys.co.nz

Kellie Bissett 0275 306 843 kellie.bissett@bayleys.co.nz

Shailenne Parkes 021 1179 142 shailenne.parkes@bayleys.co.nz

Hannah Anderson 021 865 635 hannah.anderson@bayleys.co.nz

19

C H ERIS H

local christmas charities On Christmas Day many will enjoy a wonderful meal with their family, drink far too much and spend a portion of the day giving and receiving gifts. These are luxuries not everyone in our community can afford and there is no better time to reach out to your neighbours. Here are some ways you too can help this Christmas or as a part of your New Year’s resolution.

Over 20 years old the Warkworth Food Link is a food bank powered by many of our local churches. It will provide over 150 food parcels this Christmas and over 350 during the year. Food and monetary donations are accepted all year round at the Mahurangi Presbyterian Church (09) 425 8861.

Staff at the Warkworth Wellsford Hospice shop in jolly Christmas mode.

The Warkworth Wellsford Hospice will continue its regular service over the holiday period and will provide gift hampers to some families.

Donations to the Hospice Garage Sale are always welcome or consider purchasing Christmas gifts from

their new vintage/collectables store Tickled Pink in Warkworth. Hospice are desperate for more manpower, from shop volunteers, catering team, transport, gardeners, office staff and handymen. Please consider donating your time in 2016.

Homebuilders Warkworth offer families budgeting, counselling and parenting services and feel it’s message for families this Christmas is to remember quality of relationships over consumables. You can help local families through Homebuilders by donating unwrapped gifts at Ray White Warkworth.

Mitre 10 Warkworth are also collecting unwrapped gift for children in foster care from new-borns to 17 year olds for Foster Hope.

The message of not giving animals as Christmas gifts is repeated every year, however it is still an issue and Julie’s Animal Refuge Warkworth (09 422 3322), will be inundated come January. Towels and flannels are always needed and can be left at Warkworth Vet Clinic. Julie asks people to be vigilant for animal welfare over the holiday period and do not hesitate to call the authorities if they witness animal neglect.

The Animal Sanctuary will rescue 1,000 battery hens over Christmas.

This is a huge operation for the sanctuary who could benefit from monetary donations, volunteers or a truck or float to assist with the rescue. If you can provide a home for some hens please contact Shawn on (09) 422 7322.

active summer minds words t i a wooll e r tot a r a h i ll m o n t e ssor i p r e school

Help keep your child’s learning alive over the long summer, and give them a head start for 2016.

Kids 12 and over could start a job, since being out in the world learning new skills is great for keeping brains active. For their first couple of summers, get them doing something which gives them responsibility – it will help them to stand out and give them confidence when they want a real job in a few years time.

Under 12s could keep a holiday journal – what they did each day, or maybe a photo and a story written about an event, even if it’s only once a week. The public libraries also run great summer reading programmes for children.

Lists are great incentives to write: a to-do list, shopping list, all the animals that start with an ‘a’, with a ‘b’, thank-you letters for presents are an often forgotten skill, and lots of drawing keeps their hands fit for writing. If you don’t believe how important this is, try handwriting for an hour: it hurts when you’re not used to it!

Flash cards are great for younger primary school kids – start with about 45 frequently used words. Google them, make them beautiful, keep them in cute containers. Pull out one card a day and read it, write it,

spell it, play games with it. Known words can go in another container.

When it’s tidy, neat and available, it will be used and loved!

Preschool-aged children can also use flash cards utilising only letter sounds. Other ideas for this age-group: learn the name of a new vegetable or fruit each time you go to the supermarket – these could be written and drawn - back home. Write letters and numbers in the sand on the beach. Read the numbers on letterboxes when going for walks and play ‘I spy’ using sounds instead of letters.

Even spending just a few minutes a day with your child will make a significant difference to their learning for the start of a new year.

ORIGINAL GIFTS – 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.

20

GI F TS

covetables

The Red Barn Antiques

Finishing Touches

190 Matakana Rd, Matakana Open 7 days - 10am-5pm. If closed, phone Margaret for an appointment 0274 731 318.

Find us on Facebook – The Red Barn Antiques Matakana

38 Matakana Valley Rd & Shop 3, 2 Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana Open Sun–Fri 9.30am–5pm & Sat 8.30–5pm (09) 422 7339 | www.touches.co.nz

The French Shed

MooiMooi

5 Saleyard Rd, Puhoi Open Wed–Sun 11–3pm 021 504717 | Find us on Facebook – The French Shed

650 Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana Open Mon-Wed or when flag is out –Sun 10-4pm 021 424 999 | www.mooimooi.co.nz

21

discover

kawau island | music in the gardenS 2016

Kawau Island deserves serious attention as far as Junction is concerned.

