The Weekend Lifestyler, May 5th, 2023

The brilliance of art

As an internationally renowned artist, Peter Panyoczki and his wife Tatjana call Kaiwaka home. As a three-year-old, Peter escaped from Budapest to Switzerland with his family after the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. He took up an interest in art

and has since become well-known across the world for his sophisticated art using real objects as he creates laconic metaphoric statements of the philosophical order. He says Tatjana is his biggest supporter and best critic.

continued on page 12 …

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS NEWS YOU CAN TRUST

Motorcycle riders unite

u by Ann van Engelen

Female motorcycle riders are invited to celebrate International Female Ride Day this Saturday, May 6, celebrating women riders around the world.

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“The day aims to empower and inspire women to ride motorcycles, to promote women’s visibility in the motorsport community, and to encourage woman ridership,” says rider Teresa Woolley.

“Female riders all over the world take to the streets, either alone or in groups, to show their love for motorcycles and to celebrate their passion for riding. It’s a day to break stereotypes, embrace diversity and promote the freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle.

“The Litas Auckland and Whangārei will be joining forces as we have done for the last six years at the Mangawhai Tavern, then heading to the iconic biker bar, the Puhoi Pub, for lunch.”

partners, friends or family, are welcome on our rides.

“We generally start at the Motorcycle Lab in Whangārei. They have been a big supporter of ours since the beginning and a great place to shop. This year marks the 17th anniversary of the International Female Ride Day, and it’s a great day to get out there and meet other like-minded women and just basically have a blast.

“This year, we are meeting the Auckland girls at the Mangawhai Tavern and then riding as a group to the iconic Puhoi Pub for lunch and catch up. I encourage anyone who has been wanting to get their licence to just go and do it.

The Litas mission is to inspire and empower women through community and their shared love of motorcycles — to live a life they love full of freedom and adventure.

“I was actually taking my husband to get his basic handling skills test done when the instructor said, ‘come on your turn, it’s now or never’, and I’ve never looked back. I started seeing advertisements for The Litas Whangārei and am part of the planning team.

“The Whangārei branch has been going for more than five years and has more than 60 members of all ages and from all walks of life, from the Far North to the Hibiscus Coast. It may be a women’s motorbike group, but the men in our lives, whether they be

“I’ve met so many awesome people since learning to ride, it’s a very social pastime, and you get to see so much of our beautiful countryside. Still, I have to say it, the roads up our way are shocking for motorbikes, we really have to keep our wits about us, but it’s all part of the fun at the end of the day.

“So, if you are keen to learn more about getting your licence, check out my fellow Litas’ FB page Roach BHST — Learner Motorcycle licence or our page, The Litas — Whangārei New Zealand. We are more than happy to help you get started.”

The Auckland group meet at Boric Food Market, while Whangārei riders meet at Motorcycle Lab 119 Dent Street, both at 9am, with stands up at 9.45am. ¢

p Female motorcycle riders are invited to join The Litas to celebrate the annual International Female Ride Day this Saturday

“I encourage anyone who has been wanting to get their licence to just go and do it”

Repairing track together

u by Ann van Engelen

Mangawhai Carters manager Duncan Mckenzie has been busy repairing storm damage to a walking track in the area he lives, thanks to the help of Te Arai Hire.

“Our special land is on the Mangawhai side of the Brynderwyns, and the residents here at The Sanctuary are the kaitiaki of the land,” says Duncan.

“We have a few walking tracks on the property, and residents enjoy pottering around and keeping them maintained. During the recent big rain, a big mataī and tānekaha tree slipped and cut the track off. The mataī is going to be OK, but the tānekaha was lying down, so we had to be very careful getting it off the hill.

“Mitch and Monique Fleming at Te Ārai gifted us the use of their small digger to do the job. They are such a community focussed couple and have

been brilliant with helping to clear roads and things throughout the storms.

“Mitch is a builder and decided to buy himself the equipment and machinery he needs on sites to get jobs done. They then decided to hire them out to other builders and people for the short time they need rather than them having a hefty hire bill elsewhere.

