Offsite Issue #42 May/June 2024

WE KNOW NOTHING SMELLS BETTER THAN FRESH FRAMING. AND PIES.

Farewell, Offsite

Rheem Offsite was born as an outdoor magazine for tradies, and that’s exactly how she will end. With 42 issues under our tool belts, the time has unfortunately come to bid farewell to the pages of Offsite.

With each edition, we've strived to capture the essence of the Kiwi tradie lifestyle, inspire adventure, and honour our ‘work hard, play hard’ ethos. From the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the golden shores of Northland, we've traversed every corner of NZ, sharing stories of exploration, wonder, success, respect, and resilience.

As we stand at the crossroads of change, I must acknowledge the shifting currents of the publishing industry. Today's challenges are as formidable as the bush we've tackled and the oceans we've navigated. In an era dominated by digital media and eeting attention spans, the traditional print format – despite its substance and dwell time – is becoming more and more dif cult to deliver.

To our loyal readers and crew of

writers – thank you for your support and contributions. You have been the driving force behind every tale, every photograph, and every adventure. You have given this publication life. As we embark on our nal mission together, let’s celebrate the countless stories that have de ned us, the friendships forged in the great outdoors, and the amazing tradies we’ve featured on these pages. The silver lining is that the spirit of Offsite will live on through our editorial team here at NZ Fishing News. Check out shing.net.nz and the upcoming quarterly print editions of NZ Fishing News for continued, high-quality outdoor content.

- Nick Jones

Rheem Offsite wouldn’t have been you amazing tradies! Here are we’ve been able to feature in years.

THANK

been anything without just a few of the legends the magazine over the

THANK YOU,

TRADIES

COLD WATER THERAPY

Words & Images by James Fisher

We’ve all heard it, the latest and greatest way to feel on top of the world. The oldest cure-all and the newest trend to help boost the immune system, increase dopamine, lower cortisol, and set yourself up for a winning day. All your favourite podcasts are raving about it – ‘cold water immersion’. I’m all for it. It works. Science says it does and science is smarter than you or I.

When it comes to flooding your body with a cocktail of feel-good chemicals, there are ways that don’t involve sitting in the bath of ice struggling to control your breath or standing in a cold shower making weird noises whilst your housemates are wondering what’s going on the other side of the bathroom door.

Exercise. Exercise that you enjoy, that has some kind of inherent risk or is difficult and increases your heart rate. Activities that heighten your senses, catapult you into the ‘flow state’, and

initiate the physiological changes that we all spend most of our day trying to gain by consumption.

Social media, junk food, dating apps, or sitting at the local boozer with Dave. Granted, that stuff works in the immediate, short term. But is there any long-term gain Here’s a fun fact from Dr. Andrew Huberman – cold water immersion increases dopamine levels in a way that rivals any artificial hit, except it lasts much, much longer.

So, what if there was a way to get all this, all at once? All in a positive environment that as far as I can tell, has no negative effect on your mind or body.

What if you can get the cold water immersion, the adrenaline spike, the outdoors, the sunlight, the pressure release, and the quiet mind that allows nothing but the moment to consume you?

Kiteboarding in the cold water of ew ealand’s outh Island does e actly that Don’t be fooled – it’s not

for the faint-hearted and it’s not easy to get going. But none of the best things in life are.

CROSSOVER

There are many beautiful things about this sport, and one of them is the crossover or the similarities to other sports that make it easier to pick up and have a good time. Already surf? Then you understand board control, know waves, and don’t freak out when you’re tumbling through the wash. ood at wakeboarding? You can get wake bindings for your kiteboard and do the same tricks. Enjoy the snow? Snowkiting is a thing. Foil behind your boat? Now you can do it when the wind picks up. Have a fetish for peeing in rubber suits? You’re probably already a spearfisher

All okes aside, it’s the kite or wing skills and the environment that really separate these sports. The other skills are all easily transferable when learned safely.

THE ALLURE OF MISERY

Down here, in ueenstown and the outh more generally, two things are in no short supply water and wind.

