UNO Magazine | Issue 59 | Autumn 2023 | Mike Dawson

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Ski school - group & private lessons

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DIRECTOR

Michele Griffin 021 183 4618 michele@unomagazine.co.nz

DIRECTOR

Rebecca Meyer 027 469 6177 rebecca@unomagazine.co.nz

EDITOR

Hayley Barnett hayley@unomagazine.co.nz

DESIGNER

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With free public events

5 ARTIST PROJECTS

DREAM GIRLS ART COLLECTIVE SIMON WARD

TURUMEKE HARRINGTON

PAUL DARRAGH

WORk OUT

YVONNE TODD Dream Girls Collective, Toxic 2021

Farewell the summer that wasn’t and hello the autumn that might be.

Choosing who makes the cover is always a big deal in the magazine world. There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes to pull it all together. Our cover stars usually have busy schedules and often spend much of the year travelling, so planning and timing is crucial.

Fortunately for UNO, Mike Dawson had returned from the edge of the earth and was enjoying some time back home at Okere Falls, just outside of Rotorua, when we approached him to be on the Autumn 2023 cover. The former Olympic kayaker and Antarctic adventurer talks about how times have changed since his early days kayaking on the Wairoa River and shares what it was like to spend 50 days trekking through the coldest place on earth.

In this issue we talk with three local business owners about paying it forward and their shared philosophies on doing good for the communities they work with, including our own.

This ethos is mirrored by a very special group of volunteers aboard the YWAM medical ship, berthed beside the Harbour Bridge, whose mission it is to provide much-needed dental and basic health care to remote and underserved communities.

A similar theme continues in our interview with Anna Rolleston, founder

and director of Centre for Health. There's no shortage of “good sorts” in our little slice of paradise, it seems.

Financial columnist Owen Cooney offers advice and talks sense amid the fear of rising inflation and recession. He recommends “taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture”.

Sound advice that can be applied to most aspects of life, we think.

Our fashion editor, Nicky Adams, shines a light on three hidden gems in the jewellery industry, and talks us through the latest fashion styles to take us through autumn. And, starting this issue, gadget guru Karl Puschmann tries out the latest and greatest in our new tech column “Tech testing corner”.

The bottom of the North Island features in two separate travel stories to Wellington. Both offer first-hand experience and a personal perspective on two very different weekends away.

And, of course, there's our usual mouth-watering recipes, homes, design and colours to inspire, Sunday markets to discover and even some cute furry friends to “awwww” over.

We reckon UNO’s first issue for 2023 is a cracker. There's something for everyone, and is sure to set the tone for the rest of the year.

Michele and Rebecca , publishers

EDITOR’S NOTE

Chatting to adventurer – and now UNO cover star – Mike Dawson at our cover shoot, I got thinking about my own sense of adventure, or lack thereof.

Our cover photographer, Graeme Murray, who is most well-known for snapping sports stars and action sport, is coincidentally good friends with Mike. Graeme chimed in to our conversation, noting he’s always been amazed anyone would find his adventurous friends’ lives interesting. Having lived inside a bubble of adventure himself for years, he often forgets there are many of us out there living humdrum lives (my words, not his), the occasional hike marked on the calendar at the weekends.

Admittedly, us homebodies aren’t very motivated to reach the edge of the earth, or push our heart rates to near-fatal levels, but it does make you wonder what we’re missing out on.

Later Graeme joked that his friends would all be drug addicts if it wasn’t for attempting deathdefying feats at least once per week. That made me feel better about my caffeine addiction, and snapped me back to reality.

After reading about the ups and downs of the epic 50-day Antarctic adventure, it made me realise I’m perfectly happy living vicariously through the likes of Mike doing extraordinary things. I’m sure it’s life-changing but I think I’ll stick to my yearly hikes and leave the extreme adventuring to the professionals.

Hayley, editor

Left: Cover star Mike Dawson chills out in the studio with help from the UNO team.

EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY

CONTRIBUTORS

Meet some of the hard-working, talented creatives behind the Autumn 2023 issue of UNO.

KARL PUSCHMANN

Writer of our cover story Karl Puschmann has been writing about arts and entertainment since high school. From those humble beginnings, he's worked as the editor of New Zealand's iconic music magazine Rip It Up and the Culture Editor of The New Zealand Herald before recently going freelance. His work regularly features on the covers of magazines like Canvas, Your Weekend, Reset and VIVA and has taken him to movie sets, recording studios and backstage areas around the world. Most days he's talking to people like Scarlett Johansson, Steven Spielberg or Dave Grohl. However, if pressed to pick a fave, it'd be his chat with former Beatle Paul McCartney.

TRACIE HEASMAN

Born and raised in New Zealand, Tracie went travelling in her early 20s and returned home seven years later with a newfound love for her home country – and a desperate need to photograph its beauty. She bought her first DSLR not long after arriving home, which led her on a long journey through all genres of photography, eventually leading to food photography. Also an avid vegan, she started a recipe blog to share her journey, and is excited to share some of her favourite plant-based recipes on page 34.

KATHERINE GRANICH

Katherine loves stories – telling them, reading them, writing them and polishing them. With almost two decades in publishing, she appreciates a well-placed apostrophe and relishes a spirited discussion on whether the plural of “avocado” is “avocados” or “avocadoes”. The recipes in UNO are among her favourite pages, and this issue’s plant-based dishes are no exception. Working from home, Katherine baked up a batch of Tracie Heasman’s Vegan Chocolate Brownies in between sub-editing articles. “I love being so inspired by the content I’m working on that I need to do something about it straightaway – tell a friend, look it up online or, in this case, bake it!”

JAHL MARSHALL

Jahl has been a contributing photographer to UNO for the last nine years, and with every shoot he strives to capture moments that evoke emotion and tell a story. “I aim to highlight the beauty and complexity of the world around us, while also exploring the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals. With each click of the shutter, I hope to create a connection between the viewer and the subject, leaving a lasting impression that inspires and intrigues.” Jahl particularly enjoys automotive photography, like the last Lexus lifestyle shoot in UNO Summer 2022/23. “The Lexus shoot was a subject matter that I connect with and can relate to on many levels.”

SUMMER IN A GLASS

Lovers of wines that are sweet and full of flavour will adore Brown Brothers Moscato and Fruity range. A gorgeous fruity wine that’s a little lower in alcohol with a natural sweetness. RRP$16.99 750ml or $20.99/4-pack, BROWNBROTHERS.COM.AU

CRYSTAL CLEAR

The elegant Casper Dining Chair has a crystal appearance and confidence. This clear acrylic dining chair is durable, stackable, and affordable. RRP$119.99, TRUEFURNITURE.BIZ

WHAT’S HOT!

BUBBLE UP

A minimalist sparkling water maker featuring a compact design and a classic finish, the arke Water Carbonator 3 in Steel is designed from the inside-out to be the slimmest, most compact sparkling water maker.

SO SAUCY

Well-known restaurateur – and owner of Cassia in Auckland –Sid Sahrawat recently added Madras Summer Sauce to his at-home curry sauce range. Made in India, it is a moreish blend of coconut milk, curry leaves and mustard seeds in a medium spicy tomato-based sauce. RRP$12.99 for 500ml, CASSIAATHOME.COM

Serve your morning brew in style. Fazeek Two Tone Teapots and Coffee Plungers add double the colour to your daily cuppa. Then elevate your afternoon tea to new heights with this architecturally inspired Geo Cake Stand. It’s sure to impress, no matter what you’re serving. Coffee plunger RRP$186, cake stand RRP$199, FAZEEK.COM.AU

HAVE A COOKIE

Whittaker’s heavenly new Limited Edition Blondie and Biscuit 250g Block pairs the signature flavour of Whittaker’s authentically caramelised Blondie chocolate with dark, crunchy, homestyle biscuit pieces for a moreish new treat. RRP$6, WHITTAKERS.CO.NZ

MALT SHOP

Colour, texture and pattern effortlessly combine in Foxtrot Home’s new Malt Brown Grid. A subtle and timeless design using warmhued Malt Brown, in the beautifully textured linen you know and love. Available in duvets, sheets, baby linen, cushions and pillowcases. RRP from $32, FOXTROTHOME.CO.NZ

IN THE CARDS

SNACKISFACTION

Nelson-based Proper Crisps have launched a new range of chips that deliver a “ridiculously bigger satisfying crunch”. Bigger and thicker, the Big Cut comes in four flavours – Marlborough Sea Salt, Purple & Gold Cracked Pepper, Dill Pickle & Cider Vinegar and Smoked Paprika in shared bags and single serve bags. From RRP$5 at all good supermarkets.

