Essentially does it

Nature at your service

 Deepika Sulekh

There’s no denying that certain scents can pack a punch – a powerful influence in mind and body revival. Whether it’s the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, roses wafting in the garden, bath bombs making a splash or candles flickering on the mantle – we hanker for those scents that exude familiarity, comfort and classic. Aromatherapy is quite possibly one of the most underrated holistic health treatments, but its impressive multi-tasking ability commands the stage. Engaging the smell of essential oils for enhanced health

and wellbeing, it works by producing feelings of positivity as fragrances in the oils stimulate nerves in the nose. Those nerves reach the part of the brain that control memories and

emotions. So, depending on the type of oil, the effect on the body can be calming or stimulating. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts – top dogs in botanical medicine – and have been used

treatment, including burns, infections, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure. Essential oils for aromatherapy can be used through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin, and most commonly used in diffusers, bath products and lotions. So, if you’re looking for a boost, calm or caress to carry you into the holiday season – and beyond – here’s a little

aroma to tuck up your sleeve . . . Stress relief – it’s scientifically proven that aromatherapy tinctures can help reduce blood pressure, lower the heart rate and induce calm. Reduce anxiety – essential oils such as lavender and chamomile have great therapeutic value i.e. reducing the symptoms of anxiety. Increase energy – oils such as lemon and peppermint work to increase energy and relieve fatigue. Improve focus – essential oils have a number of anti-oxidants that can help with memory and concentration – try rosemary or sage. Reduce pain – combine aromatherapy oils with massage to sooth physical aches and pains. Eucalyptus, ginger and turmeric are key players. Better sleep – one of the most popular natural sedatives is lavender. Immunity boost – anti-inflammatory properties in ginger, frankincense, oregano, and eucalyptus can work wonders for fighting infections and upping immunity.

Local change agent Jane Arnott in focus

The Ethical Dimension

 Deepika Sulekh

In a world tied to change, a call to action decisions based on values, and to reflect on the ethical dimensions of our decisions, rings truer than ever before. While struggle belongs to no single activist, local changemaker Jane Arnott’s pursuits deserve both recognition and celebration for singlehandedly striving to create a fairer and equal society. Jane consistently pushes for better governance and stands up for her values. Awarded with the Order of Merit in June this year, Jane has cemented herself as a trailblazer. Opposing a dispassionate and unethical system in a previous public relations role, she founded New Zealand's first cross-cultural consultancy representing Pacific Island communities, raising awareness of the importance of establishing relationships with Pacific peoples and promoting use of translation. Further to race relations, her second area of advocacy involved challenging corporate New Zealand to rethink the management of conservation as a governance issue. For decades, some of New Zealand’s largest tourism promoters had been leveraging their businesses alongside conservation wildlife in advertising campaigns, yet doing nothing to aid the protection our native species. Thus, Jane championed the corporate sponsorship of endangered species and large entities, including Air New Zealand, Mitre 10, Foodstuffs and Kathmandu, all came to the party. A dedicated campaigner for a number of cases and causes, Jane has extensive experience training and working with the Institute of Business Ethics, following her Postgrad in Professional Ethics. It started with a desire to make a

difference. “You need to have change agents who encourage others to second guess and reflect,” says Jane. “Legislation is only as good as the thinking of the time, and needs to constantly be updated.” Jane’s latest venture is The Ethics Conversation – delivering sector specific business and professional ethics workshops for continuing professional development across professional bodies. One of the key findings in her latest work – a review of the codes of ethics of the NZX50 – is that 70% of CEOs do not formally or personally champion their company code of ethics. “A code of ethics works to set the ethical tone from the top and provides a framework for behaviours that underpin trust in companies and their reputation. When CEO’s shy away, an opportunity to lead is lost,” she explains. “It’s disappointing and overlooks the benefit of embedding ethics and good conduct when the highest paid executive fails to make themself visible. Endorsing ethical behaviour – and its importance is necessary – given the NZX requirement for a code of ethics.” Additionally, Jane is undertaking research in relation to The Construction Accord and driving a repeal of the Trustee Companies Act 1967, which largely, due to the extreme rise in home values, capitalises on the intergenerational transfer of wealth. “Inheritance is becoming the only way the next generation could ever own property or access significant wealth in their life. The legislation, however, allows executors of wills to profit beyond what is, in my opinion, fair or reasonable. It is timely for it to be amended.” Closer to home, she’s maintaining pressure around keeping Taupō’s Besley Park as an off-leash dog park, advocating for better utility of the empty park but also reinforcing the reality that 76% of locals do not want