EastLife July 2017 by Times Media

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July 2017

DAVIDA SUASUA GRASS ROOTS PRINCIPLES

HEY THERE...

sweet cheeks

Chocolateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot IN MARVELLOUS MELBOURNE

MREINZ

PROPERTY LTD

Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

What a superb start to the month, the boys bringing the Auld Mug home. Reinforcing that you don’t have to be the biggest to be the best in the game. That belief in yourself, with a tight team who are not deterred by the bigger guys, who totally focus on the job at hand and do it extremely well that’s what sets them apart from the rest. Which is true for all business really - even real estate. Till next month take care,

SECTIONS

AVAILABLE TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME

Make this your reality! Bucklands Beach 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, enjoy leisurely evening walks as you watch the sun set. By Negotiation

Thinking of a change in lifestyle? Hunua Just under 40 acres including grazing and native bush, complete with views that will leave you without words. Only a 30-minute drive to Howick or Botany Town centre, and slightly less to Papakura, it’s a location that is reasonably handy to amenities while feeling a world away from the rat race. By Negotiation

Call Lynne 021 467 940

Call Lawrence

www.tfproperty.co.nz Ref: TFP38108

www.tfproperty.co.nz Ref: TFP38141

021 660085

Leigh

QUOTE OF THE MONTH YEAR

“Once again the America’s Cup is New Zealand’s Cup” Peter Montgomery

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

8 Mullagh Place, Dannemora

Auction on site Friday 4 August @4pm (usp)

It’s all about lifestyle

If you are looking for a super spacious, extremely private suntrap with views, a lush back drop of mature trees, shrubs and birdlife reminiscent of living in the country then you had better take a closer look at number 8 Mullagh Place. Faultlessly presented and beautifully maintained this solid Brick and Tile family home without a doubt we feel is one of the best available on the market today. Generously proportioned living areas with the perfect floor plan for entertaining all year round whether inside or out. Set on a flat manageable section all fully fenced and gated offering great security just ideal for children and pets plus offering those looking to park a motorhome, boat or trailer an easy solution. Features include HRV, gas hot water and cooking, a plumbed in fridge, double oven, a massive shed to potter in, and for entertaining an undercover jacuzzi. All situated in a quiet cul-de-sac just an easy stroll to Botany Town Centre. An outstanding opportunity not to missed. Phone now for viewing times www.tfproperty.co.nz - ref:TFP38144

Bed

Bath

Living

Car

The “Real Estate Specialists”

2 | eastlife | july 2017 Greg Roy AREINZ 0274 966 966 Principal

Leigh Roy 021 646 565 Director

Lynne Hodges 021 467 940

Lawrence Roy 021 660 085

Paul Charlesworth 027 280 9551

Karen Dawson 538 0151

Call Leigh 021 646 565 or Greg 0274 966 966

Ph 09-5380151 111 Picton Street, Howick Village www.eastlife.co.nz www.tfproperty.co.nz 00792-v17

on the cover

We’ve done it... again! Emirates Team NZ take a bow! Yes, America’s Cup is again New Zealand’s Cup and aren’t we a proud nation?

CHOC’S AWAY! If, like Hot Chocolate, you believe in miracles, you’ll likely find the sweetest matches are made in Melbourne. When EastLife editor, Helen Perry, hit Victoria’s capital recently, she discovered more than just a few ‘sexy things’ at Prahran Market where in-house chocolatier, Tad Lombardo, shared some of his perfect pairings for chocolate. Not content to stop there, Helen also found time to ‘wine’ away the hours at some of the region’s finest vineyards. See pages 12-16 and 32 to read more.

Ph 09 271 8020 www.eastlife.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry 09 271 8036, editor@eastlife.co.nz Sales: Jackie Underhill 09 271 8092, jackie@eastlife.co.nz Sales: Joan Cameron 09 271 8091, joan@eastlife.co.nz

Dare I say I almost lost faith ahead of this campaign but, nevertheless, man about the house and I rose at 5am every race day and watched with bated breath, not daring to say one word which might jinx this brilliant team’s chances. And, then that final crossing of the line and what joy! There was jubilation in every quarter – here, there, everywhere. We all know this was a team effort in the widest sense of the word. The victory went beyond those six crew with Peter Burling as helmsmen, and which included his 49er Olympic gold partner, former St Kent’s student, Blair Tuke and, of course, captain Glenn Ashby, an Australian no less, or shouldn’t I say? There was the ground crew, the designers, the boat builders, the sponsors and many, many more, not least team CEO, Grant Dalton, who never lost faith in New Zealand regaining the America’s Cup. Of

This month... 4-5 community calendar sponsored

As I watched and listened to the morning’s reports, I was especially struck by the genuine elation of our Auckland mayor, Phil Goff, his enthusiasm, admiration of the team and heartfelt delight for them and New Zealand was infectious. Then as I drove to work I heard a replay of Breeze broadcaster Jeanette Thomas’ race commentary. Her loud excitement and, then, ecstasy as Emirates Team NZ raced for and crossed the finish line should be heard by everyone; it did, indeed, come from the heart of this former local.

spent elsewhere. But, you know, sometimes a nation’s spirits need this kind of lift in light of the multitude of grim events that surround us daily. I, too, can think of many places that such money would be well spent, but at the end of the day I, like others, buy things with money which could be put to better use, so I’m not going to tell those wonderful sponsors where they should be putting their money. After all, it is their money and I think the outcome has confirmed their faith in a remarkable team coming from a country of just 4.5 million people. We have, yet again, shown the world that good things often come in little packages or, perhaps that should be, great things come from small beginnings.

Despite the overwhelming sense of glee I was met with all morning, I realised that some folk would undoubtedly point out that the money could have been better

Helen Perry Editor

davida suasua – pages 46-47

by Andrew Simms Experience Centre

Sales: Kate Ockelford-Green 09 271 8090, kate@eastlife.co.nz Design: Clare McGillivray 09 271 8067, clare@eastlife.co.nz

course, thanks must also go to Emirates which remained on board as the major sponsor despite our heavy defeat in 2013. Whatever the corporate reasons behind this sponsorship, I salute the airline and I am, personally, so grateful they were there to help make this dream come true.

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faces & places

astLife photographers E focus on local events

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Prizes up for grabs

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

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10-11 Q&A Jenny Naley brings commitment to charitable organisation, Sowers Trust

20-21 hot spots

12-16 travel

26-31 fashion, beauty & health

Melbourne round-up

interview

Travis Cross tops in service

18-19 interview Sam Boston’s Borneo experience

25 puzzle time

• Ketz-ke fashion • Thunderpants • Regular health and beauty columnists

32-35 Food

• Recipes

• Dining Guide • Taste

36-42 home

• Dulux paints the town • US design trends • Out of Europe • Wallpaper to wow

43-48 business

• Tony Bull – sparky’s bright idea • Mind your English eastlife | july 2017 |

E X P E R I E N C E

C E N T R E

➤ fEStival

July 2017 ➤ ExPoS, fairS & fEStivalS Wild hearts Wedding fair July 22, 1-6pm, Shed 10, Queens Wharf, Auckland City Some brides might be happy enough to get married in a shed; for others, there’s the Wild Hearts Wedding Fair at Shed 10. From runway shows, to shopping, live music, and food, as well as plenty of inspiring ideas to make that big day even bigger, this event allows imagination (and hearts) to run wild. See wildheartsweddingfairs.co.nz. the food Show auckland July 27-30, 10am-5pm, ASB Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom Food, glorious food takes centre stage this month with many tempting morsels available to sample plus cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs. Whether you’d prefer to amble along Cheese Alley, or you’d rather stumble down Brewer’s Lane, The Food Show could be right up your street. See foodshow.co.nz.

➤ thEatrE jekyll and hyde July 4-15, from 8pm, Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland You can run but you can never ‘Hyde’ from yourself! Okay, Robert Louis Stevenson wouldn’t have explained the nature of his iconic novella, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, using a pun, but that’s essentially the moral of the piece. This month, however, Stevenson’s story is taken in strange new directions during a play billed as a ‘terrifyingly hilarious... gloriously scary (yet sexy) adventure for the 21st Century’.

the great gatsby July 8-29, times vary, Howick Little Theatre, 1 Sir Lloyd Dr, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga Based on F.Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, The Great Gatsby, this play of the same name follows Nick Carraway through a world of opulence, and indulgence – of both mind and body. However, beneath Gatsby’s unending wealth lies a secret kept by a man who feels he can never live up to the mask he wears so well. See hlt.org.nz/whats-on.

new zealand international film festival July 20 – August 3, times vary, The Civic, The Academy & ASB Waterfront Theatre (Auckland City), and Rialto (Newmarket) Making a scene is actively encouraged when it comes to seeing our stories on screen.

➤ artS World Press Photo Exhibition July 1-30, Smith and Caughey’s, 253-261 Queen St, Auckland Striking images from some of the world’s best photographers will be displayed throughout July at Auckland City’s Smith and Caughey’s. Featuring award-winning works by photojournalists, proceeds will assist a range of charities. See aucklandrotary.org.nz.

the heart (with their art) of our town this month showcasing a wide range of works during the annual Midwinter Exhibition. Contact the group via howickartgroup.co.nz.

➤ muSic & muSicalS

janice Skinner & Wendy oey July 1-30, 10am-3pm (FridaysSundays), Green Gables Art Gallery, Hawthornden Reserve, 66 Cook St, Howick Throughout this month, Janice and Wendy will present their work at Green Gables with proceeds from sales set to support South Auckland Totara Hospice. Contact Howick Art Group via howickartgroup.co.nz.

Queens of the Stone age July 13, from 8pm, Logan Campbell Centre, 217 Greenlane Rd West, Epsom There’s no doubt about it, Queens of The Stone Age know how to rock! Before heading off to New Zealand’s ‘West Island’ for the Byron Bay festival, Splendour In The Grass, this down-to-earth band is hitting The Logan Campbell Centre for one night only. Details via qotsa.com.

howick art group midwinter Exhibition July 19-23, 9am-4pm, Fencible Lounge, Howick Library, 25 Uxbridge Rd, Howick Looking for a splash of colour on a dismal day? Howick Art Group is at

landslide – fleetwood mac tribute show July 15, from 8pm, Howick RSA, 25 Wellington St, Howick Rumours have it that Howick RSA will soon rock to the sounds of a band as renowned for in-fighting as producing

E X P E R I E N C E

• Eight Brands in One Place • Large Service Centre

B O TA N Y

C E N T R E

From July 20, the NZIFF will show an eclectic mix of films from New Zealand and abroad. From documentaries to features and shorts, this annual event again expects to deliver something for film fans from many walks of life. For a full schedule, see nziff.co.nz.

frighteningly good music. While Fleetwood Mac may Never (be) Going Back Again, tribute act, Landslide, will keep on playing as long as we request they Don’t Stop! Contact via howickrsa.co.nz for details. it’s rainin’ men! July 18, 11am-1pm, St Columbia Presbyterian Church, 480 Ti Rakau Dr, Botany Downs When the late, great Leonard Cohen first sang Hallelujah, we don’t think this is quite what he had in mind! However, during this performance, five fabulous male singers will blast out iconic songs, ranging from power ballads to Rat Pack croons. Amen to that, sister! See operatunity.co.nz. aPo adventures South July 22, from 2pm, Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau This month, the full Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) will provide an hour-long performance of classical favourites. In addition, audiences will have the opportunity

B O TA N Y

• Highly Trained Team • Great Value for Money

• Award Winners • Partners with the Community

COMMUNITY CALENDAR to be up close and personal with musicians during this free family event. See apo.co.nz. festival Performance concert July 22, 3-4.30pm, Picton Centre, 120 Picton St, Howick As the Manukau Concert Band limbers up for this year’s NZ Concert Festival Band Competition, locals are invited to experience a sneak preview of their set. See mcb.org.nz. the Simon & garfunkel Story July 23, from 7pm, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Dr, Auckland City The kings of Queens are coming to Auckland to play an American Tune (or several) this month. Well, not really, but they will be here in spirit as the tale of two boys from New York (Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel), who became one of the world’s most successful music duos, is told. From their rise as ‘50s duo, Tom & Jerry, to their dramatic split and 1981 Central Park reunion concert, their story is expected to inspire. For details, see thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com.

➤ chilDrEn’S EntErtainmEnt the great Piratical rumbustification July 1-22, times vary, PumpHouse Theatre, 2a Manurere Ave, Takapuna When the oldest, wickedest pirate of all, Terrible Crabmeat, crosses the seven seas to entertain young ones during the school holidays, the least we can do is cross a bridge to see him! Based on a classic tale by children’s author, Margaret Mahy, this show pits the wits of a seven year old boy against a most unorthodox babysitter... a retired pirate. See timbrayproductions.org.nz. howick library School holiday Programme July 10-21, Howick Library, 25 Uxbridge Rd, Howick From board games to craft activities and more, Howick Library has plenty

of fun on its books during the school holidays. For more information available via aucklandlibraries.govt. nz, or by calling 09 534 5301. the road that Wasn’t there July 11-15, times vary, Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Dr, Auckland City From lost moa roaming the foothills, to faeries drinking moonshine out of the back of Mitre 10, there are plenty of Kiwi ‘characters’ in this deliciously devilish play. Suitable for audiences aged seven and up, this twisting tale draws on puppetry, shadow play and live music to tell the story of a young woman who strays from the beaten track and down a paper road. However, even in a fictional world, consequences can be frightening real. Details via aucklandlive.co.nz. the very hungry caterpillar Show July 18-22, Bruce Mason Centre, The Promenade, Takapuna Since first being published in 1969, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle, has become one of the most read children’s books of all time. Now, it’s taking to the stage at the Bruce Mason Centre where young ones are sure to delight in this show. See aucklandlive.co.nz.

➤ comEDy

matariki light trail Now – July 8, 6-9pm, Maybury Reserve, Maybury St, Glen Innes Featuring a flax-lined pathway among thousands of twinkling fairy lights, the Matariki Light Trail is set to help us celebrate Maori New Year. In addition, performers will share their talents each night from 7pm, with a finale on July 8 also including a community concert and fireworks display. See more details at matarikigi.co.nz

➤ racing crc Speedshow July 22 (9am-6pm) & 23 (9am-5pm), ASB Showgrounds, 217 Greenlane West, Epsom Race cars, race bikes, classics, motorsport celebrities, hot rods, muscle cars and custom creations... enough said? If you’re a cardcarrying, licence-holding bonafide petrolhead, you’re likely already halfway up the Southern Motorway already! However, for those who aren’t quite so aux fait with life in the fast lane, this event is still well worth a look. With plenty of high octane fun on offer, the CRC Speedshow is sure to get your engine running. Details via speedshow.co.nz.

mystic time bird – rhys Darby July 13, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Dr, Auckland As fear takes centre stage in our modern world, so too does our own local Darby. In this show, Rhys turns to ancient mysticism in efforts to answer whether we really are as free as we may think. Oh, and there will be plenty of silliness too! See rhysdarby.com for details, and check out EastLife’s April 2016 issue (accessible via eastlife. co.nz) to read our Q&A with former Edgewater College student himself.

350 Te Irirangi Drive, Botany | Ph (09) 523 7270 | www.andrewsimms.co.nz

➤ charity funDraiSEr Wine tastings August 1 & 9, 6.30-9pm, Maison Vauron, 5 McColl St, Newmarket Billed as a ‘Tour de France without a bicycle’, these wine tastings will take guests on a virtual tour of the vineyards, exploring various regions and the wines that made them famous. In addition, each wine will be partnered with simple, yet classic, food matches. Proceeds will help support the Hope Foundation’s research into aging. Contact Rex Paddy rpaddy@ihug.co.nz, or phone 09 445 2453.

