EastLife May 2016

HOWICK, BOTANY, PAKURANGA AND SURROUNDS

eastlife.co.nz

May 2016

Motherly Love SAY IT WITH – FLOWERS – BOOKS – GIFTS

OH, MY GOFF! Made to be mayor?

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eastlife | april 2016 |

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MREINZ MREINZ

total focus

Issue Issue Thirty Five Five Thirty

PROPERTY LTD LTD PROPERTY

Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008) Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

Welcometo toIssue IssueNo No 35 35 of of EastLife Eastlife Welcome to Issue No 35 of Eastlife Welcome

What a huge month April was, lots of activity, What a huge month month April April was, was, lots lots of of activity, activity, huge numbers to our Auctions, strong bidding and huge numbers to our Auctions, strong bidding and brilliant prices. Check Greg’s Column on page 59. brilliant prices. Check Greg’s Greg's Column on page 59.

61.

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No PA’s, or support just you you ––– our ourhome homeowner. owner. No No PA’s, PA's, or support staff showing your home, taking the calls or showing your you home, staff showing home, taking the calls or hosting your open homes.

Just good old fashioned hosting your your open open homes. homes. Just Just good good old old fashioned fashioned hosting service, that is rolling up our sleeves and doing the service, that is rolling up our sleeves and doing the the service, that is rolling up our sleeves and doing whole task from beginning beginning to to end. end. whole tast from whole task from beginning to end.

So if you're your thinking of selling either now or in the So if if thinking of of selling selling either either now now or or in in the the So your thinking future then call call & & experience experience why why so so future then future then call & experience why so many people are are using Total Total Focus many people people many are using using Total Focus Focus Property to sell their home.

Property to sell their home. until next month, take care Until next next month, month, take take care care until Leigh Leigh

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2 | eastlife | may 2016

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00792-v4 00792-v4

on the cover

MOTHERS – NECESSITIES OF ALL CREATION. Mums... we really wouldn't be anywhere without them. So, with Mother's Day looming (Sunday, May 8), we feature gift ideas – from books to blooms – with many of these up for grabs. We also chat to mums with local connections about the strangest/most heart-warming pressies they've ever received from their little (and not so little) ones, and another mother explains why her favourite 'thing' is one of the most important and 'grandest' in her life. Yes, there's something for every-mum!

Ph 09 271 8020 www.eastlife.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry 09 271 8036, editor@eastlife.co.nz Sales: Rachel Watts 09 271 8019, rachel@eastlife.co.nz Sales: Bev Drake 09 271 8092, bev@eastlife.co.nz Sales: Rashna Tata 09 271 8091, rashna@eastlife.co.nz Design: Clare McGillivray 09 271 8067, clare@eastlife.co.nz Photography: Wayne Martin Manager: Karla Wairau 09 271 8083, karla@eastlife.co.nz 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.

www.eastlife.co.nz

Raising the colours As we grow older and the years disappear faster than ever – a third of 2016 already gone – many of us take time to reflect on times gone by. I’ve so enjoyed the Sunday night TVONE programme – Decades of Colour – many memorable parallels in my own life! And don’t we smile at those changing fashions, hairstyles and attitudes?

have suffered shellshock or some type of post battle trauma but, no, Carrington was also used for medical rehabilitation and this wonderful man, who went on to fill our lives with joy, was there recuperating from a minor wound. What luck that the two should meet and, from there came the beginnings of a new generation.

Of course, ANZAC Day gave pause for further reflection as we marked 100 years since the first ANZAC Day commemoration. How wonderful in a world, where killing, fighting, human rights abuse and disregard for learning are prevalent, that so many take time to pay their respects and honour those who have lost their lives in war.

ANZAC weekend also meant my sister-in-law and I pottered down to Hamilton to shop and have dinner at the Novotel. Just a month previously, we had passed through Hamilton late and stopped for a bite at the hotel. At the time we marvelled at the service and marvelled more when we were invited to ‘draw an envelope’ as part of an Easter promotion.

For our family it was a chance to think back on my father-in-law’s Second World War service and to show our grandchildren the photo album of snaps taken in various parts of the Pacific and Italy during that conflict They also heard how he met my mother-in-law in the former Carrington Hospital where she was a nurse. Our children thought he must

And, woopee! We won a $50 dining voucher. It was a pleasure to return and spend it. Not only were our eye fillet steaks sheer perfection but, yet again, the service from all staff, including the restaurant manager, was, amongst the best I have experienced in New Zealand.

So, wow – Hamilton restaurant team, you rock. I look forward to my next visit but, in the meantime, thank you for all your many courtesies.

And with that, I’ll let readers enjoy this month’s EastLife. Musos are sure to love revelations that EastLife publisher Brian Neben once had a eventful drumming career and I’m full of admiration for the two ‘walkers’ about to set out on a 2000km hike across England and Europe. We include a word from local mums – moi included – and offer gift ideas as Mother’s Day looms.

So enjoy, everyone,

I often stay at Accor properties and always find staff to be friendly

This month...

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and helpful but this Hamilton team took service to another level. It was especially pleasing that the waiter who served us a month earlier actually remembered us and made a point of greeting us warmly.

Helen Perry Editor

Spookers actress, Hollie Codling from Beachlands – page 16-17

interview

Alex Gleed – hard act to follow

8-9 interview Brian Neben faces the music

10-12 Out & about EastLife photographers focus on events around the town

14-15 Q&A It's Goff and he's off... he's in the running

16-17 interview All frights on the night with local actress

18 WIN

Prizes up for grabs

19-33 lifestyle

• Anzac sights on tour • Women walk the walk

• Vanuatu family holiday

• Retirement • Books for Mother's Day • Puzzle time

34-46 health, beauty and fashion

• Slip on some slippers • Ketze-Ke cuts it • Beauty counter • Donning coats • Fashion frames

47-52 food • Yoghurt recipes

• Nashi pears

53-63 home

• My favourite thing • Cottage Flair

• Updating frames

• Mother's Day blooms

• Regular columnists

64-68 business

• Privacy act • Right ‘Hon’ Key

69-71 Motoring/sport

• Waisake Sotutu • Beach Hop • Jaguar roars eastlife | may 2016 |

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eastlife | events

May 2016 ➤ MOthEr’S Day Sweet scent and sounds for Mother's Day May 8, from 10.30am, Alberton, 100 Mount Albert Rd, Mount Albert At the risk of harping on, all of our mums deserve a sweet treat on Mother's Day. So, to help us out, Alberton is offering mums the chance to be spoilt in an historic setting with ambient music and sweet scents. In addition to a hands-on perfumery workshop, an afternoon parlour concert, Harps and Flowers, will likely be music to visitors’ ears. For further information, visit www.alberton. co.nz.

➤ SPOrt & fitnESS Park Sport May 10-June 2 (Tuesdays & Thursdays) 3.30-4.30pm, Sunkist Reserve, Beachlands Because good sorts love sports, these events are designed specifically for children and families to enjoy.

Featuring everything from cricket, volleyball, soccer, and ripper tag, to a wide variety of games – depending on the wishes of children on the day – these events offer more than just a taste of safe, sporting fun. See the events page at clmnz.co.nz for details. See the events page at clmnz. co.nz for details. the hutchwilco new Zealand boat Show May 12-15, ASB Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Greenlane If hope floats, dreams are fairly set to sail when thousands flock to ASB Showgrounds for the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show. Featuring almost everything imaginable for old salt boaties and new fish alike, from

➤ fEStival

watercraft to safety gear and beyond, this show is a must-go event for every Kiwi who can’t wait to cast off. Details at boatshow.co.nz. run auckland Series – race 3 May 22, 8-11.30am, Barry Curtis Park, Stancombe and Chapel Rds, Flat Bush Whether going the distance or going for speed, the Run Auckland Series is sure to deliver with 5km or 10km races as well as shorter events for children. Open to individuals and teams – who can compete for corporate, family, sports club or school cups – the series winds its way to east Auckland soon. See runauckland.co.nz for details.

Ellerslie’s irish raceday May 28, from 10.15am, Ellerslie Racecourse, 80 Ascot Ave, Remuera At the risk of offending the entire Irish nation, there’s something a little Irish about running an Irish Raceday in May, rather than March. Then again, surely a little Irish luck can never go amiss at the races. Complete with Irish food and beverages (including stews, pies, Guinness, Baileys and whiskey) in abundance, performances

by Irish band, McSweeneys, and even children’s entertainment, this event will leave those who miss out green with envy! Oh, and there’s some racing on too, including the Great Northern Foal Stakes. More details at ellerslie.co.nz.

➤ MuSiC & art Sarj hada exhibition Now – May 21 (may be extended) Thursdays-Sundays, John Hill Estate, Cnr John Hill & White Rds, Hunua Drawing on influences including Jackson Pollock, Van Gogh, Brett Whiteley and Arthur Boyd, East

the Documentary Edge international film festival May 18-29, times vary, Q Theatre, 305 Queen St, Auckland City Truth is stranger than fiction – an odd fact but (often enough) a fact nonetheless. For this reason, the Documentary Edge International Film Festival will focus on gripping tales made all the more unusual

Auckland artist, Sarj Hada is rapidly becoming a significant player on the New Zealand art scene. During this exhibition, the Nepal-born painter presents 12 large works and numerous others in a broad portfolio in black and white and abstract colours. For more information, contact via johnhillestate.co.nz, and, to read more about Sarj and his fascinating work, see EastLife’s May 2015 issue at eastlife.co.nz. brown Sugar – the rolling Stones tribute band May 7, from 8pm, Howick RSA, 25 Wellington St, Howick It’s only rock ‘n’ roll but it’ll never die as long as those Stones keep on rolling! And, while Mick, Keith, Ronnie and Charlie are otherwise engaged, Rolling Stones tribute

by their legitimacy. Featuring award-winning international and home-grown films – including Song of Lahore, an inspirational story of musicians trying to reinvigorate a fading art form in a Pakistan – this fest’ is expected to open our eyes to the wide world around us. See qtheatre.co.nz/ whats-on for a full schedule.

band, Brown Sugar, is here to keep their legend sweet. So, if you like a Rolling Stone (or more), and time is on your side, then spend the night together with others of your ilk. Fans can be assured of more than just a little satisfaction at this event. For further details, visit howickrsa.co.nz/ whats-on. uxbridge autumn programme May 9-June 28, Uxbridge Creative Centre, 35 Uxbridge Rd, Howick Autumn is in full swing but no one’s going cold on the art of living at Uxbridge. The centre’s autumn programme is all about exploring new skills, extending learning and having fun. So, instead of hunkering down in winter, check out Uxbridge Arts and Culture, which offers a huge range of classes and workshops. There's the

• Nine Brands in One Place • Large Service Centre • Award Winners • Highly Trained Team • Great Value for Money • Partners with the Community

events | eastlife

community calendar likes of Swing and Jazz (May 9-June 20); Tea: The Six Categories (May 27); Italian Architecture (May 10-31); Introduction to Photography (May 9-June 4) Dinner Plates in a Day (May 28); Clay Sculpture and Pottery (May 10-June 28). And that’s just a handful of the many classes for mind and body which are sure to make winter wonderful. Bookings are being taken now for classes through to July. View more details and book at uxbridge. org.nz.

To Kill a Mockingbird. See the ‘what’s on’ section at atc.co.nz for more information. the Perfect Murder May 7-28, times vary, Howick Little Theatre, 1 Sir Lloyd Dr, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga Till death do us part can take on rather sinister connotations, and whether to the Victor go the spoils of an unhappy marriage remain to be seen in this devilish little tale by Howick Little Theatre. Will Victor prove successful in ridding himself of his wife, Joan, or will Detective Roy Grace save the day? To find out, first see hlt.org.nz for more details.

Theatre! Based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic stories, The Jungle Book follows the fortunes of Mowgli the man-child as he comes to terms with the laws of the jungle. For show times and details, see hcyt.org.nz.

➤ faShiOn

KIA VALUE KIA VALUE VALUE beethoven’s Septet May 10, from 6.30pm, Saint Kentigern College, 130 Pakuranga Rd, Pakuranga The Stones can roll over and give Chuck Berry the news because Beethoven is deaf to suggestions that classical music is dead! This month, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra will present Beethoven’s Septet which he famously described as “that damned work’’. More information at apo.co.nz/concert-events.

aunt Margery’s wardrobe May 15, 11am and 2pm, Alberton, 100 Mount Albert Rd, Mount Albert In her heyday, Aunt Margery was hip, happening, with it and groovy!

As this fashion show of original, vintage clothing from the 1930s-60s at one of Auckland’s most splendid mansions is set to prove, Margot O’Meara’s Aunt Margery was quite the sophisticate when it came to her wardrobe. Complete with canapés and live jazz music, this event is set to open our eyes an era of elegance.

To book, or for details, see www. alberton.co.nz.

➤ MarKEtS

howick village Market Every Saturday, 8am-12.30pm, Picton St, Howick

Classy Crafts First Saturday in March, followed by fi rst and third Saturday of the month until October, then every Saturday in November-December, 9am-1pm, All Saints Community Centre, Cook St, Howick

ALUE VALUE KIA VALUE the Jungle book May 26-29, times vary, Howick Children’s & Youth Theatre,

29 Granger Rd, Cockle Bay It’s a jungle out there, but even more so inside Howick Children’s & Youth

DREW DREWSIMMS SIMMSBOTANY BOTANY

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EW SIMMS BOTANY TOP SELLER - OTANY TOP SELLER

TOP TOPSELLER SELLER-INCREDIBLE INCREDIBLE VALUE VALUESU SU TOP SELLER Pine harbour fresh Market First Saturday of the month (winter timetable), 8am-12pm, Pine Harbour Marina, Jack Lachlan Dr, Beachlands

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$31,800 ➤ thEatrE

$31,800 $31,800 Value at

Clevedon village farmers’ Market Every Sunday, 8.30am-12pm, Clevedon Showgrounds, Monument Rd, Clevedon

RRP RRPis is$34,240 $34,240+ +ORC ORC $31,800 $31,800

+ $950 ORCORC + $950 RRP RRP is $34,240 + ORC is $34,240 + ORC

+ $950 ORC

$31,800

$31,800 $31,800

Clevedon village Market Every Sunday, 9am-2pm, Clevedon Community Centre, 1 PapakuraClevedon Rd, Clevedon

+ $950 ORC RRP is $34,240 + ORC

Pakuranga night Market +Every Saturday night, $950 ORC 6pm-12midnight, under The ORCWarehouse, Pakuranga Plaza

➤ thEatrE to Kill a Mockingbird + $950 ORC May 6-22, times vary, Auckland Civic RRP is $34,240 + RP is $34,240 + ORC Theatre, corner Queen and Wellesley Everest untold Edmund Hillary’s inspirational RRP is $34,240 + ORC Sts, Auckland City May 20 – June 4, Herald Theatre, and (uplifting) story of reaching botany night Market Few greats of modern literature have Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive, the roof of the world. This new Every Wednesday night, 5.30-11pm, been less prolific with their work than Auckland City show charts the course the 1953 beneath Hoyts Cinema, Botany Town Economical 2.0Possibly litre, 8.8 / 100km • Economical 2.0 just litre, justlitres 8.8 litres / 100km Harper Lee. However • this (perhaps) the coolest, most Everest expedition leader, Brit Centre • • Economical Economical 2.0 2.0 litre, litre, just just 8.8 8.8 litres litres / 100km / 100k • more 6 speed sport sport mode automatic.

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Director’s cut on the fringe He’s relatively new to the director’s chair, but one ambitious young man is making his mark on the theatre scene with a successful production under his belt and another well on its way. He talks about the drama in his life with NATALIE BRITTAN. As we hunker down this winter, one man’s insatiable craving for theatre is set to warm up the stage. Alex Gleed is the director of Crave, Howick Little Theatre Studio (HLT Studio)’s latest offering which debuts in the first week of June.

Still flushed from directing South Island comedy, Central Otago Man, which premiered at HLT in March, the 22-year-old university student is on a roll. When contacted by EastLife, Alex was both surprised and flattered.

We arranged to meet at a lively bar metres away from his Ponsonby home. Over a cup of cold brew coffee, we discussed how his theatrical journey began.

Howick-born and raised, Alex confessed to being “extremely extroverted” as a child. “When you’re a kid and mum and dad are trying to figure out your hobbies they send you to a bunch of after school activities and drama was one of them.”

Needless to say it was love at first act. At the tender age of five, he became immersed in the Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre (HCYT) experience.

One of his first major performances with HCYT was the role of Augustus Gloop who many may remember as the boy who ate too much chocolate from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2004).

Though hilarious, it was also lifechanging. “That was when I knew I absolutely loved drama and wanted to do it for as long as I possibly could.

I just remember that experience being so utterly wonderful.”

At Macleans College, Alex gravitated towards drama and English, which led to a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Auckland. However, it wasn’t goodbye to HCYT for good. Alex continued teaching part-time and later began directing productions. It has also led him to pursue a career as

6 | eastlife | may 2016

alex gleed

‘

“I love how collaborative the process is, they [adults] contribute so much. At the same time, directing children provided a lot of the groundwork for directing adults and you learn to be more tactful when ego comes into play.”

an English and drama teacher.

Now, even as his teaching diploma at AUT on the North Shore nears completion, Alex still finds the time to act, write and direct.

Last year he wrote, The Leaf Jar which was brought to life by HLT Studio, an avenue the budding playwright is particularly passionate about.

Launched in 2012 by HLT stalwarts, Terry Hooper and Nick Martin, the Studio showcases new talents and pushes the boundaries of conventional theatre.

“It’s an absolutely amazing initiative that really has opened HLT to a whole new world of productions,” says Alex. “The plays are more risqué and ‘fringe’, like those typically performed at The Basement and Q Theatre.”

Which brings Crave back into the

Photo Wayne Martin

picture. “It’s probably the most experimental play Studio has ever done by quite a margin,” says Alex.

“There are no stage directions, no context, no plot. The characters are called ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘M’ and they’re literally words on a page.”

Crave is only the second production Alex has directed with an adult cast, the first being Central Otago Man. Although there were challenges, Alex says it was too good a chance to miss. “I knew it could potentially open doors for me. I was looking for a new theatre home and directing Central Otago Man helped me solidify my relationships.”

And the response was far better than expected, with “well over” 1000 tickets sold and 70% of seats filled on average.

Working with adults has been a nice change, says Alex. “I love how collaborative the process is, they contribute so much. At the same time, directing children provided a lot of the groundwork for directing adults and you learn to be more tactful when ego comes into play.”

Both Crave and Central Otago Man fell into Alex’s lap but directing two productions back to back is

still manageable compared to his workload last year. “I was foolish enough to act in a production of Hay Fever with Company Theatre in Takapuna,” he admits. “I would go from 12 hours of Uni classes to acting on stage in a very high energy production. I definitely discovered my limits doing this!”

When it comes to Crave – the “polar opposite” to Central Otago Man – Alex is willing to push the limits. “It’s one of the plays I always wanted to direct. It’s one tick off the list.”

His aim? To showcase the “most experimental” play to date produced

by HLT Studio and open the genre to a wider audience.

“Just because a play is experimental it doesn’t mean people should write the play off and not come and see it. I want people to step out of their comfort zone and gain an insight into a world of theatre that they know nothing of or are unsure of.”

Having glimpsed at this young man’s bold ambition, one thing’s for sure: this is just the beginning.

• Crave, written by Sarah Kane and directed by Alex Gleed, runs at Howick Little Theatre from June 1-4. www.eastlife.co.nz

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www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | may 2016 |

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Living to the beat of his own rhythm Brian Neben has spent a lifetime in newspapers and the publishing game but his other passion, aside from his love of family and harness racehorses, has been music, as PJ TAYLOR explains.

Drummers are a steady, dependable lot, always on time and machine-like in their precision – much like a roaring printing press. They make others around them sound good as they provide the necessary energy and texture in the musical engine room.

to be kept in line to keep the show on the road.

Brian’s music story, especially the beginning, is of an age almost forgotten, yet needs to be remembered for its innocence, enjoyment and simplicity.

I worked for Brian for a decade and admire him for what he’s achieved in business, notably in community papers, the Howick and Pakuranga Times and Botany and Ormiston Times and as publisher of EastLife.

I know him as a gentleman of the newspaper trade.

It was the mid-1950s, a charming era when the New Zealand way of life was a lot less complicated. There was no constant stream of technology-driven information – no tweets, flashes, online chat, texts, even television.

One thing we share is a history of playing drums in all sorts of bands.

Come a Friday, Brian would often swing by my office and recall stories from his music past.

The 1950s was a modest, genuine time when true-blue Kiwi cultural traits were first fully developed. The week’s highlight for communities up and down this land was the Saturday night dance – everyone from the locality turned out, young and old.

Names of people he’d met and played with would flow – Howard Morrison and the Morrison Quartet, Ricky May, Lew Pryme, Dinah Lee, Lou and Simon, and Ray Columbus and The Invaders – performers of a past generation; the foundation and benchmark of all NZ professional entertainment that has followed.

Brian’s generation was pioneering with a great sense of fun. Anything could be achieved. I listened intently to his story because music education includes understanding what has gone before. And, when you’re a drummer, there are endless tales of all the colourful characters which had

8 | eastlife | may 2016

“That’s where I was happiest, on a drum stool beating skins and cymbals with sticks and brushes, surrounded by musicians on an assortment of instruments,” Brian says. “There was little amplification and we were usually dressed in suits, shirts, ties and shiny shoes. We had Brylcreem slicked hair and Old Spice after shave filled the air!”

Before moving to Morrinsville, Brian grew up in Tuakau and attended Pukekohe High School where his appreciation of music was encouraged. “I started to learn the cornet. With all its scales, I was never

good at it, but I liked it. And, I really liked the music of the brass bands,” he says. “Most of the good musicians I’ve known came from brass band backgrounds where the tempo had to be just right.”

Brian bought his first set of drums, a second-hand British Premier kit, from a “very good and encouraging” bass player, Derek Alexander, who was a fellow printer. I was then asked by a mate, pianist Rex Lyngard, if we would all form a trio.”

Brian taught himself to play drums – no easy feat – getting lessons later on for technique. But he had “the guts of it” well enough to play the dances and 21st birthday parties of that mid1950s period.

“The dances, and there were plenty of variations and tempos – the maxina, beluga, two-steps, three-steps, quicksteps, foxtrots, waltzes – we played them all in those early days.”

An enjoyable stint in a swing jazz big band followed but because of the constant changes in styles and tempos, Brian joined a group called, The Rockettes, which played a lot more rock n’ roll. This meant playing at dances across the Waikato every Saturday night with his then hometown, Morrinsville, providing the highlight.

“Morrinsville was the biggest because 800 people could fit into the dance hall,” he recalls.

