Hibernate WINTER EDITION 2021
LAUGHING OUT LOUD then sleeping through the night.
WINTRY FISH DISHES and a fisherman’s adventures.
DRIED FLORAL DÉCOR with the talented Mama Bloom.
d n u o r a r e h t a G e have some w to share stories
Welcome to our winter edition of Hibernate. Where we’re doing everything but hibernating! Haere mai, this season we’re embracing all things upbeat, funny, and active. Because there’s no better time to find the brighter side of life than in winter. An interview with Laughter Yoga teacher and counsellor Clare Ludlam sets the tone on page 4. With a combination of laughter and breathing exercises, Clare’s Laughter Yoga participants experience elevated moods and deeper sleep. Sybil keeps us giggling on page 6 with her ‘why not?’ attitude. At 95 Sybil continues to take the bull by the horns, having starred in TVs Gogglebox. Her zest for life is shared by Neil on pages 8-11. An avid fisherman, Neil loves nothing more than fly fishing for trout. A life member of the Auckland Freshwater Anglers Club, Neil represented Aotearoa globally for 13 years. He also charmed his way into the Mexico 1968 Olympic Village! If you pay attention to Neil’s fishing tips, you’ll soon need some delicious fish recipes. Flip to pages 12 and 13 for mouth-watering dishes featuring smoked salmon, crumbed salmon, and hoki en papillote. These healthy dishes also tick the ‘comfort food’ box. The talented Mama Bloom serves up a visual feast on page 16 with some slow living inspiration. Her dried flower creations weave florals, seed pods, and greenery for boldly coloured, long-lasting décor. On page 19 she shares a step-by-step dried flower letter craft – the perfect activity for a rainy winter day. On pages 20 and 21 we feature another indoor activity. This one resides in Christchurch and online. Smith’s Bookshop is a local icon and can be found at The Tannery. Co-owner Tony Murdoch explains what’s so special about his store and its unique offering. Layer up and grab a warm cup of something soothing because we’ve packed this edition of Hibernate with upbeat, interesting stories. We hope you have as much fun reading them as we did putting them together!
Kylie and the Ryman Healthcare team.
In this issue IT UP 04 LAUGH Clare Ludlam teaches Laughter Yoga. We joined her for a giggle! ASKS 06 SYBIL ‘WHY NOT?’ At 95, she’s embracing adventure on her own terms. WITH 08 FISHING A CHAMPION Neil has caught fish all over the world but he calls New Zealand rivers home.
STYLING 14 WINTER Layer up and keep warm in bold, vibrant fashion this season.
16 CREATING BEAUTIFUL SPACES Sarah from Mama Bloom invites us into her studio for a peek behind the dried floral curtain. BOOKS 20 SMITH’S An iconic bookstore that promises to satisfy your winter reading needs.
WITH FISH BEER AND GAMES 12 COOKING 22 This Comforting, nutritious cosy neighbourhood fish dishes to warm up your chilly evening.
pub does a lot more than serve beer.
Breaking the mould WHILE CLARE HAS A TIGHT-KNIT COMMUNITY OF REGULARS WHO ENJOY HER SESSIONS, SHE ADMITS THAT IT’S HARD TO GET KIWIS INTERESTED IN LAUGHTER YOGA.
Laugh
it up!
“Some people are put off because it has a child-like aspect to it. As adults, we have been taught to be serious, so Laughter Yoga takes people out of their comfort zone.”
Contagious laughter
For those who do give it a go, “the group is so supportive and will share with a new person how uncomfortable and awkward they felt in the beginning and that now they just love it”. But Clare understands that for some people, “it’s just too weird for them”.
Clare Ludlam practises Laughter Yoga in Aotearoa. She got hooked while watching an online video of a group of people laughing.
While watching the video, she couldn’t stop herself from laughing. It was in that moment that Clare realized Laughter Yoga was her calling.
4 | Hibernate
“
Everyone’s looking, but then they start laughing too and more and more join in. I’ve always wanted to do that, so to celebrate the end of lockdown we all got on the train. I was so nervous, but I started laughing. And once
I got into it, I didn’t want to stop. The icing on the cake was when a schoolgirl came up and asked us to be quiet because we were making too much noise – us adults being told off by a child! Well, we all cracked up then.
