Eastlife April 2016

HOWICK, BOTANY, PAKURANGA AND SURROUNDS

eastlife.co.nz

April 2016

Glamma

GRANDMA

SUGAR COATED winter RHYS DARBY

laughter his stock and trade OUT & ABOUT | FASHION | HEALTH & BEAUTY | FOOD | ART | HOME | MOTORING | EVENTS | TRAVEL www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | april 2016 |

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MREINZ

total focus

Issue Thirty Four

PROPERTY LTD

Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

Welcome to Issue No 34 of Eastlife Here we are April already, daylight saving gone and there is now a definite nip in the air. Every year never ceases to amaze just how beautiful the change of season is, it happens so quickly one minute your down at the beach and the next rugged up around the fire.

Until next month, take care Leigh QUOTE OF THE MONTH

The old believe everything, the middle-aged suspect everything, the young know Oscar Wilde everything.

To have your property featured in Eastlife for next month call one of our team today.

TIME FOR CHANGE? SIT BACK RELAX PUT YOUR FEET UP & LET THE TEAM AT TOTAL FOCUS GET YOU SOLD For this month ONLY Book a 1/4 page, upgrade to a 1/2 page at our cost or Book a 1/2 page, upgrade to a full page at our cost Plus wait there’s more ...... also included is complimentary: Photography and Property Signage Brochures and Office Display Poster Eastlife Ad and 1/8th Property Press Ad Web listing on realestate.co.nz, trademe, hougarden.com, tfproperty.co.nz & more.

So what is there to think about pick up the phone and lets get started....

Call the team at total focus today

102 Westerham Drive, Dannemora - Auction When only the best will do From the moment you stop outside you will know you have arrived somewhere special, this is a home that just keeps on making you smile as you walk through.

Situated on a beautifully landscaped section with specific areas to either sit and dine under cover if the mood takes.

Faultless presentation with soft décor and accents of colour determined by your own furnishings offer a warm and inviting home to retreat to.

Homes of this calibre don’t come to the market often so come take a look it really is arguably the best available right now.

You be the judge.

Our team!

Greg Roy AREINZ 0274 966 966 Principal

Leigh Roy 021 646 565 Director

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on the cover

Roadworks drive!

Easter has come and gone, daylight saving is behind us and the flag referendum is done and dusted although Labour leader, Andrew Little is now talking about future debate on New Zealand becoming a republic which could, of course, fire up a flagging issue all over again!

RIDING ON DAPPER COAT TAILS. Leading designers have sugarcoated Winter 2016, wrapping up warmth in a range of jacket, cape and overcoat styles. Our cover shot from Storm’s latest collection features a ‘waterfall’, blended wool coat which is easy on the eye; easy to wear. This season you’ll also see styles borrowed from the biker’s wardrobe, the rock star’s closet and the cockpit – everything from capes, faux furs, animals prints, edge to edge, draped, button-through and more.

In fact, it’s all about cutting your coat to suit its cloth! See page 34.

Ph 09 271 8020 www.eastlife.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry 09 271 8036, editor@eastlife.co.nz Sales Manager: Rachel Watts 09 271 8019, rachel@eastlife.co.nz Sales: Bev Drake 09 271 8092, bev@eastlife.co.nz

March was busy – Sculpture in the Gardens at the Auckland Botanic Gardens ended on a glorious autumn day and I joined hundreds of visitors to take a last look. I was so impressed by Howick artist, Ramon Robertson’s wonderful work, Gravity Bag (see EastLife, Feb 2016 at eastlife.co.nz) and by the vibrant, botanically-inspired, Khulu, which won artist, John Ferguson the $5000 People’s Choice Award – see social photos page 12.

Last month I also sashayed into the Auckland Fashion Week 2016 winter collections and awards evening at Alexandra Park – such fun with the event also supporting the Look Good Feel Good cancer organisation for women of all ages with all types of cancer. Some of these patients modelled in the show and it was inspiring to see their positivity

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I recognise its completion will ease traffic congestion in that quarter and the new loop road, connecting the North-Western to the Southern Motorway at Manukau, will create a smooth link between all Auckland motorways. However, I feel dismayed that our desperately congested Southern Motorway is not receiving anything like this upgrade – well, not yet, anyway.

As Auckland grows, our Southern Motorway (and main trunk line) can only continue to fail but I’m encouraged by my across town excursion and hope that appeals to take a fresh look at improving southern traffic flow, won’t fall on deaf ears.

With that, I’ll let readers steam on and enjoy this month’s EastLife.

This is not the place to enter the debate about more roads (or less) versus better use of public transport but as I frequently travel south, I feel justified in calling for some Southern Motorway improvements over and above the extra laning now

Helen Perry Editor

Rhys Darby and Grant Lobban – Rhysently Granted, see page 14-15

8-12 social scene

14-15 Q&A

Photography: Wayne Martin

Local Darby moved to amuse

www.eastlife.co.nz

With the whole Southern congested for much of the day, the section from Manukau to Drury is so bad that keeping to any timetable or work schedule is often difficult without setting out hours in advance.

And, with several large housing developments in the pipeline around Franklin, this congestion can only worsen.

interview

Design: Clare McGillivray 09 271 8067, clare@eastlife.co.nz

DISCLAIMER: Articles published in EastLife do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or editor. All material is provided as a general information service only. Times Newspapers Ltd does not assume or accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, the accuracy or appropriate application of any information in this magazine. All the material in this magazine has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times Newspapers Ltd.

During Easter, I travelled to Henderson over the North-Western Motorway – what an eye-opener.

I have followed the motorway’s upgrade and Waterview tunnel progress but to actually see the massive scale of the works gave a new perspective – the development is monumental, a new spaghetti junction!

Kathy blesses big bridal day

EastLife photographers focus on events around the town

Like us on facebook: www.facebook.com/ eastlifemagazine

started between Manurewa and the Pahurehure inlet.

This month...

Sales: Rashna Tata 09 271 8091, rashna@eastlife.co.nz

Level 1, The Lane, Botany Town Centre, Botany, Auckland. PO Box 259-243, Botany, Auckland 2163

and willingness to step out on the catwalk.

16-17 interview Sam Boston – wild woman to Borneo

18 WIN

Prizes up for grabs

19-33 lifestyle

• Fiction books to win • Rarotongan weddings

• Walk Central Europe

• Christmas on board

• Glam Gran no act

• Tom back on the job

• Puzzle time

34-43 health, beauty and fashion

• New season fashion • Ketze-ke style • Refresh your jewellery • Weight loss surgery

44-51 food • Szimpla the best

• Rhys Cattermoul

• Pipi at home

• Dining Guide

52-62 home

• My favourite thing • Koket beds

• Regular columnists

63-68 business

• Is your lease in order?

• Right ‘Hon’ Key

69-71 Motoring

• Parting Shot • Mustang sallies forth eastlife | april 2016 |

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April 2016 ➤ anzac events ANZAC Biscuit Bake-off April 20, Howick Library, 25 Uxbridge Rd, Howick Don’t know how to make the perfect ANZAC biscuit? Well, stiff bickies!

However, even if we’re not made to be bakers, we can still celebrate those who can bake it with the best of them. Providing a fun (and tasty) way to remember them, the ANZAC Biscuit Bake-off includes classes for masters (adults) and children aged 12 years and under too. All taking part must collect entry forms from Howick Library and bring in a fresh batch of biscuits before 3pm, April 20 when judging will begin. For more information, call 534 5301.

NZSO presents: Spirit of ANZAC April 22, from 7pm, Auckland Town Hall, 303 Queen St, Auckland City To commemorate the sacrifices of service personnel, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will present an evening of scintillating and inspiring music and poetry. More information via nzso.co.nz.

ANZAC Parades April 25, locations and times vary For more details regarding Howick parade times, visit howickrsa.co.nz, rsa.org.nz, or call 09 534 9702.

➤ Family fun Eye on Nature – free family day April 9, 11am-8pm, Auckland Botanic Gardens, 102 Hill Road, Manurewa Designed to open our eyes to the wonders of our natural world, Eye on Nature is back at the gardens this month. Featuring a wide range of events, games and activities – including a wearable arts show, live

cooking demonstrations, and even an online environmental adventure game based on wildlife sightings – this family fun day is likely to educate and inspire. See beautifulmanukau. org.nz/eye-on-nature for more information.

➤ expos & festivals Go Green Expo Auckland April 16-17, 10am-5pm, ASB Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Greenlane In an enlightened age, the only colour that matters is green! With a plethora of green products, from solar power and electric vehicles, to fair trade toys and more, Go Green is focused on supporting businesses committed to working in harmony with our environment and ahead to business in the 21st century. For more details, see gogreenexpo.co.nz.

➤ sport & Fitness Beachlands Kids’ Triathlon April 12, from 9am, Te Puru Park, Beachlands Those who ‘tri’ can never fail!

Designed to encourage young ones to have a go at triathlon, this event winds through picturesque Te Puru Park and Omana Regional Park. While there are prizes on the line, this is both a competitive and participation event. For full details, see bsgevents. co.nz.

Autumn Trotting Carnival April 22 and 29, Alexandra Park, Greenlane West Road and Manukau Road, Greenlane Become the talk of the town at the Top of the Park as Alexandra Park lays on a veritable feast of premier harness racing. With various dining

➤ Family fun Discovery, the age of exploration April 28, 9.30am-2.30pm, Howick Historical Village, Bells Road, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga It might take a village to raise a child but it takes a village to keep them entertained too!

Thankfully, Howick Historical Village has fun in abundance again these school holidays when youngsters will become intrepid Victorian explorers discovering the wonders of Egypt. And, don’t forget the village’s monthly Live Days – next on April 17 – and more school holiday fun; see details at fencible.org.nz/events.

options available, the carnival is sure to satisfy the hungriest of horse racing enthusiasts. For more details, see alexandrapark.co.nz/racing.

➤ music Abba April 9, 8-11pm, Howick Club, 107 Botany Road, Howick Joe Cotton, Pauline Berry and Amber Claire (aka The Mermaids) are getting ready to face their Waterloo this month in the form of a discriminating audience of music fans at the Howick Club. Whether these Dancing Queens will be thanked for their music or audiences will demand ‘gimme, gimme, gimme my money, money, money back’ remains to be seen.

However, we think, when all is said and done, a good time will be had by all. Do we really mean that? We do, we do, we do, we do! More information via howickclub.co.nz.

Riqi Harawira April 10, 2-6pm, Hotel Clevedon, 26 Kawakawa Bay Road, Clevedon Proving the world really is his oyster,

Riqi Harawira is ready to rock the Hotel Clevedon this month. Not only will the talented Kiwi musician turn out tunes from his new album, Sound of the Long White Cloud, but audiences will be invited to sample ‘all you can eat’ oysters for just $50 a head! Why sing for your supper, readers, when Riqi’ll do so for you?

For details, see thehotelclevedon. co.nz.

Bowie: Waiting in the Sky April 15, 7.30-10pm, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland City When Ziggy first played guitar, jamming good with Weird and Gilly and the Spiders from Mars, David Bowie became a musical icon. Following David’s untimely passing in January, Kiwi musicians – including Eddie Rayner (Split Enz & Crowded House), Jordan Luck (The Exponents), Alastair Riddell (Space Waltz) and more – will celebrate the life and music of a man who inspired the world around him. See waitinginthesky.com for more show information.

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british architecture – an acoustic jazz and blues experience April 16, from 7pm, The Lounge, 186 Wellington Street, Howick The sound of our towns comes alive as Howick Radio Charitable Trust (HRCT) showcases music the way it was meant to be played. To keep the band playing on at our community radio station, the trust will present an evening of jazz, western swing and R&B headlined by local music legend, Bill Perry. With the help of collaborators vladimir Shilov, Patrick Hedder, and the Leila McIntyre Band, we’re betting Bill will bestow the best of British! For tickets or more information about this fundraiser (and charity auction), visit howickvillageradio.co.nz. the Proclaimers (with greg Johnson) April 25 (ANZAC Day), from 8pm, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland City If you would walk 500 miles (or 20 from Botany at least) to ‘proclaim’ your affections for a certain pair of Scottish rockers, you’d best be on your way (uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh) soon! As Edinburgh twins, Craig and Charlie Reid, tour New Zealand, they’ll be playing one night only in Auckland, with Kiwi piano man, Greg Johnson, ‘set’ to open. See claudelands.co.nz for details.

Quintessentially Kiwi April 26, 11am-1pm, The Picton Centre, 120 Picton Street, Howick If it weren’t for our Fred Dagg, where would we be? Without our gumboots, for one thing, or this classic Kiwiana concert for another. Featuring songs made famous by home-grown stars including Sir Howard Morrison, John Rowles, Fred Dagg, the Topp Twins, and Ray Columbus, this show is a celebration of our sound. So, kick it in the guts, Trev’ and head on down to Howick! More information can be found on the website daytimeconcerts.co.nz.

➤ art & thEatrE traditional watercolour Paintings April 1-30 (Fridays-Sundays), Green Gables Cottage, Hawthornden Reserve, 66 Cook Street, Howick This month, Green Gables Cottage Art Gallery shows still water(colours) run deep through this varied exhibition.

Once again, sales will help support the good work of South Auckland Totara Hospice. See howickartgroup. co.nz for details. tom Sawyer April 21-30, times vary, Selwyn Theatre, Selwyn College, 203-245 Kohimarama Road, Kohimarama East(Life) is east and the US is west (or east, depending on your point of view) but still we’ll meet the Twain this month at Selwyn Theatre! Adapted from Mark Twain’s iconic novel about a boy with an unquenchable thirst for action and

excitement, this play is bound to be enjoyed by parents and children alike. Just like the mighty Mississip’, this legendary tale just keeps rolling on! More information (including show times) available via atc.co.nz/ whats-on.

➤ coMEDy nz international comedy festival 2016 April 22 – May 15, venues and times vary, nationwide Kicking off with the (no doubt, ‘electrifying) Flick Electric Co. Comedy Gala, this fest’ is expected to generate a laugh and a half... and hopefully much more than that!

Setting the tone, former Edgewater College student, Rhys Darby, will host the gala as stand-ups deliver, as well as his own shows. For more details see our Q&A with the man himself on page 14.

➤ MarKEtS howick village Market Every Saturday, 8am-12.30pm, Picton St, Howick classy crafts First Saturday in March, followed by fi rst and third Saturday of the month until October, then every Saturday in November-December, 9am-1pm, All Saints Community Centre, Cook St, Howick Pine harbour fresh Market Every Saturday, 8am-12pm, Pine Harbour Marina, Jack Lachlan Dr, Beachlands clevedon village farmers’ Market Every Sunday, 8.30am-12pm, Clevedon Showgrounds, Monument Rd, Clevedon clevedon village Market Every Sunday, 9am-2pm, Clevedon Community Centre, 1 PapakuraClevedon Rd, Clevedon Pakuranga night Market Every Saturday night, 6pm-12midnight, under The Warehouse, Pakuranga Plaza

➤ thEatrE Jesus christ Superstar April 30-May 14, times vary (matinees and evening shows), Harlequin Musical Theatre, 563 Pakuranga Road, Howick When it comes to superstars there would be few (if any) who could measure up to Jesus Christ!

Loosely based on the Gospels, this iconic musical is set to hit the

local stage. Forget Joseph and his gaudy dream coat, this show is sure to see Harlequin show its true colours. What’s more, as the production coincides with NZ Sign Language Week (May 9-15) it has been designed to be accessible to deaf and hearing audiences. See harlequintheatre. co.nz for details and show times.

botany night Market Every Wednesday night, 5.30-11pm, beneath Hoyts Cinema, Botany Town Centre alfriston country Market First Saturday of each month except January, 9am-12pm, Alfriston Community Hall, Mill Road, Alfriston

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The Breeze rings in Kathy

FOR WEDDING SURPRISE!

There’s nothing like a wedding to generate warm fuzzies but last month one whirlwind wedding, which could have been a nightmare, was a Breeze!

Thousand of listeners with a romantic streak will have applauded the feelgood $30,000 Whirlwind Wedding promotion hosted last month by popular radio station, The Breeze.

And when the wedding winners – Fiona and Jason – were surprised at 7.30am on March 18, by Breeze hosts Robbie and Jeanette bearing the news that the long time partners had won the $30,000 wedding, it meant all hands to the deck to choose the theme, rings, flowers, the wedding dress and suits as well as alerting guests before the couple walked down the aisle at 4pm later that day. thing.’ She and Jason had been together 25 years and were parents to five young boys. The lovely part was I was able to bring the little boys into the ceremony as the “Lords of the Rings” with two older lads being the witnesses.

yes, the bridal arrangements were beautifully pulled together at breakneck speed and it was one well known former local who was there to help the lucky couple tie the knot at the Spencer on Byron Hotel in Takapuna.

“In all it was an amazing day. It was unbelievable what the Breeze team achieved; everything went so well and I came away delighted to have been part of such a happy event.

Wedding celebrant Kathy Bigwood – whose garden was showcased in EastLife’s regular feature, My Favourite Thing, (see February edition, eastlife.co.nz) – was invited to officiate after The Breeze team saw her website and was impressed.

Like so many others, Kathy followed the competition which eventually came down to four finalist couples.

“I knew I wouldn’t have time to go through all the ceremony requirements, vows and other special

Kathy bigwooD requests on the day,” Kathy says.

“So, I arranged to talk to all four couples on the Monday prior. After speaking to them separately I wrote a personalised ceremony for each couple, sent it to them and asked

them to come back to me with any further thoughts.

“I had no idea which couple would win but, interestingly, Fiona replied saying, ‘I love it, don’t change a

“In fact, as a celebrant I’ve had some wonderful times including being involved in another radio competition some years back. I married the winning couple in an aircraft on a freezing morning over Parakai.

After their vows the couple jumped; obviously, parachutes carried them safely to ground! yes, the bridal world is always full of surprises.”

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PERFORMANCE IS A BEAUTIFUL THING.

THE NEW BMW 3 SERIES RANGE. Who says you have to choose between luxury and performance?

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The total payable under the loan agreement is $87,079. Offer expires 30/04/2016 and is subject to BMW Financial Services New Zealand Limited standard lending criteria. eastlife | april 2016 | www.eastlife.co.nz

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AUCKLAND CUP DAY 1

All bets were off when it came to predicting the success of Auckland Cup Day last month.

That’s because there was no disputing the Barfoot & Thompson sponsored event looked a sure-fire winner.

Bringing Auckland Cup Week to a close, it was all about the horses, the fashion and the fun.

Photographer GARRY BRANDON checked out the crowd.

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1. Fiona & Paula Thompson 2. James Parsons, Mildie Meyer, Quentin MacDonald 3. Nicky, Russell, Kaileigh and Cameron Rhodes 4. Maria Tutaia, Megan Craig 5. Michael Williams, Jacqui Dickson 6. Pauline Harrison 7. Jaqui Dickson, Peter Gray 8. Amelia Bell, Lisa Thompson 9. Michael & Jo Casey and Gill & Glenn Wahlstrom

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bmw derby day gallops Auckland Cup Week brings to Ellerslie Racecourse a compelling mix of fabulous fashion, food and thoroughbred horse racing. And, this year’s event hit the turf running with BMW Derby Day attracting both punters and fun-loving personalities. Photographer SARAH MOROVIC captured some of the gaieties.

1. Elliot Jelas, Kevin McCormick, Matt Byrme 2. Jessie Cramond, Jemma Abernethy, Alysha Dowling, Jaz Fulton 3. Ashleigh Hampton 4. Candice Plaisted, Jared Brons 5. Alice Waters, Carena West, Olivia Moor

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6. Mandy Veale, Tanya Cross, Lucy Gibson 7. Vicki Moffat, Diane Anderson 8. Carol Tait, Nancy Caiger 9. Marion Cranstoun, Carol Tait, Gayleen Tait, Sharon Honiss 10. Michael Pereira, Robert Logan, Samuel Sutton, Nat Glenn

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howick camera club’s diamond jubilee Members of the Howick Camera Club were all smiles for EastLife photographer, SARAH MOROVIC when the club celebrated its 60th birthday last month at the Howick Club.

1. Daryl and Jeanine Saunders, Jeoff and Julie Perry 2. Tony and Anne Haack 3. Clive Bolt, Frank Ciochetto 4. Helen and Graham Hamblin 5. John and Patsy Clare, Elizabeth Hamblin 6. John Bell, Janet and Nick Munnings 7. Mary’Anne Lenny, Theresa Simson, Garry Woodrofft

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HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Free Fun PROUD TO BE LOCAL pakurangaplaza.co.nz

Monday 18th to Friday 22nd April

LAUNCH THE FUN CRAFT Enjoy super charged fun at the Plaza these holidays - from crafts to face painting there’s something for everyone.

DAILY OUTSIDE FARMERS 10.30am-1.30pm

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FASHION WEEK PIZZAZZ It wasn’t only the catwalk models that looked fabulous at the Auckland Fashion Week 2016 winter collections and awards night at Alexandra Park. Guests turned out in style for the event which supported the Look Good, Feel Good cancer organisation for women with all types of cancer. Photographer CARMEN BIRD was there.

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1. Rachel Watts, Clare McGillivray 2. Lily Siddawi, Diana Hughes, Jusy Siddawi 3. Jacquie O’Fee, Carolyn Thomas, Luciana Lovrich 4. Maria Mosina, Olga Arnautova 5. Fleur Verkerk, Johan Verkerk 6. Denyse Saunders, James Saunders 7. Regina Borrell, Nina Simone 8. Maree Vegar, Suzanne Paul 9. Esthea Smal, Jane Wilson 10. Edele MacDonald, Leica Fradley 11. Daga Fluks, Elena Mackor 12. Andrew Cashmore, Yvonne Chan

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n Photography by Carmen Bird | For orders email carmen@carmenbirdphotography.co.nz | www.carmenbirdphotography.co.nz www.eastlife.co.nz

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GOODBYE TO STUNNING SCULPTURES A relaxed and joyful air prevailed at Auckland Botanic Gardens last month when the Sculpture in the Gardens exhibition formally closed.

Thousands enjoyed the carnival atmosphere of live music, performers and the announcement of the $5000 Friends of the Gardens, People’s Choice Award which went to John Ferguson for his stunning and vibrant piece, Khulu, meaning strong and grand. Photographer SARAH MOROVIC was there too.

1. Soren & Janey Stewart 2. Steph Pryor, Cody Chase 3. Richard Mathieson, Frances Battersby 4. Jane Downes, Jim Wheeler, Bunny Wheeler 5. Karuna Dougles, Marianne Snell, Todd Dougles 6. Bev McConnell, Dianne Glenn 7. Glennis Sibun, Barbara Harrison 8. James Right , Garry Hadfield 9. Stephen Murry, Devs Nash

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Opportunity for health-based operator

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here’s plenty of food for thought as Highland Park Shopping Centre’s new extension nears completion.

Offering the perfect recipe for business success – the new, spacious venue due to open in July/August this year, is waiting on an enterprising tenant with an innovative culinary approach.

“Being located next to the health shop we are especially keen to welcome a 7 days eatery which is focused on a nourishing, wholesome cuisine,” says centre manager, Bruce Waller.

“There will be easy access to the new cafe outside of the centre’s normal shopping hours for night trading and with ample parking available, the new site has plenty to commend itself.

“Highland Park Shopping Centre has built a solid reputation among local foodies who appreciate the diverse range of eateries which include both ethnic and European menus. This is a chance for a chef or restaurateur to bring a fresh taste sensation to this central location. The ideas are endless!”

