Marlborough Magazine - December 2019 / January 2020 by TSM Marlborough

SUMMER 2019/2020

MARLBOROUGH’S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

SWEET TREATS

A LIFE LESS ORDINARY

Marlborough’s favourite ice-cream

Retirement no rest for renowned artist

THROWING THE PERFECT PARTY Tips to make you the host with the most

SUMMER 19/20

CONTENTS

8–9

F E AT U R E S 7

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN Warm summer days and fruity ice-cream

8–9

CHERRY BUSINESS BLOSSOMS Cherries are a quintessential part of a Kiwi summer and ours are the best

12–13

A LIFE LESS ORDINARY Artist, golfer, writer, Marlburian. Mike Ponder leads a rich life

32–33

BRIDGING THE AGE GAP New meets old at an intergenerational play group

14–23

REGULAR 14–23 Fashion 26–29

Things To Do

36–39

At Home

42–45 Entertainment 48–51 Food 46–47

Social Pages

57 Gardening

32–33

36–39

Totes amazing - Win a tote bag just in time for summer. Paint your own tote bag this summer with Made by Me Kits. Local company Made by Me Kits are making art accessible for everyone with their fail-proof, portable art kits that you will love. Paint a beautiful tote bag, anywhere, anytime with Made by Me Kits. We have two tote bag kits to giveaway. To be into win, just email hello@marlboroughmedia.co.nz with “Made by Me” in the subject line. Visit www.madebymekits.com to learn more.

Win your choice of a beautiful sustainable artwork. Winners choice of any small maps from www.thefurnace.co.nz. Email hello@marlboroughmedia.co.nz with “The Furnace” in the subject line and your contact details in the email and you’re in the draw to win.

Workshop/Studio 238a Queen Street, Richmond 03 544 9293 . www.rocs.co.nz

EDITOR’S NOTE

Painful, tired, heavy legs? Would you love to wear shorts again?

y season is finally here! I don’t know how my mother new that I would be a summer-time sort of person but as my name suggests, this is my time to shine. As soon as the singlets come out, the ‘sunscreen slop’ becomes a regular family gathering and BBQing is the cooking status quo, I’m in my element. All the year’s trials and triumphs seem to feel well worth it when a slow relaxation of the shoulders, a calmness in the summer air and the hint of celebrating becomes the general vibe.

CALL FOR YOUR

Our town seems to come alive, our people are out and about, smiling, laughing, feeling positive. What is not to love about summer - bar the mozzies.

COMPLIMENTARY,

What are your plans this season? Are you journeying far and wide or have you got big plans in your own back yard. Are you simply going to take it easy and soak up the sun or make a point of indulging in some of Marlborough’s activities that are there to entice you during summer? Whatever you are planning, make the most of these three months of warmth, vitamin D overdose and Marlborough flavour. Be sure to experience at least one of the fantastic events lined up in our region, or visit a place that is waiting to cater for you on a perfect summer’s day. Step out the front door and make some memories, enjoy the people around you and have a fantastic summer.

Summa

NO OBLIGATION DOCTOR’S VEIN ASSESSMENT & SCAN EDITORIAL Summa MacDonald summa@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

Walk in, walk out treatment, that’s reassuringly local!

DESIGN Jamie Kneale and Toni Woolf. CONTRIBUTORS Paula Hulburt, Kat Duggan, Adena Teka, Richard Briggs, Matt Brown, Jess Murray, Tracy Scott and Bruce Anderson.

Dr David Orsbourn MBChB, Dip Obs, FRNZCGP, FACAM Fellow New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine

ADVERTISING Rachael Hughes rachael@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

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Rosa Tate rosa@marlboroughmedia.co.nz Fruits of summer: Marlborough’s cherries are some of the sweetest and tastiest around so why not make them a cover star? Our cherries are one of many summer treats we highlight in this edition of the Marlborough Mag.

@Marlboroughmag

DISTRIBUTION Jo Blue, Wendy Abernethy PUBLISHER Marlborough Media, 52 Scott St, Blenheim www.localmedia.nz

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ADENA TEKA

Arley and Ivy Morgan know the joys of a cool ice cream cone on a hot day.

A MATCH MADE IN Words: Kat Duggan

heaven

Strawberries, ice cream and a touch of nostalgia at Hedgerows.

ou’d be hard pressed to find a better combo than strawberries and ice cream. Picture a cone, topped with swirls of frosty cold deliciousness, a blend of two Kiwi favourites; reminiscent of hot summer days gone by and those still to come. When Hannah and Clayton Morgan began work on their hydroponic strawberry farm Hedgerows, a real fruit ice cream machine was non-negotiable. “It’s just an awesome thing to have; everyone loves ice cream; it was kind of a no brainer. “It’s really awesome because if someone doesn’t want strawberries they can have ice cream,” Hannah says.

ADENA TEKA

reflecting a wide range of quality ice cream made throughout the country. Run by the New Zealand Ice Cream Manufacturers Association, more than 300 entries in the awards were judged across 13 different categories by a blind panel of independent expert food industry judges. Association representative Hannah Wood says New Zealand made ice cream and gelato is arguably the best in the world, made from top quality dairy and locally sourced ingredients.

The couple offer ice cream, yoghurt and dairy-free options in cones or sundae cups.

“It’s fantastic to see so many different ice cream makers – from smaller boutiques to large established manufacturers “It’s a real treat, I think ice cream has always – take out the coveted ‘Best been nostalgic for all of New Zealand, in Category’ trophies. It they’re nice because it has real fruit in it demonstrates the high level of and you can see it being made, the kids Hannah Morgan at Hedgerows wanted a real-fruit love it,” she says. ice cream machine at their strawberry farm. quality overall, which is great news for anyone who loves ice Utilising the ‘seconds’ from the farm in “We have more people coming out this cream and gelato,” she says. ice cream reduces waste in the business. year, and new faces. There are lots of little “With summer just around the corner, families coming out, it’s a really cool little “We have uses for every berry that comes it’s perfect timing to check out some of place,” Hannah says. through the pack house; we cut them up the award-winning ice creams, maybe fresh every year and freeze them and then Last month, New Zealand celebrated try something new, and show support put them through the machine.” Ice Cream Week, a nod to how much for local ice cream makers, suppliers and Word of the creamy goodness is spreading, we Kiwi’s love our ice cream. communities across New Zealand who with many lining up at the Rene Street farm As part of the celebration week, a series are involved in making our much-loved for their taste of summer. of NZ Ice Cream Awards were announced, frozen treat.”

Brothers, from left, Scott and Simon Bishell are proud to be carrying on the Caythorpe tradition.

FAMILY CHERRY BUSINESS

Blossoms

Cherries are a quintessential part of a Kiwi summer and the Bishell family has been making a name for itself, growing the fruit for more than 30 years. Words: Kat Duggan

RICHARD BRIGGS

hey hang from laden boughs in heavy ripeness, their glossy skins almost bursting with Marlborough sunshine. Standing in the shade of the cherry trees, a warm breeze tugging at the leaves, orchardist and viticulturist Simon Bishell feels a sense of belonging. For this is his family’s orchard, a gamble 30 years ago that saw the farm near Blenheim expand and diversify, blending old and new to create something to be proud of. Fourth generation Caythorpe Farmer Murray Bishell and his wife Diana decided to try the two new ventures during a time of economic difficulties in the 1980s. The cherry orchard was planted in 1986, followed by grapes in 1987. Both divisions are now managed by Murray and Diana’s son, Simon. “You have got to have a thick skin in this game; to be a cherry grower you need to be able to take a lot of knocks and you have to have a great attitude to life. If you don’t have a positive attitude then best don’t become a cherry grower,” Simon says.

December 2019

Cherries have been a popular addition to the Bishell family’s diverse farm.

“Mum and Dad were basically left in a position where they had two options; one was to sell the entire property, and the other was to stay on the farm but think outside the square. “To meet the financial challenges that faced them, they had to do things differently to what had been done the

last 100 years, they had to find ways of making the land more productive.” When the late David Bishell arrived in Marlborough some 140 years ago, he bought a piece of his native homeland with him. Settling in Marlborough in 1880, he purchased a 50-hectare piece of

farmland near Blenheim and named it Caythorpe, after his hometown in Lincolnshire, England. Over the years and under the watch of a further four generations, the farm has become known for its red clover, mixed cropping, Lincoln sheep and more recently, wine and cherries. At Caythorpe in Marlborough, David set to work on establishing a name for himself as a forward-thinking farmer and businessman, becoming the first farmer in New Zealand to grow red clover for seed. The acquisition of a neighbouring property in 1943 saw the farm grow to 190 hectares and diversifying the land has been one of the keys to its survival. Around the same time, global demand for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc boomed, beginning the transformation of many Marlborough farms and orchards into vineyards. However, Murray, Simon and his brother Scott opted to continue building the Caythorpe reputation as a successful, multi-faceted business. This included the cherries, despite their reputation as a difficult fruit to grow. “The reason why there is very little stone fruit left [in Marlborough] is due to A) the growth in demand for vineyards and for

sauvignon blanc, and B) stone fruit is very cyclical; a good year is fantastic, but a bad year can be terrible,” Simon says. “When [cherries are] good, they are very good and per hectare they will leave the vineyard in the dust any day of the week.” As with many horticultural crops, cherries are very dependent on the weather. They also have a short growing season of around 65-70 days, Simon says.

“If you went back 20 or 30 years, a lot of people spent time picking in the orchards, working in pack houses or they knew others who did. There would have been orchards not far from where they lived.” Diversification at Caythorpe has meant the Bishell family has been able to hold onto that feeling of times gone by, while also ensuring they have a viable business.

With a flowering period of just 10 days, conditions need to be warm enough to promote good honeybee activity and allow pollination to occur.

“For us it’s only a small part of our operation but when it’s good it’s great and when it’s not so good we are lucky that we have the vineyard and the farm with the animal side to help cover the lows,” Simon says.