“
A professional counsellor, Clare was hooked from her first bout of laughter. She undertook a Laughter Yoga training course then set up a Laughter Yoga club in Upper Hutt. Her sessions focus on a combination of laughter and yoga breathing exercises. All she asks in return is a gold coin donation to help cover the venue hire.
THERE’S A POPULAR VIDEO ONLINE OF A GUY SITTING ON THE TUBE IN THE UK. HE STARTS LAUGHING UNCONTROLLABLY WHILE LOOKING AT HIS PHONE.
Laughter for the mind WHILE LAUGHTER IS GREAT FOR THE BODY PHYSICALLY, IT CAN ALSO IMPACT YOUR MOOD.
People often say “ they had the best sleep the night after Laughter Yoga.
”
Spreading joy CLARE ALSO HELPS CORPORATE OFFICES AND SCHOOLS LAUGH.
Clare explains that it’s known to help people with anxiety, depression, and stress. “Laughter Yoga teaches you to laugh through moments you might find challenging. This conditions your body to laugh more easily – and if you’re like me, to laugh much louder!” While children laugh around 300 times a day, adults laugh a measly 10-15 times. It’s a jarring comparison, and as Clare explains, “to really get the benefits you need to be laughing for at least 15 minutes every day”. Which is where Laughter Yoga comes into its own.
“I’ve set up the community group, which is so much fun, but I also go out and run workshops and sessions.” In a perfect world, Clare would have everyone laughing “because there are so, so, so many benefits”. She explains that there’s plenty of scientific evidence to support how laughter benefits the body. “When we laugh our bodies are flooded with oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and melatonin. People often say they had the best sleep the night after Laughter Yoga.”
Do try this
at home !
TAKE LAUGHTER YOGA FOR A TEST DRIVE WITH CLARE’S INTRODUCTORY EXERCISES.
01
GREETING LAUGHTER
This is a simple warm-up. Shake hands with someone and laugh. No ‘hello’ or ‘how do you do’. And if you’re alone, nod a greeting to yourself in the mirror, then laugh.
02
NO MONEY LAUGHTER
03
PAIN LAUGHTER
04
CRYING DOWN, LAUGHING UP LAUGHTER
Pretend to pull your pockets out and have a sad face as though you have no money, then you just laugh and laugh.
This type of laughter teaches us to laugh in moments we usually wouldn’t. Point to part of your body and mime that it hurts, then laugh.
“It’s hard to laugh on your own, so we do it as a group and we’re all doing the same thing, and it’s contagious – you feed off each other.” Special thanks to Clare Ludlam, counsellor and Laughter Yoga leader and teacher. To find out more, visit clareludlam.co.nz
One of my favourites, my very favourites, is crying down and laughing up. Mock cry as you bend toward the ground then laugh on the way up, and repeat.
Hibernate | 5
Why
Not? Sybil has lived a life without regret. And at 95, she’s still living it on her terms.
A resident at Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village, Sybil is an avid painter, is known on a first-name basis at the local shops, and is a Kiwi celebrity after starring on TV show Gogglebox.
Anything that I ever “ wanted to achieve,
I didn’t stand back and think about it. I just took the bull by the horns and gave it a go.
”
Sybil set off on her big OE in her early 20s, but after 3 months in Australia she got homesick and “came home and started to ‘thumb it’ around New Zealand”. Hitchhiking with a friend in the 1940s meant “we had pickups galore and the people we met were so interesting and took us under their wing”. The pair were offered food and shelter everywhere they went. “We saw New Zealand like nobody’s seen it. And met people that you’d never meet otherwise.”
6 | Hibernate
Giving it a go
A TV celebrity in her 90s
STEPPING OUTSIDE THE COMFORT ZONE IS EASY FOR SYBIL – SHE DOESN’T HAVE ONE!
IN TRUE SYBIL STYLE, SHE SAID YES TO STARRING ON TV SHOW GOGGLEBOX.
“On VE night (Victory over Europe, 1945), we all roller skated to the top of Queen Street then coasted down toward the crowds of people yahoo-ing.”
Participants on Gogglebox have their reactions to watching TV recorded for our entertainment. And the shows creators had a lot of fun working with Sybil and her co-stars Myrtle and Maureen. They were seated in front of risqué clips of Fifty Shades of Grey and Naked Attraction.