➤ marKEtS howick village market Every Saturday, 8am-12.30pm, Picton St, Howick classy crafts indoor market First and third Saturday of the month until end of October and then every Saturday until Christmas, 9am-1pm, All Saints Community Centre, Cook St, Howick clevedon village farmers’ market Every Sunday, 8.30am-12pm, Clevedon Showgrounds, Monument Rd, Clevedon clevedon village market Every Sunday, 9am-2pm, Clevedon Community Centre, 1 PapakuraClevedon Rd, Clevedon Pakuranga night market Every Saturday night, 6pm-12midnight, under The Warehouse, Pakuranga Plaza botany night market Every Wednesday night, 5.30-11pm, beneath Hoyts, Botany Town Centre alfriston country market First Saturday of the month except January, 9am-12pm, Alfriston Community Hall, Mill Road, Alfriston

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MERCEDES-BENZ BOTANY OPENS The official opening of Mercedes-Benz Botany on Ti Rakau Drive launched a new era of prestigious motoring in the district. Guests applauded Armstrong Motor Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressive new showroom, opulent vehicles and fresh market thrust. Occupying a 1.3 hectare site, capable of showcasing up to 80 new models, Mercedes-Benz Botany embraces quality, luxury, safety and performance. EastLife photographer, CHRISTEL KELLY MOORE, was there too.

1. Kim and Gail Luxton 2. Daniel Goldenfein, Mark Byron 3. Brian and Lyn Hood 4. John and Gae Williams 5. Rebecca Parkinson, Zheng Timer 6. Jing Lin, Lisa Wong 7. Ratahi Tomuri, Georgina Bolland

8. Hayden Domancie, Alex Ellis 9. Jeremy Spicer, Andrew Cutter, Rick Armstrong, Ben Giffen 10. Lawrence Proffit, Alex Ludwig, Angus McDougall 11. Ricky Green, Sue Green, Paul Ravlich

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eastlife | july 2017 |

ESTUARY ART AND ECOLOGY awards

Stunning entries in the Estuary Art and Ecology Prize 2017 drew plenty of applause at the awards ceremony held last month at Howick’s Malcolm Smith Gallery, Uxbridge Arts and Culture. Photographer CHRISTEL KELLY MOORE was at the event which is the only contemporary art prize in New Zealand with ecology at its core. Works will be exhibited at the gallery until July 15.

1. Shelley Ashford 2. Bev Goodwin 3. Hazel & Peter Gibson Smith 4. Celeste Sterling, Kelley Miller 5. Liam Mullins 6. Harry McAlpine 7. Zoe Hoeberigs 8. Steve Hannah, Nick Adams 9. Troy Adams, Wendy Kearny, Sophia McMinn 10. Roma Anderson, Wendy Hannah, Ane Tonga, Kohl Tyler-Dunshea

Fine Arts Applied Arts Languages Lifestyle BodyWorks Kids programmes Workshops 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick , (09) 535 6467 info@uxbridge.org.nz

The UXBRIDGE Winter & Spring Programme is exploding with new experiences to explore and we can’t wait for you to make your choices so we see you at UXBRIDGE soon! More than 200 class & workshop options available so whether you are 5 or 95 years old, we’ve got something for you. Take a look now!

www.uxbridge.org.nz

LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION? GOOD NEWS: WE’VE GOT IT COVERED

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Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit www.eastlife.co.nz and enter this month’s code ELJUL0021. One entry per email address / person; entries close July 31, 2017. Winners notified by phone or email.

Win! a $180 clarinS hyDra-ESSEntiEl PrizE PacK Some say beauty is only skin deep, but protecting our skin is not just about making ourselves look good. The new Clarins Hydra-Essentiel range has been designed to shield skin from the effects of dehydration. Formulated with organic leaf of life extract, these products have been specially developed to help our body’s largest organ cope with the rigors of daily life. To help one reader love their skin, EastLife has a fantastic prize pack – featuring Hydra-Essentiel Cooling Gel and Lotion SPF15+ (for normal to combination skin) up for grabs.

Win! a DoublE PaSS to magic of thE muSicalS The best of Broadway and the West End come together for one night only in Auckland in August. Backed by full symphonic arrangements by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, singers Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Taryn Fiebig and Phoebe Hurst will showcase a range of ‘show tunes’ from musicals including South Pacific and Chicago. Don’t miss this spectacular performance on August 17, from 8pm, at the Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland. Details via apo.co.nz/whats-on. EastLife has an A-reserve double pass which includes a complimentary pre-show drink (valued at approximately $180) up for grabs!

Win! SilbErhorn PEtrEcovEry While humans may benefit from free (well, free-ish) healthcare, the same can’t be said for our furry friends. And, as most pet owners will tell you, vet treatments can be costly. Thankfully, Silberhorn has devised a nutritional supplement designed to help keep pets in peak condition. Featuring deer velvet, glucosamine and chrondroiton, PetRecovery (RRP $29) is intended to support pets with joint mobility issue, especially problematic in aging cats and dogs, and those recovering from operations. Thanks to Silberhorn, we have bottles of 100 capsules to give away to FOUR lucky readers.

Win! totara – a natural anD cultural hiStory From forming the heart of Maori carving, to trailing no. 8 wire as fence posts on settler farms, the mighty totara is New Zealand’s eldest elder statesman. Among the biggest and oldest native trees, the totara has seen New Zealand’s history play out at its roots. They were here before us and will probably still be here when we are gone! In Totara – A Natural and Cultural History, botanist and author, Philip Simpson, presents a tome befitting this remarkable native’s majesty. • Philip Simpson: Totara – A Natural and Cultural History | RRP $75 | Auckland University Press

Win! a SchWarzKoPf Extra carE fibrE thEraPy PacK – blonDE Intended for women who face every day head-on, whatever life (and the weather) throws at them, Schwarzkopf’s Extra Care Fibre Therapy range has turned more than just a few heads of late. Featuring shampoo, conditioner and repair-in-oil Spray, this range relies on OMEGAPLEX, a formula designed to reconstruct broken bonds to stabilise inner hair structure, while strengthening locks against future stress. While the All Blacks may be enjoying taming the Lions soon, all blondes can have fun too, because we have a prize pack with ALL THREE of these products (especially for blondes) up for grabs.

for last month’s Eastlife winners visit www.eastlife.co.nz/competitions www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | july 2017 |

Q&A Jenny Naley with

sowers trust manager

For local not-for-profit charitable trust, Sowers Trust, ‘sowing seeds of hope’ is not only their tagline, but it’s what they truly aim to achieve within the East Auckland community. Tackling the perceived stereotypes of a comfortable community, Sowers helps at-risk youth and people affected by family violence. Their goal is to empower, equip and mentor youth and families by building therapeutic relationships. To meet increasing demand for its services, the Trust will host an auction on August 10, 2017, to raise funds for additional youth and social workers. Auckland tickets are $75 and can be obtained from The Picton Centre, 120 Picton St, Howick, phone 538 0050. In light of this much needed work, EastLife spoke to Sowers Trust manager, Jenny Naley, about her role. As manager of Sowers Trust what training have you had and how relevant is it to what you are doing at the charity coalface, day to day? I am a qualified social worker and registered with the Social Work Registration Board. Staff members, including myself, have internal and external conversations with another professional around the way we work to ensure we are following best practice guidelines. This ensures there is accountability and that we are all working in a way that is safe for others and for ourselves. I have on-going training which assists with both my social work and role as manager. Examples of other training is around appropriate supports for people affected by domestic violence (safety planning etc), funding workshops and supervision training. When you first joined the Trust did you expect to find a large workload in a suburb such as Howick which is largely seen as a district of ‘comfortably off’ professional families? Or is this just a stereotype? The needs within the East Auckland community have always been there, however I have noticed an increase over my nine years at Sowers. There is definitely a perception that there is little or no need out this way and

10 | eastlife | july 2017

this makes it extremely difficult for agencies such as ours to get the funding that we need to employ enough staff to meet growing needs. When we held our first auction night a couple of years ago I remember approaching a number of organisations for donations and support. People literally said, ‘no’ to me and that they supported organisations working in South Auckland ‘where the need was’. Of course there is more need there – I am not disputing that – but to suggest there is no need out our way is unrealistic. What is the most rewarding and/or frustrating part of your job? Ensuring families and young people have equal opportunities to develop and grow is incredibly important to me. I am passionate about finding ways for them to do that. I love creating relationships with people that build on strengths, enabling each person to reach their potential. It is so rewarding seeing the positive changes that take place, not only over the time that we are supporting a family or individual, but over the years that follow. From a team perspective, I feel privileged to be working alongside people that share an amazing vision of hope and transformation for others. I am honoured to be in a position that encourages and witnesses the team’s growth and development. My biggest frustration is around funding. It is really hard to plan effectively and take a sustainable approach to what we do when living month to month income-wise. Applying for funding and fundraising events, not only take us away from our core business but there are no guarantees we will receive all, or even any, of what we apply for.

and growth of Sowers and I was part of the team which developed our practice to a level that enabled us to gain Ministry of Social Development contracts. Obtaining my degree, and subsequent social work registration while working full time, was huge for me. It provided the opportunity to move into my current role. I’m really proud to be a part of such an incredible team and what we’ve accomplished such as developing an on-going review and evaluation process enabling us to capture outcomes more effectively, and introducing new programmes to fill gaps/meet needs. These include Triple P Parenting and the Friends Programmes which assist children and youth to develop life skills to effectively cope with difficult and/or anxiety-provoking situations. How has what you see on a daily basis, changed the dynamics of your own family life? It has helped me appreciate what I have and my family more. It has also helped me recognise what is important to me and to appreciate differences and value the richness that diversity brings. What is the biggest impediment you face when dealing with the escalating cases of family violence in East Auckland. Are they indeed escalating? Family violence is definitely on the increase. It is huge. A recent example of this is the death of a 22-year-old girl in Pakuranga. Family violence doesn’t discriminate; it takes place in families in all income brackets.

jenny naley even desensitised?

What has been your biggest achievement/legacy over the last nine years with the Sowers Trust?

It can be a symptom of other things going on in the home. Sowers is one of many organisations that links in with the family violence team at the Ormiston Police Station. There are few organisations out our way to refer to and we often need to close referrals as we get more than we can cope with.

I believe it takes a team for an organisation to thrive and that each person has a valuable role to play. I think I have been (alongside others) a key contributor to the development

Are locals are surprised when they learn of the numbers of families that regularly experience family violence in their lives, particularly in our area, or are we becoming complacent,

The perception of East Auckland being a community with little or no problems is held both within and outside of our community. We never know what someone is going through or what they are struggling with and the more we can refrain from judgment and assumptions, the better. In East Auckland we have amazing beaches, parks, shops and cafes. We are truly blessed. So yes, I think that people are often surprised to www.eastlife.co.nz

‘

Desensitisation is on the increase and supported by what we read and see in the media. When something isn’t happening to us, or someone we know, it is easy to think that it is not happening at all.”

How effective are such campaigns as ‘It’s not okay’ in helping curb family violence? Could the money spent on these be better employed elsewhere? It is always good to review programmes/campaigns from time to time to ensure desired outcomes are being met. With reference to the “It’s not okay” campaign, the message has been brought home loud and clear by exposing the nature of violence. Social media has played a part in what is a new and constantly developing area. The viral nature of social media means that each person who sees the advert or posts can spread the news so information can reach a large number of people in a short time. Who should be the first point of contact when family violence occurs? Anyone with immediate safety concerns should call 111 for the Police. Ask a neighbour or friend to call if you can’t make the call. If you are not in immediate danger but would like to talk with someone about your situation then contact refuge (0800REFUGE) or another local organisation such as ours to have a confidential conversation. Refuge has safe houses so, if someone needs to get out urgently, it is the best group to call. If you were Minister of Social Development for a day what would you do and why?

Photo Wayne Martin

learn the extent of the problems that exist here. Desensitisation is on the increase and supported by what we read and see in the media. When something isn’t happening to us, or someone we know, it is easy to think that it is not happening at all. Is family violence more common amongst lower socioeconomic groups or is it relatively even across the board? I think that suggesting poverty breeds violence is a narrow focused perspective. In my experience family www.eastlife.co.nz

violence does not discriminate and occurs in all socio-economic groups. However, poverty can increase the occurrence and severity of violence, making leaving a situation more difficult to navigate. Are such issues as drug and alcohol use, problem gambling or mental illness often instigators of family violence? If so, what work (if any) does Sowers do to address these underlying causes? Based on reports that I see, alcohol plays a huge part in family violence

occurrence. We are more vulnerable after a few drinks and less likely to make the same decisions or choices we would if we were sober (another generalisation). Of course, other things can play a part too but each situation is different. When we support families, we look at the bigger picture of how things are for a family so the support we provide ensures that a family is well connected into their community and in a position to access the support needed to change their situation. The challenge in East Auckland is that there are few supports available.

Key policy changes need to impact positively on low income families which make up the greatest number of our working age population. It makes sense that if they are better off then we all are. NZ has a habit of putting the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff instead of a fence at the top. Early intervention, a living wage and a more effective education system should be a key focus for our future. If you could invite any two people (living or dead) to dinner who would you ask and why? Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. It would be great to get their perspective on life and further understand their experiences and what shaped their thinking. To learn from their obvious strength of character, which enabled them, in spite of challenges, to stand up for what they believed in, would be empowering. eastlife | july 2017 |

Bellarine beauties Countries renowned for their wine can often boast more than one successful growing region. Australia is no exception. As in other parts of this vast land, visitors to victoria, are spoilt for choice when it comes to vineyard tastings as HELEN PERRY discovered...yet again! Friends tend to scarper when I mention Melbourne. They just know I am going to spend the next hour or so waxing lyrical about this beautiful city, the shops, the markets, the arts scene, restaurants, wildlife, and, of course, its wineries. And why not? Melbourne is blessed with many attractions including much lauded grape-growing regions but when it comes to the dilemma of which wine tour to choose, I never have a problem. There is just one company for me – Wine Tours victoria. Terindah Estate – restaurant deck and outdoor dining enjoy views across the water. This boutique company run by wine connoisseur, Trevor Armstrong is the only Melbourne company which takes tours to four major wine regions. – Mornington Peninsula,, the Yarra valley, Macedon Ranges and the Geelong region, namely the Bellarine Peninsula. I have now toured all four with victoria Wine Tours, this latest visit encompassing the Bellarine district.

everything from whites such as pinot grigio, riesling, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay through to reds, namely merlot, pinot noir and shiraz. In fact, it was difficult not to give every winery top marks, well, at least for the wines I bought home and I did manage to squeeze five bottles, from across the board, into my suitcase!

Once again I was delighted to have John Hudson as our driver – a personable, wine savvy and genial host. And, as I’m sure readers will appreciate, it was ever so easy to sit back in a luxury Mercedes eightseater, and be driven from location to location with no worries about drinking and driving.

Top marks also for the sweeping views from the Jack Rabbit property. While this was not our lunch stop, the winery boasted a lovely restaurant with floor to ceiling windows which fairly drank in the outlook across Port Phillip Bay – stunning. Surprisingly, I left this lovely estate with a 2015 Riesling.

As usual our tour included a morning tea break in a scenic location, this time at pretty Eastern Park in Geelong.

Now, for someone who is very much in the red wine camp, I’m still marvelling at how much the vibrant citrusy notes impacted on me. It will be interesting to see if I still feel the same when I open it, perhaps towards the end of next summer.

Then it was on to our first stop, Jack Rabbit vineyard where we gave top marks for the diverse range of cool climate wines which embraced

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Conscious of how much we could carry, I determined to buy just one bottle of wine from each of the four

estates we visited, however, when it came to Oakdene, at the end of our tour, I couldn’t resist just one extra! Moving on from Jack Rabbit to Scotchmans Hill, we found the cellar door inside a charming bungalow. Once again our tasting host was (as expected) extremely knowledgeable. He guided our tasting experience according to individual preferences and I was more than happy to pop a bottle of the winery’s Norfolk vineyard Bellarine Peninsula 2010 Pinot Noir into my bag as we left – yes, I did pay for it! After a little tiki tour down to Portarlington on the water, we made our way to Terindah Estate, its Indonesian name meaning ‘most beautiful’ and it was just that. Like Jack Rabbit (just down the road)), this vineyard enjoyed jaw-dropping views all the way to Melbourne city. This was also our lunch stop and Terindah Estate’s celebrated restaurant, The Shed, didn’t disappoint. Seated at our table, pristine with white tablecloth

Photo Ferne Millen

sparkling wine glasses and fronted by the view, I sensed we were in for a treat. Indeed, our three-course lunch, was difficult to fault, hearty, flavoursome and much too decadent for the middle of the day. However, ahead of lunch was a tasting – of course! Here, I encountered, for the first time, Zinfandel and to be truthful I had never heard of it but, wow, what a wine. Bolder than I expected and with peppery notes that appealed, I really liked this wine even though one brief tasting, after so many, made it difficult to truly judge. I am now trying not to wish away cellaring time as I wait a year or two before trying the Terindah Estate 2014 Zinfandel I brought home. It could be just the ticket with a juicy steak. While reluctant to leave this stunning location we had one more stop to make – Oakdene – and this was to prove fascinating. I just loved the

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The quirky topsy-turvy cellar room at Oakdene Winery.