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All confidential enquires to Highland Park Shopping Centre: – talk to Bruce Waller 021 558 557 or email: highlandcentre@xtra.co.nz

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So if you are an astute investor or an experienced operator with a passion for customer service and healthy food, this is YOUR chance to negotiate an affordable lease and embark on a tasty new venture.

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Photo supplied

Q&A

with

Rhys Darby ‘

Everybody enjoys a good local derby, or Darby at least. Set to hit town for April’s NZ International Comedy Festival, locally raised, acclaimed comedian Rhys Darby chatted with EastLife about life, laughter and his love of the comedy game.

What’s the funniest (or weirdest) thing you could say about your local roots?

I grew up in Pakuranga. It will always be a part of who I am. I learnt to skateboard on Cascades Road, took my BMX on adventures all over Lloyd Elsmore Park and travelled through time regularly at the Howick Colonial Village. My favourite memory though will always be roller-skating at Skate Away. It’s not there anymore but in 1986 I was a pretty big deal at that place. I achieved 3rd place in the male speed skate competition twice and came pretty damn close to kissing an actual girl!

You were in the Air Training Corps, the army and played football for Fencibles United and tennis at Pakuranga Tennis Club during your youth. If you could have your time over, would you have chosen a different career path to comedy?

I always wanted to be a fighter pilot, you know back in the day when we had Skyhawkes? Unfortunately, I was terrible at maths and even worse at physics, so I simply wasn’t suited for the cockpit.

I enjoyed sports, particularly soccer, but I didn’t possess the skills to be an All White. I guess, through the process of elimination, I found comedy in the end. I tried to become a journalist too, you know, but boy, too much writing!

You’re appearing at this year’s NZ International Comedy Festival. What can audiences expect from you?

I’m reuniting with my old comedy partner, Mr Grant Lobban, this year.

2016 marks the 20 year anniversary of our original comedy duo Rhysently Granted, so we decided to get the band back together and perform some of the songs and sketches we did back in the day.

We’ve thoroughly enjoyed reigniting this flame and have written a whole heap of new material as well. Our www.eastlife.co.nz

style is super wacky, character and physical comedy. I’m also doing a solo show which is a combination of material from the last two years, all my best gear since the last DVD. This will be a great show for the real fans; it’s called ‘I’m a Fighter Jet! How important is the fest’ in ensuring Kiwi comedy remains strong? And how well do Kiwi comedians rate on the world stage?

There’s nothing more important for young Kiwi comedians than our own festival. It’s the benchmark for success. Every year the comic hopefuls write and build up ideas to showcase. They should do long seasons, try to perform in both Auckland and Wellington and really hone their skills.

The more we perform the better we get. London always takes you next.

I believe Kiwis, if they ‘have it in them’ will do well on the world stage because we’re not common and we have something different to say.

In general, do you feel pressure to be ‘on’ all the time? How about when you’re with your wife, Rosie?

I don’t feel any pressure to be on. I don’t really know what ‘on’ is, maybe I’m always a bit on. I’m very rarely off, put it that way. Rosie is very funny.

She’s super smart so I think that really helps with comedy.

She has also worked in the comedy industry her whole life so she’s seen it all. She enjoys nothing more than the opportunity to bring me down, especially in front of our kids. They laugh like cheeky bandits when Rosie makes fun of me!

Do your sons Theo (6) Finn (10) appreciate a good dad joke?

They enjoy silly dialogue humour with me. We do funny character voices together, placing odd people in weird scenarios. I guess our level of ‘dad jokes’ are a tad more complex than most. Theo likes to do impressions;

Rhys will host the NZ International Comedy Festival’s Comedy Gala (April 22, from 8pm, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre).

His own shows (Rhysently Granted and I’m a Fighter Jet!) run from 7pm, April 26-30, and from 9pm, April 29-30 at Rangatira, Q Theatre.

he can do the Queen. When Finn was about four he used to do impressions of famous buildings!

You’ve appeared in many films and TV shows, including the X-Files recently. Any aspirations of playing it straight? If so, what role would you most like to play?

One day I’ll do a serious role but I think that’s a long way off. I’m still working my way up in the comedy world. The latest X-Files gig has really helped me step into the big league.

America knows who I am now and so I expect the phone to start ringing any minute. Of course if the BBC decided to do a lovely side-step I’d be more than happy to be the next Doctor Who. Greatest thing I’ve ever done, or at least been involved in. I thoroughly enjoyed my time being a weremonster. I’m glad my episode turned out so great.

There’s been speculation that a sequel to What we do in the Shadows (entitled We’re Wolves) is being planned. How likely is it that you’ll reprise your role as Anton?

and a scripted comedy series called Wrecked coming out on the American TBS network later this year.

Who’s your favourite comedian (or biggest influence) and why?

Monty Python. They’ve always been my jam. I love the silly, the surreal and the bizarre. I love character and physical comedy too. Peter Sellers and Rowan Atkinson. Classics I know, but they’re still the best.

If you could be Minister of Broadcasting for one day, what would you do first and why?

Scheduled Network television is on its way out. Everyone wants to watch what they want to watch when they want to watch it – how’s that for a sentence?

We don’t need a Minister of Broadcasting, so I’d fire myself. Then I’d have meetings with financial backers; production companies just need money… from anyone who wants to be part of the game so content can be made. Streaming content providers such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon (there are many more popping up too) are screaming out for shows. The key is to make good shows and word of mouth will do the rest. In New Zealand, you need to listen to the talent. That’s my advice.

If you could invite any three comedians or actors (living or dead) to dinner, who and why?

It’s fairly likely that I’ll be returning as the wolf pack leader. It will be wonderful to get the gang back together and roam the streets of Wellington again. Or will it be set somewhere else? Only time will tell!

Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe (AKA The Goons).

They’re all gone now but without them we wouldn’t have surreal antiestablishment silliness or, indeed, Monty Python.

What else is planned for Rhys Darby in the near future? Another book, new stage show perhaps?

Spike started it all. I’d love to have dinner with those guys. We’d talk utter bollocks all night, doing silly character voices and ridiculous monologues. I’d record the whole thing and keep the results in a vault somewhere.

I’m writing a children’s book, I have a few TV shows in development in the States that I can’t talk about yet

eastlife | april 2016 |

15

Work on the

wild side

Cute kitties and precocious pups may be favoured by many Kiwis but, one former east Aucklander doesn’t ‘ape’ such behaviour. Instead, Sam Boston takes a broader approach to animal care, both here and overseas.

Although Sam Boston may have grown up in Auckland’s eastern suburbs surrounded by the usual family pets, these days the cats and dogs she tends are often much larger. When not drawing on her skills as a veterinary nurse at Bucklands Beach Veterinary Clinic, or working as a nutritionist at Bombay Petfoods (aka Jimbo’s) Sam looks much further afield.

they’re quite shy. However, once they get to know you and, more or less, accept you as a member of the pack, they are a lot like dogs, only massive! It was terrifying the first time I came face to face with a wolf but I was accepted quickly, which was lovely,” she says.

“When I was little, I really didn’t consider that there was this big, wide world with elephants and wolves, and it wasn’t until I was at uni’ that I realised I wanted to get involved with wildlife conservation,” she explains.

Sam interned at Oregon’s White Wolf Sanctuary soon after finishing her studies in wildlife management; she returned there for a second spell in 2014. While invaluable, she says other roles at Auckland Zoo, and the now closed Whitford Wild Bird Centre and the Franklin Zoo, did not fully prepare her for the experience.

“I love working at the vet clinic, they’re lovely there. However, it’s a lot different [to my field work]; you can get close and cuddly with pets, but that’s not so easy with a wild wolf!”

“I’ve always been obsessed with wolves, they’re my favourite animal, but until I travelled to the USA, I’d never seen one face to face as we don’t have them in zoos here,” she says.

Beyond her next volunteer adventure (to work with orangutans in Borneo – see secondary story), Sam intends to revisit her first mission abroad, working with the wild wolves of Washington State.

“As long as they’re fed and watered, the wolves pretty much take care of themselves, so our job largely involved educating people touring the sanctuary, as well as keeping them fed, healthy and busy. Putting flea treatment on a wolf can be hilarious and terrifying; they don’t like it any more than house pets!”

“There’s a preconception that wolves are very aggressive but

‘

As long as they’re fed and watered, the wolves pretty much take care of themselves... putting flea treatment on a wolf can be hilarious and terrifying; they don’t like it any more than house pets!”

Beyond Oregon, Sam seems set on turning to cats rather than dogs.

“Next year, I’ll be back in Oregon again, but after that I may head to Africa. I’ve been approached by a place in Kenya to work with all sorts of animals, mainly lions. It is a little scary, but I’m hoping they’ll be like pussycats compared to wolves!”

While Sam may take her work in her stride, she’s well aware of the danger wild animals can pose.

“It is dangerous work; these animals are wild and you can never really predict with any certainty what they are going to do.

“My family worries, but I have the training and experience, and the value of the work I’m doing far outweighs the risk. Also, if I didn’t do it, I wouldn’t feel like I was really living my life to the fullest.”

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www.eastlife.co.nz Photos Wayne Martin

Boston to Borneo \When former Macleans College student and vet nurse, Sam Boston, began working at Auckland Zoo aged 18 (while studying), she had no idea how far afield the experience would lead.

Now looking ahead to volunteer work coming up at an orang-utan sanctuary in Borneo, she says her work with primates began much closer to home, with the last of the ‘tea party’ chimpanzees, Janie.

“Janie was over sixty when she passed away and was very lonely and needed a lot of care. Through working with her – as well as orangutans later on – I became interested in working with primates,” she says.

“It opened my eyes to the fact that there’s a lot of work to be done and a lot of animals that could use my help. It’s one thing to read about issues affecting wild animals, quite another to be up close and personal with an animal which has been taken out of the wild.”

Sam, an experienced zookeeper, will head to the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre in early July where she will remain surrounded by jungle for approximately three months. The work will involve teaching orang-utans – most made homeless by deforestation – to fend for themselves before being released back into the wild.

“The region has been hit hard by forest fires recently so the sanctuary has had a huge intake. There will

be some rescued from the pet trade but, for the most part, they’ll be fresh from the wild and in need of a lot of care,” she explains.

While the plight of orang-utans may seem far removed from her life in Auckland, Sam says at least one cause does stem (in part) from home.

“One reason I want to volunteer over there is because we New Zealanders are contributing to these problems. We’re just as responsible as anyone else for creating demand for palm oil which leads to massive deforestation.”

She says approximately 300 football fields of forest are cleared every hour to make way for palm oil plantations, leaving a huge number of animals homeless.

“In New Zealand, there’s no mandatory labelling for products containing palm oil, which is in so many things that it makes it really hard to avoid. But, through raising awareness, we can help protect the orang-utans before it’s too late,” says Sam. “I know one person can’t do it alone but it brings me some peace to know I’ve made a difference.”

• To read more about Sam, or to assist with some most worthy causes, see givealittle.co.nz/cause/ orangutanconservation. A shopping guide for palm-oil-free products is available via aucklandzoo.co.nz.

sam boston www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | april 2016 |

17

Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit www.eastlife.co.nz click on the competitions link and fill in the form. One entry per email address / person; entries close April 30, 2016. Winners notified by phone or email.

Win! A Broil King Stone Grill Set A slice of pizza paradise could be just a stone grill away! Featuring a 1.2 mm stainless steel cradle with oversized 10 mm stainless steel handles, an integrated thermometer and wooden pizza peel, this set is designed to allow even novice cooks to make bellissima pizza at home. Armed with this bit of kit, making quality pizzas is as easy as... pie!

Win! To Kill a Mockingbird tickets “Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” It takes a Finch to make such a statement! There’s not much one can say about Harper Lee’s iconic novel other than it is one of the finest novels of our age. And, in May, Auckland Theatre Company brings this classic tale to life at The Civic. For more details, see atc.co.nz/ whats-on. EastLife has a double pass up for grabs.

Win! A Year in My Real Food Kitchen New Zealand may experience four seasons in one day but are we in tune with nature in our kitchens? Thanks to Emma Galloway (of My Darling Lemon Thyme fame) we can be. A Year In My Real Food Kitchen takes readers through the seasonal rhythms of Emma’s own garden and kitchen, featuring recipes for vegetarian and gluten-free dishes using the right produce at the right time of year.

• Emma Galloway: A Year in My Real Food Kitchen | RRP $44.99 | HarperCollins

WIN! Dot’s cooking spray and utensil pack!

Anyone who has used Dot’s Cooking Spray (RRP $6.19, 400g) will know it makes summer entertaining so easy! Use it and you don’t have to worry too much about mess, food sticking or cleaning up. Made from canola oil, a vegetable oil high in monounsaturated fats and naturally free from cholesterol, there are no added flavours, colours or preservatives. Enter our draw for prize pack containing 2 cans of Dot’s Cooking Spray, 1 Dot’s apron and 1 BBQ Utensil set.

Win! First Day of the Somme Beginning at the end (at least for almost 20,000 soldiers) with the butcher’s bill, respected New Zealand-born historian, Andrew Macdonald, tells the story of Britain’s worst military disaster – far worse than the infamous charge of the Light Brigade a little over 60 years earlier. But how could General Sir Douglas Haig’s grand plans for a war-winning victory on the Western Front go so badly awry? In First Day of the Somme Andrew explains all in a book designed to offer fresh insights to history buffs, whilst also being an accessible introduction for the novice. • Andrew Macdonald: First Day of the Somme | RRP $39.99 | HarperCollins

WIN! Living Nature’s new RED lipsticks Bold, beautiful and RED, Living Nature’s two new certified organic red lipsticks exude allure – they are the ultimate statement in glamour and confidence. With research showing that women can ingest up to 1.7kgs of lipstick over a lifetime, it is important that lipstick contains only safe, natural ingredients. Both Wild Fire and Pure Passion are 100% natural and packed with moisturising goodness as well as being gluten and cruelty-free. (See more page 38). And thanks to Living Nature we have two packs containing this duo of gorgeous certified COSMOS organic lipsticks (valued at $66 per pack) to give away.

For last month’s EastLife winners visit www.eastlife.co.nz/competitions 18 | eastlife | april 2016

www.eastlife.co.nz

Right on, TIME! Going port-Side!

Neill& Ceillhe with daughter, business Mascot and SHE-E-O, Danica Matariki Sperath.

The ‘Time’ has come for a former local to take his place on the world stage in more ways than one. Co-director of TIME Unlimited Tours, Neill Sperath, is delighted with his company’s recent win at the National Geographic World Legacy Awards.

“Being named a finalist was a winning moment in itself.

Accolades such as this offer reassurance that we’re on track with our business and also provide a timely reminder that hard work pays off,” says Neill.

“We genuinely have a desire to deliver personalised, client-centred experiences where the real New Zealand is on offer – its unique people and places underpinned by best practices and business processes that are sustainable and world class.”

TIME Unlimited Tours – the only Australasian company in the winners’ circle – clinched top honours in the Sense of Place category which recognises excellence in enhancing cultural authenticity, indigenous heritage and artistic traditions.

Neill (a former Pakuranga Plaza marketing manager) says the business has been a labour of love focused on providing tourists with a quintessentially Kiwi experience.

“I met my wife, Ceillhe, in February 2005 and by April our company was born. Our corporate backgrounds offered a great platform for a family business based on the core values of Kiwitanga,” he says.

“We started with kayak fishing, kayaking, walking and kite fishing tours but, today, we offer much more, with unique tours www.eastlife.co.nz

showcasing New Zealand’s Maori and Kiwi cultures. From cuisine and cityscapes to our coastlines, this country is as diverse as its people and places and that’s something we’re proud to show the world.”

No stranger to winning ways, the team claimed both New Zealand Tourism Industry and Luxperience awards last year. However, Neill and Ceillhe believe success can come only through a united, Unlimited approach.

“We are the lead guides in our company and our philosophy is no one works for us – they work with us! We never ask anyone to do things we are not prepared to do ourselves. We’re both very proud of all our team members and their commitment to ensuring our clients fall in love with New Zealand.”

Key congratulations Prime Minister (and Minister of Tourism), John Key, congratulates TIME Unlimited Tours’ win at the recent National Geographic World Legacy Awards.

Enterprising Auckland company, 360 Discovery Cruises (a subsidiary of Fuller Ferries), works constantly to provide harbour and gulf experiences that can be appreciated by visitors and locals alike with their vessels going to the most unexpected places.

Sailing the bright blue seas of the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf is an experience most Aucklanders love to do, not just once but many times over.

It might be a harbour cruise, short journey to Devonport or a day trip to some of the inner islands such as Rotoroa, Tiritiri Matangi or even a journey to Coromandel – all have their special merits.

But less well known are the informative and fascinating Ports of Auckland public and school tours which provide a close up view of operations from the sea.

Operated by 360 Discovery Cruises, and offering entertainment and learning opportunities for all ages, the hour-long tours take passengers alongside the container terminals where they can see the big cranes and other machinery at work.

The tour boat weaves in and out of commercial wharves – some of which are usually out of bounds to

the public – while an informative commentary explains how each area operates.

This is a family-friendly cruise with a commentary for all ages but, as one can well imagine, little boys (and big boys) are in their element!

Upcoming public tours are scheduled for Tuesday, April 19 and Tuesday, April 26. Cost is just $5 per adult (16 years and over) with children free if accompanied by an adult.

Tours leave from Pier 4, 139 Quay St, Auckland, although check-in is at the 360 Discovery ticket office 30 minutes prior to departure to collect your boarding pass.

Tours are limited to 10 Auckland City rate-paying passengers per booking.

The full schedule, including the more comprehensive list of school tours, can be seen at www.360discovery. co.nz. Bookings are essential. Phone 09 307 8005 or for more information visit www.360discovery.co.nz

“It’s fantastic to see any New Zealand company recognised on the world stage, especially in such a competitive industry and offering an experience so uniquely New Zealand. We are seeing a record numbers of tourists visiting here – 3.2 million in the past year and that’s due to the experiences we offer our visitors,” Mr Key expressed to EastLife magazine.

“Our tourism operators are a huge part of that experience, along with our natural environment and the warm welcome always shown by New Zealanders. Congratulations to the team at TIME [Unlimited Tours]!”

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eastlife | april 2016 |

19

Walking in Central Europe – an intensely moving lesson in history Forget the car! Gerald Bailey from Calder & Lawson Tours is convinced the most fascinating way to see the heart of Europe is on foot.

If there was ever a way to see Europe close up and personal it is on a walking tour and I can personally recommend it.

Our 19-day tour took us through parts of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic, where we found ourselves stepping back into the grace and grandeur of old world Europe to see impeccably-preserved medieval gems and experience an intensely moving lesson in history.

Our knowledge of Central Europe has increased markedly as each day we learned more and more from our guides. For example, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was the politicians who decided to split Czechoslovakia into two, without any mandate from the people. All four of the countries we visited are now in the EU, though only Slovakia has adopted the Euro.

Beginning in Krakow, a city that captures Poland’s intriguing history (it survived the Second World War intact), we explored the central city on foot. There we focused on the Wawel Castle and the Jewish quarter.

Some of the party took the opportunity to visit the notorious Auschwitz Concentration Camp – a very sobering experience – and we also toured the now disused Wieliczka Salt Mine, which contains the most astonishing salt sculptures.

Our last day in Poland included a visit to a horse farm where distinctive “Hucul” horses are bred. We enjoyed a short ride in horse-drawn carriages before walking through woodland and across the border into Slovakia.

In the middle of the forest we came upon some milestones – I suppose you’d call them that – spaced about 100 metres apart, with P on one side and S on the other. In the Cold War days, the border was strictly controlled and any unauthorised crossing would most likely have resulted in an arrest.

This tour was an ideal introduction to

20 | eastlife | april 2016

walking tours. Most of our hikes were between about 7 and 12 kilometres – through woodland and fields.

Each day had a particular focus – lunch with a farming family in Poland and, in Slovakia, a visit to a church with a history going back to the 13th century where frescoes were being restored. This was followed by a tour of the ruins of a famous castle of a similar vintage.

One highlight was the day we walked in the High Tatras where we enjoyed spectacular mountain scenery and lunched beside a picturesque lake.

We had only a couple of days in Hungary, enjoying the views and the photo opportunities from a castle perched high above the Danube River, before walking down to the famous Chain Bridge.

In central Budapest, the architecture was spectacular, much of it restored since the Second World War when the city was extensively bombed and all the bridges over the Danube (linking Buda on one side with Pest on the other) were destroyed. Bullet holes were still apparent on public buildings – a vivid reminder of the country’s turbulent past.

Most meals were included in the tour cost. One highlight was a visit to a Slovak wooden sheep house which had been converted into a charming restaurant where we sampled some of the local fare – pasta and sheep’s cheese, sausage, black pudding, sauerkraut and potatoes.

Another feature of the trip was the half dozen picnic lunches arranged by Tomas, our guide and Radovan, our driver. These included abundant ham, salami and prosciutto, a selection of cheeses and breads, fresh fruit and juices, with chocolate to finish off.

Perhaps the last week, in the Czech Republic, was the highlight of this walking tour. Some good hikes; a sampling of the actual Iron Curtain, a forbidding-looking barbed wire fence that prevented people defecting to the West during the Communist era (we’d had no idea that there was actually a fence stretching from the Baltic to the Adriatic!); then three great days in and around Cesky Krumlov, followed by two in Prague.

Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO Heritage Site, gave the appearance of having remained unchanged for more than 300 years. The streets

were so narrow that our bus had to drop us outside the town centre and the buildings were almost too picturesque to be real. In addition, there were spectacular views from the large castle overlooking the town, which was located in a bend of the River Vltava that flows all the way north to Prague.

A day exploring that quirky city was followed by an unforgettable dinner in a riverboat. And, on that note, our wonderful adventure came to an end. It was a superb holiday, with excellent walks, architectural gems, unexpected concerts, kind and knowledgeable guides and very congenial travelling companions.

Above all, we learned a lot about countries that were formerly in the Soviet bloc of which we’d not known very much at all – and we felt richer for the experience.

Calder & Lawson Tours run a range of fully escorted small group tours.

For more information contact them on 0800 853 276 or visit their website www.calderandlawsontours.co.nz www.eastlife.co.nz

Find your own

Vanuatu smile

There’s no time like the present to visit the islands of Vanuatu. A Pacific destination with a twist, Vanuatu’s appeal is to those who prefer to get out and experience the destination through a multitude of activities and dining options.

Outer island travel is becoming increasingly popular, with many return visitors wanting to explore the various sides of the 83-island archipelago.

The new Boeing 737-800 is equipped with the very latest flight technology.

For passengers, the Vanuatu experience begins the very moment they step on board Air Vanuatu where the all-Melanesian cabin crew provide great service, great food and fine wines to ensure, everyone is relaxed in no time.

Come visit Vanuatu!

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© 2016 Kirkland Photos

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There’s more to do in Vanuatu

The aircraft features Boeing’s spacious ‘Sky Interior’ with large overhead lockers providing easy and accessible storage for all passengers.

Enjoy streaming Wi Fi entertainment straight to your phone or tablet.

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What’s more, Air Vanuatu, Vanuatu’s national carrier has just taken delivery and ownership of its new

Boeing 737-800 aircraft, introducing a new level of comfort across the pacific skies.

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Best of all is the Vanuatu smile. A real paradise smile, travellers are quick

to catch on to the infectious joy of the Melanesian people, who adore their country and want nothing more than for people to enjoy its pleasures.

