November 12 2021
Chef Sam returns P3
A strong family bond
Face-painter’s delight P5
Trista Ecuyer was diagnosed with leukaemia at three years old, and although she has cognitive issues from the experience, she has proven that she can be successful at many things, including photography. With a unique style, Trista recently won the Kaipara Art Awards Emerging Artist category and can often be found photographing flowers with her trusted friend Harry the Border collie by her side. With support from friends and family, she plans on continuing her photography journey and is quietly excited to see what the future holds.
Bathed in green P14
continued on page 12 …
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November 12 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
A bright delight u by Ann van Engelen
THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER IS PUBLISHED WITH PRIDE BY INTEGRITY COMMUNITY MEDIA, A PRIVATELY OWNED KAIPARA COMPANY. Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz
Rhiannon Fromont prides herself on the quality of her tie dye products after spending seven years perfecting the craft.
Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville Editor: Deb Wright 021 639 696 Journalists: 0800 466 793 | Ann van Engelen | Liz Clark | Andy Bryenton Marketing: Betty Willetts 027 525 8197 | Olivia Green 027 264 2391 Design Team: Gavin Bainbridge | Anna Fredericksen | Kelsey Hansen Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz Printed by: NZME
Print run 7,780. Distributed on Friday to every residential and rural home throughout the district including Whangārei, One Tree Point, Ruakākā, Waipū, Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Wellsford.
Keep track of where you’ve been p Using a top-quality dye, Rhiannon also adds hand-painted stars onto some of her items
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As qualified Funeral Directors we know that not having a proper goodbye can have severe implications for the family members who are left behind. Giving family members the opportunity to honour the life that was lived, not only encourages but delivers on healthy grieving.
“My husband Richard and I moved to Kaiwaka seven years ago,” says Rhiannon. “We now have four children. I have always been creative and also play the Irish fiddle, which is my passion. I started tie dyeing after having my third baby. It became my ticket out of postnatal depression and gave me something special to do while I was at home with my children. “I have been attracted to tie dye for many years. We had been on a trip to America, and there was an amazing range of tie dye there when all the baby clothes were pastel colours, so tie dye gave me choices.
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the same pattern. My range includes children’s and adults clothing, bedding, bags and accessories. “For my galaxy range, I hand paint each star with fabric paint. I love the Irish folk style of music, and playing the fiddle definitely works with my tie dye personality. I became involved with the fiddle as I grew up around the folk community with my mum. “I find people who like tie dye clothing find wearing a variety of colours very freeing. “You can’t be instantly good at it, it is all trial and error, and I learned through watching YouTube videos and
For my galaxy range, I hand paint each star with fabric paint “I use top-quality dyes, which are different from the kitsets that can at times run or fade quickly. I soak the material in a solution and tie the material for what I am making in different ways to achieve a variety of patterns. I ice dye, which means I pour the coloured powder on the article, and the ice melts in the sun. The dye activates and is then left for 24 hours in the sunshine.” The items are then washed, which helps set the dye and removes residue. “I love opening up the finished item because you never know until it is completed what it will look like. Every piece is unique, as you can’t make
”
practising. I had three babies when I first started seven years ago, and it gave me a creative outlet, and I had cute little models to get photos with. I look back at the things I made and see how far I have come. “I sell through my Busy Me Tie-dye NZ Facebook page, the Mangawhai Tavern Markets when I can, and folk festivals as that is where I play my fiddle. “My goal is for everybody to have a favourite item of clothing from my range. I want them to have something that makes them feel happy, that helps lift their spirits and make them feel good.” ¢
Dargaville 15 Gladstone Street 09 439 8048 Whangarei 199 Kamo Road, Whau Valley 09 437 5799 office@morrisandmorris.co.nz
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p Children of all ages enjoy wearing the colourful creations Rhiannon designs
THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER November 12 2021
Chef Sam returns
3
u by Ann van Engelen
Amy and Sam Frater have returned to Mangawhai after living in Melbourne, Australia, for 10 years, where Sam was a chef. “After completing my teacher’s training, I went to the UK with a bunch of friends,” says Amy. “It was too far from home, so some of us moved to Melbourne, and I went to see a Kiwi music band and met Sam. We returned home in 2014 and married at the Cowshed, which is a rustic dining experience in a converted cowshed on my parents’ beautiful property. “For the past five years, we came home to help them with the Cowshed cafe during summer. Sam has worked in French and Italian restaurants and is
