Plus Living+ Magazine, Waikato Issue #2

What value do you put on your lifestyle?

Saved or invested over the years and plan to live the lifestyle you deserve?

As real estate professionals, we watch as our clients’ children move out, study, travel and return, joining forces for multi-generational living. Savings haven’t matched the property equity growth over the last few years. If you’re still in the family home, your needs may have changed and home is now too big or simply not meeting your needs to be nearer to services or family.

How do you tell if it’s the right time to move?

As long as you’re selling and buying in the same market, any market is suitable. It’s more important that the timing of the move is right for your circumstances. If you’ve lived in your current home for more than two years the market has moved and you will have more equity in your asset to make use of. Real estate markets rise and fall over any period of time. Figures from QV show national average house prices went up 28.2 percent in 2021 (RNZ Jan 2022). This year won’t show the same results. In the three months to July 2022 the national average home value dropped 4.9 percent (QV Aug 2022).

Having a team of professionals to advise and help put things in place is crucial. I love those conversations with clients about their plans and dreams. It was simple when choice was limited by job location or school zone. Now the location could be anywhere in New Zealand. This makes the decision harder and it’s good to have the right people on your side. Do you need to make a plan or update your plan?

We are a mobile, internet connected community, and with more people working from home more options are opening for living locations. You might already be staging your move to the beach and plan to cut down working days.

We help people through their stages to retirement, so if you would like some help planning your future with your property decisions, get in touch, we’d love to hear from you. We would be honoured to be part of your team to help.

Kiwi Saver tips from Sorted.org.nz

If using KiwiSaver to save for retirement, you can’t touch your money until you get NZ Super, which is currently 65. KiwiSaver is open to those over 65 to join as well. Sorted.org.nz have grouped the hundreds of KiwiSaver funds into five types. Once you find which is right for you, it’s much simpler to find a fund of that type. Each fund holds a mix of investments. The more risk you take on, the more potential you have for better results, with ups and downs along the way. Depending on how long you are investing for and your attitude towards the ups and downs, one type of fund will work particularly well for your situation. Check out the options at sorted.org.nz-kiwisaver

Being able to change funds and amount of contribution to meet your needs at different stages of life is a good way to make the most of your investment- getting good advice and having an experienced fund manager is essential. Like good real estate advice, good financial advice will make gains for you that well outweighs the cost. Let’s have a chat and see where we can help.

Vayle Hammond, Director/Agent from First National Te Awamutu

Mind over matter

It seems as if there are a million sayings along the lines of ‘life is what you make it’ and every one of them falls under the guise of ‘easier said than done’.

While that’s undoubtedly true when it comes to navigating the myriad of obstacles physical existence throws our way, it might not be quite as watertight when it comes to our interpretation of those things.

With that in mind, this issue of Plusliving kicks off with articles about attitude –namely yours.

We start with a guide to aging well entitled, funnily enough, ‘Life is what you make it’ and move onto pieces about maintaining a healthy headspace, how to stay motivated, ways to boost your mood, things people use to judge you and the ongoing battle with ageism.

There’s also guides to healthy eating, selfdiscipline and being wise with money, plus much more.

Enjoy.

Inside thisissue

LIVING WELL AND AGEING GRACEFULLY IN A MODERN SOCIETY

Publisher: The Job Agency T|A Markat

38 Lowe Street, Addington, Christchurch 8011

Managing Director: Gary Collins

GM of Operations: Kylie Palermo

Sales: Angela Elley (03) 961 5184 | sales@markat.co.nz

Editor: Jonathon Taylor (03) 961 5098 | editor@markat.co.nz

Art Director: Jarred Shakespeare (03) 961 5088 | jarred@markat.co.nz

Production: Amber Mundy (03) 961 5075 | amber@markat.co.nz

Accounts: Jo Pritchard (03) 961 5161 | accounts@markat.co.nz

Welcome to Plusliving – the magazine dedicated to living well and ageing gracefully in modern society. Aimed at the 50+ age group, you’ll find articles covering all aspects of contemporary life, including physical health and wellbeing, mental health and acuity, home life, working life and finances, technology, travel, self-improvement and more. Our aim is to provide information anyone can use, on any given day, so you can get more out of life.

Please contact us to discuss getting your business in print

Disclaimer

This publication is provided on the basis that The Job Agency Ltd is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services. The Job Agency Ltd expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2020 by The Job Agency Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

Does your company have any information or products you would like to feature in an upcoming edition of Plusliving+?

– a guide to ageing well

Through our daily exposure to today’s array of information and communication, we are inundated with messages about the merits of ageing well and the processes we can follow to ensure we realise our potential at any age.

The concept of ageing well can be perceived in a cosmetic sense, conjuring up images of anti-wrinkle remedies and the revolutionary youth serums which purportedly stall the physical metamorphosis we undergo as part of our evolutionary existence.

It’s a lucrative industry selling youth; one which has no expiration date, because the ‘youth in a bottle’ market and everything it encompasses will have life for as long as humans walk the earth and their desire for a life of longevity exists.

But ageing well in life cannot be taken at face value alone. Because while the restorative properties of age reversal potions and practises may bring skindeep satisfaction to our lives, ageing well in a holistic sense is what fulfils us in mind, body and soul.

Wise up

We have heard the supposition ‘wisdom comes with age,’ time and time again.

It is a proclamation that suggests our wisdom well is fuller when our eyes, minds and hearts have absorbed a lifetime worth of knowledge and are more in tune with the way of the world.

There is much to be said for and learned from the valuable hindsight that belongs to those who have experienced life, although it is important to utilise what intellectual capacity we have now to create a plan to age well.

For life’s greatest pearls of wisdom may well be reserved for a moment in time beyond our immediate reach, but making age well plans requires the application of today’s wisdom while the wisdom of tomorrow still belongs to the future.

A plan to age well

We spend our lives planning. Plans are personal maps for life which we formulate to help us reach milestones, fulfil ambitions and complete tasks effectively.

And while a life plan may not grant us immunity from the serendipitous way of the world, the protection, security and direction afforded to us by having a strategic plan, can only contribute to a life of longevity.

There is no dictionary definition for ageing well, no textbook manual open for our consultation.

Ageing well cannot be mimicked or even learned from others because while peers and family may be able to offer suggestive guidance, our unique genetic blueprint means how we define ageing well and go about it, will require a personal touch.

Therefore, a definitive list of steps for entering elder-hood and working towards a life of longevity cannot be given, but recommendations for areas of focus can be provided to help you on your journey.

And like adventure at any age, your physical, emotional and spiritual values should be your guiding intuition.

Physical health

We can all remember the physical liberation attached to being young and ailment free.

And while it becomes harder to reverse or right the physical wrongs we have committed as the years pass us by, if we are consistent throughout life and honour a balanced and physical lifestyle, we can continue to experience the physical autonomy gifted in youth.

The saying, “you are only as old as you feel” is applicable to the exercise equation because beyond the aesthetic merits of staying active, physical exercise is also an elixir for staying young in mind and spirit.

As a combatant for what ails you, the positive effects of a physical lifestyle are further increased with the adoption of other physical practises.

In order to beat stress effectively you need to have a grab-bag of antistressing tools that you use often and proactively before your body’s stress response fully kicks in. The more anti-stressing tools you can learn the better.

Sleep is also as important to our health as diet and exercise – without it we cannot function properly and may even become ill.

We know when we sleep, our bodies rest – conserving energy and decreasing blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and body temperature, but our brains remain active – laying down memory, restoring daytime mental function and carrying out tasks that lead to physical growth.

The physical benefits of a balanced diet are also well documented, which is directly associated with healthy ageing.

Emotional health

When entering any era in which our life profoundly changes, we need to get emotional – in an intuitive sense.

As we get older and life presents us with new emotional challenges, understanding our emotional needs and feelings and catering to these, is as importance to our wellbeing as maintaining physical health.

Ageing well emotionally is like a quality of life initiative; the different realms of quality of life include physical, mental, social and spiritual factors.

Instead of reinventing the wheel, ageing well can be about maintaining what is working now for you and what has worked before in those specific domains and then adapting those to the appropriate age context.

Looking after mental health is incredibly important during our latter years in life and older age is most commonly the time in which people reach out to mental health workers or a social network.

Grief, dementia and physical, mental or social loss can be the catalyst for seeking out the support and assistance of others and it is in the process of seeking this assistance that people find renewed strength and direction.

In conjunction with seeking advice and emotional support from social networks and support systems, following a plan for ageing well emotionally can also involve taking a psychotherapeutic approach through cognitive behavioral therapy.

Getting out and about, staying active, having good hygiene and fitness as well as following regular sleeping patterns are all related to this.

Asking the existential questions in life, such as: “Who am I? Where am I going? What do I want from my life?” also benefits people’s emotional health and understanding of themselves, as does seeking out the guidance of spiritualists who are open to different denominations and people.

In conclusion

Life is what you make it. Plan for tomorrow, live for today and seek out the support of any of the following organisations to guide you as you age well physically, emotionally and spiritually throughout life.

A healthy headspace

It is a topic that remained dormant in our society for many years. Silent whispers were exchanged behind closed doors, but the taboo stigma of the subject meant cries for help were ignored or never voiced.

Today, thankfully, the subject of mental health is embraced by society. Campaigns, organisations and the media seek to educate and create public awareness and understanding about the importance of maintaining mental health.

What is mental health and how do we define it?

The World Health Organisation says, “Mental Health refers to a broad array of activities directly or indirectly related to the mental wellbeing component and includes – a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease”.

As we grow older, our mental health may be something we become more consciously aware of.

Life’s little distractions, in the form of domestic duties, employment and an active social calendar may no longer demand as much of our time and therefore we are left to ponder a new direction.

And while this is not always the case, the transition into retirement can mark the beginning of a new era, in which we are offered back the independence we exchanged earlier on in life for the responsibilities attached to family and work.

The liberties attached to this recovered freedom can open new doors and present fresh opportunities, but they can also leave us feeling somewhat lost and overwhelmed.

It is at these times that our mental health may potentially suffer and we need to look at ways in which we can mitigate such feelings of loss or uncertainty.

Embracing life at any age

For older citizens, mental health can still be a difficult subject to broach as old fears or memories attached to dated mental health care and stigmas resurface, making it difficult for them to express their concern.

But with people progressively living longer in life, it is becoming increasingly important to look after our mental health because we are seeing retirees living for another 20 or 30 years after they cross the retirement threshold.

Mental health care starts with keeping in touch with those who provide our physical health care.

Be ready to say to your doctor you would like to spend more than the usual 10 minutes allotted so you can address any emotional issues with them.

Simple strategies like taking notice of what is around you, learning new things, being physically and mentally active and even smiling are all important for mental health.

Nutrition and exercise also contribute to healthy bodies and general practitioners can suggest where to get advice on healthy eating.

Maintaining dental care and having regular hearing and vision checks is also important as well as attending podiatry consultations.

A significant part of being mentally well is also about nourishing our spirit.

Whether or not this is associated with a religious order, it is another factor that can make us less vulnerable to depression. Music, painting, poetry and other forms of art fill a need in many people’s lives.

For some, there is a feeling of peace and happiness in working in a garden or walking on a deserted beach.

We do not stop growing as we age and it is up to us to recognise and seek out the people and activities that help us grow more vigorously and with greater joy.

Social support from friends, family and medical experts can all provide a buffer against mental illnesses like depression and having a support system in place can offer a sense of security and belonging.

Freedom to live the lifestyle you enjoy

Our Vision: To provide the facilities and environment that allow you the freedom to live the lifestyle you enjoy, have the lifestyle you want and the peace of mind you deserve.

The family has a long association with the Waikato region and have planned a fantastic retirement village.

Village layout has been given careful planning consideration in keeping with their vision for a quality retirement village development for Te Awamutu. Villa layouts are numerous and have been designed to maximise the sun into each unit. Our kitchens are positioned on the eastern side to receive the morning sun and living areas face towards the north. Landscaped grounds, including beautiful stonewalling and aesthetic planting enhance the quality brick and tile villas.

Each villa is fitted out with quality fittings and appliances. The modern interior decor features neutral toning throughout.

Peace of mind for residents is provided for with security gates positioned at both Highfield entrances. 24 hour monitored emergency call buttons in each villa will render assistance to you if needed.

Highfield has a total of 116 - two and three bedroom villas.

If you’re approaching retirement and considering your future options, or have already retired and are looking for a lifestyle that enables you to live your life to the full, then Highfield Country Estate will offer the choices and opportunity you are looking for.

We are excited to announce Highfield Country Estate is expanding – offering additional two- and three-bedroom villas and serviced apartments. The new Restaurant/Café facility will further enhance village living for residents with alfresco dining and additional communal areas.

We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss in more detail any information we have supplied. Feel free to give us a call and perhaps make an appointment to discuss how we may be able to assist you further.

Highfield Country Estate is a privately owned and operated retirement village developed by members of the Fladgate Family.

Maintaining your motivation

By Claire Wright

We make learning fun to improve results. A structured program using a mix of book work, hands on material and computer activities keeps the program varied and maintains engagement. Yr 11 and 12 students are well catered for too.

Staying motivated in your daily life can be tough even when you’re having a good time.

Balancing work, relationships and social obligations, as well as your personal goals can be a daunting task.

Combine that with the wonders of the internet and Netflix at your fingers, and it’s a wonder that anything gets done.

Before delving into how to stay motivated and focused, it’s important to note that you as a person are not defined by your productivity or how well you accomplish your personal goals.

