Forward 50 Jan Feb

50+LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

OLDER

E M A N W E N , K O O L W E N R E BOLD

Scottish

Island Hopping

Travel, technology, gardening, recipes, health & fitness and more

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FORWARD 50 jANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

From the editor

Letters to the editor

Introducing Forward50 – the new look Older&Bolder. Many of you may ask why the change, so allow me to explain.

After purchasing this established publication a year ago, we kept with the title, but the feedback from our core demographic – the 50-plus market – was that they didn’t feel old, so why call it Older&Bolder? We listened, and agree, and think the name Forward50 fits the values of our brand (active and young at heart, who love to travel), – and we hope you like it!

In our first issue for the year we embrace international travel – both for the adventurer (Scottish Island hopping) and the adventurous (those in search of plastic surgery abroad). We also travel locally to a high-country station with only animals and Mother Nature for company, and take one of the Automobile Association’s top ten ‘Must-Do’s for Kiwis’ travel trips.

We also focus on technology and the Facebook generation, we encourage you to get out into your garden – thanks to the Weekend Gardener, take a step back into yesteryear with Fred and Myrtle's paua shell house, and meet a former multi-sport athlete who says she’s making no more excuses not to exercise.

From the team here at Forward50, we hope you enjoy our first issue of the year, and please keep your emails and letters coming in, as I do love to hear from you all.

Hello Kineta I’ve recently caught up with the excellent content of your Older & Bolder Lifestyle magazine. My compliments on the information contained.

Thank you and kind regards Jack Price

Kineta

kineta@mainlandpress.co.nz

Dear Kineta At the time, Colin Craig was standing for Auckland Mayor we had big problems with the Mayor of the time (Banksie) who we had to get rid of, especially with his guards employed to guard his meetings, and the high-handed arresting at the city council meetings of Penny Bright, who was and still fighting water and waste water charges. So at the time most people thought Len Brown would have the best chance to do this, as Colin Craig was unheard of at this time. Both my wife and all our families voted for Colin as he seemed to think of the ratepayers and even said he would take less wages if

elected Mayor. We can see why Len Brown will not come out as we in Auckland have just received our shocking rates bill.

Remember our dear Rodney Hide saying rates will be lower?

May we say the article you have written about Colin Craig and his team is 100 per cent correct. And if they keep their promises to us in Auckland, they will be in office till they reach the age of 120 as we only want a city we can afford to live in, and not with the top-heavy super rich city council who we have now, with their grand expensive ideas.

Mr & Mrs Giles-Pain Auckland Hi, I recently picked up a copy of the above paper at the local library and want to let you know how much I enjoyed it. I will be looking for it again in the future.

Many thanks Lona

Contacts: Editor:

Advertising:

Letters to the editor:

Kaylie Bradley kaylie@mainlandpress.co.nz

Kineta Knight kineta@mainlandpress.co.nz PO Box 39177, Christchurch, 8545

Robert Fortune robert@mainlandpress.co.nz

Published by:

Mainland Press Limited, 540 Wairakei Road Harewood, Christchurch, 8053.

P. 03 384 0600 ISSN 2253-573X

Publisher:

Charlotte Smulders charlotte@mainlandpress.co.nz Cover image: Scottish Island Hopping, see page 14-15

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jANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

Puzzles

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crossword No. 5005 easy

CRYPTIC Down 1. Begin the new run as top of the bill 4,4).

2. Illustrations depicting races? (6). 3.

Master switch for the current (6). 4. Van’s role? (4). 5. With skill, he is concealing the cards (6). 6. The one in the front of the aircraft is sound (5). 11. Finds the lost object and insures it again? (8). 13. Eric got round Albert to take her back (6). 14.

Mum’s coming back by vessel: a slow boat from China (6). 15. The new hand is a foreigner (6). 16. Cut by the gambler? (5).

18. Does she look good enough to eat? (4).

ACROSS 6. A little touched to find some absentees (3,3,5). 7. For each one in the jetty (4). 8.

She, too, heard wrongly (8). 9. Makes more objections and contradicts what’s said (6).

10. The gloomy Doctor Flower (6). 12.Have an ice-cream in the ship and some teatime goodies (6). 15. Break into English? (6). 17.

It’s not a sailor who puts the fellow ashore (8). 19. Is using it a bad habit on the part of carpenters? (4). 20. “Don’t worry,” the others said confidently (4,7).

SOLUTIONS for Crosswords No. 5004 EASY PUZZLE

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

Across - 1, Cock. 7, Dandelion. 8, Bare. 9, Blue. 10, Data. 11, Asia. 14, Runner-bean. 16, Strawberry. 19, Stop. 22, Well. 24, Cuff. 25, Grin. 26, Penniless. 27, Sway.

Down - 1, Cobra. 2, Corgi. 3, Fallen. 4, Adhere. 5, Glad. 6, Contralto. 12, Shattered. 13,Area. 15, Bays.

17, Buckle. 18, Refuse. 20, Throw. 21, Pansy. 23, Long.

Across - 1, Ruff (rough). 7, Collected. 8, (nightin-)Gale. 9, Digs. 10, Date. 11, Tax-i. 14, Stops short. 16, As-certain-s. 19, Ti-ff. 22, Burr. 24, A-l.p.’s 25, Fair. 26, Crabapple. 27, Lead.

Down - 1, Right (anag.). 2, Feli-x. 3, Domino. 4, Blasts. 5, (not)Iced. 6, Better off. 12, All square.

13, (e)Isle (rev.). 15, Host (anag.). 17, Tram-p-s.

18, Impels (anag.). 20, Irate. 21, Fired. 23, Ruby.

ACROSS

Down

6. Effect (11) 7. Sham (4) 8. Draughtsman (8) 9. Brook (6) 10. Clever (6) 12. Feverish (6) 15. Wrongdoer (6) 17. Boss (8) 19. Wet through (4) 20. Self-reliant (11)

1. Stake (8) 2. Infrequent (6) 3. Country (6) 4. Drawback (4) 5. Soften (6) 6. Intone (5) 11. Metal (8) 13. Foreign (6) 14. Covering (6) 15. Thread (6) 16. Precise (5) 18. Counter-current (4)

The solutions for these puzzles will appear in our next issue

sudoku No. 5105

Fill the grid so that every row and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9

The solution for this puzzle will appear in our next issue

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pIECE OF nZ At 8.15: Right on schedule, a loud blast of the whistle signals the start of your journey. Pulling off from Christchurch on the east coast, you find yourself travelling quietly through Rolleston and into the patchwork of farmlands in the Canterbury plains towards Darfield and on to the alluring Southern Alps.

All aboard for a scenic feast Ranked amongst the top ten experiences in the Automobile Association’s 2012 101 Must-Do’s for Kiwis the TranzAlpine scenic train journey should be on everyone’s bucket list. Sharon Davis highlights some of the attractions of the journey between Christchurch and Greymouth.

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ecently relaunched following damage to the line during the earthquakes, Kiwi Rail’s scenic TranzAlpine train journey over the Southern Alps is nothing short of breathtaking. Already touted as one of the world’s most scenic train trips

the addition of the new state-of-the art viewing carriages designed for touring makes the trip pure indulgent pleasure.

There’s little to do except sit back, relax in style, let go of your concerns and watch the world go by from the comfort of the air conditioned carriage.

