70 minute read
A Day in the Life of
A Day in the Life of Rachel Taulelei
Rachel Taulelei (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Koata) is CEO of whānau-owned, Māori food and beverage producer Kono. A māmā, founder of sustainable seafood company Yellow Brick Road, director, and Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council, an advocate for Māori business, our primary industries, and international trade. Rachel lives in Wellington but regularly works from Nelson and Blenheim.
5am
This is one of my favourite times of the day with space to order thoughts. I flip between that, listening to First Up on RNZ, and thoughts of exercising. Listening wins. I chalk it up to starting the day smarter.
6am
Time to wake my baby — technically a beautiful teenager, but they’re always your baby. She and her dad start the day quietly. Conversely, I like to fly into it noisily and with urgency (I think it drives them crazy) once my feet hit the floor. Common is on LOUD, and since it’s everyone’s lucky day, I bust out an impromptu morning jingle to get her moving. It was amazing…
7am
First check in for the day, the airport. On goes the mask. Why did I put lipstick on this morning?! Fail.
9am
Off to Motueka — Must. Get. Coffee. Find one at the cart on the main road, where all the real oil on industry happenings gets spilled.
Early lunch at The Smoking Barrel, a café we supply with our Tohu wines — they make legendary donuts, which naturally I eat to support the business. Naturally.
10am
Visiting our new māra/garden. And it’s insanely beautiful. A field full of sunflowers, and rows of taewa (potatoes), kūmara, kamokamo, kānga (corn), paukena (pumpkin) and pī (peas). We planted the māra as a way to reconnect whānau with their whenua — and to live ideas of tikanga-led regenerative agriculture. I find one kamokamo hiding in the garden that got missed in the harvest (winning!) and grab a couple of sunflowers. Gorgeous on both fronts.
11am 12pm
A quick roadside teleconference re our APEC Business Advisory Council work. ABAC is the business voice into APEC and this call is about a digital symposium I’m opening in a couple of weeks — about how we use digital to unlock our economic recovery. The donut sugar high is still real.
1pm
Into Hop Federation now, our craft brewery in Riuwaka. Quick tasting of the new seasonal beers – the Watermelon Sour is off the hook good, so I wangle a couple of riggers direct from the tanks. Insta propaganda follows — so proud of all that our team does so I love a good social shout out.
2pm
I drop into the recently reopened and reinvigorated Riwaka Pub — the quintessential country tavern. Awesome food, killer music, great drinks (yes, I am biased), and all community. Quick chat re supporting an upcoming event with some of NZ’s best homegrown musicians.
3pm
Grabbed an actual watermelon from Frasers at the bottom of Tākaka Hill to go with my Watermelon Sour. No idea why — but the Hop Fed guys suggested it and so I did. Felt like they knew something I didn’t which is entirely possible because it was sooo good.
Arrive in beautiful Mōhua Golden Bay — I always feel incredibly tau (calm) when I’m here. There’s something deeply spiritual about this place. Maybe it’s because our tūpuna were here, maybe because it’s so stunning, or that I can see our team harvesting our mussels from here. Perhaps it’s because the light is so particular, or the air is so clear that you can see Taranaki Mounga on a good day. Could be all of the above, but I love it.
5pm
Jonathan Moffatt is the voice behind local author Robyn Prokop’s fantasy novel, Taelstone. CHARLES ANDERSON
Capturing the voice within
Words: Charles Anderson
Jonathan Moffatt was trying to record his voice under stairs, face-to-face with sheets and towels and the intermittent thud of footsteps when he decided he needed a new solution.
This was a new move for Jonathan. He had spent his entire career in public service, from working in northern England, and then to central British government, then moving to Tasman District Council and onto Nelson City Council to manage its archives. But he had also always enjoyed reading stories to his three girls. He liked doing voices of characters and really drilling into the pacing of books to maximise their enjoyment. Jonathan would also sometimes find himself voicing different characters as he went about his day. People told him he had a nice telephone voice. Then, about three years ago, his eldest daughter, Freya, interrupted him while he was reading to her. “You should do this, Dad. You should be one of those people who do this.” By ‘this’ she meant a voice over artist — someone who lends their skills and manages their vocal range to any number of purposes. From advertisements, to cartoons, to video games and even to books. “I thought ‘ok’. Maybe I could. What would that look like. What do I do?”
He signed up to a weekend course in Auckland that taught him the basics and he came away with his own professional voice reel. He started building up the equipment he might need to do his first gigs. He set himself up under his stairs, next to his hot water cylinder. He started posting his voice reel on websites for people looking for artists. “And I got precisely no responses.” But he kept with it. He got fed up with practising under the stairs so he started
to build himself a little studio in his garage. He started with a pallet and then put some pine panels around it. Jonathan bought some sound inclusion foam to line it with, as well as some cheaper foam bed roll. Pretty soon he had an acoustically dead sound box. He learned all about editing and processing audio files. He had to train his ear to hear the subtleties of adjusting his voice to maintain consistency across sessions. Jonathan got a couple of small gigs under his belt before a serendipitous meeting with a friend led him to a local author who had just released her first fantasy novel. Robyn Prokop’s novel, ‘Taelstone Stones of the Azuri, Book One,’ tells the story of Ash — a kitchen slave who is swept far from his home by fate, and the most mysterious of quests.
She also wanted an audio book to go with the physical and e-book versions. Jonathan’s friend had been suggested but he was a Kiwi and his voice wasn’t quite right for the fantastical world that Robyn had created. But Jonathan’s subtle Newcastle accent might be. So, he recorded a passage and sent it to Robyn who loved what she heard. Jonathan was now going to be the voice of Taelstone. But it’s a tricky thing to read a large fantasy book. It was filled with fictional places and names and religions. Jonathan had to learn the correct pronunciation for all of those. He had to mark up where to build tension and how to pace the story. “One of the hardest things is, if there is a twist, not to give it away in the way you are reading it.” But Jonathan got his head around the material and then he got to work. He drank a lot of water and started to read his screen in the studio. If there was a mistake, he would use a dog clicker to show a spike in the sound file that he could go back to and amend. Sometimes he would pause awkwardly in a sentence or record two sessions and they would sound different. It was meticulous, long work. The final novel is 11 hours long. Jonathan says its many multiples of that to get a final result. But then, after many months, he handed in the finished result to Robyn. “What ticked boxes for me was helping someone achieve something. Robyn was passionate about these stories and wants people to be able to hear and read them, so it was really nice to help her achieve her aims.” And Robyn’s series is a trilogy so there may well be more for Jonathan to do. But for that to happen people need to download it.
One demographic who got a free copy was Jonathan’s daughters. His youngest, Iris, became one of his biggest critics. “It was nerve wracking,” he says. It was also quite strange to be walking around the house only to hear his own voice emanating from a room somewhere as she listened to the book.