Kip McGrath Hamilton

Hamilton has two Kip McGrath Centres that have been providing excellent up to date and relevant tuition for over 20 years. They offer individual learning programmes tailored to the specific needs of each student as identified in the initial free assessment.

“Mathematics, english, spelling, reading, and writing are taught, including NCEA math english and sciences. Programmes are modified as children achieve their goals,” says Paul Kelly, Kip McGrath Director. “Our goal is to help students succeed in class. We do this through weekly 70-minute tutoring sessions that are personalized for every student and include one on one attention.”

Students work within a supportive, small group setting run by trained qualified teachers. “They quickly develop a sense of achievement and discover learning is not only successful –

it’s enjoyable too,” says Paul. They also have several students who just work online. This has grown since the lockdown and will be a growth area for them.

The sessions feature a mix of books, worksheets and computer activities providing the variety that a student’s brain needs to keep engaged, motivated and learning. As the student get's older, they have more input into the content of the lesson. This tailors tutoring to their needs and increases engagement, ensuring the time with us is well used.

The centres cater for a wide range of students from duxes of schools to those who really struggle including dyslexic students.

Free assessments can be made online at Kipmcgrath.co.nz or by ringing Paul 07 848 2262 Help your child now.

come fully equipped and stocked to take on any situation that may have occurred to your door.

Supported by our trained door technicians we are able to tackle even the hardest job.

We can do anything from a standard service to fixing broken springs, hinges and repair or replacement of garage motors.

Our standard service includes:

• Lubrication of all moving parts including hinges, springs, side bearing, and door opener

• Inspect hinges for problems

• Alignment of tracks and guides,

• Replacement worn, loose, or seized rollers

• Resetting spring tension and lifting wire ropes that have come off pulleys.

• Tilt door pivot bushes and door alignment.

Here at High Tech Automations, we place a great deal of importance on professionalism, duty of care and responsibility towards our clients.

Our approach to business is to understand our client’s needs and always act in their interest. It means we can guarantee our clients satisfaction and ensure their project is fit for current and future needs. As a result, we have built lasting relationships with clients and remain their preferred door technicians.

For example, if you want to start playing the piano, start out with the goal that you’ll learn a few chords to start with. That way they can add up, and when you look back, you’ll see you actually accomplished a lot.

Share what you’re doing with a few loved ones to keep yourself accountable. Telling them you’re starting your novel is one way to make it a tangible thing – by saying you’re going to do something, you have already

That way, they can also check in with you and keep you motivated. Positive reinforcement always trumps negative reinforcement.

Look to others that do what you love

Seeing the skill and artistry others have accomplished is a great way to stay hungry for your goal and give you something to strive for.

For example, if you want to start roller skating, viewing YouTube videos of people doing different styles of roller skating you’re interested in – jam skating, skate park skating or roller derby – can motivate you to work harder. Be careful not to compare yourself to others. Everyone works at their own pace, and just because you’re not at someone else’s level yet doesn’t mean

At the end of the day, we all want to live a life we can be proud of. Taking tangible steps, even small ones, towards the life we want is a sure-fire way to be more satisfied with our place on earth.

easy ways to boost your mood

Even the most optimistic people can use a mood boost every once in a while.

Taking an extra moment for yourself will make your day brighter and give you a healthier outlook on life.

Here are 10 simple ways you can bring a little happiness into your life right now:

1 Go for a walk

Just a little bit of exercise can boost your mood and give you a fresh perspective on problems that have been bothering you.

2 Give it a rest

Ditch late-night screen time and head to bed earlier. Increasing your amount of sleep can reduce your stress level and leave you feeling energised to tackle your day when you wake up.

3 Thank someone

Acknowledge something that someone has done for you and send a note or a small bouquet of flowers. You’ll put a smile on their face and yours.

4 Compliment a stranger

Tell someone that you like something that they have and you’re guaranteed to brighten their day. Seeing good things in others will help you start to see good things in yourself.

5 Plan a vacation

Getting bogged down with our daily routines can send us into a rut, causing us to look at things negatively. Booking a trip near or far away will give you something to look forward to, and the break from your normal routine will help you to see your life a little more clearly.

6 Buy something silly

After all, laughter is the best medicine. Pick up something that makes you laugh like a funny picture, book, magazine, or a movie. Giving yourself time to laugh boosts feel-good endorphins. 7 Get a massage

Your neck and back will thank you and you’ll feel relaxed the rest of the day – and then some. 8 Wear your favourite colour

Have a passion for red? Love cool blues? Wear your favourite colour and you’ll walk a little taller and smile throughout the day. 9 Tackle a problem

Boost your confidence by completing a particularly hard crossword or Sudoku puzzle. Maximizing your brain power and doing something challenging will help you to have a more confident outlook on life.

10

Model behaviour

Take a photo of yourself doing something you enjoy, like roller skating, skiing, swimming, playing an instrument, or being with friends and family. Place the picture on your desk to remind yourself that you lead an amazing life and have lots to be happy about.

Celebrating Life - Your Way

When a funeral is personalised, it creates a special space for sharing precious memories, telling stories, and simply being together with friends and family.

Grinter’s Funeral Home are dedicated to providing personalised and meaningful funeral services.

Grinter’s Funeral Home proudly serving the people of Cambridge, Hamilton, and the surrounding areas.

A diet to desire – Eating

to stay healthy

An apple a day keeps the doctor away – it’s an old saying, but there is more than a hint of truth in it.

What you eat has a huge impact on your ability to fight off bugs and infections during the winter months.

Older people and children need to pay special attention to what they eat during the winter, as they are particularly vulnerable. However, quality, availability and variety of fresh food can be an issue in winter.

In cold weather, people can be less inclined to eat salads or raw fruit, but there are some cheap and simple steps you can take to make sure you keep your vitamin and mineral uptake up even during these months.

Start the day with breakfast

To get your energy levels up in the morning it is vital to have a good breakfast. Great ideas for warming winter breakfasts include baked beans or a poached egg on toast, a simple veggie omelette, or porridge with fresh, dried, stewed or canned fruit.

If using canned fruit, try to buy fruit in its own juice rather than syrup, and try to keep additional sugar to a minimum if you stew your own fruit.

Keep eating vegetables and fruit

The recommended intake for vegetables and fruit is five servings a day (three vegetables and two fruit).

These vital foods provide us with heaps of vitamins and fibre, as well as antioxidants and phytochemicals which have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.

To keep your meals affordable, look for vegetables that are in season. Great winter vegetables include carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, pumpkin, yams, kumara and broccoli.

Frozen and canned vegetables and fruit can also be great alternatives to fresh food during the winter, so keep plenty on hand. Look for those with no added sugar or salt where possible.

Cook comforting winter casseroles

Casseroles are fantastic for keeping you warm during winter and are great for feeding a family on a budget.

Look to invest in a slow cooker – cheaper cuts of meat work well when cooked slowly and there is nothing to rival the smell of a home cooked casserole as you walk through the door at the end of the day.

You can put almost anything in a casserole, but try to add lots of root vegetables and tinned tomatoes and keep the extra fat used to a minimum.

Mustard and Worcestershire sauce can give a real flavour kick and canned kidney beans or chick peas added near the end of cooking add great texture and taste to a dish.

Denture Plus

Denture Plus

department. After a period in the UK he moved back to NZ to work and run various denture clinics and dental labs to finally end up here in Thames.

Adam is well known among the Thames community for his customer focused Denture services, Adam is a registered Clinical Dental Technician. Denture Plus opened in Thames back in December 2017.

Adam started making dentures back in 1983. After qualifying here in New Zealand moved to the UK to the city Maidstone to work for a commercial lab there in sole charge of the denture

Bening is the friendly face that greets you when you visit us here at Denture plus. Bening started working as a dental processor at a prominent Ortho lab in Auckland from 19932005. Latter she became the director of North Shore Ortho Lab 2005 - 2013. She has gained experience at reception/office work and customer relations from 2016 - 2017 managing another denture clinic, Upon your visit to denture plus you will find that she will make sure your denture experience is a pleasant one.

is a Denture Clinic located in Thames and Whitianga run by a passionate husband & wife team, Adam and Bening Vitali.

Soup, soup, soup!

Soup is the ultimate ‘meal in a bowl’. Choose a favourite recipe and make a big batch over the weekend, then freeze individual portions for lunches during the week. Look to spice up traditional recipes by adding lentils, small pasta or pearl barley – they will give great texture and flavour to your dish, as well as making it go further. Pureed or textured, there is nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of soup served with crusty bread, pita bread or toast.

Curried Kumara Soup

1 tsp oil

2 medium onions, peeled and chopped

1 tsp minced garlic

1 tbsp curry powder or red curry paste

2 medium orange kumara, peeled and chopped

4 cups chicken stock

2/3 cup evaporated milk

Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add onion and garlic and stir over a medium heat until the onion softens. Add curry powder or red curry paste and cook for a further 1-2 minutes.

Add kumara and chicken stock and simmer for 10 minutes or until the kumara is soft. Puree the mixture, add evaporated milk and heat through without bringing to the boil. Adjust the seasonings to taste.

Serving suggestion: serve sprinkled with chopped fresh coriander or parsley.

Easy Minestrone Soup

¾ cup (135g) pasta spirals or shells

1 large onion, peeled and chopped

6 cups chicken stock

1 x 500ml jar tomato pasta sauce

½ tsp dried oregano

1 tbsp sugar

1 cup pumpkin, peeled and chopped

1 large potato, peeled and chopped

1 large carrot, scrubbed and chopped

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

1 x 425g 4 bean mix, or red kidney beans (drained)

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Combine pasta, onion, chicken stock, pasta sauce, oregano, sugar, pumpkin, potato and carrot in a saucepan. Boil uncovered for 15 minutes.

Add peas and 4 bean mix and cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Add parsley, stir until hot.

Serving suggestion: serve sprinkled with parmesan or grated tasty cheese and bread.

I have over 20 years of experience in the industry and have operated this business since 2013.

I offer a free in-home measure and quote service, with lots of ideas, tips and useful information to help my customers decide which form of window treatment works best for their situation and requirements.

The showroom is full of the latest designs from leading fabric suppliers, so there is plenty of choice to help create your personal spaces.

My soft furnishing manufacturers have over 30 years experience in producing quality drapes and roman blinds for customers all over New Zealand.

My blind and track suppliers are New Zealand based, so manufacturing times for your roller, venetian or honeycomb blinds are much quicker than those sourced from overseas.

Whether you need privacy, warmth or to bring some of your personality to your living areas, I am sure I can help you to find the right mix just for you.

Feel free to call or email me to discuss the options available, either for new home build or renovation, permanent or holiday homes. I look forward to working with you!

By Timmi Aplin-Barrett

Lifestyles

Roomba j7

The j7 Roomba is iRobot’s latest smart vacuum. With 10 times more suction than a previous model and unique intelligence to avoid cords and pet waste, this robot vacuum takes all the hassle out of keeping your home clean. It will learn to anticipate your needs such as when you’re home or at work, pet moulting season and when your area has a high pollen count.

RRP: $1,399.90 www.shopirobot.co.nz

Collezióne Tibetan Lamb Throw

This luxurious lamb throw will bring the elegant beauty of the wild into your home. The carefully sourced Tibetan fur is warm, soft and durable. This natural piece will add a sumptuous feel and timeless style to your living space.

RRP: $1,995 www.luxurylinen.co.nz

Melt Stand Chandelier Gold

Combining art and technology, this floor lamp brings lighting to a whole new level. Designer Tom Dixon has experimented with the technologically advanced field of vacuum metallisation to create an eye-catching piece. The melt is also available as pendants, table, floor and surface lights and has seven gold shades available.

RRP: From $15,155 www.ecc.co.nz

DISCLAIMER: Please note prices listed here are recommended retail pricing. Prices are subject to change at the discretion of the seller. The information on this page is for information purposes only. The Job Agency T|A Markat assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Formation Wedge Speaker

From Bowers and Wilkins comes an immersive home wireless sound system with room-filling audio from one stylishly shaped and finished speaker. A graceful shape angles the array of two teeters, two midrange drivers plus a subwoofer to form a perfect stereo image. This sleek speaker is compatible with pretty much anything and comes in black and white.

RRP: $2,499 www.soundlab.co.nz

Goccia Coffee Table

This New Zealand made coffee table is a modern twist on an old classic. It features a tempered glass top and the bases are available in rimu, ash with a white washed stain finish and oak with a natural stain finish. The glass top and broad legs make this artistic coffee table child-safe.

RRP: $1,439 www.danskemobler.co.nz

Think 70 is the new 50

Just because your hair might be grey, doesn’t mean your life needs to be.

Today’s 70-year olds are the healthiest, strongest, and most mentally agile history has ever known. So Summerset Retirement Villages are designed for the active lifestyles of the youngest “oldies” there’s ever been.

With four villages Waikato-wide, now’s the time to get in touch if you’ve ever been curious about village life.

Think this sounds like you or someone you love?

While we tend to think that our judgments are based on the content of conversations and other obvious behaviours, the research says otherwise. In fact, the majority of our judgments are focused on smaller, subtler things, such as handshakes and body language. We often form complete opinions about people based solely on these behaviours.

How you treat others - How you treat others, especially support and service people, is so indicative of your makeup that it has become a widely used way to assess someone’s personality.

How often you check your phone - There’s nothing more frustrating than someone pulling out their phone mid-conversation. Doing so conveys a lack of respect, attention, listening skills, and willpower.

