The Weekend Lifestyler, August 28th 2020

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August 28 2020

Kaipara counting the Covid cost P3

Artists plan renaissance P5

Bouquets from Swiss roots Weaving strands of creativity P6

Originally from Switzerland, Martina Tschirky established Flowerpower Northland as a way to see her dream of becoming a florist come to fruition. Having been involved in creating bouquets and floral arrangements from her personal gardens during the years, both in Mangawhai and Great Barrier Island, Martina strives to present people with the freshest flower displays. Weddings, funerals and everyday floral bouquets are just some of the creations Martina prepares for her customers. She personally sources flowers from the See story on page 12 ‌ Auckland flower auctions to ensure freshness.

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August 28 2020 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER

THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER IS PUBLISHED WITH PRIDE BY INTEGRITY COMMUNITY MEDIA, A PRIVATELY OWNED KAIPARA COMPANY. Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville Editor: Deb Wright | 021 639 696 Journalists: 0800 466 793 | Andy Bryenton | Liz Clark | Ann van Engelen Marketing: Betty Willetts 027 525 8197 | John Pickworth 027 525 8189 | Andy Bryenton 021 439 947 Creative Director: Jessica Keesing Design Team: Sacha Freeman | Gavin Bainbridge | Kelsey Hansen Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz Printed by: NZME

Print run 9,658. Distributed on Friday to every residential and rural home throughout the district including Mangawhai, Dargaville, Ruawai, Paparoa, Matakohe, Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka and Wellsford.

Clock ticking for arts support u by Andy Bryenton

The Kaipara District Council has advised that only a few days remain for community groups and organisations to apply for funding to help promote the arts in our towns. The latest round of Creative Communities funding applications closed at the end of the business day on Monday, and many worthy applicants may have mistaken the date due to Covid disruption.

Matt King Northland MP Meet Matt your local MP I’m here to help you I’m here to represent you in the electorate and in Parliament. Please phone my office to make an appointment. 09 407 7219 @ Northland@parliament.govt.nz fb.com/mattkingmp p Te Kopuru School’s Matariki feast and arts programme was boosted by Creative Communities funding; your artistic community project could be too Authorised by Matt King, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

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“The Creative Communities Scheme provides funding for communities to be involved in local arts activities,” says KDC’s arts spokesperson. “The funding supports a wide range of arts’ projects which meet one or more of the following criteria: the project will create opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in local arts activities, support the diverse artistic, cultural traditions of local communities, or will enable young people (under 18) to engage with and participate in the arts.” That’s a broad umbrella covering a variety of creative projects. Examples of previous grants recipients include Te Kopuru School, for their Matariki celebrations, a town mural in Paparoa by artist Topaz Johnson, the Northland Photography Awards, and many more. 2019/2020 round two funds totalled more than $12,000, boosting the visibility of local art and creating more

interesting community spaces and educational opportunities. If you or an organisation you are involved with are keen to promote the arts, or you have an artistic vision to beautify some area of your local environment, this could be the opportunity that puts plans into motion. The council encourages applicants to think outside the square, as Creative Communities covers a wide range of artistic expression and many media. Once all applications are received, a meeting will be held to appraise them according to the criteria given above, and funding will be disbursed accordingly. Those who wish to apply should not be disheartened by the short time left available. The application form is available online at kaipara.govt.nz/ residents/community-funding/creativecommunities-scheme-arts-funding, and there’s no idea too big or small. ¢

Daffodil Day dates changed Browse the Kaipara Lifestyler and the Weekend Lifestyler online FOR FREE. With handy links to all our advertisers websites to help you shop local!

The group of generous locals who take charge of Daffodil Day charitable events in the Mangawhai Community has made necessary changes to the timing of certain fundraisers to take account of the recent Covid emergency measures. “Because of the restrictions on events under Covid two levels we have decided to postpone the following planned events,” says

Paulette Phillis. “We will now run our popular tavern quiz night on Tuesday, September 8, with our planned ‘fish and chip lunch’ at the Mangawhai Club put back to Thursday, September 10.” The organisers apologise for any inconvenience and hope that all those who planned to attend will be able to enjoy both events on their new dates.


THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER August 28 2020

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Kaipara counting the Covid cost u by Paul Campbell

As Auckland wrestles to the prospective end of level three lockdown at the end of the weekend, Kaipara and Northland business and trade is counting the cost of isolation from the rest of the country. Hard hit has been tourist businesses where the Auckland barrier has severely restricted the flow of visitors to the region. General manager and curator of The Kauri Museum, Dr Tracey Wedge, says the museum recorded 65 visitors on the day before Auckland’s lockdown. “The following Friday, we had nine people through the door, and last Tuesday, we had one person arrive. That makes it pretty tricky as we rely on our visitors and shop sales. While we would have Northland visitors, it seems that people do not travel nearly as much in level two. “People traditionally drive to us from all over the country. We are a long way away from any airports — we’re a destination museum in the country. It’s really quite a challenge for us to keep the doors open.” Dr Wedge added that the business side of the attraction, fortunately, had some fallback under the government’s Strategic Tourism Protection Programme, which provided some operational funding, but the lack of tourist traffic made “budgeting a difficult exercise.” Kaipara Mayor Jason Smith says the flow of people and goods in Kaipara and wider Northland had been hit hard, although some freight had been getting through. An added impact came from Auckland suppliers having to close and building companies with projects on both sides of the Auckland border were also badly impacted. “Our economic geography means most of our trade goes into and