“I rang him when the original big storm hit, and I heard a slip had hit our friend Jacqui’s property, and I thought I could help her. Mitch was out voluntarily cleaning up other sites and sent a digger around immediately, but unfortunately, Jaqui’s house needed to be rebuilt.

“It was amazing that Mitch and Monique offered to help without knowing her from a bar of soap. Jacqui is wellknown in the area for trapping a lot of pest animals, which is really important in the conservation area. She had only been in her home a year and is rebuilding her life now, which is great.

“When this slip happened on the walking track, I called Mitch again, and he again donated the use of his digger and I collected it. I worked with another resident who is very active with the tracks, and we worked out what we needed to do to repair the damage.

“It was lovely being out in the bush recutting the track. Next, we will manhandle wheelbarrows full of metal for the top. We have a lot of aged residents here, and this track is a short 15-minute walk for those who ca’’t go right up the hill. It’s lovely having it fixed for them.

“The community really appreciates what we have here. Mitch and Monique are genuinely nice people with a young family. Mitch is a super top bloke who grew up around here and played rugby, too. It is fantastic having such supportive business people in our area.”

p Duncan Mckenzie clearing a walking track of slipped trees thanks to Te Arai Hire supplying the digger

Pasifika dance for girls

u by Ann van Engelen

Moka Fotu has been involved in Pasifika dance since she was a young girl and is now offering classes for girls aged 5–16 years old on a weekly basis at Waipū and Whangārei at Fale Pasifika Dance Academy.

“Our vision is to connect our youth to their cultural identity through dance and music,” says Moka.

“Fale Pasifika Dance Academy for girls sessions are at the Waipū Coronation Hall on Wednesdays and 22 Rust Avenue, Whangārei, on Fridays. Classes are absolutely free and run from 3.30pm to 5pm every week, and everyone is welcome. At present, the lessons are for girls ages 5–16, and we are hoping for a guy to step up and start lessons for boys. The guys’ dance is a totally different experience to the girls.

“We want girls to be able to come along and connect with our culture and meet other Polynesian kids.

“I have lived in Waipū for nearly seven years now. I am of Cook Island, Niuean descent and was born in New Zealand. I have danced in Cook Island groups since high school and travelled overseas performing. When I was 24 years old, we went to Spain for eight months and performed at PortAventura World, which is a Disney sister park. I have always had a passion for dance and have been

teaching our children items they perform at family functions.

“Recently, I gathered up all the young ones in our family and organised items for them to perform at my mum’s birthday. They had so much fun. My family also performed at the Waipū Easter Carnival and had a great time.

“There is a lot of hard work that goes into the practice, and the end result is always precious. It is quite emotional when you see the beauty of each

performance. Every dance is beautiful. My number one rule is that performers wear their smile. Any girl can do a dance, but your face is a picture that speaks a thousand words. When you are dancing you may make a mistake, but people won’t even notice if you are smiling, and when you are confident, your movements are very graceful.

“Sometimes you need to be graceful and strong at the same time with your actions and movements while engaging with whoever you are showing your culture to. Our motto is Mata Ki Luga, a Niuean phrase which means: ‘look up,

don’t look down, hold your head high and be proud of who you are. Whatever you do, aim high and do it to the best of your ability’.

“Dance builds confidence, and the Pasifika community love these dances. It gives girls something to come to and connect with each other while learning

this beautiful craft. Anyone can dance — it just takes listening to instruction, practice and passion. I would love to see our girls perform at community events and other functions, so that they can put into practice what they learn.”

For more information, phone Moka on 020 407 36574 or 09 430 2717. ¢

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Over the last 20 years the Kiwi dream has come a long way since the elusive quarter acre. That’s why we’re proud to still be able to provide a Kiwi solution for your first home, second home, a home where you need a bit more home, or even your home away from home.

