21 August, 2015
life+style The Weekend Sun 1
Where’d you get that coat? Page 2
THE WEEKEND
Featuring
Fashion | Home & living | Gifts for Dad | Food
2
life+style The Weekend Sun 21 August, 20152016 2 September,
Every day is an event Why not dress up? When a woman looks good, she feels great. It’s infectious. She catches the eye of others in the room, the girls want to know what she’s wearing and where she bought it from. And she’ll say: “After Hours Eventwear in Bethlehem”. The fashion store at Bethlehem Town Centre is the “go-to store for all events,” says owner Dorothy Hart. Dorothy says most women visit her store without an event in mind. “‘I don’t really have an event to go to’ they’ll say. But they always come back when they do have one,” says Dorothy. “They like to know where they can go for that perfect outfit.” We can see why. This reporter doesn’t have an event to go to, but there’s a few Gatsby-style dresses catching the eye. On that note, Dorothy disappears out the back. “I’ve got the perfect dress for you.” She returns with a stylish little number – a black cocktail dress with a bow and sparkle on the sleeves. It’s gorgeous. Dorothy understands us women. She
gives us the perfect excuse to purchase that pretty dress in her shop window. “Events can be birthday parties, a 21st, engagements, Christenings, or even just going out to dinner. “Every day is an event. Why not dress up?” Dorothy’s got something for all occasions – ball gowns, formal dresses, day dresses, evening dresses, cocktail dresses, race-day dresses, and dresses for the mother-of-thebride and mother-of-the-groom. Long, short, lots of lace, beading and sparkle – dresses for all shapes, sizes and ages. And lots and lots of colour. “You need colour for this time of year,” says Dorothy. “We do black very well in New Zealand, NZ girls love their black. “But, traditionally, it’s not good to wear black to weddings. I think colour is an appropriate form of celebration.” Dorothy imports her frocks from Canada, Australia and her NZ label is Jane Daniels. “She imports her fabrics from Italy. They’re beautiful pieces,” says Dorothy, who of course is wearing a gorgeous Jane Daniels’ number – a dotted kneelength winter coat. “I like to promote NZ, her [Jane’s] clothes are very comfortable to wear.” New stock arrives all the time. Because,
Photos: Chris Callinan
of course, we never want to be seen wearing the same outfit as the lady next to us! And we love to accessorise! Dorothy has plenty of fascinators, clutches, and jewellery. Then there’s the more casual side of the store, with clothing racks of skirts, jackets, tops and bottoms. There’s a wide variety of styles – and we do love choice. And if we can’t decide, Dorothy is there to help. She’s had more than 20 years of retail experience in women’s fashion. Picking the right dress is important. “You can spend up to two hours on a customer. Take your time, it’s an important occasion.” And we like to know what our girlfriends, partners or hubbies think of our decision. So Dorothy has a very glamorous fitting room fitted with chandeliers and a big mirror to view the outfit from all angles. And there’s a place for the entourage to comfortably sit while their woman models. “I like to make women feel good with fashion,”
says Dorothy. “When a lady comes in and they’re a bit worried about what they can or can’t wear, and they go out feeling really good – even if they haven’t bought something – that’s the biggest kick. Because you know they feel good. They’re happy, problem solved. “And I like to think, if I can’t solve that problem, I think about what I can buy next time to suit Zoe Hunter that need.”
2 September, 2016
life+style The Weekend Sun 3
A girl’s best friend Assistance dogs making big differences Lobo the labrador looks gentle, loving, and makes you want to pat him. But please don’t. This lovely lab is a working dog, not a pet. The assistance dog is also six-year-old Georgie Farrell’s best friend.
EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY
Photos: Chris Callinan
The black labrador goes everywhere with Georgie – to school, to the library, to the local café and to bed. That’s because the Omokoroa girl has autism spectrum disorder, global developmental delay and speech delay. She was diagnosed at age three. Lobo acts as a guide and an anchor for Georgie. Lobo can stay and lie down, which reminds Georgie she has a task to do – such as putting her school bag on – before she can keep going. “The process of doing things is calmer now,” says mum Liz. “We used to get into school and Georgie would just bolt to the far end of the field. But now we just walk to the classroom and it’s nice and calm.” Out and about people just want to pat Lobo. Liz says it’s difficult because Lobo is a working dog, and needs to focus on his job when he’s working. “He’s a great dog, he’s really obedient; and he’s a goofball when he’s not working. But when we’re working he’s focused.” The Farrells celebrated one year with Lobo on September 2. The black lab is the only working assistance dog in the Bay, says Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust volunteer and puppy raiser Linda Scott. Linda has trained seven puppies to become service
dogs around the country. Now Linda has Asher, a four-month-old golden retriever. Asher will stay with Linda for 12 months before he’s ready to go for formal training for six months before working with someone living with a disability. There are different dogs for people with different disabilities. “We look at what they love to do. If we’ve got a dog that loves to retrieve and is very busy, then it’s perfect for someone in a wheelchair, while a quiet dog that likes to lean on people and be touched is great for epilepsy or autism.” ADNZ is a charitable trust providing trained dogs to clients with a disability. The life cost of an assistance dog is $48,000. Dogs receive an assessment, obedience, social and task-specific training to suit the disability the dog will support. Asher and a second assistance pup in training – Harvey – are currently being raised in Tauranga with Linda and ADNZ’s funding development manager Wendy Isaacs respectively. New Zealanders have helped ADNZ Trust raise a new record total of $45,000 during their annual Appeal Week – $13,000 more than last year. A total of $11, 573 was raised in the Bay of Plenty. The majority of the organisation’s funding comes from community-based donations, through events and programmes such as Appeal Week and puppy sponsorship. Appeal Week is ADNZ’s main event and is a huge national fundraising campaign. For more information, to donate direct or sponsor a puppy, visit: assistancedogstrust.org.nz Zoe Hunter
4
2 September, 2016 life+style The Weekend Sun 21 August, 2015
Zohar, 104 Maunganui Rd, is known for their contemporary and stylish pieces, perfect for Dad.
Fathers’ Day Treasures
Dad will love what’s trending at Mount Surf Shop, 96 Maunganui Rd.
Father, Dad, Daddy, whatever you call the man of your house, show him how much you love him this Fathers’ Day. September 4 recognises the contribution our fathers and father figures make to their children’s lives. From socks to clocks, you’re bound to find the perfect gift for Dad.
Hunt for the perfect gift for Dad at Hunting and Fishing, 65 Chapel St.
Find your gifts for Fathers’ Day at Living Trends Te Puna, Village @ 7.
2 September, 21 August,2016 2015
life+style The Weekend Sun 5
Find Dad a cool new gift at Rip Curl, shop 1, 138 Maunganui Rd.
This Fathers’ Day, you’re bound to find something for Dad at Design Depot, 13 Totara St, Mount Maunganui.
FURNITURE
INTERIOR DESIGN
CURTAINS
GIFTWARE
HOMEWARES
6
September, life+style The Weekend Sun 212 August, 20152016
Noble by name and nature Peeling away the layers of the Onion Man He’s the Onion Man. And although he doesn’t grow onions, he certainly knows his onions. Because he’s been market gardening for half a century. And 50 years is a lot of cabbages. Allan Noble doesn’t grow potatoes either. But he travelled 11,000 kilometres to a potato conference in China. “I’m interested in what goes on. I am interested in horticulture and I follow my interests,” says Allan. And spuds are this vegetable grower’s favourite. “Very near the complete food.” Allan’s the onion and vege man at the Onion Vegie Place. That’s what the sign says, just beyond the hawthorn hedge and about one well-lobbed Brussels sprout east of the Katikati town limit. Seventy-two years old, always a glint in the eye, always a smile primed, always a laugh waiting to be laughed – Allan Noble has an opinion on everything from education and biosecurity to the regulatory obsolescence and the information highway. “Mr Google has made life too easy,” says Allan. “We should be teaching kids to challenge information.” And this reporter only dropped in for a cabbage. Which is all very interesting because the Onion Man, Allan Noble, is dyslexic. When he uses the telephone book he can never get the right person to answer the phone. His story. “But I am a listener and a thinker.” And he
