The Weekend Lifestyler, November 18th, 2022

New beginnings inspire

We create beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces to enhance your home and lifestyle.

Whether you’re extending a family living area or creating a space for entertaining, our proudly New Zealand designed and manufactured roofing system is specifically made for the New Zealand coastal environment.

We are based in Bream Bay and offer services around Northland.

Please get in touch if you want us to help you create a beautiful outdoor room at your place.

We have numerous satisfied customers happy to showcase their structures to interested people.

Mangawhai artist Janel Colle has travelled the world with her husband Ronnie and lived in various places due to his career in dentistry. Originally from South Africa, Janel loves spending her time painting in her small studio in the corner of their shed.

Janel says she has been delighted to discover the vibrant colours of the New Zealand landscape compared to the warm shades found in South Africa and loves nothing more than discovering new places and subjects to paint.

Community service appreciated

u by Ann van Engelen

“The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award is the highest level recognition from the Lions Clubs International Foundation and is given to members who have rendered outstanding community services,” says club president Maree Gutry.

“Keith joined Marsden Lions in January 2006 and has served in many roles, including president, membership chairperson and club director. He has also been the driving force behind the Marsden Lions Charity Golf Tournament held annually at Waipū Golf Club.

“The golf club has been extremely supportive of the event, and the tournament has generated more than $100,000 for local emergency services, including the Ruakākā Surf Life Saving Club, the local fire brigade and the Northland Rescue Helicopter.”

Keith says he appreciates the comradery he found at the Lions Club.

“I joined the Marsden Lions around 15 years ago because I believe somewhere in life you have to do something for the community, and that was the driver for me,” says Keith.

“Being able to contribute to the golf tournament over the last eight years has been an incredible experience because through the funds raised, we support the Northland Rescue Chopper, Ruakākā Surf Life Saving Club and the local St John.

“We also run the annual Pukapuka Party, which gives children from local

schools free books. Being involved in all these things is helping the community. We are always raising funds to be able to help others. We never do it for our own gratitude — we do it for what the community gets out of it.

“All age groups can come along and join us. We would love to see more younger people come along because they have fresh ideas and are more social media and cell phone savvy, which would help us advance.

“People give away their time for a whole heap of things, and Lions is another one of those organisations. It is lots of fun, and knowing you are helping others, with like-minded people gives you a great sense of satisfaction.

“We have lots happening between now and Christmas, with Lions helping out at the races on December 14 and January 6, the Christmas Parade on December 17, and we are also involved with the World Festival of Magic show being held in Whangārei for disabled children on December 15.”

Marsden Lions now has five Melvin Jones Fellows, including Bruce Cann, Clive Pegram, Roger Neal and Graeme Hewlett.

“Melvin Jones was big into Lions, and every year clubs nominate someone who has participated for a period of time. Being in the limelight isn’t my thing, and I didn’t know I was nominated, but it is a real honour to have received the award.”

The Lions Club of Marsden presented club membership chair Keith Harris with The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award recently.

p Maree Gutry, Lions Club of Marsden president, presented Keith Harris with the Melvin Jones Chevron recently

“We have lots happening between now and Christmas”

New cafe experience

u by Ann van Engelen

Kirsten and Gene Wintle took the opportunity to start their own

was originally the barista of moved on.

“Gene is born and bred from Tara Road, and I am originally from West Auckland,” says Kirsten.

“When I left school, I completed a bar and waitressing course, and I have Columbus Cafe barista experience. I moved here 15 years ago, and I love that Kaiwaka is a beautiful town. Everyone is so friendly. I returned to cafe work when I was trying to find a job that fitted in with our children and school. I have also worked at Tulip cafe in Maungatūroto and was baking as well. I found that being a barista was a natural migration.

“When this cafe came up for lease, Gene and I decided to go for it and enjoy the experience as it is so close to home.”

Black Velvets Cafe opened on Friday,

November 4, with Kirsten making her own food as well as sourcing items in.

“At present, we are still finding a coffee bean we want to go with, and I bring some food items in while we start off and will add to our range as we go. I am really looking forward to being able to experiment with things that I am interested in.

“I make things like date and orange scones, croissants with bacon and cheese, and sandwiches. We have a few vegan options, including veggie frittata, and I have gluten-free slices and bagels. I am excited to have hot foods like pies and sausage rolls, hot dogs and toasties.