In fact, as I write this, looking out the window over ake Whakatipu with its āori legend of the giant and the princess, I can see the bitterly cold southerly weather system rolling in from the outh acific, bringing with it the unwelcome pre-winter snowfall that dusts the rugged mountains. The advancing white caps, generated by charging wind breaking up the once smooth surface, look like horses galloping along a vast pastel blue desert that stretches out in three directions.

As kiteboarders, the wind and whitecaps are what we look for. The oldest way to determine wind speed is the eaufort cale. sed since the beginning of seafaring, the eaufort cale suggests that when we see white crests rolling off the swell, we know there’s a - -knot wind and we’re likely good to hit the water. Wind direction Doesn’t matter. There’s always a spot that works somewhere.

We rug up, bang some on the face, throw the mm wetsuit and hood in the back of the car, likely still wet from the last session and drive to

whichever spot the wind meter shows is most promising.

It’s the pull of solitude when out on the water and the allure of a likeminded community that gets me off my arse, out the door, and into the e pected misery when the wetsuit first floods with wintery liquid, briefly taking my breath away and forcing the long controlled e hale that marks that start of the session.

HEALING THROUGH FLOW

There is another reason I’ve been out in the cold water so much recently. oncussion, the invisible demon of brain in uries.

Anyone of you who has suffered a serious concussion knows the havoc it plays. It forces us to take months off work, struggle ust to get through the days, and try to reduce symptoms with meditation, sleep, eye masks, wearing ear plugs, or relying on gentle cardio for movement.

Despite the sport’s inherent dangers and potential for some nasty slams, it can also be very low impact. On the correct kite or wing, it can be ma estic, smooth, and silent. Allowing the mind to be at peace – to be totally present and think about nothing but the wind, the kite position, and your board. ombine that with glacier-fed lakes or the frigid waters

of the southern coast and we have, what I’ve found to be, a potent form of cold water therapy.

This feeling of total immersion or ‘flow’ can be amplified if you spend the time learning to ride a foil board. lying above the knee-clattering chop, a small hydrofoil under the surface glides through the water like a bluefin tuna on the run, creating enough lift to hold the rider up to m above the surface hurtling along at breakneck speeds or cruising for a docile ride.

The art of foiling is the art of en. ubtle, gentle, and smooth. With the contrast of e periencing the thrill of controlling the immense power of the wind simply for the pure oy of it. To be honest with you all, I’m not a foiler. I prefer high wind and big umps. o, to avoid being called out as a fraud, I asked fellow local and friend, Jack, to describe how it feels for him. In his words:

When you get the board out of the water and ride on the foil for the first time, the total silence, the speed over the water, ust feels pure.

I agree, kiteboarding or winging, in all its forms, does feel pure. or me, kiteboarding has been my saving grace. The key to my sanity and the road to recovery.

COMMUNITY

Our local community here has kiters, windsurfers, and the new breed of wing foilers. Between them, these groups cover all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

There are tandem paraglider pilots that need something to do when they’re blown out and can’t work, heli-ski guides that need to top up their adrenaline levels in the off-season, young van dwellers travelling around the country with their gear in search of wind and waves, and retirees living it up. Of course, there are also people like me, the average James – a tradie who knows that on a sunny summer’s day, the sea bree e will blow in, lighting up Jacks Point Beach, providing the opportunity to rinse away the sawdust and the loud noises from the day’s work. The glow of the evening sun transforms the Remarkables from ominous black to bright golden orange before disappearing behind Cecil Peak, casting us all into shadow and the chills that shortly follow.

That’s usually our cue to head in, warm up, and have a chat. Like all the previously mentioned demographics, I’m grinning from ear to ear, dripping water from the nose and reciting stories of big airs, new tricks, top speeds, or perfect flow. We then drive home for dinner to e citedly tell anyone else who’ll listen.

This drive regularly sees me shouting out loud whilst drumming on the steering wheel as loud music and dopamine flood my system.