Although there was much to distract us from the business at hand, we came to taste wine and we did. However, by this time I was not so sure my tastebuds – or my constitution – could take too much more despite the temptation of so

many fine vintages. Because, I could not decide between the Oakdene 2015 William Shiraz and the 2015 Bernard’s Cabernet, I bought both – I loved that most wines were named after family members! William and Bernard now await the day I can actually see what they’re made of (a few years down the track) and that day will, I’m sure, be worth the wait. With the afternoon drawing to a close, it was time to return to Melbourne.

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Yet, again, I was regretful that such a short Oz visit meant rushing through our ‘to do’ list. I swear the day is coming when we stay in or near Melbourne for longer than three or four days and can take time to explore its wine regions further. However, I was so appreciative of the leisurely pace we enjoyed with Wine Tours Victoria – the chance to be ferried here and there meant no worries about imbibing beyond the limit...if just a little bit!

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Inside, the rustic-themed tasting room made good use of reclaimed and recycled timber while the eclectic array of artworks and collectibles (inside and out) said a lot about the personality of owner Elizabeth Hooley who I understand designed the topsyturvy house.

I was disappointed I had no time to interview this woman whose talents include design and grape growing and whose wines feature the names of family members – children and grandchildren included.

quirky nature of the cellar door where the A-frame timber house, with multicoloured windows, looked as if it had been blown over on its side – very clever indeed.

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eastlife | july 2017 |

About Melbourne town First timers to Melbourne may be overwhelmed by the wealth of attractions so HELEN PERRY suggests booking a city city bus tour as a starter to highlight places of interest before returning to those which appeal. On arrival in any metropolitan city it helps if one can gain a feel for the lie of the land. In Melbourne bus tours generally create awareness of major shopping malls, theatres, parks, lanes and arcades, how to access the South Bank, where important buildings are located and from where trams and trains depart. Once completed, negotiating the city sights on foot can be less challenging. However, I have a few favourite haunts that might interest readers:

Kirra Gallery Federation Square I never fail to pop into this amazing showroom of glass, sculpture and jewellery all handmade by established and emerging Australian artists. While many pieces are in the ‘collector’ category, the gallery ensures there are pieces for most tastes and budgets. You don’t really need to be ‘into glass or art’ to appreciate their beauty – in fact, they are truly mind-boggling. Well worth a visit but be quick, I hear the gallery is closing end of September.

Hopetoun Tea Rooms (Collins Street) Located inside the glorious Block Arcade – a must see in its own right – this delightful venue specialises in fabulous cakes and sweet treats. It’s a great place to stop for lunch or morning or afternoon tea although a traditional high tea must be ordered in advance online. This Victorian charmer is relatively compact and by time the clock strikes noon there can be a queue waiting to enter. On my last visit we managed to grab the last table for two at just after 11.30am – dainty sandwiches and ruinous cakes, Just divine!

peter sheppard shoe shop

‘

One market which is sometimes forgotten is the South Melbourne Market. This quintessential village market, is a little bit quirky and embraces a little bit of this and a little bit of that. It’s definitely worth checking out and access by train or tram is easy.

Victoria for its diverse range of stalls as well as its foodhall and Prahran just to appreciate the huge range of local and imported produce, butcheries, delis, fishmongers and more. But the one market which is sometimes forgotten is the South Melbourne Market. This quintessential village market, is a little bit quirky and embraces a little bit of this and a little bit of that. It’s definitely worth checking out and access by train or tram is easy.

The markets!

Peter Sheppard Shoe Shop

I know, I know, you’ve probably been told a 1000 times about Victoria Market and even Prahran Market, and they really do deserve visiting –

Shoeholics of the female kind may well find this store is right in step with their needs especially when it comes to wide fittings, comfort

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coop’s shot tower

hopetoun tea rooms and some styley differences. I went looking for a particular type of shoe for work – dressy but still comfortable for walking and standing – and received amazing service from highly experienced footwear assistant Gary. It turned out Gary had worked at both Wellington’s Kirkcaldie and Stains and Auckland’s original Farmers department store in Hobson Street many years ago – our loss, Aussie’s gain. This gentleman soon had me coveting shoes by the dozen but the budget was limited, Even so, I walked away with the perfect combination of comfort studded with a flash of glitter – swarovski crystals no less. Just love them but I conveniently lost the sale docket before man about the house spotted it. Ladies, this could be the shop for you.

Melbourne Central A one-stop shopping complex which needs more than a quick hour to peruse. But what is intriguing about this mega mall is that it has been built around the famous Coop’s Shot Tower. It is particularly significant as it is one of only three 19th century shot towers remaining in Australia and the best preserved. The tower, which extends up into the centre’s massive glass cone, now encompasses a small museum, accessed through the RM Williams store. Shoppers can wander through and get the low-down on the history of lead shot manufacture. Interestingly, the tower also featured in the opening of the 1997 Jackie Chan movie, Mr Nice Guy. www.eastlife.co.nz

Stylish Ibis embraces past era The original Victorian Coffee Palace Company was founded in 1880 and by 1895 there were 23 coffee palaces. In 1924, ‘coffee’ was dropped from the name and ‘palace’ was dropped in 1952.

Melbourne abounds with examples of its Victorian past and The Victoria Hotel (now an Ibis Styles property) is very much a reminder of days gone by as HELEN PERRY discovered. Styles by name, style by nature – The Victorian Hotel located in Little Collins Street, is handy to shopping, trams, trains, and many attractions. It’s just a short walk to Federation Square and South Bank too. I usually stay at sister Ibis near Victoria Markets but on hearing the Victoria Hotel had recently been renovated we decided to give it a whirl. The outcome was plenty of pluses and a few minuses. As mentioned – location, perfect; entrance foyer, wide and welcoming, the stunning new chandelier making a statement. The mezzanine lounge was spacious, comfortable and furnished in a way that encouraged us to sit, relax, read or enjoy a pre-dinner from Vic’s Bar. But the bar, (off the mezzanine) I didn’t like. It seemed characterless

and somewhat dark for my taste. I much preferred to sit out in the lounge area. Bedrooms, well, our room anyway, was extremely roomy with comfortable beds and a sparkling, tiled bathroom. Though simply furnished there was a subtle sense of old world elegance which we liked. What’s more, there was ample space for luggage and the myriad of shopping bags we seemed to bring back after each day on the town. While we ate breakfast in the hotel restaurant – Alice’s was just step across a narrow alley way – I felt this was another area that lacked soul. It served a standard hotel breakfast buffet but the basic furniture and rather dull cream/brown decor reminded me of the NZ Herald staff cafeteria a ‘million’ years ago!

Over the years, the hotel has seen numerous changes, expansions, renovations, decor upgrades and various modernisations such as the addition of en suites in 1960 and the licensing of the restaurant in 1967.

‘

Location, perfect; entrance foyer, wide and welcoming, the stunning new chandelier making a statement.”

At night this became a Thai restaurant which I thought strange in a Victorian establishment, especially as this hotel’s past lends itself to something special when it comes to dining.

Many guests return year after year, especially those who marked their wedding day with a reception at the hotel. So, with its intriguing history and its survival though good and some very bad times, it seems a shame the dining room doesn’t offer a touch of glorious Victoriana. Nevertheless, for travellers seeking inexpensive, comfortable, Melbourne accommodation which is handy to everything this wonderful city offers, then The Victoria Hotel – Ibis Styles, does the job very well.

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or a full out gala with all the bells and whistles, we’ll deliver the result you want. Your one stop venue contact number: 09-536 0005 for functions: functions@formosa.co.nz 110 Jack Lachlan drive, Beachlands accommodation available onsite. eastlife | july 2017 |

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Formosa Golf Resort offers spacious halls, breathtaking seaside panoramic views and a team of professionals to create memories of a lifetime. We have wedding packages available to suit your expectations. Whether you are looking for an intimate wedding ceremony

‘Colonials’ relish tramcar dining If wining has always been high on HELEN PERRY’s must do list when in Melbourne then it stands to reason that dining is right up there too. On her latest visit, she fulfilled a long time objective to enjoy the city’s Colonial Tramcar dining experience. As a youngster in Auckland I loved riding the trams but they disappeared from my life before I knew it. Nevertheless, I’m still that little kiddy at heart and when in Melbourne I do as Melburnians do – take the tram wherever I can. And, on this last visit, I finally managed to book a place for husband and I on the colonial tramcar which offers lunch and evening dining in an elegant Victorian environment. I’d tried several times in the past to book but always left it too late. This time, I made a reservation online a couple of months in advance and even then had to take the only day available and the early sitting too. Offering lunch plus two dinner sittings – 5.45pm and 8.35pm – we noted that

menu courses varied, lunch being four-course, late dinner five-course and early dinner three-course. We found three courses ample! Crackers and dips, then a choice of chicken or beef (tender as) for the main and a wonderful four-piece, sweet platter for dessert – it was all very yum. Beverages were included in the price and there was no stinting – we even enjoyed a port and a liqueur to finish. But this well-known tourist attraction is about more than just the menu; it’s about the ambience and the wait team who make it such fun. By chance our carriage was in the charge of waiter, Tim Perry who, on learning we shared the same surname, insisted on calling me Aunty

Helen for the evening. He was the life and soul of the party maintaining a very jolly mood as the tram took us out of Melbourne central to St Kilda and back. We thoroughly enjoyed this novel night out and felt $180 per head for the early sitting was well worth it

(prices vary according to the day and the sitting). My only regret was that so many patrons turned up as if they were off to a rugby match – I felt they didn’t do the elegant, old world setting justice. Half the fun, in my mind, is dressing for the occasion.

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Cross runs hot at Kia Cup Plenty of Kiwis fly over to Korea but few return with a regional title as a souvenir. Fresh from a top performance at the Kia Service Advisor Skills World Cup, Travis Cross from Andrew Simms Botany was soon back to work, as JON RAWLINSON reveals. ‘World leading quality customer service’ – it’s a claim often made but one which is often difficult to substantiate. And yet, when Andrew Simms Botany asserts that it offers such levels of service, the dealership now has a title to prove it! And yet, despite finishing first in the Asia/Pacific region and 11th overall at the recent Kia Service Advisor Skills World Cup in Seoul, senior service advisor, Travis Cross is as humble as they come.

“You can always study for the written test but we were thrown in at the deep end with the role play. We were given a time frame in which to ensure

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the customer walked away happy but not a lot of information; I felt a bit like a possum caught in the headlights!”

a V8 – big on power; definitely not a bad contraption to drive, that’s for sure.”

Newmarket dealership, but he doubts he will compete in Korea again.

“It’s certainly helped me to have technical experience but we also have some very successful advisors from non technical backgrounds too... it all came down to providing the best in customer service.”

He says there’s no particular secret to his success; there is only one way to reap rewards in any trade.

“More than likely [Kia New Zealand] will want to send someone new next time. It’s obviously nice to do so well, but it’s really more about exposing [contestants] to the experience, giving them an opportunity to see where the brand comes from,” he says.

While Mr Cross may care for Kia customers, at home it’s a German engine which spins his wheels. “I’m as much a car junkie as the next guy, I guess,” he laughs. “And I certainly don’t mind a nice car! I’m pretty much driving my dream vehicle [a BMW M3] already. It’s small with

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“The trip was quite an eye-opener. We did a walk-through of one of Kia’s manufacturing facilities. They push out something like three brand new cars every 74 seconds; that’s two and a half thousand cars a day just out of one facility. It’s quite the big machine at work!”

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Travis earned his ticket to Korea after claiming top spot at the national finals in May. In Seoul, the competition comprised a written test, as well as a video scenario and role play, both designed to replicate customer experiences.

It’s delight all round, (from left), Kia New Zealand general manager, Todd McDonald, successful Asia/Pacific Kia winner Travis Cross and Matthew Wales, dealer principal, Andrews Simms Experience Centre, Botany. Photo Christel Kelly Moore

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“I was surprised to finish first in the region and pretty happy with the result against the rest of the world,” he says. “There was a lot of competition up there with entrants from 57 countries, so to perform as well as I did was a good result. To me, it was also about taking advantage of a good opportunity.”

eastlife | july 2017 |

Boston’s wild ways It can be a difficult task tracking some interview subjects down; when it comes to Sam Boston, it’s next to impossible! However, despite the logistical difficulties, JON RAWLINSON recently caught up with this intrepid, locally-raised young woman to chat about her work caring for wild animals in Borneo and the USA. Samantha (Sam) Boston may have had a fair idea of the work that awaited her in the jungles of Borneo but nothing prepared her for the heartache she experienced. Since working with orang-utans at Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre late last year, she has developed a deeper understanding of the plight of these magnificent creatures.

Wolf Sanctuary. She says she is looking forward to resuming old acquaintances and making new ones.

“While I was in Borneo their conservation status was changed from ‘Endangered’ to ‘Critically Endangered’. This is the final classification before they are deemed extinct in the wild,” she says.

While plenty of elbow grease will be required when cleaning or leading tour groups, Sam says providing companionship to these noble animals will be her priority.

“Oregon is like my second home, and the arctic wolves are my fur family – second to my own pets. I’m expecting a warm welcome from the wolves and I can’t describe how excited I am to be seeing them again!”

“Because they will never be released into the wild, we spend as much time with them as they demand. They seem to think of us as their servants; I think that’s just wonderful!”

“I learnt a lot about how people capture them as babies for pets, and of course how they are killed for the sake of palm plantations and other developments. I knew a lot of this already, but seeing it first-hand was devastating.” Day-to-day, work involved feeding and plenty of cleaning to ensure sanitary conditions for the animals, many of which struggled with weakened immune systems. However, assisting with rehabilitation was crucial as many of the sanctuary’s inhabitants have been wrested from their native environment, the Bucklands Beach Veterinary Clinic nurse explains. “Most of my time was spent ‘training’ the animals, taking them out into a copse of trees with a man-made jungle gym where each animal was monitored to ensure they were learning important skills such as climbing, swinging, nest-building and foraging. The sanctuary was amazing, but the animals we rescued came from pretty horrid conditions, and it was so sad to learn their stories. “I was [primarily] caring for infants and youngsters under about eight years of age. I would definitely like to return in a few years to see how much the babies have grown and progressed.” Sam also came to better understand the plight of Borneo’s people. She says visiting a third-world region provided a stark reminder of how

18 | eastlife | july 2017

One of Sam’s charges from her last visit to Oregon. privileged we Kiwis really are. Despite widespread efforts to encourage westerners to avoid purchasing products containing palm oil – which has massively damaged the orang-utan’s habitat – Sam says demand doesn’t seem to be reducing. She remains convinced that education is crucial to ensuring animals such as orang-utans don’t face extinction. “During my visit to Borneo it was clear that (in general) animal welfare was not a high priority for most people. Palm oil is a touchy subject because, for many, it’s vital to their livelihoods. Developing alternative revenue streams is also essential to ensuring the region’s people, and its government, free themselves from relying on a profitable, although destructive, practice. “I would really like to see a rise in eco-tourism. The more money we pay to support conservation efforts – by visiting sanctuaries such as the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – the more locals will realise

Photos supplied

how valuable their wildlife is and better see the need for it to be protected. “Money dictates so much in this world, so if we can add economic value to conservation, it will be better supported.”

