Marlborough Magazine - July 2019

JULY 2019

MARLBOROUGH’S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

HELPING SAVE OUR PLANET

CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION

HOW TO BE SUSTAINABLE

Group urges locals to act now

A look behind the clothing racks

Small tips to help you live more sustainably

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J U LY 2 0 1 9

WHAT’S INSIDE F E AT U R E S

6–7

6–7

A PLANET IN ‘CRISES’ Local group urges people to act now

8

JASON KERRISON Pop star shares his ‘off the grid’ lifestyle

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CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION A look behind the racks

34–35

HOW TO BE SUSTAINABLE Small tips to help you live more sustainably

12–15

8

REGULAR

20–22

12–15 Fashion 20–22

Home & Living

11

26–27 Entertainment 28

What’s On

29

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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THE TEAM

W

e hear so much about sustainability, climate change and the importance of looking after our planet. Some of the research we hear about is pretty scary, especially when you start thinking about exactly what we will be leaving behind for the next generation.

Sure, sometimes it’s easier to bury your head in the sand and not think about all the doom and gloom, after all we won’t be here to pick up the pieces, will we?

Luckily, we know that careless thoughts like these are not right, it does affect us, and it affects us now.

Experts work hard to ensure the message continues to get through, to educate and stimulate emotion and to thrust us into action!

If these constant messages encourage each one of us to at least make one change in our lives that can contribute to the sustainability of our future, then keep them coming!

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Hence why we are dedicating this issue to ‘loving our land’ and how we can show more care about what is really precious.

What could be more important than ensuring we leave behind a safe and happy place for our children’s children.

It’s time to stop thinking about it and start acting, let do it together!

EDITOR Summa MacDonald CONTRIBUTORS Chris Steadman, Naya Cunningham, Silvia Hodel, Travel Associates ADVERTISING Susie Williams susie@marlboroughmag.co.nz Rachael Hughes rachael@marlboroughmedia.co.nz Rosa Tate rosa@marlboroughmedia.co.nz CREATIVE Writer Kat Duggan Design Jamie Kneale Photographers Sarah Hodgett David James Distribution Jo Blue, Wendy Abernethy Printers Inkwise PUBLISHER Marlborough Media 52 Scott St, Blenheim CONTACT P: 0279 556 279 03 928 4121 summa@marlboroughmedia.co.nz marlboroughmag.co.nz facebook.com/marlboroughmag

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FEATURE

From left : Pete Wilkinson, Lois Mead-McEwan, Marg O’Brien, Tom Powell, James Wilson, Mark Altoft, Penny Dollimore, Hugh Steadman.

In front from left: Lesley Hill, Budyong Hill, Sue Altoft.

A PLANET IN

Crisis

STORY: KAT DUGGAN

Climate change lobby group urges community to act now.

Marlborough, and much of New Zealand has been both fortunate and unfortunate in its lack of physical manifestations of climate change to date, Lois says.

our years ago, a Marlborough man took a stand. His week-long sleepover in central Blenheim was a call to the community to wake up to the impacts of climate change.

Fortunate in that until now, the region has remained relatively unscathed from the impacts; but unfortunate in that the lack of visible impacts is causing complacency amongst the community in taking action.

F

By camping out and fasting for a week, Bill McEwan wanted to raise the alarm of the imminent impacts of climate change on the environment, should the human race continue to live as it were.

His call was in some part answered, and later resulted in the formation of Climate Karanga Marlborough, which now has around 100 likeminded members.

However, there is still a long way to go if there is any chance of reducing the impact of generations of damage to the earth.

His wife, and fellow Climate Karanga Marlborough member Lois Mead-McEwan says humans are currently using 70 per cent more resources than the earth can provide on a sustainable basis, including the likes of fresh water, top soil, fish and forests.

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July 2019

“It’s not in our faces yet, and it’s hard to take it seriously when it’s not in our faces,” she says.

“I think many people in Marlborough have yet to realise how huge and far reaching climate breakdown is … and how deeply it will affect future generations,” Bill says.

Other parts of New Zealand, including Mapua and Ruby Bay in the Tasman region have seen the impacts of climate change in the form of sea surges during recent years.

Committee member Budyong Hill and his wife Lesley Hill have also seen the impacts of climate change on the West Coast, where they previously lived for many years.

“We visited Karamea last winter … and we drove along the estuary and there were all these dead trees, and orchards, where [the

sea] had come over and the salt had killed them,” he says.

The threat of erosion during storms and sea surges on homes and infrastructure on the West Coast has also made headlines multiple times during recent years.

Home to one fifth of New Zealand’s coastline, the group foresees similar impacts for Marlborough if action is not taken.

Counteracting generations worth of damage is a big ask, but Climate Karanga Marlborough says as much needs to be done as possible to at least slow the impact of climate change.

“There are 50,000 of us in the province, and so we are trying to raise awareness amongst 50,000 people,” Bill says. “[We’re saying] ‘This is a crisis, this is serious, this is not going to go away, this is going to affect our grandchildren in disastrous ways’,” Budyong adds.

Working with youth is a big part of the strategy for the group.

“There are a whole lot of young people saying ‘we want to get involved’, and we want to scaffold and support the young people, it’s powerful to awhi [embrace] them,” Bill says.

“I feel very strongly about older people supporting the young, it’s quite emotional for me.”

The message from Climate Karanga Marlborough is simple: act now, before it’s too late.

“If we keep raping and pillaging and sucking [Mother Earth] dry, she’s not going to have anything else to give, and in the end she will collapse and we will be gone,” Lois says.

“We are abusing our mother, she bore us and is looking after us well and we are abusing her, and she is crying out in pain,” Bill adds.

In order to have a strong impact, consumers need to adopt a ‘carbon zero’, or circular economy, Budyong says.

“We have to change the whole system, because unless we have a system that goes

This is a crisis, this is serious, this is not going to go away, this is going to affect our grandchildren in disastrous ways Budyong Hill right back to the beginning; if a product is being designed and planned for consumers, it has to be designed so that there is no waste, everything goes in the circle and we end up with nothing going back into landfill.

A circular economy is a no-brainer,” he says.

“If half a generation grows up thinking it’s not an option to throw away, [and saying] ‘where do I take this so that it gets reused or recycled’, producers will have to be on board so that they facilitate that process.”

However, the group says that any change is better than no change, and encourages the community to start small by doing things such as starting a walking school bus to take the kids to school, using a pushbike or investing in an electric car, or opting for a holiday in New Zealand rather than heading overseas.

“We want to increase people’s understanding of what this is about,” Lois says.

“And to support each other in treading more lightly on the earth, and love our mother,” Bill adds.

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CELEBRITY FEATURE

OP SHOPPING IN NAME AND

BY NATURE Singer/Songwriter, Jason Kerrison tells us about his inspiring project in remote Northland.

You have been described as an ecowarrior and advocate for sustainable and resilient communities. How literal is this?

I use bamboo earbuds, still refuse plastic bags, have done for years. I realise my choice to not eat red meat stems partially from the controversial move to limit my own contribution to the excessive energy expenditure of industrialized animal slaughter, as well as the compassionate position. But you might say I’m less of a fanatic than I was when Opshop’s Second Hand planet was produced and unleashed on the worlds ears. When you’re in that writing head space you‘re typically hyper sensitive to your surroundings as source material. I’d always been mindful of our innate connection to nature and our responsibility as planetary habitants but I became somewhat of a musical activist through song and then in deed also and more so after this album. My work states my position and it’s nice to have that to confirm my perspective. I’ll always be an eco-worrier.

