Marram Community Trust Outlook Magazine, Autumn 2022

OUTLOOK

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Drilling down the numbers as we look at the many great reasons to be part of the Marram community.

• After a great summer it’s time to think about a skin check – a new partnership with Molemap will save you precious health dollars.

• How a city once called New Zealand’s most boring became a very desirable destination.

• And celebrating 20 years in the Marram waka puts Debbie Shute in a very exclusive club.

What a great response to the Summer photo competition.

Your photos captured what a good summer holiday’s all about.

Sunshine, beaches and adventure. Happy kids, families gathering, dogs, afternoon siestas and dripping ice cream.

Your entries got me thinking about how things have changed since COVID arrived and how, despite the bits we haven’t enjoyed, the lockdowns, the uncertainty and the economic fallout, some of the changes have definitely been for the better.

We’ve gone back to our places of safety. Family. Home. Basics. This has extended to holidays too. We’ve rediscovered places and things to do closer to home. Closer to family. Closer to our earth.

We’ve put things like wellbeing and holidays at the top of our lists and if this is what a post COVID summer looks like, I’m up for it.

Sure, I’m missing family overseas, I suffered the pain of losing a loved one during lockdown and I’ve raged at the machine many times over the past two years believe me.

But your photos showed me you feel it too – the change.

The sunsets, family games on the beach, happy faces and the enjoying of every little moment.

But summer’s on the run now, Autumn’s reaching out and it’s easy to forget, so put those holiday snaps on the fridge to remind you as we move into winter, of a summer that was one out of the bag.

Sue Burgin

Content Editor - Etita Kōrero

After a fabulous summer it’s time to think about a skin check. We have details on a new partnership with Molemap which will save you precious health dollars.

How a city once called New Zealand’s most boring, has become a very desirable destination.

Celebrating 20 years in the Marram waka puts Debbie Shute in a very exclusive club. What

Our Netflix reviewers put The Last Kingdom, Maid and Emily in Paris under the spotlight.

Marram Community Trust PO Box 24006

Wellinton 6142

New Zealand

Ph: 04 801 2920

Fax: 04 385 3558

Etita Kōrero - Content Editor: Sue Burgin email: sue.burgin@marram.co.nz

Etita Hoahoa - Design Editor: Destina Munro email: destina.munro@marram.co.nz

QUEENSTOWN UPDATE

Soaring costs and nationwide shortages – Marram not immune

Since sharing the good news that the Board had approved concept plans and budget for new Queenstown apartments, more detailed design, geo-technical reports, engineering drawings and costings have come in.

The Man Street, Queenstown site presents specific challenges around deep piling and foundation work due to it sitting at the end of an ancient glacier.

As a result of the cost of piling, and an overall increase in construction costs, the costings have come in well above original estimates.

However, Marram CEO Glenn Clark and Chairman of Marram’s Property Committee, Carey Oldfield are confident the issues can be addressed.

“We’re wrestling with the high cost of getting the development off the ground, big increases in construction costs, and a shortage of materials and labour, just like everyone else,” Glenn says.

“We’ve been working on a plan for 20 apartments, seeing if we could push an earlier design out to 20 by adding a floor, but working with the Board approved budget we may have to be more realistic around that number.”

Meanwhile the existing Man Street apartments in Queenstown are still open for booking and it’s business as usual for the nearby Frankton/Queenstown East homes.

A warrant of fitness that could save your life

With around 400 New Zealanders dying every year from Melanoma, it seems molemaps and regular skin checks are a good investment.

And the good news is - from March 1st to May 31st Marram beneficiaries will get to enjoy a 20% discount on these services. (See opposite page for details).

What better time to sign up for a head to toe, full body, molemap or a less expensive skin check than now, at the end of a glorious summer.

Statistics show most of us don’t know what we’re looking for.

Ashleigh Hutchison from Molemap says melanoma can pop up anywhere, so you don’t want to only be checking what you see in the mirror.

“Forty percent of women will find them on their legs. Thirty five percent of men on their backs,” she says.

“We use camera technology which allows us to see lesions and moles up close. Those images then go to highly trained dermatologists for analysis and diagnosis,” she says.