AN IRISH TWIST

Graham Norton’s Own Irish Vodka is craft distilled the traditional way from Irish potatoes. Made with pure Mullaghmesha Mountain water, filtered through 300-million-year-old West Cork red sandstone, this new addition to the GN range is creamy but earthy, with hints of vanilla coming through. Serve straight up with your favourite premium mixer and a wedge of citrus. RRP$59.99.

Created by BOP locals, aspiring business mogul Matteo Dubois (age 9) and illustrated by his 12-year-old brother Quentin, FFF (Fly Funky Fly) is a fun family card game that takes the Kiwi summer pastime of swatting pesky flies to a playful new level. RRP$38, FFFCARDGAME.COM

HARRISON BLOY

Harrison Bloy welcomed members of the ADNZ to their stunning new showroom in Tauriko on February 18, unveiling the latest in functional and beautiful bathroom products.

PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN 1. Carl Jacobs, Dean Davis, Sophia Cole, Olivia Ellis 2. Jamie-Lee Doherty, Rachel Cleverly 5. Dan Coe, Dan Wetherill 6. Nicky Jacobs, Clare Hetet 7. Rachel Read, Sophia Cole 8. Carl Jacobs, Lewis Warner 9. Jeremy Moloney, Tony Biesiek 10. Dean Turner, Rob Read 11. Dan Wetherill, Rachel Read, Dan Coe, Justin Ansell.

TAURANGA MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL

Saturday, March 18.

and Caroline Robertson 14. Shiren Oza, Yogini Oza, Khushou Topiwala, Aarya Topiwala and Neal Topiwala.

BA5 WITH CALIBRE + CANDOR

Advertising agency Calibre + Candor hosted the first Tauranga Business Chamber event for 2023 at the Farmer Autovillage showrooms in February. It was an opportunity to reconnect and network with other Bay businesses over canapés and drinks provided by Hereford Kitchen.

SALINA GALVAN 1. Maree Hawkins, Mark Beaudoin and Wanita Wood 2. Scott Jacobs, Teresa Jacobs and Valerie Rowe-Mitchell 3. Raiha Fincaryk and Joy Moir 4. Robin Oliver, Paul Brljevich, Steve Smith and Tom Beswick 5. Matt Willams, Abi Banks and Dev C 6. Roger Matthews, Michelle Griffin, Jim Law and Rebecca Meyer 7. Tui Walker, Anne Bradley, Lisa Pepper and Sahana Jones 8. Matt Cowley and Ben Cain 9. Russell Pederson and Mike Bambury 10. Matt Williams and John McKinlay.

PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN 1. Ellie Munn, Janet Freeman and Jemma Miri 2. Amhira Friera and Allan Friera 3. Julie Nielsen, Jennie Kim, Vita Nielsen-Faavae and Jamein Nielsen-Faavae 4. Katelyn Watson and Sammy Bull 5. Keri-ann Makai and Kaahai Kohu Wade 6. Marcia Sayers, Louis Sayers and Helena Muller 7. Minseok Kim, Minseo Kang and Jiyoon Sim 8. Sofia Frear, Agnieszke Frear, Emma Frear, Anna Lim and Adam Lim 9. Melissa Gillingham, Maximilian Engelhardt, Nicklas Scheffler, Jakob Tegeder, Charlotte Zeiher, Ben Schmieder, Charlotte Spangenberger and Julius Pfeiffer 10. Zarra Ali and Fareena Ali 11. Shikha Shah, Dhruvi Patel and Juhi Kansara 12. Anna Elphick, Adelia Elphick, Rafal, Adrian, Mary, Joy and Jonas 13. Sam Robertson

PHOTOS

HOLI COLOUR SPLASH FESTIVAL

The community spirit and welcoming vibe of this gathering was evident right from the get-go. Friends and family came together to celebrate this ancient Indian festival on March 4 at Memorial Park in Tauranga.

DONATE TO DINE

Donate to Dine hosted another event, raising funds for Te Aranui Youth Trust.

PHOTOS IVY PRENTIS

PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN 1. Sarah Bennison, Jackie McCullough, Rachael Haden, Hannah Abbott, Sarah T 2. Daniel Ahsam, Roimata Ahsam 3. Danielle Squine, Shane Swales 4. Eden Cowley, Tanya Grimstone, Emma Sievwright 5. Emma Sievwright, Michael Sievwright 6. Glen Forgie, Andy Veal, Leanna Veal 7. Peter McLeod, Rachel McLeod 8. Beth Domino, Jamie Trout, Andrea Lloyd, Megan Vibert, Kelly Watson 9. Jane Nee, Craig Nee 10. Matthew Moir, Charlotte Moir 11. Tom Worsp, Gemma Worsp 12. Ross Godkin, Nikhil Vishwanath 13. Jenna Tournier, Sarah Devereaux, Corina.

KI TU WITH KĀRENA AND

KASEY

The opening night of Kitchen Takeover’s Ki Tua, with star chefs Karena and Kasey Bird, went off with a bang on March 10. Guests were treated to delicious kai in a secret location.

PHOTOS JAMIE TROUGHTON 1. Mat and Annabel Taylor 2. Mark and Penny Lacey 3. Ian and Krystal Hinemoa Harrison 4. Sarah Moore and Gaylene Kem 5. Michaela, Kasey and Kārena Bird 6. Clint and Rachel Murphy, Mark Lacey, Yasmine Le Pine, Penny Lacey and Sam Le Pine 7. Izzy Troughton, Sophie Troughton and Abi Carter 8. Tracey Stoneham and Kara Boyes 9 Rachael Burgess, Rebecca Immink, Evaleigh Rautjoki-Williams, Roly Williams 10. Lavina Good and Sandra Kellow 11. Wetere Jemaine and Tamara Cooney 12. Sam and Yasmine Le Pine 13. Kārena Bird, Stacey Jones and Kasey Bird 14. Deanna Reid and Tania Reid 15. Arin Trainor and Annabelle Nathan 16. Roimata Timutimu, Carlo Poihipi, Kiri Peita, Sam Peita, Huia Haeata and Anaru.

TO THE EDGE OF THE EARTH

Olympic kayaker Mike Dawson's spirit of adventure continues to drive him toward epic expeditions, traversing remote landscapes and pushing himself to the limit.

KARL PUSCHMANN

Mike Dawson has never been one to shirk from a challenge. Instead, he actively seeks challenge out. You could say it’s a defining characteristic.

The former Olympic kayaker and Antarctic adventurer has also chalked up another win in beating UNO to our interview. When we park up at the Okere Falls Store, he’s already there sitting on the deck, coffee in hand and having quick chats with the people coming and going on this fine Friday morning.

Mike’s lived in the small town of Okere Falls, population under 400, for around 15 years, so greets most of the other regulars arriving for their coffee fix by name.

“I’m based here,” he explains. “When I was racing, we’d train a lot on the river. So it was a natural progression for training to be here full time. It's pretty cool. There's an amazing community, heaps of good running, and the cafe here is great. And we're not even 20 minutes from town,” he says, referencing nearby Rotorua.

