Marlborough Magazine - January 2023

Along with beaches, swimming, camping, yummy food and drink, the thing I associate most with summer

So what a great month to feature one of our own great young bands –Daily J. Now based in Auckland, the band was started by three Blenheim brothers – Jayden, Jesse and Jonny Paul. We speak with them about the journey from Blenheim beginners to finding their voice in the big smoke.

Another thing that is quite synonymous with January is weddings and we’ve got our special feature on weddings in this month’s edition. It’s a go-to guide for those that may be getting engaged, or recently engaged, as they plan their big day.

Finally, we take a look through one of Marlborough’s magnificent new buildings. The Fancy Cow on Rapaura Road is something special. Not only is it a pretty incredible architectural structure, Marlburians will be thrilled to know that it features a cellar door, brewery, restaurant and the perfect outdoor setting to enjoy the amazing Marlborough summer.

As always, I hope you enjoy this month’s edition of Marlborough Magazine and that you have a great summer break.

EDITOR

Summa Donald summa@topsouthmedia.co.nz

DESIGN

Patrick Connor and Toni Woolf

CONTRIBUTORS

Paula Hulburt, Adrienne Matthews, Megan Smith, Amy Russ, Tessa Jaine, Sarah Brown, Matt Brown, Alex Stone and Lesley Stone

ADVERTISING

Summa Donald summa@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Nikki Andrews nikki@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Rosa Tate rosa@topsouthmedia.co.nz

DISTRIBUTION

Phil and Paula Brown, Wendy Aberthenthy

PUBLISHER

Daily J.

Blenheim’s band of brothers

TSM Marlborough 52 Scott St, Blenheim topsouthmedia.co.nz

What made news in our region...

Economic strategy launched for Marlborough

The economic ‘wellbeing’ strategy recently launched in Marlborough is said to be the first of its kind. The foundations of the strategy include both currently successful and emerging sectors, including the Māori economy, aquaculture, aviation, forestry, the screen industry, technology and wine. Deputy mayor and economic development portfolio holder David Croad said the “blueprint” for Marlborough’s future sets the long-term direction for the development of Marlborough’s economy. The strategy will see industry sectors work together toward the future with a focus on improved wellbeing and productivity in Marlborough.

New hockey turf a game-changer

A state-of-the-art hockey turf will be built at Marlborough Girls’ College to free up space for Bohally Intermediate School to be relocated to College Park. The international-standard turf, which is waiting for council resource consent, is welcomed by Marlborough Girls’ College Board Chair, Brian Roughan, who says it will be a valued feature of the future co-located colleges’ campus. The facility will be equipped with changing rooms and carparking, with access off the school’s bus lane on Nelson Street.

End of an era as Annies shuts its doors

Annies fruit snacks have been a staple on shop shelves around the country for decades, but the wellknown business is soon to close its doors. Kono NZ, the owners of Annies revealed the business has been operating at a loss for eight years, despite their size and reputation. Thirty-nine staff at the Blenheimbased operation have been offered opportunities elsewhere in the business, their last day of production is 24 February 2023.

Singe, Smokey and Sooty’s lucky escape Singe, Smokey and Sooty – suitable names for three kittens rescued last month from an out-ofcontrol blaze in Seddon. The trio were saved by Seddon’s Volunteer Fire Brigade, who heard their meows just in time as an outdoor rubbish fire headed straight toward their home, a pile of old vineyard posts. Deputy Fire Chief Rebecca Stevens says the kittens are now doing well after their fortunate rescue and reminds people to make sure that any rubbish fires are supervised and well out before being left.

Damaged roads risky for tourists

Residents of Kenepuru Road fear that tourists ignoring road closure signs in the flood-damaged area are going to be seriously injured, or worse. The area was severely damaged in the August storm and the road remains closed to the public, however residents have expressed their concerns at seeing campervans travel down the treacherous road. Marlborough District Council advise utilising the council subsidised water taxis to access the Kenepuru area.

Louie leads the way

Queen Charlotte Yacht Club sailor Louie Poletti represented his club in Auckland last month, taking part in the 20th instalment of the prestigious Sir Peter Blake Torbay Regatta. The annual event for under-19 sailors involves a series of races amid a 33-strong field. After two days of racing, 16-yearold Louie emerged as the clear winner, having won four of the six races. Louie has a busy summer ahead with more races, and hopes to represent Team New Zealand at the next world champs.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Mate, it’s way worse than that. It’s a full-on obsession.”

Graham Smith 14-17

If I could...

Architectural designer Benjamin Stace, of Design Marlborough is already doing what he loves - designing homes for his clients. Perhaps one day you'll even see him on Grand Designs or The Block, as long as there's no drama.

If I could tell my younger self one thing it would be...

Ask more questions! This is still something I am working on to be honest, as it does not come naturally to me. But just asking questions can be such a powerful change to make, as you can really learn so much more. It’s a shame that in childhood it’s often reinforced that after getting an answer you should just move on, rather than digging deeper for a better understanding of a subject.

If I could be Prime Minister for a day, I would…

Do all I could to put in place incentives and help for kiwis to create new products and services, innovate existing ones and generally take our creativity and ingenuity to the world. It feels, particularly since Covid, we are becoming more and more inward looking. When there is a big world out there for us to show what we can do!

If I could change one thing about Marlborough, it would be…

I dream of a revitalised CBD in Blenheim, with better access to the riverfront, which I feel is not utilised enough and is largely cut off from the town itself.

It is such a shame, when we have this ‘waterfront’ sitting there on the town’s doorstep. It would also be great to see more activities to do and more events going on throughout the region, giving visitors more reasons to visit rather than just pass through.

If I could have any job, it would be…

This is a really easy one, as I already have it!

Architectural design has been a passion of mine since my childhood, and my life revolves around it. I feel the impact our surroundings have on us is huge, so anything I can do to improve this for people in their homes is an amazing thing to be a part of. I also really love architectural history, as it gives context to the existing buildings we have around us. So, I think I am in the right profession.

If I could be on a reality TV show, it would be…

I suppose, given my interests, it would have to be Grand Designs or The Block. It would hopefully be a dull episode without the dramas and budget blowouts that are so common!

If I could donate $1m to any charity it would be…

The Cancer Society. Cancer affects so many people in New Zealand and has cut short the lives of a number of my friends and family, so I could not think of a better cause. From what I’ve read there are great strides being made in medicine to help fight its various forms, so the more we can invest in this research the better.

If I could have lunch with three people, they would be...

That’s a tricky one to cut down to three! It would have to be my architectural idol Mies van der Rohe, my favourite film director Stanley Kubrick and chef/writer Anthony Bourdain. If they must be alive, then architect Frank Gehry, directors Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan. I’m a huge fan of all these masters of their craft and am constantly inspired by their work.

If I could predict the future, in ten years’ time Blenheim will…

Be an even more thriving place to live, with a slightly larger population allowing for many more facilities that make for a well-rounded lifestyle. Hopefully more of a destination to visit too, and somewhere Kiwis can find on a map would be good!

Blenheim’s band of brothers

For Blenheim brothers Jayden, Jesse, and Jonny Paul, music is in the blood. The siblings, plus their mates Rick Everard and Cody Wilcox, are making it big with their now Auckland-based band, Daily J. Kate Russell catches up with lead singer and guitarist, and oldest bro, Jayden, about their unprecedented overseas success, new music, and an upcoming tour back home.

If you are not familiar with Daily J, think indie-rock with a touch of electronic pop and catchy melodies all blended with delicate guitar hooks. Pretty nice stuff. The band has racked up over 40 million streams on Spotify, and released one EP and one album thus far, with new music dropping next month.

Jayden, now 28, learned how to play the guitar at age 10 and says music has always been a family affair, “Our mum taught us to sing when we were young.

She is a great singer and plays the piano, so she was the musical influence on us. Music was always playing in the house.” They started a covers band called The Gap with a mate, Riley Stubbs, and they spent their nights playing in local pubs.

He says it is hard to recall the moment when it switched to being “a thing they actually did”. “About five years ago we were starting to write more songs and were really enjoying it, so we decided to move to

Auckland to try and make it a thing.” And a thing it has certainly become.