p Kaipara Mayor Dr Jason Smith is working to ensure that supply chains are reconnected and that in the worst case scenario of a further Covid event, Northland is kept economically ‘plugged in’

out of Auckland rather than out the other side. We have had workers laid off all across Northland because the supply chains are disrupted,” Dr Smith said. He welcomed one relaxation from the Ministry of Health, to make movement across the boundary more workable for businesses and service providers. From August 23, people could transit

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August 28 2020 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER

Matt King

MP for Northland I’m here to help you Email northland@parliament.govt.nz Phone 09 407 7219 Office 93 Kerikeri Road See what I’ve been up to facebook.com/mattkingmp mattking.national.org.nz

Matt King MP for Northland

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I’m your local MP and I’m here to help My job is to advocate for you in the electorate and represent Northlanders in Parliament. Please get in touch with my office to make an appointment. 09 407 7219 @ northland@parliament.govt.nz mattkingmp Authorised by Matt King MP, 93 Kerikeri Road, Northland

Authorised by Matt King, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.


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THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER August 28 2020

Artists plan renaissance u by Andy Bryenton

Creativity and artistic expression are back on the ‘menu’ as the Mangawhai Artists return to their primary passion, sharing the work of local creative people with the public. Two exhibitions are in the works to kickstart a spring of artworks after the discontenting ‘winter of Covid’. A member’s exhibition starting today, August 27, will display works by many of the eclectic band of talented local artists, with a more focussed duo exhibition to follow. All are invited to the opening at 6pm, as new works grace the walls of the Mangawhai Artists’ Moir Street gallery. Unear thed (September 10– September 23) follows on from this local renaissance, and features works by visual artist Laura Worrall and ceramic artist Mike Hooton. Laura works from her studio overlooking the picturesque Kaipara Harbour, as a selftaught artist working predominantly in portraiture. “Growing up in a family of artists, every room was adorned with paintings and sketches, and that made the idea of becoming an artist an attainable goal,” she says, and now her ability to weave stories and hidden meaning into her work has come to full fruition. Painting primarily in oils, she also enjoys working in watercolour, charcoal and chalk pastel. She has also been exploring printmaking, particularly solar etching as this allows her detailed drawings to be executed closely to the original. Laura and partner Mike Hooton of Magpie Pottery Studio often collaborate on ceramic artworks, and this exhibition showcases some of these works along with their individual collections. Mike took his first class

p Artists unite — form, function and fantasy blend as the Mangawhai Artists stage a creative comeback for spring, featuring Laura Worrall and Mike Hooton with their own solo exhibition

when he was sixteen years old and thirty years later he is still playing in mud! He loves the chemistry involved in making all of his own glazes. Mike creates functional ware supplied to several boutique stores across New Zealand. Though the majority of his pieces are thrown on the wheel, recently he has been immersing himself back into hand-built sculptural pieces.

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For this exhibition, Mike has created a body of work reflecting his other passion, mycology, where he explores the fascinating world of fungi and both the history and current integration

within cultures. Unearthed explores the connection to our natural surroundings and its beneficial influences through oil paintings, intaglio prints, sculptural ceramics and functional stoneware. ¢

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p Not just an artist in the visual medium, Heather plays with bluegrass inspired band Hot Diggity when she’s not engaged with more tactile creative endeavours

Weaving strands of creativity u by Andy Bryenton

The name Heather Carrigan is known to many in the Kaipara thanks to her work in the arts; as a musician, a wearable arts awards winner, a regular exhibitor and proponent of Dargaville Muddy Waters Gallery, and also as a notable weaver in the medium of flax. However, this prolific creator is not just involved with art for art’s sake, as her latest venture in sharing knowledge shows. Heather’s new endeavour, the Flax Floristry School, is the first of its kind, and it’s found an enthusiastic base of students already. The roots of this innovative concept go deeper, all the way back to Heather’s earliest employment, and follow a path through to her discovery of flax and fibre artisanship, culture and history. “I had wanted to be a hairdresser when in high school,” says Heather. “Living in the small town of Tuakau, there was only one salon and thus no opportunity. “There was an opening for work experience with a florist in Whangarei.” It was a natural fit for a person with an artist’s eye and an aptitude with plants, though sometimes emotionally draining. As Heather points out, people only come to florists at emotional times, like

weddings, birthdays, funerals and the like. There’s a lot of pressure to get it just so. Between this and the desire to downsize and spend more quality time with her son, Heather planned a move to rural Tangowahine, at the end of a dramatic country valley near Dargaville. The home she chose was being sold by Katie Tito, and rather than buyer and seller the two became friends. Katie was involved with growing flax, the traditional basis for many time-honoured Maori artistic and crafting practices, known in the north as korari or elsewhere as harakeke. Where some would have seen a row

of shrubs to landscape, Heather saw inspiration. “I tend to see resources where others might not,” she says. “So because I like to use what’s there, what’s available from nature and in our local environment, I saw that row of flax as something to create with.” Heather felt a resonance with the traditional uses for korari, which comes in many varieties and cultivars, each best suited to a different weaving or artistic pursuit. In preEuropean times, historians have discovered, different settlements established valuable resources of flax