Offer applies to tents $499.99 or more.++ see Ts & Cs pg 22
has time, too much time, to formulate his thoughts driving up and down the rows on one of his 14 tractors, or is it 15? It’s vege ‘Smash Palace’. Why does a man need so many tractors? “At least 10 of them go and new tractors won’t do what old ones do. We will cannibalise a tractor to get another to do what we want it to do.” Allan was born with soil behind his finger nails. “Started driving tractors when I was seven or eight. That’s when I got interested. “I wake up and smile.” But with a healthy cynicism. “I think there is another day out there and I can go mess it up like everyone else.” He doesn’t grow onions or potatoes but he does grow kale and he’s almost apologetic, a sop to foodie fashion perhaps. “People want it I guess.” But only people. Because after Allan has harvested the kale, cabbages and broccoli – and the cows have been put in to eat the scraps – kale is the last thing they eat. “Animals know what they like and they don’t like kale.” And if Allan’s cows are the litmus test for vege trends then it’s udders up to silverbeet. “If there’s silverbeet, the cows will eat that first – almost below ground level.” And why’s it becoming fashionable again? “Who knows?” But of course the mere sniff of a demand is reason enough to grow the stuff. “He’s simply the loveliest of men.” An unsolicited shout-out for the boss from the hired hand, the lady in the Onion and Vegie Place Shop. “And he never has a day off.”
2 September, 21 August, 2016 2015
Allan was born with soil behind his finger nails. “Started driving tractors when I was seven or eight. That’s when I got interested”
ings prettied up and held together by oodles of country charm? And stocked with fruit and vegetables from all points. If the kumara comes from Ruawai the price tag tells you. Well the photo of the shop assistant on the price tag tells you. Very personal, very quaint, nice touch. But it works. It’s an experience, a good fun place to fossick for parsnips and potatoes, kumara and “bloody” kale, chutney and jam. It’s a retail experience. Nothing flash, nothing branded, very un-supermarket. And all around there are implements, machines, vehicles, tools, bins, boxes crates and pallets. Stuff – lots of stuff, charming stuff. It’s retail entertainment. And this is as close to pulling veges out of the ground without actually doing it. Like when the lady wanted radishes Allan went out and dug her a bunch or two. Like it! New-fangled, big, fat purple spicy radishes at a snip. Braise them, this reporter was told. Just across the yard from the shop, past an implement shed crammed with ‘things’ a man needs to be a market gardener, is Allan’s tool shed. There is chaos in this shed, so how does he find things? “Simple, you just have to remember where you had it last.” Sophie Gray’s ‘Destitute Gourmet’ tells us to avoid the supermarket when buying fruit and vegetables – “they are invariably
Photos: Chris Callinan
Well he did have a day off recently. He went to the annual farming and agricultural trade show – Fieldays. But that’s work, that’s research. “Yes, could be. But it was interesting.” Does he ever stop to read a book, watch TV or have a beer? “I basically don’t bother doing that.” Does he work Christmas Day and Good Friday? “It’s surprising what has to be done these days.” Does that make his wife long-suffering? – tilling the soil for half a century, no days off and reading up on potatoes and the like over dinner. “Not at all.” We might ask the Onion Lady about that. Allan learned a lesson many years ago. “Why sit on a beach and have a picnic when you hate beaches and picnics? It’s just to keep the travel agent happy.” So he keeps working, it’s what he does and what he enjoys. The hired hand is running the Onion and Vegie Place shop for a trickle of customers on a soggy Sunday afternoon. Off State Highway 2, up the winding drive, past a tractor for sale and 20 or so crates of pumpkins. Two for $3 or the like. Shop? Well it sells stuff, good stuff, great stuff. Produce. A lot of it grown just outside the ramshackle, or is it a rustic shop – a conglomeration of build-
cheaper in a produce specialist shop”. Of course you won’t get an argument out of Allan on that one. “Supermarkets are better suited to prepackaged, standardised. When you look at the constraints of vegetables they aren’t really suited to the supermarket model. But that’s where their money is made.” So how does he compete with the monolithic, all-powerful chains? There’s that grin again. “Well there will always be a lot of people who appreciate there is a difference between appearing fresh and being fresh.” By the way, the Onion Man who doesn’t grow onions does grow green onions.
life+style The Weekend Sun 7
8
life+style The Weekend Sun 21 August, 2015
Sanctuary Hayworth • Firm feel. • Sensorzone®. • FusionGel®. • Dreamfoam®.