After relocating to Auckland, they started the hunt for a drummer, and Jayden says they’ve gained a new brother in Rick, “Finding a good drummer was no easy task, to be honest. But luckily through our manager, we were introduced to Rick at a party. He turned up to the first practice with some Speights which we thought was very serendipitous. Maybe it was meant to be, it was a good sign.”

Rick was already playing in a band called The Rambling at the time but was easily persuaded to jump to the Daily J ship. “He heard our music and fell in love with it. He is like a brother now after five years,” says Jayden.

Their first EP, The Other Side “was a bit of a home job” in 2017, and their first full album in 2020 was Venus Ate Mars. “We were lucky enough to get album funding through NZ on Air which helped a lot as it is no cheap venture,” says Jayden.

Following the success of the album, the band went on to tour New Zealand. Along the way they met guitarist and producer Cody Wilcox, who joined the band onstage for some of the live performances. Cody has stuck with Daily J since and has gone on to produce their last three singles including 'Blue', 'Stay' and 'Tides.'

Cody and the boys are now working on a two-part EP, set to be released this year, with the first part expected in February, “It will be the same length as an album, but we decided to break it up into two EPs, which will also be pressed on vinyl,” says Jayden. “We’re just experimenting. We find that in today’s music world you’ve got to release as much music as you can and as frequently as possible to keep up with everything.”

Their Australian fan base is huge, and they have four times the listeners over the ditch than they do in New Zealand. In the USA, they have three times the listeners. The boys completed a much-anticipated

Rick Everard, Jesse Paul, Cody Wilcox, Jonny Paul and Jayden Paul

six-show Australian tour at the end of 2022, “It was our first international tour, and we were pretty excited because my brothers and I hadn’t actually been to Australia before,” says Jayden. “We were pumped to get over there and play to our fans, it’s been a long time coming, we’ve had to cancel two Australian tours because of the pandemic.”

Jayden says playing in Sydney felt like a homecoming show. “It is our top listening city in the world, so everyone was just so excited and singing all the lyrics. It was a pretty surreal experience. I feel like it will forever be a ‘pinch me’ moment.”

Getting back to shows after the Covid-19 pandemic was a bit of a learning curve for the band, though. “We had a year and a half with no gigs so it was like learning how to walk again. All the preshow jitters came back,” says Jayden.

He says they are slowly getting used to the fame side of things. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve kind of just been slogging away so it still feels quite new. It’s really cool after a gig to have a photo and a yarn with people. It’s nice to have people message us or tell us how much our music has impacted their lives.”

Although the band has only done one collective tour in New Zealand, with the odd show in between, they are planning on touring the land of the long white cloud this year. “We are talking about doing a larger New Zealand tour and we’ll try to hit up not just the main centres, but the small coasty towns as well.” And of course, Blenheim will be one of the most important stops. “It’s been about three years since we’ve played in Blenheim, so we’re pretty excited. We’re keen to get back to the roots and perform to all the people who have been involved in our lives from the get-go.”

It has been a while since they have done a Marlborough show, but Jayden says they head back there often to visit their parents and their dog.

“Our parents have a neat little spot in Waikawa and we try to get back as much as we can. We love the water, fishing, hunting - all that good stuff that Marlborough has to offer. “We do miss it, but we love Auckland for its music scene, it’s a happening placenot to say that Blenheim isn’t,” he jokes.

One of their biggest musical influences is American rock band, Kings of Leon, who are also made up of three brothers, plus their cousin. “They would have

to be the biggest one. We got to see them for the first time in concert recently and we lost our minds as you can probably imagine. It was mind-blowing and probably our coolest concert to date - probably because they have influenced our music so much.

“I think that they are good songwriters and come up with the best hooks and melodies,” Jayden adds. Tame Impala and Arctic Monkeys have also influenced their sound, Jayden says.

Jayden says although they have their moments, it’s pretty cool being in a band with his brothers. “It can be quite brutal being brothers, we’re very honest. But we get along so well, we’re best mates.”

And did they think they would get this far with their music? “People always ask what you want to be when you grow up, but I had no idea. I have always loved music but didn’t really see it as being a feasible thing,” says Jayden.

“It’s one of those things where you love doing it and you know you’re going to give it a go anyways and if doesn’t work out it's okay. I’m also a big dreamer, and I believe. It’s not the easiest ride but it’s a truly rewarding one when things do pay off, you find that along the way.”

Daily J plan to tour New Zealand in 2023.

Powering the Seagull obsession

Te Hoire Seagull Fleet motors into Havelock

Every Kiwi boatie has a relationship with British Seagull outboard motors. Love mostly, sometimes less than that. With reason, they’ve been called both the best and the worst outboard motors in the world. But like so many iconic items of ‘character engineering’, British Seagull outboard motors command extraordinary loyalty from their devotees. Alex Stone explores the allure of this outboard motor and the famous Te Hoiere Seagull Fleet outings.

The Smith family at Havelock – patriarch Graham, kuia Sharyn and sons Jason and Vinnie – own around 200 British Seagull outboard motors in their sheds. Exclamation mark. Make that a couple more.

“How does it feel to part of an eccentric outfit?” I asked Vinnie. “Mate, it’s way worse than that,” he allowed. “It’s a full-on obsession.”

And here’s the thing, theirs is not the biggest Seagull collection in New Zealand. This accolade currently goes to Graeme and Jan Keegan of Waitara in the ‘Naki (yes, where all the hard case characters come from). They also run a business called Simply Seagulls, supplying spare parts and free advice to the many other Seagull fans throughout the country. They meld the business with a retirement life on the road, sharing their campervan with their stock of Seagull bits and pieces. The business, says Jan with classic Kiwi understatement, “Is pretty casual.”

They were instrumental in getting going an epic 140km multi-day Seagull event down the Waikato River – held every year at Easter. The longest Seagull-powered voyage in the world. They also run Seagull races at Waitara on the estuary there. The Waikato rally is now run by John Chricton and Ross Ledger. The tradition lives on. Indeed, gets stronger and more famous every year.

Previously, the country’s biggest Seagull collection – 480 motors – belonged to an ‘old fulla’ in Taupo, says Graham Smith. When that collector passed on, Graham bought 30 from his collection. As you do.

The Smith’s remarkable collection of British Seagulls is in various states of repair: some running well, almost purringly (which is a surprising thing, to anyone who knows Seagulls), with polished, gleaming brass fuel tanks and custom fittings attached; some hidden under dust covers, awaiting further ministrations; some in scattered bits; others draped in tinsel in a reverent window display at Graham’s workshed/office, just off Havelock’s main street and

opposite the pub. A one-and-a-half horsepower sweetie, that says Graham, “You could make a milkshake with it.” Some, surprisingly, brand new. We met Graham in Havelock earlier this year, while on a loose sailing circumnavigation of the North Island, via the Marlborough Sounds and Akaroa. And Lesley and her camera could not resist the call to return to photograph the October Te Hoiere Seagull Fleet event. Twenty-five boats were there to greet her. Previously when we visited Vinnie’s own shed, true to family form, he was busy tuning up the two new Italian-manufactured Seagulls he had secretly bought for mum and dad for a special anniversary present. Just in case they didn’t have enough already…

Trouble was, in small town gossip – an inadvertent text message that someone-not-supposed-to happened to see – Graham and Sharyn already knew about the surprise gifts. No matter. Always room for more Seagulls in the shed.

All this enterprise finds its focus in the very popular Seagull outboard events, held five times a year, where the Smiths and another 30 members of the local Te Hoiere Seagull Fleet – plus other Kiwi Seagull enthusiasts from far afield – charge around a loop course up Te Hoiere, the Pelorus River delta, under a tunnel of willows on crystal clear water, round a turning mark above a shingle bank, and back downstream via another arm of the river delta.

The rules for these events are simple: any boat is allowed, the more oddball the better, as long as it is powered by a British Seagull outboard. Each day has a dress-up theme, which the contestants take to outrageous heart, mixing and matching with their obligatory lifejackets. And colourful home-made banners fluttering from each racing boat are a must. Other custom refinements include steering arms at the end of rope and pulley systems, and sometimes, ingenious re-fueling systems that mean the skipper won’t need to stop in mid-haste en-route.