There’s definitely so much to do across these fascinating isles.

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Vanuatu is more than white, sandy beaches and cool ocean breezes.

It’s also home to several once-in-alifetime experiences that very few people know about – the world’s most accessible active volcano on Tanna island; a luxury shipwrecked liner President Coolidge in clear, diveable water; primitive villages with genuine ancient living cultures; the original bungy (Land Diving on Pentecost Island); and pounding, cascading waterfalls.

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Just over three hours away in our corner of heaven, you’ll be welcomed by the bursting colour and warmth of clear blue lagoons, bright sandy beaches and the beaming smiles of our friendly people.

Go adventuring on a live volcano, witness land diving, experience incredible fishing and scuba diving. Or just laze on a sun lounger and indulge in a great book.

Don’t wait, book now!

There’s so much more to do in Vanuatu!

FREE MEALS FREE DRINKS FREE HEADSETS 23KG BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

generated at BeQRious.com

P H : 0 9 373 3 4 35 | airvanuatu@airvanuatu.co.nz Like us on Facebook:

/airvanuatu 12079

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www.airvanuatu.com

www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | april 2016 |

21

TOP TIPS FOR a BEAUTIFUL, TROPICAL BEACH WEDDING Dreaming of a tropical sunset beach wedding? Then imagine standing together on the white, sand beach beside luminous Aro’a Lagoon – the Lagoon of Love – at top Cook Islands’ beach resort, The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa. This is a ‘Lagoon of Love’ Wedding at The Rarotongan. Here, with your toes in the sand and bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, your hearts will beat as one. It’s meant to be.

• New all-inclusive wedding package – The Rarotongan offers an amazing NEW Dreamtime All Inclusive Wedding Package providing five nights beachfront suite accommodation, airport-resort transfers for the bridal couple, wedding ceremony plus reception venue hire, wedding dinner and threehour drinks package for 30 guests plus after-party venue – All for ONLY $5999!

• Location, location, location – The Rarotongan offers the island’s best wedding location – the stunning white sands of Aro’a Beach, right beside sparkling Aro’a Lagoon.

• Ideal for wedding groups – great range of accommodation options for every requirement and budget (suites, self-catering, interconnecting, pool villas and more). Choose from the adults-only resort, Sanctuary Rarotonga-on the beach, or right next door is family-friendly resort, The Rarotongan, with its awesome FREE Kids Club! Enjoy a HUGE range of free activities like stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling, kayaking, try scuba, hula dancing, ukulele playing and much more.

• Sizzling sunsets – Directly on Rarotonga’s sunset southwest coast; imagine your beautiful sunset beach wedding photos.

• Snorkel to your heart’s content – The Rarotongan is the only resort set on Aro’a Lagoon Marine Reserve – truly amazing snorkelling.

Here’s why The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa is your ideal island beach wedding location: • So close – Just 3 1/2 hours from Auckland and only 12 minutes from Rarotonga Airport.

• Honeymoon in Aitutaki? Why not slip away for a heavenly honeymoon to one of the world’s 12 best private island get-aways, sister resort Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, the only resort set directly on one of the world’s most beautiful lagoon, with the only overwater bungalows in the Cook Islands.

• Uncrowded & unspoilt – imagine a pristine white sand beach all to yourself! Not overdeveloped or over-

commercialised – no hawkers, no buildings taller than a coconut palm, yet all mod cons such as wireless internet, ATMs, supermarkets.

• Get lost in paradise, lost in love – a true South Seas island paradise for your wedding, honeymoon, babymoon, anniversary, birthday … or simply your romantic escape. www.therarotongan.com

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AITUTAKI LAGOON RESORT & SPA • COOK ISLANDS

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The most important ingredients for your couple’s escape, milestone birthday or anniversary celebration, honeymoon or wedding? LOVE + LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Imagine standing together under the warm tropical sun on the champagne sands right on the shores of Aitutaki Lagoon, the World’s Most Beautiful Lagoon.

Experience Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, the ONLY 5 star resort set directly on Aitutaki Lagoon, the ONLY private island resort in the Cook Islands and the ONLY one with Overwater Bungalows.

Indulge in all the resort’s upgrades since its multi-million dollar makeover. The perfect destination for dream weddings, heavenly honeymoons, memorable celebrations. Discover for yourself why celebrities have called Aitutaki - The Most Romantic Place on Earth! Truly one for your bucket list!

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No-stress Kiwi Christmas

By Gerard Murphy, Director, Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel, Parnell, Auckland Our usual Christmas Day is shared with up to 50 adults and 30 kids but last year we left most of our large family to it. We were with a whole new crowd – more than 2500 people and a fraction of the family – in Port Chalmers on a stunning Christmas Day. There was Poppa (87), three daughters and associated husbands and grandkids aged from 13 to 24 years. We had boarded the Diamond Princess in Auckland the week before.

As we sailed, lines of traffic were building on the bridge and impatient horns blared on Quay Street. The city was packed with workers and Christmas shoppers all rushing to get their buying done!

Meanwhile we were all up aft on the top deck sipping celebratory cocktails, watching this madding crowd disappear! No shopping and no crazy Christmas rush for us.

A lovely day in Bay of Islands preceded a quick dash to Sydney to replace 2000 Aussie passengers with new ones. Sydney, three days before Christmas, was a mad-house so we soon retreated to the serenity of our ship. Two days re-crossing the Tasman and Christmas Eve cruising Fiordland was a whole new experience for our party.

Apart from two or three teams, most went with the fairytale, winter-land theme. We were the Frank Lloyd Wright team – two very competitive men each assisted by a son and daughter. Our Palm Springs design gained us the “Most Creative” prize.

Success!

The evening saw a large contingent of the ship’s crew carolling in the impressive atrium. The captain himself came down to read, “The Night Before Christmas” for an adoring fan base of kiddies and adults alike. The finale was ‘real

snow’ (machine-made) gently falling from three storeys above. Children’s eyes lit up – magic at sea!

Christmas Day dawned still and clear as we sailed into beautiful Otago Harbour to dock at Port Chalmers before breakfast. Our family assembled on the balcony of one of our cabins to sip bubbly and exchange presents.

All kids on board received a present from Santa too; he arrived on a golf cart! I should add that the dads were thrilled with Santa’s assisting elves who looked very much like the ship’s dancers. Such fun!

Most stayed on board to relax, but the ladies and Poppa insisted on a trip to Dunedin only to discover it was, indeed, well and truly closed.

As for me, faced with free time on Christmas Day for the first time in

years, I went for a long run along the peaceful coast road towards Aramoana. The rest of the day saw our party all over the ship enjoying free time in the pools, restaurants, spas, and bars in a slow build up to our big Christmas dinner.

Options included the buffet, the Japanese sushi restaurant or Italian fine dining, but, as we sailed out of Otago Heads, we elected to head to our usual dining room for a seven course meal which included New Zealand lamb.

Service from our maitre d’, Raphael and his crew came with that extra Christmas joy. We enjoyed a superb meal that none of us had a hand in preparing and best of all, at the end, we stood up, smiled and left them with the dishes! Still in New Zealand, but a totally different Christmas experience for all of us!

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Since leaving Sydney the ship had been transformed. Elaborate decorations had appeared, carols could be heard and the ship’s boutique shops were busy!

One pre-Christmas event had more than just the kids excited – a Gingerbread House competition! So between Milford and Doubtful Sound on Christmas Eve, the one-hour competition was on. Fifty teams – 250 of us – with little kids and big kids taking it very seriously.

24 | eastlife | april 2016

www.eastlife.co.nz

Fantastic fiction picks ‘

Fancy a fraction too much fiction?

Well, how about taking a Random approach by picking up a Penguin or two, or more?

Thanks to the good people at Penguin Random House, the EastLife team has chosen its favourite new (and recent) releases.

Blue by Danielle Steel Elton John may have guessed why they call them the blues, but Danielle Steel fans will have to keep guessing until they read this intriguing release by a marvel of modern literature.

Blue follows the story of Ginny Carter – a one-time TV news rising star – who finds her road takes an unexpected and tragic turn.

An emotional story of dark secrets, second chances, and overcoming life’s greatest challenges, this novel sees Ginny form an unusual bond which could prove to be her salvation.

• Danielle Steel: Blue | RRP $37 | Bantam Press / Penguin Random House

The Gangster by Clive Cussler & Justin Scott

It’s 1906 and an Italian crime group, known as the Black Hand, is on a menacing crime spree of kidnapping, extortion, arson and murder? Perhaps the best solution is to bring in a ringer, a Bell to be exact.

With Detective Isaac Bell on the case, a captivating narrative unfolds, but can one man really thwart an entire gang?

• Clive Cussler & Justin Scott: The Gangster – An Isaac Bell Adventure | RRP $37 | Michael Joseph / Penguin Random House

A Summer at Sea by Katie Fforde Happy-ever-after endings may come easy to story books but that doesn’t mean Emily’s tale will turn out that way.

Billed as a ‘deliciously romantic new novel’ from bestselling author, Katie Fforde, A Summer at Sea follows Emily as she seeks a sea change. But

Win! To win any (or all) of these books, simply complete the form at eastlife.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close April 30, 2016.

Winner notified by phone or email.

will this lead to tempestuous and stormy encounters or smooth sailing from there on in?

• Katie Fforde: A Summer at Sea | RRP $37 | Century / Penguin Random House

Somewhere Inside of Happy by Anna McPartlin From the author of The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes comes a tear-jerking page-turner loaded with more than just a laugh or two.

On the 20th anniversary of the death

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of her son, Maisie Brennan somehow finds the words to tell a room full of strangers how one misunderstood action led to a chain of events that changed her life forever.

Whether Maisie can hold her life together becomes clear during this powerful book.

• Anna McPartlin: Somewhere Inside of Happy | RRP $37 | Transworld Ireland / Penguin Random House

The Sea Detective by Mark Douglas-Home When two severed feet wash up on two different Scottish islands, Edinburgh-based oceanographer and environmentalist, Cal McGill, is called in to investigate.

Unravelling a web of corruption, exploitation and violence along the way, Cal must draw on his interesting set of skills in this gripping crime novel.

• Mark Douglas-Home: The Sea Detective | RRP $37 | Michael Joseph / Penguin Random House

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eastlife | april 2016 |

25

Glamma’ role among the best Actress Darien Takle’s career is far too substantial; her life too expansive, her personality too complex to cram into one short interview. There are a thousand aspects to explore and in trying to be selective it’s easy to ask the ‘blondest’ of questions such as, “how do you learn all those lines?” OMG, did HELEN PERRY ask that? Yes she did – regretfully – but she still managed to catch a glimpse of Darien’s two abiding roles in life.

Playing grandma in the Roger Hall comedy, You Can Always Hand them Back, is a far cry from Darien Takle’s real life role as a grandmother of three – she is hardly the stereotype of a plump, grey haired nana who smells of lavender and baking.

Rather, her two grand-daughters, Hope and Aria, call her Glamma, rather appropriate for the red haired, slightly built actress whose acting credits – as long as a cinema script – include playing the mother of Xena in Xena, Warrior Princess and revelling in the “very naughty” sex comedy Lysistrata – “not for the viewing of my two little grand-daughters who are just 8 and 11 years,” she laughs.

With her daughter’s family living in Botany and her son’s family, which includes 10-month-old Louis, living in central Auckland, Darien says she feels blessed to have them so handy but confesses she doesn’t spend as much time with them as her son and daughter would probably like.

“I’m not sure how many other children have singer/actress grandmothers whose days and weeks are often caught up either rehearsing or performing around the country – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and even Dunedin. While I love any time I can have with the little ones I’m not ready to retire yet!”

However, when Darien does turn out, her grandchildren can expect the unexpected.

“Like most children today they are often engrossed in their computer games, hardly looking up when I arrive so I have to make an entrance.

Last time I hit the high notes from one of my favourite songs. That brought a reaction!”

And, recently, when helping at 11-year-old Hope’s birthday party, Glamma didn’t supervise pass the parcel or musical chairs. Instead, she introduced drama school games.

“Wonderfully, they all seemed to really enjoy them,” Darien says.

26 | eastlife | april 2016

“Most of the games were quite advanced for 8 to 11-year-olds but they handled them very well. I was a bit worried Hope would be embarrassed by her grandmother leaping around, shouting directions, but she seemed quite happy and so were her friends”.

Although an actress first, Darien is also a singer and many of her roles have been in musicals such as Evita, Piaf, Nuncrackers, Les Miserables and many more.

“And now I love to sing with my little grandson who is only 10 months old yet is already showing signs of musicality.”

While her three grandchildren have a ‘glamma’ gran Darien says her early career, when she had a young daughter in tow, was not nearly as glamorous or easy.

“I took her everywhere with me, she was a bit of a shoebox baby; I remember having to rush home from rehearsals to rinse out the nappies!

“Even when I spent a year touring in England she came with me. I did have a nanny but she ran off with the male understudy in Godspell!

Looking back I don’t really know how I managed. And it certainly wasn’t that easy on Sesame either.

“I remember when she was about four and I was playing Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. The storm scene was very dramatic with loud music, strobe lights and me flying through the air in a harness. With all the tension the audience was silent but then, as I whirled across the stage to disappear into the flys, a little voice called out, ‘Come back, Mummy.’ It nearly brought the house down.”

However, like her mother, Sesame caught the acting bug and played several roles including appearing as Darien’s daughter in the film, The Lost Tribe. However, eventually she opted for a career in dress design and pattern making.

On the other hand, it now seems as if eight-year-old Aria, could be the next actress in the family.

“Just recently Aria told me, “Glamma, I want to be an actress when I grow up.’ I shuddered and pulled a face.

Twenty minutes later she asked , ‘Glamma, why did you pull a face when I said I want to be an actress?’

I had to explain that it was really hard work and you had to be totally passionate about it.

“I didn’t want to tell her that it consumes your life; that there

is a lot of unemployment and disappointment combined with great enjoyment; she just might have to learn the hard way!”

While Darien says that as a grandparent she is happiest when building huts or playing dress ups with her grand-daughters, she admits she has been teaching them how to put on short skits for retirement villages.

“And, they are so keen to start performing. Oh dear, who knows where that might lead.” www.eastlife.co.nz

Stage or screen

– Darien ‘takles’ mercurial career with passion Darien Takle was a kindy kid when she told her teacher she was going to be an actress. It was an ambition that consumed her during her growing years ultimately leading to a long, varied and satisfying career albeit not without its Macbeth moments.

It has been said the film contributed to the 1974 introduction of the New Zealand Domestic Purpose Benefit but what Darien most remembers were the parallels to her own life.

“I guess the script was based very much on my situation at that time so I could really relate to it.”

Being an actress is very physical and it can be hazardous. I’ve broken ribs on stage, twice ended up with feet in plaster, and when playing in Les Miserables, I was nearly killed when a plank fell from high. Don’t let anyone tell you acting isn’t dangerous.”

In 1984 Darien also appeared in the Peter Jackson directed movie, Heavenly Creatures.

“I played alongside a very young Kate Winslett who was in her first major film role. I was Miss Stewart, headmistress of Christchurch Girls’ High and was heavily made up to look old.

But Darien has never let pain hold her back. “Broken feet just meant I went on stage with them in plaster,” she laughs.

“This included a grey wig and layers of latex with Peter repeatedly calling for, ‘more latex!’ It obviously worked because Kate really did think I was this little old lady and sweetly offered her trailer for my use in between scenes.”

Just as difficult as physical injury, was initially pursuing a career with a young baby to care for. But, again, this determined Cancerian, who has said she’s likely to scuttle under a rock and hide when things aren’t going well, hasn’t done so at all, well, hardly ever.

Of course, Darien has played a multitude of roles from Cordelia in Shakespeare’s King Lear and Stratylis in Lysistrata to a stint in Shortland Street and, also as Cyrene, the mother of Xena in Xena, Warrior Princess as well as her acclaimed role as Loma in the movie Christmas for which she won best performance in the 2003 New Zealand Film Awards.

After first graduating with a Diploma of Fine Arts from Elam at Auckland University and later from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, she went on to secure varied acting roles, teach drama workshops and write plays all whilst being a solo mum.

Darien later married and her son was born some 15 years after her daughter. Motherhood second time round was easier and the talented actress continued to be in demand, here and overseas.

For many years she was a regular in productions at Auckland’s former Mercury Theatre, regarded by some Kiwi actors as their ‘spiritual home.’

“That was a wonderful time and, you know, there’s still a small group of us – the Mercury Brunch” who meet regularly for a Sunday brunch – all the girls and George! Well, a few other men too but George [Henare] always comes.

They [Mercury productions] were such good times so sad to see the theatre today but with all the new earthquake regulations it would take millions to restore.” www.eastlife.co.nz

‘

Being an actress is very physical and it can be hazardous. I’ve broken ribs on stage, twice ended up with feet in plaster, and when playing in Les Miserables, I was nearly killed when a plank fell from high. Don’t let anyone tell you acting isn’t dangerous.”

With a long list of stage, TV and film credits to her name, some of her most prominent roles have been in musicals – Godspell, Evita, Piaf, Les Miserables, Cabaret and a host of others.

“I’ve never classed myself as a singer but rather, an actress who sings,” she says modestly. “But, my most memorable, and possibly my favourite role, was as Edith in Piaf.

Such a powerful play; I had to sing 13 songs in French and I still love to sing them.”

There have also been roles with a quirk of nature such as her first professional part in the New Zealand film, Gone Up North for A While, in which she played an unwed mother dealing with the associated hardships.

Now, playing against Peter Hayden and Jason Te Mete in Roger Hall’s comedy, You Can Always Hand Them Back, which opened at SkyCity Theatre on March 31, Darien is revelling in her grandmother role.

But she’ll hardly be out the door when the plays ends on April 16 before she starts work, 10 days later, on her next part as Ann in a play called Sham at the Basement Theatre.

“I’ve been very lucky really. I’ve had a lot of back to back work and I’m enjoying the variety. I’ve also been part of the women’s comedy group, Hen’s Teeth which has provided another element, one that is always loads of fun and pure laughs.

“As you can see, acting is my life. It may have its ups and downs but it’s my passion, my career, and I’m just not ready to part with it yet.” eastlife | april 2016 |

27

Gladys Goes to War As the ranks of our world war veterans dwindle it’s becoming rather difficult explaining the sacrifices they made and the significance of ANZAC Day to children.

So, to help parents along, widely respected author and historian, Glyn Harper, has produced this touching (yet age appropriate) true story of First World War ambulance driver and pilot, Gladys Sandford.

Gladys dreams of learning to fly, but is she ready for the adventure she is about to encounter?

Complete with illustrations by the highly talented Jenny Cooper, Gladys Goes to War is an inspiration tale well told.

• Glyn Harper and Jenny Cooper: Gladys Goes to War | RRP $19.99 | Picture Puffin/Random House NZ

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Win! To be in to win one of THREE copies of this book, complete the entry form at eastlife. co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close April 30, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

Urban kids forgo farms While it seems the majority of Kiwis don’t want to grow up to be cowboys, even fewer urban teens are willing to lay down with the law.

A recent survey – commissioned by Rabobank – concludes that although just 10% of urban teenagers are interested in farming careers, only eight percent say law is their calling.

However, perhaps the most startling revelations concern a lack of knowledge amongst city-dwelling youngsters about the farming industry with 81% of respondents saying they know little or nothing about farming and food production.

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Conducted by Key Research, the Farm Experience Urban Youth Research surveyed approximately 600 students

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Rabobank analyst, Emma Higgins, says results highlight a ‘disconnect’ between urban and rural New Zealand.

“The results were particularly surprising given the significance of agriculture in the country’s economy and also the relatively close proximity of rural regions to our major cities, where you would expect more engagement between city people in rural environments,” she says.

While knowledge about farm practices does appear to be low amongst urban teens, 53% believed farming was ‘extremely important’, with a further 39% rating it as ‘very important’.

www.harlequintheatre.co.nz www.harlequintheatre.co.nz

30 30 APRIL - 14 MAY 2016 APRIL - 14 MAY www.iticket.co.nz ph: (09) 361 1000 MUSIC BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER LYRICS BY TIM RICE TM© 1996 THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP LIMITED

MUSIC BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER LYRICS BY TIM RICE

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH ORiGiNTM THEATRICAL ON BEHALF OF THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP LIMITED

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BY ARRANGEMENT WITH ORiGiNTM THEATRICAL ON BEHALF OF THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP LIMITED 02190-v3

28 | eastlife | april 2016

aged 16 to 18 from cities and regional towns.

12390

www.eastlife.co.nz

Everything you need for baby With a new baby on the way, the nursery will undoubtedly need stocking up and the place to go is Baby On the Move Botany.

The store stocks high quality products including well-known, reputable brands. What’s more, the team knows its products inside and out so, whether parents decide to rent items or buy new, staff at Baby On the Move are there to help.

A one-stop-baby-shop for baby capsules, toddler seats, buggies, strollers, cots, high chairs, a huge range of toys, baby carriers and more, there’s virtually something for everyone so, let Baby On The Move put together a competitive baby package to suit your needs.

The newest Baby On The Move franchise serving east Auckland, this beautiful store opened last August at 301K Botany Rd, Golflands and is owned and operated by Rose Smith. The fantastic location enjoys customer parking just outside and store hours are Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4.30pm.

Rose, originally from Malaysia, has lived in New Zealand for 15 years.

With a background in psychology and working in corporate health sectors over the past 10 years, she knows her field well. Married to a Kiwi-born husband, she also has a beautiful, 19-month old daughter, Skyla.

As a parent, she can offer knowledge and experience of products she knows to work best. “I am so excited by the range available to us; it seems to cover everyone’s needs and budget. And, because it is extremely important to have child restraints

installed correctly, the team here go through a vigorous training programme that is assessed and backed up by a NZQA qualification.”

Rose says customers can also bring car seats back for a check. “And, we offer FREE installation on all car seats bought from our store. Parents can be assured that we sell only products that we would use ourselves.”

Passionate about keeping babies and children safe, Rose is committed to going the extra distance for customers. “We like to spend quality time with parents, going over products thoroughly with them and answering all their questions. This way, parents can make an informed choice on items to suit their lifestyle and budget.

“This also gives us time to install their baby or toddler car seat in their vehicle because not all car seats fit all cars. To ensure safety we encourage

parents to try before they buy – an exclusive service we provide when parents purchase a car seat from us.

They also receive free installation for the life of the seat.”

Baby On The Move Botany is part of a nationwide franchise, with access to great deals and exclusive products.

Exclusive to Baby On The Move is the amazing Evenflo Symphony Platinum DLX convertible toddler seat from newborn to booster stage. Another exclusive seat is Diono Radian RXT, its slim lines making it possible to fit three across the back seat of a car.

“That’s pretty amazing but even with two Radian RXTs, a passenger can still be seated in the back,” Rose says. “And, remember, Baby On The Move Botany can take care of car seat needs from birth right through to booster seats offering a huge range from Recaro and Maxi Cosi to Britax and Safety 1st, Evenflo and Diono.”

The store also carries German-made Recaro Young Sport seats which cater from age one to about 12 years old.

“We sell the full range of Recaro seats as well as strollers such as Easylife,” says Rose, adding that Baby On The Move Botany exclusively stocks Silver Cross buggies and also carries Nuna, Quinny, Baby Jogger, Oysters, Britax and Out n About.