There’s a short stop and photo opportunity at Springfield before the journey resumes - a good time to venture from the luxury of your coach and try out the open viewing carriage. It makes the scenery more immediate and tangible, is great for taking photos and leaves you feeling giddily-happy. From here the surroundings morph from pleasantly scenic to absolutely stunning as you climb up to Cass and through dark tunnels and over impressive railway bridges spanning the deep gorges of the wide and braided Waimakariri River to reach Arthur’s Pass. Another short stop while some disembark to explore the National Park and others alight to resume their journey. Then the bright yellow driver’s carriage thrusts you into the 8.5km-long Otira Tunnel – the longest rail tunnel in New Zealand and one of the longest in the world when it opened in 1923.

At the other end of the tunnel daylight catapults you into West Coast scenery as you emerge heading down through thick Beech forests and the small towns of Otira and Jacksons and on to another short stop at Moana, on the northern shore

of Lake Brunner. With only an hour’s travel left, you pass through Kokiri and Brunner to arrive at Greymouth, on the West Coast, at 12.45 – in time for lunch if you haven’t bought a bite from the buffet counter service in the dining cart or had a picnic lunch on the train. If your return trip is on the same day you have an hour to explore Greymouth or try the famous whitebait. Then it’s back on board for the homeward leg of the journey. With a one in 33 gradient, climbing 250 metres up to Arthurs Pass, the Otira Tunnel seems more impressive on the return trip.

In total, the relaxing four-and-a-half hour journey (one way) takes you through 19 tunnels and across four viaducts before you leave the lofty peaks behind and find yourself gliding through the Canterbury Plains, back into Christchurch by 6pm.

Bookings ■ The TranzAlpine runs a daily return trip between Christchurch and Greymouth, departing Christchurch at 8.15 and Greymouth at 13.45.

■ You can book online at www. kiwirailscenic.co.nz. Alternatively call 0800 TRAINS, email bookings@ kiwirailscenic.co.nz, or visit the Travel Centre Railway Stations in Wellington or Christchurch.

■ A full return ticket costs $189. An extra charge of $10 might apply for large items such a surfboards, skis and bicycles.

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jANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

opinion

Two birds with one stone: Housing and the economy That’s why I recently announced Labour’s bold new KiwiBuild policy.

Under my leadership, Labour will put 100,000 Kiwi families into their first homes. We’ll oversee and invest in a 10-year building programme of entry-level houses that Kiwis are crying out for. They’ll be compact, good quality, warm and dry and most importantly, affordable. I won’t stand by while the dream of home ownership slips away from future generations.

The KiwiBuild plan will also stimulate our economy to the tune of $2 billion a year. It’ll create thousands of construction jobs.

Labour has a proven track record of growing our economy. If we compare all National and Labour Governments back through history, the average GDP growth under National is 2.9

per cent. Under Labour, it’s 3.7 per cent.

We are the best economic managers, and my policies will build on that strong foundation.

Kick-started with a $1.5 billion capital investment, KiwiBuild will quickly become self-funding as the money we make from selling the houses goes back into the pot to build more.

The National government’s housing policy falls woefully short of the mark. The number of Kiwis who’ve moved to Australia under National is now more than the population of Hamilton.

I don’t want us to continue to lose our best and brightest. Under my leadership the government will be a player, not a spectator. We won’t stand by and accept second best for our young people.

On education and gender

S

o Hekia Parata’s retention as Education Minister has been confirmed. It’s a risky decision by the Prime Minister, but would you expect anything less from the former wheeler-dealer? John Key reasserted his confidence in Parata by declaring her a “smooth communicator”, compared to her predecessors, trusted with the notoriously fractious education portfolio. After spending an hour, late last year, interviewing Parata about the proposed shake-up to Christchurch schools, I was surprisingly impressed by her micro-detail knowledge and eloquent command of the proposals. She was on top of her game. A smooth communicator, yes. But an effective leader? I’m yet to be convinced.

Parata remains incredulously hands-off and missing-in-action, over the Novopay debacle.

That’s not leadership. But once the payroll system’s peccadillos have been slayed, I really hope Parata presses ahead with two notable issues on the education agenda. The gender

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remember the day I bought my first house like it was yesterday.

It was an old villa with sinking piles that meant the floor sloped down into the corner. I spent countless hours lovingly bringing it up to a liveable standard. And I look back on it with real pride.

I realise now how lucky I was to have that opportunity.

It’s an opportunity our children and grandchildren should get, too.

Owning your own home is a Kiwi tradition but for tens of thousands of young New Zealanders the dream is now out of reach.

Prices are skyrocketing and home ownership in Auckland has slipped below 60 per cent for the first time.

We need more affordable houses so young families can take their first step on the housing ladder.

David Shearer, Labour Party leader

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Mike Yardley, writer and broadcaster mismatch in teaching and performance pay.

Fewer than one-fifth of primary school students will be taught by a male in the classroom this year. The gaping absence of male teachers is a crying shame. And with the average age of high school teachers being 57, it is increasingly likely that many Kiwi kids may soon go through the entire school system without being taught by a male. Men in early childhood education represent 2 per cent of the workforce! I was lucky enough to have several fantastic male teachers before I got to high school. They exuded authority and leadership. They drew respect. They were incredibly powerful role models. Why is our school system emasculated? I’m not bagging female teachers, but surely we should aspire to have a healthy gender mix at the front of our classrooms. I wonder if performance pay bonuses would make a world of difference, appealing to the competitive streak in high performing men, who love to chase goals. New Jersey has just made performance pay a reality. So should we.

opinion

Continuing with our plan to build a brighter future

Rt Hon Prime Minister John Key

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hope you and your family had a fantastic summer break. As we head back to work, it’s time to look forward to the busy year ahead.

The Government has an extremely busy programme for 2013. We’re continuing with our plan to take New Zealand forward – which we promised New Zealanders at the 2011 election. Our plan – which includes four main priorities – will deliver a brighter future for you and your family.

We are responsibly managing the Government’s finances, reducing debt and getting back to surplus by 2014/15. While the global economic environment remains volatile, it’s important the Government

maintains stability, to help shield New Zealand families from future economic shocks.

We have a comprehensive programme of microeconomic reforms, which are putting the right policy settings in place to help Kiwi businesses operate in the global market. Creating a more productive and competitive economy will mean businesses can grow, invest and hire another staff member, which is great for our communities.

The Government is also working hard to improve the public services – like hospitals, and schools – you and your family rely on. We are committed to providing a health service that meets the needs of your family. We’re ensuring our

education system is delivering your children and grandchildren with a world-class learning environment.

We are better protecting the most vulnerable children, while ensuring we have a welfare system that supports parents back to work. And our justice system will put the safety of our communities first.

The final priority my Government has for this term in office is to do what it takes to rebuild Christchurch.

We’ve committed $5.5 billion to the rebuild so far, and almost half of this will be spent on infrastructure repairs.

I’m looking forward to another busy year as we carry out our plans to build a brighter future. I look forward to updating you on our progress.

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profile

8

Keeping up with the ages

By Cushla Innes

D

octor Valerie Wright-St Clair, head of the Occupational Therapy School at Auckland University of Technology, would like to see an improvement in attitudes towards the inevitable ageing of New Zealand’s population.

Valerie, 59, who has spent many years researching ageing, says that much of the language surrounding this topic is negative and burdensome. “People say things like ‘The Silver Tsunami is coming’ as though a great wave of silverhaired people is ascending upon us, but the reality is that by 2040 a quarter of New Zealand’s population will be over 65 and we need to adapt to that and say, ‘Isn’t it great that people are living for longer and giving us the opportunity to learn from them for longer?’” Valerie points out that our society benefits from elders who are often the ones behind the economic scenes, volunteering in hospitals and libraries, taking care of grandchildren or neighbours and knitting or sewing for worthy causes.