Decorating your vessel is a rule for a Seagull outing. Harry's mussel buoy pirate ship fulfills the brief.

1. Course master Sharyn (aka Shady Lady) gets everyone organised for the adventure. 2. Graham Smith (aka Captain Splash) owns around 200 British Seagull outboard motors. 3. Sometimes a bit of coaxing is required to get a British Seagull running.

The Te Hoiere Seagull Fleet days are big events in Havelock, and this normally quiet little town becomes a-bustle with colour, as the boats parade down the main street, flags flying, then are launched at the slipway by the mussel factory at the head of the marina. As the Seagulls are fired up, the spectacle naturally becomes somewhat muted with a haze of blue two-stroke smoke – and sometimes blue language too.

In the event itself, apart from prizes for just about every conceivable category, contestants are all aiming for a public dressing down by the Havelock harbour master for exceeding eight knots in the marine approach channel – but so far no-one has received this particular distinction. The greater challenge is simply to finish the race. About half the fleet didn’t on the day of Lesleys’ photo safari. Instead, they usually de-camp to the local historic pub for a solid post-race yarn. And a frosty beer or two.

The prize-giving, presided over by Sharyn, who is as colourful a character as Graham, also is a feast of real Kiwi cuisine delights: crayfish sharing the table with pāua and whitebait fritters. And asparagus rolls. And cheerios. And lollies. All for a good cause – says Sharyn “Our charity we support is the Nelson/ Marlborough Rescue helicopter. They are a lifeline for our Pelorus communities, which covers a vast area, many settlements that are accessed by boat only, especially since the recent flooding and slips in the area.”

The fleet has five events during the year, with different courses on Te Hoiere Awa river/estuary and around Twiddles Island, approximately 16km, with different themes.

The spring event is the ‘Booty Run’ with theme ‘pirates/wenches and wahine.’ This year the race was also the Nuk Memorial Run, to honour the life of one of the fleet’s beloved members.

December sees the Annual Christmas Extravaganza, a Christmas parade from the Seagull workshop to the launching ramp. This year’s theme – Christmas/ country of origin. With trophies for first boat home, first team, first lady and tamariki.

Then again, an outing in February. The theme is ‘Māori and Early Settlers.’ Naturally members are encouraged to dress in the theme, with prizes donated by sponsors.

The course goes under the two bridges on Te Hoiere estuary/river - Awanui and Popes bridges. Good vantage points, as is the turning basin.

Sharyn’s race report for the October outing reads in part: “Several break downs on the way, apparently reported that a couple of boats were running on high octane water, with a bit of rust mixed in. Our support video boat also needed a support boat to continue around the course. Mysteriously, the orange marker for the willows disappeared and a few boats went straight ahead before they were called back.

“The rapids at the top of the island, caught out several boats, broken springs and un-cooperative motors, Shady Lady (Sharyn’s own bright green boat) hitched a tow, with Wakavale, passing a few boats which had broken down. Around the corner at Kowhai Terrace, was the landing spot for five of the boats, who ended up either getting towed in, or a vehicle came and picked them up (including Captain Splash and Archie his crew).”

The broken springs she mentions are the sacrificial pins that snap when the propeller hits an underwater obstacle. They’re very necessary in this race – along with a healthy dose of luck, or just a prayer the motor keeps going.

It appears being small and light also helps with Seagull outboard events. The fastest at this outing was young Caleb Huddlestone in his boat Sonic

The wrap for the event, in Sharyn’s newsletter: “Warning in advance, all boats will be required to have a flag. No flag, I will fine the boat, and the crew will be required to do a song at the after-match function.”

So that’s the message to all planning on joining Te Hoiere’s Seagull Fleet.

It’s certain British Seagull outboard motors, and ultra-keen enthusiasts, will never die – well in this far-flung corner of the once-was-Empire anyway.

Keep an eye on the local Seagull Fleet’s outings at havelock.net.nz/TeHoiereSeagullFleet.htm

Styled by: Michelle Bradley Clothing: Thomas's

Monument Tulip Maxi Dress Deadly Ponies Mr Mini Leopard Bag R.M. Williams Maya Boot

Ready, set, remix

Blenheim-based mindset and behaviour change expert Rebecca Bell, or Bex as she is mostly known, shares with Catherine van der Meulen, director of Entrepreneurial Women with Purpose, her journey to realising self-acceptance and the importance of adopting a holistic approach to ‘remixing’ life’s components.

Words by: Megan Smith | Sarah Brown

If someone had to ask: “Who are you?” Many of us would probably reply with a job title or standing within a family, such as being a mother or father. Often, we are not pressed to answer the question from the standpoint of what defines us and what is unique to our own life experience. Modern society has dictated that we can't show our imperfections. Isn’t this process of always putting our best foot forward making us tired and out of touch with ourselves?

Dr Rebecca Bell (Bex), from Remix Coaching and Consulting, is keen to share that we’d probably be trying to seek the answer of who our authentic self is until our last days. “The journey of self and defining who you are is anchored by self-acceptance! I’m constantly learning about myself. Whenever I think I have things sorted life has a way of throwing a twist into the tale allowing me to engage with another part of who I am. I spent so much time and energy feeling like I was never good enough and was working hard to strive for perfection. Belief in myself means life is far more engaging. I’m no longer afraid of failing. I’ve learnt to be less judgmental of what I feel and think and rather revel in my curiosity. When I’m kinder with myself I get the success I was after and show up in the world in a genuine manner. I understand that people can worry that self-acceptance encourages laziness but for me, and according to research, it’s the latter. It actually boosted success!”

From age 10 to 14 Rebecca attended school in Marlborough, then completed her college years at Nelson College for Girls. Thereafter she headed back to her hometown of Wellington to complete her PhD in Criminal Psychology at Victoria University. “My twenties revolved around obtaining my PhD and I was immersed in the academic world. From an athletic standpoint, I was also working as a group fitness instructor for Les Mills, where I developed into training other instructors. During this time I remember always seeking validation from others. My thirties and becoming a mother to my son, Hunter, have changed the metrics of success. I have always vowed to stay kind. I am learning and living my values every day”.

A recent read of Bronnie Ware's book, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying - A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing struck a chord with Rebecca. “Points that stuck with me were not working so hard and living a life that was true to me. It was these factors that promoted me to ask myself how I can embody these things. How do I live by these standards and do work that is both meaningful and that contributes, but not at the expense of my wellbeing, and time spent with family and friends”.

This thoughtful, holistic approach and adaption to the words within the pages of the book is what transpired in Rebecca launching Remix Coaching and Consulting in 2017. “I worked in health promotion within the government, and while I loved the role, I figured I was involved with more contract management than getting involved on the front lines and connecting with people. At the time I was also completing my doctoral research and chatting with offenders in prison, soon realizing that I could make a difference via my research. So one day when I felt particularly deflated at work, I asked myself: “If money were no object, what would my dream job be?” All the pieces began to fall into place. My love for personal development and people meant I needed to be a coach. With no available jobs on the market, I decided to strike out and open my own business”.

As a mindset and behaviour coach and speaker Rebecca specialises in aiding people to get to know themselves and where they're stuck, enabling them to live their best life. “I support people to close the gap between where they are now, and where they want to be, personally and professionally. We examine habitual thinking patterns that aren't serving people anymore and rewrite (or "remix") these patterns in a more empowering way. I also help teams and organisations apply the geeky science of behaviour change to their lives by giving them accessible, everyday strategies that help them translate intention to action so they're not just thinking about positive change, they're making desired changes a reality”.

Rebecca is most fond of American civil rights activist Maya Angelou’s quote in which she said: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” She reflects that there is no mention of IQ or money. Success is solely defined by you. “Let those externally defined, societal ideas about success fall away. If we do not define our lives by what rings true to who we are then there will always be an overwhelming sense of frustration and dissatisfaction. Look inward, celebrate your strengths, capture your wins, and permit yourself to not be ok on some days!”