“
the lockdowns, our lives changed. We arrived home in early October with our two children, two-year-old Arlo and fivemonth-old Elton. “Our quarantine time wasn’t much different to our Australian life, but we felt so privileged to get a spot and knew the end game was well worth it. We had a suitcase of toys and had fun making doll houses, a kitchen and cubby houses out of boxes. “We have changed the Cowshed from a cafe to a restaurant with two dining options. We have the Friday and
p The family is looking forward to working in the garden together as part of their work life balance
We have a cookbook of every cuisine you can imagine passionate about cooking. He lives and breathes cooking, and constantly has his nose in a cookbook and always has the cooking channel on television.” Sam reads every cookbook they buy from cover to cover, gaining knowledge and ideas. “Sam was trained in old school French and sees himself as an ever-evolving chef. We love Jamie Oliver and Yotam Ottolenghi, an Israeli-born British chef, restaurateur, and food writer. We have a cookbook of every cuisine you can imagine, and he has a little black book of recipes and ideas. “We decided to come home and take over from mum and dad because with
”
Saturday night three course set menu and BYO with good-sized meals and our Sunday brunch. “Brunch will be selected dates for a five course selection with chef Sam using local seasonal products and items from our garden. “We use a prebook and preorder to be sustainable and minimise food wastage and for meat preparation as we use special seasonings. Our new website thecowshedandshop.co.nz has all the information. “We are so excited to be back and look forward to the work-family balance and taking the children to do things like pick plums to make jam in the orchard.
p Sam and Amy Frater returned to Mangawhai with their children Arlo and Elton to manage the Cowshed restaurant
“I have lived on Pebblebrook Road since I was eight years old, so I have always had an affinity with the area and remember when it was all farmland. It is a destination restaurant having no
foot traffic, and we are very excited for our children to have a taste of the country lifestyle and incorporate them in our day-to-day tasks. It is so nice to be home.” ¢
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November 12 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
Rental tax changes u by Corinne Smith Director & Chartered Accountant
The government has now released the draft legislation around the removal of tax deductions on loan interest for rental properties. Previously, interest payments could be claimed as a business expense and taxed accordingly, giving property investment a tax advantage. Now, properties bought from April 2021 onwards will not be able to claim any tax deductions for the interest paid on the mortgages. For all existing rental properties, including holiday home rentals, the tax deductibility is being phased out over four years. Changes take effect from October 1 Until October, the old 100% interest tax deductibility is in place. Then on
October 1, this year, rental property tax deductibility reduces to 75%. You can still claim three-quarters of your interest payments as a business expense and get a tax advantage. The 75% rate remains in place until March 31 2023. For the following financial year (April 1 2023 to March 31 2024), you can claim 50% of your interest payments as a business expense against your rental income. Then it drops to 25% for the next financial year (April 1 2024 to March 31 2025). From April 1 2025 onwards, no interest deductibility will be available. Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors corinne@altitudeadvisors.nz 021 252 7680
There are some exemptions, including: • Your main home • New builds • Commercial property • Farmland What should you do? To assess how much impact this will have on your situation, we can calculate the difference this is likely to make to your overall gains or losses in the years ahead. Our forecasts will be a good guide, but the exact situation will vary depending on several other factors, too. For instance, as interest rate deductibility reduces, you may also find that rents increase to help you meet the higher costs. However, your mortgage
interest payments may also go up if (as seems likely) interest rates increase during that time. Ideally, you should think carefully about your rental properties and whether they will still be fulfilling their role in your financial strategy. You might choose to keep them — switching from interest-only to principal-and-interest repayments could be a way to start reducing your interest costs over time. Alternatively, you could sell up and invest the proceeds somewhere else. Talk to us to get a better understanding of what your position will be when these tax changes come into effect, so you can make smart decisions about your financial future. ¢
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THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER November 12 2021