I tend to see resources where others might not


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THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER August 28 2020

p A gift which outlasts conventional bouquets; flax is able to be used for so many unique and aesthetic purposes

p Heather’s wearable arts award winning creation shows another side to her artistic vision, capturing the fluid motion of the man o war jellyfish and its bright blues and purple coloration

I understood that this was not like crochet or sewing; there was a whole very important, nuanced cultural aspect to learning to create with korare.

to fulfil those separate needs. Some areas were famed for their cloak making materials, others for korari used for kete, while yet others excelled in cultivating hardy breeds used to make fibres. A bustling trade existed, binding neighbouring villages with ties of commerce. This deep cultural significance was apparent to Heather from the outset. “I understood that this was not like crochet or sewing; there was a whole very important, nuanced cultural aspect to learning to create with korari. I determined that as much as people were willing to share with me, I would learn.” It was at this time that Heather discovered The Hetet School of Maori Art online. Through this portal, and through establishing a rapport with

very highly respected artisan and artist Veranoa Hetet, Heather says she was able to learn the tikanga of her chosen craft in a way which made the cultural significance of the entire process central to its expression. There was another serendipitous meeting here, too, as Heather became friends with Veranoa’s older sister Lillian, the administrative mind behind bringing all that traditional and artistic weaving knowledge to the wider public. It was between these two micro business-focussed entrepreneurs that the concept of a flax floristry school was born; a natural extension for Heather after six years of acclaimed weaving work, wearable arts exposure, and even producing the raw materials for flax artisans. The durability, ease of transport, beauty and long-lasting

nature of floral flax creations means they make perfect gifts, and Heather’s knowledge of the florist’s trade means that she knows first-hand how practical and versatile flax floristry can be. It’s a gift that’s uniquely New Zealand as well, and one which is handmade to make the recipient feel cared about and thought about. “I want students of my classes to be empowered by the knowledge they gain, to apply elements and principles of design and create beautiful compositions,” says Heather. “There are approximately 50 students so far; people who are early adopters because they like the works they have seen or just because they have placed their trust in me as a teacher. Feedback from these students is very important to me.”

Heather says that her natural instincts as a teacher are to share and help others grow. Her ultimate aim; to find people who are even more skilled and creative than she is. “I want to open their florist’s eyes,” she says. “I think every teacher should hope to find, among their students, people with new ideas and people better than them, who will take their art to a new level and into the future. It’s up to me to give them that confidence.” Meanwhile, there’s plenty more art to be created for the sake of sheer enjoyment; more music with her bluegrass bandmates, more colourful compositions, and no doubt new endeavours as yet undreamed of. Helping others find their own creative path is another gift given by an artist who has a passion for sharing. ¢


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August 28 2020 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER

KidsCan nourishes children u by Ann van Engelen

To help ensure school is an even more secure environment this winter, KidsCan has given schools and students involved in the charity across the Kaipara district help with food, clothing and footwear. “Kiwis across the country are facing one of the toughest winters yet. The economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has really hit home,” says CEO Julie Chapman. “Schools we have surveyed reported more students are arriving without enough food or warm clothes. We are bracing for further hardship, with economists warning another wave of job cuts is starting to hit families.” KidsCan has distributed a record 211 tonnes of food this term to schools across New Zealand. That is a 40 per cent increase on term two. The charity supports children in 787 schools and 57 early childhood centres. Thirteen of these are in Kaipara. “Teachers are telling us that this is the toughest winter yet. Families have lost their homes as they can’t keep up with rent. Some are spending days without power and are sacrificing food to pay bills, which means more children are going to school hungry and cold, and that is deeply concerning,” says Julie. “KidsCan is supporting children with breakfast, snacks, lunch, raincoats, shoes and health items so they can focus on learning. This winter we are providing hot lunches including soups,

tortellini, butter chicken, beef chilli, chicken stroganoff and rice will keep children fuelled. “We need to do all we can to support vulnerable families through this crisis. It is incredibly stressful when you cannot provide enough for your children. Support at school is becoming more crucial — it may be the only hot meal children get a day. “We have also sent out thousands of fleece-lined jackets and solid shoes, so students make it to school warm and dry. No child should be sitting in class feeling hungry or cold.” As part of the KidsCan initiative, Tangowahine School established a Wednesday Warmer lunch for students. “We have started holding Wednesday Warmer lunch every week for our children thanks to KidsCan,” says school principal Huw Wainwright. “On Wednesday afternoons we have meals like chilli and rice or butter chicken available for anyone that wants something warm in their tummy. The children help make the selections of food each week. “This has been a new experience for them to have input. We are seeing different sides to their eating habits and to see how willing they are to take

p Children of all ages are also given shoes and warm jackets to ensure they are comfortable at school

risks trying new foods. The support KidsCan has given our students has been truly amazing. “They have carefully looked at the situation of many families in New Zealand and helped to make schools an even happier place. It is nice to

know the food is here with different scenarios happening to families in our area, no matter what the circumstances are, KidsCan has helped us help our families.” People can donate to help at KidsCan.org.nz. ¢

