EastLife July 2016 by Times Media

eastlife.co.nz

CROSSFIT

team strong performers

July 2016

Child focus

WE TAKE KIDS SERIOUSLY

Sandy gives

HEART & SOLE

MREINZ

total focus

Issue Thirty Seven

PROPERTY LTD

Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

Welcome to Issue No 37of Eastlife

Thank you everyone for your kind words and messages for our 10th birthday. Its’ been overwhelming, very humbling, and really lovely to know that our point of difference is so recognised and appreciated. We opened our doors 10 years ago as an independent locally owned boutique real estate company, as we wanted to provide a company that offered a truly personalised service, a strong work ethic and genuine care for our clients. We felt it was easy to get lost and treated as just another listing in the corporate world, so from this desire we began. We never want to be the biggest company out there but I can assure you we will always aim to be the very best. So thank you once again, keep warm and stay safe till next month. Leigh QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” Confucius

Thinking of selling? Here’s what Janet and Glen from Cockle Bay had to say about their buying and selling experience with the team at Total Focus Property. “The way that your team works and how all team members are involved in the process takes away that horrible feel of competition between agents where a client can feel piggy in the middle. In addition everyone was extremely patient in answering questions as well as in explaining processes and legalities, and on more than one occasion several times until we got it! What really stood out the most was how you and your team genuinely care about your clients needs and the situation that they are in. You checked back with us and reassured us often to make sure we were comfortable with what was happening. Your availability was always prompt and easy . For us the unfortunate circumstances that led to us selling was dealt with by all of you with gentleness and care where we were not just a number or dollar value to you and we are so grateful for that. We noticed how you balanced dealing with the buying and selling parties for the best interests of both parties. You worked long late hours to make it happen and never once did we feel pressured or persuaded beyond what we wanted. We have and will continue to recommend your team to others for your outstanding service.” Kind regards Glen and Janet

Unbelievable Panoramic Sea Views

Build your dream home, make this your reality! Positioned in an idyllic location this elevated section has stunning panoramic sea views. Such a superb and wide vista, you will enjoy watching the boats cruising up and down the harbour. Stroll down to the local restaurants, and enjoy leisurely evening walks as you watch the sun set. Bucklands Beach Peninsula is a very sought after and desirable location. Seize this exciting opportunity for builders, investors or families wanting to build a stunning new home!

Our team!

Greg Roy AREINZ 0274 966 966 Principal

Leigh Roy 021 646 565 Director

For more information call Lynne 021 467940

The “Real Estate Specialists”

Tracey Flack 0278 230 557

David Prescott 021 821 131

2 | eastlife | july 2016

www.tfproperty.co.nz - ref:TFP38108

111 Picton Street, Howick

Lynne Hodges 021 467 940

Lawrence Roy 021 660 085

Paul Charlesworth 027 280 9551

Karen Dawson 538 0151

www.tfproperty.co.nz www.eastlife.co.nz

00792-v6

on the cover

Elections Homework Time Whoever said you’re never too old to learn was certainly right. Well, in my opinion anyway. Every month as I read the varied submissions from EastLife columnists, I just keep learning.

IT’S TOUGH, NO KIDDING! With an innocent, butterwouldn’t-melt, adorably enquiring expression, a youngster asks her father why his hair has white in it. Daddy answers, exhaustedly: ‘because of you, sweetie, because of you...’ Raising children is never child’s play, but moments such as these are priceless. And, while there’s no such thing as a comprehensive, all-encompassing parenting guide, thankfully, help is on hand, as this month’s special Child Focus section reveals. For tips and advice on growing great children, see pages 24-30.

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

I’ve been mesmerised by bewell columnist, Clive Plucknett and have passed many of his articles to others. Since Mark Steel from Spicers joined the team, I have become an avid reader of his column – as an ‘oldie’ I fit his target market! Bill Potter never fails to inspire (and makes me laugh too) and this month, Richard Osborne from Wynyard Wood has really taught me a thing or two. At my age it’s easy to think I know a lot, if not all. But as the wise will tell us, that is never the case. On the other hand, I know parents of young children (my daughter included) gain from Rockabye’s regular words and this month’s Child Focus feature will hopefully add to their insight on child development. Our columns are one of the reasons I enjoy editing EastLife so much. I also feel humbled by the astonishing accomplishments of so many locals. I do hope readers also benefit from

4-5 community calendar

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

6-7

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

8 interview

Level 1, The Lane, Botany Town Centre, Botany, Auckland. PO Box 259-243, Botany, Auckland 2163 Like us on facebook: www.facebook.com/ magazine 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.

www.eastlife.co.nz

And, in these often perplexing times, who knows what the future holds. With the UK voting to exit the European Union, I don’t imagine many can truly foresee how this might play out long term. Just prior to the vote, I heard one man say, “my heart says leave, but my head says stay”. I wonder how many others felt similarly and what route they followed? Here, Kiwis also need to be doing some soul searching and sound homework ahead of local body elections in October. We often think we see issues clearly only to listen to debate and realise things are notas clear cut as they seem. So, consider the future of our SuperCity and the direction it needs to take now. Talk to your councillors, ask questions of mayoral candidates, think about what is important for Auckland’s future. Consider who has done what over the past few years and ask yourselves have our councillors risen to the challenges or is it time for fresh blood?

This month...

Sales: Bev Drake 09 271 8092, bev@eastlife.co.nz

Photography: Wayne Martin

from reading about our inspirational EastLifers. Learning about their achievements is a breath of fresh consciousness and gives me hope for the future.

I wonder how many readers have attended a council or local board meeting and watched how their elected members perform? Perhaps this is something we could all do more of instead of waiting for decisions to be made and then feeling disgruntled if we don’t agree. What’s more it is not good enough to vote on name recognition which some do. That’s why, three months out from our Auckland City elections, I urge residents to consider the future and the choices they will be asked to make. Do your homework! But, for now, go and enjoy a little light reading with EastLife in hand and a cuppa on the side table.

Helen Perry Editor P.S. Just had to mention Howick accountant Pat Callinan’s very successful Local Connections evening recently. Great company and great whitebait fritters from The Apothecary team!

Megan Signal – California bound see page 70

interview

Old salt still hooks ‘em

Embroiderer never stumped for stitches

10-12 Out & about EastLife photographers focus on local events

13 WIN

Prizes up for grabs

14-15 Q&A Ditch Keeling – hot shot around town

16-31 lifestyle

• Madrid • On board with cruises • Megan Murphy – from the drawing board

Photo Wayne Martin

• Child Focus • Puzzle time

32-45 health, beauty and fashion

• And the shoe fits...Sandy • Colour to suit

46-53 food • New Korean restaurant • Taste • Dining Guide

54-65 Home • My favourite thing • Julie Rees decor insights • Out of Europe • Mayflower • Regular columnists

66-69 business

• Right ‘Hon’ Key

70-71 sport

• Signal-ling success eastlife | july 2016 |

community calendar July 2016 ➤ ExPoS auckland food Show July 28-31, ASB Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Greenlane Food, glorious food! It’s amazing how one little word of four letters can open up a world of tasty possibilities as we prepare to savour the delights of the Auckland Food Show. As well as a bounty of goodies, visitors will learn tricks of the trade from such culinary maestros as Emma Galloway, Robert Oliver, Simon Gault, Annabelle White, Josh Emett and Chelsea Winter. See foodshow.co.nz.

➤ comEDy Spend a hilarious Evening with billy crystal July 21-22, from 7pm, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Dr, Auckland City On stage in Auckland for the first time, world famous comedian, Billy Crystal, could well shatter all expectations. The insightful stand-up has also starred in such comedic classics as: When Harry Met Sally, Analyze This, and City Slickers (well, at least the first two should be considered classics!), and hosted the Oscars on nine occasions. Will Bill fit his own bill and prove to be hilarious? There’s only one way to find out! More details at daintygroup.com.

➤ thEatrE charlotte’s web July 7-10, times vary, Howick Children’s & Youth Theatre, 29 Granger Rd, Howick Weaving together a glorious story, E. B. White created a book widely considered a classic of children’s literature. This month, Howick

➤ film fEStival

Children’s & youth Theatre will bring Charlotte, Wilbur and more of her iconic characters to life. More information at hcyt.org.nz. ladies in lavender July 9-30, times vary, Howick Little Theatre, 1 Sir Lloyd Dr, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga When Ursula and Janet Widdington discover a talented Polish violinist washed ashore, a story of love, loss and aspiration begins. A compelling drama bound to tug at the heartstrings, this stage adaptation is sure to inspire. See hlt.org.nz. the curious incident of the Dog in the night-time July 21 - August 20, times vary, Q Theatre, 305 Queen St, Auckland City Based on Mark Haddon’s multiprizewinning best seller of the same name, this stage re-imagining is expected to enthral audiences. When a 15-year-old genius is suspected of murdering a neighbour’s dog, a playwithin-a-play unfolds as he attempts to discover the identity of the true culprit. See atc.co.nz.

➤ art Soft architecture Now until July 16, Malcolm Smith Gallery, Uxbridge, 35 Uxbridge Rd, Howick Featuring work loaded with architectural references, this exhibition seeks to explore nuances of our environments. Curated by Balamohan Shingade (see EastLife’s June issue to read more about this man at the heart of Howick’s art scene), Soft Architecture combines works from an eclectic mix of creatives. See uxbridge.co.nz.

new Zealand international film festival 2016 July 14-31, times vary, The Civic, Cnr Queen & Wellesley Sts, Auckland City Proving Auckland too has a Cannes-do attitude, the New Zealand International Film

richard tucker exhibition and mid winter Exhibition Now until July 31 (Fridays-Sundays), 10am-3pm, Green Gables Cottage Art Gallery, 66 Cook St, Howick AND July 14-17, Fencible Lounge, Howick Library, 25 Uxbridge Rd, Howick With sales to support South Auckland Totara Hospice, the Howick Art Group presents the work of Richard Tucker – an experienced painter who favours landscapes – at Green Gables. Also on the calendar is the group’s major Mid Winter Exhibition at the Fencible Lounge, with more than 200 paintings (in oil, watercolour, acrylic, pastels and pencil) on display. Free entry to both. For details, contact the group via howickartgroup.org.nz.

➤ School holiDay fun midwinter magic Now until July 17, WednesdaysSundays, 10.30am-4.30pm, 100 Mt Albert Rd, Mount Albert With only 100 and something days left until Christmas it’s time to get

Festival (NZIFF) brings the best from fests worldwide to the Civic this month. Featuring feature films – both international and home-grown – this year’s NZIFF offers more diegesis than cinema fans dare to digest! For information, visit nziff.co.nz.

festive! However, we can dispense all that mad panic shopping and instead enjoy the yuletide the way nature intended, during the heart of winter. With the halls of historic Alberton decked with decorations, including floral displays, mid-winter is the perfect time to celebrate Christmas. See alberton.co.nz for details. aotea Square ice rink Now until July 24, times vary, Aotea Square, Auckland City Ice, ice, maybe? Skating in a winter wonderland is on the cards as Aotea Square’s outdoor ice rink returns. Details via aucklandlive.co.nz/aoteasquare-ice-rink-2016. Game on School holiday Programme & howick library book sale July 11-22 and July 4-23, Howick Library, 25 Uxbridge Rd, Howick Join the fun and games at Howick Library with XBOX 360, board game making, Minecraft and much more during the school holidays. And, during the library’s book sale, worlds

of ideas will come alive for $5 or less. From wild westerns and even wilder romances, to children’s books, graphic novels, magazines, CDs and DvDs, this sale has much more than a tale or two to tell! For details, call the library, 09 301 0101, or visit aucklandlibraries.govt.nz Peter rabbit and friends high tea July 14, 12-1.30pm, Bell House, Howick Historical Village, Bells Rd, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga Pottering around the house or garden might be fine for adults, but it’s usually not an activity children tend to enjoy. Pottering around Howick Historical village, on the other hand, isn’t such a bad way to spend a school holiday when combined with stories by Beatrix Potter and a sumptuous serving of sweet and savoury treats. For more information, see fencible.org.nz/events. auckland miniatures club open Day July 17, 10.30am-2.30pm, Leicester Hall, Findlay St, Ellerslie In theatre, so it’s said, there are no small parts; however, that’s exactly what’s on offer during Auckland Miniatures Club’s Open Day. Featuring a wide range of displays, including dolls’ houses and miniature furniture, this event also has miniatures for sale and even ‘mini’ workshops on offer as well. For more information, see nzame.org/calendar. Paper crafts & famous Scientists July 19, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm, Polish Heritage Trust Museum, 125 Elliot St, Howick Two fun and educational programmes are on offer at the Polish Heritage Trust Museum these school holidays. From learning about the lives of Polish scientists, Copernicus and Curie, to activities, arts and crafts, both are ideal for children (aged eight and over) as well as adults. See polishheritage.co.nz for more information; bookings are essential.

➤ muSic nZSo illuminations July 9, from 7.30pm, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Dr, Auckland City It’s expected fans of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and National youth Orchestra are liable to soon call for more encores of Olivier Messiaen’s Eclairs sur l’au-delà (Illuminations of the Beyond). Presented in 11 parts, Eclairs sur l’audelà is billed as ‘an immense musical meditation’ featuring 48 bird songs, including some from New Zealand. See nzso.co.nz. tribute to the rat Pack July 12, 11am-1pm, The Picton Centre, 120 Picton St, Howick In tribute to the iconic Rat Pack, Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua, Rutene Spooner and Robert Enari croon and clown their way through songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior, playing it their way, of course. If Deano can make it all the way from

he bar, Frank can leave his seat on the board and the candyman can come along too, then so can you! See daytimeconcerts.co.nz.

much longer than seventeen seconds, fans will enjoy a strange day (or evening at least) when the spiderman comes to Auckland. See thecure.com.

Ensemble East – winter from the four Seasons July 13, 12.15-1pm, Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts, 13 Reeves Rd, Pakuranga Everyone who’s ever been to a wedding is likely sick of vivaldi’s Four Seasons’ Spring and Summer, but Winter is arguably the finest of the four. So, this month, Ensemble East will present this majestic piece of music – along with Bach & vivaldi Concertos for Two violins – at Te Tuhi. See tetuhi.org.nz for details.

mozart and Strauss – Edo de waart’s masterworks July 22, from 7pm, Auckland Town Hall, Queen St, Auckland City If Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was around today he’d be more akin to Johnny Rotten than Justin Bieber! During this concert, not only will audiences be rocked by the music of one of the greatest composers ever, but also the intriguing work of Richard Strauss and Rudolf Escher. See nzso.co.nz for more information.

the cure July 21, from 7-11.55pm, Vector Arena, 42-80 Mahuhu Cres, Auckland City Exactly what The Cure is a cure for has never truly been clarified. However, it could be argued that this iconic band of sonic innovators has administered cures for all musical ills since first taking to the stage in the late 1970s. During a show expected to go on

➤ marKEtS howick village market Every Saturday, 8am-12.30pm, Picton St, Howick classy crafts First and third Saturday of the month until October, 9am-1pm, All Saints Community Centre, Cook St, Howick Pine harbour fresh market First Saturday of the month (winter timetable), 8am-12pm, Pine Harbour Marina, Jack Lachlan Dr, Beachlands clevedon village farmers’ market Every Sunday, 8.30am-12pm, Clevedon Showgrounds, Monument Rd, Clevedon

➤ muSic the Simon & Garfunkel Story July 12, from ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Dr, Auckland City Before heading homeward bound, UK performers Gregory Clarke and Joe Sterling will be skipping down the cobblestones to Auckland for one night only. yes, the old friends are back together – well, sort of – in

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this show which has received rave reviews worldwide. Paul Simon may have become one of the most critically acclaimed singer/ songwriters of his time, but there’s no doubt that without Art playing his part, he would have struggled to keep his customer(s) satisfied! See thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com.

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 botany night market Every Wednesday night, 5.30-11pm, beneath Hoyts, Botany Town Centre

A-lure-ing passion keeps Takis on board When Constantinos Marolias told HELEN PERRY the sea was in his blood, she found it easy to believe heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never said a truer word because it seems this old salt has had one foot in the brine his entire life.

Photos Wayne Martin

6 | eastlife | july 2016

www.eastlife.co.nz

For seven years Clovelly Road residents watched Constantinos “Takis” Marolias work day, and many a night, building a 13 metre, fibreglass fishing launch on his front lawn.

Tiddler II is the 13th boat he has built with same name; the first boat (14 altogether) was just Tiddler, so named because the vessel was a six foot dinghy!

“I came here for a new life. I left everyone behind and my first job was at Alex Harvey Industries in Mt Wellington. I was there two years, the longest time working with no fish.”

fisheries might miss him; his fish was always tops with very little damage. It [his snapper catch] was always in demand especially for live export to Japan.”

They watched when after two years a crane was brought in to turn the hull but stormy weather and high winds forced postponement. They watched when the cabin took shape and the painting was underway and they turned out in force six months ago to watch it being finally transported by truck to Half Moon Bay Marina for launching.

The new Tiddler II is a sturdy, wellbuilt, practical launch powered by a 420hp diesel engine and able to sleep five people. Its completion has seen Takis finally give up commercial long line fishing to set up his own fishing charter business and, already this has him working most weekends and sometimes during the week, too.

No fish, maybe, but Takis did a different kind of fishing! Buying his lunch daily from a Panmure lunchbar, his eye was taken by the owner’s daughter, “a very pretty, but very young Peggy,”

While no longer supplying to the industry, Takis still prides himself on every catch, teaching many amateur fishers how to bait a hook, to release the air bladder of fish newly caught and to gut them neatly.

“Her father wasn’t happy about my interest, or Peggy’s in me! But we got there in the end.”

He cannot imagine a life without a sea-going vessel or fishing.

“People came from all around the peninsula, local folk who had followed its progress,” says Takis’ daughter, Michelle. “It was amazing; there was a huge crowd and even though it is now several months since the boat went, dad is still getting calls from people who have picked up on its journey via the Facebook page or who have recognised it moored at the Viaduct in town.” With his build project complete, one might reasonably assume 76-yearold Takis would now be enjoying a well-earned rest with a spot of fishing thrown in. But not this hard-working fisherman for whom relaxation means work. www.eastlife.co.nz

What’s more, his customers can surely count themselves lucky – “Because, I know where the fish are,” he says emphatically. “I know where to find them when its cold, where they are when breeding and where the go with each change of season or the weather. My clients seldom come back without a catch and the women are the ones who catch the biggest and the most!” Born into a fishing family on the small Greek island of Samos off the coast of Turkey, Takis followed in the footsteps of his father, uncles and brothers. Later, he joined the Greek Navy (where he was a frogman – who would have guessed?) but in the mid-60s, with tough economic times in Greece, he heeded the call from NZ for young, strong men willing to work.

Peggy eventually married her ‘first boyfriend’ and she and Takis have now shared 49 years together with Takis making a career from long line fishing although there was a stint when he owned a fish shop too. Son, Demetrios has followed his dad into the fishing business. He has his own boat and is also committed to commercial long line fishing boat, while Michelle has done her fair share in the industry, now administering her dad’s new charter company. “Dad only gave up the commercial work a few months ago – he did one last run in the new boat,” she says. “Now that he has the charter business, I don’t think he’ll miss it, the work was very hard. But the

“I don’t want to sit doing nothing. As long as my legs move I’ll be on the boat. I love it!” And, Michelle adds. “That’s always been dad’s philosophy. During the seven years building the boat he worked day and night – commercial fishing during the day and then on the boat in the evening and whenever he was home. “Everything had to be done properly. We became used to neighbours dropping by to see how things were going and we also got used to the sawdust and other dust through the house as well as fishy clothing. “However, we don’t expect to see the last of the fishy clothing. That’s all part of the Takis we love.” eastlife | july 2016 |

Handy hobby details embroidery skill For more than a decade Diane Martin was well known for her knitwear business, The Cotton Wool Company but her skill with needle and thread far exceeds that of the commercial clothing market as HELEN PERRY discovered. An expert embroiderer, who has extensively explored the world of stitch craft, Diane Martin knows how to craft fine art works. In particular, she is passionate about stump work, which despite its somewhat pudgy name, is both time-consuming and exceptionally delicate. This beautiful form of threedimensional embroidery uses attached, pre-stitched pieces of embroidery, raised stitches, and even padded areas to create impressive floral designs and stylised pictures. It originated in England in the 1600’s. “I would probably have been right at home in an Elizabethan drawing room,” Diane jokes. And, that’s not too far from the truth because this talented needlewoman is presently working on a finer form of stump work actually called Elizabethan. It involves minute stitches, some padding and keen eyesight! – “Yes, I do wearing glasses when stitching,” Diane admits. “My embroidery journey started in 1979 which I set about learning to make lace. Before long, I was hooked. I went on to learn other embroidery methods and still pursue some of them such as cross stitch, crewel work and tent stitch but, really, it is the stump work that enthrals me.” Although adept in her craft, Diane

diane martin admits to making many an error over the years – “I’ve done a lot of reverse stitching in my time and, even now, the more intricate designs can be challenging. But, for me it’s a form of relaxation and I still love it even after some 40 years of embroidery.” Relaxing it may be but one can’t help but admire the concentration, care and skill that goes into Diane’s work, much of which depicts plants, flowers and tiny creatures such as bugs, butterflies and caterpillars, all stitched then individually cut out and pieced together into a 3D masterpiece. While the walls of her own home are hung with a variety of lovely and very different pieces, Diane says fewer younger people are taking an interest largely because women work full time whilst also managing families.

Photo Wayne Martin

“The younger generation have so many options today – they travel, dine out, socialise, go to concerts and movies; so much more than a few decades ago. Subsequently, learning embroidery doesn’t come into the picture until, perhaps, when they have more time on their hands.” Not that Diane has much time for her hobby at present. For the past two years she has been convenor of the Embroidery Conference 2016. The Association of New Zealand Embroiderers’ Guilds biennial event is this year in Auckland, hosted in conjunction with the Northern North Island Embroiderers’ Guilds. “I was regional rep for the ANZEG for eight years then, two years ago, I took on the convenor’s role to get this conference at the Ellerslie Event

Centre up and running. It’s been a big job but I’ve really enjoyed it and the team at Ellerslie have been absolutely fabulous with their support and help.” The convention runs from July 14-21 with public days on July 15-17 during which a $5 ticket gives entry to the Merchants’ Mall (where all manner of needlework and after craft materials will be on sale), and the embroidery exhibition showcasing some of the country’s most exacting work. “In addition we have tutors coming from the UK the USA, Australia and from throughout New Zealand to lead a number of one and two-day workshops,” Diane says. “While these are mostly for members anyone with a real interest in embroidery should ring me if they would like to register for a class.”

Ellerslie Event Centre, Ellerslie Racecourse 80 Ascot Avenue, Remuera.