p Hannah Webb has been in the face-painting industry for 20 years and likes nothing more than seeing her clients happy
p Hannah uses beeswax-based paint for her face-painting creations
Face-painter’s delight u by Ann van Engelen
Hannah Webb began face-painting 20 years ago as a way to pay her rent after finishing her study at University in Hamilton. “I was raised in Waikato and have been painting since I could hold a paintbrush,” says Hannah. “My gran was a very good watercolour artist, and I painted with her. When I finished university, I was struggling financially and was really depressed. I sat down one day, trying to think what I could do. I had always painted my friends and family members’ faces for parties growing up. I decided to buy some paper and face paint from the $2 Shop and sat at the local park asking for donations for face-painting, and I made enough to cover my rent. “I did so well my flatmates brought me good quality paints for Christmas,
and then my business grew. Now I do everything from birthday parties and festivals to work events and weddings. “I learned by copying pictures, and I was able to adapt to what people requested. It is easier if you have stencils, but I like to represent each person’s wairua and personality and bring that out for them. “It takes skill, patience and balance to get good. Practise, practise, practise. Working out the artwork depends on what the person’s favourite colour, animal or thing is. Especially for children, if they don’t know, I give them ideas. “I have worked at weddings and work parties and would love to branch out to
body painting as something fun and a new challenge. You can compete online and at international events as well. “Body painting is also good for product placement and commercials. I am considering having a competition with other artists in the area as I know we have really good facepainters here. “I always wear white painters overalls because I am at work and I use BodyFX paints. That is New Zealand’s special effects make-up store, and it is made from beeswax. It is a top-quality product and doesn’t grow mould or go rancid like cheap paint and I sanitise my paints after each use.
“People can follow my Nzs Finest facepainting Facebook page and book me for birthday or Christmas parties, work get-togethers, weddings, sports days and anything else you can think of. “There is nothing I love more than seeing someone look in the mirror at their artwork and say ‘I look awesome’. I love it when other people enjoy themselves. When I see them happy, that is the moment that I know I did what I was paid to do. “There is nothing better than having happy faces, whether it be at a children’s party, work event or a market. Happy faces make me happy.” ¢
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6 November 12 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
TAILORED LEGAL SOLUTIONS LIMITED SPECIALIST BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM MOVES TO RURAL BASED CHAMBERS “I’m not sure when rural New Zealand became the bad guy but the stigma, regulation, political blame and tightening of the noose means a lot of people are feeling the pinch; some are feeling really backed into a corner. In those times just knowing where to turn is half the battle”. Local boutique law firm, Tailored Legal Solutions Limited, has hit another milestone. After 7 years based in offices on Victoria Street, Dargaville, this specialist litigation practice is moving to rural-based legal chambers in January 2022. Under the direction of local “west-coast girl” Emma Smith, Tailored Legal is a specialist commercial and civil litigation practise, with a particular speciality in Agribusiness and Rural Litigation. “It’s important our clients feel comfortable when they meet with us – we’ve worked hard to find the right space to achieve an environment which helps our clients (and our team) to relax and feel reassured.” As Barrister & Solicitor, Emma acts for rural and commercial clients across New Zealand in complex disputes / litigation involving contractual and shareholder arrangements, regulatory matters (including defence of prosecutions by regulators such as MPI and Regional Authorities), complex insolvency matters and employment disputes. Appearing regularly in the High Court, the Court of Appeal, the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court and the District Court, Emma has gained a reputation for taking on the “David & Goliath Battles”. Emma is keenly interested in clients having access to the option to litigate, mediate or meaningfully negotiate matters when the need arises, particularly in the arena of rural and farming litigation where industry knowledge is key. From challenging fraudulent commercial arrangements to pursuing compensation for the wrongful interference by a regulator in rural business operations, Emma’s recent case load has been testimony to the breadth of work of this boutique litigation practice. Emma also works with local and regional business clients, particularly in respect of business structuring, risk mitigation strategies, employment planning and commercial arrangements. Emma enjoys helping clients thrive as they work through the various stages of business growth and development.