“That embarrassment of hearing your own voice is waning now.” As for what’s next, Jonathan would love to get more voice work but recognises the world of the Taelstone just fell into his lap. “I was very lucky to be in the right place at the right time.”
You can read or listen to Taelstone from all major online book retailers.
Lords and ladies of the dance
Words: Tracy Neal
It’s time to get your sparkle on and support eight couples dancing for a good cause at the Trafalgar Centre on May 1.
Nick Smith rates himself among the very few who were grateful for last year’s Covid-induced lockdown. It gained him valuable time to learn how to dance — something he says has not been high on his list of accomplishments.
Nelson’s National MP, who up until last year was our constituent MP but lost the seat to Labour’s Rachel Boyack, joins seven others who are learning to get their sparkle on for next month’s NBS Dancing for a Cause, at the Trafalgar Centre. The inaugural sell-out event in 2018 raised $111,000 for Nelson Tasman Hospice. Attempts to stage a repeat last year were delayed by the global Covid-19 pandemic. A further glitch has emerged with the loss of about $8000 in pre-sold tickets, after the ticketing agent went under. Ticket Rocket went into liquidation last year, owing more than 1500 creditors more than $8 million. She says while the money lost on tickets sold last year will not be recovered, they will be honoured. But trust chair and a key member of the dance event’s organising team, Emma Silke-French says the show must go on. The contest on May 1 will feature another eight local personalities partnered with a trained ballroom dancer. Each pair will dance in front of a panel of judges in the competition that is also a fundraiser for the hospice. Emma chairs the charitable trust board that runs the event. She manages to find the time around being a fulltime mum and having a fulltime job, to teach novice contestants how to dance. She also organises other dancers who will be performing on the night, as well as helping to stage the event. She shares the coaching with Sally Gordon, who between them must get eight people who have mostly never danced, comfortable waltzing, fox trotting or swaying to samba in front of a crowd of thousands.
TRACY NEAL
Emma says it has its challenges, but she has huge admiration for those willing to put up their hand or stick out their foot to have a go. “If someone came to me tomorrow and said, ‘Emma, I want you to sing the national anthem in front of thousands at the Trafalgar Centre’, I’d laugh and say, ‘you’re mad’. “The fact these people have even thought about saying yes is a dream, but yes, trying to teach people to dance from scratch is a very difficult thing. “It’s like trying to teach someone a new language.” Nick Smith says he rates his dancing skills alongside a list of sporting endeavours he “does badly”. “I am one of those people who tends to enjoy trying everything, but usually quite badly, especially anything in the sports or arts arena. “My wife Linley is a good dancer and I’m hoping to score some brownie points with her by doing this.” Nick says his lack of dancing skills was evidenced by the early selection process. “They got all of us together and told us to do a few moves. They said if you were really good, you’d get to do the fox trot and if you were challenged, you’d get to do the waltz.
“Then they announced I’d be doing the waltz, which pretty much says it all.” Nick says he is enjoying learning something new, with the help of a supportive crew and his dance partner, even though he now has a new one.
“I need to say this very carefully otherwise it will come out the wrong way, but my first dance partner…she got pregnant. “Wonderful congratulations to her and her husband, but I now have a new dance partner, Zara Fowler, who is lovely.” Nick says he is aiming to reach a form where he “won’t do a Rodney and drop the Krystal” — reference to an infamous television moment in 2006 when former Act leader Rodney Hide dropped his partner Krystal Stuart at the end of their cha cha.
Nelson lawyer Hamish Fletcher is another who is putting his best foot forward for the cause. He has never danced before but has long wanted to learn. “When I’m at weddings I feel embarrassed that I can’t dance and so my wife - who can dance, and I just go around in a circle while I stand on her toes.”
Hamish says he was roped in by Emma Silke-French but did not need much persuading.
TESS JAINE
Shannon Taylor with dance partner Hamish Fletcher.
Emma Silke-French
JOHN-PAUL POCHIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Nick Smith
Ros Pochin and partner Anthony Hewson were the winners of last years Dancing For a Cause.
“I got told by Emma I had to do it, but I didn’t need any convincing because it’s for a great cause.” Nick says the hospice needs to raise over $1 million a year to maintain the service, and while Nelson had been “incredibly generous”, the need for funds is ongoing. “I’ve had two close friends die of cancer and both needed the services of the hospice. They were treated incredibly well.” Hamish says his legal firm has seen up close the service it provides, when visiting clients in the hospice and who are needing wills and powers of attorney signed. Nick says there is certain paradox in doing something as joyous as dancing for an organisation that cares for people at the end of their lives.
“There’s an off-contrast with hospice in the way they are dealing with death and yet they celebrate life with amazing causes like this.
“If hospice can raise money as part of a celebration of life — which dance is, then to me it just adds to the atmosphere of the whole event.” Hamish was among last year’s original eight to have started training before Covid halted it. “At first I thought, ‘my God I’m never going to learn how to do this’, but through repetition and good coaching and a good dance partner you get to learn the moves.” The team has changed slightly with the exit of radio personality, Breffni O’Rourke whose other commitments meant she could not continue into this year. The editor of this magazine, Sarah Board, is now set to shimmy across the floor instead. The other contestants include Abbie Cook from NBS, Grant Rosewarne from King Salmon, Al Columbus from Stonewood Homes, breast cancer survivor Lizl Matthewson and ex Nelson Giant Phill Jones.
Hamish says he is grateful for the extra time that has allowed him to polish his steps and get the timing right for the music. He will not be doing any fancy lifting but says there is a little bit of catching in the routine over which he is sworn to secrecy. “But I can tell you it’s a bit of a romantic one, however I won’t be challenging for any cups or trophies.” Emma Silke-French says when she first meets the contestants, she tells them that she needs them to look good, so that she looks good. “There’s no point in me making anyone look silly, but I will say there will be some daring lifts and we practice a hell of a lot, so things don’t go wrong. “I guess though, anything can happen on the night.” She says it promises to be a fun, glamorous night out. “There’ll be glamour, lights, sparkles and music. It’s just a great night out to which you can bring your mum, dad, husband and your kids.”
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Embrace the shift into Autumn with Louise Douglas’ selection of nature inspired jewellery and find the perfect pieces for the changing season. Acorn necklace: $195, Acorn earrings: $185
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Layer up for Autumn
Shrugs, wraps and ponchos all NZ made from blends of merino and merino/possum. Find Cruellas at their temporary location for the months of April and May.
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Winter is coming, and so are our new season styles.
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KAMA — the original Indian love oil
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Stylish jewellery created just for you
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What are you wearing? LEWIS: Button up shirt bought from Cotton On, Richmond, skinny fit trousers from Hallensteins and white Converse Low from Fridge Freezer Icebox. AMY: Wide leg pants from Max, Scotch & Soda Amsterdams Blauw t-shirt from Palm, black boyfriend blazer from Max, Superga white sneakers from Designer Wardrobe NZ and an Element shoulder bag from Amazon.