Note: Rebecca is in the process of penning her book about the inner critic, set for launch in February 2024.

Learn more about Rebecca Bell and other entrepreneurial women via Catherine van der Meulen’s ‘Entrepreneurial Women with Purpose Podcast.’ entrepreneurialwomenwithpurpose.com

Making change stick

Do you struggle to change old habits, even though you desperately want to feel better? Find yourself starting new diets or exercise routines, only to give up when life gets too busy? You’re not alone - creating change and sticking with it is one of the areas of health people find hardest. But it’s also crucial, as Dr Marissa Kelaher explains.

What we do in the long term is what really impacts our well-being. And did you know it’s not actually willpower that you really need? It’s learning how to make change manageable and turning it into habit.

When most people decide to improve their health, they tend to make extreme changes, then rely on motivation and self-discipline to keep going. Sadly, this isn’t helped by all the detoxes, crash diets, and myths around.

But in reality, it rarely works, and is why restrictive diets simply aren’t sustainable. Motivation is great when you start off, but eventually it fades, life gets hard, and you give up, then feel even worse than when you started.

This is due to how our brain works: When we rely on willpower to change we use part of our brain (the prefrontal cortex) that’s energy intensive.

It’s also used for all those day-to-day parts of life (planning, decision making, multitasking, etc.

This means that when we get tired, stressed, busy, or overwhelmed, our brain decides to prioritise the things we need for survival such as paying bills and getting the kids to school, and our willpower fails.

In contrast, habits use a different part of our brain that uses very little energy - it functions on ‘autopilot’ - meaning that even if we’re tired or stressed, it’s far easier to keep change going if it’s been made into a habit.

So, the more we make new behaviours into habits, the more likely we are to keep going with them.

Rather than beating yourself up next time you fail to make a change, try taking the following steps:

1. Think about WHAT you want to change, be specific.

2. Think about WHY you want to change, this needs to be something important to you.

3. Make a clear goal of exactly what you want to do and when.

4. Think through each step you need to take, and any potential challenges.

5. Don’t try to change too much at once - small gradual steps are far more effective.

6. Make yourself accountable (grab a buddy!) and reward yourself when you succeed.

Nutrition is a great example - using the previous steps, try to be specific on exactly what you want to change (i.e. cut out sugar), why you want to do it (i.e. to have more energy), make a set goal (i.e. cut it down by 50% each week), then plan out each step to get there (take one thing at a time).

It means the change is both achievable and sustainable.

This is the SMART goal structure: Specific (what do you want to change)

Measurable (how will you change it) Attainable (is it realistic)

Relevant (why is it important)

Time-based (how long will you try)

It sounds so simple - but it really does work. The new year is a great time to give it a go!

Dr Marissa Kelaher is a GP and lifestyle medicine doctor. She runs health courses and offers one-on-one consults at yourlifestylemedics.com

Tips for healthy skin

The skin is considered to be the most important organ in the body, providing internal protection and acting as a barrier to keep external aggressors out. When your skin is healthy, it can most effectively carry out its three most important functions, protection, regulation, and sensation. Owner of Eunoia Beauty, Kate Dyer, shares her top suggestions for maintaining healthy-looking and feeling skin.

Protect your skin

The most crucial aspect of maintaining the longterm health of the skin is shielding it from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. It is well known that UV exposure can harm your skin, causing cumulative damage to the structural components of the skin over time. It’s recommended to frequently reapply a sunscreen that is broad spectrum for UVA and UVB if you will be outside in the sun, even if your moisturiser or makeup contains sunscreen.

Get enough sleep

It’s not called “beauty sleep” for no reason, as this is the time the body needs to repair and regenerate skin cells. According to one study, people who didn’t get enough sleep had increased visible signs of ageing and decreased skin barrier function.

Wash your face before bed

In addition to the makeup and sunscreen you may be wearing, the skin is accumulating oil, dirt, and pollutants throughout the day. To allow the skin to properly regenerate, it is a must to thoroughly wash your face before bed. Even though washing your face is good for you, stick to 60 seconds, twice a day as overwashing can dry out the skin’s protective moisture barrier.

Consume a nutritious and varied diet

A healthy diet can improve the condition of your skin and improve your general well-being. According to research, poor eating habits and an imbalance in nutrition are important causes of skin aging.

Maintain moisture in your skin

All skin types benefit from the application of a wellformulated moisturizer, as they function to prevent water from evaporating out of the skin. To ensure that the moisturising ingredients are properly absorbed by the skin, moisturizers work best when applied while the skin is still damp.

Apply skincare in the correct order

Just as significant as the products themselves is the order in which you apply your skincare. Essences and serums should be applied first because they contain the most potent ingredients. Start with the skincare product with the thinnest consistency, as this will usually be water-based. The product that is thicker, creamier or contains oils should go last. This is because applying oil-based products first will prevent water-based ingredients from penetrating the skin, negating their effects. Moisturiser and sunscreen should always be the last steps of your routine.

eunoiabeauty.com

Whatever your wedding dreams are we can help you make them come true at Ūkaipō. Ūkaipō is a modern, architecturally designed building, with a stunning backdrop for your special day, set alongside Marlborough vines for some amazing photo opportunities. With an onsite bar and commercial kitchen, Ūkaipō is the venue for you.

Contact our team today to discuss your wedding venue requirements.

Viewings: Call our office on (03) 578 6180 Bookings: Email bookings@ukaipo.nz

Love, laughter, & happily ever after

Your wedding day is by far one of the most important and special days of your life. And as the reality of your new engagement sets in and the excitement starts to build, you’ll want to get started on the wedding planning process.

Marlborough Magazine has bought together some of the key players in the wedding industry. Read ahead for ideas and inspiration for local vendors who are here to help and support you throughout one of the biggest events in your life.

Sophie

Wedding of Sione and Abbey, married at Oak Tree Cottage, Marlborough

Milson Photography | sophiemilson.com

Choosing your forever jewellery

GMW Jewellery owners, Gina Botham and husband Nigel have a love affair for creating beautiful jewellery of the highest quality. From their boutique Blenheim store, Gina works closely with her clients to design and handcraft the jewellery of their dreams. Gina says it is always a privilege to create bespoke pieces for her clients and her dedication for helping people to create a piece of jewellery that is perfect for them, drives her passion for the business. “Our clients generally inspire the creation. Ninety nine percent of people coming in do have some idea as to what they want to end up with, it is my job, along with the support of my amazing team, to bring that idea to life.”

GMW Jewellery specialise in creating one-of-a-kind jewellery, whether it is a bespoke piece using preloved materials from a precious family heirloom, or an exceptional new piece derived from your own design concept. Their new engraving service means you can personalise your forever piece further with a special inscription.

Luxury beauty for your big day

Built on more than a decade of providing the ultimate in luxury beauty treatments, Meraki Beauty Therapy offers a momentary escape from reality at the stunning Chateau Marlborough Hotel in Blenheim.

Owner Amie May has a true passion for all things beauty and a particular love of all things skin-related.

More than just a beauty care provider, Amie prides herself on taking her time with each client, listening to your needs (and wants!) and providing you with the ultimate pamper experience from start to finish. A visit to Meraki Beauty Therapy is a must-do in the lead up you our big day. Amie’s extensive range of beauty treatments includes skin needling, lash and brow services, cosmetic tattooing, spray tanning, facials, microdermabrasion, waxing and massage.

Caci’s top tips for glowing skin on your big day

Like planning a wedding, preparing your skin for the big day requires a little bit of forethought. At Caci, they’ve helped many brides (and grooms) get their skin prepped for their big day so know a thing or two about helping you get your glow on.

Top treatments

Hydradermabrasion – A deep cleanse and exfoliation with a boost of infused hydration.

• Sonophoresis Skin Infusion – Treat redness and get glowing with a soundwave infusion. The team will pick the best serum infusion to leave you with a plump, dewy look.

• Microneedling – An advanced rejuvenation clinically proven to help lines, wrinkles and scarring.

• Cosmetic Injectables – Treat lines and wrinkles or plump the lips, you choose! We recommend having treatment 2 months before the big day!

