The Weekend Lifestyler, August 25th 2023

August 25 2023

A dream come true

Growing up as a larger girl, Stephanie Schutt found throughout her life she was constantly bullied. After years of trauma and eventually hitting rock bottom, Stephanie decided to work on healing and empowering herself as a woman and mother of five sons. She recently entered the Mrs and Ms Aotearoa 2023 beauty pageant, where she placed first runner-up, took the Goodwill Ambassador crown and the Ms Congeniality title. This November, Stephanie will represent New Zealand in Dubai as Ms Woman of the Universe 2023 for Aotearoa.

continued on page 12 …

Photo courtesy of Kirsty Joy Photography

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Dramatic canine rescue

u by Amy Fifita

Recently, Raro, the dog, was saved by Rick and Angela Stolwerk after he became stranded at the base of a cliff following a Sunday walk with his dog sitters.

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“Our search and rescue squad was called to a dog in trouble between Langs Beach and Bream Bay,” Waipū Surf Lifesaving Club SAR coordinator Kath Manning said.

“Raro is a Rarotongan rescue dog. He was chasing birds and fell off a cliff and got stuck. He was being washed against the rocks with every surging wave and began struggling. The dog sitters who were with him were anxious for his wellbeing and called us.

“The call perplexed me at first because we don’t normally respond to animal

Angela and Rick are part of the emergency call-out squad and live nearby.

“Rick helps coordinate the search and rescue jobs with me and we were able to put his skills to the test and executed it perfectly,” says Kath.

“He has been a lifeguard for about 45 years and Angela for more than 30 years. They are both life members and highly experienced members of our team, and we are lucky to have them. He regularly does ocean swimming, even during the wintertime. He knows that area and was

rescues but we wanted to help. The rescue was for a community member, and Raro is their family member.

“We have done some marine animal rescues for dolphins and whales, but it was our first dog rescue. You hear about dogs getting stranded in floods on farms, but not usually from the water.”

The call-out was responded to by experienced SAR workers Rick and Angela Stolwerk.

“Raro was frightened and snarly, to begin with, but when I finally got the lifejacket on him, he relaxed and was happy for me to hold on to him through some dumpy waves,” WSLSC president Rick said.

well placed to respond in the water, and is an innovative thinker.

“It was good that the dog sitters didn’t get in to rescue him because there was a swell coming in, and it was a difficult area to access from land. He attached a child’s lifejacket and a rescue tube to Raro and swam him around the rocks and back to the safety of the waiting carers. Everyone was thankful that we were able to bring the dog back to safety.

“We are doing a search and rescue practice on August 27 with all of the Northland squads. If you see any action on Sunday afternoon, do not be worried, it is a practice. If anyone sees somebody in trouble, call 111.” ¢

p Rick Stolwerk rushed to the rescue of Raro, the dog, and back to the safety of his grateful carers

“We have done some marine animal rescues for dolphins and whales, but it was our first dog rescue”

To help community

u by Ann van Engelen

The Waipū Anglican Opportunity Shop was originally founded to support the work of the Anglican church in Bream Bay.

“The shop was set up to specifically pay the minister’s stipend in the 1970s and is today known to support other charities,” says op shop chairperson Sue Hancock.

“When the funding was no longer needed to pay the stipend, the decision was made to assist charitable organisations and individuals in Northland. I was a part of the church congregation and have chaired the op shop committee since 2019 and coordinate the store.

“I enjoy working with our volunteers and have met some interesting people coming through the shop. It is fascinating to hear about the lives people have and what they do. The money we

raise goes to good causes in the local community and is a form of outreach to the church.

“Each year, the op shop has made significant donations to support Northlanders. Some of the organisations we support include St John, the Northland Rescue Helicopter, the Waipū and Ruakākā Surf Lifesaving clubs, the Women’s Refuge and Linking Hands.

“On unusual or exceptional circumstances funding is given to outside of Northland. Exceptions would include Starship Children’s Hospital, the Heart Foundation and the Stroke Foundation which support Northlanders.

“National organisations may receive funding if they can demonstrate

that the donation is being applied to their Northland activities. We accept donations of clean, saleable clothes, bric-a-brac, books, puzzles, household linen and soft furnishings.