• Helps dissipate heat. • Improves circulation
and spine alignment.
Queen Set
WAS $5,999
Now $2,999 Sanctuary After Dark Range Garland, Kelly and Hepburn
• Medium feel. • Sensorzone®. • FusionGel®. • Latex Gold®. • Helps dissipate heat. • Improves circulation
• Available in Firm, Medium and Plush. • Graphene. • Phase Change. • FusionGel®. • 3D Sensorzone®. • Dreamfoam®.
Queen Set
Sanctuary Monroe
and spine alignment.
Queen Set
WAS $11,999
Now $7,199
WAS $6,799
Now $3,399
Chiropractic Marquess
Serenity Hamilton
• Medium feel. • Torquezone® HD. • Graphene. • Pure NZ Wool. • Endorsed by the
• Medium feel. • Sleepyhead’s Pocket Spring system helps reduce partner disturbance. • Dreamfoam®.
New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association.
Queen Set
Queen Set
WAS $4,599
Now $2,299
NEW ZEALAND’S
Now $1,849
LARGEST
VISIT US ONLINE TO FIND YOUR CLOSEST STORE WWW.BEDSRUS.CO.NZ
INDEPENDENT NATIONWIDE BEDDING GROUP
STORE NAME BEDS R US
NEW ZEALAND’S INDEPENDENT BEDDING GROUP
LARGEST 50 STORES
Address Details Ph: 00 123 4567
WAS $3,699
PROU D TO BE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
PROU D TO BE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED PROU D TO BE LOCALLY PROU D TO BE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED OWNED AND OPERATED
*Offer valid 29/08/2016 to 18/09/2016 or while stocks last. Excludes Everyday Dream Prices and clearance stock. Q Card and Latitude Financial Services lending criteria, fees, terms & conditions apply.
21 August, 2015
life+style The Weekend Sun 1
Where’d you get that coat? Page 2
THE WEEKEND
Featuring
Fashion | Home & living | Gifts for Dad | Food
2
life+style The Weekend Sun 21 August, 20152016 2 September,
Every day is an event Why not dress up? When a woman looks good, she feels great. It’s infectious. She catches the eye of others in the room, the girls want to know what she’s wearing and where she bought it from. And she’ll say: “After Hours Eventwear in Bethlehem”. The fashion store at Bethlehem Town Centre is the “go-to store for all events,” says owner Dorothy Hart. Dorothy says most women visit her store without an event in mind. “‘I don’t really have an event to go to’ they’ll say. But they always come back when they do have one,” says Dorothy. “They like to know where they can go for that perfect outfit.” We can see why. This reporter doesn’t have an event to go to, but there’s a few Gatsby-style dresses catching the eye. On that note, Dorothy disappears out the back. “I’ve got the perfect dress for you.” She returns with a stylish little number – a black cocktail dress with a bow and sparkle on the sleeves. It’s gorgeous. Dorothy understands us women. She
gives us the perfect excuse to purchase that pretty dress in her shop window. “Events can be birthday parties, a 21st, engagements, Christenings, or even just going out to dinner. “Every day is an event. Why not dress up?” Dorothy’s got something for all occasions – ball gowns, formal dresses, day dresses, evening dresses, cocktail dresses, race-day dresses, and dresses for the mother-of-thebride and mother-of-the-groom. Long, short, lots of lace, beading and sparkle – dresses for all shapes, sizes and ages. And lots and lots of colour. “You need colour for this time of year,” says Dorothy. “We do black very well in New Zealand, NZ girls love their black. “But, traditionally, it’s not good to wear black to weddings. I think colour is an appropriate form of celebration.” Dorothy imports her frocks from Canada, Australia and her NZ label is Jane Daniels. “She imports her fabrics from Italy. They’re beautiful pieces,” says Dorothy, who of course is wearing a gorgeous Jane Daniels’ number – a dotted kneelength winter coat. “I like to promote NZ, her [Jane’s] clothes are very comfortable to wear.” New stock arrives all the time. Because,
Photos: Chris Callinan
