Marlborough Magazine April 2022

Page 1

APRIL 2022

CELEBRATING M A R L B O R O U G H ’S

HARVEST LIVING the simple life in the SOUNDS

GODZone ADVENTURE

QUEEN PLUS: Life lessons | Re-evaluate your wardrobe | Home interior trends


It's not just furniture. It's pure comfort.

To experience the best in comfort, take a seat on a luxurious Stressless® recliner or sofa. With Stressless®, you're buying over 50 years of craftsmanship, and comfort that will last you a lifetime. It's a decision you won't regret. Come and see us in April and enjoy huge savings on the entire Stressless® range.

STRESSLESS

SALE

43 Scott St, Blenheim Ph. (03) 577 9506

www.lynfords.co.nz


My favouri te

kind of

fast food!

Choose delivery to your door or Click & Collect with Blenheim


BOARDING OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Enrol for 2023 – Boarding options available An International Baccalaureate School

SELWYN HOUSE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, YEARS 1–8. 122 MERIVALE LANE, CHRISTCHURCH. KEY DATES: ENROLMENT APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 CLOSE 1 JUNE 2022. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE – APPLICATIONS CLOSE 4PM, FRIDAY 13 MAY 2022.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TO AT TEND A PERSONALISED TOUR, @ SELHOUSE.SCHOOL.NZ

W W W.SELW YNHOUSE.SCHOOL .NZ


April 2022

What’s inside Features 8 – 10

Living the simple life in the Pelorus Sound

12 – 21

Celebrating Marlborough’s Harvest

26 – 29 Life lessons 23 – 25 Doctor, mum, adventure racing champion

8-10

12-21 Regular 29

On the Street

35 – 37 My Home 41 – 47 At Home 49

Gardening

50 – 51 Beauty & Wellbeing 53

Arts & Entertainment

54

What’s On

23-25

26-29


Editor’s note

AUTUMN IS THE PERFECT TIME FOR VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT Walk in, walk out procedures, that are reassuringly local! CALL FOR YOUR

COMPLIMENTARY, NO OBLIGATION DOCTOR’S VEIN ASSESSMENT AND SCAN

If your veins are causing you discomfort, or stopping you from living the lifestyle you would like...

Shining a light on Marlborough life Imagine living miles away from suburbia, where tranquil sea sounds and living natives are the familiar echoes you wake up to every morning and help you drift off to you to sleep each night. Your daily life consists of making the most of the land and resources accessible in your isolated paradise, sounds tempting? Well, this lifestyle certainly suits the three families that live in the Pelorus Sounds that we had the pleasure to get to know this month.

EDITOR Summa Donald summa@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

Dr David Orsbourn

DESIGN Patrick Connor and Toni Woolf

MBChB, Dip Obs, FRNZCGP, FACAM Fellow New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine Certificate of Procedural Phlebology

03 548 8216 enhanceskin.co.nz

Sit back, relax and enjoy and idle moment with us.

Thanks to Levon and his crew on the Pelorus Mail Boat you can find out why life in the sounds is the ideal choice for these families.

WE CAN HELP!

Affiliated Provider to Southern Cross Health Society for Endovenous Laser Treatment and Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Also this month, Marlborough Magazine, with the help of Marlborough vineyards and viticulture contractors, want to share special moments captured throughout the harvest in a beautiful photo montage. This is Marlborough’s ‘time to shine’ and we want to celebrate this period where the community comes together to achieve something special for our region.

CONTRIBUTORS Britt Coker, Michelle Bradley, Tess Jaine, Catherine van der Meulen, Simone Hill, Paula Hulburt, David James, Amy Russ, Kat Duggan, Sara Blackmore

Jane-Forrest Waghorn demonstrating social distancing for hand-harvesting pinot noir fruit at her vineyard Astrolabe Farm. Pages 11-22

Finn Scott-Kelly

ADVERTISING Summa Donald summa@marlboroughmedia.co.nz DISTRIBUTION Phil and Paula Brown, Wendy Aberthenthy PUBLISHER TSM Marlborough 52 Scott St, Blenheim topsouthmedia.co.nz



Living the simple life in the Pelorus Sound Living remotely can be a tough but rewarding lifestyle that many of us can only dream about. Amy Russ talks to three families who have built their lifestyle around living the dream permanently in the remote Pelorus Sound. Words: Amy Russ Summa Donald

W

ith rose-coloured glasses, the peace and tranquillity, romantic simple lifestyle of the Marlborough Sounds is a far cry from the overloaded sensory-smashing, stress-filled, hustle and bustle, of suburban living. However, the realities of it include a lot of hard work, dedication, adaptability and resilience – but the payoff can be tremendous. Kelly and Trevor Foote reside at Wilson Bay Farm with their two children Gareth (17) and Kaitlyn (14). Trevor is the fifth-generation farmer of the Foote family to live on the land. Despite still being a part of the mainland there are no roads to Wilson Bay and Havelock is the closest port, 18 nautical miles away by boat. Kelly says up until recently the family's main focus was farming, but they have now diversified into other areas as well. “We do many different things, we have a farmhouse for holiday accommodation, do historical farm tours, pest control, maintenance for bach owners and own mussel farms.” Initially from the North Island, she first met Trevor over 25 years ago and jokes saying, “After being invited back for a bit of shearing and tailing, I passed the test and was proven to be good wife-material!” The couple raised their children on the farm, saying the driving force behind their lifestyle is the history of the land. “This is the way that Trevor grew up, and the same with our children. Being that next generation, the kids learn so much from the descendants before them, there is so much history, and we love the lifestyle.” The children studied via correspondence school, before going on to boarding school for their college years, Kelly has loved raising her family in a remote environment. “We have a lot of family time, mustering together, hunting and fishing. All the cool memories we have as a family. We have been through so much together, all the challenges that life throws at you, and I think we have a really strong bond because of it.”

8

April 2022

Being ‘pretty much’ self-sufficient has enabled the family to be resilient and keep an open mind to changing circumstances. “We have had to learn to diversify and change what we do to be able to continue to live out here. What worked for generations in the past is not necessarily going to work for us, with the way the world is rapidly changing.” Technology keeps friends and family close, but the biggest challenge, Kelly says, can be the weather. “You have to plan your life around it, and it really dictates a lot. A gale force NW or fog so thick you can barely see your hand in front of your face! It’s not a good choice to go to town on those days.” Turning off phones and the internet occasionally is not a bad habit for people to get into says Kelly. “They take up too much brain power and stifle creativity. Also learn as much as you can from the older generation, how life was for them. Learn an old skill before it dies out and pass it on to your children. It may come in handy one day!” Frank Higgott and Sue Caldwell are no strangers to living remotely either, with their children Piripi (15) and Heeni (13) having spent their entire lives raised in remote environments. Based in their boat-access-only Northwest Bay home for the last five years, the family had spent the previous thirteen years living and working on offshore islands for Department of Conservation (DOC). Now self-employed with a small property maintenance business, Frank is also as an artist specialising in wood sculptures. The children have done all of their schooling through Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Correspondence School). Located 15 nautical miles away from Havelock in Pelorus Sound they say living remotely forces you to work a bit harder, to achieve day-to-day life. “It involves a bit more planning, working around the weather, tides and sea conditions. You can't just walk out the door and jump in the car.” “We feel it promotes quite a healthy lifestyle and helps us appreciate things more. It is easier to live


