What’s inside
It’s that time of year when the smell of harvested grapes fills the air, and winemakers are popping champagne in excitement. We celebrate the moments captured during our eagerly awaited harvest period in this special showcase tribute.
This month, we pay homage to another of our icons: the Omaka Heritage Centre will fill the skies with the spirit of aviation, including the muchanticipated return of Full Noise. Be sure to check out our feature article for all the details!
There’s plenty more fantastic local coverage this April, and on that note, we’re thrilled to announce that Marlborough Magazine will now be available every month! A heartfelt thank you to our loyal readers, generous advertisers, and the incredible community that continues to share their stories with us. Your support makes this all possible, and we’re excited to offer you even more of what makes Marlborough so special.
Enjoy your extra dose of Marlborough Magazine each month!
Home is where the art is Pages: 16-18
Aimée Preston
EDITOR
Summa Bruning | summa@topsouthmedia.co.nz
CONTENT MANAGER
Tessa Claus | tess@topsouthmedia.co.nz
DESIGN
Patrick Connor and Toni Woolf
CONTRIBUTORS
Paula Hulburt, Aimée Preston, Adrienne Matthews, Amy Russ, William Woodworth
ADVERTISING
Summa Donald | summa@topsouthmedia.co.nz
Anna Simpson | anna@topsouthmedia.co.nz
Alex Roberton | alex@topsouthmedia.co.nz
DISTRIBUTION
Dandy Enterprises – Marlborough
Wendy Abernethy – Kaikōura
PUBLISHER
TSM Marlborough
52 Scott St, Blenheim topsouthmedia.co.nz
Read online: marlboroughapp.co.nz/editions
on the couch
with Campbell Gill, Bayleys residential and lifestyle sales agent
You’ve had an impressive career at a young age, what’s your secret?
Persistence, perseverance and simply being able to relate well to people would have to be the main things that have helped me in my career. That, and having a thick skin – picking yourself up and dusting yourself off when the going gets tough. The real estate industry is a constantly evolving world, and I guess I have learned along the way to just hang in there and move with the changes.
The early days were certainly challenging as a young person starting out. I spent many hours pounding the pavement (with the promise of a new pair of shoes from the boss if I wore my others out!). I borrowed bikes in rural areas and after a quick change into my shorts, pedalled the streets to deliver my advertising. Sure, my methods have changed over time, but the hard work hasn’t. If you want to be successful, you have to have a great work ethic – and you have to love working with the community. I pride myself on being honest, and I love interacting with all the different people I get to meet in this job. No two days are ever the same!
What’s next for the Marlborough property market?
Things are definitely looking up. Activity has increased significantly in recent times – helped along by the lowering of the OCR. We are seeing the firsthome buyer market ramp up again, and just when we thought the days of the multi-offer were over, a recent listing I had brought 14 offers to the table.
Buying and selling property can be a stressful undertaking, what is your top tip for vendors and buyers? Buyers should be prepared and in the best position possible to purchase. Get your ducks in a row – do
as much due diligence as you can. Have finance pre-approved and ask your solicitor to check property details; titles, LIM, and building reports beforehand. The idea being to make your contract as ‘clean’ as possible – especially if you are competing for a home. Let’s face it, stress is a huge factor for everyone involved and contracts without numerous conditions are seen as the most attractive.
As for vendors – well, that is simple – choose yourself a good agent, and I know one you could use! Results speak for themselves. If you want the best outcome, get someone who will work tirelessly. Choose a skilled negotiator, someone who can clearly and honestly communicate with owners, prospective buyers and everyone involved. An agent who reacts and deals with any issues that arise calmly and methodically, is a great investment.
Outside of work, we heard that you completed your first adventure race, how was it?
It was a great challenge! The Motatapu, from Wānaka to Arrowtown, is an amazing run. I trained hard but got the flu the week before – still, I pushed through and finished. Alpine running is tough, and I had plenty of cramps during and after. Despite that, I met great people, had an awesome experience, and even lost a few kilos in the process!
Bayleys Marlborough 03 578 7700
33 Seymour Street, Blenheim marlborough.bayleys.co.nz
Under her wing
From a childhood spent waiting in a birdbath for feathered friends to arrive to leading the Kārearea Falcon Trust, Holly Turner has always been captivated by birds – now, she’s working to ensure their future.
Words: Paula Hulburt
Holly Turner with three-month-old falcon, Koha at Kārearea Falcon Trust. Tessa Claus
Three-year-old Holly Turner wriggles happily as she gets as comfy as she can in the stone birdbath. Little legs clumsily crossed, she hunkers down, elbows on knees and chin cupped in hands as she waits for feathered friends to arrive.
With her contagious smile firmly in place, Holly laughs as she recollects being told about her early endeavours in bird watching. “Mum tells me how I used to wait for the birds in the birdbath. I was fascinated from day dot,” she smiles.
As Kārearea Falcon Trust Manager, Holly, 28, no longer needs to go to such great lengths to see birds. Every day, she is responsible for the care and health of 18 birds. She is both their advocate and strongest ally. It was a calling she couldn’t ignore.
On the table next to her, a blue folder sits in testament to the fascination birds have always held. The cover, now slightly faded, is embellished with the chunky lined felt-tipped drawings of a sevenyear-old. A young Holly sits in her bedroom in the Maitai Valley home she grew up in, brow furrowed as she works. Every drawing, every word matters. She is careful not to rush her hand across the paper and smudge the plump birds with rounded tums and large beaks. Brushing her home-cut fringe from her eyes and sighing in satisfaction, Holly appraises her work in hope. It is enough.
“Me and my sisters, Sarah and Kaitlyn, had a club, Animal Ark, and we used to hold meetings in the garage to work out what animals we would try and convince our parents to get next,” Holly recollects. “I remember guinea pigs being on the agenda and how we were going to navigate Dad’s fear of rats with a tactical white lie that they weren’t rodents”
“But what I desperately wanted as a kid was birds,” she continues. “I was already feeding wild ducks and used to carry round pockets full of wheat just in case they’d follow me home. Mum had to get it all out every time she did the washing. I was told birds weren’t allowed in the house, so I made this big presentation for Mum and Dad, explaining why pigeons would be perfect.”
Her carefully curated proposal worked, and Holly became the proud owner of a flock of 12 pigeons, many
of whom she had from babies. The pigeons joined other pets – goats, lambs, horses and a calf. But it was these much-loved pigeons whose untimely end sparked both an interest in kārearea and conservation.
“Bugsy was the most friendly, and I used to show him at A&P shows. He was so cheeky. But a falcon got in [to their coop] and I found them. While devastating, I was also conflicted. I’d never seen a falcon before and my curiosity was piqued. I needed to understand why this bird did what it did. It was some consolation to learn they are a threatened species, and my pigeons might have saved it from starving.”
While Holly could never bring herself to keep pigeons again, the incident was the catalyst for seeking further knowledge, which ultimately saw the kind-hearted conservationist complete a Bachelor of Science at Massey University. Majoring in zoology with a minor in ecology, her degree was her way into a world that has always captivated both her mind and heart.
After graduation she worked first at Natureland in Nelson as a zookeeper for a kākā breed and release programme. Her OE two years later took her to the UK, where she landed a hotly contested job at the International Bird of Prey Centre in Gloucestershire.
Returning to New Zealand in 2023, she took over a 12-year legacy as manager of the Brancott Roadbased centre: leading kārearea rehabilitation, restoration breeding, and education programmes. It is here her heart is.
The air is still and heavy with rain. Not a sound can be heard as the surrounding hills seem to huddle closer as the first drops spill from the sky.
Nearby, Holly’s much-loved Golden Retriever Griffin snuffles in a rabbit hole, tail wagging and an almost perceptible grin on his face.