One story regularly told is that of local tour guide and old-time kite foiler Errol. He has a secret spot he likes to call Treasure Island. Far up wind and well out of reach of the inefficient twin tippers like me, he has a secret stash of craft beers buried on a small stone beach. The old kite pirate will rig up, kite upwind to his ‘ marks the spot’, kilometres away from the rabble, to sit and have a beer in peace, before returning a couple of hours later to where the rest of us are still sessioning closer in. Being the forward thinker that he is, he has a life jacket with numerous pockets that will conveniently fit six cans. We all know when he’s run out of beers at Treasure Island because these partly torn pockets are fully loaded with strong ha ies and pale ales as he waves goodbye, foil board slung under his arm and kite flying high.

UNIQUE LOCATIONS

On smoko today, Google ‘kiteboarding’ or ‘wing foiling’. You’ll likely see photos of smooth flat water, shallow blue lagoons, white

sand beaches, tanned skins barely covered with bikinis and boardies, and some palm trees blowing sideways in a smooth, linear, consistent and beautifully warm sea bree e in a far-off tropical paradise. Enticing right?!

Now close your eyes and imagine the same perfect knee-deep water but remove all the nice things you just saw. Add chop, cold wind licking up icy spray, towering mountains with cascading glaciers, and enormous valleys filled with creeks and wild deer.

Replace the wide-open, safe, white sand beaches with small rocky lakeshores covered in rosehip, gorse, willows, or native bush. Barely enough space to lay out your lines and likely a tree or ute that you need to tie yourself to in order to launch because no one else made it over yet.

The wind is probably blowing dangerously offshore and those beautiful tanned bodies They’re old builders or leather-skinned ski guides covered in neoprene from head to toe. Heading to the coast It’s likely similar but with a sandy beach at least. That’s South Island kitesurfing. Still enticing? or most, not really. However, it’s these gnarly, uncomfortable conditions that not only make it exciting but also keep the crowds away. Difficult

conditions mean that we can kite anywhere in the world because we’ve trained in the gnarliest of it. Despite the lack of palm trees, cinnamon skins and coconuts, there’s a spot for every wind direction. Northerlies at Glenorchy Lagoon for some offshore flat-water fun or 25 Mile for windy, wavey chop.

On a weekend, there’s always a hardy few willing to chase the latest southwest system, road tripping south to hit the waves at Monkey Island or practice tricks at the long, thin, protected flat water of Te Waewae Lagoon or Awarua.

The Queenstown favourite is a place called ‘Jardine’ in a southerly sea breeze. The Jacks Point location is described by Red Bull King of the Air

Kiwi, Marc Jacobs, as a world class kite spot perfect for big air and wing foiling alike.

Winter mornings are for making the most of the early, frosty katabatic northeast wind that blows down Coronet Peak across the lake and into Kingston. Add to that, Wānaka, Hāwea, the lakes of Mackenzie Country plus any of the coastline and we have 365 days a year of kiteboarding conditions… so long as you’re willing.

THE RISK

There is a more serious side to all this feel-awesome fun. It’s important to understand how dangerous the sport can be and the immense power that can be generated when combining a 10m²

kite and a 20-knot wind. The factors that lure us in are the same ingredients that create the potential for injury, or worse.

Lessons are crucial! Learning safely with a qualified instructor is the only safe way. One wrong move with the kite and you’re in the sky, quickly heading for the ground, a tree, or the water. Then it’s up along down, up along down. Teabagging we call it. Not a good time when it’s accidental.

For reference, the world kiteboard record jump is now 37m high! Add that kind of power to 200m deep, frigid waters of NZ lakes or the turbulent coastlines found throughout this country and no one’s having a good time if you don’t know what you’re doing.

THE REWARD

Remember Dr.Huberman’s fact about cold water immersion from the start of this article?

Well, if you’re willing to put the time in to learn a new skill and get after it, willing to look out the window, see the cold wind blowing, and still put on the damp wetsuit in search of a good time, then something similar to an artificial hit with Dave at the boozer, but far more rewarding, could be on the cards for you at knock-off time or the weekend.

Find a school and go get some lessons on kiteboarding, wing foiling, or anything else that involves fun in cold water – especially if it’s a little gnarly and if most people wouldn’t dare.