In fact, that’s where he’s been this morning. Out on his mountain bike tearing around the bike trails in the mighty Redwoods. He reckons he’s “close” to having ridden all 200 kilometres of their various tracks.

Between kayaking, mountain biking and his recent 50-day trek over the snowy grounds of Antarctica, you’d be right in thinking he’s an adventurer.

“Slalom kayaking is not super adventurous. That's a typical Olympic sport,” he says of the sport that he’s most known for. “Whitewater, or what you could call extreme kayaking or running rivers around the world, that's a more adventurous sport.”

Then he chuckles and says, “But my bike is far from adventurous.”

What’s a lot closer to adventure was his recent trip to the edge of the earth and back. After a rigorous application process, Mike was selected to join the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Inspiring Explorers Expedition which would see him skiing 1000 kilometres over 50 days through the beautifully scenic, but incredibly hostile, environment of Antarctica, trudging all the way to the South Pole. It was an epic adventure in the truest sense of the word.

“It was a pretty interesting mission, like, it's definitely hardcore,” he says with typical understatement and no hint of irony. “It's a massive undertaking. The physical strain you put on your body is unbelievable and the environment there is hostile but stunningly beautiful and peaceful. It's a freezing cold environment, one that doesn’t suit long-term living. There's no food, no water and no trees. There's nothing. It's a real adventure. The frontier.

“If you think about it, you're pretty much doing a half marathon a day, towing a bunch of weight behind you,” he says.

WORDS

/ PHOTOS GRAEME MURRAY + SUPPLIED HAIR + MAKE UP DESIREE OSTERMAN

It sounds hellish. Mike says that, for some of the time, it was.

“For me, it was around the 30th day, when I realised I still had 20 days to go. It's crazy. A three-week trip there on its own would be next level, and we'd already been out there for a month. It's tough. There were some days that we were exhausted. I remember two days clearly that I was done. I was like, ‘Man, I don't know if I can keep doing this.’ It's such a long time. But then the coolest thing you learn quickly is if you can just take your next breath, that'll mean you take your next step, and suddenly an hour will be gone. Once that hour’s gone, the day will be gone. So if you can just keep moving, the day goes.”

By taking one step after the other, the small team covered around 20 to 25 kilometres a day, depending on conditions and how everyone was holding up. Some days the conditions would be too bad for them to move far. The next it would be beautiful blue skies and glistening snow and they’d be on their way.

Dark days, soul searching, sore legs and always just one more step to go. It of course begs the question, why was he doing this monumental task in the first place?

it to celebrate 150 years since Roald Amundsen was born,” he says.

Amundsen was a Norwegian explorer of the polar regions and a prominent figure in what we now appropriately call the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. The Antarctic Heritage Trust team was following in his adventurous ski steps and consisted of people from Norway and Aotearoa.

“The Antarctic Heritage Trust is responsible for preserving all the historic huts in Antarctica. They’re trying to inspire exploration.

it’s what I’ve loved for my whole life. I've been lucky and so fortunate to be able to chase this dream of kayaking and racing, but also exploring the world and the rivers of the world… going to these places, and skipping over that line outside of my comfort zone,”

"I'VE BEEN LUCKY AND SO FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO CHASE THIS DREAM OF KAYAKING AND RACING, BUT ALSO EXPLORING THE WORLD."

ABOVE LEFT: Mike working his way around a huge waterfall in Angola in 2018. ABOVE: Mike's first experience exploring Antarctica in 2019 with AHT.

he explains. “ I think it's really important to share the stories of the early polar explorers. What I did is easy compared to what they did. When I read their stories I wish I was from that time, so I could have sailed to Antarctica and spent three years exploring.”

It may have been easy in comparison to Amundsen’s legendary explorations but that doesn’t mean there was anything easy about it. It’s still Antarctica. He says he tried to keep his mind focussed on each day, rather than the overwhelming 1000 kilometres of their trek. When asked what he learned about himself during this epic adventure he stops and thinks for a second before answering.

“It was such a cool reminder of how important it is to slow down and be content with where you are. When you're out there you don't have any communication with anyone. No internet, no constant distraction like you have in the modern world,” he says.

“That was one of the hardest parts of coming back. The overstimulation of all this noise that comes at you every day, all the time. I’m trying to remember what it felt like to be out there and keep a bit of that calmness in my day-to-day life somehow.”

Then, with an air of resignation, he says, “It's impossible. But I’m trying.

“When you go on a trip like this one to the South Pole, you have heaps of time to think and take stock of what's going on in life. In general life, things are busy. You're always moving and on the go. You never really get time to think about where you want to be in a few years,” he continues. “When you’re an athlete, it's so clear, it’s so easy, right? Because you’re progressing towards the Olympics or the Worlds. That’s a big goal and a big priority. Every day when you wake up. That’s all you do. The coolest thing about Antarctica is that it gave me time to declutter all that, to think about where I could see myself in a few years and what I want to do. That was a massive takeaway for me, figuring that out.”

So the hard times, the adventure, is what made it all worthwhile?

“Yeah, the moment was hard, but when you get to the end of any challenge, it's always worth it. It's really rewarding. When you finish it's sometimes hard to understand the magnitude of the undertaking, because when you're in it, it's just what you're doing.

"THERE'S NO FOOD, NO WATER AND NO TREES. THERE'S NOTHING. IT'S A REAL ADVENTURE. THE FRONTIER."

It’s only afterwards when you start telling the story that you realise it was something to be really proud of.”

To find out what shaped Mike’s adventurous spirit, you have to go back to when he was lad. He reckons his sense of adventure was born from exploring our local rivers on his kayak. A pass time which got him hooked on the sport when he was a student at Tauranga Boys College. In this regard, he was following in the wake of his brother, who was already paddling. Mike joined the school’s kayak club, which led him to competing.

He took to the sport like a duck to water and was soon spending all his free time on the river with his mates.

“I enjoyed it a lot,” he smiles. “It's pretty cool. Kayaking definitely took up a lot of time as a kid for sure.”

I suggest that it sounds like a good way to keep out of trouble.

“Yeah, probably,” he says, before grinning and adding, “Or getting into trouble.”

FAR LEFT: Skiing through Antarctica.

ABOVE: At the Adidas Sickline Extreme Kayak Worlds in Austria. LEFT: Martina and Mike exploring Brazil after the World Champs in Rio; Taking gold in the KayakCross at the World Cup in Prague, 2018.

Mike recalls a few misadventures trying to crack the rivers and the Kaimais with low water – and too much water.

“I remember my first day going kayaking up the Wairoa River and tipping over and being scared,” he laughs. “I couldn't roll back up. I ran out of breath and had to swim. I got a lot of grief for swimming in the river.”

From tumbling in the Wairoa River to competing at two Olympic Games, first at London in 2012 and then at Rio de Janeiro four years later, is a heck of a ride. He’s modest about how he got there.

“Just paddling heaps,” he says, before talking about slalom kayaking’s own journey as a sport.

“If I look at the progression of the sport, the kids are so much better now than we were when we were young. We had to learn everything. It was slow and took us ages, especially the slalom. Kiwis love adventure and getting out on the river. Slalom is different to that, it’s really precise. For us to progress from this raw vision of kayaking to a refined version was pretty hard. It was a massive journey.”

He says it’s a very Euro-dominated sport and remembers going to the Junior Worlds for the first time and “getting hammered” by the Europeans. Rather than getting discouraged, it had the opposite effect and the team returned home to begin training harder and smarter. Mike set a goal for the following year – he’d make the finals. It was a goal he accomplished.

“I wasn’t very good in the final, I ended up 10th.” Then he grins and says, “But goal achieved all the same.”