MERCHANTS MALL Newmarket Room, Ground Floor OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16 – 8.30am to 5pm Sunday, July 17 – 8.30am to 4pm

EXHIBITION Friday, July 15 to Wednesday, July 20 – 9am to 5pm Thursday, July 21 – 9am to 12noon

(An ATM machine will be available but there will be a $3 Transaction Fee)

Entry fee $5 Friday to Sunday (includes entry to Merchants Mall)

There will be a cafe open during the weekend.

Gold coin entry Monday to Thursday. Free entry to Conference registrants.

www.conference2016.co.nz | Contact Diane Martin on 09 527 7194 or diane@diginet.co.nz 8 | eastlife | july 2016

www.eastlife.co.nz

Auckland City BMW

Newmarket

PERFORMANCE IS A BEAUTIFUL THING.

THE NEW BMW 3 SERIES RANGE. Who says you have to choose between luxury and performance? The new BMW 3 Series Sedan and Touring embody both. Now featuring improved fuel efficiency and emissions, the Driving Assistant suite of leading safety technologies, and unmatched connectivity, services and Apps. All this combines to deliver a thrilling driving experience with performance and innovation that eclipse its rivals. 1

From $72,000 or $187 per week drive-away.

BMD0112_ACB_3S_EM

Auckland City BMW 7-15 Great South Road, Newmarket. (09) 524 3300. www.aucklandcitybmw.com

Recommended Retail Price based on BMW 320d Sedan and includes GST, excludes on-road costs. Vehicle shown with optional extras. 2The offer based on a BMW 320d Sedan with a Drive-Away Price of $73,300. Finance offer based on a 48 month loan term agreement with a 35% deposit, 47 monthly payments of $742 and a final payment of $26,550. An interest rate of 8.95% p.a. applies and a $250 establishment fee is included. 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. www.eastlife.co.nz eastlife | july 2016 |

00101-v3

UXBRIDGE AND GALLERY CELEBRATE There was a sense of pride and accomplishment among those who attended the recent opening of Uxbridge Stage 1, which included the new Malcolm Smith Gallery, named after former architect and staunch Uxbridge supporter, the late Malcolm Smith. Photographer SARAH MOROVIC was there to capture the milestone opening.

1. Ali Bain, Graham Bodman and Ross Gallagher 2. Adele White and Glenda Van Der Maas 3. Logan Carr 4. Jim Donald 5. Jody Morley and Nicola Tocker 6. Juliana Johnson and Erena Johnson 7. Balachander Shingade and Josh Lotz-Keegan 8. Balamohan Shingade and Maggie Burrill 9. Jan Hollway and Cliff Halsey 10. Patricia Morgan and Delia Viljoen

Treat your feet this winter

OPENING SPECIAL

COME AND MEET THE TEAM AT OUR OPEN EVENING

Monday, 11th July, 6pm 16 Town Centre Dr, Botany 13406

10 | eastlife | july 2016

$49* Consultation Usually $80

TREAT YOUR FEET THIS WINTER

Book online at footsense.co.nz.

COMING TO

*Expires 1st September 2016. One voucher per person. Not valid with other offers. Can be used towards consultation only.

Botany Town Centre July 10th

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wildlife photo exhibition In town for the Auckland Festival of Photography, locally-raised, London-based wildlife photographer, David Lloyd, exhibited his work at Howick’s Monterey Art Gallery recently. One of EastLife’s own shutterbugs, SARAH MOROVIC, was on hand at the exhibition’s opening night to capture some (more human) subjects of her own. 1. Alastair and Maureen Crombie 2. Vaughan and Karen Scott 3. Christine Heap and Sandra McGowan 4. Graham and Helen Hamblin 5. John Fahey 6. Craig Pellett 7. Sean McHugh and Michelle Rawbone 8. Sandy Starr and Lynne Hall 9. Deborah Bass, Jill Hutchinson and Julia Shakespeare 10. Terry and Penny Humphries 11. David Lloyd

SeaSon of

12384-v4

www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | july 2016 |

Everything rosy at Good Home A whopping $4000 plus was raised for the NZ Breast Cancer foundation at The Good Home’s recent Pink Ribbon three-course brunch with auction, raffles, speaker and fashion parade. Photographer JANET KEELING was there for the occasion.

1. Andrée Wilson and Sharon Pittman 2. Di Doughty and Heather Cain 3. Glenda Vandermans, Cheryl Cameron and Margaret Smith 4. Stephanie Campbell and Maria Potter 5. Barry, Ange and Troy O’Shaughnessy 6. Sue Stone, Lorraine Seekup and Annette Taylor 7. Heather McClune, Val McClune and Sue McMillan 8. Jill Lambert and Nikki Harvey 9. Verity Findlay, Marian Heywood

n Photography by Janet Keeling | For orders email jk.photography@xtra.co.nz | www.facebook.com/jkphotographynz

BlueSeptember fundraising lunch

Supporting the fight against prostate cancer

BRUNCH

Ph 09 534 3199, cnr Picton St and Uxbridge Rd, Howick, www.thegoodhomehowick.co.nz 12 | eastlife | july 2016

13377

Details coming soon...

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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 July 31, 2016. Winners notified by phone or email.

Win! Tickets to Venus in Fur Those who “taste the whip, in love not given lightly” are unlikely to consider Fifty Shades of Grey antics to be more adventurous than a little slap and tickle compared to this! Based on Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s nineteenth-century novella, Venus in Furs, this steamy stage adaptation of the world’s first S&M novel is liable to ‘inspire’ – certain sorts more than others! More info at atc.co.nz/whats-on. EastLife has a double pass up for grabs.

Win! A Broil King Imperial Deep Dish Grill Wok

WIN! NAKED CUISINE WINTER SOUP PACK Winter’s coming and if you love snuggling up with hot soup next to the fire, you’ll be delighted that Naked Cuisine has four delicious new flavours in its ‘soup-erb’ range! From the Naked Locals range: Taupo Roasted Red Pepper with Lemon and Feta and also Horowhenua Broccoli Soup with Kale and Watercress. And, from Naked Kitchen range: Japanese Miso Noodle Soup with Buckwheat and Shiitake Mushroom, and also Kitchen Indian Spiced Cauliflower Kedgeree with White Quinoa and Turmeric (RRP $5.99 each). What’s more, EastLife has a Naked Cuisine prize pack (valued at $50) featuring each new flavour and a Naked Cuisine tea towel to give away!

Now isn’t this a handy dish to set before a king, or even an emperor, for that matter! These 33.0 by 24.8cm dishes make creating massive meals easier. Perfect for preparing hearty, winter-warming roasts, these 1.2mm stainless steel monsters feature raised perforations to prevent sticky situations. And, as they’re designed for use on barbecues, when the weather improves, you can get the wok outa there too!

Win! A Silberhorn twin pack Supplement suppliers could be inclined to make ‘wild’ claims; however, as Silberhorn SportsVel contains concentrated deer velvet, these are entirely justified! Developed to ease joint pain – as well as support energy levels, balance the immune system, for bone health, and to repair soft and connective tissue – this product carries iconic golfer, Bob Charles’ seal of approval. Teamed up with Silberhorn AntiFlam Pluss, SportsVel is intended to improve wellbeing and mobility in people of all ages. EastLife has a pack including both products (valued at almost $80) up for grabs.

WIN! Kick by Paula Byrne Shona Laing may have been glad she wasn’t a Kennedy, but when Kathleen ‘Kick’ Kennedy turned against her family’s wishes, she may well have wished the same. In Kick, author Paula Byrne provides insight into the short life of a widely forgotten member of one of the most influential families in modern history, a woman who kicked against family, faith and country. • Paula Byrne: Kick – the true story of JFK’s forgotten sister and the heir to Chatsworth | RRP $34.99 | HarperCollins

WIN! OASIS BEAUTY PACK Keep skin in tip-top condition over winter with this gorgeous prize from Oasis Beauty. Aimed at keeping skin milky, smooth and country clean, it includes 150ml Oasis Light Milk Cleanser (RRP $32.90) – a powerful but lightweight choice for combination/oily skin types – and 150 ml Oasis Beauty’s Berry Tonic (RRP $32.90), a daily essential for tired skin needing a pick-me-up! The alcohol-free Berry Tonic works to rebalance skin pH levels and stimulate natural radiance. It helps reduce pore size and bring breakouts under control. Oasis Light Milk Cleanser combines apricot kernel, avocado, calendula, hazelnut and lavender, to banish bacteria, excess oil and breakouts without stripping skin of its natural oils.

For last month’s EastLife winners visit www.eastlife.co.nz/competitions www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | july 2016 |

‘

Most people don’t realise it but I’m actually an animal lover; I wasn’t clever enough to be a vet so found another way to work with animals. I truly love them all and feel so privileged to be in amongst them. I figure, if animals need to be killed, it’s best done by someone who has a lot of respect and feeling for them.”

Q&A Ditch Keeling with

Beachlands’ Paul (aka Ditch) Keeling is all fired up about his work. Keeping eastern and southern Auckland’s suburban and rural homes and lifestyle farms pest-free requires this modern day maverick to act responsibly while carrying a big gun!

Do you cover urban and rural areas, and household as well as farm pests? I deal with all animal pests no matter where they occur, I spend most of my time working on farms and public parks, but I also help around 200 private homeowners a year. I mainly cover the Auckland region, but I will work wherever I’m needed and have worked on most of our islands including the Chathams. What are the most problematic pests in the regions you cover and why? This area has pretty much every pest we know about! With one of the best climates in the country, everything flourishes and winter seldom kills anything. Rabbit numbers are big here, wasps do well, rats and mice favour the built up areas... the list goes on. Thankfully, Auckland Council is amongst the very best at managing these pests and has an incredible team. Should people always employ a professional? In general, you’re always best to use someone who’s very good at what you need doing. That said, there are a lot of clever people out there and I often meet people who are controlling animals such as possums and rats quite well by themselves. Many others do fine once I have set them up with the right methods. What pest control tasks ‘civilians’ should never tackle themselves? Big wasp nests – these can kill you! Pest bird work is tricky on lots of fronts and you need to get it right and anything involving shooting needs to be done perfectly every time. For this you really need someone who’s highly skilled. Last year, Auckland Council began a programme of aerial drops of 1080 on the Hunua Ranges to control pests. How effective will this programme prove and, considering www.eastlife.co.nz

possible collateral damage to birds, is it worth the risk?

it’s best done by someone who has a lot of respect and feeling for them.

Believe it or not, 1080 is almost the most environmentally friendly toxin we use in New Zealand and much of the negative public opinion is based on misinformation.

Do you hunt? If so, what do you prefer and why?

The operation has been a huge success and is an entirely appropriate choice for this beautiful wilderness area. Birds are among the least susceptible animals to 1080 and this is one of the many reasons it is considered the safest choice. Before establishing Coastal Pest Solutions, you worked for the Department of Conservation. What was your role? I started with DOC as a trainee hunter in the early 1990s and stayed for 17 years. Specialising in pest animal removal and detection, it was an amazing role but in the end I had learned so much that I wanted to share the love and give the private sector access to government quality expertise. To do this I had to leave and I’ve never looked back. Is DOC doing an effective job? How about Maggie Barry (Conservation Minister) in particular? DOC is full of fantastic, highly skilled people. They have never been more limited than now in terms of capacity, but DOC is still very much a world leader in conservation management. We all love Maggie; she’s a real person with passion and I have no doubt she is right for the job. She could take the department back to its former greatness. Speaking as a hired gun, how concerned are you about minimising suffering? Most people don’t realise it but I’m actually an animal lover; I wasn’t clever enough to be a vet so found another way to work with animals. I truly love them all and feel so privileged to be in amongst them. I figure, if animals need to be killed,

I really enjoy hunting so it’s still a great relaxer for me. I generally hunt two to three times a week. It’s actually really nice to get out with a rifle and go for a long walk with none of the pressure that comes with shooting for work. I’ve never been a bird shooter, other than for work. I like to chase something that’s good to eat, such as pigs and deer, which are great fun and really nice on the table too! There seems to have been an increase in hunting injuries over recent years. Is this really the case? If so, what’s going wrong? Hunting accidents are a shocker and every one of them hits me hard. The scariest part is that it’s so often experienced hunters who make the mistakes. Recent research has shown that decision-making processes are formed, in part, by previous experience. So, experience might lead a hunter to shoot – because he knows the chances are that shape will be a deer rather than another hunter – whereas someone less experienced is likely to take greater care. These sorts of incidents suggest the more experience accumulated, the more likely you are to make a mistake. All shooters need to be 100% certain every single time; it’s that simple. Is hunting damaging our environment? No. Every pest animal removed (and remember, deer and wild pigs are pests too) is a bonus for our environment. A key point often overlooked is that most lifelong hunters become ardent conservationists over time. They go in for the hunting, but can’t help but fall in love with the wilds. Our natural environment needs

hunters, to protect it, to keep an eye on it and to enjoy it. New Zealand is a world leader in pest management and this is down to our long held hunting ethic. By hunting, we pay respect to our history, our ancestors and keep the Kiwi spirit alive! Can more eco-friendly weed control measures/products really work as well as chemicals? I’m not a plant specialist, so I never work on them. But, in my experience, none of the so-called ‘eco-friendly’ products work particularly well. My preference is always to go for the best effect and mitigate any risks through short, sharp, limited use of ‘chemical warfare’! If you could be the Minister of Conservation for one day, what would you do first and why? Simple, I would increase the pay for field workers! These guys and girls at the very coal-face dedicate their lives to protecting what is unique to our country for all of us. We owe them fair pay at least. If you could invite any three people (living or dead) to dinner, who and why? Steve Irwin, I still miss Steveo and I think of him most days at work. In 2006, the world lost its greatest ever ambassador for wildlife in its natural environment. What I would give to just sit and listen to him! John Key. I think I like him, but I simply don’t understand how we can continue to advocate business with countries clearly at odds with our Kiwi ethos. We are encouraging the dominance of what is ours by countries that have the worst pollution, conservation and human rights’ records. I want to give him a kick in the shins for this! Maggie Barry. I’ve always enjoyed her approach and I would love the opportunity to give her some insight into the personal lifestyle of a conservation worker. eastlife | july 2016 |

Magical Madrid snapshot Madrid is a cultured and welcoming city with something for every type of traveller from backpackers through to serial shoppers, art/history buffs and foodies as ROByN yOUSEF discovered on a recent visit. A compact city centre with wide sidewalks ensures Madrid is just made for walking. And if your legs aren’t up to it, it has an affordable and easy to negotiate public transport system. Earlier this year I attended (with my husband) the Salon de Gourmets – an international food festival held each year to showcase Spanish food and wine. We were put up in a grand old hotel, The Wellington, in the heart of the city from where we could do most of our sightseeing on foot. When we arrived early in April, we had to wrap up against chilly winds and while blossoms were starting to appear, we could see a layer of snow powder on distant hills.

The locals – Los Madrileños – were well covered in layers and there was even an occasional glimpse of (tut, tut) real fur. But, within four days that had all changed. Spring arrived suddenly as temperatures soared and was celebrated in style by locals and visitors in that oasis of green, the Buen Retiro Park. Meaning ‘Park of the Pleasant Retreat’, Buen Retiro Park, on the edge of the commercial sector, is the biggest reserve in Madrid City. Spread over 350 acres, it was owned by the Spanish Monarchy until the late 19th Century, when it became a public park. It is a magnificently manicured space,

Mercado de San Miguel. packed with beautiful sculptures and monuments, children’s playing areas, jogging tracks and a picturesque lake, making it magical to rest on a bench and watch the parade of people. In particular, people of every age (and the occasional red squirrel, too) seem to emerge for a daily constitutional around sunset.

Photo Daniel Dionne

Within a short walk of the park is Spain’s largest art museum, Museo Nacional Del Prado. One of the world’s most visited sites, it houses one of an outstanding collections of European art, including works by Goya, velazquez, Bosch,

Buen Retiro Park

16 | eastlife | july 2016

www.eastlife.co.nz

Plaza Mayor.

Murillo, Dali, Rubens, Picasso, Sorolla, Gaudi, Miro, Rembrandt and many other legendary artists.

The collections here include more than 1600 paintings with works by Rubens, Cezanne and Van Gogh.

And, not far from Prado is the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, named after Queen Sofia and opened in 1992.

But, for those more interested in finding the best value in a soft leather, ballet flat or a stylish suede pump, Madrid is a great city for serious shoppers and fashion followers.

The Museo Reina Sofia is home to a wide array of works created by Spanish artists, including extensive collections by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Picasso’s masterpiece, El Guernica, is arguably the most exciting work on display.

Museo Nacional Del Prado

The third art museum in this part, known as ‘Golden Triangle of Art’, is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (in Spanish, the Museo ThyssenBornemisza) or simply the Thyssen.

It is especially exciting for those searching for affordably priced, quality leather bags and shoes – so easy to come home with several pairs and a bag to match!. A fashionista’s paradise and a food-lover’s Shangri-La, magical Madrid also offers many interesting places to sample the local produce including the Mercado de San

Photo Tiia Monto

Miguel, near the historic Plaza Mayor. This historic, cast-iron market hall is the last of these structures traditionally used as a centre for daily food shopping. Here, in a vibrant environment, visitors can enjoy drinks and tapas – ranging from sweet white asparagus to oysters or plump green Manzanilla olives to small plates of paella. And, with the weather having decided to turn on its spring charm, we certainly made the most of everything Madrid had to offer – art, history, fashion, food and so much more. Too often overlooked by those heading for coastal beaches, the Spanish capital is a vital city for all seasons and all travellers.

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eastlife | july 2016 |

Following the Way of St James When she is not in the office planning upcoming tours, director of Tours Direct, MANDY PAGE can usually be found leading groups to some of the world’s most exotic destinations. Here is an excerpt from her travel blog, made during her recent trek on the Way of Saint James, also known as the Camino de Santiago. This morning as we went over the pass the mist had finally lifted enough to allow visibility of more than 10 metres. I was so happy to see this, as three of my brave adventurers had set out at 6am to cross the Pyrenees on foot with the goal of meeting us at Roncesvalles. Because so many pilgrims have died on this pass, numerous emergency points have been made to assist those in distress. By the time we approached Roncesvalles the adventurous members of our party had also just arrived from their hike through the mountains. What joyous faces they had as they greeted me! Their photos showed dense mist and only vague outlines of horses, trees and other walkers. Meanwhile, my other team members readied themselves for a comfortable stage that starts in Roncesvalles, passes through two villages and then traverses the beautiful Spanish countryside. This area of the Basque region is full of farm animals, hills and white buildings surrounded by red or green fences. When we all finished our walk, it was off to Pamplona. I had a rendezvous with a beer and tapas in the street where the bulls run. To add to the fun I had some of the group re-enact the bulls chasing the people... in our case, the bulls won.

Cuba & Panama

After setting off again, we stopped briefly at Alto del Perdón for a spectacular view of the Spanish plains. Windmills lined the ridges – tall white machines whirling constantly, row upon row of them. On the ridge of Perdón we could see corrugated steel figures of pilgrims marching on their way to Santiago de Compostela. After coming down from the ridge, we stopped at an ancient church with an octagonal design – so few of these left in the world! This particular church is usually closed but as we arrived I noticed the gate had been left open. We could hear singing, but it was so sweet that I thought it was a recording. On investigation we learned that it was a German choir testing the building’s acoustics. They were so pleased to see us that they asked us to join them.

Vietnam & Angkor Wat

‘

This area of the Basque region is full of farm animals, hills and white buildings surrounded by red or green fences. When we all finished our walk, it was off to Pamplona.”

We formed a circle inside the church, holding hands with our new friends. If that wasn’t extraordinary enough, the German group sang a joyful hymn just for us. We responded by singing “Pokarekare Ana”, which our group did with great gusto and volume. Some of the Germans were reduced to tears. How very special it was to be there at that moment, performing a song in the indigenous language of our home country. We then moved on to Puente La

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Reina where I introduced the team to the fabulously small, but perfectly constructed Templar Chapel. This building featured fantastic acoustics which made even my voice sound good! Our last stop of the day was at the famous Bodegas Irache wine fountain, where the pilgrims have the choice of a free drink of red wine or water. We were happy to discover that there was enough red wine left for each of us to have a taste. This was a perfect end to an unforgettable day on the Way of St James.

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Big ship, small ship which is best? Gerard Murphy of Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel investigates the long and the short of cruising and offers two great options with individual appeal. Today’s cruise ships range from very small with about 20 passengers through to giants carrying approximately 5400 passengers and 2400 crew. We are often asked which is best – small or big ships? That’s always a tricky question but I have been very lucky in the past year to cruise on five ships carrying from 100 to 4000 plus passengers and enjoyed them all. June saw me ‘road-testing’ a monster. At 167,500 tons, Ovation of the Seas is the fourth largest cruise ship in the world and it’s heading our way this summer. My three-day cruise from Singapore was shared with more than 4000 others, including 1000 kids and 1200 crew. This marvel of ship construction offered everything from sky-diving, bumper cars and robotic barmen, to state of the art theatrical entertainment and specialty dining venues, including Jamie Oliver’s Italian. There were only 18 different places to eat – four different dining rooms, a food-station plaza, pizzeria and several cafes as well as speciality restaurants for a small cover charge. Top billing was Wonderland, a theatrical, multi-sensory restaurant; simply a food and dining experience that was out of this world. Ovation of the Seas proved ideal for families particularly multigenerational groups. With all the

restaurants, lounges, entertainment, pools and spa facilities, even ‘adults only’ areas plus, kids clubs and the Seaplex sports/activities zone for kids and teens, the whole family can spread across the ship keeping everyone happy! Families can re-group to share meals, activities and destination ports. You might expect a ship with such a sizeable passenger list would be crowded, but apart from day one when we were all a bit lost, there was always plenty of space, with lots of quiet areas across the ship. My favourite space was The Solarium up forward, over two decks – airconditioned with multiple level pools, spas, and hundreds of loungers, a full bar, even a bistro! And, all for adults only. A child-free foodies cruise was also a realistic possibility! I came away enthusiastic. With all the eateries, activities and entertainment, Ovation of the Seas is an ideal ship for cruises with a few days at sea between ports. She cruises around New Zealand in December and will be in Auckland dominating the harbour

on the December 27. You won’t want to miss her!

Milford Sound between January and March.

Right at the other end of the scale, the Island Passage makes it possible to experience parts of New Zealand most will never see.

Carrying just 24 passengers and 10 crew members, this ship allows passengers to experience this special wilderness almost as the early explorers did. Trips ashore are led by experienced ecology guides who take groups through virgin rainforest while the size of the vessel allows it to get right up close to marine wildlife.