But the fragile fruit is vulnerable to significant single weather events, particularly heavy rain, which can cause excess water uptake and splitting ahead of harvest.

Murray, Simon and wife Sara; Scott and wife Rachel all still live on the property along with the first members of the sixth generation at Caythorpe.

Previously an export and wholesale-only supplier, Caythorpe recently began selling cherries direct to the public via online sales. This month, two- and four-kilogram boxes of shiny purple red cherries will be making their way from the orchard to the tables of many throughout New Zealand for Christmas lunch. “Cherries and berries are a quintessential Kiwi fruit, and they’re pretty nostalgic in the Marlborough area,” he says.

“It’s amazing to be part of that story, I guess if you go back 40 years, a lot of the family farms in Marlborough; sheep and beef, cropping or orchards…a lot of those properties have been sold on, and the identities behind the stories and the land have been lost,” Simon says. “I would love the sixth and seventh generations to have a role and be a part of the Caythorpe story…the beauty of diversification is that there’s a lot more scope and opportunity for people to be involved, especially as the family gets larger.”

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Summer to me is all about spending time with family and friends. It’s also the time of the year that we come out of winter hibernation and start to socialise a lot more with our family and friends. Maintaining your usual exercise routine and healthy eating over summer can seem near impossible.

Going overboard on the holiday treats and ‘forgetting’ to exercise can derail the hard work you’ve put in all year to feel and look your best. This doesn’t mean you have to keep up your normal schedule and pass on social invitations, just be mindful of a few things.

1) GET SOME SLEEP Not getting an adequate amount of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of illness, deficits in memory and attention, increased hunger, moodiness and increased risk of obesity.

4) MINDFUL EATING You’re not a garbage disposal, when you’re full, you’re done! Listen to your body, savor your food, eat slowly, reduce portion sizes and don’t go back for seconds. Cut out the extras on your plate. Often chips or bread is supplied at BBQs as an easy filler, leave these extras and fill your plate up with salads, meat or other wholesome foods.

Make the most of the holidays by enjoying a few alarm-free days of sleep to help you feel more rested when its time to go back to work. 2) EXERCISE Exercise doesn’t need to be synonymous with the gym. I’ve been exploring some walks around Marlborough this year. My favourite is The Link Pathway Walk. It is a 42km walking and cycling trail between Picton and Havelock, and linking to the end of the Queen Charlotte Track. Some others you might like to try: • Tirohanga Track • Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve • Snout Track • Grovetown Lagoon - Te Whanau Hou • Lake Chalice 3) INTERMITTENT FASTING Rest your digestive system once in a while. Intermittent fasting is becoming very popular and is a great way to shift weight since we eat fewer meals and take in less in a 24-hour period. The summer period is a perfect time to experiment with fasting. You’ll shorten your eating window thus reducing the number of calories you will consume. This could allow for a few of those extra summer treats or help you maintain your weight. Try the 16/8 method it involves skipping breakfast and restricting your daily eating period to 8 hours.

4) FLUIDS Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to help the body flush out the toxins. Most people underestimate the amount of water they need. If you make one change, make it increase your water - I know you will feel more energised! And finally, remember…Life is for living! Happy summer and Merry Xmas!

If you are looking for some help to get you fit for summer, give me a call. Tracy Scott - Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, HPN Holistic Nutrition Coach.

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Pondering A LIFE LESS ORDINARY Words: Paula Hulburt

heir paint speckled handles bear testament to a talent that spans decades. Encrusted in colours past, the palette knives are trusted friends, used to meticulously bring his artwork to life, art that hangs on walls across the globe. For a world-renowned artist, the cherished tools of his trade look surprisingly commonplace, dulled with the patina of passing time. Sitting at a large wooden table in his Blenheim home, his beloved 11-year-old German Pointer dog Tikka tucked happily by his feet, artist Mike Ponder is happy with his lot in life. Right now though, it is his beloved knives that are foremost in his mind. “I don’t know what the hell I’d do if I broke one.”

An artist, author, olive innovator, grape grower and keen golfer, his talents and hobbies are many. At the age of 76-yearsold he is keen to concentrate more on his art and writing. Mike and wife Di moved into Blenheim three months ago. It’s a big change from the sprawling space and vineyards of their former home at Cowslip Farm, but one they have heartedly embraced. “No one should retire, retire. I love my golf and play at Marlborough Golf Club a couple of times a week. I’m just really looking forward to having more time to paint and do more writing in a relaxed fashion. “I am very fortunate that my art has been so well received over the years, and that my paintings continue to sell strongly for very good prices,” he says.

Recognition and success came to Mike in his early 30s. Becoming an artist was not an early ambition and he chose property developing instead. Raised in Lower Hutt and educated at Hutt Valley High School, it was there he first discovered his talent for art. “At college, I was good at art and by 7th form I was teaching a third form art class and won an art scholarship that I didn’t take up, I wanted to be involved in business. Mike is grateful for his lack of formal training. The grandfather of four, whose brother Richard is also a successful artist, picked up a painting knife at the age of 32 years old and hasn’t looked back. “From the very second I started, I just loved it. I developed my own technique and, suddenly, my paintings were in demand. It was instant and unbelievable.

Mike used two palette knives to create his works of art.

December 2019

SUPPLIED

“I’m not trying to put a formal education down, but my success is self-taught and something that’s very unique to me. People replicate my work but that doesn’t concern me, I’m quite happy about that. ‘I’ve stuck to a formula but through the years have been refining things and trying things that I used to think were impossible.” His bold use of colour and texture are instantly recognisable. He has no favourite among his many works but insists that simplicity is key.

Making final touches to his latest manuscript in his study.

and clouds and bloody seagulls but, in the inlet, there were boats.

how difficult it was for them to make money.

“Everyone was frantically trying to capture the entire scene except one lady who concentrated on one of the boats. It was the best painting there,” he says.

“I thought I might be able to help, especially if I got of my butt and started painting more,” he says.

“I look for something to concentrate on, the older I get, the harder I have to look as I’m much fussier now.” For Mike, working on a painting is emotionally draining. The nature of the work means there are no second chances, he says. SUPPLIED

Pristine white walls of their Blenheim gallery are adorned with Mike and Richard’s work. Mike’s books are also for sale and upstairs, the final proofs for his latest novel For Queen and Empire sit in his writing room and studio. The book due to be published before the end of the year.

In the past three years, Mike and his brother Artist Mike Ponder prefers not to put faces Richard have held a to his figures as people find them more relatable. number of exhibitions throughout New Zealand to support One painting sticks in his mind - and it Hospice, raising more than $185,000 to isn’t his. Invited to an Art Society function date. A percentage of all sales through in the Bay of Islands, he watched as artists the Mike Ponder Gallery will go directly to worked quickly to capture the view they Marlborough Hospice. saw on canvas. “At the foot of the lawn there were mangroves and water and then a hill with houses and trees. Overhead there was sky

“We’ve had friends that have had to be involved with hospice. I was in a golf tournament with a fundraiser and realised

For some who classes himself as “totally dumb” when it came to English at school, Mike has sold an impressive number of books. The first art book he wrote sold 10,000 copies and while convalescing from a minor surgery he rewrote a pamphlet about his experience with olives, turning it into a book, The Good Oil, along the way. In 1987 Di and Mike Ponder purchased 35 ha of land on the outskirts of Blenheim and planted their first olives and grapes the following year. They developed an international reputation for their wines, and were pioneers in the development of New Zealand’s olive oil industry. “It was a marathon effort at school to scrape through English and my teacher said that whatever I did in life it shouldn’t involve writing. Mike has produced three books of his art; the sell-out success Textured Colour, My Way – A Touch of Red and Oil on Canvas. “I’ve been really, really fortunate in that for 40 years I’ve been able to paint what I want to paint. “I really enjoy the style of painting that I do and I only paint what I want to paint and fortunately, it always finds a good home. “It’s difficult, at times wearing so many different hats, but I’ve been very lucky. I wouldn’t change any of it.

ON THE STREET

Arthur Devine White, who owns his own successful hairdressing salon What is your style?

ARTHUR: My style is me. I don’t follow anyone I’ll wear board shorts in the Marlborough Sounds and a suit at an event in town. When it comes to style it’s important that my clothes fit me properly, that they are cleanly laundered and always make me feel a million bucks. Never be afraid of colour or print, we all need this excitement in this big beige world. RICKY: I would call my style athletic chíc. I’ve used a flick above the i because I feel like chíc needs one. It’s a style where sports field meets fancy garden party. I work early morning and long days in a gym so pretty much live in shorts and sports gear. So, when I go out or dress up, things tend to be tight,

December 2019

fitting, stretchy, and I think fairly plain, but when I open my wardrobe door there’s a lot of print. What is most of your wardrobe made up of?

ARTHUR: Way too many clothes, with Rick’s gym stuff taking over half of it, ha, ha. We have like a shop full of T-shirt’s and shirts and a whole closet of shoes for every occasion. RICKY: Block basic black and white T-Shirts, ripped jeans, shorts and shoes. Hundreds of shoes. What are you dressed for today?

ARTHUR: Friday 5.30pm after work drinks with mates. RICKY: Almost-summer FRIGAY drinks with some of the guys. I’m wearing an easy Zara pin stripe pant with a Calibre Stretch 7 shirt. Where do you buy most of your clothes from?

ARTHUR: Sadly, out of town. A lot of the clothing I like is not stocked in our local

and Ricky Devine White, human rights activist and Mr Gay New Zealand.

shops, however when I do get stuck, Thomas’s would be my best bet to shop local.

RICKY: I tend to head towards Thomas’s a lot, but I have to admit, my fashion sense is influenced a lot but what I see and buy on the internet. Where possible I do try and buy locally by there are some things that Blenheim just doesn’t have. Oh, WORLD is one of my favourite brands too. What is your approach to shopping?

ARTHUR: Retail therapy is good for the soul!

RICKY: I usually go into shops choose what I like and then put them back in the rack. Then I’ll mull over it for a day. I am well known for finding the best shoes in the shop and then at the last minute putting them back. Do you think things through or impulse buy?