Mike’s retired from competing but is still involved as a trainer. Nowadays the sport is different, with strong clubs, education, resources and an Olympiclevel course in Auckland for training.

“We have athletes and teams that are capable of winning any of the events,” he says. “It's just a matter of them doing it when it counts. Whereas back in the day, when we were first becoming senior athletes, just getting in the Top 40 would be huge.”

After 15 years of kayaking at the highest level, his paddle is now permanently hung up to dry, although he remains heavily involved in the sport in a training and coaching capacity. He has a big year ahead with the World Championships in London in September.

Doing well there means travelling to Paris for the Olympics.

With so much going on Mike says he’s trying to keep his Antarctic cool.

“It's hard. You say all these things, like, ‘I'm not going to drive my car as much, I'm not going to use my phone as much’, then you come back, and the reality is you fall back into some of the old habits,” he says. “But it's making sure you change a couple of little things. Those little things will evolve into bigger things. And then that makes monumental change.

“It’s the same in sport,” he continues. “When you try to change one tiny thing it can be the difference between big performance or small. I feel it’s similar in life. I’ve been trying to be a little bit more intentional with what I do each day.”

Then, with a smile, the adventuring Olympian shares the biggest takeaway from his epic adventure. “Make sure you leave time for the things you enjoy. Go for a ride or a kayak and hang out with friends. When you’re away from everything for so long, you realise how much you miss them.”

Kayaking through the Rondo Gorge of the Indus River in Pakistan during filming of the Netflix film The River Runner.

"IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO SHARE THE STORIES OF THE EARLY POLAR EXPLORERS. WHAT I DID WAS EASY COMPARED TO WHAT THEY DID."

Celebrating 20 years of giving

This year, the Acorn Foundation celebrates 20 years of connecting generous people who care with causes that matter in our region.

Since 2003, thanks to the incredible generosity of Acorn donors, the foundation has gifted over $13 million to support more than 290 charitable organisations in the Western Bay of Plenty and other areas important to our donors.

With more than 425 endowment funds and over 600 total donors, Acorn is well-positioned to support our region long into the future.

See

When food, culture and creativity collide to make our region the place to be.

ALL THAT JAZZ

Goldsmith Baynes bring a Māori approach to the music PAGE 40

Plant-based deliciousness PAGE

TAKE A MOMENT

Teaching kids to manage big feelings PAGE 42

NEED FOR SPEED

Tokoroa's young kart-racing prodigy PAGE 46

KAI FOR THE SOUL

Full of flavour and good for you too, contemporary Māori foods combine traditional knowledge with modern methods.

WORDS STACEY JONES

Coming off the back of Kitchen Takeover's most recent pop-up restaurant alongside passionate advocates of Māori culinary cuisine, Kasey and Karena Bird, it struck me how the indigenous food and beverage space has grown since the last time we were in the kitchen together. This is a trend happening throughout New Zealand, with a rising number of Māori food producers inspired not only by traditional foods, but also by the methods in which to produce them .

When I asked Karena about this growing trend, she explained that what makes this space so interesting is that Māori ingredients blend together not only delicious flavours but also strong health properties. “It’s a holistic way of eating that reflects the Māori way of life in general. It’s not only food – it’s how that makes your wairua (living soul) feel. The energy it brings to your life. It’s such an exciting and changing space, and it's great to see more people wanting to use and learn about Māori ingredients.”

I'd like to share some of our leading Māori food producers making waves on the world stage – not only do they taste great, they make you feel great too.

Wai Mānuka is set to become the next big thing in non-alcoholic beverages, with a new drink that is inspired by Māori culture and ingredients. Wai Mānuka combines water (wai) with mānuka honey to create a premium non-alcoholic beverage.

The brand was founded back in 2020 by “three Maori boys” from Whakatāne during the height of lockdown. Founder Joe Harawira explained, “It was New Year’s Eve and I was drinking pineapple kombucha, and it tasted gross. So after a bit of ribbing from my friends, we started to think about other nonalcoholic drinks that could elevate the occasion and taste great.”

Within just months of launching, the brand was selected as the chosen non-alcoholic supplier for the America’s Cup, alongside Coca Cola. “Since then we have been on a meteoric rise – within just 18 months we are in 33 supermarkets, 25 hospitality venues, supported major New Zealand events

and have just started a trail in Tokyo. We intend to become a global brand representing Aotearoa.”

Manufactured in and distributed from Tauranga, they are focused on sustainability. Honey is sourced from Whakatāne and the lemon juice from a family in Hawke’s Bay. “My mum puts it best when she sums up the drink,” says Joe: “He taonga utu nui na Aotearoa – a precious gift from New Zealand.”

While truffles probably don’t spring to mind as a traditional Māori ingredient, we know from looking back at the history books that truffles have a long history of use as a food in many cultures, and in the mid-1800s, pioneer missionary Reverend Richard Taylor wrote that Māori “esteem [them] as an article of food.”

Ohiwa Black Diamonds is a truffle producer based in Whakatane, making truffle oil, salt, honey and more. Run by husband and wife team Matiu Hudson and Annette Munday, their truffière produces more Black Perigord truffles per hectare than any other truffière in the country. Matiu works with Māori land trusts and farmers around New Zealand to grow truffles on unproductive land.

Stacey Jones

A truffle’s health properties are playing a key part of the brand’s focus on export in the coming months as they hit the world stage. "It's claimed that truffles have anti-ageing and anti-oxidant properties, so we're looking to tap into that," says Annette.

Manawa Honey was founded by the Tūhoe Tuawhenua Trust. It focuses on wild honey gathering, or te nanao miere, in Rutahuna, located in the heart of remote untouched indigenous forests known as Te Urewera.

Using traditional methods, with a focus on sustainability, they are producing some of the world’s best honey right here in the Bay of Plenty. So much so that they won the Grand First Prize for the Best Tasting Honey in the World at the Black Jar International Honey Tasting Contest in 2021 with their Rewarewa Honey. Not only does it taste delicious, but their honey has strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties too.

“In the past, we have been a bit reluctant to promote our honey because our old people say, “Kāre te kūmara e kōrero mō tana reka – A sweet potato doesn’t boast about how sweet it is!” But we know that to be successful, we must let the world know.”

If you’re interested in finding more Māori food suppliers locally, be sure to check out Kāuta (kauta.co.nz).

Established by chef Grant Kitchen, it aims to connect consumers to authentic Māori food supplies at the source.

WAIMANUKA.CO.NZ

MANAWAHONEY.CO.NZ

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Kate is a registered nurse with 20 years experience providing a wide range of medical aesthetic treatments having trained extensively with both national and International experts.

ADVENTUROUS TASTES

Keen to explore some new flavours? These plant-based recipes by The Intrepid Vegan will really take you places.

RE CIPES & PHOTOS TRACIE HEASMAN

Cauliflower Alfredo

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

6 cups raw cauliflower florets

(approx 1 medium-sized head of cauliflower)

5–6 unpeeled garlic cloves

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp vegetable stock powder

1/2 cup raw cashews

1 cup unsweetened plant milk (eg oat, soy)

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/3 cup nutritional yeast

500g fettuccine pasta

Cashew parmesan or cheese of your choice

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 200ºC.

Toss to coat the cauliflower and garlic in the olive oil and stock powder, then place on a baking tray and roast in the oven for 20 minutes, until golden.

Meanwhile, place the cashews in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Soak for 15 minutes, then rinse under cold water and drain.

Remove the tray from the oven, and when cool enough touch, carefully peel the garlic cloves. In a blender, combine the cooled garlic and cauliflower with the cashews, plant milk, lemon juice and nutritional yeast, then blitz until smooth.

Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, then drain and return to the pot. Pour the sauce over the top and gently stir through.

Serve in bowls, sprinkled with cashew parmesan.