This 12-cabin luxury vessel is owned by Aucklander, Peter Bissett of Island Escape Cruises. Peter worked for many years to gain the DOC licences necessary to cruise in Fiordland National Park, especially the lesser known Sounds – Sutherland, Bligh, George, Caswell and Charles. In November and December, Island Passage cruises between Auckland and Bay of Islands via Waiheke and Great Barrier before heading south to operate her one-week cruises from

Each day starts and finishes with superb meals. Local seafood, even crayfish gathered by the crew, is sure to be on the menu complemented the best of NZ produce, wines and beers. Peter’s vision is for guests to have a true exploration in luxury and a real Kiwi yacht-style experience. And Island Escape delivers just that!

Island Escape Cruises offer an absolutely unique experience on their 42 metre purpose built catamaran. This is an invitation to explore our majestic World Heritage Site, alongside an onboard ecology guide and just 24 guests. Think of it as a ship-based version of a luxury lodge, combining pristine wilderness, amazing wildlife, luxurious accommodation, exceptional service, and chef-prepared gourmet meals. Choose one of 10 cruises between January and March 2017. Check the inclusions …. l l l l l l l

Return Air New Zealand flights to Queenstown with transfers. One night pre and post cruise at Heritage Hotel, including breakfast. Private Coach transfers from Queenstown Heritage Hotel to Te Anau. Scenic Helicopter flight landing on Island Passage's helicopter deck. Six night private yacht style cruise with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Complimentary full bar with wine, beer, spirits, juices and water. Tours ashore with an Island Escape’s experienced Fiordland tour guide. Flights and/or Coach from Milford Sound to Queenstown.

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Ph: 0800 266 869 www.eastlife.co.nz

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Charles Sound Nancy Sound

Helicopter

Te Anau

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Coach 12045-v4

www.bonvoyage.co.nz eastlife | july 2016 |

Repel-ling ‘zika mozzie’ Kiwis are renowned for escaping to a tropical paradise when winter cold bites but in recent months the threat of the zika virus may have deterred some travellers from heading to their favourite island in the sun.

The trial confirmed that Repel Ultra, Repel Tropical-Strength and Repel OLE! insect repellents provide 100% protection against the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Before applying any insect repellent, the human testers recorded the number of mosquitoes landing on exposed skin over two minutes. On average they recorded between 19.4 and 55.9 successful mosquito landings. Bradley said the testers then applied Repel pump spray and gel stick products following the recommended application guidelines and recorded the number of mosquito landings over the next eight hours. The results concluded that the Repel Tropical Strength products (30% DEET, stick and spray applicator) matched their respective labelled effective times (up to eight hours protection), while the Repel Ultra (40% DEET, spray applicator) matched expectations (up to 10 hours protection). Bradley said the trial also tested the 100% natural non-DEET insect

‘

As mozzies can and do bite through clothing (including denim) it is important when travelling to an area where diseases can be contracted to treat clothing as well as your skin.”

“Mozzies like dark colours – which makes it easier to hide, so wearing light colours also helps keep them away.” 1. http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/pdfs/ fs_mosquito_bite_prevention_travelers.pdf 2. The Repel Permethrin Fabric Treatment Kit contains everything that is needed to treat clothing to provide complete protection against mosquito borne disease.

“Participants who did not wear Repel protection would have been bitten

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“As mozzies can and do bite through clothing (including denim) it is important when travelling to an area where diseases can be contracted to treat clothing as well as your skin. Permethrin is the best treatment for fabric. Long sleeves and long pants will increase your protection2.

This is the only natural insect repellent recognised as offering effective protection by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC)1.

“A thin layer should be applied all over the skin. A couple of swipes around your ankles is not going to do the job! Product should be applied to the skin and then rubbed in to ensure complete coverage,” she said.

“The report also found that Repel OLE! provided long-term repellency and would be a good alternative for DEET-sensitive individuals, providing 100% protection for almost seven hours, which is beyond expectation for a botanical product.

There’s more to do in Vanuatu

between 238-318 times throughout the trial. For those wearing Repel the figure was zero,” she said.

repellent, Repel OLE!, which contains Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

General manager of Skin Shield Products, Vanessa Bradley said the company put the products through the field-trial to reassure New Zealand travellers they would be protected against the zika virus carrying mosquito if they use Repel

During the field trial, conducted in an environment mimicking the habitat of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, human testers were exposed to hundreds of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes resulting in three times the normal biting intensity experienced in the mosquitoes’ natural habitat.

Commissioned by the New Zealandbased manufacturer of the tested products, Skin Shield Products, the independent four-day field trial was carried out in Cairns earlier this year by Professor Scott Ritchie and Dr Brian Johnson from The Edward Koch Foundation in Australia, to specifically test the effectiveness of the Repel products against the mosquito.

“We felt it was important to commission independent research to provide complete confidence to Kiwis travelling to higher-risk countries.”

The primary carrier of zika, dengue and yellow fever viruses, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is an urban-based mosquito found in a growing number of countries including Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Rarotonga and the Cook Islands as well as Brazil.

and follow the recommended application of the repellents.

Good news! New Zealanders heading to the tropics for a winter getaway – or flying to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero where the zika virus has taken a toll – can be assured of 100% protection against the carrier of this virus, according to the results of independent research carried out into Repel Ultra, Repel Tropical-Strength and Repel Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE!) insect repellents.

A ISL A

generated at BeQRious.com

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www.airvanuatu.com P H: 0 9 373 34 35 | airvanuatu@airvanuatu.co.nz Like us on Facebook:

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Don’t wait - come visit Vanuatu! www.eastlife.co.nz

Paladin’s latest TV crusade Good sport sorts love home games. But so too does the wider public, Radio Sport producer and TV presenter, Goran Paladin, believes. “I’m passionate about homes, what makes them tick, and how we get more Kiwis into them... and there’s more to life than just sport, right?” the former east Aucklander says. Along with architect, Ken Crosson, Goran attempts to discover what our homes say about us during TV One’s new series, The New Zealand Home. “It’s almost like a journey through time, looking at house types from the days before European settlers through to present day – be they big, small, lavish or inexpensive – in an

attempt to discover if there is such a thing as the quintessential New Zealand home,” Goran explains. And local homes are in the mix as the pair tours the country. “I don’t want to give away too much, but we spent a little time in east Auckland. Some of it good, and some of it, well, less than desirable. If you’re after more than that, you’ll have to watch the show to work it out!” Goran, who made his first foray into television last year with Our First Home, says he has greatly enjoyed making the new show and working with his co-host. “I’m lucky enough to team up with

award-winning architect (and allround good bugger) Ken Crosson. I’d never spent so much time with someone as passionate about homes. He had the patience of a saint because, let’s face it, I’m not the sharpest knife in the drawer, and often the history lessons went over my head! But he persisted, and I learnt a lot,” Goran says. “I enjoyed learning that you don’t have to be dictated to by your home; you’re the one in charge! All the people we met along the way were so willing to take us into their homes and tell us their stories. It made for a truly wonderful experience.” • The New Zealand Home will air on TV One, from 7.30pm, Friday, July 8.

Disney On Ice winter joy For a captivating family experience, get ready to slip into a world of enchantment when Disney On Ice presents its Magical Ice Festival in Auckland next month. Young and old alike will be whisked into the wintery world of the Academy Award®-winning feature film, Disney’s Frozen, to join Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and friends in an adventure full of action and magic.

This is your chance to experience Disney’s The Little Mermaid with a show-stopping performance by Sebastian and Ariel or find yourself entwined in the talents of sassy Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn from Disney’s, Tangled.

Perhaps you’ll be swept away by Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as the Beast and his entourage take centre stage in a spectacular show for Belle. Regardless of which element gives the biggest thrill, the skill, the grace and the costumes from every quarter, promise to be breath-taking. For sure, this will be a magical mix of royalty from across the kingdom when Disney On Ice – always popular with Kiwi audiences – brings this winsome wonderland to the Vector Arena in Auckland, Thursday to Sunday August 4-7. Ticket prices range from $33.50 to $83.50. Group and concession discounts available at some shows.

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eastlife | july 2016 |

Megan Murphy

– beyond the frame

Although visual arts are often seen as static, depicting fixed moments, Megan Murphy seems drawn to works which appear more active, hinting at futures forever just beyond the constraints of the frame, as JON RAWLINSON discovered. And so castles made of sand melt into the sea, eventually. While artists may attempt to capture it, nature is transitionary and can never truly be contained; therein lays the fun, it seems. Acclaimed Howick artist, Megan Murphy – who appears as influenced by philosophy as she is by art – appreciates this, as evidenced by her latest work. “I’ve recently finished a drawing of a girl in the sand. She has innocently buried herself and seems alone on the beach,” Megan explains. “Perhaps she is waving to someone, or is it a cry for help? There are dark trees and a forbidding sky looming over the ridge – is it closing in or moving away? And the mark of a house in the foreground could be innocent or hold darker memories. As all this suggests, I like to leave questions unanswered within my work.” Chatting with Megan, a clichéd phrase jumps to mind. Loaded with meaning – both apparent and implied – her pictures are certainly worth at least 1000 words, or even 10,000, as the old Chinese proverb states. “I’m particularly looking at the ‘in between’ of things. I’m intrigued by philosopher, Martin Heidegger,” the former Te Tuhi exhibition officer says. “He talks about ‘sous rature’, whereby a word is crossed out but it can still be read. In a sense, it’s there and not there at the same time. These ideas have definitely influenced my work.” Another work, Foggy Morning, depicts a combination of Mellons Bay and Maraetai beaches. The black dog ominously lurking in the background could symbolise depression, while the noughts and crosses suggest negativity and positivity, of winning and losing at the same time, and the fog indicates an uncertain future. Then again, art – once completed – is in the eyes of the beholder and open to interpretation. As Megan contends,

22 | eastlife | july 2016

this could be nothing more than a picture of a dog on the beach on a foggy morning!

techniques, also creating sculpture with clay and bronze, and mixed media works.

“Another philosopher, Jacques Derrida, talks about ‘trace’, things which mark the absence of a presence, like footprints in the sand,” Megan explains, with reference to her painting, Foggy Morning.

“I’ve mainly worked with acrylics, but I’ve also started using oils – and a combination of both. I’m aiming for a foggy effect and oils are more malleable in this sense. It’s been interesting and fun as I’m re-learning a medium I haven’t explored in quite a while. I’ve always enjoyed exploring new materials and learning techniques.”

“All the marks [tyre tracks and noughts and crosses] were actually there. They’re very real traces of people who do exist. They intrigue me because we’re picking up on a little piece of personality left behind. Who were they? Where have they gone? There are so many questions for which there can be an almost unlimited range of answers.” In 2000, Megan exhibited at Uxbridge as an emerging artist. Since then, her work has been shown at a number of galleries, including Pakuranga’s Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts. However, her fascination with art was fostered from a young age. “Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved art. It’s the way that I can best express myself and how I like to say things to the world, as it were,” she says. “These days, I’m particularly fascinated by Liam Gerrard, a New Zealand artist. He does a lot of drawings which often have a sense of menace to them, including a series of flowers which, if you look closely, have teeth. I love that juxtaposition between innocence and menace.” While painting is her forte, Megan explores a wide range of artistic

Although a busy schedule keeps Megan well grounded, her work has (metaphorically) seen her shooting for the stars. “While I was studying at MIT, I sent a small piece to the astronaut, John Glenn. It was about how the only real limits we have are created in our own minds. I asked if it could be taken into space and let go,” she says. “It wasn’t, but it was stored in the NASA archives, which is kind of the same; after all, archives are designed for posterity, so there are effectively no limits there either!” Megan is currently in the planning stages for an exhibition expected to feature work from her latest series late this year or early next. MEGANZ School of Visual Arts Ph 09 537 2292, Mob 021 1085419 www.vizart.co.nz www.rendered.co.nz www.society6.com/letitgo Check us out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/meganzsva www.facebook.com/Megan-MurphyArtist-165747953505105/

DRAWING US IN: Megan with her painting, Foggy Morning . Above left, two other, equally haunting works offering plenty for the imagination to explore. Times photo Wayne Martin

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The shades of things to come From painting to sculpture, and even writing and illustrating her own children’s books when time allows, Megan Murphy is busy making a living from her love of art. “I don’t create works with money in mind. I do it because it is like a thirst in me and I feel empty without it. Having said that, it’s always a bonus as it means someone out there loves your work enough to buy it,” she says. “And, unless they want to live on the floor on a mattress surviving on baked beans, artists often need to find some way to supplement their incomes!” Since establishing MEGANZ School of Visual Arts at her Howick home in 2007, the former Sancta Maria College arts co-ordinator has been better able to concentrate on her own work. Most importantly, she has received immense fulfilment by inspiring her students. “It’s great to help people learn a bit about art and explore their own creativity. In particular, I’ve taught some young ones who are just amazingly talented. It’s been so rewarding and my students inspire me so much.” Drawing on lessons from past teachers – some good, some not so good – when teaching her own students, Megan believes the Montessori approach (which encourages students to learn at their own pace) is perhaps the most fruitful. “It’s extremely important [to foster creativity in the young]. The arts can lead into a lot of careers because, ultimately, every manmade object has to be drawn first, from a tooth brush, to a painting, to a building. “They’re also great for concentration in general. We’re encouraged to look at the bigger picture, but then to focus that big, wide world into details as well. This teaches us to be forever open to fresh perspectives and ideas. “But, at the end of the day, art is about having fun and gaining a never-ending curiosity to learn. That has to be the most significant reason for studying art; it really is a lifetime apprenticeship!” www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | july 2016 |

Focus on children Children are our future so it’s important that right from birth they are given sound parental care and direction which, where applicable, is further supported by early childhood carers and then by school teachers and others who will all influence a child’s path in life. Of course, to understand the effects of early child care, especially where working mothers rely on child care facilities, it is paramount to explore and understand the many facets of the care experience — the amount, type and quality of child care provided, the age at which care will be initiated, and the stability or changes which may occur when it comes to care centres and caregivers. When raising, caring for and teaching children, taking into account the temperament and individual characteristics of your child will play a big role. In addition your own values and beliefs may influence your decision when looking at child care centres or in-home care.

Be sure to do your homework when it comes to care beyond the home situation but also make use of the many organisations and ample material available to help you in your own role as a parent whose guidance your child or children rely on.

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A parent’s role is to nurture their children through the early stages of life, creating a safe place for them to grow and learn so they can develop into confident, sociable and responsible young adults.

It takes a great Dame to write about one of literature’s greatest ever dogs! Frolicsome favourite, Hairy Maclary (you know the one, from Donaldson’s Dairy, of course!) embarks on a new adventure in this touch-and-feel tale by Dame Lynley Dodd.

To do so means recognising a child’s individuality and personal strengths, and giving them room to learn, to be themselves and to explore fresh interests. To do this means exposing them to many different experiences, activities and learning opportunities. It won’t always go perfectly, but by being honest, respectful and caring with your children, they will learn the same qualities.

With textures to touch on every page, this book has been written especially for the littlest little ones. • Lynley Dodd: Snooze with Hairy Maclary | RRP $19.99 | Penguin NZ To be in to win a copy of this book, enter via the competitions tab at eastlife.co.nz. One entry per person/ email address; entries close July 31, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

Today’s Child Focus feature – is just the beginning of a pathway many parents and their children will follow.

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Oral Language • Talking in turn • Talks about events • Talks in groups • Listening to others

Writing • Holding a pencil • Writing their name • Happy to try write • Draws pictures

Reading • Recognising letters • Identiﬁes name • Sits to listen to stories • Enjoys stories

Maths • Recognises numbers • Counting • Shapes • Colours

Attitude • I can try • I can learn • I am positive • Mistakes are okay

Life experiences • Family and friends • Favourite place • Holidays and outings • Baking, leaves, beach

Since 1964

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Character building begins at birth Child education begins from the moment a newborn comes into the home with parental behaviour building the foundations for caring, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility and fairness. Most of us are attracted to people who are thoughtful and compassionate and we hope that our children will learn those values too. However, good character traits don’t just happen; they need to be taught and nurtured in children who will generally model their own behaviour on the adults who surround them. Therefore, parents who want their children to be caring of family, friends and casual acquaintances, as well as the environment and animals, must teach them by example. The same applies to most other qualities we want to endow on our off-spring. Caring is one of the first things children learn purely through their parents’ loving touch and attentiveness, but there is a lot to consider. Caring can mean many things including: sharing belongings, acting in kindness, using ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, being helpful and generally being gentle towards others

‘

Some suggestions to consider when fostering a caring nature in young children are: • Set a good example for the children in your life. You are your child’s first teacher; everything you do is watched and will have an impact. If you give time to others for example, children will often follow suit. • Respond to your infant’s/toddler’s calls for assistance. When you attend

Teach children how to care for animals by letting them have a pet or give them the opportunity to interact with pets.

• Use the “magic words” e.g. please and thank-you. These are great ways to teach youngsters that you appreciate their help and cooperation. • Try to assist others in your family and community and find ways your child can assist. Even a toddler can take homemade baking to a neighbour in need and young children can make their own cards for family members. An older child might offer to do an older person’s lawns.

to his or her early needs you show that you care. • When a young child shows frustration through hitting, biting or grabbing toys from another, explain that “we need to be kind to others.” And explain that hitting hurts; show them how to be gentle. • Teach children how to care for animals by letting them have a pet or give them the opportunity to interact with pets.

• Children also learn caring skills through books, television and movies. Something as simple as a fairytale will have a moral or a message of kindness which little children can relate to. Today, there are many books for young children

that teach the character trait of caring. • When reading a story with them, take time to stop for questions and let the child be an active participant. Retell the story after you’ve finished reading; learn songs that support the story and draw pictures about the characters who showed “caring” traits. • Read the stories and talk about those characters not showing they care for others or if they do care, what activities display that caring attitude. When you teach children the life skill of caring you are helping to build character that counts and, hopefully, they will grow up passing this same attitude to others!

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eastlife | july 2016 |

Primary School

WHAT TO DO ON A

Bucklands Beach Primary School

winter’s day

Connections In The Home specialises in home-based early childhood education and care. Their in-home educators form a strong bond with the families and children they care for. Here, Connections provides helpful rainy day suggestions for keeping children busy and active.

Bucklands Beach Primary School 107 Clovelly Road, Bucklands Beach, Auckland 2012 T. 09 534 6543 • F. 09 535 2231 • oﬃce@bbps.school.nz • www.bbps.school.nz

Welcome cooler weather and those rainy days! Why? Because they bring so many more opportunities to have some fun!

At Bucklands Beach Primary School we offer: • Excellent academic programmes, supported by remedial and extension opportunities • High standards of achievement and behaviour and a safe environment • An emphasis on student well-being and pastoral care • English Language and Sport Specialists • Pre-school transition, before and after school care

• Good facilities and opportunities – e-learning and new library/info centre, solar heated swimming pool • Very strong community support and parent partnerships • An active Parent Teacher Association • An outstanding Educational Review Office Report • Well qualified committed staff who provide engaging curriculum to prepare children for their future

Staying home with little ones on a winter’s day can sometimes be harder than making the effort to get outside; walking, exploring, puddle hunting, or heading to a community music or playgroup. There is so much that we can do so why stay at home? The benefits are there for the children…. and the adults caring for them! Getting outside in nature creates opportunities for: • Social development • Cognitive development • Creativity & imagination • Fitness and physical development

New enrolments welcome

Our Enthusiasm Makes the Difference 107 Clovelly Road, Bucklands Beach • Phone 534-6543 Email office@bbps.school.nz • www.bbps.school.nz 13384

We have so much to offer at Pigeon Mountain School

At Connections we take a lot of inspiration from Penny Brownlee, who wears ‘lots of hats’ amongst which she is an author, teacher, artist and an advocate for children. A favourite article of hers is ‘Wonder fuels a love affair’.

• Free weekly programme for under 5’s supporting a happy induction into schooling • Newly redeveloped modern learning spaces • Expertise in student-focused learning based on our highly recognised CARE school values • Strong focus on developing students’ core Literacy and Numeracy ability • Beautiful physical environment with playgrounds, open ﬁeld space, bush, and orchard areas • High levels of access to digital technology and skilled classroom practitioners • Supportive local community working together for the beneﬁt of our learners

Penny says: “Babies are natural scientists and ‘wonderers’. They wonder about everything, but not with their minds the way we do; their minds are in the very early stages of formation. Infants and toddlers wonder with their bodies and senses.” So why don’t we let them? Why don’t we put on our coats and our gumboots and take a slow walk to see what we can see? Rain and puddles can be fascinating. Leaves, bark and trees are amazing. The sky and clouds…wow.

School visits welcome – please contact our friendly staff to arrange a tour

The science, patterns, colours and sensory experiences in nature are endless. Have you ever taken the

22 Wells Road, Bucklands Beach Phone 09 534 9765 Web www.pigeon-mountain.school.nz

chool

h a heart

Pigeon Mountain School Education with a heart

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All of these skills have a positive impact on our children’s lives – life skills they will take with them through their schooling years and beyond.

‘

There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” Sir Ranulph Fiennes (Explorer)

time to really listen, really look and really feel out in nature? Take the children outside and join them in really ‘noticing’. There are some wonderful spaces locally here in East Auckland for ‘exploration’ – boardwalks, beaches, Omana Regional Park, reserves. Pack a bag of snacks, some drinks and take the time to enjoy. The health benefits are clear when we consider outdoor learning. Daily exercise, movement, lifting, running, climbing. Exercise improves our emotional health – being outdoors can be calming, relaxing and provide a sense of wellbeing. More ideas… • Make a hut at home • Hallway bowls with empty bottles • Batting balloons • Buckets for drums • Build an obstacle course • Bath the dolls or clean the cars • Enjoy some creativity • Baking and cooking • Movie time – make the tickets and the popcorn with the children! Most of all, have fun! to join us as an educator or for childcare please contact vicki or Sarah connections in the home Early childhood Education & care 1/34 cook St howick. Ph 533 3512. admin@connectionsinthehome.co.nz www.connectionsinthehome.co.nz www.eastlife.co.nz

GETTING THE BEST INvESTIGATING FROM yOUR CHILD NUTRITION IN yOUNG CHILDREN WITH AUTISM Rockabye Early Learning Centre takes the care and education of young children seriously. Today, centre owner CARyN MAWKES has some suggestions on how to bring out the best in your child.

One in every 100 Kiwi children is diagnosed with a condition on the autism spectrum. Families coping with the reality of this diagnosis invariable endure a stressful time but a new study, involving Howick and Pakuranga families, may hold fresh hope for the future.