ARTHUR: I do both. I think nearly everyone has brought something with an

awful Hawaiian theme or a beer slogan on it. But when spending big dollars on an item I really need to love it to commit to purchasing it.

RICKY: I’m an over thinker. A second opinion from my husband usually helps. What is your all-time favourite purchase?

ARTHUR: I do love my Apple Watch. Its simple lines go with anything without being flashy, while being a clever all-in one-time piece that stops me running late.

RICKY: A pair of Lee jeans I bought when I was 18. They are literally falling apart at the seams, but I am still rocking them 20 years later. Now, ripped is in, so they are perfect. What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?

ARTHUR: I have three... a tailored and well fitted crisp, white shirt, a pair of leather laced dress shoes that can be dressed up or down and a good pair of

sunglasses that ain’t sports sunnies.

RICKY: In my opinion, a solid staple black or white t-shirt. They are easy to match with anything and white t-shirts on men are sexy. Do you have a style rule you always obey?

ARTHUR: Always overdress - no-one remembers the people that underdress. RICKY: Always, always, always pull your pants up to the hip bone. Use a French tuck if you’re shirt is a little big. What would you never be caught wearing?

ARTHUR: A Turtleneck or skivvy. Whoever thought these were flattering, was so wrong.

RICKY: Oh wow, I think I’ve worn pretty much everything. Let’s just say, fashion is actually gender fluid so anyone can where anything…but to answer your question; a Berkha, that would be waaay too hot for the Marlborough sun.

fashion SUMMER 2020

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December 2019

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Dress for the party In the words of Fergie ‘a little party never killed nobody’, so why not dress to impress at your next gathering? As we’re quickly heading into party season, we check out some of the hottest looks in party frocks. Words: Jess Murray

JUMP AROUND Jumpsuits will never go out of fashion; they’re somehow a perfect mix of elegant and practical and can be styled for any occasion. Whether you’re feeling a classic black or a fun floral pattern, anything works.

SEXY IN SILK Midi silk skirts are definitely in. They’re popping up in most of our favourite stores. Breathable and soft on your skin, you won’t be complaining about comfort when you’re dancing around at your next event.

TRENDING TASSELS They’re hard to miss when they’re hanging off most earlobes these days. Your colour options are basically that of the colour wheel… endless. They’ll always add a bit of personality to any outfit. A fun way to incorporate them into your outfit is by matching them with the colour of your shoes.

CAN’T BE TAMED Trelise Cooper, ‘Bead the way love you’ dress.

Animal print is a trend that definitely ducks in and out of the fashion trend cycle. But it’s very much in style this season. A leopard print midi skirt is a staple item and if you want to listen to our advice even more, don’t forget those tassel earrings!

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Treat yourself to some well deserved pampering & make an appointment today.

STOCKIST

Ph: 03 929 3534 www.novotnabeauty.nz Novotna Beauty

Marlborough is a lucky region, renowned for its stunning coast-line, outstanding wines and a huge variety of fun in between. Marlborough Magazine hunted out some of the region’s must-do activities for this summer covering the best of air, sea and land. So if you’re looking for something to do this summer, kick back have a read and get into it.

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS TAKE TO THE SKY

catching fish or get a team together and

First on our hit-list is the Marlborough Sounds, it is a must-do and the best way to reach those stunning remote places in Marlborough is through Precision Helicopters NZ. Precision Helicopters offers flights to the most pristine and untouched places waiting to be explored and enjoyed in the majestic sounds.

head into the back country for a great

They offer heli-fishing and heli-hunting experiences, flying into the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and taking you to spots that offer the best chances of

Take a flight to Ship Cove, a place of

hunting weekend. Take the ultimate scenic flight to one of the many lodges and resorts for fine dining or simply stop off for a picnic at one of the many stunning beaches in the Marlborough Sounds. historic and cultural significance. Famous as the place that Captain Cook first landed in New Zealand. Perfect for a picnic.

SEA KAYAK ADVENTURES For most visiting our region, getting to the Marlborough Sounds is a must and kayaking in the sounds with Sea Kayak Adventures is a great way to see this outstanding coastline. The sounds offer some of the best outdoor settings in New Zealand, whether it be for hiking, biking or kayaking – away from the crowds with beauty and wildlife in abundance. There are few places in New Zealand where true natural experience can be had in close proximity to major tourist

CRUISE AND WALK Or cruise and walk your way through the most wonderful Marlborough Sounds with the Marlborough Tour Company. Marlborough Tour Company has various options to visit the sounds, including options to cruise, cruise and walk or cruise to Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove for lunch with Cougar Line. Experiencing the Queen Charlotte Track could not be easier than with Cougar Line - simply book your place on their boat, tell them where you want to go, hand

routes. In Anakiwa, on the popular Queen Charlotte Drive, we have one of the best experiences in New Zealand. From its large, purpose-built base on the Queen Charlotte Drive, with plenty of safe parking, Sea Kayak Adventure is just minutes from the best sea kayaking, mountain biking and hiking the sounds has to offer, including 1500km of coastline, a Great Ride and the Link Pathway. Sea Kayak Adventures specialise in nature-based adventuring for the intrepid traveller and families, with an emphasis on experiencing the environment without interfering with its delicate ecosystems.

them your pack and sit back and enjoy the wonder of the Queen Charlotte Sounds and track. Cruise and Lunch options for visits to both Punga Cove and Furneaux Lodge are a must-do so visit www.cougarline.co.nz for more information or to book your place. Punga Cove and Furneaux Lodge also offer stunning accommodation from stylish suites, spacious studios, retro chalets and larger apartments for families and groups, for more information on these visit www.marlboroughtourcompany.co.nz.

CRUISES DESIGNED BY KIWIS FOR KIWIS Affinity Cruises offers a unique experience in a relaxed atmosphere that you only get with ‘Smaller Ship Cruising’ with eight private cabins (16 passengers max) suitable for singles, couples and groups on our scheduled cruises. Affinity Cruises prides itself on good old-fashioned kiwi hospitality with scrumptious home style meals, providing

KAIKOURA

Cruise into the late afternoon finding sheltered peaceful anchorages and adventuring to new and exciting locations each day having the opportunity to go ashore and discover the beautiful flora and fauna of each cruising location or you can just stay on board and relax!

Are you planning to visit Kaikoura soon? There are a bunch of very good reasons as to why you should make some time to experience this special little town and its stunning coastal location. “Nature’s paradise” are typical words often used to describe Kaikoura and the unique experiences that are on offer here. It is indeed a very special place on earth.

ENCOUNTER KAIKOURA Encounter Kaikoura offers two tours which put you in touch with nature and the local wildlife the Dolphin Encounter and the Albatross Encounter tours. Whether it is the acrobatic prowess of the dusky dolphins or the majestic sight of a menagerie of albatross and other seabird species, either of these tours

will provide a memorable insight into the natural environment and its precious wildlife like no other. As these tours are very popular it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Check out www.dolphinencounter.co.nz and www.albatrossencounter.co.nz for more information and to reserve a place.

Affinity Cruises

Living the Experience – Creating Memories

Designed for Seniors

Tick this off your ‘Bucket List’

Fiordland

Cruisin June - A g ug

3, 6 and 10 Nights Dramatic raw beauty will take your breath away Cliffs tower above you with waterfalls roaring down

Stewart Island

Cruisin g in May

5 Nights A world away from the rest of New Zealand Spectacular and rugged place to visit Cruising in both areas has you in tune with a natural world of wildlife, birdlife, native bush along with solitude and isolation, where the fishing is fantastic!

a comfortable, accommodating classic Kiwi cruise experience. Flexible itineraries offer so much in the way of scenery, isolation, relaxation and fishing for the plate.

December 2019

WHALE WATCHING Kaikoura is also the whale watching capital of New Zealand, known for its diverse marine life encounters and tops any list of ‘things to do’ whilst exploring our beautiful country. Are you yet to meet Aoraki or Tiaki? They’re semi-residential Sperm whales that we’ve been seeing on tours over the last 30 years. They’re also some of our sea crew’s favourite whales to see.

you may encounter fur seals, Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Humpback whales, Blue whales, Orca, Fin whales, Beaked whales and Pilot whales – every tour is a unique and exciting experience. Whale Watch has a 95% success rate, and if your tour doesn’t sight a whale, they offer an 80% refund.

On a typical Whale Watch Kaikoura tour

The natural wonders of Kaikoura are simply unbeatable. Come visit the locals at our place.

MARLBOROUGH 4 FUN

of events and festivals across the region.

• Blenheim Christmas Parade | 7 Dec

If it’s finding something fun to do on the land this summer, Marlborough 4 Fun has you covered.

Funded partly by Marlborough District

It is with great pride and sense of community spirit that Marlborough 4 Fun provides and supports an engaging variety

sponsors, and funding agencies for their

OMAKA AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE

FUN ON LAND

Last, but most certainly not least, is the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.

Council, Marlborough 4 Fun thanks Marlborough District Council, its

• Blenheim Christmas Festival | 12 Dec • NYE - Ignite Marlborough 2019 | 31 Dec

continued support which enables them

• Marlborough 4 Fun’s Summer Concerts

to hold events such as:

(various dates and locations)

In fact, no visit to Marlborough is complete without a visit to the centre. It is a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft. Not just for enthusiasts, the centre tells the story

of aviation during two World Wars, the time in which the most intense period of aviation development took place. Full details at omaka.org.nz.

KIA ORA!

C O M E VISIT T H E LOCA LS AT OUR PLACE

Freephone 0800 655 121 www.whalewatch.co.nz

Vietnam,

PAST & PRESENT An exotic journey that weaves its way on paths unknown can often bring history to the fore, letting it live on, enriching our lives...