“Like many second-hand stores, we struggle with the volume of clothing. Most clothing donations are in good order and saleable, but some, unfortunately, is torn, stained or too worn to sell and is dumped at our cost.

“Fast fashion has seen massive amounts of poor quality fabric, manufactured at low cost to produce garments with a short life. We want dignity for people and appreciate our donations but need people to be aware that we need good quality goods.

Sometimes we get items picked up off the floor and thrown in a bag unwashed. It’s not nice for our volunteers to unpack, and just because people are struggling financially doesn’t mean we don’t have respect for them.

“Our volunteers are all community members and passionate for the shop to succeed. Many have a real eye and flare for clothes, and they have lots of fun. Occasionally, we have people new to the community join us as volunteers as it’s a great way for them to get to know people.

“We appreciate everyone who gives quality items and our volunteers. Helping our community is what we are all about.” ¢

p Waipū Anglican Op Shop volunteers Roz and Peggy enjoy their time at the store, meeting new people and serving the community

p The op shop is grateful for the items they receive that are clean and reusable

A robotic challenge

u by Amy Fifita

Bream Bay Kāhui Ako cross-school teacher

“I have been working at Bream Bay College on and off for 16 years doing a variety of jobs,” says Emma.

“Currently, I am a digital technologies teacher and also the across-schools teacher for our Kāhui Ako (Communities of Learning). Half of my job is working across all our schools and doing different events, and helping children transition between schools.

“I have been in Ruakākā for nine years but grew up in Whangārei. We live in paradise. It is a beautiful place to live, and the beach is a five-minute walk from our school. The community is small, and everyone knows everyone in a good and supportive way.”

This year’s Robocup competition is the fifth one the school has run.

“Often, what we do between schools is focussed on sport, and it is awesome to see different children compete and share their expertise in another area. Through events such as the RoboCup,

the children get to know each other, and it is lovely to be part of that.

“We ran it for year three up until year six and will run another one for years 7 to 13 later this year. There were two categories — a theatre competition and a maze race.

“Students prepared for the theatre competition in pairs or in groups of three to programme their robots to tell a story. This year, some groups did Goldilocks, a Harry Potter scene and a police car chase. It shows a different aspect of programming and creativity in creating sets.

“Aaron Bird and Tracey Barach from Channel Infrastructure came in to judge the theatre competition. It was great having them come in to have external judges. Parents were invited to the event.

“There was a maze-racing category too. Four identical mazes were set up, and they had to programme their robots to go through the maze.

“Bream Bay College senior students judged that by timing and counting the points for that. It helps students with problem-solving and is a strategic competition.

“Competitors are required to think logically and use spatial awareness to

get the robot through the maze. They have two minutes to get as far through the maze as possible.

“The children, parents and teachers loved it. It is always great seeing children come together. Although it was a competition, they all supported each other and worked together. It was a fun and challenging day, and good to see the students challenge themselves.”

Emma Scobie-Jennings organised the recent RoboCup Northland event in the region.

p One Tree Point School students Riley Antonievic, Jess Newey, Arya Setiawan and Drew Russell, received first place for their theatrical programming skills in RoboCup Northland

“It is always great seeing children come together”

Grandparents support each other

u by Ann van Engelen

Based out of Te Whai Community Trust, the Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren group was established three years ago to support people who have found themselves raising their children’s children.

“We meet on the third Thursday of every month, and it’s very much led by the grandparents themselves,” says Te Whai Community Trust social worker Anne Casey.

“The idea of the group came about by the community requesting help. Many had gone to the Grandparent Raising Grandchildren group but wanted something different. We refer people to GRG for extra support if needed.

“Grandparents raising their grandchildren come along when they can, depending on what’s going on at home or other commitments. It’s a group where they talk about what they want and get advice from other people who are experiencing or have experienced similar issues.

“Sue Poynter and I go along with Sue’s education background and my 30 years of experience in Social Services. We bring our experience as grandparents and the work we have done to offer extra support to the group.”

Attendees build friendships and the time provides an opportunity to break the daily routine.

“Being a grandparent raising your children’s children can be very isolating as there is often other issues involved. They often have to grapple with things

most of us have no idea of. The Family Court system, for one, has always been a traumatising process for various reasons, and that’s where my statutory background comes in as I worked in that system.

“We get a beautiful morning tea supplied by our local Zonta Club every month. It’s about bringing aroha to the group because they are special and are doing a fantastic job. Zonta loves making cakes, slices and sandwiches for the grandparents.