of course, we never want to be seen wearing the same outfit as the lady next to us! And we love to accessorise! Dorothy has plenty of fascinators, clutches, and jewellery. Then there’s the more casual side of the store, with clothing racks of skirts, jackets, tops and bottoms. There’s a wide variety of styles – and we do love choice. And if we can’t decide, Dorothy is there to help. She’s had more than 20 years of retail experience in women’s fashion. Picking the right dress is important. “You can spend up to two hours on a customer. Take your time, it’s an important occasion.” And we like to know what our girlfriends, partners or hubbies think of our decision. So Dorothy has a very glamorous fitting room fitted with chandeliers and a big mirror to view the outfit from all angles. And there’s a place for the entourage to comfortably sit while their woman models. “I like to make women feel good with fashion,”
says Dorothy. “When a lady comes in and they’re a bit worried about what they can or can’t wear, and they go out feeling really good – even if they haven’t bought something – that’s the biggest kick. Because you know they feel good. They’re happy, problem solved. “And I like to think, if I can’t solve that problem, I think about what I can buy next time to suit Zoe Hunter that need.”
2 September, 2016
life+style The Weekend Sun 3
A girl’s best friend Assistance dogs making big differences Lobo the labrador looks gentle, loving, and makes you want to pat him. But please don’t. This lovely lab is a working dog, not a pet. The assistance dog is also six-year-old Georgie Farrell’s best friend.
EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY
Photos: Chris Callinan
The black labrador goes everywhere with Georgie – to school, to the library, to the local café and to bed. That’s because the Omokoroa girl has autism spectrum disorder, global developmental delay and speech delay. She was diagnosed at age three. Lobo acts as a guide and an anchor for Georgie. Lobo can stay and lie down, which reminds Georgie she has a task to do – such as putting her school bag on – before she can keep going. “The process of doing things is calmer now,” says mum Liz. “We used to get into school and Georgie would just bolt to the far end of the field. But now we just walk to the classroom and it’s nice and calm.” Out and about people just want to pat Lobo. Liz says it’s difficult because Lobo is a working dog, and needs to focus on his job when he’s working. “He’s a great dog, he’s really obedient; and he’s a goofball when he’s not working. But when we’re working he’s focused.” The Farrells celebrated one year with Lobo on September 2. The black lab is the only working assistance dog in the Bay, says Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust volunteer and puppy raiser Linda Scott. Linda has trained seven puppies to become service
dogs around the country. Now Linda has Asher, a four-month-old golden retriever. Asher will stay with Linda for 12 months before he’s ready to go for formal training for six months before working with someone living with a disability. There are different dogs for people with different disabilities. “We look at what they love to do. If we’ve got a dog that loves to retrieve and is very busy, then it’s perfect for someone in a wheelchair, while a quiet dog that likes to lean on people and be touched is great for epilepsy or autism.” ADNZ is a charitable trust providing trained dogs to clients with a disability. The life cost of an assistance dog is $48,000. Dogs receive an assessment, obedience, social and task-specific training to suit the disability the dog will support. Asher and a second assistance pup in training – Harvey – are currently being raised in Tauranga with Linda and ADNZ’s funding development manager Wendy Isaacs respectively. New Zealanders have helped ADNZ Trust raise a new record total of $45,000 during their annual Appeal Week – $13,000 more than last year. A total of $11, 573 was raised in the Bay of Plenty. The majority of the organisation’s funding comes from community-based donations, through events and programmes such as Appeal Week and puppy sponsorship. Appeal Week is ADNZ’s main event and is a huge national fundraising campaign. For more information, to donate direct or sponsor a puppy, visit: assistancedogstrust.org.nz Zoe Hunter
4
2 September, 2016 life+style The Weekend Sun 21 August, 2015
Zohar, 104 Maunganui Rd, is known for their contemporary and stylish pieces, perfect for Dad.
Fathers’ Day Treasures
Dad will love what’s trending at Mount Surf Shop, 96 Maunganui Rd.