“We have our children helping as well, making it a family business, and Gene

is doing the dishes and sweeping floors. I came up with the name Black Velvets because I loved karaoke and always sang the Black Velvet song, and my best friend Sarah nicknamed me BV, so naming the cafe Black Velvets seemed a natural fit.”

Located opposite Eutopia Cafe, at 1954 State Highway 1, Kaiwaka, Kirsten says she has seating for 12 people inside and four outside, making it a comfortable experience as people either drive through or locals pop in for a break.

“For the month of November, open days will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9am–5pm. In December, opening hours will extend to Thursday–Monday, with later opening over the Christmas holidays, so travellers can have a rest stop and get a bite to eat.

“I enjoy interacting with customers and want to supply the types of food that I would buy when we go out. We are looking forward to a bright future and providing a nice experience for our customers, locals and travellers alike.” ¢

Leabourn Passenger Service is looking for School Bus Drivers to join our team based in Dargaville/ Ruawai/Kaiwaka/Mangawhai/Maungaturoto.

Are you looking for a the ideal part-time job?

As a school bus driver, you’ll build great relationships with your community and its young people, and have plenty of time every day to pursue other interests. As well, there is charter work available from time to time too.

We are a family business with an experienced team of drivers focused on our passengers. If you are a safe and reliable driver we want to hear from you.

A Class 2 license with a P Endorsement is desirable, however assistance to gain these qualifications may be available for suitable applicants.

If you are interested and would like to find out more please call Louise on 027 497 5842 or louise@leabourn.co.nz to discuss this vacancy.

Leabourn Passenger Service is looking for a Mechanic to join our workshop in Dargaville/Ruawai/Kaiwaka/Mangawhai.

The Job is to assist and maintain our fleet of cars, vans, school buses and coaches up to the highest level of safety and compliance.

The suitable applicant will be able to:

• Perform routine preventative maintenance.

• Diagnose, organize and carry out repairs as needed.

• Prepare Vehicles for COF.

• Present Vehicles For COF.

• The ability to work unsupervised.

Ideally you will hold a clean Class 2 license and be able to work well with others.

If you are interested and would like to find out more please call Lyndon on 021 965 944 or lyndon@leabourn.co.nz to discuss this vacancy.

AIR EQUIPMENT SERVICES

Such as troublesome bleeding; menopause concerns; abnormal smears; pelvic pain; pain or irritation ‘down there’; fertility issues; non–surgery options for prolapse and bladder problems.

Many of the common problems can be treated with simple minor procedures done either at the clinic or at Kensington Hospital.

The emphasis at the clinic is on making sure women have as much information as possible about their own health on which to base their decisions as to the type of treatment that is best for them.

Dr. Rachel Moss, the specialist gynaecologist, can see you to make a thorough gynaecological assessment and discuss options for treatment.

A GP referral can be helpful but is not essential.

p Kirsten Wintle and her daughter Jess outside their new venture Black Velvets Cafe in Kaiwaka p Kirsten has a variety of food items available and is adding to the options

cafe opposite Eutopia on SH1 in Kaiwaka when the business Kirsten

No worries with Diggermate Bream Bay

All locals of the Bream Bay area and raised in Ruakaka. They’re stoked to be in business servicing the north. This family business has a great team behind them with a ‘no worries’ attitude.

Jarrod from a background in local industry and construction in New South Wales, Australia is practical and charged with the day-to-day operations. George, from a sales management background, is leading the business development and their shared growth plans. Billie is focussed on local brand marketing and offering the best customer service.

“We are pumped to bring the Diggermate experience to Northland and build a new and exciting brand in our local community,” Billie says.

“The core Diggermate business is hiring out tight access earthmoving

equipment. No job is too small. We also offer wet hire — machine and operator for jobs in the Bream Bay and wider Whangārei area. That is our point of difference I guess, along with being open seven days with delivery and pick up an option too,” says George.

“We are able to match the right equipment with the right operator to do the best job. We continue to partner with you on your project, whether we’re hiring out equipment and attachments or providing the complete service with our team of experienced operators.”

Book online or call George on 027 214 5501 for all your tight access earthworks requirements — dry hire and wet hire options to suit your next project. ¢

Diggermate Bream Bay operators George Hammon, Billie Hopkins and Jarrod Lusk bring a professional service and experience to the region that is second to none.

p Your diligent team from Diggermate Bream Bay (from left) George Hammon, Billie Hopkins and Jarrod Lusk

A natural insight

u by Ann van Engelen

“My work explores hidden landscapes of the natural world,” says Jay.