Tailored Legal Solutions will, from January 1, 2022, be based from Bespoke Chambers 10 minutes from Dargaville Town Centre. First contact with Emma and the team may be made by phone, email or in person with prior appointment. Meetings can be arranged at a time and location which is mutually agreeable. Home, business, farm and site visits are all possible or, alternatively, we can host a meeting in one of our two tailored meeting venues. We have also embraced technology options for all clients and can host meetings via Zoom, MS Teams, Skype and Messenger Face Time as suits the clients.
Phone: 09 439 6794 | Email: reception@tailoredlegalsolutions.com
A flare of paradise u by Liz Clark
Mention the term cordyline; the first thought that comes to mind is the well-known and, at times not-so-loved, cabbage tree or tī kōuka. However, there’s more than the commonplace cabbage tree within a genus of 15 species spanning a geographical area from south-east Asia, Australasia, Polynesia and South America. Both temperate and tropical cordylines span a range of colours from green to pinks, reds and deep purple. There is also a range of variegated forms that add to the selection of cultivars available to gardeners throughout New Zealand. Cordylines provide an architectural quality to even the smallest garden. They are versatile enough to be grown in decorative pots and become a feature in their own right. Most cordylines thrive in sites with full sun and reasonably rich, well-drained soil. Even the old green cabbage tree will thrive well if given a good start with organically-rich matter, compost and good topsoil. Mulching during the summer will help conserve the soil moisture and prevent drought stress in the plants. Tropical cordyline species have a tender habit and can be easily damaged by hard frosts during the winter. These thrive well in sheltered areas and courtyard settings. They also pair well with other tropical and subtropical plants to bring a touch of the exotic to outdoor settings. The plants need very good drainage and rich soil to maintain colouration and growth during the warmer months. In the availability of nursery-developed cultivars of the cordyline, the range is diverse and colourful. The award-winning Albertii is a striking example of the species. The green foliage has a heavy band of rich cream with a flush of pink and makes a stunning display for container planting. Add in Paso Doble to give a flamenco-style flare of colour to an entranceway setting. Its leaves are burgundy edged with bright pink. An upright grower, the plant will reach up to three metres after seven years — position in full sun or partial shade. A more recent cultivar is Raspberry Fountain, a smallgrowing cordyline with a clumping habit. The bright pink leaves cascade from a clump, making it an ideal candidate for a courtyard garden. Other available cultivar options include Purpurea, Green Goddess, Red Star, Salsa, Red Fountain and Jive. Visit your local nursery or search online for availability in your area. ¢
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THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER November 12 2021
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November 12 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
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THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER November 12 2021
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November 12 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
SUMMER READY
Cool is the word this summer u by Andy Bryenton
It’s a funny thing, the human condition. All winter, we shiver as we sip our hot cups of soup and pray for warmth and sunshine. When summer rolls around, though, we’re all about staying cool. Now, some would say that this is because of another part of the human condition; that we’re at our happiest with a little something to complain about. However, there’s a good reason for our desire to feel toasty in the cold and chilled in the heat. Scientists have proven, through extensive research, that a temperature exceeding 27 degrees Celsius is the perfect physiological time
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to appreciate a cold drink, preferably one with bubbles in it and served in a frosted pint glass. A similar theory dictates the enjoyment of hot chocolate and 25-yearold whisky during winter. The scientists who carried out this experiment also discovered that it’s quite amazing what the university will fund if you invite the chancellor to join in. Of course, there are other ways of staying cool. A dip in the ocean or getting out on the water is also approved by researchers, some of whom adhere to the theory that our ancestors evolved not in caves and forests, but by the seaside. It explains our lack of shaggy fur compared to other primates, as well as our abiding love of fishing, swimming, diving and boating. Oddly, the university refused to grant more money for advanced studies into these activities, noting that sending the scientists on a three-year fact-finding trip to French Polynesia stretched both the research budget and all levels of credibility. Locally, you can conduct your own research into enjoying some summer sunshine and cool sea breezes by
p Ready for summer? It’s all about being cool and having fun, which goes easier with some clever preparation