Holly is in her happy place, out in the countryside, watching with evident joy as 9-year-old Scout approaches in a flurry of wings to land on her outstretched arm. Scout is as beautiful as she is regal.
“They have different personalities, just like people,” Holly explains. “Scout is self-assured, calm and confident. She’ll even have a bath in front of people.”
Koha was rescued as an egg and hatched in November, initially being cared for in Holly’s spare room at home
Holly’s career has taken her around the world, pictured here with king penguins on subantarctic Macquarie Island. Heritage Expeditions
“The highs are very high, but the lows are very low too. Life and death is reality, but seeing a falcon return to the wild after playing a part in its recovery makes it all worth it.”
while fragile. Now, the striking young female lives at the centre where she’s being trained as an advocacy bird. “I relate a lot to Koha. She is very curious, a youngster still figuring things out, and sticks her beak into things she shouldn’t,” laughs Holly.
As she talks about Scout and Koha, Holly cannot help but beam. These special ‘spokesbirds’ are much loved. It is not, Holly explains wryly, a reciprocated emotion. “I do love them but they don’t love me back. They accept me for the easy protein I can provide.”
The centre strives to build awareness of kārearea and the threats they face. Creating kārearea advocates through their education program for students, centre tours, talks, and attendance at community events help spread the word.
A team of around 30 volunteers work at different times to look after the falcons and the centre. From cutting the grass and weeding to cleaning, it “takes a village,” Holly explains.
Then there are other regular contributors – hunters, for example – who keep the birds fed. The role brings great joy, but tragedy too. It is the hardest part working with animals, Holly explains. “The highs are
very high, but the lows are very low too. Life and death is reality, but seeing a falcon return to the wild after playing a part in its recovery makes it all worth it.”
Helping the birds thrive for generations to come is part of Holly’s role. Since she started, she hit the ground running, introducing an adoption drive as a way for the community to support restoration efforts. It is a special way to help support these magnificent birds, she explains.
Every year resident kārearea at the Trust are made available for a symbolic adoption across a 12-month period. The current adopter will be given the first ‘right of renewal’ before the falcon is made available for adoption to the general public. The proceeds of these adoptions go towards the costs of food, veterinary care, breeding programmes, and maintenance of enclosures.
In the wake of losing its main sponsor, the initiatives Holly heralded have helped, but the loss has hit the small, local charity hard. Finding a replacement will be key to our future, Holly says.
It will take the combined effort of many to secure the vision of kārearea as a species no longer at risk. “If we can grow our resources to grow our team, in turn, we can do more. More to help wild kārearea thrive, and more for Marlborough by inspiring the next generation of wildlife guardians and bird lovers.”
“Little Holly would be so proud.”
Find out more at kareareafalcon.org
Working with birds of prey in the UK was a highlight of Holly’s career. Elizabeth Hartles
Koha as a chick. She was rescued as an egg and handreared at the Trust. It is hoped she will be the next advocacy falcon. Holly Turner
RACING THROUGH HISTORY
THE POWER AND PASSION BEHIND FULL NOISE
Words: Amy Russ
The roar of a V12 engine slicing through the Marlborough sky signals the presence of Full Noise, a Yak-3 WWII fighter plane that doubles as an elite air racer. Behind this stunning aircraft are aviation enthusiasts Graeme Frew and Paula Theodore, a couple whose shared passion for flight has propelled them onto the international stage. From exhilarating joyrides to high-speed air racing in Reno, Nevada, their Yak-3 has become an icon of warbird aviation, and its return to public display is set to be a highlight of this year’s Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow.
For Graeme, the sky has always been home. Beginning his career as an engineer in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, he earned his pilot qualification in 1987 before flying Andover and Hercules transport aircraft. His service took him across the globe, from United Nations missions in Iran to navigating the frozen expanse of Antarctica. In 1995, Graeme transitioned to commercial aviation and now serves as a Boeing 777 captain. But even as he travelled the world, his love for warbird aviation never faded. Paula’s diverse background in corporate Europe, event management, and commercial grape growing,
brings a complementary skill set to the partnership. Her expertise in branding, marketing, and media has been instrumental in sharing Full Noise’s journey with aviation fans. A self-proclaimed petrolhead, Paula was the one who christened the Yak-3 “Full Noise,” capturing the spirit of the aircraft’s all-out racing potential.
From restoration to racing glory, the journey with Full Noise began in 2004. Originally based in the United States, as one of only ten 1993-production Yak-3 models, the aircraft needed a complete overhaul. The restoration took place at Omaka’s JEM Aviation, where the team meticulously rebuilt the airframe, engine, and systems. When the Yak-3 took to the skies again in 2012, Graeme had a bold vision: to take Full Noise to the world’s fastest motorsport, the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada. In 2017, a dedicated team led by Graeme and supported by Jay McIntyre of JEM Aviation packed the fighter into a container and shipped it 10,000 kilometres to the U.S. Bearing race number 35 – a tribute to Kiwi motorbike legend Burt Munro – Full Noise competed in the prestigious Unlimited category, reaching speeds and performance levels few Yak-3s have ever achieved.
ABOVE: Full Noise, a Yak-3 WWII fighter plane, piloted by Graeme Frew. Gavin Conroy
“The journey was not without its challenges as the sponsored race motor had to be changed out for the stock engine overnight,” says Graeme. “The team carried out a three-day engine change in 16 hours, and in a thunderstorm too.
This enabled us to continue racing, and Full Noise went from starting at the back of the bronze on Thursday to qualifying for the gold final on Sunday.” The team returned in 2018, when they shipped the container straight to Reno to be reassembled in plain view on the race ramp.
“FULL NOISE QUICKLY BECAME KNOWN AS ‘THE YAK IN A BOX,’ AND WE WERE ‘THAT BUNCH OF CRAZY KIWIS!’”
“Full Noise quickly became known as ‘The Yak in a Box,’ and we were ‘that bunch of crazy Kiwis!’”
With lessons well learned, the team qualified Full Noise straight into the elite Unlimited Gold field.
Some seven years on, it’s still the camaraderie and friendship of the small team forged in the heat of adrenaline-fueled racing that remain the fondest memories for Graeme and Paula.
Since then, the aircraft has undergone extensive enhancements that make it a one-of-a kind Yak-3.
“Jay and the guys at JEM have crafted the refresh while at times leaning on the skill and expertise of the clever team at Classic Aircraft Machining Services and the metal shaping skills of Richard Conlon at Tasman Coach Builders,” explains Graeme.
Full Noise is set to make its public return at Omaka, wowing fans with its power and grace. While the Yak3 is their aviation centrepiece, Paula and Graeme have built an entire experience around their passion. Their business, Fighter Flights, offers everything from highspeed scenic flights over wine country to adrenaline pumping joyrides. Meanwhile, their accommodation business, Copper Black, provides a luxurious stay for aviation enthusiasts exploring Marlborough. “Our love for aviation history also led to a partnership with Barnstormer Flight Clothing in France,” says Paula. Owners Max and Victoria are traveling from Paris to this year’s airshow to help visitors find the perfect aviation-inspired piece from their collection of polos, t-shirts, hoodies, and jackets.
ABOVE: Graeme Frew and Paula Theodore (middle), with the JEM Aviation team. Aimée Preston
The couple have a great love of the Marlborough area, with its diverse aviation scene at Omaka Airfield that includes the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. The centre is a world-class destination showcasing an impressive collection of military aircraft along with rare artifacts and personal items from legendary aviators – including pieces belonging to the infamous Baron Manfred von Richthofen. With the backing of filmmaker and aviation enthusiast Sir Peter Jackson, the centre opened its groundbreaking “Knights of the Sky” exhibition in 2006, featuring one of the largest collections of WWI aircraft and memorabilia. A decade later, “Dangerous Skies” expanded the experience into WWII, offering visitors a deeper look into the Battle of Britain and stories from the Eastern Front. When it’s not in the air, Full Noise plays a starring role in the “Dangerous Skies” WWII exhibition as part of the Eastern Front display.