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THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER August 28 2020

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REAL ESTATE

Moving up, not out as market grows u by Andy Bryenton

Sometimes it’s misinformation, not imitation, that’s the sincerest form of flattery. When advertisements appeared in local publications seeking a new investment property manager for First National Roper and Jones, the possibility that this could mean incumbent professional Adrienne Astley was leaving prompted calls from customers. Far from it; the hard-working Dargaville property manager is not going anywhere. She says that with the market going up, the need to augment her team with fresh talent promoted the want ads. With more and more people asking for a complete rental investment purchase and management experience, Adrienne’s manager thought it best to double down on a winning formula. “I have gotten to the point where my work portfolio spans approximately 120 rental properties,” she says. “Alongside those seeking advice on how best to tenant and manage their rentals, I was increasingly fielding calls from those seeking some wisdom about how best to get into the market; where and what to buy.”

That led to the decision for Adrienne to follow-up six years of successful property management by gaining qualifications to sell real estate. Roper and Jones maintain two branches, in Dargaville and Maungaturoto, and she now divides her time between them, with a dedicated rental and investment property manager in each working alongside her. “People don’t just want to know about whether we will find them reliable tenants these days,” she says. “The market has changed and people’s expectations now encompass advice on regulations such as the forthcoming 2021 healthy homes initiative, and on where to buy to realise healthy capital gains over time. There has been a rise in extra-regional investment, where out

Roper & Jones

p Property manager Adrienne Astley is now part of a three-strong team managing a large portfolio of rental investments spanning Maungaturoto to Dargaville and beyond

of town investors seek secure, longterm tenancies as they build equity toward buying their own home.” Adrienne says that her success, and that of her new team, comes down to listening to what people want and coming up with smart solutions, based on local knowledge. That can be as simple as knowing which streets would appeal to an older retired couple as opposed to a young family, or as

complex as knowing which plumbers to call for an emergency at 4am in the morning. A rapport, and trust, go a long way. “In the end, I’m passionate about this area because it’s where my whanau are from,” says Adrienne. “I was born in Te Kopuru Hospital, I live on the West Coast, and I want to do the most I can to help others enjoy this great part of New Zealand.” ¢

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Our property manager Adrianne is moving up — not out! As the expert in Kaipara investment property management, Adrianne Astley is pleased to announce that she is now the leader of a dedicated team within First National Roper & Jones. This means: • More personal service • More expertise at your disposal • Greater efficiency • More trained staff in property management Added to this, Adrianne is now a fully-qualified real estate salesperson, meaning that her skills in investment property management are at your service when you wish to expand or start your rental portfolio. It’s all part of our commitment to growing the Kaipara region — and growing success for our clients!

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10 August 28 2020 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER

p Any garden no matter its size can grow sweet peas, from dwarf to mammoth varieties — the choices are endless

Sweet sensation u by Liz Clark

One of the garden classics soon to add to the spring colour carnival with added fragrance is the loveable sweet pea.

p From deep purples to bi-colours, rich reds and sparkling white — a colour carnival of sweet peas awaits

The sweet pea is a climbing annual tracing its ancestry back to 17thcentury Sicily. An Italian monk, Franciscus Cupani, sent some seeds to a botanist in Amsterdam, and by the 18th-century the plant was being commercially propagated. The first sweet pea variety had purple/maroon bi-coloured flowers, in the centuries since an explosion of colours and types has made it a firm favourite for the garden. First of all, sweet peas can be grown year-round providing permanent colour and fragrance even to the winter garden. Different varieties of sweet peas are planted at varying times of the year. The two most essential things for growing the plants are a sunny position and some type of support for them to climb on. Even an old bicycle wheel can be put to good use to grow your sweetpeas on. Another must, of course, is good drainage and lots of organic matter. Soil moisture is essential for active growth, mulch and keep well-watered during the drier summer months. Any sustained lack of moisture will cause the plants to set seed earlier than intended. To maintain flowering, cut the flowers often and take inside for colour and fragrance in the home.

Now spring is nearly here, thinking about planting seedlings should be done now. Keep in mind if you’re sowing seeds not to soak them, but plant instead directly into the soil or seed punnets. Your plants’ worst enemies at this time of the year are the slugs and snails.Use slug and snail pellets, use nontoxic bait if you have pets. Alternatively, you can take a torch out at night and remove them by hand. With so many varieties to choose from, making a choice can be difficult. For the Kaipara District, some of the best performers are the Dr Keith Hammett cultivars. Robust and prolific, these New Zealand developed types thrive in our, at times, challenging climate conditions. Varieties to look out for are Almost Black, Blue Shift, Chocolate Flake, Frilly Milly, High Scent, Solstice Crimson and Vaudeville. In the rest of the cultivar range available around local garden centres and online try Blue Ripple, Perfume Delight, Tickled Pink, Unwins Barry Dare and Unwins Royal Wedding. If you’ve never had sweet peas before, give them a try and bring a new spark of colour and fragrance to your outdoor living spaces. ¢