Repetitive, nervous habits - Touching your nails or face or picking at your skin typically indicates that you’re nervous, overwhelmed, and not in control. Research suggests these nervous habits are indicative of a perfectionistic personality, and that perfectionists are more likely to engage in these habits when they’re frustrated or bored.

How long you take to ask questions - Ever had a conversation with someone where they talked about themselves the entire time? The amount of time someone allows to pass before they take an interest

in you is a strong personality indicator. People who only talk about themselves tend to be loud, self-absorbed ‘takers’. People who only ask questions and share little about themselves are usually quiet, humble ‘givers’. Those who strike a nice balance of give-and-take are reciprocators and good conversationalists.

Your handshake - It’s common for people to associate a weak handshake with a lack of confidence and an overall lackadaisical attitude. A firm handshake is associated with being less shy, less neurotic and more extroverted.

Tardiness - Showing up late leads people to think that you lack respect and tend to procrastinate, as well as being lazy or disinterested.

Handwriting - There are all manner of false stereotypes attempting to relate your handwriting to your personality. Bottom line – the research is inconclusive at best when it comes to handwriting and personality.

Eye contact - The key to eye contact is balance. While it’s important to maintain eye contact, doing so 100 percent of the time is perceived as aggressive and creepy. At the same time, if you only maintain eye contact for a small portion of the conversation, you’ll come across as disinterested, shy, or embarrassed. Maintaining eye contact for roughly 60 percent of a conversation strikes the right balance and makes you come across as interested, friendly, and trustworthy.

Kitchens made for good conversations

Barbara Kuriger MP for Taranaki-King Country

Elected in 2014, Barbara is now in her third term and brings experience, enthusiasm, drive and direction to her role as MP. She always wanted to be able to give more back to the communities she’d moved in and those beyond. She says that being an MP allows her to do so in many rewarding ways.

A lifelong dairy farmer, Barbara remains a shareholder in two family-owned farming businesses and is dedicated to achieving better policy outcomes for rural New Zealand. She believes rural New Zealand is often forgotten in the policy-making processes of Wellington. Barbara has a proven track record advocating for better rural services and continues to fight for rural proofing in practice, not just on paper.

Barbara is highly regarded in the agricultural industry and rural sector and is always seeking more opportunities to collaborate with other industries to promote regional growth.

Having lived all of her life in Taranaki, she understands the contribution of New Zealand’s leading resources region. And, as she travels one of the largest electorates in the country, knows only too well the necessity for well-developed and maintained transport routes; routes rural communities and urban centres need to conduct business efficiently and effectively across the nation.

Barbara splits her time between her Taranaki-King Country electorate and Wellington as well as other parts of the country as the demands of her responsibilities require. It is a rural electorate and she enjoys being grounded in her rural communities. She was named the 2012 Dairy Woman of the Year and has been a member of the Boards of DairyNZ, Primary ITO Board, Taratahi, Dairy Women’s Network, and New Zealand Young Farmers.

She has completed an Institute for Strategic Leadership MBA and is a past scholarship recipient of the Food and Agribusiness Mark Experience (FAME). In 2014, she became a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. She’s currently studying for PGCert in Public Policy. She’s also a judge of the Rural Games Trust awards.

Barbara is a strategic thinker and enjoys a challenge. She is driven to support others to fulfil their aspirations. Barbara is highly

regarded in the agricultural industry and rural sector and is always seeking more opportunities to collaborate with other industries to promote regional growth.

Barbara has held many former roles within parliament. She has worked in a broad range of political issues, ensuring she has a wealth of experience to bring to any parliamentary role. In 2020, Barbara was the chairperson of Governance and Administration, lasting until 2021. She was also the chairperson of Primary Production in 2020.

She has also been a member of business, finance and expenditure, officers of parliament, and privileges. During her time in parliament, Barbara has also been a spokesperson for agriculture, biosecurity, energy and resources, food safety, rural communities, transport, and women.

Barbara has held many former roles within parliament. She has worked in a broad range of political issues, ensuring she has a wealth of experience to bring to any parliamentary role.

Get in touch with Barbara www.barbarakuriger.org.nz

Battling ageism

Discrimination towards marginalised groups, subcultures and identities within society is not new. And while social acceptance is growing and playing its role as a social moderator in New Zealand, as a collective and united body of people we are yet to address and defeat an age-old discrimination.

An age-old issue

Ageism, or prejudice towards the elderly is detrimental to our living history; those who represent the wise and courageous individuals who fought for our liberation and voted for our own equality.

In the workplace, on the street or in our social institutions, ageism is ubiquitous.

In the most obvious sense, ostracising someone because of their age is a breach of the basic rights which should be afforded to all members of a

democratic society, the environments in which ageism is manifested, are a catalyst for further inequality.

Ageism can manifest itself in many ways. Sometimes its direct and other times its through ignorance and throwaway comments.

Intentional or not, such comments can be hurtful. However, New Zealanders can address this issue, stop it in its tracks, and uphold the rights of the elderly – this must be everyone’s central concern.

Studying society

There have been various studies conducted to address and measure the presence of ageist attitudes within society. A 2006 research report commissioned by the New Zealand Rights Commission was undertaken by University of Auckland business school professor Marie Wilson and student Jordan Kan.

Wilson and Kan attested that age-based stereotypes distort employment markets and affect perception about the employability, skills and competency of older works.

To legitimise the validity of this admission, Wilson and Kan conducted a field experiment where simulation and interviews were used to “assess the selection process from multiple perspectives and enable a thorough consideration of both the process and outcome of recruitment and selection decisions”.

Young and older candidates were included in this study and the subsequent results were summarised in a report, Barriers to entry for the older worker. This report confirmed that younger workers were perceived by employers as being more suitable candidates for employment opportunities although older people had a plethora of unique skills to offer.

“Age-based discrimination undermines both personal and national productivity and limits the growth and productive capacity of firms...

Techni-call Security Solutions

Techni-call Security Solutions offers a range of security gate services for commercial and residential clients. The company is very well known in the Hauraki District and Coromandel Peninsula areas for its services.

Technicall Security Solutions has been around for almost 25 years (since 1998) and is owned and founded by Leon du Toit.

The team includes Leon and four technicians that help him out with the larger jobs. No job is ever too big or small for the team.

Services include installation, servicing and monitoring, intruder alarms, CCTV, gate automation, and access control.

The team goes to people’s businesses and homes such as in populated towns like Paeroa, Ngatea, Waihi, Thames, and Te Aroha.

The team are friendly, communicate well, are knowledgeable and experienced, have quality workmanship, and enjoy helping people with solving any security issues that are bothering them. Security is super important, so feel rest assured you can count on the team to help you out.

Do you want to get in touch with the team today? Feel free to get in contact with Leon via email at info@technicall.co.nz, call 0800 920 319 and/or try his mobile on 021 728 661.

The team looks forward to your enquiry!

While we are progressively moving towards being a more engaging and accepting society, the existence of certain prejudices within our communities continues to threaten social equality and stifle the opportunity for an egalitarian environment.

The assumptions behind age-based discrimination are largely false as well; older workers are not less adaptable, often possess rare and complex intellectual capital, provide longer and more reliable service to their employers and have fewer accidents, injuries and occasion fewer workplaces losses than their younger and often more expensive colleagues.”

Addressing ageism

While ageism is on the social issues radar, prevalence is hard to determine as victims of age-based discrimination may not articulate their concerns; meaning it is difficult to develop a definitive understanding about the scale of the issue.

When people are committing ageism, many of these offences can be readily identified by listening to general conversation as they are often quite overt acts.

Once identified, ageism can be dealt with through education. Victims of ageism can also seek out support on their own accord through organisations like Age Concern.

Age Concern focuses on advancing positive ageing and the wellbeing of older people. The organisation endeavours to assist older people who are subjected to ageist attitudes.

Addressing and eradicating ageist ideologies is not just about reducing inequality. The wealth of experience and skills possessed by the elderly often go unrecognised although they are invaluable to the betterment of society.

It is on the moral conscience of our nation to address this problem through understanding and support.

If you or anyone you know is a victim of ageism you can contact Age Concern by logging on to www.ageconcern.org.nz. This website contains a list of regional office numbers you can ring. Alternatively, talk to a friend or family member who can help you address this issue.

Intentional or not, such comments can be hurtful. However, New Zealanders can address this issue, stop it in its tracks, and uphold the rights of the elderly – this must be everyone’s central concern.

Anderson Law leads their practice with enthusiasm and integrity. Founder of the law firm, John Anderson, says his work has brought him a real sense of fulfilment.

Based in Katikati, the law firm can help guide and give you advice for whatever you need.

The company offers many services for people looking for a quality lawyer including; residential property, farm and orchard sales, mortgages, business sale and purchasing, relationship property, trusts, wills and estates, enduring powers of attorney, and the purchase of a unit in a retirement village.

Anderson Law works hard to keep the most important things intact, including their values and principles, which the company stands by.

Now, after many years of experience, John has the privilege of helping the next generation of lawyers along their way.

John commenced practising law in Waihi before relocating to a law firm in Te Awamutu. In 1999, he set up his own practice which is now based in Katikati.

The company is well established with experienced staff and clearly has the expertise and knowledge to help resolve any issues you may have.

The team will be happy to help you and give you a personal experience while working with a lawyer.

Anderson law is effective and will be able to assist you in the best direction for what you need.

Make sure to reach out to Anderson Law to have a conversation with John or his team to get the best advice about moving forward.

Anderson Law Office 12 Jocelyn Street Katikati, 3129 07 549 3466 www.andersonlawoffice.co.nz

Being wise with money

Material desire, impulsive indulgence and a lack of ability to differentiate between ‘want’ and ‘need’ can blind our better judgement. Or, quite simply, unexpected bills and expenses can blow the budget.

As we get older, budgeting and saving for our future is imperative as is a regular renegotiation of financial priorities and preparation for potential losses of income.

It’s about investing in the future you.

The value of wisdom

While money is the universal form of currency, wisdom is of equal value, because being rich in savings is inconsequential to the security of your future if you are not rich in the financial wisdom you require to ration those savings.

Financial fortune, like life, is subject to change and forgetting that this change is an inevitable part of human existence, can set you up for a financial fall you may not recover from.

We only need to look at the pandemic and its effects on the global economy to realise the unpredictable nature of finance, savings and investment.

Finance at every age

In acknowledgement of the average retirement age in New Zealand, we generally classify the elderly as 65 and older.

But in fact, there are three generations within the 65 to 95-plus demographic. Being wise with money involves recognising which generation of this wider category you fall into and what respective financial needs or obligations you may have.

While many elder targeted surveys in New Zealand suggest that those of retirement age manage their money well and that most report living a

satisfied life in retirement, there are still important factors to consider when being wise with money.

Many elderly people in retirement have no chance of increasing their income and cannot be sure of how long they are going to live or what might happen in between.

Get Sorted

Establishing relevant financial boundaries is about formulating strategies for protecting yourself and your money. Recognising the importance of a legitimate and age-appropriate investment is also imperative to avoid financial downfall.

For example, if you rely heavily on your superannuation or a small investment, the more conservative you need to be. Generally, if something is high interest it is generally high risk.

In the ‘life stages’ section of the Retirement Commission’s online initiative the Sorted website outlines the following goals for 60 plus citizens:

• Make some quiet time to set your goals

• Be specific and write your goals down

• Review goals every six months or annually

• When you achieve your goal, celebrate and then set a new one.

Sorted also offers mutiple checklists, suggestions and common assumptions for your consideration as well as updated information on equity release, retirement villages and how best to spend your savings.

For further information on how to be wise with money, visit: www.sorted.org.nz.

At some stage in our lives, we have each experienced the pitfalls of living outside our financial means.

Do you have an accountant who isn’t providing the level of service you expect?

Or you simply can’t get hold of them when you need to? Maybe you don’t know whether you need an accountant or not? Titan

Saving can be simple, so here are a few quick fixes to get you started:

• Shut down computers – a small but easily managed saving

• Change light bulbs

• Avoid late fees and penalties by paying bills on time to assure prompt payment discount

• Take advantage of lower interest rates on loans if possible

• Sign up to Skype or Zoom for free video conferencing and save on travel

• Cut paper use by recycling or re-using misprints for scrap paper

• Energy efficient vehicles save on fuel, oil and maintenance

• Turn off any unnecessary appliances at night like that coffee machine

• Negotiate your office rent – if vacancies are high your landlord may prefer low rent to no rent

• Don’t offer lower prices straight away – not everyone is price sensitive

• Keep track of inventory – it saves staff from running over to the nearby overpriced store when they run out of essential items

• Lock the supply cabinet – it keeps it tidier and staff must request things, inevitably saving money and resources

• Reduce phone lines and phone features you really don’t need

• Renegotiate equipment leases, such as getting a smaller photocopier which may be more suited to your business needs, be they at home or in an office.

With over 30 years’ experience across commercial, residential, and rural, Kiwitown Electrical can provide all round knowledge and expertise for your residential, rural, project or commercial. As a Registered Master Electrician, we guarantee our work.

Kiwitown Electrical has been fortunate enough to be involved in several exciting projects, currently working as part of the exciting Otorohanga Kiwi House expansion project, as well as managing a refurb of the local bar, The Thirsty Weta. The growth over the region has meant we have been involved in many residential new builds and refurbs.

As a King Country based company, we work closely with our local farmers, priding ourselves on the reliability, responsiveness, and quality of work for new build sheds, rebuilds and workshops. Kiwitown Electrical offers competitive rates with discounts for Super Gold card holders and specials on lighting, wiring and more.