getting your boat ready for summer early. Being left high and dry when you should be on the ocean wave can be downright annoying; historical accounts from shipwrecked pirates prove this point with lots of colourful language. Get kitted out or upgrade to a shipshape vessel before you hear the ocean’s call, or, for the adventurous, try out a different way to appreciate that big, salty pool of liquid we call the Pacific, by learning the art of standing up on the waves. Surfing combines being cool with looking cool and it’s easier than
you may think to build confidence, so long as you have an excellent tutor and plentiful waves. Luckily, our part of the world provides both. After a long day of fun, as you drag home a chilly bin full of fresh fish and a head full of stories about even bigger ones that got away, there’s no reason not to stay cool for the evening. Modern air conditioning delivers all the good things about a cool summer evening breeze, without the mosquito whine and the smell of attempted barbecue from next door. ¢
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Truffles
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THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER November 12 2021
u by Deb Wright
Christmas is fast approaching and truffles are great for nibbles or gifts for the person that has everything.
Chocolate covered coconut truffle
Chocolate cake truffle
INGREDIENTS 1 can of condensed milk 225g of desiccated coconut 250g of milk chocolate
INGREDIENTS Use a chocolate cake recipe of your choice. One chocolate cake (16-inch tin) 500g cream cheese 300g chocolate
METHOD Mix condensed milk and coconut together and roll into balls or bars; tip keep your hands moist as this is a very sticky mixture and place on baking paper. Refrigerate until firm. Melt chocolate in a double boiler and make sure no water or steam gets into the chocolate, so it doesn’t cease. Dip the balls into the chocolate, place back on the baking paper, and let the chocolate set before storing in a container in the fridge. You can decorate with nuts or coconut if you want to do that, while the chocolate coating is just still a little soft.
METHOD Cream the cheese until soft. Add finely crumbled cake. If the cake is a bit dry, you can add more cream cheese or juice or a liqueur like Kahlua just enough to make it a little moist but not tacky. Mix until well combined. Roll into balls and put in the fridge until chilled. Melt the chocolate and dip the balls. Once the chocolate has set a bit, sprinkle it with cashews or any other nuts or decoration of your choice.
12 November 12 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
p Trista Ecuyer has a passion for photography and gained confidence through the sale of her works
p The family greenhouse has become a centre of inspiration for Trista’s art
A strong family bond u by Ann van Engelen
Trista Ecuyer recently took out the Emerging Artist Award in the Kaipara Art Awards for her photography, with her work currently on display at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery. “I am 26 years old. When I was three, I was diagnosed with leukaemia, which, unfortunately, left me with cognitive problems,” says Trista. “As a result, I struggle with things that other people take for granted. I don’t remember much about my two years of treatment, but we met some amazing people during my treatment journey. “We still keep in touch with some of these people, including Glen Colquhoun. Glen is a doctor and a poet who wrote New Zealand’s best-selling poetry book called Playing God.” When Glen first met Trista in Whangārei Hospital, he wrote a poem called Teddy, which is included in the book. “Teddy — For a child with leukaemia. Teddy was not well. Teddy had been feeling sick. Teddy had to go to hospital. Teddy was told he had too much blood. Teddy did not miss his friends. Teddy knew the thermometer was not sharp. Teddy was not scared of needles. “Teddy said the medicine would make him better. Teddy closed his eyes at
night. Teddy ate his vegetables. Teddy’s small girl lay in the corner of his bed. She was not so sure. Her eyes were made from round buttons. The fluff on top of her head was worn, as though it had been chewed. “Because of my treatment sideeffects, school did not really work
“
My dad and I are planning to have an exhibition at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery
”
out for me, so my older brother and I were homeschooled. Homeschooling really suited me because I have always been interested in nature and animals, especially dogs and horses. “When I was 12, I got my first dog named Candy, and I joined a dog agility group. Candy had puppies, and we kept
the pick of the litter, who is called Harry. Harry is awesome at performing tricks for people and has won quite a few prizes in competitive agility and rally-o. “Harry is now trained as a therapy dog and can visit hospitals, schools and aged care homes. I have also acquired the ultimate agility dog, a Border collie named Amber. In the future, I would like to teach dog owners agility skills and obedience. “When I was growing up, our family would visit art galleries and attend exhibition openings. We also spent a lot of time at the Craft Quarry in Whangārei, where I met lots of creative people and was exposed to a wide range of creative mediums. “My father John is a practising wood artist and has won many awards for his photography, so I have been surrounded by his photographic images. My grandfather was a keen amateur photographer. and my greatgrandfather was a photographer for a large engineering firm in Shrewsbury, England.