What is your style? LEWIS: Outside of work, I’m usually dressed in sporty/casual get-up, replica team wear or cool printed t-shirt and shorts. I am fond of a high-top Nike for footwear.
Lewis Griffiths AMY: My style changes on a regular basis depending on how I am feeling. I love to delve into bohemian chic style and also more contemporary chic looks.
What is most of your wardrobe made up of? LEWIS: I love an oversized t-shirt with some nice shorts. I am a big shoe fan, so I usually start from the bottom and plan around my shoes. And you will find me in a cap or hat most of the time. AMY: Wide leg pants. That has to be a staple of mine, along with lots of floral, earthy toned coloured and different textured clothing. A bit of everything really.
What are you loving at the moment? LEWIS: NBA singlets, I love the way they fit. They also come in all sorts of bright colours. They’re a perfect style for summer, for exercise or anything! AMY: Going through my wardrobe and finding clothes I haven’t worn often and changing or altering them to create different looks.
Where do you buy most of your clothes from?
LEWIS: I buy a lot of my street and casual wear from Fridge Freezer Icebox. The service in there is fantastic and they always have something in there for me. AMY: Designer Wardrobe NZ and Iconic.
What is your all-time favourite purchase? LEWIS: My fiancée bought me the supporter’s kit from my favourite football team Tottenham. It’s an awesome fit and an awesome colour. I can wear it casually, or as a sports top. AMY: My baby pink boots from Mi Piaci. I think they’re fun and I feel like whatever colour you wear effects your mood.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in? LEWIS: Some nice casual white trainers are a must in anyone’s wardrobe. They are a great summer shoe, or a tidy neutral piece to tie everything else together. AMY: Shoes and bags. These can make your outfits look chic and finished, if you add a nice sneaker, statement boot or bag that has a pop of colour. Is there a style rule you always obey? LEWIS: I don’t wear too many colours together. I like to have one focal point on the outfit, a bright top or funky pair of shoes. Blacks and whites are my friend, they help set up all the cool exciting parts of the outfit.
AMY: I don’t think there should be rules when it comes to style, wear what you like and wear clothing which accentuates your personality and mood.
If you could raid one person’s wardrobe who would it be?
LEWIS: Lebron James. He’s got some wicked style, from feet up, and always looking so fresh on social media. AMY: Hailey Biebers.
Finish this sentence — You would never catch me wearing… LEWIS: Flared jeans. I can’t stand the feeling of the bottom of my jeans flowing around my ankles. AMY: Pattern on pattern. I feel that your should wear one or two things as a statement and then everything else is complimentary. But that’s just me.
Layer up for Autumn
Clothing: Beetees | Photographer: Virginia Woolf Model: Marina Kere | Stylist: Lorraine Beattie Special thanks to Robert and Victor for the use of Retiro Park Lodge.
1
Top: Democracy Pants: Macjays Longline Cardi: Foil Necklace & Bangles: Archer House Bag: Black Caviar Boots: Taylors | Premio Sting
2Hat: Antler NZ Shrug: LD + CO Pants: Vassalli Top: Blackstone Boots: Models own
3Dress: Foil Necklace: Archer House
Earrings: Antler NZ Boots: Taylors | Beau Coops Bastille
4
Pleated Skirt: Blackstone
Jersey: Zaket & Plover Gloves: Antler NZ
Boots: Taylors | Minx Baxta
It’s none of our business.
The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce is never going to say that. We’ve been the voice for businesses in the region for 163 years and have never stopped taking our business responsibilities seriously.
We believe the key to business vitality and longevity is relationships. Expanding your networks offers unlimited potential to hatch brilliant new plans and meet new customers. Tapping into the Chamber’s wider industry connections provides access to practical, specialist training and inspiring business speakers. And a collective voice is heard more clearly by local and central government. The idea has never been, nor ever should be, to do it on your own. Being part of a local community includes connecting with business people and being successful together. We make it our business to help yours.
•Advocacy. Being heard. •Training. Better business knowledge. •Networking. Unlimited potential. •Advice & funding. Leveraging opportunities. • Member discounts. Buying power. • Guest speakers. Brilliant new ideas. • Trade & export documentation. World domination. • Business development. Staying vital.
We can help unlock your business vitality.
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Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Mahitahi Colab, NMIT, 322 Hardy Street, Nelson 7010
info@commerce.org.nz 03 548 1363
COMMERCE COMMENT
Susa Guhl, Ana Fierek and Lydia Chadfield.
Recommended for a reason
In the heart of Nelson city, a highly regarded real estate company has stood the test of time, reinventing itself to meet market changes and stay ahead. After 27 years in business, its strength lies in its uniqueness, adaptability, and longevity.
We work differently,” says company owner, Susa Guhl. “We fit anywhere in the market. We currently have properties from all price brackets on our books. It’s about doing the best for all of our clients, no matter what.”
“As a small company, we can be very agile and adapt to whatever is needed for the vendor and the property.” Many people will recall Susa’s late partner, Marc Steyn, who also worked in the business. After losing Marc in 2020, Susa did a lot of soul searching about the future of the company. “We’ve gone through a big change with Marc passing away,” says Susa. “There were lots of decisions to be made, and we decided to grow. Marc was a huge part of our marketing, so we’re now completely reinventing ourselves.” Choose Susa Guhl Partners and you will deal with a dedicated team of three – Principal Susa Guhl, who has consistently ranked amongst the top one percent of agents nationwide; Client Care Manager Ana Fierek, and newest member of the team, Lydia Chadfield in the role of buyer specialist and salesperson. They work together, combining their strengths so you get triple the attention and effort. “Buyers don’t follow agents; they follow properties,” says Susa. “So, our marketing is key. We only bring a property onto the market when everything is ready. Then simultaneously, the sign goes up and it’s on the internet.”
The vendor can then relax and leave everything to the team. “We send regular feedback on how things are tracking, and we use social media very effectively,” says Ana. “Our property videos are about showcasing the house to buyers, not showcasing the agent, and we spend a lot of time on all of our listings.” With a new team in place and plans for further expansion, it’s exciting times for Susa Guhl Partners. “It’s great to have Lydia onboard. She brings a wealth of experience from her former career in accountancy to real estate sales,” says Ana. “I’m a finisher,” says Lydia. “Once I’m committed to a task, I see it through to fruition.” A longstanding friend, Lydia has watched Susa and Ana in action since the beginning. “They’re all about working for people, not just about getting a commission. Susa has so much experience in all kinds of real estate markets. That’s part of what makes her insight so valuable.”
Visit www.susaguhl.co.nz
Home brew
is where the heart is
CHARLES ANDERSON
The number of homebrewers in Nelson has skyrocketed in the last few years. Since Level 4 lockdown they have grown even more as locals got out to create their own beers. Charles Anderson meets three such fermentation enthusiasts to find out why they got into the age-old practice.