Our friendly staff love working in the community and are respectful of all Covid protocols across all work areas.

A little-known fact about Kiwitown Electrical Services is the ‘maintenance check’ we can provide. If you’ve got tenants moving out of the rental property, new workers moving into the farm house or just want to be sure that everything is working in commercial, dairy, workshops and residential, Kiwitown Electrical can provide a report on all things electrical providing recommendations for maintenance, wiring checks and tips for savings.

It’s easy to book a job in with Kiwitown Electrical, using your phone or tablet camera, scan the QR code and follow the link to book online. You will link to a simple online form and can carry on your day knowing that the team will be in touch to confirm the time. You’ll receive a confirmation text which is sent out for you to select time and day of the appointment.

Daniel and the team at Kiwitown Electrical are proud to provide quality service, done once, done right in the Waikato region.

Jacqui Owen Legal

Jacqui Owen Legal is a legal firm that’s been serving the Matamata-Piako area for a long time now and has been very well known in the area for its services.

Services include employment and contracts, refinancing, estates, trusts, attorney’s conveyancing, succession planning, and property law.

Their small, collaborative team hopes to communicate well - fast and efficiently and be as informative as they can with their clients. They offer the best services to suit their clients' individual needs.

The team is well informed, trusted, and always happy to share their expertise, skills, and knowledge to make sure their clients are satisfied and kept in the loop throughout the process.

The professional, patient, and consistent team are easy to talk to and support their clients every step of the way. The company is a new kind of law firm in a challenging, ever-changing market, the team is there to help clients understand legal issues and feel at ease knowing they’re in the right hands.

The team is very approachable so if their clients need anything they can be sure to ask anything. If there are any other queries, copies of the Terms and Conditions are available on the website: https://jowenlegal.co.nz/

Be sure to check out more about Jacqui Owen Legal’s services, information about the company, and meet the team via the Jacqui Owen Legal website.

Get in touch today by calling (07) 214 3243 or email admin@jol.co.nz.

Alternatively, head to the office that’s based on 190 Thames Street, Morrinsville in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island. The team is also launching a new office in Matamata, which opened June 1st 2022. The new location is on 150 Broadway Street, Matamata – just a 30-minute drive from Morrinsville.

Enquire now, the team looks forward to hearing from you!

Jacqui Owen Legal

We’ll put it right

Look no further than, South Waikato Garage Doors Ltd; we will work with you to provide you with the best quality garage doors.

There are many differing types of doors and auto openers out in the market place these days. Fortunately, we stock a wide range of garage door parts, and in most circumstances, we can supply parts or assist you to fulfil your requirements.

Our installation service is second to none, we also service and repair all makes and models of garage doors and automatic openers.

Here at South Waikato Garage Doors Ltd, we guarantee that your installation will be performed to the highest standard by trained and well qualified staff, sub-contractors and service personnel. Upon completion our experts will leave your premises as tidy, if not tidier, than how they found it. Our promise is if you should ever be dissatisfied with the quality of our workmanship, we’ll put it right.

No job is too important that it can’t be done safely. Our qualified professionals have been through several health and safety induction processes and are very familiar with the site safety requirements.

Product & services

Ask us about:

• Sectional doors

• Tilta doors

• Roller doors

• Commercial and industrial

• Rural

• Garage door parts

• We are also able to install our complete range of garage doors and also offer repair services.

• Our guarantee.

We can provide you, our customer, with the following guarantees:

• Professional service

• Quality products

• Quality installation

• Tidy premises on completion

• Qualified staff.

For safety, security and style think South Waikato Garage Doors Ltd. Call us in South Waikato on (07) 888 8715 to get started with a new garage door.

South Waikato Garage Doors Ltd

Heat friendly home design

Homes can be designed to be naturally warm in winter and cool in summer, if they’re built using passive heating concepts.

The idea behind passive heating is to maximise a home’s ability to absorb and retain the sun’s natural heat to create a more comfortable home and minimise energy bills.

Its aim is to control the temperature and ventilation of a home without the use of appliances that consume energy.

Embrace these simple concepts when you build for a much more comfortable and energy efficient home.

Good passive design includes:

House orientation - Your home should ideally be positioned as far as possible away from neighbouring buildings that might block north sun. Note that in winter, objects cast shadows up to three times their height, blocking out sun light. It is also important to decide which rooms you want to be the sunniest, typically living spaces are chosen.

Shade protection - Wide eaves are a useful feature to help shade from the harsh sun in summer and provide increased weather protection in winter Insulation - Well insulated homes are capable of using the heat from the sun more effectively to retain heat and also slow the flow of heat loss. Plus it maintains a more constant internal temperature to reduce the need

for heating

Window placement - Larger windows should face the sun to capture the warmth while south-facing windows, which receive minimal sun, should be small to avoid heat loss. All windows should be double glazed as a minimum standard

Colour consideration - If you live in a cooler environment use dark coloured roofing material to absorb heat, and likewise if you live in a warmer environment use light coloured roofing to reflect the suns rays

Ventilation - Use window joinery with security catches which allow windows to remain partially open to help ventilate the home and remove condensation

Draughts - Once a house is well-insulated and appropriately glazed, the biggest potential heat loss is through draughts around windows and doors. Use weather-stripping and high-quality sealants to reduce air leakage.

Smart storage solutions

Stairs - Ever thought of storing items in the stair risers? Or place drawers inside the steps so you can pull them out when you need something? It’s a great way to hide items and a bonus that it adds visual interest to your home.

Find storage in the stairway wall and under the stairway by adding shelves or a shelving unit that can be pulled out from under the stairs.

Ceilings - Overhead storage is not always the most obvious place you would look to store items, but it’s surprisingly suitable. Narrow hallways are ideal and if you don’t mind a bit of DIY, attach shelving onto the ceiling to make the most out of your ceiling space.

Under floor storage - If you’re not looking up, look down. Find storage under the floor boards where you can store everything from precious possessions to jewellery and clothes.

Furniture - Ottomans, window seats with a lid, sofas with drawers in the bottom, beds with in-built storage, and trunks. These furniture pieces not only work as storage but it adds character.

Closets - Build rows of shelves inside the closet and additionally, add rows of hooks to hold handbags or jewellery on the inside of the door. Hang an overthe-door rack or hook to keep things organised and out of sight.

Walls - Fringe your hallway with shelves or cabinets, particularly if you have a wide hallway. For something creative, add character with a wall decal. Want to store some books on a shelf? Apply a tree wall decal and attach the shelves high up in the tree.

Remember: look up, look down, look inside and look behind for unused storage solutions around your home.

A team you can

We were invited to join the Laser Franchise in 2004 and for 10 years we traded as Laser Electrical Huntly, up until March 2014. As of April 1st, 2014 Jon & Sharon Beddis and Clint & Nardia Robinson were excited to announce the launch of Rivertown Electrical.

In July 2019, Clint and Nardia Robinson had taken over, and to this day are continuing to provide the great service and friendly faces you have come to expect from Rivertown Electrical Ltd.

We are a small/medium sized Electrical Contracting company based in Huntly, with friendly staff that are always willing to go the extra mile.

We are specialists in electrical installation, service and maintenance on a wide range of domestic, commercial, rural/agricultural, and industrial sites.

Rivertown

Ranging from oven installations to farm breakdowns and everything in between:

• Rewiring of buildings

• Lighting replacements or upgrades

• Upgrades to switchboards

• Hot water cylinder repairs

• Oven repairs or installation

• Extract fan installations

• Builders' temporary supplies

• New electrical connections

• Water pump issues

• Mains cabling upgrades and installations

• Cow shed builds, retrofits and breakdowns: Including but not limited to - platform, backing gate or water supply problems

• Poultry farm builds, retrofits or maintenance: Including but not limited to – feedline issues, auger breakdowns or fan/ motor replacements

• Industrial machine breakdown service and maintenance.

We strive to give the best advice and service available in the most cost-effective way for our clients. With over 20 years’ experience and local knowledge, we are a team you can count on to deliver.

Rain, hail, or shine - we are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with our after-hours breakdown emergency service only a phone call away.

Latest Improvements in Diabetes Treatment

Newly funded medications, digital technology and training innovations are behind recent big improvements in care for diabetes patients.

Te Awamutu Medical Centre diabetes specialist nurse, Cathy FraserReading, says “Diabetes management is now happening in a cohesive way that hasn’t been possible before.”

New game-changing medications

In 2021, PHARMAC began funding Trulicity (Dulaglutide) and Jardiamet/ Jardiance (Empagliflozin with and without metformin). Both diabetes medications are used widely overseas with great effectiveness, but were previously unfunded in New Zealand.

Now available and with equity funding for specific patients, the two medications are making a huge difference for eligible patients. The number of patients starting on insulin has dropped dramatically since the new medications became available.

“These medications work so well. They reduce risk of renal failure from diabetes and potentially improve our blindness and amputation rates. They both also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and death from heart attack and strokes” says Cathy.

Better management of treatments

A new digital diabetes dashboard rolled out this year and used by medical centre staff has helped to increase uptake of the new medications from 25 percent to 50 percent.

“Using the dashboard, we can easily identify who is eligible for the new medications and get people in to review their diabetes management and treatment” says Cathy. “It also helps to measure the outcomes and progress in the future.”

Motivated, informed and having effective conversations

Further support for improved diabetes management comes from a new, easily accessible education course run by Dr Ryan Paul, academic endocrinologist at Te Whatu Ora Waikato and the University of Waikato. GPs and nurses from Te Awamutu Medical Centre are currently enrolled in the first intake of the course.

Looking to the long-term benefits

The significant positive outcomes already being seen in patients create hope for longer-term health improvements in the future.

Diabetes management is now happening in a cohesive way that hasn’t been possible before.

Seven ways to improve your self-discipline

Finding success – be it professionally or personally – requires discipline. This is the actual personal disciplines of self-control, correctness, values, ethics, courage, character, and purpose.

Personal discipline is the path to improving our own performance. Self-discipline develops self-control and character, resulting in an orderly and efficient work and home life. It is discipline, not just desire, which determines success.

Discipline is necessary to set and achieve goals. If we have the discipline to do, to act, to listen, and to constantly seek ways to improve, we will achieve far greater success in our lives.

Focused goal setting on results you really want to achieve is the key. Achieving your clarified and specific goals through being disciplined will give you a more orderly, confident and stress-free work life.

As a bonus, productivity will improve and you will also demonstrate a positive impact on others. Attitudes are caught, not taught!

Seven steps to developing discipline in your work life

1 Determine and prioritise your work goals. Know what you want to achieve. Write it down. Be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely.

2 List your reasons for the goal. What am I doing and why am I doing this? What will I possibly gain from achieving this goal? Why is it important?

3 Identify any issues or obstacles. Anticipate road blocks that might work against you.

4 Develop new behaviours. Put in place new behaviours such as using your Outlook as a contact planner. Drink plenty of water every day. Practise reflection.

5 Have courage – courage to commit to the goals and their achievement.

6 Be ethical. Treat others as you want to be treated. Use strength based language. Praise publicly and criticise privately.

7 Stay focused. Read and review your goals daily. Don’t be despondent if you miss one or two. Just reset them and refocus. Don’t give up! Be persistent and diligent.

The price of discipline is always less than the pain of regret.

There are only 168 hours in a week, so if you’re spending 72 of them working, and let’s say eight hours a day (56 hours a week) on sleeping, eating and bathing, that only leaves 40 hours a week to do everything else they need or want to do.

By being “always on call and always working” we may be able to seek out some additional productivity in the short term, but the impact of this way of life comes at the cost of our long-term productivity and motivation, and can be devastating to our happiness and physical well-being.

Hit the brakes - We’ve all heard of the fight or flight response, but few of us have heard of the rest and digest response.

Think of fight or flight, which is controlled by your body’s sympathetic nervous system, as the gas pedal that helps you get things done – especially in crisis situations. Think of rest and digest, which is controlled by your body’s parasympathetic nervous system, as the brakes which keep you from spinning out of control and crashing.

What

A

Just like you’d never drive a car and only use the gas pedal, you shouldn’t live your life without using the brakes.

What if you are totally burned out? -Take a break. Give yourself a night, a day, or a weekend away from email and work.

Better yet, take a whole week off and go somewhere so remote that you cannot be contacted or interrupted by work or emails.

After you’ve gotten a little rest and digest going, take some time for self-reflection by asking yourself two questions: what am I really trying to achieve? Who do I need to ‘be’ and how do I need to show up to do that?

The answers might surprise you, but will certainly help you reconnect with the deeper purpose of your work.

Creating a home office that works for you

As working from home is a viable and realistic option for many of us, it makes sense to include a home office or home-based workspace as part of your building, renovation or home upgrade plan.

It’s not really all that long ago as computers started to infiltrate our home lives, you might have created your ‘office’ in what was perceived as otherwise ‘wasted’ space under stairs or in cupboards.

These spaces were fine if all you needed to do was check a few emails (possibly via dial-up!) or briefly logon to look up some information, but they were definitely not designed for you to be at your desks for long periods of time.

Usually cramped and deliberately tucked ‘out of the way’ so that you could close the door on ugly computer ware and printers, they were less than ideal for setting up an efficient workstation.

As long as we’ve got decent internet access, we can easily work from home - so realistically, with real work to be done, you don’t want to be tucked under the stairs or stuck out on the landing!