Brian Neben It’s hard to imagine in this aeon of mass media, saturation channels and platforms, that the only place where young music fans could hear the hit parade was Thursday nights on National Radio, with the late, great broadcaster, Selwyn Toogood, presenting a half-hour show of the country’s Top 10 songs.

“The show was the source of a lot of our material for the dance hall sets.

One of us would record the radio show then relay chord structures, lyrics and rhythms to the band. There was at least one new song each week.

“Gradually, the overall style moved from jazz to pop and, in those days, everyone used to have a social ball.

We’d be playing three to four nights a week. I used to make more money from the band than from my job.”

Brian remembers that period fondly, working with fine musos such as guitarist Don Matenga, saxophonist, Neville Downie and Alan Jones all at a time when the enthusiastic www.eastlife.co.nz

‘

Gradually, the overall style moved from jazz to pop and, in those days, everyone used to have a social ball. We’d be playing three to four nights a week. I used to make more money from the band than from my job.”

Photo Wayne Martin

commotion for Johnny Devlin was sweeping the land.

He says for the last two years of the decade, the country’s youth became more and more excited by the rock n’ roll power of Devlin and his band, The Devils. “I liked Johnny. He used to do Elvis Presley’s material such as Lloyd Price’s, Lawdy Miss Clawdy, but I preferred Johnny’s versions.”

Then there was the time Brian’s band entered a talent quest organised by the original music trailblazer, Johnny Cooper, the legendary Maori Cowboy.

It was a big-deal competition and they won. With a wry smile, Brian wonders what happened to the half of the first prize cash they were promised!

“Johnny was a bit like Dennis Marsh.

He held auditions all around the Waikato and we made the final. One year, [opera diva, Dame] Malvina Major won playing piano accordion.

She was very young.”

Then there was a glorious seaside www.eastlife.co.nz

summer when the band was signed to entertain the holidaying masses.

Destination: The Soundshell, Mount Maunganui. “There was a different show and schedule each night; the stars and their material rearranged for freshness,” Brian says.

And, that’s where he saw the late, great Sir Howard Morrison, up close.

Howard was the King of Aotearoa at the time, and Brian was backing him.

“Howard was very professional. He would insist on rehearsing every afternoon. He didn’t like doing any show unrehearsed. On one occasion, we backed Dinah Lee – Miss Do the Bluebeat – and Maria Dallas of Tumbling Down fame got her break care of a gig she did with us.

“Maria sang with us on numerous occasions and one night when there were talent scouts in the audience she managed to get permission to sing. Within two weeks she was signed up and recording in Wellington. In those days, that was the type of opportunity that existed.

You could be discovered.”

Later in his musical career, Brian joined pianist, Geoff Case, saxophonists Neville Downey and Dick Pentecost, and bassist, Wayne Wright, to form his favourite group, Sign of the Times. They scored plenty of bookings and Geoff knew exactly how to get audiences moving.

“He’d say, ‘well, if you’re not getting up to dance, I might as well go home’.

Right up until he died (and I might not have spoken to Geoff for six months), I’d pick up the phone and – ‘have you heard the one about…’ He had a great array of jokes, nice voice and lovely piano. Everything was going for him.”

And Sign of the Times could play, qualifying as Waikato regional winners in a variety contest that held its national final at Epsom Showgrounds. “Finalists went on to the Easter Show where Barry Holland was the compere. They brought in colour television in 1974 for the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, and this was the first

live colour telecast from the Easter Show.”

Brian’s music story could go on for another two pages, that’s how it is when you catch up with a musician with many gigs under the belt.

Tales, he tells, with humour and great use of muso lingo. For example, he recalls the band would always stop the van on the side of the road and enjoy a well-earned crate on the way home in the middle of the night.

Then there was the time escaped criminal, George (the) Wilder (Colonial boy) was on the run. Brian and the guys had to stop and wait at a police roadblock on the fog-bound Hauraki Plains, after the Thames Nurses’ Ball, as the boys in blue tracked good ole George.

These are but a snapshot in a life full of achievement and enriching diversity. Brian like many of us, might not be playing anymore, but he still has great memories of the many times he rocked those joints! eastlife | may 2016 |

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FILM PREMIERE 1

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Cast and guests gathered at the Civic Theatre last month for a special one-off preview screening and fundraising event showcasing the awardwinning feature film, Orphans and Kingdoms from NZ writer/ director, Paolo Rotondo. Thanks to the generous support of SeaLink all proceeds from the evening went towards the cost of releasing the film, shot entirely on Waiheke Island.

Photographer SARAH MOROVIC was there.

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www.eastlife.co.nz

howick radio fundraiser All that jazz, and so much more, was on offer when Howick Radio Charitable Trust presented British Architecture – an acoustic jazz and blues experience. Photographer SARAH MOROVIC was amidst the scintillating sounds at The Lounge on April 16 to capture more than just a few smiles on dials.

1. Andrew and Sarah Ellis 2. Andrew Laing, Val Lott, Allen Parker 3. Mary Mousey, Jill Cornthwaite 4. Reay Neben, Jesma Magill 5. Janine Hickmore, Tony King, Laurane King 6. Gerald and Tricia Patterson 7. Maria Lavinia Pasetti, Alfonso Lenzi, Ascanio Nobili 8. Ron Stewart, Heather Kentsley, Bryan Hunt

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ZONTA IN ACTION A packed programme of speakers and workshops kept delegates at the Zonta District 16, Area 1 meeting, Commitment in Action, on their toes but host club, the Zonta Club of East Auckland ensured delegates took some time to mingle. Photographer SARAH MOROVIC attended the event held at Macleans College.

1. Judith Paterson, Ms Shaw 2. Jan Hooker, Pam Antill 3. Lia Antonets, Katherine Fung, Pranita Chand, Helen Liu 4. Margaret Sheppard, Mavis Shuker 5. Elizabeth Amiss, Sue Miller, Sharon Dobson 6. Eleanor Moonie, Vahabiz Bhathena, Robyn Fox 7. Vahabiz Bhathena 8. Cleone Campbell, Sue North 9. Jessie Bell, Judy Oliver 10. Gay Gallagher, Jo Pinker

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rnzb.org.nz eastlife | may 2016 | 13 02158

‘

The power of the mayor is the power to persuade, and the mayor’s power is greater when he or she has a united Auckland behind them when advocating for the city to central government.

If you can’t unite the city, and if government senses that you don’t have a strong mandate, you are restricted in what you can achieve.”

Photo Wayne Martin

Q&A

with labour MP and mayoral candidate

Phil Goff

Good golly, Goff’s running for office again! As former leader of the opposition and Clevedon resident, Phil Goff, prepares to make his play for the Auckland mayoralty, EastLife posed a few questions to a man who could be mayor.

What were your principle reasons for entering the mayoralty race?

I’m a born and bred Aucklander and I love the city as it’s a great place to live. With the Super City there is a real opportunity to make a difference for the better. After working in Parliament for a long time, I know how central government functions and how to make it responsive to Auckland’s needs. There are huge challenges ahead, but I relish that sort of challenge and the chance to build a better Auckland.

How familiar are you with the east Auckland area?

I know the Howick, Pakuranga, Botany area well. My parents lived much of their lives in Eastern Beach, then in Howick, and my Dad now lives in Meadowlands. My sister also lived on Selwyn Road, Howick (just down from Shamrock Cottage) and her daughter was born in the maternity hospital that used to be on the same road.

My mum is buried at the Star of the Sea Church in Howick. So our family connections to the area are strong. In addition, my wife [Mary] often shops in Botany and we go to the movies there and in Howick on occasion too.

If elected mayor, will you commute from Clevedon to the city? If so, do you intend to ride the rails, get on your bike or join the throng on the Southern Motorway?

I will commute, which has its challenges. My number one hate is road congestion in Auckland, where I can waste hours of my day stuck in www.eastlife.co.nz

traffic. My kids, who work as an electrician, refrigeration engineer and for an industry training organisation, all have to travel each day around the city. They all complain about the time wasted in traffic and gridlock.

According to experts, congestion costs the city up to $3 billion a year in lost productivity.

Public transport, unfortunately, isn’t an option for rural dwellers. I use a motorbike if I need to avoid being caught in congestion. I try to avoid peak hour travel and by working late avoid the evening traffic snarl.

How can you succeed with Auckland where (perhaps) Len Brown failed?

The power of the mayor is the power to persuade, and the mayor’s power is greater when he or she has a united Auckland behind them when advocating for the city to central government. If you can’t unite the city, and if government senses that you don’t have a strong mandate, you are restricted in what you can achieve.

The skills I would need to exercise as mayor are those I have acquired after years of work as an MP and a minister: in building and managing a team to problem solve and to be a strong advocate for the people.

How would you sum up Len Brown’s tenure, and could John Palino make a good mayor or should he stick to the restaurant biz?

I think his [Mr Brown’s] first term was successful but he was hobbled by the problems he had in the second.

[In regards to Mr Palino] That’s for the public to decide. My campaign is about what I stand for and have to offer. I’m not about to run a campaign based on criticising my opponents.

the challenges that it presents. I’m not looking beyond that.

Much like John Key, you came from humble beginnings. Is that where the comparison ends or are there any other major characteristics you two share?

I’ve given no thought at all to retirement. I find the challenge of public service stimulating and have the energy, good health and commitment to keep working long hours. I love living where we are and have no intentions of moving from there.

We both made our own way in life but were helped by family members who didn’t have the opportunities we enjoyed. We both benefitted from the opportunities provided by the public education system Labour built up. We both work long hours.

However, I think I remember better where I came from and feel stronger about wanting everybody to have the same chance to do well in life. I grew up fighting for causes and values I believed in strongly, such as opposing apartheid and the nuclear arms race.

I wanted to challenge injustice and I still have a passion for creating a better and fairer world.

I understand your children (Kristopher, Sara, and Kieran) attended Papakura High School.

Why didn’t you send them to private schools?

I went to Papatoetoe High School and received the best education I could have benefited from. I’ve always advocated sending your kids to the local school, so I practiced what I preached.

Any ambitions to return to Parliament, or perhaps (as with Helen Clark) pursue a diplomatic role, or is local body politics liable to be your focus from now on?

No. My focus is now on Auckland and

When you do finally retire, will it be to your Clevedon home or further afield?

What animals do you raise; do you grow your own crops?

We run white-face steers and Romney sheep and have a huntaway-beardie cross dog called Belle who’s supposed to be a sheep dog! We have always had a small vegetable garden and run about an acre of gardens around the house. Mary is a keen gardener and calls me in as a labourer when I’m at home.

If you could be Mayor of Auckland for only one day, what would you do first and why?

The challenges we face are long term and won’t be resolved in a day, a year or the term of a single council. The biggest challenge will be to remedy our transport congestion. After that, the second biggest will be to work to make housing more affordable for new home buyers to restore the Kiwi dream of owning your own home.

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

Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Michael Joseph Savage. They are all political leaders who were selfless and served their countries with courage, principle and determination. eastlife | may 2016 |

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Of Hollie’s horrific hobby If (as the TV show suggests) we should fear the walking dead, we should be absolutely terrified about zombies on the run! As Spookers’ Run for your Freak’n Life event draws near, JON RAWLINSON spoke with a ‘ghoul’ who can say ‘boo’ about her life amongst the living dead.

Scaring the ‘Hollie’ hell out of patrons is not usually the best approach to business, but it’s the precise intention of the team at Spookers Scream Park.

With the haunted ‘scream’ park soon to hold its Run for your Freak’n Life event on May 14, Hollie Nicole Codling – who’s relatively new to the crew – says she is expecting the unexpected.

“We’ll have to get in early because it’s so much fun there are a lot of actors

16 | eastlife | may 2016

who want to do it. It’ll be very muddy, that alone will make it a good laugh.

Although, basically, anyone can do it, there will be a lot of people with chainsaws, zombies and all sorts of scary things running at them, so it’s still best to run fast!”

Originally from England, Hollie has been living in Beachlands with her partner, Jasper Sole, for the past year.

Approximately five months ago, the pair joined Spookers, located at the former Kingseat Psychiatric Hospital.

In addition to being a volunteer firefighter, this ‘bad penny’ has another most contrasting flip side.

“I’m actually a trained counsellor and work at Geneva Healthcare,” she explains. “It is a strange combination.

During the day, I’m comforting people who have very real issues with their lives, but when I’m at Spookers I’m chasing people and scaring the life out of them! They’re quite opposite to one another, really.”

Despite a background in theatre, www.eastlife.co.nz

‘

I’m actually a trained counsellor... during the day, I’m comforting people who have very real issues with their lives, but when I’m at Spookers I’m chasing people and scaring the life out of them!”

Terror-ific picture – Hollie (left) with Sole mate (Jasper Sole) made up and ready to scare.

Photo Wayne Martin

Hollie is unlikely to hit Hollywood anytime soon; she says her nocturnal activities at Spookers scratch that acting bug.

“I studied acting in the UK and performed in some local productions.

I’ve also done a bit of extra work, on Shortland Street... surprisingly,” she quips. “I once thought that one day I’d be a star, but acting really is more of a hobby now and Spookers offers a good laugh and is very sociable.”

Performances at the ‘scream park’ may share many aspects of stage acting – such as makeup, costumes, characters and some rehearsed ‘scares’ – but they also involve a great www.eastlife.co.nz

deal of reacting and improvisation, she confirms.

“Some people have regular characters – such as Ricky who has a saw come out of his face, for example – but I prefer to play a variety of roles in all sorts of makeup. One week, I might be a skeleton and the next a mad butcher. There’s a lot of artistic freedom with this job.”

Despite being a poet by day (therefore likely a sensitive ‘Sole’) her partner, Jasper, no doubt sets his girl’s heart racing. Hollie says he tends to focus on a butcher character with similarities to Sweeny Todd – aka the demon barber of Fleet Street.

One would think that working in such a place would be a nightmare, or the cause of a few at least, but that’s not the case for this frightening femme.

And yet, considering the location’s history, behind the veil of makebelieve, staff members have had some very real scares of their own.

“There are so many rumours about how this nurse was hanged here, or that a spirit appears in a certain room, and most of the actors have a story of unexplained incidences. Some don’t even want to work in certain rooms,” she says.

“I guess we all enjoy a good fright now and then. It comes down to

endorphins, which are released by excitement from a sudden scare. But, there’s also a great feeling of relief, of safety, when you actually walk away knowing you’ve ‘survived’.”

Although Spookers offers chills on a regular basis, Hollie advises that, in addition to Run for your Freak’n Life, another special fright night is set to thrill.

“We’ll have a very big night on Friday [May] the 13th. One time, we had 13 clowns and another 13 people wielding chainsaws; I can’t tell you what it’ll be this time around but you can be sure it’ll be a ‘killer’ of a surprise!” eastlife | may 2016 |

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Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit www.eastlife.co.nz click on the competitions link and fill in the form. One entry per email address / person; entries close May 31, 2016. Winners notified by phone or email.

WIN! TICKETS TO THE WIZARD OF OZ Who wants to visit Oz? Well, forget the Kansas route to the Emerald City – Dorothy and friends will be right here in NZ for The Ryman Healthcare Season of The Wizard of Oz. Yes, the wonderful Wizard of Oz has been crafted into a magical, two-act ballet by the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s artistic director, Francesco Ventriglia and will have its world premiere in Wellington on May 4 followed by a fiveweek tour of the country. This much-loved story of love, friendship and growing up, will be performed by the RNZB and one lucky EastLife reader has the chance to win two tickets (value, $68 each) to the ballet on Friday, June 3 at Auckland’s ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre – Auckland season June 2-5.

WIN! JOICO HAIR CARE PACK Here’s a chance to add a lot of joy to your life and cheer to your hair – an exceptional hair care pack from Joico containing K-Pak Colour Therapy shampoo and conditioner designed to lock in vibrancy and moisture, the K-Pak Intense Hydrator for continuous shine, Heat Seat Blow Dry Perfecting Creme for easy styling and Joico’s Flip Turn Volumising Spray for lasting style hold, added volume and shine, too. All these amazing Joico products come in a classy white and gold complimentary clutch with the whole package valued at $112 – just the ticket as we celebrate Mother’s Day!

Win! Oasis Beauty Fruit Smoothie Face Mask Life is a bumpy road, that’s for sure, but that’s no reason for us to face it with a bumpy visage!

Thanks to Oasis Beauty’s Fruit Smoothie Face Mask, dry, dull and bumpy skin can be smoothed over leaving it soft and glowing.

Utilising papaya, pineapple, pink grapefruit and pink clay, this mask is designed to draw on the natural enzymes derived from fruit.

EastLife has one 50ml tube (RRP $39.90) up for grabs.

Win! A Little Island sampler pack Dairy me, it’s dairy-free! The perfect mix for those who are unliked by lactose, Little Island Coconut Creamery’s range of coconut milks features natural, organic ingredients with no bovine in sight. These creamy, convenient concoctions are available in original and chocolate varieties, and now, coffee, banana and strawberry too. And because our cups fairly runneth over with the milk of coconut kindness, EastLife has a sampler pack including one bottle of each of these flavours up for grabs.

Win! Omega-3 Pet oil Win! Wild Pork and Watercress Since one of Barry Crump’s most successful books was first released in the 1980s, Kiwis have been calling out for more... Pork! With this tale developed for the big screen (Hunt for the Wilderpeople), an old favourite is back on the menu. When Ricky’s Aunt Bella dies and Social Welfare threatens to put him into care, he and his cantankerous Uncle Hec flee into the Ureweras.

Can wily ways save them from a fate worse than a government department? Read Barry’s book (and see the film) to find out. • Barry Crump: Wild Pork and Watercress | RRP $38 | Penguin NZ

When pets are ill, it can be tough for them to communicate that they’re feeling a little... ruff.

Thankfully, Nordic Naturals has released Omega-3 Pet oil for dogs and cats. Just a few drops in food delivers omega-3 fatty acids from fish that cannot be produced by their bodies. Omega-3 Pet is available (60ml, RRP $34.15 or 237ml, $52.35) from health shops and pharmacies. EastLife has a bottle up for grabs.

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

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All quiet on the Western Front Gerard Murphy, Director, Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel visits the Anzac sights 100 years on My small hotel is at Hooghe four kilometres from Ypres in the Flanders area. It is built on the grounds of The Chateau de Hooghe. From my room I see a small wood surrounding a large green pond – a park-like setting and beautifully peaceful. But on closer inspection the wood is littered with large iron objects and just 20 metres from my window, is a large concrete structure.

The concrete structure is a machine gun post, the iron cast offs are military and tunnelling equipment.

They sit atop a network of trenches.

The woods have re-grown from total desolation and the pond is, in fact, a huge crater from massive underground bombs tunnelled there by the British troops, right under the German trenches.

We are at the Western Front. This piece of dirt changed hands at least four times during the First World War and the battle line moved back and forth, west to east twice from 1914 to 1918. Here it moved just 400 metres.

The situation is surreal. Just a few hundred metres from where I will sleep tonight, hundreds died, right here in this peaceful picture.

My visit to the Western Front truly begins when I meet my guide Sylvestre at Amiens in The Somme.

He takes me to the key battle sights, memorials and cemeteries. He also takes me to the graves of our family’s two great-uncles who died in 1917.

It is an emotional day as Sylvestre explains what the unit of each soldier was doing on the day of his death.

Our family is fortunate in that we have grave sites to visit. Many thousands were never found nor identified.

Many have tombstones that simply read “Known unto God”. Both great uncles are laid in small, peaceful cemeteries in village France. Many of the cemeteries are literally road-side, without any beauty or design. There are hundreds of these cemeteries along the front line. Most, even if devoid of beauty, are meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Looking back over this text it could sound depressing, but there were many positive aspects to this short tour

in which I met members of the New Zealand official party of local embassy staff as well as military representatives, including a Maori cultural group from New Zealand.

Both contributed powerfully and respectfully at ceremonies in Longueval and Le Quesnoy. Not only did I meet many Kiwis, but also a number of French interested in the history and New Zealand’s contribution in bringing peace to their homeland. They do care here! Le Quesnoy, a walled city was liberated by the New Zealand division just seven days before the Armistice in November 2017. While there, at least 100 locals joined the Kiwis at cold dawn service. Many more attended the town’s own ceremony later in the morning and walked, with Kiwis, in procession behind the town band to the NZ memorial outside the walls.

Here, in 1918, a small group scaled the ramparts.

The locals certainly appreciated the

Maori party’s unique performances particularly the haka. The town of Le Quesnoy is special. Nowhere else in France boasts a town square called Place des All Blacks, street names such as Rue Aotearoa and even Rue de Helen Clark! The town is welcoming with NZ flags and banners everywhere. The townspeople are genuinely warm and welcoming. It is historical, and for me, a beautiful highlight of my visit to France.

But as I initially write, tomorrow is the Anzac Dawn Service with The Australians at Polygon Wood near Ypres. No doubt this will be another poignant but richly rewarding affair.

Over the next two years ceremonies such as this will be repeated many times before the 100th anniversary of The Armistice. This is not sightseeing but emotional, experiential touring that is richly rewarding. If you are travelling to Europe I urge you to take a day or two out to remember them where they fell.

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At my feet are the remains of mustard gas launchers, tons of shell casings and barbed wire still in place! Many still lie here entombed in the soils, some will surface as they do in these parts even though it is 100 years on; others will lie here, unknown, for eternity – RIP. It is confronting. These are memorable first impressions.

Clockwise from above: view from hotel at Hooghe, Le Quesnoy, Gerard Murphy at his great uncle’s grave.

www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | may 2016 |

19

On the road When Vicky Williamson and Lee Jakich say they’re off for a walk they don’t mean a three kilometre jaunt around the block. More likely, they are referring to their upcoming 2000 kilometre trek across Europe as they explained to HELEN PERRY.

Ferry to ride meal and movie Deal

The energetic pair have been running marathons together for 10 years, first meeting at the Lazy Runner Club in Noosa – Vicky, from Howick and a newbie to the sport at that time; Lee a seasoned hand who shares her time between New Zealand and Australia.

Blessed with warm autumn days, many Aucklanders are making the most of them by getting out and about around the town. And two special Fullers deals offer combinations of land and sea, film and food, making for a special day or evening out.

• Pizza – a scrumptious 8-inch pizza, including vegetarian, meat or seafood, plus choose one extra topping.

‘Adventurers’ can catch a Fullers ferry from downtown Auckland to Devonport and enjoy a movie at The Vic Cinema with the Ferry + Movie Deal, or add on a meal for the Ferry + Movie + Meal Deal.

Meals are available from 5.30pm on weekdays and 11am on weekends.

What’s more, it’s super easy to purchase the deal of your choice.

• Salad – choose a fresh garden salad, grilled chicken or classic Caesar.

Catch a ferry from downtown Auckland to Devonport and enjoy a movie at The Vic Cinema for just $17.