Valerie grew up in Hamilton where she says there was a general acceptance that you should be respectful of people who were older than you. Her father was a physician and her mother a nurse so it seemed she was destined for a career in health. Her first job was in Occupational Therapy and whilst working she undertook a postgraduate qualification in Health Management. She also

travelled and at one stage worked in a psychiatric day clinic for older people in Edinburgh. “My work with elders at that time was about helping them overcome their daily functional difficulties. My experiences in working with them enabled me to see the richness and complexity of being aged.”

In 1991 Valerie began sharing her experiences via lecturing at the Auckland University of Technology’s new Occupational Therapy School.

Whilst working there she completed a Graduate diploma, Masters and another postgraduate qualification. She also won a number of academic awards and received research grants to further her studies.

In 2005 she reduced her work hours at the and began her PhD ‘Ageing in the Everyday’. “It was one of the best things I’ve ever done,” she says. Her PhD research set out to understand the everyday experiences of ageing and involved her interviewing 15 adults aged between 71 and 97 about the realities of being aged. It explored the things which made their everyday enjoyable, the things which were interesting and self-fulfilling for them. From her study Valerie says she learnt that the reality of being aged is something quite different to what those who are not yet aged might perceive it to be. One example is the assumption that people, as they age, will need to downsize their home. Valerie

Taken after Valerie's 1000th parachute jump, with friends, at the Waharoa Airfield, (Matamata) Waikato. 2006. says that this is not always beneficial as “a familiar family home can be very comforting and help maintain people’s longevity”. She says that in a large family home there is always something to do and “having things to call you into the day and having things to do matters for aged people. Being in an environment where there is a little bit of complexity is a good thing”.

Valerie found that the elders she interviewed often had one activity which they treasured above others. “A 97-yearold man spent time in his garden every day and a 93-year-old woman adored music and taught the piano. The elders said that they particularly enjoyed these pastimes because they could share them with others, giving garden crops to family and neighbours or sharing music through lessons. In doing these things they achieved a real sense of accomplishment and a feeling of worth within the community.”

Valerie completed her PhD in 2008 and since then her work has been published in a number of international journals, and she has recently contributed to a textbook for Occupational Therapists.

“Approximately 20 per cent of their work is with aged people so the aim of my contribution is to help guide them in their services when dealing with older adults.”

Valerie in academic gown.

Valerie cycling the 20km leg of the TriNZ sprint triathlon in Takapuna, 2010.

Valerie attends international symposiums and conferences each year to hear the latest research findings on ageing, and for the past four years she has been the President of the New Zealand Association of Gerontology.

“The major purpose of this association is helping people who work with older adults to understand the process of growing older and disseminating

information about that process.” There are over 100 members nationally and Valerie says she enjoys her role because “there is a lot of wisdom within the organisation”.

Valerie admits that she sometimes finds it difficult to balance all the things she takes on with her commitments at the university. “This is my 21st year at the university and my primary focus now is developing pathways and opportunities within the Occupational Therapy degree.

It is a work in progress.”

Valerie’s work also involves teaching, working with undergrad and postgrad students and supervising students undertaking their PhDs. While she is very busy academically, she says she likes to make time for exercise and competition. She completed the Round Taupo bike race relay in November 2012 and the Tauranga Half Ironman in a team in January. “I’ve been doing triathlon for a couple of years now and I was fortunate to represent NZ at the World Triathlon Champs in Budapest in 2010. I also have a history of skydiving and scuba diving.”

She credits much of her academic success to such exercise. “It is the sporting side of my life that has provided the stress relief alongside the study,” she says.

In 2013 Valerie hopes that more people will gain a greater understanding of ageing. “Being aged is something that most of us will come to experience, and within the context of an ageing New Zealand society I feel a better understanding of ageing is worthwhile and relevant.”

Her PhD study is available to read online at www.researchspace.auckland.ac.nz.

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It’s the camaraderie he loves most, “There is lots of good company”.

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jANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

technology

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Facebook: A digital portal to a wider social world, or a total loss of privacy and identity?

By Simon Towle

I

t is now official – Facebook has over one billion registered users, and this social media site, founded just eight years ago, in 2004, has truly caught the wider imagination of a generation or more of computer users worldwide. It was started by a student at Harvard University to allow his fellow students - later extended to other campuses - to communicate with each other and to post notices about upcoming events which could enjoy instant circulation amongst this community. Then, within no time at all, Facebook was launched into the wider world, where the speed of its take-up became the stuff of legend.

What is Facebook?

Facebook is a social networking site.

Users register themselves with the site and, by doing so, create their own unique page, much like a personal website.

However, this personal site, or page, is owned by Facebook, even if the contents are the responsibility of each person. In fact, Facebook, at the time of writing, is trying to reposition its all-important privacy policy, which controls how much of its registered users’ personal details can be released to advertisers and companies willing to pay for access to their vast users database. These commercial organisations are crucial to the profitability of the site – sufficiency of which that has proved challenging up to now.

But what of the site and its features, both worthwhile and others not quite so? The establishment of your own personal page, which is not so straightforward if you are not computer literate, requires the input of your personal information to a level which you are comfortable with (you can choose that level). With this information, you create a profile which can include everything, such as photos, personal interests, education and career information, up to and including a lifetime timeline. The point being to enable people searching for old friends and acquaintances to identify you and make contact, such as old school friends or workmates.

This is both one of the most valuable benefits and one of the biggest negatives of Facebook. The more personal information you post on your page,

the more successful it will be in finding old friends and acquaintances. And this leads to the biggest negative.

The whole Facebook revolution has been led by younger generations, who both have obvious limits to their personal histories, and are probably not so aware of the dangers of releasing into the public domain so much personal detail. In fact, it has not taken long for unscrupulous users to steal whole identities for fraudulent purposes, despite the best efforts of Facebook to prevent this happening. It is definitely true that older generations are more hesitant about opening up their lives on the internet. The priority of younger users is to enhance their social lives, even if it is only online.

This has, in fact, become a major issue, with many young people creating almost fantasy lives for themselves, spending an enormous amount of their time on Facebook, holding both one-on-one and group ‘conversations’ without leaving their respective homes, nattering and gossiping for hours on end. Harmless, you may say. Apart from the addictive aspect, it has unfortunately led to quite a few examples of cyber bullying, where unpopular kids have their pages bombarded with threatening comments.

A handful of the more extreme examples of this behaviour have led to the victims committing suicide – not something Facebook are keen to publicise. Thankfully, great efforts are now being made to try and prevent this reprehensible activity.

But this is the extreme end of the scale, and not something to dwell upon, except to be constantly vigilant and to take every measure to prevent it from happening.

Nothing in this life carries a credible risk-free certificate. In fact, this downside can be greatly offset by the facility that the site provides for people to express themselves in the public domain, who may otherwise have difficulties in doing so in company, thereby encouraging self-confidence.

Groups can also indulge in games online, arrange their next face-to-face occasion and remain up-to-date on what is happening, either in their world, or in the

The whole Facebook revolution has been led by younger generations, who both have obvious limits to their personal histories, and are probably not so aware of the dangers of releasing into the public domain so much personal detail. world at large – and all this for free.

The bottom line on Facebook is that despite various caveats which suggest common sense precautions, we can use Facebook to enrich our lives. We can find old friends and, with caution, make new ones. We can keep them up-todate easily on what is happening in our lives, and we can enjoy the same status

with theirs. We can inform everyone of an event or piece of information that might be of value instantaneously, and we can help prevent those living lonely lives from experiencing the extremes of that loneliness. As long as we keep a perspective on our usage to prevent the possibilities of addiction or letting our lives convert to becoming ‘virtual’, we can benefit from our participation.