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THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER November 12 2021
p At present, Trista is focussing on animal photography and macro images of flowers
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This was my introduction to the joys of having a camera, and eventually, I purchased a good 35mm SLR camera, and I pursued animal and landscape photography “My great-great-grandfather was a marquetry expert who moved to London from Switzerland in the early 1820s. He was employed in the piano making industry, which England dominated at the time, so there is a strong creative side coming down the Ecuyer line. “At one stage we decided as a family we needed more land so that we could grow organic fruit and vegetables. I was also keen to get a horse so nine years ago we found a two-acre property at Matakohe near The Kauri Museum. “We also wanted to set up a studio gallery so dad could sell his work. This has worked well with a steady stream of visitors coming up to The Kauri Museum. I also sell my photographic work in Gallery 28, and it has become a real family business. “I had a horse for a couple of years, but grazing became a problem, so I moved into mini horses and pursued carriage driving. I entered competitions and won my share of ribbons. I loved taking the mini horses to the beach and purchased a GoPro camera to video
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the thrills of carriage driving along the sand. “This was my introduction to the joys of having a camera, and eventually, I purchased a good 35mm SLR camera, and I pursued animal and landscape photography. I started taking flower images in our garden and learned the art of editing. “My work began to sell in our gallery, and I gained confidence in my ability to produce images that people enjoyed and wanted to have in their living environment. I started talking to some photography friends and decided I needed a macro lens, so I can focus on macro flower images. “My dad and I are planning to have an exhibition at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery in 2022. Dad will produce carved pieces in response to my images.” As parents, John and Anne say they are thrilled that Trista has found a passion for photography considering her cognitive difficulties. “We leave her to do her own style. Even though John is an artist and
photographer it is nice that Trista has her own ability,” says Anne. “Her style is ethereal and has a spiritual feeling to it. It is delicate and light in a way that it seems not of this world. Her dogs are her best friends, and she has trained them very well, and they know the rules. “Trista has a real affinity with animals, and Harry adores her and follows her everywhere. We also walk a friend’s dog every day as its owner works. One of the reasons we moved here was because she wanted a horse like all girls. “She was very successful, and trained Poppy for carriage driving. Trista would think ‘go left’, and Poppy would. She could think ‘go right’, and they would go right. “She was very proud to receive her recent art award, but I was far more excited. It was definitely a proud mother moment and a validation that she is going down the right path and doing the right thing. “John and Trista are the artists, and I call myself the kitchen artist
as we are vegetarian, and I spend a lot of time creating meals. With all of Trista’s life accomplishments, John and I are amazed at how quickly she has progressed with her photography. “She gets advice and asks questions, and even though people think she is not listening, she is taking it all in. The fact that she can work on her computer is incredible considering her difficulties. “She has 1,400 followers on her Trista Ecuyer Photography Instagram page, and she does her own editing. People say you need to have the horizon straight and have one third, one third, one third, but we leave her to it. “From a young age, she had a beautiful, unique style with drawing, and we decided not to interfere but to leave her to her own ability and choices. That for us has proven to be a very successful decision. She has a very nice style by doing her own thing, and we are very proud of her accomplishments.” ¢
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November 12 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
p Forest bathing is a growing trend, promoting better health through a reconnection with nature
Bathed in green u by Andy Bryenton
How do you relax in a bath without water, while resetting parts of your brain that date back to our ancestors who lived at one with nature? The Japanese call it shinrin-yoku, and consider it a vital tool for releasing tension and stress. Here, the term translates to ‘forest bathing’, though it’s
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less about soap and water as it is about silence and the senses. Now, the forest bathing concept has been introduced to New Zealand, and we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to places to practise this meditative, relaxing art. Mangawhai local Beth Stone offers forest bathing experiences on her eight-hectare, forested eco-stay retreat, Valley Vista.