Just call The Vic on 09 446 0100, quote Ferry + Movie + Meal Deal or Ferry + Movie Deal, and reserve seats for the movie of your choice for you and a friend, of course! Then pop into any Fullers ticket office and pay:

FERRY + MOVIE + MEAL DEAL:

• Ferry + Movie: $17 per adult and/or $10 per child.

Catch a ferry from downtown Auckland to Devonport and enjoy a meal and movie at The Vic Cinema for a mere $29. And check out these three delicious options for your meal:

• Ferry + Movie + Meal: $29 per adult and/or $22 per child.

FERRY + MOVIE DEAL:

• Burger – your choice of a tasty beef, chicken or pork burger served with a side of fries.

A decade separates Vicky Williamson (71) and her friend Lee Jakich (61) but the two are running neck and neck when it comes to fitness, seeing the world on foot and their enjoyment of a good red wine.

Fullers will give you your Auckland to Devonport return ferry ticket, movie voucher and meal voucher (if applicable).Visit thevic.co.nz or call 09 446 0100 to find out more about movies and screening times.

These days, running is virtually an every day event for both but it is walking that has taken them on many a journey and looks set to test their metal further.

Three years ago, they walked the 1000 kilometre Camino Frances from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Finisterre and then carried on through Portugal for another 100 kms.

This month they are walking – even running at times – from Canterbury Cathedral to Rome, traversing the ancient pilgrim trail of Via Francigena through England, France, Switzerland and Italy.

“This will be a very different route than the Camino Frances which was well signposted with mapped accommodation along the way,” said Vicky as she prepared to leave behind husband, Ian at their Macleans Rd home.

“From what we understand this is in no way the same. We may be lucky to find beds in an old church, private home or, possibly, a local hall although we hope there will be some dedicated refuges for walkers, otherwise it’s the tent!”

Although Vicky and Lee run as a matter of course, and are no strangers to marathons, the only added training they did ahead of their mammoth hike was two days back-packing on Waiheke – “just to get used to carrying a load again.”

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However, Vicky also completed

two half marathons prior to leaving and has done language courses in French and Italian to help with communication.

“We aim to carry no more than 10 kilos each on our journey which begins properly on May 23 at Canterbury Cathedral and will end mid August in Rome. Naturally, we will pack our tent plus flip flops, a pair of dressy shoes, two shirts/ tees, which we alternate daily, one slightly better top. a jersey, and not a lot more. Of course, quality footwear, plus jackets and trou – double seamed to keep out the wet as much as possible – are mandatory.

“Undoubtedly, we will encounter some pretty extreme weather. For instance the St Bernard Pass, which opens in June, is free of snow for only a few months and can be hard to get through.”

Lee added that having travelled the Camino in some pretty ugly conditions, they knew what any day might bring.

“But we have the mental strength and physical fitness to cope,” she said. “We know what it’s like to dig deep when the weather is really bad. We also know tough times tend to disappear when you walk in solitude for a couple of hours, marvelling at the magnificent scenery and the tranquillity on days when the weather is perfect.”

However, both women agreed that exhaustion is par for the course on this kind of walk.

“By time you’ve walked all day, finally found a resting spot, enjoyed a pilgrim’s meal – with wine to give you a boost, of course – done your washing, written the diary, well, you’re ready for sleep,” said Lee. “And, in many places we expect doors to be locked and lights out by nine so you don’t have much choice about when you bed down!

“Luckily, we are early risers so we are often up in the dark and have quietly crept away while others sleep. This way we can get in a hour www.eastlife.co.nz

‘

We know what it’s like to dig deep when the weather is really bad. We also know tough times tend to disappear when you walk in solitude for a couple of hours, marvelling at the magnificent scenery and the tranquillity on days when the weather is perfect.”

Lee Jakich and Vicky Williamson Photo Wayne Martin

or more of walking before stopping for a breakfast of yoghurt and fruit, packed the night before. And if we should hit a town on market day, that’s a bonus – we just love all that fresh produce.”

Aiming to do anything from 15 to 40 kilometres a day, Vicky and Lee agreed they were leaving a lot to chance on this trail dating back to AD43.

“Our walking days will be pretty well controlled by the availability of accommodation and we know it’s not nearly as abundant as on the Camino Frances,” Vicky said. “However, the Pope has declared 2016 as the Year of Mercy so we expect more villages will have opened up halls and stay places.

But, whatever this walk brings we are up to it.”

• EDITORS NOTE: EastLife will feature the outcome of Vicky and Lee’s adventure when they return later in the year. www.eastlife.co.nz

One road leading to Rome It’s said, ‘All roads lead to Rome’ and in the case of the ancient pilgrim trail the Via Francigena, now a designated European Cultural Route, the road does indeed lead to the Italian capital – all the way from Canterbury Cathedral in Kent.

Britannia. Canterbury (Durovernum) lay on Watling Street, at an intersection that connected the heart of Britain to the vital ports of Dover and Richborough, and the military and trade routes running through Gaul to Rome.

Passing through France and Switzerland before winding through Italy, the now much travelled route takes walkers to some of the most stunning regions in Europe, such as the Dover Cliffs, the First World War battlefields of Northern France, the Champagne region, Lake Geneva, the Swiss Alps, the Apennines, lush Umbria, the picturesque hills of Tuscany and finally, Rome. It dates back to the time after Claudius Caesar led the second Roman invasion of Britain in AD43.

The connection between Rome and Canterbury was sealed in AD596 when Pope Gregory the Great responded to a request from Ethelbert, the King of Kent, to dispatch Christian missionaries. As a result the road to Rome became a thoroughfare for clerics, kings soldiers and merchants, but also for members of the public.

A network of roads was built to connect Rome with the province of

It has been given many names including Via Romea, Lombard Way, Iter Francorum, and the Frankish Route, but by the end of the 9th century it was identified as the Via Francigena.

In AD990, Archbishop Sigeric the Serious (Archbishop of Canterbury) travelled the length of the Via Francigena to receive the Pallium from Pope John VX. The 79 stages recorded in his diary have made it possible to retrace the key stops on this, the shortest route between Canterbury and Rome and this was the route which first became known as the Via Francigena in 876.

In 1994, the Council of Europe designated the Via Francigena a European Cultural Route and since 2001 the European Association of vie Francigene has co-ordinated the development and promotion of the route beginning at Canterbury Cathedral .

That same year the Via Francigena kilometre zero stone was laid in the cathedral grounds to mark the start of the route to Rome. eastlife | may 2016 |

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The delights of Vanuatu Yvonne Eve Walus enjoyed a family holiday experiencing and relishing all that Vanuatu had to offer from new food adventures to a range of leisure activities.

The children have a fabulous

between chicken and flying fox (bat).

You’d be forgiven for assuming that Vanuatu, being an island, has a cuisine rich in locally-harvested fish and seafood. However, because of ocean currents, fishing is dangerous here, and so the staple meat in the traditional island diet oscillates

Fortunately for the tourists, flying fox is optional, and so our lunch starts with a beautiful seafood medley compliments of the Wild Ginger Hotel restaurant. The chef goes out of his way to explain how he blends fresh local produce with French influences

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There’s more to do in Vanuatu

into fusion Asian dishes such as sushi and teppanyaki.

His char-grilled Santo beef is the most tender steak I’ve ever had, and it comes with a story: during the Second World War, a herd of Charolais cattle were set loose on the island of Espirto Santo to “mow the

Come visit Vanuatu!

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We don’t bother to have breakfast before we catch a taxi from our hotel, and it turns out to be a wise decision, because the market has a cookedmeal section where you can feast on local cuisine. We choose fragrant parcels of lap lap, a traditional dish made with grated cassava and wild cabbage, cooked in coconut milk, and served wrapped in a banana leaf.

When it gets too hot to enjoy the dusty town centre, we retreat to the leafy lap of luxury that is Warwick Le Lagon holiday resort. Sipping nonalcoholic cocktails in the swimming pool (the children), and not-so non-alcoholic cocktails outside the pool (the parents), we let time slip by until lunch.

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Covered by a permanent canopy to shelter the produce from torrential rains and relentless sun, it’s easily one of the largest outdoor markets in Oceania.

adventure sampling the new tastes (the raspberries are an instant hit, though the opinion on coconut milk varies), measuring themselves against bunches of bananas, and taking photos of everything from palm fronds to cut flowers.

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Green bananas, orange papayas, red wild raspberries and white coconuts, husked and ‘smiling’ at passers-by with their triangular mouths.

Welcome to the food market in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu.

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

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

Don’t wait, book now!

There’s so much more to do in Vanuatu!

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22 | eastlife | may 2016

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‘

Because of ocean currents, fishing is dangerous here, and so the staple meat in the traditional island diet oscillates between chicken and flying fox (bat).

grass”. They have thrived there ever since, free range and organic and oh-so-delicious.

Free range and organic is certainly how we feel as we tackle the afternoon activities. Snorkelling in Erakor Lagoon (Le Lagon has boats and masks for hire) is a rewarding experience: we spot starfish bigger than our hands, slimy sea cucumbers and a multitude of silver-blue fish.

We come back pleasantly tired, just in time for a lesson in the local language: Bislama, a dialect evolved from English. Once we get the hang of the simplified grammar and phonetic

Clockwise from far left; food market in Port Vila, banyan trees, Lololima Waterfall, Hideaway Island.

Photos David Kirkland spelling, it’s easy to understand – the phrase Buk blong mi means (the) book (that) belongs (to) me, in other words, my book.

That evening, our conversation is filled with gorgeous sounds like yumitu: (you me two, or the two of us) and mi wantem (I would like).

When it transpires that my family wantem to kayak, I give it a go, but after a brief spell of trying to balance in the plastic husk, I let them paddle to the nearby island while I relax under the palm trees with a book – my idea of a good time.

I don’t get to have my way the next

BEETHOVEN’S SEPTET

morning, though. It’s excursion time, and we’re going off the beaten track.

While most people visit the Cascades Waterfall in Port Vila, Pascal from Vanuatu Ecotours takes us to an unspoiled wilderness deep into the heart of the island to see to a secret waterfall called Lololima.

a taxi to a ferry that transports us to Hideaway Island, a marine sanctuary where the snorkelling is even more spectacular than in Eroakor Lagoon.

En route we admire gigantic banyan trees, jump from the banks into the river, visit a lime grotto with tiny bats stuck to its roof, and pick wild raspberries (fresh off the bush they taste even better than those at the food market).

We buy special waterproof postcards from the local shop, write on them in pencil, swim them out to the white buoy, and make a three-metre dive to post them into a genuine post box.

We have the foresight to send one to ourselves, and it arrives shortly after we return home – a perfect reminder of a perfect holiday.

On our final day in Vanuatu, we catch

Hideaway also features a tourist attraction that’s a must: an underwater post box.

IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD 6.30pm, Tuesday 10 May

St Kentigern College Chapel, Pakuranga

apo.co.nz

Welcome the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra as they step into your neighbourhood to perform Beethoven’s timeless Septet for you.

Famously described by Beethoven as “that damned work’’, this charmingly youthful creation is still a musical favourite.

Book at apo.co.nz or call 09 623 1052 Proudly supported by 12698

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eastlife | may 2016 |

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NEW VILLAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

24 | eastlife | may 2016

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Two or three bedroom Villas are continuously under construction - starting from only $499,000.

Enquire now.

No time to be retiring!

Communities have heard plenty about the retirement of baby boomers impacting on the economy and not all of it is good. But among those on the verge of retirement, the consensus may well be that there’s no better time than now!

They may have big investments or just a little nest egg but, regardless, a goodly number are relishing the idea of no more pressing work schedules, family obligations, mortgage commitments or other major responsibilities.

Seniors born within the two decades after the Second World War have, in many cases, enjoyed long careers and worked hard.

That doesn’t mean to say everyone wants to give up work altogether.

Some will be happy to retain a job, possibly part-time, while

others will look to hobbies such as a sport, crafts, travel, volunteer work or just spending more time with grandchildren, to keep them occupied.

However, a goodly number have no set retirement plan other than to be active and involved in something, somewhere.

Having helped shape the world,

as well as their local communities, for the best part of half a century or more, society may now label them seniors but the aspirations of retirees are often positively youthful.

So, if the magical retirement age of 65 is upon you, perhaps it’s time to carve out a new lifestyle or follow an old dream now that you have the freedom to do so.

Options galore

at Copper Crest Village Estate All systems are go at Copper Crest Village Estate where villas are available and new homes are under construction making it the perfect time to visit, check out this muchapplauded retirement village and, perhaps, secure a slice of the action.

Quality villas are now available including stand-alone options – all on elevated, north-facing sites at this Pyes Pa address where independent living is offered within a secure environment.

The villas feature the convenience of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sunroom and double garaging.

To keep up with demand, 25 new villas are under construction and are due to be completed over the next 10 months With various housing options available at Copper Crest, prices start at $499,000. There are more than 97 impeccably built and highly spec’d homes that are either two or www.eastlife.co.nz

three bedroomed with the option of single or double garaging.

Copper Crest offers all the essential amenities required by those of retirement age … and then some.

The list of facilities is lengthy and include a library, gym, indoor heated swimming pool, spa, cinema, indoor owls, snooker and table tennis tables, hair and beauty salon, bar,

dancing and dining areas, and a luxurious common area with gas fireplace. There are communal and individual vegetable gardens, bowling greens and a hobby room, too.

All these can be enjoyed with other residents in this wonderful, caring, village community. In addition, Copper Crest has campervan

parking, plus outdoor seating areas to make the most of the quiet surroundings.

Copper Crest also has an active social and events committee and a van for outings. There is a healthy understanding that retirement isn’t necessarily about doing less; it’s about doing more of what you enjoy.

Come and join the fun! eastlife | may 2016 |

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Staying alive – Staying Active The Bee Gees sang: Well now, I get low and I get high, and if I can’t get either, I really try...I’m staying alive, staying alive! Lyrics some seniors can no doubt, relate to.

Indeed, while retirement may spell rest it shouldn’t be all about a sedentary lifestyle. Staying alive is also about staying active and this can be done in a number of ways – exercise classes, swimming/ aquarobics, bowls, walking/running, golf, yoga, tai chi and dancing to name a few.

All are a great way of keeping up one’s strength and ensuring cardio and respiratory fitness. It’s as simple as a brisk morning walk with a partner, friend or the dog whilst also keeping to a healthy, nutritious diet. Singles especially find it all too easy to slip into bad eating habits

that mind sharp – you might take up crosswords, chess or scrabble.

Perhaps you are creative and have always wanted t try your hand at painting or a craft; readers will always find copious books to open the mind to new thoughts and ideas or perhaps you’ll want to learn a musical instrument.

and may need the encouragement of friends and family to motivate them into exercise, outings and eating that keeps them looking and feeling good.

Keeping the mind mentally fit is as important as keep the body in shape and retirement shouldn’t mean you stop learning about the world even if you learn at a slightly slower pace!

There are plenty of ways to keep

Some enquiring minds might even link up to U3A (University of the Third Age). These social and cultural groups cater for people in retirement or semi-retirement and promote healthy ageing by sharing educational, creative and leisure activities organised by their own members.

There is no qualification for membership and no degrees or diplomas are awarded; activities are for stimulation and enjoyment in an

informal friendly atmosphere.

What’s more socialising in retirement is an important part of staying both active and happy. Now that you have the time, catch up with old friends and make some new ones, too.

Consider becoming involved in a club – either a specific hobby group or perhaps a Cosmopolitan or Returned Services club where you can meet people who share similar interests.

Some of the larger clubs have special interest groups within the organisation such as golf, billiards, fishing and more and their premises are well set up for dining and events.

Use the Internet, community newspapers, libraries and councils to look for a club to suit. There are countless possibilities to socialise and enjoy new-found freedom.

What’s on your bucket list?

MANDY PAGE – Director and Tour Leader, Tours Direct For many people their ‘bucket list’ includes that special place in the world they have read about, seen on TV, or dreamt of visiting. On the other hand, they may just long to explore our wonderful planet… and now life has opened up with time and opportunity.

Over the years I have travelled with many wonderful people and had the privilege of sharing that special moment when they tick off the bucket item – standing on the Great Wall of

Japan Discovery

China, gazing at the multi-coloured domes of St Basil in Red Square, walking the ancient paths of the Camino Frances, swimming with the turtles in the Galapagos, cruising amongst the icebergs in Antarctica and so many other fantastic dreams!

I met one of my dearest friends when she and her late husband first travelled with me to China. One week before we were due to leave I received a phone call from Wal saying: “I’ve just been told I am terminal.” Big breath, then, “But I really want to go to China”. Pause.

“Okay, Wal, that’s fine, if it’s okay with the doctors it definitely okay with me.” So they both came and had that wonderful last trip together.

Months later, I had privilege of being invited to Wal’s memorial. Up on the wall were pictures of his last trip; a happy smiling man who had the chance to do what he wanted before it was too late.

After a period of mourning, Liz again started travelling with our company, Tours Direct and, once more, we have had lots of fun and humorous adventures together.

If we can help you tick off some of your bucket list, give us a call – we like to make dreams come true! All our tours are fully escorted by a Kiwi tour leader and all expenses such as airfares, accommodation, tipping, sightseeing and local guides are

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Find out more at www.toursdirect.co.nz • 0800 868 748 (toll-free) • info@toursdirect.co.nz 26 | eastlife | may 2016

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Making the most of your investments If you rely on interest income to subsidise your lifestyle then investing in a Contributory Mortgage makes a lot of sense as it can deliver significantly higher returns than a bank term deposit while offering your own mortgage security, so it provides real peace of mind. What’s more, your investment offers the convenience of interest income being paid monthly.

Quite simply we match you, the investor, with a borrower who has a need to raise funds against their property.

We provide all the relevant documentation detailing everything you need to know about the borrower,

the security property, the terms of the loan and your rate of return.

You choose the contributory mortgage investment that suits best in terms of risk, rate of return, length of mortgage term, type of security property and amount of investment and you can be confident the investment is secured by a first mortgage registered on the property title.

Southern Cross Financial group of companies (Southern Cross Financial Group) has been in business for almost 20 years since its establishment in 1997 and is 100% NZ-owned.

Operating out of offices in Howick, Auckland, the company uses a wide range of contacts including solicitors, accountants, financial advisors and mortgage advisors located all around the country.

The loan itself is managed on your behalf by SCFL Management Limited who, as loan managers, are required to comply with a number of strict government regulations that are covered by the Securities Act (Contributory Mortgages) Regulations 1988 and monitored by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA)

and its team, which has a long history of sourcing and managing mortgage investments, now invites you to participate in the excellent opportunities for investment returns

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A toast to taste While there may be plenty of higher profile food festivals on the menu, JON RAWLINSON recently discovered one which hasn’t forsaken that common touch.

Even the idea of paying an entry fee for the privilege of purchasing ‘gourmet’ cuisine and beverages at premium prices may have sounded absurd not that long ago. However, these days, food festivals may have become quite the tempting ticket.

Ordinarily, due to the crowds, the airs and graces and the financial damage sure to result, I would avoid such events like the plague I thought they had become. And yet, after visiting A Taste of Matarangi in the Coromandel recently, I’ve changed my tune somewhat.

After a hearty cooked breakfast (thanks again, mum!), I headed with family along to this year’s event thinking a well-lined stomach was the surest antidote to fiscal ruin, but

Photos Felicity Jean Photography – fleaphotos.co.nz

I needn’t have bothered. Yes, there was plenty to tempt connoisseurs of gourmet food, craft beer and wine, but also an abundance of good, old fashioned Kiwi fare – even a sausage sizzle – at most reasonable prices.

Beyond this, the event also offered art and craft stalls, entertainment for the kids and music.

A special shout out to cover’s band,

Five O’Clock Shadow, who (ironically) hit the stage at 3.30pm; they capped off a fun, family event with music which certainly ensured many a sun-soaked, sufficiently lubricated (although responsibly so) attendee would strut their funky stuff.

Although A Taste of Matarangi struck me as a haven for the middle-aged middle-class, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!

And. there did seem to be more than a few teens albeit cringing at the antics of mum and dad as they shook their groove things, but that just added to the fun!

Well done to organisers for laying on a quality event in the name of a great cause, Westpac Rescue Helicopters; it definitely lived up to its claim of ‘a fabulous day of food, wine and music by the beach.’

MOTHER’S DAY 8th May 2016 PROUD TO BE LOCAL pakurangaplaza.co.nz

Capture a memory

FOR MUM FOREVER Enter the draw to win your Mum or special person a family photoshoot and capture a lasting memory.

Simply shop at the Plaza until Mothers Day and enter the draw.

28 | eastlife | may 2016

GIFT MUM A GIFT CARD A Plaza Gift Card presented in a nice little box tied with ribbon.

FREE GIFT WRAPPING Thur 5th – Sun 8th

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PRIZE DRAW T&C’S APPLY. SEE ONLINE OR ENTRY FORM FOR DETAILS. CAMPAIGN RUNS 9AM SATURDAY 22ND APRIL 2016 - 5PM SUNDAY 8TH MAY 2016

Just spend $40 and go into the draw to win Mum a Family Photography Package valued at $1100

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Sharon Stewart

Lisa Robertson

Sarah Chistie

Caryn Mawkes

Helen Castles

Helen Perry

Mum’s Day – PRESENT AND CORRECT? They say necessity is the mother of all invention, but does any mum really need macaroni and glitter overloaded artworks, boxes of a certain someone else’s favourite chocolates and mystery what-ya-call-its? Well, yes, they do! Because, when little minds work on creating or selecting gifts, they’re sure to give something much more precious: laughter!

liSa rObErtSOn Artist – featured April 2016. Mother of Holly, Sam, Travis and Mieke

Q: what’s the best/strangest/ funniest/most heart-warming Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever received and why?

With four kids there have been some really funny gifts over the years. Lots of little homemade treasures, such as painted rocks from the garden, a toilet roll rocket (because every mum needs one!) and some ‘awesome’ (albeit frightening) drawings of me! The cards are the real keepers though, the gorgeous and sweet things written in them are great to read (with a glass of wine) when the kids go feral and I need reminding that being a mum really is a very beautiful gift in itself.

Here’s how they replied:

Sarah ChriStiE

SharOn StEwart

White Water Rafting champ – featured November 2015. Mother of Taylor and Adam

To mark Mother’s Day, this month we posed a question to a few mums with local connections:

Auckland Councillor – Howick Ward.

Mother of Rebecca and Thomas Mother’s Day last year was the best ever as we celebrated with our daughter, Rebecca, who had just become a mother to our first grandchild, Emily. That has to be the best and most heart-warming gift imaginable! Emily has given our family so much joy – if you’re a first time grandparent you will understand how much this really means. I am mother to two wonderful children (Rebecca and Thomas) and motherin-law to Steven. They always spoil me on Mother’s Day, usually with brunch at a local café.