It’s about time it was recognised for its extraordinary beauty and uniqueness (but hopefully not at the expense of its cruisy island vibe).

The beautiful island is most famous for the recently-renovated Mansion House, the original residence of Sir George Grey, first Governor of NZ. He created a kind of garden paradise with hundreds of species of plants, and exotic animals too. Turns out this was a bad idea.

A few remaining peacocks are now the only surviving evidence of Grey’s folly – the wallabies had to be culled a few years ago when the extent of the damage they were causing to native vegetation was realised. The Pohutakawa Trust of Kawau took on the mammoth task of righting what some said was irreversible environmental damage. Although there’s still a way to go, the island is now home to many kiwi and a whopping two-thirds of the entire North Island population of weka, along with brown teal, kaka, kereru and bellbirds.

This February, for the third year, Kawau will resound to the sounds of Music in the Gardens. The lush grounds of Mansion House will host the

22

funky Conscious Music Collective plus super-groovers Sal Valentine and the Babyshakes, who will certainly be inducing Junction staff to get on down. Especially after sampling the fantastic local wine, beer and cider on offer, together with fantastic local gourmet food stalls. There will no doubt be enthusiastic participation in the auctions, both silent and live…

This will be a perfect day out, with funds raised by OPAK (Organisations Passionate About Kawau) going towards the very worthy Camp Bentzon Trust, Kawau Volunteer Coastguards and KERT (Kawau Emergency Response Trust).

Tickets www.musicinthegardens.co.nz or Kawau Cruises, Sandspit Jetty Early bird tickets $20 until 31/1/16 includes souvenir wine glass $25 after this date Children 12-17 $10 includes soft drink | under 12s free Getting there: Kawau Cruises 09 425 8006 $40 return adults, 6-15 $20 return, under 5 free Ferries depart Sandspit from 12.30pm, return from 7pm Various auctions, EFTPOS available but bring cash too.

discover

kawau beach house The recently renovated Kawau Beach House gets a solid five stars on TripAdvisor. Guests wax lyrical about the environment, service and food. Manager Katie Silcock and her partner, chef Zeyn Buksh, have only been there four months, but they're certainly making their mark.

Despite being only in their twenties, the Waikato couple have clocked up impressive resumés. Their hospitality backgrounds include a stint together at London two-star Michelin restaurant Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley (now just 'Marcus').

They love the lifestyle on the island. Katie says, "It's like living in paradise – you could be anywhere in the South Pacific!" Zeyn's looking forward to presenting their new summer gastronomy: a 5/5/5 option á la carte menu showcasing local seafood.

Kawau Beach House is sponsoring the top prize at Music in the Gardens 2016: a night in a Beachfront Suite, with dinner and breakfast.

ed bee honey Eduardo Canal is an ex-Aucklander who's a comparatively recent arrival on Kawau. An exengineering consultant, he's given up the city rat-race for beekeeping on the island. He's very passionate indeed about his 100% raw kanuka honey, and it's a bumper kanuka season right now on Kawau.

"Most of the island is covered in mature kanuka trees, which accounts for around 80% of the nectar source, along with some manuka or pohutakawa," explains Ed. What else makes his honey different? "Well, it's totally raw," he says. "I use a cold extraction process,

which leaves the enzymes intact. This means that the honey will crystallise, but that's fine – great texture!

There will also be some wax, pollen and propolis in there – all good natural stuff."

It'll soon be harvest time – typically the end of January – so look out for Ed's distinctive black and white jars in Little Bird Café, Puhoi General Store, Warkworth Butchery, Johnny’s Water Taxis, The Beach House on Kawau, Café Sandspit and the Custom House Coffee Shop. www.edbee.co.nz

EXCLUSIVE STOCKISTS OF

SEAFOLLY & TIGERLILY

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

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discover

market meanderings - puhoi

Mike Kirk – Derbyshire

Mia Straka and Brooke Tyson – Auckland and Puhoi

Brigid Sinclair and Linda Taylor – Hibiscus Coast

Daphne Hollamby – Puhoi

Now living in NZ, Mike has been both a counsellor and a councillor, but has a 30-year sideline in astrology, specialising in medical astrology. He’s starting a series of readings at markets around Auckland in 2016.

Mia is a jewellery designer and Brooke, fashion. Both keen travellers, their best experience was dancing on the beach recently with locals in a tiny town called Zipolite in Mexico.