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ancient ancestors. Hunters, gatherers and forest dwellers made up the majority of our family tree for thousands of years, and the human brain is finely attuned to picking out details from a sea of green. Some neuroscientists believe that the presence of trees alone can make us feel secure, if only because our many time great-grandparents saw them as shelter and a haven from predators.
use to gain energy from the sun, can make people stressed, tired and physically sick. “The first time you do it, it’s best to have a guided experience,” says Beth. She has drawn inspiration from many forest-immersion traditions. “It’s about giving back rather than taking; the experience gives comfort to you but takes nothing from the forest.”
It’s about giving back rather than taking; the experience gives comfort to you but takes nothing from the forest.
“To me, it’s a precious resource to share,” says Beth. “I feel that people need this way to relax and reconnect with nature, especially after lockdown has had many trapped indoors or in cities for a long time.” The science behind shinrin-yoku is based on the disconnect between modern life and the lifestyle of our
Balance this against the statistical truth of modern times. By 2050 it’s estimated that two-thirds of humanity will be city dwellers; already, the average person who lives in a city spends 93% of their time indoors. There are studies that prove that not seeing green and growing things in the spectrum associated with chlorophyll, the substance plants
Practise good hygiene
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According to shinrin-yoku, the way to enjoy a forest bathing experience is to take it slow, to appreciate the quiet and timelessness of the forest, and to exist in the moment. It also means that forest bathing is a zero-impact wellness exercise, and can be achieved wherever there are trees to share their shade. ¢
P RO U D LY R AY W H I T E
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THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER November 12 2021
PUZZLE TIME
Jumbo crossword ACROSS 1 Reaches maximum (5) 4 Console oneself after a defeat or setback (4,4,6) 11 Planet (5) 14 Spinning blade (5) 15 Lit (11) 16 Money resources (8) 19 Caulking material (7) 20 Clay pigeon shooting (5) 21 Political party’s policy declaration (9) 24 Linked (9) 26 Ship’s kitchen (6) 27 Vitamin deficiency disease (6) 31 Malice (5) 32 Comfortable seat (8) 34 Used to (10) 38 Tuneful (7) 39 Imaginary (6) 40 Tree-lined street (6) 41 Coagulate (4) 42 Throttling (7) 45 Basis (10) 50 Stigmatised (7) 54 Portent (4) 55 Empty (6) 56 Origin (6) 57 Settle (7) 60 Ship, plane guidance (10) 61 Buried (8) 62 Armada (5) 65 Dull (6) 66 Type of hat (6)
67 Found, set up (9) 72 Spying (9) 73 Injures (5) 74 Exploded cereal (7) 79 Gloaming (8) 80 Infection-fighting drugs (11) 81 Hobbles (5) 82 Eagle’s nest (5) 83 Common sense in an emergency (8,2,4) 84 Boggy area (5)