A lifelong adventurer, Sybil’s children gift her experiences. “They know how crazy I am.” When they asked whether she would jump off the Sky Tower in Auckland her reply came as no surprise. “Why not!?”
It all began in a Ryman village van where the driver overheard their comedic banter and suggested they apply for Gogglebox. Once the show aired, they became instant celebrities. “One day I was having coffee and this young lad in school gear asked if I’d mind him taking a picture. He said he was excited to tell his mates that he knows a lady from Gogglebox!”
Upon reaching the ledge she was told to turn and face outward. At a moment when many people get cold feet, Sybil simply asked what was next. “I just wanted to know when I could jump! So, he said 1-2-3 and I put one leg out in front of me and the next thing, I’m flying!” Once their children had flown the nest, Sybil and her husband “took off around New Zealand and did gold panning – we went into bush we’d never seen before and crossed rivers we didn’t know”.
You’ve just gotta try it. You never know about anything “ and I mean ANYTHING – until you try it. ”
From fishing to painting SYBIL AND HER HUSBAND SALMON FISHED IN THE WAIMAKARIRI RIVER WHILE LIVING IN CHRISTCHURCH.
“We’d get up at four in the morning and find a possie. That was the rule, if you wanted the best spot you had to get up early to claim it!” After fishing for 2-3 hours, it would be time for a chat over tea and coffee. Sometimes with other fishing enthusiasts.
“Oh, it was a wonderful lifestyle. It was great doing the same thing – we didn’t need to go separate ways and that kept us together.” These days Sybil spends her downtime painting, having been taught by her talented sister over the internet. With a preference for still life oil painting, Sybil’s always on the lookout and snaps a photo whenever inspiration strikes. And she’s kept busy painting requests for her family. “The last thing I painted was a dog for two of my great-grandchildren who are way over in Perth.” Hibernate | 7
SPENDING TIME AND
catching fish Neil has been fishing for as long as he can remember. From catching sprats on the farm as a kid to representing New Zealand around the world. For Neil, there’s no better way to spend time than catch (and these days release) a few fish with a scenic backdrop and native birdsong.
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An intrepid adventurer for much of his life, Neil has seen more of the world than most. In his 20s he travelled through Europe and North America for 8 ½ years picking up odd jobs. At one point, smooth-talking his way into the Mexico 1968 Olympic Village to party with the athletes between attending Olympic events. Which was where he met his wife, a Mexico City local. The pair settled in Aotearoa where Neil began to commit his spare time to fishing.
What fishing’s about for Neil What Neil loves about fishing runs deeper than ‘the catch’ and has had a profoundly positive impact on his life. “You’re out in the elements with nice scenery. You can breathe in fresh air and you can hear the birds. You forget everything and just concentrate on the fishing – you don’t worry about the power bill or the mortgage or anything like that. It’s great for relaxation.”
I quite like to “ fish in autumn.
The fish are in good condition as they’re getting ready to spawn.
”
Expertly finding fish Neil’s an Auckland local and “with trout fishing, you need to travel at least 2 hours south to get to a reasonable trout fishing spot”. While he enjoys all types of fishing and has fly fished for snapper who “give you a good workout”, Neil’s preference is freshwater fly fishing. And his go-to spots are around Tīrau, Rotorua, Taupō, and Taumarunui.
“Early morning, at daybreak” is when Neil says you’re most likely to catch fish. “But you can catch fish any time of the day – there are no rules. You can get on the river at six o’clock and catch nothing then at nine o’clock you start catching fish. You’re dealing with a wild animal.” Hibernate | 9
Standing on international stages Neil’s a life member of the Auckland Freshwater Anglers Club and represented Aotearoa around the world during his 13 years with the New Zealand Fly Fishing Team. He has fished in world championships and commonwealth championships across Oceania. “The good thing about being in the New Zealand team is that you travel to places you wouldn’t necessarily go.” Like when the world champs were held in Portugal with around 150 anglers, “we were fishing in the middle of Portugal, but you wouldn’t normally go to Portugal for a fishing holiday – you’d go to the beaches”. Neil notes that another benefit of international events is that "you make lots of friends and you run into them all the time at different competitions". Neil collected plenty of accolades during his fishing career. “I have gold, silver, and bronze medals, and I got my black blazer – like the All Blacks!” And proudly framed on his wall are the championship pins he’s collected over the years. “I’ve got over a hundred from all the major countries and places like Mongolia, Chile, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Malta, and the Isle of Man.”