She and her team will help parents find the right buggy to fit their lifestyle. Package deals are available.

Baby On The Move Botany also collects expired car seats as part of the Seatsmart recycling project.

By paying only $5 parents can help ensure expired seats are properly destroyed.

What’s more, short and long term hire is also available of baby caspules, car seats and other nursery items so call in, look around and talk to the staff about your individual baby needs.

Baby On The Move Botany Baby On The Move hire and sell a huge range of baby equipment and product. Hire or purchase your car seat from us and we’ll install it for free!

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SHOP HOURS Monday to Saturday, 9.00am - 4.30pm.

Sunday, by appointment.

Unit K, 301 Botany Road, Golflands, Auckland 2013.

12485

09 274 5313 / 0800 222 966 / www.babyonthemove.co.nz / east.auckland@babyonthemove.co.nz www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | april 2016 |

29

Making maths count

Baby books are back!

Rockabye Early Learning Centre takes the care and education of young children seriously. Today, centre owner Caryn Mawkes has some tips to help children take their first math steps.

Many young mums will tell you that the best advice they ever received about ‘what to expect when expecting’ was to buy all the books then throw them all away!

Maths is everywhere around us and with the support of families and teachers, children can grasp many mathematical concepts through their everyday play.

To support children in this area it’s helpful to give them a lot of practical experiences through doing, saying and using real life materials. By exposing children to early math concepts they will generally have a more positive attitude and feel more confident towards maths by the time they go to school.

Children will develop early math skills in a variety of areas, including problem solving and reasoning, number concepts, geometry, time, measurement, patterns and relationships.

Here are a variety of simple math activities for parents and teachers to engage children in. It’s also important to insert numbers into everyday conversations; we can do this by: • Counting food items at snack time (e.g., 5 crackers, 20 raisins, 10 baby carrots).

• Using a calendar to count down the days to a birthday or special holiday.

• Practising simple addition and subtraction using small toys and blocks.

• Helping to sort washing, matching socks, big shirt/small shirt.

• Tidying up – putting similar items together.

• Matching lids to pots.

• Setting places at the table – a cup for me, a cup for you.

• Playing games in which you direct a child to jump forward and backward, up and down.

However, Oh Baby brings back the baby book in a big way.

Since it was first published in 2005, this book has been revised and updated by its author, former midwife and (perhaps more importantly) mum, Kathy Fray.

• Finding shapes within their environment.

• Using songs with corresponding movements to teach concepts such as, in and out, round and round.

• Letting your child count out items in a book – how many animals are on the page, how many items are blue.

• Playing body games and counting fingers and toes – (‘pat-a-cake’, ‘this little piggy’) • Involving your child in cooking, this will help them learn to count, measure, add and estimate.

• Providing standard measuring tools such as rulers, clocks, tape measures, measuring cups and spoons.

• Trying simple card games to match pairs – (snap and memory).

Research tells us that children generally show a natural interest in maths from a young age. It’s important that parents and teachers take advantage of this critical time in a child’s education.

Finally, let’s get those conversations about maths going and continue to integrate these into our children’s lives. This will put them on the path to success in the 21st century.

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Win! A copy of Oh Baby... birth, babies & motherhood EastLife has a copy of this book up for grabs.

To be in to win, simply complete the form on the competitions page at eastlife.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close April 30, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

• Hours 7.30am-5.30pm, full & part time • Positions for children aged 0-5 years • Our family relationships are important to us.

Education Review Office in April 2014 rated our centre in the top 5%. They stated: Consistent, effective teaching practice; Children happy and settled, with a strong sense of belonging; Children involved in rich literacy, numeracy and science opportunities

WE WELCOME YOU TO VISIT OR CONTACT US: Rockabye Early Learning Centre, 122 Aviemore Dr, Highland Park • Email caryn@rockabye.school.nz Ph 533 0218 • www.rockabye.school.nz

30 | eastlife | april 2016

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Checked by medical professionals, Oh Baby is billed as a unique blend of GP expertise and gems of wisdom gleaned from mothers’ coffee groups.

• Kathy Fray: Oh Baby... birth, babies & motherhood uncensored | RRP $45 | Penguin Random House

Mothers’ catch of the day As that maternal instinct takes hold well and truly, it’s only natural for new mums to sacrifice almost everything for their children.

However, because a healthy mum is a better mum, it’s important not to cut corners and neglect oneself.

Early Learning Centre

Providing supportive, caring advice, it offers a frank, candid account about ‘that baby business’ with a few ‘warm fuzzies’ thrown in for good measure.

In fact, the WHO’s who of health, the World Health Organisation says that the postnatal period is critical in the life of mothers and infants, yet it is frequently neglected when it comes to ensuring mums are in top shape.

For this reason, Nordic Naturals has launched Postnatal Omega-3, designed especially to provide the unique nutritional support women require after childbirth.

What’s more, it also features vitamin D3 for immune support for

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Win! EastLife has a bottle of Postnatal Omega-3 up for grabs. To enter, visit eastlife.co.nz and complete the form. One entry per person/email address; entries close April 30, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

mum and baby (passed through breast milk) and mood support.

Available in easy-to-swallow, lemon flavoured soft gels, Postnatal Omega-3 (RRP $79.70 – 60s) is available now from health shops and pharmacies. www.eastlife.co.nz

Essentials Personal and household essentials are many and varied. Some are determined by practicality, some by need and some by pure desire. Essentials may be about making the workload easier, providing for health and wellbeing or simply ensuring the total look be it fashion-wise or décor directed. Take a look at this month’s EastLife Essentials.

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Purr-fect for Mother Pakuranga design store, Habitat is now stocking leading Australian kitchenware brand – Ashdene – and to celebrate is offering 10% off the entire Ashdene range on Mother’s Day. In particular, check out Ashdene’s inspirational collection, ‘It’s All About Meow,’ designed by Bob Bowdige.

It will delight cat and kitten lovers alike. Pastel palettes, with four different poems, will touch your heart. Mug RRP $27.50.

Shop 402, Pakuranga Plaza, cnr Ti Rakau Dr & Pakuranga Rd, Pakuranga. Ph 09 576 5998. Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm, late night Thursday 9am-9pm. www.homescene.co.nz

Enjoy an indulgent Mother’s Day with this beautiful twin pack containing Wild Ferns® Body Lotion and Shower Gel enriched with premium certified Manuka Honey 80+ and exquisite skin softening oils. Leaves your body feeling smooth and deliciously fragranced all day. RRP $43. See our website for stockists.

Wild Ferns Beautiful Naturally www.wildferns.co.nz

PERFUMES SCENT FROM THE GARDEN Country singer, the late Lynn Anderson never promised listeners a rose garden but natural skincare company, Weleda not only promises roses but pomegranate and sea buckthorn too in its sophisticated range of 100% certified natural and organic light perfumes that exude garden charm. Each of the three Jardin de Vie scents – Rose (wild rose, soft, delicate, romantic), Grenade (pomegranate, spicy and sensual) and Agrume (fruity and joyful) – are crafted to evoke emotions, awaken memories and soothe the body, mind and spirit. RRP $39.90 – 50ml available at health stores and pharmacies. www.weleda.co.nz

REMINGTON REVS UP HAIR CARE Any mum who loves fabulous looking hair is sure to covet this Shine Revival Dryer combining triple infusion technology – Keratin, Argan and Ceramic – for superior style and care. Achieve strong, healthy and shiny hair with this powerful 2300W, Salon Professional dryer. It comes packaged with essential styling tools for perfect blow styling – a professional quality round brush, Osmo Berber Oil shampoo and mask, sectioning clips and a beauty pouch for safe keeping – a luxurious Mother’s Day gift. Remington Shine Revival Dryer – RRP $159.99 Available at leading retailers nationwide www.remington.co.nz

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Are you NEFF enough?

Buy mum an appliance for Mothers’ Day and she’s liable to tell you to, well, ‘NEFF’ off! However, it’s doubtful any mum would say no to a NEFF oven. Featuring innovative ‘slide and hide’ doors giving easier access for large trays and little risk of burns, these ovens have been at home in the kitchens of European cooks for almost 140 years.

Now Kiwis can have a taste of this technology too! In New Zealand, the NEFF range is available exclusively from Kitchen Things.

See www.neff.co.nz or www.kitchenthings.co.nz

eastlife | april 2016 |

31

Tom seconds Our First Home First homes to hit market Aucklanders looking to go west best get their skates on as competition heats up on TV reno’ show, Our First Home.

With the programme building to its finale (auctions begin Sunday, April 17), open homes and sales listings (via barfoot. co.nz) are expected to attract much attention as three famous homes are prepared to go under the hammer.

Each family on the show will keep whatever money they make over their home’s reserve price with an additional $100,000 claimed by the family which achieves the highest profit percentage.

Our First Home airs SundaysTuesdays, from 7.30pm, TV ONE.

Tom Schreuder, winner of TVNZ’s Our First Home (season one ), returned to the limelight recently to lend a hand to competitors on this year’s edition of the popular renovation show.

Almost a year on from the Schreuder family’s win – which saw Tom, his wife, Robyn, daughter Karen and sonin-law Jono claim a $290,400 prize haul – Tom became a prize himself with the Pearce family benefiting from his skills.

“It brought back lots of memories of hard work and pressure but I also have fond memories of the fun we had during our renovation.

“Being able to help the Pearce family out, along with Carla [Tonga], has surely lessened their work load. We did get a lot of work done and they were certainly very grateful,” he says.

“The main advice I gave [the Pearces] was to keep a close watch on the budget, as this is really important come auction day. Also, I advised them to communicate, have fun (this

Theme for April is

helps lessen the stress) and that the experience will be well worth it.”

Despite working closely with the Pearces, Tom says all three teams (including the Wotton and Roughan families) are in the running as the auctions loom.

“It all depends on what buyers will pay for their houses on the day. I don’t really have a favourite as all families are doing a great job. We wish all of them the very best.”

Thanks to the Schreuder family’s win, Tom’s daughter and son-in-law (Karen and Jono Frankle, formerly of Cockle Bay) were able to purchase their own first home in Bucklands Beach late last year. Tom confirms renovations at the property are well on track.

“Karen and Jono have now settled into their new home and are keen to get on with some major renovation work. With my help, they started on two bedrooms while Jono has also completed some outdoor work. At the

Tom Schreuder moment, I’m also busy working on their house plans. There is more to do, but we’re getting there,” he says.

To read more about Our First Home’s local links, including our Q&A with Carla Tonga, see EastLife issues, Feb, Apr and Aug 2015, and March 2016 at eastlife.co.nz.

PETER JAMES’S

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‘Hidden Treasures–a hunting we will go’ All events will incorporate various different aspects of the theme.

Solve riddles, puzzles, clues and some of history’s mysteries, where communication is key. Don your pith helmets and follow in the adventurous footsteps of the intrepid Victorian Explorer’s.

PETER JAMES’S “PERFECT ENTERTAINMENT: DEVILISHLY CLEVER AND, ABOVE ALL, TERRIFIC FUN” “PERFECT ENTERTAINMENT: DEVILISHLY CLEVER AND, ABOVE ALL, TERRIFIC FUN”

Join us for: Fun on Tuesday and Thursday in the hols from 10am–2pm Live Day 17th April Holiday programme on 28th April.

A great month for groups, teams, families and friends.

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A LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM OF THE FENCIBLE PERIOD 32 | eastlife | april 2016

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Puzzle Cryptic Puzzle

time 1

NO. 10021

DOWN

1. Having time on your side means more (6,7).

8. Due to having given the ball to the player (5).

9. Looks at the strokes (7).

10. Foots the bill for some little luxuries? (6).

11. The attitude can change: set out to change it (6).

12. There’s a second hold to the right (5).

14. Guide one from the backstreets (5).

18. No jokes if one’s skating on thin ice! (6).

20. Can be thrown into the fire when I leave the country (6).

23. Allowed in, peer agitatedly about, but it’s full (7).

24. Plants go for nothing in a jumble-sale (5).

25. Got up as an executioner?

(7,2,4).

1. Sharpens up one’s games (6).

2. Caught up with the bad man (5).

3. Mixed with the gin I found in the bedroom (7).

4. Embrace, with love, the boy (4).

5. The smallest is a pound and a quarter (5).

6. Fumes - with anger (7).

7. Cut the key a shade wrongly (6).

13. Is to walk upright enough (7).

15. And/or to be repaired because of the storm (7).

16. Frightened, reads out the figures entered (6).

17. The stand-point, to start with, of the animal (6).

19. Maintains one is a preservationist? (5).

21. She has egg in the main, scrambled (5).

22. Act up, too (4).

4

5

6

7

9

10

11

12 13

14 15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22 23

24

25

Quick Puzzle Puzzle answers on page 81

Sudoku

3

8

puzzle no. 21

ACROSS

2

ACROSS

DOWN

1.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

14.

18.

20.

23.

24.

25.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

13.

15.

16.

17.

19.

21.

22.

Gaunt (6-7) Power (5) Sunshade (7) Insect (6) Lady’s name (6) Guide (5) Climb (5) Wave (6) Try (6) Husbandry (7) Bury (5) Stealthy (13)

No. 10021

Basket (6) Beer (5) Exterior (7) Cloak (4) Register (5) Hawk (7) Currency (6) Boozer (7) Carriage (7) Free (6) Suit (6) Depart (5) Courtyard (5) Exploit (4)

12416

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eastlife | april 2016 |

33

Storm-ing ahead!

Inspired by the contemporary urban streets of the world’s fashion capitols, Storm’s Winter 2016 collection offers minimalist sophistication with an edge. Today, Eastlife checks out Storm’s range of jackets and coats which are right on trend as the season turns cool. Wear blazers casually with jeans or suit up for the office; capes and quality woollen coats, along with casual slouch jackets, provide something for every weather situation. Now is the time to plan for rainy days and dropping temperatures.

1. Under Wraps Coat RRP $349 2. Going Dotty Raincoat RRP $269 3. New Beginnings Cocoon Coat RRP $359 4. Long Caper Cape RRP $329 5. Sleeveless Drape Jacket RRP $329

➌

➋

➍

➎

➊

嘀椀攀眀 琀栀攀 渀攀眀 猀攀愀猀漀渀 挀漀氀氀攀挀琀椀漀渀猀 漀渀氀椀渀攀⸀⸀⸀⸀ 氀漀漀欀戀漀漀欀猀Ⰰ 椀搀攀愀猀Ⰰ 猀栀漀瀀瀀椀渀最⸀⸀⸀⸀ 漀爀 琀爀礀 琀栀攀 爀愀渀最攀 椀渀 猀琀漀爀攀

昀愀猀栀椀漀渀簀猀椀稀攀猀 ㄀㐀⬀ 圀椀渀琀攀爀 挀漀氀氀攀挀琀椀漀渀猀 椀渀ⴀ猀琀漀爀攀 渀漀眀

娀䔀䈀刀䄀一伀⸀䌀伀⸀一娀

㄀ 䬀椀渀最搀漀渀 匀琀爀攀攀琀Ⰰ 一攀眀洀愀爀欀攀琀 吀 㤀 㔀㈀㌀ ㈀㔀

34 | eastlife | april 2016

䄀氀猀漀 䠀愀洀椀氀琀漀渀Ⰰ 圀攀氀氀椀渀最琀漀渀Ⰰ 䌀栀爀椀猀琀挀栀甀爀挀栀

12493

www.eastlife.co.nz

This is Me – Ketz-ke’s real girl approach With the change of season there comes a need to add a sense of exuberance to autumn/winter wardrobes. Determined to forestall the chill, Kiwi brand, Ketz-ke has used Instagram to highlight its latest, This is Me collection as well as displaying behind the scenes of running of the business – sourcing, international trips, designing, selling, fashion shoots and caramel slice.

For the ‘This is Me’collecton, Ketz-ke designer and business owner Jenny Drury teamed up with five New Zealand personalities each from different realms to showcase pieces to the Instagram scroller and reach new consumers.

Ex-FQ editor and The Style Insider authority, Leonie Barlow;

➋

broadcaster, Gracie Taylor; sports journalist, Makere Bradnam; model and surfer, Laura Snelling and social influencer, Maddy Budd have all been tapped on the shoulder for Ketz-ke’s new range photographed by celebrated photographer, James Lowe.

Expect to see bold prints and textures from cosy plaids to soft paisleys as well as textured cottons in bright and moody hues such as punchy aqua, striking orange, nautical navy and light blue. Check out 70’s print blouses, knit cardigans and chunky marle vests for a retro revival and look for the cape which is still a strong influence and comes in many forms.

If you want to see more, the @ketzke Instagram is the primary host for Ketzke’s This is Me winter collection.

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1. Gracie Taylor wears Ketz-ke Forgive Shirt RRP $159 & Ketz-ke Content Pant RRP $185 2. Leonie Barlow wears Ketz-ke Bliss Cape RRP $245, Ketz-ke Scarf Jumper RRP $169 & Ketz-ke Essence Pant RRP $139 3. Maddy Budd and Laura Snelling wear Ketz-ke Stripe Skivvy RRP $98, Ketz-ke Happy Sweat RRP $169 & Ketz-ke Essence Pant RRP $139

➌

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Soon we’ll have five GREAT PEOPLE WHO want you to have hair that looks GREAT & feels GREAT

?

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Professional, creative, bubbly and fun loving.

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Motivated, creative, talented and a real people person.

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Senior Stylist

14 yrs Howick experience. Great talent, Tuesdays from 1pm only.

New Stylist

Arriving April 12

Experienced cutter.

Book now for cuts and blowdrys.

00482-v2

www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | april 2016 |

35

For the sophisticate

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Caroline Sills Winter 16 is all about everyday luxury – cashmere knits in soft orchid pink, oxford grey and hessian beige teamed with long, playful, pleated skirts in ivory silk and black brocade. The finest natural yarns create a sophisticated, easy-wear range.

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1. St Moritz Cashmere Stripe RRP $479, Tennant Long Shirt RRP $279, Stella Asymmetric Skirt RRP $259. 2. Arabella Dress RRP $289, Val D’Isere Cashmere Poncho RRP $439. 3. Courcheval Cashmere Stripe $459, Daria Tweed Pant RRP $359. 4. Issey Tie Front Dress RRP $299.

12491

36 | eastlife | april 2016

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Tempted by forbidden fruit

LOCALS LAUGH TO LOvE The way to a man’s heart may be through his stomach but it seems some Kiwis do just as well tickling a prospective mate’s funny bone when attempting to tickle their fancy!

According to a recent study

by EliteSingles, those looking for love in Waiuku are the funniest in New Zealand but east Aucklanders aren’t exactly divorced from inspiring amusement in the boudoir either.

Something glistening and glorious catches your eye and you think – ‘I shouldn’t, but I will!’

The forbidden fruit you can reach but you don’t really need, that looks divine but is an indulgent luxury, mischievously tempts you.

Like beautiful Sirens luring ancient sailors, the twinkling earrings, an alluring ring or the earthiness of leather and silver calls to you from the depths of village Jeweller.

The precious metals and gems will not leave your consciousness and they really are such a small reward for your hard work; you deserve it. Okay, dreamtime over!

Only the best forbidden fruits are harvested at the village Jeweller in Howick and the consultants who live and breathe jewellery understand the irresistible charm jewellery creates for their clients.

The sensible solution to such wicked attractions is to select jewellery carefully and make it tell your story.

fruitS for thE fEw “Hand-crafted jewellery that sings to the wearer’s soul is something they will treasure for their lifetime,” says village Jeweller’s artisan craftsman, Chris Schweder. “The piece will

reflect the wearer and, with time, may become a significant treasure for future generations.”

with the person picking the best of the bunch. Then, the importance of the purchase can always be justified.

Chris and his craftsmen are wellknown for creating unique items under the Schweder Bespoke label.

fruitS forEvEr

Clients can access the best gems, precious metals and design service, and then observe intriguing crafting processes at the village Jeweller’s open-to-view workshop.

fruitS for all Forbidden fruit should always be sustainable and doesn’t need to cost the earth. An object of desire may be from one of the many international ranges of adornments village Jeweller carefully selects to make quality jewellery affordable and accessible to all.

These pieces of jewellery will satisfy every woman’s desire for the perfect accessory to complete a new ball dress, wedding outfit or suit for work.

A treat of this nature must resonate

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www.eastlife.co.nz

And, should one be questioned about when some forbidden fruit was acquired, we all know the answer is: “Oh this? I’ve had this for ages!”

Temptation awaits at the village Jeweller. Pop in now and celebrate the fruits of your labour.

EliteSingles psychologist, Salama Marine says humour does actually play a serious role in relationships. ‘’Laughing together is probably the best sign of a healthy relationship for a couple. Humour and self-mockery definitely help to forge happy memories and the ability to make each other giggle with just a glance creates a strong friendship between two people,” she says.

98 Picton Street, Howick, Ph 09 534 7404 villagejeweller.co.nz

PAULA RYAN • SILLS • TOBY • BAZAAR LOOBIE’S STORY • DAVID POND • SABATINI OBI • DEANNA HOBBS • RANDOM SILVER LINING • NEW LONDON JEANS Supporting NZ Designers

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Whether a piece of jewellery is secreted away or worn with unabashed enthusiasm, taking time to pick something that is perfect will satisfy the wearer for years to come.

Anonymous data (from 40,000 Kiwis registered with the dating site) reveals those most likely to set hearts all a-titter are most often from Cockle (or should that be chuckle?) Bay. Bucklands Beach also rated well with a high number of funny femmes, and Beachlands boasted the most jocular gents.

Autumn Styles IN STORE NOW

114 Main Highway, Ellerslie Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, Sat 10am-4pm Ph 579 3535 • www.sashaboutique.co.nz 00683E-V3

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eastlife | april 2016 |

37

Beauty COUNTER nEw covEr uP hEaDS off ExPoSurE When the grey starts to show forget the hats and get out Joico’s Tint Shot Root Concealer.

Each shot contains a natural-looking, flash-drying, customblended, micro pigment formula and hey presto, you’re covered between salon visits. To be used on dry hair, this is a quick, convenient way to conceal unsightly roots and there’s a choice of blonde, light brown, dark brown and black. RRP $26.

Pro brow for hi-brow Big, bold eyebrows are the trend worldwide and to keep them looking good, Designer Brands has launched of the Pro Brow Kit with Stencils (RRP $17.99) featuring all the essentials to sculpt, tidy, fill, shape and create the perfect ‘on trend’ brow. This handysized kit contains: blendable light and dark powder for filling in sparse areas and customising colour; a brow wax to ensure all day wear; a double-ended applicator brush; mirror; highlighting brow illuminator; stencils in 4 different sizes and step by step instructions – perfect for brow beginners and enthusiasts alike. Available at selected pharmacies.

nivEa’S Q10 PluS anti-wrinKlE forMula a rEal PEarl!

NIvEA’s powerful new Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Replenishing Pearls are a real gem in the skin care market helping to battle the onset of wrinkles. Offering a combination of highly concentrated Coenzyme Q10 pearls surrounded by a deep moisturising hydrogel of hyaluronic acid and creatine, the pearls work to repair, protect and renew skin.

The skin’s own Coenzyme Q10 is vital and helps to protect it from free radicals. However, the level of Q10 unfortunately decreases with age.