That’s where all the great times live. They’re out in glacial waters and cloudy skies. They’re lurking in the turbulent oceans and hard-to-reach places that take a bit of misery to get to a certain mindset to enjoy. I guarantee that if you find someone else to join you or someone who’s already out there, you’ll connect in ways far deeper than pub banter. You will feel new and you will feel happy. You’ll drive home screaming to yourself with nose water landing on your lap and you’ll be hooked.

QUALIFICATIONS THAT FIT WHAT YOU DO

WORK SMARTER

Have your team work smarter, learn up-to-date skills.

TRAIN AN APPRENTICE

ALREADY HAVE THE EXPERIENCE?

GROW YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH TRAINING

ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM JOINERY

BRICK AND BLOCK LAYING

CARPENTRY

CONCRETE

EXTERIOR PLASTERING

FLOORING

FRAME AND TRUSS FABRICATION

Help them learn the skills and become qualified.

Get skills recognised with a formal qualification.

Training an apprentice is an investment in your business and the industry.

INTERIOR SYSTEMS

JOINERY

KITCHEN AND BATHROOM DESIGN

PAINTING AND DECORATING

RESIN FLOORING

STONEMASONRY

SUPERVISOR

END OF AN ERA

Issue #1 of Rheem Offsite hit the shelves in June 2017. In its contents was the rst tradie pro le, the rst of many shing and hunting articles, and, of course, the very rst Rheem double page feature – which quite ttingly focussed on that year’s Big 6 Challenge (a modernised version of which is happening in 2024). Six and a half years and 41 further issues later, the magazine has evolved into a household name for tradies all around NZ. However, as you may already be aware, all good things must come to an end. This is the last issue of Rheem Offsite and while it’s de nitely a sad day, we couldn’t be prouder of the magazine’s success throughout its tenure.

First, we want to thank the Rheem Offsite editorial crew who have put so much work into nding and publishing

only the best tradie and outdoor stories. We always look forward to the mag showing up our of ce, and there’s never a shortage of keen readers. It takes a lot of hard work to create engaging content week in and week out, so we really appreciate the effort the team have put in over the last six and a half years.

We also want to thank all of the advertisers who’ve supported this magazine – even through pandemics and recessions and rising costs. This magazine couldn’t have succeeded without you!

Finally, we want to thank you, our readership. Every time we get a chance to meet readers at events or through competitions or in stores, it’s a real treat! We know how many supporters this magazine has had – both in print and online – and we can’t express

enough gratitude for your time and engagement.

If you’re a plumber who still wants to keep up to date with the latest Rheem news, you can head to our Instagram. We’re hosting a bunch of tradie training this year throughout the country and will be at all the major trade shows, so don’t hesitate to swing by and say hi. Until next time, keep enjoying your time on and off the site!

Rheem proudly supports Save the Kiwi to achieve their goal and take kiwi from endangered to everywhere. If you’d like to take part and help save New Zealand’s national icon, go to www.savethekiwi.nz/donate – Your donation will help hatch and raise kiwi chicks in safety, increase kiwi populations, and protect wild kiwi habitat.

THE COLORCOTE TRADIE PROFILE

For this issue’s ColorCote Tradie Profile, plumber Sam Antunovich shares his advice on juggling work, family, and adventure.

Trying to get these words down on paper has been no easy feat. One minute you’re at out working, scrambling to make it home for dinner, then the next you’re having a quiet spell where you sit down at home to knock out some paperwork only to have a toddler burst into the room, precipitating from the eyes and nose, stark naked and covered head to toe in felt tip pen… all while the better part of the house lies in chaos and ruin.

The tradie life often means work, clients, relationships, and young ones are eagerly craving your attention at once. There’s a lot to do and many people to please. Looking back to 2018, life was a little less complicated. I was working hard as a newly self-employed plumber gas tter yet still nding the time and energy for adventure and travel. Trips away hiking, climbing, snowboarding, sleeping in the van, and cooking on the roadside were common. Having also bought my rst home, I was often outdoors landscaping and tree felling into the darkness many nights

after work.

At the same time, overseas travel had never been so cheap. With no one depending on me, trips to Queensland shing for barramundi and mud crabs on the Proserpine River, snorkelling off the coast of Belize, and riding airboats through the Bayous of southern Louisiana were all possible.