“You’re paying for expert opinion and often avoiding a lot of unnecessary surgery and in many cases, saving your life.”

Molemap sees itself as a bit like the ambulance at the top of the cliff, looking, detecting and screening.

How often do we need a molemap?

Ashleigh says best practice is to get one every year. They come with a price tag of $399.

There is a less expensive option with Molemap offering skin checks costing $189 or $249 for a more detailed skin check.

She wants us all to start thinking of it as part of an all-over annual health check along with blood pressure, teeth, etc.

A warrant of fitness that could just save your life.

We all need to be vigilant regardless of skin colour. No-one is safe.”

More information on Molemap services can be found on the website, www.molemap.co.nz

Or:

• phone 0800 molemap; and

• check the Molemap Facebook and Instagram accounts.

NZ has the highest rates

of skin cancer in the world!

MoleMap and Marram have just made it more affordable to get your skin checked

The Skin Check: 20 mins

Promo Rate $149 (after Marram Claim $59.60 | RRP normally $189)

Includes a head-to-toe check by a Melanographer, who will identify and image any moles showing features of skin cancer for expert diagnosis by a Dermatologist.

The Full Body Molemap: 45 mins

Promo Rate $319 (After Marram Claim $127.60 | RRP normally $399).

A complete photographic record of your skin and moles. All moles with the potential to change over time are imaged for expert diagnosis by a Dermatologist. Close up images of your moles, and body shots are stored securely so we can compare changes over time

Please quote MCHECK22 at the time of booking.

Beneficiaries pay the “Promo Rate” to Molemap but claim back 60% of the cost through Marram - please keep your receipt to do so.

Offer available until the end of May 2022.

Good Reasons to be part of the Marram

That’s how much Marram paid out in reimbursements in the 12 months from January 1st 2021 to December 31st 2021.

Nearly three million dollars – let’s put that in perspective - the same amount of money could’ve bought 147 tons of Pineapple Lumps, or 652,500 cups of coffee. But in this case it supported the health journeys of Marram beneficiaries who submitted 15,521 Healthcare requests.

The top five most requested healthcare benefits were

Then there's the holiday homes

Danette Ngarewa, Marram lifetimer reckons she could find 2,935,820 reasons to use the holiday homes if she tried.

“We use them every opportunity. We’ve been to most of the homes. Before joining the Post Office we used to go to holiday parks but after staying with Marram we never looked back."

She says they’re great value for money. Very tidy, well placed with good access, and just like home.”

Danette takes family photos with her and buys flowers to make it even more homely.

“In fact when the kids were younger they used to think the homes were ours,” she laughs,

“There’s no comparison with those cold concrete boxes they call motels.”

And then there’s the value for money. Danette says with three kids in a hotel she’d have to book two or three rooms making it unaffordable.

“With Marram we can book a home to accommodate all of us for $200 - 300 a week.”

Holiday bookings strong

Booking opportunities for many of the 150 homes last year were impacted by the nationwide COVID lockdown and then the Auckland, Northland and Waikato lockdowns that followed. But you certainly had holidays on your minds and the year ended with most homes fully booked, especially as you discovered the joys of taking a Marram break close to home.

Marram welcomed nearly 1,600 people into the community last year.

So as we all settle into 2022 stay in touch whanau. Submit those healthcare requests as they come in, plan ahead to secure the holiday homes you want to book, spread the word to your workmates about the benefits of joining the community and keep up with all the Marram news in the following ways. marram.co.nz issuu.com/home/published

“In fact, when the kids were younger they used to think the homes were ours!”

Middle of nowhere Central to everywhere

“ Like a good wine – cellared for a while and now ready to drink!”

Mayor Grant Smith

That’s how Mayor Grant Smith (below) describes a city once as the most boring in the country.

“It’s far from it,” the Mayor enthuses, “Palmerston North, like a middle child that’s been forgotten, is now embracing its central location and busting out.”

Young and increasingly diverse

Palmie is currently the second youngest city per capita in the country with a population close to 100 thousand people, including many who travel into the city for work from outlying areas. It houses a university,

a regional hospital, a busy airport and two military bases (Ohakea and Linton).