Brigid is the leader of several community choirs around the area and Linda is her second-in-command. They busk at markets for fun. Brigid is ‘looking forward to enjoying a spectacular mid-life crisis’.

Daphne and her partner Daryll have been roasting coffee in Puhoi since 2007. They use a blend of Ethiopian, Indonesian and Brazilian beans. It’s organic and sustainable. Daphne’s a founding member of the Puhoi markets. www.puhoicoffee.co.nz

Bell – Silverdale

Jim Coates – Whangarei

Tess and Pikelet – Puhoi

Alfred Mee – Helensville

Bell is a Blue Heeler, and is 7 years old. She’s a Frisbee queen who rarely misses her skim. She’s owned by Sarah Churchouse, who runs ForDogSake.co.nz, a dog daycare in Silverdale which also provides dog grooming and education. www.4dogsake.co.nz

Jim creates garden art from rusted steel using a plasma cutter. His wife, Lyndelle, is also a steel artist. Jim rusts his steel faster by using a watering can with salt water. He’s a biker from way back and has three BMW R100s.

Tess takes people for rides on her rescued pony Pikelet for $4. They do a few laps of the tennis courts. Tess says Pikelet will do anything for food and has a huge personality. Tess and her sisters are homeschooled in Puhoi.

Alfred is an electrician specialising in motorway lighting. He’s a keen biker who loves his Harley Electra Glide.

Alfred is looking forward to the Iron Run in March, where thousands of bikers will converge on Paihia.

24

discover

gypsy fair extravaganza If you had to imagine your ideal family outing, you might end up describing the newly-founded Gypsy Fair Extravaganza, a unique blend of market stalls, arts and craft, food, musical entertainment and kids shows.

Why 'Extravaganza'? Mels Berg, one of the co-­founders says, “We had so many good ideas, we decided to do them all! It soon grew into something so huge and exciting that it needed a huge name.” They formed a Charitable Trust, and stretched their ideas to the maximum, incorporating their commitment to using only compostable and recyclable packaging, and returning profits to the communities who support them.

Travelling the country in a colourful array of house trucks and buses – cosy homes for whole families sometimes – this travelling roadshow is made up mostly of people who have previously sold their wares at fairs, markets and festivals. They have a good idea of what the public want: a great day out, cool stuff to buy, yummy food and drinks, entertaining music and lots of interesting things to do and see.

Not content with offering all the usual stalls that the public loves at

Gypsy Fairs – face painting, tarot and palm readers, herbal remedies, heaps of funky clothing, amazing jewellery and crafts – the Extravaganza has created a unique event that will leave you buzzing. There is free entry, lots of free things to do, including old-school games like hula hoop, puppet shows, tug of war and sack races. You can even attend free hula hoop workshops with Summer Spins (as seen on NZ's Got Talent).

Their giant kaleidoscope is bound to be a hit with the whole family and no child will be able to resist the huge bouncy castle.

To ensure the very best experience for everyone, there are healthy food options (though if traditional fairground food is your preference you'll find that too) and throughout both days they have talented musicians on stage for your entertainment. In keeping with the theme of community involvement, the Gypsy musicians encourage other performers, particularly locals, to share the stage and join in the fun. Chances are no­ one will want to go home at the end of the day. They have that covered too – check out the available stall options and join them on the road!

Gypsy Fair Extravaganza | Sat 9 & Sun 10 January Matakana Country Park | Free Entry

EVENTS COMING SOON TO THE

MATAKANA COUNTRY PARK 1151 LEIGH RD, MATAKANA www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz or email info@matakanacountrypark.co.nz

SATURDAY 9TH & SUNDAY 10TH JANUARY Matakana Country Park CRAFTS & STALLS, FOOD & DRINKS, ENTERTAINEMENT OPEN STAGE, KIDS FUN & OTHER SHENANIGANS! FACEBOOK GYSPSYEXTRAVAGANZA

Extreme Challenge Run – Saturday 13th February 5.5kms with 65 Killer Obstacle Challenges.

Military Arts Compound, Matakana Country Park Book Now Ph (09) 422 9944 www.militaryarts.co.nz

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BOOKS

summer reading words tr a c e y l a wto n

Three favourites of 2015 ...

Three top tips for the summer ...

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks

Heartbreaking but beautifully written, this novel follows the lives of four college graduates who move to New York. All talented and driven, their friendships provide the glue to their lives as they follow very different paths.

Short-listed for the Man Booker prize, it is a huge read with a big heart.