“It seems to be mostly grandmothers attending, and I’m in awe of the journey that these women have been on to help their grandchildren. It’s incredible, and often, these children have experienced significant emotional trauma before coming to live with them.

“Some are neurodiverse or have foetal alcohol syndrome, and it’s not the same as raising a child without those issues. The grandparents have their own issues, whether physical ability or financial burdens, with limited support from the benefit system.

“Some children lay in bed saying, ‘I love you so much, grandma, I’m glad I’m here with you’, which is beautiful. The beauty of the group is the different

Press release

Hon. Willow-Jean Prime MP for Northland

ages and stages of the people attending. They support each other and get told there is light at the end of the tunnel. The group is here so people don’t have to be on their own while navigating their way through the situation.

“Anyone who is raising their grandchildren is welcome to come along to the Te Whai Community Trust Cottage at 73 Moir Street, Mangawhai. They can call 09 431 3459 for more information.” ¢

SH1 upgrades between Warkworth and Whangārei welcomed

MP for Northland Hon. Willow-Jean Prime today welcomed the Government’s decision to prioritise the upgrades to State Highway 1 between Warkworth to Whangārei.

The projects were identified in the draft Government Policy Statement that was released today, which sets out Government investment intentions for priority transport routes across the country.

This includes upgrading three sections of State Highway 1 to build greater resilience into the network –Te Hana to the Brynderwyns, followed by the Warkworth to Wellsford section, and lastly Whangārei to the Brynderwyns.

“We’re focused on making sure we’re investing in the priorities of New Zealanders. To achieve our full potential as a country, we need fast progress on key transport infrastructure that will support our economic growth and improve productivity,” Willow-Jean Prime said.

“Strengthening this corridor will save lives while building greater network resilience. This investment will provide much needed support our growing population, tourism and economic growth in the area.

“It’s preventative approach so these upgrades will help prevent costly closures that arise from poor weather and crashes,” said Willow-Jean Prime. The Government is taking a staged approach and is making $300 million available over the next three years for Te Hana to Brynderwyns section, and $30 million for Warkworth to Wellsford.

“Across the country, 14 critical transport routes have been identified. They are a balanced mix of mass transit public transport and roads, which require work as a priority to reduce congestion, manage emissions, improve safety, grow the economy and open up areas for housing,” said Willow-Jean Prime.

Today’s announcement also includes record investment in land transport, which will enable a major boost to road maintenance.

These priorities add to the significant programme of transport projects that the Government is currently progressing work on, which in Northland includes large scale safety improvements to SH1, extension of the North Auckland rail line to Northport, and Otiria to Whangārei rail line upgrades, repairs to the Mangamuka Gorge.

Authorised by Willow-Jean Prime, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

p Sue Poynter and Anne Casey of Te Whai Community Trust encourage grandparents raising grandchildren to visit the monthly meet-up with others

Columns of flowering delight

u by Liz Clark

With the warmer weather just around the corner, the sowing of flowering spring annuals will be already underway — add the classic flowering stock to the collection.

Matthiola incana or stock is a member of the brassica family, hailing from Europe, where it thrives in cool, temperate climates, making it a classic for traditional cottage gardens. Grown from seed as an annual, the fragrant blooms add an attractive colourful spectrum of white, apricot, pink, bicoloured, lavender and purple brilliance, breaking the monotony of winter’s hangover.

Still, you don’t need to be Beatrix Potter to appreciate these stunners or necessarily have a traditional cottage garden, either. Contemporary gardens, too, can utilise these beauties to break the starkness of concrete paths and

otherwise featureless lawns into a burst of colour. There’s also the added bonus of having the perfect cut flower right on the doorstep to brighten up the decor. Florists prize stock for the sturdy, strong stems, longevity in the vase and sweet, spicy aroma.

Hybridisation has produced many colours and varying flower forms — the world is a gardener’s oyster when it comes to choice. Before deciding on colour schemes for the garden, plan out the beds first. Build them up with layers of compost and good topsoil or potting mix to provide a good, fertile, welldraining planting medium. Preparation and planning go hand in hand with a

fabulous garden once the stock has started blooming. Ensure the site chosen has full sun for most of the day. Stock will also tolerate partial shade but not full shade.