“The liminal spaces between presence and absence, movement and stillness. What is seen and what can be felt. The shifting tensions between reverence and disquiet. It also engages with concepts of connection, of loss and of change, and the inevitable passing of time in the natural world.

“The ways in which we assign value and meaning — what is considered worthy and what is not. Moments of transition and the tension at the edge of change. What is left behind and what adapts and blooms in the dark.”

Jay’s artistic influences are diverse and stem from Jay’s love of nature,

detail and movement and an obsessive interest in the structures of the natural world. Charcoal, ink, ceramics and printmaking techniques are combined with illustration to explore visually the spaces between obsession and chaos. Unpredictable self-made brushes and tools are combined with traditional printmaking and illustration techniques.

“I find inspiration in 19th century anatomical and scientific illustration, finely rendered early field journals of the natural world, oral traditions and storytelling, and the aesthetic cynicism of film noir.”

Rebecca’s series of works could be deciphered through the word sanctum or the idea of a sacred place to worship.

“Reflecting on our recent time of rāhui, our churches have experienced lockdowns and closed doors,” says Rebecca.

“Our actions of worship have transitioned and, in some ways, become deeper and more personal. In a way, it has felt like a quiet season indoors, isolated and somewhat insular.

“These artworks reflect ideas about the temple and places or spaces of worship, a physical temple, our bodies as a temple, and God’s temple represented as a spiritual space. God is still powerful in our instability and through the anomalous change that has been imposed upon our lives. During that season, the practice of painting became

an act of worship, which continues on within my practice.”

Media is used to communicate the new idea for each series of Rebecca’s work. Her work seeks to address direct perceptions of God within the context of our own existence, with a quiet voice of personal truth that manifests through a range of wet and dry media. Symbolism and metaphor are employed, but the intention is that the viewer may go beyond the limitations of these and search for a deeper or higher truth.

Reverie is open daily from 10am to 3pm until midday on Wednesday, November 23, at Mangawhai Artists Gallery, 45 Moir Street. ¢

OAKLAND HOMES

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OUR MISSION... QUALITY SERVICE VALUE

We take pride in producing quality work at all times and at every stage of your project and working within agreed budgets.

Our goal is to deliver personal service to you at all times. Consulting with you and working with you to ensure your desires are met throughout the building process to the best of our abilities.

Jay Allen and Rebecca Barclay-Clist explore hidden landscapes of the natural and spiritual and reflect ideas of the temple and places or spaces of worship at their exhibition Reverie, currently on at Mangawhai Artists Gallery.

p Jay’s art shows a love of nature, detail and movement

p Rebecca’s work reflects her ideas of the temple and spaces of worship

Summer’s sweet delight

u by Liz Clark

Nothing beats the taste of strawberries on a hot day with ice cream or a delicious pavlova — growing your own is even better.

If you have a crowd at home, allow five to six strawberry plants for each person in the household so you have a continuous supply of fresh berries throughout the growing season. Planting time is ideally May to September, so the plants can get winter chilling to induce flowering. The earlier you plant, the more fruit you will gain.

Strawberry plants pollinate each other, so the more you have, the more flowers will be induced to form fruit, once the bees have paid them a visit. These plants thrive with plenty of moisture and lots of compost and organic matter.

Being shallow rooted, they can be easily planted into hanging baskets

or a container garden. There are also specialised strawberry planters that can be obtained from garden centres if there is little room to plant a dedicated strawberry garden.

The key to a thriving strawberry patch is the soil, good drainage and a sheltered position in full sun. The best method is to create a series of raised rows 10cm above the soil surface. This way, it keeps the roots out of the wetter levels of soil, especially if it’s clay. Prepare the planting bed with generous layers of compost and well-aged sheep, cow or horse manure. Space your plants 30–40cm apart in rows 40cm wide. Water each plant thoroughly before removing them from

the pots. Place carefully in each planting hole, then fill with soil. Lay down a layer of hay or peat straw to keep in moisture and the strawberries off the soil. It will prevent them from rotting before harvest.

Strawberries are heavy feeders. Keep your plants regularly fertilised throughout the summer months and watered. Mix in various strawberry cultivars for a good selection of sizes and tastes. Protect your plants from snails and slugs with appropriate bait. Protect from birds with netting available from hardware stores and garden centres.