However, later that year when my partner Mia and I discovered we were expecting our rst child, I soon realised our circumstances were to change. Now when you start your time as a plumber you will almost certainly meet an older man, usually a builder, who considers himself a bit of a comedian. He’ll take one look at the young buck standing before him and proclaim, “You know there are only two things you need to know to be a plumber… shit doesn’t go uphill, and payday’s Thursday!”

Years later, when this same joker gets wind of you having a child or getting married he’ll straighten up on his upturned paint bucket at smoko,

pour his milk into his cup of tea, and blurt out, “Oh well, you can’t have fun all your life.”

Fast forward ve years and I can certainly see what the wannabe Ricky Gervais was alluding to. Yet the fun doesn’t have to come to a grinding halt. Still working hard with the business, now employing others to spread the load, training an apprentice, and recently celebrating the rst birthday of our third child, it’s fair to say there’s been a bit going on. Mia and I have, however, been pragmatic in our approach to raising the kids with fun and adventure in mind. So how do you quench your thirst for adventure while keeping the wheels of business turning and doing the best for your young family?

You start looking at the world through the eyes of your pint-sized companions and let their imaginations be the blueprint for your next mission. Our two oldest boys, approaching three and ve years old this winter, are all gas

and no brakes. This means they need a mountain to climb as much as I do, and there’s plenty of them around. Keep it simple, prioritise what’s important, delegate within the business, and ensure you’re getting that much-needed quality time with your kids. With travel being restricted over the last few years and young ones to cater for there’s never been a better time to explore your backyard. We “climb” the Auckland volcanic cones, spelunk the caves of the West Coast beaches, and explore the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. We hunt for pheasant and duck eggs and comb the beaches and rock pools for crabs and sea glass.

We’ve had some great trips throughout the country, soaking in hot springs, hiking to lesser-known beaches, and searching for everything from glow worms in the Waikato and mighty sea lions on the Otago Peninsula. Last year we got away on our rst trip overseas as a family of ve to Vanuatu. The difference in ora and fauna was greeted with amazement by the kids. We climbed coconut trees to harvest our own and drink the fresh

water, learned about coconut crabs and giant star sh, and spoke to friendly locals learning some of the native Bislama.

It’s these good times that make all the hard work well worth it. Whether they’re picking blackberries, chopping rewood, or running errands with Dad, it’s a good time in the making. As long as you’re prepared with snacks, drink bottles, and appropriate changes of clothes, you can make it work. The worst-case scenario is when the pressure’s on with work – however, you can take your kids on the odd job with you which gives them an appreciation of what it is you're up to when you’re not around and it’s amazing how quickly they start learning. I was given a book on raising kids when our rst was due and it stated that kids spell ‘love’ like this: T - I - M – E.

So, with that in mind, if you can allow yourself the time to engage with your kids and create the adventure then you’re halfway to becoming a good parent already – that’s a thrilling ride in itself.

This tradie profile is brought to you by ColorCote

MAJESTIC MATAURI BAY

By Michael McCormack

“W

e’re gonna book Matauri Bay campsite for four nights, who’s coming?’’ was the WhatsApp message that kick-started the hype and planning for an epic adventure to the Far North. The troops were quickly assembled with me, Danny, Rudi, and Max signing up for the mission.

We had two weeks to confirm plans, apply for leave, and get the gear and logistics sorted. This particular trip was a lads-only a air. Technically it was a stag-do (although there weren’t any stag-do-related antics to be fair) so I think the mission got the green light and was signed o by the missus a lot more swiftly than the old ‘I’m going on a dive trip for four days with the lads, how can we make that happen?’ type approach!

With bags and gear packed, the freezer loaded into the boat (yep!), a short stop at PAK’nSAVE to get the essentials (somehow, we forgot the soy sauce), and a 4-hour tow, we found ourselves winding our way down into Matauri Bay Holiday Park.

Once we found our campsite it was a race against both the wind (to get the tents up before they got demolished by the gale force winds) and the clock (we were keen to get in the water for a

reconnaissance mission). We beat the wind but not the clock, so ended up enjoying a warm dinner of steak and potatoes, a co ee, and an evening stroll around the campsite to meet some locals.