We offer a range of plans from 60 to 250 square metres. These can be built straight from the plans, or we can use them as inspiration to create your own Kiwi dream.

p Jaylen, Khalea and Cairon Carson in their Pasifika performance costumes

“My number one rule is that performers wear their smile”

Reflecting on Anzac Day

April 25th this year and Anzac Day brought special memories across the nation, originally marking the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian troops, the Anzacs for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey in 1915.

Of course, more than a century has passed, and in those many years, conflicts have arisen in many corners of the globe. With this tragic turn have come many veterans and many significant losses, now encompassing our Anzac Day observances.

In the skies over Waipū, light aircraft marked observances in the ground, with their engines echoing in those of Royal New Zealand Air Force flypasts over major centres as the nation turned out in force to remember the fallen and salute the bravery of many services.

They marched in Hakaru, Waipū, Whangārei and Wellsford, at the

Matakohe Kauri Museum and many communities across Kaipara.

Among those observing this special day for our country were veterans of conflict and many younger people, an example of continued national pride in those who defend and have defended freedom.

So, while New Zealand stood to first observe Anzac Day in 1916 with processions, church services and public meetings attended by large crowds, in 1920, the Anzac Day Act made April 25 a public holiday, so it continues today and into the future.

p Wreaths of all sizes were placed in remembrance of those who lost their lives serving in various wars

p The Waipū Highland Pipe Band Waipū photos: Clive Craymer

An intimate space

u by Liz Clark

With increasingly smaller outdoor spaces available for the home garden, finding room can be challenging.

Still, it’s not impossible to incorporate a garden into a limited area. You can still have your paradise and enjoy it too.

Play with pots

If there’s a situation where there’s only concrete or no room for planting, then pots are the solution to a tricky problem. Choose pots that suit your aesthetics to match the vision you have for your garden. Many plant varieties can live happily in pots as long as you give them the right nutrients and regular care.

Dwarf fruit tree cultivars, such as apple, cherry, nectarine, peach and pear varieties, can be incorporated successfully into the outdoor space. Citrus trees, including orange, lime and mandarin, can also grow happily in a pot with few issues. If you love roses, use standards for a dramatic backdrop or a topiary bay tree for a more formal look. Alternatively, lowgrowing palms and shrubs are another option to go with or plant flowers to your heart’s content.

Go vertical

Vertical gardens have been in vogue for several years. These days options are many. It can be as simple as getting a wooden pallet and upcycling it into a useful vegetable or flower planter. Quite a few ideas are available on YouTube and Pinterest for inspiration. Ready-made vertical planters are also available if you’re after something more upmarket or in keeping with your vision. Use high-quality vegetable or flower mix potting soil for best results.

Relaxation space

A covered arbour may be the perfect solution if you have a sunny corner. Add a comfortable garden seat or lounger, a miniature water feature, ferns and perhaps a garden sculpture, and you have a peaceful getaway from life’s busy demands. It can also be utilised as a conversation corner with friends or family or just a ‘me’ space. If you go down this route, ensure you talk to the local council about building consent requirements and engage a licensed building practitioner to put up your new structure.

There are many ideas online for making the best use of a small outdoor space. If budgets allow it, talk to a local landscape designer about your requirements. ¢

Youth upskill talent

u by Ann van Engelen

It has been a busy few weeks for the Christian Surfers crew in Northland, attending a variety of events.

“The CS Groms youth group finished their term one programme with an amazing surf session at Waipū Cove beach on April 7,” says organiser Daniel Harrington.

“Groms is the name for a young upand-coming surfer, and our group is open to any kids in Northland. We had around 40 youths from Bream Bays youth attend and finish with shared hot chips on the beach. Leaders will be looking to run some fun events over winter before starting up again in term four. It was a success thanks to Zac Taylor, surf/skate leader, for all his hard work this term.

“Two weeks ago, the CS Northland crew served at the Aotearoa Surf Film Festival in Whangārei. They handed out 100 bags of popcorn to moviegoers to help them enjoy their movie experience. This is a great way for our surf community to connect and enjoy some amazing international short films.