Oregon again... When she returns to the USA soon, Sam Boston will be looking forward to meeting the locals. ‘Meating’ the locals, on the other hand, is somewhat less appealing to her. “My work will involve a lot of meat trimming and road kill collecting – which I don’t enjoy, but it’s for the good of the wolves,” she reveals. “I’ll also be providing companionship... if they want it, that is!” In July, Sam expects to rekindle relationships formed during two previous stints (in 2010 and 2014) working at Oregon’s White

Sam hopes politics won’t hinder (or ‘trump’) her best intentions to continue caring for some of the world’s endangered creatures. “There is some worry that, with the change in government, wildlife will lose some support in the States. I suppose we will have to see what the upcoming years bring. However, while wolf-culls still occur, in Oregon people rally for wildlife protection, which is fiercely defended as it should be worldwide.” In addition to her travels to Borneo and Oregon, Sam has also worked with elephants in Thailand. Despite plans for her next trip to Kenya having “fizzed out”, she intends to continue working abroad in Africa, South America and Japan. However, she admits that there is a somewhat ‘selfish’ side to her altruistic endeavours; there is most certainly a reward for volunteering abroad. “When I return from these excursions I tend to feel more balanced and grounded. That helps me avoid taking the rat race too seriously. Spending time with wild animals, such as the wolves, definitely does this. There is something special about their presence; it’s very calming. It just puts life into perspective for me.” www.eastlife.co.nz

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Sam caring for baby Archie at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo.

To read more about Sam and her work, see our April 2016 issue via eastlife.co.nz www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | july 2017 |

Hot Spots the apothecary To go hand in hand with the unveiling of our new menus, we’ve created a set menu dinner special for two. Start by munching on ‘The Apothecary Platter’, with salmon, meats, cheeses and breads. Then enjoy your choice of main from our artisanal specials menu. Pair this with a glass of one of our new French wines, or a pint of Lagunitas IPA. Finish with one of our chef’s delightful dessert creations. For $49 a head, this offer is not to be missed. All reservations, please contact us by phone.

beaufords in totara park

Reservations: 09 535 9661 27-29 Picton Street, Howick theapothecary.co.nz

Specialising in weddings, conferences and private functions, Beaufords is set in the beautiful grounds of Totara Park, adjacent to the Auckland Botanical Gardens, just 5 minutes off the motorway at Manurewa. A popular venue for weddings and private functions for over 40 years, Beaufords offers the luxury of choice between the Historic Homestead and Garden Marquee. Full catering and bar service with style and elegance at affordable prices. 90R Wairere Rd, Manurewa Phone 09 267 6979 Email john@beaufords.co.nz www.beaufords.co.nz

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amphora While some restaurants may boast that they serve meals fit for a king, few offer salads fit for a Caesar! Featuring dishes from throughout the Mediterranean (such as pastas, calamari and parmigiana) and grand Kiwi favourites (including freshly steamed green lip mussels), Amphora provides a rich range of dishes as well as some of the finest Italian and New Zealand wines. In addition to lunch and dinner seven days a week, from August 5 weekends will also see an all new Mediterranean fusion brunch on the menu. Shop 20a, 123 Ormiston Road, Botany Junction Phone 09 271 6416 www.amphorabotany.co.nz

five stags Five Stags, your Whitford local, offers food and beverage promotions all week! Monday - All you can eat ribs 5-8pm. Tuesday - Quiz night every Tuesday from 7pm (from July 11)! Wednesday - $15 burgers, $22 burger and a handle of beer* or 150ml house wine ALL day! Thursday - Kids eat Free** with an adult buying a main meal! (1 child per adult) EVERYDAY Happy Hour 3-6.30pm, $20 jugs, $25 jugs and chips and $5.50 house wine! Book to avoid disappointment! *Not emersons, Stella or Tokyo Dry. **Under 13 and from the kids menu.

1 Whitford Wharf Road, Whitford Phone 09 530 8866 www.fivestagswhitford.co.nz facebook.com/5stagswhitford

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Hot Spots red shed palazzo WINNER of Rural Cafe of the Year 2017. Recommending this cafe is easy – the food and service are that good and directions couldn’t be more straight forward: head along Karaka Rd and look out for the big... red shed! Along with their team, Paul (a chef with 30 years’ experience) and Kristina Smith serve quality food amidst beautiful, family and animal friendly, garden surrounds. Creative breakfasts, morning and afternoon teas, gourmet-style lunches and moreish cakes are all on offer at this fully licensed slice of rural paradise, open 8.30am-4pm. Dinner Theater at its best - check out our website for dates. 64 Jesmond Rd (just off Karaka Rd), Drury Phone 09 294 6687 www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz

Red Shed

Palazzo

MONTEREY GALLERY Monterey Gallery is hosting an exhibition of new paintings by Dalene Meiring. Meiring’s work portrays a strong link to the land of her birth – South Africa, although her New Zealand experience increasingly shines through in her rich, warm landscapes and abstracts. Meiring’s works can be vivid in colour and harmonious in form and express her passion for life and the beauty in it. Dalene Meiring Revisited June 29 – July 14 Monterey Gallery, 5 Cook St, Howick Phone 09 5329022 www.monterey.gallery 16289

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turanga creek A fantastic place to relax and enjoy fantastic wine and food. The farm’s stables have been turned into a restaurant, function room and cellar door. Our Down to Earth philosophy is all about giving you great flavours from products that have real traceability. We have showcased this in a sharing style menu. Eggs, lamb and vegetables are all provided from our farm. Great for families, couples and groups to spend a few hours, open Wednesday to Sunday. Ideal venue for weddings and functions. 133 Whitford Park Road, Whitford Phone 09 530 8936 www.turangacreek.co.nz

IT’S RAININ’ MEN! Operatunity’s Daytime Concert Series presents It’s Rainin’ Men! Our four fabulous men perform songs from the original boybands like The Beatles, The Temptations, The Platters and The Rat Pack. Hits you’re sure to remember like My Girl, Unchained Melody, Dream Lover, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Let It Be, The Impossible Dream and many more! Touring New Zealand June/July. Tuesday, July 18 at 11am St Columba Presbyterian Church, 480 Ti Rakau Dr, Botany Book on www.operatunity.co.nz or toll free: 0508 266 237 16223

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eastlife | july 2017 |

Whole lot o’ holiday reading Isn’t it funny how, when we were young, school holidays flew by? Now, the parents among us will likely tell you that hols are much, much longer! Fortunately, the way to distract young ones long enough for us to get a little peace, is with top notch children’s books such as these.

Hamish & the Gravity Burb Hamish’s world has been turned upside down. Or is it he who is just not the right way up? When he returns home to find his mum and brother lying flat on their backs on the ceiling, Hamish realises strange things are afoot, yet again, in the town of Starkley. Throw in an odd burping noise, weird seeds falling from the sky and a woman with a cone around her neck, and he knows he best prepare for adventure. • Danny Wallace: Hamish & the Gravity Burb | RRP $14.99 | Simon & Schuster

The Misadventures of Max Crumbly – Middle School Mayhem Max is back and on the cusp of another misadventure. This new tale picks up where the first Max Crumbly story left off, with Max becoming a most unusual topping for a Mighty Meat Monster pizza. Will he somehow be able to thwart criminals who now surround him? Well, probably, otherwise this would be a very short book indeed! However, we’ll need to read this book to discover exactly how our hero manages to avoid being shredded

+ Car ple o 2 Pe

to bits like mozzarella cheese on the hard and crunchy pizza crust of doom. • Rachel Renee Russell: The Misadventures of Max Crumbly – Middle School Mayhem | RRP $16.99 each | Simon & Schuster

Pottymouth and Stoopid As the actors from TV’s Friends will likely tell you, it’s no fun being typecast! That’s certainly the case for David and his best friend Michael (aka Pottymouth and Stoopid). These nicknames may have stuck with them since their preschool days but now that the boys are in middle school it’s time to change the tune. James Patterson presents two characters who are set on turning misery into megastardom in a book which explores the serious issue of bullying in a most humorous way.

• James Patterson: Pottymouth and Stoopid | RRP $19.99 | Arrow (Young) / Penguin NZ

Middle School – I Funny School of Laughs In the latest addition to James Patterson’s Middle School series, his protagonist is facing yet another ‘Grimm’ task. With a national contest trophy and a TV show under his belt, Jamie Grimm has another challenge in store. The fate of his school’s library rests on his young shoulders; can he help save it through his comedy class or will he learn that making jokes and teaching them are two very different things? • James Patterson & Chris Grabenstein: Middle School – I Funny School of Laughs | RRP $18.99 | Arrow (Young) / Penguin NZ

5 5 1 $

er r sav Supe rn fare retu

Take your car on the ferry to Waiheke Island with our Super Saver Ferry Fares

01161-v10

Book now at SEALINK.CO.NZ or call 0800 SEALINK (0800 732 546) * Available on selected sailings. Price valid to 31 August 2017. See website for terms & conditions.

22 | eastlife | july 2017

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Top award best gift for swim school If there’s one name synonymous with successful swim coaching its Fulton Swim School – there are several across the country including at Botany which is set to celebrate its first birthday. However, being recently named Outstanding Swim School of the Year has confirmed what hundreds of students already know – that the school’s coaching team know how to teach people to swim and find water confidence at the same time. Honoured at the Swim Coaches and Teachers of New Zealand annual awards, the accolade came just as Fulton Swim School Botany was set to party. What’s more, to celebrate its first 12 months the branch is giving away 1000 free swimming lessons in July – book online at www.fultonswimbotany.co.nz, pay for your first month then your second month will be FREE! Founder Daniel Fulton says Fulton Swim School prides itself on delivering superior service so to

receive the NZSCTA award within its first year at Botany was “a massive honour and incredibly humbling.” “A lot of hard work went into gaining this recognition,” he says. “To make the grade we went through a tough process. Every aspect of the school including programming, staff training, health and safety plus many other policies and procedures, came under scrutiny.” But the honour was no surprise to those who have benefitted from lessons at the school. “We have a great team of seven passionate staff who take pride in teaching children and adults to swim well and

be safe in an aquatic environment; it’s extremely rewarding to see students’ improve and feel a sense of achievement as they progress,” Daniel says. “In New Zealand, where we have an abundance of beaches, lakes and rivers, learning to swim is so important. At least 35 people have already drowned this year and, remember, the threat of drowning never goes away even in the winter.” Subsequently, key safety skills are incorporated into all swim lessons at Fulton Swim School and, in collaboration with Water Safe Auckland, the school also provides

a Life Jacket Loan Scheme to community groups. And while teaching others to swim provides its own sense of achievement, Daniel, himself came up trumps when he competed in his age group at the recent World Masters’ Games in Auckland. “While I’m in the water most days, it was an incredible experience to get back into my racing togs after 10 years and come away with several medals too. As a past member of the HPK Swim Club, swimming has definitely provided me with many benefits, lots of thrills and much pleasure.”

NZSCTA Swim School of the Year 2017

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eastlife | july 2017 |

rep’ to protect? A new arrival

Whether it involves slugs or snails or puppy dogs, children learn a lot by raising pets. However, during these school holidays, Animates Botany is balancing the ‘scales’ towards more aquatic critters.

To the family

Rockabye Early Learning Centre takes the care and education of young children seriously. Today, centre owner Caryn Mawkes talks about telling children that a new baby is on the way.

On July 13 and 20 (from 11am), the store will host free workshops teaching young ones the essentials required to care for fish or reptiles, including how much to feed them, how to decorate and maintain their housing, and how to recognise the signs of a happy and healthy pet.

No matter how excited you are about the arrival of baby number two, it’s natural to be worried about how your first born will cope once he/she is no longer your one-andonly. Now is the time to embrace having only one child and here are some questions we are often asked.

“Fish and reptiles are popular pets, so we’ll be taking children for a deeper ‘dive’ into what it takes to look after them,” store manager, Avneel Kumar, says.

When is the right time to tell my first born?

“Children will also learn about what makes lizards, turtles and fish special, [and] how to care for these little animals with big personalities.” Interactive ‘animalistic’ activities are also on the cards, including face

painting, a colouring-in competition and more. And, as all workshop participants will be awarded with a certificate, they’ll be able to prove they have what it takes to care for their new-found friends. Although bookings aren’t necessary, Animates is advising those who wish to participate to arrive early. More information is available via animates.co.nz.

PigeonMountain Mountain n Mountain Pigeon

There’s no right time or perfect way to tell a child about an impending sibling. In a nutshell don’t let on too early as 6-9 months in a child’s eyes is a long time to wait. When discussing the new arrival, consider your own comfort level and your child’s maturity level. Preschoolers, for example, may not grasp concepts of time, so maybe it would be more useful to explain that baby will arrive close to a special occasion i.e Christmas or birthday celebrations.

What are some ways my child can feel part of this new journey? •G o through your child’s baby pictures with them • Visit friends who have young children/babies •P ack a bag for the hospital with Mummy or Daddy •B e involved in shopping for the new baby – buy baby a special toy • T hink of potential baby names •G o with Mummy to the doctor for her scan and to hear the baby’s heartbeat. Who will be your support crew?

How do I prepare my child for a sibling?

PrimarySchool School rimary School Primary

Education with heart cation with Education a heart with aa heart

It’s hard for a toddler to understand what a new baby is all about. A helpful way to prepare them is by looking through your photo albums and talking about when he/she was tiny. Don’t tell your child that the new baby will be ‘a friend for you’ because for the first year or so at least, this is unlikely to be the case. As from his/her point of view the newcomer is more likely to be a hindrance before he/she becomes a best friend.

With a focus student cus on With student a focus onon student centred learning, and arning, centred andlearning, an and anan engaged ngaged engaged multi-cultural i-culturalmulti-cultural community, Pigeon nity, Pigeon community, Pigeon Mountain offers the in offers Mountain the offers the perfect start your start to perfect your start toto your child’s journey through urney through child’s journey through school. chool. school. Come visit Come Come visit visit us usus and experience and experience and experience education with education education with with a heart for a heart a heart for for yourself. yourself. yourself.

It is important to ensure children are confident and happy with the people who will be caring for them around the time the baby is born. Take up any available opportunities to give them quality time with their grandparents, aunts and uncles or close friends who will be lined up to help. Finally, remember no matter how much you prepare youngsters for a brother or sister they will still act out at times. This is a normal part of becoming an older sibling. Good luck with the new adventures ahead!

Early Learning Centre • 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:

22 Wells Road, Bucklands Beach 22 Wells Road,22 Bucklands Wells Road, Bucklands BeachBeach 534 1052 534 1052 09 534 10520909 general@pigeon-mountain.school.nz general@pigeon-mountain.school.nz general@pigeon-mountain.school.nz www.pigeon-mountain.school.nz www.pigeon-mountain.school.nz www.pigeon-mountain.school.nz

Rockabye Early Learning Centre, 122 Aviemore Dr, Highland Park • Email caryn@rockabye.school.nz Ph 533 0218 • www.rockabye.school.nz

01990

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Puzzle time Cryptic Puzzle 1

NO. 10036

ACROSS

DOWN

7. Scamp who has hardly any fear of anyone? (6,6). 8. Because secure, don’t let it rankle (6). 9. Turn on with a whip (6). 10. Spoke in a voice that broke? (7). 12. News from the storm centre? (5). 15. Let in and let out (5). 16. Here today... (7). 18. When put outside, it does become paler (6). 20. Noel is a fellow-minor (6). 22. Army accommodation? (7,5).

1. Wouldn’t have it the pig had eaten the border (8). 2. An animal, for the arms, rampant (4). 3. Feel anxious about the quill (7). 4. Often seem, at heart, to be nervous (5). 5. The things people read! (8). 6. He’s gone right through the melting ice (4). 11. Tips and re-tips on getting change (8). 13. One’s upset the girl is a foreign girl (8). 14. The joker is torn in two by the children (7). 17. Sub-trap in the garden (5). 19. So back he went outside to get the pipe (4). 21. Leave it to him! (4).

16 17

puzzle no. 36

Puzzle answers on page 51

Sudoku

AT THE

AUCKLAND SPCA

Auckland SPCA, 50 Westney Road, Mangere. Ph: 09 256 7300. Visit our website at www.spca.org.nz

www.eastlife.co.nz

Quick Puzzle

FIND YOUR BEST FRIEND

ACROSS

DOWN

7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 15. 16. 18. 20. 22.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 11. 13. 14. 17. 19. 21.

Source (12) Motionless (6) Animal (6) Narcotic (7) Knot (5) Crowbar (5) Quiet (7) Alter (6) Disturbance (6) Rising (12)

No. 10036

Delay (8) Fly (4) Terrace (7) Slights (5) Tranquilliser (8) Do-nothing (4) Reprove (8) Bird (8) Tower (7) Core (5) Greeting (4) Kismet (4)

SPeCIAL AG E N Ts

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eastlife | july 2017 |

a l l e B o a i C Winter might just be hitting its straps in Auckland but leading fashion brands have spring in their sights including Ketz-ke where the designers are set to bring the warmth of Italy to our shores.