Great results take time, and prep for your big day can start months ahead. Caci’s membership and payment plans are a great way to have consistent treatments for best results and the confidence you deserve for your big day and beyond. Book your free consultation at Caci Blenheim.

A magical garden wedding venue

Choosing a wedding venue that suits the style of the occasion is particularly important. A popular choice is Woodend Gardens and Vineyards, a private rural property just five minutes north of Blenheim. Its curved driveway with blue agapanthus sets a stunning scene for the established gardens which are filled with century-old eucalyptus trees, liquidamber trees, dogwoods, flowering chestnuts, magnolias and gleditsias. A remarkable wisteria covered pergola leads to an open paved timber pavilion, providing a perfect shelter for invited guests.

Woodend Gardens and Vineyards.

Modern venue amongst the vines

Another fabulous local option is Ūkaipō – the Rangitāne Culture Centre. Ūkaipō offers a modern, multi-purpose venue for functions and events and is available for hire by the wider community. Architecturally designed to capture plentiful natural light and create a comfortable amibience, Ūkaipō allows for multiple function spaces for large and small groups. The main hall seats up to 200 people with formal dining facilities, plus there are two spacious fully equipped meeting rooms. The commercial kitchen and bar facilities offer flexible catering options, with the opportunity to self-cater, supply your own caterer or have your catering requirements managed by the owners. With a peaceful setting alongside a picturesque Marlborough Vineyard, with ample on-site parking and easy access, the Rangitāne Cultural Centre is a unique Marlborough venue for meetings, weddings, celebrations, and events.

Wine on wheels for your wedding

Mandy and Anna are excited to offer you The Vino Van, a mobile bar at your wedding or special event. Set up to run two kegs, with a large display chiller to keep your bottles and cans cold, you supply all the drinks, they supply The Vino Van and two friendly bar staff. You will get to keep all of your leftovers meaning no inflated bar prices and no waste.

Mandy and Anna will serve your drinks from The Vino Van, but that is not all they do. Their exceptional service extends to circulating throughout your event, topping up glasses, picking up empties and making sure that the space is kept tidy, making for an easier clean up in the morning.

Based in Blenheim and serving the wider Marlborough area, Nelson, Kaikōura and the Marlborough Sounds, they have even travelled as far as Christchurch in the past. The Vino Van normally runs off power, however a generator works just as well for those off the grid sites – technically it can go anywhere you can drive into, it is light to move so can be manually position inside or outside.

Give your guests the stylish retro vibes The Vino Van offers – book now as spaces are starting to fill for 2023 and 2024 already.

Experience the wedding of a lifetime

Established over 30 years ago, Helicopters Nelson is a well-known and respected aviation company owned and operated by a large and very passionate aviation family. Alongside tourism and commercial operations, the team specialise in creating luxury, tailored and unique helicopter tours in and around the Top of the South, offering helicopter charter services to some of the country’s most stunning remote locations. Whether you’re looking for an active adventure or a romantic escape – anything is possible with Helicopters Nelson.

Experience the wedding of a lifetime with their Heli Wedding package. Enjoy an intimate ceremony in an alpine location, escape by helicopter to a remote beach for photographs, or surprise guests and land at your reception venue in style. Enjoy a unique Helipicnic with your favourite person and be dropped into areas that can’t be reached by vehicle, or if you are looking for a truly unique experience or have a dream flight in mind, Helicopters Nelson also specialise in creating bespoke itineraries for their clients. They love to make dreams come true!

Experience a unique wedding with Helicopters Nelson.

Wedding Feature

The ultimate honeymoon destination

Falcon Brae Villa is set high on a hilltop above the Motueka River with 360-degree views across the surrounding mountains, magnificent Kahurangi National Park, and river below. The modern, contemporary-designed building captures the spectacular views and offers guests complete privacy within its luxurious spaces. This award-winning residence features a large central lounge area with sunken bar, grand piano, media theatre, and a stunning collection of New Zealand and local art.

Falcon Brae Villa’s private chefs offer the very best in cuisine using quality, local, sustainable produce, and when matched with local wines and the spectacular views you have an un-matched culinary experience. Explore the property’s 18km of bush walks, relax with an in-house massage, lounge beside the pool, or take aim at the golf greens, and make your honeymoon a luxurious experience to remember.

Five star luxury accommodation in the heart of Blenheim

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, which is why your wedding night should be just as special.

Fortunately for couple’s getting married in Marlborough, the region’s newest urban retreat combines elegant simplicity with a luxurious feel. 14th Lane is also the perfect luxury accommodation for bridal party and wedding guests visiting who want to stay in the heart of the CBD. Make the most of the luxury space and talk to the team about options the hotel can offer for pre wedding photos and a whole hotel booking for your guests to stay.

Bring the drinks to your wedding with The Vino Van.

FASHION STYLING ADVICE

with Michelle Bradley, personal stylist.

Welcome to the new year! Now that we’ve got through the chaos of the festive season it’s time to relax and put your feet up. Here are a few of my tips to help you unwind in style.

Packing for your holiday

The first rule – don’t overpack. If you haven’t worn ‘that dress’ for the last two years, you’re unlikely to wear it on this holiday. Choose the pieces in your wardrobe that you know you love and look good on you. Don’t be overwhelmed and frantically run out and panic buy. Always remember to stay authentic to your personality and lifestyle. This will ensure that you purchase/pack and wear clothing that not only do you feel great in, but also you will wear again.

Versatility is key

January is a busy time of year with barbeques, holidays, and (if you’re that way inclined) festivals and concerts. We often find ourselves going straight from the beach to a barbeque, make sure your clothes can do the same! Choose a swimsuit that can be disguised as a top – putting on a gorgeous maxiskirt over your sleek one-piece swimming suit is a versatile and practical option for going straight from the beach to a restaurant or barbeque. Always keep a shirt, denim jacket or shawl on hand.

Add accessories

A linen sundress or culottes and a shirt are staples in many summer wardrobes, and they can easily be taken from day to night with the right accessories. For daytime, add a cool pair of sunglasses, a hat and some sandals or sneakers, then for the evening swap these items out with a fun pair of earrings, a stack of chunky bangles and some heeled sandals for a more sophisticated look. A pop of colour and some sparkle never goes a miss either!

Fabrics for summer

One of the most important tips for enjoying a hot summers day is to make sure you’re dressed to suit the weather. Choosing the right fabrics is essential. On those hot January days avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and instead opt for natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen and tencel. These textiles come in great colours and feel great to wear. Choose colours that don’t drain or wash you out close to the face. Wearing colour that suits you will enhance your complexion and is also mood boosting. Enjoy your summer and have fun with your fashion.

ON THE STREET

Mark Unwin is recognisable from his work with a number of local companies including Graeme Dingle Foundation, Borough Wines with Socially Good Enterprises, Rainbow Ski Area, Cordall and the Economic Development team at Marlborough District Council. This means he’s no stranger to dressing up for fundraising events and he loves to have a bit of fun with it.

What are you wearing today?

Ben Sherman t-shirt and Nuew jeans – both from Thomas’s, Happy socks, Diesel shoes from Farrys Menswear and rainbow jacket I got online from WD Styles. Last year I got to wear this jacket for the first Start Up weekend in Marlborough; 40 people working together to create a business in 54 hours, and then backed it up with the Rainbow Ski Field Snow Ball on the same weekend.

What is your style?

Dad style with a touch of over confidence and colour. Dressing well or dressing up creates a good vibe for me. I have always enjoyed costume parties (which is a frightening sentence to type). A favourite for my wife and I was a Rubik’s Cube party where we started in six colours and finished in one. I guess my style is not taking my self too seriously.

What is most of your wardrobe made up of?

A random collection of online purchases from Tipsy Elves and Shinesty, and basics from Thomas’s and Farrys Menswear (in Wellington).

What are you loving at the moment?

Boom Town lager, Marlborough oysters and the descent into summer.

Where do you buy most of your clothes from?

Thomas’s and online - it’s the best of both worlds. We are so fortunate in Marlborough to have Thomas’s in town.

What is your approach to shopping?

A once-a-year in person frenzy and regular online regrets.