The story of King David (yes, he of the song by Leonard Cohen) as told by his prophet Natan. Brilliant at historical novels, Brooks fleshes out the character of David beautifully, and we see him in all his glory, with his triumphs and failures laid bare.

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith

The Hanging Girl by Jussi Adler-Olsen

The third in the Cormoran Strike series written by J K Rowling under the Galbraith pseudonym. Cormoran is a private detective in London who is, at times, struggling to make a career in detective work after his return from Afghanistan. Meanwhile, someone has sent a severed leg to his office and he has four suspects who he thinks could have done it.

The sixth in the Department Q thriller series. I’d recommend starting with the first novel Mercy, but if you happen upon this book first, jump right in.

Detective Inspector Carl Morck specialises in cold cases in Denmark, aided and abetted by his faithful sidekicks Assad and Rose.

Our Souls At Night by Kent Haruf

Much like the 10pm Question, this novel will be enjoyed equally by adults.

Barney is obsessed with filmmaking. His little sister Ren keeps him focussed and on track but he starts to worry when he realises he is lacking an idea for the next big project. After he finds a piece of paper of mysterious drawings seemingly addressed to him, he realises he has the makings of his next epic film all around him – the quirky characters that inhabit his neighbourhood.

Inspired by the author’s wife, this is a beautiful meditation on what life and love mean to us as we age. The novel, his last before he died, introduces us to Addie, a widow, who pops over to see Louis, a widower, and asks if he would like to come over from time to time and stay the night with her.

Questions are asked, eyebrows raised and perhaps loneliness is kept at bay.

From The Cutting Room Of Barney Kettle by Kate De Goldi

mahurangijoinery.co.nz

CONTACT 26

Physical Address

Mahurangi Joinery 23a Glenmore Drive Warkworth, Auckland 0910

Telephone

09 425 9849

Email

info@mahurangijoinery.co.nz

ARTS

star rising

A year ago Star won a New Generation Award from the Arts Foundation of NZ. She gratefully, if rather bemusedly, received $25,000 to sustain her art – alongside Eleanor Catton, Taika Waititi and others.

She didn't make it on to the stage to receive the award though – she was too nervous. "I had a speech written, hair and makeup done, everything," she remembers. "But when it was time to get up in front of those 800 people I couldn't do it – I just gapped it and went to sit in a Chinese restaurant down the road!" Her cousin was more than happy to accept the award on her behalf.

Star Gossage (Ngati Manuhiri, Ngati Wai) is not that shook on being named as one of our most important Maori artists. She's shy of the limelight, despite the fact that her work hangs in the Auckland Art Gallery and The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Further afield, a couple of pieces in the prestigious Niagara Galleries in Melbourne are for sale right now for between $13K and $18K. But she was glad to donate a painting recently to the Pakiri school fundraiser, which sold at auction for $8K – the school was understandably rapt.

Star initially trained in film and theatre, then graphic design. As a painter she's self-taught. Her often dark, dream-like oils can create initial uneasiness in the viewer, but the intense eyes of the women she paints

are haunting. The wild landscape of her beloved ancestral home is everpresent in Star's work. In fact, she literally puts the landscape into her paintings, grinding local clays to mix with oil and glue to make some of her pigments.

"I just try and get my feelings on to the canvas," she tries to explain.

"Some people say they feel a kind of recognition – some even cry in front of the paintings. I think it's really important to draw out these emotions.

There aren't enough of them about these days."

How has the award affected her? Mainly, for the first time in well over ten years, she's been able to stop painting, relax and recharge her creative batteries. She gazes over at the sheep-furrowed hill with its ancient pohutakawa opposite her deck. "It's made a huge difference to me, having that space. I've been working so hard for so long… and it also made me think - if these people take me seriously maybe I should, too!"

After her much-needed breather, things are starting to move again now.

Star's excited to be doing a cultural exchange sponsored by Creative NZ – she's swapping places with an artist in Hawaii for ten days. There are whispers of a trip to China in May, and she's co-curating a show at the Vivian Gallery in August with contemporary Maori artist Alexis Neal. Star's next exhibition opens at the Tim Melville Gallery in Newton, Auckland on March 8.

GALLERY: 4 Winchester St, Grey Lynn | 09 378 1500 | timmelville.com

Wishing you a relaxing Christmas and a frivolous New Year.