Vibrant florals and Riviera stripes will transport fashionistas to the bougainvillea-lined streets of Capri, whilst mosaic inspired prints and

➊

➋

crisp whites inspire dreams of meandering the romantic cobblestone villages of Tuscany. Kets-ke’s Ciao Bella collection offers breezy off-the-shoulder tops, carefree sundresses and trans-seasonal pants and tops which are feminine yet relaxed and chic. So, don’t let winter weather dampen your dress sense – start planning for an Italian style summer.

➌

➍

You’re looking at 5 GREAT PEOPLE who want you to have hair that

looks GREAT & feels GREAT

26 | eastlife | july 2017

Louise

Charelle

Ally

Amy

Jenny

Senior Stylist

15 yrs experience. Motivated, creative, talented and a real people person.

9 yrs experience. Professional, creative, bubbly and fun loving.

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

3 yrs experience. A country girl with a great sense of style.

Award winner. Serious about colour and fashion trends.

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1. Ketz-ke Tania Top RRP$145, Ketz-ke Pisa Pant RRP$169. 2. Ketz-ke Portofino Shirt RRP$159, Ketz-ke Relax Pant RRP $139. 3. Ketz-ke Scenic Playsuit RRP $159. 4. Ketz-ke Cherry Tee RRP $98, Regatta Pant RRP$145, Print Scarf Raspberry RRP $29.

www.eastlife.co.nz

A Touch of Relaxation

This month Vivo Hair & Beauty explains what microdermabrasion involves. Many people have heard the term “microderm”, but they aren’t always sure what that entails. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that exfoliates the top layer of the skin, reduces congestion and improves skin texture. This is a great way to get rid of impurities and clogged pores so, why not put your best face forward with a microdermabrasion treatment this winter? The best result comes from a microderm with a qualified therapist using a professional grade microdermabrasion tip. The vacuum of the machine removes dry, dead skin cells and unclogs pores. The result? Fresh, clean and bright skin! At Vivo, we make it our mission to make even the most targeted treatments enjoyable and comfortable. After your treatment, we wrap you in a soft warm towel, to soothe and hydrate your fresh, radiant, and newly nourished skin. Just this simple act of comfort

Microderm $ Treatment

Value up to $118 30 minute treatment!

This offer includes an in-depth skin analysis!

makes for an immediate result of buffed and luminous skin. We always advise clients who have had a microderm to avoid makeup and sunlight for 24 to 48 hours. But after this period, many clients admire how makeup goes on to skin smoothly and looks amazing. We then moisturise your skin with professional skincare products designed to cleanse and nourish the skin further. Beauty therapist, Sue, from Vivo Salon, Howick shared her thoughts on the post microderm treatment, “I always give my clients a big glass of water after a targeted treatment to provide the new skin with an added level of hydration. I find products absorb better when the skin is hydrated.” When is the best time for a microderm? Beauty therapist, Jasween, from Vivo Hair & Beauty, Howick suggests up to two weeks before a big event is highly recommended.

www.eastlife.co.nz

We are dedicated to your personal well-being through dental health

Make the right choice about your dental care

• 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 David Cain B.D.S(UK) Rick Parfitt B.D.S. Shelley Chadwick

Get flawless, award-winning smooth with Keratin Research

“If you are having a microderm before a wedding or any other big occasion, book it two to three weeks before the big day to give your skin time to heal.”

Do you want instant results and a healthy glow? Microdermabrasion gently exfoliates the skin, leaving a polished and rejuvenated finish. Brighten dull skin, minimize large pores and take control of your skin. A stunning winter treat.

• Enjoy up to ﬁve months of smooth, frizz-free hair. • Restore and repair your damaged hair with the keratin enriched and formaldehyde free treatment. • Drastically reduces at-home styling time • Delivers radiant, healthy looking shine and promotes longlasting hair colour treatments.

Book your appointment for a Signature Smoothing Solution today. Featuring Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment

Essential Hair

Vivo Hair & Beauty Howick 09 533 7417 87 Picton Street, Howick, 2014 Terms & Conditions: Voucher is valid for 6 months. Valid for clients who have not had a microdermabrasion treatment at Vivo before. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or voucher. 13551-v7

Open 7 Days, 10am-9pm – Ph 0800 84 24 77 2/166 Chapel Road, Botany South www.thaispa.co.nz 180 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga Ph 577 2998

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Microdermabrasion treatment with Vivo

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Come and enjoy an unforgettable experience at our spa • Luxurious Massages • Facial Treatments • Spa Packages

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www.essentialhair.co.nz • Online booking available 13341-v3

eastlife | july 2017 |

thunDErPantS arE...

‘grow’!

Thunderpants has launched an initiative while getting down to gr(ass) roots! Specialising in organic underwear and clothing, the Kiwi company has released a new range of undies featuring vegetables. Until the end of July, the Soil and Health Association will receive two dollars from every pair sold and, for every $500 raised, a new organic garden will be funded in a school, community or marae. Each garden will also benefit from seeds from Pakaraka Permaculture, Thunderpants creator, Josie Bidwill, explains.

And for those who think the idea of proudly sporting veggies on one’s underthings is ‘for the birds’, Thunderpants also has another recently-released range. “As a country, we have a real connection with our native birds; everyone has their favourite, so we thought what better NZ icon to put on a pair of Thunderpants?” Ms Bidwell adds. Produced from fair trade certified yarn, these fabulous Thunderpants are available via thunderpants.co.nz.

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“We love that we are able to help communities set up their own gardens, it aligns perfectly with our philosophy of slow growth and sustainable practice,” she says. “It’s really important for us to raise awareness of the value in small plot farming and community

gardening – giving power to people, keeping production local and communities thriving.”

28 | eastlife | july 2017

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WHICH IS YOUR

CEREC technology quickly and conveniently custom creates porcelain crowns right here in the surgery.

eye?

Owner-optometrist of Eyes of Howick, KRISTINE JENSEN explains how a quick trip for an eye exam could save your sight.

In my experience, those who are developing glaucoma have no clue they are harbouring a blinding eye disease. In fact, glaucoma is the number one cause of preventable blindness in NZ, affecting two percent of the population over the age of 40.

Crowning GLORY

What iS glaucoma? Glaucoma is a disease which causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve. The million plus nerve fibres within the optic nerve progressively die, initially resulting in subtle loss of peripheral vision. Therefore, vision loss remains undetected until the disease is quite advanced.

YvONNE vANNOORT, from Sanctuary Dental, Bishop Dunn Place, Botany talks about new technology to create porcelain crowns easily.

When heavily filled teeth are at risk of cracking and, broken teeth need rebuilding, the common repair is a crown. It will reinforce and hold together the structure of a weakened tooth. There are of course, better things to do than wait for a new crown to be fitted to your tooth but there are ways we can make the whole process quick and as pleasant as possible. Are you interested? Firstly, there are no gooey impressions in your mouth, just a small camera that scans images of your teeth and transfers these to a computer. The crown is designed on the computer as a 3D model and then milled in a milling machine from a ceramic block. The finished restoration is then bonded to your

Healthy Optic Nerve

tooth within your appointment time.

While there’s a spectrum of glaucomas and symptoms may vary, on the whole, if someone has early glaucoma they will be none the wiser as there is no pain or visual signs day to day.

The advantage is that only one appointment is required to complete the process of adding your crown or bridge and your teeth need only be numbed once. What’s more there is no need for uncomfortable temporary covers over your tooth for two weeks!

It would be easy to presume that, if you can still drive and read clearly, your eyes are healthy; unfortunately that is not the case. For this reason, glaucoma is known as the silent thief of sight.

The ceramic crown looks and feels like a natural tooth and is also a very conservative addition to the precious tooth structure that still remains…. What’s more, it lasts a long time. One advantage is that these teeth have little or no sensitivity after treatment so they can be eaten on straight away.

arE you at riSK? Anyone can develop glaucoma, however the following conditions are considered to increase risk: • A family history of glaucoma • Significant short or long sightedness • High blood pressure • Past or present use of steroid drugs • Previous eye injuries • Migraines or poor peripheral blood circulation (Raynaud’s disease)

Call for a consultation today so we can determine how this amazing technology can benefit you and your teeth!

Optic Nerve in Eye with Glaucoma

thE PrognoSiS Glaucoma is incurable and causes permanent damage to the optic nerve. While the nerve can’t be repaired, glaucoma can be detected during an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The disease can be managed to prevent further damage. With timely treatment, people with glaucoma can retain excellent vision throughout their lifetime.

thinK you may havE glaucoma? visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye exam before the age of 45. With their expertise and specialised equipment they can examine your optic nerve along with other factors to establish any risk and recommend a time for future screenings.

Don’t taKE thE riSK! With glaucoma affecting approximately 70,000 New Zealanders – and likely many more whose condition remains undetected – have your eyes examined to ensure your eyesight lasts a lifetime. www.eyesofhowick.co.nz

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eastlife | july 2017 |

Som dang e moles Don’ erous t are mo re t lea han v o e it t ther exci o s. o lat sion e can of Mela . Early nom save a lives !”

L Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Malignant Melanoma

Congenital Brown Naevus (benign)

“SURGERY BY THE SEA”

Marina Specialists First Floor, Compass Building, Ara Tai Drive, Half Moon Bay Marina Ph: 534 4040 • EDI: marinasp

www.plassurg.co.nz www.marinamedical.co.nz

eaving skin cancers untreated is not a pretty sight and it could cost you your life. Putting off surgery will almost certainly mean the tumour will grow bigger, be more invasive and this results in a bigger operation. In many areas simple excisions can be done but skin ﬂaps or grafts may be required on the face or legs where there is little spare skin available – and in many cases if there had been earlier detection then extensive surgery could have been unnecessary. The key to surviving skin cancer is being aware of your skin lesions and their changes and, importantly, having regular check-ups on any suspicious lesions. Where needed, dermoscopy and biopsy will improve diagnosis and aid successful treatment. Knowing the rules does not always mean we follow them, so: • Avoid sunburn. • Check dark moles for increasing size, crusting, itching or blackness. • Over 65 and noticed lots of moles and spots? Have an annual skin check. • Early diagnosis may mean only freezing or topical chemotherapy cream is needed.

Don’t leave it too late – talk to Martin Rees at Marina Specialists, it could be a lifesaver Martin Rees Specialist Plastic, Cosmetic & Hand Surgeon

QUALITY SKIN SURGERY AT MARINA SPECIALISTS 30 | eastlife | july 2017

www.eastlife.co.nz 13739

Do you suffer from a

painful bunion?

Stefan R. Edwards FNZCPS MChS, Podiatric Surgeon Dip.Pod.Surg.B.Sc.(Hons)Pod.Med.M.NZ.C.Pod.Surg. Bunions are a common foot deformity but because treatment has historically earned a poor reputation for causing extreme pain and failed results, many people have avoided treatment and, instead, suffered this painful condition for years. Thankfully advances in the understanding and the treatment of this deformity are changing this reputation for the better. A bunion is often described as a bump on the side of the big toe, however a bunion is more than that. The visible bump actually reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. They begin with a leaning of the big toe, gradually changing the angle of the bones over the years and slowly producing the characteristic bump that becomes increasingly prominent.

Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a bunion. Although wearing shoes that crowd the toes will not actually cause bunions, they can worsen the progression of the deformity. Symptoms can include pain, irritation with footwear, inflammation, burning sensations or numbness, pain at the ball of the foot, arch cramping, midfoot pain and infection. Bunions are progressive and will usually get worse over time, however, not all cases are alike and some bunions progress more rapidly than others. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a variety of surgical procedures available. The procedures are designed to remove the bump

BEFORE of bone, correct the changes in the bony structure of the foot and correct soft tissue changes that may also have occurred. The goal of surgery is the reduction of your pain and the deformity. The length of the recovery period will vary depending on the procedure performed and will depend on factors which include the extent of your deformity based on x-ray findings, your age and your activity level.

after The majority of my patients return to weight-bearing activity three to four weeks post-operative, with no need for the use of general anaesthetic, hospitalisation or casting. They also report post-operative discomfort rather than pain that resolves 48 hours after their surgery. If you have any questions relating to your bunion or foot problem, please feel free to contact my rooms and we will do our best to help.

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eastlife | july 2017 |

Chocolate PERFECT PARTNER Prahran Market in Melbourne is one of editor HELEN PERRY’S ‘must visit’ places whenever she is in Melbourne and after a recent visit there she thought she would share the market’s in-house chocolatier Tad Lombardo’s favourite chocolate pairings. Forget chocolates, strawberries and wine – some of these combinations may surprise but they’re definitely worth a try!

Salty chEESE: It’s pretty much a given that chocolate and cheese are some of the best known ingredients around but pairing them together? That sounds a little left field but Tad, who’s an expert, says it’s all about the ‘salty and sweet’ combo. “Salty and sweet definitely go together and the rule extends to chocolate and cheese – you’ve just gotta be open-minded. “I’d suggest eating them separately but directly after one another. Start with something sharp such as a wedge of parmesan or stilton then go for the chocolate. That’s how you’ll get the most from the flavour.”

bacon: Meat and chocolate – surprised?

SPICED

Perhaps, it’s an American thing and, apparently, it does work? Tad says: “This does work! Again, the sweetness of the chocolate and the saltiness of bacon create a unique flavour sensation. It’s really tasty so don’t knock it till you try it!”

orangE: We’ve all heard of choc-orange or ‘jaffa’ flavoured treats but why does this pairing work so well? “The choc-orange duo works perfectly when dark chocolate is involved,” Tad says. “It’s all because the bitterness

of the dark chocolate neutralises the sweetness of the orange and the two flavours end up really complementing one another.”

SagE: Okay, so you have no idea what he’s talking about here but Tad has no misgivings. “I know this sounds really awful but it actually works very well in a ganache. The aromatic earthiness of the sage seems to contrast really well with the sweetness and richness of dark chocolate. I don’t think you’ll find too many combos like this around!”

PEanut buttEr: This one’s a no-brainer. You can’t really go wrong when you combine chocolate with any sort of nut, right? “Okay, again, this is very American and it trumps peanut butter and jelly, probably for no reason other than because I say so!” EastLife says a big thanks to Tad for his sweet and savoury chocolate suggestions and hopes our readers will have fun with them. Perhaps, some will even come up with pairings of their own.

nashi MUFFINS

ingrEDiEntS Makes 12 average size muffi ns • 1 cup self-raising flour • 1 cup rolled oats • 3/4 cup brown sugar • 2 tsp mixed spice • 2 tsp cinnamon • 1/2 tsp ground cloves • 1/2 tsp baking soda • 1/2 tsp salt • 75 grams butter • 1 egg • 1 cup raw chopped or coarsely grated nashi (squeezed to remove some of the liquid) • 3/4–1 cup milk topping • 1/2c sugar

32 | eastlife | july 2017

• 1 tsp oil • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

mEthoD Measure the dry ingredients into a large bowl. Mix well. Melt the butter until liquid then add the egg and 3/4 cup of milk. Beat with fork until mixed. Add grated/chopped nashi to the liquid and stir well. Spoon into a greased muffin tray. Mix topping ingredients together and sprinkle over muffins. Bake at 190ºC for 15-20 minutes. For more recipes, or tips, see nashi.org.nz www.eastlife.co.nz

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.

thrEE chEErS for thrEE bEErS! As Goldilocks will tell you, pinching porridge from three bears does not end well. The same could well be said for anyone who’d attempt to wrest these three beers from the hands of a connoisseur. New to the Master Brewers range, Gold Rush is a crisp, golden lager with hints of honey – which is sure to strike a chord with bears and beer drinkers alike. Along with Triple Hop (a classic pilsner), and Old Dark (which boasts a delightfully creamy flavour), Gold Rush completes quite the team indeed. The Master Brewers range is available from liquor outlets (RRP $24.99 for 12 packs) and on tap in bars nationwide.

g-Whizz – a gEWÜrztraminEr With Daring

you Say Potato, WE Say lotatoES... Dodging those carbs can take a lot of energy but, thanks to a new variety of the humble spud, even those who refuse to become couch potatoes can relax and indulge. A product of crossbreeding, Lotatoes are suitable for boiling, mashing, baking or roasting but feature 40% less carbohydrates and calories than other varieties. So, even the most health-conscious among us can now dig in and ‘chip in’ come dinner time! Lotatoes are available from Countdown supermarkets nationwide – RRP $5.99 per 2kg pack.