Gareth Philips repurposed his garage into his brew station.
Gareth Phillips needed some friends. Ten years ago, the Scottish-native was new to Nelson and looking for a new hobby that might get him an interesting social circle.
“But I didn’t want to mountain bike and coffee’s ok, but I can’t build my personality around it.” Then, he saw a night class advertised to learn how to make wine. He through that sounded like something where he could have a good time. He met some good people. And he made some wine.
“And the wine was bad. It was offensive. But it was fun.”
At that point, it was decided wine wasn’t for him. Around that time, he started working on a project at his work at NMIT and it turned out the people who were on his team were all interested in home brewing. They talked about it endlessly. So, one of them came round and got him started on learning how to brew beer. Gareth went to Briscoes, converted a chilly bin, bought a 50 litre pot, got a friend to weld a tap onto it and started doing his first all grain brewing – where all the malt for the beer is extracted from grain, rather than concentrate. It’s more involved but gives the brewer more control over flavours of their end product. Back in Kinross, Scotland, Gareth was a Tennent’s lager and Strongbow cider man. You bought them in 24 can slabs and it was a “volume game”. Gareth’s exposure to brewing good quality beer changed his outlook. “There is a bit of science behind that and a bit of art. But what got my teeth really into it was when I discovered there were competitions.”
He and his friend Christian brewed an orange Wit, German style beer for the Richmond A&P specialty beer category. “In my own mind we were carried through the streets of Richmond.”
Gareth soon started reading up about beer and it became a way to talk about things. There was a product to drink and equipment to swap. “It was a pretty good social circle.” Gareth accelerated his experimentation and ended up winning some more awards. But then the kids started getting older, he started getting older, house renovations became a priority and time became more of a premium. But he couldn’t bring himself to get rid of the kit. There are still flurries of activity and he still enjoys the social element of the hobby. Only a few weeks ago he had a brew day that saw a handful of friends gather round for a sunny afternoon’s brew. Pretty soon it will be time to taste the results.
“I like that it’s a hobby where there is a low barrier to entry. You can go get a fresh wort kit, pitch some yeast, screw the lid on and you will get a beer two weeks later. But then you can go very deep into it.”
Inside the house is a 320 litre pinot noir wine barrel for ageing his sour beers. One batch will be flavoured with tangelo, another with tomato, basil and hibiscus. “I love tinkering and I love problem solving,” Nick says. “It’s cool to come up with different solutions and tweak your process to get the best result.” That dedication to perfection has led Nick to having a fair few visitors who often drop by for a beer. During lockdown he was known for dropping beers on his front porch so friends could pick up their supplies to survive level 4. “I was pretty much brewing non-stop so there was enough to go around.”
Before coming to Nelson a few years ago, Nick worked at adventure shops fixing all kinds of gear before starting his own signage business. But now he has landed a role at Eddyline Brewery. While he has toyed with the idea of making Rascal Brewery a commercial operation, just seeing the work that goes into making it a reality gives him pause. “There is so much still to learn.”
Next on the agenda is creating more ‘wild beers’ or fermentation that have come about from yeast gathered from nature.
“There’s yeast pretty much in everything.” That might see him foraging around the local parks and walkways for the best strains. He has already put a brew down from the yeast collected from wattle flowers. But that will take another 12 months before it’s ready to try. “Just a bit of patience is required.”
Nick Reeves grows his own hops, lemons and yuzu in his garden especially for his brews.
Down the far end of Nick Reeve’s garden sits his purposebuilt brew shed. It has a repurposed fridge, big enough to store 200 litres of beer. There are repurposed hot water cylinders turned into a brew station. There is an illuminated sign on the front with the logo of his own beer brand ‘Rascal Brewery’. On the inside of the shed is a scribbled note on the wall from his partner. “Don’t forget about your wifey,” it reads.
It’s fair to say that Nick went very deep into his brewing. He always enjoyed learning to cook at secondary school. He liked coming up with his own recipes – tweaking things to his own tastes. There was something about the experimentation that jelled with his personality. So, when he got older, he thought ‘I could do that with beer’. He went right up the curve – jumping to full grain brewing pretty much straight away. Now he even has grown his own hops, lemons and yuzu in his garden – purely for additions to his brews, which seem to get more and more adventurous.
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Janice Benson still remembers the smell of her father’s beer bubbling on the stove. It wasn’t pleasant. But he had figured it out on his own. Back then there was no YouTube, no how-to manuals. Janice appreciated that. So, when he came to visit from her native Galway in Ireland two years ago, she asked if he could help get her set up.
“He was old school.”
She got a basic brewing kit and set about creating her own beer. It was pretty simple. She would steep grain in lukewarm water to extract the malt from it. Then she would add in readymade malt concentrate to bulk it out. Then she would bring it to a boil and add hops for flavour and bitterness and then pour it all into a big plastic fermenter, add the yeast and let it ferment for about 14 days. “I thought ‘we drink enough of it, so we may as well brew it’.”
Jaince went a year just muddling through with basic equipment before she got a few small elements to give her control over the outcome of her beer. With fermentation, any small element can upset the whole process. Maybe your temperature isn’t consistent, or your fermenter isn’t clean.
As Janice’s gear upgraded, so did her skills. “I got the feeling I was improving somewhat.” So much so that she entered a local beer brewing competition. It was a grapefruit IPA. She came second. “I thought I would enter for a bit of a laugh but getting second was a real confidence boost.” It was also happy news for Janice’s husband who became her target market. As she started brewing more, her interest in drinking her own product lessened. Her husband’s interest, however, didn’t.
“I drink more wine these days,” says Janice. “It’s like cooking. When you’ve done dinner, you get sick of it, but I like to be able to have people come to dinner and say, ‘don’t bring anything, I’ve got heaps of it’.” But there is one regret she still has. Her dad hasn’t yet tasted her brew. “It’s not really at the stage where I can bottle it and post it. But he will taste it one day.”
Janice Benson enjoys improving her home brew, and so does her husband.
Kaycee Eastlake’s life could have been much different if it were not for a loving foster family.
My foster family saved me
BRENT MCGILVARY
Kaycee Eastlake was born into a volatile environment. Her mother was a heroin addict and father a violent white supremacist. Subjected to shocking abuse at the hands of her caregivers, thankfully, her neglect ended when at nine-years-old she was adopted by a Māori family whom she credits with saving her life. Kaycee sits down with Jonty Dine to tell her story.
As a young child Kaycee had always kept her abuse under wraps but one particularly hot summer day at school, she was desperate for a swim.
