21 August, 2015
life+style The Weekend Sun 1
A designer hub for tiles Page 2
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Design & Build | Art & Creativity | Home & Living | Sport
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life+style The Weekend Sun 21 2015 12August, May, 2017
Talking tiles Your home’s biggest investment
Wherever you plan to put your tiles, choosing the right ones can be one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make when building new or renovating their home. That’s when Tile Gallery’s phone rings. Owners Gay Barber and Robyn Davis know how important it is to get the right ones to match your space, décor and desires. It’s a big investment as tiles are glued to the floor for a long time – so every effort needs to be made to make the right choice. Robyn and Gay have been in the tile industry for 20 years, while team member Andrew Bennett has 15 years’ experience and newest member Janeen de Denus has been associated with the interior design industry for nine years. Together, the Tile Gallery team has been fortunate enough to be associated with several award-winning homes and has supplied their products both nationally and internationally. What makes the Tile Gallery team different is their dedicated interest in tiles. Tiles are exciting, and like any changing fashion trend, the team finds it interesting to see what new designs are being manufactured. Being committed to quality and service from the moment you step in the door to the ‘chink’ of champagne glasses as you celebrate your renovations or new build, the team are there to help guide customers through the process. The Tile Gallery team get a real feel for their clients’ needs, what they are looking for and can help them with tough choices, or put them in touch with different designers they may choose. The modern and interactive showroom in Judea has allowed the Tile Gallery to display a unique collection of tiles in one space, as well as providing an in-house ‘designer hub’ for clients, interior designers and architects to work closely with. They are very focused on quality, which means many of the porcelain tiles in the showroom are from Italy and Spain, the home of gorgeous tiles. Tile Gallery receives new tiles every week to keep up with constantly changing trends, and they strive to be at the forefront of new trends and fashion.
Photos: Bruce Barnard
They’re going to be there for a very long time – in the bathroom, in the kitchen, in the lounge or the bedrooms.
The team is always looking for something different and something new. A large percentage of tiles are exclusive to Tile Gallery in the Bay, so they do stand out, offering everything from affordable to the high-end luxury tiles. So what’s hot right now? Trends shown at the Tile Fair in Italy this season show more of a timber-look and more colour. It’s almost an eclectic mix. The timber planking and oak timber flooring is proving more popular, to add a more natural look. For that timbered look, especially in spaces where there is a lot of moisture, the porcelain wood-look tiles are perfect, suggests the team. The showroom, on the corner of Birch Avenue and Amber Crescent in Judea, has both an interior and exterior display, showing a comprehensive and ever-changing range, including deck jack 20mm porcelain pavers, suitable for decks and level entry, which can be adjusted to any height/slope. Tile Gallery supplied tiles to the winner of the National Supreme award for Registered Master Builders 2015 House of the Year, located at Mount Maunganui, plus Regional 2015 Renovation of the Year.
“Trends are constantly changing, and we strive to be at the forefront of new trends and fashion”
Gay Barber, Andrew Bennett, Robyn Davis, and Janeen de Denus.
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Soup for the soul With winter fast approaching it’s time to stock up the pantry with some staples for making great soups. The cans of beans, chickpeas and tomatoes available at Vetro Mediterranean Food store make great bases for soups. You don’t need much to have a hearty dinner in an instant – add in chorizo, vegetables, black garlic, smoked speck, pancetta, pasta or Mexican spices for some great combinations like: Butterbeans/rosemary/garlic/smoked speck Red kidney beans/pancetta/pasta/tomato Cannellini/black garlic/stock/onion Black beans/tomato/chipotle/garlic/jalapeno
Tomato, Chorizo and Chickpea Soup 1 large chopped onion 2 garlic cloves, minced ½ cup each of chopped carrots and celery 2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained 2 cans pelati tomatoes (whole peeled Italian tomatoes roughly chopped, with juice) 2 cups Vegeta chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarians) 1 chorizo sliced (leave out if vegetarian) 1 fresh rosemary sprig 2 bay leaves 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil 1 cup baby spinach leaves Fresh black pepper, to taste 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus extra optional for garnish Directions: 1. In a large saucepan, fry the chorizo a little and remove with slotted spoon. Add a dash of olive oil and sauté the onion until tender and then add the garlic frying until fragrant. Add the stock, tomatoes, chickpeas, vegetables, parmesan cheese, and pepper. Add the rosemary, basil and bay leaves, cover and cook on low 30 minutes. Add the sliced chorizo and spinach, cover and simmer another 2 minutes. 2. Remove the bay leaves, rosemary sprig, and season to taste with salt and black pepper. 3. Serve topped with extra parmesan cheese (optional), chopped basil and hot crusty French dinner rolls straight from the oven.