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The best Mothers day gift I have received is a doll brooch that my youngest son made at his day care, and a card that had mainly scribbles with glitter glued on it. And my elder son gave me some lovely hand-picked flowers which was just adorable!

Caryn MawKES Rockabye centre director. Mother of Stella Wow it’s my seventh year as a Mum and I have been totally spoilt! My

favourite gifts are certainly those my daughter has made. As a baby, she started by giving me cute handprints and canvases with splatters of paint that she had created at childcare.

Now, I love receiving creative cards with quirky little drawings of me and I love the warm, fuzzy sentences she adds to them. I have kept all Mother’s Day pieces of art along with the cards. It’s been so special to have all these treasures and I’m sure they will become even more precious as time goes by. I wonder what the next Mother’s Day will bring me!

hElEn CaStlES TVNZ journalist and Special Olympics Swim Coach – featured June 2015.

Mother of Jayden and Xavier Mother’s Day in my family is always lots of fun. The boys spoil me with gifts which normally include a bottle of bubbly (I never complain) and something else thoughtful. Last year I received a movie voucher for two.

The gifts are always accompanied by two handcrafted cards. They can’t understand why I want them made when they could just buy them... But it’s the messages inside that I love.

Last year it was ‘thank you for having me, taking me places, being nice to me, buying me things when you know I’m going to lose them and spending all your money on me. You are my favourite mum’... Lol I’m his only mum.

Mother’s Day is always marked with lunch locally and we’re joined by my mother and mother-in-law, then a take-away dinner of my choice. Oh, and I go on strike from housework so my twins do the vacuuming!

hElEn PErry EastLife editor. Mother of Mandy and Joshua Gosh, I’ve had a host of wonderful Mother’s Day gifts ranging from the very funny to the very fabulous. But one that attracted a lot of comments was the personalised number plate my offspring persuaded their dad to buy. Bear in mind, this was back in the early 90s when daughter was 11 and son was seven.

Apparently they wanted me to have No1MUM but it had gone so they settled on, ONE4MUM. This thrilled me to bits and I wasted no time having it fitted to my Sportpac. I loved it but, for the next few years, there were occasions when I had to explain why laughing young men called out, ‘I’ll give you one, Mum!’ As time went on (and age sadly took its toll) the jesting stopped. These days I drive a company car so, two years ago, I gifted the plates to my daughter, now a mum herself to my much cherished grandsons. I might add, that I haven’t asked her if any ribald remarks have gone her way.

And, if I had, I’m not sure the answer would be seen as a good or bad thing!

eastlife | may 2016 |

29

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

Wild Ferns Manuka Honey Hand CrÈme Make mother’s day when you give her this intensive moisturising Hand Crème containing premium certified Manuka Honey 80+ blended with soothing and softening Shea and Cocoa Butter. Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Chamomile help heal and nurture the skin, making this a beautiful crème to ensure the smoothest of hands.

RRP $19.45. See our website for stockists.

Wild Ferns BEAUTIFUL NATURALLY www.wildferns.co.nz

say it with guylian Capture the exquisite taste of Guylian Original Chocolate Sea Shells. Guylian chocolates are all made the Belgian way with 100% pure cocoa butter and our unique roasted Hazelnut Praline filling, made with caramelised and roasted hazelnuts. Enjoy the world’s favourite Belgian chocolate from a store near you.

Three Sweet Somethings for Mum On Mother’s Day tell Mum you love her with Three Sweet Somethings from Rococo – Chocolates, Cake and Fudge. All beautifully boxed with a keepsake “Mum” coffee mug.

Visit our website for more info www.rococogifts.co.nz or call at our shop and cafe.

LOUNGE SOPHISTICATE! Shop & Cafe, 39c Cavendish Dr, Manukau (the newest cafe in Manukau) Relax in style, laze in comfort and at an affordable price too! This LONGFORD www.rococogifts.co.nz bonded leather recliner lounge suite 3+1+1 now only $1889 (gst incl) – on trend for interior pizzazz. Make sure your lounge has the look of luxury this winter. Available at: Shop 402, Pakuranga Plaza, cnr Ti Rakau Dr & Pakuranga Rd, Pakuranga. Ph 09 576 5998. Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm, late night Thursday 9am-9pm. www.homescene.co.nz

ROCOCO GIFTS

&

GOODIES

Put Mum in the Frame Come Mother’s Day the search is on for meaningful gifts that mum will love. But because every mother is different, it’s never a case of one gift fits all. But at Frames Today we put mothers firmly in the frame for art work they will love. We have framed prints, wall art, New Zealand concepts, contemporary art works and a touch of the traditional plus a whole lot more to show mum she is loved. Pop into our fabulous showroom, packed with diverse wall art ideas of every size and price to add new life to interiors. Alternatively, bring in that special item and we will frame it for you – beautifully! Find the perfect gift for your mum at Frames Today.

Frames Today, 421 Pakuranga Road, Phone 09 577 1287, Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm

30 | eastlife | may 2016

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Mum’s the... words Forget those hackneyed Mother's Day gifts – or newfangled gizmos, for that matter – it’s time to turn over a new leaf (or a few hundred) by choosing an old favourite gift for mum.

Needle Felting: From Basics to Bears Loaded with crafty ways to build skills, this book provides a comprehensive guide to making soft toys at home. Featuring step-by-step instructions and more than 400 photos, Needle Felting: From Basics to Bears is a useful resource even for those new to this craft.

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• Liz Adams: Needle Felting – From Basics to Bears | RRP $34.99 | Dave Bateman Ltd

Love as a Stranger Love can be beautiful but it can also prove an obsession. When Sarah takes a stroll through Symonds Street Cemetery, she begins a story which could lead to life and death decisions.

In Love as a Stranger, Owen Marshall presents a world of affairs, passion and disquieting demands as an unexpected love develops.

• Owen Marshall: Love as a Stranger | RRP $38.00 | Penguin Random House

Mad about Buttons Sew what? Sew buttons, that’s what!

These days mending clothing may be somewhat ‘old hat’, but there are many other applications for all those buttons that somehow linger often long since the garment they

once adorned is gone. In Mad about Buttons, Alice Vinten demonstrates a wide range of ways to up-cycle buttons by creating keepsakes, artworks and jewellery.

• Alice Vinten: Mad about Buttons | RRP $29.99 | New Holland

Superfoods for Kids Since time immemorial, enticing children into eating their greens has been an uphill struggle for mums and dads. Fortunately, Rena Patten

has developed a fresh, superfood strategy to ensure children eat fruits, vegetables and grains, and enjoy them too. Featuring recipes especially designed for children, Superfoods for Kids is intended to help busy parents establish healthy eating patterns in young ones from an early age.

• Rena Patten: Superfoods for Kids | RRP $29.99 | New Holland

The Paris of the West The streets of San Francisco may

WIN! ONE OR ALL TITLES – While these books make great gifts for Mother's Day, we’re sharing the love with copies of each up for grabs. To be in to win any (or all) titles, complete the form at www.eastlife.co.nz.

One entry per person/email address; entries close May 31, 2016. Winners notified by phone or email.

be half a world away from warravaged Paris, however the trauma of the Second World War is not so easy to escape, as Celina and her family discover in this tale of love and loss. From jazz clubs to sun-kissed vineyards, The Paris of the West offers high hopes to new immigrants but betrayal and fresh heartbreak could be just around the corner.

• Karen McMillan: The Paris of the West | RRP $34.99 | McKenzie Publishing

financial fitneSS yOur Way tO get ahead Whatever stage you are at dianne Barlow in Botany South will get you seeing results faster!

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Starting Out

To have any chance of getting on the property ladder you need your finances to be fighting fit! We offer expert and impartial money management and coaching to help you maximize your savings.

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Those of you that already own a property will also probably have a mortgage to match! Our proven process and patented mortgage repayment system can save you thousands in interest costs.

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If you are nearing retirement age then you need to be mortgage-free! If you are not on track get there by 60 then you need to work with Dianne to develop a comprehensive strategy to kill your mortgage, fast!

Visit enableme.co.nz for more information. To book an obligation-free consultation with Dianne, please take 5 mins to complete the online form.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

EastLife readers get a $200 discount off this meeting, making it just $100 + GST!

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eastlife | may 2016 |

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ROCKABYE’S RECIPE FOR WINTER WELLNESS Rockabye Early Learning Centre takes the care and education of young children seriously. Today, centre owner CARYN MAWKES has some tips to help keep children heathy over winter.

The winter season is almost upon us, and now is a good time to start thinking about how you can keep yourself and your family healthy this winter. We all know with winter comes bugs and viruses that seem to be everywhere.

ClOthing • Young children generate less body heat, and get cold quicker than adults.

• Dress your child in layers of clothing that can be put on and taken off easily.

• Children often won’t say if they’re cold, particularly if it means missing out on outside play. Put them in jackets they’ll wear and make wearing it part of the leaving-thehouse routine.

• Ensure your child wears a hat and socks as a lot of body heat is lost through children’s heads and feet.

KEEP yOur hOME warM • It is important to keep your home warm and dry during winter for the health of your family. The recommended temperature for a home is around 18-20ºC. • Open windows during the day, even for a short time, then close them before the sun goes down or before you turn on the heating.

• Having a heater that is installed out of your children’s reach is a good solution, or use a fire guard that is a safe distance from the heater.

• A dehumidifier can also reduce damp and mould that can contribute to respiratory illnesses, allergic reactions and infection.

nutritiOn • While no food has been scientifically proven to ward off bugs, a nutritious diet will help to maintain all-round, good health.

• Some of the best seasonal treats are pumpkin, carrots, potatoes, kumara, beetroot, kale, spinach, mushrooms, citrus fruit, kiwifruit and apples.

• Homemade lemon and honey drinks are very soothing when feeling a little under the weather.

KEEPing ChilDrEn EntErtainED • Sometimes distraction is the only option for children who are unwell and waiting for a bug to pass.

• Cuddle up under a blanket and read some story books (available from libraries).

• Create a hut from upturned chairs with sheets over the top, then lay down some cushions and sit inside to read.

• For those who are well and need to burn some energy try musical statues, ‘Simon says’ or ‘hide & seek’.

• Don’t be afraid of the rain, get a good umbrella and coat – you can still enjoy a walk when there are a few rain drops. There’s nothing better than putting on a pair of gumboots and splashing through puddles.

No one can stop the onset of winter. However, follow these suggestions and you’ll be ready for it when it comes.

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

32 | eastlife | may 2016

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Lulu Moo AND THE MYSTERY OF THE BIG BELLY The writing’s on the Walls! Wendy Walls and Charlotte Giblin of Whitianga have written and illustrated a top notch kids’ classic in the making, Lulu Moo and the Mystery of the Big Belly.

The Lulu Moo books (there are more to come!) are focused on teaching young ones all about rural life on the farm – a world so few city children experience these days.

Lulu Moo and the Mystery of the Big Belly, takes a light-hearted look at healthy eating and fitness; as cow grows fatter, a young boy must help her lose weight.

“This first book is based on real-life events involving my son Tim, and, after all these years, I finally found the right person to help bring the

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win! EastLife has TWO copies of this book up for grabs. To be in to win, complete the form under the competitions tab at eastlife.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close May 31, 2016. Winners notified by phone or email.

book to life!” explains Wendy. This moo-ving book is available online at ariespublishing.co.nz.

• Charlotte Giblin & Wendy Walls: Lulu Moo and the Mystery of the Big Belly | RRP $25 (+$5 p&p) | Aires Publishing

MY GRANDPA IS A DINOSAUR There was a time when most of us thought anyone over 30 was a dinosaur and grandparents were positively ancient! But Wanda’s grandpa really is a dinosaur, so why hasn’t anyone else noticed?

With sly humour lurking in every illustration, My Grandpa Is a Dinosaur is a picture book for children who notice things that escape the attention of many others with humour to be appreciated by readers of all ages.

Humorously told by Richard Fairgray and illustrated by Terry Jones – it seems it takes a Python to spot a reptile! – this tale makes for excellent bedtime reading.

However, don’t try to explain to the little ones who and what Monty Python was or they really will think you’re a dinosaur!

• Richard Fairgray and Terry Jones: My Grandpa Is a Dinosaur | RRP $40 | Double Day / Penguin Random House

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win! EastLife has TWO copies to give away. To be in to win a copy of this monster of a book, complete the form online at eastlife.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close May 31, 2016. Winners notified by phone or email. www.eastlife.co.nz

Puzzle Cryptic Puzzle

time 1

NO. 10022

DOWN

6. Fair, too, which is the good (4,2,4).

8. Flat and square (4).

9. Plus the quarter she gave back (4).

10. A woman in male attire, needless to remark (5).

11. Go round for the walk (4).

12. What the cannibal, to be frank, did, with the chap seeking his vote (9).

16. Slim was to have tea on the way (5,4).

20. By which cows tell farmers there will be bad weather?

(4).

22. The tin soldier inside is for the boy to play with (5).

23. Tip one of the protagonists in the fight (4).

24. Open and destroy (4).

25. Leading ladies of the theatre (10).

1. Plain fish, the doctor goes in for (6).

2. Runs aground and abandons (7).

3. Observed the speed change as I entered (6).

4. Go back, as always, standing right at the end (6).

5. Swift measures taken to imprison a number (5).

7. Miss Gray (5).

13. He dropped the ashes, the fool!

(3).

14. They’re luck they’re the bairns’ parents (7).

15. Bang the old note (5).

17. Pop, in pain, is brave, perhaps (6).

18. Holding the peg, scuttle back inside (6).

19. More roguish with the old soldier (6).

21. Giving a tot to us mixed with beer (5).

4

5 7 8

9

10 11

12

13 14 15

20

16 17

18

19

21 22

23

24 25

Quick Puzzle Puzzle answers on page 74

Sudoku

3

6

puzzle no. 22

ACROSS

2

ACROSS

DOWN

6.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

16.

20.

22.

23.

24.

25.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

7.

13.

14.

15.

17.

18.

19.

21.

Confused (10) Drug (4) Cosy (4) Track (5) Ireland (Gaelic) (4) Assimilate (9) Vegetable (9) Dress (4) Apportion (5) Effigy (4) Tribe (4) Amass (10)

No. 10022

Flag (6) Garment (7) Journalist (6) Chest (6) Confuse (5) Jet (5) Snake (3) Flavouring (7) Running total (5) Pick (6) Season (6) Submarines (1,5) Hackneyed (5)

With you all the way.

Harcourts Botany Botany Town Centre (Beside Rockshop) Phone 09 272 2525 Email botany@harcourts.co.nz www.preetandco.co.nz

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eastlife | may 2016 |

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SchnipS phd launcheS KeRaSilK pRemium haiR caRe Kiss goodbye to all your hair problems – it’s time to forget unmanageable, damaged, dull and limp hair with three new, fabulous Kerasilk Premium Hair Care services at Schnips PHd salons. They have the answer to transforming your locks into beautiful, brilliant tresses. You’ll fall in love with your hair all over again. That’s because new Kerasilk services offer the latest technologies, combined with high-end ingredients, designed to produce exceptional results and long-lasting transformation of hair needing TLC. You’ll love the outcome.

New Kerasilk Reconstruct – From Stressed to Supple Time to regenerate stressed or damaged hair. The Kerasilk Reconstruct service will ensure a long-lasting transformation into soft, supple and healthy-looking hair – for up to 10 hair washes. An indulgent formula with Keratin and Hyaloveil, this treatment is designed to nourish stressed and damaged hair, returning it to is healthiest, glossiest state.

New Kerasilk Repower – From Limp to Luxurious Time to recharge fine and limp hair. The Kerasilk Repower volume service transforms fine and limp hair with the support of Keratin and Elastin. This combination actively interacts with the hair’s structure, strengthening and adding body. The result is luxuriously, full of body, voluminous hair, which lasts for up to 10 washes.

New Kerasilk Colour – From Dull to Dazzling Time to lock down your favourite colour for longer. Kerasilk Colour Beautifying service provides long-lasting, perfectly beautified and brilliantly coloured hair for up to six weeks.

Actively interacting with the hair’s structure, the combination of Tamanu Oil – the secret of Polynesian rituals – and Keratin, evens out the hair’s structure, locking in long-lasting colour and moisture for intensive shine and beauty.

To celebraTe The arrival of This greaT new service, all schnips phd salons are giving KerasilK clienTs a chance To win a fabulous $1000 worTh of complimenTary hair services and/or haircare producTs now available aT

34 | eastlife | may 2016

shop 71b | sylvia parK shopping cenTre | ph 579 2120 www.schnipsphd.com www.eastlife.co.nz sylvia parK | boTany | Kohimaramara | manuKau 12719

Coats, jackets – seasonal essentials Doyenne of the fashion and modelling world DENYSE SAUNDERS provides style tips on how to make the most of jumpsuits for winter.

Choosing the perfect coat or jacket is worth the investment of both time and money. During the winter months, these clothing items are usually seen more often than garments worn underneath.

Quality is the key – a well-cut, welldesigned, well-made jacket or coat will last for years. Poor quality and cut will mean it won’t go the distance.

A perfectly fitting jacket is one of the 10 essential for a workable wardrobe but understanding and finding the ideal jacket may take time.

But the right jacket, whether for casual, work or evening wear, will slim and elongate you, making you appear years younger.

Straight body The best style of jacket for you is a straight line as your figure type is straight up and down. If you are tall, opt for a longer-line straight jacket, perhaps double-breasted. However, if you are short opt for a short, straight, cropped jacket. As you already have

Health, Beauty & Well Being

Two convenient locations 180 Pakuranga Rd, Pakuranga.

Ph: 577 2998 2/166 Chapel Rd, Botany South.

Ph: 274 9489

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slim hips, a cropped jacket will flatter and the shorter length will give an appearance of height. Fabrics should be heavier such as denim, wool, corduroy or tweed.

Shaped body Choose a jacket that nips in at the waist with darts and/or pin tucks – but not too tight! As you are shapelier than the straight figure it is important to emphasise the waist, otherwise you will look like a box.

Boxy jackets are a dime a dozen, so beware purchasing one of these.

Always look for shape; not tight, just semi-fitted. If you are taller, choose a slightly longer style, finishing at the wrist when your arms hang straight down. If you are shorter, look for a style that finishes at the hip bone.

Mother’s 120 mins Day Treat $wa1s $25309

To relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation and mobility and just make you feel good!

• Start with a foot spa • Followed with a relaxing foot massage and pedicure • Then a parafin dip to soften the skin • Finish with an aroma oil body massage

These provide width across the shoulders, making the hips appear smaller whilst balancing your figure shape. A single-breasted jacket with lapels also balances narrow shoulders and wider hips. Soft fabrics that skim gently over the body are a good option.

Curvy body Look for a jacket that has long darts, emphasising the waist. If your shoulders are narrow, then the jacket should have petite shoulder pads sewn into it. These will offset and balance a full bust and wider hips.

Opt for a jacket with either a small lapel or no lapel, as wide lapels or a double-breasted style will make you appear broad across the bust. If you are tall, the length of this jacket style should finish around the top of your leg line. If you are short, the length needs to finish on the hip bone.

Look for a jacket made of a soft, light fabric that gently flows over your curves, rather than a heavy fabric that adds bulk to all the wrong places.

One well-fitted jacket and coat will work with your entire wardrobe and remember that jackets with a neutral base colour, such as black, navy, brown or taupe, will go with jeans, dressy pants, skirts and any height of shoe.

Photo Credits: Photographer: A La Mode Photography by James Saunders. Makeup: Melodie McColl. Model: Kim AndersonSmith. Denyse Saunders Model Management www.dsmodelmanagement.nz.

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

Make the right choice about your dental care

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If you have narrow shoulders, opt for a jacket that has built-in petite shoulder pads.

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

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The perfect-shaped jacket will flatter your natural figure and co-ordinate with almost everything else in your wardrobe. The wrong style will make you appear bigger than you are and some can be downright unflattering.

They may shorten you, widen you and, quite frankly, just make you look dumpy and frumpy, thus aging you instantly.

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

eastlife | may 2016 |

35

Won’t you, slip into something comfortable?

Put Minnie and Cooper together and what do you get?

Well, in this instance you don’t get one of the most on-trend cars around town but you do get a pair of stellar slippers that are super comfy too!

Minnie Cooper is renowned for classic, quality footwear with a twist, and now this New Zealand brand has launched a new fashion-forward range for indoors – Five Star Slippers.

Minnie Cooper designer, Sandy Cooper says style should still be afoot even when indoors.

“So, we’ve created slippers that are beautiful and indescribably comfortable.

"From the letterbox to the lemon tree and everywhere in between, when you’re at home you will want to slip on Five Star Slippers.”

The quality, crafted slippers come in three styles – Classic, Ballet and Mule – and feature soft leathers or cashmere blends, teamed with fleecy wool linings and soft indoor/outdoor soles. RRP starts at $139. www.fivestarslippers.co.nz

HAIR it for Howick!

The Team at HAIR at the Terraces would like to take this opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ to all the lovely people of all ages, from Howick and beyond, who have become our clients and our friends. over the past three years.

To those of you who met us in 2013 you know how far we’ve come. And it’s all because of you!

You came to us because Rebecca Brown (Bex) had created and fostered such a friendly, welcoming atmosphere in our lovely salon.

The team that Bex hand-picked

and fostered is now made up of six talented stylists. Their combined talents are truly impressive.

However, early 2016 has been a time of mixed feelings for our team. Sadly, Tanya left us to go to Australia. On the other hand, Jade has become a permanent member of the team and we have recently welcomed Amy. Between Tanya’s departure and Amy’s arrival, the team struggled to satisfy the needs of our growing list of clients.

We apologise for any inconvenience this caused but we’re so pleased to

now say again, ‘Yes, we can do that!’

We thank you for your patience.

We’d also want to thank you all for your patience with the excessive heat which we endured in the salon this summer. Installing an adequate air conditioning system is high on our list of future projects.

From Tuesday, May 3, we are raising our prices for the first time. As always our priority is to maintain the high level of service that we have become known for. We understand that you have choices but we thank you for choosing HAIR at the Terraces – your patronage is valued and appreciated.

Amy Ward

1/10 The Terraces, 24 Wellington Street, Howick | Ph 535 9554 Email salon@terraceshair.co.nz | Web www.terraceshair.co.nz Bex, Charelle, Louise, Ally and Jade are delighted to welcome our new stylist

Amy Ward

A country girl with a great sense of style.

Bright, breezy, passionate, dedicated... and eager to build on her already impressive skill set.

Bex Brown

Charelle Walker

Louise Adamson

Ally Russell

17 yrs experience.

Professional, energetic, warm and welcoming.

9 yrs experience.

Professional, creative, bubbly and fun loving.

15 yrs experience.

Motivated, creative, talented and a real people person.