Father, Dad, Daddy, whatever you call the man of your house, show him how much you love him this Fathers’ Day. September 4 recognises the contribution our fathers and father figures make to their children’s lives. From socks to clocks, you’re bound to find the perfect gift for Dad.
Hunt for the perfect gift for Dad at Hunting and Fishing, 65 Chapel St.
Find your gifts for Fathers’ Day at Living Trends Te Puna, Village @ 7.
2 September, 21 August,2016 2015
life+style The Weekend Sun 5
Find Dad a cool new gift at Rip Curl, shop 1, 138 Maunganui Rd.
This Fathers’ Day, you’re bound to find something for Dad at Design Depot, 13 Totara St, Mount Maunganui.
FURNITURE
INTERIOR DESIGN
CURTAINS
GIFTWARE
HOMEWARES
6
September, life+style The Weekend Sun 212 August, 20152016
Noble by name and nature Peeling away the layers of the Onion Man He’s the Onion Man. And although he doesn’t grow onions, he certainly knows his onions. Because he’s been market gardening for half a century. And 50 years is a lot of cabbages. Allan Noble doesn’t grow potatoes either. But he travelled 11,000 kilometres to a potato conference in China. “I’m interested in what goes on. I am interested in horticulture and I follow my interests,” says Allan. And spuds are this vegetable grower’s favourite. “Very near the complete food.” Allan’s the onion and vege man at the Onion Vegie Place. That’s what the sign says, just beyond the hawthorn hedge and about one well-lobbed Brussels sprout east of the Katikati town limit. Seventy-two years old, always a glint in the eye, always a smile primed, always a laugh waiting to be laughed – Allan Noble has an opinion on everything from education and biosecurity to the regulatory obsolescence and the information highway. “Mr Google has made life too easy,” says Allan. “We should be teaching kids to challenge information.” And this reporter only dropped in for a cabbage. Which is all very interesting because the Onion Man, Allan Noble, is dyslexic. When he uses the telephone book he can never get the right person to answer the phone. His story. “But I am a listener and a thinker.” And he
Offer applies to tents $499.99 or more.++ see Ts & Cs pg 22
has time, too much time, to formulate his thoughts driving up and down the rows on one of his 14 tractors, or is it 15? It’s vege ‘Smash Palace’. Why does a man need so many tractors? “At least 10 of them go and new tractors won’t do what old ones do. We will cannibalise a tractor to get another to do what we want it to do.” Allan was born with soil behind his finger nails. “Started driving tractors when I was seven or eight. That’s when I got interested. “I wake up and smile.” But with a healthy cynicism. “I think there is another day out there and I can go mess it up like everyone else.” He doesn’t grow onions or potatoes but he does grow kale and he’s almost apologetic, a sop to foodie fashion perhaps. “People want it I guess.” But only people. Because after Allan has harvested the kale, cabbages and broccoli – and the cows have been put in to eat the scraps – kale is the last thing they eat. “Animals know what they like and they don’t like kale.” And if Allan’s cows are the litmus test for vege trends then it’s udders up to silverbeet. “If there’s silverbeet, the cows will eat that first – almost below ground level.” And why’s it becoming fashionable again? “Who knows?” But of course the mere sniff of a demand is reason enough to grow the stuff. “He’s simply the loveliest of men.” An unsolicited shout-out for the boss from the hired hand, the lady in the Onion and Vegie Place Shop. “And he never has a day off.”