Once in her togs, the scars were revealed, and she was immediately taken aside by a teacher. Standing in the sick bay with the police on the way, all Kaycee could think about was the beating she was going to get for causing such a fuss. Fortunately, this would be the last day she would spend at home. Police escorted the young girl to her house where her mother threw a bag of Kaycee’s belongings at them while screaming “we don’t want her anyway”. “I remember that very clearly and that night I was in foster care,” Kaycee, now 37 and living in Nelson, says. She says she was heartbroken, as she was also forced to say goodbye to her older brother who opted to stay with their parents. The ten-year-old was left to bear the brunt of the abuse. “We were so badly beaten and neglected; her partner would come when we did something he didn’t like. It would be something minor like feeding the cat some of our dinner, and then she would come in after him and lay into us. It was pretty messed up.” Kaycee’s life of pain was about to be put in the past as she was welcomed by her new family. After being fearful at first, Kaycee says she wouldn’t be here today if she had not been fostered. “They taught me how to love, how to communicate and how to be part of a family.”
Kaycee’s adopted parents already had four biological children, but were always prepared to take on a child in need.
“They have got the biggest hearts in the whole world.”
Her stepfather’s racist beliefs were forced on Kaycee who initially struggled to accept her place in a Māori family. “He was very racist, especially when I got visitation, he was covered in swastikas. I didn’t realise how bad it was until I left. They tried to put it in my head that the family I was going to was unsafe.”
However, Kaycee quickly learnt this was a lie.
“They were so warm and loving, they were a proper family.” She would embrace the Māori culture, leading kapa haka groups and even performing for the Māori queen. Having often gone hungry at her previous home, Kaycee says many of her favourite memories with her new whānau involved food.
“My mum’s cooking kicks ass. As a child who was on rations, going to a home where I could eat whatever I wanted was heaven.”
She would also develop close relationships with her new siblings. “My younger sister and I are thick as thieves; they treat me like I am part of their family.” Tragedy would soon strike however as Kaycee’s foster father died just 18 months after she arrived. Kaycee sums up her foster father with one word — mana. “He was a traditional Māori man, very loving to take on foster kids. He had an amazing laugh; he reminds me of Billy T James. He was fantastic and so missed.” Following his passing, social welfare offered to take Kaycee back and find her another home.
“My foster mum said, ‘no she is ours, you don’t get to take her.’ And nearly 30 years later here we are, she is still my mum. I am very blessed.” Kaycee, who is studying to become a social worker, says she picked up all her best traits from her foster mum. “I want to be like her, I admire her so much, she didn’t have to love me, but she did.”
Kaycee has not been free from trauma in adulthood either. The father of her four children took his own life.
She says her mother was an incredible source of strength during that time. “I wouldn’t have got through it without her.” Kaycee says her foster family saved her life, and she hopes to one day return the favour to a child in need. “I will be fostering myself, I have so much love to give and I know I can offer my home and make a difference in someone’s world.”
BRENT MCGILVARY
Kaycee with her children, Ben, Hayley and Emma.
Craigs Investment Advisers, Jason Craig, Tanya McMurtrie and Karl Williscroft.
Helping you to achieve your investment goals
Financial security doesn’t just happen — it requires strategic preparation. If you need someone to help you reach your financial goals, grow your wealth and provide you with tailor-made investment advice, meeting with an experienced investment adviser is a good place to start. Craigs Investment Partners have been providing investment advice to Kiwis for more than 35 years. Established in 1984, Craigs Investment Partners is one of New Zealand’s largest investment advisory firms with 19 branches nationwide and over 165 investment advisers.
At Craigs, all clients have access to an investment adviser, the adviser will work alongside you to help you achieve your financial goals.
Providing investment advice across the top of the south
Craigs have branches in both Nelson and Blenheim. The Nelson branch opened in September 2019 with local investment advisers, Jason Craig and Tanya McMurtrie, and complements the Blenheim branch and investment advisers, Felix Vavasour and Kent Winstanley. Early this year, Karl Williscroft, Investment Adviser, joined the Nelson branch from the Craigs Wellington team. Karl brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge. “Having previously worked at ANZ bank as a stock market operator I dealt with many financial institutions. Craigs was always the best — that’s why I wanted to become part of the team,” said Karl. Born and bred in Nelson, Karl and his young family have recently moved back to the region. “What I am especially proud of, is that I am coming back home with quite a unique skillset that can really be of help to people.”
Craigs specialise in investing solutions
Craigs offers a broad range of investment services, which are centred around providing customised investment advice to clients. The premium service offers a dedicated investment adviser who will tailor and manage an investment portfolio to each client. Craigs also offers a broking service, KiwiSaver, overseas pension transfers and mySTART - a savings solution where investors can build a portfolio from over 190 investment options with as little as $100 a month or a lump sum.
Community at the heart of Craigs
Alongside its relationships with clients, Craigs also fosters partnerships within the community, giving back wherever possible. Craigs has recently started a partnership with the Top of the South Community Foundation (TotSCF). TotSCF is a registered charitable trust set up to inspire generosity in the top of the South Island, and provide ongoing support for local charities and community groups. Gavin Larsen, Executive Officer says, “Our goal here at Top of the South is to inspire generosity in our region, and to make a positive difference to our local communities. It is tremendous to have partnered with such a reputable and professional company as Craigs, and we certainly look forward to a long and enduring relationship.” Jason Craig, Investment Adviser adds, “It’s important to us as a business to support the communities we operate and live in. It’s very much the fabric of the culture at Craigs.”
Investing is for everyone
The Craigs team are firm believers that investing is for all New Zealanders and will help you plan towards building a secure financial future.
“We are focused on helping our clients achieve their financial goals and grow their wealth. We believe that where a client’s financial future is concerned, preparation and understanding are everything,” says adviser Tanya McMurtrie. The Nelson team welcome new clients for a complimentary no-obligation discussion.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature should not be deemed as advice. It does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person.
Nelson Branch, 9 Buxton Square, Nelson P. 03 744 0100 E. nelson@craigsip.com
Words: Ella Somers
Take your landscaping a step further by giving it an edible twist. A boost for your palate as well as Mother Nature’s, this flavourful endeavour will brighten up any space. Here are Nelson Mag's tips to incorporate edible plants into shaping your outdoor spaces.
Spice it up
Herbs don’t just give recipes an edge – they can give your garden beds one, too. Lavender looks lovely lining any garden or path, and onions, garlic and chives can be planted as edging to protect other edibles from hungry birds and animals.
Frutti tutti
Fruit trees look stunning in every landscape. Supposedly nothing tastes better than the fruits of your labour, but just make sure you monitor excess fruit to keep hungry rodents at bay. We especially love the look of an immaculately groomed citrus tree – and not just for the G&Ts.
Zealous trellis
If you’re using trellis to adorn a wall or create a pergola or space divider, add interest and function with tasty additions. Runner beans and nasturtiums both have eye-catching blooms and enjoy a climb. The leaves of beans are also more attractive to pests than the veges – win, win!
Flower power
Pansies and calendulas make beautiful touches to your landscape and can be added to your own cooking in the way of salads and baked goods. Plant in garden beds, pots of hanging baskets – and then pluck away to garnish your meals.