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

Senior Stylist

Senior Stylist

Senior Stylist

Senior Stylist

Amy Ward

Senior Stylist

4 yrs experience.

Available now for stylish cuts and amazing colours.

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36 | eastlife | may 2016

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Re-defining Set in stone sports luxe

Ketz-ke has redefined tomboy chic for Winter 2016 with a fresh approach to sports-inspired pieces made for the street, not the gym. This season it’s all about playing with dramatic proportions and layering to create unique looks that scream, ‘this is me’.

Look for elegant mesh accents offering a subtle peek of skin teamed with slouch pants or maxi skirts – sneakers and socks a must to complete the look. With playful styles to suit every personality, Ketz-ke has weekend wear sorted and, of course, the cool factor is never compromised!

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

The tradition of birthstones – one gemstone assigned to each month of the year – can be traced to the Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Bible’s Book of Exodus. The Breastplate was a religious garment set with 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel.

The writings of Flavius Josephus (37 AD-100 AD) and St. Jerome (347 AD-420 AD) made the connection between those 12 stones and the 12 signs of the zodiac with the idea that each gemstone had therapeutic benefits when worn in relation to the corresponding astrological sign.

The more modern idea of each person wearing a gemstone corresponding to their birth month can be traced to 18th century Polish-Jewish gem traders who immigrated to America with a new trend – wearing just one stone. That stone, of course, was their “birthstone”. The modern list of birthstones was defined by the National Association of Jewellers in the USA. in 1912. It is:

➊

• January – Garnet which comes in a variety of colours and endows confidence and charm.

• February – Amethyst, a beautiful lavender for serenity and royalty.

➋

➌

1. Ketz-ke Bubbly Top, RRP $115 & Ketz-ke Fighter Pant, RRP $125. 2.

Ketz-ke Action Tee, RRP $145 & Ketz-ke Pleat Layering Dress, RRP $169. 3.

Ketz-ke Personal Dress, RRP $159 & Ketz-ke Stripe Skivvy, RRP $98

• March – Aquamarine, blue as the sky on a beautiful day, brings good health, happiness and hope.

• April – Diamond , the word derived from the Greek, “Adamis”, meaning invincible, is said to make the wearer

‘

Throughout May, all Emerald jewellery is reduced by 20% at Showcase Jewellers, Howick. Celebrate someone special in your life and make Mother’s Day one to remember.

just that and also offers eternal love.

• May – Emerald, its fine green hues said to enhance fertility and eyesight.

• June – Pearls endow the wearer with modesty and marital stability!

• July – Ruby, representing harmony, strength and nobility.

• August – Peridot, comes in many colours and is said to improve mental health and resilience.

• September – Sapphire, this popular gem offers dignity, loyalty, wisdom.

• October – Tourmaline or Opal for creativity and protection against evil.

• November – Topaz or Citrine, their golden colours give strength and healing to body and mind.

• December – Blue Topaz, Tanzanite or Turquoise, take your pick and your headaches may be eased. Ancient practitioners believed turquoise would change colour when the wearer was ill or in danger.

20% EMERALDS Your OFF Diamond Specialist Supporting New Zealand Designers

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Beauty COUNTER bErry DEliCiOuS SKin tOniC! The journey to beautiful skin is similar to establishing a business – it should be well researched and planned! Our skin can’t be expected to remain in excellent condition, or the maintenance journey to be smooth, if routine steps are skipped! But Oasis Beauty’s Berry Tonic (RRP $32.90, 150ml) is designed to keep skin on the right track. Housed in a spritzer pump, this gentle and alcohol-free facial tonic works to rebalance the skin’s pH level and stimulate its natural radiance with a combination of revitalising, active natural ingredients. It assists to reduce pore size and bring breakouts under control. Available at selected health stores and pharmacies.

bEE bEautiful with by naturE! To help keep skin looking young, fresh and healthy, By Nature’s skincare range contains collagen, elastin, rosehip oil, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Use By Nature’s Purifying Facial Cleanser (255g RRP $7.99) morning and night. Follow the nightly cleanse with a Bee Venom Face Crème (60ml RRP $14.99) treatment infused with UMF New Zealand manuka honey, organic rosehip oil, collagen and elastin. Then, once a week, use the Nourishing & Refining Face Mask (5x 25g pack RRP $9.99) to let active ingredients work their magic. Available at The Warehouse and Countdown.

My gOODnESS – SParKling ClEan anD hyDratED SKin! There is nothing better than having a makeup-free face, but the first step to skin that looks sparkling and healthy is to use a great cleanser, morning and night. Goodness Every Day Cream Cleanser (RRP $19.99, 150ml) does the job brilliantly. It is packed with nourishing goodness from Mother Nature including apple extract, avocado and coconut oils plus the ever present hero ingredient, Goodness Certified Organic Chia Seed Oil. Free from artificial fragrance, it has no added colourants and has not been tested on animals.

Available in selected Countdown, Farmers, The Warehouse and New World stores.

lOvE fOr yOur CutiClES anD nailS! Hands need to look good at all time yet also stand up to daily ‘wear and tear’ and Weleda’s new Cuticle Softener Pen and Nail Care Pen are designed to help.

Complement Weleda’s Pomegranate Regenerating Hand Cream, the pens are packed with antioxidant-rich and skin-regenerating organic pomegranate seed oil plus selected plant extracts to protect and intensively care for nails and cuticles.

Oils and extracts in the Weleda Cuticle Softener Pen (RRP $19.90, 3ml) nourish, soften and gently help remove overhanging cuticles whilst helping to prevent drying out. The Weleda Nail Care Pen (RRP $19.90 2.2ml) intensively nurtures and protect nails and cuticles. Available from health stores and pharmacies.

DEfy yOur agE! Dark circles, tired eyes and wrinkles are no one’s best friend but forget using tea bags to revitalise your looks. Manuka Doctor’s ApiNourish Age-Defying Eye Cream is a rich and intensive eye treatment cream, formulated to smooth, plump and brighten the area around the eyes. The hero ingredients – collagen-boosting, Purified Bee Venom infused with certified UMF 18+ manuka honey, work to increase moisture levels, elastin production and help soften the appearance of fine lines. The Alpha Glucosyl Hesperidin stimulates the skin’s surface circulation to improve dark circles under the eyes. Manuka Doctor ApiNourish Age-Defying Eye Cream (RRP $34.95 15ml) available online and at selected pharmacies and department stores. www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | may 2016 |

39

Injection of youth

CHOOSE YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN TODAY

Any woman who has sat chatting with friends, most likely over a wine, will know the not so secret confessions of Kiwi femmes are likely to include a yearning for some type of cosmetic rejuvenation. While the choices are many, for those keen to rid themselves of wrinkles, Life Pharmacy Botany now offers an appearance medicine service that has quickly attracted clients.

New in...

When anti wrinkle injections and dermal fillers first emerged on the local market there was mixed reaction with many viewing the new ‘rejuvenation’ process with caution.

Convenient and affordable appearance medicine services now available at Life Pharmacy Botany

Some 15 years later, these treatments are recognised as reliable and effective.

They have been embraced by many women who have the confidence to admit they want to preserve their youthfulness for as long as possible and appreciate that there are now options that don’t involve major cosmetic surgeries.

THREE AREAS FOR Skin need JUST $799*

a boost?

Choose from: Frown lines • Crows feet • Forehead lines &and more Convenient

affordable anti-wrinkle Professional qualified nurses injection will take care ofservices wrinkles and

sagging skin with injectable Professional appearance services in the privacy of enhancement nurses take our pharmacy beautywill rooms. care of wrinkles and sagging skin with injectable services in the privacy of in-store beauty rooms.

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FREE CONSULTATION

Packages

At Life Pharmacy Botany, registered nurse and Skin Plus director Cathy Botica, offers professional appearance procedures developed to deliver optimum results.

“Skin Plus uses only products that have been clinically proven safe, effective and are fully registered,” says Cathy. “Our procedures are carried out in a professional environment where we work to exceed industry standards.”

With more than 20 years nursing experience, Cathy has specialised in appearance medicine for the past seven years. She has clinics within Life Pharmacies across Auckland and in Christchurch.

“Despite my strong background in appearance medicine, I did copious research and training before launching Skin Plus with my sister, Pauline, also a nurse.

in-store at Life Pharmacy Botany or call us on (09) 272 7700 ext 703

3 AREAS $799* Choose from: Frown lines • Crows feet • • Forehead lines & more

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Before

After

Above left, frown lines before treatment and, right, after treatment. Below left, crow's feet before treatment and after, right, skin is much smoother. Individual results may vary.

Before However Cathy adds no one should be pressured into treatments and therefore she offers a FREE consultation so people are fully informed about what they can expect to experience and see afterwards.

“People will often go away, think about it, then book a treatment.

Procedures to reduce forehead and frown lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eyes) and those deep lines that form either side of the mouth are the most popular.”

After talking with Cathy about changing attitudes to appearance medicine, EastLife sent its art director Clare McGillivray along for treatment at Life Pharmacy Botany where Cathy is presently available one day per week.

Here’s what Clare said about the experience:

“We started in December 2013 and it’s amazing how quickly people, especially women, have welcomed the use of injections and fillers to reduce the effect of wrinkles and give them a more youthful look.

“When the opportunity arose to ‘test drive’ a treatment, I admit I jumped at the chance. Now approaching 50 I’ve noticed that my frown lines and crow’s feet are evident even when I’m not frowning or smiling.

“Surprisingly, it’s the ‘baby boomers’ who are so open about wanting to look attractive and not age ‘ungracefully.’ If they can retain their good looks with a little extra help many opt to do so and are quite outspoken about it.”

“Friends who have had anti wrinkle injections raved about them and because it seemed quick and easy, I felt quite confident. Unlike a facelift it didn’t seem such a big step and it was much more cost effective.”

After Clare says at her Skin Plus appointment she filled out a medical form and authorisation during a half-hour consultation in which Cathy answered questions.

“Admittedly I was a bit nervous but, from the first, it was all so easy. Cathy was lovely, and absolutely up front about every aspect of what I could expect then and afterwards.”

“There was no need for a local anaesthetic; I just sat back on the bed while she placed seven tiny injections just above the brow.

These stung a bit but I knew these shallow injections would be ‘more stingy’ than the deeper injections around the eye. This proved true. I hardly felt any of the six injections around my crow’s feet.”

Clare was also warned there could be some redness or mild bruising and perhaps a slight tension headache. She was advised not to consume alcohol that night. “But I had no side effects. The only thing I missed out on was a wine with dinner!”

With the anti wrinkle injections expected to take full effect within 14 days Clare returned for a follow up consultation two weeks later.

“I couldn’t be more happy with the outcome. My face still shows plenty of expression and friends have been impressed too, telling me I look great, so, I’m delighted!”

TAPS PP8022

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What’s hot in health?

Most of us want to look the picture of health especially when winter ills are in the air and, of course, there are a myriad of products to help keep bugs at bay. So, check out these five tips for a healthier winter:

1 Matcha Tea If you haven’t heard of matcha tea, you will very soon. The powdered, Japanese tea is taking the world by storm due to its abundant stress-reducing, fatburning, metabolism-enhancing, and immune-boosting health benefits. It is high in anti-oxidants and vitamins

4

Chia Seed Pudding The one instance where it’s acceptable to have pudding for breakfast! Pour 1/2 cup of chia seeds, 1 cup of coconut or almond milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a jar or glass container and refrigerate overnight or until the seeds have gelled. Before serving, top with fresh fruit of your choice and almonds.

3 NZ Made health products Nothing beats eating, drinking and using products that are made right here in Aotearoa, especially when they are natural and organic. The latest Kiwi-made, all-natural product to hit our shelves is Grin Natural. The toothpaste sources ingredients from all four corners of NZ.

2

Kombucha As word has quietly but quickly spread about the antibiotic, antiviral and anti-fungal properties of kombucha, the Chinese drink has been flying off health food shelves despite being around for at least 100 years. It is an ideal to replacement for coffee, soft drinks and wine in our diets.

5

Headstands The yoga pose otherwise known as ‘sirsasana’ is the undisputed king of all headstands. The tricky yoga pose not only makes for great photos but also increases the overall strength and vitality of the body.

Trying for a baby?

Everyone’s experience of having a baby is different.

It’s hard to know when you should check your fertility.

We offer a free nurse phone consultation to talk through your questions and find out your options. To find out more visit fertilityassociates.co.nz or call 0800 255 522

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www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | may 2016 |

41

ADVERTISEMENT

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

‘

Human nature is such that many of us are not content with how we look or ‘who we are’ for some reason. Nearly all of us have an aesthetic sense that we use to recognise what is beautiful in life; a flower, a bird, child or one’s partner; even one’s self!

Equally there are some creatures, sights or people that we do not like to look at as our aesthetic sense of beauty is offended, which is an unpleasant experience.

We all have a strong sense of personal identity from seeing ourselves in photos (as other people see us) or in the mirror as we usually see ourselves ( the reverse of how we actually look!)

Some people are unfortunately born with features that are outside the ‘normal range’ (biological variation).

Some of us as we age change considerably and become something we are not used to seeing...a face or body reminiscent of our mother or father! That person looking back at me is no longer ‘me’ as my brain remembers but the image of an old man or woman.

So many patients tell me things like this. The photos taken at a family wedding often catch one unawares, ‘side-on’ showing that humped or hooked nose, or a thick, fat neck that isn’t obvious from the front when looking in the mirror. This may precipitate a person into seeking professional advice from a

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

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

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

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

This person must be able to offer high quality surgery and be available for post-op care and support. No one regrets buying quality.

Going for the cheapest price with a

holiday thrown in at a distant and exotic destination may be a good idea at the time but I’ve seen many complications and bad results from ‘cosmetic tourism’. It is much better not to go to someone whose credentials, skills and training cannot be easily ascertained.

At Marina Specialists we offer quality surgery in a quality facility with quality after care by highly skilled surgeons with many years of training and surgical experience to produce results you will be pleased with and we can be proud of!

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

42 | eastlife | may 2016

www.eastlife.co.nz

Winter through rose (quartz) glasses Forget those versatile black, grey and brown spectacle frames, Autumn/Winter 2016 is all about injecting colour into your look with Rose Quartz and Serenity announced as the PANTONE速 colours of the year at the recent MIDO Eyewear Exhibition in Milan.

Soft pink and purple-blue pastel shades are on-trend, adding a soft, feminine touch to any outfit.

Pair with denim and lace to create the perfect weekend look.

For those who want to make an even stronger statement, bright red frames are also here to lift the colour game in your wardrobe.

Whether you want a bold pop of colour for your weekend look, or to add the finishing touch to your favourite outfit, the red frame is bursting with flair.

But, whatever your specs style may be, Specsavers has it covered with the latest designer collections from Love Moschino, Alex Perry, Tommy Hilfiger, Max&Co, Karl Lagerfeld and more.

Held at the same time as Milan Fashion Week the MIDO eyewear show is the largest of its kind in the world.

This year, product stylists and designers were there to source the latest from the best, opting for fun shades that add cheer to the gloomy months.

Local

experience and expertise you can

trust

Other clinic locations: Botany Junction, Glenfield, New Lynn, Papakura, St Heliers www.eastlife.co.nz

Our experienced East Auckland team of cardiologists are at Middlemore Hospital and provide a private cardiology service with the Auckland Heart Group at Ormiston Hospital offering a wide range of on-site cardiology services. Should you have any heart problems or concerns, ask your doctor for a referral to us.

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

To find out more, talk to our team on 09 623 1020 or 09 623 4731 ahg@heartgroup.co.nz www.heartgroup.co.nz 125 Ormiston Rd, Botany Junction, Auckland 01951-v4

eastlife | may 2016 |

43

eyeing up vision options Dealing with eating disorders Kristine Jensen, Owner-Optometrist of Eyes of Howick gives the following advice on dealing with macular degeneration.

Birthday season is upon my family and May always conjures up fond memories; it is the month my daughter was born. I remember that night vividly as we walked through the Auckland Domain to observe a ‘SuperPerigee Moon’ appear at the horizon.

Occurring once every lunar year, when the full moon’s orbit travels closer to the earth, the moon appears bigger and brighter than usual. I couldn’t believe my eyes twice that night; the super moon of 2012 and greeting my daughter for the first time.

Our memories are so visual and with May also hosting Macular Degeneration Awareness Week it is another reminder of the importance of vision.

Macular Degeneration (MD) affects 1 in 7 people over the age of 50. It occurs when the central retina, the light sensitive tissue lining the back of our eye, becomes damaged. The Macula provides our finest central vision such as reading, driving and recognising loved ones.

For those with MD, here are some examples of how technology can be of benefit: • Prodigi Digital Magnifier: unique technology incorporating both a tabletop and a hand-held magnifier. Text is magnified while given a ‘diamondedge’, therefore, image quality is maintained. Switch from reading documents to listening to them with a tap of a finger. Documents can be stored onto the hand held device for later reference. The hand held also

acts as a magnifier when you’re on the go – great for reading labels in a supermarket! Technology such as this enables users to read comfortably for much longer while restoring independence to those with reduced vision from conditions such as MD. Search for youtube prodigy duo for a demonstration.

• Centrasight: an emerging surgical procedure for those with reduced vision from advanced MD whereby a miniature telescope is implanted into one eye. This eye then provides enhanced central vision while the other eye maintains peripheral vision.

The first surgery in the Southern Hemisphere was performed recently by a Tauranga ophthalmologist and results have been encouraging.

• Crizal Prevencia: The world’s first spectacle lens considered to reduce risk of MD. A breakthrough discovery has located the most harmful wavelengths of blue light which lead to retinal cell death and ultimately macular damage. Emitted by the sun and artificial light sources, we cannot avoid exposure to blue light. This lens works by blocking 100% UV from both the front and back surface of the lens and also provides selective protection from just the harmful blue light.

Now, if like me, you are interested, check out this link to see when the next full super-moon will appear http://earthsky.org/space/what-is-asupermoon but don’t forget Macular Degeneration Awareness Week – May 23-29! www.eyesofhowick.co.nz

There are three categorises of eating disorders. This article focuses on the most insidious and dangerous of them: Anorexia Nervosa (AN). It is now the third most common, longterm illness among teenagers.

AN affects mainly girls in the 14 to 24 age group. It has the highest death rate of all ‘mental disorders.’

Most parents don’t realise that their beautiful child has AN until it is well progressed. AN sufferers are sneaky.

They make excuses around meal times, they adopt different diets, hide food for later disposal, vomit their food after meals, use large doses of laxatives, exercise excessively to burn categories, wear loose clothes and employ other ingenious strategies to reduce food intake and burn calories.

I was the CEO one of the largest government contracted, residential ED services. After banging my head against a brick wall, I made the statement that I would not put my own daughter in my own service because of the egos, patch protection and bureaucracy within the DHB that was preventing proven best practice.

In the entire hullabaloo that followed, not one person asked me what it would take to change things so that I would put my daughter in my own service. If they had, I would have referred them to the huge numbers of studies showing what is effective in treating AN and what the really effective international clinics are doing.

AN can be caused by a number of factors. Studies show a link to genetics, nutritional deficiencies, cultural expectations on how we should look, lack of control over one’s life and many others.

I do need to acknowledge my amazing staff who did read the studies and shared my frustration at the barriers to change.

Usually the first stop is the GP. In my experience GPs are extremely intelligent people, with a vast knowledge of medicine, but ED is a specialist field. They will usually discuss referral options, both public and private. Good luck with the public system.

So what can you do? Well, a good doctor friend of mine took his daughter to Europe for the most effective treatment for his most precious gift. Be aware that private treatment is expensive. If you cannot afford this and are stuck with the public system, then read, learn, push, and demand. This is your precious child.

As a naturopath I do work with AN clients. Please visit my website to share one person’s journey to get a glimpse of what is involved.

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

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

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

100 Picton Street, Howick, Auckland 2014 12330

100 Picton Street, Howick.

44 | eastlife | may 2016

I am commonly asked: How do I know if my child has an eating disorder and, if so, what should I do?

Do not for a minute think that when you finally jump through all the hoops of the public system that you can heave a sigh of relief that all will be well.

Proudly caring for local eyes.

T.Phone.

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

CLIVE PLUCKNETT, Naturopath, P.G.Dip. Anti Aging Medicine, P.G.Dip. Cancer Nutrition, P.G.Dip. Mental Health Nutrition, MBA, BA, P.G.Dip Science

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

Stay motivated heading into winter Summer is on its way out and it’s definitely getting cooler. It’s not as light outside anymore and this is definitely not helping the motivation levels for training over the colder months, right?

The one thing you need to change in order to beat that temptation of hitting the snooze button and to stay motivated heading into the winter season is your mindset.

You’ve probably heard this a million times but it is definitely the biggest factor in getting where you want to be.

Goal Setting. Set a reachable goal that will get you through. If you are not into running, no problem. Set another goal. A bit of muscle imbalance you want to correct, a couple of kilos you would like to lose, a percentage of body fat you would like to reach are some examples. It could be time to revisit those resolutions you made earlier this year.

It’s all good and well setting the goals but we all know that sticking to them

is sometimes challenging. If you have an idea of what you want to look like, stick a photo of that image on your fridge, or somewhere you will see it every day.

Maybe you don’t have the right 'tools' for exercise or for a personal trainer? Buying yourself new shoes or new exercise gear can help you feel as if you’re really dedicated to your goal.

Focusing on the benefits of exercise, with a strong mindset, will help you out of that cosy bed at 6am especially when it’s cold and dark outside.

Updating your playlist can help keep you upbeat and motivated whilst working out.

Again, remind yourself. Would you rather have minimal stress levels, a tonne of energy and feel great about yourself or be falling asleep at your desk, feeling overweight and terrible about yourself ?

Write down the ways exercise adds quality to your life and put it next to that image on the fridge. When you’re feeling flat, read it.

Personal trainers are a great investment for that extra bit of push that you’re after.

During winter and the months leading up to winter they are the motivation masters. If price is an issue, bring

Download new songs and constantly change it up. The best exercise music can usually be found between 120 and 140 beats per minute.

along a friend or even find a group session to attend. This will divide the cost.

Training with a friend or a personal trainer increases accountability and often forces an increased level of effort in your training. You’ll most likely have a better time exercising than if you were alone.

Reward yourself. When you reach your goal, spoil yourself with something that says “Well done”.

A new outfit for your new body will make you feel on top of the world.

Set this reward when you create your initial goal and use it as a motivator to get you through the winter season.

Before you know it, its warmer weather and you’re feeling great!

– Submitted by the team at Jetts Fitness Highland Park

e m i t e k a T . u o y r fo Save over $100 when you join this month, pay only $29 card fee.

Plus be in to win 1 of 10 Spa Experiences or a decadent High Tea for two* Register today at www.jettsonline.co.nz Clubs in your area: Botany, Botany Junction, Highbrook, Highland Park, Howick *May Promotion terms and conditions are available at www.jetts.co.nz/join-in-may. Start up fees may vary between clubs. Ongoing membership fees apply.