What parent hasn’t occasionally wondered: Why is my child better behaved for everyone else than for me? The simple answer: children test their parents’ limits because they trust you and know you’ll love them no matter what. Here are a few helpful hints : • Resist doing things for your child that they can do for themselves. While it may be quicker and easier to do it yourself, this won’t help to make your child more independent. • Try not to redo what they’ve already done. If a child makes his or her bed, resist the urge to smooth the blankets. If they dress themselves in stripes and polka dots, compliment their ‘eclectic’ style. Unless absolutely necessary, don’t ‘fix’ your child’s accomplishments. • Assign a chore. Putting a child in charge of a regular/simple task will build his/her confidence. Just be sure the chore assigned is manageable. The goal is to make children feel like they are contributing family members.

• Let your child work out minor squabbles. Instead of swooping in to settle disputes, stand back and let them try and work it out for themselves – unless someone is going to be hurt. Remember, parents can’t always get there to rescue a child. • Don’t delay discipline. If discipline is required, it should be conducted then and there. • Give children permission to make mistakes. If a child thinks he or she has to do things perfectly, they’ll never take risks for themselves. • Don’t criticise or judge a child’s actions. They may give up on their talents and ideas if these are quashed.

• Praise is the key, especially if your child is not in a cooperative phase. Try to catch them being good. Children repeat behaviours which receive attention.

• Avoid comparing your child to others. Remember, each child is an individual with their own unique traits and talents. Always accept children for who they are.

• If children are always working for a reward, they won’t learn the real reasons for doing things. Reserve rewards for milestones, such as toilet training, but avoid offering them for everyday tasks.

Finally, it is not what we do for our children, but what we’ve taught them to do for themselves that will help them become successful human beings. Good luck in your journey of bringing the best out in your child.

Internationally, the prevalence of autism appears to be increasing, but the cause is unknown, and there is no cure.

For parents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ensuring children have the right nutrition is a daily challenge. But, researchers at Massey University’s School of Food and Nutrition are now investigating if omega-3 and vitamin D can help improve the quality of life for these families, particularly in Howick and Pakuranga. Principal investigator, Dr Pamela von Hurst, says this is new worldleading research that New Zealand families can participate in. “The vitamin D and Omega-3 in Autism (vIDOMA) study will investigate the effect of supplementing vitamin D and omega-3 in 200 children, aged 2.5-8 years, who have been diagnosed with ASD. “This is a very new area of research, and we are hoping that families in the Howick and Pakuranga area will be willing to sign up and participate. “Both vitamin D and Omega-3 are known to play a number of roles in brain development, learning, memory and behaviour. We want to find out if supplementing these

The research team includes a psychologist, a paediatrician from the Waitemata District Health Board, and staff from the School of Food and Nutrition. The study manager and first point of contact is Mr Owen Mugridge.

how DoES it worK? The study will take place over 12 months with children randomly allocated to vitamin D, omega-3, a combination of both, or a placebo which they will take continuously over that period. Children will attend five appointments across the 12 months at either Massey University’s Auckland campus, North Shore or Waitakere Hospitals. Three blood tests will be taken across the year and analysed. All information collected will be kept strictly confidential. The study has been reviewed and approved by the Health and Disability Ethics Committee: 14/ NTA/113. For more information on the study, visit: www.massey.ac.nz/vidoma

Does your child have autism?

Early Learning Centre

Are they aged between 2.5 and 8 years old? Massey University are researching the effects of vitamin D and omega-3 on the symptoms of autism

• 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

important nutrients can help reduce the severity of the condition, improve the developmental and cognitive profile of these children, and improve the quality of life for their families,” says Dr von Hurst.

Requirements over a year: • Visit a hospital on three occasions • Visit Massey University, Albany on two occasions • Complete a 4 day food diary and a short weekly questionnaire • Give vitamin D, omega-3 or placebo supplements to your child

What you and your child will gain from taking part: • Nutritional feedback on any vitamin and mineral deﬁciencies and psychological test results report (worth $400)

Interested?

Contact The VIDOMA Study team on 09 213 6650 www.massey.ac.nz/vidoma or email Owen: o.mugridge@massey.ac.nz 01990

This project has been reviewed and approved by the Health and Disability Ethics Community: Northern A, Reference 14/NTA/113 13373

www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | july 2016 |

Discover ACG Strathallan Take a guided tour at a time that suits you Call us now to book

09 295 0830

Modern, independent education

Values-centred learning

Globally-recognised Cambridge curriculum

Preschool to Year 13

Wide variety of sports, arts and culture

Large rural campus in Karaka 13204

28 | eastlife | july 2016

See our bus routes at acgedu.com/strathbus

www.eastlife.co.nz

Mindfulness an important lesson my personal interest in positive psychology.

Now in its 15th year, ACG Strathallan has gained a reputation for scholarship and excellence. Executive Principal ROBIN KIRKHAM explains where he sees the school heading and why mindfulness is part of the timetable.

What is your educational philosophy? Education must be all about the students and what’s best for them, otherwise we’re not doing our jobs properly. Young people’s minds are changing so much, so quickly. We must get the hierarchy of needs right and create an environment where students feel welcome and happy. It’s also about inspiration. Students often under-perceive their potential and a good teacher will inspire them to step out of their comfort zone into something really quite exciting. We need to provide opportunities for every student to be more than they ever thought they could be.

Where do you see ACG Strathallan in five

Currently, all Year 8 students are learning Mindfulness – techniques and skills for self-control; how to drop an anchor and identify feelings, recognising that over time all feelings come and go.

years’ time? As a school, we have huge potential for growth. Several initiatives are underway that reflect this. Our sports programme is becoming more recognised – we had an Olympic hockey player visit the students and he was blown away by the facilities here. We are seeing some remarkable results – for example, both our top boys’ hockey teams are into the finals of their respective competitions for the first time. We offer a value-centric education. This is already well established and important to the culture of the school, but we’re looking to build on it further. We will extend our successful House

Robin Kirkham

‘

open day Saturday, 10 September 10.30am-2.30pm acgedu.com/strathallan

System into Years 5 and 6, so there will be a seamless pathway between primary and college. We are also growing our Mindfulness programme, which links with

It’s a hands-on tool for students to manage themselves and particularly pertinent because we’re dealing with adolescents who are hard on themselves. I believe it’s a gift for life.

What makes the school unique? Our learning ethos. We value education and hard work and take pride in achievement. Our families have a stake in the school and we have a mandate from them to guide their children to succeed; I believe this is why our students achieve so well academically.

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Spoilt for choice Choosing primary education for their children is one of the most important decisions facing today’s parents.

Generally, an enrolment zone will restrict the number of children who can be accepted as pupils at each school, but this is not always the case, and this can fluctuate depending on student numbers or other circumstances at each school.

This eastern quarter of Auckland is blessed with a plethora of wonderful places to start a child’s learning journey, each offering its own specialities and unique features. One of the strengths of the New Zealand education system is the individuality schools can grow and foster. In East Auckland, our schools are as diverse as the students in our classrooms.

in the country, and they are at the forefront of improving the quality of learning outcomes for our students.

Depending on where they live, parents can choose from schools which nurture a love for the environment, have developed incredible integration of digital technology, deliver learning in futuristic learning settings or focus on more traditional approaches.

Our centres of learning may standalone in their suburbs, but the principals and teachers are certainly not working in isolation. A lot of energy is spent sharing strengths in order for each to grow and improve collectively.

Yet, there is a strong sense of collegiality between our schools. Relationships between them are some of the most long-standing

It is important for parents to take the time to visit schools in their chosen area and to sense for themselves the uniqueness of each.

It is worth asking the question of schools – “are you currently accepting out-of-zone enrolments?” If you have the chance to visit, try to picture your children in the setting. Are they outdoor, run and jump types, or are they in their ‘happy place’ in a large library? Will they prosper with access to copious amounts of technology, or will they love getting their hands dirty in the orchard or garden? The choice for parents and newcomers to our area is bewildering, and is only made harder by the diversity of the wonderful schools there are to choose from! – By Ian Dickinson, Principal, Pigeon Mountain Primary School

Win! The Misadventures of Max Crumbly Can Max handle middle school? It’s a scary prospect, particularly with such adversaries as Doug ‘Thug’ Thurston Problem, with whom to contend. However, if he can draw on superpowers – such as the ability to smell pizza from a block away – maybe the aspiring comic book writer can become the hero his new school needs. In this new series from Rachel Renee Russell, readers are sure to find entertainment to the... Max! • Rachel Renee Russell: The Misadventures of Max Crumbly | RRP $19.99 | S&S UK Children Thanks to Simon & Schuster, EastLife has a copy up for grabs. To enter, see competitions tab at eastlife.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close July 31, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

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1. Resorting to that chic small-talk (8). 2. “Within one hour” is long (4). 3. Songs from the wild tilt that’s inside loose (7). 4. By which one enters the field of jewellery? (5). 5. Made one of the beds and skedaddled (3,1,4). 6. It’s for refuse, miss (4). 11. For the golfer to buy pegs with? (3-5). 13. Has to do with businesses (8). 14. When so put about, faint (4,3). 17. The Poles stand outside, nervous (5). 19. Drinks as it flows (4). 21. A very little, might I say (4).

14 15

16 17

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Harcourts Botany Botany Town Centre (Beside Rockshop) Phone 09 261 3575 Email botany@harcourts.co.nz www.preetandco.co.nz 12416-v4

eastlife | july 2016 |

Last-ing career the perfect fit! When HELEN PERRY visited the Avondale factory producing Minnie Cooper footwear she soon realised why people from all over New Zealand aspire to step into Sandy Cooper’s shoes.

‘Top Quality’ is, perhaps an exaggerated description of many goods and services in today’s world but when it comes to Minnie Copper, well, quality fits the shoe – and the slippers – but there is a price to be paid. However, the woman behind this long-standing footwear company, former Howickian, Sandy Cooper, who still has strong local ties, is quick to put her Minnie where her mouth is and explains: “When people ask, ‘why are your shoes so dear?’ what they should really be asking is why such a lot of apparel and footwear is so cheap. We all know our cheap prices come at the expense of other’s people’s misery – overseas factories where working conditions, hours and pay are often atrocious. But it’s a case of ‘out of sight out of mind’. “If those same factories were here, where we could see them, we wouldn’t tolerate them. Yet I fully understand how tempting it is to buy cheap and forget how they came to be that way.”

sandy cooper

Determined to continue manufacturing in New Zealand, Sandy has rejected sending her designs offshore. She says she would welcome the return of tariffs which would mean more jobs for people here and the retention of many skills which she fears will soon be lost. However she concedes many goods would be more expensive. A tour of her Avondale plant is a revelation – it is probably one of the last remaining outposts where one can see footwear assembled from design start to the final threading of a shoelace. “My pattern maker is 74 and my bag maker, 72. Many other staff are also ‘senior’ employees whose exceptional skill levels have taken years to achieve.” Employing quality craftsmen to make quality footwear (handbags too), Sandy says she has always resolved to use the best leather, the best linings and the best soles she could buy. “I wanted my shoes to last and not

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be part of the throwaway culture. Too many shoes are made for money not love.” As one of the few shoe manufacturers in New Zealand, Minnie Copper has stood the testing times of manufacturing moving off shore; it survived the 2008 crash and it has adapted to the rise of online shopping. “I opened my first shop in Ponsonby 27 years ago and the Wellington store, 25 years ago, but last year I closed both, switching to online selling. It was that or fail to survive. What’s more, Sandy has done much more than survive. She has boldly launched a line of women’s slippers and in 10 weeks has seen them run out the door. “Also, after watching retail sales steadily slip, I was delighted to see a 50 per cent increase in sales after going online. “On our first day we sold three pairs

of shoes – that was $1000 straight off. Now, a third of sales come from Australia and since launching Five Star Slippers 10 weeks ago, sales have continued to climb. Importantly, despite my products being aimed at the high end of the market, the slipper price of $149 per pair has not phased customers at all.” Looking back on her career path, Sandy says she could never have envisaged it leading her into shoes and their boxes. “I left school and did a couple of years at Elam [School of Fine Arts] but then headed overseas. I spent most of my 20s in the States where I worked as a courier and loved it.” On her return to New Zealand Sandy encountered a booming craft scene. Before she knew it, she had made a couple of hats and sold them. “For the next five years, or so, I did the craft fair rounds selling my hats. But when I started making baby shoes too I knew it was time to get serious and extend my skills.”

Sandy wrote to Sydney Technical College asking if she could attend their footwear courses. “The reply was, ‘come over, you can do all our classes’ and I did. Best of all they were free; incredible, really, so, thank you Australia!” It wasn’t until the 1980’s that Sandy launched the first of her Minnie Cooper range, the name Minnie being coupled with Cooper simply because Sandy drove past Minnie Street and liked the idea of adding it to her surname!

Photo Wayne Martin

‘

When people ask, ‘why are your shoes so dear?’ what they should really be asking is why such a lot of apparel and footwear is so cheap. We all know our cheap prices come at the expense of other’s people’s misery – overseas factories where working conditions, hours and pay are often atrocious. But it’s a case of ‘out of sight out of mind’.”

“I was lucky to find a small factory to make my shoes which took off like rockets. I’ve been designing and making women’s shoes ever since. There was a brief foray into men’s shoes, and they were popular, but women buy many more shoes than men so it seemed prudent to stick with our female followers.”

“When we closed there were great cries of grief from our loyal following but I could see the writing on the wall. Subsequently, with online sales taking off, it’s made me think that the next five to 10 years could see people living in spaces which once were shops.

For almost three decades, the Minnie Cooper shops enjoyed solid custom but with the advent of online shopping things changed.

“So, what I’m saying is, if you love having shops around, use them. Support the suppliers you like otherwise you’ll lose them.”

1/10 The Terraces, 24 Wellington Street, Howick | Ph 535 9554 Email salon@terraceshair.co.nz | Web www.terraceshair.co.nz

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eastlife | july 2016 |

EXTENDING THE ESSENTIAL TREATMENT Essential Hair is the original home of high quality European hair extensions in East Auckland, senior stylist Kelly Little confirms.

Style your hair and keep it looking healthy inside and out with the Remington Keratin Curling Wand. With a fast heat-up speed and an auto safety shut off, this hair curler is sure to be your go-to accessory for lustrous, frizz-free hair.

“If you have always wanted long, thick, natural-looking hair, we have a range of extensions and all the products you need to care for them.” Kelly prides herself on delivering an outstanding salon experience, taking the time to understand customers’ needs in order to recommend the most suitable service. “We offer tape-ins, clip-ins and micro-link (weft or strand-by-strand) extensions, all of which can be styled and coloured to blend seamlessly with your own hair. “And, we provide full aftercare advice so you’ll know how to keep your extensions looking awesome!” Kelly recommends maintenance appointments approximately every six weeks, which is usually when hair is due for a re-colour. Prices start at just $500, however consultations are free.

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With advanced ceramic infused with Keratin and Argan oil, the Remington Keratin Curling Wand helps maintain frizz-free, shiny curls and waves.

Salon owner, Chris Harper, adds that an amazing new treatment is also now on offer at Essential Hair. “Keratin Complex smoothing therapy is a revolutionary product – it can tame even the unruliest hair and actually conditions damaged hair, making it soft and manageable,” he explains “So, our customers can now have

silky-smooth hair, without subjecting it to harsh chemicals, from $90 for the express service (which lasts up to six weeks) and from $220 for frizz-free results that last up to five months!” To see examples of Essential Hair’s work, visit facebook.com/ essentialhair. Alternatively, phone 09 271 2220 to make an appointment at the salon, located at 301L Botany Road.

Achieve natural-looking, kink-free curls and waves thanks to the Keratin infused curling wand’s 13-25mm conical shape and clipless barrel. And for your safety, this hair curling wand comes with a heat protective glove and automatic safety shut off. Salon-like convenience and ease of use with a salon swivel cord. Heats up in up to 30 seconds with variable heat settings up to 210°C.

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PANDORA’s shimmering season collection celebrates astrology with a series of stunning silver openwork charms featuring depictions of the zodiac signs. Further to the collection is a series of friendship inspired charms to remember those special relationships in your life. Be it a momento of your best friend, sister of loved one, PANDORA has that special charm to add to your bracelet collection.

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34 | eastlife | july 2016

Kiosk SPK103, The Pavillion, Botany Town Centre, Ph 278 5550 13372

www.eastlife.co.nz

Cool or warm – WHAT ARE YOU? Cool or warm?

Bestselling author on how to look younger without surgery and managing director of Auckland Fashion Week www.aucklandfashionweek.nz DENYSE SAUNDERS provides tips on choosing colours to suit your personal season. Choosing which colours to wear can be confusing especially when feeling pressured to don new season shades regardless of whether they really suit you or not.

Those who are cool-based, will be either a summer or a winter person. Warm-based, people will be either spring or autumn.

in your skin, you are a cool-based person. If, on the other hand, you have visible yellow in your skin, you are a warm-based person.

It is, of course possible to be a combination of the two cool colours and be able to wear both summer and winter shades while a warm-based person could suit both spring and autumn colours.

Another way of telling is to sit in front of a mirror, without make-up, and place a piece of white fabric over your clothes, up to your neck. How does your face look? Is it flushed, tired, drawn? Or does it shine and look more alive?

Rather than slavishly following fashion, it is more important to wear colours that best flatter you; colours that make you appear vibrant and youthful with that wow factor.

White or cream? Whether we fit into the warmbased or the cool-based category is determined by our skin, eyes and hair colour. If you change the colour of your hair dramatically then yes, it can change the colours that best suit you. Look at your wrist under bright sunlight (this will not work under artificial light). If you have visible pink

But, normally, one would not mix summer and spring as one is coolbased and the other, warm-based. Think about which colours you are wearing when others comment on how great you look. Conversely, if you hear people say that you look tired or flushed, then perhaps you are not wearing a flattering shade.

Then place a piece of cream fabric up to your face. How does this make your face look? Do you look better or worse than with the white colour? If the white suits you best, you are a cool-based person. If, however, the cream is more suitable, you are a warm-based person. I have never met a person that suits both white and cream; it is always one or the other,

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Certain colours flatter specific colour types, making your face look healthier and more vibrant, while other colours can make you appear tired and your skin dull or flushed.

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eastlife | july 2016 |

Pearls are the Queen of Gems & Gem of Queens

Supporting New Zealand Designers CHALET • DAVID POND • TOBY • LOBBIE’S STORY • SILLS • BAZAAR • OBI • SABATINI PAULA RYAN • DEANNA HOBBS • RANDOM SILVER LINING • NEW LONDON JEANS

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.

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Pearls have been a symbol of beauty and purity for centuries with records dating back to 2000BC. They are easily recognised as a precious stone as they require no cutting or polishing, easily giving away their beauty and rarity. Today, pearls are regarded as both classic and contemporary coming in many fashionable styles and colours. Pearls are the product of living creatures, formed when a mollusc produces layers of nacre (pronounced NAY-kur) around an irritant inside its shell. In cultivated pearls, a motherof-pearl bead or a piece of tissue is inserted (by man) into the mollusc to start the process. The quality of the nacre dictates the quality of the lustre, which is important to beauty and value. Ideally, the surface should be smooth and free of marks while the overall shape could be round, oval or, pear-shaped. When misshapen they are called baroque pearls.

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• Akoya or Cultured pearls are grown in salt water pearl farms off the coast of Japan and China. The molluscs are raised until they are old enough to accept the mother-of-pearl bead nucleus. Through a delicate surgical procedure, a technician implants the bead . The molluscs are then returned to the water and cared for while the pearl forms. Not all implants produce a pearl but when they do, they range up to 10mm in size and are usually white or cream in colour and round in shape.

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• Freshwater pearls are the most commonly produced pearls and grown mainly in China. Their diverse range of shapes and colours, combined with their charming character, make them very attractive to jewellery consumers. A single freshwater pearl mussel is capable of producing up to 40 pearls at a time which helps make them very affordable. They range from coin or flat shapes to very baroque or nearround. In addition to the traditional white body colour, they come in a rainbow of colours such as lavender, peach, pink, and black with many shades in between.

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36 | eastlife | july 2016

including Tahiti, and also the Cook Islands. Black pearls derive their name from the Black-Lip pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) they grow in. These naturally coloured pearls come in grey, blue, green, purple and even white with size ranging from 8mm to 16mm. South Sea pearls are the most valuable of the pearl family with each having its own personality making them unique to you when your special piece is selected.

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• South Sea pearls are grown around several French Polynesian islands,

‘

We stock a wide range of pearls and if you mention this article when you visit our store we will give you 20% off the normal price of any item of pearl jewellery.”

David Fels Showcase Jewellers 53 Picton St, Howick Ph: 09 537 2347 howick@showcasejeweller.com

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www.eastlife.co.nz

Latest lasers, lasting results In today’s busy world, saving time by shaving off extra minutes spent on personal grooming really can add up!

And renewed confidence is par for the course. “Hair removal is not just about how we look, it’s about how we feel, and some suffer more from excessive hair than others. Utilising the best solutions modern science has to offer we can deliver fantastic results restoring confidence in the process.”

A disposable razor may not break the bank, but over the course of a lifetime, costs can grow. However, thanks to cutting edge laser technology, affordable, long-lasting hair removal is now possible, resulting in smoother skin, free of unwanted hair.

Just one of Sonali’s satisfied customers, Cockle Bay local, Sarah Ellis, says the Candela system has delivered first class results.

Sonali Mehendale from Botany’s Ultimate Beauty Skin & Laser Clinic says the new Candela system, which utilises a high-tech, medical grade laser, is light years ahead. “This leading approach to medical hair removal allows ultra-fast, gentle treatments – usually requiring only 6-8 sessions, starting from $35 (first treatment half price) – with excellent results. By targeting hair follicles with laser energy, this system hits the roots while preserving the surrounding skin,” she explains. “A pack of razors or wax obviously cost less than laser removal but, thanks to Candela, the latter can last a lifetime. And, after a little more than 10 years, it will have more than paid for itself!” FDA (American Food & Drug Administration) cleared, the Candela system is already used by more than

10,000 doctors, Sonali says; however, to her knowledge, no other east Auckland practitioners are employing the system to date. “Older laser treatments were effective, but this really is state of the art technology! For example, we can make a full leg hair-free in just 30-40 minutes and quickly achieve smooth, beautiful skin, free of unwanted hair. “What’s more, because our lasers offer gentle treatment, the experience is often comfortable and virtually pain free!” Suitable for hair removal from any bodily area, this medical grade

candela laser system saves time waxing, shaving, bleaching and threading, and treatments for beard bumps, facial veins and pigmented lesions are also available. By virtue of its patented Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD), the system ensures treatments are as comfortable as possible. “The average woman could spend almost 24 hours over the course of a decade shaving or waxing – not a pleasant task! And unwanted hair can be an issue for men too. Why waste all that time and energy when just a few sessions can achieve full hair removal and smooth, supple skin for life?”