Tell us about your off-the-grid initiative in remote Northland The Great Northern Retreat is positioning itself as an off grid well-being venue and production studio nestled in the mountains of Takahue, in the Far North. Promoting socially just, environmentally sustainable, and physical, emotional/mental, spiritually fulfilling practises. We aim to be te whare raki nui o te whakaora, the great home of healing. We are currently completing essential infrastructure on the property and are looking to rapidly upscale our operations towards our vision of an off grid high-value eco-tourist eco-educational hauora health retreat and production studio servicing the Far North and visitors from further afield in New Zealand and across the globe. We have recently applied for an industrial hemp license also.

What compelled you to take on this project?

In my opinion we had and are still neglecting our responsibility as Kaitiaki, a Maori term used for the concept of guardianship and protector of the sky, the sea, and the land.

High in the mountains, away from rising seas, hotter (and colder) extreme weather events,

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and the infrastructures inability to cope due to the added pressure in the city of increasing population growth. I also wanted to return to the whenua to learn permaculture, and Rongoa Maori (native plants and processes with medicinal qualities and outcomes). I wanted to learn to build a tiny home, so downsizing and minimalism were other factors. A recording studio in the mountains had always been a dream.

What does it mean exactly to live “off the grid”? Did you impose any rules or restrictions on yourself?

There is literally no access to services like power and water and sewerage so we didn’t have to impose any restrictions. The limitations were already arranged for us by nature and whomever subdivided the land in the past. We had to install absolutely everything.

Water tanks and waterlines for showers and food preparation, roads for access, the solar power plant for energy, wood fired hot tubs filled with kawakawa infusion for relaxing after a long day. We eat hangi cook in a universal food cooker most of the time which is smoked with manuka sourced from the whenua.

What have you learnt from this experience that any of us could apply to our daily lives?

Firstly, it’s the old Henry Ford saying. ‘Whether you think you can, or you can’t you’re right’. I followed my heart, my vision. It’s been a mish but I believed I could do it, I was right. We’re far from finished but many people involved have achieved plenty to be proud of and we’ve created a platform to leap forward from here into the other projects we have in mind. We’re learning all the time. And yes sustainability shouldn’t be a buzz word used now and then, it should filter every action we take. I try to carry the sense of Kaitiaki with me everywhere.

It focuses my lens every day. Also, just do what you can. Its all you can do.

Do you think the growing alarm over catastrophic climate change is justified?

No. I feel alarm is long overdue. Hopefully the heightened sense of concern will at the very least create an impetus for those who can’t seem to see the tragedy unfolding around us from humanities collective callousness to stop and look. This is an emergency.

What would be your top 3 tips for fellow kiwis who are overwhelmed but want to make a difference?

• Try to cut out plastic. Be gone one use plastics for sure. Bags, Straws, Cotton Earbuds, Toothbrushes, Ciggie butts etc. There are plenty of options…paper, bamboo, wood, not smoking.

• Recycle, reuse. What ever you can, fix.

Or learn to. I’m using pallets a lot. I’m midway through a National Certificate in Construction (Level 3) so I can up skill and complete many of the projects on The Great Northern Retreat.

• Just simply be mindful of your consumption.

We are the guardians of our planet. We need to stop pretending we can’t do anything.

Together we’ll shift the paradigm. But we must act everyday.

What’s next?

Great Northern Hemp. Someone said recently that this is the time to educate. This is the time to activate. This is the time to define our needs.

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CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION: TIPS TO SHAPING YOUR DECISIONS STORY: CATHERINE VAN DER MEULEN

Much of my adult life was immersed in our family fashion business, and I remember feeling at the forefront of the industry by saying that we were a fast fashion business designing, developing and manufacturing inexpensive garments to sell to young women across the world. 7 years later, with the increased knowledge and insight we have into the world of fashion, the two words together Fast and Fashion give me chills thinking about the negative contribution they have on society and our beloved environment.

Over the years since we sold our family business I have educated and empowered myself with knowledge on a very different fashion business model and I am keen to share some of those learnings to hopefully open your eyes, broaden your knowledge, empower you to make better decisions when it comes to purchasing fashion.

It was an article that I read during my university studies (as a mature aged student), being made redundant from a fast fashion company and watching the documentary, The True Cost, that sent me on my new path, to discover the truth behind an industry I had a deep love affair with.

With New Zealanders spending NZD 5.3 billion annually on clothing and footwear, exporting NZD 1.3 billion worth of textiles, clothing and footwear, there certainly seems to be a disparity in the variance between consumption and export.

By increasing your knowledge and insight, its simple for everyone to have a positive impact for a cleaner future.

Here are a few things you can do to support this: • Buy clothing and footwear that is built to last • Recycle, reuse and repair I recently had a pair of jeans that were tearing at the knee. I considered a new purchase before I was travelling but decided to instead recruit a local expert to repair the jeans instead.

5 THINGS YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE GLOBAL FASHION INDUSTRY: • It is the second largest polluting industry in the world, second to oil.

•

60% of fashion garments are made from cotton, however it has contributed to the deaths of 270 000 cotton growers in India through suicide.

to go to the toilet and women are deemed unproductive during their menstrual cycle and not allowed to attend work during this time.

• It is estimated that a garment travels 14000 km’s before it reaches your wardrobe.

• Garment workers in Bangladesh are often held hostage in factories not being allowed

• It takes 2700 litres of water to produce the cotton for just one t’shirt.

• Share your knowledge There are things that I can’t unsee from documentaries I have watched, and they fuel me to continue being a preacher for change.

Once you have the knowledge, use it, share it and empower friends and family with the knowledge to make better decisions.

to a living wage and a positive impact on the environment, leaving it untouched in the process of creation.

• Wash your clothing less – it will reduce the microfibres and plastic from ending up in the ocean, save water and keep your clothes longer.

Some other New Zealand brands to watch: • Icebreaker

• Outland Denim

• Cactus

• Hallesteins

• Little Yellow Bird

• Glassons

• AS Colour

• Kowtow

• Nature Baby

• Buy locally from brands that are designed, developed and produced in New Zealand – it guarantees a low impact environmentally and supports the social shifts of the economy • Follow, purchase and engage in companies that are B Corp certified.

The brand of New Zealand on a global stage has always been supported with the connotations and conjures feelings of clean, green and transparent and it’s important to uphold this by supporting businesses that do the right thing holistically.

Two brands that I follow avidly are Allbirds and Kathmandu. Allbirds has been the first company to innovate the footwear industry by producing a shoe that is predominantly made from wool, something that the world had never seen before.

Kathmandu pays homage to the environment and recently scored a B in The Tear Fund 2019 Ethical Fashion Report highlighting their focus on transparency, workers’ rights

Becoming a more conscious consumer is easy. Pick three things to focus on and these will help you to guide your decisions.

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Strawberry FIELDS FOREVER

JULY 2019 1

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July 2019

FASHION

3

T

he last few years we have seen an enormous shift in the fashion industry, as more of us come to terms with the consequences that the ‘fast and cheap’ fashion is having on the planet.