I have gold, silver, “ and bronze medals, and I got my black blazer – like the All Blacks!
”
Ready to dip your toes in the water? Visit our lifestyle blog rymanhealthcare.co.nz/lifestyle for more fishing tips. 10 | Hibernate
Start n
fishing i 5-4-3-2…1!
05
Keep it cheap
Avoid buying expensive fishing gear because cheap lures make for brave choices. And losing a few lures is a small price to pay for catching the perfect fish!
kayak, 04 Shore, or boat
Plenty of fish are caught from riverbanks, lakesides, and beaches. But when you're ready to hit the water, a light kayak will access spots inaccessible by boat.
03
Learn to cast – and catch!
Become familiar with your rod, line, and lure. Keep your movements smooth and practise pausing to test a nibble before hooking and reeling in your catch.
ready for 02 Beanything
Handmaking his gear A true aficionado, Neil handmakes his flies, repairs and makes rods to be sold in stores, and crafts custom rods for other fly fishing enthusiasts. He says it gives him something to focus on in retirement. To make a good fly, he creates “artificial, very, very tiny flies that try to imitate the natural ones the trout feed on”. But imitating nature isn’t always what
catches the fish. “If trout see something, they’ve got to eat it. So, you have pink flies and shiny tinsel flies, and all that sort of stuff – there’s nothing like it in the natural world but you catch fish with them!” Special thanks to Neil, championship angler and resident at Ryman’s Bruce McLaren Village.
Be sure to pack a first aid kit, needle nose pliers, ruler, polarised sunglasses to combat water glare, plenty of food and water, and warm layers.
01 Know the law
Different regions and fishing areas have varying laws and regulations. Know the fishing quotas and laws for your spot before dropping a line. Hibernate | 11
Enjoy a
Fish-Filled Warm up with some satisfying kaimoana! Comfort food for the soul, fish is also great for your heart, brain, and autoimmune system. Special thanks to Chef Troy of Ryman's Diana Isaac Village for his fish cooking skills and food styling flair.
Asian-Inspired Hoki En Papillote SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS
225g hoki (skinned and boned) 4 peppercorns 2 red onions 25g ginger
2 stalks coriander 1 lime 30g butter 1 bok choy
2 red chillies
Baking paper cut into 2x30cm squares
2 kaffir lime leaves
Salt, to taste
1 stalk lemon grass METHOD
1.
Slice the limes and ginger, deseed and chop the red chillies. Cut the red onions into cubes. Set aside.
2. Wash and separate the bok choy, then crush the lemon grass to release the fragrance, and combine. 3. Spread butter on the baking paper and place the fish on top of a bed of bok choy. 4. Top the fish with the lime and ginger slices alternatively. Top with the remaining ingredients and fold the baking paper into a parcel. 5. Cook the parcel in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10 minutes. 6. Serve in the paper.
12 | Hibernate
Smoked Salmon Terrine SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS
100g cold smoked salmon 400g hot smoked salmon 125ml cream
Zest of 2 lemons 15g fresh dill 1 cucumber Toasted bread, to serve
125g butter METHOD
1.
Line a terrine mould with cling wrap and layer with slices of cold smoked salmon.
2. Clarify the butter by melting it and separating the milky residue. Mix the butter with warmed cream. 3. Blend the hot smoked salmon and lemon zest in a food processor and add the butter and cream mixture slowly to form a smooth paste. 4. Pour the paste into the mould and fold over the smoked salmon to cover the mixture. Seal the terrine with cling wrap. 5. Leave in the fridge to set overnight. 6. Slice with a warm knife and serve with toasted ciabatta or baguette and thinly sliced cucumber and chopped dill.
Panko Crumbed
Salmon
INGREDIENTS
Zest of 2 lemons
1 pinch smoked paprika 1 garlic clove
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
50g Italian parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cup pistachios
Salt, to taste
1/4 cup panko
Lemon slices, to serve
50g grated parmesan
METHOD
1.
SERVES 4
500g salmon fillet, skin on and pin-boned
If you’re new to eating fish, these “ recipes are perfect for dipping your toes in the water! ” Place the lemon zest, pistachios, parmesan, garlic, parsley, and panko in a food processor and blend to make a crumb.