“I couldn’t believe how quick, easy and painless the treatment was! There was no real discomfort and the results were amazing. I have confidence in Sonali and team; I highly recommend them,” she says. In addition to laser hair removal, the clinic provides a wide range of skin and beauty treatments and quality skincare products. All therapies begin with a professional consultation, adds Sonali. “Give us a call or check out our website [www.ultimatebeauty.co.nz]. “Or, for more details about Candela, see syneron-candela.com.au. We’ll offer a free patch test to determine whether the latest in hair removal treatments is right for you... your skin will thank you for it!”

Shop L, 301 Botany Rd, inside Essential Hair Phone: (09) 09 535 4177 Mobile: (09) 021 1810903 Email: sonali@ultimatebeauty.co.nz

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eastlife | july 2016 |

Trilogy

Vitamin A

in tune with Anna boost a must Kiwi musician and songwriter, Anna Coddington is singing the praises of respected skin care brand, Trilogy. The face of Trilogy’s new campaign – Discover Nature’s Power – Anna, of Fly My Pretties fame, is seen as a natural fit with the brand as she embodies the values and ethics Trilogy stands for. Passionate about environmental issues, she is a staunch supporter of the cruelty-free campaign against animal testing and her sustainability ethos is deeply embedded in her everyday life. Speaking about why she chose to work with Trilogy, Anna says, “they’re about natural beauty rather than glamour, and that sits well for me, Trilogy products are crueltyfree, which is really important – I won’t use skin care [products] that have been tested on animals.”

environment and change my habits accordingly.” Trilogy’s International Communications Manager, Lisa Wilson says the company is excited to collaborate with the singer. “We love her approach to conscious living. As individuals, we might not think we can change the world, but if we try to be responsible with every decision we make, all those little things can add up to significant positive change.” And Anna’s top three Trilogy products are the Make-Up Be Gone Cleansing Balm; Certified Organic Rosehip Oil; and Vital Moisturising Cream SPF15. “I use Trilogy’s cleansing balm; it’s amazing for removing make-up and is really good for travelling with.”

Although Anna is keen to participate in the campaign, it means juggling the demands of a busy career and motherhood too – she is expecting her second child and she has a new album due out later this year.

jody burke, owner of About Skin is a CIDESCO and Cibtac qualified beauty therapist and a qualified trainer with more than 20 years experience. Here she talks about how important Vitamin A is for the skin. If keeping a youthful complexion is important, Vitamin A should be at the top of your skin care list. From the age of 20, the skin’s dermis layer – the cushioning layer which is mainly collagen – reduces at 1% per year. As collagen reduces, wrinkles and lines begin to form and, over time, the skin begins to sag. Vitamin A, which also depletes through intrinsic ageing and sun damage, is required to produce collagen. New Zealand now has one of the worst rates of skin cancer in the world, therefore sun damage here is prevalent. This makes it more important than ever to use a medical strength Vitamin A to help preserve our skin. At About Skin we recommend Xcell Medical Skincare Ultimate A or Iconic A Plus.

While she’s always been environmentally aware, Anna says having children has made her even more concerned about how the planet is treated. “There are environmental luxuries my generation has enjoyed that the next one won’t.

These products are produced in a top USA laboratory enabling clients to use high amounts of active ingredients without reactions or sensitivity. In line with this, we offer an incredible Vitamin A peel which has been our most popular peel for some five years.

“I’m not perfect by any means but I try to challenge myself to think about the way I’m impacting on the

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time. It contains 30% chirallycorrected L-Retinol A to generate immense activity in the skin, dramatically reducing the visible signs of ageing. A highly effective dermis peel, it works to restore growth of healthy, young skin cells, increase cell turnover (collagen) and remove layers of dead skin. Timeless peel also works to increase the skin’s moisture level to give an age-defying, smooth textured complexion. The down period is minimal and it’s painless! This peel can even be done in your lunchtime. The price at About Skin is just $99; elsewhere in New Zealand, $200 to $350.

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This is the most popular peel world wide due to the results and lack of down time. Amazing peel to dramatically reduce the visible signs of aging. Timeless peel increases your skin’s moisture level to give you an age defying, smooth textured complexion. The results are incredible treating acne skin with these peels. Down period is minimal. Best results course of three.

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38 | eastlife | july 2016

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Call About Skin now for a FREE consultation or more information.”

5 Reeves Rd, Pakuranga, East Auckland. Ph 576 1550. info@aboutskin.co.nz www.aboutskin.co.nz 13264

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Fertility insights ‘ Dr Mary BiRdsall, fertility specialist and chair of Fertility Associates addresses the biological clock factor and other issues for women trying to conceive.

For women thinking of having a baby – or who might want a family in the near future – I recommend starting the conversation as soon as possible. Areas to consider that impact fertility include: • Age: The biological clock is the most important factor when having a baby. Young women without fertility problems have about a 25% chance of having a baby naturally if they try at the right time of the month. This falls to about 12% at age 37 and 5% at 42. Today, we are seeing more women having their first child at over 40 years of age. It is possible, but they are more likely to need help. To work out your chances visit our Biological Clock at fertilityassociates.co.nz • How long is too long: The Online Biological Clock can also tell you how long to try for pregnancy naturally before seeking help. For example, women who are 39 years of age should consider seeking help after 5 months, and should definitely be seeking advice after one year. Every year counts when you reach your late 30s. • Fertility time frame: Today we have the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test to estimate ovarian reserve. This test can help predict how many eggs you are likely to obtain during a cycle and can

We recommend you start the conversation as early as possible, either with your partner, your GP or one of our team. Being informed is the best thing you can do towards having a baby.”

GO-ing viral? Go-getters know how important it is to stay in peak condition. However, because winter ailments can take their toll, a little boost for the immune system won’t go amiss. Thankfully, GO Healthy has a triple threat of supplements (GO Healthy GO Immune Protect and GO Healthy GO Vir-Defence) which are specially formulated to support the immune system and aid recovery.

GO Healthy GO Immune Protect Designed to help strengthen the body’s natural defences against seasonal threats and to lessen the impact of ills and chills, GO Immune Protect’s probiotic blend has been formulated to bolster the body’s defences throughout winter.

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dr mary birdsall identify who may experience early menopause. This test can be taken through your clinic but the help of a fertility specialist may be needed to interpret the results.

take him along to the initial fertility screening appointment.

• Other health conditions: If you have other gynaecological conditions such as polycystic ovaries or endometriosis it is also recommended seeking advice early to understand your chances.

• Not met Mr Right? There are other options available and talking these through with a specialist or even calling the FREE nurse consultation is a great way to find out more. There is a waiting time for sperm donors so we recommend you don’t delay that first appointment.

• Get him tested too: Of the couples we see, approximately 50% are experiencing fertility issues which stem from the male. So, if you are trying, and it is taking longer than you think it should,

“We recommend you start the conversation as early as possible, either with your partner, your GP or one of our team. Being informed is the best thing you can do towards having a baby.”

Providing a high-potency mix of five key natural immune-boosting ingredients – echinacea, olive leaf, vitamin C, garlic and zinc – GO Vir-Defence is a one-stop, natural health supplement.

GO Healthy GO Multi Everyday By supporting energy levels, improving mood, when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, GO Multi Everyday can help maintain general health and wellbeing.

Trying for a baby? Everyone’s experience of having a baby is different. It’s hard to know when you should check your fertility. We offer a free nurse phone consultation to talk through your questions and find out your options. To find out more visit fertilityassociates.co.nz or call 0800 255 522

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eastlife | july 2016 |

We are dedicated to your personal well-being through dental health • Teeth whitening • All ceramic tooth ﬁlling materials using Cerec3 cad-cam, 3D technology • Permanent tooth replacements with dental implants • For gum health and maintenance call our hygienist Shelley Chadwick • All aspects of general dentistry Evening appointments available Call us now on 530 8461 or 530 8271, Whitford Village, Whitford

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In my practice I am seeing a growing number of serious and not so serious athletes who are succumbing to injuries. What is that about?

events/matches and then have to terminate their sporting careers. Tragic! But equally tragic is when it is you not being able to jog or go to the gym as you would wish.

With toxins, I am including all the chemicals, insecticides, herbicides, heavy metals and allergens, that detract from wellness, by diverting bodily resources.

Your body knows that exercise is good for it. It wants nothing more than to serve you. When your car runs out of petrol, it just stops. Your body digs much deeper and steals from anywhere it can to keep going. It can only do this for so long and then it starts to break down – injuries.

Exercise does place an additional strain on the body. It chomps through more nutrients as the body tries to repair and grow (or shrink).

What you see as an annoying connective tissue injury, your body may see as a major nutrient deficiency.

As we use up our supplies of protein, essential fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, iodine, selenium, antioxidants, phyto-nutrients, and more, we create a deficient state where the body just does not have the essentials it needs to repair.

However, before you go rushing out to buy a whole lot of nutrients and throw them down your throat, take a moment to check what you are actually deficient in.

Even worse, the deficit leads to breakdowns, which will often mean strained ligaments, torn muscles, shin splints and more.

So many people waste money gobbling down stuff, which they already have aplenty and they miss the boat on what their body really needs. Test and be sure.

Have you every wondered why top athletes who hammer their bodies only have a limited career and have to withdraw because of injuries?

Exercise is great. Just make sure your body has what it needs and if you are one of those repetitive injury people, think about what your body may need to serve you better.

We follow our sporting heroes and then cringe as they first miss critical

Visit our website to see one story of what can be.

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

www.eastlife.co.nz 40 | eastlife | july 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

Personal enhancement procedures Respected plastic surgeon, MARTIN REES from Marina Specialists addresses the desire by many people to improve on biological features they were born with or changes that have occurred through ageing.

‘

Human nature is such that many of us are not content with how we look or ‘who we are’ for some reason. Nearly all of us have an aesthetic sense that we use to recognise what is beautiful in life; a flower, a bird, child or one’s partner; even one’s self! Equally there are some creatures, sights or people that we do not like to look at as our aesthetic sense of beauty is offended, which is an unpleasant experience. We all have a strong sense of personal identity from seeing ourselves in photos (as other people see us) or in the mirror as we usually see ourselves ( the reverse of how we actually look!) Some people are unfortunately born with features that are outside the ‘normal range’ (biological variation). Some of us as we age change considerably and become something we are not used to seeing...a face or body reminiscent of our mother or father! That person looking back at me is no longer ‘me’ as my brain remembers but the image of an old man or woman. So many patients tell me things like this. The photos taken at a family wedding often catch one unawares, ‘side-on’ showing that humped or hooked nose, or a thick, fat neck that isn’t obvious from the front when looking in the mirror. This may precipitate a person into seeking professional advice from a

What is vitally important is to engage with a plastic surgeon you feel comfortable with; someone whose integrity you can trust, who has many years of experience with well-honed surgical skills to produce consistently good results with a minimum number of unwanted side effects.”

plastic surgeon as to what can be done to ‘reverse the clock’ or take 20 years off the face. Some people like to ‘grow old gracefully’ and simply accept themselves as they are. They are perfectly content with themselves and their lives. Others struggle with the effects of ageing and want to fight against it as strongly as possible.

What is vitally important is to engage with a plastic surgeon you feel comfortable with; someone whose integrity you can trust and who has many years of experience with well-honed surgical skills to produce consistently good results with a minimum number of unwanted side effects.

Modern surgical techniques and medical advances can produce some astounding transformations for the better. Big improvements are often possible; sometimes subtle changes are all that are needed.

This person must be able to offer high quality surgery and be available for post-op care and support. No one regrets buying quality. Going for the cheapest price with a

holiday thrown in at a distant and exotic destination may be a good idea at the time but I’ve seen many complications and bad results from ‘cosmetic tourism’. It is much better not to go to someone whose credentials, skills and training cannot be easily ascertained. At Marina Specialists we offer quality surgery in a quality facility with quality after care by highly skilled surgeons with many years of training and surgical experience to produce results you will be pleased with and we can be proud of!

Martin Rees FRACS Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon Marina Specialists, First Floor, “Compass Building”, Ara Tai Drive, Half Moon Bay Marina, Bucklands Beach Ph 534 4040, EDI: marinasp, www.plassurg.co.nz, www.marinamedical.co.nz www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | july 2016 |

Glaucoma Awareness

How can

IV sedation

Kristine Jensen, Owner-Optometrist of Eyes of Howick talks about detecting and treating glaucoma, an eye disease which affects two percent of the population over the age of 40.

help you?

Over the past few months I have spent time in a private ophthalmology clinic which specialises in the detection and treatment of glaucoma.

YVONNE VANNOORT, from Sanctuary Dental, at Bishop's Gate, Botany south talks about using intravenous sedation in dentistry.

‘

For those people who suffer from past traumatic experiences which prevent them from reaching oral health goals, IV (intravenous) sedation can be of help. This form of sedation is a kind and comfortable alternative to lying in the dental chair feeling stressed about the treatment process. Dental phobia and anxiety is very real for many people and today, there is a focus on changing dental experiences for the better. With IV, a comfortable line is inserted into the arm or hand through which the sedative is given. This is topped up frequently according to what is needed.

Dental phobia and anxiety is very real for many people and today, there is a focus on changing dental experiences for the better.”

The majority of patients I met had no inkling that they were harbouring an eye disease and it was only a routine visit to their optometrist which saw the glaucoma detected. This has reinforced the notion that glaucoma is indeed the silent thief of sight.

With extra training and by achieving higher level examinations, dentists are qualified to administer such sedation. Nursing assistants are also qualified for their part. Before such a procedure, clients need to have an empty stomach and should not eat or drink for four hours before the appointment time.

What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a disease which damages the optic nerve. The million plus nerve fibres within the optic nerve progressively die, initially resulting in loss of peripheral vision. Vision loss remains undetected until the disease is quite advanced.

Afterwards, they must have someone to take them home and to stay with them for the rest of the day. They cannot drive for that same day and on arriving home it is essential to rest – many sleep for a few hours.

Clients are conscious (unlike a general anaesthetic) but very relaxed during the procedure and usually rouse feeling quite refreshed. Usually, there is also little memory of the procedure afterwards. Not only is this technique useful for people who are anxious, it is also helpful for those who gag easily or are about to undergo a long or more difficult procedure. Breathing and heart rates are constantly monitored and strict safety guidelines are followed.

Recently our legislation has been updated so appropriately skilled optometrists can now not only diagnose but can treat and manage glaucoma. My hours in the clinic were part of that credentialing process.

While there is a spectrum of ‘glaucomas’ and symptoms may vary, generally, if one has early glaucoma he/she will be none the wiser as there is no pain or visual signs day to day.

Please contact our friendly team to arrange a consultation with our dentists.

It would be easy to presume that if you can still drive and read clearly that your eyes are healthy but, unfortunately, that is not the case. It is for this reason that glaucoma is the number one cause of preventable blindness in New Zealand. Glaucoma affects 2% of the population over the age of 40.

A complimentary meeting with our treatment co-ordinator can be arranged if further discussion about a treatment plan or financial support on how to implement it is required.

Are you at risk? Anyone can get glaucoma. but the following may increase risk: • A family history of glaucoma • Significant short and long sightedness • High blood pressure • Past or present use of steroid drugs • Previous eye injuries • Migraines or poor peripheral blood circulation (Raynaud’s) How can you ensure healthy eyes? A comprehensive eye examination with your optometrist or ophthalmologist should include optic nerve and eye pressure chamber assessment along with eye pressure measurement and screening of your peripheral vision. Your eye care professional should discuss with you any family history of eye disease along with other risk factors for developing glaucoma. It is important for everyone to have had an eye exam by age 45 years to establish any risk and recommend a time for future screenings. The next challenge With glaucoma affecting some 70,000 Kiwis, our public health system is challenged. Having now become credentialed to treat glaucoma I have enrolled in a further opportunity to enable me to assist glaucoma clinics in the public healthcare network. My challenge to you is to have an eye exam so your eyesight lasts a lifetime. www.eyesofhowick.co.nz

Sanctuary is celebrating its 10th birthday! To celebrate, we’re giving you an amazing opportunity to nominate a deserving person for Free Dentistry!*

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.

To submit a nomination email tracey.tebble@sanctuarydental.co.nz with your nominee’s story. Include your nominee’s contact details. Entries close midnight Friday 30th September 2016.

100 Picton Street, Howick, Auckland 2014

42 | eastlife | july 2016

100 Picton Street, Howick.

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

12330

12872-V2

*Each nomination will be reviewed and awarded based on its merits and awarded at Santurary Dental’s discretion.

www.eastlife.co.nz

Fighting WINTER FATIGUE After 40 years on the market, health tonic Floradix Formula has stood the test of time – a medicine cabinet ‘must have’ for those who want iron in their veins! Floradix is a fast-absorbing formula containing iron gluconate as well as a blend of herbs, plant roots, fruit and vegetable concentrates and vitamins (B6 and C) specially formulated to keep iron and energy levels at their optimum. It is free from all artificial colourings, preservatives and sweeteners.

One of the first signs of iron deficiency is fatigue, which can affect everything from brain function to the immune system’s defences. Iron is also necessary to maintain healthy cells, skin, hair, and nails. Endeavour Consumer Health, marketing director, Sue Millinchip says that while there are a huge variety of iron supplements available in today’s market, Floradix continues to be popular because of its proven effectiveness and natural ingredients.

Iron is an important component of haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs and transports it throughout the body. Haemoglobin represents about two-thirds of the body’s iron. If the body doesn’t have enough iron, it can’t make enough healthy oxygencarrying red blood cells. A lack of red blood cells is called iron deficiency anaemia.

Win!

lEan in 15 – thE ShaPE Plan

“The supplements market is very crowded and there seems to be a new brand on the shelf every week, which makes it hard to know which brand to choose,” she says.

To shape up, first we need to shift about but how to do this effectively is a matter of debate.

“After four decades in New Zealand, Floradix has earned its place as a trusted brand and one that really works.”

In his first book, personal trainer and boxing coach, Joe Wicks outlines his plan for burning fat and increasing fitness and also shares 15 minute recipes to ensure the body receives the fuel it needs. By focusing on efficient exercise, Joe maintains we need not spend hours in the gym to shape muscles, increase metabolic rates and burn calories.

Floradix Formula is available nationwide in supermarkets and health stores (RRP $23.99).

WIN! FLORADIX

EastLife has a copy of this book to give away. 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 July 31, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

Lacking iron? Here’s a chance for an extra boost. EastLife has bottles of Floradix to give away to three lucky readers. To enter, just visit the competitions page at www.eastlife. co.nz and fill out the appropriate form. One entry per person/email address; competition closes July 31, 2016. Winners notified by phone or email.

• Joe Wicks: Lean in 15 – The Shape Plan | RRP $39.99 | Macmillan Publishers NZ

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*Valid at Les Mills Howick only. Entitles the bearer to a free 14 consecutive day trial at Les Mills. Only one trial per person. Not available to current members, or if you have had a trial membership in the last six months. Available to NZ residents only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other Les Mills offer or special pricing discount. Standard Les Mills conditions apply. Les Mills reserves the right to refuse entry on the grounds of minimum age (15), health and safety. By providing your details you agree to being contacted by Les Mills for marketing purposes. Additional fee applies for Personal Training.

www.eastlife.co.nz

LMNO0064_Howick_Press_Ad_EASTLIFE_B.indd 1

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eastlife | july 2016 |

28/06/16 11:57 AM

Benefits of functional fitness Functional fitness can be described simply as everyday movement in which the body is conditioned to complete everyday tasks. A person’s body was designed to be used, and exercise prepares it for many uses. Here, we briefly outline the five key movements of everyday life and then make a few suggestions as to how they can mastered at the gym. Sitting down, then standing up is one of the most common movements we complete every day. This translates into an exercise most popularly known to most as a squat. For example, you wake up, roll over and sit at the edge of the bed before using your thighs and buttocks to stand up. A squat is required to step into and out of your car, and also to sit down and stand back up in the privacy of your bathroom, and all this before 9am in the morning.

Next, we look at bending down to pick up from the floor, also known as a deadlift in the gym. How many times a week do you bend to pick up, or put something down? Lifting tools at work, moving a couch at home or even picking up something as small as the children’s toys, all require this type of movement. However, with incorrect form and weakened muscles injury is always possible. The third movement is lying down and getting back up. In the gym we call this a burpee, but this can be simplified by just doing the good old push up. However, upper body strength needs to be equal on both the front and back side of the body.

This brings in the fourth movement, grabbing hold of an object and pulling it towards you. This translates into a pull up at the gym and involves even the smallest of daily tasks such as pulling open the door at your local gas station. Both aspects need to be improved together to build the upper body strength for everyday life. The fifth and final movement is that of your midsection or core muscles. These muscles are always active and should provide the stable base

required to perform all the other movements mentioned above. From prone holds and planks to crunches and back extensions, special emphasis should be put on tensing your core throughout the day in everything you do. Most of us drive on a daily basis, try tensing your core from traffic light to traffic light, taking a break in between. Next time you visit the gym, take a moment to rethink your session and prioritise accordingly. Are you incorporating exercises such as squats, deadlifts, push ups, pull ups and core work? The addition of functional movements in your exercise routine is all that is needed to prepare your body for the work and activities that everyday life brings. If unsure, or in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to ask a trained professionals at your local gym. – Submitted by the team at Jetts Fitness Botany Junction

Join this month for only $29 and go in the draw to win a pair of New Balance trainers* Your friendly premium 24/7 club

From $10.95 per week* | No lock-in contracts | Free 30min PT Assessment

Clubs in your area: Botany, Botany Junction,

44 | eastlife | july 2016 Highbrook, Highland Park and Howick

*Terms and conditions apply, refer to www.jettsonline.co.nz/terms. Trainers valued at $180. Offer expires 31.07.2016.

www.eastlife.co.nz

02156-v6

No place like home

– Munchkin proclaims

Ask Kiwis to meet our neighbours and we’ll likely oblige; just don’t ask us to eat our neighbours’ meat, or partake of their milk of human kindness, for that matter!

of reassurance of quality as well as allowing them to proactively support local suppliers.” Based in the US, Munchkin produces formula products in New Zealand using fresh milk from grass-fed cows on Canterbury farms.

According to a recent survey, it seems we prefer locally-grown and raised foodstuffs, with two thirds of respondents favouring food and beverages made from New Zealand ingredients. Commissioned by Munchkin, the survey explored shopping habits and attitudes of 1000 Kiwis. While 35% gave a desire to support locally-made products as their most important reason for knowing country of origin, almost as many cited food safety concerns (34%) and issues regarding chemicals, preservatives or additive levels at 20%. Taste preferences and environmental concerns about the distance the food travels were given by only 6% and 5% of respondents.