2 The Slow Fashion movement has arrived!

However, once upon a time slow fashion is all we had. Just ask your grandparents today: they will no doubt remember a time when a pair of shoes lasted you longer than a year (or even longer).

1: Gucci - Sunglasses | $610 Kate Sylvester - Dotti Maxi | $429 Pesci Che Volano - Ring | $539

2: Kooringal - Fedora Hat | $89 Kowtow - Classic Shirt | $179 Kowtow - Heritage Trench Coat | $459 Kowtow - Culottes | $249

3: Jac and Mooki - Coco Sweater | $175 Jac and Mooki - Christy Jogger | $170

An increasing number of brands are rejecting the principles of ‘Fast Fashion’, as a more sustainable approach to making clothes comes to the fore. So what is Slow Fashion?

Slow Fashion takes into account the processes and resources required to make clothing. It involves buying better-quality garments that will last longer, and products that value fair treatment of people, animals and the planet.

This story features products that are part of that slow fashion movement – artisanal products that are produced through sustainable practices, and are designed to last longer – including NZ’s very own Kow Tow.

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4 4: Gucci - Avana Sunglasses | $495 Kate Sylvester - Rumer Top | $369 Kate Sylvester - Odell Skirt | $499 Deadly Ponies Bag

5: Kowtow - Wandering Dress | $329 Hermes - Gloves | $69 6: Panama - Panama Hat | $109.90 Kowtow - Panel Dress | $279

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FASHION

7 7: Pesci Che Volano - Ring | $459 Kowtow - Roll Neck Knit | $199 Kowtow - Button Up Skirt | $259 8: Pesci Che Volano | Ring $539 9: Pesci Che Volano - Ring | $459

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FEATURE

COUNTERACTING CLIMATE CHANGE

PHOTO: EKOS

New Zealand company Ekos is working to establish indigenous forests throughout New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to offset carbon emissions.

Carbon credits allow businesses and individuals to offset their carbon footprint.

STORY: KAT DUGGAN

A

s the impacts of climate change become more widely known, many are looking at ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

But some are going even further and offsetting their footprint completely, thanks to work being done with carbon credits.

One self-proclaimed ‘forest conservation junky’, Dr Sean Weaver began his journey with market-based conservation in the 1980s, sparked by a vision to achieve a healthier future for the globe.

Sean spent time as a senior environmental science and geography lecturer at Victoria University, before setting up his environmental financing business, Ekos.

The non-profit organisation allows businesses and individuals to measure and offset their carbon footprint by purchasing carbon credits, used to establish native forests across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

“I’m a forest conservation junky, and I have always got to find ways to finance my habit,” Sean says.

“To do it full time you have either got to get lots and lots of grants donated, or you have got to find another way, so this is that other way.”

Despite receiving some funding from the government and philanthropic organisations, Sean realised he would need to recruit support from private entities in the form of both businesses and individuals to get the initiative off the ground.

“We are not for profit, we are for impact and outcome,” Sean says.

“We do need to make a living but we don’t need to make a fortune, the fortune that we want to create is the collective benefit of the community.”

Since beginning the journey with Ekos, Sean and his team have established and managed numerous conservation projects across the South Pacific.

As well as establishing thousands of hectares of new indigenous forests, many existing forests have also been protected against logging through the work of Ekos.

“We are not interested in just covering the whole universe in trees … and we are also not that interested in pine trees. We love native forests and making native forests and also protecting them,” Sean says.

Some of the projects Ekos has managed have been on New Zealand farms, enabling farmers to retire erosion-prone pasture into native forests without losing income from that land.

The reforestation on these farms also work to reduce the impact of extreme weather events on the land, Sean says.

“Carbon financing for me has been such a good initiative because it enables us to work [with] farmers to help [them] solve some of the sustainable management and problems on their land and enable them to become as, if not more profitable.”

Ekos conservation projects work to capture carbon, reduce erosion, clean waterways, improve biodiversity and provide sustainable income for the communities in which they are based.

By measuring, offsetting and reducing carbon emissions and moving toward a ‘carbon zero’ footprint, businesses and individuals can help to build a climate resilient landscape capable

of coping better with extreme weather events such as flooding or drought, Sean says.

While offering big benefits to farmers in terms of protecting their land, offsetting carbon emissions is an important task for individuals and businesses living and working in both rural and urban settings, he says.

Beginning with their carbon footprint calculator, Ekos provides resources and guidance to landowners who are interested in establishing native forest on their property.

The team also has the ability to connect those landowners with individuals, private and public investors who are interested in offsetting their carbon emissions, in some cases enabling them to contribute financially towards a project in or near their region.

Reforestation of erosion land and waterways is costly, and carbon credits can cover these costs and also deliver a financial return.

This way Ekos can help rural landowners in Marlborough look after their land, whilst providing high quality local carbon credits to offset Blenheim business emissions, and help New Zealand get to net zero carbon, Sean says.

“Through carbon markets we’re helping zero carbon urban businesses finance the restoration of rural landscapes” he says.

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BUSINESS SHOWCASE

FRESH EYES HEAD MATTHEWS & HASSAN OPTOMETRISTS

STORY: KAT DUGGAN PHOTOS: JIM TANNOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

— An exciting new change has taken place at Matthews Eyewear in Blenheim’s Market Street.

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n April this year, the optometry practice became Matthews & Hassan Optometrists.

Although their name has changed, local optometrist Francis Hassan and his team will continue to provide the same high level of care and quality product.

Francis has been working at the business for the past three years and over that time he and his team have built a successful practice and one that he is proud to now call his own.

Our team is like a well oiled machine – we are always helping each other to perform at the highest level.

“Our team is like a well oiled machine – we are always helping each other to perform at the highest level,” he says.

“This really pushed me to use all my clinical skills as patients’ eyesight was often on the line,” he says.

Francis completed his externship with Matthews as part of his Bachelor of Optometry through the University of Auckland.

Healthcare and a passion for helping people was in the blood for Francis; his father was a GP, his mother a nurse. “I even married a dietitian,” he laughs.

He says the ethos and practices of his colleague and co-owner Phil Matthews aligned well with his own.

“We both pride ourselves on putting our stamp on everyone’s consultations and always put the patient and their health first.”

He knew from that point that Matthews was where he wanted to work.

Prior to joining the business, Francis spent time working as an Optometrist in Tasmania, developing his skills working in remote settings where referring patients to an Ophthalmologist was not an option.

Francis and his family returned to his hometown, Blenheim, after a job opportunity to work at Matthews came up, and they have never looked back.

“Marlborough is a friendly place, has an amazing climate, and is such a great place to bring up children,” he says.

The team at Matthews & Hassan believe in supporting their community, Francis says.

One of the initiatives the practice offers is a monthly Low Vision Clinic for people with reduced sight.

BUSINESS SHOWCASE The business works with the Blind Foundation, offering complimentary consultations to eligible patients referred by their GP, optometrist or eye specialist.

During the sessions, Francis and his team work with the patient to find the best magnification device to help with simple things often taken for granted, like reading the newspaper.

“It’s something that’s so rewarding as you are helping to improve people’s quality of life,” Francis says.

They also offer complimentary consultations to new entrant school children upon referral from teachers at schools which are signed up to the programme.