2. Place the salmon fillet on a baking tray lined with baking paper. 3. Brush the salmon with Dijon mustard. 4. Spread the crumb over the salmon and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes. 5. Garnish with lemon slices.
Don’t stop now! Our lifestyle blog rymanhealthcare.co.nz/ lifestyle is bursting with delicious fish recipes. Hibernate | 13
All Rugged up
Anna had a blast modelling a jacket for every wintry occasion. The Charles Upham Village resident said that she wouldn’t have pulled this selection off the rack herself, but by the end of her photoshoot she loved the bold pieces. Personal stylist Abby Button was behind Anna’s colour-filled looks. Cold weather is often an excuse for dark clothing shades, but not on Abby’s watch! Vibrant fashion choices are her go-to when adding visual interest and joy to an outfit.
special jacket can “ Abrighten even the
chilliest winter day!
”
Complementary colours MOTHER NATURE HERSELF INSPIRED THIS COSY WARM-TONED LOOK.
Wrap yourself in bold shades of coral, amber, and ochre. They’re sure to elicit a smile from every mirror you pass! If you prefer the cooler end of the spectrum, try colours like olive, dusty pink, and violet.
Visit our lifestyle blog rymanhealthcare.co.nz/ lifestyle for more cosy fashion ideas. 14 | Hibernate
Mix and match WHY NOT STROLL BRAVELY THROUGH LIFE IN A FABULOUS DAY SUIT?
For the ultimate in playful sophistication, look no further than a matching jacket and pant combination. Heavily patterned, of course! Pluck a single colour from the outfit to accessorise for a fun pattern break.
Crop it FLATTER HIGH-WAISTED PANTS AND SKIRTS WITH A SHORTER JACKET LENGTH.
A versatile number for the winter wardrobe, a cropped jacket will easily switch from casual to dressy. And can even be worn as a cardigan on warmer days.
e’re saying goodbye “W to dark, bulky layers
this season. And hello to quality fabrics in bold colours!
”
Feeling snug THE OVERSIZED FLUFFY COLLAR IS WHERE WARMTH AND FASHION COLLIDE!
Formerly the domain of Hollywood starlets, the fluffy collar is back in fashion. Long collars offer glam and elegance while shorter collars like this one blend high fashion and everyday practicality with stunning results.
The active jacket LOOK CASUALLY COOL FROM THE PARK TO YOUR LOCAL CAFÉ.
There’s no need to farewell style when you’re ‘just ducking to the shops’ or out enjoying some fresh air. Stylish puffer jackets offer both fashion and protection from the elements. Special thanks to Abby Button, colour expert and personal stylist. And our model, Ryman resident Anna. Hibernate | 15
Bloom Mama
Sarah of Mama Bloom creates moments of joy. Weaving dried flowers, seed pods and greenery, she constructs works of art that decorate the homes, stores, and offices of her customers.
16 | Hibernate
The d ied flowe
COMEBACK Unique, natural, and everlasting, dried flowers are experiencing a resurgence. Popular in the ‘70s and ‘80s, the dried flowers of today celebrate nature with dramatic shapes and vibrant colours. And dried arrangements can be enjoyed for years which makes them a sustainable floral décor solution. Sarah buys predominantly local, sourcing 90% of her flowers from New Zealand growers to avoid the air miles attached to imported flowers. “I think people are attracted to dried flowers because of the sustainability aspect as well as their longevity. You’re getting a lot of value because they last and dried florals have a smaller footprint on the environment as you don't need to buy cut flowers as often.” Sarah explains that dried arrangements look their best up to 12 months, but often far beyond. “Naturally, the colour fades over time. But if you keep them in a dry position away from direct sunlight you can enjoy them for at least a couple of years.” They’re also pollen-free which is great news for allergy sufferers.
Dried flowers have a gravity to “ them. People are drawn to them. ”
Mama Bloom
is Sarah’s ode to beautiful spaces Sarah believes everyone deserves a beautiful space to live and grow. Passionate about good design, quality products, and supporting local, she’s committed to helping others find moments of joy in their everyday. Having started her business in a period of postnatal darkness, Sarah knows all too well the positive impact beautiful spaces and connecting with nature can have on your daily state of mind. For almost a decade she was a corporate HR partner, but when Sarah became a mother she had to redefine what success meant. Mama Bloom became her creative outlet and provided purpose. “It gave me the flexibility to be at home with my family while doing something that I found therapeutic and fulfilling. It allowed me to grow and bloom into the new person my little person needed me to be.”