While New Zealand’s involvement in the Vietnam War was highly controversial, more than 3,000 New Zealand soldiers served in “The American war”, as the Vietnamese call it, which spanned over 17 years. My wife Sue and I had a personal interest in taking a Vietnam Past & Present Tour with Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours – a preferred supplier to the Helloworld network – as Sue’s father had served in the region and was attached to an Australian Infantry Unit for several years. It was a unique opportunity to experience the diversity of the people and culture of Vietnam and to learn about the turbulent past. Our first impression of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) was of a vibrant city of nine million people and five million motor scooters – fun and crazy, but it somehow works! We found we were in a country that seems to drink only coffee and beer, which is cheaper than buying water, and we soon discovered that the localmarkets in Saigon and Hoi An are excellent places to buy good-quality but super cheap clothes. We began our tour in Saigon with a special welcome dinner in the former residence of the US Ambassador to Southern Vietnam, Mr Henry Cabot Lodge. We gained an insider’s perspective on this historic home which had hosted senior US officials such as Robert McNamara when they were planning offensive countermeasures against the North.

Our first impression of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) was of a vibrant city of nine million people and five million motor scooters – fun and crazy, but it somehow works! The next day we explored the Cu Chi tunnels, a network of over 100 km of tunnels built by the Viet Cong during the war. Our historian guide led us to an area away from the main tourist spot and we gained a deep respect for the builders of the immense web of multilevel tunnels that were used to house troops, transport communications and supplies, lay booby traps and mount surprise attacks, after which the Viet Cong could disappear underground to safety. To combat these guerrilla tactics, U.S. and South Vietnamese forces trained soldiers known as “tunnel rats” to navigate the tunnels and detect booby traps and the presence of enemy troops. The Cu Chi Tunnels were largely cleared by tanks and B-52 bombers but the North Vietnamese slipped back in. In 1968, the tunnels were the key area of the launch into Saigon for the Tet Offensive. Horrifically, over 45,000 Vietnamese were killed in the area during the war, a true reminder of the harshness of war. Over the next days we ventured to the main base for Anzac Troops at Nui Dat and visited the area of Long Tan where New Zealand and Australian soldiers, with just a little over 100 troops and support from New Zealand artillery, somehow managed to hold off an advancing force of over 2,500. It was an unfathomable experience to stand on the ground where this action took place. The battle of Long Tan has become a legendary story of survival against the odds (and now a soon-to-be-released movie called Danger Close) and a further testament to the determination and character of the Anzacs. As part of this moving experience, we visited the Long Tan Cross, a ceremonial site dedicated to Anzac troops and one of only a few such memorials in Vietnam, where the Last Post was played. The full 12-day Vietnam Past & Present Tour takes you across the entire country, including Saigon, the Cu Chi Tunnels, Vung Tau, Minh Dam, Binh Ba, the former imperial capital of Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang and Hanoi. The name of the tour is very apt as the itinerary includes a mix of general sightseeing, culinary adventures (I ate frog and it tasted better than the chicken!), as well as wartime history. It is definitely a tour I would recommend for those wanting a diverse experience of the country. It perfectly complements local river tours and offers an optional extension to include a night in famous Ha Long Bay.

December 2019

Come and see us at helloworld Travel 98 Market Street, Blenheim

The full 12-day Vietnam Past & Present Tour filled with sightseeing, culinary adventures and wartime history takes you across the entire country, including Saigon, the Cu Chi Tunnels, Vung Tau, Minh Dam, Binh Ba, the former imperial capital of Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang and Hanoi. While the Vietnam War remains raw for some, others who have returned there have gained peace from their experience, including Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours’ Vietnam historian, Gary McKay. A Vietnam veteran and platoon leader who was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery, Gary has led many Australian Vietnam veterans, as well as their families, back to the Vietnam battlefields. For Sue and me, it was an honour to follow in the footsteps of Sue’s father. From Vietnam to the Western Front, to Gallipoli and all across the South Pacific, Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours conducts tours with the unique advantage of having historians leading them.

The historians can undertake an in-depth check of the military background of family members who served in the area you are visiting, and we were privileged to be shown the actual locations of Sue’s father’s base and his areas of conflict. It provides a very personal focus and is an impressive facet of the Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours product. The controversy of the Vietnam War was the topic of many a song of disapproval from global artists such as The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and Jimmy Barnes, with perhaps The Animals’ We Gotta Get out of This Place being most well-recognised. Yes, it is a solemn subject in some respects, but it is also enlightening to see a country that is pushing hard for prosperity, and eye-opening to learn about the challenges that were faced by the Anzacs in Vietnam in extreme conditions both on and under the ground. It is difficult to fathom the harshness that this war created, but the beauty of the country, its people and the progress they are making will see us returning very soon. Vietnam needs to be seen to be appreciated.

Paul Robinson is helloworld’s New Zealand Ambassador for Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours and can assist with all aspects of Mat McLachlan Tours products.

PAULA HULBURT Patricia Patchett bought her beads along especially after Shae Salter took a shine to them. FRANCES WILSON

BRIDGING THE AGE GAP

Words: Paula Hulburt

New meets old thanks to Redwood Retirement Village’s intergenerational playgroup.

er pale skin is almost translucent, dappled with freckles of summers long since gone. The little hand she is holding is yet unblemished; separated by 80 plus years of memories. Decades may separate the two but in this single moment the pair share a connection that bridges age. Every fortnight a new playgroup meets at Redwood Retirement Village in Blenheim; a new initiative for both rest home residents and its tiny visitors. The brainchild of activities coordinators Holly Snowden and Denise Salisbury, the intergenerational playgroup is brightening lives and bringing smiles. “It really brings them out, it’s a good nostalgia and something stimulating in a way different from any other.” “Some of the residents and children have a bond already. Many have grandkids that are much older, or they don’t get a chance to see them.” “We hope that once that bond is there then the mums and children might call in casually to visit. That’s our hope for the long term,” says Holly.

December 2019

Intergenerational playgroups are a relatively newer form of playgroup, have been designed with the aim of promoting social interaction, learning and social inclusion that spans generations.

It is an overcast, blowy Marlborough day and only the second time the playgroup has met. All are happy to be inside out of the wind and even the few who aren’t actively taking part are happily watching.

Every second Tuesday about half of the rest home’s 30 residents gather waiting for their young visitors.

“You can see a difference in the residents, they really look forward to Tuesday and talk about it for ages afterwards,” says Holly.

Bags of bright blocks and yellow diggers are ready. Drink bottles and sippy cups sit amid fine bone china teacups. Small hands grasp sensible skirts and hold tight to keep their balance to a backdrop of chatter and baby babble.

Resident Patricia Patchett has worn her beads especially. Young visitor Shae took a shine to both Pat and her necklace.

For the eight or so children, the residents at the retirement home are an adoring fan club, with smiles to bestow and praise to lavish. Mum of four Samantha Salter from Blenheim helped get the initiative off the ground, says the children are too young to be aware of the age difference. Her nine-month-old son Shae Salter is all smiles as he happily sits on knees and enjoys cuddles. “I don’t have grandparents; they passed a long time ago and I want my children to have that experience and bond,” she says. She contacted the rest home and spoke to Holly with the idea of bringing Shae in for occasional visits. “It just grew from there and people seem to enjoy it,” she says.

You can see a difference in the residents, they really look forward to Tuesday and talk about it for ages afterwards Holly Snowden

He sits comfortably on her lap, little hand clenched tightly around the beguiling strands, intent on putting them in his mouth.

For Sarah Craven and son Oliver Craven, 2, the visits are about experiencing different environments and broadening horizons.

“He didn’t forget me. He’s such a lovely, happy boy and I hope to see him every week.”

“I’ve got a big family with quite a few older ones. I just love, love, love seeing the older ones with the babies and the kids love it too,” she says.

Phyllis Barkley tried for eight years to become a mum and is very proud of her two adopted children but does not have grandchildren. Seeing the youngsters is a highlight, she says. “Every baby I see, I want to cuddle. I haven’t got any grandchildren and I just love them all, it’s a wonderful idea.” Resident and talented knitter Val Ellis has some of her handmade creations on display. An assortment of delicate-hued cardigans, matinee jackets and booties can be bought, and she is quietly proud of the interest they garner.

There is hope the hour-long sessions will later become a weekly fixture. “So many people have said I wish there was something like this about earlier. It’s been fortnightly so far, but I hope to get it to weekly, so everyone remembers everyone else. With young babies especially it’s important to build that time up. “It will help create a lasting bond; one I hope lasts.”

Sincere appreciation to all our clients and customers – we wish everyone happiness for 2020!

REMOVE THE ENERGY OF PREVIOUS OCCUPANTS OR SPIRIT ACTIVITY

Six-month-old Macy Leger is happy to meet her fans, smiley and chatty she sits on Patricia’s knee happily playing with a ball. The older woman is obviously delighted. “Oh yes, she’s a lovely girl,” she says as she expertly holds a wriggling Macy.

PAULA HULBURT

2020 IS GOING TO BE AN EXCITING YEAR!

EVERY THURSDAY 6.30PM TO 8PM BEGINNERS WELCOME

She is content to sit and watch the little ones play as bricks spill out on the floor in colourful puddles and teddy bears turn into makeshift teethers. Others are keen to take a more active approach.

It has been many years since Pat held a baby, but she hasn’t lost her touch - some things it appears are never forgotten.

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REGISTERED MARRIAGE CELEBRANT CERTIFIED ANGEL INTUITIVE/HEALER, REIKI MASTER

Piper Aitken, 23 months, enjoyed playing with blocks on her first visit to the playgroup. PAULA HULBURT

Personal Readings, Crystal/Reiki Healing, Weekly Meditation, Healing for Children, House & Business Blessings, Spiritual Development Workshops. Distant Readings provided on CD. PH/TXT: 027 534 0688

ADMINISTRATION & AQUARIAN HEALING

A healing technique working on a personal vibrational level to find the imbalance within the body also affecting emotions and lethargy. If you wish to join our database for updates on Workshops, Retail & Therapists please contact E: heavensabove.blenheim@gmail.com PH/TXT: 021 627 723

CERTIFIED REIKI THERAPIST

Readings, Aromatherapy E: heavensabove.blenheim@gmail.com PH/TXT: 0226 440 886

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

Appointments available after normal business hours

GIFT VOUCHERS • NEW STOCK REGULARLY

Activities coordinator Denise Salisbury with some of Val Ellis’s knitted creations.