The wider Manawatū area stretches from Otaki to Rangitikei and across the Manawatū Gorge to southern Hawkes Bay, and according to the Mayor is really central to a whole lot of places.

“It’s 45 minutes from Whanganui, two and a bit hours from Taup Ō , two hours from Hawkes Bay and just under two hours from Wellington.”

It’s a university town with Massey University bringing a young and increasingly diverse vibe to the city.

The university used to sit on the outskirts of the city, separated by the Manawatū River, but in more recent times Council has embraced the river, building the award winning He Ara Kotahi Bridge linking the two. The bridge which is a shared walking and cycle pathway proved very popular with a million people crossing it in the first 10 months

Committed to reducing its carbon footprint

Palmerston North punches above its weight in this area the Mayor says.

“We don’t draw water from the river, but from water storage dams, and we produce clean energy with Mercury’s huge windfarm on the hills surrounding the city, providing enough energy to power the lower North Island. Our goal is to become an Eco City and council’s already reduced its carbon footprint by 25%.”

As a holiday destination – there’s plenty to do Palmie boasts a wide variety of quite cosmopolitan eateries which make the most of great locally sourced produce. The city is served by a popular craft brewer, Brew Union, and enjoys a vibrant night life according to the Mayor.

“It’s compact, centred on the square in the middle of the city. We host several large events there, events like the NZ Rural Games, International festivals and art, sculpture and garden exhibitions.”

The biggest hydro slide in NZ

There’s plenty to keep the family amused at the Lido Aquatic centre with it’s giant hydro slide. The Lido was named Pool of the Year in 2019.

Many of the city’s attractions are linked by the Victoria Esplanade including the Botanical Gardens and a popular miniature railway which the Mayor

Photo previous page: Blokarting

Photos from top: Lido Aquatic Centre; Arapuke Mountain Bike Park; Esplanade Scenic Railway.

Next page: top: He Ara Kotahi; Windfarm ride; Brew Union

Photo credits: ManawatῡNZ

boasts carried more passengers than Kiwirail last year at 88,000.

The Massey and DOC Wild Base Recovery Centre is another attraction hugely popular with visitors to Palmie. And if adventure is on your list the Mayor suggests heading to the Arapuke Mountain Bike Park, or tackling one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Te Apiti Gorge Walk.

The River Pathway is another popular walk and cycle track and offers an opportunity to feed urban eels – if that’s your jam.

Holidays close to home ‘the new normal’

Mayor Smith agrees people don’t want to travel long distances to take time out post lockdown, and reckons a holiday in Palmerston North is the answer with a large slice of New Zealand’s population, sitting as it does close to Wellington, Horowhenua, Wairarapa, Hawkes Bay, Taup Ō and Whanganui.

Having lived in big cities he laments however, growing populations and visitor numbers can change the feel of bigger cities.

“The secret is not to get too big,” he says, “Palmie is easy to get around, safe and people know each other. I’ll be happy to put up the no vacancy sign at 10,000,” he laughs.

Read on for featured attractions.

‘There’s an answer in the garden. It’s nature’s pharmacy and what better way.’ Lynn Kirkland.

POPULAR HERB FARM A MUST SEE

Amother’s frustration when doctors were unable to offer a long-term fix for her child’s chest infections is what led to Lynn Kirkland starting the Herb Farm.

It’s now an international business success story and a very popular Palmerston North visitor attraction.

Managing Director Sarah Cowan, Lynn’s daughter, says her Mum wasn’t going to give up.

“She created a herb garden, learnt to make emulsions and tested them out on my brother and me. Amazed with the results she started selling them from a hallway cupboard and so the story began.”

Twenty-eight years ago Lynn and her husband bought 15 acres of bare land and started creating the herb gardens and a shop to sell the remedies and then in 1997 came the cafe which is so hugely popular today.

Mum Lynn is still making the remedies and working the gardens, but Sarah has taken over the business side of things, exporting overseas and more recently entering the Australian market.