TO BOTTOM: Full Noise piloted by Graeme Frew. Taken by renowned aviation photographer Gavin Conroy, from the ramp of a C130 Hercules while Graeme flew Full Noise in formation. Gavin Conroy.
Graham Orphan notes that a special moment was captured at the Dangerous Skies WWII exhibition in Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre with two Yak fighter pilots from different generations, 75 years apart – Graeme Frew and WETA Workshops Lydia Litvyak – with Full Noise in the background. Richard Briggs.
Colin Ford strapped into Full Noise ready to depart on his joyride with Fighter Flights. Paula Theodore
TOP
Jane and Graham Orphan, founding trustees of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, are dedicated to preserving New Zealand’s aviation history by sharing the human stories behind the aircraft. “Often that story is one of challenge against the odds and the triumph or defeat inherent in all human conflicts.
One of our favourite stories is Lydia Litvyak’s,” says Graham. “As the highest-scoring female fighter ace of WWII, Lydia overcame immense challenges as a 21-year-old Soviet Air Force pilot battling German forces over Stalingrad.” When Fighter Flights offered to display their Yak-3, the museum saw an opportunity to honour Lydia’s story. They commissioned WETA Workshops to create a lifelike mannequin of the aviatrix, placing her in a snowcovered exhibit.
Airshow GM Gavin Conroy says Graeme and Paula have made a big impact on the scene, and this Easter, Full Noise will be joining aircraft from around the country and beyond at the Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow, a major fundraiser for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Renowned for its thrilling aerial displays and
immersive reenactments, this year’s theme, ‘Putting on the Ritz,’ will shake things up with an exciting new format. Friday will be a full practice day and an excellent opportunity to examine aircraft and classic cars closely, with a world-class fireworks display during the Twilight Extreme event. “Saturday showcases classic fighters and displays from WWI and WWII, while Sunday features back-toback flying displays before the ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ spectacle, where every participating aircraft has to bring out its best tricks. It’s a celebration of the ‘30s era, and we’ll have the biggest gathering of planes in years,” says Gavin.
For those attending the airshow, seeing Full Noise take to the skies will be an unforgettable experience. “It is sharing the experience of flying in a highperformance fighter while remembering the sacrifice of those who flew and fought that continues to drive us to bring the Yak back in the blue where she belongs,” says Graeme. More than just a warbird, it represents the determination, passion, and expertise of a team who have turned their love of aviation into an extraordinary journey.
Home is where the art is
In their charming Blenheim studio, Mieke Davies and her mum, Belinda Bryce, prove that creativity runs in the family – and that a little faith and a lot of colour can go a long way.
The smell of sun-baked asphalt and the acrid tang of lingering exhaust fumes filled her nostrils, and her stomach roiled in objection.
Laying on the road, Mieke Davies heard her mind telling her body to calm down and stop screaming, but her body wouldn’t comply. The strap of her bike helmet dug hard into her chin and, still wearing her backpack, the then 22-year-old waitress lay stunned, blood trickling from her mouth.
Tilting her head to the side, she spat out three front teeth, fixed her gaze on the truck that had hit her, and concentrated on breathing: in and out, in and out.
Now, sitting in the newly painted Blenheim studio and gallery she shares with her mother, Mieke pauses as she remembers how close she came to being killed. Casting a quick glance outside, she is reassured and
smiles as she watches her youngest, four-year-old Myron, tuck into a sandwich with gusto as he sits on the back doorstep in a pool of sunshine.
Her words continue, taking her back in time to the accident that suddenly and violently altered the talented artist’s life.
“There was a massive impact, he was going 70kph, and the corner of the cab hit my backside. My body was flung like a ragdoll from my bike.
“I remember everything, the impact and having no control over my body. I rolled and rolled and rolled before coming to a stop. I was in excruciating pain straight away.”
The force of the crash caused her pelvis to tilt, and her knee was badly damaged to the extent she had to learn to walk again.
Words: Paula Hulburt | Aimée Preston
ABOVE: Mieke Davies and her mum, Belinda Bryce, have brought their dream to life with Hamani Studio & Gallery, showcasing their art and pottery.
Mieke, a Bachelor of Visual Arts graduate from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, had only been living in Brisbane for two months when the accident happened. Her dreams of working as an artist professionally had to be cast aside as she began the long road to recovery.
Two thousand kilometres away and two decades later, life is looking much brighter.
The deep teal of the walls in the Blenheim studio she shares with her mother, potter Belinda Bryce, is restful; a place of peace that somehow stills busy minds. Through the door to her right, rows of pottery cups wait to be glazed, each a testament to her mother’s eye-catching talent.
Mieke is more at home here in the newly built Hamani studio and gallery in her mum’s garden than at almost any other time in her life. She is finally at ease, at peace, she explains, and she is deeply thankful to her mum for helping her dreams come to fruition.
The name Hamani is Tahitian for “to create with one’s hands,” a link to her mum’s heritage.
“There is a deep gratitude I have for her, and her faith. Without it, this would not have come to fruition,” Mieke explains.
“I marvel at her strength of faith, and acting on it, and this has all been very humbling for me too.
“It's not like I'm 'making it' on my own. Many would think a woman in her 40s should be able to start up something like this on her own, surely! But with all my setbacks, it's just not been a reality for me, and now, I've been shown great kindness and support by her making this happen for me.
“She is making her daughter's dream come true. I've literally been waiting 20 years for this.
“I can’t express enough how momentous this moment is. I feel like this opening is a turning point for a whole new season, filled with joy, creativity and abundance.”
“With my mindset changed in so many ways, and the healing from my trauma from having kids, I very much do feel like a different person. I have been held back for so long now I’m finally able to move forward.”
It was a total surprise to Mieke, now a youth minister at St Mary’s Church, when her mum bought the house next door to her and her husband, Maurice. Their close bond is easy to see. Plenty of smiles and laughter fill the air as mum and daughter talk excitedly about their new creative space which officially opened in November 2024.
It was all part of God’s plan, they explain, set in motion when registered nurse Belinda lost her job at Wairau Hospital due to the Covid-19 vaccination mandate. Unable to afford mortgage repayments on her Blenheim home, she had no choice but to sell but. Thankfully, she got a great price and a quick sale.
Then began her search for a new home. As always, Belinda turned to her faith to find the answers she sought.
“I had a very specific set list about what I wanted in a new house that I gave to God. I needed to be closer to my grandchildren, it had to be solidly built and have a garden – oh, and a gas hob,” she chuckles, tendrils of hair escaping from her bun.
1. After rediscovering her passion for art, Mieke has dreamed of opening a gallery space for 20 years. 2. Mieke with her husband Maurice and their children, Malachi
(9), Myron (4) and Maia (6).
Her hands dance as she explains how plans came to fruition; her vibe is of one of energy, of creativity, of faith and of deep love for her family.
During a time of prayer, it was Belinda’s sister who heard an answer to their prayers, telling her to approach Mieke and Maurice’s immediate neighbour.
“It wasn’t on the market, but I asked if she’d ever consider selling and she told me it was time for a change… I bought it five months later,” Belinda beams.
One of the last nurses to be trained at Wairau Hospital, living in the now demolished nurses’ home, Belinda is grateful for the direction her life has taken.
“This is not just my dream but Mieke’s too. The way it has turned out is just perfect.
“I will be working on producing a collection of special vessels for the disabled, especially stroke and Parkinson’s patients, drawing on my years as a rehab nurse.”