It’s been described as complex, soapy and generally over the top, but Allan Scott’s take on the often misunderstood Gewürztraminer is set to change perceptions and prove it is a wine of top international quality. From the exclusive Generations range, Allan Scott Family Winemakers’ latest release Gewürztraminer is a great match for spicy Asian food (it can handle the heat!). It also goes well with the exotic flavours of vietnamese dumplings and sweet Middle Eastern delicacies thanks to its soft, delicate finish allowing gorgeous candied fig and lightly dusted Turkish delight flavours to shine. ‘G’whizz’ as it is fondly referred too, is just as enjoyable on its own, the well-balanced lychee and tickly spice flavours allowing it to sit neatly on the palate.

hEart for DarKnESS Cuddled up on the couch with his significant someone, an EastLife writer reaches for the last piece of the newest addition to Cadbury’s premium dark chocolate range – Coco Sea Salt & Pecan. An ‘apocalypse’ then unfolds as his partner’s dark side is exposed. This delectable salty snack (RRP $3.99 per bar) seems to reach as deep as Joseph Conrad into the heart of West Africa, to pluck out its rich cocoa flavour. At home order is restored to said writer’s domesticity when he gives up the last piece; he knows there will be no peace should he come between a woman and her chocolate!

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thanK fuDgE for thiS! When work is piling up or the kids are playing up, there are times when we all think: ‘well, fudge it all!’ The perfect snack to sample at such times, The Collective’s decadent Russian Fudge gourmet yoghurt is back for a limited time. Featuring a rich, sticky sauce and creamy, probiotic yoghurt this delightful treat is bound to have Kiwis ‘Russian’ to stores (RRP $5.79) nationwide!

eastlife | july 2017 |

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

CAFE & BISTR O

ROSSINI ITALIAN RESTAURANT

KOROWHA RESTAURANT, FORMOSA

XaCutI at uXbrIDgE

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.

Formosa’s Korowha Restaurant will provide you with an experience of a lifetime. This open planned, two layered setup overlooks the golf course, waterfall and, of course, the amazing views of the Pohutukawa Coast with stunning Rangitoto in the background. Seasonal menus are on offer all year round with a highly experienced chef and professional waiters to serve you. Our restaurant is happy to take large groups, small groups and walk-in bookings. The Korowha Restaurant is also available to hire out for any private function or wedding experience.

Xacuti Cafe & Bistro has turned up the heat since opening at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Picton Street, Howick. Now open six days – Monday to Saturday from 9am-4.30pm for brunch/lunch, morning and afternoon teas and 5.30pm-late for dinner. The extensive menu includes counter food, healthy drinks, exciting tapas and fabulous Xacuti signature mains. Enjoy the light, bright setting with loads of sunshine, a peep of the sea and refreshing, neutral decor with pops of colour.

• 20% Off YOUR BILL ON pRESENTATION Of ThIS ADvERT Up TO $35 vALUE

110 Jack Lachlan Drive, Beachlands Ph 09 536 0005. Open Wednesday to Sunday www.formosa.co.nz

7A/125 Meadowlands Drive, Meadowlands, howick. ph 537 5554. Open Tuesday-Sunday 5.30pm-11.00pm

LICENSED • BYO

LICENSED

35 uxbridge rd, Mellons bay. Ph 027 555 7786. Open Monday-Saturday, Lunch 9am-4.30pm, Dinner 5.30pm-late (bookings essential). Email rasika.jesil@gmail.com www.xacuti.co.nz

LICENSED

INDIaN aCCENt rEStauraNt & Bar

SZIMPLA GASTRO BAR

PALDO KOREAN BUFFET

Indian Accent has scoured India for the best cuisine and now serves up an eclectic range of dishes. The talented team has devised a fascinating menu ranging from dishes once enjoyed by Moghul kings to Indo-Chinese fusion delights. Offering a simple yet cleverly refined culinary style, even the most wellknown dishes encompass a delightful twist.

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.

Adventuresome foodies with a taste for Asia will want to explore bustling Paldo Korean Buffet. Offering a sumptuous banquet of prepared hot and cold dishes encompassing a host of delicious flavours from mild to spicy, it’s all about balance and variety with a touch of tradition and a good dash of contemporary style – discover new taste sensations!

• LuNCH SPECIaL – from $12.90, 7 days • HaPPY HOur Mon-Thur 5-6pm – all mains $14.90 5/308 te Irirangi Drive, Botany South. Ph 09 272 2322. Open 7 days. Lunch 11.30am-2.30pm, Dinner from 5pm www.indianaccent.co.nz

LICENSED • BYOW

34 | eastlife | july 2017

• LARGE fuNCTION SPACE AvAILABLE fOR GROuPS Of uP TO 100

• OPEN SEVEN DAYS – Dinner, $28 pp; lunch, $18 pp; children under two years, free; 2-10 years, their age plus $4.90. • AVAILABLE FOR FUNCTIONS

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

LICENSED

298 Ti Rakau Dr, Burswood. Ph 273 9797. Open 7 days, lunch 11.30-2pm, dinner 5.30pm-late Find us on facebook

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Beef cheek in Tokyo Dry – with bonito, charred pickled onions and pickled red cabbage To the culinarily challenged, fusion cuisine can be created simply by stopping off at both McDonalds and Pizza Hut on the way home. However, to The Grove’s head chef, Josh Barlow, bringing two different styles of cooking requires just a little more sophistication than that! And yet, we don’t need to be top cooks to create a match made in heaven (or Japan and New Zealand) to warm us up this winter, thanks to this ripping recipe from Josh.

INGREDIENTS Serves 6 • 4 beef cheeks • 2 carrots • 2 onions • 1 head of garlic • 20gr thyme • 15gr bonito flakes • 4 bottles of Steinlager Tokyo Dry • 1L beef stock

METHOD Season beef cheeks with salt and pepper and caramelise on the barbecue until they are golden brown. Slice onions and carrots and place in a hot roasting tray in the oven to caramelise. Add the beef cheeks and all the other ingredients with enough beef stock and beer to completely submerge them. Cover with foil and leave to braise at 140 degrees Celsius for approximately four hours.

Remove the braising liquor and pass it through a sieve to remove all the vegetables. Reduce the liquor in a pot until it begins thickening. Pour it over the beef cheeks and put them back in the oven. Keep basting until cheeks are sticky and glossy. Charred pickled onions • Tokyo Dry pickle liquor • 330ml Tokyo Dry • 150ml cider vinegar • 40gr honey • 40gr sugar • 5gr fennel seeds • 1 clove garlic To prepare the pickle liquor, heat all ingredients (except the beer) in a pan. Add the beer off the heat so its flavour is retained. Cook three, medium white skinned onions in a pot of salted water until they are tender but not too soft. Leave them to chill. Peel and cut through the middle.

vintage roundup

Char the halved onions in a very hot, dry pan until they are completely burnt on the cut side. Leave them to chill and then peel each petal away. Place them in the pickle liquor. Red cabbage Slice red cabbage as thin as you can, avoiding thick parts around the stem. Season with salt and pepper and dress with olive oil and a mustard dressing. If you really want to go all out, juice the trim from the red

Without doubt, Marlborough is home to some of the country’s most iconic wine brands.

most successful exporters with numerous award winning wines that epitomises the brand

All the big names are there and there is one name that has grown from small beginnings to one of the largest vineyards in the county. That name is Yealands.

“Wine is our passion” says Peter Yealand. “From the very conception our aim was to produce award-winning wines. We have achieved this by embracing the challenge of crafting our wines from the ground up.”

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Serve the beef cheek hot and the onions and cabbage at room temperature. Add some thinly sliced radishes at the last minute to add some freshness to the dish. Most importantly, ensure you have a few cold Tokyo Dry to serve alongside.

vibrant taste of malborough

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

In little more than a decade Yealands has become a household name here and across the globe emerging as one of our

cabbage, reduce this by half in a pot, then add a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice and use it to dress the cabbage. It tastes unreal plus you’ll get an amazing bright purple dressing!

Here are two wines weighing-in under $25 that deliver good value for money.

Yealand’s Winemakers Single Block ‘16 sauvignon blanc RRP $24.95 With its variety of classic flavours this fresh, vibrant wine captures all the style of Marlborough.

Yealands Reserve ‘16 pinot gris RRP $18 This keenly priced example will not disappoint. It exhibits typical bright, crisp notes and a freshness with plenty of flavour. eastlife | july 2017 |

out of europe

she’s got

legs!

There’s an old journalistic saying that goes: if a story has legs, run with it! When EastLife first laid eyes on Bessa’s tribute to Marilyn Monroe, we knew this was just the latest chapter in a story which is still strutting its stuff. In homage to a woman whose name is still synonymous with sensuality, Portugal’s João Bessa has created the Monroe Lamp. Perhaps hinting that light needs to be shed on the shadowy story of Marilyn’s untimely death, this lamp comes complete with a shade and gold tassel fringe reminiscent of dresses from the ‘50s and ‘60s. This brassy number is not available in New Zealand but can be shipped by arrangement – contact Bessa via bessadesign.com. Just as some women’s legs seem to go on forever, thanks to Bessa, so does the intriguing story of Marilyn Monroe.

Natural outlook –

can’t see the walls for the trees? The wallpaper craze deepens with a myriad of colours, textures and images bringing new encounters to indoor spaces including the outdoors! And, some designs are so deceiving it takes a touch to discover the image isn’t the real thing. In particular, forest scenes and window effects give an illusion of looking to the outside – all part of a new trend for larger than life indoor experiences. Created on a bespoke Italian wallpaper and ideal as feature walls, these new images from the Ava range of wallpaper by La Fabbrica – available from the Tile Depot – make it possible to create amazing interiors. Work with the Tile Depot’s design team to discover just how sensational a home can be. Some say these are only for the brave but EastLife says this new generation of feature walls are ideal for New Zealand homes which have long stepped beyond the mark of average.

36 | eastlife | july 2017

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Palette set in concrete The mercurial mood of last winter’s colour palette continues to enhance this season’s paint trends whilst offering a luxurious take on the industrial look. Leading paint company, Dulux predicts that a moody palette with warm metallics will dominate interiors during these colder months, promoting raw, pared back beauty. Derived from the 2017 Dulux Colour Trends’ Construct theme, inspired by the renewed interest in Brutalism, combined with the influence of the geometric shapes of the Bauhaus period, the range offers a minimalist look with a focus on natural materials, structure and form. Dulux colour and design specialist, Davina Harper says that the key paint colours, including Boulder Beach, Tirau Double, Moonlight Creek, Narrow Neck Half, Five Fingers Peninsula, Dark Cloud Range, Concrete Effect and Copper Effect, can make any home space feel modern and contemporary.

Dulux colour boards showing this season’s colour trends.

“These colours are diverse and can be used in most interior spaces,” she says. “Being predominantly neutral, they are extremely accessible, from the lightest variation, Dulux Narrow Neck Half, a soft greige, right through to the darkest hue, Dulux Moonlight Creek, an alluring deep blue.”

She says darker hues can create a dramatic backdrop to really highlight furnishings and accessories and make a statement. They can also be balanced perfectly when paired with lighter schemes. “With tactility being a key element in the winter palette, balancing textures

20 O L

ST O O FF CK

Homeowners may not naturally

gravitate to deeper colours, but Davina says these neutral shades are easy to incorporate without overwhelming a space.

and layering accessories will create a perfect scheme and add another dimension to the space,” she says. “Concrete is a multipurpose material that is no longer reserved just for floors or the outdoors.” Adding Concrete Effect, with its cool hue, balances out warmer textiles while hints of Copper Effect are intended to create harmony. A somewhat understated colour palette, Davina says Construct allows

homeowners to experiment with different neutral colour combinations paired with textures to add interest to a room. “The dark blues in this palette such as Dulux Moonlight Creek contrast beautifully against a concrete surface whether this be an entire wall, a fireplace or an upcycled piece of furniture. It’s important to remember these paint colours can be used on a lesser scale too, even the smallest changes can transform a room.”

midwinter

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eastlife | july 2017 |

From left, repurposed timber furniture with metal inlays – likely to catch on here; ottomans trimmed in horsehair – beautifully quirky; metal details add sophisticated touch.

It’s all about the detail …… Without wanting to be a slave to design trends, it is interesting keeping an eye on what’s happening overseas. Donna Jones from The Design Option saw the latest global looks on show recently at a high end luxury furniture fair in New York. Arriving home with thousands of photos and a wealth of information plus a few essential purchases, she talked with JES MAGILL about the dominant trends. Detail – beautiful, well thought through detail – impressed Donna Jones when she visited the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York. “Handles on furniture, negative detailing in metal, exquisite metal inlays and much of the detail in brass, stirred the senses,” she says. “Silver, bronze but especially brass, was everywhere. And there were different effects on the metal; burnished, blackened, hammered and oxidised, as well as accessories such as mirrors featuring metal trim.” Timber made an appearance this year and revealed effects such as sandblasting. Donna says this natural material, loved for its warmth, was nearly always juxtaposed with other materials – “think concrete, stone, marble and again – metal.” “We saw a lot of linear patterning which was softened by curves and in terms of design shapes, I’m thinking we’ll definitely be seeing more curves here. Linear designs appeared in lighting as well with criss-crossed metal forms coming through and there were loads of pendants.” Observing a strong focus on spaces in homes, Donna says the need for

38 | eastlife | july 2017

them to be multi-functional was accomplished with ottomans, poufs and screens, all allowing for flexibility. “And, there were loads on show, including pieces suitable for outdoors. The metal theme came through again with laser-cut screens, which were equally effective and beautiful for interior and exterior schemes. “Looking at soft furnishings, velvet was everywhere and felted wool not far behind. We also saw on single pieces of fabric, one colour taken from really intense tones through to soft, chalky hues. There was detail here too with top stitching, even pompoms for fun.” With qualities of fabric softness and texture generally used in interiors being reinvented for the outdoors, Donna says a completely waterproof outdoor fabric of this nature was now on the market. “Water just can’t penetrate!” She adds that the main colour cues evident at the fair included Pantone’s colour for 2017 – Greenery, a fresh, zesty yellow green. “There was also quite a lot of Pantone’s Sunflower and Royal Orchid – similar to the old aubergine –

Acoustic walls: functional AND beautiful. and dusky pink had moved through to a peach pink. “Ochre and burnt mustard colours were definitely on the rise – they go so well with green – and terracotta had been reinvented; it’s now more of a red ochre and goes well with navy. Really dark inky blues were still around, too, trending through to more powdery blue tones.” Health and wellness were big in every way, says Donna. ”People are starting to look at different ways they can create a better environment for themselves. Reconnecting with nature and also enjoying spa-like experiences at home came through as important. Home saunas and stateof-the-art sauna/showers look like

something we’ll see more of here.” Impressed by the meld of practicality, and innovation, she says acoustic walls for healthy noise levels showed how treatments with a practical purpose could be beautiful too. “Outdoor lighting also combined beauty and function with tall lamps appearing as illuminated outdoor art.” Donna says pieces designed and made in America were evident throughout the fair but with two of New Zealand’s leading designers – Simon James and David Trubridge – displaying there, Donna hopes that global buyers won’t take the Buy Local concept too literally! www.eastlife.co.nz

To legislate or not? ‘ Total Focus Principal, Greg Roy areinz, gives an update on the local real estate market happenings.