Late that night our dive mate Max (aka ‘The Mahi Dog’) rolled up at the campsite after a 6-hour drive from Pukekohe after finishing work. The next morning, we enjoyed some porridge and got straight into the paper/scissors/ rock battle to see who would be the topman at the first dive spot. With Danny destined to be on the helm this time, we loaded the boat, slid into our dive suits, beach launched, and boosted out to the nearby Cavalli Islands.

The wind was pushing variable 24-28 knots, and we punched through a short channel and got into the action on a nearby pinnacle, spearing a few pink maomao – one of the best-eating fish around. iz was a hazy - m so we moved on, anchored up, and snooped and scouted our way around rock structures, looking for a good variety of reef fish. Between us, we ended up with a couple of scorpionfish, porae, mullet, pink maomao and trevally, so it was a good start to the trip. Happy

with the mixed bag we shot back to base, filleted the fish and shared some stories (and fillets) with the locals. t’s amazing what pulling out a few fish on the filleting table does to get the socialisation happening!

We prepped and devoured a sashimi platter, followed up with grilled, butterflied scorpionfish (covered in garlic butter). During our sashimi session, Morgan (a real good sort) dropped us o some smoked marlin which we exchanged for some of our fresh fish – a good trade t’s a small world, as this Morgan was the chap who put us on to some kingfish shoals at the Mercury Islands just three weeks ago.

The next day was an early start. With porridge and brews on the go, we again slipped into our suits. On my morning co ee meander, got talking to some local lads (JB and Beau) who were about to launch as well. It was an epic sunrise as we launched the boat. We bypassed some schools of fish working bait, opting instead for a reef on the outer side of the Cavallis to try and find some decent viz. nd we found some! Using the Navionics App, we located and sounded up an area for some structure, current, and baitfish.

We dropped in and straight away I could see kingfish working the baitfish. I yelled out, ‘’The kings are here,’’ then 20 seconds later Max dived down and stoned a beautifully conditioned kg kingfish.

s that fish was as good as in the bin, Rudi smacked me on the ass and gestured for me to go and get one. subbed down into a seething tangle of kingfish, locked eyes on a target in the pack and (avoiding all the fish crossing over it) got a spear into it. The shot was too far forward for my liking, so the fish gave me gears taking some big runs and peeling line o my gun reel. The battle went back and forth before got it to mid-water and Rudi subbed down for a securing shot. fter a dynamic finale, we finally boated the king. t was a well-conditioned fish that tipped the scales at 22kg, which was a new PB for me and was destined to be shared around the campsite.

We moved o the spot for a while, and managed to hook and land a kahawai on a softbait that would make great straylined snapper bait that afternoon. We checked out another pin on the way back to the beach where the master blaster Rudi speared a nice solid kingfish at around the - m depth mark, rounding o the day’s dive, and we are back at camp by pm few pictures and cool refreshments were enjoyed before we got into filleting the fish. The meat was put straight onto salt ice to preserve the freshness for a community campsite sashimi session the following day. We also handed out slabs of kingfish steaks to some other happy campers.

While we were filleting our catch, B and Beau pulled in on their boat, rocked up to us and gifted us a packhorse crayfish n return, we paid back the goodness with a side of kingfish and a box of beers. Shout out to those lads id-afternoon we boosted out for a brief strayline session and bagged a few snapper which ended up as great tucker for some lunchtime wraps.

Late afternoon rolled around so we prepped for the community campsite meal: a side of kingfish for sashimi and

this big packhorse crayfish. Covering the butterflied cray in butter, garlic, and more butter, we cooked it over the BB . We invited campers to come over for a yarn and feed, and ended up with more than people coming over to get amongst the action. lot of people were trying raw kingfish for the very first time t was an amazing summer evening, with some mellow tunes, good food, and plenty of quality banter capturing the pure essence of a summer camping adventure Sleep came easy that night.