NIvEA Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Replenishing Pearls provide the skin with what it has lost, effectively replenishing it with Q10. NIvEA Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Replenishing Pearls, RRP $29.99.

go rED with living naturE Forty years ago Joni Mitchell sang about shades of scarlett conquering – now, with the release of two fabulous, certified organic, 100% natural red lipsticks from Living Nature those words are more relevant than ever! A make-up bag staple, red lipstick adds glamour and evokes feelings of indulgence, confidence and femininity. Living Nature offers two on-trend shades – Wild Fire (a warm red with orange undertone) and Pure Passion (rich and deep with subtle crimson undertone). Smooth and semi-matte, both contain moisturising organic coconut oil, organic beeswax and carnauba wax to nourish and rejuvenate lips. Available nationwide from selected pharmacies and health stores (RRP $33 each). For a chance to win this lipstick duo see page 18.

PoiSon girl SEnDS ProvocativE MESSagE From the House of Dior comes a fragrance to die for! Poison Girl is an explosive scent with an air of scandal. It’s seductive and disruptive in equal measures. Composed for a generation of young women who are powerfully alluring, new ‘poison’ is as richly floral as it is dangerous…a delicious, toxic, floral scent. A meld of bitter orange, sensual venezuelan tonka bean, vanilla and a note of Tolu balsam together with a touch of Sri Lanka sandalwood and, at its base, essence of Damascene Rose, this ‘addictive’ perfume is available from selected pharmacies, Farmers, Smith & Caughey, and others, RRP 30ml $110; 50ml $180, 100ml $270.

Something old – How to Wear a something new Jumpsuit for Winter!

David Fels, owner of Showcase Jewellers, Howick, says jewellery is all about love – true love, friendship, families, even pieces you’ve fallen in love with. That’s why he and his team love hearing your stories and making your dreams come true.

There are few special objects in life that are more meaningful than jewellery and now it’s easier than ever to keep its sentimental value while adding your own special touch.

Almost every woman has memories linked to a piece of jewellery. In fact, it’s possible that this connection between emotion and material objects has its roots in jewellery: one of the oldest personal objects ever found was a necklace dating back 100,000 years.

But, that’s not to say you won’t sometimes feel like breathing new life into those special pieces.

Don’t you ever wish you could take that collection of old, damaged or inherited gold pieces that you don’t or can’t wear and remake them into something new that you will love?

Old gold can be melted down and refined to make wedding rings, bangles, or other jewellery and can even include gemstones from those items. New gemstones can also be added to give the new piece extra sparkle or colour.

A popular choice is to purchase a brand new centre stone then decorate it using existing stones, or simply add one or two small diamonds to enhance the design.

The opportunity here is to add value and create a new piece of jewellery that has elements from your treasured piece and in so doing retain the memories that it holds.

‘

Bring in your old jewellery today, tell us you have read our column and we will give you $100 worth of FREE DIAMONDS OR GEMSTONES when we remake a piece of jewellery for you.

So, bring in your old jewellery today, tell us you have read our column and we will give you $100 worth of FREE DIAMONDS OR GEMSTONES when we remake a piece of jewellery for you.

At little or no cost you could add diamonds to enhance the sparkle or use it as a credit towards a larger diamond or coloured stone of your choice.

Give it some thought – don’t let your unused jewellery sit in your drawer any longer. This is a limited time offer so come in and talk to us now.

Jewellery remodelling is an incredibly satisfying process for both parties.

Clients are often amazed at the options, and it’s an entirely different experience from simply purchasing new jewellery – it’s the best of both worlds. And nothing makes me happier than seeing the smile on clients’ faces when they see the results.

Doyenne of the fashion and modelling world DENYSE SAUNDERS provides style tips on how to make the most of jumpsuits for winter.

Winter is coming, and the fashionable playsuit, jumpsuit or rompers – whatever you like to name them – are still among the trendiest pieces of clothing to wear. Certainly a jumpsuit looks effortlessly cool on celebrities and style bloggers, but what about the rest of us?

Well, it is about proportion, choice of fabric and the way you accessorise. Once you have fathomed this, women of every age, shape and size can wear this trend with confidence.

Finding a flattering jumpsuit is probably harder than finding a flattering dress, but the results are worth it. As with most clothing, there will be things that look great on someone else and not great on you, or ridiculous on someone else and fabulous on you but you’ll never really know until you try it on.

Try things on!

Here are some style tips on how to look celebrity fabulous in a jumpsuit this winter!

• Wear tights – Worried about the large expanse of leg that most playsuits leave on show? If the weather and the playsuit allows, opaque tights will make a short hem seem longer and a lot warmer too.

• Casual – When you have a busy day ahead and need to dress fast, it is easy to prioritise comfort above style. Luckily, a jumpsuit does both, making it an excellent alternative to sweats or workout gear.

• Work – Team your playsuit with tights, medium/high shoes, blazer and perhaps a scarf for a more corporate look. Apply the same rule to length as you would to a skirt; If it feels too short for the office, it definitely is.

• After 5 – You can wear playsuits for a night out as an alternative to a dress. To create a fabulous outfit, pair your playsuits with black heels and a pair of sheer hosiery. Opt for a sexy, sophisticated style.

SHOWCASE JEWELLERS

01487-v3

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• Denim – Opt for an on-trend, denim style or something with a utilitarian feel that makes you feel confident to face whatever the day may bring.

• Patterns – Pick a pattern you love and prepare yourself for compliments! Small patterns for small people, and larger patterns for larger boned women.

• Fit – Fit is everything in a jumpsuit so find one that flaunts your curves and watch as you wow your friends.

• Evening elegance – Ditch your traditional gown in favour of a fashion-forward jumpsuit. To ensure your one-piece is dressy enough for a formal affair, look for fabrics such as lace, chiffon or satin with embellishments such as beading.

• Context – Context is everything; in other words where you wear your playsuit is of the utmost importance. The style should suit the occasion, in other words: Casual wear – casual; dressy wear – dressy; formal wear – formal; corporate wear – corporate!

PHOTO CREDITS: PlaySuit: Katerina www.katerina.co.nz, Photographer: A la Mode Photography by James Saunders www.alamodephotography.nz, Model: Riley from Denyse Saunders Model Management www.dsmodelmanagement.nz, Hair: H&B Hair Art & Beauty styling team www.hairart.co.nz, Makeup: Stacey Banfield www.paintedlips.co.nzm Lipstick: La Biosthetique new winter trend ‘Sunset Orange” www.hairart.co.nz

eastlife | april 2016 |

39

Enjoying the sights of Auckland Kristine Jensen, Owner-Optometrist of Eyes of Howick gives the following advice on preserving your sight.

There is nothing like being a tourist in your own city. In celebration of a significant wedding anniversary, my family and I recently visited Waiheke Island for an extended weekend.

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■ ReFirme IPL uses a combination of bipolar radio frequency and light energies to heat dermal tissue within a targeted area to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin. Wrinkles are reduced, skin is firmer and it’s texture is smoother and more toned.

On visiting Cable Bay Winery we were stunned even further by breath-taking views and, over the remainder of the weekend, we made the most of the island’s magnificent beaches.

This sojourn made me realise we don’t always take time to appreciate the treasures we have right here on our doorstep and the beauty that surrounds us; similarly, we take our eye sight for granted until things start going awry.

According to the World Health Organisation, 75% of blindness in the world could have been prevented.

But, in order to treat eye conditions, early detection is imperative.

Here in New Zealand, one in five children may have blurred vision; 25,000 New Zealanders have lost sight to macular degeneration, with an additional 2000 people developing the disease each year and 70,000 people, over the age of 40, have glaucoma with half unaware they have the disease. Furthermore, impaired vision can lead to falls, poor health and higher levels of depression. These

are just some of the reasons to be vigilant when it comes to eye health and vision.

The New Zealand Association of Optometrists provides the following recommendation as to when to visit an optometrist to ensure your eye health remains optimal: • At 6-12 months of age • At age 2-3 years • Before starting school and every 3-5 years thereafter • At 16 years, as this is a crucial time for myopia development • For those 45 years and older every 2-3 years • At 65 years, and beyond, an annual eye exam is recommended By following these guidelines you can rest assured that you and your family’s eyes should remain healthy and you will be able to enjoy the beautiful sights we have in this country for years to come.

Now, back to deciding on my next voyage within this gorgeous city. www.eyesofhowick.co.nz

■ The system can be used over the entire face or over specific problem areas (such as neck, under the eyes, brow line etc).

■ ReFirme IPL is at the forefront of the industry in both medical and aesthetic treaments.

Proudly caring for local eyes.

Pop in and see our friendly team for quality eye care and advice or check out our wide range of the latest fashion glasses.

40 | eastlife | april 2016

100 Picton Street, Howick, Auckland 2014

100 Picton Street, Howick.

T.Phone.

09 534 095565 534 5565, www.eyesofhowick.co.nz

12330

00763-v3

5 Reeves Rd, Pakuranga, East Auckland. Ph 576 1550. info@aboutskin.co.nz • www.aboutskin.co.nz

www.eastlife.co.nz

Bariatric surgery – is The ‘weight’ over?

Growing obesity and excessive weight gain among New Zealanders has concerned health authorities for some time with the incidence of morbidly obese adults, and even children, considered by some as alarming.

For most, diet and exercise will achieve the desirable weight loss.

However, for a few, additional help is needed and the option may be bariatric surgery encompassing procedures often better known as the gastric bypass or a gastric sleeve.

People wishing to pursue bariatric surgery can discuss this with their GP who may refer them to a surgeon for a consultation. On the other hand, people who choose to fund their own bariatric surgery can contact their surgeon of choice without a referral.

When people choose the Ormiston Weight Loss Service (OWLS) for their surgery, they choose highly

experienced surgeons, and are cared for in the well-established, Ormiston Hospital located in south/ east Auckland. The team at Ormiston offers a multi-disciplinary approach leading up to and following surgery.

Bariatric surgery is not a quick-fix cure. Weight loss still depends on healthy eating and exercise and patients who follow post-operative diet and exercise instructions can expect good results. Those who cannot make lifestyle changes will not lose the desired amount of weight, despite successful surgery.

Bariatric surgery reduces the risk of death from obesity. Many obesityrelated conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, joint pain, lipid abnormalities and high blood pressure, are either completely resolved or substantially improved.

Most people achieve good to

excellent weight loss results following gastric sleeve surgery. Typically this is 50-60% of excess weight.

People who have undergone bariatric surgery lose most of their excess weight in the first year and can lose more weight over the following 6-12 months; then weight will usually stabilise. There can be some weight regain, but this is usually minor.

No set amount of weight loss is guaranteed.

For 2 to 6 weeks before bariatric surgery, patients are required to follow a low calorie diet. They may be referred for a psychological consultation to help prepare for the surgery and to ensure they are in a position to make a success of the significant changes that will follow.

Most people are on a liquid diet for the first week post discharge.

The surgeon and dietician may also recommend a pureed diet for a few

weeks before starting solid foods again.

Contact us today on 09 926 5821 or email kirstyp@ormistonhospital.co.nz www.ormistonhospital.co.nz 125 Ormiston Road, Flat Bush, Auckland 2019

Ormiston Weight Loss Service Welcome to the Ormiston Weight Loss Service. Our service is intended to offer our community a surgical choice and clinical support, to assist in taking ownership of your health and moving forward to a greater place of wellness.

food-holding capacity of the stomach so the patient has a feeling of fullness after eating very little. Without hunger pangs, the person tends to lose interest in overeating and is more likely to stick to a low-kilojoule diet.

Bariatric Surgery assists in weight loss and may be recommended as a last resort when diet, exercise and medication have not been successful and if obesity related conditions such as heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea and type II diabetes have worsened, among other problems.

When you choose Ormiston Hospital Weight Loss Service for your surgery, you choose the most experienced surgeons, treating you in the wellestablished Ormiston Hospital.

The aim of the surgery is to reduce the

www.ormistonhospital.co.nz

We are dedicated to offering you a complete and comprehensive service with a fixed fee that will provide you with the best level of care through your journey to improved health.

Contact us today on 09 926 5821 or email kirstyp@ormistonhospital.co.nz FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE 125 Ormiston Road, Flat Bush, Auckland 2019 12181-v2

www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | april 2016 |

41

Why is it that, all of a sudden, men don’t see me? It’s like I’m invisible

Local

experience and expertise you can

trust

CLIVE PLUCKNETT, Naturopath, P.G.Dip. Anti Aging Medicine, P.G.Dip. Cancer Nutrition, P.G.Dip. Mental Health Nutrition, MBA, BA, P.G.Dip Science In the world of naturopathy, Anne was half way through her life. She was 55.

She came to see me, because in the last few years, there had been a major change in her life that she was clearly unhappy with. Previously, men would stare when she walked into a room, now they did not even seem to notice her. It was like she wasn’t there.

Our experienced East Auckland team of cardiologists are at Middlemore Hospital and provide a private cardiology service with the Auckland Heart Group at Ormiston Hospital where we offer comprehensive assessments and management of outpatients and in-patients. Should you have any heart problems or concerns, ask your doctor for a referral to us.

Looking at Anne, I could see that she had been a beautiful young woman, but this had been overtaken somewhat by wrinkles, a thickening of her body, a sagging of some body parts, dry skin, thin hair and the hint of a hump on her upper spine.

The Auckland Heart Group is an Affiliated Provider to Southern Cross Health Society and has Healthcare Partnerships with Sovereign and nib.

To find out more, talk to our team on 09 623 1020 or 09 623 4731 ahg@heartgroup.co.nz www.heartgroup.co.nz 125 Ormiston Road, Botany Junction, Auckland 01951-v3

Other clinic locations: Glenfield, New Lynn, Papakura, St Heliers

MARINA PLASTIC SURGERY “SURGERY BY THE SEA” ■ Facial Plastic Surgery for skin cancers, treatment of melanoma, BCC (Basal Cell Carcinoma), SCC (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) and various skin lesions ■ Cosmetic Plastic Surgery – Face lifts, neck lifts, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, otoplasty, breast augmentation, reduction and reconstruction, abdominoplasty, liposuction and liposculpture, hand surgery, injectable dermal fillers etc ■ Mole Checks

I asked her what she wanted. She said that she wanted to turn back the clock. She wanted to be beautiful again. She wanted men to notice her.

We worked through a list of goals, about everything she wanted to achieve. It was a long list. Everything was achievable.

We ran a series of tests. She had high levels of free radical damage, high levels of toxicity, a hormonal imbalance, dysfunctional blood sugar, mitochondrial dysfunction, high cortisol, low levels of key nutrients, suboptimum function in key organs and glands and on it went.

When I did my post grad work in anti-ageing medicine, I was taught that there were 19 theories of ageing.

I will quote just a few and see if you can match them to Anne: free radical damage theory, mitochondrial deficiency theory, insulin/glucose dysregulation theory, excess cortisol theory, acidification theory and the wear and tear theory.

The theories, while impressive, meant nothing to Anne, so we went through

how they impact on the human body.

Free radical damage causes wrinkles.

When the mitochondria do not work as they were meant to, essential energy is not there to repair the body. Essential nutrients are needed to make hormones and other body chemicals.

Based on the results of the testing, we designed a programme for Anne. It was based on balancing imbalances, correcting deficiencies and getting her organs and systems functioning at optimum levels.

Anne’s programme comprised diet, supplements, lifestyle changes and exercise.

“But, Clive, is it okay if I leave out the exercise?”

“No it is not. I can show you more than 1000 studies showing the positive impact of particular sorts of exercise on anti-ageing. Would you like to see them?”

“Okay, okay…..a girl has to try”.

To her credit Anne stuck to plan. Her first victory came when her sister came to visit – “My God, Sis, what is happening? You look great” To read about Anne’s other victories and progress, please visit our website.

Marina Specialists

Martin Rees

First Floor, “Compass Building”, Ara Tai Drive, Half Moon Bay Marina Ph 534 4040 • Fax 537 0147 www.plassurg.co.nz • EDI: marinasp

Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive & Hand Surgeon

“High quality s

BeWell Clinic – Unleash Your Wellness Potential 730 Whitford Road, Whitford Village.

Ph 530 8143, 021 490 801. bewell@clear.net.nz. www.bewell.net.nz

urgery” 01219

42 | eastlife | april 2016

Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not to be used as a substitute to professional, personalised advice. The views are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or editor. www.eastlife.co.nz

Staying active when life is busy As we live in a fast-paced society, life tends to get ahead of us at times.

When this happens, most often we tend to put ourselves last with exercise being the first item off the agenda. With the pressures of jobs, families and other responsibilities, even the smallest excuse can have a big influence on training habits.

What we tend to forget is that even a little activity will go a long way in helping to stay mentally sharp and providing us the energy needed to get through the day.

Here are a few ways to include movement and activity in your day:

in a quick walk around the block.

• Be the early bird: Set your alarm 10 minutes earlier and do a quick 10-minute workout or go for a brisk walk. At least you know that if your day gets super busy you have ticked off your activity. Also, doing exercise first thing in the morning will give you increased energy and motivation for the rest of the day.

• Intensity: If you have time only for a quick workout, make it one that gets your heart racing. Interval training is the best way to do this.

• Man’s best friend: Take your dog for a brisk walk or jog; this is the perfect excuse to get moving and spend time with your furry friend.

• Stability ball: Sit on a stability ball while watching TV. Try lifting and holding one foot off the floor for one minute at a time. This will not only work those core muscles but also benefit your balancing.

• Yoga stretches: Do yoga-like poses or stretches while talking on the phone. Remember to keep your abdominals tight while you do these.

This will help increase your flexibility and core strength.

• A walk in the park: Instead of having a coffee catch up with a friend, why not meet in your local park and go for a walk together. This is also a great way to regain your focus at work. Why not use half your lunch break to take

• Ad breaks: Use the ad breaks effectively by doing push-up, squats, sit-up or jumping jacks, it’s even better if you involve the whole family.

It’s a fun activity that will also support better sleep.

Remember that even training in shorter blocks has benefits. Doing something is almost always better than doing nothing. Don’t let the frustrations of obstacles get in the way of looking after yourself. You

will feel better for it and will make your busy lifestyle a little easier to manage.

For more information or advice, please contact an exercise professional at your local fitness facility, who will be more than happy to provide tips and advice on how to improve your lifestyle with exercise.

– Submitted by the team at Jetts Fitness Highland Park

Help us pass on the dream Donate used sports equipment at your Jetts Club and it will be distributed to local clubs and schools who need it most.

PLUS, if you join this month for $45 we will donate $10 to the iSport Foundation* *T&C’s apply. Offer ends 30.04.2016.

www.eastlife.co.nz

The iSport Foundation supports youth aged 12-18, to be the best they can be in the sport they love, no matter the circumstances.

eastlife | april 2016 |

43

Clubs in your area: Botany, Botany Junction, Highbrook, Highland Park, Howick 02156-v3

‘

Yes, we do get loads of famous people in at Nobu but, for me, it’s no biggie and all customers deserve the best. I will say that I met Robert De Niro [co-founder of Nobu] in November, during the 10th anniversary party, though. He was quite friendly; he rocked up and had a photo with all the staff; that was a pretty special night.”

Photo Wayne Martin

Chef, cook, bottle–washer turns out Japanese!

Cook Street’s Barrel Inn might be famous for quality pub grub but the local public house has also played a (kitchen)hand in developing world class cuisine at one of London’s premier restaurants. JON RAWLINSON explains how.

Rhys Cattermoul may make a living from turning out top ‘nosh’ at one of London’s most exclusive restaurants, Nobu Berkley Street in Mayfair.

However the plucky, young head chef began his career as a cook on Cook Street, over at the Barrel.

“I started out as a kitchen hand at the Barrel Inn in Howick not long after I left school [Howick College] and started cooking there soon after.

I didn’t want to be a chef at that stage and I doubt anyone from there thought I would ever make a career from it,” he says.

“Mum actually bought me some knives at the time but I said I didn’t want them! I just didn’t want to do the hours and work on the weekends.

Although, now that I’ve done it for so long, it’s become normal for me.”

that I could cook and it went from there.”

that, the skydiving chef prefers not to ‘name drop’ as a rule.

Learning the ropes at various London restaurants, Rhys quickly climbed the ladder to sous chef, cooking French brassiere-style food at The Electric.

But a meal at Nobu was to set him on a fresh course in more ways than one.

“Some of the restaurants in Europe are on a whole different level.

In London, there are so many restaurants – too many even – and competitiveness drives up the quality.

“I went into Nobu Berkeley Street for dinner and it was probably one of the best meals I’ve ever had!” he explains.

“The lamb anti-cucho miso – lamb with a spiced Peruvian sauce mixed with a sweet, salty den miso sauce – and black cod, which is our signature dish, just blew me away! So I went up to the manager and asked if they had any jobs available.”

After trialling, Rhys joined the team.

Founded by acclaimed Japanese chef, Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa in the 1990s, the Nobu chain dishes up Japanese food, often fused with South American flavours. It has grown to include numerous fine dining restaurants worldwide, including Nobu Berkley Street where Rhys now plies his trade.

However, his road to London didn’t run straight from Howick; after graduating from Auckland Hotel & Chefs Training School, Rhys flew south, not so much to sample Queenstown’s renowned restaurants but instead to get on the... ‘piste’!

“I moved to Queenstown for a couple of years just so I could go snowboarding more often. I went back to being a kitchen hand so I could snowboard during the day and have fun at night, but it wasn’t long before I started cooking there too. I guess I couldn’t get away from it,” he says.

“I then went to London in 2007. I pretty much spent all my money in two weeks, so I had to find a job!

Luckily, I came across a South African guy standing outside the back of a restaurant in a chef’s uniform having a cigarette. I asked him ‘bro, do you have a job?’ He gave me a trial, saw www.eastlife.co.nz

“I took a pay cut and dropped down to chef de partie, but it was a massive step up from brasserie-style to fine dining. I’ve learnt loads since, particularly from Mark [Edwards – executive chef]; he’s a great guy, really supportive.”

Within just two years, Rhys made the grade, promoted twice to become the prestigious restaurant’s head chef.

“I’ve seen chefs go crazy because of the stress, so when I was offered the role I definitely didn’t want it at first. I was really young for such a position, but Mark pushed me through it. He taught me how to be a leader in the kitchen.

“As far as the stress goes, I have my moments,” Rhys smiles ominously!

“But I’m on top of it now. It involves long hours – maybe 15-16 hours a day – but I still get two days off a week to go skydiving. Because I write the rota it means I can go out and jump out of planes every so often, so that’s not too bad, I suppose.”

Compared to New Zealand, he says the European industry is worlds apart, and working at Nobu often involves creating culinary marvels fit for the rich and famous. Despite

“However, New Zealand restaurants are getting there too. I went to MASU [Japanese Robata Restaurant and Bar] in the city recently and that was very good... I was most impressed.

“Yes, we do get loads of famous people in at Nobu but, for me, it’s no biggie and all customers deserve the best. I will say that I met Robert De Niro [co-founder of Nobu] in November, during the 10th anniversary party, though. He was quite friendly; he rocked up and had a photo with all the staff; that was a pretty special night.”

However, much as the cobbler’s kids are often the worst shod, when it comes to cooking up a storm at home, this talented chef prefers to avoid the kitchen.

“I don’t usually cook for myself. After so long in the kitchen, I’d rather just have a beer! My girlfriend and I eat out at restaurants quite a bit, though, and I particularly like Italian food, as well as sushi, which is probably my favourite.”

With family still living n Howick, Rhys says he would like eventually to settle in New Zealand, but the 28 year-old has no set plans as yet.

“I might come back, but I have no idea where I’d like to work. I might take a step back and work as a sous chef for a while. I’ve been away more than eight years already so I’d need to get a better idea about produce, suppliers and how it all works here first,” he says.