“In the last week of the school holidays, the youth spent five days camping with CSALT leaders from Mount Maunganui at Langs Beach.”

CSALT stands for Christian Surfers Advanced Leadership Training. It is an internship programme for up-and-coming

CS leaders. Built within the ecosystem of Christian Surfers, the programme is designed for young surfers to develop their leadership skills, grow in their faith and serve practically on the ground in existing surfing communities.

“Leaders included top surfers and skateboarders from America, Switzerland, and New Zealand. The camp involved surfing, skating, swimming and other fun games and activities around the area. There was great feedback from parents saying campers had one of the best weeks of their lives. Ben and

Racheal Buckley and all the Leaders from the CSALT programme made the event a great success.

“On April 20, we held an annual potluck dinner catch-up to celebrate the completion of the Youth Skate Ramp with special guests from the CSALT camp in Mount Maunganui and national director Logan Mills.

“There were around 80–100 people in attendance, with youth testing out the new skate ramp under floodlights, playing basketball, table tennis and pool, and sharing a potluck dinner, thanks to Waipū ITM, Macsway Scaffolding and Glenn Mclean, who supplied materials for the project.”

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p The CS Groms crew shared a potluck dinner recently celebrating their new skate ramp

“There were around 80–100 people in attendance, with youth testing out the new skate ramp under floodlights”

p CS Groms crew handed out 100 bags of popcorn to moviegoers at the recent Aotearoa Surf Film Festival in Whangārei

Mother,s Day Celebrations

Gifts of appreciation

u by Amy Fifita

There are various ways to honour your mother for the upcoming celebration, whether with a simple offering of bubbly or something more elaborate.

Take this Mother’s Day as a time to appreciate what she does and spoil her with gifts and time. You could stick to trustworthy present ideas of flowers, wine and chocolates or venture into something more personal that she will adore.

Make memories with her. You could take her to the theatre, cinema or an event for you both to enjoy. Take her to a restaurant she wouldn’t normally eat at

Eclectic Boutique

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and introduce her palette to something new and exciting. If you plan ahead, you could buy a digital photo frame and take a photo of you and her spending time together.

If she enjoys gardening, a fruit tree or plant from a local nursery might be a good go-to idea. You could embellish the gift with some new and personalised garden tools for her to use. Your gift will continue to grow for her to admire for years to come. Make a day of it and plant it with her before treating her to a home-cooked meal and reminiscing on the years that have gone by.

For those who are more practically minded, see what work she needs to complete on her property. Whether dismantling an old shed and replacing it with a modern one or mowing the lawns, it is one less task for her to worry about.

Take note of her hobbies and interests; the extra thought should be appreciated. If she is an avid reader, you could create a relaxing reading nook with a bookcase of her favourite authors or genres. Enlist someone to distract her, or even better, escape from the house with her, so that

you can put your idea into action. You could take her on an adventure to some scenic locations or attractions. Go to places you don’t often visit and pack a picnic of her favourite treats. You could make a day trip of it and explore the surrounding areas or embrace the local walks, beaches and places.

Pay for some art and crafts classes for her to learn. It could be something different for her to expand her knowledge of various things that she may enjoy. It could be pottery, painting or sculpting,

and most of the classes cater to adults and beginners. It might blossom into something she adores.

Pay for a pamper day. Gift cards are ideal for this idea because she can make the time fit into her schedule. It might be for a massage, a facial or getting her nails done, and it is a time for her to relax and recuperate from the stresses of everyday life. Whatever you decide, make your mum feel special and appreciated, and enjoy the time you spend together.

p Invest in an arts or craft class so your mum can explore her creativity and meet like-minded people

Mother,s Day Celebrations

From the heart of a mother

u by Amy Fifita

Although the origins of Mother’s Day are widely recognised to have begun with Anna Jarvis, who started it in honour of her mum, others that can also claim credence to it.

Ideas of having the modern Mother’s Day date back to the American Civil War and was the initial brainchild proposed by Julia Ward Howe. She wanted to unite mothers and wives in the name of ceasing the conflict their sons and husbands fought in.