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FINANCE

Snowball investing: Using the power of compounding Compounding is immensely powerful, but it needs time to work

T

here are some big names who have talked up the benefits of compounding. It is said that Albert Einstein called compound interest “the greatest mathematical discovery of all time”.

And Warren Buffett’s biography by Alice Schroeder was called The Snowball, an obvious reference to compounding and is taken from a quote of his, “Life is like a snowball: the trick is finding wet snow and a long hill”.

A great deal of Warren Buffett’s success can be put down to compounding. He is lauded as the greatest investor of all time and has earned returns of over 20 per cent a year for nearly 50 years.

He is clearly a genius at market timing, often buying when the market was down and out and appearing to be on the verge of collapse, and he is also a master at picking good companies.

However, once his shares were bought, he let compounding do most of the heavy lifting. Over the past 50 years, he hasn’t sold often and he shuns the concept of ‘trading’. He has just held on to his shares for a very long time and let their gains compound. The result; he became the world’s wealthiest person in 2008.

small, and even a little quaint. To be sure, compounding isn’t glamorous, in the short term anyway. This apparent lack of excitement is perhaps why many people ignore it. But for people with patience, compounding can be an immensely powerful way to build wealth.

How compounding works Compounding essentially describes the process of earning returns on returns.

For example, a portfolio of $100 that earns 10 per cent in the first year will earn $10 and be worth $110 at the end of the year. If 10 per cent is again earned in the second year, the portfolio will earn $11, which is 10 per cent on the original investment of $100 and 10 per cent on last year’s gain of $10. This will mean at the end of the second year the portfolio will be worth $121.

Consider our example. If this $100 investment continues to earn 10 per cent, after 30 years it will be worth $1,745.

After 40 years it would be $4,526 and in 50 years it would be worth $11,739.

After 97 years our $100 would click over the $1 million mark.

All of these numbers may sound a bit

A real example – Bankers Investment Trust dividend growth Bankers Investment Trust (BNKR) has grown its dividend every year since 1970 by an average of 8.0 per cent a year, ahead of New Zealand’s inflation rate over this time of 6.7 per cent. This

dividend growth has compounded to such an extent that a NZ$10,000 investment made in 1970 would today be earning almost the same amount in dividends each year.

In 1970, the $10,000 investment would have earned $373, a yield of 3.7 per cent.

Taking currency changes into account, this year the dividends received would have been $9,321, a yield of 93.2 per cent.

Such is the power of compounding.

Maybe Messrs Einstein and Buffett are onto something.

Mark Lister is Head of Private Wealth Research at Craigs Investment Partners.

His disclosure statement is available free of charge under his profile on www. craigsip.com. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as specific investment advice.

law

Family trusts and senior care

M

any people may have thought that the abolition of gift duty in October 2011 was going to open the door to the wholesale transfer of assets into family trusts and an easier path to qualifying for asset tested senior care benefits.

In truth the opposite has been the case and the Ministry of Social Development have implemented a more stringent examination of gifting than was previously the case.

What we do know for sure is that with the abolition of gift duty it is now possible to forgive all debt which is owed to you by the trustees of a family trust in one gift.

The previous regime whereby it was only possible to gift $27,000 per person per calendar 12 months without incurring gift duty is a thing of the past.

However, if senior care is a concern for you and you fancy your chances of ever qualifying for a residential care subsidy then you had better take heed of the

gifting rules now being imposed strictly If you are thinking that this now by the Ministry. leaves you worse off than before the abolition of gift duty, you are correct.

For its part the Ministry is adamant that Notwithstanding its claim to the contrary, there has been no internal policy change previously the Ministry had not raised an but rather, that it is now enforcing policy eyebrow at gifting of $27,000 per person made possible by legislation in 2005. per annum in accordance with the gift duty limits.

So if you plan on gifting to a family trust or directly to family members, you need The interpretation of policy by the to be aware that the policy of the Ministry Ministry has recently been tested in the is that in the five years preceding an courts and the Ministry prevailed in the application for a residential care subsidy, first test case on the subject so for now an ‘allowable gift’ is limited to $6,000 at least, if senior care subsidies are a per annum. For each year preceding that concern for you and you have a family the limit is $27,000 per application. trust and you are carrying out annual gifting, it would pay for you to limit your It is the phrase ‘per application’ that has annual gifting to $13,500 per person caused some consternation. That means where a couple is concerned. that where a couple are concerned, if one goes into care the Ministry are saying For further advice on gifting issues that $27,000 per annum is the gifting contact Harmans senior law specialist limit for a couple. That means effectively Fleur McDonald on 03 352-2293. that if you are a couple and are gifting to a trust or family members, you should Brent Selwyn is a partner of Harmans gift $13,500 each per annum in order Lawyers and supervises their specialist not to infringe the Ministry policy. senior law team.

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travel

12

Escape to Erewhon If a rural high country station with only animals and good old Mother Nature for company is your idea of an idyllic holiday, then Erewhon could be the perfect escape. Sharon Davis tells us more about this picturesque working farm and Clydesdale horse stud nestled in the Southern Alps.

E

rewhon Station is literally at the end of the road. The 35,000-acre Clydesdale horse stud and working farm near the headwaters of the Rangitata Gorge is as close to nowhere and off-thebeaten track as it is possible to get.

Even the name Erewhon, “nowhere” spelt backwards (with the w and h transposed), from Samuel Butler’s classic novel, Erewhon, forewarns of its remoteness. But nothing prepares you for the magnificence of the glacial-gouged backdrop of rivers and mountains that tease and tantalize you as you drive

Hiking down from Mt Caroline at Erewhon Station overlooking the Clyde River.

through the Hakatere Conservation Park en route to Erewhon.

the homestead, the majestic workhorses with feathered fetlocks come into view.

When you reach the end of the road, you continue, driving back in time and into Erewhon - the splendid home of the working horse. There’s one more river to ford before your first sight of curious young foals frolicking in the expanse of lush-green paddocks bordering the graded gravel road.

Colin Drummond and his partner Erin Cassie run Merino sheep, Hereford cattle and a large Clydesdale horse stud on Erewhon. Farming is done the old way. Ploughing and tractor work is the work of a team of strong-flanked Clydesdales, and all stock work is done on foot or horseback. This is partly because horse power is more effective in such rugged terrain but also in part to maintain traditions and keep their working Clydesdales in training.

Then as you meander through the secluded valley, surrounded by high jagged peaks, edging a little closer to

Erewhon is ideal for a weekend retreat or a longer getaway. The original homestead is a comfortable four-bedroom house accommodating up to 17 people. It has a cosy lounge – replete with fireplace and DVDs – and a well-equipped kitchen.

And as an added bonus, the station has its own hydropower station, which ensures a warm stay even in the height of a snowbound winter.

There’s plenty to do apart from relaxing, such as fishing, swimming, mountain biking, test your 4x4 skills on the station’s four-wheel-drive tracks, turn

Don’t change

marriage

We’ve already legislated for civil unions in this country to provide legal equality for same-sex relationships.

There is no need to change marriage.

These sorts of social changes, where no one really thinks about the consequences, have done enough harm in our country already. There are too many liberals, and not enough common sense New Zealanders steering the ship.