There are quite a few things to consider when creating a study or home office though, and it is well worthwhile doing some planning with your builder/ architect, to optimise this space.

Things to consider include:

Location - Consider which room to use for your office, particularly in terms of the lighting. For instance, to reduce glare and heat from the sun at different times of the day, a room with windows which faces east, north or west will need good light control. The size of the window as well as aspect should be considered.

Computer cabling - Make sure that you’ve allowed for appropriate cabling, particularly if you are likely to have high computer use, or more than one computer in your workspace, either now or in the future.

Light fittings - The trend for light fittings these days tends to be downlights, however they are not always positioned in the best place for computer screens.

If you are planning to install these, see if you can get LEDs with a wide angle and have one positioned above where you are planning to put your desk, so that light goes onto your screen, not into it. Otherwise, you may need to take up space on your desk and use a desk lamp.

Colour schemes - Walls which are painted a dark colour make a room feel smaller and like they are soaking up the light; this makes the room feels dark, which is not ideal for working in, and if the room has a lot of sunlight, lighter colours can make it feel too bright.

Head for something which is neutral, warm and feels good to you. You can always increase the colour feel in your workspace with art work.

Furniture - Many built-in desks in new or newly renovated homes (often seen as a space saver) are frequently built-in too high, and don’t allow for any flexibility of positioning.

Some beautiful old desks - used as computer desks - are usually designed for writing, not typing.

Buy a specific computer desk, and if it’s within your budget, preferably one that’s electrically height adjustable so you can work both sitting and standing.

A decent office chair is also important and these days, can blend in nicely with the rest of your decor. Look for a chair with good padding, adjustable height and back angle, and one which is easy to adjust.

In conclusion - Finally, if you’re building a home office, even if you only use it occasionally, make sure to create a space you enjoy being in.

Not only will it look great and function well, getting elements such as the lighting, furniture type and placement right, means that you will also be more productive in what is your very own work space.

It’s your home, and it’s about living, so with a little bit of thought and planning, you can make your office work for you!

Senior Driving

Even incredibly experienced drivers need a refresher every now and then. Senior drivers should also consider reminding themselves of the road code as well as any new or update rules.

For example, the council often receives requests for advice regarding safely traversing roundabouts. While there aren’t any roundabouts in Ōtorohanga, there is one in Te Awamutu. Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency says you must give way to vehicles already on the roundabout or entering the roundabout from a road to your right.

If you are driving straight through a roundabout, don’t signal before entering the roundabout. “Signal left when you pass the exit before the one you want,” Waka Kotahi says. When turning left on a roundabout, signal left before entering the roundabout and signal left before leaving the roundabout.

Turning right at a roundabout can sometimes throw people off. “Signal right before entering the roundabout. Signal right while

you ride around the roundabout,” says Waka Kotahi. “Signal left when you pass the exit before the one you want.”

The Ōtorohanga District Council understands many of their older drivers may require medication and want locals to be informed. According to Waka Kotahi, one in four prescription medications can cause impairment while driving. Medications such as strong painkillers, depression medication, heart medication and many more have the ability to cause impairment. Check with your doctor or health provider if the medication you’re on may cause driving impairment.

To ensure you’re driving safely and knowledgably on the road, you can take a Staying Safe course. Information around these can be found at your local Age Concern office. The Ōtorohanga District Council can also provide further information. Visit their website at www.otodc.govt.nz. Or, give them a call on 0800 734 000.

Diverse Design

Diverse Design, (Also known as DDL Architecture) is an experienced team of Architectural Designers based in Hamilton, Waikato.

Our team has extensive experience in both residential and commercial building designs. Plus, we can take care of preparing your project’s building consents for Council lodgement and Council liaison.

Diverse Design Ltd is a team of talented professionals who work alongside their clients every step of the way on each project. We apply artistic engineering and construction skills to design commercial buildings and bespoke residential homes.

Diverse Design is just that, diverse. We’re open-minded to different styles, sustainable ideas and alternative building solutions. We understand no two clients are the same, ideas and budgets vary and we treat each client and job individually. We take the time to establish what you want and deliver the best solution and style for you.

Diverse Design is just that, diverse. We’re very open-minded to different styles, sustainable ideas and alternative building solutions.

Our goal is to provide the highest quality architectural design and drafting services. We’ve been involved in many multi-million dollar residential and commercial design projects and are proud to bring all this experience to your next project.

Under the guidance of our Founder James Cusiel, who has a reputation for providing quality work and a friendly and professional manner, the team have been given great opportunities to be involved in large-scale projects. This has allowed James to continue to grow the company’s portfolio.

The whole team welcome new clients and are ready to help make your dream project a reality with our clever designs.

Services

Commercial Design

Maximise your commercial investment with smart design. Our team are experienced in multi-use commercial layout and can often bring ideas to the table you may not have considered.

Documentation Drafting

Documentation requirements can be confusing and can cost you more if you don’t understand the system. We can take care of all aspects of documentation required for council consents for you.

Residential Design

From multi dwelling residential complexes to bespoke holiday homes, our design process means we take your ideas and craft them into a clever concept.

Pre-Design

Assisting with the formulation of a brief, bulk and location, evaluation of properties, resource consent applications, arranging land surveys and geotechnical reports.

Bulk & Location

The main purpose of a Bulk & Location study is to assess what can be achieved on-site.

Consent Documentation

Coordination of consultants, detailed construction documentation, comprehensive specifications, colour schemes, Material Specification, building consent applications.

Working Drawings

Full detailed drawings suitable for Council building consent submission.

Council Liaison

We can create and submit all of your consents to the council on your behalf, making adjustments as required.

Construction Documentation & Administration.

Contact us

07 849 8184 admin@diversedesign.co.nz www.diversedesign.co.nz

Vision becomes a reality with Landmark Homes Waikato

After canvassing every major builder in her local area, it wasn’t until Shefali and her husband met with the Landmark Homes Waikato team. The couple instinctively knew they had finally found the perfect home-building company to help bring their vision to life.

Shefali knew she wanted to work with someone who would take the time to truly understand her concept while also having the confidence to deliver an exceptional home while keeping true to the brief. Thankfully she found all that and more the moment she met with Landmark’s Waikato and Hamilton New Home Consultant Amanda Webber.

“Building a house is such an emotional journey,” Shefali says. “Communication is important. You need to trust and relate to the people you are working with, and Landmark Homes helped us do just that.”

With four bedrooms, including two master bedrooms, two separate living areas and 2.5 bathrooms provides space and privacy for all the family. This exquisitely detailed single-level 270m2 Design and Build Landmark home was made complete with Shefali’s flare for eye-catching interior design details that perfectly complement the stunning exterior.

Bespoke handmade Belgium bricks juxtaposed against different shades of Linear and Vulcan exterior cladding provide a real wow factor and offer a sense of grounded urban luxury. The beautifully

A hidden scullery is a neat feature that keeps the kitchen tidy while the open-plan living space is light-filled thanks to high ceilings, thoughtfully placed skylights and oversized window joinery that flows seamlessly to an outdoor area complete with a spa.

The earthy interior tones contrasted with splashes of colour, tactile detailing in the tiling and bespoke wallpaper, walls adorned with unique art, and the delicately handcrafted terracotta light fixtures above the kitchen bench offer a sense of earthy cohesion.

The results of this stunningly designed and crafted home are a testament to the exceptional quality and workmanship for which Landmark Homes is well-known, all within Shefali’s strict budget.

“Anybody can build four walls,” Shefali says. “But the workmanship from Landmark Homes has been incredible. So many people have come through our home, and everyone has commented on the quality of the build.”

So would Shefali recommend building with Landmark Homes to others?”

“Yes, absolutely! To whoever is thinking of building, I would recommend Landmark Homes,” Shefali says. “I love my house. I love everything about it.”

Are you ready to turn your vision into reality with your very own Design and Build Landmark Home? Contact the Landmark Homes Waikato team to see how we can help you achieve your dream today!

With a piece of land ready to be built upon and a clear vision in mind, Shefali Pawar knew precisely the type of new home she wanted to design and build.

detailed Belgium bricks continue inside, lining the interior wall and feature above the fireplace in the striking sunken lounge, kitchen and dining area, which offers sanctuary from the busy Hamilton suburb outside.

THINGS

Work with Landmark Homes.

Unbeatable experience

Landmark Homes was founded by Debbie and Paul Clarke 45 years ago. Their knowledge and expertise saw Landmark grow from a small Tauranga-based company into an award-winning nationwide business. Right from the beginning, Debbie and Paul established a construction and quality control protocol that all Landmark Homes franchisees still adhere to today.

We believe a home built by Landmark Homes should last a lifetime. That’s why we have a rigorous quality control procedure to make sure our buildings stand the test of time.

The team at Landmark Homes Waikato is passionate about building amazing homes and seeing their clients’ dreams come true. This highly experienced team can oversee unique designs and help explain the building process to their clients by helping them though the design process. Landmark Homes builds unique and individually designed homes to suit each client’s needs and dreams.

Our quality guarantee

Since the 1950s, do-it-yourself or DIY projects have become a growing part of the Kiwi lifestyle. Our number eight wire mentality coupled with a fiercely independent attitude have crafted a DIY culture, and it’s yours for the taking.

DIY home improvements, in particular, involve fixing, renovating or adding to a house without the expense of professional contractors.

Many homeowners may have a basic understanding of how to use common tools and complete general tasks, and for small projects this is often enough because giving your home a spruce up may be as simple as slapping on some paint or throwing up some curtains.

For the DIYer, the internet is a hive of information. Websites containing links, videos, pictures or audio of some basic projects can enable you to capitalise on the expertise of others.

For the building project, major stores such as Bunnings Warehouse or Mitre 10 offer online brochures and ‘how to’ guides to simplify the process, and staff are trained in what tools are best for what job.

While just about everything looks good with a paint job, the colour you use, the type of paint needed and the tips and tools necessary to add quality to the job may make the difference between a good job and one that was best before it was started.

Major paint stores such as Resene offer colour consulting services and pamphlets on just about every type of paint job, the tools to use, instruction manuals and what paint system to use on what substrate. Note to self: test pots are always the way to go!

Landscaping advice can be obtained from most leading garden supply stores and magazines such as Home and Garden can prove invaluable when it comes to planning your dream garden.

For the truly passionate, most areas offer DIY classes or more in-depth courses. Community education centres are often a good source, as are local colleges or tertiary institutes. Or you may discover a friend knows how to re-wire a house, or simply has a way with colour consulting, while you are the master of plumbing – and then everyone wins. The best advice is to start simple, get advice and very soon you could have the house of your dreams, for a dream price.

Mini-makeover

Remodelling a room can be a big undertaking for the inexperienced DIYer. But even a mini-makeover can be just what you need to spruce up a room or two.

The bedroom is always a good place to start. Often thought to be the sanctuary of the home, it has the ability to refresh your mind, body and soul.

The first thing to do before the mini-makeover of any room is to de-clutter. The second thing to look at is colour; a powerful tool which can shape moods and emotions and there are many variations of the basic colours.

Some colours are more appropriate for particular rooms within a house and should be treated with care. Blue for example, is a calming, relaxing and healing colour, which would be perfect for a bedroom. Yellow known for stimulating mental activity would be great in a study, but its ability to keep our minds switched on means it may not be so favourable in a bedroom.

You may prefer to stick to neutral colours. These allow you to jazz up and change the feel of the room with just some new cushions or a throw rug, think deep warm reds cushions in winter or cooling blue or green hues in summer.

When decorating an area, the complementary colours and their variations should be remembered and combined with our main choice of colour by way of soft furnishings and art works.

Changing handles or knobs on furniture is a simple way to update a room. Keep in mind the ‘era’ or style you want to convey in the room.

For a contemporary look add simple stainless-steel handles, or for a more traditional look consider a more opulent look of fittings.

Maybe you’re not ready for a complete over-haul of your entire house. But by adding one, some or all of these mini-makeover tips, you can get the fresh, new room you’ve been waiting for, or even just that little pick me up to get you through the winter blues.

Waikato Cranes opened in 1970. With over 40 years’ experience, Waikato Cranes services the wider Waikato region including the Coromandel Peninsula. Providing responsive crane hire services to diverse clients in the region, Waikato Cranes has become the go-to crane hire provider for manufacturing, building and farming clients.

Big brands, best value

Trowel Trade Supa Centre Hamilton have been in Hamilton now for 14 years. We are a specialist trade store and we cater to the needs of anyone that uses a trowel. In effect, we are their “home base” or “one-stop shop”.

The Trowel Trade brand is a growing brand within New Zealand’s building supply industry, with a chain of branches throughout the North and South Island under franchise. So, you know you can depend on us being a local business that we are right there on your doorstep to help.

We have experienced owners across the franchises that search and source new innovative products internationally, so that we can keep our product offer as up-to-date as possible. With strong relationships with our suppliers, we can offer you great products and good prices (big brands, best value).

From brick and blocklayers, concreters, landscapers, plasterers, tilers, roofers, civil to specialist concrete repairs, we pride ourselves heavily on not only our product offer, but also the knowledge that is the backbone of our advice we can offer.

From compounds to trowels or tools to wheelbarrows and machinery – we have it all. No project is ever too big or too small!

Trades we supply include but aren’t limited to:

• Interior, drywall plasterers (gib stoppers)

• Exterior, solid plasterers

• Concrete and brick and blocklayers

• Tilers and waterproofers

• Painting and decorators.