There was an appeal for peace in 1870, often known as the Mother’s Day Proclamation, which was an uprising against war. Two years following the appeal, Julia called for a Mother’s Day of Peace celebration on June 2 every year; however, her efforts were unsuccessful. Anna Jarvis would later be the pivotal voice that began the yearly tradition of the second Sunday of May.

Jarvis’s mother, Ann, had worked with Howe. The two worked with other women, teaching them how to care for their offspring by creating the Mother’s Day Work Clubs. Ann even organised the Mother’s Friendship Days to promote an amicable solution to the civil war in 1968.

It could be said that the day Jarvis established was the legacy of her mother and Howe’s efforts for tranquillity. Ann’s daughter, Anna, is believed to have admired their efforts to encourage

harmony in a warring nation. The day was established to commemorate Ann Jarvis years before the anniversary of her death, which was on Sunday, May 10. For her daughter, it was about honouring the work she did for humanity which she thought she was entitled to. She received support from John Wanamaker, a department store owner, who also held a celebration at his store in Philadephia.

There were various movements driven by mothers throughout this period calling for tranquillity and temperance in the nation that started the modern-day celebration. It was driven by women who longed for change and solutions in a troubling time for them.

It is not the first time that motherhood has been celebrated, though. Throughout history, there has been festivals and celebration recognising them for their ability to conceive and maintain life.

The United Kingdom observes Mother’s Day in March, dating back to the 1700s. It is sometimes referred to as Mothering Sunday, and is related to Lent and a relaxation of the religious rules for the period. Servants would be permitted to venture back home in appreciation to their nurturing carers.

France began giving medals to mothers for birthing and restoring the population after the calamities of first world war. In modern times they are given a cake on the last Sunday of May.

Whatever your background, mothers are celebrated throughout different countries and religions — this year’s date is on May 14. Have a happy Mother’s Day, and enjoy spending time appreciating and spoiling your mums. ¢

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p Julia Ward Howe attempted to create Mother’s Peace Day to promote a tranquil solution during the American Civil War

Inspiring new beginnings

u by Andy Bryenton

When it comes to inspiration, many of us look to our favourite artists,

and wit, seeking clues on how to improve and thrive.

It can be a little disheartening to reflect on young prodigies, apparently born with all the innate talent and intellect we wish we possessed. However, the real story, when you look more deeply into the many facets of success, is that it’s never too late to start. You’re also never too old to learn, as this list of famous high-achievers illustrates.

There’s comic book legend, Stan Lee, for example. You’d assume from his mastery of the genre that he could draw from an early age and would have filled his school books with exciting superheroes. Not so. Lee only inked his first comic book at the age of 39, after being rejected by a string of publishers. The Fantastic Four became

an unexpected breakout hit; the rest is history.

Similarly, you might expect that celebrity chef Julia Child had enjoyed a career in the restaurant industry or at least been a passionate cook for most of her life. However, the truth is even tastier; Julia didn’t set out to publish a cookery book until she was 50. Her love of cuisine was sparked by a stay in France while on business, and her new hobby became a new career.

Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison is another who didn’t find her true calling until later in life. The writer of Song of Solomon and Beloved didn’t get her big break into literature until the age of 62.

There’s nothing to say that you can’t branch out into business later in life, either. McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc started out selling paper cups and didn’t conceive of his idea to revolutionise fast food until he was 55. International fashion designer Vera Wang is another late starter, who didn’t even consider the glamourous clothing industry as a career until she was already 40. Prior to that, she was an ice skater and writer.

Even celebrities who have made their mark indelibly in one field of endeavour often wish to try something new. Arguably, they have a lot more to lose when they give up the pursuit that had delivered them stardom.

Queen’s lead guitarist Brian May was studying to be an astrophysicist when the band he was part of hit the big time, and in recent years he’s quietly achieved great things as a scientist. Then there’s Michael Jordan, perhaps the greatest NBA basketballer of all time, who retired from the game at the top of his career to try his hand at baseball.