Creating
beautiful spaces
WHEN IT COMES TO DESIGN, MAMA BLOOM STANDS APART. SOPHISTICATED YET WHIMSICAL , SARAH CONTINUALLY STRIKES THE PERFECT BALANCE.
throughout an arrangement to add texture and profile. And nigella pods from the love-in-a-mist flower are funky little dudes! I’ll often add a couple for a touch of whimsy and playfulness.”
When planning an arrangement, “I know my colour palette and which flower I want to be the ‘star’ to attract the eye. From there it's about playing with shapes and adding lots of interesting texture”.
Customers often approach Sarah with custom requests. They order birthday bouquets featuring a favourite flower. Or send her their wedding bouquet to dismantle, dry, and craft into a personalized wreath.
And that texture is a signature of Mama Bloom arrangements. “Poppy pods are quite sweet and sculptural. Seed pods are often a statement on their own or you can place them
Her special pieces then brighten people’s homes, bringing them daily joy. “That feeling is indescribable. It gives me a real sense of pride and purpose.” Hibernate | 17
Cut
Make the
SARAH FROM MAMA BLOOM OFFERS UP HER GO-TO FLOWERS FOR DRYING AND ARRANGING.
Lagurus ovatus
Also called bunny tails, these are just amazing and can be found over summer. Quite often I just bunch a few in a vase and they’re a statement on their own.
Eucalyptus
I use Proteas a lot. King proteas and all varieties of queen protea dry really well. They’re such a statement flower.
Banksia These come from the same family as Proteas and are native to Australia. Banksia flowers are beautiful to dry and look the same as they do fresh.
I love dried magnolia leaves. There’s a beautiful deep rust colour on the underside that’s very interesting.
Hydrangea Hydrangeas are an easy to dry flower. They’re a popular go-to for bouquets and large-scale installations.
Foliage-wise, I use a few varieties of eucalyptus. Silver dollar and baby blue are my favourites – they look almost the same dried as they do fresh.
Magnolia
Protea
Lunaria annua (Honesty) Honesty seed pods are probably my all-time favourites. The pods have casings which you can peel off to reveal a translucent, pearl-like disc in the centre. They are absolutely magical.
I love the ‘antiquing’, the muted tones you get over “time that evolve how the florals look in your space. ” Locally sourced
& hand
d ied
IN KEEPING WITH HER SUSTAINABLE ETHOS, SARAH PREFERS TO BUY FROM LOCAL GROWERS. 18 | Hibernate
“In New Zealand, most regions have a ‘floral collective’ where florists can buy direct from local growers.” When it comes to drying those flowers, Sarah likes to “limit the amount of preserved product” she uses because she can’t completely know the process those flowers have been through “or the impact of that process on the environment”.
“I like to dry most things myself to be in control of the process. I probably dry 90% myself and buy the remaining 10% pre-dried.” Pointing to her colour-filled workshop, Sarah says that there are so many beautiful GI VE I T colours available from A GO! natural drying that she doesn’t need inorganic Hang bunches of flowers drying methods to upside down in a warm, create something dry, dark place until beautiful. well dried.
D ied flowe
02
letter decoration Follow Mama Bloom’s steps to craft a beautiful piece of floral décor. All you need is a wooden letter, a glue gun, dried moss, and a collection of dainty dried flowers and seed pods.
01
Special thanks to Sarah, owner of Mama Bloom. Sarah also hosts workshops and is branching into online courses for people wanting to make beautiful, dried flower creations at home. Visit mamabloom.co.nz for updates or to purchase from the breathtaking Mama Bloom store.
View the full steps and instructional video for this craft at rymanhealthcare.co.nz/lifestyle
03
04
05
06
07 Hibernate | 19
parakdliosveers for boo The bookstore that used to reside at 133 Manchester Street will long live on in the memories of book lovers. According to co-owner Tony Murdoch “it holds an affectionate spot in the hearts and minds of Christchurch people”. Keenly aware of this, Tony and his business partner Alan Direen have worked hard to “retain the old Smith’s flavour”. The friends took the reins from previous owner Barry Hancox at Smith’s new home at The Tannery. And long-time Smith’s fans approve.