Sow stock seeds into trays using a high-quality, commercially available seed-raising medium and keep them moist but not damp. Since cultivars vary, follow the instructions on the seed packet to ensure things are done correctly. Pricking out should be done when the seedlings are large enough to handle without being damaged.

Transplant seedlings into small pots and grow them on until the roots are well established.

Before planting, check the spacing requirements for the particular variety chosen and then form the planting holes accordingly. Correctly spaced plants will ensure good air circulation and reduce competition for nutrients and root space.

Water the plants before removing them from their pots. The garden bed should also be watered before planting. Once planted, liquid feed regularly with a suitable fertiliser and keep well watered. The result will be a spectacular display of fragrant flowers and the buzzing of pollinators to wile away the warmer days to come. ¢

Volunteers help children learn

u by Ann van Engelen

Mangawhai resident Britt Bray can often be found putting her teaching skills to good use as she volunteers in the education department of the Mangawhai Museum.

“She’s a young teacher who volunteers to do all our school tours and other things,” says museum manager Thomas Long.

“Brit’s one of the most creative people I’ve met. She organises the new scavenger hunts and programmes for the kids who visit us every time. At present, we are trying to get her more volunteers to help. Last month, we recruited four teenagers, and they received training and a letter of recommendation to an employer after their time was up. It was a great success, and I’d love to do it again.”

Britt says when her family first moved to Mangawhai, she had preschool children, and they would often visit the museum as a family.

“We loved it so much, and when I saw the opportunity to use my skills to help by volunteering, I put my hand up,” she says.

“I love that being a teacher, you are making magic happen. You can help

the children visiting, whether it’s connecting the dots between the image of two people that look like a king and queen. It could actually be Mr and Mrs Wood, who Wood Street is named after. They learn that maybe one day, if you do something special, a town may name a street after you.

“During the programme, when school groups come, I design a tour for them based on what they would like to see and learn. I make

worksheets that fit with what they want to get out of the visit and link it to what we have. We show them around and help them get the best out of their time with us.

“At present, we would love more volunteers. Anyone who is interested in crafting, working with children, has knowledge of Mangawhai or is interested in learning about the history of the area, we welcome to come along and have a chat to see if they fit. It really is a lot of fun.

“I believe everyone has something to give whether it is helping with craft or sharing knowledge of the fairy terns and their natural environment. Even people without a special skill set are valuable as helpers. It’s not just about history. Last year, we had an art exhibition with Mangawhai Beach

School so the children could see their one artwork on display, and they loved the experience.

“We have lots of fun things happening. If anyone is interested in volunteering, they can pop in to the museum at 191 Molesworth Drive or call me on 021 255 2320.” ¢

p Britt Bray is the lead volunteer at the education department at the Mangawhai Museum

“They learn that maybe one day, if you do something special, a town may name a street after you”

Raising Daffodil Day awareness

u by Ann van Engelen

The annual Daffodil Day appeal is Friday, August 25 and there is no doubt that we will see people out on the streets involved in various ways to collect funds for the Cancer Society.

Daffodil Day is the largest national fundraising day for cancer research, patient and family support and education in New Zealand.

Emma Gorrie, one of the head prefects at Bream Bay College, along with her school council, has set up a fundraising page for Daffodil Day.

“It would be much appreciated if people could donate to help those in need,” says Emma.

“I wanted to teach people about cancer because everyone has been affected by it, whether it’s someone with stage one or stage four cancer. My grandad had it and unfortunately died. I want people to know that there are expensive treatments that some people can’t afford, so Daffodil Day is important.

“I also think that people love talking, and a lot of people at school didn’t understand that Daffodil Day is to help the Cancer Society. My teacher and I had

a discussion, and we asked students if they knew what the appeal was for, and many didn’t realise.

“We want people to know it’s OK to donate, even if it’s just a little bit, because every little bit can help someone. We are also doing a coin trail on Friday, and members of the council are going to ask students if they have a gold coin and if they’d like to donate. They will get a ribbon, and the donation will go on our daffodil coin trail.

“Our goal is $300, but anything above it would be fantastic. Around towns across the country, there will be people out with buckets with people wearing daffodils or dressing up in yellow to raise awareness.”

Cancer impacts many in New Zealand, with a heart-breaking 71 people diagnosed daily. The Cancer Society is here to help and support people with cancer and their whānau.