For more tips on growing great strawberries, visit your local garden centre or search online. ¢

Lovable rogues do ballet

“Apart from university and a short stint overseas, I’ve lived here most of my life in Waipu, the latter half as a dairy farmer. It is a fantastic place, and I love Waipū’s changing face,” says Neil.

“About 20 years ago, I auditioned for a play on a whim. I had never acted but had always been interested in theatre. I got the lead male role, and it turned out I could act.

“Acting opened up a whole world for me that I didn’t know existed, and I met a whole bunch of cool people. At the end of a play, you are pumped full of adrenaline, just like in a game of rugby. I was in a few plays and thought I could write a Kiwi blokish-type play.”

Neil was in a music hall fundraiser directed by Lachie McLean at Waipū Coronation Hall, and he was in other skits too. He and other Waipū Rugby Club players were also asked to perform Swan Lake.

“We did that over three nights, and the guys, who may have drunk too much, performed with a deteriorating level of skill. They missed the joke. It was not a bunch of rugby guys dressed in tutus performing ballet. The real joke was — if they’d performed ballet well.”

A week later, Neil was backpacking through Mexico, and ideas for his play spun in his mind while travelling on a night bus.

“The idea popped into my head. A bunch of rugby players roped into a PTA variety night, with the finale being a male ballet.

“When I got to my destination, I sprinted to a newsagent to buy a pad and pen and wrote down all that I had mapped out in my head.

“The characters were people I knew or an amalgamation of them, some were parts of myself, and that’s how the play came about. The rugby guys are all rough around the edges but lovable rogues.”

When Neil returned to New Zealand, he frantically typed his script and sent it to Playmarket in Wellington, which offered feedback encouraging him to develop the play more.

“Sometimes, I was barely able to keep up with the voices in my head. There’s even a love story or two to keep the ladies happy. Many drafts later, the first production of my play sold out in Waipū, and it is due to brace the stage with its wit and humour once more next year.”

People interested in auditioning can contact waipupenalties@gmail.com.

Eight male and two female actors are wanted. Auditions will be on Sunday, December 4.

The play opens on April 20 and is directed by Shortland Street and Nothing Trivial’s Blair Strang. ¢

p Neil Troost has spent most of his life in Waipū and he says he enjoys the changing face of the town

Lima

u by Ann van Engelen

chopper retires

Lima, the Northland Rescue Helicopter’s oldest chopper, has gone into retirement at the age of 42, making way for a new chopper to join the fleet next year.

“Lima completed a tremendous amount of community service to Northland, and a new helicopter will join the Northland Rescue Helicopter fleet in 2023 as the service plans for the future,” says CEO Craig Gibbons.

Lima, the Sikorsky S76, was Northland’s longest-serving rescue chopper.

“She has been part of the Northland Rescue Helicopter fleet for the past 18 years and flew 5,000 hours helping people in Northland. She was brought to life in recent years in the form of a

popular children’s book, Lima Leaps To The Rescue, which follows Ollie and Tia on their sand dune adventure up at Ahipara.

“She also helped out in the aftermath of the Christchurch Earthquake in 2011. Her retirement coincides with that of Northland Emergency Services Trust trustee David Keys, who has stepped down from the board after 15 years of outstanding service.”

Mr Gibbons paid tribute to Mr Keys for the immense support he has

given the organisation. “Ever since I took on the CEO role, David has been nothing but supportive and has always been willing to share his immense knowledge of the organisation and the sector.

“With Lima retiring, we plan to buy another Sikorsky S76C++ to join our other two in the fleet. Our exceptional team of engineers will have it operational in the second half of 2023, which will give us a more modern fleet.

“The purchase and fit-out will cost around $4 million, meaning the 2022 annual fundraising appeal for Northland Rescue Helicopter is of even more importance.

“Every year, we need to fundraise a minimum of $1 million to help cover our operational costs and with the need to buy a new helicopter, our annual appeal

holds even more importance this year and in 2023.

“We are very grateful to the people of Northland for their ongoing generosity and the purchase of the new helicopter, so we can continue providing the best service and care for our community.”

NEST chair Paul Ahlers says it has been a privilege working alongside David.

“David always remained focussed on making sure that we maintained our service in Northland. On behalf of the board and the entire NEST team, I would like to thank David for his service and the valuable contribution he has made to our community over his time.”