1

2

4

3

1. The Pelorus Mail boat, each week delivering goods to the residents of the Pelorus Sound. 2. Caldwell family, Sue, Heeni, Frank and Piripi. 3. DOC Ranger, Nick Fisentzidis, with son Theo. 4. Kelly and Trevor Foote from Wilson Bay Farm

9


this simple lifestyle that we enjoy, away from the mainstream.” The family make a conscious effort to connect with family and friends saying, “Living remotely isn’t as isolating as it used to be, now that people can connect easily over the internet.” They live a busied and varied life, with peace and quiet. “We also like the self-sufficiency that comes with it. We are off-grid and have a solar power system, enjoy growing a vege garden, having bees and supplementing our food with a bit of hunting and fishing.” “This lifestyle demands ingenuity, and this is a skill we have developed and really enjoy.” The biggest thing people can do, they say, is pass on to their children to make do with what you have and learn how to go without. “It is amazing when living a simple life, how much money you don’t need.” Gen Spargo and Nick Fisentzidis job share the DOC island ranger position at Ngati Kuia’s rohe Te Pākeka Maud Island in Pelorus Sound. They have two children, Theo (5) and Georgia (2), and are the only residents on the island, situated around an hour's boat ride away from Havelock. The resident rangers have been working for DOC since 2007. Prior to being based there they were posted on Kapiti and Mana Islands since 2012, and say it is an honour to live in a place so untouched. “It is a bit of a step back in time to how Aotearoa would have been in the past, and it allows the kids a pretty cool start in life, we think.” Work on the island is varied. “On any given day we might be walking tracks to the biosecurity devices that keep the motu safe, maintaining infrastructure, mowing lawns, working with volunteers and generally trying to keep on top of everything.”

Four months into their role, the family are loving island life. “It is a privilege to live out here and our kids get the freedom of childhood unlie most urban kids, we are grateful for that. Living in amongst rare wildlife is a daily highlight and sharing the place with visitors is awesome.” DOC staff, volunteers, school groups, students and researchers visit the island during certain times of the year bringing regular interactions, but for the most part, basic internet keep them in contact with family and friends. “Keeping connected to the mainland can be challenging but it’s vital for our sanity. The mailboat is an exciting weekly event, not quite the usual way mainlanders get their mail. Theo often runs down the hill eager to greet the friendly staff and the mailbag full of Te Kura goodies or the like.” Nick says although they might have to plan a bit more ahead than others, they have everything they could need to live the simple life. “We have learnt to be grateful for the very little things...and you always need more food than you think... Try and remember you can go ‘off-grid’ no matter where you are, you don’t have to be physically remote, this is always available to you. Turn off your phone. Treat yourself to a few deep breaths. It is ok to slow down and not succumb to having to be so busy all the time.” Special thanks to Levon and the crew of the Pelorus Mail boat. Marlborough Magazine Editor, Summa Donald enjoyed an inspiring trip filled with laughter (thanks to Skipper Levon’s wit and banter) and amazement. Summa was able to meet our three families and capture them in their element, smiling proudly while welcoming the passengers of the Mail Boat proudly to their slice of paradise.

Explore the remote outer Sounds

with us...

BOOK NOW

themailboat.co.nz | 03 574 1088 | bookings@themailboat.co.nz

Mail Cruise Run Specia l

$99 */AD USING

“MAILB

ULT CODE

OAT

99” *Deal ap pli made be es to online and d tw Booking een 5 April to irect bookings s essenti 3 May 20 al at time o . Payment requir22. f bookin ed g.


TA L L

RVICE SE AI

M

I

ESIG N

PPLY SU NS

N TAI

N

STEM SY

D


Celebrating Marlborough’s Harvest The Marlborough Harvest is an extremely significant time in our region. This is our ‘time to shine’ as one of our greatest, award-winning products begins its journey from grape to wine, Marlborough’s liquid gold. Many hundreds of hours have been dedicated to preparing the vines in order to produce the perfect crop. Many more hours have been committed to protecting the integrity of the fruit, nurturing and caring for every aspect of the growth period waiting for optimum results. When the time is right, the call is made to begin harvest and Marlborough becomes a hive of activity. Ask any Marlburian and they will likely have some sort of connection to Harvest. This is when you see a community come together, working hard and making magic happen. So many people rely on this time to be the huge success it has the potential to be. Families, businesses, and community groups all benefit from the literal fruits of the labour which is why it’s important to celebrate this time. This is a chance to remind ourselves that Harvest is our regions finest triumph that we can be proud of and appreciate those tributed to its success. Thanks to those within the industry we can share some beautifully captured moments in a special photo montage to celebrate Harvest 2022 and raise a glass to another successful year.

Coles Contracting Tractor and Gondola. Once the harvesters have picked the fruit from the vines, the grapes are tipped into a specially designed trailer so the grapes can be carefully transferred. The grapes are then transferred to the grape cartage truck where they will be delivered to the winery to be pressed.

12

April 2022

Natalie Stevenson


Fold in the Map

Top left: Nets on in the Waihopai Valley at Spy Valley Wines. Nets are put on the fruit to protect the grapes from birds eating them. Top right: Marlborough Grape Growers Co-op capture a view of a member’s vineyard, cascading down the Awatere River. Above: Bird net removal at Astrolabe Farm Vineyard in preparation for harvest. Winemaker Simon Waghorn driving a tractor while vineyard manager Nick Taylor feeds the nets into a bag. The nets then need to then be taken off for harvest (vineyards can also use lasers, gas guns or flags to deter birds, not all vineyards need to net)

13


Marlborough is covered with 29,415 hectares of vineyards (this is a whopping 294,150,000 m²)

Sarah Fix

Sarah Fix

Top left: Black Cottage Winemaker Sanna Stander off to hand pick a fresh bunch of fruit. Fruit is regularly sampled and the winemaker decides when ready to be harvested. Top right: A hand picker at Rock Ferry Wines, carefully removing a juicy bunch of nebbiolo red wine grapes. Bottom left: David Clouston handpicking a Two Rivers Harvest Chardonnay. Bottom right: Hand picking at Astrolabe farm vineyard in Grovetown. Arabella Waghorn checking the quality of a bunch of pinot noir.

14

April 2022




Over a year, over 200 millions litres of wine are produced from the region.

Top left: Hand pickers from Alapa Viticultural Services. Top right: Picking at sunrise, Dog Point Vineyard. Bottom: Focus Labour Hire captures their team thrilled with the fruits of their labour.

17


Coles Contracting Harvester at sunset, shaking the precious fruit from their vines. The harvesters unique design allows it to drive down the centre of the row with the vines feeding between the wheel, allowing the machine to shake the grapes from the vines, causing minimal impact on the fruit.