11 MAXWELL RD, BLENHEIM PHONE 579 1032 heavensabove.blenheim@gmail.com facebook.com/HeavensAboveBlenheim

LIVING ACCESSORIES BY STELLA + GEMMA The perfect gifts available in store now.

PRU & CO WORKSHOPS Ever wanted to try painting your own pieces of furniture but didn’t know where to start? These workshops will take you through all the stages of assessing, prepping, painting and adding your personalised finishing touch to your own piece of furniture. Register your interest now for more details.

SUN PROTECTION WITH STYLE!

THE IDEAL GIFTS IN STORE NOW!

Featuring Kooringal Australia Summer Collection. Come in and view our range of gorgeous Kooringal hats available now.

• Art Glass – Handcrafted art glass by Master Craftmen • Scentchips Fragrance Warmer – Touch lamp warmer • Ecofelt Grow Bags – Made out of 100% recycled plastic bottles

FRESH EGGS EVERY DAY Ever considered a pet that gives you breakfast? We have the healthiest, happiest range of heritage chickens or brown shavers for maximum egg production, as well as everything you need to house and feed them in your backyard or lifestyle block.

GIVE AN EVENING OF SUMMER MUSIC DELIGHT THIS CHRISTMAS Some of the finest opera and contemporary singers in NZ. NZSO with Tami Neilson, Jason Kerrison, Joel Amosa and Eliza Boom. 15 Feb, Trafalgar Park, Nelson.

Nelson Opera in the Park

270 Mt Heslington Rd, Brightwater Ph. (03) 542 3224 | www.chooks.co.nz

Earlybird tickets on sale now, $15 per adult ($25 after 31 Dec). Available from Theatre Royal, NCMA, Richmond Mall, Nelson, Motueka and Blenheim i-SITE, or at ticketdirect.co.nz or phone 0800 224 224. Full details at www.itson.co.nz.

AT HOME

CHARMING RESTORATION FOR OLD HIGH-COUNTRY HOMESTEAD Words: Joya Devine

SUMMA MACDONALD

ocated about an hour up the picturesque Awatere Valley, stands a charming old homestead at Upcot Station, which has been owned by the Stevenson family since 1902. Today, the expansive sheep and cattle farm which covers 31,000 acres of high country, is run by Bill Stevenson and his wife Nicky. Bill took over the farm in 1980, from his parents, and was later joined by Nicky who has been there for 25 years. “The homestead was built in 1867,” says Nicky. “Originally it would have been a four-room cobb cottage, then it has been added onto quite extensively in the 1950s. We think that’s when they would have lowered the ceiling into the kitchen, but during the earthquake three years ago, that area was quite badly damaged, especially the corners where the cobb walls meet.” Nicky says apart from that, the house was ‘pretty sound.’ “We used the insurance money to fix it up and restore some of it to its original state. When it was built, there would have been a dirt floor and a thatched roof.

December 2019

They put beech rafters in the kitchen which we didn’t touch – they are the homestead’s ‘signature.’ The builders just worked around them, putting in new lining and insulation.” Nicky and Bill are very pleased with the way the renovations went. “They are even better than we could have imagined.” The building work started last summer, beginning in February and lasting three months. The builders stayed in the shearer’s quarters and Nicky and Bill shifted out to the farm cottage while the work was being done. “They would come down at night for dinner and tell us what had been happening and what they might do next, and we’d say, ‘that sounds like a good idea.’” To Nicky’s delight, they made her an inside pantry which was very much welcomed, having previously had to use a shed outside where she would have to walk on concrete to get to the pantry. “They cut a hole in the cobb wall into an unused hallway which was probably the

back entrance back in the day – when the front entrance was for important people and the back was for those considered non-important.”

AT HOME

To everyone’s surprise, when the builders pulled out the thin hardboard ceiling, which they assumed was put in around the 50s when the kitchen was put in, they found a mezzanine floor. “So, because it was originally 2-storey with rimu tongue and groove floors, we were able to use a lot of that timber for shelves and things,” says Nicky. The couple’s main reason for doing the renovations was to expose the original rafters. “In the 50s, Bill’s mum Pam renovated the kitchen with solid rimu joinery. Our builders stripped, sanded, and oiled it all to install in our new pantry.” Nicky is enjoying having new kitchen joinery, made by Nazareth Joinery. “I do quite a bit of cooking – we have a few tourists staying from time to time. It’s pretty much your traditional style kiwi cooking; scones, cheese rolls, chocolate eclairs and so on.” Now that the couple’s four children have all left home, Nicky and Bill are busy running the farm, looking after the 6000 sheep and 800 cattle that roam its rolling hills.

December 2019

AT HOME Nicky says Jason and the team at J C Bates Building were really great to work with and made the building process very easy. “Jason really understood what we were wanting from the job. He took the time to get to know us a bit and realised what would suit us. He would come up with ideas and invariably we would say, ‘that would be good,’ and vice-versa. It helped that they were staying up in the shearer’s quarters and got to know us quite well.” Nicky said they wanted to use a local builder and had seen Jason’s name in the Awatere newsletter where she read that he had often done things for the playcentre and for the Awatere Learning Centre, where he built new decking and a very large sandpit. “He seemed like a good community guy who had really good staff and when he came up to look at the job, I told him how I wanted to restore it to how it was originally, with old rafters. I said, ‘you might think I’m a bit crazy,’ but after he had crawled up to look at the rafters, he came out with a big grin on his face and said, ‘that’s gonna be awesome!’ So, I knew then and there, that he would be the right choice, because it’s quite a tricky job working around that stuff – I think it’s probably easier to build a new home.”

“The build was a bit of a slow process because the homestead was built in 1867, so it was all mud-walled,” says Jason Bates, owner of J.C Bates Building Ltd. Jason says the renovations were a big process starting with the structural work which was completed first to support the existing beams. They then had to cut holes in the walls into an existing hallway which they converted into a walk-in pantry. This was our biggest challenge because the cobb walls were 600 millimetres thick, so they don’t collapse. Then we gutted the bathroom completely and put in a whole new wet floor shower system.” Everything J C Bates Building used for the job was brought in from Italy through a business called Surface Design, including all the tiles and the basins. “We stayed up there for around three months. Nicky and her daughters made us our morning and afternoon teas and dinners and puddings every day which was really good.

say that people who come up there are ‘blown away.’ It was good to get it finished before winter set in – I think the shearer’s quarters might have got pretty chilly.’” Jason says although he does build new homes, his company specialises in major alterations, renovations and additions. “We do all our own excavations, roofing, gibbing, painting, and so on. That way there’s no holdups for people waiting for subbies to turn up. So, we basically do everything except for electrical and plumbing work, but we have tradies we have worked with for years to carry this out.”

For more information, visit www.jcbatesbuilding.com

The end result looks pretty impressive. The owners are really happy with it and

Connecting

SUPPLIED

PEOPLE AND PLACE

Artist creates a sense of ‘Home’ with hydrographic art maps. Words: Kat Duggan

t began as a one-off, a kind donation to a play centre fundraiser, now a husband and wife team’s artwork is a focal point on walls across the country. Artist Aran Pudney and wife Maeve are connecting people with place through their clever hydrographic art maps depicting New Zealand landscapes. A deep-rooted family connection to the Marlborough Sounds means places the couple hold in their hearts will soon join the popular sustainable range. Placing emphasis on art that has minimal impact on the planet means their work has made it a perfect fit for one of their newest retailers, The Vines Village in Blenheim.

project prompted him to get back to his original dream. “I have always enjoyed woodwork and building furniture and making stuff with wood, so I went to design school with the intention of doing furniture design but I ended up in product and industrial design. “I drifted away from what I was planning on doing and it’s nice to be able to come back to it,” he says. Aran and Maeve purchased a laser cutter and set to work on creating larger pieces, and then full geographical collections. Maeve took responsibility of the business side of things, and the pair have spent the past few years juggling a new business with raising their three children.

Working out of their Wellington home, the business, known as The Furnace, began Initially, Maeve also had a second job to almost by chance around four years ago. slot in. “It kind of just started off as a little one-off “After maternity leave finished for Maeve of Wellington Harbour, and we actually gave this year, she was doing so much that she it to the local play centre to auction off at a had made herself indispensable again,” fundraiser,” Aran says. Aran says. “The two of us are full time “It got lots of response, and lots of people [now]…it’s good because it gives us plenty bid for it, so we thought ‘maybe we can do of time to spend with the kids and we can something with this’.” sneak some work in at night.” Aran had spent a lot of his time as a designer working with plastic and creating industrial products, but the

December 2019

Aran spends time studying maps and charting his designs before crafting them in small, medium and large sizes.

Currently, Aran is working on completing a series of Marlborough works, depicting the Marlborough Sounds and Wairau Valley. With a family bach in the Kenepuru Sound, Aran spent much of his time in Marlborough growing up, and still tries to get back the bach when he can. “Just about every month growing up we were down The Sounds for at least a weekend and then at Christmas it was eight weeks, and Easter, and I think every Hopai Sports Day we were there; it was a second home.” “I’m one of five kids and we all kind of get a bit tense if we don’t get down The Sounds every now and then, it’s a real spiritual home for us.” Two of his mother’s siblings also purchased baches in the Kenepuru Sound at around the same time, after spending time at their own family bach in the Pelorus Sound growing up. “It’s taken us a while to figure it out but it’s that real connection to place… people want their little bay…

SUPPLIED

Aran Pudney and wife Maeve work from home and are able to spend more time together as a family.

they actually want Anakiwa Bay, or Lyall Bay. It’s that real local kind of ‘this is my place’,” he says. After spending the first few years refining their processes, Aran and Maeve have begun branching out into new areas of New Zealand. Having previously mapped Lake Taupō, they recently decided to map the Queenstown Lakes area, complete with mountains and ski fields, working towards a cohesive collection of the area. They have also been taking a closer look at Marlborough’s landscapes. “We already had The Sounds mapped, and he’s working on the Wairau Valley at the Moment,” Maeve says.