The next morning we were back on the water. t was a bit windy and chopped up with the viz well below average and super eerie – maybe - m max. n these tricky conditions, both anny and Rudi still found the fish and managed to spear a kingfish each. Both of them pulled o some cracking stone shots on these fish – a quick kill means good eating quality and less chance of getting taxed in the murky water gain, the quality of the fish was amazing.

With the kingfish ticked o for the trip we moved o and found a beautiful weed line (cheers Hari ) where the fish life was abundant. anny bagged some snapper there and Rudi bagged a couple of porae. We saw a few shoals of kingfish but just watched and let them buzz on by. We were back to base mid-arvo for a quiet brew over the

filleting table, vac-sealing the fish and putting it straight into the freezer. We distributed some more slabs of kingfish to the neighbours and then tucked into some Chase and Gather venison sausages for dinner. How good n our final morning at camp, we took it easy by heading out for an early swim, making a warm brew, and taking a walk up the track to the headland at the northern end of the beach which has the Rainbow Warrior emorial up top and an amazing outlook to the Cavalli slands. t was a remarkable place to sit and just enjoy the sunrise.

What was almost equally as amazing was the smell when returned back to camp – Rudi was cooking up a storm of bacon and scrambled eggs with another brew of co ee on the side.

f you haven’t been – atauri Bay is a place to add to the bucket list The campsite is well equipped, and the pure natural beauty of the place is just overwhelming. We met so many amazing people too. ntil next time, get out and get into it

HONEY SRIRACHA SALMON BURGERS

Recipe by Simon Walden @thetradiebbq

METHOD

1. Remove the salmon from its packaging and pat dry with a paper towel. Remove any pin bones and skin if you can’t find skinless, then slice, cube and chop until it resembles a minced texture.

2. Add the salmon and remaining patty ingredients into a bowl, then using your hands, mix well to combine all the flavours.

3. Divide the mixture into four, roll into meatballs then form into nice thick patties. Place on an oiled tray, cover and refrigerate until needed.

4. For the glaze, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and give a good stir.

5. Preheat the BBQ or non-stick pan.

6. Slice the buns into halves and toast each one until golden.

7. Pull the patties from the fridge and place them onto the nonstick pan. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes then flip. Using a spoon or brush, glaze the patties with the honey sriracha sauce, then continue to cook for a further couple of minutes.

8. Add a squirt of sriracha mayo to the bottom bun, followed by the glazed salmon patty. Top with the slaw and the top lid.

Ingredients

Serves: 4

• Patties:

• 900g skinless salmon

•1/2 red onion, nely chopped

•1/3 cup fresh or dried dill

• 1/3 cup parsley, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

•1 lemon, zested

•1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

•1 egg

•1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

•1/2 tsp ground ginger

• Salt & pepper

Glaze:

•3 Tbsp soy sauce

•1/4 cup honey

•1/2 cup sriracha sauce

Everything else:

• 4 brioche burger buns

• Sriracha mayo

• Slaw

HUNTING GUIDE FOR

EQUIPMENT BEGINNERS

By Scott Stonex

ou must have a firearms licence to own a firearm in New Zealand so that’s the first port of call if you’re thinking about taking up hunting. The next thing is a trip to your local retailer for some experienced advice on what firearm and equipment will best suit your needs and budget.

For instance, bigger game like pigs, goats, and deer require di erent equipment from smaller pests like rabbits, possums, and wallabies –remember that a single firearm isn’t suitable for all purposes. t’s also a great opportunity to acquire the necessary gear – just like fishing rods and reels, you need the right tools for the job

RIFLES

Look for well-respected brands which are designed and manufactured for accuracy, reliability, and durability. Quality American brands such as Remington, Ruger, Browning, and Winchester, along with Sako and Tikka from Finland and the Japanese Howa rifles, cover the range of calibres required for our large game.

When it comes to choosing rifle calibre, there are a few things you should consider. If you're hunting in dense forests or close quarters, you’re less likely to need a high-powered rifle with a long-range calibre. n the other hand, when hunting in open terrain, a calibre with greater range and accuracy is a better option.

Rifle weight is another thing to think about, especially for those longer trips or when the terrain is rugged and demanding.