Hearing the news her mum would be living next door and that she wanted to open a creative space for the pair to share, was, Mieke says, a lifechanging moment.
After three difficult births, years of sleep deprivation, and ongoing pain from her traumatic accident, life had been a struggle at times, Mieke says.
From months of debilitating morning sickness to a life-threatening haemorrhage 11 days after her oldest child Malachi’s birth, Mieke says she lost the essence of herself. Her art, once as essential to her as breathing, fell by the wayside as she struggled through the days.
Now, she explains, her mind is full of colour once again.
“Portraiture is my main inspiration, to celebrate humanity using the thing that I love, rich colour and luxurious oil paint.”
Even Mieke’s wardrobe boasts the rich, jewel-like colours and textures she craves. A self-described “gypsy,” she believes her passion for colour harks back to the Dutch gypsy lineage on her dad’s side.
“The colours and textures fill my soul,” she beams, bending down to cuddle Myron, who whispers his important secrets in her ear.
“I can't express enough how momentous this moment is. I feel like this opening is a turning point for a whole new season, filled with joy, creativity and abundance.
“My mindset has been changed for the good over the last two years – from the starving artist – to a thriving artist.”
The Hamani Studio & Gallery is located at 2 Curry Street, Blenheim.
1. Belinda with her handmade pottery. 2. Mieke’s fine art paintings, a portrait of ‘Piers’ and ‘Harvest Triptych’.
3. Portraiture is Mieke’s main inspiration.
A lifelong love of vintage cars
In a new regular series, Passionate People, locals share their stories, experiences, and deep connections to the things that bring them joy. This time, Rose Preston talks to Adrienne Matthews about her lifelong love of vintage cars and the community that keeps the passion alive.
Rose Preston can’t help herself. Falling in love with one of the oldest cars ever imported into New Zealand sparked many decades of enjoyment, enthusiasm and a passion for vintage automobiles. In March she won Best Car in Show at the 2025 Heritage Weekend in Marlborough.
I don’t come from a family that was interested in cars. A car was just a car but my first husband, Murray Low, had old cars from the age of sixteen. Vintage car enthusiasts could see how keen he was and encouraged him to start restoring his first car, a 1929 Plymouth. In those days, there were lots of kids in the car club and there were rallies all over the place. When our children came along these became great family outings.
Murray absolutely loved restoration work and the challenge of finding a new car. I’ve lost count of how many cars we’ve had. Favourites were a lovely little 1913 French Delage, a bigger 1931 version and a 1910 Reo. We are so lucky living in New Zealand because exotic cars have come here from all around the world.
Murray tragically died at the age of fifty, leaving the restoration of our Oldsmobile 1903 Model R (the Curved Dash Oldsmobile) unfinished. It was a particularly special model because it was the first one to be mass produced on an assembly line. It was the most popular car sold in America from 1902 to 1905.
Somebody in New Zealand ordered one straight after it had been produced in the USA. It was a runabout that seated a driver and passenger. There were very few brought here, and we think it was the first car imported into Napier. The motor was found amongst a collection of farm machinery on the Te Mata Peak station in Havelock North. I was determined to keep it because it was Murray’s passion and the oldest car we had ever had.
Murray managed to restore the body of the car before he passed away. It was made from timber which is why it hadn’t survived but he rebuilt it with Kahikatea, a strong, durable wood. A friend of his, Robert Wood, was restoring one in Christchurch and offered to carry on working on ours. After a few years it was it was returned to me, ready for final upholstery work and painting to be done. It has many interesting quirks like only one cylinder which equates to five horsepower, and tiller steering where a lever is attached to a rudder. The curved wooden front has brass lamps and there is a storage basket at the back to keep things out of the weather. The buggy style bench is a reminder of the lack of comfort in these very early vehicles.
Eventually, I was fortunate to meet another lovely man through the vintage car scene, Earl Preston, and married him. Murray’s and my car collection had been sold except for the Oldsmobile but suddenly I was in
a new but familiar world with a man who had been restoring cars all his life.
We proudly take the Oldsmobile to rallies. It only travels at 30km/hr so we have a lovely trailer to transport it in. People just love to see these really old cars and it always draws a lot of attention wherever it goes.
Marlborough is a great place to live for vintage car enthusiasts because there is so much interest here. It is a real hub with great craftsmen available too. At any one time there are around twenty to thirty cars being restored. The Marlborough Vintage Car Club is very welcoming and has regular fun events. Their Wednesday morning teas at Bradshaw Park regularly attract around sixty people. There is also an excellent collection of spare parts available.
We also have a restored 1968 Mark II Jaguar and take that around the country for tours. It’s great to see others so passionate about their cars too. There is a lot of camaraderie and the sharing of motoring history which is always interesting.
Earl and I have boxes and boxes of photographs of the cars and events we have attended in the past and we sometimes get them out to reminisce over the wonderful times we have had with the large variety of cars in our lives. The vintage car scene is a wonderful thing to be part of and we hope that more younger people get involved and discover the excitement and fun that can be had.
TOP TO BOTTOM: MCing at Marlborough’s Multicultural Festival. Nyara, with her husband Elton and their children, Daewon and Tayshaun. Elton and Nyara have settled in Marlborough, their ‘heart-home’, where they have started an events business. Supplied
From Harare to Home
Nyara (née Shahwe) Nyajena arrived in New Zealand from Zimbabwe in March 2004, and her husband Elton in June 2015. They came from a country that was becoming increasingly dangerous due to civil unrest. Adrienne Matthews talks to Nyara about the move to this country and eventually finding their hearthome in Marlborough.
My two brothers came to New Zealand in 2002. My sister and I came to visit in 2004. We were looking for a better living environment because things were getting so bad in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, where we lived. There was a lot of rioting and uncertainty. You never knew when things were going to blow up. We were living in fear.
We probably wouldn’t have emigrated if it hadn’t been for our mother. She is a remarkable woman. A housewife and dressmaker, she had always dreamed of becoming educated, and at the age of 45 went to college. It was her goal to be able to support us, her children, to have the means to emigrate somewhere better in the world with more opportunities and a better life. She became a teacher like my father, and every cent she made went into saving money for airline tickets. Together, my parents worked hard for us to have a better life overseas.
We had home projects like growing and selling chickens and eggs so she did not need to touch her salary. She was literally saving it under the carpet. Two of my brothers went to a seminar that was all about New Zealand, and the next thing, our mother was sending them off to the travel agent to purchase tickets.
When my sister and I came to visit we fell in love with New Zealand. We arrived in Napier where we worked part-time stocktaking before moving to Auckland where we got better jobs.
Ten years later, I was set up on a date with Elton, who was still living in Zimbabwe, by a friend who worked with him. We spent four months talking on the phone and skyping every day. We got on really well and had a lot in common, so my mother paid for me to go home and meet him. Less than a month later my best friend and my sisters-in-law had organised a surprise wedding celebration for us. I returned to New Zealand a week later, and six months after that Elton arrived.
In Zimbabwe we always saw images of this country with green lawns and a safe living environment. It certainly is far safer than the place we left. There is beautiful vegetation here, a peaceful environment, clean cities, friendly people and beautiful shopping malls. Funnily enough, on our first road trip to Hastings what caught my attention was hornless cows. How calm, sweet and quiet the cows were, chilling in the paddocks. I was used to African cows that are always wild, with the horns ready to charge and always mooing. I have never heard or seen a New Zealand cow moo. They seem so cute and well-behaved. The food is very different here. Our staple food in Zimbabwe was sadza, a food made from white corn, with fried kale and stews. We were not particularly well-off, so food choices were simple.