Jetts Fitness terms and conditions apply and are availabe at www.jettsonline.co.nz/terms. Offer expires 31.05.2016.

24 hour fitness 02156-v4

Making sense of obesity ‘ Robyn Toomath doesn’t ask her patients to lose weight. Well, that’s what it said on the press release and, as intended, the statement intrigued.

The next sentence said her new book, Fat Science, explains why.

That’s two pretty compelling statements from the endocrinologist and clinical director of General Medicine at Auckland Hospital. In this new release, the author draws on the latest research, and 20 years of working with overweight patients, to help dispel myths and tell the tough truths about New Zealand’s obesity epidemic.

The book is short and punchy. And so are the answers to come common questions eg. Does dieting work? No! Is exercise the answer? No! Can we change our genes? Unfortunately, no!

Plus many more.

Furthermore, this is not a step by step guide on how to cut calories.

It’s about debunking misconceptions and outlining what might make a difference to the country’s burgeoning

obesity with its associated problems such as type 2 diabetes.

It looks at conventional ways of losing weight then at the true drivers of the obesity epidemic – how the world we live in is making us fat – and, finally, it looks at the role of governments in leading behavioural shifts.

There will be many readers who can identify with the author’s observations and her belief that although there are numerous books which tell people how to get thin, “it doesn’t seem as if the success rate has been all that good.”

On reading Fat Science it is clearly evident that people are just getting fatter in our land of dairy and manuka honey. That our environment, the way we live and the sheer scale of today’s food economics all contribute to today’s obesity problems is undeniable and this book helps readers understand how that has come about.

The author states quite simply this

WIN! FAT SCIENCE – For those keen to discover more about the myths, and tough truths about obesity, EastLife has a copy of this book to give away. To enter the draw visit the competitions tab at eastlife.co.nz and complete the form. One entry per person/email address; entries close May 31, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

book is for people (their spouses, children, parents, even their doctors) who try to lose weight but fail.

“It is for the overweight people who think it’s their fault’....” But if you want to lose weight you must first understand why most of us can’t change our body size.”

contains revelations and hard truths.

However, as well as being sobering Fat Science aims to help those who fail to understand that eating less doesn’t always have the desired outcome, have a better understanding of how to start combating what has become pretty well a global problem.

It is as encouraging as it is revealing

From the outset Fat Science is fascinating. It is refreshingly frank, it is informative, it is relevant and it

• Robyn Toomath / Fat Science / RRP $29.99 / Auckland University Press.

– H. Perry

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

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

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

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

The aim of the surgery is to reduce the

www.ormistonhospital.co.nz

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

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

46 | eastlife | may 2016

www.eastlife.co.nz

Noshing on nashi Asian in origin, nashi may have come from east of Eden, but they’re little sweeties which are surely heaven sent. In fact, the big man can keep his apples, as long as we have these pears!

The shape and crunchy texture of apples, combined with the flavour of pears, they are fat-free, high in fibre and vitamin C, with a low calorie count. First grown in China, Japan and Korea, nashi are available in a number of varieties.

Depending on the variety, they are ready to be picked when yellow or brown in colour, although some varieties remain green. When ripe,

nashi should smell strong and sweet, and, when tasted, juicy and sweet with crisp skin similar to apples.

Ready for picking from February to July, fruit can be kept in the fridge for a few weeks (or about a week in a fruit bowl).

Way to grow

less fruit if the soil is waterlogged.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the tree’s roots, place the tree in the centre of the hole and fill with topsoil. Lightly compact the soil to remove air pockets and water.

Ideally, in New Zealand, nashi trees should be planted in winter, with the fruit ready for harvest from January to July, depending on variety.

Most varieties cannot produce fruit from their own pollen and require cross-pollination with a compatible variety, so bear this in mind when planting.

Choose a sheltered, cool, freedraining spot. While nashi cope well in wet conditions, they will produce

Once the tree is established, water weekly and apply mulch around the trunk, leaving a clear space. Fertilise

with a half cup of plant food per year of age, to a maximum of eight cups per season.

Each year, after the petals fall, prune roughly 10 percent of the tree’s branches to encourage growth. Cut at a 45 degree angle – up and away from the centre of the plant and approximately 6-7mm above the buds.

All’s fair

with a love of pears Thanks to the good folk at Nashi NZ and Soulsa Restaurant Whakatane, we have some suggestions to make a meal from these appealing pears.

Nashi Caramel Dessert

Salmon with Nashi, Kumara, Lime, Honey and Ginger dressing Serves 2 • 2 150g salmon fillets • 2-300g kumara • 1 small-medium nashi peeled • 1 small red pepper • 1 lime Honey and Ginger Dressing: • 2 Tbsp honey • 2 Tbsp vinegar • 1 Tbsp oil • 1 Tbsp finely grated fresh ginger Cut kumara into 2cm cubes and boil or microwave until soft. Keep warm.

Grate zest of lime and squeeze juice. www.eastlife.co.nz

Peel, core nashi. Slice to your taste.

Set aside on a flat dish and pour over the lime juice. Slice the red pepper.

• 1 med-large nashi (c 300g) • 100g flour • 100g sugar • 1.5 Tsp baking powder • 1 egg • 1 Tsp vanilla essence • 75g melted butter For caramel: • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 Tbsp water Heat sugar and water over moderate heat, stirring constantly until syrup is turning golden. Quickly and carefully (avoid splashes) pour into

baking dish and tilt to cover bottom and sides with a thin film of caramel.

Peel core and thinly slice nashi.

Place dry ingredients in a bowl. Beat in the egg, then fold in vanilla and melted butter. Place nashi slices in rings in a single layer on top of the caramel. Cover with the cake mixture.

Put the dish in the bottom half of the oven. Cook for 1.25 hours at 160 Centigrade. Allow to cool. Place a plate of greaseproof paper over the dish then turn over.

Put all the dressing ingredients in a pan and heat gently until honey has melted. Grill the salmon until sizzling.

Drain kumara and coat with some of the dressing.

Lay the salmon steaks over the kumara and garnish with the nashi and red pepper. Drizzle dressing over the salmon. Any residual lime juice can be added to taste.

Sprinkle lime zest around the plate and over the food.

For more recipes, or tips, see nashi.org.nz. Recipe pics courtesy Nashi NZ and Soulsa Restaurant Whakatane. eastlife | may 2016 |

47

Holst lot of cooking going on Holst on, readers, here comes another culinary classic from the kitchens of Alison and Simon Holst!

The latest addition to the Everyday Easy series, Sweet Treats features recipes for dishes which have graced the tables of generations of the Holst family.

Fish of the Month

blue moki From Oceanz Seafood, The Hub, Botany Blue moki flesh is firm and chunky. When cooked it has a slightly flaky texture and is suitable for most cooking methods. It has a very moist and light flavour and has all of the culinary applications of tarakihi, hapuku and snapper.

Blue moki are versatile and appealing in all aspects of dining from the highest calibre of fine dining to the absolute best fish sandwich available.

While some treats are delightfully decadent, other fruit-and-nut based goodies are designed to be ‘guilt-free.’

From birdseed bars and cherry truffles, to home-made chocolates, with this book in hand, any Kiwi cook is liable to conjure up their own just desserts!

• Simon & Alison Holst: Sweet Treats – for those special occasions | RRP $15.99 | Hyndman Publishing To give readers a taste of treats to come, try this recipe for:

Despite being relatively abundant, they are not often caught by recreational anglers – their very particular eating habits mean they must be specifically targeted.

Ginger Fudge Makes 40–60 pieces

They are especially prized by divers and can be found lurking in caves or under ledges as well as swimming over sand-floored canyons or schooling near reasonably shallow, reefy areas.

Blue moki are most common in the south of New Zealand but some may be found as far north as the Three Kings.

There is only one spawning ground off the east cape of the North Island. It is thought that all fish are “supposed” to head south after spawning but some get lost and head north. This explains why a lot off large fish but no small ones are often seen around the Coromandel and other northern areas.

48 | eastlife | may 2016

Ingredients

‘

Win! Copies of Sweet Treats EastLife has FIVE copies of this book to give away. To be in to win, see the competitions tab at eastlife.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close May 31, 2016. Winners notified by phone or email.

• 2 cups sugar • 1/2 cup milk • 50g butter • 1/2–1 tsp ground ginger • 1 Tbsp golden syrup • 1/2 tsp vanilla essence • 2–4 Tbsp chopped walnuts

Method Measure the sugar, milk and butter into a medium-sized pot. Add the ginger and the golden syrup.

Heat, without stirring, over a medium heat until the mixture boils.

Continue to boil gently, stirring frequently to prevent the mixture

catching on the bottom, until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage or 118°C if you are using a confectionery thermometer.

Remove from the heat and leave to stand until the pot is cool enough to touch, then add the vanilla and chopped nuts.

Beat with a rubber scraper or wooden spoon until the fudge shows signs of thickening.

Before it sets firm, spoon into a lightly buttered or non-stick sprayed 20–23cm square tin and swirl the top with a knife. When firm, cut into squares.

Recipe reproduced from Everyday Easy Sweet Treats by Simon & Alison Holst. www.eastlife.co.nz

Easy recipes with the yoghurt touch!

Wholesome, homemade Hansells Yoghurts are packed full of goodness. Nutritious and a great source of protein, they help promote a healthy digestive system and, of course, contain calcium to help maintain strong bones. Easily made in a Hansell’s Yoghurt Maker, kids love them too.

So here are two summer delicious recipes each containing Hansells Thick and Creamy Greek-style yoghurt – something for the whole family.

Indian Fish Cakes Serves 10 Makes approx 20 bite sized fishcakes

Ingredients: • 1 cup cold mashed potato • 1 x 425g tin tuna in spring water (drained) • 1 tbsp mild curry powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander • 2 tbsp rice bran oil per batch of fish cakes or as needed • 1 beaten egg • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs • 1/2 cup prepared Hansells Thick & Creamy Natural Greek style yoghurt • 1/2 cup grated cucumber • 1 tsp lemon juice • Lemon rind curls

Method: Place cold mashed potato, tuna, curry powder, salt and coriander in a bowl.

Stir thoroughly to combine.

fishcakes whilst oil heating up.

Take a tablespoon of mixture and dip into beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Prepare a batch of

Heat 2 tbsp Rice Bran oil in a frying pan, and cook fishcakes until golden brown on both sides.

Mix yoghurt, cucumber and lemon juice together.

Serve on top of warm fishcakes sprinkled with the lemon rind curls.

Semifreddo with yoghurt, honey, raspberry and pistachio Ingredients:

Method:

• 4 egg whites • 150 g of honey • 450g of Hansells Thick & Creamy Natural Greek style Yoghurt • Juice of half a lemon • 100 g of fresh or frozen raspberries • 70 g peeled pistachios • 150 g raspberries for decoration

Mix the yoghurt, honey and lemon.

Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently mix a few spoonful of the yoghurt mixture with the egg whites, then slowly add the remainder of the egg white, trying to keep the airiness.

Fill 1/3 of the mixture in a cake tin lined with baking paper, layer with half the raspberries, then add the remaining mixture and top off with the remaining raspberries.

Put in the freezer to freeze. Before serving, dip the bottom of the mould in hot water, turn the semifreddo onto a plate. Garnish with pistachios and raspberries.

www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | may 2016 |

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Taste

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

Luck of the Irish Sales of Graham Norton’s Own Sauvignon Blanc may have gone through the roof for Kiwi winemaker, Invivo, since the popular UK comedian set Irish eyes smiling by importing the 2015 vintage. But there’s another reason to sample this tipple (to be sure, to be sure), it’s taste. Defined by Graham as lovely with a tropical fruit taste and a bit of zing, this multi-medal winning wine is available (12.5%, RRP $18.95) New World, Super Liquor and Liquorland outlets nationwide.

NEW LOOK FOR ‘FAV’ MUESLI New name, new packaging, same delicious muesli variants for that all important breakfast.

Cecile’s Creative Kitchen, formerly Cec’s Muesli, aims to reflect the company’s creative flair and product innovation with the kitchen being about tradition and sharing. The packaging’s varying layers of colour help to differentiate the muesli variants: Cranberries & Currents with Flaxseed Fibre & Seeds (GF); Banana & Hazelnuts with Vanilla & Coconut (GF); Almonds & Brazil Nuts with Seeds & Honey (No Fruit, GF); Seeds & Nuts with Honey & Quinoa (No Fruit, GF); Fruit & Nuts with Seeds & Fine Oats The new, Strawberries & Cashews with Seeds & Fine Oats, is a Bircher muesli which can be heated to make a warming porridge. Cecile’s Creative Kitchen Muesli range (RRP $14.50, 400g and 500g pouches) in supermarkets and specialty food stores.

Suck-seed with sesame Once the reserve of sophisticates, these days hummus holds its own. However, ensuring hummus is less dodgy dip and more Mediterranean marvel depends on the quality of one teeny tiny ingredient in particular. Fortunately, (as well as offering ‘hot to trot’ chickpeas) Chantal Organics also provides its own 100% organic tahini paste (RRP $8.99/400gm jar – from supermarkets and specialty stores. So, open sesame, we’re ready to take a dip!

HUMBLE HONEY SODA SWEET ON BEES The buzz around town is Humble Honey Soda, a refreshing, naturally-derived soda created to promote wellbeing – inside every bottle is two teaspoons of honey! And. for every bottle sold, Humble will assist in helping bees pollinate. With bee colonies around the world threatened by the likes of the voracious varroa mite, the impact on our ecosystem could be catastrophic. Without bees everyday foods such as apples, grapes, almonds, avocados, coffee, coco beans and more would simply disappear. With bees needing help, Humble is doing its bit through various bee awareness programmes AND via soda sales. Humble Honey Soda is available through www.humblesoda.co.nz and likeminded cafes in Auckland, RRP $5.50 a bottle.

Crisp new look!

Burger me!

If foodies have failed to spot their favourite Danny’s Pita Crisps on supermarket shelves that’s probably because they now come in a crisp new look! But, make no mistake, Danny’s is still using the same trusted recipe in which the freshly baked Pita Bread is split in two, lightly coated with oil, cut into triangles and baked until golden brown, then seasoned with tasty flavours: Onion and Poppy Seed, and Garlic and Sesame Seed. With no additives or preservatives, they are also suitable for vegans and are perfect for work or school lunch boxes or for platters and snack bowls. Danny’s Pita Crisps (RRP $5.49 150g bags) available at supermarkets and specialty food stores.

Kumara burger... did we read that right? Well, yes, we did and happily so! While some may still think meat-less burger imitations are ‘has-beans’ when compared to the real thing, Bean Supreme’s new Kumara Burger is raising the stakes. Loaded with quinoa, buckwheat, black eyed beans and (the star ingredient) kumara, these patties, based on taste alone, are likely to even make carnivores call out for more. These wholefood heroes are available from supermarkets nationwide RRP from $7.99 (four pack).

www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | may 2016 |

51

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

SZIMPLA GASTRO BAR

ROSSINI ITALIAN RESTAURANT

OCEANZ SEAFOOD BOTANY

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

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

Available for functions 7 days, lunch and dinner.

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

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2 Leonard Isitt Dr, Auckland Airport.

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

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

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

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

Open Tuesday-Sunday 5.30pm-11.00pm

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BENJARONG THAI RESTAURANT

THE APOTHECARY

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

Your favourite Thai restaurant since 1998. After 18 successful years in the heart of Howick, Benjarong is a household name in the east, consistently maintaining its tradition of menu, service and decor excellence.

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

• OPEN FOR MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH AND DINNER – 11.30am-2pm, 5pm-late • Check out lonestargrabameal.co.nz – new meal deals updated daily at 8.30am

52 | eastlife | may 2016

Planning a function? Choose The Apothecary for your engagement, wedding, anniversary or birthday! We’ll make your function one to remember! No function fees! Email info@ theapothecary.co.nz – special conditions apply.

87 Picton Street, Howick. Ph 533 9568.

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

792 Great South Rd, Manukau.

Ph 985 0590.

Cafe open Monday-Sunday 5pm until late.

Bar open Monday-Sunday 4pm until late. www.lonestar.co.nz

LICENSED

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

$$

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• NEW BREAkfAST AND LUNCH MENU – Café open weekdays from 7am, weekends from 8am • SMALL PLATE MENU available at The Cellar Bar Wed-Sat from 4pm til late • THE CELLAR HAPPY HOUR – 4-6pm Wed-Sat, $5 wine and beer, $9 cocktails

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

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MY Favourit e Thing

Photo Wayne Martin

Values steeped in Chinese heritage Well travelled, Barfoot and Thompson real estate consultant, mother of two, Angela Yee says trying to settle on one favourite thing in her life was too difficult so she opted for three.

With my cultural roots firmly planted in two distinct countries – China and New Zealand – three thoughts came to mind when I was asked – what is your favourite thing, Angela?

Grandma (Mee Kuan Yee) started life here with my granddad. They opened a laundromat in Wellington with the majority of the work being the ironing of American soldiers uniforms during the Second World War. Later they operated a fruit shop then moved to market gardening, mainly Brussels sprouts in Oamaru.

My father still tells the story of clearing the stones from the land.

After Wellington, Grandma spent 14 years over-seeing the former family restaurant, The Golden Orchid at

Pakuranga Town Centre – many long standing residents will remember it, I’m sure.

My second favourite thing is a little known, 2009 New Zealand documentary entitled, This Way of Life. Oscar short-listed it follows a family living at grass roots, hunting for food and riding horses, living from the land. Life is by no means easy but to see how connected they are as a family without the material things is super grounding.

I, too, grew up racing around on horses, without fear and without being wrapped up in cotton wool as many children are today.

It reminds me that the things that are important in life are people and

family. It is a film you watch and then realise despite whatever dreams of wealth, travel or otherwise you might have, you already have enough.

Materially, my favourite item is an artwork gifted from my grandmother.

It’s one of two paintings that came from China. It has been in the family for as long as I can remember and instead of residing in Grandma’s home it now proudly hangs in mine!

It shows a man riding a horse into the Yellow Mountains in China (a World Heritage site) looking at the view and playing music. It makes my house a home.

Without doubt I have other favourites but these three things have impacted on me and shaped my outlook on life.

11813-V2

Children aside, I immediately thought of my grandmother. She came here from China at the age of 16 and is now 87, is as fit as a fiddle, has a busier social calendar than most people half her age and a great sense of humour.

She has raised five children and eight

grand children of which I am the eldest. She has taught me so much about life. Always optimistic, verging on slightly naughty, she has showed me that patience and perseverance are great skills to have.

www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | may 2016 |

53

Flair for needlework

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After yet another couple of cruisy days in Rotovegas, where the action had revolved around the Rotorua Triathlon – such a great atmosphere – I was all set to leave town. However, on driving along Fenton Street, a colourful shop front shouted – Stop!

On pulling up at Cottage Flair, it was clear that this was a Shangri-La for quilters, patchworkers and knitters.

Now, I’m no sewer; I can only just thread a needle to repair a hem. I’ve never owned a sewing machine and the one and only attempt I ever made at constructing a dress – something like a sail gone wrong – ended up in the rubbish bin.

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Yet, against the odds, I have always loved beautiful fabrics, gorgeous

ribbons, colourful threads and wool of all description. From the time I started work, I could never resist buying a length of this or a yarn of that (with no ideas as to what I would do with it all) until the day came when I just had to give a bursting cupboard full of material away to worthy causes.

I stayed staunch for a few years but every now and then I slip back into old habits. Subsequently, I’ve given away more fabric and even done some embroidery classes which I’d like to take up again, one day.

So, on seeing Cottage Flair there was no way I could walk away from this eye-catching, fun store that seemed to have my name on so many items. I was smitten.

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Inside I saw the most exquisite workmanship in quilts, cushions and runners, dolls, baby clothes, soft toys and even a basket of brilliant red, knitted poppies – which clever knitter created those? I wondered.

not seen it before) and two years in central Rotorua.

Sadly, I live in Auckland and even if there was a Cottage Flair on my patch, working hours, not to mention my lack of skill, would prevent me joining.

And just beyond the poppies was the store’s own coffee shop Time for a Yarn, oh, yes!

Naturally, the shelves were crammed full and, as any handcrafter will know, patchwork fabrics come in every stunning colour and pattern imaginable.

you want one, you make one! Yeah, right.

But for me – the dilettante dressmaker – the tragedy was that not one of those beautiful display pieces was available for purchase. If

And, that’s fair enough especially as Cottage Flair offers a variety of classes for both awkward, yet eager, amateurs as well as for those who

are well along the needlework track.

What’s more it seems those students must be learning in the midst of good, possibly the best, needlework company.

So, I’ll just have to dream about owning one of those saucy Jill Maas dolls such as Denise the Angel.

It seems – ‘Denise the Angel was considered to be slightly ‘outside’ respectable society, but it’s a difficult job deciding which wishes to grant!’

Jill Brake heads a great team and has owned the shop for 19 years – 17 in Ngongataha (so, that’s why I’d

Now, there’s no resisting that kind of humour. Amazing what one small weekend adventure can bring.

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Open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 11am-4pm. Ph 09 273 8985. www.homeabout.co.nz www.trademe.co.nz/stores/homeabout 01203-v3

eastlife | may 2016 |

55

THE STOOTH IS OUT THERE!

OUT OF EUROPE

ruSSian On: Wha(t) the heck is Tembolat Gugkaev, thinking as he conjures up intriguing designer furniture? Proving Stooth is indeed stranger than fiction, this Russian creative has provided an ideal chair for the ‘bone’ idol, or extremely well-funded dentists’ offices for that matter. However, it’s his Wha Cabinets, Tectonic bookcases and Tatik chair and shelving units that really show how ‘twisted’ Tembolat’s vision really is… and we love him for it! Designed to combine function with fascinating form, these items (and more) show Russia has a lot more to offer than just a man who’s mad, Vlad and dangerous to know. Tembolat Gugkaev’s products can be ordered direct at tembolat.com/gallery.

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56 | eastlife | may 2016

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Putting best photos in the frame...

PERFECT EVERYTIME Fed up with gulping down instant coffee in the morning? Would love a fast efficient coffee machine?

Well, take a look at Sunbeam’s new Café Series Espresso Machine plus Multi-Capsule™ Handle.

With Mother’s Day a May highlight, many families will undoubtedly take a trip down memory lane, recalling good times from the past and those unforgettable moments.

Now, you can have your ultimate coffee choice in no time at all simply by choosing your favourite pod accessory option – Nepresso, Lavazza or Caffitaly. Choose the ground coffee option and become your own at home barista.

The few hours together will pass all too quickly and it could be a long time before those memories have another airing. But one way to preserve special occasions and mementoes is to frame them.