To donate to the rescue chopper appeal, go to nest.org.nz, or to purchase Lima’s book and other children’s books in the series, go to nest.org.nz/books. ¢

p Northland Rescue Helicopter CEO Craig Gibbons, left, with retiring Northland Emergency Services Trust trustee David Keys and NEST chair Paul Ahlers p Lima Leaps To The Rescue is a book inspired by the rescue chopper’s daily experiences

and Win competition just as the advent calendars go up.

ready for the last few shopping weeks before sleigh bells jingle in the night, heralding the arrival of the jolly old fellow in red.

Want to win a big $500 bonus to make your festive season a bit merrier? It’s easy! Visit any of the folks on these pages, and you’ll score a chance to win

with every transaction of $20 or more. At the end of the contest on December 2, we’ll gather up all those entries and draw a lucky winner — who will receive a

$500 shopping voucher to brighten up their Yuletide!

Visit the locals featured on these pages any time from now to December 2, and spend $20 or more for a chance to win. Every time you do, you can enter the draw, so plan out your midwinter shopping with the locals, and you might be $500 richer. ¢

Contest drawn under police supervision. Contest not open to the staff or immediate relatives of employees of Integrity Community Media Ltd. Participating retailers and their employees may not enter tickets at their own place of business; such entries will be disqualified. Entries not containing a valid and legible phone number, name or place of purchase will likewise be disqualified.

p Sources close to Saint Nick have confirmed that he’s made a list and checked it twice ahead of this year’s big flight on Christmas Eve. The jolly man in red says that this has been a busy year for both he and his elves, who have rushed to manufacture more than a billion toys and presents. This festive season will be easier for Santa, thanks to the end of Covid-19 restrictions. However, he says that a lot of requests for action figures, comic books, video games and model cars are coming in from dads rather than children, a practice that is almost but not quite naughty rather than nice.

Reigning on his parade

u by Andy Bryenton

Many of those reading this article will no doubt attend a Santa or Christmas parade this year, with some even taking part. In rural towns, those with access to big trailers and flat deck trucks are suddenly the most popular people in town as the parade season comes around. Many a classic tractor has been dressed up in tinsel and balloons to accompany the man in red.

Santa parades began in 1903, with a promotion by George and Kerseley’s department store in Wellington. To

advertise that they were going to have an in-store Santa who would take toy requests from girls and boys, the store arranged to have ‘Father and Mother Christmas’ turn up at the town’s railway station on a train ‘from the north pole’. So many people came to meet this polar express that the procession of the Claus family through Wellington to the store became an impromptu street theatre occasion. The store’s owners relished the publicity and realised that they had brought a lot of

happiness along with their campaign. The next year, the Clauses were joined inexplicably by famous British puppet Mr Punch, mythically the closest thing to an elf costume that could be found at short notice. People travelled from the countryside as the festive trio travelled through Petone and the Hutt Valley. Towns around New Zealand decided to get in on the fun.

During the next few years, Santa parades became part of the annual fabric of New Zealand life. The years before the second world war saw big social groups and organisations taking charge in small-town parades, with schools, churches, charities and the convenors of A&P shows helping out. At this time, the marching bands, lolly scrambles and the strict ‘Santa come at the end of the floats’ tropes of a classic Christmas parade were born.

In the big cities, stores competed to introduce Santa in novel ways. While it had become an established practice that he should ride a sleigh on a float

by 1930. Thirties Santas arrived in Christchurch by elephant back, in Wellington by biplane, and in 1937 Santa parachuted into Auckland, at a time when skydiving was the domain of the military and not civilians. There was also an odd trend for ‘giants’ in those early years, with big and tall men donning stilts and costumes to appear even larger and often being accompanied by little people in elf costumes.

This year is the first year since Covid that Santa parades can go ahead in many smaller towns. Dedicated people are taking time off work to design floats, don costumes and practice songs. Locals will drive trucks, hang bunting, blow up balloons and throw sweets, all for the kids and a sense of community. If somebody asks you to step up and help, consider it a big compliment. You’re being recruited into Santa’s army of helpers, keeping up a Kiwi tradition, which has gone from a commercial gimmick to a genuine occasion for seasonal cheer. ¢

u by Ann van Engelen

With Christmas fast approaching, it is time to celebrate friends and family and have fun at the range of events planned around the area to celebrate the festive season, including the much-loved parades.

“We are getting ready for the Mangawhai Activity Zone Santa Claus Parade on December 11,” says parade organiser John Phillis.

“People can still register to put in a float, and there is no cost to enter. There are no restrictions, and our start time is 1pm at the Sellars Reserve at the bottom of North Avenue. The floats will proceed through to Robert Street, into Wood Street and end Molesworth Drive finishing at Mangawhai Activity Zone — MAZ.