Colin Craig Leader of the Conservative Party For a copy of our

free brochure

on this issue, call the office on

(09) 520 2082

or email angela@conservativeparty.org.nz

13

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Costs The homestead costs $80 per night for two people, and $15 per extra person for weekday bookings. On weekends it costs $100 for the first two people with a minimum stay of two nights, and in peak season

travel

and on long weekends there is a minimum charge of $160 a night and a minimum stay of three nights.

One-hour off-road wagon rides cost $30 a person, with a minimum charge of $150, and one-hour in-saddle horse rides cost $70 a person.

Getting there The drive to Erewhon takes a little over two hours from Christchurch. Turn off State Highway One at Rakaia and make your way along the Thompsons Track towards Mount Somers (the last petrol station and shops en route). Then take the Ashburton Gorge Road towards Clear Water. You’re likely

to lose cell reception just outside Mount Somers.

The sealed road ends at Hakatere, leaving about 35 minutes on gravel roads. Erewhon is roughly 25 minutes beyond Lake Clear Water, at the end of the road after neighbouring Mount Potts Station - the setting Sir Peter Jackson used for mythical Edoras, the capital of Rohan, in the second The Lord of the Rings movie.

your hand to photography, or set off on a tramp – ranging from a gentle stroll to scaling the lofty peaks nearby.

There are horse-powered options, too, and the large, but gentle and sure-footed, Clydesdales are suited to nervous beginners as well as more experienced riders. You can choose from horse-drawn wagon rides or horse treks ranging from one-hour to longer rides up to an overnight trek (five hours each way) to The Hermitage – a private rustic mountain hut a five-hour ride each way.

The perfect back country experience (weather permitting, of course).

It might be an escape to nowhere – but it is also an escape to paradise.

Contact Erewhon Station For bookings call Colin or Erin at Erewhon Station on 03 303 9739, or send an email to erewhonstation@ruralinzone.net. Visit their website (www.erewhonhorsestud.co.nz) for more information.

Peace and relaxation awaits in this secret paradise called Erewhon.

journey where the

becomes a destination

SUPERGOLD CARD HOLDERS TRAVEL FOR FREE ON THE DIAMOND HARBOUR FERRY!*

Take a magical ferry ride across Lyttelton Harbour and explore the beautiful town of Diamond Harbour. Discover the beaches, enjoy the views and relax with a coffee or lunch, 2 venues to choose from.

We also provide Supergold card holders a 15% discount off our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises and Swimming with dolphins.

Ferry departs from ‘B Jetty’ Lyttelton up to 20 times a day. Timetable available from the Metro help line on 366 88 55.

*Free on weekdays 9am – 3pm and after 6pm, all day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Diamond Harbour ferry

FREE

FOR SUPERGOLD CARD HOLDERS*

To take advantage of our special rates for seniors phone us on 0800 802 802 or visit www.interislander.co.nz

03 328 9078 www.blackcat.co.nz no booking required

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Travel

14

villages complete with their furniture and fittings still intact, and so old that they make Egypt’s pyramids and even the UK’s own Stonehenge seem like recent residential subdivisions in comparison. All this makes a tour of Scotland’s northern and western islands a study of antiquity as well as of a region of pervasive remoteness and rugged independence.

Tobermory on the Isle of Mull looks more Norse than Scots.

Scottish Island hopping

By Peter Isaac

W

ith so many New Zealanders claiming Scottish ancestry (one in every four adults in the South Island), a visit to Scotland is a visit home.This is especially so when it encompasses the surprisingly rarelyvisited Scots islands: the Western Isles and the Northern Islands. It is here that the New Zealand visitor has an uncanny and even rather eerie sense of déjà vu that they’ve been there before, and in a sense they have.

This is the New Zealand as we knew it in the 1960s. The bountiful fare, the stark countryside and sense of timelessness, the clean and scrubbed look; nothing too much trouble for anyone. Take the ferries for example. They are more like ocean liners. They remind the visitor of a certain age of the stylish overnight ferries that once plied between Lyttelton and Wellington.

The Museum Cafe is open Stunning views and sublime coffee - two great reasons to relax and unwind in the Cafe.

Hours Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm Saturday and Sunday, 9.30 am to 5.00 pm

Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch • Phone 03 366 5000 • www.canterburymuseum.com

Orkney’s Skara Brae, hidden for aeons under the sand dunes and revealed only by their shifting, reveals intact entire households with their stone tables and cookers as they were when they were in daily use. Similarly with Shetland’s Jarlshof with its wheel houses, so-called because of the way in which the load bearing walls radiate outward like the spokes of a bicycle wheel. In these sites in Scotland’s Northern Isles, visitors thread their way through these eternal dwellings imagining how the ancients must have coped with their daily lives and admiring, too, the sheer practicality, not to say durability, over 5000 years or more of the stone furniture.

On the Isle of Mousa, meanwhile, visitors appreciated one of the most extraordinary sights of ancient architecture, a preserved and utterly symmetrical broch or residential fortified towers. How did the architects of the pre-historic era manage to get their measurements so exactly precise?

What instruments or techniques did they use? So the visitor wonders, ascending the exactly aligned twinsheath walls of the immaculate broch, which resembles at first glimpse an old power station cooling tower.

Then on the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides there is a working black house, one that was lived in during living memory. The black house has a constant peat fire, but no chimney.

The smoke seeps out through the thatch, enriching it for its ultimate application, which will be for compost for the fields. Also sharing the black houses were the domestic animals of the owners. Human and animals alike shared the co-operative warmth and the peat smoke.

For the fifth generation or more sons and daughters for the return home,there is Odyssey Travel’s annual Scottish Island Hopping expedition.

The travel company is owned by the universities of New Zealand and Australia and concentrates on travel for the over 50s. The Western and Northern isles and the Western Highlands were selected for this custom-designed trip just because this was the region most affected by the upheavals of land dispossession during the evictions of the Enclosures and were thus the main location for emigrants to the New World.

Other races and other peoples dwelled there too and it is the region’s prehistoric life and times that is a feature of the tour as well as the much later and much more storied clan era. Uncovered

The Isle of Mousa features the most perfectly preserved of the region's extraordinary broches.

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Travel

Hopping from the Isle of Mull and its quaintly-named capital Tobermory with its brightly painted Nordic houses across the sound to Iona, the visitor now walks the paths of St Columba and his associates as they built their abbey here and from it launched Christianity into the entire region.

tour’s first isle-of-call, the Isle of Arran, tour leader Burns identifies not only the changing natural environment but the cultural one, too. The more northerly the island, the more Nordic becomes its heritage. This culminates of course in the Northern Isles themselves, Orkney and Shetland where the symbols, the folklore and indeed the place names Walking through history the visitor all hark back to the Scandinavian encounters cluster after cluster of settlement era. standing stones such as the Hebridean Callanish Stones, gigantic monoliths Burns adeptly leads his tour through built by whom and for what purpose the great traditions and installations nobody really quite knows. Curiously, of this pattern of islands including the more and more of these strange stone trademark distilleries, notably Talisker, circles are revealed with every passing along with the spinners and weavers decade. and jewellers of the isles pausing awhile

on the Shetlands to introduce his group to the island’s leading breeder of the Shetland pony, Davey Robertson, and his charges. The wars, too, of the last century, more terrible in their way than the clan and uprising wars of previous centuries, were encompassed in the tour, notably the memorials of Scapa Flow and the enduring bravery of those involved in the Shetland Bus incursions into Nazi-occupied Norway.

Shepherding his group from Lerwick on Shetland onto the lavishly-fitted ferry that would take them on the overnight voyage to Aberdeen, Burns noted that the tour was as much a series of voyages as it was a road trip via the Mercedes

tour bus that accompanied the group throughout all its stages.