Blenheim practice manager Sue Campbell says as well as providing top quality eye health care, Matthews & Hassan offers high quality eyewear.

Often seen as a fashion accessory, their range includes handmade frames from Europe and Japan including Anne & Valentin, FaceAFace, Masunaga, and their latest addition, Vinylize, a range made in Hungary from vinyl records.

“We have also introduced a range of Zeiss prescription ski goggles just in time for this years ski season,” she says.

The Matthews Group originated in Nelson in 1957 and since then has expanded to have 15 stores throughout New Zealand. It is proudly New Zealand owned and operated.

Located at 82 Market Street, Matthews & Hassan Optometrists can be contacted on 03 578 5880.

More information about their services can be found online at https://matthews.co.nz/.

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HOME & GARDEN

COUPLE CLOSES CHAPTER ON HAVELOCK HIDEAWAY

STORY: KAT DUGGAN PHOTOS: PAUL JONES

Pelorus Lodge placed on the market after more than 20 years.

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he owners of an exclusive retreat nestled on Havelock’s hillside are parting ways with the journey they began more than two decades ago.

Pelorus Lodge co-owner Tim Smith says she and her husband Carroll Smith built the home in the mid nineties, envisioning a private getaway in the heart of the picturesque fishing village.

“Carroll’s great great grandfather and his grandfather, and his father, they are all from Havelock and were in the timber mill,” Tim says.

“The land has been in the family for a long time.”

Despite growing up in Wellington, Carroll descended from early settlers of the township, and spent many childhood holidays there exploring.

The couple remained in Wellington, but decided to build the lodge in the mid nineties as a way to share their love for the town with visitors from across the globe.

“We built it together, we would have liked to be there to spend more time there but we really couldn’t because our business was in Wellington,” Tim says.

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July 2019

“[So] we built it for the hospitality, because we liked the area and we thought it would be good for the tourists, situated right in the little sleepy fishing village.”

Situated on the hillside of Clive Street, just off State Highway 6, the lodge was marketed to international guests, providing them with the ultimate getaway. “[It’s] right in the middle of the town, but it’s also a hideaway,” Tim says.

Australia, the United Kingdom and Europe, with many coming from Germany.

Taking inspiration from her background in hospitality, Tim remembered fondly the five star hotels she would visit while working as cabin crew in the United States.

“I wanted it to be five star, when you go there it’s five star in the bush … you can’t really see until you go inside and then you say ‘wow’.”

“It’s really quiet and most of our guests who came out, they just liked the peace and tranquility, and the scenery.”

Despite its privacy amongst the bush, the four bedroom home with managers residence has views of the Pelorus Sound, private spa bathrooms and an in-house sauna.

During its time in operation as a lodge, the majority of its guests came from America,

Tim recalls working with local designers and tradesmen to get the home just right.

“There’s a waterfall inside that’s created by Sir Michael Fowler. He worked with Jeremy Jones in creating that waterfall, bringing the tranquility indoors,” Tim says.

“All of the design, and all the garden design was done by locals from Blenheim as well. We worked with local tradesmen always, and they were very professional … I couldn’t fault it.”

Tim was responsible for much of the interior design, envisioning a European lodge made up of natural materials and high quality furniture.

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“I put in everything, I picked the design, I picked it all myself, all the colour scheme, the sheets, the linen, the furniture, everything has been picked and kept up to standard.”

Tones of green, red and creams contribute to the lodge feel, while luxurious bedding and furniture adds to the relaxation.

Set away from the road and with carefully planned landscaping and tree planting, one could be forgiven for thinking they were miles away from the township.

On top of panoramic views of the harbour, the home has a conservatory with glass ceilings, wooden flooring and a cosy den with a large fireplace to add to the ambience. A decking around much of the home provides outdoor space to take in the views.

Home by Evolution, a division of Rilean Construction

03 578 8793 Part of the Freeman Group

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HOME & GARDEN

While in operation as a lodge, Tim and Carroll offered guests the luxury of their own resident chef.

guests, including some of the cast and crew working on Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 2011.

“Our guests loved the mussels, being in the heart of the Greenlip Mussel capital of the world, that was our signature dish,” Tim says.

“All of our guests were pretty high profile … I think Pelorus Lodge has been up there with all the other lodges, it was very exclusive,” Tim says.

Many of the visitors also enjoyed sampling the world-renowned delicacies at local Havelock restaurants while visiting, using the walking tracks from the lodge to get to them, Tim says.

“They love our mussels, that’s really the heart of it. It’s amazing, I’m from Thailand originally and I’ve just come back from there, and people know where Havelock is, they know the mussels.”

Over the years, the lodge attracted high profile

helicopter tours, sea kayaking and fly fishing.

Much of the food for in-house meals was grown in the glass house on the property, while a wine cellar provided stunning Marlborough wine matches to accompany meals.

A chauffeur service was all part of the experience.

Havelock’s reputation as a tourist destination continues to develop, Tim says.

It’s been an emotional decision to sell the lodge, but being semi-retired, Tim says it’s time “It’s a beauty on it’s own, but now it’s developed for the couple to move on. really nicely, and it is a tourist destination with Sotheby’s International Realty consultants Tim the Marlborough Sounds, and the mussels,” she Crawford and Michal Wells are marketing the says. property. They can be reached on 021 704 833 Tim and Carroll made the most of Marlborough’s or 021 420 428 to arrange a viewing. offerings, providing guests with the full experience and offering wine tours by limousine,

Sneaky Beach Cafe

THE

Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch

Come and see for yourself what all the fuss is about, you wont be dissapointed!

OPEN Mon - Fri 5:30am - 3:00pm Sat 7:30am - 4:00pm, Sun 5:30am - 3:00pm PHONE: 03-574 2860

Find us at 65 Main Road, Havelock 22

July 2019

LIVING

ADD SOME INTEREST TO YOUR LIVING SPACE...

COME AND VISIT OUR NEW POP UP SHOP!

You can now come and see us and our upcycled goodness at our new pop up shop located at the Vines Village, 193 Rapaura Road, Blenheim. See you there!

Come in and view our gorgeous range of occasional tables and see for yourself.

KOORINGAL AUSTRALIA WINTER 2019 COLLECTION

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Every purchase this winter puts you in the draw to win a Kitchen Aid Artisan Tilt Head stand mixer valued at $1049.

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23

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY KEY TO BUSINESS

success STORY: KAT DUGGAN PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

— THiNK Business Coaching owner shares her secrets behind successful business.

B

usiness coach Catherine van der Meulen has a holistic approach to her work.

Establishing and maintaining a successful, growth-driven business requires much more than just a focus on profit margins, she says.

“My two biggest focuses are growth, and business sustainability. My work is about building the growth and enabling business owners to hold onto that growth.”

Often that involves taking a step back from the business and taking time to reestablish a shared purpose within the organisation and set small goals which align with that purpose.

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July 2019

Catherine recently moved to Marlborough from Sydney, and is working from her family home in the Awatere Valley in a bid to better align her work/life balance.

Her two children, aged 5 and 7 are enjoying a taste of the rural life at Seddon School, and working remotely enables Catherine to work with clients from all over New Zealand.