As all of these stories show, inspiration to make a change can come at any time,

and it can lead to a whole new path in life. If your inspiration is a little more down-to-earth than winning a Nobel Prize or playing a live concert in front of thousands, it doesn’t make it any less important to grab it with both hands. Who knows what might happen with a bit of dedication and diligence?

p Did you know chef Julia Child didn’t write a cookbook until she was 50? It’s never too late to get inspired and learn new skills — make 2023 a year of self-discovery

Home show pinpoints passions

u by Andy Bryenton

The Auckland Home Show returned to its accustomed place in Greenlane in late April, and the numbers who flocked through its gates indicated of a renovations market that’s still running hot.

The nation’s collective passion for property, upgrades and interior decorating style could be seen from the sheer enthusiasm of the crowds who flocked to the four-day long event. More than 40,000 visitors paid the ticket price to witness the latest trends for the modern home. Workshops and symposia on different aspects of renovation were there to add knowledge and inspiration too.

Event organiser Amanda Magnus revealed that there was a large appetite for attendance among vendors, too. The final roll-call listed more than 300 individual businesses that were set up throughout six large pavilions to meet the public. By the time clean-up crews came to break down the site, it was official. The recent home show was the biggest seen in Australasia. A second round is set for September this year.

“Nothing beats that face-to-face interaction, so demand has been great,” said Ms Magnus. “The amount of effort

in the design and build of the stands has been phenomenal.”

In terms of content, the first Auckland Home Show in three years reflected the mood in the market. Inflationary and supply chain pressures have put a squeeze on the budgets of those seeking to renovate their own homes, and this pressure has led to both creativity and compromise.

Advice on getting the most visual impact, energy efficiency and resale appeal for one’s dollar was in hot demand. It inevitably focussed a lot of attention on the two big-ticket rooms of the home, the bathroom and kitchen.

The kitchen is a creative place that needs to blend style with utility and accommodate everything from quick breakfasts and children’s lunches to dinner party prep. The bathroom should be an oasis of calm, but critically, easy to keep spotless.

The other standout area at the recent home show was the rise of the outdoor

area as part of the home. It reflects the urban design trend of smaller sections, where a garden is not really a garden but another room which happens to have a 30,000-metre ceiling. New ideas in cooking, relaxing, and even watching media outdoors were all big parts of the show’s attraction.

The event may be over, but there are a wealth of websites, catalogues, magazines and, most importantly, local businesses that can share the secrets, tips and tricks of New Zealand’s most successful renovators with you. Get inspired, and talk to your locals about turning your flash of genius into reality.

p Home shows are big on inspiration, but when it’s time for installation, your locals are the best bet for a job that matches your imagination

The brilliance of art

u by Ann van Engelen

Kaiwaka resident Peter Panyoczki is a highly regarded mixed media artist who works in a variety of forms and mediums, such as sculpture, paint, installation photography and digital technology.

Peter is a member of the Mangawhai Artists Gallery, with his main galleries in Auckland and Taksu in Singapore. He had residency in Rotterdam, Barcelona, Florence and Vienna before making his home here in New Zealand in 1995.

“I still return to Europe and continue to work and show my art internationally,” says Peter. Peter is well known for his sophisticated art using real objects, painting, photography and text. He creates laconic metaphoric statements of the philosophical order.

“My works explore complex themes of place and identity, as well as the origins and expression of life and nature.

“I was born in Budapest, Hungary, and was three when my family had to leave

Budapest for fear of persecution during the Hungarian Uprising. We settled in Switzerland, and although I was a child, I understood that dramatic events were taking place. The atmosphere of the threat of war, confrontation of ideologies, fight of citizens for their freedom and emigration is still in my memory, and I perceive these topics as my family history.

“As a child, I had a passion for drawing, which led me to read books. I had a great album of Leonardo da Vinci’s artworks, and I would redraw the pictures. In my youth, I became seriously interested in literature, and then in linguistics and art theory. I decided to study these subjects at the University of Zürich but never stopped drawing; even while I was in lectures at University, I often made sketches instead of notes.