AMMUNITION

Look for a calibre that delivers controlled expansion and deep penetration with maximum energy transfer to e ectively take your target animal down with a well-placed shot. Soft-point (SP), bonded soft-point (SB), or hollow-point (HP) are engineered to maximise energy transfer. Consider factors such as bullet weight, velocity, and energy transfer. Heavier bullets typically o er deeper penetration and better performance at longer ranges, while lighter bullets may provide flatter

trajectories and faster velocities for shorter-range shots. Recoil can be another consideration if you're sensitive to recoil or if you're a novice shooter. Excessive recoil can a ect accuracy and your confidence, and some calibres can be considerably more costly to shoot than others. Some popular calibres for our large game include . Winchester, . Winchester, . Winchester, mmRemmington, . - Springfield, and . Winchester agnum.

OPTICS

Telescopic sights are fundamental, as are good binoculars or spotting scopes. For hunting deer and wild pigs in varying terrain, a variable magnification scope (e.g., - x or - x) o ers versatility for close-range shots and mid-range shots in open areas. odern scopes o er sealed optics, along with fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof features. Hydrophobic lens coatings minimise glare, maximise light transmission, and provide sharp, clear images. A larger objective lens gathers more light, so is better during dawn, dusk, or in heavily wooded areas but will add weight and bulk to the rifle. Thermal scopes are a game-changer enabling the detection of animal heat signatures in low or no-light conditions. Experience and understanding of how the heat patterns are displayed as electronic images on the screen is essential and critical for clearly identifying the target before firing.

ACCESSORIES

The following are important accessories to consider when acquiring your hunting kit:

• Rifle sling

Helps carry your rifle comfortably and securely while keeping your hands free. Look for a sling that's adjustable, durable, and padded for added comfort during longer hunts and quick-detach swivels make it easy to attach and detach the sling as needed.

• ipo

A bipod provides a stable shooting platform for improved accuracy, especially when shooting from a prone position. Look for a lightweight and durable bipod with adjustable height and swivel capability to suit a variety of terrain and a range of shooting angles.

• inoc lars

Binoculars are essential for spotting game at a distance, especially when they may have blended well into the surroundings, allowing you to spot deer and wild pigs before they detect you. Binoculars with high-quality optics, a wide field of view, and su cient magnification and features like waterproofing, fog-proofing, and durability are all important.

• S ppressors

Advantages of suppressors include reduced noise and recoil, which can help preserve your hearing and improve shot placement. dditionally, a suppressor can minimise disturbance to wildlife and reduce recoil-induced flinching, resulting in more accurate shots.

• Rifle scope cover

Protects your rifle scope from scratches, dust, and moisture – look for features like flip-up lens caps and quick-release straps for easy access to your scope's lenses and adjustments.

• Rifle case

Lockable cases with padded interiors and durable construction will protect your rifle from damage in transit.

• Cleaning kit

Get a cleaning kit designed for your specific firearm type and calibre. Regular cleaning and maintenance help to ensure reliability and accuracy while prolonging the lifespan of your rifle.

• Clothing

Hunting clothing is a topic in its own right. Essentially you need to be kitted out appropriately so other hunters can see you and

you’re attired appropriately for the conditions (including conditions you might not expect). Comfortable boots are essential.

• Safety

Take a PLB for safety and a GPS is more than handy for navigation, especially in NZ’s rugged bush and mountain ranges and take a good knife for dressing the kill.

While your own research will help you hone in on your hunting preferences, don’t forget to tap into the experience and expertise of your local specialist hunting retailer. While you’re enjoying some succulent, premium, aged venison back-steaks, you’ll be glad you did!

For all the gear and advice, check out Reloaders Supplies here: www.reloaders.co.nz

THE SEVEN RULES OF FIREARM SAFETY:

1. Treat every rearm as loaded

2. Always point rearms in a safe direction

3. Chamber a cartridge only when ready to re

4. Identify your target beyond all doubt

• Never re at sound, shape, colour or movement alone

• If in any doubt, do not shoot!

5. Check your ring zone

• If in any doubt, do not shoot!

6. Store rearms and ammunition safely

7. Avoid alcohol and drugs when handling rearms

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