She has a strong interest in the health & wellness, travel, experience, beauty, fashion and lifestyle industries, but says whatever the industry, having regard for the greater good of the world is essential.

“The world doesn’t need more products and more consumption of stuff. If businesses are creating products and services that are truly

needed by the world, that’s really important to me,” she says.

“I’m passionate about showing businesses how to create that growth and have that consistency of growth over time to keep that business for generations to come.”

Clients are offered a complimentary one-hour initial session with Catherine to discuss their business needs, their goals and how she will go about supporting them to achieve their goals.

Following the initial consultation, Catherine works with clients to break large long term

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

goals into smaller, more easily achieved steps.

“I help clients to navigate those goals, whether it be over a 12 month period, or three month goals, it gives them a really narrow focus,” Catherine says.

“There are so many different things on the table and they often don’t know where to start, so it’s about navigating that and going, ‘this is the most important stepping stone’, it’s about navigating goals effectively and using their time effectively.”

THiNK Business Coaching is suitable for entrepreneurs, business founders, owners and operators; small to medium sized organisations and people who are motivated and open to learning new approaches.

“It’s for organisations that know what they want but may just need some external support to bring it to life,” Catherine says.

Having an outside view of an organisation allows Catherine to be impartial, looking at operations from a different perspective than those working within the business.

“The other thing that’s really important to me is taking a holistic view of a business,

I’m passionate about showing businesses how to create that growth and have that consistency of growth over time to keep that business for generations to come. where we take all stakeholders into account, including the team, the management team, the environment, customers, shareholders and suppliers.

“It’s really working with everyone in a cohesive way and getting all stakeholders involved to create a long term goal; and partnerships are really important,” she says.

As an experienced businesswoman, part of the enjoyment for Catherine comes from learning about a range of different industries.

“I get to work with people from diverse backgrounds, in diverse industries and I get to acquire a lot of different knowledge in different

areas … it’s supporting my own education,” she says.

As Catherine learns more about new industries and innovations, she’s helping clients to rediscover why they began their business journey, and to recognise key growth areas for the future.

“I’m able to help them to have those ‘aha’ moments … I’m not coming up with the answers for them, it’s actually taking them through a process where they find that themselves, and when they find that you see this shine come over them,” she says.

“It’s about broadening their mind to what’s possible and empowering them that it is possible.”

Catherine conducts her sessions via video or phone calls.

Find out more about her work, and book your consultation at thinkcoachingnz.com.

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ENTERTAINMENT

SOUTHERN JAM YOUTH JAZZ FESTIVAL 2019 IS SCALING UP! If you’re looking for a great night out in August (or several for that matter…) look no further than the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival.

T

his one of a kind event provides a great opportunity for young musicians to compete, perform and learn from other well respected musicians, whilst audiences get the chance to see the judges’ band The Committee featuring Hollie Smith, at the Finale Gala Concert.

Thomas BMus (Hons) - all highly rated national and international performers and artists in their relevant fields.

Hollie Smith really needs no introduction as a major artist in her field. However, what you may not know about her is that she has spent 25 years in New York, completing a Master’s degree at The Juilliard School, touring the world, teaching as well as performing at many international festivals. She has also taught on the faculty of the Horace Mann School in NY for 20 years.

In the lead up to the Gala Concert, you’ll be able to attend some other free public performances. As part of the audience, not only will you enjoy great entertainment, you’ll also experience some wonderful Marlborough hospitality at local eateries, bars and social clubs.

We are delighted to announce that Hollie Smith will also be joining Southern Jam’s esteemed new judging panel this year.

The panel will also comprise of Mat Fieldes, Cameron Allen, Dixon Nacey and Stephen

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Be among the first to experience the South Island’s next wave of musical talent as the concert also showcases pieces from all participating schools and the overall winners.

This event also involves Marlborough primary schools as students also get the opportunity to see the participating schools perform and learn about jazz instruments.

To keep up to date with “all that jazz” like the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival Facebook page.

July 2019

PUBLIC PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Theatre

Marlborough PUBLIC PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Wednesday 7th August • Vines Village: 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

• Oxleys, Picton: 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

• The Good Home: 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

• Le Café, Picton: 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Thursday 8th August • Wairau River Wines Restaurant: 11.30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

• 5 Tapped, Blenheim: 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

• The Clubs of Marlborough: 7:15 p.m. until 9:15 p.m.

• The Blenheim Club: 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Friday 9th August • Wesley Centre Senior Citizens Concert: 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

• Woodbourne Tavern, Renwick: 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

• Fairweathers, Blenheim: 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Saturday 10th August • The Clubs of Marlborough: 11:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m.

• Speights Ale House, Blenheim: 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are limited and Southern Jam always sells out – purchase yours today at ticketek.co.nz or from ASB Theatre Box Office.

PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

SPONSORED BY:

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JULY | 19

2-3 July DON QUIXOTE

WHAT’S ON

Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson flys in briefly from Houston Ballet to perform with Samantha Grammer of Queensland Ballet Academy in Dance on Grove’s latest production.

For full information, and a complete list of events in our region, visit www.follow-me.co.nz or marlborough4fun.co.nz

ASB Theatre Marlborough 6:30pm - 9:30pm

5-7 July

5-7 July

MARLBOROUGH BOOK FESTIVAL 2019

MARLBOROUGH HOME & GARDEN SHOW 2019

Here’s your chance to immerse yourself in the world of NZ literature with 16 acclaimed authors, 11 superb interviewers, 7 stunning Marlborough locations and 26 fantastic sessions to choose from.

Packed with all the ideas and information you need to transform your surroundings into the space you’ve always dreamed of.

Various regional locations Various times

Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 10am - 5pm

6 July

14 July

BLACK SWAN, WHITE SWAN

CLOS HENRI BASTILLE DAY Celebrate the French National Day with fine wines, great food and a wonderful atmosphere with friends and family.

Step into the shadows to witness one man’s struggle with love and betrayal as the Royal New Zealand Ballet present this daring retelling of Swan Lake.

ASB Theatre Marlborough 7:30pm

Clos Henri Vineyard 11am - 3pm

18-21 July

20 July

GET YOUR SKATES ON PICTON ICE RINK

BEAVERTOWN BLENHEIM LIONS BRIDE OF THE YEAR

Picton Smart + Connected is bringing the artificial ice rink back to Picton.

All proceeds will go towards Queen Charlotte College’s Japan trip.

Annual Beavertown Blenheim Lions event to find Marlborough’s ‘Bride of the Year’. All proceeds donated to Crossroads Marlborough Trust and other local charities.

London Quay Various times

ASB Theatre Marlborough 7:30pm

Check out upcoming Marlborough events Pick up your Winter Events Guide from Marlborough District Council

follow-me.co.nz

2 1

3

MARLBOROUGH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PANEL DISCUSSION 4

5 Taylor Restaurant 1. Jackie Herkt, Lianne Nichols and Grant Baxter 2. Pete Coldwell and Anthony Barnes 3. Leighton Shearer and Hans Neilson 4. Ross Ayson and Vicki Weetman 5. Heather Manners and Martin Summerscales 6. Pete Coldwell, Andrea Boock and Mark Elkington

7. Tracey Grace, Eva Francis and Kathryn Stewart

8

MATT BROWN

7

Selling your home.. I'll make it feel like a holiday!