“Later, I combined being a teacher with artwork at my studio. The deeper I delved into science, the more interested I became in expressing this knowledge in the language of art. I had my first exhibition at the Saager Gallery in Zürich in 1979, followed by several more projects. At that time, I finished my studies at the University of Zürich and taught at Purdue University in USA but I had an internal struggle between stability of an academic career and uncertainty of the path of a free artist which lasted quite a long time.

“In 1987, almost all my works sold at my exhibition at the Art Gallery in Wettingen, and I thought that was a good sign, so I decided to devote myself entirely to art. It’s hard to say what culture I belong to as I am Hungarian in spirit and education, but life in the Swiss

“I enjoy cultural history. It gives a chance to understand and to define who you really are”

p Peter Panyoczki with a variety of his work at a recent exhibition at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery

and European cultures and having lived in New Zealand for more than 30 years had a definite influence on me.

“I met my wife Tatjana 32 years ago in Zürich, and we have our son, Janos, he will be 28. Tatjana is a contemporary jeweller, and at home, we do everything together, sometimes showing together. She is my first and best critic, who brings me down from the fairies to earth.

“I enjoy cultural history. It gives a chance to understand and to define who you really are. Essence is not in nationality, and the older I got, being able to work and visit different countries, the more clear it became to me that there are no big differences between people. We all feel the same and think in similar terms. In Vladivostok, people made a huge impression on me. It’s surprising meeting like-minded people, even if you speak different languages.

“When I was 20, I never took abstract art seriously. I knew the theory, but it didn’t touch me until I visited an exhibition of Mark Rothko in Rotterdam.

One of his works changed my attitude toward art.

“I was a realist but gradually moved away from direct similarities to more flexible forms. At the same time, it’s important for me to link the image with reality, even in the works that looked like abstractions.

“I am amazed that we live in a world that is permeated by relic radiation. An artist cannot invent something fundamentally new. He is just a tool that conveys what has already been created by nature.

“I try to create objects as if they already existed in the surrounding world, and I find it satisfying when I feel part of the process. I think the division into abstract and figurative art is largely provisional. The reality can only be reflected up to a certain level. If you come close to an object and stretch this visible fragment to the size of a canvas, it will look like an abstraction.

“If we move away from the object, at some point, it will lose its usual

shape, like the view of the earth from an aeroplane. The debate over the abstractness of one thing or another is a question of distance.

“In my opinion, the connection with both visible and invisible materiality of the real world is one of the foundations of art.

“I think art is born in the mind of someone who tries to look at the world through the eyes of a child or a lost astronaut. They see every object as a miracle that inexplicably exists, so if you, as an artist, manage to convey this uniqueness of the world, you experience catharsis. The work of art becomes a mirror which reflects human essence in a grand context.

“It’s hard to say what comes first — an image or an idea. A chicken or an egg. Sometimes the idea precedes the image you are creating. Sometimes the concept is born during the work, complementing or changing the original approach.

This is an excursion into the unknown every time.

“Colour, for me, is a dangerous sphere which leads to chaos and cacophony. Most often, I use a subtle range of one colour to be tactful, not loud. Sometimes a colour works as an accent. I am attracted to a pure colour. In general, it resembles the approach of Zen Buddhism — a quiet contemplation of the world.

“I get annoyed at the art that pretends to be art. You come to a gallery, there is a squiggle on the wall, and next to it, you see a huge explanatory text. When a lot of explanation is required for a piece of art, it is difficult to connect with it.

“When I enter my studio, I immediately immerse myself into my creative process while listening to music or lectures on philosophy. It is impossible to practise art without discipline. Inspiration does not come by itself.