Raw Broccoli Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

2 medium-sized broccoli heads, cut into bite-sized florets (approximately 6 cups)

1 cup raw sunflower seeds

1/2 cup raw sesame seeds

1 cup goji berries (or raisins or sultanas)

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

2 spring onions, thinly sliced, plus 1 tbsp extra to serve

Creamy Cashew Dressing

1 cup cashews, soaked

1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp pure maple syrup

1 large clove garlic, diced

1 tsp wholegrain mustard

2 tbsp lemon juice

1/3 cup water

METHOD

Place the broccoli, seeds, berries and onions in a large bowl and toss to combine.

To make the dressing, place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until just combined. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with the extra spring onion.

Gnocchi with Kūmara Sauce

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

400g orange kūmara, diced into 2cm cubes

2 cups plant milk (I used oat)

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

10g fresh sage leaves

3 cups spinach

500g cooked gnocchi

Coconut yoghurt

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180ºC and line a tray with baking paper.

Spread the kūmara on the tray and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and tender. Place the kūmara, plant milk and cinnamon in a blender, blitz until combined, then set aside.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat, then sauté the garlic and

sage for 2 minutes or until the garlic is almost golden and the sage is crispy. Add the spinach and stir gently for 1 minute or until wilted.

Add the kūmara mixture and stir for 1 minute or until heated through, then add the cooked gnocchi and toss to coat. Fold through the coconut yogurt and serve.

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Vegan Chocolate

Brownies

Makes 12

INGREDIENTS

2 large ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup smooth, salted peanut butter

1/2 cup cacao powder

3/4 cup walnuts, chopped

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 pinch sea salt

Icing sugar, to dust

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180ºC and line a tin with baking paper.

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend to form a thick, uniform batter. Transfer the batter to the tin and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Allow to cool completely before dusting with icing sugar and cutting into squares.

DESIGNS BY MARK CASHMORE DESIGN

THE PURSUIT OF HOPPINESS

Only available once a year in extremely limited quantities, Mount Brewing Co.'s Fresh Hops beer won't last long. So hop to it.

WORD S KARL PUSCHMANN / PHOTOS BEN PARRY

Forget Christmas. For beer connoisseurs, March is the most exciting time of the year. That’s because down in the South Island a plant called Humulus lupulus has just blossomed and its flowers harvested.

These flowers are hops, and hops are the most crucial ingredient in beer.

Hops are what makes beer, well, beer. They give the beer its bitterness and, depending on quantity, source location, characteristics and amount used in the brewing process, also give the drink its identifiable flavours and aromas. Be that fruity overtones, citrus bite or an indefinable “ wow ” factor.

By necessity, most of the beer we drink throughout the year is brewed with hops pellets. These compressed pellets stay fresher for longer. But this month, when hops season begins, brew masters around the country will be brewing a batch or two with vine-fresh hops.

Pawel Lewandowski, the head brewer at Mount Brewing Co., was one of the lucky brewers who was able to secure an order of the highly-desirable fresh hops.

“It's once a year only. It's quite exciting,” he smiles as he tells UNO about the plan he’s brewed up for these precious fresh hops. “This season we’ll be brewing fresh hop IPA. A filtered and unfiltered version of the same beer.”

From top left: Niall Harley, Ben Simpson, Leonie Hoenig, Pawel Lewandowski, Tom Ball, Briar Meikle and Drew Reuss.

You might know “ unfiltered beer ” by its more popular name of “ hazy ”. So while the recipe will be the same, the differing brewing process ensures the two IPAs will taste unique from each other. That, Pawel explains, is the point.

“We want to showcase what filtering does to the beer, let people experience the difference and let them choose what they prefer.”

Fittingly, for such a special ingredient, Pawel’s crafting a whole new recipe. When pressed for detail he says it will have the flavours and aroma of passionfruit and grapefruit.

“This year we're using specifically only the Nectaron Hops variety, and hoping our drinkers will be able to identify flavours that this specific hop provides.”

Using fresh hops ensures the beer will be much bolder in taste, he explains, with a super fruit-forward aroma.

“Everybody's excited. The smell you experience in the brewery is like going to the perfume shop, basically,”

Part of what makes fresh hop season so exciting is that even with the most careful forward planning and recipe refinement there’s no way to predict how the beer is actually going to taste.

“You can make assumptions but there’s science and chaos in the brewing process,” he says. “So you never know until you have your first pint in your hand. Then you can say, 'Okay, we did a good job'.”

Having been at Mount Brewing Co for around eight years, and head brewer for four, and having come up with the recipes for their ever-popular Coffee Stout and much-loved Crazy Hazy, Pawel’s confident that he can do just as good a job when he gets his hands on the fresh hops.

They’ll be getting multiple plane loads with which to brew but, because fresh crop beer requires much more hops per batch than using pellets, the 180 kilos of hops being rushed in will only make two batches of beer.

“We’re going to get around 1200 litres per batch,” he says. “So it's a very limited release.”

Pawel says the two fresh hop IPAs will be on tap at the Rising Tide around the third week of April 2023, with a very small quantity escaping out the door in cans to land in select supermarkets and bottle stores. But, if past seasons are anything to go by, you’ll need to hop down to Rising Tide fairly quickly if you hope to get a taste of the fresh hops hype for yourself.

“I don't think it’s going to last long because fresh hop beers are quite popular. Last year, it lasted maybe two to three weeks on the taps,” he says. “It will probably be the same scenario this season.”

His excitement about brewing with fresh hops is infectious. But how fresh, exactly, are we talking here?

“We're going to use hops that have been harvested on the same day. They're going to be flown up from the South Island from the farm right here to Mount Maunganui. We're going to pick it up from the airport and make the beer on the same day. It will be six or seven hours after the harvest. So straight into it.”

Then with a wide grin, he says, “You can't get any fresher than that!”

MOUNTBREWINGCO.BREWERY

MOUNTBREWINGCO.COM

"EVERYBODY'S EXCITED. THE SMELL YOU EXPERIENCE IN THE BREWERY IS LIKE GOING TO THE PERFUME SHOP."

JAZZ YOU LIKE IT

With the Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival celebrating its 60th birthday this year, UNO spoke to festival manager Marc Anderson to get a sneak peek at what to expect.

WORDS KARL PUSCHMANN

It’s hard to believe that the Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival has kept crowds bipping, bopping and swinging for 60 years. Music fashions may come and go but jazz, it seems, is eternal.

Marc Anderson, the festival’s manager, has a theory for jazz’s long-lasting and generational appeal.

“It's such a broad genre that encompasses so many different styles,” he says. “Sixty years ago, jazz was the hip music that all the kids got into. Now, 60 years on, most genres of music can be somehow or another related to jazz. Whether you know the influence or not. It makes jazz still current and relevant.”

It’s a broad church, jazz, and everyone is welcome. With around 40 subgenres nestled under the umbrella term “ jazz ”, ranging from summery smooth cool all the way through to challenging modal explorations, its wide variety is one of the defining features of the genre. It’s also something taken seriously by the Jazz Fest.

“It's really important for us that we don't pigeonhole the festival into having one type of jazz because there's a lot of interesting music out there,” Marc says. “I love the lineup. It’s a really diverse array of music and I'm excited about the depth of music and talent that we've got this year.”

The Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival is renowned for the quality of its lineups but for its 60th Birthday Bash, they’ve pulled out all the stops. They’re expecting 20,000 people for the Downtown Carnival, which boasts over 40 acts during its two days, not to mention the huge range of shows, concerts and events going on over its 10 days.

Local jazz institution Blue Train is reforming, Laughton Kora’s galactic-jazz ensemble Black Comet is landing and jazz duo Goldsmith Baynes will send chills down your spine with their contemporary fusion of jazz and Maori philosophies. Of course, that’s just a sliver of what’s on the programme.