This high performance, manual espresso machine with twin thermoblock and twin pump technology comes with a capsule handle so you can choose that favourite pod coffee.

Karin from Frames Today says everyone has photographs and keepsakes from their youth and in every parental home there is likely to be boxes of ‘snaps’ ranging from grandparents and other forebears through to weddings, birthdays, favourite travel destinations and a multitude of photos of children growing up.

“Some of these may even be proudly on display but it’s easy for framed photos to become outdated and faded so why not talk to a picture framer about re-inventing your showcase of memories?

R

O AW O ER FF S

“Recently we were given a group of photos all mounted within the one frame. The colour of the mount and the actual frame were old fashioned and no longer suited decor in the home. Many of the photographs were also faded or discoloured,” she says.

Also included is a cup warming tray, 4 filter baskets, Nespresso Capsule adaptor, Lavazza adaptor, Caffitaly adaptor, milk jug, tamper, water filter, cleaning dish and cleaning tools. Available at leading coffee appliance retailers RRP $1399.99.

“By converting all the photos to black and white, choosing a white frame and mount and keeping to straight lines, the end result was a revitalised, multi-photo art work.

It was modern and designed to fit almost any colour scheme. The owners were thrilled.”

Karen says framing keepsakes and mementoes of any kind can be done

tastefully and in keeping with the style of a home.

“We all have items of sentimental value which don’t seem to have a proper place so they are left mouldering in a drawer. Bring them out and talk to a framer about ways in which they can be attractively displayed so they give daily pleasure – a great gift or treat yourself!”

Keep your drawers on!

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57

Hyacinth

Bryony

Veronica

Hyacinth, Veronica

and Bryony – Mother’s Day bloomers Mother's Day is almost here again and some will say it’s looking Rosie... that’s if mum was named for this best loved of flowers, at least!

However, with many women named after garden beauties what better time to remember the Veronicas and Ericas of this world, the Blackeyed Susans and Creeping Jennies too?

Hyacinth Among those that spring to gardeners’ minds is Hyacinth. Who could forget the airs and graces of Hyacinth Bouquet (or rather Bucket) from TV sitcom fame and her three sisters, Daisy, Violet and Rose?

In Greek mythology, Hyacinth (Family Asparagaceae, sub family Scilloideae, genus Hyacinthus) was a beautiful youth, loved by both the god Apollo and the West Wind, Zephyr. Apollo and Hyacinth loved to take turns at throwing the discus but tragedy struck when in an effort to impress Apollo, Hyacinth ran to catch a spinning discus. It struck him instead and he fell down dead.

A twist to the story seemingly makes the wind god Zephyrus responsible for Hyacinth’s death. Envious of the lad’s beauty, Zephyrus argued with the beautiful Apollo whom he thought Hyacinth preferred.

In a fit of jealousy, Zephyrus blew Apollo’s discus off course making sure Hyacinth was injured, or as

58 | eastlife | may 2016

it turned out, was killed. However, it is said Apollo refused to let Hades claim Hyacinth and instead made a flower, the hyacinth, from his spilled blood.

Subsequently, hyacinths are sometimes associated with rebirth and the flower is used in the HaftSeen table setting for the Persian New Year celebration, Nowruz, held during the Spring Equinox.

However, gardeners should remember that hyacinth bulbs contain poisonous oxalic acid and handling these can cause mild skin irritation – wear protective gloves.

Veronica While much has been said about roses, daisies and violets, there is, perhaps, less known about Veronica from the family Plantaginaceae, genus Veronica. Common names are speedwell, bird’s eye and gypsyweed, and there are scores of species.

One such is Veronica

americana which is edible and similar to watercress.

Another is Veronica umbrosa or Georgia Blue, a vine-like ground cover that stays short as it sprawls across the earth. Then there’s Veronica spicata, Royal Candles, with upright flower spikes resembling candles.

There is also one famous, real life Veronica, Saint Veronica, who is said to have wiped Christ’s face with a veil during his ordeal at Calvary. Supposedly, his image was transferred onto this cloth, which came to be known as the Veil of Veronica.

While we could rattle on about Pansy, and Heather, Jasmine and Ivy too, we’ve chosen Mother’s Day to also remember...

Bryony Bryonia is a genus of flowering plant in the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae) The perennial, tendril-climbing Bryony is native to western Eurasia and regions, such as North Africa, the Canary Islands and South Asia. Sometimes known as mandrake, the only English species, white Bryony,

grows in hedgerows reaching as far north as Yorkshire.

Bryony is known, for its small green flowers, and has a large, pale root containing a bitter-tasting, milky liquid, which has been used in some herbal medicines – the Greeks and Romans favoured it for its purgative and cathartic properties.

Some old-time herbalists suggested the root was good for: ‘stitches in the side, palsies, cramps and convulsions,’ and it has been used to treat sciatica, and rheumatism as well as coughs and flu. However, in general these plants, especially the red berries, are poisonous and can be fatal.

On two entirely different notes, Augustus Caesar was said to wear a wreath of Bryony during thunderstorms to protect him from lightning, and the HMS Bryony was a Flower-class Corvette – one of a number of ships named after flowers, including the HMS Buttercup that served in the Royal Navy.

And while today we salute just a few floral ladies, there’s been many a mum who has named her own little ‘flower’ after a garden favourite.

www.eastlife.co.nz

My Food Bag goodness

the gift for Mum! How many times have you asked mum “what’s for dinner”? Why not tell her this Mother’s Day with a My Food Bag voucher – either gift her a whole delicious food bag or simply specify a dollar amount to help take the hassle out of dinner time.

‘

Designed for people who enjoy cooking but who run out of time to give it their best attention, My Food Bag is fresh, healthy and delicious and the meals are easy to prepare.

With seven bags to choose from, My Food Bag helps to solve the ‘what’s for dinner?’ dilemma.

Each week, the My Food Bag team of chefs draw inspiration from Nadia’s Nude Food philosophy and dream up quick, mouth-watering meals that are packed full of seasonal goodness.

With family size to singles bags, gourmet meals to gluten-free, there’s

a My Food Bag option for even the most finicky foodie.

easy to follow, nutritionally balanced and delivered for no extra charge.

What’s more, on a Sunday, My Food Bag delivers all of this goodness to your door; and that’s where the fun starts. My Food Bag’s recipes are

To check out the different bag options and order Mum that voucher, visit the My Food Bag website www. myfoodbag.co.nz

WIN! A MY FOOD BAG VOUCHER As a special treat to mark Mother’s Day, the My Food Bag team has given EastLife a My Food Bag voucher to give away. The lucky winner can choose a bag from the seven options available, one which best suits them to the value of $162. What a boost for the kitchen!

To enter the draw see the competitions tab at eastlife.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close May 31, 2016.

Winner notified by phone or email.

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Are you a cedar sensei?

Take the test and see!

TimberTECH director MARK RALPH provides welcome advice on how to keep exterior cedar looking its best at all times.

NEW median price records set Total Focus Principal, Greg Roy areinz, gives an update on the local real estate market happenings.

REINZ figures just released for March show new records have been set for median house prices locally, across Auckland and nationally.

Starting locally, the market appears to have hit a higher gear again and in our area, The Eastern Beaches with a median hit of $990,000 on the back of 213 sales for the month.

This median represents a 2.1% rise over February and a 12.7% rise over March 2015. It beats the previous record of $977,500 set back in August 2015.

The total value of sales for the area was $231,753,988 which also gives us a new record average price of $1,088,046.89.

Historically, March has the highest number of sales for any month.

However, this year at 213, it is lower than last March 2015’s 276 but well up on February’s dismal 106.

The average number of days to sell was 35, two days less than February and three days more than March 2015. Currently there are 349 properties showing for sale on realesate.co.nz – much the same as it has been for the last couple of months.

Looking at Auckland as a whole, the median price was $820,000, up 9% from February’s $750,000 and 14% up on March 2015’s $720,000.

This the first time that Auckland’s www.eastlife.co.nz

median has bettered the $800,000 mark. A year ago it was one in every four houses sold in Auckland was $1 million plus; now it is one in every three. Auckland’s sales volumes also rose dramatically from February, up 67% to 3230.

Nationally, record median house prices have also been seen in Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Nelson/Marlborough, Canterbury/ Westland, and Central Otago Lakes.

The national median now sits at $495,000, a 10% increase from February’s $450,000 and up 4.2% from March 2015’s $475,000.

Nationally 9,527 dwellings sold in March, up 30.7% on February and up 8.2% on March 2015. This is the highest number of sales nationally we have had in a March since 2007.

The biggest regional movement over the past 12 months has been the Central Otago Lakes area with the median moving up 26.5% March to March from $555,000 to $702,000. Caution here, though, as we are talking about only a total of 155 sales in this area for the month, with 147 for the same month last year.

With enquiries strong, and available properties still at historically low levels, the scene looks set for prices to carry on their upward trend.

If you own a cedar home you’ve probably heard all kinds of folk tales about its care and maintenance.

What’s true, and what’s bulldust?

Test your knowledge with this quick quiz.

QUESTIONS 1. Staining and oiling are…

The same

Different

2. Putting off cedar maintenance saves money.

True?

False?

3. Cedar maintenance is a good project for a DIYer. True?

False?

4. The naturally weathered, silver look is quite elegant.

True?

False?

ANSWERS 1. False. Staining and oiling are very different!

Oiling prolongs the good looks and weather resistance of your cedar by penetrating deeply into the cedar, replacing the natural oils lost over time. Traditional stain sits on top of the timber, acting as a barrier, but without replacing the lost oils.

3. False! It’s tricker than you might think.

We frequently get calls from distraught DIYers who have taken to their cedar exterior as they would a painted house, with disastrous results. TimberTECH technicians will clean your house using eco-friendly surfactants and a proprietary cleaning process. We then apply the oil or stain with the best technology available.

The results are simply stunning.

4. False!

Weathered cedar becomes patchy because of variations in the wind, shade and light patterns on your property. It creates a home that looks rough and unkempt. What’s more, the sun will do lasting damage. The best way to get the silver look is with a tinted oil. Your home will look spectacular – and be fully protected from the elements.

If you have any questions about taking care of your cedar home, call us on 0800 298 298 or email me: mark@timbertech.co.nz Until next month, Mark.

2. False. Putting off maintenance doesn’t save money.

Putting it off will save money in the short term, but cost more over time.

With regular servicing, your cedar can last forever. An experienced, professional firm like TimberTECH can advise you how often to recoat for best results. We also provide maintenance programmes that let you spread payments over time.

Like what you see here? We can have your home looking this good in just a few days!

Call us for a free quote! Contact us today!

0800 298 298 | www.timbertech.co.nz

Please feel free to contact me anytime on 027496 6966 to discuss your property needs. eastlife | may 2016 |

61

THE

AgEnTS

THE

“P”ISSUE – PART 1

Jane Wilsher, from Elite Property Management, talks about dealing with “P” contamination.

Rachael meyeR

tina waters

LICENSED SALESPERSON

LICENSED SALESPERSON

P: 09 538 1230 m: 021 110 3956 e: rachael.meyer@raywhite.com

P: 09 261 3580 M: 021 935 800 e: tina.waters@harcourts.co.nz w: tinawaters.harcourts.co.nz

If you are looking for a real estate salesperson who provides great service, whilst providing second to none communication, please give me a call.

“Thanks for thinking outside the box and making us consider options we may not have on our own. I trusted you throughout the process and always thought you had our best interests at heart.”

Theodora – Bucklands Beach

Living in Dannemora has built my personal knowledge of the region and I have exceptional experience with real estate in Howick, Bucklands Beach and other East Auckland suburbs.

Marketing high profile properties out of our Botany Town Centre office is a joy. I am driven to achieve the best for my clients, especially when I can see little improvements that make a big difference to the sales potential of a home.

Special Agents 003 IAN BOSWELL, MARK VAN ETTEN & NICOLETTE HALE RESIDENTIAL SALES, BEACHLANDS

Ian 027 285 9314, i.boswell@barfoot.co.nz Mark 027 523 2245, mark.vanetten@barfoot.co.nz Nicolette 027 702 9157, n.hale@barfoot.co.nz www.specialagents003.co.nz This vibrant team puts the fun back into real estate while also achieving outstanding sales results. Now is your time to take advantage of the fantastic service they provide!

42 Wakelin Rd, Beachlands www.barfoot.co.nz

62 | eastlife | may 2016

what iS a P lab?

Methamphetamine (meth), more commonly known as P, can be easily created in makeshift laboratories in ordinary homes. The labs can be quickly set up and easily moved on.

P is relatively inexpensive and easy to make so is a common activity for those looking to make fast money.

All landlords and property managers should be educated to the risk and ease of setting up a “P” lab in rental properties. They need to understand both the physical dangers and the huge financial cost of this problem

hOw DO yOu avOiD thEM?

Mountfort Estate Agents Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

12 Uxbridge Rd, Howick. www.raywhite.co.nz

At Elite Property Management we are now proudly in our 10th year.

During that time, we have not had any dealings with “P” houses but we are frequently asked about them when people are looking for new tenants.

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

Leigh & greg roy

AREINZ

Principal and Owners

P: 09 538 0151 M: Greg 0274 966 966 M: Leigh 021 646 565 Your Independent Local Specialists – Leigh & Greg Roy With a combined 40 years’ experience selling real estate in the area, you can rest assured you’re in good hands.

Providing good old fashioned service with outstanding results and never losing sight of who it is that we are working for is the absolute foundation of our business.

Call us if you simply want advice, or are looking to buy or sell your home.

We operate our business in a very desirable residential area but we’re not naive enough to believe that is how we have avoided the problem.

It’s fair to say that drugs, including P, affect all areas and all parts of society.

Meth labs have been found in luxury city apartments, in very average homes and in large rural properties alike. So, how do we avoid having an issue with this very real problem?

We strongly believe it’s down to the way tenants are selected. We also believe that undesirable tenants will target private landlords because proper checks are seldom carried out before a house is tenanted. Also, landlords who take the first people

who come along or who try to achieve rents way above market value often have problems. Sometimes, tenants eager to pay above market rent are doing so because they can’t get in elsewhere or have no intention of paying the rent in the first place.

hOw DO yOu rECOgniSE thE PrOblEM? Looking for the clues during property inspections is vital. It may be stains on floors, walls and ceilings, A chemical, ammonia or urine like smell or the presence of empty chemical containers. Externally trees, shrubs or grass may be dying.

Out of the way areas such as basements, loft spaces or garages may be used so thorough examination during house inspections is vital.

Also, look for equipment installed by the tenants such as security systems, cameras or alarms, extractor fans and air vents, even coverings over windows and doors.

Neighbours will often notice the signs, especially unusual activity such as a lot of people visiting the property late at night. Do not ignore these alerts.

Call the police.

Clearly, avoiding these issues in the first place is the best thing that the landlord or property manager can do.

The damage to property where meth is manufactured can be extensive and usually very expensive to remedy.

In next month’s column, I will go through what you need to know about dealing with contamination. If you are seeking new tenants for an existing rental or considering buying a first time investment property we would be happy to offer help and guidance through this process. We can also advise on other tenancy issues.

Are you a landlord short on time?

Heading overseas? Or just over dealing with tenants?

We are your local specialist property managers based in Howick. Dedicated to finding quality tenants, maintaining your properties and getting you the best return on your investment.

128 Picton Street, Howick.

Phone 09 535 0911 www.eliteproperty.co.nz Email: jane@eliteproperty.co.nz or info@eliteproperty.co.nz

00973

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

building terms explained Hip, gable and Dutch gable, joist, trusses and sofits – just some of the terms homeowners might hear when building or renovating.

However, as with any industry, those not involved will most likely be unfamiliar with some of the definitions. Your builder is there to help build the home you have chosen and agreed to. Therefore, when discussions come up about what is wanted and how things can be done, it is vital that each party is clearly understood.

Always ask for clarification if its needed but to get started we’ve explained a few terms here: • Allotment – (A) A parcel of land with its boundaries shown on a survey plan; known as a ‘section’ in New Zealand. (B) A building or part of a building, with or without land, shown on a cross lease or unit title plan.

• Brick Veneer – A non-loadbearing facing of brickwork laid outside, and tied to, a loadbearing timber or metal framed structure.

• Cladding – Exterior weatherresistant surface of a wall.

• Code Compliance Cert. – Code Compliance Certificate or Consent Completion Certificate. A certificate issued by the local authority or council after construction is complete, notifying that building work has been completed in accordance with the building consent.

• Eaves – The end section of a roof which often projects past the horizontal wall of the structure.

• Fascia – A timber or metal board fixed to the lower edges of the roof where guttering is attached.

• Gable – The part of a wall enclosing the end of a pitched roof showing triangular, open-ended roof edges.

• LBPs – Licensing Building Practitioners (LBPs). A licensing system for the building industry covering designers and trades. From March 2012 certain critical building work will need to be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner.

• Resource Consent – A consent issued by a Territorial Authority to use the land in a way that is not a permitted activity under a council or district plan. For example, locating a building closer to the boundary than permitted on the District Plan, requires Resource Consent.

• LIM Report – Land Information Memorandum. This is a document from the local authority which discloses a number of known features about the site. This may include location of stormwater and sewer lines and connection points, land zoning, wind zones, and soil types.

• Tolerance Schedule – A schedule issued showing the tolerable allowances in building practises such as GIB finish, concrete/plaster cracking etc.

• Nog (a.k.a Dwang) – A small horizontal block of wood inserted into timber framing. Most often used to describe adding extra framing to be used for mounting heavy finishing objects to (cabinets, vanities, televisions, etc.)

Your builder will happily explain any further terms you are unsure of.

There is also a helpful glossary on the G.J.Gardner website, which explains some terms you may come across.

If there are other terms not included in our glossary, get in touch with us either by email: Manukau@gjgardner. co.nz or call us on 09 274 2082 and we will answer your query.

12031

• Balustrade – A barrier to prevent someone from falling. These are usually necessary anywhere someone could fall from a height of 1M or more.

Commonly, balustrades are around

stairs and landings inside a house, and around decks, retaining walls and pools on the outside.

www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | may 2016 |

63

I was unaware... that I was unaware – part 2 ‘ Bill Potter – The Business Maverick. Bill is an international Keynote Speaker, MC and Coach, who’s presented in 57 countries so far. www.speakers.co.nz/ our-speakers/all-speakers/bill-potter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToRhF22nARM

There is a newish ‘fad’. It is called... ‘mindfulness’. Google the term (go on, you know you want to...). It is defined as ‘the practice of bringing one’s attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment, which can be developed through the practice of meditation’. Alrighty, then.

and sufferings. You can even become a ‘mindfulness’ practitioner. There you go.

Mindfulness has Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Islamic and Christian associations.

If you search further under ‘mindfulness training’, you discover that all kinds of ‘mindfulness’ courses abound.

So, it has been ‘around’ for a long time. The definition of ‘mindful’ is ‘to be conscious or aware of something’.

The definition of ‘mindfulness’ is ‘the quality or state, of being conscious or aware of something’.

Institutes have sprung up and, seemingly, this ‘fad’ can ‘cure’ an increasing array of human frailties

But, the definitions of ‘mindfulness’ vary. To add to the confusion, the term ‘mindful’ is rarely used.

The definition of ‘mindful’ is ‘to be conscious or aware of something’. The definition of ‘mindfulness’ is ‘the quality or state, of being conscious or aware of something’.

But, the definitions of ‘mindfulness’ vary. To add to the confusion, the term ‘mindful’ is rarely used.

The term ‘aware’ is used often. So, I prefer ‘aware’. OK? Ta. My fave explanation of ‘mindfulness’ is: ‘being in the now’, to which I have added... ‘and doing something constructive with it!’

Here are some of my thoughts on

‘true awareness’ – 1: look around you, to see what you can improve; 2: check your nearest and dearest, to ensure they are OK; 3: enjoy the beauty of your surroundings; 4: stop and be thoughtful, about your world; 5: discover ways to make life better for as many others as possible.

In our PATH2© Course, we offer a ‘True Awareness’ model that is ‘not all about me’ but ‘all about others’.

Once you practise true awareness, you will be amazed at the changes in you. Cheers.

I coach... PATH2© : The All-Rounder Course for 3Percenters, on Skype. It is a personal power course for serious Go-getters, who want to own their tomorrow, today. PATH2© contains world-unique content. Are you a 3Percenter? We’ll see... Cheers. Bill.

– duitdammit@xtra.co.nz

Want a Holiday Home?

Looking to Subdivide? Call us today!

We can help you

develop your property

12722

64 | eastlife | may 2016

www.eastlife.co.nz

Win!

A Few Hares to Chase Inventor, adventurer and original thinker, Bill Phillips is widely considered to be an innovator in the field of economics.

From a remote Dannevirke farm and wartime POW camps, to London’s intellectual world, the meteoric rise of Bill Phillips is a story of adventurous spirit, determination and a ‘can-do’ attitude.

In this book, Alan Bollard presents the story of a Kiwi electrician who, armed only with a few mediocre grades in sociology, came to produce one of the most cited economics articles in the world and build the MONIAC – a revolutionary computing machine.

• Alan Bollard: A Few Hares to Chase – The Life & Economics of Bill Phillips | RRP $39.99 | Auckland University Press

‘

WIN! A FEW HARES TO CHASE – EastLife has a copy of this book up for grabs. To be in to win, simply complete the form at eastlife.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close May 31, 2016.

Winner notified by phone or email.

Healthy, safe and ‘appy While the new Health and Safety at Work Act may not make businesses’ bank balances quite so healthy, a new app could even the playing field on farms.

OnSide chief executive, Ryan Higgs says the Onside app, specifically designed for farmers, simplifies health and safety compliance.

“We’ve been listening to farmers, collaborating with health and safety experts and leaders in the rural sector to ensure OnSide meets farmers’ needs.

“We’ve spent months conducting on-farm research and have run a trial with 50 farmers, as we’ve brought our vision to life.” www.eastlife.co.nz

Featuring satellite maps of users’ farms, the app allows farmers and employees (as well as contractors and other visitors) to spot and manage risk factors via smart phones.

Risks or incidents can be reported and updated in real time with easy access emergency instructions delivered.

“Farmers can expect scrutiny around health and safety compliance to ramp up as the result of the Act,” Mr Higgs adds.

“There was a real need in the industry to have an easy and cost effective way to meet these requirements and this is what we have created OnSide to provide.”

Making good investment decisions Local resident and Authorised Financial Adviser, Mark Steele with some key criteria to making good investment decisions

I’m sure you have heard the idiom “don’t put all your eggs in one basket”. I find that when it comes to investments, many New Zealanders do have more than one basket but the baskets are all the same! i.e. three properties instead of one.

To be truly diversified, an investor needs to understand the characteristics of each basket and look to build a combination of investments that work together but in different ways. A big part of any investment is the level of risk involved and ensuring the investor understands these risks.