SUPPLIED

Artist Aran Pudney works on one of his latest creations.

The Slip Inn restaurant in Havelock has been a long-term supporter of The Furnace, displaying an ongoing exhibition, and the couple recently got their works into The Vines Village gift shop. “They’ve got a real focus on sustainability, which ties in with our business model,” Maeve says. The couple originally planned to create children’s furniture, and their sustainable focus has also allowed them to create fun pieces for kids. “A lot of the maps are quite large, so we get quite a lot of small off cuts, but not big enough to make a map out of, so we use them to make kids activities like stencil packs,” Maeve says.

Artworks from The Furnace are available at thefurnace.co.nz and locally at The Slip Inn, Havelock and at The Vines Village, Blenheim.

DECEMBER | 19

7 December MISTLETOE MARKET 2019

WHAT’S ON

Lions Club of Marlborough is once again bringing the Mistletoe Market to Blenheim. Offering a large selection of stalls with something for everyone - a great opportunity to pick up some Christmas gifts.

For full information, and a complete list of events in our region, visit www.follow-me.co.nz

Blenheim CBD 9am–2pm

7 December

BLENHEIM CHRISTMAS PARADE

CHRISTMAS OUTDOOR MOVIE - ‘HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS’

Annual parade marking the start of the holiday festivities. Come along and enjoy the colourful floats, food stalls and of course Santa.

Keep the festive feelings going after the Parade with this free community event for youth and their families. There will be pre-entertainment, competitions, food stalls, giveaways and much more.

Seymour Square, Blenheim 8pm–11pm

Blenheim CBD 3pm–6pm

12 December

13–24 December

BLENHEIM CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

RENWICK CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

A magical event for children young and old - there will be kids’ activities, snow effects, street performers, Santa, food stalls and so much more.

Get into the Christmas spirit and view the beauty and delight of Christmas with over 40 trees decorated by local businesses and community groups.

Blenheim CBD 5pm–9pm

Renwick Anglican Community Church 10am–10pm

14 December

31 December

SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS

IGNITE MARLBOROUGH NEW YEAR’S EVE 2019

Gather with friends, family, whanau and community and enjoy Christmas carols sung by local groups.

Port Marlborough Pavilion, Endeavour Park 5pm–7pm

Welcome 2020 in style with music and fireworks over the water on Picton Foreshore.

Picton Foreshore 7pm–midnight

FROM THE FOLLOW-ME TE A M follow-me.co.nz

December 2019

JANUARY | 20

11 January KING & QUEEN OF THE WITHERS

WHAT’S ON

Run, walk or hybrid this popular 10k hill race - will you be crowned the King or Queen this year?

For full information, and a complete list of events in our region, visit www.follow-me.co.nz

Rifle Range Car Park 7am–10:30am

11 January

13–16 January

FRESHCHOICE PICTON RAINBOW RUN

PIRATE SCHOOL WITH ARTIST & EDUCATOR CAROLINE DELLA PORTA

A chance to walk or run with your family and friends and get messy as you get doused with colour.

Learn how to be a pirate with arts and crafts, treasure hunts and heaps more fun.

Port Marlborough Pavilion, Endeavour Park 10am–12pm

Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, Picton 11am–2pm

17–18 January

18 January

PICTON MARITIME FESTIVAL 2020

FAMILY FISHING DAY Have a go at trout fishing at one of the region’s best fishing destinations, Lake Argyle.

2020 will see the 15th anniversary of this popular family-friendly community event. And this year it will run over two days!

Picton Foreshore Fri: 11am–5pm Sat: 11am–11pm

Lake Argyle, Ward 10am–2pm

19 January

31 January

INTERISLANDER SUMMER FESTIVAL BLENHEIM TROTS

BEACH FEST 2020 Back-to-school beach party with a live DJ, inflatables, volleyball comps, food vendors, competitions and more. Transport available.

Enjoy an unforgettable day with friends and family with live music, great food and drink, free kids entry and entertainment and exciting race action.

Waterlea Racecourse, Blenheim 10am

Picton Foreshore 6pm–9pm

E VENTS

GUIDE

Chec k out upcomi ng Ma rl b orough event s

Pick up the latest Events Guide from Marlborough District Council follow-me.co.nz

SUPPLIED FRANCES WILSON

The Musical Gala with an International cast brings London’s West End and New York’s Broadway to New Zealand for the first time.

The World of Musicals brings the very best of Musical theatre to life. This incredible production is a wonderful revue of all your favorite musical theatre hits which include such classics as, The Lion King, Fiddler On The Roof, Mamma Mia, We Will Rock You, The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore, The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Cats, Evita, Wicked, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Greatest Showman, Jersey Boys, Oklahoma, South Pacific, Miss Saigon, The Boy from OZ, Hairspray, Les Misérables, The Blues Brothers. The World of Musicals…colorful, inspiring and memorable musical classics, all performed by an International star-studded cast, presenting the audience with nightly entertainment at the highest level. Whether a soloist - duet or the entire ensemble, the performers of this musical event will inspire in this Musical Whirlwind. Direct from their USA tour, this select cast of Highly Talented and Accomplished Performers have featured in worldwide smash hits such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Hairspray, West Side Story, Titanic, Les Misérables, Wizard Of OZ, Musical Star Nights, Mary Poppins, Me And My Girl, Evita, The King Of Narnia, Rent, Avenue “Q”.

December 2019

SUPPLIED

All the hit’s in one show…

SUPPLIED

…that is the motto of this musical gala, full of highlights - the emotional and varied journey into the World of Musicals will delight the audience.

Theatre

Marlborough

The World of the Musicals is a show for the entire family, so get ready to be enthralled and sing along to all your favorite and much-loved musicals in one unforgettable evening.

The cast is supremely talented and an absolute joy to watch – Broadway World

Emotional ballads, stunning solos and rousing ensemble performances – Main Echo

12th JUNE

H E AT H F R A N K L I N ’ S

CHOPPER: THE SILENCER

The World Of Musicals simply not to be missed - book now. www.theworldofmusicalsshow.com

MARLBOROUGH SPORTS AWARDS 2019

1. Graham Henderson, Antonea Vannoppen,

Ethan Batt and Andy Rowe

2. Jane Watson, Chris Black, Rory Crawford

and Bernice Mene

3. Nic Marfell, Julian Butterlin and Chris Corbyn

4. Crichton and Darlene Purdie 5. Paula Hulburt, Rachael Hughes and Rosa Tate

6. Lachlan and Melissa Galloway 7. Ella Williams, Alice Roughan and Grace Davies 8. Ra Hebberd, Haze Te Puia and Lee Te Puia 9. Ethan Jones, Olivia Robinson, Kim Robinson

and Nick Robinson

10. Barry Neal, Jason Walker and Chris Hobbs

MATT BROWN

December 2019

NEW ZEALAND WINE OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019

Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 1. Belinda Jackson 2. Jason Yank, Geoff Matthews, Will Hoare,

David Clouston and Kat Mason

3. Mike Just

4. Richard and Brydie Morrison 5. Rosa Tate 6. Sam Merrill 7. Jeremy Brown 8. Kat Mason 9. Shona White and Kathrin Jankowiec 10. Wairau River Team

RICHARD BRIGGS

The days are warmer and the BBQs have been dusted off. We’ve headed into the season of entertaining, which means one thing: stress. In the next few months we have the big events like Christmas and New Year’s, not to mention the smaller dinner parties, barbeques and just general celebrating.

Words: Jess Murray

ot surprisingly, you want to be the ‘hostess with the mostest’. So rather than spending excessive amounts of your time scrolling through the internet to find quirky ways

to arrange your cheese on a platter, we’ve pulled together some of our top tips to keep the guests out of your ear and the entertaining effortless.

Summer lovin’: we can’t change the weather, but we can try our best to plan around it. Despite it seeming like an obvious tip, make sure you’re prepared for four seasons in one day. There’s nothing worse than hosting an outdoor party and the weather turns. If you’re well prepared, executing plan B will be much less stressful then having to wing it on the day.

You’re in luck: just because you’re hosting the event doesn’t mean that you should do all of the heavy lifting. Having a potluck styled event allows for some of the work to be shared around. Not only that, but people who have food allergies or preferences could bring a dish that they’ll be able to both eat and enjoy.

(Not so) fine China: while grandma’s china that has been passed down for generations, usually makes an appearance at these sorts of events, it’s not the be all and end all of your gatherings. Paper plates and cutlery are a much cheaper, more practical option with zero dishes and won’t break hearts if it’s accidentally dropped on floor; the same can’t be said about the china. Grandma will understand.

Quality not quantity: decorations are a nice touch but it’s unnecessary to attempt to transport your guests into a new world. Something as simple as flowers or a mason jar filled with fairy lights are an easy way to make a space look like you’ve slaved over it for hours. Besides, isn’t it more about the company than the presentation?

December 2019

Blenheim’s only riverside restaurant has gone back to its roots; rebranding back to its original name, Raupō.

Since buying the restaurant in 2018, Jugal had always planned to rebrand it back to Raupō, a decision encouraged by his regular customers.

“We bought it last year and we bought it as Saveur … Our customers have been asking when we are going to change it back to Raupō since we bought it,” he says.

Jugal worked at Raupō for three years after moving to Marlborough from the United Kingdom in 2014.

Jugal has had a lot of support in taking over the restaurant, and credits his brother Sonu, for helping to get it off the ground.

After leaving to pursue his own business dream and setting up The Next Door Café in Redwoodtown, he was given the opportunity to buy Raupō, which had been renamed Saveur.

“He is a pillar, I would say, who I am standing with … I look after the operations and he looks after the financial side of things. Working together is amazing,” Jugal says.

Before leaving Saveur to set up The Next Door Café, Jugal asked its owners to keep him in mind if they ever considered selling.