The Smith’s difference Tony thinks that the reason their customers return is “possibly loyalty and the experience of finding something special that you won’t find at a chain store”. And he’s probably right. Because ‘something special’ is what comes to mind when browsing the tables and shelves at Smith’s. Their incredible kids’ range is vibrant and colour-filled, the biography collection features politicians, rock stars, and sporting celebrities, and the New Zealand history section features several historic titles that Tony and Alan republished as Cadsonbury Press. Then of course, there’s the renowned Smith’s ephemera table where paper-based curios ignite nostalgia and inspire creativity. Well-organized 20 | Hibernate
and lovingly curated, Smith’s ephemera table is home to “what you would call ‘minor’ publications. Centennials, jubilees, things that are special to a locality, like a school’s 125th celebration booklet – and we look for those things”. Tony says that “often, people are looking for family links in books which is why we try to keep a full muster of regional histories”. Many of Smith’s items are purchased from loved ones during estate visits. “That’s a special thing to be allowed to do and we respect their grief.” Tony and Alan learnt a lot from previous owner Barry. “We’ve kept in close contact with him and from time to time we use him as a book consultant. His extensive knowledge is not lost to the world of books.”
We look to buy “ predominantly
New Zealand books, so we are really a New Zealand bookshop. There are new and international titles here, but our speciality is used New Zealand books.
”
We like finding books for people. That’s entirely “satisfying, especially if someone is on a quest. ”
Book Review
A genuine love of books Shopping at Smith’s means quietly browsing the shelves, uninterrupted. “They come in and they take their time, and we don’t disturb them.”
Annie Martin and Janine Ross-Johnstone have greatly improved the look of the shop – certainly an improvement on the efforts of us two ‘boomer’ owners.”
When someone does seek assistance, the Smith’s staff are mindful that “you need to exercise discretion and acknowledge that generally, the person buying something knows a lot more about it than you”.
Tony thought he knew about books before owning Smith’s. “But I knew jack! It has been an unexpected pleasure to find all the books I didn’t know existed.” He has become particularly enamoured with “little communities that put a lot of energy into getting a book produced and it’s probably only ever done 200 copies”. He explains that “there’s a lot of energy and community-minded decency around, particularly in regional books and I admire that”.
Tony lights up when talking about their team. “We have three staff and each has made a contribution with their efficiency and skills. Kieran Eadon Jones has catalogued hundreds of books and the display skills of both
oT ny’s go-toer? m r a w r e t n i w
Winte
Fiction Reads
Everything Changes by Stephanie Johnson
The Ten Thousand Things by John Spurling
The Memoir of an Anti-Hero by Kornel Filipowicz
FooTrot Flats: The Long Weekender by Murray Hone Ball
Grimm Tales for Young and Old by Philip Pullman
Find these books at smithsbookshop.co.nz
John Jones of Otago: Whaler, Coloniser, Shipowner, Merchant Authors: Alfred Eccles and A.H. Reed Republished by Cadsonbury Press just in time for the national curriculum’s focus on Aotearoa New Zealand histories, John Jones of Otago depicts the life and business activities of this early settler and colourful local personality. Co-author Alfred Eccles was the grandson of Johnny Jones, as he was popularly known. Alfred has pieced together a well-crafted biography of this notable colonial figure. Eccle’s access to family archives allowed for a more comprehensive account of Johnny’s life than earlier studies. Johnny Jones was not universally liked and in Chapter VIII, Eccles provides a scholarly account of an 1866 pamphlet criticising Jones. Eccles soberly notes that the pamphlet is extremely rare because “Jones and his friends bought it up and destroyed it”. Reviewed by Tony Murdoch, co-owner of Smith’s Bookshop Available from Smith’s Bookshop at The Tannery, Christchurch or smithsbookshop.co.nz Hibernate | 21
A home away from home Matt has always gravitated to pubs that feel like home. “I wanted to replicate the feeling you get in British and Irish pubs – and Belgian and Dutch pubs – which is where I’ve spent a lot of my time.” So, Matt started with comfort. “Moon Under Water is an extension of my living room and that comes together with other people’s living rooms.” He describes his pub as a big lounge that “everyone just rocks up to and enjoys”. And creating a ‘home away from home’ defines success for Matt. “I’m looking to be here for 30-odd years, so there’s a lot of my personality in here and the personality of staff members too.”