Supreme Winner – Best kitchen design, Best use of Timber – Bays Joinery
Stunning joinery showcased at local awards
The 2021 Joinery and Design Awards showcased the sublime talents of local joiners.
The awards cover all facets of joinery, from making stairs and benchtops to interior design and the use of colour, to the best kitchens and fitouts. Philip Thompson, association secretary of Nelson-Marlborough Master Joiners, says “It’s about getting local joiners to lift their heads above the parapet and celebrate what they do more.”
The awards include 18 categories across a vast range of projects. The categories aptly reflect the work of joinery businesses in the Top of the South and the results were celebrated by more than 120 people at Club Italia last month. The work was judged by architect Brad Beazley from Redbox Architects, Lyn Russell from Lyn Russell Design and interior designers Fiona McNeil and Kim Lyall. Eight years ago the Joinery and Design Awards attracted 14 entries, followed by 30 entries the next year and from there it grew to 100, this year there were 153 entries. “It’s just got bigger and bigger and is a massive success,” says Phil. To ensure it’s not just about manufacturing, NelsonMarlborough Master Joiners President Myles Sellers and Phil changed it from Regional Master Joiner Awards to the Joinery and Design awards and they say that having the competition helps lift the standard of local joinery, resulting in more local companies being recognised at national awards. “Our joiners work incredibly hard, so the awards not only highlight their work and celebrate their skills, but they also inspire others to enter the industry.”
thesellersroom.co.nz
Best apprentice – Nazareth Joinery
Best stairs – Waimea West Joinery
Best bench top – The Sellers Room
“What’s evident, is that the cost and value of kitchens has really gone up in the last year and people are investing in their kitchen space.” Reflecting the times, there were fewer entries in the Best Kitchen under 20k award, which went to The Sellers Room. This project was described by the judges as a kitchen using conventional low-cost products, blended with a touch of indulgence. A lot of bang for the buck. The Custom Space were winners of Best 20k - 40k Kitchen at this year’s awards. The judges commented that it was a kitchen that utilised natural materials and timbers but stayed true to the budget. A lovely space that satisfied the brief. The award for best use of colour was won by Cooper Webley and indicated a shift in trends. “Colours tended to be a lot softer this year and there are more combinations of textures – that’s what people are going for,” said Phil.
JADA 2021 award winners
Best apprentice – Nazareth Joinery
Best stairs – Waimea West Joinery
Best bench top – The Sellers Room
Best biophilic project – AK Joinery
Best use of colour – Cooper Webley
Emerging designer – Fiona Vidar | Cooper Webley
Best interior design – Bays Joinery
Best kitchen under 20k – The Sellers Room
Best spatial – Waimea West Joinery
Best creative lighting – Cooper Webley
Best commercial fit out – The Sellers Room
Best fitment – Cooper Webley
Customer journey award – Cantwell Joinery
Best kitchen – Simply Joinery
Best kitchen design – Bays Joinery
Best use of timber – Bays Joinery
Best door or window – Waimea West Joinery
Best 20k - 40k kitchen – Custom Space Joinery
Supreme Winner – Bays Joinery
Bays Joinery won the Supreme Award for their kitchen which was part of an extensive renovation of a 100-year-old cottage. Blending into existing timber features, the design brings extra light into the open plan area. The kitchen design by Bays Joinery also won best kitchen design and best use of timber. The final decision on the Supreme Award is made following an assessment of all of the winners, which ones had caught the judges’ eye, stood out and been talking points before announcing what Phil describes as ‘the best of the best of the best.’
Judges’ Comments
Best apprentice – Liam Geddes | Nazareth Joinery “A high quality of work, mature work from a young apprentice who wanted a challenge. A well-deserved winner.”
Best stairs – Waimea West Joinery “To manufacture a spiral staircase for a three-level residential home solely from cross laminated pine would be difficult in Nelson. To manufacture it to the finest detail to be shipped and installed into a Sydney home makes this work of art a category winner.”
Best bench top – The Sellers Room “The shark nose edges fabricated to the four sides that then matched level at the top of joinery indicated accuracy and an understanding of product. The benchtop design of contrasting materials required planning and high-quality installation.”
Best biophilic project – AK Joinery
Best interior design – Bays Joinery Best use of colour, Emerging designer – Fiona Vidar | Cooper Webley
Best kitchen under 20k – The Sellers Room
Best spatial – Waimea West Joinery
Best biophilic project – AK Joinery “This project exudes the use of natural products and recycled timber from the floor to the doors, from the benchtop to the vanity. Connecting nature to the home.”
Best use of colour – Cooper Webley “Combinations of textures, a soft and embracing colour scheme.”
Emerging designer – Fiona Vidar | Cooper Webley “Monk Peterson and Quigley, all maturely and thoughtfully designed. The designs fitted closely to the brief.”
Best interior design – Bays Joinery “The kitchen adds to but also blends with the space, satisfying the challenge to maximise a compact space. Heights, mirrors, materials and colour.”
Best creative lighting – Cooper Webley
Best kitchen under 20k – The Sellers Room
“Using conventional low-cost products blended with a touch of indulgence. A lot of bang for the buck.”
Best spatial – Waimea West Joinery “A functional big boy’s dream. A Formula One joinery piece. Slick, to brief with some cool car related touches.”
Best creative lighting– Cooper Webley “A ‘Miami Vice’ party house, transforming the kitchen into two different spaces that work for two individual clients with contrasting tastes. Neutral by day - party by night.”
Best commercial fit out – The Sellers Room
“Manufacturing to a client brief - shapes texture, homogeneous material choices, make this a very pleasant and innovative fitment.”
Best fitment – Cooper Webley
Best kitchen – Simply Joinery Customer journey award – Cantwell Joinery
Best kitchen design, Best use of timber – Bays Joinery
Best door or window – Waimea West Joinery
Best fitment – Cooper Webley “Influenced by an art piece by Brian Strong, joinery was customised to complement and elevate. Functional and clever and terribly annoying to manufacture. The client and designer won this battle.”
Customer journey award – Cantwell Joinery “On time, in spec, happy client’s, happy customers. A destination has been created.”
Best kitchen – Simply Joinery “Re-positioned, considerate design, principle of biophilic design. Connecting to the outdoors through material and light. Conventional but irregular. Fantastic finishing and detail to a high level.”
Best kitchen design – Bays Joinery “Fantastic connection with the overall project. An understanding of the environment and materials around.
Best 20k–40k kitchen – Custom Space Joinery
Perfect fit for the brief. Clear and easy to comprehend plans. A designer who got it.”
Best use of timber – Bays Joinery “This project used a perfect selection of timber to add to the environment. American White Oak veneer at its finest.”
Best door or window – Waimea West Joinery “An architect’s whim turned into a beautiful installation. More art than a door. A door that invites from the outside but secures from within.”