“The Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival is one of the flagship events in Tauranga and it feels like the community is really behind it,” Marc says. “Everyone's really positive for the festival, which shows because it's a great place to be. If you come along, I guarantee you'll find some magic every single day.”

Then, putting his money where his mouth is, he laughs and adds, “And if you don't, I might buy you a pint!”

The Port of Tauranga 60th National Jazz Festival is running from Saturday, April 1 through to Monday, April 10.

JAZZ.ORG.NZ

TWO WORLDS, ONE MUSIC

How are you feeling about performing at the Tauranga Jazz Festival for its 60th birthday celebrations?

We can't wait to play. I've been going to the festival since I was about 18. It's such a great time. Everybody should get along and check out music they've never heard before. I always say, go with an open mind and be ready to experience something different or something new.

That’s what jazz is all about, right? That search for something new.

That's right. Innovation happens by pushing those boundaries. It's fun and exciting. As a musician, you never know what you're going to create.

Is that how you found your unique sound with Goldsmith Baynes?

Māori music and jazz music meeting together to form a new space was more than just bringing a bit of Te Reo to songs. It was a complete way of approaching the music. The way it was made was thought about as bringing a Māori approach to jazz.

What was that approach? What brings these two worlds together?

The way that we think about it. I’ll tell Mark I’ll be singing about birds. He will reflect on that and then

play what he thinks will match that. The idea is that the musicians will follow the meaning of what we're talking about and bringing to fruition in terms of music.

A lot of jazz is based on explorations into theory, but you approach your songs from feelings or meanings?

A lot of people take a theoretical approach to jazz. Of course, prior to it becoming an academic type of music it was Black, African music. It came from feeling before they ever really thought about it. And theory came prior to that. So it's kind of like taking it back to its roots. I like to think of it like that.

What's great about jazz is how pliable it is. It can be adapted in so many ways or incorporated in so many different expressions. That’s right. Jazz has been a way for me to write my own music and write my own lyrics and learn my language. It's multifaceted and pretty personal. Me and my friends and musicians think of jazz as an approach to life.

Duo Goldsmith Baynes has been turning heads in the jazz world. Their latest album, the acclaimed E Rere Rā, brings a Māori outlook, vision and language to contemporary jazz. UNO caught up with singer-songwriter Allana Goldsmith ahead of their show at the Tauranga Jazz Festival.

Goldsmith Baynes perform Saturday, April 8, at the Baycourt Community & Arts Centre at 6pm.

PAUSE, BREATHE, SMILE

This groundbreaking programme is making a real difference to our children’s emotional wellbeing, both in school and at home.

WORDS CATHERINE SYLVESTER

It goes without saying that life can be both challenging and stretching at the best of times. Throw into the mix a global pandemic, its repercussions, and the odd cyclone, and nerves can get more than a little frayed. As adults, many of us have needed to dig deep and prioritise mental health over the past few years, drawing on all the tools at our disposal. Our tamariki (children) have also had to weather these proverbial – and at times, literal – storms right alongside us. Factor in the unique aspects of growing up in this digital age that seems so different to many of our childhoods, and the potential for anxious thoughts and behavioural concerns increases. Now, thanks to charity Pause, Breathe, Smile (PBS) children don’t have to navigate these feelings alone.

Launched in its current form in 2017 by Grant and Natasha Rix with support from the Mental Health Foundation, PBS brings mindfulness-based wellbeing programmes into schools, to support, nurture and empower children to live their best lives.

By engaging and equipping teachers with the ability to share a series of eight lessons incorporating skills such as mindful breathing, mindful movements and kindness practices with their classes, the programme aims to give tamariki the tools they can use to feel good and function well the majority of the time.

“Feeling good is about emotional wellbeing, or an ability to manage emotion,” explains Grant. “Functioning well is speaking to psychological wellbeing. Integrating certain positive attributes, and how children can relate to others, while having control over their own emotions is super important.” Grant acknowledges that to feel this way all the time is unrealistic, but wholeheartedly

believes “it’s possible to live in a way where we experience positive mental health most of the time.”

The charity is seeing results that reinforce this vision. Darren Scott, deputy principal, and Year 5 whānau leader, Yvette Brown, from Tahatai Coast School, Pāpāmoa have noticed marked improvements since the programme’s implementation in 2021.

“Children are coming back from playtime more ‘present’,” Yvette says.

“They’ve learned that it’s normal to have worries, but now they know how to identify their concerns and have strategies they can use to deal with them.”

It’s not just within the classroom environment that positive results are being seen. “We’ve received a lot of feedback that what the children are learning in school is being brought into the home,” explains Darren. “These are skills for life!”

Pause, Breathe, Smile h as now reached over 100,000 tamariki in 323 schools, thanks to funding from Southern Cross, who partnered with the charity in 2020. A survey undertaken by more than a thousand teachers enrolled in the programme produced many encouraging results. Positive classroom behaviour had increased while a decline in negative behaviour was observed. Twelve months on from the introduction of PBS, general student wellbeing was up 16.6%, and the number of students flourishing increased by 8.1%. In general, greater perseverance, less anxiety, and less worries were reported.

“For me, the research and evaluation has been hugely important,” says Grant. “I only want to be doing something that works and achieves the benefits we’re after.”

With PBS now being fully funded, expansion is on the cards. “Follow-up lessons for schools, and unique ways of working with new entrants are on the

wish list,” Grant excitedly explains. “An app is also in the works.”

Committed to positively impacting tamariki across New Zealand, PBS has piloted a programme within full immersion kura (schools), with all resources available in te reo Māori. “We’ve worked with Māori teachers in these schools and had a Māori educator facilitating so that we can be certain that the work we’re doing is properly contextualised with a Te Ao Māori worldview,” Grant says. “It’s an ongoing process, but we’re at a place now where we’re able to train kaiako (teachers).”

Backed by solid funding, extensive research and enthusiastic educators, the future is looking bright for PBS and the children it reaches. Take it from someone already positively impacted by the initiative, Tahatai Coast pupil, Poppy (8): “I feel way calmer, and it’s really good to just be able to slow down my thoughts and think about things for a while now.”

PAUSEBREATHESMILE.NZ

Pause, Breathe, Smile founders Grant and Natasha Rix.

"IT’S POSSIBLE TO LIVE IN A WAY WHERE WE EXPERIENCE POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH MOST OF THE TIME."

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

This April, take a peek backstage at Baycourt’s colourful history – and celebrate its ruby anniversary with a diverse roster of performances, exhibitions and community engagement.

WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR

If a venue like Baycourt is marking a milestone, then it follows that creative celebrations can be expected. And such is the case, with all eyes on the stage between April 21-29, when Baycourt’s 40th anniversary celebrations will be rolled out.

It will be a time to reflect upon, and celebrate, the many magic moments delivered in one building over four decades, says Baycourt manager Reena Snook.

In its time Baycourt has served its community well – providing the venue for hundreds of school musicals, primary school music festivals, all sorts of dance competitions, dramatic performances, Tauranga Art Festival and Jazz Festival events, and so many more. It’s provided a stage for comedians like Ben Elton, for example, and national dance companies like Atamira, for Kiri Te Kanawa, and repeatedly for The Royal NZ Ballet and NZ Symphony Orchestra.

Many have used the Baycourt stage over the years as the springboard to stardom, with these including actor Tim Balme, and prima ballerina Katherine Grange. Technicians involved backstage have gone on to work in some of the world’s biggest venues.

This Tauranga premier performing arts venue’s impressive history actually has a royal connection too. On April 26, 1983,

Baycourt was opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales – the late Princess Diana and the then-Prince Charles.

Baycourt’s Technical and Operation manager Dale Henderson - who has a lengthy association with Baycourt - tells how the Royals were restricted to entering solely the then-called Exhibition Space as Addison Theatre, with its many curtains and entry points, offered too great a security risk.