Both men have worked hard to establish themselves as business owners, with a lot of support from their wives.

“I’m lucky enough that when they decided to sell they only approached me and they didn’t go anywhere else,” Jugal says.

The staff at Raupō also contribute towards the smooth running of the business, as do supportive customers, he says.

“When I used to work here I always wanted to have it as my own. The location is beautiful and the food is beautiful and just the ambience.”

“It all goes down to the staff and the team we have here and the lovely customers. They came with us and they believe in us that we can do it right.”

he restaurant has also welcomed a familiar face back to the kitchen, but this time, chef Jugal Kishore is also the restaurant owner.

ADVERTORIAL

Jugal is excited to put his touch on an iconic Marlborough restaurant. “The reputation that it has from over the years; we are lucky enough to maintain that and take it to the next level,” he says.

“I feel like I’m going back to the roots [of the restaurant].”

Raupō is open seven days a week from 7.30am till late for brunch and dinner, offering a fusion European menu which will change seasonally. They cater to groups of all sizes, including private functions.

TAYLOR PASS HONEY CHICKEN SALAD At the recent Bee Aware Day at the Vines Village Head Chef Steve MacDougall in the cooking demonstration made an incredible Chicken Salad today using Taylor Pass Honey Co Blue Borage Honey. The honey candied walnuts were the secret, so as requested, here is the recipe…give it a go! INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Marinated Chicken Thigh

2 Tbsp Crushed Ginger 2 Tbsp Taylor Pass Blue Borage Honey 1 Tbsp Crushed Garlic 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice 2 Tbsp Sweet chilli sauce 3 Tbsp Hoisin Sauce 1 tsp Korean chilli paste (or 1x fresh red chilli) ½ lemon (zested and finely chopped) ½ orange (zested and finely chopped) 4x free range chicken thighs

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Slice the chicken thigh, place in the marinade. Cover and leave in the fridge for one hour (overnight is recommended). BBQ for approximately 10 minutes until golden brown (core temp 75°C). Set aside to cool, chop and add to the salad bowl. Salad Sautee the diced pumpkin with a touch of the olive oil and rosemary sea salt. BBQ the bacon until crispy, dice into small pieces. Boil the quinoa until cooked. Cool under running cold water. Drain well and set aside. Place the fresh herbs, baby spinach, cooked pumpkin, diced chicken, and half of the goat cheese. Finish with Taylor Pass Honey Co Candied Walnuts. For the Candied Walnuts: Heat walnuts in a dry pan, place ¼ cup honey into a pot, heat with ¼ cup orange juice, 2x star anise, 1tsp vanilla paste, 6-8 cardamom pods, 1tsp cloves, 1x cinnamon quills. Infuse, strain, and toss with walnuts. Place on a baking tray and bake 150°C for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool completely. Chop up and sprinkle on top of the salad.

For the salad

¼ large pumpkin, skinned and small dice. 200g raw rainbow quinoa (boiled in unsalted water for 20 minutes) 4x slices of raw smokey streaky bacon (BBQ) Place the remainder of the goat cheese on top for garnish. Drizzle with Isobel Olives olive oil. 20g fresh baby spinach leaves Handful of chopped mint, italian parsley. Note: The Cranky Goat Cheese, Isobel Olive Oil and Taylor Pass Honey are all available at the VVC Deli. 100g Soft Cranky Goat Ltd Cheese 10g rosemary sea salt Rosemary Salt Tip - Oven roast some Rosemary stalks, let cool, pick leaves then grind in a coffee grinder 60mls Extra Virgin Olive Oil and then add to Marlborough Sea Salt. A sure fire way to add some serious flavour to your roasties! (half set aside for dressing)

December 2019

WHAT’S HOT - DINING

Vines Village Cafe & Deli

Harvest Restaurant

Friday Night Greek Tapas & Bubbles

Marlborough’s award-winning favourite casual dining destination with a fresh and wholesome cafe specialising in nourishing breakfasts, fresh Supreme coffee, tasty lunches and afternoon drinks. Pour your own Taylor Pass Honey or try an Appleby Farms A2 ice-cream waffle cone or craft beer and gin tasting in the new GMB Taproom. Open 7 days 8.30am–5pm.

Nestled amongst the beautiful gardens of The Marlborough Lodge, Harvest Restaurant has a strong focus on fresh, local and seasonal produce.

Come and experience the unforgettable flavors of Greece, with our platters bursting with flavour! First Friday of each month we are open until 8pm for Greek tapas and bubbles.

193 Rapaura Rd, Marlborough Ph: 03 572 7170

The Head chef and his team masterfully let the hand selected ingredients speak for themselves. Paired with warm service and an idyllic setting, come and experience it for yourself. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

Do you have an event that needs catering? Enquire with us for all your catering needs. Wanting a Christmas function different to the rest? We can host your function of up to 50 guests in our café!

www.vinesvillagecafe.co.nz

776 Rapaura Road, Marlborough (The Marlborough Lodge) Ph: 03 570 5700 harvestrestaurant.co.nz

Escape to Lochmara! You may never want to leave!

At Thai9 we provide fresh, authentic, and delicious food.

The GOODHOME. There is a place like HOME.

Enjoy our healthy and meticulously prepared dishes, served by our friendly staff while you take in the outstanding surroundings of the Marlborough Sounds. Restaurant or beach dining options available overlooking our safe swimming beach. All dietary requests are welcome. Lochmara is just a 15-minute boat ride from Picton.

We offer many diet options including gluten free, vegan, vegetarian and delicious Ketogenic options. We offer pre-order if you’re after a quick, keto lunch! Come in and try some of our homemade ice-cream or one of our many varieties of drinks including the famous bubble tea and Thai herb tea. Download the thai9 app for all takeaway orders.

Welcome to the GOODHOME, come on in, put your feet up, stay awhile...

31 Scott Street, Blenheim | Ph: 03 972 2799

70 Queen Street, Blenheim | Ph: 03 577 6495

Reservations: 03 573 4554 www.lochmara.co.nz

thai9blenheim

1C Main Street, Blenheim | Ph: 021 902 770 Eleni-café-kafenio

Spaces to relax; hang with a bunch of friends or the GOOD crew from the office. It’s about lunch with no plans for the afternoon; it’s a cocktail or two after five; an easy dinner with the family or a beer while watching the code. Open 7 days from 11.30am till late. www.goodhomebar.co.nz

SUPPLIED FRANCES WILSON

supporting Supporting the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon is just one way the team at Chateau Marlborough Hotel give back to the community.

Words: Joanna Glover

eneral manager Lynley McKinnon says the hotel has been supporting the race for around five years, viewing it as a positive attraction for the region in what is historically a quieter month. “I think it’s a magnificent event, it’s one that has grown over the years and it’s a nice one to align ourselves with,” she says. “That’s not the only event we align ourselves with but it’s great that they are bringing people here outside of January, February and March.” Supporting the community is an important aspect of the business, and getting behind events like the half marathon is one way for them to do so, Lynley says. “It’s important a) for the community and b) for all the retailers in the region.

December 2019

“Obviously when we do these things like the half, we get people staying here which is brilliant, but it’s also good for the community,” she says.

The move to support the hospice came after a chance meeting with a doctor who said they were looking for a new meal provider.

The half marathon is one of many initiatives The previous provider had to step back after it became a requirement for the supported by Chateau Marlborough. meals to be prepared in a commercial “We have a strong commitment to the kitchen. community, it’s a commitment that Chateau Marlborough is very proud to make to Marlborough,” Lynley says.

“That’s a really good initiative for us, it is such a great facility and the staff at Chateau Marlborough love being involved,” Lynley says.

Every week, chefs in the hotel’s restaurant, Quench, prepare meals which are delivered to Hospice Marlborough for patients and Chateau Marlborough also recently provided sponsorship to the Rotoiti their families. Trust for the rebuild of the Rotoiti Lodge “We deliver them on a weekly basis, so Outdoor Education Centre at St Arnaud. that feeds the patients and on Christmas Some of the staff also spent time at Day we feed the staff and that’s all free of charge.” the lodge helping with the renovation,

SUPPLIED

which is set to provide Marlborough students with a modernised facility for school camps.

The race wouldn’t get off the ground without businesses like the Chateau.

“I went there myself for camp and it’s all being redone and it looks fabulous,” Lynley says. The company is also a major sponsor of Ronald MacDonald House in Christchurch and regularly donates items to be sold at their charity auctions. Come May, many of the staff from Chateau Marlborough will lace up their running shoes and get out onto the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon 21 and 12 kilometre courses. “Many have done it before and the shareholders did it one year as well, they all loved it,” Lynley says.

– Chris Shaw

“They’re helping us and in turn they raise funds for their group or organisation.”

turn be able to provide funding to those groups.”

The race has also raised nearly $300,000 for Bowel Cancer New Zealand over the years.

Taking place on May 9, 2020, next year’s event will be the first one to feature the Appleby Farms V12 12km course alongside the traditional 21.1km course.

“One of the things we love about the event is that it gives money back to the community, we really love that about it,” Chris says. “Without the financial support from businesses like Chateau we wouldn’t in

The event aims to showcase the best of what is on offer in Marlborough, with food and entertainment along the way, and Marlborough wine, beer and food at the finish line. It attracts around 4000 people to the region each year.

Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon owner Chris Shaw says having the support of organisations like Chateau Marlborough is crucial for the event. “That in turn is beneficial for the region as it brings people into town and showcases it as this amazing wine, food and adventure haven,” he says. “The race wouldn’t get off the ground without businesses like the Chateau.” As well as benefiting local retailers, restaurants and producers, the half marathon acts as a fundraiser for many Marlborough charities and groups. “Every year local organisations like the Lions Clubs or sports teams who are our ‘Race Angels’ on race day, working as marshalls to help the competitors get to where they need to be,” Chris says.