“In my opinion, art gives us an opportunity to reconcile with contradictions and imperfections of the world.” ¢

“I think art is born in the mind of someone who tries to look at the world through the eyes of a child or a lost astronaut”

p Door made from wood, iron and gold leaf in 2018: it was on display at Peter’s show Semiosis at the contemporary art gallery in Vladivostok, Russia

p Peter concentrating on the intricate details of one of his creations in his studio

p Peter’s wife Tatjana is his biggest support and best critic

p One of Peter’s many beautiful works called OH-Astonishment, created in 2020, a mixed media on aluminium

Valuing the rescue helicopters

u by Ann van Engelen

The heroic efforts of rescue chopper crews come after another record-breaking year of missions in 2022, with a total of 9,847 rescues carried out across the country, including 1,210 in the Northland region.

New Zealand’s Rescue Helicopters flew dozens of critical missions during and after recent storm events across the country, helping save lives and offering an ongoing lifeline to those trapped by floods and slips.

“With chopper appeal month set for May, public fundraising will help keep Kiwi communities safe during future disasters,” says Northern Rescue Helicopter critical care paramedic Paul Davis.

for the safety of all involved. We’re really grateful for all donations during Chopper Appeal Month. Whether we’re responding to major natural disasters or flying day-to-day missions, we rely on the public’s generosity to help us keep making a difference in people’s lives.”

“During Cyclone Gabrielle, the weather conditions limited our ability to fly. However, our crews took part in a multi-agency maritime search and rescue operation spanning two days and involving a damaged catamaran swept out to sea.

“The other agencies included the police, coastguard, and the Royal New Zealand Navy. The distressed sailor was rescued in extreme conditions by navy personnel on an inflatable boat launched from the frigate Te Mana while our crew provided overwatch

Westpac NZ chief executive Catherine McGrath recently visited the east coast and Hawke’s Bay to see the extent of weather damage and the scale of the recovery ahead. She’s asking the public to give generously to support the rescue helicopters’ vital work in those regions and around the country.

“We love working with the choppers to make Aotearoa a safer, greater place. Whether it’s during large-scale emergencies or helping people who get into trouble in their day-to-day lives,” Ms McGrath says.

“Recent events have highlighted that a chopper is always there for you, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, and our fundraising during the

month of May really helps to keep them flying.”

Westpac staff nationwide will be raising funds for their local rescue helicopter service in the annual street appeal on Thursday, May 4.

“Please look out for our people shaking buckets on Street Appeal Day and support them with a donation if you can,” Ms McGrath says.

“We know there are communities struggling to make ends meet at the

moment, so please give only what you can. Every dollar will go directly to your local chopper and help towards keeping them in the air.”

Westpac funds the marketing and administration costs of the Chopper Appeal and distributes all funds raised back to donors’ local rescue helicopter trust.

People wishing to make a donation or find out more information can visit chopperappeal.co.nz. ¢

p Paul Davis, Northern Rescue Helicopter critical care paramedic

“Recent events have highlighted that a chopper is always there for you”

PUZZLE TIME

Jumbo crossword

38 Vase

(3)

Relate (4)

French sweet (3-3)

Something included with letter (9)

65 Pretended (7)

Waterside plant (7)

Kenyan capital (7) 71 Chess piece (6)

Sudoku

Last 98

week

Last week’s

CodeCracker

DOWN: 2 Adhere, 3 Tread, 5 Hook, 6 Options, 7 Images, 8 Trace, 9 Endured, 10 Orca, 11 Errors, 12 Pulse, 13 Springy, 14 Capsule, 18 Inoculated, 23 Blitz, 24 Carnage, 26 Lacquer, 27 Proverb, 29 Politic, 30 Update, 31 Owing, 32 Banana, 34 Rave, 36 Gamut, 38 Mural, 40 Diet, 45 Bison, 46 Geology, 47 Used, 48 Guitar, 49 Overs, 50 Process, 52 Components, 53 Indiana, 54 Agency, 55 Geysers, 56 Spits, 57 Uses, 62 Ached, 67 Against, 68 Verbose, 70 Abandon, 72 Parapet, 73 Clouds, 74 Bureau, 75 Menace, 76 Ideal, 78 Oasis, 80 Moved, 82 Knee, 83 Scar.

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