“With community support, every dollar raised for Daffodil Day goes towards cancer care for patients and their whānau, education and awareness programmes, and lifesaving cancer research. Whatever it may be, your donations on Daffodil Day

help to ensure that the Cancer Society can continue to provide their vital support services so that no one faces cancer alone.”

To support the Bream Bay College Daffodil Day collection, go to daffodilday. org.nz/bream-bay-college. ¢

p Bream Bay College Daffodil Day fundraiser organisers Lila Mcevoy, Emma Gorrie, Nicole Botha and Nehana Griffiths

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Funding future breakthroughs

u by Andy Bryenton

Daffodil Day funding helps some of the finest medical minds push forward with research on how to beat cancer, and your donation will assist in this life-saving science.

Last year, $5.2 million was collected from the Daffodil Day appeal for research into cancer treatments. That is important because, unlike other illnesses, cancer is not defined by a single virus or a universally defined cause. There are many kinds of cancer requiring different kinds of treatment, and research is currently pushing forward the horizons of how all of these cancers can be beaten.

For example, some doctors are working on ways to target radiotherapy so it has fewer side effects. Radiation therapy is used in about half of all cancer treatments. Though it’s effective, it hits healthy parts of the body as well as cancers. A new method being pioneered now enables radiotherapy medicines to be sent directly to cancer cells in tiny doses, avoiding collateral damage. Trials have been ongoing in the US since 2020.

Other doctors are training patients’ immune systems with engineered

nanoparticles, making the same defences that help us fight colds and flu tackle cancer cells. This method stimulates the body to treat cancer cells as an infection and remove them. Researchers have shown that it can cure melanoma in mice, and humans are next.

Scientists battling ovarian and colonic cancers have also developed a new weapon. They have built tiny organic factories which pump out the immuneboosting substance interleukin-2. These factories are pinhead-sized and can be implanted directly on a tumour, causing it to shrink and vanish. Trials in 2022 showed real promise for this treatment.

Both of these concepts work by tricking the body into treating cancer cells as an infection, and this deception can be boosted, too. Researchers in the US have found a way to inject peptides into cancer cells, making the

immune system treat them as germs to be eliminated.

There are also doctors working hard on making currently effective drugs easier to use. Some chemotherapy drugs have harsh side effects, and much research is going into making them easier on

patients. Some drugs which would work well on cancer have been rejected due to their side effects. Still, some of these may be back in the oncologists’ arsenal, as research provides ways to switch off unintended interactions with healthy parts of the body.

p Research into new, advanced, more accurate and effective ways to combat cancer is ongoing, but it’s expensive; Daffodil Day funding helps Kiwi researchers keep working

A dream come true

u by Ann van Engelen Ruakākā

resident Stephanie Schutt recently placed as first runner-up in the Mrs and Ms Aotearoa beauty pageant and will be representing New Zealand in Dubai this coming November.

“I grew up in the Ruakākā area, and my dad was an ex-mechanic,” says Stephanie.

“Dad built hot rods, and mum was a caregiver/cleaner. I was one of eight children and went to Bream Bay College. I became a mum quite young with my oldest boy and am currently a solo mum with five sons, three with additional complex needs. I’ve been a single mum for almost nine years.”

my youngest three children, I hit rock bottom. I felt there was no turning back. Eventually, I took time for me taking a journey of empowering myself as a woman. Doing life on my own, I had to heal mentally, emotionally and physically to continue life in general.

more confident, to build resilience for what I had been through negatively in life.

Stephanie says growing up throughout her life as a bigger girl saw her constantly bullied.

“I was bullied throughout my school years, and it continued after school. In my whole environment, I was bullied. Growing up with that kind of trauma meant I continued to look for that lifestyle and tended to put myself in groups that were not good for me.

“When I became a solo mum for the second time to my ex-partner of

“I’ve worked full-time since being a mum in the healthcare sector with spinal and brain injury patients. My nana is who made me decide to get into that field. As a young mum, I had a natural instinct to care for others, and as I progressed, I became more in love with the job.

“My work has become a passion, and caring for people in need filled a void in my heart, and they became family to me.