“We are then having a Christmas concert afterwards from 4pm at MAZ showcasing the talent of young and old from the local community. We love hosting our parade for friends, families, visitors and community people to come together and have fun.

“Santa Claus is going to be back in town and is getting ready to give all the children a present when they get a photo with him to say thank you for coming to see him. He tells me the community has been good this year and wants everyone to stay safe, be good, be careful and keep looking out for each other.

“Following the parade Santa, will be available to meet children and adults too. We have a big covered stage coming with bands and talent quests, schools and musicians performing. It will be a real variety concert with food trucks and non-alcoholic beverages for sale.

“We are really looking forward to a fun day out for everyone who comes along. People can contact me on 021 339 329 to enter a float.”

Love Waipu Business & Community Inc has the Waipū Christmas Parade set for December 24 from 7–9pm at The Centre. The Wellsford Santa Parade will be on Saturday, November 26, starting at 10.30am at the Wellsford District Community Centre, 1 Matheson Road, Wellsford. Maungatūroto is holding its annual Christmas Parade and Festival at 4pm on Saturday, December 17.

It is also a good time to remember the much-loved and appreciated traditional New Zealand Lions Christmas Cakes. The gift of these delightful cakes began in 1971, and now, more than half a century later, the cake has become an annual nationwide favourite.

The perfect gift for the older generation, in particular, they are rich, fruity, non-crumbly and full of flavour. They are still a much-appreciated and

sought-after accompaniment for the dinner table or afternoon tea. Visit lionschristmascakes.org.nz to learn more and place an order. ¢

p Elmo and friends visited the last Maungatūroto Christmas Parade

New beginnings inspire

u by Ann van Engelen

Mangawhai artist Janel Colle has been interested in art since she was a young girl in South Africa and is now proud to be a part of the Mangawhai art community.

“I grew up near the Kruger National Park, very close to the Mozambique border and always found art and creativity fascinating,” says Janel.

“If you are in those areas, you live amongst the wildlife, and the people are very colourful. I took art at school and painted a lot of wildlife, and then studied fine art at Pretoria University.

and I was supporting the family and helping Ronnie in the surgery there too.

“I painted with oils and then trained in acrylic because acrylic is easier to work with in a small space as it dries quicker.”

In 2009 Janel and Ronnie relocated to New Zealand and settled in Mairangi Bay, Auckland, and she found art opportunities plentiful.

“When I completed my study, I didn’t think art was for me, so I did a fashion design course and had my own little clothing boutique for eight years custom making garments like wedding dresses and ball gowns. My husband Ronnie is a dentist, and when our children came along, I focussed on being a mum and helping him at his dental surgery.

“We moved to England for six years for Ronnie’s work. I still didn’t paint much because I didn’t have a very big space,

“There was a beautiful art centre two houses from me, and I joined a Wednesday morning class, and one day, I entered an exhibition at the Bruce Mason Centre. I didn’t think I was good enough, but I decided to ‘just do it’, and it was a nice experience, and the exposure got my name out there.”

Janel says the New Zealand landscape is vastly different to South Africa where the colours are warm.

“I am in awe of the green and everchanging colour schemes here. I always drink in the scenes that we pass when we travel. We moved to Mangawhai in May last year, and Ronnie is a dentist here now. We have been busy building our house and lived in our caravan for three months on our property. It was raining an awful lot, but I have a little corner in the shed where I paint, and that helped keep me sane.

“There is so much to do when you move to a new town. You have to make new friends, find new doctors, shops and other things, and we found Mangawhai to be amazing. There are so many talented artists in the whole area, and they are so accommodating and made us feel welcome.

“When I found the Mangawhai Artist Gallery last year, I walked in, asked

“I like to paint a lot of things like people, animals and still life, not just landscapes”

p Janel Colle says she is in her element when she is painting in her studio

how it works and then joined. They then asked me to participate in the 2021 Kaipara Art Awards, so I did with my New Beginnings landscape in the 2D category.

“I never expected to win anything as there were so many talented artists entered, and I was totally surprised to place third. I met some lovely people, and it gave me the boost I needed, especially being in a new town.

“It has been interesting getting to know other artists’ experiences and journeys. Seeing everyone’s art displayed was very encouraging, and it inspired me to do more. When you are amongst such quality workmanship, it makes you want to push yourself to the next level and experiment every day.