See you on the other side!

f

It's a humid morning when we drive out to meet Star Gossage at her Pakiri home. She's watering her garden – wild masses of scarlet poppies and geraniums beside orderly rows of potatoes.

| P H O T O s a n dy m e h a rry

WENDY DOUGLAS LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

021 244 5683 | MATAKANA 422 9280

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HUNTER

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h a pp e n i n g s

WHANGATEAU FOLK CLUB words k a thy hu n t e r

Junction staff made it to the last event for the Whangateau Folk Club at the end of November.

The beautiful old wooden hall was glowing, and nearly full. Organiser Jenine Abarbanel (left) was very happy about this. An internationally recognised bluegrass musician herself (she plays double bass and sings with both the Pipi Pickers and Hot Diggity), she’s passionate about bringing communities together for marvellous musical mayhem.

The club began in November 2014. This past year it’s hosted the likes of Tattletale Saints, a NZ duo now based in Nashville (nominated for a Silver Scroll this year), and the fabulous Lonesome Pine Specials from Lyttleton, as well as a multitude of talented locals.

A few months ago, renowned musician John Hayday was inspired by the club to return to music after a 12-year break. With the equally awesome Vaughan Morgan they played a spellbinding set for the last club night.

Open-mike performers featured players of mandolin, banjo, ukelele and spectacular harmonica that would have impressed Dylan himself. A couple of talented teens sang as well, to warm and enthusiastic applause.

The philosophy is simple, says Jenine. “I wanted to provide a great environment for locals to enjoy world-class live acoustic music; to provide talented locals with an outlet to perform in front a supportive audience, and

Jenine Abarbanel, left - photo: Ian Fisk | Above: Dave Alley on slide-guitar - photo: Folk Club.

to offer opportunities for them to develop their musical skills.”

The Whangateau Folk Club is a classic example of the Matakana Coast’s tight-knit and talented community. Come on down and feel the love. www.whangateau.co.nz Next club night: 25 Jan 2016 | 7pm | $5 door - includes snacks Feb 2 – British / Scottish folk on. Feb 8 – Fiddle Pie’s Old Time Country Music and Dance Variety Show

FAT FREDDY’S DROP at pakiri beach The last weekend of November saw a bunch of kids roaming around the Pakiri hinterland, tracked by various folk with big cameras. At the end of the day they converge on a dim and dusty barn where a woman is… levitating. It’s the latest music video for Fat Freddy’s Drop.

Director Jess Bluck says, “The band’s new song ‘Ten Feet Tall’ speaks to me a lot about adversity, about staying strong and rising above it all.”

Jess was haunted by a book she read years ago about a boy who learned to fly; she used a different angle on this to craft the uplifting images we’ll see in the video (still, right, by Crighton Bone, cinematographer).

Jess was born here but spent most of her childhood in Geneva. After completing her arts degree at Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Arts, she hit the road again, living in Sydney for four years and Paris for five. The family house in Pakiri village was bought quite a while ago … and it’s where her heart lies.

“Pakiri has a spooky wildness and a grandeur that I find magical,” says Jess. “It’s not pretty like beaches further north, it commands respect.”

The Fat Freddy’s Drop video is not the first time she’s shot here; she made a beautiful, haunting short film at the beach a few years ago called ‘Horse’ (watch it on Vimeo).

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The music video should be out by the New Year, but Jess may not be here to see it go public. “I’ve just got my US visa through,” she tells us. “NZ to LA is quite doable – just an overnighter really…” It would appear that Hollywood is in her sights, but Jess will be doing her best to combine her passions: film, travel – and Pakiri.

h a pp e n i n g s

sawmill upcoming words cl i n to n howl e tt

bobby alu

campaign, and it has had almost 100K views on Facebook. Do you think that commercial success will influence your grassroots style of music?

If you haven’t heard the name Bobby Alu yet, now’s the time to start paying attention to the Samoan/Australian musician. From playing on upside-down buckets as a kid, to performing sold-out concerts on drums for international blues and roots legend Xavier Rudd, he’s paid his dues and is now building a solid reputation as a huge talent in the global music industry.

Influence is constant. There are always so many things influencing us day by day. I’d like to think that I will continue to give music that promotes my fundamental life truths, of positivity, happiness and balance. For now it’s through grassroots style, which I love, so for now that style will stay. I grew up jamming with my uncles at family gatherings, singing songs and playing upside-down buckets for drums. I’m proud of that foundation, it’s pretty grassroots!

Bobby Alu and The Palm Royale are coming to NZ this January and will bless our ears with their ‘hammock style’ blues and roots music for five shows only.

What musical influences did recording at home in Byron Bay have on your latest EP ‘Bay Sessions’?