Soil moisture is essential for active growth, mulch and keep wellwatered during the drier summer months.

u The first sweet pea cultivars, initially from Sicily, Italy were further developed by growers in the Netherlands during the 18th century


THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER August 28 2020

Educating the east coast

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u by Andy Bryenton

Mangawhai was founded during the Victorian era, a time when social philosophy was all about the chance to better oneself through diligence and hard work. Education was seen as an important part of this, as a growing, technological empire needed keen minds to invent, trade, engineer and generate prosperity. That’s why it’s no surprise that Mangawhai has had a long association with education. The very first crown land sale grant in the settlement was made to a schoolteacher, Jane Liston, who was approved to immigrate to New Zealand in 1856 with the express purpose of starting a school. In those days, rules for a lady teacher were strict; even more tightlaced than in the times of fellow Kaipara resident Jane Mander, who would teach at Kaiwaka in the early 1900s before launching her literary career. Ms Liston (who married a Mr Skeen soon after arrival, thus securing Victorian-approved respectability) ran a private school, but the sum of roughly 10 cents a week for each student was hardly astronomical. Religious schools were common, as the churches of all denominations felt that education was part of their community work. A boarding school soon popped up in Hakaru, affiliated with the Anglican parsonage there, while another teacher named Barnett

was in league with the Presbyterian congregation. However, by 1870 the government’s new Department of Education saw fit to charter their own school, operating the state curriculum. It was built by 1872, in what is now the rural area inland from Mangawhai Village, on Lawrence Road. It was a central position in its day, close to river and harbour access and to the logging industry, but it wasn’t to stay there long. By 1892 it was known as ‘the bush school’ because the centre of town had moved, and bullock teams were engaged to drag the entire building to a new location in Tara Road. Later still the redoubtable old 1870s schoolhouse was moved again, to Browns Road in 1927. There it would have remained, but for the need for a centrepiece for Mangawahi’s growing historic village near the town’s museum. The final location for the much-travelled school is the focal point for a cluster of old historic buildings, where it’s utilised for a different educational purpose; showing people of the modern day

p The old Tara Road School, the first government school building in the Mangawhai area, dates from 150 years ago, and now forms the historic village centrepiece

how the old architecture of Mangawhai once appeared and how the pioneers here lived. Through 150 eventful years, this might be the most well-travelled schoolroom in New Zealand, (barring of course the Life Education Trust’s teaching bus).

Many people who would go on to be influential community members spent their early years inside those four walls learning the basics of reading and writing, in an era when a tablet was for chalk and dusters, and logging on meant milling kauri. ¢

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Ph: 09 439 7335

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12 August 28 2020 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER

p Martina Tschirky enjoys creating flower arrangements that have texture and flow as well as a subtle fragrance

Bouquets from Swiss roots u by Ann van Engelen

Flowerpower Northland owner Martina Tschirky found her way from Switzerland to New Zealand with the intent to live in a nuclear-free environment, and after a 10-year stint on Great Barrier Island, now calls Mangawhai home. “My husband, Pedro and I have lived here for more than 20 years now. I came to New Zealand in 1990 because the whole nuclear-free thing was important to me,” says Martina. “I was in my 20s, and the Chernobyl Power Plant disaster happened just 2,000km away from where I lived. As the first-known big nuclear fallout, it was not known what would happen next. It affected our crops and food supply and was really scary. “I had been considering immigrating earlier and chose New Zealand over Canada and Australia. I ended up on Great Barrier Island and met Pedro, a landscaper and also from Switzerland through another Swiss person. “We married and lived on the Barrier until our son needed to go to secondary school. In 1998 we came

to the mainland. We wanted to be on the east coast as it wasn’t too far to the Barrier, as we still had land there. We did summers there and winter here until we moved permanently in 2003. “I did flower photography on the island and had a beautiful garden, and then people started asking for flowers. I made wedding bouquets and flower arrangements but being a florist was a dream. “Once in Mangawhai, I decided to do floristry and based myself at home, part-time, for a few years as there wasn’t a big enough population for a shop. I had other jobs as well, such as college

sports coordinator, restaurant work and teaching adult education horticulture at NorthTec. I also taught yoga for three years and loved it. “Seven years ago, floristry became my full-time occupation alongside growing flowers and foliage. I wanted to become qualified and approached a florist in Whangarei. She took me on, and in the shop, the orders rolled in continuously and it significantly built my confidence. The training gave me more speed, and it made the career more real. I completed training through Primary ITO and got my certification.

Seven years ago, floristry became my full-time occupation


13

THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER August 28 2020

p Martina believes flowers lift people’s spirits and began working with flowers when she lived on Great Barrier Island after immigrating from Switzerland

p Incorporating homegrown flowers and making bouquets for weddings are two of Martina’s favourite aspects of her floristry career

Two of my favourite missions were when my son married — my daughter-in-law gave me the freedom to create the bouquets.