“I then had an exhibition last September and enjoyed receiving feedback from other artists as they shared ideas, techniques, experiences, themes and inspirations. My exhibition was all about the kauri dieback because I find it heartbreaking to see the big giants

threatened by the disease. I loved that exhibition and felt compelled to raise further awareness for the heartbreaking issue of kauri dieback disease.

“My work can be viewed at artwithjanel.com. There is so much diversity with different art, but you find where you fit in with everybody on their own journey. I love the French painter Henry Rousseau’s saying: ‘nothing makes me so happy as to observe nature and to paint what I see’.

“I like to paint a lot of things like people, animals and still life, not just landscapes. I did some in black and white last year and really enjoyed it. It is challenging because I think if you paint black and white, it has to be so good that you can taste, feel and see the colour.”

Janel says when travelling, you need to take photos and do small sketches of what you see to hold the memory and to paint from that.

“I encourage people to start preparing for the next Kaipara Art Awards because there are so many different styles and

people are interested in variety. Some people do traditional art — others are more contemporary. Art comes from somebody’s heart, what they see and feel in their heart. They paint with their eyes and hand to the canvas and then it goes on the wall.

“Ronnie is a fantastic support. This year I entered a landscape with cows in it because wherever you drive here, you see cows. It was the start of spring, and I said to Ronnie look at these happy cows, so I took a photo, and it made my heart sing.

“I had an accident with the cow painting before I entered it, though. It was finished, and I went away, leaving it to dry before varnishing it. When I got home and walked into my studio, a blackbird had got in, and all my glasses, pottery, and everything was on the floor.

“Ronnie was a huge help and started cleaning and scrubbing the studio. I think the bird thought my landscape was real and messed all over it, so two days before entering it into the awards,

I was painting like crazy, reviving it. Not everyone likes my style, but they may love another person’s style and that is what art is all about. This year’s awards has some beautiful work on display and is currently showing at the Muddy Waters Gallery in Dargaville until December 7.

“I also encourage people to come along to the Mangawhai Artists Gallery on Moir Street, opposite Bennetts and see the talent that we have here. We love living in Mangawhai. I can’t fault the township with the seashore, walking tracks, the various shops and eateries, and we have met so many nice people.

“Hand in hand with nature, I feel, I touch, I see, I hear, I smell, I paint. At present, I am holding an art therapy course to help people with their mental health or other issues such as trauma.

“Mangawhai has opened my mind, heart and soul to experiencing life in a new, profound way. My passion for art has extended my ability and taken me through a journey. It’s led me to find fresh inspiration here in New Zealand.” ¢

“Hand in hand with nature, I feel, I touch, I see, I hear, I smell, I paint.

At present, I am holding an art therapy course to help people with their mental health or other issues such as trauma”

p The painting New Beginnings saw Janel take third place at the Kaipara Art Awards last year in the 2D category

p During the wet weather and lockdowns Janel took time to create new works of art

p Nature, still life and people are all subjects that Janel enjoys painting

p Being a world traveller, Janel has painted a vast variety of subjects

Summer concerts begin

u by Ann van Engelen

“We are community minded in putting on the events,” says Debi.

“People always say how nice it feels at our property. It has been a place where historically people have gathered, and we want the locals of Waipū and visitors to the town to enjoy some of the amazing talent that is around early next year.

“Now that Dave has the stage and tiered grass seating set up how he likes it, we are hoping performers can start playing as soon as they arrive. We try to keep advertising and production costs down so that the money that people pay goes to the performers. As The Te Tai Tokerau regional Shakespeare coordinator, I would love to see summer Shakespeare in our garden.

“This year, The Goods, who dominated the summer of the very first Classics at the Cove in 2012/13, are back together after a 10-year absence, having added a fourth member to the band. Karam Brockie-David, Chris Butler and Harlen Keepa are now joined by Jakob Young, previously of the band Monkey Assassins.

“Jakob will take up the lead guitar for their set of non-stop classic and

blues country rock that will kick off a fantastic evening of musical talent. Albi and the Wolves have returned from an Australian tour and are currently touring New Zealand.

“Albi (Chris Dent) originates from Maungatūroto and is the frontman of this acoustic trio that creates a huge sound using an electric violin, acoustic guitar, a double bass, and their voices. They fill hearts with hope with their energetic and relatable alternative indie folk songs.”

Also set to entertain are Alan and Kristin Kelly, two founding members of the well-known Irish powerhouse band Barleyshakes.