Being locally owned and managed, we can move very quickly to bring a “new” product in for a client, rather than get hampered by the typical “head office policies” other businesses are frustrated by. At the end of the day, our view is that this frustration can then become the customers and that is not how we do business.

From brick and blocklayers, concreters, landscapers, plasterers, tilers, roofers, civil to specialist concrete repair, we pride ourselves heavily on not only our product offer, but also the knowledge that is the backbone of our advice we can offer.

We pride ourselves on our service promise to our customers, as we provide services with quick delivery - “you ring, we bring” and “we will because we can”.

So, whether your project is extensive to small, you can count on us to play our part in the supply of the right product.

Our Hamilton based team is friendly, communicates well, has a lot of knowledge and experience with all things that need a trowel, and has strong workmanship. We complete tasks to the best of our abilities.

Don’t feel afraid to ask us for help. Our team provides great service and quality products at great affordable prices that you’ll want to come back.

Trowel Trades Supa Centre Hamilton is located at 10 Karewa Place, Pukete, Hamilton, Waikato.

Opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 7am until 5pm. Saturday from 8am until 12pm. Sunday is closed.

Give the team a call at (07) 849 3659, head to the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/troweltradesnz or make an online enquiry on the website www.troweltrades.co.nz/trowel-trades-hamilton

Come and see the team, we are here for you!

Protecting highly productive land – what it means...

Soil is vitally important to the New Zealand economy, environment and ultimately, our existence. Use of our land and soils requires careful management to maintain soil health and prevent soil related issues such as degradation.

The Government has signalled that one of the greatest challenges facing the world right now is the need to feed a growing population. Continuing to grow quality food in the volumes demanded, depends on the availability of land and the quality of the soil.

Increasing competition and pressures on physical resources has resulted in soil resource needing to be managed and protected for sustainable use. Management of soils is critical to both the economic growth of New Zealand and the continued capacity for soils to provide life-giving functions such as the provision of food, but also wastewater processing, contributing to healthy waterways and to allow efficient cropping, horticulture and agriculture for fuels and other uses. Because of this, the Government has released the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPSHPL) to take steps towards protecting rural soils as a resource.

National policy statement for highly productive land (NPS-HPL)

National Policy Statements outline central government requirements with the expectation that local and regional authorities/councils execute associated policy regulations.

The NPS-HPL came into effect on 17 October 2022 and must be considered by councils when deciding on a resource consent application. Its objective is to protect highly productive land for use in land-based primary production, both now and for future

generations. The NPS may result in changes to district plan subdivision and land development rules, decreased interference from non-rural based activities and ensuring the protection of Class 1-3 soils, creating a consistent standard across the country. Currently, local district plans refer to and individually define high quality or high-class soils.

What is a land use capability (LUC) investigation?

This is where the team at Cheal can assist. A LUC investigation will include a thorough desktop analysis, followed by an on-site field analysis and sampling of soils as required. Maps are then drafted of the development area specifying the distribution of high-class soils over the site. Once we know where the high-quality soils are, and how much is present, we can determine the next steps for you. A LUC report can be included in a resource consent application.

So, now you have your LUC report – what next? Cheal offers the expertise of our experienced planners, surveyors and engineers who will advise and help manage the potential of your proposed development or subdivision.

Cheal team

With a history spanning 80 years, Cheal is a multi-disciplinary consultancy offering in-house expertise across the fields of civil engineering, surveying, resource management planning and terrestrial and metrology grade laser scanning. With offices in Hamilton, Taupo, Taumarunui, Rotorua, Ohakune, and Napier, our team works collaboratively to deliver your project from initial scoping and consent stage, through to completion.

We know the region, we talk your language and we understand the complexities around rural land development.

If you want to work with a team that will put your interests first, contact Scott Walker – Hamilton Regional Manager on 07 858 4564.

engineers | surveyors | planners

Celebrating Life - Your Way

When a funeral is personalised, it creates a special space for sharing precious memories, telling stories, and simply being together with friends and family.

The team at Rosetown Funeral Home are dedicated to providing personalised and meaningful funeral services, and are happy to discuss new ideas, pre-planning and/or pre-paying for your funeral. We are here for you in your time of need, so please get in touch anytime to discuss your options.

Rosetown Funeral Home proudly serves the people of Te Awamutu, Ōtorohanga and the surrounding areas.

Looking to list your property? Here’s how to get started

By Jen Baird, chief executive of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ).

Typically, spring is seen as an ideal time to bring a property to market — particularly as many people look to make their buying plans this side of Christmas. Here’s what to think about as you look to list your property.

As we head into the warmer months, the market cycle tends to see more listings and an increase in buyer demand.

It is important to find a real estate professional who can deliver a standout marketing campaign, advise you on key steps for getting your property ready to list, and who will tell you what you need to know throughout the selling process.

Research is key

Using a real estate salesperson can result in a more effective sale than selling privately. They will handle the details of the marketing and sales process, the cut and thrust of the negotiation or auction, and you can rest assured that you’re protected throughout the process by their expertise and requirements under the Real Estate Agents Act.

To find the right person for you, ask around; talk to family, friends and neighbours and see if they have any recommendations on real estate salespeople they have previously used and whom they had a good experience with.

It’s also fundamental to understand where the market is today before you head into the selling process. Doing some of your own research is vital, however, you can rely on your salesperson to bring expertise.

Salespeople have the time, access to the latest data and market information, and advise on exactly what is happening in your market for your type of property. Having honest conversations with your real estate salesperson will enable you to understand the current market and the best approach for selling your home.

Honesty is the best policy

A real estate professional will help to manage your price expectations with the latest statistics, their knowledge of the current market, the local area, what properties are attracting the most attention and why, the current levels of attendance at open homes, and more.

They should also explain what they will do behind the scenes to ensure the best possible outcome for you.

They can advise you on the best way to present your property for sale including aspects such as required maintenance, tidying up of gardens, decluttering, or home-staging.

With these factors come costs, and your real estate professional should ensure you are aware of the aspects you may need to invest in when selling

your home so there are no surprises, and so you can factor this into your budget.

Look for a salesperson who can demonstrate knowledge of your local area and community, ideally with a network of potential buyers, as this can help ensure your property is best positioned and marketed to the right people.

Make sure you understand what a salesperson’s commission fee is. While fees do vary by agency, our advice is that choosing a salesperson on commission alone could lead to losing a significant amount of money by achieving a lower price for the property.

The Real Estate of Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) is a champion for a world-class real estate profession delivering the best possible real estate services to New Zealanders.

Choosing a REINZ real estate professional member means you are choosing someone who is supported to excel in the profession, and are trusted, skilled professionals, supported by high-quality education, advice, and uphold the best standards of practice.

It’s been a market of supply outweighing demand for several months, but as we enter spring, activity is expected to pick up — including the usual spring flurry of listings.

‘‘

Upon signing Jodi & Alan up to market and sell our property, we knew we had made the right choice in agents. They made sure that we as vendors were kept right up to date throughout the whole campaign. At every stage of the process we felt fully informed. Their knowledge of the area and ability to bring the best out of our property in both print and social media marketing was superb. They were willing to go that extra mile and made themselves available to attend to viewings at a moments notice. We absolutely recommend Jodi & Alan. ’’ Vendor

Mike Toothill is an experienced local of Taupo and brings that knowledge to Bayleys.

Mike has 38 years’ worth of real estate experience and works in residential, waterfront and lifestyle real estate. He gained his Association status with the REINZ in 1994 and owned his own real estate business for several years.

Now, he brings his knowledge to Bayley’s who started back in 1973 with just three people working out of their family home in Pakuranga. Now, they have over 90 offices throughout the country and three in Fiji. Bayleys has more than 2000 staff including over 1000 sales and leasing agents.

Mike brings a level of experience and confidence for vendors and buyers, particularly in the business and commercial categories. His extensive knowledge of local real estate makes him one of the more senior members of the Taupo Bayleys team. Clients appreciate his wealth of local knowledge and his fun, easy-going personality.

He relishes starting each new day and working his extensive client base. He’s part of the team who offer expertise in the marketing and sale of a wide range of property including residential real estate,

farms and lifestyle blocks, commercial and industrial property as well as tourism and business real estate. They also manage one of the largest commercial and industrial property portfolios in New Zealand with major clients operating business ranging from sizable single venue premises in the major cities through to multiple location operations across the country.

Mike is the ultimate negotiator and works at every sale to ensure a win/win for his clients, leaving no stone unturned in trying to achieve the ultimate result for all parties involved. He offers property buyers and sellers a smarter, better choice for real estate service with his underlying passion for Lake Taupo.

Combined into a full-service organisation, no other real estate company can match Bayleys’ breadth of coverage across all market sectors throughout New Zealand.

Mike Toothill

44 Roberts Street, Taupo 021 995 428 mike.toothill@bayleys.co.nz www.bayleystaupo.co.nz

In our job, we are always helping people plan their long-term future, and here are 5 tips when you are planning your retirement.

• Kiwisaver – If you aren’t proactively investing then Kiwisaver is an absolute no-brainer when it comes to saving for your retirement. The tax benefits and employer contributions are very profitable. Look to contribute the optimum amount to make the most of these benefits.

• Downsize Strategically – We see people all the time ‘downsize’ only to find that they need to further downsize a few years later. Be realistic about your 5-10 year goals, think about things like stairs, access, gardens, proximity to public transport (should driving not be an option), is it a safe neighborhood, access to services, etc. You want to avoid selling / moving too many times.

• Retirement or lifestyle Villages -There are some very nice places that are more like luxury resorts with wonderful facilities and activities. The sooner you reside in one, the more value you will get from your upfront investment. Get on the waitlist nice and early.

• Wind down slowly – Don’t just rush from working 6 days a week to 0 days. Ease yourself into retirement. Map out a plan of things you would like to do, don’t compromise on the things that truly make you happy. Keep busy! Join clubs, volunteer, do some consulting on committees. Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.

• Managing Assets – If you haven’t already, you should create a will. Get good legal advice and set it up right.

Heappeys selling Turangi since 1974

Maurice’s family has been part of the Turangi Community since 1966. His parents were one of the first milk vendors to service the Southern Lake Taupo area.

In 1974 Maurice’s father Jim, started selling real estate and the Heappey name has been synonymous with real estate in the area since then.

Educated firstly in Turangi, Maurice is also a proud Old Boy of Huntley School, Marton and Palmerston North Boys’ High School. Maurice has retained and strengthened his relationships from this era and in fact, many of these families have owned holiday homes in the Southern Lake area.

Having had experience in both the ski and boating industry, which affords him a broad spectrum of contacts, Maurice set up Turangi Boat Storage in 1984 and still runs this business today.

Maurice is married, has an adult daughter and they enjoy living on an equestrian life style property. An avid snow skier, road and mountain biker, he loves living in the Central Plateau as it is ideal to pursue these interests.

He has an exceptional network of contacts and enjoys promoting the attributes that the Southern Lake Taupo region proudly offers.

Maurice is brimming at the seams with solid advice, expert local knowledge and a sound understanding of all things property –from Commercial Investments through to Lifestyle Blocks and Businesses to Residential.

He looks forward to meeting existing and new customers and assisting them in the next stage of their real estate life.

“Heappeys selling Turangi since 1974”

Phone: 07 386 8686 Email: maurice@bayleysturangi.co.nz

Living locally in the Hinuera Valley on their family dairy farm Glenda and her husband Mark have loved the locality and raising their children within the area. Glenda brings to her role many years of experience from living and working alongside her husband, Mark, as a dairy farmer, also having completed her National Certificate in Agribusiness Management during this time. Glenda has been selling lifestyle and residential properties for a few years and enjoys being of service to her community in her role at Bayleys Matamata.

Glenda was born and raised in South Africa and moved to Matamata in 1997. Her working life has been varied, starting as a legal secretary doing conveyancing work, then working her way up to the role of a registrar within the Labor court system in South Africa. She then took up a position in an optometry firm, qualifying as a contact lens technician and subsequently as a dispensing optician, working in the optical field for 20 years.

Deciding on a change of career in 2006, qualifying as a real estate sales agent, and after a break away to raise her family she re-licensed in real estate and joined the Bayleys brand. Her background as a Dispensing Optician and working experience as a registrar in the Labor court system enables her to approach her role with great empathy and attention to detail, delivering exceptional results to her vendors.

Hamilton Panel Works

Welcome to Hamilton Panel Works, we are collision repair specialists, complete insurance work for all major insurance companies, and have a range of courtesy vehicles available.

Established in 1942, we have been operating in Hamilton for over 77 years. We have also belonged to the Motor Body Builders Association, presently called the Collision Repair Association (CRA) since 1951.

Our friendly and experienced team will get you back up and running quickly and you can be satisfied knowing you had the best guys to do the job. It has taken many years to build up our solid reputation around the region and we are immensely proud of the team and company as a whole.

You can count on us for cost effective, professional repairs that are completed on time with an excellent quality of work.

No matter the type of vehicle or its condition, we will help you get it back on the road in time.

Let’s face it, getting damage to your car to any capacity can be a stressful, costly and annoying pain. At Hamilton Panel Works,

we’ve been in the business so long that we know exactly what to do in a number of scenarios, we’ve seen it all meaning we can help you get through the process in the most stressful way possible.

Approved Insurance Repairer

We are a member of the New Zealand Collision Repair Association (NZCRA) as well as one of Hamilton’s recommended approved repairers for a number of insurance companies including:

• AA

• Aig

• Allianz

• Autosure

• Co-op

• Farmers Mutual

• Gallagher Basset

• IAG: AMI, AON, Lantern, Lumley

• Medical Assurance

• Monument

• QBE

• Sureplan

• Smartpak

• Tower.