A Sheridan Grape cartage truck off to collect another load in up a picturesque Kekerengu Valley.

Jak at the press at Dog Point Road. For white wine like sauvignon blanc the skins and seeds are often removed straight away during the pressing process and ferment started (yeast added) which is why machine harvesting is efficient as it destems in the vineyard. For rosé the skins a kept on for a little bit to extract colour, and for pinot noir the skins are kept on and plunged daily or pumped over to extract tannin/ flavours/ colour.

Marisico Winemakers, Dave, Seb and Jeremy tasting through early harvest ferments at Marisco Vinyards, Waihopai Winery, in search of the perfect balance of taste and aroma. The wines are monitored and analysed daily by winemakers and at the end of ferment the wine is then pressed if not already and transferred to the final resting vessel. The pinot noir skins need to be cleaned ‘dug out’ of the tank in this process.


Sauvignon blanc grapes freshly harvested at Cloudy Bay.

Coles contracting operating a modern fleet of machinery. Here the freshly harvested fruit are transferred to the gondola, ready to be karted away.

Harvest can be hard work but can also be rewarding as this Nautilus worker displays.

19


Two Rivers

Sam from Marisco digging out one of the pinot noir tanks at the Waihopai Winery.

Handplunging pinor noir at Rapaura Springs.

Kaitlyn Smid, assistant winemaker, digging out a pinot noir cuve

Astrolobe winemaker Simon Waghorn in the barrel room. where the wine is finally in the barrel and rested, soon to be ready for bottling for all to enjoy.

20

April 2022



Get a taste of NMIT’s NEW primary industry programmes

Marlborough Campus Research vineyard

Microvinification facility

Wine sensory room

Technology transfer theatre

GASC

BLENHEIM

Two laboratories

E ST

E ST

OIGN

BUDG

NMIT continues to create career development qualifications in response to direction from our New Zealand wine industry partnerships.

These new micro-credential and diploma study options will provide you with increased knowledge, key to progressing your existing industry experience. > New Zealand Diploma in Horticulture Production (Winegrowing) > New Zealand Diploma in Primary Industry Business Management

75.2%

of NZ’s wine production is in Marlborough

> Leadership for Primary Industries Micro-credential > Project Management for Primary Industries Micro-credential

APPLY NOW for 2022 nmit.ac.nz/viticulture

DISCLAIMER: New Zealand Wine. NZ Wine Vintage Indicators by Region 2021 Tonnage per Region, % of Total Harvest.


Sophie Hart is a six-time GODZone champion.

Doctor, mum, adventure racing champion Expedition adventure racing is like a gruelling cross-country version of The Amazing Race. But Marlborough woman Sophie Hart believes the finish line is not as far away as we may think. Words: Britt Coker Sean Beale

J

ust like you, Sophie Hart enjoys a good night’s sleep. But for about a week, every now and then, she will settle for a whole lot less. Last month she was part of team Avaya, the GODZone adventure race winners (not for the first time). She spent six days and nights bush crashing, pack rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and navigating her way through tricky New Zealand terrain with long time teammates, Nathan Fa’avae, Stu Lynch and Chris Forn. You could try it too if you want - seriously, it’s not that big of a deal. Says Sophie, “A lot of people are far more capable than they give themselves credit for. You’ll hear things like, ‘I don’t know if I could do that because I just need to sleep. That’s not a good reason not to try though, in my mind, because I totally fall into that category. But until such time as you try these things you really have no idea.” All four have plenty of experience in expedition racers (over 50 events for each of the guys,

‘somewhere in the mid twenties’ for Sophie) which can be useful for winning, but it isn’t everything. The second-placed team were relative newbies. “I think as long as we have a really good solid race and perform well and we do all the things well that we know we can, I think we probably get more satisfaction out of that rather than necessarily the end result. Of course, we want to win, but I think we know what we are capable of now if we are sensible and race smart and have a good strategy.” Nathan is the team captain and they rely heavily on him for all the pre-race planning, but when Chris says, “Let’s go this way”, the team go this way. That’s because Chris is a top-notch navigator. Knowing where to go is perhaps the most crucial skill when well off the beaten track, since backtracking is a morale-crushing, race-losing activity no team wants to experience. Sophie says Stu is also an excellent navigator, a great allrounder

23


and their highly valued white-water whisperer. Stu reads the currents, and the rest go with the flow. Sophie, self-effacing, reckons she just tries to keep up. [I’d think having a medic on the team would help me sleep at night. Maybe even the entire four hours of it.] Sophie is a GP three days a week at Harley Street Medical in Nelson and a marshmallow-negotiator on the remaining days. As we talk over the phone, her son Huxley (3) becomes restless, though in his defence I didn’t ask him a single thing about adventure racing. While they both endure my rapidfire questioning for longer than either of them could have wished, one of them at least earns a sweet treat for putting up with the interrogation. The Keeper of the Marshmallows is notably cheerful Team Avaya, Nathan Fa’avae,, Stu Lynch, Sophie Hart and Chris Forne arrive at Paerau on day five of GODZone.

Team Avaya with the GODZone Champion Trophy.

24

April 2022


and easy going. Useful traits for adventure racing, among others. “I love the outdoors and you have to not be too worried about getting a few scratches here and there, going a few days without a shower, and challenging yourself, because there is a bit of suffering involved at times.” Being fit also comes in handy and not working as a GP full time does allow Sophie the luxury of training (oxymoron). She thinks it might be impossible otherwise, though insists there is not as much preparation involved as you would think. This depends a bit on whether you think 10-15 hours a week falls into the ‘not much’ category. She feels very fortunate to have a supportive husband and her parents also came to help with the kids for six weeks prior to the race. They’re all justifiably proud of her and were a welcome surprise at the finish line, though she admits she probably didn’t match their energy levels at the time. Sophie would love to see more women try adventure racing, which she pitches as a slightly harder version of a walk in the park. A walk in the park could be where it begins. “It doesn’t have to be that demanding. You have to have a baseline level of fitness and then I think the conditioning of the feet is important. If you can get in a few multi day hikes with heavy packs, then that’s really great training. It doesn’t have to be that your every spare moment is training and you don’t see your family, it’s not like that at all.” So, you start tramping with friends and then sign up for something like the Spring Challenge which is an adventure event just for women. You can choose from 3, 6 and 9 hour options. “Your baseline doesn’t have to be that great to raft for an hour, walk for hour and bike for an hour. And because of that [Spring Challenge] you go along to these orienteering events now, these rogaines, and it’s such a turnaround. It used to be rare to see women there and now most of the entrants are women. It’s awesome.” Once you are addicted to the Spring Challenge, try a few 24-hour races (because anyone who is reasonably