2 September, 21 August, 2016 2015
Allan was born with soil behind his finger nails. “Started driving tractors when I was seven or eight. That’s when I got interested”
ings prettied up and held together by oodles of country charm? And stocked with fruit and vegetables from all points. If the kumara comes from Ruawai the price tag tells you. Well the photo of the shop assistant on the price tag tells you. Very personal, very quaint, nice touch. But it works. It’s an experience, a good fun place to fossick for parsnips and potatoes, kumara and “bloody” kale, chutney and jam. It’s a retail experience. Nothing flash, nothing branded, very un-supermarket. And all around there are implements, machines, vehicles, tools, bins, boxes crates and pallets. Stuff – lots of stuff, charming stuff. It’s retail entertainment. And this is as close to pulling veges out of the ground without actually doing it. Like when the lady wanted radishes Allan went out and dug her a bunch or two. Like it! New-fangled, big, fat purple spicy radishes at a snip. Braise them, this reporter was told. Just across the yard from the shop, past an implement shed crammed with ‘things’ a man needs to be a market gardener, is Allan’s tool shed. There is chaos in this shed, so how does he find things? “Simple, you just have to remember where you had it last.” Sophie Gray’s ‘Destitute Gourmet’ tells us to avoid the supermarket when buying fruit and vegetables – “they are invariably
Photos: Chris Callinan
Well he did have a day off recently. He went to the annual farming and agricultural trade show – Fieldays. But that’s work, that’s research. “Yes, could be. But it was interesting.” Does he ever stop to read a book, watch TV or have a beer? “I basically don’t bother doing that.” Does he work Christmas Day and Good Friday? “It’s surprising what has to be done these days.” Does that make his wife long-suffering? – tilling the soil for half a century, no days off and reading up on potatoes and the like over dinner. “Not at all.” We might ask the Onion Lady about that. Allan learned a lesson many years ago. “Why sit on a beach and have a picnic when you hate beaches and picnics? It’s just to keep the travel agent happy.” So he keeps working, it’s what he does and what he enjoys. The hired hand is running the Onion and Vegie Place shop for a trickle of customers on a soggy Sunday afternoon. Off State Highway 2, up the winding drive, past a tractor for sale and 20 or so crates of pumpkins. Two for $3 or the like. Shop? Well it sells stuff, good stuff, great stuff. Produce. A lot of it grown just outside the ramshackle, or is it a rustic shop – a conglomeration of build-
cheaper in a produce specialist shop”. Of course you won’t get an argument out of Allan on that one. “Supermarkets are better suited to prepackaged, standardised. When you look at the constraints of vegetables they aren’t really suited to the supermarket model. But that’s where their money is made.” So how does he compete with the monolithic, all-powerful chains? There’s that grin again. “Well there will always be a lot of people who appreciate there is a difference between appearing fresh and being fresh.” By the way, the Onion Man who doesn’t grow onions does grow green onions.
life+style The Weekend Sun 7
8
life+style The Weekend Sun 21 August, 2015
Sanctuary Hayworth • Firm feel. • Sensorzone®. • FusionGel®. • Dreamfoam®.
• Helps dissipate heat. • Improves circulation
and spine alignment.
Queen Set
WAS $5,999
Now $2,999 Sanctuary After Dark Range Garland, Kelly and Hepburn
• Medium feel. • Sensorzone®. • FusionGel®. • Latex Gold®. • Helps dissipate heat. • Improves circulation
• Available in Firm, Medium and Plush. • Graphene. • Phase Change. • FusionGel®. • 3D Sensorzone®. • Dreamfoam®.
Queen Set
Sanctuary Monroe
and spine alignment.
Queen Set
WAS $11,999
Now $7,199
WAS $6,799
Now $3,399
Chiropractic Marquess
Serenity Hamilton
• Medium feel. • Torquezone® HD. • Graphene. • Pure NZ Wool. • Endorsed by the
• Medium feel. • Sleepyhead’s Pocket Spring system helps reduce partner disturbance. • Dreamfoam®.
New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association.
Queen Set
Queen Set
WAS $4,599
Now $2,299
NEW ZEALAND’S
Now $1,849
LARGEST
VISIT US ONLINE TO FIND YOUR CLOSEST STORE WWW.BEDSRUS.CO.NZ
INDEPENDENT NATIONWIDE BEDDING GROUP
STORE NAME BEDS R US
NEW ZEALAND’S INDEPENDENT BEDDING GROUP
LARGEST 50 STORES
Address Details Ph: 00 123 4567
WAS $3,699
PROU D TO BE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
PROU D TO BE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED PROU D TO BE LOCALLY PROU D TO BE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED OWNED AND OPERATED
*Offer valid 29/08/2016 to 18/09/2016 or while stocks last. Excludes Everyday Dream Prices and clearance stock. Q Card and Latitude Financial Services lending criteria, fees, terms & conditions apply.