“Four years ago, as part of my personal journey to get out of my comfort zone and empower myself, I did a photo shoot in Auckland with a photographer. I then worked to be stronger and

“The photos gave me a real self-esteem boost, and I continued to put myself out there. One day I did an empowerment photoshoot locally with Kirsty at Kirsty Joy Photography and starred in her women’s empowerment magazine.

“I continued to model and do collaborations with photographers and make-up artists and became happy in my own self and body. When I saw the advertisement for the Ms and Mrs Aotearoa 2023 pageant, I decided to take a leap of faith and applied. I was accepted not long after.”

Stephanie says the pageant was established to empower women.

“The whole journey is about making women feel great about themselves, getting out of their comfort zones and learning about ourselves. I travelled to

“The competition was fun, and we made amazing memories and friendships”

p Stephanie celebrating with her youngest sons Kordell and Kaizhan

Photo courtesy of Kirsty Joy Photography

Auckland every Saturday for training. We learned the catwalk, our opening dance and what the pageant is about, skin routines and how healthy it is to look after your body.

“We also met last year’s contestants who helped us. There were guidelines, exercises and dieticians because it’s about beauty, health and emerging as an appropriate woman. I definitely learned how to hold myself and how beauty is not just from the outside but also the inside.

“I learned things that I didn’t know were essential like — ‘if we’re not healthy, we can’t look after the people we need to in our lives’.

“The competition was fun, and we made amazing memories and friendships. We were opened up to a lot of other things, including more pageant opportunities.

“I won the first runner-up title, so I am going to Dubai to compete. I’m very excited to have the chance to explore outside of New Zealand. I’ve also been approached by a few sponsoring companies to promote their products

which give me income opportunities for the trip.

“Getting to know people outside of my circle and being more community oriented and involved with charities has been lovely. From my perspective as a person, I was very quiet. I was a mum, doing my thing with my kids and working really hard. It was difficult to get out and socially engage.

“The pageant opened a lot of social engagement doors for me to be the person I really am. My boys are ages 19, 17, 12, 10 and 9. The two younger sons are aware of what I am doing, but due to their cognitive impairment, they don’t understand but are very supportive. My eldest son is overseas, and my 17 and 12-year-olds, Orlando and Raiden, came to the pageant and loved it.

“Raiden hugged me after and said: ‘I am so proud you won your crown, but even if you didn’t win, I’m proud of what you achieved’.

“Taking out the Ms Aotearoa first runner-up makes me Ms Woman of the Universe 2023 because I chose to go international. I’m now raising funds to

get to the event in Dubai from November 5–12 this year.

“I have to raise $6,000 minimum to get there and also host a charity fundraiser by the first week of September. Half of the funds will go to Women’s Refuge, and the other half goes toward our trip. I’m very excited and have a few ideas of what I’ll do.

“I also won Ms Congeniality and the Crown of Goodwill Ambassador, which is given to a person that has done good on behalf of the pageant. Ms Congeniality is chosen by the other candidates based on how you treat everybody else.

“It was an adventure, and I’m definitely glad I did it. It was out of my comfort zone and depth. To get to the end and accomplish what I had set my mind to and achieve in front of all my guests was bigger to me than winning the crown.

“I learned to ask for help when I did my first charity event, a dinner for Whangārei Women’s Refuge, which raised $2,500. My sons helped with an amazing friend Linda from Wheku Design and a close friend Wayne.

“We had guest speakers and performers, local photographer KJ Halliday, health and wellbeing company Cbros from Auckland and Nikita Joel, a motivational speaker to empower women. Rachel Diamond from Whangārei sang some amazing songs, and the manager and staff from the Women’s Refuge Whangārei Te Puna O Te Aroha came and supported me.

“My boy Orlando is my wingman. I’m so grateful for his support. After all the bullying, building myself up as a woman, and being happy in my own skin and heart is a huge achievement in life. I’m thankful to everyone who has followed me on this journey and supported me this far.

“People can follow my Stephanie Schutt — Ms Aotearoa 1st runner up 2023 Facebook page to watch my journey and upcoming event details.