MOON UNDER WATER
Board games, beers, and community spirit
Standing behind a bar is second nature for Matt Kamstra. He’s spent the past two decades managing pubs across New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK. And he has a soft spot for local establishments. In 2018, he decided it was time to make a good, honest publican of himself and open his own neighbourhood pub. Moon Under Water has all the trappings of a ‘local’. There’s a friendly publican who’s quick to laugh, a relaxed environment, and friends, families, and individuals feel equally welcome. Unsurprisingly, Matt’s pub was quickly adopted by the community as a local haunt.
A craft beer fan, Matt stocks a wide range of locally owned craft beers and the beer on tap is strictly New Zealand owned. Pair this with crowd-pleasing food and a popular games cabinet, and Moon Under Water is the ideal haven for an afternoon out of the cold. And none of this is a mistake. Having travelled the globe in search of what makes a great local pub, Matt has seen his fair share. With Moon Under Water, he knew exactly what he wanted to create. He wanted a pub with soul.
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Cultivating community spirit Matt owns a dog-eared copy of The Great Good Place, a book by American sociologist Ray Oldenburg that has helped inspire his commitment to neighbourhood pubs. Oldenburg discusses the importance of “the third place”, spaces for public gathering like pubs and cafés, and how ‘third places’ are integral to community vitality. Matt gets serious when he describes Oldenburg’s theories. “Home is your first place and work is your second place, with all the responsibilities those entail. And then there’s the third place. Third places are like pubs and clubs. Places where you can be yourself and meet with friends on your own terms, without responsibilities or commitments. This book was a big influence on me.” And bringing the community together is a large part of Matt’s vision for Moon Under Water. His pub offers something for everyone. Young families gather to enjoy weekend sunshine, local mountain bikers drop by for a pint after their evening rides, and the table in the corner has a permanent plaque reserving it for “The Boys”, local stalwarts who have been enjoying a beer together for decades.
You become part of “ the family, part of the furniture. It’s a community within a community.
Board games at the pub
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It may not sound like a traditional pairing, but Matt saw how much people enjoyed playing games in his favourite pubs overseas. “The board games have been fantastic for keeping kids engaged. Funnily enough, people often tell me they can’t get their kids to engage with a board game at home, but they come to the pub and they’re right into it!” And once the kids are in bed, Moon Under Water’s “top shelf” offers entertaining games for all ages. Matt often has groups of adults playing late into the evening, trading banter and having a laugh. “Sometimes on a Saturday night we’ll have 8, 9, or 10 tables playing board games. It’s something fun that facilitates further conversation.”
G ET TO K NOW
Matt !
What goes around comes around The benefits of Matt’s commitment to the community extend beyond the walls of Moon Under Water. Karma Keg, an initiative he first witnessed in the UK, is a fundraising event where Matt donates a keg to a local charity. All proceeds from the keg go directly to the charity. “It’s a good idea that fits in with our community feel, and the intention was always to be involved in our community any way we could.”
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FAVOURITE BEER?
It changes, but there are four beers I’d want if I were stranded on a desert island. 8 Wired’s Cucumber Hippy, Epic’s Armageddon, Three Boys’ Oyster Stout and although they no longer make it, Deep Creek’s Dusty Gringo.
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FAVOURITE BAR SNACK?
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FAVOURITE BOARD GAME?
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FAVOURITE WINTER ACTIVITY?
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GO -TO MUSIC STYLE FOR MOON UNDER WATER?
I have Dutch heritage, so it would have to be bitterballen which is a little round meat croquette.
You can find Matt behind his bar at Moon Under Water, 152 Somerfield Street in Christchurch or at moonunderwater.co.nz
There’s a Dutch “ word that influences
what we do here. Gezellig. It’s a hard one to translate – it’s that feeling of cosiness, warmth, and belonging.
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I prefer quite in-depth games. The original Civilisation board game really stood out for me when I was a kid.
That would be enjoying a good book with a pint. I’ve always had a soft spot for mulled wine, too.
Jazz and blues are great for background noise. And volume is important so people can comfortably hear each other talking.
Visit our lifestyle blog rymanhealthcare.co.nz/ lifestyle for more winter bucket list ideas! Hibernate | 23
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