What is your all-time favourite purchase?

I purchased a morning suit for a friend’s wedding, even putting it on builds excitement for what’s in store, never had a bad time wearing it.

What has been your worst clothing disaster?

I started my first-year university in all whites with some cane shoes, shouldn’t have been allowed out of my room.

What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?

Colourful socks and a great pair of jeans.

Do you have a style rule you always obey?

Would I be happy to be seen dead in this?

If you could raid one person’s wardrobe, who would it be?

Gerard Farry from Farrys Menswear, he always looks the part.

Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing… ‘So Fine’ jeans.

Sarah Brown

Bathroom renovations without the inconvenience

Gone are the days when you have to leave home while your bathroom is a no-go zone. Ross McWhirter and Kelly Hammond of RM Plumbing built the first bathroom trailer after seeing first-hand how frustrated and stressed their local plumbing customers were when faced with the inconvenience of not having a working shower or toilet, or both.

Onsite Ensuite was created with the region’s renovators and homeowners in mind. Mobile bathrooms on wheels. They are a brilliant and innovative solution to the problem of not having a toilet and shower to use while bathroom renovations or repairs are taking place. They are equally the ideal mobile convenience when hired for Marlborough weddings and events.

Self-contained and fully insulated, all threebathroom trailers available are fitted out with a full-sized shower area, complete with high flow shower mixer. The vanities, with large mirrors, have storage space underneath. Along with flushing toilets and extractor fans, the bathrooms are well lit and roomy. “Every aspect has been carefully thought out to ensure your comfort, right down to the towel rails, wall hung hooks and heating,” says Kelly.

Each of the bathroom trailers have similar features with different layouts to make full use of the roomy interior. Kelly says, “Customers are often surprised that the interior is bigger than what they are used to”.

Ross and Kelly are excited by the recent addition of a third bathroom trailer to the fleet, one with disabled access, wet floor shower, ample turning area inside and a sturdy ramp for those who need it.

Onsite Ensuite's bathroom trailers are connected to power with an extension cord to the nearest power point and cold water comes in from an outside hose tap. Hot water for the shower and vanity is supplied by way of a gas califont or a fast-cycling electric hot water cylinder, depending on the specific bathroom hired. The bathrooms do not have onboard holding tanks for waste water, instead the toilet and greywater waste are simply pumped back to the client’s on-site septic system.

The response to the Onsite Ensuite concept has been excellent with customers thrilled that they can stay in their homes while work is carried out on their bathrooms, saving the cost and stress involved in relocating. A recent customer summed up their experience with the Onsite Ensuite, “This was a game changer when we renovated our bathroom, I quite simply couldn’t have survived without it. Every bathroom reno should allow this in the budget, it made life so much easier and stress free!”

Onsite Ensuite 03 577 6764 onsiteensuite.co.nz

My HOME

Jen and Jules Kolk’s 1920s farmhouse in Redwood Pass keeps them busy with endless jobs and work to do in the garden to keep their little slice of paradise looking beautiful, but they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Where is your home and how long have you lived here?

Our home is in Redwood Pass, just south of Blenheim. We are only fifteen minutes from Blenheim but we have a secret oasis here of established trees, a menagerie of animals and a quirky old house. The property was planted by the previous owners with a mixture of New Zealand natives, exotics and fruit trees. We also have a variety of nut trees which led to our name - The Nut Farm. During our four years here my husband, Jules has become a jack of all lifestyleblock trades and is super handy with everything from irrigation, plumbing, building fences and house renovations to name a few! Our boys, Jayden and Jack, are thriving and spend their days building huts, making dams, bike riding and hunting for duck nests in the bushes.

What inspired your home’s style?

The original house is a 1920s farmhouse with rimu-kahikatea floors, big windows, and beautiful wooden detailing. When it was moved here in 2002 extra rooms were added along with the sunroom and deck. We are continuing the farmhouse style which gives us a comfortable, welcoming, cozy home that is perfect for our growing family and entertaining.

What is your favourite room?

My favourite room has always been my sewing room where my creative passions thrive. I sew, quilt and craft, so it’s a space I can work on projects away from the busy house. It’s my hideaway from work, family and housework. It’s always a mess and I have a big stash of fabric, but it’s my space and I cherish it.

ABOVE: Jenn Kolk with her dogs Ruby and Max.

Sarah Brown

What’s your favourite spot in the house?

Our beautiful deck and pool which Jules has built for the family. Since adding these it’s like having two extra rooms. The kids spend hours in the pool in the summer while the deck is bathed in sunlight and sheltered from most of the prevailing wind. It is wonderful to sit and enjoy the quiet of the trees with birds singing and bees busy, a glass of wine, homegrown food, the company of friends and views of Cloudy Bay.

Have you done any renovations?

Slowly we are renovating the house, doing one room at a time between working our day jobs and maintaining the property. Most rooms have only needed painting and it’s been a great, quick way to freshen up rooms and put our mark on the place. The guest bedroom was the first room we completed,

and this is a fabulous, intimate room our visitors can enjoy. The most recent room is our open plan kitchen-lounge which is now a lovely bright space. It’s the room we live in most during the summer and most of my time is spent here cooking, preserving, and baking so I love the new look.

When it comes to homeware, do you save or splurge?

Mostly we save. Spending money on quality items is worth it but finishing the project is most important. Spend when you need to, but bargain hunt and repurpose where you can. This is when the fun really begins. There is nothing like the feeling of a great deal, so I love second-hand shopping and a good sale!

At this time in our lives, we need homewares that are hard-wearing and will stand up to boisterous boys and big dogs.

1. The pool and deck, that Jules built, is the families favourite spot. 2. Jenn is enjoying their recent renovation of making the kitchen open plan through to the living area. 3. The family have renovated the home room-by-room.

2 1

If money was no object, what would you get for your home?

We have so many plans! The list is endless and if we had endless money and time we would finish the house renovations, put in more fences, plant trees, and keep developing the gardens. I could spend all my days working away here in our wee paradise.

What should every home have?

I would say a dog but that’s not everyone's cup of tea! Probably a vege garden is something that would enhance every home and you don’t need heaps of room to have a few lettuces or broccoli plants. I get so much joy making meals for my family and friends from our homegrown produce.

What do you love about the neighbourhood where you live?

Our neighbourhood is friendly, we look out for each other, and we have regular get-togethers. But I love

that we can’t see any houses out our windows! It would be hard to live in town again after the space and privacy of The Nut Farm.

Best memory in your home?

Absolutely the best memory so far has got to be our wedding. We got married here in March this year and it was the best day ever. Sharing our slice of paradise with all our friends and family was the best feeling, although it was a lot of work doing most things ourselves and working around covid restrictions, having it here where we have built our lives and love together was worth every second. It was a fabulous celebration of everything we have achieved here so far and the beginning of the next chapter. I was able to put together a lot of the elements myself with my sewing and craft expertise which truly made it our day. We even served our homegrown ducks which were delicious!

ABOVE: The home is decorated with second-hand treasures and artwork. 2. Views of the nut farm and Cloudy Bay are enjoyed from the veranda and pool.

Create a luxury resort style backyard

With over 20 years of experience in designing custom, unique interiors, Simone Hill has a few simple tips and ideas to help create an outdoor resort at home and make your dream spaces come true.

Define spaces for eating, lounging and resting

Add a dining table and chairs for eating alfresco and comfortable outdoor lounge furniture to hang out with friends and family. Place a hammock or a daybed away from the main entertainment areas, perhaps under a tree for a private chill zone to read and snooze the afternoon away. There's nothing like listening to the birds as you doze in and out. If you have a pergola, a hammock can work well strung between the posts. Create different zones with outdoor rugs adding an unexpected pop of luxe warmth. They are fade, stain and mould resistant and come in a huge variety of textures patterns and colours.

Add a focal point with a fire pit

Create a cosy space in the centre of your seating area with a fire pit. They are a magical addition to an outdoor area that brings soft light, warmth and a general feeling of well-being. They are great for toasting marshmallows and telling stories too!

Think mood

Great lighting is crucial to a beautiful resort style look. Adding lights along walkways or poolside can create the perfect atmosphere for evening relaxation.