Sales figures from REINZ show our local area and the overall Auckland property market continues to stay relatively level for prices and sales volumes but Auckland has seen an increase in the number of days to sell and the number properties on the market. REINZ have just changed the reporting boundaries regionally so month to month figures have changed slightly but starting with our local area – Eastern Beaches – we saw 171 sales for the month of May which is well up from last month’s 113, although the median sale price of $1,030,000 was well down from April’s $1,110,000. The days to sell rose to a high 42. Realestate.co.nz at time of writing showed 355 properties for sale in the area which was down from the 397 of

a month earlier. Auckland overall had 2227 sales, up from last month’s 1813 and the median moved up slightly to $865,000. There is 47% more property for sale in Auckland today than at the same time last year. There’s been a lot of talk about the impact of foreign buyers and whether or not negative gearing tax breaks for property investors is a good or bad thing, as well as questions as to just how far our authorities should go in introducing measures to keep our market in check. So, I thought I would share some key points from a recent an article I read recently on how Vancouver, Canada, has been affected. Vancouver, rated in the latest Demographia International Housing

Affordability Survey, as the world’s major market, third most unaffordable city. Hong Kong was number one, followed by Sydney with Auckland at fourth. Like Auckland, Vancouver is a city which has attracted foreign investors. Canada, like us, has no controls over foreign ownership but, unlike us, has no negative gearing tax breaks. The latest buying spree has had a twofold negative effect. The foreigner buyers, reportedly mainly Chinese, competitively drove up prices which in turn locked out local buyers who couldn’t compete. Secondly, to avoid paying tax, many of these investors have left their properties vacant thus adding to the city’s housing crisis. Just seven homes in every 1000 were available for rent so competition has been fierce. In August last year, Vancouver’s provincial authority, British Columbia, introduced a 15 per cent tax on homes bought by foreign investors. The effect was immediate, from

FABRIC OF ONEHUNGA

In August last year, Vancouver’s provincial authority, British Columbia, introduced a 15 per cent tax on homes bought by foreign investors. The effect was immediate, from August to December last year, foreign investment in British Columbia dropped from 13 per cent to 4 per cent.

August to December last year, foreign investment in British Columbia dropped from 13 per cent to 4 per cent. The true effect of this move on the market is hard to measure as the property cycle had already passed its peak and prices in Vancouver from January 2016 to January 2017 dropped by 19%. Food for thought! There are some other interesting bits from the article that I will bring to you next month. Please feel free to contact me anytime on 0274 966 966 to discuss your property needs.

THIRD BUILDING SELLING NOW

FABRIC of ONEHUNGA has now released the third and final building in stage one and it contains some exciting new layouts for two bedroom-one bathroom and two bedroom-two bathroom apartments. Visit our display suite to view the plans on offer and take a tour of our full two bedroom display apartment styled by Homestyle Magazine. 1 BEDROOM, 1 BATHROOM FROM $520,000* 2 BEDROOMS, 1 BATHROOM FROM $615,000* 2 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS FROM $770,000 *S.H.A. apartment, special conditions apply.

VISIT THE DISPLAY SUITE Open 7 Days 11AM—3PM 11 Spring Street, Onehunga 0800 258 358 fabricofonehunga.co.nz 15827-v3

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eastlife | july 2017 |

Fabric of Onehunga

– superior apartment living FABRIC FACTS:

Fabric of Onehunga is a masterplanned pocket neighbourhood surrounded by landscaped grounds on a 1.29ha site spanning Spring and Victoria Streets. Popular with first home buyers, Onehunga locals and those transitioning from larger homes, this style of apartment living is becoming most desirable. What’s more, Onehunga is a suburb on the rise with the development of high-quality public spaces, better transport connections and a thriving café and hospitality community. Contributing to the suburb’s revival in its own right, Fabric of Onehunga is set to redefine apartment living in Onehunga through the creation of a comfortable, contemporary pocket neighbourhood. Apartments will include contemporary finishes, clever storage, spacious interiors and maximised natural light.

New owners can choose between light neutral or dark industrial colour palettes.

the development. A full size, two-bedroom apartment styled by Homestyle Magazine is open to view daily from 11am – 3pm. Visit the display suite at 11 Spring Street, Onehunga today. www.fabricofonehunga.co.nz

All apartments will flow out to balconies or large private terrace gardens and share access to the spacious pocket park at the heart of

• Five buildings over four levels • 239 one, two and three bedroom apartments • Architecturally designed by awardwinning Ashton Mitchell • Contemporary kitchens and bathrooms • 7000m2 of common, park-like landscaped gardens and private courtyards dividing the five buildings • Underground car parking, bike parking and storage units • Spacious apartments which all have balconies or private courtyards • 800m to Onehunga train station • 10km to Auckland CBD, 10km to Auckland Airport • First stage of building forecast to complete late 2019 • Landscape architecture by Boffa Miskell • Pet friendly

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40 | eastlife | july 2017

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Ginger a winner Nuts though the concept may be, this spice is rather nice (and good for us) despite its awkward looks.

The root of the ginger plant (or Zingiber officinale) is from the same family as turmeric and cardamom. Originally from southern Asia, ginger gained its name from the Tamil word for root, which translates as inji ver. Producing bright yellow flowers, the ginger plant can be quite a looker and not just prized as an excellent ‘root’, so is often grown for aesthetic purposes. Ginger has ‘bread’ a plethora of devoted followers who swear by this spice as an ingredient in cooking and for home-remedies. The primary reason is that she’s hot to trot! Ginger is a spicy girl, bringing a sharp, pungent flavour to a variety of fare including curries, biscuits, sauces, candy and drinks (not to mention one particular self-styled music group).

Versatile in use, ginger roots are often infused with lemon plus brown sugar or honey added to produce a warming winter tea designed to combat the ill-effects of colds and flu. Ginger is also ingested to provide relief from nausea, treating muscle or joint pain and inflammation. Modern research has shown that it can actually influence gastrointestinal function, helping to prevent colon cancer, and that it reduces damage caused to the body by free radicals. As ginger stimulates saliva production, making swallowing easier, it can also relieve sore throats, common this time of year, and make that medicine go down just a little easier! When it comes to how much ginger should be added to dishes or remedies, it’s ultimately down to how

FOR SALE

much you can ‘beer’ while ensuring brews are ‘what you really, really want’! Whether taken for taste or health benefits, ginger has become a favourite of people from many cultures worldwide. So, while some may choose to turn their backs on this spice, many more are sure to agree that: once you go ginger, you’re bound to linger!

House and Land Packages | Pine Harbour, East Auckland

LIMITED HOMES REMAINING - Starting from $993,000 - Homes now under construction - Open plan terrace style homes - 3 and 4 bedroom options available - Fully fenced and landscaped backyards - Peace of mind with the best guarantees in the business Discover Pine Harbour Located on Auckland’s beautiful Pohutukawa Coast, Pine Harbour is an oasis of calm; yet only 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland’s CBD and 20 minutes from Botany Town Centre. With nearby beaches, a thriving world class marina, buzzing bars and eateries – you’ll discover that Pine Harbour is where living, working and playing meet.

Visit our Pine Harbour Showhome: 185 Jack Lachlan Dr, Pine Harbour Wednesday to Sunday 11:00 - 3:00pm

0800 52 52 66 www.jalcon.co.nz

Auckland’s Most Awarded Builder 66 Awards 15204-v2

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eastlife | july 2017 |

Master chef or kitchen hand? This month’s series from G.J. Gardner Homes on building the dream house, discusses how to cook up the perfect kitchen. You can spend as little as $6000 and as much as $100,000 or more on a kitchen and that’s not including appliances. In fact, the kitchen is pretty much always the most expensive part of a home and, unquestionably, the most important, so it deserves special attention. To help with your planning we feature three popular kitchen formats, which might suit you too. If not, there are many other options. Here are some things to consider: • Will the kitchen be an integral part of the home’s entertainment area, or will it be somewhere more separate where you can be a ‘master chef’? • If you have a big family or entertain often, consider a larger oven and cooktop. Additionally, many homes have built-in water filters and waste compactors.

• Most people spend a lot of time deciding on the type of benchtop, tapware and appliances they want, but some less obvious things are equally important. For example, if your kitchen has a view or is northfacing, window treatments will impact on its functionality and your comfort. As NZ becomes more cosmopolitan, there is increasing demand for specialist kitchens, provision for work rooms, a scullery and even somewhere to prepare kosher food, so it pays to do your research.

What is a G.J. Gardner Homes’ kitchen like? With each G.J. Gardner architectural plan, a range of kitchen fitting options is provided. These include cabinetry, benchtops, tapware, appliances, lighting, floor coverings and such like. These are our standard specifications and are a handy benchmark to help

• U-Shaped Kitchen: The U-shaped kitchen works well for square spaces. The option pictured (top) has made use of two walls with plenty of vertical storage on one wall and the hob, oven and fridge space on the other. There is a great range of hardware available for accessing corner cupboards. • Gallery Kitchen with Scullery: A walk-in scullery, off the kitchen, is a great option when you want extra work space and storage hidden from the main view of the kitchen. An extra sink, dishwasher and fridge/freezer can be incorporated into the design, as can windows if situated on an external wall. • Island Bench Kitchen: The island kitchen design is popular because the kitchen is often the hub of the home. This is great for preparing food while family or guests sit and chat, and the fridge and pantry can be easily accessed without having to walk right through the kitchen.

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• Storage space is also an important aspect. Some find drawers preferable to cupboards and shelves. Sculleries with open shelves are all the rage too – everything can be seen at a glance.

• Lighting is especially important; it’s better to have too much than not enough. The same applies to power points – in a kitchen you can never have too many.

provide an idea of costs. Of course, you can upgrade to change anything and quickly find out how much extra any upgrades will cost. There is only one rule: we will fit only quality materials and appliances from highly regarded manufacturers.

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Bull’s business Well-Hung Many hands may make light work but, when it comes to wiring a house, plenty of solo electricians have found themselves between a roof and a dangerous place. Fortunately, there could be light at the end of this particular tunnel thanks to an innovative local. JON RAWLINSON explains. Tony Bull is on a mission; a mission to ensure the world’s electricians are Well-Hung. Recently, this bright sparky (from Bull Electrical) has taken a new invention, the Well-Hung Bracket, to market. “The old school way of running cables involved pin clipping every hammer length, but as more and more ceiling battens are made of tin, that’s not possible. Instead, contractors are using other improvised solutions to secure wires, such as insulation tape, but they’re far from ideal.” He explains that, if a worker later hits a live wire with a screw – which can happen when fitting ceilings, for example – they could receive “quite a jolt” “The Well-Hung bracket avoids this risk by ensuring wires are secured away from metal battens. It makes it a lot safer for all tradies to work.” The brackets offer a quicker and tidier solution too; Tony estimates that ‘Well-Hung’ electricians could save approximately two hours when wiring the average home. Of course, every invention requires a light bulb moment and Tony’s came (unsurprisingly) while he was on the job. “I was fitting metal battens to a ceiling while wiring a new home. I used to get a bit of timber to span any two battens and tape my wires on to keep them clear. I thought ‘there has to be an easier way.’ Later, at a wedding, of all things, I began scribbling, getting some sketches together.” However, it wasn’t until Tony was sure he was on to a winning idea that his wife, Christine – who runs The Lounge – became aware of just what her husband was up to. “I used to call it my secret!” he says. “Chris used to tell me off because I was spending so much time working on it but she was quite excited and www.eastlife.co.nz

Tony Bull presents his innovative bracket. very supportive when I eventually told her what ‘it’ actually was.” Excited, supportive and perhaps a little relived that his secret wasn’t something less reputable, I suggest; Tony laughs. I’ll take that as a yes! With help from some other resourceful locals, a prototype for the Well-Hung Bracket was born. “I caught up with Gary Brinsden who’s a teacher at Pakuranga College – I deal with the electrical maintenance there. He has a 3D printing company (Innovative 3D Technologies) and brought my sketches to life. Our first samples were really ‘agricultural’ and not practical to injection mould, but it was a good start.” Assistance from another East

Photo Wayne Martin

Aucklander, retired plastics’ engineer Neil Forrester, allowed Tony to shape the design further. Even the distribution is handled locally with East Tamaki-based TransNet NZ ensuring Well-Hung Brackets (which are suited to suit various tray sizes) are available through major electrical wholesalers.

But what’s with the name? Surely this invention by any other name would sell as sweetly.

Tony has also received interest from other trades, here and abroad, and favourable comments from many who are highly satisfied with being... well, Well-Hung. “We’ve had great feedback so far; huge!” Tony confirms. “Guys who have used it say they love it and no one’s knocked it yet!”

Somehow I think this response from Bull is just that!

Like any good inventor, Tony is already working on another project, which will expand the range even further.

“Yeah it is quite hard case, I know. I just thought it says what it does, ensures cables are well hung. It’s totally innocent, no double meaning intended, I swear!”

However the name and brackets’ blue colour do hint at a more altruistic purpose, with five cents from the sale of each destined to assist the Prostate Cancer Foundation. “It doesn’t sound like much but they way they spit out of the mould, there’s two produced every eight seconds,” Tony says. “That should add up to big dollars in no time.” eastlife | july 2017 |

Investment decisions Heather Kentsley, sales and marketing manager at Southern Cross Financial, explains mortgage investing Investors who lost money as a result of the GFC (Global Financial Crisis) of 2007-2008 have told us that, even though they thought they had ‘diversified’ into a variety of finance companies, their knowledge of those companies was not as robust as they would have liked. Now they feel more cautious about their investments. An investment advisor is an excellent source to point out the differences between products and how that might fit with financial goals and aspirations but investors are the ones who must be comfortable with where and how their money is invested. After all it is their money that has been hard earned and the decision about exactly what information is needed in order to make sound decisions should remain in their hands.

At Southern Cross Partners Ltd, we believe investors should have all information that’s available about making a mortgage investment with us, in a succinct way that can assist in making decisions that suits them. To make this easy we have designed a secure website, which is password protected and only available to registered investors. This allows investment opportunities to be viewed at a convenient time. Our experts read through all available information about the property offered as security for mortgage investment. This can include a full valuation from a registered valuer or a real estate appraisal, a site visit by a company representative, and a summary which includes the condition of the property and any issues impacting on value.

In addition to information about the property offered as security for an investment, we also provide; • T he reason the borrower requires the funds – there may be a variety of reasons as to why bank funding is unavailable such as having to pay tax arrears, having credit glitches due to illness, business or personal issues or requiring debt consolidation • A credit rating and details of any credit defaults • A comment on their ability to service the loan and if personal guarantees are held • A detailed exit strategy on how they intend to pay the loan back • Mortgage information including interest rate and fees paid. Our being transparent, with information regarding the mortgage being offered for investment allows investors to make an informed decision about whether or not this type of investment feels right for them, after all it’s their money and the decision is best in their hands.

To access our investment opportunities simply download an investment application form from our website along with a brochure of further details. Alternatively call us and we can post one out. Once completed and received by us we register applicants as new investors and provide them with their own secure access to our website. Being a locally owned and operated business we also invite interested parties to pop in, or call and make an appointment to have a detailed chat and a demonstration of what our investment website can offer. We look forward to seeing you. To request a brochure phone us on 535 2239, email victoria@scpartners. co.nz or visit www.scpartners.co.nz. Alternatively drop in and see us at Selwyn House, 16 Selwyn Rd, Howick. *Southern Cross Partners Ltd is a licenced Peer to Peer lender under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. *Rates current at time of printing and subject to change.