The survey also reveals: • 69% overall (and 86% of parents with children of school age or younger) said country of origin for food products was important • 54% believe product labels in supermarkets do not provide enough detail regarding country of origin Meat and dairy products topped the list of products for which origin was especially important amongst consumers (96% and 95% respectively), followed closely by fruit and vegetables (92%). Gary Hunter from Munchkin says

concerns about product safety and levels of additives were particularly apparent. “One clear message from the research is that Kiwi’s care where their food is made. It provides consumers with an important level

• 19% said they always purchase food or beverage products made in New Zealand with locally sourced ingredients • 95% indicated they would rather consume dairy products from grassfed (rather than grain-fed) cows

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 | july 2016 |

fiSh of thE month

HOKI From Oceanz Seafood, The Hub, Botany Hoki is not only a great value fish species it is actually one of the cheapest forms of protein available. Despite this, hoki is still underrated and domestic demand is a lot lower than it should be given taste and value. The vast majority of hoki catches are exported. Hoki flesh is offwhite and when cooked is more flavourful than most other white fish due to its higher fat content. The majority of hoki is caught in the late winter – early spring period in the area around the Cook Strait and Hokitika Canyon. Like all New Zealand fish species, hoki is actively managed under our quota management system. In 2012, significant restrictions were placed on the catch as numbers declined. These restrictions lead to a quick increase in stock levels to the point where the allowable catch has now been increased again. It has also been internationally recognised as a sustainable species by the Marine Stewardship Council. Hoki has delicate white flesh and is suitable for most methods of cooking except pan-frying crumbed or battered hoki as the fillet flakes easily. Fresh fillets are ideally suited for use in fish cakes, a fish pie, curry or chowder. It is also a good source of selenium, potassium, iodine and phosphorus.

46 | eastlife | july 2016

Orzo fantastic! Prahran Market, Melbourne is a favourite with EastLife editor, HELEN PERRy, its cavalcade of colour and fresh produce guaranteed to tempt. In particular, it can be relied on to furnish her with a wonderful selection of dips, spreads and finger foods to be enjoyed with a glass of wine after a long day’s shopping or sight-seeing.

For those staying in Melbourne for more than a few days, and who have an apartment with cooking facilities, then the food options that abound at Prahran Market will surely furnish them with the makings of some very satisfying meals. This month, courtesy of the market, EastLife features a delicious lamb casserole from Matt Germanichis. He

and vikram Singh are the culinary talents behind Endulj one of just many foodie gems within Prahran Market This is Matt’s version of a Greek paella and is sure to tempt foodies into exploring Prahran Market when next visiting Melbourne but if you’re not going that way then try it at home.

LAMB ORZO inGrEDiEntS:

mEthoD

• 5 lamb chops • 500g orzo or risoni • 1 brown onion • 500g assorted seasonal mushrooms • 1 garlic clove • 1L chicken stock • 1 spring rosemary • Salt, pepper • 1 lemon

Preheat oven to 180c. Heat large oven-proof cast iron pan or a le creuset which cooks more evenly. Place seasoned lamb chops in the pan and seal. Saute onions until translucent then add mushrooms. Try tearing mushrooms for a dramatic effect. Add orzo and toast a little as if starting a risotto.

Next, add the stock then place the rosemary on top. The heat of the oven will release the oils of the rosemary and give a fantastic aroma without overpowering the dish. Place the pan in the oven for 20-25 minutes and serve as a one-potwonder with a little squeeze of lemon juice over the top.

www.eastlife.co.nz

Photos Wayne Martin

Krazy for Korean It’s a blustery Monday night and many local restaurants are closed. HELEN PERRy doesn’t feel like wandering far afield but, fortunately, the twinkling lights of newly opened restaurant, Paldo Korean Buffet, beckon. Just a stone’s throw from home, it seems like the ideal option. As the signs went up at Paldo Korean Buffet on Ti Rakau Drive, my curiosity was aroused. Then, when the doors opened, I was ready and willing to explore. Armed with an adventurous palate, and aware of my rumbling tum, I collected man about the house from work and we set out to see if there was more there than kimchi. We weren’t disappointed. Arriving just on 6.30pm, the venue was packed, and, as I understand, it has been most nights since opening – a very good sign! We were probably one of the few couples; loads of groups, mostly Asian – Chinese, Korean and others – which again signalled reliable dining! On being seated, water was delivered to the table as well as a bowl of Korean-style miso which was placed on a gas burner (every table had one). There it simmered and we imbibed this flavoursome soup, with meat and veg, when the mood took us. My first instinct was to order wine – the wine list was comprehensive with many bottles around the $39 mark. But on second thoughts we opted for Korean rice wine. As first timers, we were not sure what to expect. Our ‘wine’ a milky fluid came in a bowl from which we scooped servings into matching cups at our leisure. I loved it. Cold, refreshing (alcohol content around 6%) and so suited to the food we ate, I could have overindulged quite easily. I probably will next time when I’m not driving! But before I wax lyrical about the rest of our courses, I should step back in time to the closure of Italian restaurant, Passito, which formerly occupied the site. www.eastlife.co.nz

I was quite dispirited when owner Alex Ryu decided the pizza and pasta venue just wasn’t doing well enough. In hindsight, the district had several Italian-style eateries so, perhaps, another was a step too far. Nevertheless, I ate there regularly, enjoying the easy fare. Later, when I heard that a Korean buffet restaurant was to take Passito’s place, my interest was piqued. This was surely good news? And it was! Open just on a month, it is busy, busy, busy. Not to be confused with the likes of Genghis Khan, where diners fill their bowls with meat, veg and sauces to be stir-fried on a large, flat, barbecue, Paldo offers a sumptuous buffet of prepared hot and cold dishes encompassing a host of delicious flavours from mild to spicy. It’s all about balance and variety. From the outset, I was keen to sample as much as possible, albeit in small portions! What a feast..... I particularly loved the salad bar with its many delicacies including traditional bibimbap – hot rice surrounded by your own selection of colourful vegetables and topped with a fried egg and spicy sauces (an old favourite of mine). Mix it all together and what do you get? A gargantuan mouthful! I cannot say how may times I returned to this area delighting in the likes of deep fried rice cakes (an appetising street food known as tteokggochi), crispy dumplings, radish rolls, kimichi and seafood pancakes, battered squid and fried chicken – eat your heart out KFC, you’ve nothing on this! However, we also dipped our forks into a variety of hot dishes, including sweet potato noodles and several

variations on pork belly; my favourite, the herb pork, sliced thinly and very tasty. Man about the house was much more adventurous opting for beef bulgogi and short ribs in big dollops. He returned for extra helpings in this section almost as much as I indulged the salad bar although he too gobbled down salad bar options such as the seaweed salad, chilli calamari and sushi-style finger rolls.

from the buffet but there’s still more to please...like the price! An opening special of $24.90pp is available until the end of July, then it will be $28pp for dinner and $18pp for lunch. Children under two years are free; 2-10 years, their age plus $4.90. Open for dinner and lunch seven days and available for functions.

Indeed, the diverse selection made it possible to taste culinary styles from the length and breadth of Korea’s eight provinces. In fact, the name Paldo stands for the country’s wide demographic – Pal, meaning eight and Do, meaning province. And, if the numbers that packed into Paldo on a Monday night were any indication that its agreeable cuisine has been an instant hit, then I can see Paldo becoming a district favourite. Foodies with a sense of culinary adventure will surely want to explore the table here? Seating has also been reconfigured with low screens providing privacy eastlife | july 2016 |

COCONUT BLUEBERRy BLISS BALLS Thanks to this enticing recipe from Blueberries NZ you’ll be rocking and rolling while singing (the praises) of the blues all at the same time. These raw, vegan, gluten-free and paleo treats are naturally sweetened and packed with punch. And, as they take just 20 minutes to prepare, we can all be on the ball(s) when visitors drop by. Makes 8-10 balls

inGrEDiEntS; • 3/4 cup NZ blueberries, fresh or frozen • 10 Medijool dates, seeds removed • 1.5 cups unsweetened, shredded coconut • Zest of one lemon • 1/2 cup coconut butter • 1/3 cup agave syrup or coconut syrup • 1/2 cup seeds, try chia, flax, hemp, sesame, sunflower or pumpkin (ground) • Extra coconut for rolling

mEthoD: Blend all ingredients at high speed in a food processor. Scoop out enough mixture to roll into small balls. Coat in coconut and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 30mins and enjoy! These treats will keep frozen or refrigerated for at least two weeks.

Herb-al remedy FOR BLAND DISHES! The traditional meat and three veg meals of 50 years ago were notoriously lacking in inventiveness – a little salt, a dash of pepper and maybe a knob of butter with your potatoes or a zap of gravy.

But with the passing of decades a wider and wider variety of herbs and spices have found their way into Kiwi homes and amateur cooks have gained confidence – and satisfaction – using them.

If you are a keen cook, you will know that adding herbs or a touch of spice will work wonders. And, you probably have your own preferred ‘go-to’ selection but here’s a few you may not have used.

• lovage – reminiscent of parsley and celery combined with a hint of aniseed and curry. Toss flavoursome, young leaves in salads or tuck them into the cavity of a chicken or fish before roasting. Leaves can also be finely shred into soups, stews, scrambled eggs even mash. Use more of this plant by steaming the stems, braising roots and using seeds in baking – biscuits and bread.

• vietnamese mint (sometimes called vietnamese cilantro or laksa leaf) – has a similar minty taste with a hint of pepper to coriander. It is often found in rice paper rolls because it lends itself well to meat and poultry, especially duck. Use sparingly in hot dishes such as curries and soup and in larger quantities for Asian salads. vietnamese mint is often added to a Singaporean laksa because of its spicy flavour. Basically, it can be used in any dish where you would incorporate coriander.

• Perilla – or Shi-So, as it is sometimes referred to, is an Asian herb belonging to the mint family. Popular in Japan and Korea, it has a slightly sweet flavour with a touch of spice. The leaves can be eaten raw, cooked, pickled or used as a garnish. Not only does perilla pair nicely with sashimi, but it can also work in salads, stir fries and even in a pesto pasta sauce. Combine with chilli, garlic and soy; it’s a beauty. Be aware there are several species and some look entirely different from others as in red or green perilla.

For more tasty treat ideas, see blueberriesnz.co.nz/recipes. • mache (also called lamb’s lettuce and corn salad) – has a mild, nutty flavour and is popular in Europe where it is frequently added to salads. A delicate herb it can be enjoyed raw as a salad vegetable or is also great for flavouring meat dishes. Furthermore, it works well as a garnish – use to create great-looking dishes!

• Kaffir lime leaves – popular in SouthEast Asian cooking, these are often used to flavour Thai curries and stir-fries. Their strong citrus flavour marries well with coconut, grated ginger, garlic, chilli and lemongrass. To prepare kaffir lime leaves, remove the centre vein, then tear the leaves off before adding to your desired soup, curry or stir-fry – just remember to remove leaves from dish before serving.

48 | eastlife | july 2016

www.eastlife.co.nz

vINTAGE ROUNDUP

AUSSIE REDS AMONG BEST Wine columnist and connoisseur, DENNIS KNILL, gives his view on new releases and awardwinning vintages.

With more than 200 cellar doors within an hour’s drive of Adelaide and many more in the outlying areas, South Australia is a red wine lovers Mecca. On exiting the Northern Expressway the wine-making landscape of the Barossa valley is enriched with grape vines for as far as the eye can see. Ranking among some of the oldest primordial vines in the world, the twisted trunks bear laughter lines of 150 years of life with one year for every cellar door in the region. There’s real gold in them valleys. It’s a drum beat that sets the pace across the entire area with wines produced by some of Australia’s most iconic labels. Coonawarra is another of South Australia’s wine regions that’s rated for its rich and flavoursome red wines. The dense, concentrated soil is credited with much of the region’s success for producing some of the best shiraz and sauvignon cabernet throughout the state. In comparison to the other wine growing regions, the area is small and entirely consumed by vineyards. Grapes were first planted here by Scottish immigrant, John Riddoch, in the late 1800’s, followed by Wynn’s Coonawarra Estate. Today, there are 27 cellar doors, mostly familyowned, making the region an intimate experience for wine appreciation. I’m a fan of Aussie reds and have the

view that South Australia produces some of the world’s best shiraz and sauvignon cabernet. Unlike our Aussie neighbours, who are intense red wine drinkers, Kiwis are not obsessed by single-grape varietals. We consume one bottle of red wine for every four bottles of white.

wynn’S coonawarra EStatE ‘14 ShiraZ rrP $22 Don’t let the price mislead you. This is a great value for money, clear-headed wine, not lacking in structure with rich, fruity flavours that carry across the palate. A soft, easydrinking wine perfect for the barbecue.

PEPPErjacK ’14 ShiraZ from Saltram EStatE rrP $27 This stunning yet underrated wine is huge in flavour with concentrated fruit, rich and round on the palate supported by light tannins. Matured in oak barrels, there’s nothing like a classic shiraz to enhance the flavour of lamb, beef or venison.

MAKE yOUR OWN

herb oil

It may be winter but with the second warmest autumn since records began in New Zealand only just behind us, salads are still on many menus. What’s more, with temperatures still reaching mid to high teens on some days, perhaps it’s not too early to be thinking spring isn’t that far away.

And in that case, this tasty herb oil, come to us courtesy of the fabulous Prahran Markets in Melbourne, is a beautiful way to add extra flavour to your favourite dish. It also makes a delicious ingredient for salad dressings and works beautifully for dipping crusty bread, drizzled over fresh pasta dishes and for a whole heap more. Using fresh herbs will ensure a fresher flavour and more vibrant colour, and using a neutral tasting oil, such as grapeseed oil, works best too.

inGrEDiEntS:

• A bunch of your favourite fresh herbs • A cup of neutral cooking oil • Food processor • Muslin cloth • Jar • Bowl of iced water • Paper towel • Saucepan with boiling water

mEthoD: Wash herbs thoroughly then blanch in boiling water. Take out and immediately submerge into a bowl of iced water. Drain and pat dry. Put into a food processor with a cup of oil and process until combined. Pour over muslin cloth, directly into a jar. This will keep well in the fridge for a couple of weeks.

HARD ‘GRAFT’ PAyS OFF Growing avocado sales have left a sweet taste of success in the mouths of many at home and abroad. The 2015-16 season saw $134 million in industry value from export and New Zealand market sales, including record-breaking domestic sales of $41 million, Jen Scoular, Chief Executive of NZ Avocado, confirms. “In New Zealand, demand is growing at a phenomenal rate www.eastlife.co.nz

and we are seeing the emergence of diehard avocado lovers. “Avocados are becoming a highly valued fruit due to their amazing health benefits.” And, an even better yield is expected for the new season, which began as avocados became more readily available in June and culminates in the export season in August/ September.

“The great news for consumers is that the 201617 season is predicted to [produce] a bumper crop. As an industry we are looking forward to breaking more records when the new export season starts,” she says.

“Our avocado industry is well on track to become a significant export earner and contributor to New Zealand’s economy.” eastlife | july 2016 |

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

SZIMPLA GASTRO BAR

ROSSINI ITALIAN RESTAURANT

OCEANZ SEAFOOD BOTANY

There’s nothing Szimpla than dropping in at a popular gastro bar for a taste of great food and atmosphere. Stop and linger before or after a flight, and revel in the magic of Szimpla’s beautiful Balinese courtyard and contemporary decor. Close to accommodation and the airport; forget the hassle, just sit back, relax and enjoy the Szimplicity. Weekend brunches from 10am.

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.

• fuNCTION SPACE AvAILABLE fOR hIRE • kIwI CRAfT BREwS ON TAP • yuMMy kIDS MENu AvAILABLE

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

2 Leonard Isitt Dr, Auckland Airport. Ph 215 1220. Open 7 days 10am-late. info@szimpla.co.nz • www.szimpla.co.nz

LICENSED

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

LONE STAR MANUKAU

BENJARONG THAI RESTAURANT

THE APOTHECARY

With seating for 120 and a discreet dining area Lone Star Manukau is perfect for big families, work or sport groups who wish to celebrate together. Any occasion is welcome. Children are always welcome – they have their own menu and don’t forget to tell us if it’s your birthday!

Your favourite Thai restaurant since 1998. After 18 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.

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

• Check out lonestargrabameal.co.nz – new meal deals updated daily at 8.30am 792 Great South Rd, Manukau. Ph 985 0590. Cafe open Monday-Sunday 5pm until late. Bar open Monday-Sunday 4pm until late. www.lonestar.co.nz

LICENSED

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Dedicated foodies will love this Howick jewel which is committed to ensuring customers experience the authentic taste of Thailand, with many contemporary flavours from their homeland to select from.

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.

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

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

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

LICENSED

$$ www.eastlife.co.nz

Like grilled chicken? Come and check out our newly renovated Botany roost! Open from 8th July. Nandoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Botany 1 Town Centre Drive, Botany P 09 271 2411 www.eastlife.co.nz

/NZNandos

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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.

Old kid back on the block

Since Jaffas made their cinematic debut (often hurled at the Monterey’s movie screen!), these delightful treats have been a Kiwi favourite – even amongst those six or seven people unfortunate enough to live outside Auckland! However, they’re much more than ‘just another fantastic favourite appetiser’, because in combination with Cadbury Dairy Milk, Jaffas are back on the block while stocks last. Cadbury Jaffa is available for a limited time (RRP $4.69).

Bitter and better for it

SOUP-ER NEW FLAVOURS FROM KING’S This year’s winter wonderland can be easily found in the pantry or it will be for those who stock up on hearty King Traditional Soup Mixes. And now there are two new flavours in the range – Gluten Free Vegetable (in response to a growing demand for healthier foods) and Beef and Vegetable, a satisfying meal for soup lovers but also a great base for casseroles and slow cooked meals. Economical, comforting and versatile, King traditional soup mixes are great just as they are but you can also add your own favourite vegetables and meat to the pot. The two new King flavours are now available at supermarkets nationwide (RRP $2.99). For slow cook recipes visit kingsoup.co.nz

Anyone who misses out on savouring these two new brews from Moa are liable to come down with a case of sour grapes! Proving that even sour can be a sweet option, 2014 vintage Moa Cherry Sour (ABV 7%) and Sour Blanc (6.7%) are fruity little numbers with bite. The latest additions to head brewer, David Nicholls’, sour series, these wheat-based beers are available now (RRP $10.99 per 375ml bottle) from selected supermarkets, liquor stores and bars nationwide.

EVERYONE LOVES THE TOP SHELF! Having a party? Guests coming? There’s just one place to look for zesty spreads, dips and sauces to please a crowd and that’s the TopShelf! Local makers of mouth-watering batch-made aioli, dips, pesto, spreads, salsa, sauces and tapenades, TopShelf has introduced punchy new flavours and artful packaging to its range of 20 zingy products. The new additions include Black Garlic Aioli; Hot Jalapeño Salsa and Chunky Green Vinaigrette plus three new sauces Bearnaise, Hollandaise, and Tartare. The TopShelf range is available in the deli section of Countdown Ponsonby, participating New World supermarkets, Nosh Food Markets and Farro Fresh stores. (RRP (210g) $6.49-$8.49.

WARM YOUR belly WITH RICh, aromatic CHOCOLATE DRINKS When the thermometer plummets warm yourself with the smooth taste of velvety hot chocolate and the rich aroma of finely roasted cocoa beans. Devonport Chocolates will heat your heart as well as your tummy, with its Fairtrade, hot drinking chocolate which is available in three flavours – Fairtrade 35% cocoa solids , Fairtrade 50% cocoa solids and Fairtrade 35% cocoa solids, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and chilli (RRP $12.90 each). Free from fillers, sugar replacements, preservatives or chemical flavourings, Devonport uses high grade cocoa solids in all their delicious products and are committed to Fairtrade practices. www.eastlife.co.nz

Alive – with flavour When dishing out culinary goodies, it pays to be on the ball. Originally available exclusively from Revive Cafes, Frooze Balls (then known as Bliss Balls) have taken on a whole new life. After Jeremy Dixon (of the Revive Cafes and Revive Cafe Cookbooks fame) discussed the difficulties of making these healthy snacks by hand with engineer, Phil Nilsson, he designed a machine and Alive Foods was born. The result? Frooze Balls are now available (RRP $2.19 per bag of five) in a range of flavours from supermarkets nationwide. eastlife | july 2016 |

MY Favourit e Thing When Christine Miles, EastLife’s former writer on the history behind some of our district’s streets and landmarks left to take on another exacting job, the team here greatly missed her input. However, it seemed apt to ask Christine about her favourite things especially as we had an inkling there might be some history behind her treasures. Christine writes:

BIBLE TOPS FAVOURITES I am a great thrower-outer so I thought identifying something that is a favourite would be soooo hard! But actually it wasn’t. My favourite thing is my Bible and my family will vouch for that! I do have an old Bible (not a family Bible, but a personal one) which was my great grandmother’s and has her name stamped in the front along with the year, 1892. Unfortunately, I don’t know the significance of that year. However, my maternal forebear has marked the Bible in pencil throughout and also jotted down a few verses at the back. It is a Bible that was clearly well-used in her lifetime. My mother has also written her name on an inside page, probably at two separate ages in her life as one name is in childish handwriting, and the other in the hand she used throughout her adult life.

Photo Wayne Martin

about 10-years-old. At the same time she gave me an orange powder puff shaped like a ladybug. Apparently I was considered the one grandchild who would best look after both those items but I’m sorry to say I threw out the actual powder puff because it was very old and, to my mind, just a little bit unsavoury having been heavily used in the past. In retrospect, it was not that bad at all, just old and hard. I also have my paternal grandmother’s hair brush, complete with hair still tangled in it. I did not ask for the hairbrush, but the family seems to think I did, so I keep the peace!

Grandma was one of life’s wonderful women and for a long time after she died I found it strangely repugnant to have her hair on a brush in my house. I would rather have had her old bed, even with its dreadful kapok mattress.

sentimental value. My mother, on her dressing table, had a pair of china vases and a matching lidded trinket dish which she gave me a few years ago when she was ‘freshening up’ her bedroom.

It was good and high. It had the most gorgeous headboard, along with a free-standing wardrobe, and an ornate dresser, all made from beautiful kauri. A cousin inherited that lovely suite but, sadly, she divorced, and in the down-sizing process the entire bedroom suite was sold.

There is nothing expensive about them, but they were a part of my growing up life, and I couldn’t bear to see them in a cardboard box destined for the second-hand shop.

Wow, having started on this ‘favourite thing’ I’m coming up with all sorts of items that have some special

Instead, they have joined my small cache of memorabilia which I value for their past – a bit scary that all my ‘favourite things’ are old stuff and inherited from ancestors but what would we do without our roots?