Elton is a quantity surveyor, and it was a job opportunity in Blenheim that eventually encouraged us to move south, away from the hustle and bustle of Auckland. We had never been here previously, so it felt like a big adventure, especially as we left a big extended family behind.
Sometimes in life you feel like you need a change, and although I was very sad to leave a wonderful job at Auckland Transport, we were excited to discover what Marlborough offered. Having come from the centre of Harare and then another city, (Auckland), living here is like being permanently on holiday. The landscape is so beautiful and the people so friendly and welcoming. It has been wonderful to be able to settle here and watch our children grow in this safe environment.
I am very grateful for all the work experience I have had in this country. It has enabled me to build up my resilience and confidence to do things independently and even open our own events business. These things would not have happened in our homeland.
I do miss the food, aspects of the environment and the smell of rain on sand, but this is a wonderful place to bring up children. This is a gorgeous town and with everything so close, it is so stress and hassle-free.
bluestar.co.nz
Making Print Happen
John Bannan
M: +64 27 240 9013
john.bannan@bluestar.co.nz
Harvest 2025 A STRONG VINTAGE
Marlborough’s 2025 wine harvest is shaping up to be a standout season, with winemakers expressing confidence in both quality and quantity.
Marcus Pickens, general manager of Wine Marlborough, says the harvest has been “surprisingly good,” with excellent fruit quality. “Flavours are looking really good, sugars are low – which isn’t a bad thing – but overall, we are very happy with the fruit quality this season.”
Weather conditions have played a crucial role in shaping this year’s grape quality. Marlborough has experienced a dry spell since early February, which, while challenging, has been preferable to damp conditions. Despite a turbulent global market, demand for Marlborough wines remains steady with the country’s brand staying strong. While uncertainty around United States tariffs and a slow global market persists, the industry has worked hard to maintain New Zealand’s strong position in the international market, says Marcus. “We are finding that the global demand is still there, and the New Zealand market is doing well considering – we have fought very hard to retain that.”
Looking ahead, Marcus is optimistic about the season’s results, saying, “Vintage 25 is very, very strong.” With exceptional fruit quality and careful industry management, Marlborough’s winemakers are set to produce another remarkable vintage that continues to uphold the region’s global reputation.
Words: Amy Russ
Chardonnay harvest begins at Cloudy Bay. Supplied
1. Harvest kicked off with the sun shining at Wairau River Wines. This year they have a team from around the world – Argentina, Belgium, France, Italy, Ireland, the USA, plus a handful of locals from around New Zealand, and their seasonal Alapa crew. Supplied 2. Winemaking can be tiring work! Hunter’s Wines
3. With snow on the hills, the team at Clos Henri Vineyard were rugged up for the cooler weather, prepared to handpick Pinot. Lara Campbell 4. Machine harvest, Murray Downs. Anna Simpson
1. It’s a stunning view from Hunter’s Wines. Hunter’s Wines 2. Handpicking Chardonnay at Cloudy Bay. Supplied 3. Hamish Rose, Viticulturist at Wairau River Wines. Supplied 4. Katy McIsaac post dig out at Hunter’s Wines. Max Ritchie 5. Early morning starts for JTC Viticulture. Supplied 6. The ‘Viti boys’ off to work at Yealands Wine. Katie Covell
1. The crew handpick at Hunter’s Wines. Supplied 2. Winemaker Rowan Langdon tests the fruit at Whitehaven Wines. Supplied 3. Boarder Collie Angus, part of the Murray Downs team watches on with an eager eye. Anna Simpson 4. Graham Norton took his passion for sav a step further this harvest season and joined Invivo Wines’ co-founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in Marlborough to experience the winemaking process firsthand. Jim Tannock
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1. Harvesting at Indevin Wines. David Norton 2. & 3. It’s all smiles at Hunter’s Wines as the fruit arrives at the winery on St. Patrick’s Day. Supplied 4. Pippa MacFarlane checks on a vat at Hunter’s Wine. Supplied
Franz JosefQu
Te Kuiti Manorburn
On the street
George Waterhouse, better known as DJ Fam, is a radio host at Mouthfull Radio and co-founder of House of Pluto, bringing bold style and underground beats to Wairau – here, he talks second-hand scores, utility wear, and the swag that inspires him.
What are you wearing today?
I’m wearing a camo jumpsuit-type piece, I’m amazed the camera picked it up! This thing is great, genuine New Zealand-made hunting wear, I believe. I found it on a second-hand rail and have worn it all over the place DJing and doing my music stuff. My cap says Lucozade on it, it’s silly and makes people happy.
What is your style?
Androgynous, London, workwear, with a slice of sports banger.
What is most of your wardrobe made up of?
Largely a shared wardrobe with my partner Gabe, we switch clothes quite freely. I have a lot of love for utility wear, like high-viz work gear. Very colourful and bold with some classic sensibilities, I think we both lean into using these adornments as a way to shake up our surroundings.
What are you loving at the moment?
I’m forever inspired by the swag of the Vanuatuan crew I see around – some of the most stylish cats in town –utilitarian, practical, soulful, and generally with a woolly hat leaned to the side. Swag.
What are you dressed for today?
Heading into town to meet up and arrange some music happenings, we run House Of Pluto and are always arranging to bring cool stuff to town, touring bands, art and performance in general.
Where do you buy most of your clothes from?
I spend a lot of time at the tip shop and The Blue Door, I love those places. They link people up with second hand items, but they also offer a space for folks to be, a sort of defacto community space. Big respect to Bronwen and all the volunteers that make these places run.
What is your approach to shopping?
I am fairly allergic to shopping and being in that kind of environment, so would describe my approach as, grin and bear it.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
This indigo fishing smock I got on the East Coast of England. I wore that thing loads, was great to wear in the bike shop I ran at the time, snazzy mechanic wear.
If you could raid one person’s wardrobe, who would it be?
I think Ariana Waiata Sheehan, boss at Aro Archive –self-described stubborn Irish Māori. Fierce style and a wardrobe that I wouldn’t even know what to do with but would enjoy the raid. Aro Archive, based in London, is an independent archival fashion house providing research and inspiration to the world’s leading design teams. I was introduced to Ariana by Michael Morley, who equally has a wardrobe that would be worth a raid but, more than anything, is one of my DJ inspirations.
Aimée Preston
beauty & wellbeing
Inspiring beauty and confidence
THE ARIA BEAUTY EXPERIENCE
At Aria Beauty, the philosophy is simple – every client deserves to feel beautiful, confident, and cared for.
Salon owner Sarah East holds years of experience in the beauty industry, and as it continues to evolve, her passion continues to grow.
“The beauty industry is forever changing – new products, technologies, and trends keep it fresh and exciting. But most of all, it’s my clients who inspire me. I think it’s such a privilege to hold space for these incredible women and men and I get to do what I love every day while helping people feel great about themselves!”
Every salon has its own special touch, but for Sarah and her experienced team it’s about creating a welcoming atmosphere and an unforgettable experience. “We have an amazing team dynamic,” Sarah says. “A supportive, positive environment among staff and clients makes all the difference and we always maintain good, supportive energy. We all love what we do, and I think that shines through in our work.”
Some treatments never go out of style, and Sarah says facials and brows are hands-down their most loved services. “Our facials not only deliver real results using high-quality skincare, but they also provide the ultimate relaxation experience –it’s truly the best kind of pamper, targeting body, mind and soul. And when it comes to brows, we’re all about delivering beautiful, banging brows that frame the face perfectly.”
Aria Beauty’s advanced Dermalogica Dermal Needling Facial is the perfect go-to treatment, says Sarah. “It’s the ultimate anti-aging facial with results you can see! “We’re super excited to dive a bit deeper into the skin with this treatment.”