Later as the group rounded out its trip in Edinburgh, taking in Scotland’s new Parliament, and its historic Royal Seat, the Palace of Holyrood, Burns himself of Scots descent, noted that the preserved villages, the ancient monoliths, the great castles of the clan chieftains were but part of richly-textured history that was still in the making. Within less than two years Scotland could emerge after its independence referendum as a new nation-state in its own right, “no different from Australia or New Zealand”. www.odysseytraveller.com

Explains Island Hopping’s tour leader Peter Burns, a specialist in peat, its origins, applications and subsidence, “As the use of peat for fuel intensified, and as over the centuries, more and more was cut away, so these gigantic artefacts of long ago began to be revealed, and so our curiosity about their construction and their purpose grows with each modern generation.”

Taking his party through a series of ancient castles, such as those of the Earls of Orkney and the Lords of Shetland, and those of the great clan leaders of the Inner and Outer Hebrides, he weaves a constant skein of tribal and dynastic intrigue starting with the defeat of the Vikings and continuing over the intervening centuries until quite modern times.

His outline is much assisted by their being at every step - quite literally - such visible evidence of the surging trials, tribulations and downright terrors of these inhabitants of Scotland’s Westernand Northern isles, and for so many centuries, and of the Western Highlands, too, which is where his party skirts as they launch their way to and fro between the islands.

Stonehenge-like Callanish Stones on the Isle of Harris.

There is time, too, for some sentimentality as the group visits on the Isle of Skye the grave of Flora MacDonald, rescuer of Bonnie Prince Charlie and heroine of the Skye Boat Song.

These black houses, as they are known, on the isle of Harris were lived-in until 60 years ago.

Heading northward from the three-week

Bill Cornelius

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Bill Cornelius Phone: 03 359 1899 Mobile: 0274 344 234 billcornelius@xtra.co.nz

Pip Nielsen Realty Ltd 272 Greers Road, Burnside Licenced Agent REAA 2008

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feature

16

Floating markets

thailand: bringing your sexy back

By Cushla Innes

T

hailand is a wonderful holiday destination with its beautiful beaches, warm weather and friendly people, but what you may not know is there is a potential ‘fountain of youth’ there, too! You can travel to Thailand for a holiday and come back with a firmer chin, a brighter smile and healthier eyesight.

recuperation she was well enough to venture into the vibrant city of Pattaya for shopping and sightseeing with her husband. “We had a great time at the markets. I enjoyed bartering and got some sensational bargains on togs, sunglasses and handbags. Happy hour and exploring the nightlife were great fun, too.”

Marion, 61, of Auckland, says that her desire to restore her looks led her to Thailand earlier this year. “I wanted a facelift but when I investigated the cost of cosmetic surgery in New Zealand I was horrified. Then I heard that Thailand offered the same surgery for a third of the price, plus a lovely holiday, and I booked my flight immediately.”

From Pattaya, Marion and her husband flew to Phuket Island and travelled between sightseeing spots and beaches on a motor scooter. They were astonished to see Thai families riding six to a motorbike (including a baby) at great speeds but she says the Thai people were lovely and when they approached her on the beach with their services, such as hair braiding or massages, they weren’t pushy or intimidating. “The highlight of our holiday was a boat ride encompassing the James Bond Island and a floating village. We also saw an amazing elephant show called ‘Fantasia’ which I would highly recommend.”

She set out in June to Pattaya, a picturesque bay 170km southeast of Bangkok, to undergo her facelift. “My experience was excellent. My surgeon spoke perfect English and was very professional. The hospital was stateof-the-art and my recovery at a resort nearby was divine. Lots of sitting around the pool, relaxing and eating good meals.

I had to wear a funny hat to protect my swollen face but I didn’t get any strange looks.”

Marion says that the Thai meals throughout the stay were absolutely divine and very reasonably priced too.

“It is simply a delightful part of the world to visit and by the time we got home my face had healed so no-one knew what I’d Marion says that after five days of been up to.”

Marion at Pattaya resort

James Bond Island The Bangkok Hospital in Pattaya offers facelifts amongst its many cosmetic procedures. Others include breast enhancement or reduction, liposuction, tummy tuck and hair transplants. The plastic surgeons there are highly sought after for their extensive expertise.

breast enlargement in Pattaya, found out. “I was in a lot of pain for a few weeks afterwards. I’d imagined I might go out shopping or sightseeing in Pattaya but I really wasn’t up to it. I did find the postop care very good though. The nurses were at my beck and call and helped me with anything I needed, plus I had two follow-ups with my surgeon.” Six weeks later, Donna says she is happy with her new curves now and that she would recommend Thailand for cosmetic surgery despite her early discomfort.

The Sea Smile Dental Clinic in Phuket also has renowned cosmetic dental surgeons offering services at a fraction of the New Zealand price. They repair broken or misshapen teeth, whiten discoloured teeth, fill gaps or make dentures while you enjoy your holiday. Restoring your youth in Thailand will cost you approximately: facelift $9,700, Laser eye surgery is a procedure offered breast implants $6,100, tummy tuck in Pattaya. Near-sightedness, far- from $6,300, liposuction to buttocks sightedness and astigmatism can all be and thighs $3,200, laser tooth whitening corrected at a reasonable price with an $450 and eye surgery $2,500. These eye drop anaesthetic and a 15-minute prices do not include your airfares or surgery for each eye. There is a 95 per accommodation and are subject to change cent success rate, which means that due to exchange rate fluctuations. There 95 out of a 100 people do not need to are discounts for multiple procedures wear eyeglasses or contact lens again and payment plans available. You can after the surgery, and apparently this visit www.restoredbeautygetaways.com procedure involves little recovery time to find further information, and the testimonials on the website may help or discomfort. you decide whether to go to Thailand Recovery from cosmetic surgery can for a ‘fountain of youth holiday’ sooner be considerably more uncomfortable rather than later! though, as Donna, 40, who underwent *Names have been altered to protect privacy.

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nostalgia just waiting to be found. Fill in an entry form with the number of Santas found and be in to win a great prize. The Santa Search is on until February 3.

The museum is also world renowned for its natural and human history collections.

Of particular interest are the outstanding Maori and early European exhibits, the Victorian Christchurch Street, the Decorative Arts collection and the ever popular Kiwiana experience of Fred and Myrtles Paua Shell House.

Fred and Myrtles Paua Shell House

Remembering the paua shell house

W

ith an international touring exhibition direct from London, festive activities for children of all ages, sublime coffee and unique gifts for the whole family to enjoy, Canterbury Museum offers more than one reason to visit this summer.

For Antarctic enthusiasts, or anyone

who enjoys a good story, Scott’s Last Expedition is one exhibition not to be missed. This epic tale of endeavour, scientific discovery and tragedy is explored from every angle and only at Canterbury Museum – the exclusive New Zealand venue for this highly acclaimedinternational exhibition.

Stunning photographs, film, a representation of Scott’s Hut at Cape

Evans and artefacts never before seen in New Zealand are just some of the highlights on show.

The Canterbury Museum Store has a wide selection of arts, crafts and souvenirs that offer a perfect gift solution. In particular, the Museum Store has many items that are small enough to post overseas.

The Great Museum Santa Search offers festive fun for children of all ages this summer. With the Antarctic Gallery, Living Canterbury and Asian Arts galleries all open, the Museum’s mini Santas have hidden in all sorts of places

Canterbury Museum is located on Rolleston Ave, Christchurch – right next door to the Botanic Gardens.