Best 20k–40k kitchen – Custom Space Joinery “A kitchen that utilised natural materials and timbers but stayed true to the budget. A lovely space that satisfied the brief. This kitchen is truly the hub of the home.”
Supreme Winner – Bays Joinery
Below: Phil and Isaak.
Phil Agnew of Decade Homes will be downing tools this month to judge the ‘best of the best’ in the Master Joiners 2021 National Joinery and Design Awards. Decade Homes is a family affair, involving Master Craftsman, Phil, his wife Maree who is the Creative Director, and their son Isaak who is the builder and craftsman.
After losing their home in the Christchurch earthquakes Phil and Maree moved to Nelson where they have discovered a lifestyle they love and built a business they are passionate about. Undertaking a number of contemporary transformations of heritage homes using only sustainable materials, they have an outstanding reputation for quality restoration projects. Decade Homes are nearing the completion of a Nelson historic church-to-residence renovation which is very ‘Grand Designs’. An amazing restoration project, it commands presence and beauty which brings a unique balance of modern and tradition to the local community. The family dynamic at Decade Homes is a strong one. Maree, alongside the client, collaborates with practicality and vision and Phil and Isaak bring these visions to life. At their Platform Gallery Showroom/workshop in Founders Heritage Park they also provide customers with handcrafted bespoke joinery and furniture, made to order, and shipped all over New Zealand.
Phil began his career as a joiner apprentice in the 1970’s with a traditional joinery company that gave him a solid grounding in his craft with wooden joinery. This extensive knowledge and experience has resulted in him being a highly respected master craftsman.
Sharing his knowledge and expertise has always been a priority for Phil and in the eighties he started tutoring at Ara Institute of Technology, teaching joinery, furniture making, woodturning, architectural drafting and CAD design, before moving to a role of Executive Director in Business and Development.
Phil has also been actively involved with Workskills NZ, representing NZ four times in the International Workskill Competitions (unofficially known as the ‘Trade Olympics’) travelling with teams of top New Zealand joinery students and was honoured to be chosen as a Deputy Chief International Judge.
A long-time member of Master Joiners, Phil is the vice president of the local Nelson Association and is staunchly supportive of his fellow craftsmen, both here in Nelson and throughout the country. “It’s a real honour to have been selected to be on the national judging panel this year and I am excited to have the opportunity to see the latest innovative entries and to catch up with a few good mates, too.”
It’s feijoa season!
The best way to eat feijoas is fresh and in season. They are great in baking and preserves, high fibre, rich in vitamin C, with folic acid, magnesium and potassium, and they taste great!
The Veggie Guy
Strawbridge Square, Stoke (next to Squires Cafe) Open Mon-Fri, 8am–6pm, Sat 8am–4pm theveggieguy.co.nz
We sell sleep!
Talk to Nelson Beds before you buy your next bed. Quality beds made right here in Nelson at prices you won’t believe.
Nelson Beds
59 Quarantine Rd, Nelson nelsonbeds.co.nz
Boots for all occasions
A boot for every foot, for every job and for every trip. Outpost Supplies have an extensive range of safety boots, tramping boots, gumboots and kids boots including the ever popular Ridgeline and Redband brands.
Outpost Supplies
53 Quarantine Rd, Nelson outpostsupplies.co.nz Ultra-compact portable wifi speaker
Pulse Flex is a game-changing 2-way speaker that delivers the best of performance and portability. Mount a pair in a large room for a full stereo sound field, hide one on a bookshelf, take one out to the patio, or throw one in your bag for a picnic. $699
Beggs Music Works
264 Hardy St, Nelson | beggsmusic.co.nz
Join the sock knitting revolution
They’re fun to knit with Cruella’s beautiful yarns, make great gifts, and just so you know, it’s a wee bit addictive. Find Cruellas at their temporary location for the months of April and May.
Cruellas
149/151 Hardy St, Nelson (was KB’s Bakery) cruellas.co.nz
Build a backyard cabin
A rustic style shed is perfect for so many uses and any buildings under 30 square metres no longer need a council approved building consent. Easy.
Allwood Sheds
15 Gladstone Rd, Richmond Ph: 03 547 7026 allwoodsheds.co.nz Deliciously healthy, locally made
Organic honeygar – made from a combination of Goulter’s organic apple cider vinegar and manuka honey. Raw, unfiltered, unpasteurised and pure and natural. Available at New World, Park n Save, and organic stores.
Goulter’s – The vinegar people
122 Tahunanui Dr, Nelson Order online at vinegarpower.co.nz
My home
TESSA JAINE
A love of preloved furniture and keeping things fresh is the inspiration behind Cherie and Nick’s country home in Mahana. With its quiet setting, Cherie tells Nelson Magazine it’s the perfect place to contemplate life.
Who lives here? My husband Nick and I moved from Richmond to this 1940s built home in Mahana, with our three children. Now that they have flown the nest, it is just the two of us. We have been living here for 14 years.
How would you describe your home? Rustic with a modern twist. What inspired this look? A genuine love for preloved furniture, bits and bobs and re-worked vintage.
What do you love about the neighbourhood where you live? We live in the country which is a beautiful setting, surrounded by the sounds of animals and bird life.
What’s your favourite spot in the house? The deck. It’s a beautiful place to sit and contemplate things with a nice glass of gin.
Where do you shop for homewares? Re-store, Kmart, Mapua stores and secondhand shops. I enjoy finding items that are unique and interesting, which are valuable to me and that tell a story.
What piece would you never part with? An amazing set of lockers from a bowling club which I paid around $120 for at an auction house. I love this piece of furniture. They have wheels on them, so they are easy to move when I’m feeling inspired to change things around.
What’s next on your interiors list? I would like a utility room that has shelving to cater for large kitchen and laundry items.
Have you done any renovations? Over the past 14 years Nick and I have completed a series of renovations over time. We have renovated both en suite bathrooms, and the main bathroom and kitchen, painted walls and knocked down a wall. Added double glazing, bifold doors and re-cladded lineage. The footprint is still the same except for some new decking.
Top left: A picture of Queen Elizabeth from a second hand shop hangs on the lounge wall. Above: A self portrait of Cherie's son Carwyn. Middle: Cross stitch pictures collected from second hand shops decorate the spare bedroom. Right: Lockers on wheels recycled from a bowling club make them easy to move when Cherie decides to change furniture around.
Best seat in the house?
This would have to be my open plan seating area and deck. Both areas get a nice fresh breeze and are perfect for entertaining. I enjoy the way the areas can be rearranged for different seasons and different social occasions.
Any tips on how to keep your living area orderly? None. I love a lived in feel. Hosting social gatherings or special occasions, gives me inspiration and motivation to ensure it looks nice and orderly.
If you had a day to refresh your home what would you do? I would love to spend my day moving my furniture around.
Did any of your purchases cause a debate? My husband doesn’t have much input in the furniture decisions. He lets me go for it. I have free license to move things around and change furniture or bring in new items to use or display.