“You could call Mum a pioneer in the industry. She had a vision and now we have a big brand. She still does all the product development and has written a children’s book starring characters like Miss Calendula and Sir Thyme, teaching kids how they can use herbs and make their own remedies,” Sarah says.

There’s plenty to amuse the kids at the Herb Farm with themed gardens – there’s a fairy garden, a gnome’s village, a cafe, shop and two acres of herb gardens.

The farm is open every day of the week from 10am to 4.30 and entry is free.

You’ll find it in Ashurst just 15 minutes from Palmerston North.

Previous page, top: Lynn (left) and daughter Sarah in the herb gardens.

Right from top: Lynn who still makes the product today, pictured at work in the early days. Visitors enjoy delicious food sourced in many cases, from the farm in the outside courtyard.

HOW SQUISHEE THE ALLEYCAT FOUND FAME IN A CITY THAT VALUES STREET ART

Who doesn’t love a good cat story and who doesn’t admire a city where good street art is encouraged and promoted?

Papaioea Palmerston North can boast some great street art thanks to local muralists documenting its stories on city walls.

One of those artists is SwiftMantis whose huge portrait of Squishee his cat, graces a wall high above a carpark.

It's another good reason to pay a visit to Palmerston North.

When asked to take part in the Street Prints – Papaioea Street Art Festival, he decided to tell his cat’s story.

A little cat with the ego of a Lion

SwiftMantis found the small feral cat living under the studio he was working in at the time. He says it took months to earn her trust but she just kept hanging round, eventually moving from the junkyard to the doorway, then inside the building until finally being taken home to live with them.

“She’s like all of us. We all came from somewhere else to find our forever home.”

Having Squishee join the whanau sparked a real interest for SwiftMantis in other stray cats and their stories.

Clockwise from top: Portrait of Squishee; SwiftMantis at work (photo Tracie Angel); a SwiftMantis mural graces the walls of Carncot Independent School.

Next page: clockwise from top: Squishee, a little cat with the ego of a Lion; Hangar, Whanganui Airport’s resident cat hitches a ride. Hangar immortalised on St Hill Street (photo Bevan Conley).

Photos provided by SwiftMantis.

They include Hangar the airport cat in Whanganui, who lives in the hangar, greets airport visitors and often tries to hitch rides on departing flights, and Kevin the Parklands School cat who has his own cat-door entrance to the library.

So, who is SwiftMantis?

He’s an artist born and bred in Palmerston North who was introduced to muralling six years ago. He’s also a tattoo artist with his own studio.

After years studying art, illustration, animation and design SwiftMantis says he was unsure how to proceed.

“My illustration studies in particular, taught me how to apply design principles to image making irrespective of the medium. I learned the principles but didn’t know how to apply them,” he says.

Then in 2016 a friend introduced him to muralling where he found the perfect outlet for his preferred art form realism – in particular animal realism.

“It was a long learning process,” he laughs, “spray cans are overwhelmingly uncontrollable.”

“The community is my client”

“Our cities are full of grey walls. I like to bring colour to them and help beautify our communities by bringing in local elements. The community is my client.”

SwiftMantis says he’s keen to keep pushing the bar in his field and is passionate about the work he does.

“I love all animals, I’m forever fascinated and inspired by the creatures of this world and I hope to share that sense of wonder through my work. Painting large scale realism is a really unique method for bringing these creatures to life in excruciating detail.”

NOTE: Next time you’re visiting Palmerston North call in to the City i-SITE to pick up a free map and take yourself on a tour of the artwork of SwiftMantis and many other accomplished street artists.

WORLD FIRST IN PALMERSTON NORTH

The city’s pride and joy, the New Zealand Rugby Museum, has something to appeal to everyone not just hardened rugby fans.

Who doesn’t love stories of hard-won battles, shame worn with dignity and little Kiwi relics that earned a place in world history? It’s all to be found in the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to rugby in little old Palmerston North.

Museum Director Stephen Berg says the museum with its interactive displays, treasures and exhibitions has appeal for the whole family.

“We average around 10,000 visitors a year with more than 80% of those coming from overseas. Since borders closed it’s dropped to 5,000 – and we’re actually pleasantly surprised at that.”