Reena says the 40th celebrations are a time to remember such momentous events and to acknowledge her predecessors, such as the late Bob Addison. The city identity started his time as long-serving manager of Baycourt in 1988. Dale recalls Bob’s focus on getting school and community groups in using the venue.

Baycourt’s history tracks many changes in performing arts in general, he says, back to the days pre-radio microphones, LED lighting, and e-ticketing. And he recalls the days before Baycourt’s

flytower was constructed. One of the biggest changes Baycourt has been through, he believes, is in what was called The Exhibition Space, now X Space.

“It was used as a display/exhibition area but is now much more around performing arts and enables emergingtype performances to go ahead there.”

Baycourt can boast many wonderful stories of community involvement, and Dale offers up one dating right back to when it was being built.

“With acoustics in mind, material was needed for the back wall. So, local spinners and weavers managed to create 20 woollen wall hangings. They still hang today on The Addison Theatre’s back wall.”

Reena and Dale see the 40th anniversary celebrations as a launching pad for the next stage of Baycourt’s journey too. In the not-too-distant future, Baycourt’s interior will be refurbished and its façade upgraded, as part of the development of the new civic arts and culture precinct, Te Manawataki o Te Papa. ”

BAYCOURT.CO.NZ

LET’S CELEBRATE

There’s much to remember, much to celebrate, and Reena assures the public can expect a diverse 40th anniversary programme that will involve:

• A gala concert (7pm on April 21). Think royal variety show. Taking the stage will be groups like Tauranga Musical Theatre, Opus Orchestra, and local dance groups – all of which have performed on the Baycourt stage over the years.

• A curated art exhibition in the X Space (from April 21-29) – free entry. Organised in collaboration with The Incubator, X-bition will be a creative presentation of historical and current images from Baycourt’s collections.

• An online digital component which has involved taking archival images and digitalising them. A website, with the images, will be launched on April 21.

• A community engagement programme named He Toi Kupu is being produced by Tauranga-born creative Jason Te Mete (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi) and his organisations Tuatara Collective and Ahipoutu Collective. This event will involve extracted stories dramatically interpreted.

• A whānau day on April 29 to end celebrations. The community will be welcomed for guided tours of Baycourt during this free, family event. Face painters, balloon sculptures and food will all be part of the fun atmosphere.

Dancers performing in This Too Shall Pass.

Opus Orchestra and Simon O'Neill.

A large variety of shows has taken place at Baycourt over the years.

We Will Rock You was performed to sell-out audiences.

The interior of Baycourt.

DRIVING TALENT

Tauranga-born kart-racing prodigy Jay Urwin has his sights set on a long motorsport career, helped along by a couple of parents who know all about the thrills and spills of professional sport.

WORDS + PHOTOS JAMIE TROUGHTON

There was only ever going to be one way with Jay Urwin, and that was fast. Pure, unadulterated pace, maximum thrust, acceleration torqued to the point of abandon.

It may be a stretch to say his first breath on this earth was tinged with 91-octane and adrenaline but it’s also unlikely he’ll ever contemplate a career in competitive cross-stitch.

Instead, the 14-year-old propels a 125cc racing kart around a track at speeds of up to 160km/h. Millimetres off the ground, locked in a steel embrace, on some corners he pulls more G-forces than a space shuttle taking off. Such are the physics at work, he needs a purposebuilt chest protector to stop his ribs fracturing against his seat.

Lap after lap after lap, he burns around his home track in Tokoroa, often watched only by the cows in the neighbouring paddock and his dad and coach, Niki. He’s been doing this since

he was five and has developed an intuitive feel for brake adjustments, body position and engine performance.

His motivation is simple: “It's fun,” he says. “I just like driving.” But he isn’t just any boy-racing petrol-head. Jay Urwin is a young man with a plan.

THE WHEEL DEAL

Since winning a heat at the SuperNationals in 2018 as a 10-year-old and taking out the 2019 Rotax Micro Max Grand Finals in Sarno, Italy, Jay has been on an incredible learning curve, in a sport where most don’t peak until they’re in their late 20s.

“From a driving standpoint, and in things like knowledge and data and video analysis, I'm quite a way behind but because I'm still at school, my brain can learn faster than someone who hasn't been to school for 10 to 20 years,” he says.

Jay's home track in Tokoroa.

Jay taking a moment with dad Niki, a former six-time New Zealand motocross champion.

This year, Jay aims to race five rounds of the Australian Kart Championship, the SKUSA professional tour in the United States, and the SuperNationals in Las Vegas in November. The Matamata College teenager will be racing and chasing grown men – experienced world champions like Dutch star Marijn Kremers and 48-year-old Italian karting legend Davide Foré.

Kremers will be driving all the same American races, while also helping Jay’s team in Australia. The pair have met before and the experienced Dutchman looms as a large influence for the young Kiwi. “It's been really good working with him because he has so much knowledge and knows things about things that I didn't even know were things!” says Jay.

GREAT RACING GENES

By far the biggest influences on his competitive life have been Jay’s parents. Dad Niki was a six-time New Zealand motocross champion who broke his back racing in Australia in 2002, leaving him a paraplegic.

ABOVE: Jay with his family (from left) Vanessa, Indi and Niki.

Within a year, however, he had his karting competition licence and before the decade was up, became the only paraplegic to have competed at the world championships, in Italy.

Jay’s mum Vanessa Quin became the first New Zealander to win a world elite championship in downhill mountain biking in 2004, and also raced BMX internationally.

There’s considerable irony in Jay’s choice of sport, given that both parents suffered horrific injuries during their motocross and mountain biking careers. “Karting isn't so prescribed and it's lucky that injuries are not such a big thing in this sport, so that's a massive headache out of the way for us,” Niki admits. “Jay races more than anyone in New Zealand and he'll do anything, from a club day with 30 kids to the biggest international race where there's 600 go-karters there. You can learn something every time you race.”

Along with 10-year-old Indi, the family has travelled the world chasing karting races, firstly with Niki, and later with Jay. “It's way easier because we've seen the blueprint across multiple sports and we've seen how it works.”

For his part, Jay knows exactly how fortunate he is, and not just for the sporting prowess and drive his parents have gifted him. “We're a lot closer than 99 percent of kids my age and their parents. I spend a huge amount of time with them and they also know what kind of work you have to put in,” he says.

WHERE TO FROM HERE?

The glitz and glamour of Formula One is seen by many as the pinnacle of motorsport and most of the big-name drivers – like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton – have started off racing karts.

That’s not a career track Jay is prioritising, however.

“It's extraordinary the places that karting has taken me. We've eaten pizza in the home of pizza, seen things like the Colosseum, and the Louvre in Paris, and driven through Louisiana trying to find a McDonald’s without a broken sign from Hurricane Katrina.

“The end goal is to hopefully be a fully paid kart driver in Italy and live in Lonato del Garda, where all the big teams have testing. I've been learning Italian on Duolingo and it's really fun. I still hope to be racing 14-yearold kids when I'm 50.”

ON PURPOSE

Vivid, bold and playful, Paul Darragh’s artwork brings all the drama.

WORD S HAYLEY BARNETT

Having worked on projects for Rihanna, Nike, IBM and The New York Times, Mount Maunganui artist Paul Darragh knows a thing or two about pop culture. When he moved home from the bright lights of New York City, where he had established his own design studio and gallery space (Manhattan Born), he knew he wanted to “strip back the BS” and focus on getting to the bottom of who he really is. Each painting, he says, gets him a little closer to that place.

Bay of Plenty’s authorised repairer for:

UNO: How did you become an artist?

Paul: I believe you are born an artist, and you can try and ignore those tendencies, but eventually they must come out in order to fulfil your life’s destiny and purpose. As a teenager, I loved art and graphic design, but decided to pursue the latter professionally. I worked as a graphic designer first in Melbourne for four years, then in New York City for 10 years. It was at the end of this period, after working with some top brands and experiences, that I realised I was no longer creatively fulfilled just doing that work. I needed to also create art. So I remember that day in 2015, at my job in Brooklyn, deciding from then on I would become an artist.