fit can grit their teeth for a day and a night). Eventually you’ll be eyeing up a multi-day adventure challenge website telling yourself that life is too short and scanning your brain cells for at least three other people who have tendencies to mutter ‘carpe diem’ at random intervals. While GODZone requires a degree of forward planning, ultimately, it’s a seizethe-day philosophy that will get you to the start line. And a few other things. If you are pessimist, then you only need to have a positive attitude for 6 to 9 days. Don’t forget to toughen your feet up a little. And what the hell, the rest of your muscles while you’re at it. As mentioned, you also have to be prepared to forego a full night’s rest for a week, though on the flipside, it sounds like the jokes are hilarious once the sleep deprivation kicks in. You must be able to tolerate amazing views. You’ll need to store them in your memory bank though because no phones are allowed. No selfies, no video clips to upload to Tik Tok. Just you and her and her and her. The sounds of the bush and the river. You are never more than 100 metres apart. Etch it all into your grey matter. After a few of these you’ll get to talk about the other adventure races you did together and remember them too. “We’ve shared a lot of intense moments over the years in really obscure corners of the world doing really strange things, and we did have a moment during the race …We were doing a top five and bottom five all-time [memories] and that was really interesting and quite fun to get everyone’s moments over the decades, and the majority included us as a four.” Must really like the other three people. Better move that to the top of your list. It’s on Sophie’s. “For me, I don’t have any real desire to turn up and race in a random team because so much of it for me is being part of a team that I feel connected with and I know we race smoothly together and it’s easy…If the team are keen to do Godzone next year, I won’t be able to say no, I don’t think.” Sophie Hart, adventuress. Try and keep up.

www.churchillhospital.co.nz 25


1

thomass.co.nz

26

April 2022

stylesistersmarlborough.co.nz

michellebradley01@gmail.com


Life lessons Aimee Pickles has learnt to trust her instincts when it comes to life. Aimee sat down with Catherine van der Meulen as part of the Entrepreneurial Women with Purpose podcast Holistic Success series to talk about how she makes life work for her.

Words: Paula Hulburt David James

R

eaching for her water bottle, Aimee Pickles took a welcome gulp and a few deep breaths as she blinked the sting of perspiration from heavy eyes. It was and still is, one of the proudest moments of her life.

“I’ve travelled a lot and studied and love everything about well-being and holistic health. I’m plant-based and not very good at staying in the same place for very long. I like change, new experiences and I love new challenges – I love to work.

It is with an innate sense of self that Aimee explains what she has learned in her 30 years of life so far, her wins, both professional and personal, and failures, have all contributed. One of her biggest successes, she explains with a laugh, came in the form of burpees – and lots of them.

“I think dropping that preconceived idea of success or what people have told you success is, or what you’ve seen to be successful, and then going back to be really clear on who you are and what you want matters.”

Battling fatigue and muscle cramps while completing a 36-hour burpee challenge is not for just anyone. But for Aimee, putting her hand up to help a close friend raise money for breast cancer charities, was an easy decision. Physically, it was the hardest thing she had ever done. “He knew I was a sucker for a challenge so I did that one with him so that, I guess, I hold relatively highly because it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. “His mum was going through treatment at the time over in the UK and he wasn’t able to get over there, so it was his way of kind of sharing some of his suffering with her.” Originally from the small farming town of Duntroon in the Waitaki District, Aimee is energetic, welleducated, and well-travelled. She is not afraid of hard work or success. Seeing success through a different perspective has been life-changing, she explains.

While she took her dad’s advice to find a job she loved so she never had to work a day in her life, her work ethic, instilled from a young age, rarely let her relax. Being busy, she explains, was how she viewed achievement. “…myself and my brothers were taught a lot about work ethic and if you want it, then you work for it.” A shift in mindset sees Aimee rely more on her team these days; the key to success now, shenow she says, is working smarter, not harder. “I can still have an influence on people by not being super outspoken and bythat actually taking a step back and removing my ego and letting my team come forward and actually be better than me. “It’s okay not being the best all the time and it’s okay that you always need to be learning and that there’s always someone you can learn from,” she says. The move has also helped Aimee make more time in her life to follow her heart.

27


2

The energetic F45 gym owner also works part time with the Graham Dingle Foundation’s Career Navigator programme and with youth development programme CACTUS (Combined Adolescent Challenge Training Unit and Support). Helping young people achieve their best and bridge that gap between school and work is hugely fulfilling, she explains with a smile. Three days a week she dons her sneakers again and joins Marlborough Youth Trust’s successful CACTUS initiative. It is a natural fit for a woman who insists she “can’t stay still.” “I’m teaching them how important our physical health is and how connected it is to our mind. “I feel a real sense of purpose in that kind of work,” Aimee says. While most of her days are people-orientated, Aimee needs time on her own to recharge. Overseeing her time is vital, she says. “I make sure I’m really clear about what I want as I can so easily be pulled in a lot of different directions and end up feeling lost. “At the end of the day you need to decide for yourself what holistic success means to you, not your friends or your family or your friends on social media.

3

‘I am very aware that work isn’t who I am but it is what I love to do, and getting to that point, it’s actually okay that I like to work, I think just because I’m really clear on who I am and what I want. “It’s having the ability to recognise that’s okay.” Listen to more about Aimee’s story on the Entrepreneurial Women with Purpose podcast. entrepreneurialwomenwithpurpose.com/ registration/aimee-pickles/

Aimee is styled by the talented Michelle Bradley using quality brands from Thomas’s. This was Michelle’s opportunity to challenge Aimee outside her comfort zone and try something new. The key was finding the right styles to suit Aimee’s personality for both work and lifestyle, especially with her new role at the Graeme Dingle Foundation. Special thanks to Tiffeny at Style Sisters, for makeup and hair styling. Photo 1: Kate Sylvester Petra Coat, Tan Kate Sylvester Elissa Trouser, Tan Kate Sylvester Alice Skinny Rib, Mahogany Deadly Ponies Mr Sling Micro, Yuzu Photo 2: Taylor Draped Sequence Jacket, Halite/Halite Taylor Unfolded Cogent Pant, Halite Taylor Undone Tunic, Ivory Mesh Deadly Ponies Orion Bag in Black Photo 3: Ksubi Oversized Jacket, Brown Sugar Leo + Be Run Run Top, Black Leo + Be Bolt Pant, Black Photo 4: R.M. Williams Maya Boot, Mid Brown Deadly Ponies Crush Tote Mini, Terracotta Shona Joy Paloma Balloon Sleeve Mini Dress, Olive/Multi

28

April 2022


I think dropping that preconceived idea of success or what people have told you success is, or what you’ve seen to be successful, and then going back to be really clear on who you are and what you want matters.

4


skin repair Reduce the appearance of pigmentation and redness with Photo Rejuvenation treatments at Caci. Sign up for treatments over winter and receive a bonus treatment on us!*

Caci Blenheim 14 Market St 03 577 7555 | caci.co.nz

SAY GOODBYE TO SUN DAMAGE Fractora

Reduces fine lines, tighten the skin, reduces red and brown spots, and improves overall skin texture.