“I have successfully continued to work from home, and there isn’t a day that I don’t get orders. I go to the Auckland flower auctions at least once a week and attend the two Mangawhai markets on Saturdays with a friend running one stall for me. I have been at the library hall market for three years now and find when people meet you in person, it makes things more personal. “To me, it is important to have a design with texture, colour and a flower with a fragrance. It has to be moving and have a flow. I love doing weddings. They are really happy occasions and the icing on the cake. As a florist, you may create bouquets and decorate the place of ceremony and reception tables. When you see the delight on a bride’s face when you deliver the bouquet, it makes it all the more

worthwhile. Some brides cry, and you know you have hit the nail on the head. It is lovely knowing you have made their day that much more special. “Two of my favourite missions were when my son married — my daughterin-law gave me the freedom to create the bouquets. “She just wanted a lot of colour, and I was able to be really creative. The other was a huge wedding with eight large bouquets and 40 tables to decorate. It was a challenge and very exciting. For funerals, I try to reflect the person from information given to me to personalise the flowers. I recently made a coffin spray for a guy I knew. I used brown orchids and earthy colours because he was a landscaper and artist and they were his colours. The arrangement turned out amazing

and was him down to a T. Similar to a wedding — flowers must match each personality. My flowers usually last up to 10 days plus depending on what they are because I buy directly from the auction. They are home, in water and stored in a chiller a few hours later. If you buy flowers at a shop, put them straight into water in a cool low light spot. I recommend recutting the stem and changing the water every second or third day in summer. Not so much in winter. “Another trick is if flowers such as a rose start to droop, recut the stem and stand it in 30ml of freshly boiled water until the water has cooled to room temperature, then top up with cold water. This should give them a kick as it drives out the oxygen in the stem. My favourite part of floristry is making

people happy. I try to find the customer home for a delivery. It is always nice to see the smile on their face when flowers arrive. “Incorporating homegrown flowers is trendy now. I adjust my garden to the trends. Dahlias are popular again, so I grow them at present, but you never know what is going to come next season. “It is now common for people to buy their flowers weekly for the kitchen table. They are no longer just for birthdays, births and anniversaries. Ultimately flowers lift your spirits, that is a fact. “We are pleased we made the move. New Zealand is a very different lifestyle to Switzerland, and Mangawhai is different from Great Barrier Island. We are loving it here.” ¢


14 August 28 2020 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER

PUZZLE TIME

Jumbo crossword ACROSS 1 Surgical stitches (7) 4 Capital put into an enterprise (10) 9 Ready (7) 13 Bacon rasher edge (4) 14 Chirping insect (6) 15 Charge a liquid with gas (6) 16 Germ (7) 19 Causes for complaint (10) 20 Stiffness (8) 21 Finger by thumb (5) 24 Bell tower (6) 25 Grief (6) 27 Militia (4,5) 32 Soldiers’ accommodation (8) 33 Acute insufficiency (6) 34 Confidentiality (7) 38 Cosmetic renovation (8) 39 Radioactive element discovered by the Curies (6) 40 Defeat decisively (4) 41 Totted up (5) 42 Horizontal stair part (5) 45 Innocent, naïve, over-trustful people (5,2,3,4) 52 Outspoken (5) 55 Put on (5) 56 Nil (4) 57 Make dim (6) 58 Light gas (8) 61 Bringing up (7)

62 Huge people (6) 63 Court (8) 66 Excite pleasantly (9) 68 Astonished (6) 69 Blunted (6) 73 Card game (5) 74 Intrepid (8) 76 Bluish-green colour (10) 81 American grassland (7) 82 Old coin worth two shillings (6) 83 Bird enclosure (6) 84 Queen Elizabeth II’s daughter (4) 85 States categorically (7) 86 Pupil’s text (10) 87 Own up to (7) DOWN 1 Small branch (5) 2 Real (8) 3 Overly thin (6) 4 Fatuous (5) 5 Calf meat (4) 6 Bird (7) 7 Optical illusion (6) 8 Renowned (5) 10 Downfall (4) 11 Spouse (7) 12 Disease of dogs (6) 17 Checked and repaired (10) 18 Horse (5) 22 Enter unlawfully (8) 23 Paper quantity (5) 24 Helpful factor (7) 26 Killer whale (4) 28 Become too big for (7)

162

29 Building assembled from ready-made sections (6) 30 Affection (6) 31 Skin disorder (6) 33 Condescend (5) 35 TV accessory (5) 36 Peak of perfection (4) 37 Board game (4) 43 Decayed (6) 44 Boring tool (5) 46 Mimicked (4) 47 Self-centred person (7) 48 Violet antiseptic (6) 49 Grows weary (5) 50 Final (8) 51 Rehearsal (3,3) 52 Common parlance (10) 53 Sprockets (4) 54 Oil from flax plant (7) 59 Garden pest (5) 60 Upward slope (4) 64 Icy rain (5) 65 Coalition (8) 67 List in detail (7) 68 Store of weapons (7) 70 Planks (6) 71 Oddball (6) 72 Material (6) 75 Historical object (5) 77 Prompt (5) 78 Makes regular (5) 79 Closed hand (4) 80 Visible aura (4)