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Murray Mason Tauranga music maestro Murray Mason sees new change coming to the music tapestry of Tauranga. As Tauranga’s Big Band music director for nearly 13 years, Murray has found one of the demands of his job – keeping the band full with members – both challenging and rewarding. “I see signs of it changing though,” says Murray. “With the influx of people choosing to make Tauranga part of their lifestyle, there have been a number of very good musicians moving here recently, particularly from Auckland. “Also with the development of the University of Waikato here in Tauranga, more and more students will choose to stay on, particularly if they can defray costs by living with their families.” Murray believes Tauranga is an unusual city, musically speaking, in that a whole generation is under-represented. With Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch providing a NZ School of Music programme at tertiary level, many of Tauranga’s best secondary school music students tend to leave Tauranga to pursue their musical education, says Murray. “They can’t afford to return and live here for some years. The ages of our Big Band members is a perfect example of what I am talking about. “Our youngest player, trombonist Tina Jeong from Tauranga Girls’ College is 18 years old. “The rest of the members range from around the mid-30s to early 60s.”
Leading up to the Easter weekend’s jazz festival, Murray was rehearsing more than four times per week, leading the Big Band but also coaching the Tauranga Boys’ College Big Band and Tauranga Girls’ College Combo which both received Gold Awards at the festival. This month Murray is moving on from being musical director of Tauranga Big Band, now in its 56th year. To his knowledge Murray thinks the longest any other director has been at the helm is four-and-a-half years. His career in music education has spanned 35 years as a college classroom teacher, head of music, itinerant guitar and bass teacher, and performer. As well as Tauranga Big Band, he’s also been the musical director of jazz combos, rock groups, percussion, saxophone and guitar ensembles, barbershop choruses, orchestras and musical theatre productions. Under his direction big bands have won the National Youth Band title six times at the NZ National Youth Jazz Band competitions, and jazz combos trained by Murray have won the National title five times in the last eight years. Murray runs a recording studio, Fat Dog Studio, from his home in Welcome Bay. As a composer and arranger his music, with strong acoustic guitar, has shades of funk, reggae, Latin/funk and bossa nova. Selecting music for big band has absorbed Murray, particularly as he loves matching pieces
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May, 2017 2112 August, 2015
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“His passion for big band music has permeated the Tauranga music scene”
to individual band players. Murray has added more than 180 pieces of music, introducing 12-14 new pieces each year to the band’s repertoire, purchasing it from the USA. His passion for big band music has permeated the Tauranga music scene. “Murray has been a really great director of the big band,” says band member and singer Carol Storey. “Also we have a say in song choices which is quite cool.” “I think Murray has brought a professionalism to a non-professional band,” says fellow member and singer Barry Spedding. “His standards are quite high and he seems to be able to bring people with him. It’s been fabulous serving under him for the past 13 years.” Murray’s wife Liz knows first-hand what a huge passion Murray has had for big band. “He’s just enjoyed the whole thing from the very beginning,” says Liz. “Great people and they’re all doing it voluntarily, all in their own time. So that makes it a bit more special.” “He’s done so much for the whole community for many years,” says past Otumoetai College music teacher Kate Mcgregor. “He’s so generous with his time, especially fostering younger people. He’s a musician to his finger tips and just shares it with everybody. He’s spread the love of music through the warmth of his personality.” “Getting to hang out and play with the best musicians available in town has been fantastic,”
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says Murray. He has loved the connections and friendships that develop when a large group works hard towards achieving a common goal. “I’d like publicly thank all the musicians that given me so much pleasure over the years. “It has been a very happy group who work well together. Even though we are an amateur group we have worked to become professional performers in the sense that we try to achieve the best standard that we can with the musicians we have available,” he says. “The longest time any other director has been in charge is four-and-a-half years, so it feels like now is a good time to hand over to someone with a new approach and fresh energy.” Rosalie Liddle Crawford
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May, 2017 life+style The Weekend Sun 2112August, 2015
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Photos: Bruce Barnard
Meet the ideas man Head and home full of inventions Ken Evans is never short of an idea. A fence post for the roof. “So you don’t fall off.” A honeycomb roof for privacy and warmth – and, something called a wheel-less trailer.