So, come get a quote from us or contact us directly.

07 847 8023 info@hamiltonpanelworks.co.nz

Celebrating Life -

When a funeral is personalised, it creates a special space for sharing precious memories, telling stories, and simply being together with friends and family.

Rosetown Funeral Home are dedicated to providing personalised and meaningful funeral services.

Jim Goddin JP and Helen Carter Funeral Directors

Expert advice on technology

At Harmony Tech we are here to make your life easy. Audio Visual technology is complex and is more so when combined with diverse systems for the internet, alarms, security cameras and the rest.

We take all that complexity and electronic diversity and turn it into one simple, easy to use system.

To make your quoting life easier we have audio visual and security packages for ‘new homes’. You can insert any or all into a quote for potential clients and know that you’re covered. We give you a 100% guarantee, that our systems will work easily and flawlessly.

We take your clients through a comprehensive and detailed process to ensure they receive the best possible system for their needs. From concept through to completion, including updates along the way, their system is competently put together. They end up with their ideal home tech working brilliantly and effortlessly.

A typical home system can include home theatre, Multiroom Audio and Video systems, home hub central star wiring centre, home networking, intrusion alarms, security cameras, Wi-Fi access

points, remote control systems and lighting/automation control. All need to be seamlessly configured and work together for maximum usability in the home.

We also take care of commercial properties offering 100V line audio and PA systems, security cameras and intrusion alarms. A recent project was the “Hops on Hood” in Hamilton. We completed a full indoor/outdoor speaker system for the bar with three areas of separate volume control for inside, outside and a live sound stage. It required full integration with online services and easy to manage controls for all staff. They also required a full intrusion alarm with two areas for arming and a complete camera system for their security needs.

Call Harmony Tech for expert advice on technology in the home or business 027 489 6866.

Established in 2013 with the goal of delivering innovative electrical solutions supported by excellent customer service, Action Electrical has quickly become a leader in its field.

“Here at Action Electrical we pride ourselves on being recognised leaders in the electrical industry. We’re an innovative company who strive to ensure our clients get the best service possible,” says Sam Needham.

The team of 20 has extensive experience throughout the whole electrical industry – over 100 years collectively.

“Providing all of our clients with superb quality and services is what our reputation is built upon, as well as being able to offer a wide range of specialist expertise, quality and efficiency.

“Our team at Action have extensive experience though out the whole electrical industry, we have over 100 years’ of knowledge in the industry. At Action Electrical no job is too small or too big. “We provide a complete electrical solution, we are specialists in industrial, commercial, rural and domestic. No electrical job is too complex for the team at Action Electrical.”

Action Electrical is based out of Te Kuiti (head office) and Taupo. Visit: www.actionelectrical.co.nz

Leaders in quality industrial, domestic and commercial electrical work

Industrial

• Dairy shed installation & maintenance

• Meat work processing plants

• Timber processing plants

• Agricultural plants & quarries

• Thermal imaging

• All Factories

• PLC programming

• Automation

• Switch board design & build.

Domestic

• New homes

• Renovations

• General wiring

• Re-wiring.

Commercial

• Motels/Hotels

• Retail shops

• Commercial buildings

• Restaurants.

At the height of construction

INTAKS is lighter- the INTAKS aluminium scaffold system is considerably lighter than steel. It takes far less time, truck tonnage and manpower to put up and pack down.

Faster- a building site is more accessible when using INTAKS scaffolding systems. Lower walls, wide spans and clear ground space allow multiple trades to work simultaneously. The site progresses more quickly, and tighter build schedules can be achieved.

Why clients choose us?

Whether you are a home owner, property developer, construction company or contract builder – we are able to help with professional advice if your project involves working at height.

Our scaffolding

INTAKS award winning systems will save you time and money. Quick to install and with over 15 different configurations, these light and highly configurable systems will make your build go smoothly. Our systems are perfect for property developers – they allow for tight build schedules due to multiple trades being able to work at once, and maintenance brackets can be a bonus for future home owners.

Flexible- one system, 15+ different configurations. Designed to be simple to set-up and easy to adjust, INTAKS scaffold working platforms adapt to any job or terrain.

Our friendly, professional and knowledgeable team has experience working on jobs in all different scopes and sizes, so you can reassured that whatever the job- we will get it done right. Contact us today and request a quote, we would love to help you out.

Unlocking Build to Rent housing

The Property Council, whose members are some of New Zealand’s largest property developers, owners and investors, has come out in support of the government’s Build to Rent tax exemption boost.

Property Council New Zealand chief executive, Leonie Freeman, says the initiative could mark a key turning point towards unlocking the potential of Build to Rent.

“Our members share the government’s view that enabling Build to Rent will provide warm, dry rental homes that offer Kiwis long-term security of tenure.

“It is encouraging to see that the government has listened to our sector and acknowledged Build to Rent as a unique property asset class.

“The government’s announcement is a major step towards boosting New Zealand’s emerging Build to Rent sector.

“Build to Rent will transform the experience of renting in New Zealand.

“Property Council research shows that our members stand poised to deliver over 25,000 Build to Rent homes in the next decade, with the right policy settings.

“Build to Rent refers to multi-unit residential developments, typically located in city centres within walking distance of key transport links.

“These developments are professionally managed, with brilliant amenities available onsite, offering residents bespoke lifestyle options for as long as they want to stay.

“By enabling Build to Rent, the property sector will be able to deliver thousands of new high-quality, high-density rental houses, supporting New Zealand’s urban intensification and climate ambitions.

“Kiwis will hopefully soon have many choices to access to a warm, dry and climate friendly Build to Rent home.

“Over the past 18 months, the Property Council has been working closely with the government to highlight the untapped potential of Build to Rent and explain the legislative actions required to enable it.

“As part of this, we have collaboratively resolved the unintended consequences of last year’s interest deductibility changes.

“While the announcement has been a fantastic step in the right direction, there are a few remaining speedbumps to truly unlock the concept.

“For Build to Rent to flourish, access to large institutional investment via the overseas investment act and commercial depreciation is also required.

“The Property Council looks forward to continuing our engagement with the government to support the roll out of the world’s fastest growing residential sector in Aotearoa.”

Better than the best

go Elite

The name on everyone’s lips when it comes to excellent rental management and top service for clients is Rachel Hogben of Elite Rental Management.

Rachel is known for her strict yet professional and friendly management style ensuring your rental property is in safe hands, making your investment work for you, without any stress.

Managing a range of properties across Te Awamutu, Kihikihi and Pirongia, Rachel is honest and reliable, with a strong attention to detail. Nothing gets missed by Rachel, which shows her experience of nearly 20 years in the Real Estate industry.

Established in 2011, Elite Rental Management is a name synonymous with professionalism and for bringing in reliable tenants. Finding the right tenant for the right property is crucial for any landlord, and just one of the reasons why Elite Rental Management is respected for their work.

Offering full management along with free rental appraisals, Rachel operates seven days a week. An intricate knowledge

and adherence to the Residential Tenancies Act ensures professionalism for both her clients and their tenants.

A Member of the Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce, Rachel welcomes any enquiry and is happy to have the opportunity to discuss how you can work together.

Keep it simple from the beginning, and ensure peace of mind, with a comprehensive property management package tailored to your needs, making sure you get a steady income from your property.

Elite Rental Management is committed to, and recognised for, providing efficient and cost-effective management services.

Ensuring only the best of care, on-time inspections, regular reporting and efficient handling of any issues. Put your trust in Rachel from Elite Rental Management who values your property, like it was her own.

Rachel Hogben

Elite Rental Management 021 247 2441

rachel@eliterentalmanagement.co.nz www.eliterentalmanagement.co.nz

Harcourts Hamilton Rentals

Fast forward to now and we are working in a heavily legislated rental market, no longer is the DIY approach going to work for people. You might get a good tenant and things run well but we see the other side when it didn’t go well and the person wasn’t equipped with the knowledge to deal with it.

A focus on better communication and education for owners and work-life balance for the team were the key parts of the strategic direction of the business.

In the lowly regulated environment and with the kiwi DIY culture it was the norm for many property investors to self manage, a contrast to the highly regulated Australian market of the time.

So, setting up a business that focused on getting the best returns for investors who chose to use professional services was key.

To do this, the first focus had to be the team, making sure that the property to staff ratio was low, the team was taken care of and technology was used to streamline processes, freeing up staff time for the personal contact aspect of the job. People are the core of everything we do and people require time.

This is why we have two property managers per property so our owners, tenants and contractors always have someone to speak to who knows the property. With staff absences due covid, this approach has proved its worth with an average arrears rate of under 0.2%, vacancy of under 1% and 2.4 days between tenancies over the last 2.5 years.

The Harcourts values of people first, doing the right thing, being courageous, fun and laughter are at the core of everything we do from dealing with owners, contractors and tenants. This has led to New Zealanders voting Harcourts as the most trusted real estate brand for the last 10 years.

We are now in an era where professional property management is a must if you want to get the return your investment property should be giving you, saving a few dollars a week to do it yourself could cost you thousands in the long run.

At Hamilton rentals, the team consistently focuses on being 1% better every day which has led to them winning the number one team in the Harcourts group for both regional and national awards. When service is your focus everything else in the business must align to steer towards that goal.

To find out how you can maximise the return on your investment contact our qualified team today.

We are now in an era where professional property management is a must if you want to get the return your investment property should be giving you, saving a few dollars a week to do it yourself could cost you thousands in the long run.

Harcourts Hamilton Rentals was started in 2009 from a desire to change the way property management was done.

Super savings with SuperGold

SuperGold helps you stretch your money further, offering instant discounts, special offers on everyday essentials and more. Explore the many ways you could save locally and nationwide.

What is the SuperGold Card?

SuperGold - or the ‘gold card’ as some people know it - gives you golden opportunities to stretch your money further. There are thousands of instant discounts and special offers. You will find all sorts of ways to make instant savings every day near you across New Zealand and in Australia.

The card gives you:

• Instant savings on everyday essentials like electricity, insurance, food and healthcare

• Discounts on entertainment, travel and in retail stores

• High value special offers

• Free off-peak public transport.

Getting the SuperGold Card

Getting an automatic SuperGold Card

Once your New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension has been granted, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will automatically send your SuperGold Card in the mail. This usually only takes a few weeks, but you may have to wait a month or two if you apply for New Zealand Superannuation prior to your 65th birthday.

SuperGold is one way the New Zealand government and business communities can say ‘thank you’ or ‘tēnā rawa atu koe’ to older New Zealanders for the work they have done raising families, supporting communities and contributing to Aotearoa.

Applying for a SuperGold Card

If you do not receive or are not eligible to receive New Zealand Superannuation, you can still apply for a SuperGold Card. You must be 65+ years old and be a New Zealand resident. Simply fill in the SuperGold Card application and return it to us.

Call: 0800 25 45 65 (Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm) Email: information@supergold.govt.nz

SuperGold Centre PO Box 5054 Wellington 6145 www.supergold.govt.nz

Veteran SuperGold

Veteran SuperGold is a specially branded SuperGold Card to recognise service to our country in the Armed Forces.

Once your Veteran’s Pension has been granted, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will automatically send your SuperGold Card in the mail. This usually only takes a few weeks, but you may have to wait a month or two if you apply for New Zealand Superannuation prior to your 65th birthday.

Get the SuperGold app

The fast and easy way to find discounts and offers when you’re out and about is to use the SuperGold app. If you have a smartphone or tablet, download the SuperGold app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Office for Seniors

The Office for Seniors is working to improve the lives of older people across New Zealand. Their website and regular email newsletter provide helpful information, news, and stories for older people. Visit: www.officeforseniors.govt.nz

Call: 0800 25 45 65 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm)

Email: information@supergold.govt.nz

Frequently asked questions about SuperGold

Can I use my SuperGold Card to travel free on public transport?

Yes. Most areas off-peak is usually 9am to 3pm and from 6.30pm to the end of service on weekdays, and any time on weekends and public holidays. In most areas you will also need a smart card from the Regional Council to access free off-peak travel.

How do I order a replacement card?

If your SuperGold Card is lost, stolen, damaged or if you change your name, call or email us to order a replacement card. You will need to let us know your full name, date of birth, current residential and postal address and SuperGold Card client number if you have one (found on the back of your SuperGold Card). You should receive a replacement card within three weeks – free of charge.

When will I receive my SuperGold Card?

You will be automatically issued a SuperGold Card when you’re granted New Zealand Superannuation or a Veteran’s Pension or a main benefit at age 65 or over.

Your New Zealand Superannuation will need to be approved at least three weeks before turning age 65 if you wish to receive your SuperGold Card by your 65th birthday.

Is SuperGold connected to my New Zealand Superannuation?

Once your New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension has been granted, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will automatically send your SuperGold Card in the mail.

If you do not receive or are not eligible to receive New Zealand Superannuation, you can still apply for a SuperGold Card.

What if I am already receiving a main

benefit?

If you are turning 65 and receiving a main benefit from the Ministry of Social Development, your SuperGold Card will arrive at least three weeks after you are granted New Zealand Superannuation on your 65th birthday.

If you are not applying for New Zealand Superannuation then you will need to call or email us to advise you have turned 65 so the MSD can send you a new SuperGold Card.

How does the Community Services Card work with SuperGold?