Sudoku

Previous crossword solution

ACROSS: 1 Shape, 4 Pipped at the post, 14 Gross, 15 Small, 16 Conspiracy, 17 Gouda, 19 Gel, 20 Heading, 21 Cinematic, 22 Yields, 25 Knowledge, 27 Keeper, 28 Swarms, 33 Commercial, 35 Arc, 36 Evoked, 37 Step, 39 Kid, 41 Disrobe, 42 Stucco, 43 Mousetrap, 44 Feeds, 45 Smallest, 50 Of, 51 Offender, 55 Nomad, 58 Rearrange, 59 Opaque, 60 Midwife, 61 Tar, 63 Writ, 64 Stable, 65 Oar, 66 Frightened, 68 Ghetto, 69 Crates, 71 Harboured, 76 Cobweb, 77 Sanctuary, 79 Slacken, 81 Rye, 84 Error, 85 Formulated, 86 Tabby, 87 Eases, 88 The back of beyond, 89 Beret. DOWN: 2 Hamlet, 3 Paled, 5 Iron, 6 Pushing, 8 4 6 5 7 4 8 7 Drivel, 8 Tiara, 9 Haywire, 10 Pigs, 11 Studio, 12 Tongs, 13 Useless, 14 Gallows, 18 2 Answerable, 23 Debit, 24 Reforms, 26 Numeral, 1 8 9 27 Kickoff, 29 Retired, 30 Podium, 31 Lance, 32 7 5 1 4 Rebuff, 34 Lots, 36 Edges, 38 Paper, 40 Fete, 9 3 1 45 Strew, 46 Avarice, 47 Lure, 48 Sonata, 49 8 1 2 5 Smite, 50 Odorous, 52 Faithfully, 53 Nowhere, 54 Eiffel, 55 Newborn, 56 Sabre, 57 Gulf, 62 6 3 9 2 Previous solution Limbs, 67 Stables, 68 Guarded, 70 Traffic, 72 Already, 73 Search, 74 Suburb, 75 Pebble, 76 3 8 4 2 6 5 7 1 9 7 5 2 4 1 9 6 3 8 Cease, 78 Curio, 80 Craze, 82 Crab, 83 Keen.

7

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Fill 3 the6grid2 so1that5every 8 column, every row and 8 4 9 3 6 7 every 3x3 box contains 7 digits 5 11 to99. 4 2 the

7 96 149 3 8 7 2 5 4 4 3 1 8 2 6 5 9 7 5 12 726 5 9 1 8 4 3 8 9 5 7 4 3 1 6 2 3 891 62638 91 57 24 43 78 56 6 7 4 8 9 1 2 55 437 6 3 8 9 2 1 2 8solution 5 6 7 3 9 4 1 Previous 9 1 3 4 2 5 6 7 8 4 3 7 2 8 9 1 6 5 1 9 8 5 3 6 4 2 7 5 2 6 All7puzzles 1 ©4The 8Puzzle3Company 9 www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz

5x5 P S S P E S T S

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A O A A R O M A

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E Previous solution

S T A L L

SEE THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE KAIPARA LIFESTYLER FOR THE SOLUTIONS

T I B I A

O T H E R

A L O N G

T E R S E


THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER August 28 2020

CLASSIFIEDS

PHONE 0800 466 793

Closing date for classified advertising for the 4 September 2020 edition is Wednesday 2 September 2020

FOR SALE

TRADES & SERVICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

30% OFF Winter wear at Fannons, 52 Victoria Street, Dargaville. All mens knitwear. All thermal wear. All ladies wear, fleece packs. All Possum Merino gloves. Merino skivvies and polos. All scarves. All PJ’s and nightshirts. While stocks last. Great ideas for Father’s Day. 09 439 8946.

WATER TANK Cleaning. Phone Pete 027 444 3053 or 09 405 9510.

ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — First Thursday of the month — 7.00–9.30pm, Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road, Dargaville. $2 entry, $2 raffle. Performers and audience welcome. Phone Allan 09 439 6933 or 021 439 697. An enjoyable night to be part of, or sit back and be entertained by some great local talent. POSTPONED till Level 1.

CARPET, VINYL and hard flooring. Full supply and installation service. Mobile showroom. Free measure and quote. Phone Christine — Kaipara Flooring Co 021 515 415. CHICKEN MANURE for sale in bulk or small lots - $20 cubic metre plus freight call 09 432 2444 or 027 476 5458. FIREWOOD, DRY hotmix of gum and cypress. In bulk, $90 per cubic metre delivered or bag, $15 each (30 kg onion bag). Phone or text Henry 021 734 906.

TREE SERVICES TREE REMOVAL, pruning, chipping & stump grinding. Qualified & Insured. Phone Scott 0800 468 9663 Arborcare Tree Maintenance.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Dargaville Bobcat Services Any job big or small. We do them ALL

WOOD CHIP for calf sheds (bone dry), $220 4 cubic metres delivered (Dargaville outer area to Pouto). Phone or text Henry 021 734 906.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS both Dargaville A-A Meetings are held at the church, crn Parore and Normanby Sts. Use Parore St entrance. Monday 4.30pm & Thursday 7.30pm. Phone Bernie 027 212 2148, Ladies 020 4082 1373, Murray 09 439 5248.