“It’s a dream to open my own place one day, but just a dream for now.

The big question is what type of food?

After sampling so much of it around the world, I’m not at all sure what I’d choose!” eastlife | april 2016 |

45

Cooking up down home Forget the ‘sophisticated’ bistros of Ponsonby where micro mouthfuls are strategically placed on oversized plates using Pythagorean theorems!

Sometimes food is simply made to be eaten.

With Pipi at Home, Alexandra Tylee serves up a book of down-home, rustic recipes.

Sharing recipes regularly prepared at her Hawke’s Bay farmhouse, she presents a book loaded with family favourites.

“As long as the food is healthy and tasty, it doesn’t matter that it might

not win a prize in a tricky cooking competition,” she says.

Pipi at Home is available from bookstores nationwide. However, we have a sneak peek with a tempting recipe. Alexandra writes: “I once knew an Indian woman (actually she is my son Zeus’s grandmother, my mother-in-law),

who was a doctor by profession but also a very good cook. Every day she spent a lot of time lovingly preparing meals for her family.

“This dish, which is similar to one she often made, was one of my favourites. She made it as a side dish but I would quite happily eat just that for breakfast, and maybe with a poached egg for lunch or dinner.”

Masala Potato Serves 4 as a side dish or 2 if you are eating it on its own

INGREDIENTS • 600g potatoes, peeled • 2 tbsp light olive oil • 1 tsp black mustard seeds • 1/2 tbsp deseeded and finely chopped green chilli • 1 tsp turmeric • 1 tsp garam masala • 1/2 tsp ground coriander • 1/2 tsp flaky salt • 350g spinach, washed and stalks removed

METHOD Steam the potatoes until soft and then drain and cut up into small cubes, about 1–2cm.

Heat the olive oil in a pan over a moderate heat and when hot add the mustard seeds. Half-cover with a lid until they start to pop and crackle, then add the potatoes and green chilli.

Stir the potatoes around in the pan so they mix together, letting them get crisp and a little brown. This will take about 20 minutes, stirring every so often. Add more oil if the spuds are sticking.

Once the potatoes have browned lightly, add the turmeric, garam masala, coriander and salt. Turn the potatoes over until they are all thoroughly coated with the spices, using a thin spatula so you do not break them up. Let them cook, caramelise, and brown further for another 5 minutes.

While the potatoes are cooking, cook

46 | eastlife | april 2016

the spinach. Heat 1/4 cup water in a saucepan and add the spinach, letting it cook down and turning it over a few times until soft. Now drain the spinach in a colander, squeezing gently with tongs to get the last of the water out.

Finally add the cooked spinach to the spiced potatoes and gently fold them together.

Reproduced with permission from Pipi at Home, by Alexandra Tylee.

Published by Random House (NZ).

RRP $65. Text © Alexandra Tylee, 2016. Photographs © Richard Brimer, 2016.

‘

WIN! PIPI AT HOME To be in to win a copy of this most delightful book, visit the competitions section at eastlife.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close April 30, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

www.eastlife.co.nz

The Szimpla-st solution

Szimpla Gastrobar has become the go-to place for airport precinct workers to relax, eat and socialise. Just minutes from the domestic and international terminals – next to the Ibis Hotel – it also attracts airport visitors as well as regulars from outer suburbs. Whatever the occasion it’s retro ambience demands a visit.

for any celebration

For couples seeking a luxuriant garden setting for a small, casual wedding there’s nothing simpler – or more lush – than Szimpla the upbeat, retro bar and restaurant near Auckland Airport which features its own tropical paradise. And the beauty of its verdant garden conservatory is that it’s covered so, no worries should the rain come down!

The perfect venue for smaller weddings and celebrations such as wedding anniversaries, the big five-O (or six-O)and other festivities, Szimpla’s ‘secret garden’ is a vibrant environment of anthuriums, cordylines and bromeliads accentuated by the cool greens of a living wall and other mass plantings.

A tranquil oasis, it is complemented by the cleverly designed gastrobar and restaurant, which has won plaudits for its retro design with 70s interior.

The beauty of this venue is that, with two versatile areas, functions can be kept separate from the restaurant although if patrons need more room than the spacious conservatory offers, then talk to owner Tash Borland who will always try to accommodate those special requirements.

And, coming from a family with a long history of hospitality – her uncle was founder and owner of the former Cock & Bull tavern chain – she is the queen of making things happen and happen in style.

rosé, in hand, a platter of housesmoked salmon bruschetta with caperberries, avocado and lemon aioli or perhaps Szimpla’s famous retro fish and chips wrapped Kiwistyle in paper but served with pizzazz.

“Since we opened some four years ago Szimpla seems to have won the hearts of the local airport community but we are also amazed at how far diners come to experience our unique ambience. We have many regulars from all over Auckland but also from out of town – regular business flyers, for example.”

Also known for its craft beers from around New Zealand and fine entertainment, Szimpla Gastro Bar is szimply the best on Auckland’s flight path. Go check it out!

Without a doubt, Szimpla is the place to kick back after a busy working day any time of the week, month or year

and it’s and great venue for a meal or a relaxed social drink when dropping friends off or picking them up from either domestic or international flights.

What a welcome to Auckland – just imagine a cold beer, or perhaps a

2 Leonard Isitt Dr, Auckland Airport.

Ph 215 1220. Open 7 days 10am-late. info@szimpla.co.nz www.szimpla.co.nz

Minister’s Domino’s theory In a case of (pizza) pie in the sky thinking, Transport Minister, Simon Bridges is testing methods which could see fast food delivered even faster.

Working with Domino’s, the Government is considering testing a driverless pizza delivery unit, named DRU (Domino’s Robotic Unit), Bridges explains.

“DRU is an early prototype, but www.eastlife.co.nz

the fact that New Zealand is being considered as a test site shows we have the right settings to attract innovation,” he says. “Last year we put in place a new world-class framework for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), we’ve reviewed the laws for driverless vehicles and we are currently reviewing Small Passenger Services settings.”

As DRU (unlike Red Bull) does not have wings, pizza payloads will

remain limited to down-to-earth delivery methods for now. However, if all ‘pans’ out, pizza pies could one day hit our eyes from higher up with UAVs eventually taking off and taking over when delivering takeaways.

“Officials from the Ministry of Transport and the New Zealand Transport Agency will continue to work with Domino’s about the possibility of trialling DRU in New

Zealand,” Mr Bridges adds. “If successful, this driverless vehicle trial could open the door to many more commercial opportunities.” eastlife | april 2016 |

47

dining Mains $10-$24 = $ Mains $25-$34 = $$ Mains $35+ = $$$

Red Shed

Palazzo

www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz

RED ShED PaLazzo CoUNTRY CaFE

ROSSINI ITALIAN RESTAURANT

OCEANZ SEAFOOD BOTANY

Tucked down Jesmond Rd, just 1km from the motorway off-ramp at Drury, Red Shed Palazzo is a stylish eatery nestled amongst beautiful country gardens. Family (and dog) friendly with a children’s playground, the tranquil environment offers relaxed indoor/outdoor dining and is perfect for special occasions.

A local, family-owned and run establishment since 1993, Rossini Italian Restaurant in Howick prides itself on traditional Italian fare served in cosy, warm surroundings. Family-style meals – hearty, rustic and full of flavour. Check out this well-loved favourite offering lively music, friendly service and excellent food. Affordably priced and BYO, Rossini is perfect for a casual week night meal or for that special occasion.

Available for functions 7 days, lunch and dinner.

From our boats to your plates – At Oceanz we pride ourselves on the consistency and freshness of our seafood and on the awardwinning takeaways we have been serving our customers for more than 10 years.

Red Shed Palazzo is a fully licensed country cafe offering a mouth-watering menu of creative breakfasts, well-balanced lunches, outstanding cake/dessert selection and delicious ALLPRESS coffee.

64 Jesmond Road, Karaka.

Ph 09 294 6687. open 7 days, 8.30am-4pm. www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz

LICENSED

• 20% Off YOUR BILL ON pRESENTATION Of ThIS ADvERT Up TO $50 vALUE

1/451 Ti Rakau Drive, The Hub, Botany.

Ph 271 4880 Open Sun-Thurs 9am-7pm, Fri-Sat 9am-7.30pm www.oceanz.co.nz

7A/125 Meadowlands Drive, Meadowlands, howick. ph 537 5554.

Open Tuesday-Sunday 5.30pm-11.00pm

$

LICENSED • BYO

THAI

• CHECK OUT OUR MOST POPULAR TAKEAWAY – the Skippers Meal, featuring two pieces of fish, one serve of chips and two squid rings for only $11.50!

$

$

Restaurant

CASA TUA RESTAURANT

BENJARONG THAI RESTAURANT

THE APOTHECARY

If you’re looking for tasty Italian fare, then look no further. Cosily tucked away in Farm Cove, you’ll find Casa Tua Restaurant & The Tapas Room. We’re open Tuesday-Sunday every evening where you can dine in our main restaurant, enjoy tapas in The Tapas Room or grab takeaways on your way home. BYO Wine is available when dining in the main restaurant.

Full bar available in The Tapas Room. We’re also the perfect venue for private functions.

After 16 successful years in the heart of Howick, Benjarong is a household name in the east, consistently maintaining its tradition of menu, service and decor excellence. Now, a stunning new makeover and a Monday to Thursday Happy Hour with the most delectable snacking plates and low, low prices, is providing dedicated foodies who love the exotic with scores of reasons to dine at this Howick jewel.

COME IN and TRY the NEW MENU at The Apothecary Licensed Bar and Eatery!

• $6 HOUSE DRINKS DAILY FROM 5-7PM

• HAPPY HOUR MON-THURS – $6 beers and house wine from 4.30-6.30pm

190 Fisher Parade, Farm Cove. Ph 576 3739.

Open 6 nights, Tuesday to Sunday.

Bar from 4pm, Restaurant 6pm-late. www.casa-tua.co.nz

87 Picton Street, Howick. Ph 533 9568.

Open Lunch Mon-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm, Dinner 7 nights 4.30pm till late www.benjarong.co.nz

BYO • LICENSED

48 | eastlife | april 2016

$$

LICENSED • BYOW

• NEW BREAkfAST AND LUNCH MENU – Café open weekdays from 7am, weekends from 8am • SMALL PLATE MENU available at The Cellar Bar Wed-Sat from 4pm til late • THE CELLAR HAPPY HOUR – 4-6pm Wed-Sat, $5 wine and beer, $9 cocktails Planning a function? Choose The Apothecary for your engagement, wedding, anniversary or birthday! We’ll make your function one to remember! No function fees! Email info@ theapothecary.co.nz – special conditions apply.

27-29 Picton St, Howick. Ph 535 9661. www.facebook.com/theapothecaryhowick

$$

LICENSED

$$ www.eastlife.co.nz

Hold the Press!

Feel de-pressed? If so, a little pickme-up could be just the tonic the doctor ordered!

The Perfect Gin and Tonic Ingredients

Designed to revitalise, and quench that thirst, the Soda Press range offers more than just a dash of sophistication. Produced using natural ingredients (mostly organic) these classy syrups are low in sugar and harbour no nasty additives.

• 45mls quality gin • 30mls Soda Press Classic Indian Tonic Syrup • Lemon peel • Fresh rosemary sprig • Soda water

Method

To make it even easier for readers to partake from Soda Press’ table, try these tasty tipples:

Games in the Garden

Fish of the Month

trevally From Oceanz Seafood, The Hub, Botany Trevally is a schooling fish found mostly in the warmer northern waters of New Zealand. They grow to around sixty centimetres, can weigh up to 4.5kg and may live to about 40 years of age.

Trevally is blue-green on the top of the body and silvery white on the belly, with a yellowish sheen running along the length of the fish. A small dark blotch appears on the upper gill cover.

Trevally has a medium to firm texture, with a strong but not overpowering flavour. It is a good source of selenium, vitamin B, Iodine and potassium. It has quite a dry flesh so suits marinating or serving the fish with a sauce or in a curry.

The quality of trevally available in seafood outlets does vary significantly due to the different fishing methods used to catch it and the subsequent age of the fish.

Fresh line caught or netted trevally is a superb fish and can be great eaten raw as sashimi. Meanwhile trawled trevally, while not of the same quality, is still a good fish to bake, grill, barbecue, shallowfried, smoke or deep fry. It is also ideal to use in your fish and chips. www.eastlife.co.nz

Peel lemon with a citrus peeler (or potato peeler) and cut into thin strands. Pour gin and syrup into an ice-filled glass. Top with soda and garnish with lemon wedges or peel.

Ingredients

Method

• 30mls quality gin • 15mls Soda Press Raspberry and Mint Syrup • Soda water • Fresh raspberries

Fill a teacup with ice, add gin and syrup, and fill with soda.

Add raspberries and a few sprigs of mint. Other berries can be substituted for raspberries if preferred.

Soda Press syrups are available in a variety of flavours (RRP $16.50 per 500ml bottle – makes up to 20 drinks) from retailers, cafes and bars.

Shake it when you make it Protein shakes made from plants, you can’t be Ceres! However, Ceres Organics is certainly serious about using protein powder is made from organically-grown, raw, sprouted brown rice.

Designed to help grow and maintain muscle mass, protein shakes have become popular amongst those on the go, but not all powders are as healthy as they seem, Ceres Organics’ managing director, Noel Josephson, says.

“Our Plant Strong protein powder delivers all the great benefits of extra protein, without any added sugar, preservatives or chemicals that are often bundled into powdered protein supplements,” he says.

Vegan, dairy-free, and wheat-free, the powder is made through a unique chemical-free sprouting process that extracts naturally-occurring plant protein to create a shake containing essential amino acids which the body can’t produce on its own.

“The added benefit is that Plant Strong is sprouted, which is beneficial for gut health and dramatically increases how easily nutrients are able to be absorbed by the body.”

Plant Strong is available in Creamy Vanilla and Smooth Chocolate flavours, online (shop.ceres.co.nz) or from pharmacies and health food stores nationwide.

‘

Win! Plant Strong prize packs EastLife has THREE prize packs up for grabs. Valued at $85 each, these packs feature protein powder and a branded shaker.

To be in to win, see the competitions tab at eastlife.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close April 30, 2016. Winners notified by phone or email.

eastlife | april 2016 |

49

Taste

Try our latest flavours of the month and experience a range of new products with a real taste difference. EastLife is always on the lookout for new products to tantalise the tastebuds of our readers.

CRUMBS! WHAT A ZESTY BREAKFAST TREAT How better to kick start the day than with Chantal Organic’s new Ginger Zest Grainola? Created with organic and natural ingredients, and using rice syrup instead of sugar, it comes packed with large, scrumptious pieces of freeze-dried tart plum, a variety of seeds, cashew nuts, a hint of cinnamon and the refreshing bite of ginger.

To ensure this exciting breakfast treat is always fresh, Chantal Organics makes small batches every week at their premises in Napier to maintain a philosophy of traditional, homemade quality.

Chantal Organics Ginger Zest Grainola (RRP $11.99 750g) available at selected organic stores, supermarkets and specialty stores .

New Farrah’s wraps butter up customers Garlic may keep vampires away but Farrah’s NEW Garlic Butter Wraps are sure to attract foodies big time. Fill, fold, wrap, stack or bake, they’re delicious and such an easy meal-maker.

These yum wraps use real garlic and butter and are a great alternative to conventional bread.

Pair them with spicy food, share at a barbecue or simply use for extra flavour to delight the tastebuds! Tasty entertaining tip: Slice Farrah’s Garlic Butter Wraps and bake in the oven until crispy. Dunk in spicy dip for a tasty snack. Find Farrah’s Garlic Butter Wraps in the bread aisle of supermarkets (RRP $5.99).

Successful Mission for gold If Mission Estate was hoping the Easter bunny would deliver the team a few golden eggs this year they weren’t disappointed. The acclaimed winery picked up two gold awards, and one silver, at this year’s Royal Easter Show Wine Awards. Gold went to the estate’s Gimblett Gravels Reserve Syrah 2014 and the Gimblett Gravels Jewelstone Syrah 2014 while Mission’s Hawkes Bay Rosé, 2015 was awarded silver. In particular, the Jewelstone Syrah was produced entirely from fruit grown organically at Mission Estate’s Mere Rd Vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels winegrowing region. Wine enthusiasts will want to get their hands on this lovely trio so visit www.missionestate.co.nz

KUMARA FUSION DELI TREAT

MUSTAR-D UP SOME SPICE! At 200 years old, Colman’s is still spicing up Kiwi kitchens with its new mustards and sauces. Look out for two new products on supermarket shelves. The new Colman’s Mild Mustard is for delicate palates, while the hot and fiery Horseradish Sauce satisfies those with a taste for tang! These condiments are the perfect way to add zing to traditional roast dishes. But, for more ways to enjoy Colman’s mustards and sauces just head to the website and check out delicious new recipes: www. colmans.co.nz Colman’s Horseradish (RRP $4.49) and Colman’s Mild Mustard (RRP: $3.59) available in supermarkets nationwide.

50 | eastlife | april 2016

How sweet is this – New Zealand-owned, Kumara Fusion, has launched a smooth, naturally sweet, low-fat, kumara blend which can be enjoyed as a dip, sandwich spread or an accompaniment to fruits, nuts and cheeses. Packed in 130g tubs, it is dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and contains no added preservatives or colours. The first of its kind in New Zealand, Kumara Fusion’s sweet, silky texture has wide appeal and offers plenty of scope to get creative! The range currently includes Kumara Fusion Original; Kumara Fusion Honey, which is naturally sweeter tasting than the Original; and Kumara Fusion Chocolate, which boasts a decadent layer of dark Whittaker’s chocolate – so good! Available in supermarkets RRP $7.99 per 130g tub.

NO WATER, NO WORRIES – THEY MELT IN THE MOUTH! A dose of mental sharpness mixed with a good measure of physical energy is always desirable when winter slows us down and now new Berocca Fizzy Melts are designed to provide a boost of both – anytime, anywhere. Ideal for busy people, Berocca Fizzy Melts can be taken without water and are available in two delicious flavours – Berry Burst and Orange Fresh. A convenient way to get a balanced combo of B vitamins, vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Available from all major supermarkets & pharmacies, RRP $9.99 per pack. www.eastlife.co.nz

www.eastlife.co.nz

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MY Favourit e Thing Career seed planted in Faraway places

Make-believe is very much a part of Nicole Jorgensen’s life. The Howick-based children’s entertainer has a passion for creating memorable birthday parties with themes such as fairies, super heroes, princesses and ninjas, all aimed at bringing to life the fantasy world of youngsters.

What’s more, her company name, Imaginaire Entertainment is perfectly in sync with one of her favourite items – Enid Blyton’s book, The Folk of the Faraway Tree. Here Nicole tells EastLife about its place in her life.

As a youngster I loved to dress up and escape to that golden place of childhood imagination. When it came to birthdays, my mum was very creative and always ensured I had wonderful parties; no two were the same. Performing arts also featured strongly and it soon became evident that acting would likely play a part in my adult life.

special book which I received as a birthday gift when I was very young.

Enid Blyton’s, The Folk of Faraway Tree is magical. It is one in a series of books with the overall title, The Faraway Tree, and it follows the adventures of three siblings, Jo, Bessie and Fanny.

It did. I gained a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts at Unitec majoring in Acting for Screen and Theatre. However, finding work as a full time actor is difficult and it was important to me to have other creative strings to my bow.

After working in face painting and balloon sculpting while studying, I decided I loved it so much that I wanted to expand on those talents and use my performance skills to start an entertainment company aimed at the children’s market.

The trio discover the Faraway Tree in the first book, The Enchanted Wood. Numerous mystical characters live within the tree and as the children make friends with them, all sorts of adventures result.

Photo Wayne Martin

As usual, in my book, they find themselves climbing to the top and entering a multitude of different lands which pass over the tree’s upper branches.

Each land stays for only a short time so they need to be in and out quick but it doesn’t always happen that way – what wonderful adventures they have. My favourite land is the Land of Tea Parties and, of the

But I guess a lot of my passion for make-believe comes from one

many characters that befriend the children, Moonface is my favourite along with Silky the fairy.

All the stories are delightful, and I still treasure my original copy even though I have since bought later copies of all the books in the series.

One day, when I have children they too will be introduced to The Faraway Tree and all its charm.

And, hopefully, they will fall in love with dressing up, develop an active imagination and have a love theatre and the arts. As adults, it’s easy to lose the child within us and, with it, that sense of wonder and magic.

Thankfully, The Folk of Faraway Tree, together with my work with children, keep me in that wonderful, whimsical place on a regular basis.

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New collections embrace French-style interiors ‘ Paris may be beautiful in the spring but Auckland homes can look absolutely stunning in autumn if their owners make a beeline for HomeAbout in East Tamaki where a new shipment of Parisian-inspired furniture has arrived in the showroom or, rather, show rooms!

Grey/blue tones and soft earthy neutrals are on trend this season especially when teamed with bold or moody hues. This means the new weather-washed dressers and cabinets, finished in mud grey, are perfect for this seasonal shift in colours.

Stately with contemporary twists, this season’s collections have slipped easily into HomeAbout’s concept of showcasing furniture by the room, putting French country in the midst of urban Auckland.

With decor surprises invoking a feel for the French provinces, together with a hint of 17th and 18th century Paris, visitors will appreciate the timeless elegance of the Gustavien range with its appealing blue-hued patina. Or, perhaps, the new Luberon series, featuring a distressed white finish, in line with Provençal style, and encompassing rounded corners with a soft patina, will be the range that evokes soul and cheer.

Grey/blue tones and soft earthy neutrals are on trend this season especially when teamed with bold or moody hues. This means the new weather-washed dressers and cabinets, finished in mud grey, are perfect for this seasonal shift in colours.

Naturally, these new collections for lounge, dining and bedroom are cleverly brought together by contemporary accessories ranging from sophisticated mirrors and lamps www.eastlife.co.nz

to assorted cushions and eclectic artworks. And it’s hard not to love luxurious padded headboards styled from opulent velvets in soft pastel tones which demonstrate how classic styles can fit stylishly into the modern home.

Of course, HomeAbout features a variety of looks including recycled timber, solid oak and spruce with every piece exuding quality, durability and fine craftsmanship.

All stock is imported direct from reputable manufacturers so prices are extremely competitive. Located at 12 Ron Driver Place, just off Nandina Ave in East Tamaki, HomeAbout is open Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm and Saturdays 11am-4pm eastlife | april 2016 |

53

French Style Furniture Planning to renovate or create a new kitchen?

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Setting the benchmark Cosentino welcomes the public to its Highbrook design centre where the best in engineered stone benchtop surfaces can be viewed – an eclectic range for every taste.

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only quartz benchtop with Bacteriostatic Protection, giving it unique features. n Dekton – a sophisticated blend of the raw materials resulting in an Ultra Compact Surface.

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Bedding buys – Koket’s flirty five Dreams are free; exquisite European designer beds are not. However, while some may be happy to take the cost of ordering these items from Portugal lying down, the rest of us can at least dream about Koket’s Guilty Pleasures collection, can’t we?

1 2

The latest in the Forbidden line, Forbidden II symbolizes the enticement and temptation of a great love affair. Just like the stolen moments of any forbidden desire, this bed is designed to make the heart race. The fully upholstered headboard and base are delicately accented with antique gold leaf for a delicious black and gold piece.