If you have a current Community Services Card at the time you are granted New Zealand Superannuation, and you may continue to qualify for a Community Services Card, you will need to complete a Community Services Card application form to get a new SuperGold/Community Services Combo Card. It will have the initials CSC on the back and an expiry date.

Your new combo card’ replaces your Community Services Card. You can use this card for both health subsidies and SuperGold discounts.

Does my SuperGold Card have an expiry date?

Since May 2010, the only SuperGold cards with an expiry date are those which double as both a Community Services Card and SuperGold Card. These ‘combo cards’ have an expiry date because entitlement to a Community Services Card can change over time.

If the back of your card includes an expiry date (EXP) and this date has expired, call 0800 25 45 65 or email information@ supergold.govt.nz to arrange a replacement card.

Can I still get SuperGold if I am not a resident?

If you are not normally a resident in New Zealand and do not intend to stay here, you will not qualify to receive a SuperGold Card.

Information provided courtesy of and copyrighted to the Ministry of Social Development: www.supergold.govt.nz.

www.supergold.govt.nz

I don’t want a fuss

By Gillian Boyes, Funeral Directors Association CEO.

Shortly after I began in this role I spoke to my parents about their wishes for a funeral.

“I don’t want a fuss,” said my mum. “And it’s so expensive,” dad added.

It’s a common refrain and as a newcomer to the industry was one I was initially challenged to respond to. But over the last few months I’ve come to understand why some kind of farewell is essential to those of us left behind.

Some of the early healing can help when you’re preparing for a funeral

Going through old photos and reminiscing and sharing stories can be a powerful way to remember the significance of the life of your loved one. There will be laughter as well as tears and it can be an important bonding time for your family.

An ‘event’ helps a family move through the grief process

The funeral ‘event’ can help you begin to acknowledge the reality that someone in your life has died. Grief is a biological reaction, and it can be externalised though the event –something that will help with your immediate and future mental wellbeing.

Funerals help us recall and remember – and even learn about a loved one

How many times have you sat through a funeral eulogy and realised you didn’t know a certain fact about someone? Sharing unique memories and stories helps provide support to all those who attend.

They can involve people near and far

Many funeral homes now offer livestreaming of services reducing the cost and burden on physically attending.

Traditional, scripted services are no longer the norm

Modern funerals are personalised and can encompass whatever a family needs to help them farewell their loved one in a meaningful way. Venues these days, for instance, range from churches and chapels to sports clubs, theatres, or the local club. And families are encouraged to add their own touches and tributes – both to save money but to also make it meaningful for them.

Your needs are just as important as those of the person who died

Finally, people often think they must ‘respect a person’s wishes’. But what about your own? You’re the one left behind so it’s important for you and your own wellbeing that you get that chance to say goodbye, and to have support around you.

If you genuinely fear disrespecting their wishes, have ‘that’ conversation. It doesn’t have to be morbid or difficult – after all you’ll be talking to the person you love most, and they’ll understand you will need help to carry on without them.

Luckily, my parents were already planning to use a Funeral Directors Association member so I don’t have to have that conversation. But with my new found knowledge I’ve also been able to talk to them about what I need from the funeral itself. And at least a little bit of fuss is what’s right for me.

Caskets that care for your family and our planet

Buying a casket for you or your loved one can be a very emotional experience. Everyone has a story and saying our final goodbyes with a vessel as beautiful as the life lived is a wonderful way to honour that.

Windsor Industries are casket manufacturers from Pahiatua, New Zealand. They strive to make the process of buying a casket just a little less hard, by caring for both New Zealand families and our beautiful environment in their work.

Love to your family…

Every family’s story is different. Windsor work hard to make sure there is an option for everyone within their range. They have the largest range of premium caskets in New Zealand, all made with love by their expert craftsmen. Their range accommodates:

Budget: Whether you want to show your respect with a premium casket, or you are looking for something more affordable, Windsor has casket options for you.

Style: Caskets range from timeless to modern, classic to colourful. There are cultural options and custom options.

Culture: Windsor offers three caskets with cultural designs. The Dorset Pāua Kowhaiwhai and Pāua Contemporary caskets use NZ Pāua in their designs. The Waka Moenga is a beautiful rosewood finish casket, hand-carved by authentic Māori carvers at the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre’s Whare Whakairo (carving studio). Its traditional Pūhoro design symbolises a speedy journey into the next realm.

Eco-friendly: Windsor’s Waterford range are New Zealand’s only caskets to be Environmental Choice NZ (ECNZ) accredited, meaning all timber used in these caskets is sourced from sustainable NZ forests; best practises are used when felling and milling pine; adhesives, stains and sealers are all non-toxic; strict Health & Safety guidelines are met; and waste-to-landfill and power consumption are minimised. Furthermore, the Waterford and Dorset ranges are suitable for natural burials.

Love to our planet…

In addition to Windsor’s ECNZ accreditation, and their natural burial options, Windsor works to care for our environment through:

Reclaimed river rimu: This timber has been lying at the bottom of streams and rivers since the first NZ settlers harvested the Rimu. These logs never made it to the mills; instead they laid under water for 100 years or more. During this time they have taken on the greyish green hues of the stream.

Now, the timber is recovered and dried, ready for Windsor’s beautiful River Rimu caskets. They are the only casket manufacturers to use this reclaimed Rimu.

Recycled solid timber: Some of the Rimu harvested in NZ cannot be used in the building industry because it is too knotty. It is beautiful timber with a lot of character. This waste product is recycled to make their toxin-free Recycled Rimu Dorset caskets

Fire briquettes: Windsor have invested in special equipment that compresses their waste timber shavings into wood briquettes, to be used as firewood. These are 100% natural timber and non-toxic.

Supporting trees that count: Windsor Industries are supporting the replanting of many natives trees by working with “Trees That Count” to donate a native tree as a living memorial for each of the families who choose one of Windsor’s solid timber caskets. These trees are planted in NZ reserves on behalf of the families of the deceased. Since 2020, Windsor have funded over 1000 living memorials.

Check out the Windsor range online at windsorindustries.co.nz or call 06 376 6499 to chat to one of the team.

Windsor Industries do not sell direct to the end user. Ask your local funeral director about acquiring one of these caskets.

The most fitting tribute

Owned and operated by Nathan Martin, Taupo Monumental creates customised memorial headstones and plaques.

Since opening its doors in 1979 the firm has earned respect for its perception and craft in the Taupō district as well as in the wider communities the business serves.

Nathan had an early introduction to the monumental mason business. At 14 his stepfather passed away and when Nathan and his mum visited a Hamilton monumental company to arrange his memorial, the owner took an immediate liking to young Nathan and offered him an after school job cleaning memorials in the cemetery.

Fast forward to 2015, wherein Nathan was offered the chance to purchase Taupō Monumental. Unsurprisingly, he seized the opportunity to take on this well-established business.

Located in the central North Island Taupō Monumental can deliver and, using a network of trusted sister companies, can install memorials throughout New Zealand and, on request, to the Pacific Islands.

We are specialists in memorial work and offer a wide range of styles from traditional memorials and plaques to bespoke one-off creations. It can be an emotional and sensitive time, we understand this and

with your loved ones in mind they work with you, to your budget to create the most fitting tribute.

Taupō Monumental services the following areas: Taupō, Mangakino, Turangi, Taihape, Waiouru, Tokoroa, Putaruru, Tirau, Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, Napier, Hastings, Reporoa and Rotorua.

Qualified craftsman Monumental Mason offering:

• Customised memorials, plaques & headstones

• Lead lettering

• Decorative sandblasted glass

• Stained glass

• Natural stone specialist

• Granite, marble and sandstone

• Wide range of styles and colours – traditional or new innovative designs

• Expert advice and personalised friendly service

• Competitive pricing

• Extensive knowledge of the monument industry.

Celebrations of life

Watersons

After living and working in Wellington he arrived in Matamata where he set up his own factory making furniture and caskets.

Soon after, he bought a hearse and advertised Funeral Services in the local newspaper. He had two sons, the late Ken Waterson who was also well-known funeral director and Graeme who has been involved since he was a 17-year-old polishing caskets with his father and he would also make caskets when there was a lull in the furniture making business.

Pam and Ray Bestwick bought the Funeral business from Graeme and Fay Waterson in 1996 and are privileged to still have Graeme

and Fay Waterson involved in the Funeral Home with Graeme conducting funerals and Fay being a funeral celebrant.

Watersons Funeral Services pride themselves in tailoring the services to each individual family as all funerals are not the same. Some families prefer a traditional funeral in a church, other personalized Funeral Services or celebrations of life either are held in our Chapel or at some other venue of the families choosing as there is no set way to conduct a funeral.

We have found that families more than ever need a funeral director who can guide and support them in a down to earth and genuine way, someone who’s easy to talk to, someone who can offer fresh ideas or make suggestions that fit the family dynamics but also someone who understands the need to respect traditional values and beliefs.

Among the many things that we offer, one very important option is the ability to provide prearrangement and pre-pay services to give families peace of mind for the coming years knowing that the individuals wishes are recorded for the farewell that they have chosen.

Funeral services was established in 1922 by the late Duncan Currie Waterson who emigrated from Glasgow, Scotland at the age of 19 after completing his apprenticeship in cabinetmaking.

Stories from the past weave us into the bigger picture

Our unique experiences shape us into the people we are. Do your family and friends know the stories from your past? If not, when we die, these stories can be lost to the people who love us the most. Taking the time to record your stories and your wishes for your funeral can really help your family during a painful time of loss.

Can I plan my own funeral?

Yes, this can really help your family when the time comes! You can download an information pack from our website to get some ideas and you can record your wishes here. Alternatively, you can phone one of funeral directors, they will talk you through all your options.

Why even have a funeral?

This is a question that we get asked a lot. A good funeral not only gives us the opportunity to express our love, our grief, our support and to share our memories, but also helps us begin to come to terms with our loss. While a funeral can be a very a sad occasion, it can also be a true celebration of a life well lived.

What makes Fountains Funerals special?

The high standard of service that Fountains is known for is down to our team of funeral directors. Wendy, Rav, Ross, Brett, and Ben bring their own unique experiences, personalities and expertise to their roles. While they are all dedicated, professional individuals, it is their compassion and care for families that make them so good at what they do. They care for people in the way they would like their own loved ones to be cared for.

At Fountains, we do not take a “one size fits all” approach to funerals but help the families we care for to say goodbye to their loved one in a meaningful way. We are all unique individuals and each of our lives is like a tapestry into which the lives of the people we have touched are woven, so it makes sense to say goodbye in a way that is as special and unique as we are. Our team will really listen to you, give you the guidance and advice you need and take care of all the details.

Where should a funeral be held?

A funeral can be held anywhere - in a chapel or a church, in a private home or garden, on a beautiful beach, in clubrooms or a hall, anywhere, in fact, that has been a special part of a person's life. It doesn’t even have to be during daytime – a twilight ceremony with an array of glowing candles is amazing! We have a beautiful chapel with a capacity for 200 at our Papakura branch and our new-renovated classic bungalow in Pukekohe is perfect for more intimate farewells.

We are always happy to talk things through and answer any questions you may have, so give us a call at any time.

35 Wood Street, Papakura Ph 09 298 2957

93 Edinburgh Street, Pukekohe Ph 09 238 2221

www.fountainsfunerals.co.nz

We are all unique individuals and each of our lives is like a tapestry into which the lives of the people we have touched are woven, so it makes sense to say goodbye in a way that is as special and unique as we are.

Planning your own funer al is never an easy thing to do. However, almost ever yone says, that once they’ve taken care of these essential arr angements, a weight has been taken off their shoulder s. With premises in Papakur a and Pukekohe , we’ve been par t of the South Auckland community for over 60 year s. Whatever your choices, whatever your tr aditions, whatever your budget, the Fountains team are here to help you celebr ate the life you lived, your way. Cnr Wood

We are renovating

We are excited to be redesigning our Fountains Funerals Papakura branch with a new Chapel with top-of-the-range audio and visual technology and a modern gathering Lounge with indoor and outdoor flow, so you can still enjoy refreshments on the balcony. We are also installing a Lift for ease of access. At Fountains, we continue to provide a first-class service to our families, and this renovation will allow us to continue that legacy. We have temporary local premises and are available anytime to support our families through often what is a difficult time.

Fountains Funerals on the corner of Wood and Elliot Street was opened by Tresnor Fountain in memory of her husband Lambert R Fountain 10th November 1990, and the Fountains building has been an iconic landmark in the South Auckland community. With new state-of-the-art facilities, we can continue to hold memorable funeral services cherished by all Our Funeral Directors can provide advice and guidance that is right for you and your family. Give us a call anytime at Papakura 09 298 2957, or Pukekohe on 09 238 2221. We are always happy to help!

When a funeral is personalised, it creates a special space for sharing precious memories, telling stories, and simply being together with friends and family.

Grinter’s Funeral Home are dedicated to providing personalised and meaningful funeral services, and offer a pre-plan option, lessening the responsibilities for your family at a difficult time. You might also like to consider pre-paying for your funeral, lessening the stress on your family at a difficult time, and ensuring your wishes are

respected. A pre-paid funeral is excluded from asset testing and held independently by a third party.

Make your funeral preferences clear by calling to requesta copy of our PreArrangement form to complete or discuss pre-paying your funeral.

Jim Goddin JP Funeral Director

Grinter’s Funeral Home proudly

KOWHAI

Professional Roof Restoration

Escape the ordinary. Don’t build a house, build a Landmark.

Landmark Homes Waikato, 07 849 5565 adminwaikato@landmarkhomes co.nzz