For more information see www. canterburymuseum.com.

The revolutionary swimsuit that

Modest

Box leg

For those wanting to relax and unwind, the Museum Cafe located on level four provides more than one option to tickle the tastebuds. Overlooking the Botanic Gardens, the cafe offers the perfect balance of tasty food, great coffee and idyllic surroundings.

simply slips on

and off!

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jANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

recipes

Avocado, watermelon, pomegranate and feta salad

Serves: 4

Ingredients

Juice of 2 limes or 1 lemon 2 tablespoons avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons runny honey 1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses or thick balsamic vinegar 4 cups of 1-inch watermelon cubes Flesh of 2 firm ripe avocados, sliced Seeds of 1 pomegranate 75 grams feta, crumbled A handful of mint leaves, torn A handful of watercress to serve (optional) 2-3 slices of prosciutto, torn (optional)

This makes a light, refreshing starter or special side salad. Serve on individual plates, or as one big salad for the table.

Full of Beans Salad

Method

Ingredients

• To make the dressing, whisk lime or lemon juice, oil, honey and pomegranate molasses or balsamic vinegar together.

• Arrange a bit of watercress and prosciutto (if using) on plates. Arrange watermelon and avocados on top.

• Scatter over pomegranate seeds, feta and mint leaves. Spoon over some dressing just before serving.

Recipe created by Nadia Lim for New Zealand Avocado.

Photography credit: Kieran Scott. www.nzavocado.co.nz www.nadia.co.nz

The Heart Foundation Tick Programme has been providing clear and consistent front of pack labelling to consumers for nearly 15 years in New Zealand. The Tick provides an independent, reliable endorsement for consumers. In today’s competitive environment where supermarket aisles are filled with an array of colours, brands and imagery, the Tick provides reassuring consistency.

and the Ministry of Health.

Mission of the Tick To improve the nutritional profile of the food supply in a direction that is consistent with nutrition policies and recommendations for the general population from the Heart Foundation

What does the Tick on a product actually mean?

It has been independently tested and proven to meet the Tick’s strict nutrition criteria

What is the Tick?

The Tick is a front of pack labelling system used in retail food setting such as supermarkets. The aim of the Tick is to allow consumers to identify the healthier choice within that food category.

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Serves: 8 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 6 to 7 minutes

700g bag Wattie’s frozen Full of Beans 425g can Craig’s Four Bean Mix, drained and rinsed 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 red capsicum, deseeded and sliced Handful Italian parsley leaves ¼ cup home brand cider vinegar

Dressing

½ cup Olivani extra virgin olive oil 1 small clove garlic, crushed 1 tsp Signature range liquid honey

Method •

•

Put Wattie’s frozen Full of Beans in a microwave-proof dish, cover and cook on high for three minutes.

Remove and toss the beans, cover and return to the microwave for a further three to four minutes, until they are crisp and tender.

It is a healthier choice within its food category and should be consumed in the recommended serving size, and as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

How do companies get the Tick on their products?

Companies cannot just buy the Tick.

Products must go through rigorous, independent testing to ensure it complies with the nutritional criteria within that product category. The Tick nutrition standards are tough so food companies must work hard to earn the Tick.

Once the Tick is on pack, foods are randomly

M O B I L I T Y

• •

•

Drain off any excess water and place in a large bowl.

Add Craig’s Four Bean Mix, red onion, red capsicum and parsley leaves.

Mix together the dressing ingredients and toss through the salad while the vegetables are still warm.

Chill before serving.

Recipe thanks to Craig’s. ©Heinz Wattie’s Ltd

tested regularly to ensure they continue to meet our strict nutrition standards.

Tick resources available to you The Heart Foundation Tick is about making healthier eating choices easy! That’s why we have Tick resources available to you for free!

The Tick Shopping Guide provides a complete list of all Tick approved products available in the supermarket.

The Tick Recipe Guide showcases healthy, tasty and affordable recipes for you and your family to enjoy.

Request your free resources at contacttick@ heartfoundation.org.nz.

Enjoy Life!

Enquire about FREE HOME TRIALS, community grants assistance, repairs and other services.

Visit our Sales and Service Centre at 4 Puriri St, New Lynn or book a free trial anywhere in Greater Auckland

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health

No excuses: Getting back in the health zone

O

ne would think that after a lifetime of sports including swimming Cook Strait, eight Speight’s Coast to Coasts, two ironmen, several mountain runs and marathons it would be easy to prepare for a 12km fun run/walk.

But this 50-plus female is finding a lot of excuses and no motivation to prepare for the commitment made to be part of a charity event that will form part of the

second anniversary marking the 22nd nature that belies any hint of their advancing years. They stay in control February – A Run to Remember. with good nutrition, dedication and With a chin that has joined my neck, a discipline. Why is it so hard then when waistline that resembles a spare tire a good look in the mirror is a constant your outfit resembles yard and the flexibility of a steel pipe, reminder, I thought this would be a good feasible maternity clothes and your denial of your challenge if I started in December. place in the obesity epidemic means you Now here I am with six weeks to go and can’t really hide from yourself? knowingly underdone. I have already downgraded to the walk and am guessing This weekend it was all or nothing as I unless I can stop making excuses it will laced up the runners and took my trusty be no fun as it involves a hill climb and a canine companion and away we went –a 10km brisk walk, well it was until people steep downward track. kept passing me. Despite the sore joints, Sliding past our first half century, the imagining I was as hungry as a horse clever ones find a sport that involves and the anti-inflammatory at bedtime, I camaraderie, a degree of competence and did get up early on Sunday for another one that suits their aging bones. Then walk. Six kilometres this time and the there are those that stay fabulously fit, dog looking at me in a whole new light. taut, lean and mean with a competitive I realise that if I don’t prepare for this

SALES • REPAIRS • HIRE

event, I will hold all the volunteers up as I heave my ever-expanding body over the course. Just doing it doesn’t feel good enough. A desire to be part of a team that wants to do something positive two years on has to help me, doesn’t it? No more excuses: I know what to eat and not to drink. Perhaps as I walk up the Christchurch Port Hills, carrying a little less flab and with a spring in my step, I will look over to the Southern Alps, the sweep of Pegasus Bay, look down on Christchurch City and remember how far we have all come. In the meantime, I will keep my mouth shut, walk everyday regardless of the time, eat healthy and report back to you if I did it...

Jo Kane, head of news and current affairs at Mainland Press and CTV. www.aruntoremember.co.nz

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health ■ Maintain normal meal times and eat regularly. Even if you don’t feel hungry, small meals or snacks will suffice.

■ Eat with other people; studies have shown the important effect that eating in company has on the amount of food eaten and the enjoyment that comes with it.

■ Do some exercise (walking, swimming, gardening) every day to stimulate your appetite.

■ Prepare large meals and pack plus freeze leftovers for when you don’t have time or want something quick and easy.

Appetite loss

A

s we get older our appetite for food generally decreases; a lot of the time we aren’t as active as we once might have been and our body needs less energy to function.

But sometimes that loss of appetite can lead to malnutrition which in turn reduces our ability to fight disease, heal wounds and live an active life.

Loss of appetite in the older generation

7

has been called anorexia of aging and is characterised by unintentional weight loss. The cause can be wide-ranging from chronic disease or medication use, to uncomfortable dentures or depression and a lack of motivation to eat. Treatment can be easy when the cause of the problem is known; however, simple measures can be taken to ensure that we are having enough nutrients from food in our diet:

Weight at an older age is important; a lot of us throughout life try to stay lean and perhaps this continues on into our older years as well, but while typical health messages are to be careful of putting on weight as we age, the reverse is true in older age. Having some extra weight has shown to reduce mortality; you have nutrient and energy stores to call upon in case of disease or other types of stresses to the body.