“It’s been one hell of a journey, and I’ve successfully accomplished what I dreamed of doing, something I never thought I would come across in the past, and it started with two photo shoots to empower myself.” ¢

“Four years ago, as part of my personal journey to get out of my comfort zone and empower myself, I did a photo shoot in Auckland with a photographer”

p Stephanie with the other Mrs and Ms Aotearoa 2023 pageant competitors

p Having an exercise programme was an important part of the event preparation

p Orlando and Raiden were at the pageant proudly supporting their mum

p Receiving the Ms Aotearoa 2023 first runner-up crown was a very proud moment for Stephanie

Blossoming strength in teens

u by Amy Fifita

Nurture Aotearoa founder Josie Gritten has organised the Girls’ Empowerment Retreat in Mangawhai on September 22 to 25 and is searching for sponsors.

“I am the eldest of four and remember being fascinated by my mother’s books about bodies,” says Josie.

“My mum trained as an active birth teacher when I was a teenager. She learnt about empowered birth, and we witnessed my mum’s home birth of our youngest sister. I grew up with many strong women around me.

“I began searching around my community for what I want my children to learn, and it wasn’t there, and I realised that I have the skills to do it.”

Josie is a photographer and birthing guide, runs women’s circles and is a menstrual advocate — teaching women about their cycle.

“There are times of the year when you can feel more creative or inclined to hibernate, and when you start recognising and living to those patterns, there is great strength.

“As a birth worker, I see gaps where women are not taught to use their voices. Women are not taught that they have choices, and to enable them to birth and step into their role as mothers in a powerful way, we

must nurture our voices and learn to speak out.

“Mental health rates are concerning in motherhood and young people, and I think the two are linked. During puberty and the beginning of your menstrual cycle is an important time to learn how to use your voice and step into a deeper understanding of yourself.

“When you understand yourself more, you can step into more powerful relationships and self-knowledge. You can then have greater compassion and be more mentally and physically secure in yourself in your family and community. I want to teach girls that they are strong, loved and powerful.

“I am reaching out to local youth with this retreat. Being a girl can be lonely. We are bombarded with images of how life should look, and our day-to-day reality is often different — it can be tricky to navigate.

“Who knows, if we empower and teach these girls, what the impact of that will be in the world? It is exciting and inspiring.

“My background is rich and varied, but it always brings me back to the growth of self, family and community. I passionately believe in my work, but many families are struggling financially.

I am seeking sponsors so I can offer free spaces for girls.”

For more information or to offer to become a sponsor contact Josie at josiegritten@gmail.com. ¢

CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 0800 466 793

p Josie Gritten is passionate about empowering women by teaching them about themselves and their bodies

p Josie has a vast background in working with women and is also a photographer, doula and menstrual advocate

PUZZLE TIME

Jumbo crossword

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Sutures, 4 Investment, 9 Prepare, 13 Rind, 14 Cicada, 15 Aerate, 16 Microbe, 19 Grievances, 20 Rigidity, 21 Index, 24 Belfry, 25 Sorrow, 27 Home guard, 32 Barracks, 33 Dearth, 34 Privacy, 38 Facelift, 39 Radium, 40 Rout, 41 Added, 42 Tread, 45 Babes in the wood, 52 Vocal, 55 Stage, 56 Zero, 57 Darken, 58 Hydrogen, 61 Rearing, 62 Giants, 63 Tribunal, 66 Titillate, 68 Amazed, 69 Dulled, 73 Poker, 74 Fearless, 76 Aquamarine, 81 Prairie, 82 Florin, 83 Aviary, 84 Anne, 85 Asserts, 86 Schoolbook, 87 Confess.

DOWN: 1 Sprig, 2 Tangible, 3 Skinny, 4 Inane, 5 Veal, 6 Sparrow, 7 Mirage, 8 Noted, 10 Ruin, 11 Partner, 12 Rabies, 17 Overhauled, 18 Steed, 22 Trespass, 23 Quire, 24 Benefit, 26 Orca, 28 Outgrow, 29 Prefab, 30 Warmth, 31 Eczema, 33 Deign, 35 Video, 36 Acme, 37 Ludo, 43 Rotted, 44 Auger, 46 Aped, 47 Egotist, 48 Iodine, 49 Tires, 50 Eventual, 51 Dry run, 52 Vernacular, 53 Cogs, 54 Linseed, 59 Snail, 60 Rise, 64 Sleet, 65 Alliance, 67 Itemise, 68 Arsenal, 70 Boards, 71 Weirdo, 72 Fabric, 75 Relic, 77 Quirk, 78 Evens, 79 Fist, 80 Halo.

Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.

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