Check out the full article at www.junctionmag.co.nz Friday 08 Jan 2016 9:30pm | Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 142 Pakiri Rd, Leigh Tickets www.sawmillcafe.co.nz or www.undertheradar.co.nz

My music encourages balance and harmony. Byron Bay is a great place to slow down. Being on the road for long spells makes me yearn to slow down, and this environment provides that for me. Reflecting, writing and recording in Byron is a great fit.

Any projects with Kiwi musicians in the pipeline?

Man, I hope so! Music from New Zealand has always inspired me. Lately I’ve been able to meet a few artists I grew up listening to. Warren from Trinity Roots, what a boss! I’d love to collaborate with him one day, or explore some Samoan influence with Ladi6. The fact is, in my opinion, NZ holds some of the world’s greatest talent.

How do you feel to be compared to the likes of Ben Harper, Bob Marley and Xavier Rudd?

It’s an honour. Those fellas have great music and have all influenced me in some way. Plus I play drums for Xavier Rudd, we are musical bros.

Samoan Tourism choose ‘Take It Slow’ for their Beautiful Samoa

Bobby Alu and The Palm Royale. Photo supplied by the artist

the chills

would be difficult to pick just one – I don’t find the concept particularly appealing anyway as it’s restrictive and formulaic. Having said that, Silver Bullets might be our first album where that concept could actually work.

The life of The Chills founder and frontman Martin Phillips has been one of controversy and heartbreak, but this is the life of the father of the NZ Indie Pop movement. The band with a history of never being able to break that final glass ceiling between obscure cult following and genre-defining musical icons is back. Their newest album ‘Silver Bullets’ is the group’s first full-length album in close to 20 years. It also boasts the longest unified group of musicians in the band’s history. We had a quick chat.

The current lineup of musicians is the same as your July 2014 concert at The Lido in Berlin. Can fans eager to see this tour expect the same charismatic performance or will it be more tailored to your home crowd?

We are finding that, generally, every gig we perform is a step up from the previous one and we’re excited to let as many people as possible see what we are doing live with the old and new songs these days.

What’s your angle with ‘Silver Bullets’ - is there an overriding theme or new life philosophy throughout?

Check out the full article at www.junctionmag.co.nz

Silver Bullets represents violent action against evil forces and, as such, is a change of tactics from our 1992 album Soft Bomb which stood for pacifist impact against many of the same issues; environmental destruction, corporate takeover of monetary systems and the media etc.

Silver Bullets does not advocate violence but points out that, historically, when you push people too far that is what you will get.

Sunday 10 Jan 2016 @ 4.30pm | Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 142 Pakiri RD, Leigh Ticket Info www.sawmillcafe.co.nz or www.undertheradar.co.nz

In 2005 you were asked by J.L. Fernández of ‘Perfect Sound Forever’ your opinion on the NZ music scene and said “a lot of the new music sounds hopelessly derivative, with its influences so obviously displayed” – how do you feel NZ music has progressed 10 years on?

I now feel that there is so much good music being made that I shouldn’t complain. There is still far more awful and unnecessary music but the ease of access to worldwide sounds is creating some wonderful new combinations. On the down side it is less likely that there will pockets of isolated like-minded people creating something startlingly new due to lack of outside influence.

Do you think you’ll follow the ever-increasing trend of re-emerging bands and do a separate series of concerts playing only one of your previous albums in its entirety?

Our audience is very divided over which is the best Chills album so it

Photo credit: Jon Thom, Moodie Tuesday

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H A P P ENINGS

A Summer Guide to the Matakana Coast words by

cl i n to n howl e tt

There's heaps happening on the Matakana Coast over summer and many may be overwhelmed when it comes to deciding what to do. Have no fear, the gurus here at Junction Mag have compiled our must do events over the next few months. Sit back, relax and slide on in to the festive season with this guide in hand.

31 December New Years Eve Party @ Matakana Village Pub | From 7pm | FREE www.matakana.co.nz Beach Theme NYE party with Warkworth band The Damage and DJ Big Sexy. Nothing like your favourites played at your favourite Matakana pub. Bring the board shorts and bikinis to be in to win spot prizes for best dressed. There will be a shuttle bus servicing the local are so you can leave the car safely at home.

2 & 3 January Shakespeare in the Vines - Romeo and Juliet @ Ascension Winery Tickets - $95. Doors open 5pm, starts 6pm. www.ascensionwine.co.nz When it comes to Shakespeare it's not just his words which have allowed his various masterpieces to last the test of time, but it's the way in which they are interpreted and delivered. If you have been fortunate enough to see any performance in an outdoor setting you will know it's an experience that you'll always remember. Grab your friends and family and make some life-long memories together this summer at Ascension Winery.