EVOLUTION, SCIENTIFIC impossibility. Observe the irreducible infinite complexity of cells???

• Stump & Tree Removal • Driveway Prep & Regrading • Post Hole Borer

• Calf Shed & Stockyard Cleaning • Tip Truck Available • Trencher

OTUREI MARAE AGM &

ORDINARY MEETING

Sunday 30th August

NURSERIES & PLANTS

Phone or Txt Paul

LANDSCAPING, SHELTER, reveg plants and more ready now. Got2Go plants, 55 West Coast Road Te Kopuru, 10 to 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday, 09 439 5556.

027 271 2022

10am Trustees AGM 11am Marae Committee AGM Followed by Ordinary Meeting & Shared Lunch.

SEPTIC TANK SERVICES

Naumai, Haere Mai

100 IT’S NOT A TARGET

EFFLUENT REMOVAL, just give us a call, we remove it all. ‘Magic Property Services’. Phone Chris 027 480 0110 or Mary 027 459 1544. 7 Days. WE ARE THE ONLY CODE COMPLIANT OPERATORS IN THE KAIPARA.

WORK WANTED

MAGIC PROPERTY Services, effluent & septic tank cleaning. Servicing the Kaipara. Phone Chris 027 480 0110 or Mary 027 459 1544. 7 Days. WE ARE THE ONLY CODE COMPLIANT OPERATORS IN THE KAIPARA.

N O RT H L A N D HEADSTONES

SMOKE ALARMS

Servicing all of Kaipara.

Save Lives

View our headstones at northlandheadstones.co.nz

PUBLIC NOTICES SUBJECT AND FORM TEACHER INTERVIEWS DARGAVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Wishes to invite parents/caregivers/whanau to our Subject & Form Teacher interviews on Thursday 10th September (1pm–7pm). You can book online at www.schoolinterviews.co.nz and use code: xbwrp Alternatively, you may contact the school office: 09 439 7229 office@darghigh.school.nz Please be aware that the school will be closed for instruction on Thursday 10th September (from 12pm) to enable these interviews to take place. We look forward to seeing you!

Northern Wairoa Cricket Club

AGM

Thursday 3rd September 2020 5.30pm Cricket Clubrooms Dargaville High School

WAYNE & ANNETTE Ph 09

FUNERAL SERVICES

CITIZENS ADVICE Bureau Dargaville & Districts AGM, Thursday 27 August, 2020, 1pm, 37 Hokianga Road. All past and present members welcome.

REHOMING HENS from Aoroa Poultry. Phone 022 363 7991. STALLION CALF feeder, excellent condition, 40 teat all new, heavy duty hitch, $600 or near offer. Phone 09 439 4863.

15

439 2020

Dry Aged Beef Specialists Traditional Manuka wood smoked Bacon & Ham

TOKATOKA

DA

RGAVILLE

WAIROA NORTHERN CLUB BOATININCG. ES

TA B L I S H E D

The Northern Wairoa Boating Club’s Annual General Meeting

1945

DRIVE PHONE FREE!

Will be held on Saturday the 19th September 2020 at 3pm at the Clubrooms, Totara Street, Dargaville. Nomination forms are available in the club rooms. Nominations close Friday 11th September at 5pm

SITUATIONS VACANT WE REQUIRE Ground Crew for our Whakapirau based helicopter operation, must have full clean drivers licence, phone 09 431 8590.

Please bring a plate. We look forward to seeing you all.

FULL TIME POSITION AVAILABLE

PUBLIC NOTICES

Varied duties, Tractor/ Machinery Operator - Mechanical skills and/or Class 5 license an advantage. Call Karl 027 493 2206

At the old church just up from the museum Bookings Advisable Adults $12, www.mangawhaimovies.com Kids under 15 $5 Due to Covid restrictions affecting the wider community there will be no movies shown until further notice.

SITUATIONS VACANT

Want to make a difference? At Property Brokers we’re committed to the provinces. We believe rural New Zealand is the cement that holds us together and are passionate about keeping these communities thriving. With our strategic partnership with Farmlands Co-operative we have a vacancy in Dargaville-Helensville and Whangarei for people truly committed to servicing Client and Shareholder Rural and Lifestyle property requirements. lf you are ready to make a difference in your career please send your CV to recruitment@pb.co.nz pb.co.nz Property Brokers Licensed REAA 2008

LITTLE WOMEN M

HARRIET PG13

Thursday 27th August 3.00pm

Saturday 5th September 4.00pm

KNIVES OUT M

LATE NIGHT M

Saturday 29th August 4.00pm

Thursday 10th September 3.00pm


16

August 28 2020 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER

Whether it’s your Car, Truck, Trailer or Tractor we have you covered. For all your WOF, COF, and Servicing needs including Tyres and Batteries.

READY FOR SPRING? Book in Today

768 Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Road, Kaiwaka Phone 09 431 2148 or agridustrial@gmail.com www.agridustrial.co.nz


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