New women’s rugby exhibit proves popular

The entire Black Ferns squad turned up for the opening in April last year.

“It was very emotional. We were embarrassed by the lack of material to be found when we set about getting the exhibition together. We had to start from scratch but we’re proud of what we achieved,” Stephen says.

Did you know the first recorded game of women’s rugby was a match between Wellington Girls College and the Salvation Army in 1888?

Interactive area provides lots of laughs

Rugby heads, kids and even grandparents all seem keen to push on the scrum machine, try the tackle bags and kick goals. “Kids and overgrown kids. They all love it,” Stephen says.

The chronological history of rugby is set out in a walk around the outer edges of the Museum and there are several other popular displays including one containing 15 rare objects.

The Museum Director’s favourites are the whistle and coin used in the 1925 All Blacks vs England match. That same coin used in the toss and ref’s whistle were then used for the opening match of every World Rugby Cup from 1987 until 2011.

Below: Referee’s whistle and coin used in All Black’s vs England 1925 match and for the opening match of every World Rugby Cup from 1987 until 2011. Right: Entrance to New Zealand Rugby Museum.

Photo Credits: ManawatūNZ

The sad story of Cyril Brownlie

Cyril was the first All Black to be ordered off the field in an international match against England in 1924. Apparently very much a disgrace back then. It was 40 years later in 1967 that Colin Meads became the second.

So many stories and treasures relating to a sport that’s shaped our culture and identity. Palmerston North’s Rugby Museum seems very worthy of a visit. For visiting hours and information www.rugbymuseum.co.nz

PALMERSTON NORTH ON THE MIGHTY MANAWATŪ

There’s plenty to do in Palmerston North.

If you like food, drink, art, river-sports and friendly locals then this Manawatu city obliges in bucketloads.

It has all the sophistication and diversity of a city, while surrounded by an adventure enthusiasts dream.

You can walk the Manawatu Gorge, try horse trekking or try rafting on the Rangitikei River. The New Zealand Rugby Museum is found here, the Te Manawa Museum gallery and science centre is also worth a visit and thrills abound at the local speedway.

It’s a university town with great bookshops, cheap eats and fun bars, and much more. Two hours from Wellington. The two Marram holiday homes comfortably sleep four but can accommodate six; and are walking distance to the town centre.

Captions: Above and above left: All Black Cyril Brownlie and newspaper clipping of the event. Left: Families enjoy interactive aspects of museum.

Changing the way we do holidays

Many aspects of our lives have changed since words like COVID, lockdowns, traffic lights, Omicron and Delta became part of our everyday language.

However, as we always have, we’ve evolved, adapted and met the challenges in that indomitable Kiwi way.

A recent survey clearly showed that even though travelling in the future will most likely involve more rules and restrictions than ever, more than 64% of us will take a holiday if we can afford to. But 79% of us preferred flexible holidays than those packed with pre-planned activity.

Loving local - here to stay

As a result of being confined to our homes and local neighbourhoods, we’ve learned to appreciate our local areas and businesses, and those caught overseas are heading back in their thousands to return to their New Zealand roots.

As a result, holidaying close to home is becoming increasingly popular.

Holidays seem more valued now as we have learned over prolonged lockdowns and the uncertainty of the

last couple of years, to value our mental health. And all the experts tell us holidays are good for our wellbeing.

More than half the staff in the Marram Office chose to holiday close to home this Christmas holiday season.

Here’s what some of them had to say:

Murray

I regularly choose to holiday close to home because there’s a selection of pet-friendly options and Baxter can come. We don’t have to spend hours in the car but it still feels like a holiday when we arrive. It’s cheaper. Fuel is getting very expensive now.

Friends and family can visit if you stay locally. No worries around any possible isolation issues when it’s just 20 minutes to get home. The only downside might be not being able to escape the relatives if you want to.

Fiona

I stayed in the puppy-friendly Wellington South unit, about 68k’s from my Kapiti home. No-one likes spending hours in the car with a dog and child. Even though we were close to home we still had that holiday feeling.