8 January Bobby Alu and the Palm Royale @ sawmill R18. Tickets $10+BF. Starts 9.30pm www.sawmillcafe.co.nz The Australian/Samoan musical genius is finally coming to NZ and playing at the iconic Leigh Sawmill Cafe. The former multi award-winning drummer for Aussie musical heavyweight Xavier Rudd has had his sights sets on NZ ever since he supported Katchafire on their Australian tour in 2012. This group is seriously blowing up: make sure you catch them while you can.

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9 & 10 January A Gypsy Extravaganza @ Matakana Country Park | 9am – 5pm www.gypsyextravaganza.co.nz Junction staff are excited to see how the Kiwi travelling folk get down. For those of you who are Eco conscious this is the event for you. They aim to be a green event but still provide a day full of music, market stalls, natural health remedies and all the other things to expect with a fair. For more information see page 25 of this Junction Magazine.

23 & 24 January A&P Show Lifestyle Show @ Warkworth Showgrounds | All day Tickets - adults $10, children (5-14 years) $5. Family Pass (2 adults and 3 children) $25. www.warkworthaandpshow.com Farmers are the backbone of our great nation. Show your support for these Kiwi legends and head on down to experience some good old fashioned country hospitality. The A&P Show's schedule of competition covers horses, cattle, goats, sheep dogs, woodchopping, calf club, cooking, horticulture, art and craft, painting, garden produce, needlework and loads for the kids to get involved with, including the Bubble Muffin Kid’s Coooking Club.

30 January Fat Freddy’s Drop @ Ascension Winery Tickets $75. Gates open 5pm. Show starts 6.30pm www.ascensionwine.co.nz Not only is this group an NZ household name, they are also international heavyweights in the world of EDM (Electronic Dance Music), Funk and Reggae. This is the event to see this summer. The Freddy’s are fresh off the release of their newest album "Bays" and this is just one of many NZ shows before embarking on a massive Australian tour to promote the album. Bring the lawn chairs and the sunscreen – and book an appointment with your plastic surgeon as this will definitely be a face-melting dance floor filler of a concert.

13 February Music in the Gardens @ Kawau Island Tickets - adults $20, children 12+ $10, under 12’s free. Starts 2pm www.musicinthegardens.co.nz Put your hands up for Kawau, we love this Island. Junction is all about local events, even the ones that require a boat or ferry to get to. Get over there prepared for a boogie - Sal Valentine and the Babyshakes are on the menu. For more info see page 22.

H A P P ENINGS

gig guide MARKETS: Date Time Every Sat 8.00 – 13.00 Every Sat 8.00 – 15.00 Every Sat 9.00 – 14.00 Every Sun 9.30 – 13.30 Every Sun, Nov - Mar 10.00 – 14.00 8.00 – 13.00 First Sun of the Month Second Sun of the Month 9.30 – 13.30 Last Sun of the Month 9.00 – 13.00

Mon 7 & Thurs 24 Dec Sat 12 Dec – Thurs 17 Jan Sun 20 Dec 19.00 Mon 21 Dec - Sun 31 Jan Thurs 24 Dec 17.00 Thurs 24 Dec 21.00 20.00 Sat 26 Dec Mon 28 Dec 9.00 – 12.30 Mon 28 Dec 21.30 Thurs 31 Dec 18.00 Thurs 31 Dec 19.00 20.00 Thurs 31 Dec Thurs 31 Dec 20.00 Thurs 31 Dec Fri 1 Jan 10.00 – 16.00 Sat 2 & Sun 3 Jan Sat 2 & Sun 3 Jan 18.00 Sun 3 Jan 20.30 Mon 4 – Fri 8 Jan 9.00 – 17.00 Fri 8 Jan 21.30 Sat 9 Jan 21.30 Sat 9 & Sun 10 Jan 9.00 – 17.00 Sat 9 & Sun 10 Sun 10 Jan 16.30 Mon 11 – Fri 28 Jan 9.00 – 17.00 Wed 13 Jan 21.30 Thurs 14 Jan 21.00 Fri 15 – Mon 18 Jan Sat 16 Jan 9.00 Sat 16 Jan 21.30 Sun 17 Jan 17.00 Wed 23 Jan - Sun 28 Feb Fri 22 - Sun 24 Jan 21.00 Fri 22 Jan Sat 23 Jan & Sun 24 8.30 Sat 23 Jan & Sun 24 21.30 Mon 25 Jan 1900 Sun 31 Jan 10.00 – 12.00 Sat 2 Feb Fri 2 Feb Fri 6 Feb 21.30 Mon 8 Feb 9.00 - 16.00 Sat 13 Feb Sat 13 Feb 14.00