Kelly The lux and bodacious Kelly Bed is the cool girl sipping cosmos in the dark corner of a chic NYC lounge. Her fluid curves are harmoniously matched by sumptuous pleated waves of supple velvet upholstery fabric. There are bound to be more than just a few suitors dying to get up close and personal with this fully upholstered body.

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Forbidden

Caprichosa Flirty and unpredictable like a modern woman, the Caprichosa’s voluptuous bed design mimics a woman’s most desirable curves.

Fitted like a little black dress in lux velvet upholstery fabric, a striking polished brass band hugs the base of her curvaceous body.

Sevilliana Inspired by wild, passionate nights at a Spanish dance, the Sevilliana bed embodies the graceful curves and attire of Sevillana dancing girls. Become entranced in the movement of modern lines drawing the eye down to the flirtatious fringe that skirts her base.

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Alexia Nothing says sultry Hollywood boudoir like the Alexia Bed. Her fully upholstered, velvet headboard’s sensuous curls and curves lead to tufted accents and vivacious golden nails lining the side. A lady and a flirt, her playful platform body rests on petite polished brass feet.

Koket beds can be ordered direct from the manufacturer – see bykoket.com for details. www.eastlife.co.nz 55 | eastlife | april 2016

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A Special Sense of Place

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High above the harbour Solway at Whitford is rural living at its finest.

Perfectly positioned between Whitford and Clevedon, this private estate features an idyllic blend of native bush and farmland.

Almost all of the elevated 3.5 hectare - 3000m2 lots boast panoramic 360Âş views of the Auckland isthmus, harbour and beyond. Poised high on the ridge to take advantage of the incredible views of the ocean and beyond each property is also designed to make the most of the all day sun.

Here you can build more than just your dream home − you can create your dream lifestyle.

Each lot has been specifically designed to sit in a cluster of other residences to give a sense of security and community whilst still maintaining privacy and views.

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Solway offers a rare and limited opportunity to enjoy incredible views, and an incredible lifestyle.

Call today to view: Contact Suzie Wigglesworth on 021 782 011 or visit www.solwaywhitford.co.nz

Howick

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56 | eastlife | april 2016

www.eastlife.co.nz Clevedon 11896

Lily

Forget Me Not

Gallipoli Rose

Rosemary

Living memorials Remembering those diggers who gave their all so we might never again turn plough shears into swords is most significant at this time of year.

However, keen gardeners can produce plants to provide sources of remembrance year-round, as JUDy HORTON from yates explains.

While there’ll be all sorts of ANZAC Day commemorations taking place again this year, one simple thing that can be done in our own backyards is remembrance planting.

Depending on space, a tree or something as small as a flowering plant may be selected. It’s not the size or longevity that counts, but the personal significance.

roSEMary Because it has been used as a symbol of remembrance since ancient times, Rosemary is probably the first plant that leaps to mind.

These days, it’s easy to find a spot for rosemary in the garden because there’s such a proliferation of varieties, large and small.

galliPoli roSE Cistus, or rock rose, became known as the Gallipoli rose because it grew and flowered so profusely on the Gallipoli hillsides. This pretty little Mediterranean shrub has slightly hairy leaves, and flowers very similar to pink or white single roses.

These perennial shrubs thrive in full sun during cool winter or dry summer climates and look especially attractive in pots. Apart from the occasional light trim, they will only need feeding every now and then – I recommend Dynamic Lifter Plus Flower Food. If planted now, rock roses should be nicely established in time for next year’s commemorations.

forgEt ME not The name ‘forget me not’ instantly connects the plant with the notion of remembrance. It’s so named because it’s said that once you have these pretty spring flowers in the garden, they’re with you forever.

While individual plants are shortlived, they seed so profusely that they come up again and again. yates’ packet seed range includes Forget Me Not Little Bluebird, a sweetly named variety which is an ideal filler in flower borders.

liliES White lilies often feature in lists of plants signifying remembrance. My all-time favourite is the perfumed Lilium longiflorum, which is variously known as November lily or Christmas lily, depending on the climate in which it’s grown.

It’s hard to look past this traditional, white favourite that in late spring/ early summer sends up metre-tall stems topped with classic, fragrant,

www.eastlife.co.nz

icy white trumpets. April’s a great time of year to look for lilium bulbs and there are lots of colours and shapes from which to choose.

PoPPiES Finally, Flanders poppies (pictured) are the plants most associated with the First World War battlefields and the trenches of Western Europe.

It’s thought that the soil disturbance caused mass germination of poppy seeds and, subsequently, their blood-red flowers – often marked with a black cross – became symbols of the massive loss of life.

This association was further cemented after the war’s end when red paper poppies were sold to raise funds to assist survivors.

Sow seeds into pots of seed raising mix and transplant carefully when the seedlings are large enough to handle. If sown in April, poppy seedlings will be ready to be planted out into a sunny, sheltered spot in the garden once the soil has cooled.

eastlife | april 2016 |

57

No, No Nanette,

Don’t go Nanette

She’s been called inspirational; she’s been called an institution – Nanette Cameron, interior design doyenne, has certainly been both. But now this flamboyant creative is set to retire and while HELEN PERRY hates to see her depart her role in the east, she believes it won’t be the last the design world sees of her.

Nanette Cameron has always been ‘on-trend’. Long before the phrase itself became trendy, she was at the cutting edge of interior design, a driving force in the arts and a stimulating educator – a woman ahead of her time.

Now, at 87 with a career spanning more than 60 years – some 50 of those associated with the former Pakuranga Community and Cultural Centre, and Fisher Gallery (now the Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts), she is retiring at the end of the year.

Some might say, ‘it’s time’; I’m not so sure. The idea of Nanette putting her feet up seems entirely alien.

A driving force in the founding of the Pakuranga Arts Society, the cultural centre and the Fisher Gallery, her real legacy is the Nanette Cameron School of Interior Design which she formed in 1975. It is now operated by Te Tuhi.

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retirement now looms, I believe her enthusiasm for the arts is unlikely to wane.

She once told me: “I love learning. It has given me enormous pleasure to travel and to see upcoming [design] trends – I’m not quite ready to give that up yet.” So, I’m thinking the learning won’t stop.

And, it appears Nanette does have plans to remain active in the Interior Design Guild and to do more writing.

For half a century her family home was in Sunnyhills, a converted sharemilker’s cottage, yet when Nanette decided to downsize a few years ago, she put aside sentimentality and embraced a move to the city.

“I just love the vitality of living in Freeman’s Bay,” she said soon afterwards. “I can walk to the city, the cinemas, the art gallery, Ponsonby and more. There is so much happening, I just love it!”

Those early classes quickly attracted decor enthusiasts but Nanette has said they weren’t about training designers. Rather, they were aimed at giving women the confidence to decorate their own homes, view more options and expand their horizons.

While she will always be remembered for her creative flair, her enterprise and her vision, it is this exuberance for life that will surely have left its mark on Nanette’s students and associates. It has on me.

Over time, the scope and calibre of the courses developed and, as a result, Nanette trained some of the country’s most prominent interior design consultants. Although

The EastLife team wishes Nanette a retirement that is anything but dull – one that brings new colour and texture and allows her to have fresh designs for living.

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Hiring a professional company like TimberTECH to refurbish your cedar home produces stunning results that can add tens of thousands of dollars to its value.

OMG! to DIY TimberTECH director MARK RALPH provides welcome advice on how to keep exterior cedar looking its best at all times.

Kiwi blokes love their DIY. And we’re good at it too. I recently spent much of one summer building a water feature out the front of our house.

Now, every time I see the crystal clear water spilling over the carefully placed rocks into the charming pool at the bottom, my chest puffs out with pride!

But if there’s one place where DIY is a bad idea, it’s in maintaining your home’s cedar exterior.

Now that might sound strange. I mean, how hard can it be for a bloke who can build a deck, throw up a fence and construct a barbie to waterblast off some dirt, sand the surface back here and there, then paint on a couple of coats of oil?

Truth is, it’s not hard at all.

But only a specialist can do it well The first point is that cedar is a soft timber, easily damaged. Unless you’re properly trained, you will damage the timber as you waterblast or scrub. I’ve seen it happen countless times.

Point two: painting is a specialist craft. It’s always easy to spot an amateur paint job – even when the amateur is a great DIYer. Final point: cedar is a premium timber. Architects specify it for buildings that matter, and people who buy cedar houses tend to be fussy. They notice how carefully the house has been maintained. They care about damaged cedar. They don’t like half-baked paint jobs. They want the best.

But DIY on cedar is like trying to do home mechanics on a Porsche.

So get smart and spend a few dollars hiring an expert to keep your cedar looking great. For every dollar you invest this way, you’ll reap around $4 to $5 in increased value on your home.

And you’ll have more time to build that barbie!

If you have any questions about taking care of your cedar home, call us on 0800 298 298 or email me: mark@timbertech.co.nz.

Until next month!

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eastlife | april 2016 |

59

THE

AgEnTS

Rent where you WANT TO LIvE AND BUy WHERE yOU CAN AFFORD

Rachael meyeR

tina waters

LICENSED SALESPERSON

LICENSED SALESPERSON

P: 09 538 1230 m: 021 110 3956 e: rachael.meyer@raywhite.com

P: 09 261 3580 M: 021 935 800 e: tina.waters@harcourts.co.nz w: tinawaters.harcourts.co.nz

If you are looking for a real estate salesperson who provides great service, whilst providing second to none communication, please give me a call.

“Thanks for thinking outside the box and making us consider options we may not have on our own. I trusted you throughout the process and always thought you had our best interests at heart.”

Theodora – Bucklands Beach

JANE WILSHER, from Elite Property Management, talks about making your first home an investment property.

Living in Dannemora has built my personal knowledge of the region and I have exceptional experience with real estate in Howick, Bucklands Beach and other East Auckland suburbs.

Marketing high profile properties out of our Botany Town Centre office is a joy. I am driven to achieve the best for my clients, especially when I can see little improvements that make a big difference to the sales potential of a home.

Mountfort Estate Agents Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

12 Uxbridge Rd, Howick. www.raywhite.co.nz

Special Agents 003 IAN BOSWELL, MARK VAN ETTEN & NICOLETTE HALE RESIDENTIAL SALES, BEACHLANDS

Ian 027 285 9314, i.boswell@barfoot.co.nz Mark 027 523 2245, mark.vanetten@barfoot.co.nz Nicolette 027 702 9157, n.hale@barfoot.co.nz www.specialagents003.co.nz This vibrant team puts the fun back into real estate while also achieving outstanding sales results. Now is your time to take advantage of the fantastic service they provide!

42 Wakelin Rd, Beachlands www.barfoot.co.nz

60 | eastlife | april 2016

Botany Town Centre, Dannemora. www.harcourts.co.nz

Leigh & greg roy

AREINZ

Principal and Owners

P: 09 538 0151 M: Greg 0274 966 966 M: Leigh 021 646 565 Your Independent Local Specialists – Leigh & Greg Roy With a combined 40 years’ experience selling real estate in the area, you can rest assured you’re in good hands.

Providing good old fashioned service with outstanding results and never losing sight of who it is that we are working for is the absolute foundation of our business.

Call us if you simply want advice, or are looking to buy or sell your home.

It’s no secret that getting onto the property ladder is difficult especially for first-time buyers and especially here in Auckland.

People may spend years saving for a deposit and often when they are getting close, the goal posts change.

Maybe bigger deposits are required or the home of your dreams has risen so much in value it’s never going to be affordable especially with the market moving too fast to keep up.

But maybe there’s a different way to look at things. Buying in a more affordable area might be the answer to your problem. That sounds obvious but often the issue is that the house you can afford is not where you want to live.

But who says you have to live there?

Instead of making your first property your home, you could make it the first in an investment portfolio and rent it out.

There’s nothing to stop you getting on the property ladder in one of the cheaper, up-and-coming areas of Auckland or even one of the other parts of the country that are now starting to follow the Auckland trend with rising capital values. you may prefer to live close to family and friends, somewhere that’s handy for work or in zone for good schools.

Perhaps you need to be near good

transport links or want a place near your favourite village or beach. If that’s the case consider renting a property in your ideal location and investing elsewhere.

Once on the property ladder, and assuming you have invested wisely, you will reap the rewards of this whether you live in the home or not.

So, maybe, by thinking outside the box, you can achieve success in the property investment market as well as a home that meets your needs.

It is always wise to take advice from your accountant, lawyer and from a trusted property manager before going along this route. Set up correctly, this type of investment might hold the key to your financial future.

If you are considering buying an investment property, and need to establish the rental return you are likely to achieve, we can provide a rental appraisal for you along with any other tenancy advice you need so please contact us at: 128 Picton Street, Howick.

Phone 09 535 0911 Website www.eliteproperty.co.nz Email: jane@eliteproperty. co.nz or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ elitepropertymanagementnz

Are you a landlord short on time?

Heading overseas? Or just over dealing with tenants?

We are your local specialist property managers based in Howick. Dedicated to finding quality tenants, maintaining your properties and getting you the best return on your investment.

128 Picton Street, Howick.

Phone 09 535 0911 www.eliteproperty.co.nz Email: jane@eliteproperty.co.nz or info@eliteproperty.co.nz

00973

111 Picton St, Howick. www.tfproperty.co.nz www.eastlife.co.nz

Signs of price resurgence Total Focus Principal, Greg Roy areinz, gives an update on the local real estate market happenings.

REINZ February figures, just released for our Eastern Beaches area, show that whilst the number of sales are still relatively low the median price has shot back up to near its peak of August 2015.

Yes, after months of the median slipping and the urgency disappearing out the market, we are seeing a turn around with good attendances through open homes and at auctions with competitive bidding.

2015 was a year of spectacular growth on our median price with a peak of $977,500 in August then a gradual decline down to $903,500 in December.

The 2016 year started with January at $928,00 and February up to at

$970,000. So the median is now 11.7% over February 2015 and 27.2% over February 2014.

As mentioned, the volume of sales for February, for our area, was still low with only 106 sales. Following January’s record low of 85 sales, this was the second lowest number for at least 10 years.

represents an 11% increase from a year ago and nearly a 27% from 2 years ago. Sales volumes were up on January to 1936 but down for the same month last year when there was 2359 sales.

Days to sell in February fell to 37 which was 9 days less than January.

Currently there are 354 properties showing for sale on realestate.co.nz for our area – a small decrease from the same week last month when there was 361 properties for sale.

Nationally, for February, there were 7291 sales, well up from January’s 5048 and the highest number of sales nationally for a February since 2007.

The regions of Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Nelson/ Marlborough all recorded new record high medians.

Auckland overall also saw an increase in the median for February, up to $750,000 from January’s $720,000.

Consistent with our area, this

Also nationally it’s interesting to note a few other things – firstly that the

median has increased to $450,000, up $20,000, or 4.7%, from February 2015; secondly, the number of sales by auction increased by 43% over the year to February to be the method now used for one in five sales; and, thirdly, there was a 17% rise in the number of sales over the one million mark for February 2016 compared to February 2015.

The flow on effect of the Auckland market is certainly making its presence felt in the national figures.

Please feel free to call me on 0274 966 966 to discuss your property needs.

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G.J Gardner Homes NAMED ‘MOST TRUSTED BRAND’

the independent research results, which backs up the fact that more New Zealanders have trusted G.J.’s to build their home over any other builder for the past 17 years.

According to independent research commissioned by leading consumer magazine, Reader’s Digest, G.J. Gardner Homes has been given the thumbs up by Kiwis as the country’s most trusted home builder.

“G.J. Gardner Homes is a network of locally owned businesses that are driven by good old-fashioned family values, integrity and honesty,” says Mr Porteous.

Commissioned by Catalyst Marketing & Research, the research asked more than 1200 New Zealanders to identify the most trusted products that dominate their lifestyles and hold their all-important trust. G.J. Gardner Homes took the top spot for home builders.

Grant Porteous, the NZ Master Franchisor for G.J. Gardner Homes, says he is extremely pleased with

“Trust plays such an important role in enjoying a home-building experience as it provides people with the assurance of knowing they are creating a home they really want.”

Reader’s Digest Australasian Editor-in-Chief, says: “It’s the brands which continue to offer quality and substance that hold our trust.

“The New Zealanders surveyed were asked what makes a brand

trustworthy. The results show they back brands that provide a premium quality at an affordable price; make life easier; have integrity and stand out from the competition; and create a strong emotional connection with the consumer.”

Mr Porteous concludes: “What really sets G.J. Gardner apart is that we want to make building a new home an awesome experience with no regrets. To hear people say they trust our business above and beyond our competitors is the best reward we could ask for.”

To see all the Trusted Brands category winners visit: www.trustedbrands.co.nz

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Steve Bull is the local Manukau/ East Auckland franchisee for G.J.Gardner Homes. Over the past 16 years Steve and his team have built more than 1000 homes. Steve says: “We strive to give every one of our customers a unique and rewarding building experience. While building a new home is not without it’s challenges, it is satisfying to know that consumers trust G.J’s, above our competitors, to guide them through the design and building of their own homes.”

Mention building and the name that springs to many a homeowner’s mind is G.J.’s. They’ve heard the commendations and seen the product and, now, G.J Gardner Homes has again been confirmed as one of New Zealand’s most trusted brands.

62 | eastlife | april 2016

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Starting the new financial year –

Is your lease in order?

Fencible Law Director, Lawyer & Entrepreneur, RICHARD GALBRAITH, with his take on commercial lease responsibilities.

With the end of the financial year now here for most of us, it is an appropriate time to do a business health check and ensure all your business structures are in place as you embark on the 2016/2017 financial year.

the monthly rental plus GST (if applicable).

Perhaps the most important document for any business is a commercial lease. Without security of your premises your business could suffer a life threatening blow should you lose the right to occupy at short notice.

• Replace and repair glass breakages • Repaint and re-decorate the premises when reasonably required • Replace all worn or damaged floor coverings (carpet) with ones of equal or better quality • Maintain any garden and lawn areas to a tidy and cared for condition; and • Make minor repairs to the roof where necessary.

Most commercial leases in the southeast area of Auckland are based around a well-used Deed of Lease provided by the Auckland District Law Society.

The lease provides a number of protections to you as a tenant and, in particular, the most important being that the landlord will not interfere with your possession and use of the property should you maintain your obligations contained in terms of the Deed of Lease.

You also have certain maintenance obligations and must care for the property. Some of the responsibilities that you may not be aware of include:

Liability on assignment of your lease There are a number of different reasons that tenants assign their leases, for example, on sale of a business.

in the business premises long term, either by way of a long lease or by providing several rights of renewal.

What many people do not realise however, is that the original tenant’s liability does not necessarily end when they assign the lease (and become an “assignor”) to a new tenant.

If you enter into a lease you will typically still be liable for the full current term of that lease regardless of whether you assign to a new tenant.

When liability ends Your liability as assignor will typically end at the expiry of the current lease term in place at the time of assignment.

If the purchaser exercises a right to renew after that term has expired, this would effectively be a new lease and you won’t be liable for a breach by the new tenant during the new term.

You can limit your risk when assigning your lease by asking the landlord to agree to limit your liability (although they do not have to agree).

If the new tenant breaches any of the conditions of the lease, you could still be liable for that breach. For example, You could also require the new tenant An important part of selling your if the new tenant fails to pay rent, the to provide you with an indemnity; business is ensuring that it is landlord can often pursue you for the however this does not prevent the LAW • TS OR attractive as possible to a potential loss, as even after assignment of the IESlandlord recovering from you for ING • SP • LEND RNE • ET CI BO SO OS E & LI S KY • CL Naturally, as a tenant you are purchaser. This means making sure lease stillUB retain your original any firstUGH DINGof• the lease in theLO ITHcan ILbreach RAyou LB OMISES • BU MCCUL RICHARD GA TARY PR TES IPS • KELLY ESTA responsible for payment of that a•new tenant can• continue toON stay• TE contractual obligation to RE the LA landlord.

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“Proud to be trusted lawyers in our Community”

Time for a tidy up Wynyard Wood consultant, RICHARD OSBORNE, whose specialties include commercial law and intellectual property law, writes on issues concerning the business community The Personal Property Securities Act 1999 (PPSA) is modern legislation that has been in force for some time.

It provides a framework for using personal property to secure the performance of obligations, usually the payment of money owed or borrowed.

The basic idea of the PPSA is that the person seeking the payment or performance (the secured person) is given the right, by the person with the obligation (the debtor), to register a charge or financing statement on the public Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) over property owned or held by the debtor.

Personal property extends to include leases of personal property for periods of 12 months or more (a trap).

This is on the basis that the lessee is in apparent possession of the goods.

A PPSR registration is necessary to protect the interest of the lessor as a secured party. Buyers of goods, and lessees of goods sold or leased in the ordinary course of business, take the property free of any charge.

Although time of registration on the PPSR gives priority, there is one exception that can cause some PPSR issues. The exception is where a seller sells goods to a buyer but the price is left outstanding for later payment (a credit transaction).

The registration right generally arises from a security agreement signed by the secured party and the creditor or otherwise acknowledged by them.

The PPSR financing statement is a notice to the public that the secured person has a right to the personal property of the debtor, as collateral.

In those circumstances, if the seller acts promptly a financing statement can be registered that has a superpriority over all prior charges, even over a prior blockbuster charge over the creditor’s all present and after acquired property (APAAAP).

The secured party’s rights arise from the time of registration of the financing statement. Anyone dealing with the creditor expecting to deal with the same property takes subject to the prior charge even if they also register a financing statement on the PPSR.

This is the so-called purchase money security interest (PMSI) of the seller. When you buy goods and sign purchase forms you might be agreeing to the registration of a PMSI. If you searched yourself on the PPSR you might find an unexpected PMSI charge.

The PPSA Regulations prescribe certain rules for the way in which a financing statement is recorded on the PPSR. Usually the right to proceeds has to be described in some way (the precise level of detail being somewhat uncertain). The PPSR prescribes a Collateral Type box and (if required) a Description box.

Because PMSI holders are nervous of their rights and uncertain of which box to tick on the PPSR it is common for the Collateral Type and Description boxes to include an APAAAP description as well as the correct Collateral Type: Goods-Other notation with a further Description of the goods actually supplied by the PMSI holder plus a reference to proceeds.

The Courts have held that this incorrect, and overly broad description, is not an invalid PPSR

registration. However, as the PPSR financing statement is just a warning flag to other potential secured parties, the registration does not increase the rights of the PMSI beyond a narrower security interest in the goods actually supplied.

The potential problem is that of priority. If the PMSI holder later got the consent of the debtor to a general rather than specific property or security agreement that later security interest would be perfected or validated from the earlier APAAAP PPSR registration date and so jumps ahead of genuine but later APAAP charges.

Generally, these kind of inaccuracies should be tidied up by the creditor giving notice to the secured party which he is entitled to do under the PPSA. Winter approaches.

Something for a rainy afternoon?

+ Business and Commercial + Property + Litigation, Mediation & Intellectual Property + Trusts and Asset Management + Family and Matrimonial + Employment + Wills and Estates Wynyard Wood, Highbrook Business Park P: 09 969 0126 E: manager@wynyardwood.co.nz

www.wynyardwood.co.nz HIGHBROOK | AUCKLAND | WARKWORTH 00399

64 | eastlife | april 2016

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Happy new financial year The 2015-16 financial year is now closed, but this is where the work begins, says Pat Callinan, of Pat Callinan Accounting in Howick.