“There’s always got to be a better mousetrap”
“Did you get that? A wheel-less trailer.” We did get it, but it sounds improbable. There’s also the Showerdome, an idea that’s made Ken a very wealthy man. His company’s just sold its 100,000th dome. Ken’s home is full of inventions. “But I won’t bore you with others things.” But we want to know more. “Okay then, come and see my workshop.” It’s an invitation that opens up a world of whacky, but very useful, creations. “You’re going to love this one,” says Ken. The wheelless trailer is Ken’s latest invention. “I’ll show you.” The 77-year-old yanks it off the fence, throws it over his shoulders and hooks it to the rear of his vehicle. “It’s in the production stages, this is mark six.” The demonstration begins. “It’s got lights and a number plate. It doesn’t need a Warrant of Fitness or a registration.” He’s checked with police. Ken’s an inventor, an ideas man. “That’ll do, yeah.” He claims that title proudly. “I’m a DIY person, with a background in engineering.” Ideas just pop into his head at random. “If there’s a problem there’s got to be an answer to it. There’s always got to be a better mousetrap.” Just like his most successful invention, the Showerdome – an acrylic cover placed on top of the shower to stop moisture forming in the bathroom. Ken had a problem and he fixed it – and he’s fixed it 100,000 times for people throughout New Zealand. “Let me tell you the story.” It’s a story that began in 2004.
“I used to be so annoyed. I’d come out of my bathroom and the walls were running, the mirrors frosted, the ceiling was always needing painting.” He’s acting out the scenario for the reporter. Ken refers to a television commercial for a stove. He watched the water bubble away inside a glass kettle. Ken took notes. “There was no steam.” Then, the lightbulb moment. “I went down the road, got a sheet of flat safety glass cut the right size and put it on top of the shower. Perfect.” But the water condensed on the shower glass and dripped cold drips. “Plan B. I designed a dome by hand. Perfect.” He showed the dome to shower manufacturers in Auckland. “I thought: ‘They’ll be the right people, they’ll just love this’. No. They thought I was insulting their showers.” Ken had the idea, but needed the tenacity and grit of a salesperson. Enter, Maurice O’Reilly. “He’s a different animal to me. He’s the marketing, entrepreneur-type, fantastic guy. “A lot of people need a Maurice O’Reilly to get that next link, someone to bounce ideas off.” Following a couple of years perfecting prototypes and test marketing, the company formed in 2007. “Initially, the market was difficult – people couldn’t get their heads around it.” So Ken explained. “No steam is created with a Showerdome.” It’s specifically designed to keep out the cooler air while generating the circulation of warm air within the shower. “That’s become our biggest selling point,” says Ken. Domes are now made in 12 different shapes and sizes by Plastic Formers Ltd in Tauranga, with agents throughout NZ. “We’re just run off our feet. Sales went up 40 per cent last year. In one year that’s phenomenal.” And those doubting Auckland manufacturers are now intrigued. “They still make their product, we compliment it.” Zoe Hunter
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SHOWERDOME The benefits of having a Showerdome are significant. Eliminate bathroom steam, have a warmer, drier bathroom, and a healthier home. No steam means a clear mirror, no condensation, not wet walls or ceilings, and no mould or mildew. Showerdome makes bathroom cleaning easier, and you save money by turning off your extractor fan and heater. You will enjoy a warm, cosy shower, and use less hot water. Where you see steam, we see something that can be very damaging to your home. It drives up energy costs, increases maintenance and can make life difficult for a property or home owner. Installing a Showerdome is easy, and there are many benefits in doing so.