Licensed REAA 2008

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8. Rowan Lee and Phil Robinson

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MAN CAVE sponsored me in. So, I was then looking after 100 Irish labourers on 30 construction sites right through the Celtic Tiger, the big boom of 2000-2002.

“The reason we came back to Nelson was to carry on and complete a commercial license.”

Greg obtained his commercial license but didn’t pursue flying as a career.

“We had two kids, so I stopped the flying, you sort of realise your mortality as you get older.

GOOD SERVICE - THE KEY TO SUCCESS Greg Simpson has a problem, one all too common with successful business owners in Marlborough; a shed full of projects but no time to finish them.

The keen boatie and owner of Trade Tech and Bearings and Accessories has grown his Blenheim business over the last fourteen years, with the help of some good friends and support from wife Liz. From a one-man band to a thriving business with seven engineers on the books, Greg has come a long way from the early days of brutal night schedules and early starts.

He credits three key Marlborough businessmen, Charlie Leith, John Derry and Robin Roselli with his success.

“They really helped me in business, and it makes me want to help people in business as well. To give people a start,” Greg says.

Originally from Dunedin and a fitter and turner by trade, Greg has been involved in maintenance engineering for most of his life in all sorts of industries.

From working as an engineer for Cadbury to servicing Marine Tourism boats in Te Anau, he

says he “fell in” to running his own business.

“You get sick of your trade,” he says.

“I’ve been engineering 42 years; I don’t care what the machine is now – I can fix anything.

“The good part is the business side, the relationships.”

Greg says in the early days establishing Trade Tech he was working punishing hours traveling between Marlborough and Nelson.

“We realised that we couldn’t carry that on for too much longer. We did that for about six months.

“But that’s what you’ve got to do when you have your own business, you’ve got to lay the foundations, do the groundwork.

“I’ve always been a believer of my business motto of service. You’ve got to give good service; you’ve got nothing else to offer really.”

Greg has the qualifications to back his opinion, after meeting his wife, Liz, in Te Anau, the two took off to Dublin for two years chasing dreams.

“Liz was following her dream of Irish music and she asked what was my dream? I said to fly helicopters.”

Greg achieved that dream, gaining his private helicopter pilot license while labouring on construction sites in Ireland.

“The company I was working with asked me to go and work with them in the office, so they

NOW OPEN 30

July 2019

“It was a dream come true for me,” he says.

Greg knocked flying on the head and focused on his first passion, jet boating.

His first jet boat was a salvage job from a river in Middlemarch.

“Another guy sunk it,” Greg says. “He got paid out by insurance, so we went and looked for it.

When he’s not at work, Greg is out and about making the most of what the region has to offer.

It is, he reckons, the place to live.

“The sea, the lakes and then you’ve got this amazing river. It’s fantastic jetboating, it’s as good as anything in the country.”

Greg recently pulled the pin on river racing after being airlifted to hospital after a jet boat accident on the Clarence river, but is still involved in the river racing committees.

After purchasing Bearings and Accessories six years ago and the recent shift into the retail market, Greg had advice for other Marlborough business.

“Yes, there’s competition out there but you concentrate on your own business,” he says.

“The competition for Trade Tech are good customers for our shop, you might as well be mates with them.

“You don’t have to be a hard-nosed businessman.

“I think Blenheim works well with that.”

CYCLOCROSS – ON A UNICYCLE

However, that also means it’s the time of year to make sure we get our dose of vitamin D. Luckily in Marlborough, we have a series of events that accommodate that need. One of my favourites is the Marlborough Cyclo-Cross.

Last weekend, I took on the 1st event of the 6 event series, and had a blast. It’s an event for everybody, whole family included, with three grades, Kids, MTB/any bike, and Cyclocross bikes.

of a true Belgian crowd from where the sport originates.

I entered the MTB/any bike grade aboard Gladys my trusty unicycle. It had been nearly a year since I had ridden the Uni, luckily I found out that riding a unicycle is just like riding a bike, you never forget……..although you may be a bit rusty.

I also had the quick reminder however, that entering a cyclo-cross race on a Unicycle, is really a test of patience.

An off road course, with tight turns, short pinch climbs and off camber sections, provides a safe but super fun arena for kids through to the elite.

As I conjured up any skill that was left deep down in my neural pathways, I still hit the ground more than my fair share on the testing course, and the race was more of a battle of two factors, how quick could I run? and how quick could I pick myself up and remount the wobbly one wheeled machine?

With friendly heckling permitted, pots and pan banging, bonus points for fancy dress and cheers from spectators, you get the feeling

That being said I carried on with a cheeky smile on my face. Safe in the knowledge I would always come first in my class of only Unicyclist.

INTRODUCING THE CHUKAR For those who don’t know much about chukar, here’s a bit of background information.

Chukar (sometimes spelled chukor) were first introduced to New Zealand from India in 1926 for the purpose of upland game hunting.

Locally, these neat, alpine birds were initially released into the upper Clarence Valley in the 1930’s and quickly spread East through to the Awatere Valley and Seaward Kaikouras.

Readers may be surprised to know chukar also spread north and west and could, for some time, be found on Mt Owen, Mt Robert and Beebee’s Knob in the Tasman, however as chukar prefer a dryer climate, these areas were too sodden and chukar eventually disappeared.

Nowadays, chukar hold firm in the Awatere Valley and Molesworth Station, and further afield in South Canterbury and Otago.

Chukar are a special interest bird, revered by a small ‘specialist’ group of hunters who enjoy

pursuing, what is, the most challenging bird in New Zealand to hunt. This unique band of upland enthusiasts all possess similar attributes in order to target this magnificent alpine bird: a love of climbing hills, well trained dogs, and a good deal of patience. They care not about achieving large tallies, and, in all probability, will spend many hours of fruitless hunting before a bird may be bought to hand. Chukar like to inhabit steep, semi-arid and rocky slopes at moderate to high elevations, which is why hunters also need a high level of fitness to target them.

Chukar were last able to be hunted in Nelson Marlborough in 1993, and were removed from the gamebird schedule in 1994 due to declining numbers. This decline would have been in unison with a surge in predators, especially possums which proliferated over around this time. As chukar are ground nesting birds they are particularly vulnerable to predation,

Hopefully next time I won’t be so rusty, and Gladys and I will be gelling as well as you can with a unicycle.

If you’re keen to come and see what it’s all about, enter the family or just have a laugh at me on one wheel. Check out facebook.com/ cx.marlboroughnz for more details on when and where the next event will take place.

All the best for now. Cheers Lee STORY: JACOB LUCAS, NELSON MARLBOROUGH FISH & GAME

particularly from possums, ferrets and feral cats.

In recent years there has been a substantial predator control effort in high country Marlborough, removing a good deal of these predators. Chukar have responded to this, with a noticeable increase in the population, and coveys (groups) of 20-30 birds relatively common in some locales. With more control work on the horizon, chukar will have more opportunity to flourish in this unique alpine environment which they live in.

PHOTO: HAMISH STEVENS

It’s that time of year again when the evenings draw in, the frosts chill the morning air, and it’s all too easy to want to hibernate at home with the fire on.

STORY: LEE GRIGGS

A hard day’s work on the hill.

N

OPE

NOW

TOP OF THE SOUTH skirainbow.co.nz

image © Atomic Austria.