M

any health institutes in New Zealand (including the Ministry of Health) and abroad recommend the following variety of daily food choices as a minimum to maintain health: Veges - Three servings from: One fist sized potato, kumara or pumpkin. One-half cup of cooked veges (cabbage, carrots, broccoli, corn, peas).

Fruit - Two servings from: One apple, banana, orange or one-half cup canned or stewed fruit or one cup fruit juice.

Breads and cereals - Six servings from: One slice of bread or one cup of cornflakes or one cup of pasta, rice.

Meat - One serving from: One palm-sized piece of beef, chicken or one egg or one-half cup of legumes (lentils, beans) or one fillet of fish or one handful of nuts and seeds.

Dairy - Two servings from: One glass of milk or two slices of cheese or one pottle of yoghurt.

20

Watch this space for information on a different nutrient in each issue

D-ficiency Vitamin D is of particular concern for older adults. Limited exposure to sunlight, poor dietary sources and some medicines interfere with the production, absorption and use of it. In Australia and New Zealand, one in three women and one in 12 men over 50 years have osteoporosis. It has an important role in building strong bones and therefore in the prevention of osteoporosis as it helps absorb and utilise calcium. It’s been established that older adults who don’t get enough of it are more prone to falls and have weaker muscles. Studies have shown that a 49 per cent reduction in falls in the elderly is possible by supplementing vitamin D with calcium.

Other functions of this vitamin are currently being studied and include prevention of heart disease, artery damage and blood pressure, stronger immune system, decreased risk for colon cancer, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.

Vitamin can be found in modest quantities in fish and seafood as well as fish liver oil, egg yolk, beef and chicken liver and fortified milks and cereals (check food labels). It’s also freely available by going outside, so remember to have 15 minutes of sun exposure daily to keep the vitamin levels up.

There’s currently a debate on the recommended daily intake of vitamin D; the existing recommendation of 15 micrograms or 600 IU (for 70 years or older) is overly conservative. Studies have shown that 800 to 1000 IU in adults is optimal. However, to achieve these amounts supplementation is usually needed. Consult your GP or dietitian for further advice.

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gardening

22

TOP 10 SUMMER SALAD CROPS Rachel Vogan offers a selection for your enjoyment.

I

t's easy to get complacent and forget about planting more salad crops now when you are right in the middle of harvesting the first early-summer crops. To ensure an extended harvest long into the autumn months, plant a new batch of Growfresh seedlings now.

Prepare the soil: It’s the same old story: blend in some sheep pellets and add a good dollop of Novatec fertiliser to replenish the soil. Ideally, do this a few days before planting out or sowing new seeds to allow the soil to settle and regenerate.

Planting: The ideal times of day to plant are dawn and dusk. It’s useful to note that planting in the middle of the day, particularly when it’s hot and sunny, is the worst time and can cause a lot of plant stress. Water seedlings thoroughly before planting and after, ensuring the soil is prepared before removing plants from the punnets.

10 TOP SALAD CROPS: 1. Lettuce – The list of varieties may seem endless so choose a Growfresh variety that suits the style of cooking you prefer. For example, if you are a fan of Caesar salads, plant ‘cos’ or ‘little gem’.

If you prefer large hearting lettuces, shredded into salads and topped with cheddar and carrot, look for ‘imperial triumph’ or ‘great lakes’. If the frilly red and coloured leaves suit you, plant ‘red oak’, ‘frisby’ or ‘drunken woman’.

‘Cos’ is a come-again lettuce variety that can be cut off just above ground level and it will regrow. This lettuce was harvested six weeks ago. It now has five new heads ready to pick.

are the sweetest so avoid letting it go to seed. It is a super crop for microgreens and happily grows in a pot or basket.

4. Chives – Enjoy the taste of onions all year round without the fear of tears.

Chives are a quintessential salad crop, with the flowers being edible, too. Use regularly or trim back to keep the leaves fresh and sweet.

5. Celery – Crisp, tender, fresh celery is a welcome addition to salads, slaws and

snacks and is particularly good served in drinks such as a cold Bloody Mary. Don’t let the soil dry out at all with celery, as it will bolt and go to seed. Newer varieties, such as ‘slow bolt’, are the better ones to plant through the warmer months. Mulch around the roots during hot periods to keep the soil cool.

6. Spring onions – Don’t let the name fool you; spring onions can be grown in summer and autumn, too, and

2. Beetroot – This offers excellent bang for buck as you can harvest both the leaves and the roots. The young leaves are a perfect addition to salad leaf mixes and the roots can be used raw, roasted or pickled. A lovely crop for microgreens, too.

3. Rocket – With its spicy peppery flavour, this is a salad green that lasts and lasts. It readily sets seed and pops up again after flowering. The young leaves

Basil seedlings make a tasty microgreen.

Spring onions can be grown for most of the year.

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FORWARD 50 jANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

even through the winter in the mildest regions. Plant in a loose, well-dug soil or in containers and pots. Both the tops and bottoms can be used – even the roots are tasty, once washed.

Stress and bolting

uncomplicated herb, it quietly does its thing all year round. It’s a staple for any salad garden.

7. Basil – This heat-loving herb is at its very best when picked fresh from the garden. Happy in pots and containers, it also is suitable in the vegetable bed alongside other crops that need a moist soil. Pinch out the tips to encourage a bushy, plentiful crop. It’s another flavoursome crop that can be enjoyed as a microgreen, too.

8. Spinach – A fast-growing crop that can provide leaves ready for harvest within a month of planting. ‘Perpetual’ is a come-again type from Zealandia and can be harvested leaf by leaf for months. And for those wanting some inner strength, ‘Popeye’ is firm favourite to look for.

9. Mizuna – Probably the speediest of all the salad crops; from planting seedlings to the first harvest can be a matter of weeks. The critical thing with mizuna is not to let the soil dry out. If it does, within a week a flower head will appear and the leaves will become bitter.

Mizuna ‘red coral’ adds a pretty bit of “bling” to salads and sandwiches.

10. Parsley – Whether it be curly or the flat-leaved variety, parsley has been a salad favourite for generations. An

Spinach is fast growing.

Double the rewards: with chives, you can eat both the flowers and the leaves.

Mizuna’s red leaves add “bling” to a salad.

Parsley is a quiet achiever.

The main reason for plants bolting is that they have become stressed in some way.

When this happens, a plant thinks it’s near the end of its life and it instinctively tries to reproduce, hence bolting to seed. The main stress that causes this is a lack of water. Keep salad crops moist; it’s best to water in the morning on the rising temperature as this will help reduce the risk of fungal infections.

Salad crops are best planted in full sun as shaded areas can sometimes contribute to bolting.

Celery ‘slow bolt’ is a stalwart for salads, soups and snacks.

in eacH issue • tiPs on WHat to do in your Garden noW • floWer and veGetable Garden rePorts from all over nZ • diy - GettinG Practical in your Garden • steP-by-steP Guides • GardeninG on tHe cHeaP • community Gardens

NZ’s do-it-yourself gardening magazine Issue 354 | January 10 - 23 2013

www.weekendgardener.co.nz

10summer TOP salad crops

Water – 10 conservation tips Bees – flowers to create a buzz Water – maximising water use Shady characters – Hostas DIY – compost bin

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