Think more time for quality time

With help always on hand, Summerset serviced apartments provide the perfect balance of independent living for loved ones, and peace of mind for you. We can even take care of the cleaning, washing, medication and meals, so you can focus on the important stu , like making lasting memories together. Think this sounds like you or someone you love?

Our brand-new serviced apartments are pre-selling now.* Pop along to Summerset by the Dunes to view our serviced apartment show homes today. 07 542 9082 summerset.co.nz/papamoa

You’ve got to laugh

It’s true: laughter is medicine. Humour brings people together, connects us, builds resilience and triggers positive emotional changes in the body. Not only does it feel great to share a laugh, it also inspires hope and can support physical and mental health - all things that are more important than ever in these challenging times. Best of all, this incredible medicine is free and available to everyone.

In this issue, well-known NZ funnyman Dai Henwood talks about the pull he felt towards comedy from a young age, the exhilaration of making an audience laugh and the profound role it’s played during his recent health battle.

We also recognise Matariki, as Aotearoa prepares to officially observe the start of the Māori New Year on July 14. If you want to know more about the meaning and significance behind this special time of year, turn to page 13, and the kids will love our Matariki-themed activities on page 54. Speaking of kids, do yours understand the value of money? We delve into this essential life skill and look at how you can start teaching your children financial responsibility from a young age, with some practical ideas and resources (page 44).

There’s loads more to offer in this winter issue, from innovations in the dairy industry (page 48), to a revealing Q&A with Air NZ chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty (page 40) to how to revamp your outdated wardrobe (page 36).

Enjoy!

ABBY BESWICK | EDITOR

Taupō District buzzing for another busy winter!

Kia ora koutou, Winter is on the way, which means looking for ways to stay active but stay warm! The Taupō District offers a huge variety of locations to visit, be it indoors or outdoors, and now that our newly upgraded airport terminal is officially up and running, we look forward to welcoming visitors from all over Aotearoa.

We recently held the official opening of the lakefront ātea space in our town centre transformation. It is a sight to behold and something we are all very proud of. This amazing space reconnects our town centre with our beautiful lake and to the Tongariro Domain. It is a wonderful place for families to have a picnic, go for a stroll, or drop into one of our local cafes for a hot chocolate.

Some of our forest tracks were recently damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle and are currently undergoing an upgrade, with fallen trees being removed and tracks repaired. Craters Mountain Bike Park is expected to be closed for another six months. Luckily, there are many other walks and bike trails throughout the district for everyone to enjoy – a great way to heat up the internal temperature on a cold winter morning!

As the winter days start to bed in, we are excited to see snow building up on the mountains. We look forward to a great ski season, with plenty of visitors staying in our district, and enjoying the attractions we have to offer while they head up to the snow.

The Taupō District is thriving, looking awesome and there is a real buzz in the crisp winter air!

Ngā mihi, David Trewavas MAYOR, TAUPŌ DISTRICT

Kia ora koutou,

It’s annual plan time for councils, which means you’ll soon be finding out how much your rates will cost. These plans outline what we propose to do to in the next financial year to ensure better outcomes and value for our communities.

As the new Mayor and council in Rotorua, we are taking this opportunity to refocus spending to ensure we can deliver well on what’s absolutely necessary, in a costeffective way. Council will invest $141 million into key projects like beginning work on the Rotorua Museum restoration, completing our Aquatic Centre upgrade, major stormwater enhancements to future-proof the district from flooding events, and replacing existing major infrastructure assets that are coming to the end of their lives.

Together the councillors and I have listened to what’s important for our community and taken on board the strong desire from our locals for change. What we’ve proposed has required some tough decisions to re-look at what council can and should be delivering. As well as finding savings, we’re also proposing ways to increase revenue to help pay for services, based on a user pays system.

We invite you all to take this chance to have your say on the future of your district by looking at the council’s draft annual plans and submitting feedback. Your voice is important in ensuring councils can deliver on a better future for all.

Ngā mihi, Tania Tapsell

ROTORUA