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WHAT A WAY TO SEE

THE CARBON FRIENDLY WAY

W

hen you step aboard you will be briefed on all safety features, lifesaving appliances and the boats amenities.

Walking into the wheelhouse where the story of Katabatic begins

Unique, Intimate, Authentic. A cruise on Katabatic should be a Marlborough Sounds bucket list experience. Katabatic is Grant Orchard’s legacy from his father and steeped in history.

Like all wooden boats, the tale of Katabatic is romantic. She was to be Grant’s father’s swan-song, a fast, comfortable vessel in which to enjoy the Sounds and surrounding waters of the Marlborough region.

Sadly, she was only half completed when he passed so, in his honor Grant set out on the long journey to finish her. The build was financed through his work as a renowned chef on off-shore mega yachts, finally commissioned after eight years of work, in 2013.

In Grant’s second year running charters in the Marlborough Sounds, he decided to go “zero carbon”.

Inspired by his father, who came from a generation that prized resourcefulness and limiting waste.

“I wouldn’t say he was an environmentalist but he came from that era just after the Second World War where you didn’t waste anything.”

Grant went to a company called EKOS which measures and offsets carbon footprints by growing and protecting indigenous forests in New Zealand and the Pacific.

“So with the burn of diesel, petrol for my car, LPG for the bbq on the boat, electricity and rubbish, I offset my emissions. They take your numbers and work out how many trees that they need to plant to offset your burn” explains Grant.

Grant knows Marlborough, he will give you a personalised and unique experience. You will cruise through the labyrinth of the sounds with as little or as much historical and interesting commentary as you like.

Grant can take you to gorgeous places like Double Cove to feed the fish, Ruakaka to view where the salmon grow, Hitaua Bay to fetch some fresh mussels off the farm or maybe across the bay to pluck some pāua from the sea floor. The possibilities are truly endless.

Being a chef by trade and having the boat set up as it is lends its self to showcasing all the specialty products that Marlborough has to offer.

From Cranky Goat cheeses to local cold pressed olive oil and preserves.

Home baked bread is what meals are built around and Grant has his very own sourdough culture which has been powering up delicious loaves since 2014. Meals on board can be accompanied by Marlborough’s award-winning wines with purchasing and BYO options available.

Activities can range from hiking, mountain biking, fishing, marine and wildlife spotting, sometimes dolphins are ordered too. Young or old, there are no age restrictions and the day’s activities will be tailored to suit.

After a magic day onboard, you will leave Katabatic wanting to go and do it all over again not being sure if you want to share it or keep it all to yourself.

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July 2019

Winter Warmers

AIRAU PHARMACY

HOW TO BE

Sustainable

Environmental sustainability doesn’t mean living without luxuries but rather being aware of your resource consumption and reducing unnecessary waste. We’ve gathered some ideas on how you can do your bit to help the environment.

BUILD YOUR OWN COMPOST OR WORM FARM Composting kitchen and garden waste could halve the amount of weekly household rubbish you produce, and save you money. You don’t have to pay for so many bags or bin loads, plus your garden will not need as much watering and will deliver a bumper crop of vegetables or flowers. It’s nature’s way of recycling unwanted food scraps and garden waste. Some tips on how to grow your own compost or worm farm can be found on the council’s website while equipment can be bought from hardware stores.

COMMUNITY GARDENS Growing your own fruit and vegetables in an eco-friendly way will help the environment and your own health. It is the ultimate in local food and will help in the reduction of greenhouse gases. But if you don’t have the land or the time you could access one of the region’s community gardens, there’s one at the end of Ralph Ballinger Drive off Budge Street and next to the NMIT.

RECYCLE OLD TOOTHBRUSHES AND TOOTHPASTE TUBES Toothbrushes are not accepted for kerbsite recycling collection as they could contain traces of toothpaste but there is a way to recycle your old teeth scrubbers. Blenheim Community Oral Health Clinic, on the corner of Nelson St and McLauchlan St, accepts old toothbrushes and toothpaste as part of the TerraCycle and Colgate oral care recycling programme.

7-10 NOVEMBER 2019 | TICKETS ON SALE 22 JULY

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July 2019

E-WASTE AN E-NORMOUS PROBLEM It is estimated 80 000 tonnes of electrical and electronic waste is being disposed into landfills in New Zealand each year. E-waste contains heavy metals that are rare.

E-waste also includes plastics that are blended with bromide and chloride based fire-retardants, these are toxic to the environment when they break down, and if they are heated with metals in scrap metal smelting they can form dioxins which are carcinogenic.

Marlborough District Council operates an e-waste facility next to the Re-use Shop on the Wither Rd extension. It accepts electronic items, which are then sent on to suitable recycling companies for processing. Cost ranges from $5 to $15 depending on the item.

RE-USE YOUR OLD CLOTHES What to do with your old clothes? Heaps! Firstly, there maybe someone else in your family or neighbourhood that the clothes could be passed onto. If not, you can sell or donate the clothes to a second hand shop or to a charity which can pass them on to those in need. Finally, you can use them as rags. Worn out clothes, sheets or old cloth nappies are great for housecleaning instead of paper towels and throwaway cleaning cloths.

PURCHASE LOCALLY What, when and where we buy items can make a significant difference on our environmental impact and for our community. Businesses selling locallyproduced food, products or services provide economic benefits that stay in the local communities. These businesses are more likely to be closely connected to and support their local communities in a variety of ways, as are their employees.

Our purchasing power can also encourage more socially and environmentally friendly practices and energy efficiencies that are harder to monitor in imported goods.

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TRAVEL

your way DRIFT AWAY

O

n an Avalon Waterways river cruise, the possibilities are as wide open as the expansive views. The same company that reinvented river cruise ships has redefined the river cruise experience. Beyond the widest views on the water is an open invitation to experience your destination in more ways, in exceptional ways, in your way.

We promise more than a good view on an Avalon Waterways® river cruise – we deliver the suite view. Our entire fleet in Europe and Southeast Asia is completely comprised of Suite Ships®, each featuring our Panorama SuitesSM with the widest opening windows in river cruising, the industry’s only Open-

Air BalconySM, and an inviting bed facing the ever-changing scenery. Wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling, our panoramic windows blur the line between outside and in. Even if you’re a seasoned traveller, you’ve never seen, or experienced, a world like this.

Beyond your ship is a world waiting to be explored – your way. With our YourWay options, you can extend your holiday before and after your cruise with exciting stays in worldly cities. And with our exclusive onboard Avalon ChoiceSM offering, you have your pick of the widest array of included excursions – from classic sightseeing to immersive discoveries to active adventures. You might

choose to visit an ancient abbey, join a cooking class, or pedal a bike through town. Or for the more independent adventure, our onboard Adventure Host is on hand with the equipment, accessories and maps you need to create the perfect outing. With the flexibility to choose exactly what you wish to do before, during and after your cruise, Avalon offers the most desirable amenity of all – the freedom to cruise your way.

Avalon will also set the stage for adventure and the table just for you. At every meal, our talented chefs prepare mouthwatering regional recipes – as well as Western favorites – using the freshest of local ingredients. How you wish to savour each delectable bite, however, is up to you. Avalon FlexDiningSM puts you in control of your meals, allowing you to dine according to your cravings, mood and schedule. Whether you choose a late al fresco lunch at the Sky Grill, an elegant four-course dinner in the glass-walled dining room, or a petite plate at the Panorama Bistro, you’ll savour local flair, Western favourites and our Avalon Fresh® menu offerings – on your schedule.