If you file your own tax return, you have until July 7, whilst those registered with an authorised Tax Agency have the luxury of a full year (until March 31, 2017).

However, Pat warns against leaving things until the last minute. “The best plan is to grit your teeth and get your paperwork up to date. No matter how painful it seems now, it will only get worse, and your accountant won’t be able to do the best job for you if it’s rushed.”

Pat also points out that there will be some people expecting money back, which is another compelling reason to get returns in early – the sooner the paperwork is done, the sooner the money will be released.

If this is your first tax return and you’re not quite sure where to start, Pat urges you to get in touch.

“Our door is open and I have great team here who will provide friendly, expert help”.

Looking forward to the forthcoming financial year, Pat suggests a New Year’s resolution to get things started.

“Why not toast the year in with a glass of something nice and a commitment to keeping better records this coming year?” he smiles. “If book keeping isn’t your strong point, consider getting some help. Alternatively, your accountant should be able to give you some sound advice on how to record your information simply and effectively.”

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SPECIAL DEAL! To help you make the change, Pat Callinan is offering $150 OFF YOUR FIRST ACCOUNTING FEE for those who sign up with Pat Callinan Accounting from now until April 30, 2016. Just quote EASTLIFE APRIL 16 to take advantage of this great deal!

It’s time to look for a new accountant if: • You always deal with different people, who do not know your business inside out.

• You get charged every time you pick up the phone or email with a little query.

• You travel a long way into the city to see your accountant then spend a fortune on parking.

• You do not have a great sense of confidence in your accountant

Finally, if you don’t have an accountant, or are feeling dissatisfied with your current level of service, now’s the time to make a change.

• Your accountant doesn’t keep you updated on any changes in tax laws that might be important for you.

Once your tax return is in safe hands, you can concentrate on what you do best – running your business.

• Your accountant isn’t proactive in helping you meet your IRD obligations as cost-effectively as possible.

22 Picton St, Howick. Ph 533-8420 www.patcallinan.co.nz Email karenh@patcallinan.co.nz

www.eastlife.co.nz

interest rates falling Local Authorised Financial Adviser DAVID MORGAN discusses the options for savers and retirees.

Interest rates are falling. What are the options for savers and retirees?

say that cash deposits are among the most conservative assets available.

On March 10, the Reserve Bank reduced the Official Cash Rate to a record low 2.25%. This was the latest in a series of interest rate cuts as the Reserve Bank struggles to lift inflation and protect our economy from the slowdown in the dairy sector.

It is also fair to say that many of us can sensibly invest some of our assets in alternatives to cash, as long as the overall portfolio remains suitable for each individual and, importantly, it is projected to achieve our goals.

Whilst there is no arguing with the Reserve Bank’s intensions, this is bad news for investors with cash deposits.

Reductions in the Official Cash Rate are typically followed by lower deposit rates from our retail banks. Whilst we became used to earning more than 6% on bank deposits throughout the 2000’s, most banks now pay less than 3.5% per annum on 12-month term deposits. That’s less than 2.9% after tax for a 17.5% tax payer. This could shrink further if the Reserve Bank makes a further cut later this year.

For those saving for, or funding retirement, returns matter. Retirement planning relies on investments growing and generating income.

Lower returns could mean falling short of long term goals, so understanding the alternatives is important.

The appeal of cash deposits lies in the fact that they are secure and stable. As investors, we share the desire to avoid risk and volatility.

But conservative assets traditionally generate lower returns, and it is fair to

This requires a portfolio that can provide sufficient cash flow to meet one’s cost of living, plus long term growth to sustain that cash flow over the long term. One example is the AMP Capital Income Generator Fund.

Designed to suit a moderate investment risk profile, the Income Generator Fund aims to provide a fixed monthly income in excess of bank deposit rates with a positive, long term return on capital. To achieve this, the fund invests in a diversified mix of assets, with a focus on reliable income generation.

Whilst the total return on the fund is not guaranteed, the Income Generator Fund’s monthly distributions are fixed each year for 12 months. The amount is based on the fund’s projected income for the year. The current annual distribution rate has recently been set at 5% (before tax and fees) until March 2017.

For more information on investment options please contact David or Mark for a free no obligation initial consultation.

Disclosure Statement: David Morgan has a disclosure document that is available on request and is free of charge. The information in this article is of a general nature only and is no substitute for personalised advice. To the extent that any of the above content constitutes financial advice, it is class advice only. If you would like advice that takes into account your particular financial situation or goals, please contact your Financial Adviser.

Contact Mark or David, your local Authorised Financial Advisers.

Mark Steele E: mark.steele@spicers.co.nz P: 09 337 7824 David Morgan E: david.morgan@spicers.co.nz P: 09 271 1705

A disclosure statement is available on request and free of charge.

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Kiwis give digital payments the thumbs up shopping online (49% stated this was their top concern); ensuring one is dealing with a legitimate business (35% top concern) and whether the quality will be as described/expected (34% top concern).

Techno Kiwis appear to be cashing out of cash when it comes to paying their bills opting instead for the likes of contactless payments via smartphones or computers.

According to new research from MasterCard half of New Zealanders will no longer be using cash in 10 years time. While 49% of those surveyed expect their use of cash to be virtually nil; over a third of those thought retailers needed to do more to embrace new payment technologies.

Country Manager for MasterCard New Zealand, Peter Chisnall says New Zealanders are early adopters of technology and are increasingly seeking fast, convenient and secure ways to pay.

“Retailers who offer new technologies such as contactless payments are finding it a fast, reliable, easy way for customers to pay and that it provides a positive customer experience.”

Interestingly, concern about online security of personal and banking details had decreased in this year’s survey showing Kiwis have become more comfortable and confident in conducting more personal business online.

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Retailers who offer new technologies such as contactless payments are finding it a fast, reliable, easy way for customers to pay and that it provides a positive customer experience.”

The survey showed that transactions made with cash will continue to decrease, with 36% of consumers saying they could live without cash and only use emerging payment technologies in just a few years’ time. What’s more, 41% of people said they would already consider using contactless technology on their smartphone.

Safety and speed were not only important for consumers shopping in store but also online. Security remained the biggest concern when

While 66% of New Zealanders were found to make purchases online at least once a month, the survey showed the biggest concern with shopping online was still the security of banking and personal details (49% top concern), but this was down from 60% in 2015.

When asked about new payment technologies, 44% think mobile payments will be the next thing to take off in New Zealand. This was followed by biometrics/facial recognition/fingerprints (21%) and wearable technology including smartwatches (18%).

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09 535 2239

66 | eastlife | april 2016

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Right ‘Hon’ Key From packing his trunk for a visit to Asia, to playing I spy at home, John has recently been hard at work shoring up agreements as these little ditties (seen through the eyes of the EastLife team) show.

Great Dame Reddy for role Mr Key has welcomed the Queen’s approval of Dame Patsy Reddy as our next Governor-General, the third woman to hold the position.

“I am delighted Dame Patsy accepted the role,” said John. “She is thoughtful, articulate and has a brilliant legal mind. I am sure New Zealanders will be proud to have her as our Governor-General.”

Dame Patsy has worked in the public sector in such roles as Chief Crown Negotiator for Treaty settlements, the Chair of the New Zealand Film Commission and Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency.

She most recently worked with Sir Michael Cullen on the review of New Zealand’s Intelligence and Security agencies – see below. Dame Patsy will succeed Sir Jerry Mateparae who will complete his term on August 31.

“I would like to thank Sir Jerry for his dedication and service as GovernorGeneral and wish him and Lady Janine all the very best for the future,” added Mr Key.

Teacher, lawyer, politician, spy Key and his colleagues at the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) were subject to an independent review recently.

Dame Patsy Reddy and Sir Michael Cullen were tasked with considering whether legislation concerning the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) and Security Intelligence Service (SIS) is well placed to protect national security, while protecting individual rights.

Mr Key (chair of ISC) said the resulting Independent Review of Intelligence report offers extensive recommendations designed to improve clarity and consistency of legislative framework governing the agencies. www.eastlife.co.nz

The PM, John Key congratulates Dame Patsy Reddy on her appointment as New Zealand’s next Governor General.

“The central recommendation is that there should be a single, comprehensive Act covering both the agencies and their oversight regime,” Mr Key said. “The Government must now carefully consider its response to these recommendations.

The full report is available via parliament.nz (search for ‘independent review-of-intelligence’).

Right ‘Ceylon’ John John Key believes new Sri Lankan dairy development deals will yield opportunities for New Zealand businesses.

During an official visit to Sri Lanka, the PM announced that the Dairy Cooperation Arrangement will be extended to two new projects which will see the Indian Ocean nation benefit to the tune of approximately $5.9m.

“New Zealand is strongly committed to helping improve the productivity and efficiency of the Sri Lankan dairy industry, in order to improve the livelihoods of the Sri Lankan people. Working in partnership is essential for island nations like ours,” he said. “[These] dairy cooperation projects are part of New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to Sri Lanka and will see local dairy farmers benefit from the expertise of our world-class farming industry.”

The Dairy Cooperation Arrangement between New Zealand and Sri Lanka has been in effect since 2013. Key added that it benefits both nations.

“Sri Lanka also offers significant opportunities for New Zealand businesses in areas such as tourism, education, IT, infrastructure development and aviation, as well as to serve as a platform for expansion into the wider South Asia region.”

The new projects are The Dairy Training Excellence Initiative – providing training to smallholder Sri Lankan dairy farmers – and an extension to the Wanni Dairy Regeneration Activity – to help post-war communities in northern Sri Lanka generate sustainable agricultural income.

Not-so-secret agent man Clark Kent was Superman; Batman, Bruce Wayne; even James Bond had a secret identity or two, but there’s no secret to the identity of New Zealand’s top super spy guy.

By appointing Andrew Hampton director of the GCSB, the PM believes the national security agency is in safe hands.

“Mr Hampton is a respected senior public servant with experience in senior leadership roles across the public service,” Mr Key said.

“His leadership skills and public

service experience will help strengthen the GCSB and ensure it fulfils its important role in protecting our national security and wellbeing within the constraints of the law.”

‘Agent’ Hampton is expected to report for duty by month’s end.

Auckland packs on the ‘derms Although John’s efforts last year to bring in a very special Chinese immigrant to Wellington were more than many could ‘bear’, there’s still likely to be an elephant in the room... or zoo, at least.

During his visit to Sri Lanka, John trumpeted the signing of an agreement which sees Auckland Zoo gifted with a second Sri Lankan elephant.

“New Zealand’s weather seems to agree with Sri Lankan elephants with the first, Anjalee, putting on 700kg in her first year in Auckland,” he said.

“The second will prove a great drawcard for tourists and locals alike.

This is another example of the close and growing relationship between our countries and I thank the Sri Lankan Government for entrusting us with her.”

In return, the zoo will assist with Sri Lanka’s management of its own elephant population, and help train Sri Lankan wildlife workers. eastlife | april 2016 |

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Interest rate cuts DON’T TRANSLATE TO FINANCIAL PROGRESS! DIANNE BARLOW from enableMe Auckland South & East talks about reducing mortgages to save money.

In New Zealand it seems we’ve been indoctrinated on trying to ‘get the best deal’ and to negotiate the ‘lowest possible interest rates’.

Win!

We often forget that it’s the overall cost of the loan or mortgage that is the most important thing to remember. Banks make money from clients having a mortgage with them for as long as possible.

With the recent surprise cut to the OCR, now is a great time to really analyse your mortgage and try to structure things so you pay the least amount of interest possible.

On an average mortgage of say $350,000 with an average interest rate over a standard term of say 25-30 years, the total cost of that mortgage will be around $1 million!

With house values increasing in Auckland, many residents will have mortgages well in excess of this amount, so it’s even more important for these to be structured correctly so they can be paid off faster than the bank’s want.

In many ways the interest rate is somewhat of a “red-herring”.

Irrespective of your interest rate you will ALWAyS save more money by paying off debt as fast as your

situation allows but you must be strategic about it. you need to ensure you are doing it the smartest way possible so that you have maximum control and flexibility. i.e. don’t just increase your repayments or shorten the mortgage term as you can’t easily get your money back and you may commit yourself to higher than feasible repayments. yes, low interest rates are a great opportunity to get ahead faster but unless you have a plan to put those savings to good use, they are just going to be lost. For most people the ‘savings’ will slip through their fingers.

There has to be a reason not to spend those savings or a way to track them otherwise the money will be frittered away. you need a

‘

LEADING MINDFULLy On an average mortgage of say $350,000 with an average interest rate over a standard term of say 25-30 years, the total cost of that mortgage will be around $1 million!

plan that’s motivating enough to take those savings and pay off your mortgage quick and to get in control of your money.

For an independent and impartial review of your finances visit enableme.co.nz and request a consultation with Dianne, the local financial personal trainer in Botany South.

Designed to help leaders at all levels enhance effectiveness and enjoyment of leading in business, Leading Mindfully is the latest release from leadership specialist and management coach, Amanda Sinclair.

In a world of never-ending ‘to do’ lists, this book focuses on practical and sustainable (yet simple) strategies for leading the charge.

To enter the draw visit www.eastlife. co.nz. Click on the competition link and complete the form.

One entry per email address/person; entries close April 30, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

• Amanda Sinclair: Leading Mindfully | RRP $36.99 | Allen & Unwin

HOWICK, BOTANY, PAKURANGA AND SURROUNDS

Tell us what is happening Your MonthLY LifEstYLE MAgAzinE

We want to know... what you think... what you like... what you want to see in EastLife

Be in our May issue Copy deadline April 20, 2016. Distributed first week of May

Contact us Ph 271 8020 • info@eastlife.co.nz • www.eastlife.co.nz 68 | eastlife | april 2016

www.eastlife.co.nz

parting shot

Left, right... out With sport I’m stupid-stitious; I’m convinced that by wearing my Black Caps supporter’s shirt while watching games, I’m increasing the odds that the boys will bowl over the opposition. Probably not, really, but can I afford to take the risk?

Said ‘theory’ was put to the test earlier this year when I sported my brand new Black Caps ODI shirt.

To begin with, things were going swimmingly until I realised my shirt differed from those of some players in one distinct way. Wickets then (coincidentally) tumbled!

It turned out my shirt was lefthanded, whereas I am right-handed; right-handed players have the Canterbury logo on their right sleeve (Ford on the left), for lefties it’s the other way around. So I sent the following (I thought obviously) tongue-in-cheek email to Rebel Sport: “Thanks so much for the NZ ODI shirt I bought from you, however I’ve realised you guys gave me a LEFTHANDED jersey, when I’m RIGHTHANDED! But it gets worse... we had a game of backyard cricket and my team lost thanks to a poor performance from

yours truly because, as I was wearing the jersey, I was compelled to try and bat left-handed, with poor results.

I began to wonder why players’ left and right-handed jerseys differed – my missus, who works in fashion, said it’s all about players putting the best logo ‘Ford’. By this, she meant the motorcar company’s logo would be better seen when players are batting.

This seems similar with other teams’ shirts too.

“So, can I exchange it? Also, as there was a box of beer on the line at today’s game, it would be nice if Rebel Sport were to reimburse me for that... I would have played much better if able to bat right-handed. I look ‘Ford’ to your timely reply.”

So, are there actually two different supporters’ jerseys on the market? If not, why did Canterbury choose only to release left rather than right-handed versions?

Rebel Sport’s reply was timely but that’s where it ended: “I do apologise that you were given a left-handed shirt.

Unfortunately, as part of the returns regulations, the item has to be in its original unused condition. You will not be able to return it unless it has a manufacturing fault.”

No case of many happy returns for me – not that I really intended to do so anyway, of course.

This response amazed me; did this

Offending article – right-handed Jon’s left-handed jersey.

person know what I meant by left and right-handed jerseys or was I dealing with a Rebel without a clue?

I must iterate that this is all a pointless exercise, but it intrigued me.

I contacted Canterbury but after numerous emails and calls, no answers were provided, so I guess I’m left right out in the dark on this issue.

But cricket season is now over and, with Carter and McCaw gone from rugby who wants to cheer for Canterbury (of any description) anyway?

– By Jon Rawlinson

I was unaware... that I was unawarE – part 1 Bill Potter – The Business Maverick. Bill is an international Keynote Speaker, MC and Coach, who’s presented in 57 countries so far. www.speakers.co.nz/ our-speakers/all-speakers/bill-potter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToRhF22nARM Unaware is not the bad spelling of something else, although in today’s disregard for spelling anything correctly, it could be confusing.

The definition of ‘unaware’ is very ho-hum. It means... ‘having no knowledge of a situation or fact’. It almost touches upon our being... ‘blissfully’ unaware. Gazooks!

It is best illustrated by watching the growing number of hapless, habitual, hunched-over, holders of the much hallowed, hand-held www.eastlife.co.nz

(or hand-free), high-tech, handpieces which offer everything from hearsay, heart-warming and humour to hoaxes, hostility and hijack. We are totally ‘hooked’.

Hallelujah.

It isn’t actually about ‘good’ or ‘bad’. It just has ‘side-effects’.

It can hinder or enhance. It can create haphazard days instead of orderly ones. Responding to every incoming connection is very habitforming. And, when we add the headphones, many of us hibernate into an inner, virtual vacuum.

Is that bad? We believe, mostly not. However, something happens on such occasions. Our ‘awareness’ levels plummet.

We ‘lose’ ourselves in an inner sanctum, which can make us vulnerable. We become less ‘alert’, the very skill our ancestors, and the animal kingdom, fine-tuned to stay alive!

Injuries from texting and driving are usually more serious. Injuries from texting and walking occur more often. Duh! Most go unreported. So. Are you cautious or clueless?’ Do you walk with your nose buried in your phone, oblivious to what’s going on around you? Look up! Pay attention! Take control again.

In a fast, scatter-brain world, the ‘awareness factor’ is more important than it ever was. Now, when you are asked, ‘Are you aware that...?’, you can reply, ‘Yes. I am!’ Next Issue, I will alert you to this ‘awareness factor’. Meanwhile, watch these people, from Foofooland at... https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=wl0JojWH1rQ I coach... PATH2©: The AllRounder Course for 3Percenters, on Skype. It is a personal power course for serious Go-getters, who want to own their tomorrow, today.

PATH2© contains world-unique content. Are you a 3Percenter?

We’ll see... Cheers. Bill.

– duitdammit@xtra.co.nz eastlife | april 2016 |

69

Leather upholstery is standard, as are keyless entry and start.

Photos Alistair Davidson

A Mustang in the stable When EastLife’s motoring correspondent ALISTAIR DAvIDSON, took charge of a six-speed, manual Mustang v8 GT Coupe, the selfconfessed petrol head was in his element. He proclaimed it, ‘a whole lot of car for the money!’

A couple of years ago I was sitting near two Mustang jacket, T-shirt and cap-wearing enthusiasts at a car event in Auckland. They were discussing an upcoming classic car show in New Plymouth.

“So which Mustang will you be taking?” asked one.

“Oh, definitely the modern, it’s way more comfortable that our old ’65 Fastback,” replied his mate.

I was aghast. Who’d take a late model Ford Mustang to a classic car show, when you have a ‘real’ one at home?

Lots of people, apparently.

The iconic ‘pony car’ epitomises everything that was cool about America and its automobile culture in the 60s, so the idea of owning an early Mustang has huge appeal to car enthusiasts who grew up when Ford Mustang was in its prime.

Ford reckons Mustang GT will achieve a combined fuel consumption fi gure of 13.1/100km; the best EastLife managed was 15.2, but we weren’t striving for economy.

70 | eastlife | april 2016

www.eastlife.co.nz

‘

The car’s arse squatted down, the nose lifted and it launched hard. No loss of traction, no fuss, no drama; just arrowstraight acceleration to 100km/h, and the v8 hadn’t quite redlined in second gear.

When these petrol heads reach a point in their lives that they can afford a Mustang they have two options: invest in a classic that’s restored or needs to be rebuilt; or buy a late model, privately imported example.

and there’s still a waiting list out to November on some models.

Nostalgia’s a fine thing, but the harsh reality is that classics are sometimes temperamental, need plenty of maintenance, and can be tough to live with on a daily basis.

Although Mustang’s a new thing for New Zealand, production in America has never stopped since the original 1964-1/2 model. Ford has had plenty of time to get it right, and that’s reflected in this, the third generation of ‘new retro’ models.

Modern Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers and Corvettes can be privately imported and kept left-hand drive under the SIv (Special Interest vehicle) rule introduced in 2010.

These American v8s are fun, fast, look good and are a viable daily driver, which is why the annual SIv quota has consistently been reached well before year’s end.

However, these aren’t the answer for folk who want right-hand drive and a new-car warranty.

This lack of availability is a challenge that’s not limited to U.S. iron. In general, rear-wheel drive v8s are as scarce as a Toyota Prius at a drag strip, and the impending demise of Commodore and Falcon won’t help.

Fortunately, Ford has a solution. For the first time in Mustang’s almost 52-year history, factory-built, righthand drive coupes and convertibles can now be bought brand new.

Launched locally last year, all-new Mustang is selling like Bandaids at a razorblade juggling competition, www.eastlife.co.nz

There’s no doubt that Mustang’s local and international sales success is due, in part, to history and hype, but there’s more to it than that.

A week with a metallic black sixspeed manual v8 GT Coupe left no doubt that this is a seriously good car.

Even in manual guise, Mustang GT is docile and easy to live with around town, and the too-quiet exhaust system adds to its mild mannered Clark Kent persona.

I took a mate for a drive. As we trundled through suburbia he said, ‘okay, it looks good, but it’s bit tame’.

A few minutes later we rolled out of town and into open road speed limits.

After giving the area a 360-degree eyeball I slowed the Mustang, grabbed second gear and buried my right foot.

The car’s arse squatted down, the nose lifted and it launched hard. No loss of traction, no fuss, no drama; just arrow-straight acceleration to 100km/h, and the v8 hadn’t quite redlined in second gear.

Next, we tried it again in first

gear with the car in ‘Track’ mode.

Supposedly for off-road use only (yeah, right), it almost switches driver aids like traction control off (there’s still some intervention in case things go really pear-shaped).

The result was much the same, with the addition of a little bit of a squirm from the rear tyres. Sure, I wouldn’t want to try that in the wet, but the level of grip in the dry is impressive.

This is the first Mustang with independent rear suspension, which plays a big part in how well the 5.0-litre’s 306kW and 530Nm of grunt is transferred to the tarseal.

Handling, and grip when cornering, are impressive too.

Unlike the original Mustang that buyers ‘optioned up’ from the base model, today’s GT comes highly specified. From Sync II and an eightinch touch screen to a choice of driving and power steering modes, it’s all there.

Priced at $74,880 Mustang GT manual is a whole lot of car for the money.

Sure, it has its shortcomings (the back seat is basically pointless, quiet exhaust and some aluminium/ silver-look switches that look and feel tacky), but they’re far outweighed by the sensational styling, refined ride and comfort, ease of use and v8 grunt.

A Mustang turns any drive, be it a daily commute or a weekend blast, into a special occasion. Hard not to love it. eastlife | april 2016 |

71

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EastLife is an upmarket, lifestyle magazine, designed to stir the senses and promote a passion for living. It is delivered to selected residential areas and businesses including cafes and waiting rooms or it can be picked up from drop boxes around the district - see list pages 72-73. Alternatively subscribe to ensure you receive a copy.

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LET YOUR INSTINCTS DRIVE YOU.

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PLANTATION POINT MOVE IN TODAY ONE LEVEL LIVING

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