Platelet Rich Plasma

Improves skin texture and tone and regenerates collagen, helping to reduce wrinkles and lines, restoring a healthy, IPL youthful glow. Treats pigmentation, red veins and enlarged pores leaving your skin looking younger. PLUS payment just got simpler - PAY USING OR CALL FOR YOUR INITIAL,

COMPLIMENTARY,

NO-OBLIGATION COSMEDICAL CONSULTATION

Brittany Fenwick - Cosmetic Nurse

03 548 8216 www.enhanceskin.co.nz


Fashion

ON THE STREET Usually sharing her interior design advice, Aimee Materoa treats us to her personal fashion trend tips.

What are you wearing today? Today I’m wearing one of my go-to outfits, this skirt is from Witchery, with a black over the shoulder top, and a pair of RM Williams boots. I love these RM Williams boots!

Do you have a usual style? I have three styles. My ‘business style outfits,’ usually a combination of skirts, dresses, smart pants, a good pair of boots and jacket. My ‘casual style,’ love my jeans, t-shirts, boots. And then my sport style.

What item do you have the most of in your wardrobe? J and J... Jackets (coats/blazers) and jeans.

What looks or trends do you like right now? Oh my God, I love the all the colour trends coming out at the moment, like every colour, sooo exciting!

Where do you buy most of your clothes? Sisters and Co, Superette, Thomas’s, Witchery, Country Road, Seed. I will buy from anywhere if I like the style, colour and most importantly, if I feel good in it.

What is your all time favourite buy? I have to say my RM Williams boots, I was once told that if you have nice shoes your whole outfit will shine, they can make or break an outfit. Just like the difference tiles can make to a kitchen.

Worst clothing disaster? Wearing a silk dress at a wedding in Indonesia in 40degree heat with no aircon. Seriously, the thought of it #disaster101.

A wardrobe staple everyone should invest in? A good pair of quality boots (look after your feet everyone), and a good quality coat.

Which celebrity’s sense of style do you admire? I love Princess Diana’s style, a timeless and classy style.

Finish this sentence. You would never catch me wearing?

David James

A mini skirt with F*** Me boots. Aka over the knee boots, apparently that look is coming back in again. I’ll have to check with Jackie from Dress Code.

31


FASHION STYLING ADVICE with Michelle Bradley, Personal Stylist.

Re-evaluate your wardrobe Organising your wardobe can seem like a tough task for many. Luckily, we have expert stylist Michelle Bradley on hand to give us few tips to streamlining the wardrobe and helping you look and feel your best. Michelle is a personal stylist, an image and colour consultant, and a personal motivator. She inspires people to “look great, be confident, and feel empowered and successful”. Comments she often hears when working with a client on their wardrobe is “I have nothing to wear!” - even if the wardrobe is overflowing. “Everything in my wardrobe is similar!” - because, she says, they keep buying the same thing. “My wardrobe is all the same colour!” - more often than not, they are black items. And lastly, “I can’t mix and match!” - this is generally due to consistently wearing pieces in only one way, she says. While the following tips may seem like small and simple adjustments, they will revolutionise the way that you dress on a daily basis, ensuring you look fabulous every time you step out of the house. Michelle says a good starting point is to address and sort what you already own, like an audit on your wardrobe. She suggests sorting your clothing into items to keep, items to donate and items to have repaired or altered.

32

April 2022

“From there it is easier to see what key items you might be missing to make your wardrobe more cohesive and align it to your lifestyle.” She then suggests making a list of missing key pieces. Staple pieces are easy to accessorise, they can be dressed up or dressed down relevant to your needs. Depending on your skin tone, some colours can make you look older than you are and a little unwell, whereas other colours can help you shine and complement your skin palette. Michelle recommends finding out what colours work best for you. “Dress to suit your body shape and personality rather than following fashion trends.” Finding an item of clothing that flatters your figure is an empowering feeling. Knowing your body shape enables you to wear outfits that balance your figure. You can draw the eye to focus on where you want it to go, using lines to help create curves, lengthen or emphasise your favourite body parts. “Do not impulse buy.” Impulse purchases are often triggered by boredom or getting caught in the moment. Take your time, think about how that ‘must-have’ piece can complement or enhance your current wardrobe. Finally, Michelle encourages people to enjoy themselves with the process. “Most of all have fun and be true to you. Arohanui.”




Home & living

My

HOME Avril Heard-Woollcombe is one of Marlborough’s wellknown interior designers. Inspired by materials, nature and individual products and pieces, Avril shares her tricks to making her own space feel like home.

Sarah Brown

Where is your home and who lives here? We live in a semi-rural setting in Renwick, surrounded by vineyards. The farmhouse was bought 22 years ago – the worst house in a great location. Both our children, Sammy and Louis were raised here but they have sadly now left the nest. Tui, the foxy poodle cross keeps us company.

What four words would you use to describe your home? Relaxed, welcoming, functional and homely.

What inspired this look? The house was very dated and had no character at all both in the interior and exterior areas. The Axminster (patterned) carpet, lace net curtains, holland blinds and patterned textured wallpapers all had to go! Painting the bedrooms before we moved in was a must and most of the house has been repainted more than several times since. The house needed to be lightened up, modernized, and a flow created with the outside.

What do you love about the neighbourhood where you live? We love the hood we live in, a quiet rural setting with only occasional tractor/harvester noises to deal with. Great neighbours who will water your garden, feed the cat, neighbourhood watch and are always keen for a catch-up.

What piece would you never part with? The collection of art, sculptures and crafts that I have collected on our travels or from family and friends over the years.

What’s your favourite spot in the house? Kitchen/dining as you can open all the French doors out to create a wonderful indoor/outdoor flow. The kitchen is the hub of the house in which we love to entertain family and friends.

35


36

April 2022


Where do you shop for homewares? Mostly from the wholesalers that I deal with for my design business. They keep me updated with the latest new products that will be soon released into the marketplace. Where possible I source New Zealand-made.

What’s your decorating style? Not a particular style but designs for the way we are living at that stage in our lives. A practical design that feels right for the space and décor that reflects our personality. The use of natural products and textures gives the space some warmth, interest, and soul.

When it comes to homeware, do you save or splurge? Both. Generally, I like to co-ordinate the product with the space but then I have been known to impulse buy. Some of the furniture and homewares are bespoke and have been locally made which gives them even more meaning to us.

Have you done any renovations? The kitchen/dining area has been renovated and enlarged which has given us such a wonderful entertaining and family living space. French doors and windows were made and installed to open the space out to the outdoors. The organic vine feature light I created, as I felt the room needed a focal point over the large kitchen island. The laundry and second bathroom were also renovated and updated.

entertaining area with the pizza oven. The pizza oven was sourced locally, in kit set form, from Morepork in Havelock. Here in summer, we tend to have most of our meals outdoors and entertain friends. We have created this rustic space with old cherry netting poles, a large homemade table and benches, concrete, rough sawn timber paving and exterior lighting.

What should every home have? A comfortable chill-out space where you and the family can spread out your wings and relax.

Best money spent? Good quality thermally-lined curtains and blinds for retaining the heat, protecting your furniture and adding that final touch to a room. This goes hand in hand with a great log burner and heat transfer unit.