Join us for an unforgettable adventure, and to experience quiet indulgence and luxury done our way. The world is full of curiosities and intoxicating stories just waiting to be shared so go on, experience the Avalon difference!

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July 2019

Speaking from Experience...

Explore the history and culture of Europe by day while enjoying relaxed luxury by night.

River cruising on the waterways of Europe is a captivating way to travel.

I sailed along the Danube from Budapest to Nuremberg and loved every moment of it.

From the divine meals onboard matched with regional wines and beers, to the breathtaking scenery and enchanting towns and cities that line the backs – each day was a new adventure.

And because it was December, there was also snow, mulled wine and the magic of the European Christmas markets!!

Robyn Thornley – Personal Travel Planner, Thornley and Turner Travel Associates

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RECIPE

GRILLED GOATS CHEESE AND POACHED PEAR SALAD WITH ROASTED WALNUTS SERVES: 2

Recipe courtesy of Brancott Estate Cellar Door & Restaurant Head Chef, Bryan Herbert.

INGREDIENTS METHOD

Salad 2 1/2 inch thick slices of Goats cheese 2 pears (recommend Taylor Gold) 4 slices prosciutto 100 grams walnuts 2 generous handfuls of mixed salad leaves

Peel the pears and carefully remove the core from the bottom using a small spoon or a melon baller, then place in a little lemon water to stop them from discolouring.

In a deep saucepan pour Pinot Gris, add sugar and then top up with water to ensure pears will be fully covered by liquid. Add saffron then bring to a simmer. Place your pears in the simmering liquid and gently cook until soft but firm enough to hold their shape. Remove from liquid and leave to cool.

Note: You can cool the liquid and use it again. It will keep for a week in the fridge.

(Bryan recommends Buche de

Heat a small frying pan and dry toast the walnuts until light brown.

Remove from pan and set aside to cool.

Chèvre du Vivarois, a French style

Lightly bake the Goats cheese for 2-3 minutes on 180C degrees, until brown but still transferable.

of cheese with a rind. It takes the

For the dressing, combine all ingredients and whisk together.

heat well and keeps its shape).

TO ASSEMBLE

Poaching Liquid

Dress the salad leaves and place in the centre of 2 plates.

1/3rd bottle Brancott Estate

Sprinkle with walnuts and add prosciutto. Slice each pear into eight pieces and distribute evenly on plates. Top with the cooked Goats cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Pinot Gris 1 cup white sugar

Serve immediately.

Pinch of saffron

Enjoy with a glass of Brancott Estate Showcase Series Pinot Gris.

Dressing 1 tsp wholegrain mustard

Enjoy Responsibly

4 Tbsp olive oil 2 tsp white wine vinegar Squeeze of fresh lemon 1 tsp white sugar

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July 2019

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DIARY OF A HYPNOTIST MY STORY I write every month about one of my many encounters with remarkable people who are seeking help, whether for weight control, or smoking, anxiety, stress, phobias, depression and fears to name just a few.

This month I’m going to write a little about myself, and how I came to be a hypnotherapist.

I was born and brought up in Berlin, by my father, a British diplomat and my mother, a beautiful and lively French woman. I met my husband, who was in the British army, in Berlin and moved to the UK when I was 20.

We went to university, but what to do after? I had been an English language teacher in Berlin, so we decided, without having a clue, to start an English language school in York, first taking a postgrad degree in at London University.

It was in York that I gave up smoking. I was a heavy smoker and I saw an ad which persuaded me that I could indeed quit. So I went to see a hypnotherapist who reinforced her session by clipping a mysterious electrical device onto my ears. I had no idea what she was doing - suffice to say I have never wanted a cigarette since that day.

After ten years, enough was enough. York was becoming too crowded for us, so we came to Blenheim with our three young children. We immediately loved it. Again, without a clue, I started a riding-stables, just brilliant for the kids, It was a wonderful way to integrate into the community.

Hugh, my husband, partnered with a French company to start a company making essential oils and then fruit brandy and liqueurs. Our French partner almost immediately went into receivership leaving us with huge financial problems. I joined Hugh three years later in the business. It was not an easy ride. Yet again, we had to call on our mental reserves as we lurched from crisis to crisis.

Eventually, Hugh became very ill, and we sold the company to our partner. But now what?

I had always had in the back of my mind the idea of hypnotherapy, helped by the use of these clips which the Hong-Kong trained hypno in York had used. The family put in months of research, and we found out what purpose the clips, which are not generally used in Western hypnotherapy, had served. I became qualified as an advanced clinical hypnotherapist, and set up my clinic.

The point of this article is to illustrate that, despite awful financial and emotional set-backs, we somehow managed to find a second… then a third.. then a tenth new wind, and, changing direction, started again.

There are times when I reached the depths of darkness, but somehow found the strength to pull myself up. I have felt at first hand that horrible sinking feeling of anxiety, the misery of failure and inadequacy, and the fear of losing everything we had ever worked for.

But I am lucky. Things have turned out well in the end. And that is how I seek to help my clients – by instilling in their sub-conscious mind the realisation that there really is light at the end of every tunnel.

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July 2019

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PROUD TO BE LOCA L

ANNA HAMANN THE SEWING STORE What is unique about your products?

At The Sewing Store, most of our products are like ‘ingredients’ to go on to make something unique, so it is less the products that we sell that are unique, but more the items that our customers produce that are unique.

What is something about you that people may not know?

When I’m not sewing in my spare time, I paddle… kayak, waka ama, dragonboat, I just love it.

29 High Street, Blenheim CBD P: 03 578 7801 E: info@thesewingstore.co.nz www.thesewingstore.co.nz The Sewing Store Blenheim What do you love most about Marlborough?

Being outdoors enjoying the Marlborough sunshine, whether frosty or sweltering hot, can’t beat it!

Three words that describe how someone would feel to receive your product…

Inspired to Create

How would you describe “A great day at work” Finding the right sewing machine for one of our lovely customers, teaching a sewing class and being inspired by the projects that the students in the class are tackling, and helping our customers problem solve, whether it’s making a grandchild’s quilt, repairing clothing, or fixing a whitebait net!

What 3 celebrities or special people would you love supply a product to?

There are a couple of locally famous quilters who I would love to supply a

BERNINA long arm quilter to – I just know they would love it! Otherwise, it would be fun to feature as a supplier to Project Runway and see what the designers create from our fabrics.

Where does the inspiration or motivation for your business come from?

My mum gave me the sewing bug as a child and now I love sewing, especially on a BERNINA, and I also love fabric and fashion. I hope to be able to inspire others by showing them how easy it can be to create amazing things. Also, BERNINA is constantly evolving and developing new things, and that motivates me to learn those new things and convey that knowledge.

What’s next on your wish list?

Funny, my son just asked me that this morning, and I joked that numbers 1,2, and 3 on my wish list is Shoes…. Yep – I can’t make those unfortunately!

What’s your favourite way to spend an “Idle Moment”?

Going through sewing patterns and adding to that ever-increasing mental list of projects.

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July 2019

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