From the moment clients step through the doors, they’re treated to an experience rooted in empowerment, safety, kindness, respect, and confidence. “These are our key values
and the ethos behind the business. We believe in embodying these values in everything we do, so it’s important to us to provide the same space for all our lovely clients.”
In September 2023, Aria Beauty relocated to Springlands Shopping Centre, a move that has brought exciting opportunities. “We love our incredible new space. It’s modern, convenient, and offers free parking. Plus, clients can grab a coffee or groceries next door. It’s great being a part of a collective of businesses.”
Visit Aria Beauty to book your next appointment and experience the magic.
ariabeauty.co.nz
Reconnecting through sound
Hearing is more than just detecting sound – it’s about making sense of the world around us. Sara Blackmore from Blackmore Audiology shares how specialist assessment and treatment for auditory processing disorder (APD) can make a life-changing difference.
For many in Marlborough, hearing isn’t just about sound – it’s about connection. Whether it’s keeping up in the classroom, following instructions at work, or catching up with a friend over coffee, hearing and understanding speech is essential to engaging with the world around us.
But for those with auditory processing disorder (APD), understanding speech – especially in noisy environments – can be a daily struggle. This can impact relationships, education, and work opportunities, making even simple conversations frustrating.
Now, Blackmore Audiology – Marlborough’s only independently owned audiology clinic – is bringing specialist APD assessment and treatment to the region, providing the first and only local service for both children and adults.
APD is a condition that affects the way the brain processes sound. Unlike hearing loss, which impacts the ability to detect sounds, APD is a neurological issue where the brain struggles to interpret and make sense of auditory information. The New Zealand Audiological Society states that: “The overall prevalence (of APD) in children in New Zealand is estimated at 6.2%, with higher rates in some populations, particularly the elderly.”
For children, APD can make classroom learning and social situations challenging. The ability to focus in a classroom setting is crucial to a child’s learning and early development. However, children with APD have difficulty focusing on what’s being said. Because their brains struggle to perceive speech sounds, hearing and responding to the speaker’s words can be
challenging. As a result, children with APD can easily become distracted and lack attentiveness.
Teachers and parents may notice that children with APD:
• Struggle to follow multi-step instructions.
• Have difficulty understanding speech in noisy settings.
• Often ask for repetition or clarification.
• Appear easily distracted or overwhelmed by auditory input.
• Have trouble with reading, spelling, and comprehension.
Adults with acquired APD often describe feeling disconnected – struggling to keep up in meetings, missing details in conversations, or finding busy environments exhausting. APD can be acquired due to brain trauma, stroke, or even as a part of age-related changes to how the brain processes sound. Many adults with APD withdraw from social situations or struggle at work, but the right support can help them regain control.
Common symptoms of APD in adults: Difficulty following conversations, especially in group settings.
Misinterpretation of spoken instructions. Increased listening fatigue.
• Challenges with concentration when background noise is present.
• Finding sound overwhelming.
Audiologist and speech and language therapist, Sara Blackmore from Blackmore Audiology.
While APD can’t be cured, Blackmore Audiology offers proven strategies and technologies to help children and adults better process and understand sound.
Audiologist and speech and language therapist, Sara Blackmore, provides a specialised 12-week auditory training program designed to strengthen auditory processing skills. This structured program includes exercises tailored to improve sound discrimination, synthesis of speech sounds, speech-in-noise recognition, distinguishing and integrating sounds in both ears at the same time and auditory memory.
Hearing technology can also make a world of difference, both in the short-term (for immediate listening support) and in the long-term (to help the brain build stronger neural pathways).
These include:
• Remote microphones: A remote microphone can function like a ‘third ear,’ helping the brain tune into speech more clearly, reduce distractions, and make communication easier.
• Hearing aids: While hearing aids are traditionally associated with hearing loss, modern devices can also help those with APD. These hearing aids use adaptive microphones, smart noise reduction, and speech enhancement technology to amplify speech while minimising background noise, making it easier to focus in complex listening environments.
Blackmore Audiology offers expert assessments, treatment programs, and advanced technology solutions to help those with APD navigate daily life more effectively. If you or a loved one experiences difficulties with auditory processing, seeking professional guidance from an audiologist is an essential first step toward finding effective solutions.
Blackmore Audiology
03 579 3092
21 Francis Street, Blenheim blackmoreaudiology.co.nz
Lynda, a Blenheim local, who acquired APD following a traumatic brain injury shares her experience with APD and how seeking help from Blackmore Audiology changed her life.
After an accident, Lynda struggled for years with auditory processing difficulties. She was unable to participate in daily activities she had previously enjoyed, even a simple trip to the supermarket was overwhelming.
“My life had changed massively since my injury, due to my symptoms. I was functioning at perhaps 45 to 50% capacity and was a virtual recluse,” Lynda shared.
Eventually she was referred to an audiologist by her ACC case manager and chose Blackmore Audiology. Sara diagnosed Lynda with acquired APD and fitted her with hearing aids along with a Roger remote microphone. This technology enables Lynda to participate in life again. Lynda says that she is now able to hear her husband in the car, and is able to follow conversations in noisy environments such as restaurants and even around a campfire while camping with friends. Lynda also finds she can tolerate being in noisy places like airports again. “I am functioning at about 85% and can finally socialise again. The service, compassion, and understanding I have had from Sara has been absolutely exceptional. Sara really has changed my life around and I cannot thank her enough.”
1. A remote microphone sitting on the table in front of the panellists picks up their voices and sends them directly to the receivers worn by the person with APD. 2. A man with APD out hiking with a friend who wears the remote microphone, this sends his voice directly to the receivers worn by the person with APD. 3. A remote microphone worn by the teacher sends her voice directly to the receivers worn by the child, there are also table microphones that can be activated for classroom discussions, at the front of the classroom is a speaker which can transmit the teachers voice loudly for the benefit of all children in the classroom.
Looking for the right builder for you?
My Home
Paula and Phil Taylor have spent nearly three decades turning Green Meadows into a warm and welcoming home, where family, history, and a love for the land come together.
Aimée Preston
Our place
We live on a farm called Green Meadows on Rapaura Road. We've been here for 29 years, raising our two sons and our daughter Ruby here. Now, it’s just myself, my husband Phil, Ruby, and our two dogs.
How it came to be
Our home was built in 1911. Phil and I initially leased the surrounding land, and when it came up for sale, we purchased it. The house was wellloved but needed a lot of TLC.
In three words
Homely, spacious, and cosy with character.
The look and inspiration
The house itself was our inspiration – we just wanted to do it justice. My decorating style is quite understated. I’m very visual, so I put things together in a way that makes me happy. It is quite understated, and practicality and comfort are key.
Where I shop
Anywhere! If something catches my eye and is reasonably priced, I’ll get it.
A treasured piece
The beautiful ornate rimu dresser in the dining room that holds all my special dishes and ornaments.
Save or splurge
I love a bargain but will splurge when it’s worth it. We lived in the house for 10 years before doing any major alterations. When we did renovate, it was a significant cost, but we were mindful not to take away from the home’s integrity.
Paula Taylor enjoying a cuppa on the veranda of Green Meadows homestead.
Renovations
Paula and Phil have extensively renovated the homestead, installing a new kitchen and adding a bay window to replicate the original design.
We changed the home’s layout, building a large kitchen, adding a new bedroom and ensuite for Phil and me, and converting the smallest bedroom into a dining room. We also extended the veranda and added another on the opposite side to enjoy both morning and evening sun. An elegant front door was installed off the veranda.
The garden
The garden has been a labour of love. When we first moved in, I knew nothing about gardening, but over time, I learned through trial and error. Now, the rose garden is my pride and joy – some of the roses are very old and have the most beautiful scents. They’re also great for brightening up a room.