Best seat in the house? Corner nook in the dining/living room. Perfect to sit in the sun with a coffee, wine, read the paper and direct instructions to the kitchen or pizza alfresco staff (family).

What is one thing you would change about your home if you could? On the to-do, need and want list is my very own semi-detached design and art studio. Here I would surround myself with inspiration, samples, products and not have to continually tidy up.

What’s your favourite room? That’s a tricky one as I love our kitchen and dining space but also this flows out onto our alfresco

37


HOME INTERIOR TRENDS with Simone HIll INTERIOR DESIGNER

Available in an endless array of textures, patterns and colours, wallpaper is an incredibly effective way to create a striking feature in your home.

WALLPAPER WOW! Tropical, tribal, botanical, geometric, velvet flock and grass cloth are just some of the exciting trends available in wallcoverings today. They can be big and bold or subtle and subdued, depending on the mood that you are wanting to evoke. There are no rules when it comes to the number of walls to cover. There is no restriction on just one or two walls, or covering the whole room, but do consider the other design aspects in the room when making your selection. Does the pattern contend with the existing curtains and upholstery fabrics? Will your art be swallowed up and lost in the design? If art is your passion, you may be better to choose a simple woven texture as a backdrop over a strong pattern. A feature wall in wallpaper works well if you are wanting to achieve a strong statement. Choose the wall that is already the focus in the room such as the headboard wall in a bedroom or the fireplace wall in a living room. Try to select the wall with the least number of windows and doors for the maximum impact. Think about how you want to live in the space. Will it be a dramatic party room or a restful and calm chill-out space? Colour will set the mood - while dark intense colours add drama or can be cosy and intimate in large scale designs. Light neutrals are relaxing and calm and tends to make the space feel larger. Metallic wallpaper is stunning and reflects light around the room, but it requires the right preparation and the hand of a master paperhanger as it is unforgiving of imperfections. For older homes, woven textured wallpaper or the stunning new range of grass and bamboo cloth papers are a great fit. Wallpaper is a beautiful addition to a design scheme and should make you feel happy. If you are finding the process of choosing the right wallpaper too stressful, an interior designer can offer inspiration and advice. Remember, don’t panic, a well applied wallpaper can be painted over in time if you get tired of it, so have fun with your choice and live a little.

38

April 2022




A new day dawns for Marlborough builders The resounding message from the experts calls for new innovative solutions to be explored for the future of building. Marlborough Magazine speaks to professionals in the building industry to understand the changes the industry is facing and what advice they can offer locals thinking about building and renovating.

T

he construction industry has seen disruption unlike anything before thanks to a perfect storm of events sparked by Covid-19. As with many other industries, the building industry has been faced with supply shortages throughout 2021 and into 2022. Added to this, record low interest rates and an entire globe in varying levels of lockdown has led to an increase in disposable income within the community, causing demand for things like new houses and home improvements to skyrocket, without materials readily available. Certified Builders Association of New Zealand Marlborough President Nic Hill, of Hillco LTD, says the material shortage has made planning difficult. While pauses have been placed on many projects as tradespeople await supplies, other projects are able to go ahead thanks to more widely available alternatives. “All my clients; we’re giving them A, B and C options, and we’re giving them those options at the start. It’s about preparing your clients for options and changes that they are happy with and getting products that are more readily available,” Nic says. For the most part, builders can continue with projects using a mix of careful planning and clear communication with clients, designers, sub trades and suppliers. HR Construction owner Donna Ryan says Marlborough was unique from other regions in the way the pandemic affected spending in the region.

“There is an enormous amount of building work currently being undertaken in New Zealand and this has added significantly to the strain on supply of materials,” she says. “The wine industry has a huge impact on the level of building that happens in Marlborough and the wealth within the province … Being able to continue to harvest the grapes during the first Level 4 March 2020 lockdown meant that Marlborough did not feel the economic impact that other parts of New Zealand felt.” Donna and her team are working hard to minimise the impact on their clients by setting realistic expectations. “We are constantly communicating so that everyone involved is prepared and ready for when we push the go button,” she says. “Clients are very aware of the challenges now, and we are lucky to be working alongside positive people who are supportive, realistic, and understanding.” Travis Taylor, owner of Travis Taylor Builders reiterates the importance of clear communication between all parties involved, and that planning and organizing of building supplies and sub trades well in advance is paramount. It’s important the client enters the new build or renovation with an open mind and realistic expectations. This will result in a lot less stress for both client and builder and help contribute towards a much more enjoyable experience. Nadine Norton, owner of Endeavours homes promotes the same message, building a new home is

Above: Travis Taylor Building project in Rarangi at sun rise. It’s now even more important to have a good working relationship between builder and client to ensure large scale projects like this go to plan.

41


Let’s talk about your future.

SPECIALISING IN MORTGAGE LENDING, PERSONAL RISK INSURANCE & FINANCIAL ADVICE

9 Nosworthy Street, Blenheim | 03 579 1167 mortgageroom.co.nz


an exciting adventure which can be made incredibly enjoyable when you find a team of passionate people to work alongside you who understand your vision and who, most importantly, you can trust. Like most building companies, “Endeavour Homes are trying to keep one step ahead of any new issues to keep jobs moving and to minimise any hold ups or stoppages that can occur” says Nadine. We are extremely fortunate in that we have outstanding support from our local merchants and sub-contractors who have done their utmost to keep our builds moving forward. “Endeavour Homes chose to invest in their clients by employing a new Client Liaison Manager whose role is purely client focused. During these times of uncertainty, we wanted our clients to have a dedicated person within our company who is available to offer assurance and support throughout the build process. This very specialised role also encompasses all design related aspects of the build” says Nadine. Fairfield Construction owners Katja and Mark Thompson say that alongside challenges stemming from the pandemic, proposed changes to the Building Code are a positive step in the right direction but much more needs to be done. By changing regulations to building requirements including lighting, insulation, heating and cooling systems, this helps ensure that the industry is slowly taking steps to ensure new homes are built healthier and more efficiently. “We believe that the level of energy efficiency in buildings needs to be vastly improved whilst also balancing increasing costs and clients’ expectations. Furthermore, there needs to be a much bigger focus put towards reducing waste in the

Due to the shortage of Gib, other alternatives can be explored like this example of Oriented Strand Board. Ply or recycled rimu are also alternative sustainable options. You can see an example of OSB in the office of Fairfield Construction.