SUPPLIED

LOCHIE THE LOCHMARA DOGGIE GOES SWIMMING

PENNED BY THE UNLIKELY KIWI - BRUCE ANDERSON

ochie the Lochmara doggie always enjoyed jumping into the water. His favourite activity involved finding a willing tourist to throw his stick out into the bay. It didn’t really matter if they could speak English or not, because Lochie would simply bark at them and eventually they would get the general idea and repeatedly pick up his stick and toss it towards the water. Lochie would then run across the beach, leap into the air and make a huge splash. He was a very experienced swimmer, famous for his dog paddle and he could swim a very long way. As Lochie swam out to fetch his stick the water started to move around him and he felt a swish around his legs and then without warning his stick disappeared! He looked to the left. He looked to the right. But he couldn’t see his stick. He looked ahead and looked behind, but he still couldn’t find his stick. Suddenly an enormous tail shot up into the air and threw water all over his head. ‘Hey!’ shouted Lochie who was not at all amused at losing his stick nor entertained by the wave of water that had washed his face. A dolphin appeared right in front of his nose. Lochie jumped back. He had not been expecting to meet a dolphin!

December 2019

DAVID CHADWICK

‘Morning!’ said the Dolphin. ‘Good morning indeed!’ replied Lochie who was treading water as fast as he could! ‘Fabulous weather for a swim,’ continued the dolphin. Lochie just continued to stare at his stick, which was spinning around and balanced on the Dolphin’s nose. Lochie frowned and said, ‘I don’t believe we have been properly introduced!’ END RACHEL TOWNS

‘Oh!’ said the dolphin in a surprised tone.

‘They call me ‘Splish the Splasher’, the Incredible Wave Rider of the South Island, the Amazing Dancing Dolphin and Seaweed Juggling King of Kaikoura!’ ‘Really!’ sighed Lochie. ‘But you can just call me Splish for short!’ announced the dolphin. ‘Well then Splish… the Splasher, dancing dolphin etc etc, King of Kaikoura and stick stealer of the South Island, I’d like my stick back please!’ shouted Lochie. ‘You forgot to say incredible and amazing and seaweed juggling!’ Splish quickly

pointed out with an air of grandeur and self-importance! Lochie’s little legs were starting to get tired and he knew he had to think quickly. ‘So you can juggle seaweed can you?’ asked Lochie. ‘I’m the best in the world!’ declared Splish. ‘Let’s see then shall we?’ smiled Lochie with a hint of trickery that normally only a Weka could conjure. Splish dropped the stick and dived down to the bottom of the Bay and came back up with three big pieces of seaweed, which he tossed into the air, caught and threw up again and again and again. Eventually, two pieces landed on his head and another landed on his tail. He looked around for Lochie but couldn’t see him. He looked to the left. He looked to the right. But he couldn’t see Lochie. He looked ahead and looked behind, but he still couldn’t find Lochie, because Lochie had swum back to the beach with his stick. A tourist approached hoping to throw his stick for him, but Lochie turned around and quickly ran to the top of the hill. Far from anyone, he placed his stick on the ground, shook his fur free of water and shouted, ‘Pretty good juggling Splish! See you tomorrow!’ ‘Hmmmmmm,’ said Splish who was still wearing his seaweed on his head. ‘Rather a clever dog and clearly a very fast swimmer!’

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HYPNOTHERAPY AND A FAMILY GET-TOGETHER. THIS IS THE UPLIFTING STORY OF ONE BLENHEIM FAMILY’S JOURNEY THANKS TO A MOTHER’S VIRTUAL GASTRIC BANDING, WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAMME. Sally, a very attractive mother of two teenage boys, was worried about her appearance, feeling that her boys were ashamed of her weight. The family were about to go on holiday, where walking on the beach and swimming meant wearing togs. As always, during the first session of four, I spent some time finding out more about Sally and her goals, what she wanted to achieve not only weight-wise, but how she really wanted to feel.

So, picture the scene: everyone mindlessly shovelling food into their mouth, quite literally hypnotised by the telly. So, do you talk about your day with your family? No. Do you find out what’s going on at school, or with friends? No. Do you notice what you’re eating? No. Do you know when you’ve had enough to eat? No. I could go on in this vein, but I’m sure you get the idea. Sally certainly did. I asked her to start eating at the table, with no electronic distractions.

Clearly concerned about body image, she admitted that she often felt tired, frumpy, didn’t sleep well and often felt ‘down’.

By the fourth hypnotherapy session, Sally greeted me with a large and beautiful bunch of flowers.

When we talked about her eating habits, and I asked her where she normally ate, in common with 98 per cent of clients, she said the whole family sat in arm chairs, watching TV, or playing with electronic gadgets while they ate.

“Chris,” she beamed, “You have changed our family life. Though very reluctant at first, my husband and boys joined me at the table. No telly, no phone, just us. But a strange thing happened.

December 2019

After four days, the boys were setting the table without even being asked. The next day, a friend of theirs was invited and, surprised, was shown his seat at the table. Mindlessly, he took out his phone, upon which the boys gently frowned at him, and asked him to put it away.” Sally continued “We now TALK as a family. We’re finding out so much more about each other, and what goes on in our lives.” “We eat slowly, we savour our food and I’m now aware of how much I eat and when I feel satisfied. The family now even join me on my evening walks. I have lost four kilos, but, more importantly, I feel so much better. I have more energy, no more indigestion, and I can’t wait to stroll down that beach in togs, feeling incredible!”

Summertime BRING ON

Kitchen Garden

Water less often but more thoroughly. Water in the early morning or early evening to reduce evaporation. If you are going to be away, harvest as much as you can. Weed, feed and water well before you go, and ask neighbours to water and harvest while you are away. Sow seeds. In most areas seeds can be planted directly in to the garden: beetroot, beans, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, radish, spinach and silverbeet. Plant seedlings: beans, pumpkin, courgettes, capsicum, eggplant, melons and spring onions should be planted in December while broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach. carrots, beetroot, radish, leeks and silverbeet can be planted during January. Plant grapes, kiwifruit, tamarillos, rhubarb, passionfruit, strawberries and summerberries during December. Plant avocados during December, they need a very well drained position, insert the stake at the time of planting. Feed tomatoes every fortnight. Ensure they are firmly staked, well-watered and remove the laterals (side growth) when they are small.

Key points for the holidays • As strawberries ripen, protect them from birds and ensure they get plenty of water • Keep planting summer salad crops and harvest as they become ready • Protect vegetable crops from slugs, snails, white butterfly and insects

• Roses will need maintaining: dead-head and spray if insects or mildew is present • Early crops of garlic can be harvested in January • Plant swan plants to attract butterflies into the garden

• Continue to plant colour in pots and the garden for summer displays

Tomatoes are ready to harvest when they are fully coloured and firm to the touch.

gaillardia alyssum, rosemary and lavender.

Mound up the soil around your potatoes and side dress with blood and bone. Harvest as they become ready, use any damaged ones first and store the rest.

Sow seeds: In most areas seeds can be planted directly in to the garden: aster, cosmos, cornflowers, petunia, marigold, phlox, portulaca, and verbena. In January sow impatiens. Lobelia, calendula, pansies, poppies and salvie.

Spray copper oxychloride again in December on citrus fruit and passionfruit. Harvest garlic in January when tops have flowered, turned yellow and the lower leaves have started to turn brown. Corn is ready to harvest when it is still at the milky stage and the silk will be brown and dry. Check by pulling back the leaves and pushing your fingernail in the cob.

Garden Colour Keep your pots well-watered, they will dry out quickly. Add a water retention product to the soil to help retain moisture. Plant for bees: pineapple sage, bergamot, lemon balm, blue salvia, coreopsis,

Plant seedlings: aquilegias, aster, chrysanthemum, cosmos, dahlia, dianthus, nasturtium, marigolds, petunia, phlox, portulaca, salvia, verbena, viscaria and zinnia. Plant perennials, keep new plantings well-watered.

Trees and Shrubs Keep an eye out for mildew, black spot and other diseases as well as insects and pests and use appropriate sprays once the bees have gone home.

PROUD TO BE LOCA L NANCY LAGUNOWITSCH Laguna Yoga

Marlborough Aero Club, Club rooms P: 027 563 9218 | E: nancy@lagunayoga.co.nz @LagunaYogaNZ

What do you love most about Marlborough? Marlborough has a unique vintage aviation culture which attracted me and my husband to move from overseas to build our life in Blenheim. How long have you been practicing and teaching Yoga? Over 20 years and teaching since 2015. I am a qualified RY200 Yoga Teacher and the owner of Laguna Yoga. I offer small classes for students of varying experience and abilities, including those new to yoga and those over 50. What style of Yoga do you teach? A blended style of yoga with both Hatha and Vinyassa elements. We begin with stretching, sun salutations, balancing asanas and then other poses designed to improve balance, strength and flexibility.

If I am interested, what do I do? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very simple. Whether you are an experienced Yogi or a complete newbie, just try it. Have a look at my webpage (www.lagunayoga.co.nz) and sign up for a free trial class. Bookings are essential.

What is it about yoga that appeals to you?

What is your favourite way to spend an idle moment?

I am passionate about yoga and the mental and physical benefits it brings.

Cooking with my husband, playing with my dogs and enjoying the Marlborough lifestyle.

December 2019

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CHILDREN EAT/DRINK PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

James’s Nursery & Garden Centre Fresh Delicious Hot & Cold Subs All Day

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC CLEANING SERVICES

Locally grown plants & garden products

Sweet Treats | Breakfast | L’Affare Espresso Coffee Tea - Hot Chocolate | Soft Drinks Teeccino No Cafe Gluten Free Coffee Aternative

Philip & Wendy James

Stadium 2000 & 56 Grove Rd OPEN 7 DAYS

157 Alabama Rd, Blenheim

p. (03)

577 5077 • e. jamessnursery@xtra.co.nz

Providing inspiration, materials & encouragement, to unlock creative potential

Vines Village, Rapaura Road Open 7 Days - 9am to 5pm Ph: 572 7240 thequiltersbarn.co.nz Proud stockists of

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Paula Hulburt Editor

paula@marlboro

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