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Loving the game Rebecca’s leading the charge She could ‘do the job’ as a right-handed batting fielder. “But no runs to boast of.” She played cricket just for the enjoyment. “But I love the game.” And her name is uttered in the same breath as New Zealand cricketing royalty. Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, Neil Wagner, Suzie Bates, Amy Satterthwaite, Neil Wagner – and Rebecca. Rebecca Yee. While cricket’s glitterati were being honoured at the ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards for their deeds on the pitch, Rebecca was being celebrated for achievements just beyond the white picket fence at Bay Oval. Her citation read: “Best female engagement strategy”. A winner without facing a ball, bowling a ball, catching a ball, but imperative to development of schoolgirls’ cricket in Tauranga.
Put simply, Rebecca is out in the schools sharing her enjoyment and love – and droves of Tauranga schoolgirls are sensing that love and buying into cricket. “Well, if they don’t feel your enthusiasm then you can hardly expect them to buy into what you are offering. “The girls need to see some effort being put in on their behalf,” says Rebecca, who is the vivacious and infectious 26-year-old Bay of Plenty Cricket’s women development officer. “Playing since I was eight, coaching since I was 14; so cricket is a big part of my life,” says Rebecca. Raised in Mount Eden, she played for Epsom Girls’ Grammar School, and Cornwall. Now she’s paid to grow the game among schoolgirls in Tauranga. Money well spent it seems. “Everyone else who won development and service awards that night had been doing the job for 15 to 30 years.” Rebecca, the winner and 20 hours a week part-timer, has been in the job just two-and-a-half years. Big laughs and smiles – she enjoys that fact. And Rebecca’s numbers are stacking up. “Women’s cricket has been tracking okay and there’s lots of talent like the Nensi Patels and Brianna Perrys.” But the participation numbers have soared since she got involved. “It’s reflection of what we are working on at junior level,” says Rebecca. The Year 4-6 level, the eight to 10-year-olds. It’s called ‘Go Girls’.” Rebecca goes into a school to give an hour-long coaching session – maybe at lunchtime or sometimes during school time. ”Getting an hour off school is an incentive to any kid.”
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It all leads to festival days – an eight-aside Rainbow World Cup competition and in Term Four the Super Six competition. It’s played at Bay Oval – but last year because of numbers it spilled over into Blake Park. “It was a sight,” says a proud Rebecca. “A visual representation of what’s happening in girls’ cricket and how far we have come.” Now this is telling. When Rebecca started, she delivered Go Girls to eight or nine schools. “Not too good, not too bad.” But last term alone she went into 15 schools – and 25 teams from those schools took part in Super Six. “We have done pretty well.” Rebecca says it’s about providing schoolgirls with something they want to do and with lots of options, lots of opportunities to play cricket. “Because there weren’t many before we began all this. They always enjoy cricket once they start and the more they play the better they will get and the greater the enjoyment.” One measure of the growth is a local intermediate school, which has gone from no girls’ teams to four in just one term. “Incredible,” says Rebecca. But they are building from the bottom up. When she’s not organising Go Girls, Rebecca’s looking after the secondary schoolgirls’ representative team and driving to Auckland with the under-14 girls’ rep team. “I am busy. But I am trying to get more managers and coaches so I don’t have to do everything. I am slowly building my army of people.” When Rebecca fronted up at the cricket awards she took a date – Dad, Tony Yee, an 18-year girls and women’s grade convenor at Cornwall Cricket Club
Photos: Tracy Hardy.
“Playing since I was eight, coaching since I was 14; so cricket is a big part of my life”
as well as a coach and board member. “He was very proud because he was the one who got me into it.” They are third and fourth generation New Zealanders of Chinese extraction. “Some of the cricket kids are a bit surprised when they see me,” laughs Rebecca. ”But most just see me as Rebecca, who comes in and does cricket and they don’t think too much about it.” “Me and my parents are Kiwis at heart because we were born here. We don’t have a great connection with China.” But they do have a very big and successful connection with the institution of cricket. And the game is richer for it.
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