“They present upbeat sounds of Ireland on the sweet, sensuous fiddle and spirited guitar. They are recipients of the Queensland Music Award for World Music, and Alan has recorded as a bodhran soloist on the Lord of the Rings soundtrack.

“Having performed at concert halls, clubs, and festivals in more than 25 countries, they take you on a journey from Ireland’s happier pre-famine days and follow with songs of emigration,

desperation, resilience and struggle. They will make you laugh, cry, sing and dance.

“Our summer concerts are all outdoors, on the grounds overlooking Bream Bay. Tickets are available from eventfinda.co.nz and at the gate.

“On January 7, we have Sirrah dance the night away with Bryan

Harris and Chris Neilson, who have gained a strong following with their Latin-influenced music to classic well-known songs.

“January 21 sees An Eclectic evening of music on January 28, our Jazz on a Summer’s Day event and Rock n Rods is on February 5 from 3pm after the Waipū Car and Bike show.” ¢

Dave Brown and his wife, Debi, at their farm Tahamoana, in Waipū, are excited to be presenting an inspirational line-up of musicians for Classics at the Cove this summer season.

p The Classics at the Cove concerts are held outdoors at Tahamoana Angora Goat Farm in Waipū

p Albi and the Wolves’ music is known to fill hearts with hope through their energetic and relatable alternative indie folk songs

p Alan and Kristin Kelly from Irish band the Barleyshakes will be performing at Classics at the Cove this coming January

rid of (7) 54 Small whirlpool (4) 55 Sleep lightly (6) 56 Truthful (6) 57 Real (7) 60 Type of art print (10) 61 Revolving (8) 62 Ran for office (5)

Extreme irrational fear (6)

By mouth (6)

Betrayal (9)

Darkness (5-4)

Freight (5)

Swiss cheese (7)

First showing (8) 80 Disbelieving (11)

Underneath (5)

Claw (5)

Mild, ineffective punishment (4,2,3,5) 84 Smell (5) DOWN

Airstrip (6)

Yell (5)

Foot part (4) 6 Triumphantly joyful (7)

Objective (6) 8 Consumes (4) 9 Likely (8) 10 Stretch out, extend (6) 11 An antibiotic (10) 12 Elliptical (4) 13 Countersign (7) 17 Armistice (5) 18 Rules of personal conduct (10) 22 Fly rapidly downwards (5) 23 Habitual sleeplessness (8) 25 Upset, unsettle (7) 26 Ore tester (7)

Mix by pressing (5)

Spanish dance (8)

Broken glass fragment (5)

Low wall guarding a drop (7)

(6)

(6)

(5)

(4)

ACROSS: 1 Sighted, 4 Medication, 9 Sarcasm, 13 Aped, 14 Jaguar, 15 Office, 16 Gearbox, 19 Discipline, 20 Steerage, 21 Evade, 24 Mantis, 25 Waders, 27 Itinerant, 32 Sampling, 33 Blocks, 34 Impasse, 38 Imagined, 39 Thrift, 40 Norm, 41 Bogus, 42 Ebony, 45 Put on a pedestal, 52 Sever, 55 State, 56 Taxi, 57 Dagger, 58 Igniting, 61 Wealthy, 62 Forces, 63 Gleaming, 66 Strangest, 68 Runner, 69 Siesta, 73 Soapy, 74 Welcomed, 76 Craftiness, 81 Drooped, 82 Plasma, 83 Erased, 84 Star, 85 Tsunami, 86 Topsy-turvy, 87 Dynasty.

DOWN: 1 Scald, 2 Greasing, 3 Deadly, 4 Mourn, 5 Darn, 6 Chooses, 7 Toffee, 8 Occur, 10 Axed, 11 Caravan, 12 Scolds, 17 Similarity, 18 Agent, 22 Lengthen, 23 Frame, 24 Massive, 26 Arid, 28 Takings, 29 Upkeep, 30 Rotted, 31 Assume, 33 Blimp, 35 Alone, 36 Sago, 37 Area, 43 Bitter, 44 Natal, 46 Utah, 47 Ominous, 48 Addict, 49 Edges, 50 Emerging, 51 Legume, 52 Scientific, 53 Veil, 54 Regalia, 59 Ahead, 60 Here, 64 Agree, 65 Asbestos, 67 Typhoon, 68 Radiant, 70 Boards, 71 Amuses, 72 Offend, 75 Cello, 77 Ready, 78 Sorry, 79 Berm, 80 Wear.