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Nana gave me this Bible when I was

christine miles

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Designs on European interiors New Zealand has proved many times over it is no longer a bit player in the wider world of design – international engineering and architectural awards among areas of repute . But when it comes to home decor, local interior designer, Julie Rees from Sojo Design Ltd, told HELEN PERRY the recent EuroCucino interiors expo in Milan, Italy showed there is still much Kiwis can learn from European counterparts. Just back from a dizzying three-week European trip to Italy, Austria and Spain, Julie Rees couldn’t contain her enthusiasm for the design trends she encountered, particularly at EuroCucino 2016, one of the world’s most fabulous interiors and furniture fairs. “I travelled with a group of interior designers, who not only attended the fair but were hosted for three days by the Blum team in Austria where we saw the latest kitchen hardware. We later travelled to Alicante in Spain where we were guests of Consentino, specialists in stone and engineered stone. “But it was EuroCucino which really blew me away The site was enormous. We walked some 10-20 kilometres a day just trying to cover displays and we never saw it all; not with another 400,000 or so people all doing the same!” Julie says visitors came from all over the world, including Kiwis from associated industries, to see what international designers had come up with and to glean ideas to take home. Describing the whole experience as ‘exciting and amazing,” Julie says her main focus was on kitchen displays (for which the fair is famous) and furniture. “I liked everything! Kitchens were clearly seen as the engine room of European homes and new generation kitchens at the fair employed technology to the max – concealed plugs and even concealed phone chargers, gas hobs subtly integrated into bench www.eastlife.co.nz

tops – they were barely noticeable – extendable and layered bench tops, plenty of timber and stone plus many other innovations. “There was a strong sense of seamlessness – very little evidence of traditional handles – and all-inone stone bench tops and sinks were among the latest innovations. “Designers were also big on colour. I saw only one white kitchen, the dominant player was brown.” And, if colour was strong in the hub of the home, it permeated every other room too, Julie says. “In particular, there was wide use of beautiful metallic shades, and actual metals, in every room – copper, brass, bronze, gold, rose gold and more. “These featured in traditional areas such as tapware but also in lighting, open shelves, soft furnishings, accessories and more. Use of texture was also dominant especially in wall coverings and soft furnishings but also in hard materials.” “In contrast, luxurious velvets and fluid linens provided variance and introduced bold colours such as those brilliant peacock blues and greens. Statement lighting was also used in every quarter of the home.” After deliberating on the multitude of new perspectives gained at the fair, Julie says while New Zealand is a step, albeit a small step, behind Europe, she sees many trends arriving here in the near future.

julie rees

‘

There was a strong sense of seamlessness – very little evidence of traditional handles – and all-in-one stone bench tops and sinks were among the latest innovations. Designers were also big on colour. I saw only one white kitchen, the dominant player was brown.”

Photo Wayne Martin

clients to introduce more colour and detail and to explore options.

“We can definitely take some golden nuggets from Milan and start incorporating them into our homes here,” she says. “It’s about personalising those ideas and having our own take on them.

“The main thing is that creativity still abounds and Kiwis can be confident that there is an endless stream of exciting ideas and themes that can be adapted to living here. I feel extremely fortunate to have visited the fair and key manufacturing plants where innovation was at the fore.

“I’m currently specifying velvets for some of my clients and I continue to push the boundaries encouraging

“I think we can expect some refreshing changes in the interiors arena.” eastlife | july 2016 |

Fab furniture for children If there’s one thing sure to keep the smallest people of the house very happy it’s a bedroom furnished just for them.

In particular, check out full size beds, novelty beds – for girls and boys – trundle beds and a smart new bunk bed range offering various dimensions all with clever storage facilities which go over and under and even to the side.

And, regardless of whether the need is for a pink bed covered in flowers, London bus bunks or a nursery with the latest Touchwood furniture, the place to visit is Windmill Kids. Now, located in Polaris Ave, East Tamaki, (formerly at Botany Town Centre), and sharing premises with Urbano Interiors, Windmills Kids is turning the wheels of youngsters (and their parents) who want function and beauty all rolled into one. With Urbano occupying the downstairs showroom, the upstairs is devoted to Windmills Kids, and with this area recently expanded, there are a multitude of options for babies through to teenyboppers.

CHILDREN’S FURNITURE SHOWROOM SPECIALS

Cute Girls Bed

London Bus Bunk

Was $699 Now $599 Mattress not included

Was $899 Now $898 Mattresses not included

Saturn White Bunk

MRX Speed Car Bed Was $899 Now $699

Was $1398 Now $1198 Mattresses not included

Mattress not included

Mercury Single Bunk Was $1399 Now $998 Mattresses not included

Through astute design, even the smallest bedroom can suddenly accommodate a lot and with concealed layering it’s amazing how sleeping arrangements can become desk, storage and lounger all in one. Owner Sara Guo suggests parents (and expectant parents) also take a look at the expanded range of Touchwood nursery furniture. “There are so many choices from quality cots through to king singles plus dressers, desk, headboards and bedside tables catering for children as they grow,” she says.

FURNITURE OUTLET COLLECTIONS: DINING FURNITURE | LOUNGE FURNITURE BEDROOM FURNITURE | STUDY FURNITURE INTERIOR ACCESSORIES

E L A S E C N A R A E L C FLOOR MODELS STOREWIDE 15-60% OFF

Snow Bunk, 3 Beds

Was $2629 Now $2195 Mattresses not included

Shop online www.windmillkidsfurniture.co.nz Find us on Facebook

Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, closed Sun

Ph 272 9165 or 0800 288 888 117252

12 months interest free ﬁnance & layby available, conditions apply.

6 Polaris Place, East Tamaki. Ph 272 9165 Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday-Monday closed

URBANO INTERIORS

www.urbanointeriors.co.nz 00708-v5

Unit I, 6 Polaris Pl, East Tamaki

00708-v5

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“While our themed beds are always a bit hit with little ones, many parents will like the practicality of an all white furniture range, or perhaps our new oak look finish, which comes in such a variety of options. “With a change of bedding, cushions and accessories, the look can be altered at any time – the appeal is timeless.

CA O BI FF N ET S

“We are especially pleased to have more room to accommodate additional products so, if it’s time to give children their own special room, and make every night a good night, or even to give the guest room a stylish, yet affordable, makeover, come and check out our Windmill Kids showroom; it is sure to delight.”

Here’s the LOW down!

TVboy 2Bay 2High $1538 $1307

TVboy 3Bay 2High $1770 $1504

TVboy 1Bay 2High $932 $792

SALE ENDS JULY 31 • SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

DESIGNED AND MADE IN NEW ZEALAND

www.eastlife.co.nz

0800 MELUKA • INFO@MELUKA.CO.NZ

983 MT EDEN RD THREE KINGS 501 TI RAKAU DR BOTANY 4/683 CAMERON RD TAURANGA

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Furniture. Simply.

MELUKA.CO.NZ

Pop colours and contrast for spring Come spring, the colourful eras of the ‘60s and ‘70s, are predicted to influence interiors with an unexpected mix of hues. According to Dulux Colour Trends, the season’s hues will comprise contrasting shades of blue and green, decadent browns and charcoals as well as light pink, hot red and crisp white. Inspired by the Retro Remix theme from the 2016 Dulux Colour Trends “Design Age”, the Dulux spring palette celebrates a revival of the retro movement with a modern twist. Dulux colour and design specialist, Davina Harper, says the key colours of spring create a fun and playful atmosphere. “The 2016 spring palette is a move

away from last year’s muted, earthy tones. Heading into the new season, we feel energised and refreshed with a much brighter palette that incorporates pop colours. “This palette enables homeowners to achieve an eclectic look and to experiment with an unexpected range of colour combinations in order to make this look their own,” Davina says. With such a varied collection of hues, homeowners who are adventurous can select from daring shades such as Dulux Colombo Street and Mt Victoria. To create a more subtle look, try a delicate pink such as Titi Islands. “Have some fun as we head toward spring,” Davina suggests. “Create a fresh and airy look by accessorising a lighter background with brighter pops

of colour, or introduce a dramatic look with a darker background then highlight with light and vibrant accessories. “To achieve the Retro Remix look on a smaller scale, use one or two colours in smaller volumes,. To create depth, use Dulux Deep Sapphire or Mayor Island as your wall colour and then accessorise with bold and striking hues.”

Davina’s top tips for homeowners using colour this spring are: “Don’t feel afraid to use bolder colours. With the dawn of new life, spring offers luscious greens and striking floral hues with the chance to bring a fresh essence into your space. “Most importantly, ensure the colour you select is perfect for your home to create a sanctuary you will love.”

French Style Furniture Planning to renovate or create a new kitchen? “Look no further” Huge Savings Wholesale price direct to public

12 Ron Driver Place, East Tamaki. Open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 11am-4pm. Ph 09 273 8985. www.homeabout.co.nz www.trademe.co.nz/stores/homeabout 01203-v4

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11 Neil Park Drive, East Tamaki. Ph 09 273 7068

11784

Buy direct from the importer

• German made hinges (lifetime warranty) • Best price in the market guaranteed

www.eastlife.co.nz

Colour on the boil! ‘ Small appliances in today’s contemporary kitchens are a far cry from yesteryear. It could well be a case of calling the kettle black... or red, or purple, even bronze or copper!

Modern householders tend to look for the co-ordinated look – kettle, toaster, pepper mills, sandwich press and more, all in the same colour and designed to give kitchen decor that extra splash of dash. Right on trend this season is the Vintage range of kettles and toasters in Matte Copper, Matte Bronze

and Matte Charcoal from Russell Hobbs while the Heritage range of appliances comes in black, royal purple, ruby red and white.

However, colour co-ordination is just one component of kitchen styling; the other is functionality. For example toasters have evolved to include two and four slice options with various toasting functions – light to dark, defrost, crumpet capacity and more.

No excuses for sticking to plain old chrome or plastic appliances which may yellow with time. What’s more, new materials make cleaning extra easy.

Nobody has to worry about burning out the electric jug either – everything switches off automatically and ease of use has become a priority.

Additional appliances such as a sandwich press, salt and pepper mills, blender and grill also come in red so, there are several ways to inject bold hues into neutral decor and give kitchens a boost.

So, when planning your new kitchen, think about the small appliances you may need; what needs to be on display and what can be tucked away

Right on trend this season is the Vintage range of kettles and toasters in Matte Copper, Matte Bronze and Matte Charcoal from Russell Hobbs while the Heritage range of appliances comes in black, royal purple, ruby red and white.”

in a cupboard or, more conveniently, in an adjoining scullery where they can remain at hand’s touch but out of sight, too.

Design | Manufacture | Installation

Superior KITCHENS Qu ality Custom Built Kitchens a nd Ca binets

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Factory & Showroom, Unit J, 4 Lady Ruby Dr, East Tamaki. Ph 274 8900

• Top quality products • 3D design • Latest technology • Latest trends • Over 30 years experience • Manufacture and install • Manufacture to your plans

Phone 09 274 8900 www.superiorkitchens.co.nz

eastlife | july 2016 |

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Another quality home designed by

Beginning your journey This month EastLife features the first in a new series from G.J. Gardner Homes on building the dream home. Welcome to your first step of realising a dream many Kiwi’s hold dear – creating their own home.

Should you build a new home, or not? Firstly, a frequently misconceived view is that only really well-off people should build new. The answer to who can build a new home is simply anyone who is in the financial position to buy a home. Young singles on the investment trail, young couples, and first home buyers right through to 70 years plus looking to build their final dream home or smaller easy care home. Often it’s more affordable to build new than

‘

It was actually fun, they made what could have been a very stressful situation, very easy.” Tom and Sue Monkman

buy existing. Plus, you get to choose the home you really want, with the things that make it your home. Things you will need to be able to do to enjoy the experience: • Listen and work with experts in various fields.

‘

It’s both our workplace and home, G.J.’s took the stress out of it.” Robin and Tania Randall

• Invest some personal time to create your new home. • Make decisions individually or mutually with your partner. • Trust people and accept good advice. • Be realistic and understand things aren’t always perfect.

‘

The biggest day of our lives, when they handed over the keys.” Neelesh and Vandhana Ram

• Have a team attitude, a win/ win focus to find solutions and a positive outlook to ensure it’s a fun journey. G.J. Gardner Homes . . . answering questions you didn’t know to ask.

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MANUKAU/EAST AUCKLAND OFFICE 49F Springs Road, East Tamaki. OPEN Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm

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SINKING INTO WINTER

OUT OF EUROPE

SPlaSh of luxury: Archimedes may have screwed up prior to his eureka moment (said to have occurred in a bathtub), but what Isaac Newton’s discoveries have to do with tubs we’re not so sure. What is certain, however, is that Joaquim Paulo from Portugal’s Maison valentina has drawn on some amazing inspirations of his own when designing the Newton bath (and sink) in particular. Constructed from black and gold lacquer brass spheres, this futuristic tub gives new meaning to the term ‘bubble bath.’

But the Newton is just one design in a wider range, as these photos show, which also includes: Symphony, Lapiaz, Diamond, Koi and crochet baths and washbasins. For more information about this range (or to place an order and arrange shipping) see maisonvalentina.net.

Factory Showroom 54D Sir William Ave, East Tamaki. Phone: (09) 274 6471. E-mail: info@dlcabinetmaking.co.nz www.dlcabinetmaking.co.nz

QUALITY HAND CRAFTED KITCHENS

CUSTOM MADE TO MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS

QUALITY ASSURED PRODUCTS

COMPLETE DESIGN, MANUFACTURE AND INSTALLATION 12920-v2

www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | july 2016 |

Client service rewarded While many companies claim to offer first class customer service, Preet Grewal and his team at Harcourts Preet & Co Botany don’t just talk the talk! Tim Duncan has just walked up on stage to accept Harcourts’ hotly contested Client Service Award confirming the Botany branch as one of the best in the business. “Since I’ve been managing director for Harcourts Preet & Co, our business has become one of the leading real estate agencies in south and east Auckland and won numerous awards across our multi office network,” he says. “However, having our Botany team chosen by Harcourts’ clients themselves as the best in providing service is truly precious.

Harcourts’ Client Service award is presented based on client feedback ratings which take various facets of service, including quality of communications, into account.

“It’s great to see our commitment to delivering excellence, not only in residential sales, but also in industry leading property management services, being richly rewarded.”

With almost 30 years’ industry experience and strong management skills, Botany branch manager, Tim Duncan, adds that client focus has been vital in helping double

Preet’s business year after year; a fact to which numerous awards for outstanding sales results attest.

A first class training programme has also proved an important ingredient, he adds:

“Although such success in business is never easy, the formula for it is quite straightforward,” Tim says. “By focusing on meeting the needs of our clients, we’ve built an excellent reputation as highly regarded real estate professionals.”

“We are very proud to have won this award, and I’d like to thank Preet, for his excellent leadership, and my consultants who have done a sterling job in making sure our clients know they are essential to our success.”

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www.eastlife.co.nz

We’ll never get over the

Mayflower

While July 4 may not mean much to Kiwis, to Americans it is a most important day. The anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the fourth of July is celebrated as the founding of the United States of America. When considering a plant that symbolises the US of A EastLife looked back to before the Boston Tea Party turned sour, to a simpler time, when early settlers ‘rocked’ on up to Plymouth... in the Mayflower. In 1620, pilgrims from England disembarked from their ship – named the Mayflower – in Plymouth, Massachusetts and established the first permanent European colony in New England. Although Europeans had founded settlements prior, the arrival of the Pilgrims is often celebrated as the official beginning of America as a nation in its pre-independence days. When Captain Myles Standish,

the crew and passengers of the Mayflower stepped ashore, they found a vast carpet of springblooming flowers before them.

Photo Harlan B. Herbert

Subsequently, they named them in honour of the vessel that had carried them safely to their new home. Native to the eastern regions of North America, mayflowers (Epigaea repens) are white in colour with a pinkish tinge and grow to approximately 1.5cm in size, clustered at the ends of the plant’s branches. The genus name, Epigaea, derives from the Greek for ‘upon the ground’, because of the plant’s growing habits. The flowers grow on leafy, twiggy stems and, providing the

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soil is moist and acidic, and there is ample shade, the plant can spread rapidly across vast spaces. In this sense, some may say it is much like the people it has come to represent!

medicinal uses, as a natural diuretic, the mayflower has been used to treat bladder and urinary problems.

It’s interesting to note that mayflowers, which grow wild, are sometimes known as ground laurel – rather appropriate as we await the opening of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero!

While they may not be too threatening, born free, these pretty blooms symbolise independence and, it has been said that, on a still day, standing amidst the mayflowers if one listens hard enough they might just hear a faint whisper on the breeze saying: ‘don’t tread on me!’

Producing a fragrant aroma, mayflowers open to star shape and in the Northern Hemisphere they bloom during April and May. In terms of

Happy birthday America and best wishes from little old New Zealand; ‘May’ the next twelve months ‘Flower’ for you and all of your kind!

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IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE TENANCy ACT This month JANE WILSHER of Elite Property Management draws attention to important changes to the Tenancy Act. They are law changes which both landlords and tenants need to be aware of.

Rachael meyeR

tina waters

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

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

Botany Town Centre, Dannemora. www.harcourts.co.nz

The following information has been issued by Tenancy Services: “From July 1, laws in the proposed Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill are due to come into force. The changes aim to reduce fire-related injuries and deaths and make homes warmer, drier and safer for the million New Zealanders who live in rental accommodation.” Some of the proposed changes are:

SmoKE alarmS From July 1, landlords will need to have working smoke alarms installed in all their residential rental homes. Any replacement alarms installed after that date will need to have long-life batteries and a photoelectric sensor. Hardwired smoke alarms are also permitted. Tenants will be responsible for replacing worn-out batteries in the smoke alarms and informing their landlords of any defects.

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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

64 | eastlife | july 2016

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.

All residential rental homes in New Zealand will be required to have insulation to keep a home warm in winter and cool in summer. Social housing (where tenants pay an income-related rent) must be insulated by July 1, 2016 and all other rental homes by July 2019. Landlords will be required to provide a statement on the tenancy agreement about the location, type and condition of insulation in the rental home.

From July 1 all rental properties must have working smoke alarms. There are also rule changes around the following: • Tenancy abandonment process • Enhanced enforcement function • Retaliatory notice The Tenancy Services website has further information on the proposed law, including a summary of landlords’ and tenants’ rights and responsibilities and checklists to help landlords know what they need to do if they’re letting a property, and what tenants need to look for when they’re renting a new home. If you are looking for new tenants in an existing rental or considering buying an investment property for the first time we would be happy to offer help and guidance through this process. We can also advise on other tenancy issues including these new changes so please get in touch at: 128 Picton St, Howick. Ph 09 535 0911 www.eliteproperty.co.nz Email: jane@eliteproperty.co.nz or follow us on Facebook 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

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111 Picton St, Howick. www.tfproperty.co.nz www.eastlife.co.nz

Caught short in the kitchen The cost of housing may be going up but it seems lack of time is dragging down Kiwi eating habits.

Broken record ‘ Total Focus Principal, Greg Roy areinz, gives an update on the local real estate market happenings.

We have passed the shortest day so summer is on its way again. Well, almost! On the other hand, the winter blues certainly aren’t having any effect on house prices which just continue to rise. REINZ May figures, just released, show that our area, Eastern Beaches, has again had an increase in the median to a new record of $1,100,000. It was only the month previous that we first cracked the one million mark and now we are well clear of it. That $1,100,000 represents a near 22% increase from December 2015, 28% from May 2015 and 42% from May 2014. One has to ask for how much longer can the increase continue at this sort of rate. There were 196 sales for the month, down slightly from May’s 214. Currently, realestate.co.nz shows 256 properties for sale in the area – this is trending down from the same week last month at 272 and down further from the 349 for the month prior to that. This represents about

five weeks supply at the current levels. Auckland as a whole, for May, had a median sale price of $805,000, down 1% from the previous month’s $812,000 but up 7.5% from May 2015’s $749,000. It is interesting to note that this is lower than the overall national movement year on year of 10%. And, while we are talking nationally, the median has for the first time cracked the $500,000 mark and now sits at $506,000. Also nationally in May, five regions hit record high median sale prices. The Waikato/Bay of Plenty region recorded a record median sale price for the fourth consecutive month, hitting $419,000; Taranaki hit $343,250; Wellington hit $465,000; Canterbury/Westland, $435,500 and Central Otago Lakes, $707,250. The supply and demand equation is also interesting to note. On the supply side, currently nationwide there are 41% less properties for sale than for the same time a year ago.

One of the main contributing factors to our net flow of migration is those leaving or returning from Australia on a permanent basis and it appears that the economic and employment situation in Australia is on the up.”

On the demand side, net migration figures from the department of statistics show a potentially changing story. For the 12 months ending May 2016 there was a net gain of 68,400, which is an all-time record. However, the per month numbers have declined now for four months in a row, a sign that we have passed the peak and potentially will see decreasing numbers in the coming months. One of the main contributing factors to our net flow of migration is those leaving or returning from Australia on a permanent basis and it appears that the economic and employment situation in Australia is on the up. Please feel free to contact me anytime on 0274 966 966 to discuss your property needs.

They may well have an abundance of quality produce at their fingertips, but according to a survey of 436 adults who have ordered home delivered meals at least once, 47 per cent admitted they didn’t have enough food in the fridge to cook at least one night per week. Conducted by Menulog.co.nz, the survey showed that the younger we are, the more likely our fridges will be empty at least once a week – 64 per cent of 18-24s, 51 per cent of 25-34s, 45 per cent of 35-44s, 34 per cent of 45-54s and 28 per cent of over 55s. “We’ve all had a ‘I have nothing in the fridge’ moment because our lives are so busy, and that’s what is driving people to order in,” says Kim russell from Menulog. “We’re seeing this trend in our ordering data: Kiwis place impromptu orders with the ‘deliver ASAP’ option more than they place pre-orders with a delivery time.” When it came to skipping meals 52 per cent said they skipped meals because they are too busy, with 35 per cent doing so once or twice a week. Three in four respondents (73%) admitted to spending up to $50 a week on home delivered meals, with those aged 25-34 most likely to spend more than $50. One in five (24%) revealed they were spending $50-100 a week and a further one in 10 (9%) spent more than $100 on ordering in meals weekly.

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12/05/2016 5:32:59 p.m.

Right ‘Hon’ Key Life is tough for a head of state! From shopping for a pressie for one of the world’s most important women, to defending journalists from the vitriol of the lord of an island empire (well, sort of!), our right honourable PM has been busy serving his country once again. And once again, EastLife takes a closer look at just some of Mr Key’s twists and turns.

Key’s primary hopes The backbone of New Zealand’s economy may be strained but is far from broken, according to the PM. During the recent National Agricultural Fieldays in Hamilton, Mr Key offered words of reassurance for the primary sector. “Times are tough for our dairy farmers at the moment and will remain so for a while yet. However, the medium- to long-term outlook is still bright with a growing middle class in Asia wanting to consume more dairy products,” he said. “Horticulture, wine, and beef and sheep farming continue to do well and that is helping to offset the impact of low dairy prices on rural communities.” He added that primary sector exports have increased by approximately $1 billion over the past year, despite challenges faced by the dairy sector faces.