Fairy/festoon lights under a pergola, or wound around sunshade poles and lighting up trees, gives an instant party atmosphere - they simply say good times happen here! Adding bright outdoor cushions on dining and lounging chairs make a space feel relaxed and inviting. Choose two or three styles that you like and buy a few of each, mixing up sizes and patterns with plain. Don’t be afraid of using heaps of colour, nature doesn’t overthink her colour palette, it just all works.

Bring in the tropics

When it comes to resort-style planting, think layers of lush greenery. Choose large leaf varieties for a tropical vibe as these also provide shade for lower plantings, and eventually the homeowner as well. Add some potted colour by clustering different size pots, full of colourful flowers, in groups. It’s fun to match with the colours of your cushion fabrics.

Keep it cool

The use of large umbrellas helps to add a feeling of resort-style luxury to any outdoor area. Add a pair of oversized matching umbrellas over both the dining and the lounging area. Pivoting freestanding umbrellas are available for around $200 in several colours. I’ve gone for black this year as it’s striking with all the green outside.

Home Interior Trends with Simone Hill

– Interior designer and owner of Cinnamon House Design

January gardening guide

January in the garden is about enjoying your fresh produce, prepping for next season and beating the heat. If you have kids, it’s also a great time to get them involved and make gardening a fun holiday activity that you can do together.

Create a garden space just for them

Kids love a space they can call their own, and will learn a lot from the responsibility of looking after a few plants. If they already have an outdoor play area, such as a playhouse, spruce it up with some pots (or buckets) of garden colour. There are a variety of non-toxic flowering plants available in seedling packs from the garden centre; nasturtium, sweet alyssum, and sweet peas are great options.

Make a bird feeder

A bird feeder can be made easily from items you probably already have around the home, and, once it’s hung, will surely provide plenty of entertainment for the family.

A simple and environmentally friendly way of making a bird feeder is to take a cardboard toilet paper tube, cover it with peanut butter, and roll it through a tray of bird seed (or sunflower seeds). Thread a stick through the roll and tie string to either ends of the stick. Hang from a tree outside and watch the bird’s flock.

For older children, have them record what they see, can they name the different species visiting their bird feeder?

Start a worm farm

Most kids love bugs, and worm farming is a fun and fascinating way for them to learn more about them, while caring for the environment.

The specialised layered worm farms are great for those starting out, but a container with drainage and air holes also works. Have the kids help you gather your supplies; you will need to acquire a selection of bedding materials such as shredded newspaper, leaves and garden clippings. Fill the worm farm two thirds of

the way with this material and dampen it. Add in your composting worms (purchased from the garden centre) and food scraps - avoiding meat, dairy and citrus. Have the kids help you with adding food scraps regularly and watch as the worms wiggle around and break down the material.

Sow seeds and watch them grow

The process of watching a seed germinate and grow into a seedling is a fascinating one. Growing seeds inside means the kids will be able to keep a close eye. Pumpkin, sunflower and lettuce seeds are good options. Using an egg carton, cut it in half and add soil to each individual egg cup. Have your child use their finger to create a hole in the centre of each cup. Carefully place one seed in each hole. Cover with a light layer of soil and using a spray bottle, spray the soil until it’s moist. Keep a watering schedule with your children and soon enough you’ll all be excited to see shoots appear. Once they have two leaf sets, each cup can be planted straight into the garden. First cut the tray into the individual cups and ensure each cup is fully saturated, then plant.

Get creative with paint

Making the garden a fun and bright place to be will ensure it is more inviting for children. Sometimes you just can’t go past paint. Choose water-based, outdoor-friendly paint. Find some pots, perhaps you have some old ones lying around, or plain terracotta pots can be picked up for a good price from garden centres. Let the kids get creative with decorating their pots. Painting rocks with pretty patterns or turning them in to rock pets is sure to be a hit too.

The finest new home for The Fancy Cow

Vintner Ant Moore is as passionate about wine as he is about the Marlborough region, and he has dreamed about building a cellar door for as long as he can remember. Now that dream is a reality with The Fancy Cow at 309 Rapaura Road.

Words: Adrienne Matthews | Sarah Brown

The magnificent new building on Rapaura Road houses not only a cellar door featuring eight to ten vineyards, but also restaurant, brewery and tap room, laboratories, offices, private dining and conference facilities.

A number of ideas for its features were gleaned during Ant’s travels to the wine regions of the world. “I wanted to build something that is fun, can appeal to everyone with a restaurant and cellar door, that is open for lunch and dinner while offering the opportunity for tasting some of the best wines and beers Marlborough has to offer,” he says.

“I wanted the building to be constructed of a combination of timber and steel, echoing where wine comes from and linking it all back to the earth,” says Ant. “It had to be built to a very high quality, be classy, but warm and not pretentious.”

As architect Simon Hall of Jerram Tocker Barron Architects Ltd explains further, “The building needed to reflect the industrial and mechanical processes associated with the commercial wine-making and brewing operations on site while using natural sustainable materials in innovative and creative ways.”

Remarkably, the main construction material – timber, was procured within a one-hundred-kilometre radius of the site. The building is described by Simon as a “mass timber building with a timber structure, timber floors, large timber portals and a timber roof.”

It is the first commercial building in Marlborough to be fabricated using the Potius™ engineered timber panel system, an innovative kiwi invention using (LVL) laminated veneer lumber produced in the Top of the South, prefabricated into building elements that is a long-span and lightweight alternative to conventional roof structures and flooring.

auckland, wellington, nelson, christchurch, wanaka jtbarchitects.co.nz

As a result, most of the building could be made off-site in ten pre-assembled modules which, when delivered, were quickly put together with a crane, speeding up the construction process.

John Tovey of Scott Construction worked with Ant and the building’s designers for several years on the project, pre-build. “We worked under the early contractor involvement model (ECI),” he explains, “which allowed us to be part of the design and planning process and to use the contractors we knew would do an outstanding job.”

With so many different spaces in one building, it was important to make each as dynamic as the other. A striking feature in the large open restaurant are the wall panels, constructed from timber felled on Ant’s property, which was kiln dried and machined and formed into sheet boarding. It was then painted with an iron paint incorporating iron filings that produces a rusted earth effect. Large fireplaces inside and out add character.

The two-storey structure is the height of a threestoried building, with magnificent views from the mezzanine floor across expanses of vineyards to the hills beyond. It is also here where the attention paid to the landscaping can be appreciated, inspired by the underlying terraferma. “There is a strong reference to the ancient braided rivers that once flowed through here,” says Simon. “The micro landscaping is designed to pick up on the macro.”

This is also referenced in the curve of the corten steel at the entrance. “I first saw this idea at an exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain,” says Ant, “and knew I wanted it somewhere.”

Constructed on a concrete slab, The Fancy Cow is designed to be a comfortable temperature all year round. Multiple windows allow for ventilation in the hotter months while the sun provides thermal gain in the cooler parts of the year. Underfloor heating in the concrete slab provides the ideal environmental solution to keep the building temperate in winter.

The Fancy Cow’s opening induced a huge sense of pride for everyone involved in its design and construction. “It was a marvellous project for both our experienced builders and our apprentices,” says John. “Up to ten builders worked on the site and they loved all the timber work with its high-level architectural and technical aspects”.

“The biggest challenge was the way covid impacted on the supply chain,” he says. “The shortage of plasterboard was something we had to manage very carefully. Miraculously we managed to juggle the build so we were able to continue working on site regardless.”

Andre Beneke, the general manager of hospitality at The Fancy Cow, is revelling in the completed building.

“It is completely different from anything else in the Marlborough area and right up with the best venues I have seen in my many years working in international hospitality,” he says. “It has a wonderful flow and a great energy. The circular bar is excellent to work in and people are loving the open commercial kitchen, complete with enormous Italian pizza oven. So many boundaries have been pushed and the latest technologies employed to really make this a unique destination for locals and visitors to the region.”

And as for the venue’s name? The Fancy Cow is named after Ant’s miniature highland cow.