Sun 14 Feb Fri 26 Feb 21.30 Sat 27 Feb 21.30 Fri 4 Mar 10.00 – 16.00 Sat 5 Mar - Sun 10 Sat 5 Mar 10.00 – 14.00 Sat 5 & Sun 6 Mar 12.00 – 18.00

Event Venue website Matakana Village Farmers Market Matakana Village Matakana Markets The Old Dairy Factory Matakana Country Park Family Market Matakana Country Park Matakana Indie Market Matakana Country Park Matakana Vintage Markets & Sunday Sessions Matakana Village Warkworth Museum Market Day Old Masonic Hall Leigh Summer Markets Leigh Hall Puhoi Farmers Market Puhoi Domain

Point Wells Letterbox Extravaganza Point Wells The Small Show The Vivian Gallery thevivian.co.nz Selections from American Songbook with Terry Hicks Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz Formation Art Exhibition Art Matakana artmatakana.com Christmas Eve Drinks & BBQ Party Matakana Village Pub matakana.co.nz Bridgehouse Christmas Eve Party Bridgehouse bridgehouse.co.nz Andy Richards The Matakana Village Pub matakana.co.nz Vaulting Fun Day Matakana Country Park waimaukuvaultingclub Aaron Carpenter & The Revelators Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz Sawmill New Years Eve Party – Latinaotearoa Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz The Matakana Village Pub New Years Eve Party The Matakana Village Pub matakana.co.nz New Years Eve at Warkworth RSA Warkworth RSA warkworthrsa.co.nz New Year at Ascension Ascension Wine Estate ascensionwine.co.nz New Years Eve - Overdrive Salty Dog Inn saltydoginn.co.nz Warkworth Rodeo Warkworth Showgrounds rodeonz.co.nz Freestyle Kiteboarding Clinic Blue Adventures blueadventures.co.nz Shakespeare in the Vines - Romeo & Juliet Ascension Wine Estate ascensionwine.co.nz Summertime Rolls Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz City Nippers - Beach Kids Summer Programme Omaha Beach Surf Club Nikki 021 703 112 Bobby Alu & The Palm Royale Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz Summer Thieves with Raiza Biza Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz A Gypsy Extravaganza Matakana Country Park gypsyextravaganza.co.nz Jan Hospice Pick Your Own Strawberries - BYO Container 18 Jones Rd warkworthwellsfordhospice.co.nz The Chills Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz Big Fun Week – Beach Kids Summer Programme Omaha Beach Surf Club Nikki 021 703 112 Bernie Griffen Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz Paul Ubana Jones Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz 4 Day Omaha Kite Camp Omaha Beach blueadventures.co.nz Go Skateboard Day Snells Beach Skatepark onboardskate.org.nz Acetones Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz Liam Gerner & Luke Moller Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz The Landscape Shoe The Vivian Galley thevivian.co.nz Warkworth Wellsford Art Exhibition Matakana School Hall warkworthwellsfordhospice.co.nz Raw Collective Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz Warkworth A & P Lifestyle Show A & P Show Warkworth Showgrounds warkworthaandpshow.com Trinity Roots Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz Whangateau Folk Club Whangateau Hall whangateau.co.nz Girls on Curls Ladies Surf Event Omaha Beach Surf Club saltwatereco.co.nz British/Scottish Folk Whangateau Hall whangateau.co.nz Fiddle Pie’s Old Time Country Music & Dance Variety Show Whangateau Hall whangateau.co.nz Tunes of I and L.A.B. Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz Warkworth Trolley Derby wwtrolleyderby.co.nz Matakana XRun Military Arts Matakana Country Pk www.militaryarts.co.nz Music in the Gardens Kawau Island musicinthegardens.co.nz Valentine’s Day Degustation Dinner Ascension Wine Estate ascensionwine.co.nz Tami Neilson Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz Sorceress Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz NZ House & Garden House Tours The Vivian Art Gallery thevivian.co.nz Apri The Flower Show The Vivian Gallery thevivan.co.nz Matakana Fruitloop Matakana Country Park matakanafruitloop.co.nz Matakana Wine & Food Festival Matakana Country Park mwff.co.nz

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Rummage Old School Green With Envy A Fine Line @ Charlie’s Gelato

MooiMooi The Red Barn Annie’s Vintage

www.collectablestrail.co.nz