Gift fit for a queen?

“This Education Centre, in the former Home of Compassion crèche, will be a lasting tribute to Her Majesty’s long life of service,” he said. “It is also a real enhancement for the Park, giving school students and visitors a place to learn more about Pukeahu and New Zealand’s experience of military conflict, peace keeping and commemoration.” An event to celebrate the opening of the Queen Elizabeth II Pukeahu Education Centre will be held later this year, although we understand Her Majesty has other plans.

Key, coups and Bony M By now, we all know that John’s jaunt to Fiji last month didn’t go so well. Key planned to extend the olive branch, but Mr Bainimarama was perfectly ‘Frank’ in his opinion. The island nation’s elected ex-dictator took the opportunity to launch a preemptive strike. Losing his daddy cool, Mr Bainimarama not only justified his military coup, but also the banning of Kiwi journalists.

Shortly before setting off for Fiji last month, Key said: “My visit marks the next step in what has been the steady renewal of political and diplomatic links with Fiji since its general election in 2014. Prime Minister Bainimarama and I will use the opportunity to discuss a range of issues including Fiji’s recovery from Cyclone Winston and

the Pacer Plus trade negotiations. “New Zealand was proud to stand alongside its neighbour in a time of need and our relationship is now stronger as a result.” We wonder if this relationship is still just as strong. We would travel to Fiji to find out but, after publishing this, we’ve likely made Frank’s list too!

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What do you get for a woman whose ancestors once owned a third of the world? It’s a tough task even for a man with the key to a country’s treasury. However, John’s gone and presented Her Majesty the Queen with a gift that will keep on giving – to Kiwis at least.

To mark our monarch’s 90th birthday – rather than a card, a donation in her name or having a star named after her – Mr Key announced that a new Education Centre at Wellington’s Pukeahu National War Memorial Park would be named in honour of HM.

66 | eastlife | july 2016

www.eastlife.co.nz

Writer Ryder’s best investment The global financial crisis may have caught out many investors but even such monetary meltdowns can be weathered.

Local resident and Authorised Financial Adviser MARK STEELE discusses a key part of his service – retirement planning.

In Global Investing business operator, investment analyst and co-founder of Ryman Healthcare, John Ryder, provides a guide for savvy speculators and even those simply looking to generate savings for a rainy day. From techniques for profiting from share markets, currencies, commodities, real estate and private equity worldwide, to understanding business cycles and entry and exit strategies, this book is packed with advice. Complete with case studies about some of the world’s best traders, investors and entrepreneurs and how they made their fortunes, Global Investing is designed to help readers stake their claim on the financial world. • John Ryder: Global Investing – a guide for New Zealanders | RRP $39.99 | Bateman Publishing

I last wrote in the May edition about eggs and baskets. This month, I would like to write about something a bit more interesting!

‘

WIN! GLOBAL INVESTING – To be in to win a copy of this book, see the competitions section of our website at eastlife. co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close July 31, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

Local roading projects to take toll? While Victoria Crone’s not alone in calls for improving congested roads, local motorists may be amongst those for whom the tolls toll. In efforts to speed Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) and Mill Road improvement projects, the Auckland mayoral candidate intends to impose tolls on Mill Road, a popular alternative to the motorway. “The eastern suburbs have been largely isolated for a long time with a lack of alternative public and roading transport. “With intensification and a whole new town at Ormiston, congestion is reaching boiling point and we must bring forward crucial projects to ease the pressure,” she says. Her toll plan builds on council intentions for a four lane alternative to SH1 from Manukau to Drury, improving access to other areas www.eastlife.co.nz

Re: retirement

including Flat Bush. Ms Crone will release transport policies as the election progresses. “I’ll seek approval from the Government for a public private partnership to deliver the Mill Road project starting work as soon as we can. Because it’s an alternative route, I’m proposing it be tolled.”

I’m referring to ideas such as, ‘living the dream’, ‘your idea of financial freedom’, or ‘hanging up your boots’. Usually, these thoughts are associated with retirement years or, at least, a time when our work is more voluntary rather than necessary. When discussing retirement planning, I’ve found the more I talk to my clients about their individual lives, the better financial advice I can offer. By discussing how people want to spend time during retirement also gives me an accurate idea of more rational requirements, such as investment return, risk level and in many cases monthly income. However, only aiming for required returns and not the highest possible return is sometimes hard to understand for many retirees who have spent a life time running a business or striving for the top in everything they do. When it comes to investments, I find many people who are transitioning to retirement find it very difficult to alter their mind-set from one of commercial growth and profit focus to one of lifestyle requirement and consolidation. It is understandable as this mind-set

‘

has been necessary for many years in order to get the results and life that is desired by all parties involved. The challenge during retirement is in being able to enjoy and appreciate what you have achieved without worrying if you have done enough. I believe this is the value of sound retirement planning. In most cases, my advice to retirees is not about striving for the highest return with high risk but striving for the required return with lower risk, keeping in mind this may apply only to part of one’s overall wealth. Oh, yes, and I also like to ensure we don’t have all your eggs in one basket! I specialise in retirement planning which provides investment options that are low to medium in risk and can also provide a regular income if required.

Disclosure statement: Mark Steele has a disclosure statement that is available on request and 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 Adviser.

While AMETI’s centre stage is complete, Panmure to Pakuranga upgrades will not begin until 2021, she adds.

Contact Mark or David, your local Authorised Financial Advisers.

“The busway is due to open in 2024 and there’s no clear indication when, or if, work on the Reeves Road flyover will start. I’d like to get the next stages moving.

Mark Steele E: mark.steele@spicers.co.nz P: 09 337 7824

“Until Aucklanders have good alternatives, I’m ruling out congestion charging. Immediate focus should be on fixing what we have and delivering priority projects on time and budget.”

When it comes to investments, I find many people who are transitioning to retirement find it very difficult to alter their mind-set from one of commercial growth and profit focus to one of lifestyle requirement and consolidation.

David Morgan E: david.morgan@spicers.co.nz P: 09 271 1705

A disclosure statement is available on request and free of charge. 11732

eastlife | july 2016 |

Pop culture, fandoms and personal development Part 2 ‘ 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

Where were we? Oh, that’s right... ‘Social Media’ will lead the future marketing revolution. There are many social media practitioners. So, those of you in the connection business... check it out! Maybe you can even lead it. But, we are so conservative in Newzild; we may just have to ‘follow’. Lots of us still don’t know how to properly use this new wave of ‘reaching out’, on the plethora of online platforms. Many believe that clicking ‘like’ (which is so exhausting, right...hello?)

is a substitute for focusing and actually ‘connecting’, instead of just ‘communicating’. Try harder, OK? Your future is hopefully this 3be© (a key model in the PATH2© Course). This 3be© contains the BestLife paths... (a) I want to be the Best Me (b) I want to travel on the Best Life Journey and (c) I want to share everything, with good humanitarians, for they are the real ‘celebrities’ in our world! Movies, songs, books, blogs, courses, online offerings and modelling yourself on ‘good people’ living their lives, are among sources that will

Many believe that clicking ‘like’ (which is so exhausting, right... hello?) is a substitute for focusing and actually ‘connecting’, instead of just ‘communicating’. Try harder, OK?”

help you decide how you too can really achieve this 3be©. Now go visit https://www.diygenius.com/100self-education-resources-for-lifelonglearners/ ‘Fandometrics’ describes its site as, ‘the pleasingly scientific ranking of Fandoms on Tumblr’. It updates the most followed TV shows, movies, musical acts, ‘celebrities’, video

games and ‘web stuff’, mostly from the American perspective, of course. Some are good for you. Some are useless to your life. Have a looksee at https://thefandometrics.tumblr. com/home Finally, ‘fandom fulfilment’ is... the new ‘customer service’. We already know that ‘customer service’ is a ‘failed formula’, because you rarely experience it in RealWorld. Should you call it fandom fulfilment? Not yet. It is still too ‘edgy’, but practise its fundamentals in life and business. I coach... PATH2© : The All-Rounder 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? Contact me... and we’ll see. Cheers. Bill. – duitdammit@xtra.co.nz

09 535 2239 Investment rate subject to change. This is a contributory mortgage investment offered by SCFL Management Ltd who is regulated under the Securities Act [Contributory Mortgage] Regulations 1988

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Dispute resolution suggestions Wynyard Wood consultant, RICHARD OSBORNE, whose specialties include commercial law and intellectual property law, writes on issues concerning the business community Disputes, especially commercial ones, are part of business life. But how can we resolve them? In many cases, those involved solve disputes themselves, often by cutting a deal and moving on, bruised but ready to fight another day. However, some civil disputes are not easily or speedily resolved and the input of a third party could be helpful. The formal judicial system exists for this purpose. One party can take the initiative and force the issue by filing legal proceedings in a court, which is funded by the state. The other has to engage with the process or risk an enforceable judgment against it by the court... case closed, like it or not! In New Zealand, there are two court systems for civil claims. First, the District Court, which is for claims up to $200,000. Secondly, for anything over this limit, is the pyramid appeal system of the High Court. This leads to the Court of Appeal and then, finally, to the Supreme Court. The District Court system is largely pre-occupied with non-civil claims, mostly family disputes and criminal proceedings. Many civil claims are filed but tend not to proceed for a number of reasons, including abandonment. Important cases don’t get much of a look in, especially when

the average house price in Auckland is over $700,000, which is three times the District Court jurisdiction. While the High Court system, in fact, has quite a high efficiency rate in timeliness of decisions, its major downsides result from huge expense of legal proceedings and from handing over control to lawyers. Unless you are legally aided, your claim is of a ‘bet the farm’ nature, or you are very wealthy, High Court proceedings are not an economic option for the average person – inability to pay definitely means justice denied! Over the years, there have been two responses to this major problem, which is not unique to New Zealand:

result, we have seen the creation of specialist tribunals. To name only a few, these include: accident compensation, human rights, legal service complaints, tenancy disputes, taxation, weathertight homes and, more recently, financial disputes resolution. All have their own issues and varying degrees of expense and process. And yet, only the Disputes Tribunal has a general jurisdiction where civil claims up to $15,000 can be brought as of right. However, parties cannot use lawyers. If they cannot sort disputes themselves, a referee will make a decision, appealable to the District Court on narrow grounds. The Disputes Tribunal cannot deal with: debt collection, land, wills, employment, family and intellectual property, but many civil and business disputes are included.

The first has been the growth of mediation, which is less formal and judicialised than arbitration. In mediation, which has many forms, parties appoint and pay someone to try and help them cut a deal. There has been a huge growth in this area because expense can be tightly managed with a high degree of party control. However, there is still a payment and access issue to consider.

With most referees being legally trained (or having the ability to sort the wheat from the chaff), the parties in dispute can expect a quick, increasingly reasoned, and inexpensive decision. Some parties may feel decisions lack the finesse of a High Court judgment but, for others, the process will encourage a solution or end with a referee’s decision and results that they can live with, which is all they ask.

The second response has come about through the realisation that many dispute areas require special, factual and other expertise. As a

Therefore, given that (in the opinion of this writer) the formal court system is not a realistic financial option for most people, isn’t it time to consider

extending the jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal? This could be done experimentally, in the first instance, by simply raising the jurisdictional limit of the Disputes Tribunal to, say $30,000, with the ability to agree on a higher limit, as currently exists. If there were more and weightier claims, then the number, qualifications, training and remuneration of referees would have to be increased and some imaginative solutions reached. Those could include: the use of electronic filings, submissions (not always a perfect solution), or as a more radical suggestion, increasing the continuing legal education requirements of qualified lawyers and allowing them credits for acting as referees. However, the reality of increased funding of a wider jurisdiction would have to be faced as a core function of government. After a trial period, the experiment could be assessed, and if successful, the Disputes Tribunal jurisdiction extended – bearing in mind its role as a final decision making option, with limited rights of appeal. There are risks in overly judicialising the referee role and it would be naive to think that the suggestions by themselves would solve the problem of access to justice in New Zealand. But, as with other countries, the problem is there, growing, and not just for the obviously disadvantaged. Imagination and action are needed.

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Going great, Me-Gunz Crossfit may have originally been a strength and conditioning programme, but it is fast becoming a highly competitive, internationally contested sport in its own right. And, as JON RAWLINSON recently discovered, a team of locals will soon achieve bragging rights as being amongst the world’s best. It’s time to send a Signal over there to tell the Yanks that the Kiwis are coming! Although the USA may hold a degree of dominance in crossfit, Megan Signal and her team mates from Zak’s Pack are determined to show all in the sport that they mean business. Megan may seem like an unlikely sports sort – particularly when dressed for work at East Tamaki’s Pumpkin Patch head office – but, as her nickname ‘Me-Gunz’ (from her sponsor, Industrial Athletic) suggests, when competing, this girl has both ‘guns’ blazing! Amongst the five top teams at the recent Pacific Regionals in Wollongong, New South Wales, Megan and team will compete against the world’s best during the Reebok CrossFit Games in Carson, California this month at Wollongong. “We finished first, so we were very pleased. Last year – as it was our first time – we were just trying to finish in the top five so we could qualify. Second was good enough then, but this time we really wanted to be on top,” the Howick local says. Combining various disciplines including weightlifting, aerobics and gymnastics, crossfit is designed to push competitors to their limits and showcase complete fitness, endurance and strength. The only New Zealand team heading to California, Zack’s Pack from CrossFit East Tamaki (CFET) is comprised almost exclusively of east Auckland locals. It also includes Zak Nothling, Callum Gifford (Megan’s partner), Mike Rankin, Gemma Root, Nicola Hanna. Richard Idoine and Kirsten Palmer are non-travelling reserves. “The qualification process is based on individual results, so all eight participated in getting us this far, but the teams in California will

70 | eastlife | july 2016

include just six. It’s a bit of a shame for Richard and Kirsten, but without them, we wouldn’t have got this far,” Megan explains. Last year, Zak’s Pack didn’t fare terribly well at the Games, finishing 37th from a field of 40 teams. While, Megan’s certain the team will gain power from knowledge and improve, winning overall will likely remain elusive. “We were very disappointed. We didn’t know what to expect and, within the first day, we were absolutely wrecked and a couple of us were injured; it was brutal! But it was an amazing experience and we’ll be much better prepared this time around. We definitely came away with fire in our bellies!” Although America and Europe tend to dominate in the teams’ division, Megan says the Pacific region has many very strong competitors in the individual events. However, as all divisions compete at the same time, and despite qualifying as an individual, Megan chose to remain a member of the Pack. “It has been my goal to compete as an individual, but I really enjoy being part of a team. It’s much more fun when you have others working with you.” Aside from a small minority, most crossfit athletes are amateurs, although many – including Zack and Callum – earn a living by operating gyms, or coaching. “The top athletes certainly have more time to train than the rest of us. It’s very tough trying to juggle a nine-five job and train four to five hours a day – a couple in the morning and a few in the evening. “I guess I’ve just made it work and adapted. Sometimes we don’t get out of the gym until 9pm, so dinner at 10 has become pretty standard for me!”

megan signal

Competitors never know in advance exactly what will be expected of them. “Generally speaking, there will be strength components, weightlifting, longer aerobic workouts, something high skilled (such as gymnastics), and endurance through ocean swimming and running. But they’ll spring all that on us in any number of ways.” Many athletes initially look to crossfit as training for other sports – Callum is a former champion BMX rider, and Zack is an ex-Botany Swarm and Ice Blacks goalie. However, Megan (ironically) saw the sport as a way of losing weight. “Around 2010, Callum – who’s now my partner – was running crossfitstyle training at my work’s gym and I joined just to lose a few pounds and get fit. He thought ‘hmm, she has some potential,’ I guess he meant that in more ways than one! We built

up to more intensive training and it’s gone from there. “A lot of our members [at CFET] are involved with other sports and just come for a form of training, but many of them actually stop their other sports and look to competing in crossfit instead. Over the last five to six years, participation has grown dramatically.” Overall victory in California may be a bridge too far, Megan concedes, and yet she is determined to show that Zack’s Pack is worthy of its place on the big stage. “Compared to qualifying, winning at the Games is a different kettle of fish entirely. The American teams are really at a much higher level than most others; it’s as far as you can go in this sport. But we’ll do the very best we can and, in sport, if you give it your all, you never know what can happen!” www.eastlife.co.nz

PARTING SHOT

HOW GREAT THOU AREN’T JON RAWLINSON has a rant on the road to traffic frustration. Motorsport’s Greg Murphy may believe (as explained through traffic tips on Tv a couple of months ago) that it’s always best to stick to the motorway, but getting there is seldom easy and certainly not half the fun. In a dream, I recently found myself in the wrong lane; this led to an Odyssean journey of roughly 40 minutes from Papakura to Manukau along Great South Road.

Photo Wayne Martin

Traffic complaints are all too familiar in Auckland – our pretender to the title of world’s most liveable city – but when lanes merge multiple times along a mere 12km stretch (Beach Road to Redoubt Road), it’s a sure fire recipe for congestion.

WEIGHING UP HER OPTIONS Although crossfit athlete, Megan Signal, has her sights fixed on the upcoming CrossFit Games in California, she could soon be going for gold on the Gold Coast. “I got into weightlifting through crossfit and soon discovered I had a talent for it. One of my major goals is to compete at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. However, I do love crossfit so it is a tough decision to make.” To go for gold, the former under 63kg clean and jerk NZ record holder and 2015 North Island champ will need to soon devote all her energies to weightlifting. www.eastlife.co.nz

“My focus, now, is California, but because the [Commonwealth Games] selection process is quite long, I’ll need to reassess soon afterwards. In the meantime, I have been doing weightlifting competitions and try to do nationals every year just to stay in the game.”

‘

Callum – who’s now my partner – was running crossfit-style training at my work’s gym and I joined just to lose a few pounds and get fit. He thought ‘hmm, she has some potential,’ I guess he meant that in more ways than one! We built up to more intensive training and it’s gone from there.”

Fortunately, though, at least ecofriendly folk relying on pedal power to propel them to their places of work have plenty of room thanks to extensive cycle lanes. That said, there must have been a wheatgrass giveaway somewhere because I saw not one of these mythical creatures on the day in question. Of course, if we could all recall how to pedal – they say it’s like learning to ride a bike! – stop-start traffic would become resigned to history. However, as the suburbs spread ever outward, such modes of transport (for most) are becoming as obsolete as the Penny-farthing. And yet, it does give us time; time to muse on how our mighty roads have fallen since their halcyon days, and come up with gripes to fuel the pages of a magazine or two, for that matter.

To attain a Commonwealth medal, Megan would most likely need to exceed her personal bests obtained in training: 102kg in the clean and jerk, and 80kg in the snatch. “It definitely won’t be easy to pick up a medal, but since when was anything that’s easy any fun?” she laughs. eastlife | july 2016 |

Abarth 124 Spider

Makes Dynamic Debut

Help me, Honda! Need advice on motorcycles, gear and accessories? Whatever your style of riding, or model of bike you ride, the team at Botany Honda Motorcycles are the guys to ask; from sales, repairs and WOF to tyres, gear and accessories. Owners Danny and Donna Evans have seen lots of changes since establishing the business 11 years ago; with the workshop area doubling in size and the shop front getting a serious make over. “We love the new exterior look, and are currently designing an overhaul of the interior so we can expand our stock of bikes, gear and accessories even further,” says Donna. “We chose Honda as our preferred range because of the quality and reliability, but we stock a range of used bikes too, so we can help find the motorcycle that is right for you, be it your first or twenty-first” explains Danny. “LAMS (learner approved) bikes are extremely popular so we have started importing directly to keep up with demand. Our first shipment arrives in August, it’s an exciting step for us,” he adds. “All our staff members are passionate

about motorcycling, from racing road, motocross and trail riding, to taking part in demo days and local fundraising events. In fact, our guys are so well known at the track they invariably end up helping others with a spot of track side maintenance” laughs Danny. “There’s no better way to experience New Zealand’s beautiful countryside than on the back of a bike,” says Donna. “If you’re thinking of touring this summer, but don’t have a suitable bike, call in and talk to us about hiring one.” If you have yet to get your licence, Botany Honda can hire you a LAMS bike for a few hours so you can attend a course or take your test – they’ll even lend you the gear to wear! For expert advice, whatever brand you ride, make a pit stop at Botany Honda Motorcycles & Power Equipment, 9 Trugood Dr, East Tamaki. Phone (09) 274 2727. www.botanyhonda.co.nz.

The eagerly-awaited Abarth 124 Spider, due to arrive in New Zealand this spring, was among the star cars of the show when it made its United Kingdom debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last month. The two-seater roadster was joined at Goodwood by the new Abarth 595 Competizione, the top-ofthe-range version of the brand’s striking new 595 range, which has just been launched in the UK. The 127 kW Abarth 124 Spider was one of a classic combination of new and historic vehicles that were brought to the festival by Abarth this year. The iconic ‘Scorpion’ brand also prepared an exhibition stand where show-goers were able to view both the new Abarth 124 rally and the historic Fiat 124 Abarth Rally. • Abarth 124 Spider – The new Abarth 124 spider marks the return of the ‘spider’ badge, and is the natural heir of the original model launched in 1972. Equipped with a powerful four-cylinder 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine, the new spider delivers 127 kW and 250 Nm of torque. With a top speed of 230 kmh the car can go from 0 to 100 kmh in 6.8 seconds.

• Abarth 595 range – The new Abarth 595 follows on from the original model launched in 2008, and takes it to the next level, with a new design, greater performance and enhanced equipment. Available as a hatchback or convertible, the new Abarth 595 is offered with three trim levels: 595, 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione, and three power levels to satisfy the requirements of Abarth enthusiasts. • Abarth 124 Rally – Making its debut in the UK at the festival, the Abarth 124 Rally has an 1800cc turbocharged direct injection dual overhead camshaft engine under the bonnet. Thanks to the different selectable mappings, it can provide up to 224 kW at 6500 rpm. • Fiat 124 Abarth Rally – The Fiat 124 Abarth Rally, part of Abarth’s historical collection, was derived from Fiat’s 124 Sports Spider, but with a more powerful engine, a remarkable structure and mechanical strengthening, and McPherson-type independent suspension and rear axle. Developed in Abarth’s racing department, and equipped with a 200 hp 1756cc engine, the Fiat 124 Abarth Rally had a highly successful rallying career in the 1970s.

NEED MOTORCYCLE WOF, REPAIRS, PARTS?

9 TRUGOOD DR, EAST TAMAKI

BOTANYHONDA.CO.NZ PH: (09) 274 2727 12798

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