Fun for foodies and musos at this years Wine & Food Festival

New Zealand’s longest-running wine and food festival is returning on 11 February after a two-year hiatus due to Covid. Bringing exciting newcomers to the fore alongside wineries that have exhibited at the festival for years – with many award-winning wines in the mix. Marlborough Magazine looks at what festival goers can expect.

The 36th Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is shaping up to be a buffet of inspiration for both seasoned foodies and those looking to learn.

Festival committee chair and Marlborough grape grower Tracy Johnston describes Marlborough food as one of the region’s best-kept secrets.

"While Marlborough is world renowned for its wine, the food we produce here is our best kept secret.

“This is why the festival is such a unique opportunity to discover new and delightful combinations of wine and food. It is also an opportunity to discover new favourite brands and varietals especially from the wineries that don't have a cellar door or restaurant open to the public all year round.

All ticket holders have access to the Culinary Pavilion where top chefs such as Peter Gordon and Mark Southon will create masterpieces from Marlborough’s best local produce and artisan foods.

“We are delighted to be delivering the Culinary Pavilion in partnership with Feast Marlborough –they live for great food and will bring some of the best to the pavilion,” Tracy says.

There is also the option to purchase a ticket to a masterclass.

“People find that masterclasses really round out their festival experience – they are great value and designed to inspire,” Tracy says.

And of course with more than 30 wineries exhibiting, festival-goers can wander up and meet the makers and growers of award-winning wines at any time.

“The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is a unique opportunity to meet the people behind the iconic brands and discover new first-time new boutique producers. We encourage people to have a chat and learn a little – or a lot – from the exhibitors.”

From great food and wine to great music – this year’s festival has something for everyone.

Experience a masterclass

Sanna Stander is a winemaker for Two Rivers of Marlborough and Black Cottage Wines. She also hosted the ‘Sauvingon Blanc and Cheese’ masterclass at the 2019 and 2020 Marlborough Wine & Food Festival.

Sanna says that masterclasses are a very fun way to deepen your understanding of wine and get some great take-home tips.

“It’s such a lovely environment, and I’d really

recommend giving a masterclass a go. If you like cheese, the Sauvignon Blanc and cheese masterclass is a must.

“It’s a very clever idea centred around five glasses of different wine, and a beautiful platter of cheese that the winemaker and the cheesemaker have decided are a good combination. Not only that, but the cheesemaker will often have a little unexpected condiment that will add that bit of magic and change the whole flavour profile.

“It’s fascinating but it’s definitely not serious – we have a lot of fun and people leave with inspiration and new ideas, and maybe a new favourite wine and cheese combo.”

There are two master classes to choose from and each is an hour long:

1. Celebrating 50 Years of Sauvignon Blanc (with Cheese!)

Celebrate the drop that Marlborough is worldfamous for paired with wonderful artisan aged cheese. 2023 marks the 50th year anniversary since the first commercial plantings of Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough. Hosted by some of the pioneers of the Marlborough wine industry, this masterclass will give you a deep insight into the history of New Zealand’s most famous wine region.

2. Masterclass - Unlock your inner Winemaker

Blend your own unique glass of Marlborough Pinot Noir, perfectly suited to you! Experience the art and enjoyment of blending wine! The masterclass will be led by some of Marlborough’s best winemakers, and you will discover Marlborough’s three main grape growing subregions as well as explore the fundamentals behind wine blending.

Enjoy the entertainment

The Renwick Domain is soon to be transformed into an accessible and unforgettable festival site where festival-goers will be immersed into a full wine, food and entertainment experience.

Ten-time New Zealand music award-winning duo Broods will grace the main stage with an hour-long DJ set, drawing from their popular albums.

Marcus anticipates that the Nelson-born artists will be one of the festival’s musical highlights, alongside Coterie – a five-piece band with a reputation for excellent live shows.

“Marlborough’s best wine and food is centre stage of this heritage festival, and then we layer on fun and entertainment with great music on multiple stages,” Marcus says.

The line-up has been carefully selected to please festival-goers.

“All acts have been handpicked to create the great atmosphere the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is famous for.

“Coterie make soulful rock music that goes just beautifully with wine and food. Niko Walters will also go down a treat and we’re excited to have Sweet Mix Kids booked again this year. They are seriously fun and get booked for some of the world’s coolest festivals such as Coachella and the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival of course!” Marcus says.

Local band Vagus Plum are booked to play, with more local Marlborough musicians due to join the line-up.

Event details

Saturday 11 February 2023

Renwick Domain on Uxbridge Street in Renwick This is strictly an R18 event

• There is on-site parking and the site and facilities are mobility-friendly

• Festival bus transport between the venue and Blenheim CBD will be available

• General admission and VIP Retreat tickets are available.

All ticket holders receive a souvenir wine glass, festival programme, access to the Culinary Pavilion and all entertainment zones.

Ticket holders for The Lounge enjoy exclusive access to a secure, comfortable area to relax in and enjoy appetisers and two glasses of Marlborough Méthode Traditionelle.

• Ticket holders to the VIP Retreat have access to an exclusive bar, non-alcoholic drinks, delicious food, salmon filleting tutorials and sashimi tasting and VIP toilets and coat check.

What’s On

For updated information visit www.follow-me.co.nz

Wed 11 Jan

ROCK FERRY WINE’S TWILIGHT MARKET

Enjoy an evening stroll, a bite to eat and a glass of wine from the local artisan producers and settle in to watch the setting sun.

Mon

16 Jan - Fri 20 Jan

PIRATE SCHOOL

Join the team at the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum these summer holidays for some fun arts and crafts in the boatshed.

Sat 14 Jan

KING & QUEEN OF THE WITHERS

Run, walk or hybrid this popular 10k hill race - is this the year you will be crowned the King or Queen?

Sun 1 Jan - Mon 2 Jan

HAVELOCK CRAFT FAIR

Annual New Year craft fair with lots of crafts, plants, sausage sizzle and more. Supporting Simply the Breast Dragon Boat Team.

Havelock Town Hall, Cnr Main Road & Inglis Street, Havelock

Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, 1 Auckland Street, Picton

Fri 20 Jan - Sat 21 Jan

PICTON MARITIME

FESTIVAL

Celebrate the unique maritime history of Picton and the Marlborough Sounds at this popular annual festival. Enjoy music, food and entertainment for the whole family.

Fri 20 Jan

NATIONAL YOUTH BAND OF NEW ZEALAND IN CONCERT

Following a week-long rehearsal in Christchurch, the crème of New Zealand’s brass youth travel to Blenheim for one special performance.

ASB Theatre Marlborough, 2 Hutcheson Street, Blenheim

Sat 28 Jan

VINYL IN THE VINES AT CATALINA SOUNDS

Catalina Sounds invite you back this year for Vinyl in the Vines 2.0. Settle in for an afternoon of great music and delicious food and wine amongst the vines.

Sound of White Vineyard, 2397 Waihopai Valley Road, RD6, Blenheim

Wither Hills Farm Park (Rifle Range Car Park), Blenheim

Rock Ferry Cellar Door, 130 Hammerichs Road, Blenheim

Picton Foreshore

Savour in the Park

Scott Guthrie and Natasha Veltman

Alan and Norilyn Spencer, Kay Lingham, and Tracey Blissett

Lawrence and Rochelle Turner

Heather Gaby and Barb McMullen

Cheryl West and Bonnie Maslin

Rosemary and Ian Wiffin

Stacey Gerritsen, Jennifer Ritchie, Stacey Spurlock, Rob and Rose Harrison

Carolyn and Brendon McWilliam

Frank Nelson

Frank Nelson

Ferry Cellar Door

Frank Nelson

Help protect our marine environment by drifting through summer. Consider drift fishing as an alternative to anchoring.

Anchoring causes irreparable damage to seafloor habitats in the Marlborough Sounds. These habitats are like the coral reefs of the Sounds.

This beautiful tree like form is a hydroid in Kura te au/Tory Channel. Did you know that this hydroid is actually a colony of microscopic animals?

See the Tides & Navigation Guide for more advice and find the best overnight anchoring locations on the Cruise Guide App.

Photo courtesy of Rob Davidson.