Investment rate from 6.25%*

Just because you’re relaxing doesn’t mean your money should. Need a better return? • Investment rate from 6.25%* • Flexible terms: 6-12 months • First Mortgage secured, over residential property • Zero fees Investment rate subject to change. Southern Cross Partners Ltd is a licenced Peer to Peer lender under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. ** Subject to availability *

44 | eastlife | july 2017

Phone 0508 246 837 for a brochure or email vicky@scpartners.co.nz www.southerncrosspartners.co.nz

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• Minimum investment $10,000**

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Uber and out Last month we looked at how issues of double insurance could arise inadvertently. The same applies to seemingly private activities. They can morph into mini-businesses with all kinds of unintended consequences. A recent example referred to an Inland Revenue Department publication, involves payment for YouTube uploads. Money or moneysworth paid for these can be treated as taxable income. If you don’t return it, you have a potential tax problem. The same principle applies to activities on Trade Me and similar trading platforms. These can easily go beyond an occasional pastime or hobby and become profit-making undertakings or schemes and even

businesses. In such cases, any gains will be taxable income. Taking this further, technology and the ubiquitous “app” is monetising many otherwise private activities. Ride sharing activities, such as Uber and house letting ventures, such as Airbnb may seem like an innocuous way of making better use of a personal asset, e.g. car or dwelling. However, they can have many unintended consequences. Returns from those activities fall squarely into the tax-net as assessable income. Further, if the required thresholds are met, GST registration may be required or deemed by the IRD. While car or house-sharing use platforms may have their own

re-visits to yesterday Pt 1 Bill Potter – The Business Maverick. Bill is an international Keynote Speaker, MC and Coach, who’s presented in 57 countries so far. www.speakers.co.nz/ our-speakers/all-speakers/bill-potter www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToRhF22nARM Time is actually a continuum. It was, is and will be. But, we clever Human Beans, decided to divide it up nicely into three parts. The Past. The Present. The Future. Very orgasmic name choices. Since ‘timing is everything’, we also created a gazillion devices to… keep to time. We even developed some ‘time cocoons’ to play with. So now, folks

can tell you to ‘stop living in the past’, ‘there is only now’ and ‘the future isn’t here yet’. Interesting messages, but very incomplete. So, if I choose to reminisce, I’m ‘living in the past’? Duh! Unless it develops into wistful nostalgia that can negatively affect your life now, to re-visit some wonderful yesterdays is healthy and comforting. Because, and here is the

Wynyard Wood consultant, RICHARD OSBORNE, whose specialties include commercial law and intellectual property law, writes on issues concerning the business community insurance cover (thereby filling a large initial gap), those involved need to understand the extent of their cover (if any) in relation to the car or house that they are now using for a commercial activity. Issues of double insurance arise but more so – what is the extent of cover? Where the insurance provided by the platform owner picks up and leaves off in relation to the car owner or house owner’s own insurance can be a very difficult question. If a car or house owner doesn’t disclose to the insurer their commercial activities in relation to what appears to be a private asset (car or house) insurance cover could be limited or disappear. What’s more, if the activity is deemed by the insurer to be illegal: no cover

surprise… we actually started from there, n’cest pas? Then there is… ‘living in the now’. A ‘biggie’!

is the result. The risk arises where an app platform pushes the regulatory boundaries, an example being Uber where its precise regulatory status compared with the taxi industry is not absolutely clear. In short, as with double insurance, an insured only finds out the extent of the cover when the rubber hits the road resulting in tears before bedtime. Careful review of often difficult to understand policy wording and seeking professional advice is a must. An insurance policy clearly covering the risks with full disclosure is the safer option. In this respect expect to see the insurance industry respond to the challenges with policies tailored to app opportunities.

We ‘live in tomorrow’! We do.

It may come as a shock to some, but there is no alternative condition, because the moment you open your eyes after a hopefully, restful and peaceful sleep, ‘living in the now’, becomes your ‘default’ for the day. Naturally, you should live every moment of it to its fullest potential. Oh, about the concept that… ‘the future isn’t here yet’. This is an ongoing fallacy, Team! There is now abundant information on a gazillion platforms, from ‘Uncle Google’ to ‘Cuzzie YouTube’ and back, about what is ahead of ‘now’. Guess what?

You see, time moves so fast, second by second, we are essentially living in the future continuously. If the ‘future’ decides to leave the pattern… it morphs into… ‘the end’ thingie, right? Hello? In the next EastLife we will discuss a wonderful model called… I coach... PATH2©: The International Personal Power Course, on Skype. This journey is only for serious Go-getters, who want to own their tomorrow, today. PATH2© contains world-unique content. Triennium 2017-2019: The Perilous Period... is here now! Intake 1 is open. Contact me, or miss out... again! Cheers. Bill. – duitdammit@gmail.com

+ Business and Commercial + Property + Litigation, Mediation & Intellectual Property + Trusts and Asset Management + Family and Matrimonial + Employment + Wills and Estates Wynyard Wood, Highbrook Business Park P: 09 969 0126 E: manager@wynyardwood.co.nz

www.wynyardwood.co.nz HIGHBROOK | AUCKLAND | WARKWORTH 00399

www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | july 2017 |

A code of their own From playing and coaching Auckland’s women to victory, claiming two World Cups with the Black Ferns and, last season, the Farah Palmer Cup for Counties, Davida Suasua (nee White) has played a leading role in women’s rugby as JON RAWLINSON explains. While rugby may have been born of a boy’s school, in the professional era its growth is coming courtesy of women keen to make our national game their own. Earlier this year, former Black Fern great, Farah Palmer, became the first woman to serve on the New Zealand Rugby Board (NZRB). Counties Manukau Heat coach, Davida Suasua (an ex teammate), believes Farah’s appointment is a step in the right direction. “Farah advocates for women’s rugby and understands the politics of the game and the importance of women’s rugby. She’s quite calm too; a voice of reason. It’s going to be a struggle for her being in a boardroom full of men. One person can’t change years and years of culture and tradition, so it’s going to take time, but at least Farah can be a starting point.” Davida believes appointments should be based purely on ability regardless of gender, and while teams may comprise either men or women, the game itself is essentially neutral. “Some of us look at it that way but, unfortunately, when others don’t see it as genderless, that’s when there are issues and concerns. We’ve never ever wanted to ‘be like the men’; we just loved playing the same game.” Asked if she would consider following in Farah’s footsteps, Davida – who became principal at Tangaroa College in Flat Bush earlier this year – is quick to assert that she’s happy to serve at the grassroots. Earlier this year, the Heat and the Steelers (coached by Davida’s husband, Darryl) claimed National Sevens’ crowns. And, during last year’s Farah Palmer Cup (formerly the Women’s Provincial Championship – WPC) the Heat defeated reining champs, Auckland, to claim their first ever title. This victory is even more impressive

46 | eastlife | july 2017

given Auckland’s dominance, winning an astonishing 15 titles from 17 tournaments.“They had a staunch group at Auckland Marist, Ponsonby and [College] Rifles who were the heart of the team, as well as some really decent coaches. Their success has grown from that. I’m forever grateful of the opportunities Auckland gave me as a player and a coach, and as a person, really.” Despite this, the ex-Pakuranga local says the Heat players never questioned whether they could topple the champs. “Yes, we won a title and, yes, we took it off Auckland; that has its rewards, but so too does the fact that we grew our own players. For me, the priority is assisting the growth of women’s rugby. We were confident from the beginning of the season. I know Auckland’s capabilities, because I had coached half of them previously, and I knew the capabilities of our own girls and what they could achieve.”

Ferns to flourish at cup? While former Black Fern, Davida Suasua, is hopeful New Zealand can extend its Women’s Rugby World Cup record to five from eight events, she is somewhat dubious whether selection policy will help or hamper chances. “When I was playing, the opportunity to wear a black jersey was open to everyone. These days, they select approximately 60 girls and they’ll stick with that squad. I think it means that some of those who aren’t in that squad are going to say ‘I’m not going to play this game anymore!’” After Davida’s team, the Counties Manukau Heat, claimed the Farah Palmer Cup last year, just two – Portia Woodman and Renee Wickliffe – were

davida suasua selected for representative teams. “I don’t know what they’re picking [based] on to be honest! I couldn’t answer that question. I think [the selectors] just don’t know the players well enough and make judgments based on what they think a player could be rather than what they are now,” she asserts. “I also think and they don’t know how to mould their raw talent. The coaches have relied on the players Darryl [Suasua – Davida’s husband] coached and his legacy; now that they’ve left, I believe those in charge have not done a good enough job of developing new players.” Looking ahead to this year’s World Cup (in Ireland from August 10), Davida – who played at two cups and coached the Samoa women’s team at another – says top form will be essential if the Black Ferns are to

‘

Some of us look at it that way but, unfortunately, when others don’t see [rugby] as genderless, that’s when there are issues and concerns. We’ve never ever wanted to ‘be like the men’; we just loved playing the same game.”

reclaim their laurels. “At the last cup [won by England], I think some fundamental errors were made, not so much by the players themselves but in terms of the game plan. While I don’t think they’ve turned every stone over since, I hope they have [addressed such issues], for the sake of women’s rugby in New Zealand.” www.eastlife.co.nz

parting shot

Sports stars (and politicians) say the darndest things... We’ve all seen the TV ads of late where sportspeople decry poor eating habits. But do the comments of Health and Sport Minister, Dr Jonathan Coleman, cut the mustard when JON RAWLINSON asks him whether he’s mixing his messages? What do a cricketer (Brendon McCullum), an All Black (Israel Dagg) and a Warrior (Shaun Johnson) all have in common? Aside from being incredibly fit, healthy professional sportspeople – with access to an army of nutritionists – they’ve all been recruited by the Government to help tackle child obesity. However, through sport sponsorship, they also (effectively) help promote fast food from the likes of KFC, McDonalds, Wendy’s, Whittaker’s and Bluebird (as well as the like of Woodstock and Steinlager), so one has to wonder whether mixed messages are on the menu too. Recently, Health and Sport Minister, Dr Jonathan Coleman, welcomed the return of ‘Big Change Starts Small’, a campaign intended to encourage families to make small changes to help reduce obesity in children. Photo Wayne Martin

Partners in Union The surname ‘Suasua’ is synonymous with Counties. Since coach of the Heat, Davida, legally married her long-term partner, Darryl (coach of the Steelers) earlier this year, the province officially has two Suasua’s at the helm. The pair, who met as students at Edgewater College more than 30 years ago, first worked together on-field when Darryl coached the Auckland women’s squad. Davida says the key to their working relationship then, as it is now, has been in keeping their home and professional roles separate. “We worked through it by maintaining that professional player-coach relationship and I think we did a pretty good job. So much so that there were many players who didn’t www.eastlife.co.nz

even realise we were together until later.” Today, the couple remains united in their love of the game. Davida says, in some ways, their personal bond is conducive to an effective professional relationship. “It makes it easier because we’re on the same page in regards to player expectation and seeing talent where others may not. We both love the game, which makes it easier to work together. We don’t always agree, of course, and we both can throw tantrums at times, but we definitely accept each others’ opinions.” To read EastLife’s interview with Darryl, see our September 2016 e-edition of – accessible via eastlife. co.nz.

“Obesity is particularly concerning in children as it is associated with a wide range of health conditions, and can also affect a child’s overall quality of life,” the good doctor said. “This campaign encourages people to start making small changes to have a long term and positive impact on our children’s health and wellbeing.” I asked Dr Coleman whether employing sports stars who play (or have played) in teams or competitions sponsored by purveyors of (arguably) unhealthy food to lend their support to this campaign could be somewhat contradictory. He says: “I don’t believe any sponsorships [the sports stars] might have will impact on their ability to inspire people through these messages. However, he continues with: “We know that young people are strongly influence [sic] by role

‘

The Minister’s comments translate as: children will be influenced to eat healthy through this campaign but not to eat ‘unhealthily’ by such celebrity endorsement of fast food. If that is the case, one has to wonder why such companies would bother sponsoring sportspeople at all!”

models and relate strongly to sports stars, and here we have some of New Zealand sports biggest names.” To me, the Minister’s comments translate as: children will be influenced to eat healthy through this campaign but not to eat ‘unhealthily’ by such celebrity endorsement of fast food. If that is the case, one has to wonder why such companies would bother sponsoring sportspeople at all! Athletes don’t have a say on who dishes out the sponsorship dosh – except for SBW, of course! But I would think the people behind this campaign could have found more sportspeople with less links to ‘junk food.’ Olympian Dame Valerie Adams and Silver Fern, Casey Kopua, also lend their support; as far as I can ascertain, they don’t appear to have any major fast food sponsors, the closest being PitaPit. Unhealthy eating habits are problematic but I believe there is no such thing as ‘unhealthy food’ – one Big Mac does not an obese child make. And, while I see the importance of this campaign, if we are going to pretend the world is (All) black and white, let’s make sure no contradictory gray areas are permitted to muddy the message. eastlife | july 2017 |

Mind our English From dishing out the dosh in budgetary bites, to recalling details of conversations past, our Prime Minister has been a busy beehive dweller of late, as these pieces (based on reports from his office) suggest. It can be near impossible for a PM to recall exactly what he said when and to whom so, dare we suggest, some sort of tape recorder could come in handy?

bill PaSSES bucK

to around 8500 households and businesses in Nuku’alofa and save around $1.1 million a year through reduced line losses,” he announced.

For many years, as Minister of Finance, the buck stopped with Bill come budget time. This year, for the first time Steven Joyce was the man dishing out the dollars. This time, while some Kiwis will be quids in, others have no reason to re-Joyce.

“This builds on previous energy investments, which include Tonga’s first large-scale solar farm in 2012, and significant network upgrades... we are working with Tonga to help it achieve its energy goals.”

While it offered no tax cuts as such, the PM believes a $2 billion per year Family Incomes Package, courtesy of an adjustment to income tax thresholds, will benefit families. Working for Families payments will also increase and additional support provided to low income earners facing high accommodation costs. “[This] package will lift incomes of 1.3 million families by an average of $26 a week. It is expected to lift 20,000 families above the threshold for severe housing stress, and reduce the number of children living in families receiving less than half the median income by around 50,000.” vulnerable New Zealanders, it appears, are firmly in the Government’s crosshairs. “As part of the $7 billion new investment in public services, such as health, education and law and order over the next four years, Budget 2017 includes $321 million in social investment to help the most at-risk become more independent.” Infrastructure investment takes a $4 billion slice of the pie. Creating an economic environment which will lift incomes can be achieved through additional funding to strengthen the Business Growth Agenda, Mr English added. “All New Zealanders deserve the opportunity to make the most of their potential, but we cannot provide that without a growing economy. “Solid economic growth [is] expected to average 3.1 per cent over the next five years. That translates to more jobs, higher incomes and a once-in-ageneration opportunity to raise living standards for all New Zealanders.”

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lovE thy nEighbourS

PM Bill English

talofa, Samoa, hoW arE ya? During Mr English’s Island sojourn for Samoa’s Independence Day, the country received a birthday present of almost $20 million from our PM. To help the Polynesian nation build its tourism industry, Mr English recently bequeathed $7.3 million from our public purse. It will be used to promote Samoan tourism, train workers, and upgrade attractions. “Samoa has an enormous amount to offer visitors, and New Zealand wants to help the tourism sector grow,” he said. “Increasing Samoa’s attractiveness as a destination will create jobs... and connect visitors with Samoan heritage and culture.” And, luckily, even those of us who can’t afford to swan off to Samoa to see our tax dollars in action can sample a taste of Bill’s generosity right here at home. Chocolate lovers and Samoan cocoa growers will benefit from a sweet deal thanks to a $4.8m, five-year programme supporting Samoa’s cocoa industry, Mr English confirmed. “The funding will provide practical help for farmers by establishing grafting nurseries and training on grafting and growing cocoa plants... it will provide on-farm training in plantation management, harvesting and processing.

“New processing facilities on Upolu and Savaii will be developed, and the industry will be helped to establish a national cocoa association and develop an industry strategy.” The new funding adds to investments in association with J.H. Whittakers and Sons to improve production and processing, Mr English added. But wait... there’s more! New Zealand will also inject $6.1m to help Samoa expand health services. “Life expectancy has increased and is the highest in the Pacific. Infant and child mortality rates are also low relative to other countries with similar incomes and per capita health spending,” he said. “Samoa is making impressive strides in areas such as maternal and child health, but we can provide more by supporting the Samoan system to deliver quality and equitable health.” So... happy birthday, Samoa, from the Kiwi taxpayer. If Bill’s half as generous when our birthdays come along, we’ll be most grateful.

right hon in tonga In addition to assisting Samoa, during his mission to the Pacific, our PM also dropped by Tonga to supply a little power to their people. “Our $5 million support will help provide safe, reliable electricity

While our PM warns we are living in “turbulent times”, it doesn’t necessarily mean things are any bumpier than they’ve ever been. “When you’re at the end of the world as New Zealand is, we are the place where all the waves eventually wash up,” the PM expressed during a recent speech to the NZ Institute of International Affairs. “But we can’t control any of that environment and, in my view, a bit of naïve kiwi optimism can take us a long way.” Closer to home, Mr English pointed out that our relationships with pacific island nations remain strong. “While we accept their gratitude for the very good aid projects and other support we’re providing, they’ve supplied us with tens of thousands of people who are in our workplaces, changing our culture, growing our families, and supporting our communities,” he said. Mr English added that, despite what the media says, our relationship with Australia is as close as ever. “The sense of the special relationship gets a bit eroded but I don’t think it’s really called into question in the way the media sometimes portrays it... We are, for instance, from the first of July, starting a process with Australia where tens of thousands of New Zealanders will have a new opportunity for a path to citizenship. “You probably won’t read about that in the media [snap!] but it was an arrangement made between Prime Ministers Key and Turnbull just a year or so ago.” www.eastlife.co.nz