Smiths & Sons focus on the positives and enjoy the best views that Marlborough can offer, despite current set backs.

building industry, especially focusing on solutions for smaller regions like Marlborough” they say. Katja and Mark are excited to see an increase of like-minded people in the industry, as well as many clients who are committed to building better homes. “We’re seeing more efficient, better performing homes, built in a way that produces less waste, and ultimately, a smaller carbon footprint. The industry is slowly changing, and Fairfield Construction is excited to be leading it,” Katja says. Those in the renovation space are also thinking laterally. Smith & Sons’ Daniel Francis says the pandemic has caused a ripple effect of impacts, resulting in likely the most challenging period he’s seen in the industry. That said, there are still some amazing projects underway in the region, he says. “People are more aware of the issues we are facing and understanding that they need to work with us to get the desired outcome. We are still delivering great projects for our customers, it just requires a little more patience than people are used to.” Dan is proud of the changes his team has brought to the industry, with a design and build system that works to eliminate as many issues as possible for clients before a spade hits the ground, a system he is seeing

Supply shortages means that new alternatives can be explored in the industry.

many other builders implement themselves. “We are seeing more solution-oriented planning to move customers through their projects,” he says. Nita Craig, of Refresh Renovations, has also seen a reliance on a customer focused, systemised approach to renovation and building projects in recent times. Difficulties faced by the industry have not put a complete halt to work but have meant a shift in the understanding of what a realistic timeframe might be. “Given the current climate, if you are looking at renovating, talk to local industry professionals who are in the know with industry updates,” she says. “We are locals who live in the area and can manage your project for you from start to finish, and will take responsibility for navigating the current building environment.” A positive result of the pressure imposed by the pandemic is that people in all levels of building are seeing the value in choosing the right registered architect or architectural designer to design their home. Riki Palatchie, ADNZ Registered Architectural Designer says, “working with the right architect or designer often results in less unexpected costs when it comes to the construction phase of a project and results in a smarter home that will stand the test of time”. Riki comments that often people rush through the design process to get into their dream home without allowing the right amount of time to plan. Clients are even more inclined to do this now as they don’t want to miss out on materials when they are seeing prices rising. “We tend to get caught up on big spaces when smaller and efficient spaces can also be an answer to reducing overall costs. With the chance to spend more time investigating options and planning, Riki’s team can ensure the right resources are found that can make your home more energy efficient and smarter. Riki agrees that “this is the perfect time for the industry to be looking at alternative resources and not just the stock standard options available. This is one of the biggest investments a lot of people will make, you want to get it right from the start”. Mitre 10 Mega owner David Hawtin says cracks in the supply chain were beginning to show prior to Covid-19, due to a number of large suppliers closing down or moving offshore. Prices were forced upward

45



and costs increased when the pandemic began to affect supply, but Mitre 10 Mega was well placed to plan for delays, thanks to a processing system implemented following the 2016 earthquakes. “Our trade and building clients are incredibly important to us in Marlborough, so it’s been a top priority to support them and ensure we have allocated efficient stock to their needs. This was also achieved by putting a stop on supply to out-of-town buyers,” David says. He anticipates the demand will soon begin to normalise, allowing the balance of supply to even out. “We are lucky in our region as we have stable, quality building companies. They have the capabilities to sustain the current environment and will continue to offer superior building solutions that our region can be proud of,” he says. “Until we get out the other side, plan well in advance when planning a DIY or renovation project. It’s simple, order early and be well prepared to allow for more time to complete the job.” Micky Dean, owner of Dean Building and Renovations is remaining optimistic. “Labour shortage is another factor effecting our industry, but this allows companies to look beyond the normal candidate pool, which creates diversity within the industry” he says. There has been noticeable interest in people looking to make career changes and retrain in a new field which will help labour shortages in the long term. Micky also believes that the current climate is forcing the building industry to practice forward planning and focus on areas businesses can strengthen their procedures. This will aid the growth in our region as new innovative and productive solutions are explored. Representing two building companies, including eHaus Marlborough. eHaus are NZ leaders in Passive House Design and Building which means Micky and his team can benefit from the buying powers available to them. “Now is a time to be looking at better ways to operate, discover better sustainable solutions and utilising what we have available to us” says Micky.

How does it look from the property market perspective? Mortgage Room owner Paul Fuller says the good news for developers and new home builds is that new construction is seen outside of Reserve Bank lending

Dean Building and Renovations crew feeling excited following the hard work put into getting them to the next phase of this project. Even with material delays, there is still plenty of work to do.

restrictions, this means that if you are buying a property less than six months old or can show you have committed to a new building project, you only need to have a 10% deposit to apply for a mortgage and banks will have more flexibility to lend against a new build. Developers have the chance also sell their builds to buyers with better flexible mortgage opportunities. Clients will still need to show they can afford a mortgage or loan through a good budget, and they should start the process early with good advice and support, Paul says. “Have a good personal budget and work within it, reduce and pay off any short term debt and stay away from easy credit like afterpay, save as much as possible to build your deposit. Keep your anticipated timeframes realistic as loans are taking more time to process these days.” RE/MAX Real Estate Blenheim owner, Kate Bradley, says the impacts on the building industry have had a flow-on effect into the residential property market by increasing demand for property and increase in values. Despite this, the trend is one that mimics the ebbs and flows seen in the market many times before. The best advice Kate can offer is if you are looking for sections to buy, make yourself known to the developer and their agent as soon as possible so you can be notified sooner rather than later when opportunities arise, this can give you more choice and get the ball rolling on your plans. Like Paul, Kate says the best thing a potential buyer can do is be prepared and gain answers to any questions ahead of time. “Make sure that you understand the buying process, organise your finance, organise a solicitor and ensure they go over your contract and cover off the fine print, find out what the bank needs from you and ensure they understand what you are looking for, there are other banking and government support opportunities available for new home builds… you might not need as much as you think.” The building industry is experiencing a challenging time, but the clear message from the experts is to do your research, be patient and to remain positive about your future plans, they will happen… it might just take a little longer, but you may be better off for it.

Subcontractors Morgan Plumbing are installing Spanlok roofing on to the HR Construction project at Longbeach Bay in the Marlborough Sounds. Builders and sub-contractors continue to have strong relationships and work together to support the building industry.

47


E-BIKES FOR ALL! Town Cruisers, Leisure & Trail, eMTBs and Folding too!

With the biggest range of eBikes available in Marlborough, we have one to suit every rider

We’ve got the biggest eBike range in town! Redwood Hub Shopping Centre, Redwoodtown | Phone 03 578 0433 Mon to Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm & Sat 9am - 1pm

www.bikesandscooters.co.nz


Gardening

Autumn ready April brings shorter days, but they are often still warm, so this month is ideal for tidying up and nourishing the garden ready for winter crops. While it is still fairly mild, watch out for the transition to winter in the air. To do •

Get spring flowering bulbs in the ground - early April is the last opportunity to do this. If it gets too late consider tulips as they can be planted as the weather cools.

Landscape your garden. April is the perfect time for this as it’s not too hot or too cold and you can plant trees and shrubs.

Prune existing hedges and plant new ones.

Do a final clean-up in the garden before winter sets in.

Maintain lawns and sow new ones before the weather gets too cold and wet.

Kitchen garden •

Sow green crops of lupin and mustard in any empty spaces of your vegetable garden for digging into the soil for green manure.

Remove all finished vegetable plants from the garden; put them in the compost bin rather than digging into the soil.

Prepare for winter crops by adding compost and sheep pellets to the top layer of soil.

Sow seeds: Transplant to the garden as the weather warms and when they are showing at least two sets of true leaves.