It’s a great location, completely different beach to the one at home and with an option to be in the city shopping in 10 minutes. The Lyall Bay home is actually in our old neighbourhood so we caught up with friends. COVID also featured in our plans. We didn’t want to have far to go to get home in the event we found ourselves having to isolate. We’d rather do that at home.

Lesley

I went a bit further. Over the hill to the Greytown home. Still just over an hour in the car but to a completely different location. Quieter, peaceful and a lovely home. It still very much felt like a holiday and there were things to do I don’t do in Wellington. Visiting a local pottery and interesting shops and cafes. Oh, and much better weather.

Captions: Double spread image, Murray and Baxter at Lyall Bay Beach; Fiona with daughter Orna and Mum Marge; Lesley and Charles Ngaki at Greytown.

20 YEARS IN THE MARRAM WAKA

According to statistics released three years ago only a quarter of employed New Zealanders stay in a job for 10 years or more, so that puts Marram’s Product Manager Debbie Shute in a very exclusive club.

On the eve of her 20th anniversary working for Marram, Content Editor Sue Burgin set out to discover what it is that keeps someone in the same job for 20 years, particularly someone who freely admits she prefers the company of dogs to humans.

Debbie still remembers very clearly the day she first walked through the door of the Marram office in February 2002 to start work in the sales and marketing area.

‘It was terrifying” she says, “Returning to work after four years at home with my baby wasn’t easy. Thank goodness I had my Mum to help on the home front because things weren’t so flexible in the workplace 20 years ago.”

The fact she hasn’t walked out the door 20 years later, suggests Debbie found in Marram, job satisfaction that eludes three quarters of the population according to that 2018 survey.

So let’s talk about that Debbie

“Well, let’s start with the Marram story – what’s not to love about that. A community that grew over 75 years, based on kindness and caring for the health and welfare of employees, and believing in the product, is a big part of job satisfaction.”

She says the ethos of employees being treated well and rewarded for the work they do is important to her and central to her longevity with Marram.

Debbie likes to be challenged and says her 20 years with the trust has thrown her plenty of those.

“I like to get the job done. I like to do the research, check out what the competitors are doing and find solutions. Change doesn’t frighten me and looking back I feel proud of the many changes I’ve helped shape along the way.”

And Debbie also credits the people she works with.

“We’re a small team of dedicated people who just get on with it no matter what’s thrown at us,” she laughs.

A couple of bosses get singled out as Debbie casts her mind back. “Dionne Goodgame who believed I could do the job at the start, and current CEO Glenn Clark who allows me to get on with the job.”

20 years of achievements to be proud of

Hands down the thing Debbie’s most proud of is her role in the introduction of pet-friendly holiday homes. No surprises there with this passionate Cynophilist.

She also rates building and acquiring new holiday homes fairly high on the list.

“I’m particularly proud of my role in the Ohakune and Martinborough builds, and more recently Wanaka and Queenstown. I love the whole process.”

As the needs of holidaymakers have changed over the years, Debbie says she’s worked on changing the Marram homes from cottages into well appointed, homes the community can enjoy.

Work done on keeping the healthcare benefits relevant over the years is also high on the list

“We’ve introduced new products, consolidating and updating the benefits, and made changes to make it easier to understand and request them.”

Looking to the next 20 years – what lies ahead?

Two words dominate according to Debbie. “Climate change.”

“With sea levels rising, some properties may have to go. I think we’ll see more homes but in fewer areas. People’s expectations may lead to a facility management model with more apartments and city homes. Sustainability is no longer just an option and will shape the future.”

But one thing will not be negotiable she says waving her arms in a very firm negative, the price.

“Price is central to everything, always has been. Marram’s about value for money. The pressures will go on but that’s my bottom line.”

Finally – on that all important worklife homelife balance

I t’s something Debbie’s been working on a lot since the COVID pandemic started changing the way Marram and thousands of other businesses work.

“That balance is increasingly important when your lounge becomes your office.”

No surprises again that Debbie credits her beloved dogs and an understanding husband with achieving the perfect balance.