Best budget tip? Do not be afraid to buy second hand. Take the time to look around. Be brave and take a risk.
Best memory in your house? Any social occasions where it includes my family and friends.
Above: The outdoor deck is perfect for entertaining. A corner in the house where Cherie and Nick enjoy reading and listening to music.
When historic meets modern
Exterior: CLICK HOMES Interior: LUME DESIGN
One can only imagine the sense of pride that the original owners felt as they crossed the threshold of their newly built 90m2 villa back in the early 1900’s. Fast forward 110 years and two major renovations later, and the current owners are likely feeling the same way.
Last year, the second stage of this home renovation project was completed and keeping true to the heritage of the home dictated the style that was to be developed further.
The original refurbishment was done in 2007 by local builder, Ian Fenemor from BUILDRIGHT, and they were delighted to be invited back to work on the second stage, the goal of which was to achieve a traditional, timeless residence that embraces the past and endures the future. Being approached by the owners to complete the second renovation project was incredibly exciting for BUILDRIGHT owners, Ian and Petrina.
Before
Ian Fenemor
“It always feels good to finish a project knowing that you have helped create a home that people love, and the ultimate acknowledgment comes when they ask you to work on their next build.”
It was Ian’s excellent workmanship, relatability, and attitude to building that gave them the confidence to once again contract BUILDRIGHT for their project.
Wanting to keep the heritage of the original villa and to keep it consistent throughout, the owners had a rough idea of the layout they wanted. Ian helped them to formulate that, and with the architect, they came up with a set of plans that ticked all the boxes.
Architect Andrew Stephenson, co-owner of Bell Stephenson Architects, says they inherited the original drawings from another architect which they adapted for the project.
“It was a matter of staying with the language that was already created and utilising what was already there, that would make the most of the new spaces they needed.”
Plumbing Services Ltd
Prior to starting, professional advice was sought by the owners, collaborating with Christchurch based interior design company, Lume Design. Having worked with Lume Design before, they were confident that they would create an elegant, stylish interior design that worked in with their personality and lifestyle. “They did a fabulous job designing the kitchen and scullery; it’s amazing and very functional. We entertain a lot of guests, so it’s set up really well for that.” With 36 years of building experience in the Tasman region, Ian has undertaken many successful projects. Asked if he prefers major renovations like this one, or new build projects, he says he loves them both. “With new builds, you get to work with a blank canvas. There’s nothing quite like envisioning the completed home and bringing clients dreams to reality. Renovations are just as exciting, providing an opportunity to fit new to old and to see our clients’ visions of how their home can come to life.”
The key to any successful project is choosing the right people, and Ian has a trusted team of tradespeople who work with him on every project, interchanging when the distance of the build calls for the practicality of using locally based firms. When you build your support network for any renovation or new build, Ian says it’s important to recognise the most important team members — your clients. “We were incredibly lucky to have a very hands-on owner in this renovation, and they actually took on the completion of the kitchen in their home.”
Having worked with the family before, re-establishing trust and communication was easy and that definitely made the whole process much simpler. The owners good understanding of building practice, practical knowledge, and a clear vision of what they hoped to achieve allowed them to build on their previous rapport and deal with any issues that arose. As well as creating a stunning kitchen, the owners helped Ian to create the wainscoting — the decorative panelling that adorns the walls. Originally used as insulation and to prevent damage in older homes, it has been used in this home as a beautiful decorative feature and is also a nod to the original heritage of the home. Similarly, the wraparound verandah stays true to the theme of colonial architecture — the ultimate goal of the builders, owners and architects.
Looking for the right builder for you? Looking for the right builder for you?
For a quality Nelson Tasman builder and access to the peace of mind of the Master Build For a quality Nelson Tasman builder and access to the peace of mind of the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, choose a Registered Master Builder. 10-Year Guarantee, choose a Registered Master Builder.
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For more information and builder contact details visit: For more information masterbuilder.org.nz/checkyourbuilder and builder contact details visit:
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When work started on the bathroom, it soon became apparent that a complete rebuild of this area was required. “The bones of the bathroom, the plumbing and pipes were completely out of place for the new design. The best option was to strip it completely and rebuild that area from scratch.” And so, plans were adjusted to suit the new space. The family room is a relaxing, interactive space where the family spend most of their time, while the library is another favourite spot. Perfectly positioned to pick up the afternoon sun, and with its gas fire and traditional hearth, it provides a nice, quiet space for reading or relaxing. Regarded as a standout feature, the kitchen benchtop is a new product from Laminex Group called Laminam. It has a silky-smooth finish with a white marbled effect and is totally heat resistant, so both functional and beautiful.
Creating culinary masterpieces in this home comes with options — do you cook indoors or move outside to enjoy dining in the magnificent outdoor BBQ area? The outdoor space is likely to be the envy of any homeowner and is perfectly suited to this family who regularly entertain. Now resettled into their splendidly remodelled home, gratitude flows for the work that has been done to bring their dreams to life.
“BUILDRIGHT did a fantastic job and Ian’s attention to detail exceeded our expectations. The subtrades were excellent; they understood what we were trying to achieve. We were very happy with the outcome and BUILDRIGHT’s workmanship certainly made our job easier.”
Ian and the BUILDRIGHT team specialise in high-end projects from vast decking, new architectural home builds, extensive renovation/alteration projects through to light commercial. Many of these projects can be viewed on their website buildrightnelson.nz
Work out your workout
Words: Jess Murray
They say the early bird gets the worm…but sometimes it can be hard to leave the nest in the morning. Maybe you’re struggling to find the motivation for the gym (again) this week. It’s all about working out the workout that best fits you.
The Ministry of Health recommends two and a half hours of moderate (or one and a quarter of vigorous) physical activity spread throughout the week. So, Nelson Mag has come up with a variety of ways for you to hit your weekly move goal.
Splash!
Swimming is a great cardiovascular activity that works your whole body. If you’re heading to a pool, a good starting point is three times a week for around 20 minutes. Naturally, it will be easier to get in the water during the warmer months, but indoor pools allow for year-round swimming. The best part? Exercise with no sweat!
Ready player one
Whilst it’s always great to exercise outdoors, we’re not going to pretend like lockdown didn’t happen last year. Using a fitness video game can be a fun way to switch it up. Games like Just Dance, Wii Fit and Nike+ Kinect Training. Not to mention it can be an inclusive, hilarious way to get the whole family moving indoors.
The greatest showman
It may not be possible for everyone to run away to the circus. But there is a way to live out your Cirque du Soleil fantasy — ariels arts classes. Whether you opt for silks, hoop or the trapeze, these are all full body workouts that will build strength in your arms, shoulders, upper body and core.
Fight club
Fitness boxing is a great way to punch out your weekly recommended physical activity, without having to take the hits from an opponent like in traditional boxing. It improves endurance, strength, gets your heart going and not to mention there is the hidden benefit of learning some form of self-defence.