Next on the list
Retirement! We’ve just had new carpet throughout, which was a major undertaking, so for now, we’re just enjoying the space.
Favourite spots
Our dining room, filled with sentimental pieces and family photos, and the veranda – perfect for sitting with a coffee and looking out at the garden. There’s nothing better than taking in the view of the roses and the surrounding trees.
Every home should have
A welcome sign.
If money was no object
I’d get a chef!
A quick refresh
I’d buy some cushions, a throw, a nice rug, and candles.
One thing I’d change
I’d move the house further from the road – traffic wasn’t an issue in 1911!
Best budget tip
Be confident in your own style and thoughtful about expensive purchases. Some of my best finds have been the least expensive.
“The house itself was our inspiration – we just wanted to do it justice.”
An ornate rimu dresser in the dining room holds many of the couple’s sentimental pieces and family photos.
The original fireplace in what is now the guest bedroom.
“I’m very visual, so I put things together in a way that makes me happy.”
Keeping it orderly
We use storage boxes and baskets for my grandson’s toys, and everyone works together to keep things tidy.
Our neighbourhood
Nothing beats country living –large trees surround us, and we have a beautiful view of the hills.
Best memory
The gatherings and celebrations we’ve shared here with family and friends over the years.
A vintage potato digger sits at the front of the homestead, an ode to the property’s origins as a crop farm before the Taylors planted grapes.
Paula had always wanted lions guarding her front entrance.
Although new to gardening when they moved to the property, the rose garden has become Paula’s pride and joy.
Te Kuiti Manorburn
Creating a cosy home with
interiors expert Simone Hill
As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, autumn is the perfect time to refresh our interiors with warm, inviting touches. Simone Hill, owner of Cinnamon House Design, shares her expert advice on selecting the perfect pieces to create a cosy, stylish home for the cooler months.
Layering with textures – Autumn is all about rich textures and layers. Chunky woollen knits, luxe velvets, and soft fur (real or faux) are a few of my favourite materials for making a cosier, warmer, and more inviting space in the cooler autumn months. I also love to add other natural elements such as wooden bowls and woven baskets full of nature’s seasonal treasures like acorns, chestnuts, and pinecones for another layer of texture.
The perfect autumn colour palette – Colour tones can instantly transform a space. Any autumn makeover should begin with selecting a rich seasonal colour palette. You only need to look outside at all the stunning shades of burnt orange, ochre gold, and wine red to know that nature doesn’t get it wrong. Mix them up with moody deep greens, and you will instantly lift even the most neutral décor.
Must-have home accessories for autumn – The right accessories can make all the difference. Snuggly, textured blankets and throws are key pieces we should incorporate into our décor to enhance the autumn vibe, along with cushions and rugs. Books add another homely and welcoming touch and can be used under favourite objects or in piles on coffee tables if bookshelves don’t suit your room. Consider adding decorative trays with candles or dried flowers to bring in that seasonal charm.
Creating an inviting living space – Autumn is the season for relaxing at home. Lighting is important for making living areas feel warm and welcoming while creating the right mood. Use soft-toned lamps instead of bright ceiling lights for a more inviting feel, and burn cinnamon-scented candles to complete the sensory experience. Try adding a gold-framed mirror low enough on a wall to reflect the lamp and candlelight onto other areas for a wraparound glow. This simple trick can make any room feel more intimate and enchanting.
Seasonal table styling – As we gather indoors more often, setting a beautiful autumn-inspired table can elevate any meal. An autumn-coloured linen tablecloth can transform a dining table, and when you add a tall vase full of similarly toned branches and flowers, the effect is striking. Lots of glasses and glass candlesticks will reflect the light and make the warm tones sparkle. Copper or brass cutlery can also add a touch of elegance to your seasonal tablescape. By incorporating these simple yet effective touches, you can create a space that feels warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish this autumn. Visit Cinnamon House for a curated selection of timeless interior décor and accessories.
cinnamonhouse.nz
A collection of autumn-inspired homewares to warm up your interior.
Luxury living at Waikawa Bay
In the stunning setting of Waikawa Bay, Bruce and Diane Emerson’s meticulously designed home is a testament to vision, craftsmanship, and effortless luxury, as Adrienne Matthews finds out.
Gavin Hadfield
Bruce and Diane Emerson didn’t intend to move to Picton from their home in Hawke’s Bay, but when Bruce was asked by a friend to come and manage a subdivision project on the site of the old Jorgensen’s Boatyard at Waikawa Bay, the couple found themselves entranced with the location and snapped up one of the sections for themselves.
“We had a really clear idea of what a house could look like on the site and drew it on a bit of paper,” says Bruce. “The subsequent plans were just as we’d imagined it.”
The 330sqm home takes up most of the 436sqm section, and that suited the Emersons perfectly. They wanted a low-maintenance property that was easy to come and go from.
Bruce built the house himself with the help of Picton builder Henri Mayen. “We designed both the interior and exterior and did all the painting ourselves, except for the Resene Rockcote, which was plastered/painted by Robert Johnston at AJ Plastering.”
“We wanted to take advantage of the site being so close to beautiful Waikawa Bay and needed some elevation to get the views. We also wanted a thermally efficient house that was warm in the winter but cool in the summer. Too many houses in New Zealand get roasted by the sun in the summer months, and to avoid that we designed deep roof overhangs covering the large outdoor entertaining areas that flow out from the interior. We can be outside in the hottest of the summer months and not be nuked by the sun.”
“With the ground floor being solid concrete block, it soaks up the energy of the sun and releases it at nighttime. That makes the house really energy efficient, so we need very little heating.”
“We wanted a really understated style. Recessive colours in Scandi-earth tones are a feature, and the black is a nod to the many beech trees found in the Marlborough Sounds.”
The home, although a substantial size, has just two
“Recessive colours in Scandi-earth tones are a feature, and the black is a nod to the many beech trees found in the Marlborough Sounds.”
bedrooms, each with an ensuite. On the ground floor there is garaging and carports up to 3.4 metres high, designed to accommodate a motorhome, caravan or boat. “We designed it specifically as an executivetype home for couples,” explains Bruce. “There is so much living space throughout the home and there are three showers and four toilets. One of the showers is an outdoor version, perfect for when I get off the mountain bike or after a kayak in the bay.”
Central to the home’s design is the expansive openplan kitchen and living areas. The chef-worthy kitchen, featuring a walk-in scullery and high-end appliances, is a culinary enthusiast’s dream. The island bench, a focal point of the kitchen, allows for casual dining while enjoying spectacular views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The living area is equally impressive, with soaring ceilings featuring skylights and ample space for entertaining or unwinding by the fire. The Icon biofuel fire from Naked Flame adds warmth without the need for firewood, creating an efficient and sustainable heating solution. It runs on liquid ethanol, a waste product, and requires no flue. It is easy to turn on and off, leaving no mess or smell. There is also under-tile heating for additional comfort during the cooler months.
The indoor dining area flows seamlessly to the outdoors, where there is everything required to host sumptuous barbecues. An unusual feature is the outdoor flooring of Italian tiles from Bellocasa in Wellington that are 20mm thick and extremely durable while adding a touch of class.
The use of timber throughout the interior and exterior is notable for the warm, soothing vibe it gives. Around the exterior is Herman Pacific shiplap cedar, whilst the interior wall and ceiling linings are Scandinavian birch plywood. The slotted batten-board in the living area is a stunning feature that is echoed in the headboard of the ground floor bedroom.
Flooring throughout is Torleys Corkwood, which is a highly innovative product that has a hardwood surface and cork backing, making it extremely soft and comfortable to walk on. A striking Axminster Signature Class wool carpet adds some vibrancy in the bedrooms and stairs.