DOWN 2 Wore away (6) 3 Small hill or mound (5) 5 Small island (4) 6 Finger joint bone (7) 7 Sounds (6) 8 Exchange (4) 9 Protective suit (8) 10 Dirtied (6) 11 Stretchiness (10) 12 Boulder (4) 13 In a hurried manner (7) 17 Fatuous (5) 18 Spark catcher (4,6) 22 Neck warmer (5) 23 Crushed underfoot (8) 25 View, prospect (7) 26 Large ape (7) 28 Oration (6) 29 Inn (6)
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30 Residential district (6) 33 African river (5) 35 Old-fashioned (5) 36 Big cat (4) 37 Cab (4) 42 Comedian (5) 43 General summary (8) 44 Sating (anag)(6) 45 Food additive (10) 46 Consumer (4) 47 Fate (7) 48 Gibes (6) 49 Come about (5) 51 Stagger (4) 52 Pasta strips (7) 53 Begrudged (6) 58 Pushy (10) 59 Foot lever (5) 63 Grace, refinement (8) 64 Metal mixture (5) 65 Fan (7) 68 Disease sign (7) 69 Accident (6) 70 Cotton cloth (6) 71 Curtains (6) 75 Porcelain (5) 76 Jetty (4) 77 Phonograph record (4) 78 Glance over (4)
Sudoku
Last week’s crossword solution
9
8 4 7
2 8 1 4 9 9 5 2 MEDIUM
6 8
2 3 3 5 2 8 4 5 7 6 62 3 3 2 5 16 8 1 9 8 1 5 3 9 7 3 6 4 9 2 5 3 7 9 59 8 7 1 4 Last week
Fill 5 the6grid3 so9that2every 8 column, every row and 2 1 7 4 5 3 every 3x3 box contains 4 digits 8 91 to19. 6 7 the
1 4 3 2 5 9 7 8 6
4 762 97185 76 38 41 14 53 29 4 5 2 1 6 7 3 9 8 6 98 189 5 2 3 6 7 4 3 6 7 9 4 8 2 1 5 5 275 38341 84 97 62 95 62 13 1 7 2 6 8 4 9 39 256 3 1 5 8 4 7 3week’s 4 CodeCracker 6 5 9 2 1 8 7 Last 8 9 5 3 7 1 2 4 6 9 5 4 8 3 6 7 1 2 7 3 1 2 4 5 8 6 9 6 2 8 All7puzzles 1 ©9The 3Puzzle5Company 4 www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz
ACROSS: 1 Cutlass, 4 Clap eyes on, 9 Falling, 13 Pelt, 14 Uranus, 15 Dainty, 16 Shorten, 19 Devastated, 20 Rational, 21 Sewer, 24 Dishes, 25 Serene, 27 Sackcloth, 32 Escapade, 33 Dea-con, 34 Saffron, 38 Sorcerer, 39 Stream, 40 Gait, 41 Filmy, 42 Dwelt, 45 As mad as a hatter, 52 Skill, 55 Trams, 56 Firm, 57 Choice, 58 Undercut, 61 Parsnip, 62 Unless, 63 Prepared, 66 Continual, 68 Cheeky, 69 Athens, 73 Piste, 74 Numbness, 76 Disappoint, 81 Robbery, 82 Panama, 83 Accost, 84 Stow, 85 Courted, 86 Challenges, 87 Shudder. DOWN: 1 Coped, 2 Televise, 3 Spread, 4 Canoe, 5 Also, 6 Endorse, 7 Exists, 8 Outdo, 10 Ache, 11 Largest, 12 Needed, 17 Assessment, 18 Banks, 22 Repeated, 23 Gleam, 24 Devised, 26 Et al, 28 Amongst, 29 Camera, 30 Warmth, 31 Normal, 33 Dregs, 35 Frisk, 36 Free, 37 Fife, 43 Warsaw, 44 Lambs, 46 Slim, 47 Ammonia, 48 Archer, 49 Aeons, 50 Accepted, 51 Runway, 52 Stereotype, 53 Itch, 54 Letters, 59 Ditty, 60 Weak, 64 Snout, 65 Resisted, 67 October, 68 Cascade, 70 Gigolo, 71 Retail, 72 Kansas, 75 Beach, 77 Incas, 78 Tower, 79 True, 80 Bang.
5x5 C R O
V R
D C T
L T
C A D E T U V U L A R E C A P
T P
A T R Insert the missing letters U S to complete ten words A the grid I E — five across and five down.A E More than one solution T E S may be possible.
R Last week
A P A R T
S U G A R
T R I C E
I S L E S
R E E D S
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November 12 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
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