For example, many people explain to me their belief that the property “basket” is low in risk, “as long as you own for the long term and sell when the market is up.”

This common belief means I come across a lot of people who perceive that most of their wealth is in one or two low risk baskets (one or two properties) when the fact is, they are fully invested in high risk baskets that are both the same.

One of my main roles as an adviser is to help clients make good investment decisions when personal circumstances have changed. A good way to understand a personal situation is to cover 4 key criteria:

• What is the objective – eg. education for kids, buying a house, retirement income, capital growth, protection against inflation • What is your time frame – when do I need to “disturb” this investment (cash in or start to draw down) • What is your risk tolerance – what will you think if it doesn’t work out how you thought it would?

• What is your current investment situation – what do you already have and will this new investment “fit in” well?

Investing in high risk options such as property and shares can be quite suitable if the objective is capital growth, time frame is long, risk tolerance is high and the client is not already heavily invested in these categories.

However, if one of these criteria were to change, so does the suitability. For example if the objective is retirement income then there are other ways to generate income with lower risk than owning a property.

If any of these points above have changed for you and you feel you may need to discuss investment options for your future, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Disclosure Statement: Mark Steele has a disclosure statement that is available on request and free of charge. The information in this article is of a general nature only and is no substitute for personalised advice. To the extent that any of the above content constitutes financial advice, it is class advice only. If you would like advice that takes into account your particular financial situation or goals, please contact your Adviser.

Contact Mark or David, your local Authorised Financial Advisers.

Mark Steele E: mark.steele@spicers.co.nz P: 09 337 7824 David Morgan E: david.morgan@spicers.co.nz P: 09 271 1705

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

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65

Right ‘Hon’ Key April saw a shower of reports from the office of Right Hon John. This month we review just a few, with a little commentary now and then from the EastLife team.

For Key and Queen and birthdays Not long after Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II reached the age of 21 she received the key to every door in her empire. However, on the occasion of her 90th birthday, she received (best wishes of) a Key from New Zealand.

“Like many New Zealanders, I greatly admire Queen Elizabeth’s lifetime of dedicated service and leadership,” Mr Key said recently. “Queen Elizabeth is a beloved figure here and we value her role as Queen of New Zealand.

I am sure New Zealanders will join with me in wishing her a very Happy Birthday.”

Whatever New Zealand’s gift may be – yet to be announced as EastLife went to print) – at least Liz can be sure that Key’s allegiance is yet to flag.

Oui welcome, Indian autumn After a taxing ‘away series’, which saw our PM tackle negotiations in the USA and China in April, John Key recently welcomed two visiting dignitaries down under.

Shortly before Indian President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee arrived in New Zealand, John rolled out the welcome mat. “New Zealand is looking forward to hosting the president on this historic visit, the first by an Indian president to New Zealand,” he said.

“It will be an opportunity to highlight our warm relationship, based on a shared Commonwealth heritage, commitment to democracy and the over 160,000 New Zealanders of Indian-origin, who make an important contribution to business, cultural and sporting life in New Zealand.”

French Prime Minister, Manuel Valls, also visited the rainbow warrior nation recently – May 1-2.

“This is the first time in 25 years that a French Prime Minister has visited New Zealand,” Key confirmed. “We have a close and long-standing relationship

66 | eastlife | may 2016

Key speaker – John addresses the China Entrepreneurs Forum. with France and I am looking forward to discussing a number of issues, including trade, our mutual interest in the Pacific and the international response to terrorism.”

Key on a China stop China was a key destination in more ways than one as our PM forged a-red with his recent business delegation.

“China is a key destination for our goods exports and an important consumer of New Zealand services,” he said. “The visit provid[ed] an opportunity to strengthen our relationship and showcase New Zealand’s creativity, innovation, and high-tech credentials.”

most ambitious undertakings in New Zealand’s history, and supporting the rebuild remains of one of National’s main priorities,” Key said.

“The passing of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act and the disestablishment of CERA marks a new phase in the Canterbury rebuild.

The Government is moving more towards a supporting role and the change in portfolio reflects that.”

Exactly what this bureaucratic shake up will mean for our southern cousins remains to be seen. However, holder of these portfolios, Gerry Brownlee, will need to procure some new stationary at least.

Despite warnings, it’s understood John did not steer clear of dangerous waters by discussing his concerns about the Chinese military presence in the South China Sea when meeting with Premier Li Keqiang and President Xi Jinping.

Hold on for a Sec...

While trade talks were the main aim of the game – specifically an upgrade of the China New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) – John also hit the flicks, attending the launch of the New Zealand Film Festival in Shanghai.

“Having served as the Prime Minister of New Zealand for nine years and held one of the top jobs in the United Nations for the past seven, Helen has the right mix of skills and experience [for the UN Secretary-General role],” Key said in early April.

Quake it till you make it The Christchurch rebuild entered a fresh chapter in its moving saga when the PM confirmed the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery portfolio will transform into one for Greater Christchurch Regeneration. “The rebuild of Canterbury is one of the

While John Key and Helen Clark once were rivals, it was refreshing to hear the former speak favourably of the latter about her bid to become boss of the United Nations.

“There are major global challenges facing the world today and the United Nations needs a proven leader who can be pragmatic and effective.

Coming from New Zealand, Helen Clark is well placed to bridge divisions and get results. She is the best person for the job.”

Photo Bianca-Rae Photography

John has submitted New Zealand’s nomination letter to the Presidents of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council. The new SecretaryGeneral will be appointed at the end of the year.

An explosive issue More than 30 years since David Lange championed New Zealand’s ‘no nukes’ stance, Mr Key has pledged an additional $300,000 to bolster nuclear security abroad. “New Zealand has contributed more than $4 million [since 2010] to international projects to strengthen nuclear security,” he said.

“Although we are geographically isolated, and have only small amounts of radioactive and nuclear material, this does not guarantee our security. We continue to work with other countries to keep nuclear and radioactive materials secure and out of terrorists’ hands.” $150,000 will go to USA nuclear security programmes in Iraq, Jordan and Cambodia and $148,000 to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Nuclear Security Fund.

The Nuclear Security Summit is an international effort to combat the threat of nuclear terrorism.

Since the Summits began in 2010, countries have worked together to secure vulnerable nuclear materials, break up black markets, and put measures in place to detect and intercept illicitly trafficked materials. www.eastlife.co.nz

Privacy principles again ‘ Wynyard Wood consultant, RICHARD OSBORNE, whose specialties include commercial law and intellectual property law, writes on issues concerning the business community

We have dealt previously with the Privacy Act 1993 and its associated Information Privacy Principles and Codes. Together, they regulate the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by agencies.

To recap – personal information is information about an identifiable individual (a human being who is alive) which is collected, held and used by an agency (defined as individuals, associations and government departments, whether public or private).

Requests for personal information pose two questions. Should (or can) the personal information be disclosed or used? When can a request for personal information be refused?

There is a tension between obeying the principles of privacy protection and meeting the needs of the agency.

To an extent, the tension is resolved in part 4 of the Act.

information is regulated by the Information Privacy Principles including Principles 10 and 11. They limit the use and disclosure of personal information.

Any complaint about a breach of the Act is dealt with by the Privacy Commissioner. A random review of very recent decisions gives a flavour of the importance of privacy protections. They only apply to individuals but provide guidance on the preferred treatment of nonpersonal information.

Employees “browsing” information about co-workers on line is an increasing internet problem. In one case, an employee accessing sensitive medical records of a co-worker in a heath agency resulted in dismissal (do your employment agreements deal adequately with internet training and protocols?).

It allows an agency to refuse a request for access to personal information on a number of grounds – security and matters of state, the protection of trade secrets and adverse affects on an individual, among others.

In that instance, Rule 5 of the Health Information Privacy Code 1994 required the agency to have reasonable security safeguards to prevent unauthorised access. Clearly it did not. The agency was required to improve them by regularly auditing unauthorised browsing patterns.

The disclosure of personal

Bad behaviour can prompt instant

Ideally, the basis of information collection and use should be made explicit when it is collected, a complainant is in a substantially weaker position if it has disclosed information with their express or fairly implied consent.”

and risky responses. In one case, a teenager (part of a group) was accused of shop-lifting from a shop.

The rightly-incensed manager put her image (captured by a security camera) on a Facebook, “Wall of Shame”. The security camera footage said that the images could be shared with other retailers. The teenager was not otherwise identified or charged by the police.

It was held in mediation that the manager’s use of the image was a breach of Information Principle 10.

It states that personal information cannot be used for any purpose other than what it was collected for: in this case the basis of collection did not allow it to be used on the “Wall of Shame”.

In another case, in an on-line forum, a woman site user was accused of being a “dodgy trader”and personal information about her was disclosed (much of it inaccurate).

Information Principles 7, 8 and 11 require personal information that is held by an agency to be relevant to its purpose, up to date, not misleading and only disclosed in proper circumstances. It was held that the agency was in breach of those principles and had to take greater care in monitoring forum contributions for defamatory comment.

What can be taken from these brief examples?

The Privacy Act 1993 has been law for 23 years and a rich body of information and interpretation has built up around it, assisted greatly by the Privacy Commissioner.

Ideally, the basis of information collection and use should be made explicit when it is collected, a complainant is in a substantially weaker position if it has disclosed information with their express or fairly implied consent.

However, there may be circumstances where permission is unclear. In that case, Information Principles 10 and 11 relating to the use and disclosure of information are the key rules.

Tread with caution.

+ 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

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eastlife | may 2016 |

67

Sevens – up for Olympics?

All Black Rugby Sevens’ fans will be hoping this year’s team will be good as gold come the Olympic Games but, considering spotty form during this year’s World Rugby Sevens Series, could laurels of victory become grapes of wrath? JON RAWLINSON discussed their prospects with Auckland Sevens coach, talent scout, Cockle Bay local and former player, Waisake Sotutu.

Sevens rugby has come a long way since a Cantabrian team tied the Wallaroos down when the sport made its Hong Kong debut in 1976.

And, following its first appearance at the Commonwealth Games (1998) and the subsequent World Series, the short-form game is about to enter a new, Olympic era.

However, although the 1998 Commonwealth Games ‘dream team’ boasted such 15s stars as Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu and Joeli Vidiri, only Sonny Bill Williams and Liam Messam are currently in the running to back up World Cup gold with Olympic medals.

In addition, former sevens stars including Victor Vito (heading to France) and Malakai Fekitoa are conspicuously absent. And yet, Auckland Sevens coach, Waisake Sotutu, says our team is still liable to impress.

“I think [All Blacks] who are available for the Olympics have already played in this year’s World Series. Because players had to pick [15s or sevens], there are some boys who could (or have already been), awesome

sevens players who won’t go to Rio,” he says.

“These days, the makeup of the players’ bodies is also different, due to the type of training they do.

“Fifteen’s players need to be built to take heavy impact, whereas – while the game’s getting more physical – sevens players don’t need to be up to dealing with 80 minutes of getting hammered.”

“The New Zealand team will be sharper come Rio; they will definitely be prepared and ready to go, Tich (coach, Gordon Tietjens) will have the players he wants and it’ll probably be the strongest squad they’ve had for a while.

“But other teams are putting a lot more money into getting better and some– Fiji, for example – would see sevens as their best chance to win Olympic gold, so it’s going to be tough, he says.

And yet, while reputations can be forged on the sevens circuit, particularly as more nations invest in going for gold, Waisake doubts whether the game is yet to yield the rewards needed to retain its best and brightest.

“Another thing to remember is that the game is finely balanced so small issues can have a big impact. Once a team has momentum on its side, it’s hard to swing back the other way, that’s how fickle the game can be.”

“The problem is that we find young talent, give them a bit of training, but unfortunately, if they perform well, they often tend to be offered [15s] contracts, maybe go on to Super Rugby and can be lost to sevens.”

Of course, the New Zealand Women’s squad will also be going for gold. However, Waisake – also a former Auckland Women’s Sevens coach – adds that they will likely face an equal challenge in Rio.

Despite tipping the All Black Sevens to top the Olympic title, Waisake believes they could well be given a run for their money as the game grows worldwide in popularity.

“A year or so ago I would’ve actually said they would [be a better chance to win gold] but I’m not so certain now because, as with the men, other teams do seem to be catching up.”

Of home games and hummerzines Fijian-born Waisake Sotutu may have experienced a globetrotting childhood, with his father working for the UN, but he has long since made east Auckland his home.

Although he moved to Edgewater in the 1990s to flat with his workmate (now Counties Manukau Steelers coach, Darryl Suasua), Waisake stayed on in the district after the (now) rugby scout spotted ‘talent’ of a different nature.

“I moved out to Edgewater with

68 | eastlife | may 2016

Darryl, but I soon started going out with a local girl from Howick, Adelita.

We’ve been married almost 20 years now and I’ve basically lived out this way ever since. Adelita’s very keen on sport too, she went to Howick College and she’s now the sports manager there,” he says.

The couple’s four children (Hoskins, Kobe, Teuila and Hana) are also keen sportspeople.

Beyond rugby, Waisake enjoys a limousine lifestyle, albeit from the

front seat. After a foray into the cafe business – including ownership for a time of Pakuranga Plaza’s Sierra Cafe – a ride in a Hummer limousine in Las Vegas inspired Waisake to establish Hummerzine, with the apt tag line, ‘Because bigger is better’.

“I still drive every now and then.

Sometimes I’ve heard people talking in the back saying ‘hey, that’s that rugby player’, and I’ve even ended up having photos with some of them!

It’s a different way of making a living, but I enjoy it very much.” www.eastlife.co.nz

‘

The New Zealand team will be sharper come Rio; they will definitely be prepared and ready to go, Tich (coach, Gordon Tietjens) will have the players he wants and it’ll probably be the strongest squad they’ve had for a while."

Eastern promises With an impressive playing career behind him (including almost 100 Auckland caps and a Super Rugby title with the Blues), ex-midfield back, Waisake Sotutu, is giving back to regional rugby. His current roles – secondary schools’ sevens selector and regional development coach for eastern Auckland – keep him focused on up-and-coming talent.

“We are scouts, pretty much, and keep an eye out at games. Kids who do well will be invited to camps and it goes from there. I’m really a link between eastern schools and Auckland rugby,” he explains.

“Beyond that, though, it’s all down to them to make the most of timing and opportunities. I tell them that they have to be around at the right time when things happen and, if they’re not, to get on with it anyway and make the most of the next opportunity.”

Although his role doesn’t extend to talent spotting at clubs, Waisake has also worked with junior players at Pakuranga United. He’s impressed by the work Pita Alatini (current director of rugby) as well as predecessors, Wayne Pivac and (current Blues’ assistant coach) Paul Feeney, have put into the club.

“They’ve done a lot more work in the community and put the club on the map. Pakuranga is now one of the most consistent clubs in Auckland; players are happy to go (and stay) there because they know the coaching level and facilities are great and that they’ll be well looked after.” www.eastlife.co.nz

eastlife | may 2016 |

69

Beach Hop rocks on When EastLife’s motoring correspondent ALISTAIR DAVIDSON, made the hop to Whangamata recently he was right at home with other petrol heads.

When the first Beach Hop was held back in 2001 it was all about Elvis Presley and bobby socks, and the cars were the support act.

Sixteen years later Repco Beach Hop is still essentially a rock ‘n’ roll festival, but hot rods, classics and muscle cars have taken centre stage.

That first festival attracted 6000 people and 100 cars. This year, March 30 to April 3, Beach Hop packed Whangamata to capacity with an estimated 120,000 people, 1300 car and bike entries, and a similar number of vehicles that weren’t officially part of the event.

No other festival in New Zealand (or Australia) has captured car enthusiasts’ imaginations like Beach Hop. The combination of music, cruising, partying, car and bike displays, surfing, talent quests and retro pin-up and wearable automotive art competitions keep petrol heads coming back for more.

Day and night, Port Road (Whangamata’s ‘main drag’) looks and sounds like a scene from the cult movie ‘American Graffiti’.

Hot rods, street machines and muscle cars idle up and down the road, their V8s burbling. People line the street two and three deep soaking up the atmosphere, while bands play in the bars and cafes.

70 | eastlife | may 2016

Beach Hop is all about having fun, and the fun started a day early this year with a new ‘Power Cruise’ to Whitianga on Tuesday where 300 vehicles parked in the centre of town.

Wednesday’s increasingly popular ‘Waihi Warm up’ cruise and car show attracted a record number of participants.

Those first two days were treated to sunshine and blue sky, but it didn’t last. Occasional heavy showers set in for Thursday’s cruise to Tairua, Friday’s Castrol Edge Thunder Cruise to Onemana Beach, and the biggie: Saturday’s Main Street Parade and various car shows in Whangamata.

Although it rained on Beach Hop’s

parade, a bit of moisture didn’t stop the car enthusiasts or the public from turning out in their droves.

Sunday’s Classic Insurance Nostalgia Fair and Top Car and Bike prizegiving on Sunday brought a six-day overdose of chrome, whitewalls, metalflake paint and rock ‘n’ roll to a close. www.eastlife.co.nz

Jaguar sets the pace

Jaguar says that F-Pace is fi rst among its rivals for boot volume, cabin width, rear knee room and ease of rear access.

Jaguar’s dipping its toe into the SUV performance crossover market with the mid-year launch of its all new F-PACE. F-PACE accommodates five occupants in an interior that features a blend of premium materials and finishes, luxury and cutting-edge technologies. There’s

a choice of two engines: a 132kW diesel and a 280kW supercharged V6 petrol from the F-TYPE. If the conditions are challenging, the F-PACE’s torque on-demand all-wheel drive system is Jaguar’s most sophisticated yet. Adaptive Surface Response (ASR), developed from Land Rover’s patented,

award-winning Terrain Response technology, makes the AWD system even more effective in hazardous driving conditions.

To celebrate the launch of the new F-PACE, a special edition model known as ‘First Edition’ will be available in strictly limited numbers – just 1700 worldwide

and five for New Zealand. Powered by the 280kW supercharged V6 petrol engine, the First Edition is distinguished by its unique Caesium Blue metallic paint.

F-PACE pricing starts at $95,000 for the Prestige, through to $165,000 for one of the five First Editions which can be pre-ordered now.

MUSTANG GALLOPS AHEAD If you thought the Mustang GT tested in last month’s EastLife was a bit of all right, you’re not alone.

In its first year of global availability, Ford Mustang became the world’s best-selling sports coupe. Demand for the iconic pony car remains insatiable.

According to company analysis of the most recent registration data from IHS Automotive, Ford sold around 110,000 Mustang Coupes globally in 2015 – topping all other sports coupe competitors.

That record was achieved despite limited availability for most of the year in such key markets as China and the United Kingdom.

Additionally, Ford sold around 30,000 Mustang Convertibles, for total nameplate sales of 141,868 vehicles – making Mustang far and away the best-selling two-door sports car in the world. “U.S. consumers have enjoyed interesting foreign sports cars for decades, so it was time for www.eastlife.co.nz

the Americans to return the favour with the worldwide launch of the new Mustang,” says Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst. “Global markets have responded in a huge way.

“Ford Mustang was the only sports coupe in the world with more than 100,000 units registered last year.”

Global data for 2015 suggests

Mustang has room to grow overseas this year as many markets begin to take delivery of their full allotment.

So far, Merkle notes, global customers are most interested in V8-equipped Mustangs. In Germany, Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe in March, according to data published

by German Federal Motor Transport Authority, KBA. Despite relatively high

fuel prices, the 5.0-litre V8 is the No. 1 engine choice in Germany.

“The country also has the highest international take-rate for the convertible model, with one in three sales.

More than 90 percent of buyers in Australia and New Zealand are opting for the V8 version. eastlife | may 2016 |

71

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MINI COUNTRYMAN - COOPER FROM $116 PER WEEK1* AT 2.99% INTEREST1*

MINI COUNTRYMAN - COOPER S FROM $139 PER WEEK2* AT 2.99% INTEREST2*

GET A LOT MORE MINI, FOR A LOT LESS. There are a lot of reasons to get yourself into a MINI Countryman this month. For a limited time you can get behind the wheel of a fully loaded MINI Countryman Cooper or Cooper S for affordable weekly or monthly payments and only 2.99% interest per annum1,2,*. Plus the bigger MINI Countryman comes with MINI’s three year scheduled servicing, warranty plan and roadside assistance.

MINI COUNTRYMAN - COOPER STONE EDITION FROM ONLY $116 A WEEK1*:

MINI COUNTRYMAN - COOPER S ROCKFIELD EDITION FROM ONLY $139 A WEEK2*:

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Cooper 90kw Engine (Automatic) MINI Navigation MINI Visual Boost Digital Display Harmon Kardon HiFi Sound System Bluetooth Handsfree / USB Connectivity 18” Turbo Fan Light Alloy Wheels Chili Package Interior & Exterior

Cooper S 135kw Engine (Automatic) John Cooper Works Exterior Body Kit John Cooper Works Chili Package Interior Elements MINI Navigation MINI Visual Boost Digital Display Harmon Kardon HiFi Sound System Bluetooth Handsfree Kit with USB Connectivity 18” Twin Spoke Black Burnished Wheels

MID0128_AMG_Q2_EM

00733-v2

AUCKLAND MINI GARAGE. 381-383 Broadway, Newmarket. 0800 548 352.

MINI.CO.NZ

This offer is based on a MINI Countryman – Cooper (Stone Edition) Automatic with a Drive Away Price of $49,900. Finance offer is based on a 48 month loan agreement with a deposit of $9,720 and 47 monthly payments of $499 (or weekly payments of $116, applied monthly) and a final payment of $20,600. A fixed interest rate of 2.99% p.a. applies. The total payable under the loan agreement is $53,773. 2 This offer is based on a MINI Countryman – Cooper S (Rockfield Edition) Automatic with a Drive Away Price of $59,900. Finance offer is based on a 48 month loan agreement with a deposit of $11,720 and 47 monthly payments of $599 (or weekly payments of $139, applied monthly) and a final payment of $24,612. A fixed interest rate of 2.99% p.a. applies.

The total payable under the loan agreement is $64,485. * Terms and conditions apply. An establishment fee of $195 applies. These offers expire 31st eastlife May 2016 and 2016 are subject www.eastlife.co.nz | may | 75 to BMW Financial Services New Zealand Limited standard lending criteria. www.mini.co.nz/finance

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OUR GIFT TO MUM 15% OFF THURSDAY 5TH • FRIDAY 6TH • SATURDAY 7TH • SUNDAY 8TH MAY EXCLUDING CARDS, KIRSTIN ASH AND SID DICKENS TILES

76 | eastlife | may 2016

www.flyingsaucers.co.nz Like us on Facebook Upper Level, Shore City, Takapuna • 09 486 0848 Botany Town Centre, Garden Lane • 09 273 1944

www.eastlife.co.nz

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