In her spare time Debbie trains and competes in agility events with three of her dogs. Matriarch Jess has retired.

“I’ve been passionate about dogs all my life. Dogs don’t care what you look like, they don’t answer back and they’re always really pleased to see you.”

So Debbie, on behalf of all your colleagues at Marram congratulations on 20 years and all you’ve achieved. Ka pai!

And if it all ‘goes to the dogs‘ in the future we know you will be more than happy.

Deb pictured with Jess (back left), Drift, Twist and Swifty.

Here’s to one of the BEST summers for some time

You were asked to show us what summer looked like for you, and you did. Hundreds of entries arrived for the summer photo competition and you nailed it.

The photos spoke to everything that’s great about summer. Sunshine, families, children, pets, beaches and rivers, adventure, with many of you enjoying the break in Marram holiday homes. Ngā mihi for sharing the joy.

Congratulations to the four winners in our competition, Louise Compton, Neil Bates, Carolyn Banks, Peter Andrickson. You have won Marram packs. The judges also thought Hazel Orr's (bottom right) photo worthy of a mention, congratulations Hazel, a little gift pack will be on the way.

Louise Compton (left): Taken at Karamea doing the Fenian track. “Look out Louise one of the locals might just take your lunch while your taking a wee nap.”

Neil Bates (middle left): Weaver enjoying the sun, sand and surf at Waikuku Beach.

Carolyn Banks (middle right): "We did a three day hike up Mt Taranaki. On day one we hiked up to the lodge in pouring rain, but we woke up the next morning to find ourselves above the clouds with a beautiful sunrise."

Peter Andrickson (bottom left): Mangarakau, Whanganui Inlet "We had just pulled in the flounder net, sun was setting and the view towards the inlet heads was stunning. Tui the dog chose the perfect moment to walk by, grabbed my iPhone out and captured this shot."

Autumn watching on

THE LAST KINGDOM - NETFLIX

Reviewed by Sue Burgin

Uhtred, son of Uhtred, Lord of Bebbanburg, known as the Dane-slayer, but a warrior of great contradiction. Fierce, stubborn, gentle and kind.

Leading the Saxons one minute and at home among the Danes the next.

Uhtred is played by German born actor Alexander Dreymon, a name I’d never heard of until watching the BBC/Netflix drama series The Last Kingdom - but one thing’s for certain, if that name pops up again, I’ll be sure to watch.

This epic financed originally by the BBC and then after series two by Netflix, has much to recommend.

It’s a fascinating lesson in history. I thought I knew my English Kings and Queens but turns out my knowledge did not go back as far as 866 and as a result, the story of how King Alfred of Wessex and his heirs managed to unite the Kingdoms into one known as England had escaped me.

Uhtred the Dane-slayer managed to achieve what my history teachers could not.

The Last Kingdom is based on Bernard Cornwell’s novel series Saxon Stories, and Uhtred based on a real person, Uhtred the Bold, an ealdorman of all Northumbria from 1006 to 1016.

It’s a perfect blend of history and fiction, about a clash of cultures between the Saxons and the Danes and Uhtred’s struggle to find his way while being part of both.

The photography is breath-taking, with Hungary the backdrop for much of the story, and there’s humour to be found among the bloodshed, believe it or not.

Fabulous costumes and some very impressive acting talent all come together to keep you onboard all the way.

Bingeworthy? Yes.

Engrossing? Absolutely.

Am I recommending it? Highly.

Filming has begun on series five and I can’t wait.

Reviewed by Sue Burgin

After reading the Ukraine’s Culture Minister had lodged an official complaint with Netflix over the highly rated Emily in Paris show I was intrigued.

He wasn’t the only one unhappy with stereotyping and cliche overload in the Netflix show.

French critic Charles Martin was irate. “Frankly, watching Emily in Paris there’s plenty to feel insulted about. When they decided to caricature us, the authors didn’t hold back – no cliche is spared, not even the weakest,” he says.

I’m a sucker for anything filmed in Paris at the best of times, and this top level panning of the show had me reaching for the remote. This I had to see.

Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, works for an American marketing firm and is sent to Paris to work for a marketing firm there. Her obsession with documenting and sharing every aspect of her life means she quickly becomes a social media influencer.

Emily’s Paris is vastly different the city I know and love. There’s no dog poo on the pavement. No annoying crowds of tourists, tacky t-shirt kiosks or beggars at every stunning city landmark.

Emily’s Paris sparkles. Everyone’s beautiful, speaks English when required and dresses like a runway model. C’est la vie isn’t it? Well no, it’s France viewed through an American lens. But then does it really matter? At a time when the real world isn’t exactly sparkling, Emily’s Paris appears to be just the panacea we need.

Is it the worst show on TV?

Yes it probably is.

But the question is - why can’t I stop watching it?

THE MAID - NETFLIX

Reviewed by Paula McKay

Reviews of this Netflix series earned it a place on my Christmas watchlist.

MAID, featuring real life mother/daughter team

Andie McDowell and Margaret Qualley, is based on the book Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land.

It was a slow starter but I’m so pleased I persevered. It quickly developed into a very real and powerful story about life.

Mum (Alex) left her abusive partner with her daughter (Maddy) to keep them both safe. The series then takes you through Alex’s journey as she tries to provide a stable, secure, happy and safe environment for Maddy, albeit with very little physical and emotional support.

With little to no money, dealing with continual knockbacks brought on by other people and being let down by other human beings was frustrating to watch.

But Alex remained positive and committed to providing the best for her daughter while keeping the moral high ground throughout.

The real life mother and daughter actors Andi McDowell and Margaret Qualley probably had an edge when it came to strong convincing performances. Both put in exceptional performances.

It’s probably not bingeworthy - more like meeting up with a close friend – you can always pick up where you left off. But I enjoyed it and will now be looking for the book to fill in any gaps.

HOT OFF THE PRESS HOT OFF THE PRESS

WANAKA UPDATE

The Wanaka build is progressing well. The following photos show the walls are up ready for cladding and the roofs are on. Lovely blue sky, summer days have been very obliging.

TRY HOLIDAYING THESE DAYS WITHOUT A SMARTPHONE

It’s virtually impossible. (See what I did there?) When travelling today you can never be far from your smartphone.

We use them to book and pay for our holidays, then we need them to provide proof of booking, and checking in. Then there’s our vaccine passports, COVID QR check-ins and keeping up with essential news.

They’re an endless source of entertainment while away with travel guides, podcasts, audible books music and films.

So when you’re away from home, phone safely in pocket, just don’t forget the charger!

MARRAM MOVES TO REDUCE PLUG-IN ANXIETY WITH NEW WANA KA BUILD

You’ve been asking and Marram’s delivered. The new holiday homes in Wanaka will be the first to feature electric car charging facilities.

Cabling for three EV charging stations is on the agenda as work moves along on the Wanaka site.

Who else is feeling proud to be part of Marram right now? Ka pai.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

facebook.com/MarramCommunityTrust instagram.com/marram_community_trust_nz youtube.com/user/MarramTrust linkedin.com/company/76193175/admin/

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Marram Interislander deal

Not only can Marram help reduce the costs of your next family holiday but we can help you to get there cheaper too! The fantastic 10% discount offer with Interislander and Scenic Journeys runs from 1 February to 15 December 2022, meaning you have even more opportunity to get a deal on your next trip.

• Reservations must be made via www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz

• You must be over 18 to claim this discount

• Marram ID must be shown at check-in

• Use code XMAR1 when asked to apply your discount

• Normal booking conditions apply - eg, Easy Change is 100% refundable if cancelled

• Regular rates apply to bookings made through call centre/ groups desk

REFERRAL

LOOKING AFTER YOUR MATES!

GOOD

You already know how amazing it is to be part of the Marram Community Trust, but if you spread the word to a workmate, and they sign up mentioning your name, you’ll both receive a gift voucher of your choice! How about $40 to spend on the next family shop or fuelling up; or $50 towards your next fantastic holiday.

Starts 25th February until 14th March, 5pm

DON’T

• Works with your health insurance

• Includes pre-existing health issues

• And more…

Go to marram.co.nz and sign up today!