Plant seedlings

Garden colour •

Re-plant your pots as necessary with winter annuals and add new fertiliser.

Sow seeds: Transplant to the garden as the weather warms and when they are showing at least two sets of true leaves.

Plant seedlings

Prune, lift and divide crowded perennials.

Dead head roses as autumn flowering comes to an end.

Garlic and shallots can be planted in warmer regions.

Lift gladioli bulbs as the foliage dies away, remove excess soil, store in a dry place until September.

Get a last crop of peas in before winter, in warmer areas you can also get away with snow peas.

Harvest lavender flowers and lightly trim the bush to prevent them going woody.

Dust your cauliflowers, broccoli and brussels sprouts with Derris Dust to protect them from white butterfly and diamond back moth.


Beauty & wellbeing

Need more from your hearing aids?

Audiology advice with Sara Blackmore Blackmore Audiology Owners of the new locally owned and operated audiology clinic, Sara Blackmore and Sam Jones are set to bring a wealth of experience to the Marlborough community, alongside a wide range of hearing tools. Sara, who is also an audiologist shares her knowledge and expertise on the latest hearing technology available right here in Marlborough.

“Hearing aid technology continues to make significant improvements in sound quality and how well the hearing aids are able to process sound,” says Sara. “[With improvements in hearing aid technology] the wearer is getting a natural, high quality sound even in complex listening environments such as in groups of people,” she says. “This enables them to be able to actively participate in and enjoy their interaction with loved ones, keep up with vital conversations in the workplace and listen to and enjoy music.” Alongside this, further developments in hearing aid technology have enabled users to better integrate their hearing aids with aspects of day to day life, especially now with the requirement of wearing a mask. “Most hearing aids now have bluetooth capability which means they will pair directly to your cell phone so you can take phone calls through the hearing aids as well as stream music, podcasts and any other media,” Sara says. “There are also free apps that turn your phone into a remote control to make adjustments to the sound and make your own custom settings.” Depending on the aid and apps used, some also have the ability to send alerts if the wearer has had a fall, and others have the ability to have remote adjustments made by an audiologist, aiding those who live out of town or can’t get into the clinic. “There are also many rechargeable options now, whereby you pop the hearing aids on a charger overnight, this is great for people who have possibly historically found hearing aid batteries difficult to manage or even just inconvenient,” Sara says.

50

April 2022

The brand new locally Blackmores Audiology Clinic opens in Blenheim on Monday, April 4. Sara says that because the clinic is independently owned and operated, it is not restricted to working with products manufactured by certain brands. Having the ability to select from a wide array of products on the market enables Sara and her team to take into account individual factors unique to each client. She is very excited to be able to introduce Marlburians to the wide range of possibilities available to them. The clinic offers plenty of off-street parking, and ease of access for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.


51



Arts & entertainment

Local MC and founding member of Marlborough Comedy, Chris Lippiatt.

Wrap your laughing gear around this Have you been suffering from humour withdrawal? A monthly comedy night at ‘the club’ will remedy that!

O

n Thursday, 7 April at 8:30pm, Clubs of Marlborough will be hosting their third instalment of their monthly Comedy Night. The free event is a welcome feature to the Marlborough events calendar and promises to gather a cult following of those who love to have a good laugh! April's headlining act is none other than Alexander Sparrow, an award-winning comic character, director, actor, and writer from Wellington who has been featured in The Wall Street Journal. With his unique comedic style, he has earned invitations to take to the stage at the Laugh Factory, located in Hollywood, not to mention his appearances on The Project, Prime TV's Back Benches, and TVNZ's Breakfast.

Supporting acts Steve Wilbury and Richard Townsend will be on the bill, along with local MC and founding member of Marlborough Comedy, Chris Lippiatt. Clubs of Marlborough partnered with Chris in bringing the event to life. Comedy nights are a regular feature in larger towns and cities throughout New Zealand, attracting a range of notable

comedians. It makes sense to hold something as popular here in Blenheim. The first Comedy Night hosted by the Clubs was held in November 2021, the second one in March, and the third one this April. Previous Comedy Night headliners included the likes of Sera Devich (7 Days writer) and Cori Gonzalez-Macuer (Billy T awardwinning comedian and hit star of the TV series, What We Do in the Shadows). The fourth Comedy Night will be held on May 5, with the plan to continue to host a Comedy Night of this calibre every first Thursday of the month. The Clubs of Marlboroughs selection of mouthwatering menu offerings, authentic stonegrill experience, and tantalizing cocktails, paired with world-class comedy acts makes it an evening that everyone wants to attend. Now, who wouldn't want to sip on a refreshing mojito and have a good laugh, especially in today's times! Visit clubsofmarlborough.org.nz for more events, news, and specials.

Mike Ponder Gallery


Check out all the amazing events taking place in Marlborough this Autumn at follow-me.co.nz


2

1

3

Marlborough Business Women celebrate Interational Womens Day The Wine Kitchen, hosted by Caci Clinic and Entrepreneurial Women with Purpose

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

4

Aimee Pickles and Liz Macfarlane Charlotte Parish and Alex Barton

5

Fran Maguire and Deborah Barton Kimberley Thomson and Janine Kydd Krista Coningham and Eva Francis Michelle Bradley and Hannah Price Olivia Doonan and Kylie Matthews Rosa Tovey and Toni Gillan Rose Montgomery and Catherine van der Meulen

10. Tanya Pouwhare and Kate David

6

7

Marlborough Magazine

8

9

Ideas | People | Trust

Alex Barton Director

Paul O’Donnell Managing Director

Rosie Jarvis Associate

10

Phone| 03 579 3093 Office | 58 Arthur Street Web | www.bdo.nz


56

April 2022


57


Proud to be local Nikki Andrews is the latest edition to the growing TSM Marlborough family. Nikki has come on board to help businesses with their marketing and advertising needs. She took a few minutes to tell us what she loves about our wonderful region. What do you love most about Marlborough? The light, the location and the hills.

What are three words that describe how someone would feel coming into your place of work? Welcome and warmly embraced.

What is unique about your place of work? It’s a fabulous multiplatform media hub with fabulous work colleagues and great culture.

What is something about you that people may not know? I still hold national records for swimming butterfly.

Can you describe “A great day at work”? Getting the job done and having some fun at the same time.

What 3 celebrities or special people would you love to work with? Winston Churchill, Guyon Espiner and Kim Hill.

What’s next on your wish list? A trip to Rarotonga with my nephews.

What’s your favourite way to spend an “Idle Moment”? Reading a good book in the beautiful Marlborough sun.

NIKKI ANDREWS TOP SOUTH MEDIA

Nikki Andrews

58

April 2022

A: P: E:

52 Scott Street, Blenheim 021 0816 6548 nikki@topsouthmedia.co.nz : marlboroughmedianz



CLEAN CAR REBATE

60

April 2022

Clean Car Discount rebates are current as at time of printing and are subject to change. For more information and how to apply for the rebate visit www.nzta.govt.nz/cleancar


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.