The exterior bowtie lighting surrounding the house comes on automatically via sensor at dusk, giving the home a resplendent night-time glow. Added features include a private laneway, direct access to the waterfront, and the use of the private fixed jetty.
The house that Bruce and Henri built is nothing short of a dream home, designed and built with real vision, skill and meticulous craftsmanship.
If this property looks like your next dream home, check out www.bayleys.co.nz/4136413
Autumn prep for a lawn that lasts
As autumn settles over Marlborough, your lawn deserves a little extra attention to stay lush and healthy before winter sets in. April is the perfect time to prepare your grass for the cooler months ahead, ensuring a resilient and vibrant lawn come spring.
Feeding and aeration
Autumn is an ideal season for fertilising your lawn. A slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertiliser will encourage strong root growth while providing essential nutrients to sustain the grass through winter. Look for a mix that includes potassium to improve disease resistance and overall resilience.
Aeration is another crucial step in autumn lawn care. Over time, soil becomes compacted, making it difficult for air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. Use a garden fork or a mechanical aerator to create small holes in the lawn, allowing moisture and nutrients to penetrate more effectively. This is particularly beneficial after a dry summer when the soil may be hard and compact.
Repair and reseed
April is a great month to address any bare patches that may have developed over summer. Rake the affected areas to remove debris and loosen the soil, then apply a quality lawn seed suited to Marlborough’s climate. Keep the soil moist to encourage germination.
Mowing and watering
As temperatures drop, your lawn’s growth will slow, meaning you won’t need to mow as frequently. However, when you do mow, raise the cutting height slightly to leave the grass longer, providing better insulation for the roots and helping retain moisture. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, as this can stress the lawn.
Although autumn tends to bring more rainfall, it’s still important to monitor soil moisture levels. If the weather remains dry, give your lawn a deep watering once a week rather than frequent light watering, which can encourage shallow root growth.
Weed and moss control
Cooler weather creates ideal conditions for weeds and moss to take hold. Hand-pull weeds or use a selective herbicide to prevent them from competing with your grass. Moss tends to thrive in shaded, damp areas, so improve drainage and airflow where possible, and consider applying an iron-based moss killer if needed. By taking these simple steps in early autumn, you’ll set your lawn up for success, ensuring it emerges from winter healthy, green, and ready for the return of warmer days.
Wine & grape braised chicken
BROUGHT TO YOU BY HUNTER'S WINES
A rich and flavourful dish to keep you warm as autumn settles in. Pair with Hunter’s Pinot Noir 2023 – a Marlborough Pinot Noir at its finest. Experience soft, generous plum and red fruit flavours with a velvety finish.
PREP TIME 25 minutes | COOK TIME 50 minutes | SERVES 6
INGREDIENTS:
6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
1 tbsp olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper
METHOD:
2 shallots, finely diced
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp honey
2 cups red wine, such as Pinot Noir
1 ½ cups chicken broth
3 cups red seedless grapes, divided
4-5 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 ½ tbsp water
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with kosher salt and pepper. Heat a braiser or other oven safe skillet over medium high heat. Add olive oil to the braiser. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the braiser. Sear until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Flip the chicken thighs over and sear on the other side until golden brown. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. Remove all but a tablespoon of fat from the braiser. Lower the temperature to medium and add the shallots. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the shallots are softened.
When the shallots are softened add the minced garlic. Sauté for another minute and then add both the red wine vinegar and honey. Stir together, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Add the red wine and chicken broth.
Hunter's Wines Marlborough
Creating world class wines for over 40 years –Hunter’s is a pioneer of the Marlborough wine industry.
Return the chicken to the braiser along with any juices. Add half of the grapes to the pan along with the sprigs of fresh rosemary. Cover and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken to a serving platter.
Scoop out the cooked grapes and rosemary with a slotted spoon and discard. Bring the sauce to a simmer and allow to reduce slightly. Add the remaining grapes. Taste and adjust the flavour if needed. You may want to add a splash of red wine vinegar or a drizzle of honey to create a balanced sweet and tangy flavour. Season with kosher salt and pepper.
Make a slurry with the cornstarch and water. Add to the cooking liquid and simmer until slightly thickened. Return the chicken to the brasier and nestle in the sauce and grapes. Serve the chicken with the sauce and grapes and spooned over. Enjoy!
APRIL
What’s On
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2 - 12 April
RIPCORD
Marlborough Repertory Society invite you to their latest show – an entertaining play by David Lindsay-Abaire, directed by Rose Platenkamp.
6 April
FRESHCHOICE
PICTON RAINBOW RUN
Here’s your chance to walk or run with your friends and family, get a bit messy and have a laugh while getting doused with lots of rainbow colours.
14 - 24 April
SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN
Lots of fun and free activities to keep little hands busy during the holidays – Lego, crafts, stories and more. Weekdays only.
11 April
FLAXBOURNE OPEN DAY
Fun family community day to celebrate the grand opening of the Flaxbourne Heritage Centre and the Flaxbourne section of The Whale Trail. Everyone is welcome.
Boathouse Theatre, 12 Horton Street, Blenheim
18 - 20 April
CLASSIC FIGHTERS OMAKA
So much more than just an airshow! Get ready for an amazing weekend of actionpacked, family-friendly fun, with entertainment both in
AUTUMN EVENTS
Follow Marlborough Events to keep up to date on what’s on around the region.
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Port Marlborough Pavilion, Endeavour Park, Picton
Flaxbourne Heritage Centre, Ward
1. Enika Rood, Sophie Hambleton and Kristen Ward
2. Marie Winter, Tasha Knox, Jordan Nickerson and David Howell
3. Jenny Rush-Broke and Bronya Wainwright
4. Grace Barnett, Emma Reid and Casey Lambert
5. Hemi and Kirstie Nohotima
6. Karen Gibb and Tania Godsall
7. Spenser Kingi, Dan Mabey and Phil Black
8. Kurt Young, Mya Hopkinson and Oliver Bunce
Havelock
Havelock Mussel Festival
William Woodworth
Marlborough
Pollard Park
5.
SOCIAL
9.
1. Lani Goldsmith and Jade Reardon
2. Zoe Da Costa and William Sabiston
3. Izzy Laverack and Isla Muir
4. Leslie Kamikamica and Suzie Talemaipapalagi
Tricia and Brian Dawson
6. Hannah Da Costa and Eva Holland
7. Hannah Price and Hannah Jordon
8. Salo Camillo, Luciana Santos, Silvia Leiri, Suellen Pelissari and Paula Saad
Ellin Shin, Jenna Arlidge and Sophee Bae
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
SOCIAL
Rai Valley
1. Zai Gilsenan and Serena Gowland
2. Steve and Trudy Booth
3. Melissa Smith and Mike Cameron
4. Steve Metzger and Sharon Blount
Mike Plant and Don MacKay
Scott & Alesha Sturgeon
Shelley Sidwell, Emma and Ella Oswell
Justin Morrison, Dee and George Sturgeon and Barbara Falls
John Ready, Sam Prattley, Kauri Peters and Katrina Guiney
89th Rai Valley A&P Show
Framingham Harvest Concert
Framingham Wines
1. Michelle Barry, Megan Littlejohn and Veronica Pinci
Marlborough Wine & Food Festival
Renwick Domain
5. Brienna Simmons and Kirsty McLaren
6. Matthew and Cheryl Clarke
7. Alina and Julius Puppe, Shruti Joseph and Laura Mitchell
8. Cat Anderson, Clare Crannicth, Keryn Loons and Kuepe Millan
2. Tim Towers, Mauro Roattino, Ethel Perdiguero and Alice Leboucher
3. Kirsten Todd and Breffni O’Rourke
4. Daisy Liu and Julie Wang
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