How did you discover this medium?

My art practice is distinctly influenced by my design career; the work is flat, graphic and bold. However, I have always been influenced by artists that work in this style. When I discovered Andy Warhol as a teenager, his work really resonated with me, and so began a love of paintings that have a strong sense of composition and colour with a nod to commerce and pop culture. These things all interest me, it’s what I think about, and it’s who I am. I believe my art should reflect the contemporary world around me, through my visual language of colour and composition.

What do you love about it?

I love that I am in complete control when I create an exhibition or collection of paintings. I have no boss or subordinates to consider. I have no one to bounce ideas off of. I only have my own mind and a belief in myself. It’s very raw and it can be very cathartic. Creating is very much a journey. You start with nothing and you have to make thousands of decisions to arrive at this final image and it often doesn’t come easy, nor does it end up like the image in your mind's eye. But therein lies the magic.

Why did you move to the Mount?

When I moved home from New York I didn’t really know where in Aotearoa I wanted to live. I decided

I would move home to my parents’ farm outside of Matamata and figure it out from there. I ended up staying there for a couple of years before meeting my now-partner Ali, who lives and has a business at the Mount. We had been together for seven months when the pandemic hit in 2020, so I moved over when the lockdown started. Three years later, I’m still here, and the Mount is now my home.

What inspires you to create?

I have a theory that each person is born with a pure soul that is the representation of their unique identity and spirit. Over time, this gets whittled away as we learn how to navigate life. We pick up insecurities and bruises. We feel shame and hide parts of ourselves. We let in resentment and bitterness. When I paint, I am trying to achieve that purity again.

What is your favourite piece and why?

One of my favourite pieces is from my latest show “Shape Up or Ship Out” at Tauranga Art Gallery. It is called Precious Cargo. I love it because it’s really big, really simple and really bright. It has an optical illusion to it. It could be a jewel, it could be a container or it could be a button from a 1980s game. You could be viewing it from above, or in front or inside of it, so it has the ability to distort space and perspective.

Who is your favourite artist right now?

One of my favourite artists right now is Ad Minoliti. They are a non-binary artist from Argentina. They make incredible geometric abstraction and installations. There are also a lot of references to children’s illustration. The paintings are bright and fun and filled with joy. BEMODERN.CO.NZ

LEFT: Maersk Mandate, Precious Cargo, Paul Darragh. BELOW: Mount mural. RIGHT: Incubator mural at Historic Village, Tracking Details.

A new day dawns over The Good Farm in Welcome Bay, Tauranga.

Loren Gibbs and Michaela Good holding their children,

(left) Brianna Gibbs and Killian Gibbs. They are pictured with Michaela’s parents Larisa and Daryl Anderson.

HOME REMEDY

Photographer Alan Gibson’s new book For The Love Of The Country highlights the everyday beauty in the work of New Zealand’s farming families. Here’s an extract on Tauranga’s The Good Farm, a family of organic farmers supplying the Bay with “good medicine”

Loren Gibbs and partner Michaela Good own The Good Farm in Welcome Bay, Tauranga, and run it on organic principles, selling the milk, veggies and eggs they produce to locals. Loren Gibbs explains: “My mum always said that food is medicine. So, if you are eating good food, you are getting good medicine.

“At The Good Farm, we are on 10 hectares, and we are running mainly a raw-milk dairy herd. We milk between 14 and 16 cows during the day. We are not certified organic, but we like to think that we work alongside the principles of organic agriculture and gardening. We are spray free on our pastures and our vegetable garden. We don’t use synthetic fertilisers, any chemical pesticides or herbicides.

“We have a farm shop and that’s where we make most of our income. All the milk from our cows gets sold on the farm through a self-service dispenser. That’s about 180 litres a day. All the produce from the veggie garden and our eggs get sold through the shop as well, on an honesty system that works well. We get hundreds of people through the shop every week and they come from all walks of life; they are not all a bunch of hippies. The only thing they have in common is that they all want fresh, raw milk and that they care about their food. That’s the main thing.”

BETWEEN THE LINES

UNO’s top new reads from home and around the globe.

SECOND CHANCES

b y Hayley Holt

HarperCollins NZ

FRIENDAHOLIC: CONFESSIONS OF A FRIENDSHIP ADDICT

by Elizabeth Day HarperCollins

Is there such a thing as too many friends? And why do we yearn for connection outside of romantic relationships? From the author of the top-selling How To Fail comes a book that unpacks the significance and evolution of friendship. From exploring her own personal friendships, to the unique and powerful insights of others across the globe, Elizabeth asks why there isn’t yet a language that can express its crucial influence on our world.

NOSTRANA

by Bri DiMattina HarperCollins NZ

Bri DiMattina shares her Italian-inspired recipes, which all began from her own New Zealand edible garden. Organised seasonally, and with growing guides for each ingredient, Nostrana features simple recipes with fresh vegetables and fruits you can easily grow and harvest yourself.

Well-known Kiwi TV presenter Hayley Holt gives a raw and unflinchingly honest account of her life to date. From her gruelling dance schedules as a child, to her alcoholism, ADHD diagnosis and heartbreaking stillbirth, Hayley is at her most vulnerable. It’s a story that proves there is always darkness before the dawn.

THE NIGHT TRAVELERS

by Armando Lucas Correa Simon & Schuster

Four generations of women experience love, loss, and hope from the rise of Nazism to the Cuban Revolution and, finally, the fall of the Berlin Wall. Separated by time but united by sacrifice, they embark on journeys of self-discovery and find themselves to be living testaments to the power of motherly love.

A FORAGER’S LIFE

by Helen Lehndorf HarperCollins

As a child, Helen Lehndorf lived off the land in rural Taranaki. When she moved to the city she found solace in long walks, foraging weeds and plants in parks and wild spaces, but something inside her still longed for home. Weaving memoir with foraging recipes, principles and practices, A Forager’s Life is a book for everyone, but especially those who live in cities and long for more connection with nature

WEALTH PLAN

by Andrew Nicol

If you’re interested in investing, and always wondered about the ins and outs of property investment, these two investment gurus from Opes Partners have created a bible just for you. It teaches you how to get started, how to structure your investments, identify high-yielding properties and achieve a portfolio of properties you can live off. It’s easy to read and is full of information and useful data for anyone looking to get into the long-term wealth-building game.

PULLING TOGETHER

Feeling humbled by recent events, Will Johnston reminds us to look after ourselves and others.

What a summer it’s been. And by summer, I mean winter. Global warming? Bad luck? Freak events? All of the above? I can’t imagine there will be a lot of newborns named Gabrielle in the next few years, huh? Which is a shame, because it’s a nice name.

If you’re in a waterlogged, windswept region, it’s likely you’ve experienced a lot more than a bit of rain. Waves literally coming through houses and washing children away is a solid foundation for a nightmare. Loss of life, loss of property and livelihoods, loss of possessions, and huge mental anguish in processing your new reality are just some of the problems people have to face.

The repetitive response I get from locals in the BOP when talking about these horrid weather events is that we feel a bit disconnected with it and almost like it happened in a different country. It was the same here in the Bay when the Christchurch earthquakes happened, and with the mosque shootings. It’s an intrinsic coping mechanism; rather than trying to mentally and empathetically put ourselves in that space, we go the other way and only touch the surface with a bit of sympathy and a donation and feel better about moving on with our lives, guilt-free.

I suppose it’s how we all deal with any tragedy that doesn’t directly involve us. Take it from someone who’s worked in media for over 20 years. Not that I’m saying any of this is wrong. It’s just so… 2023.

I have great mates living in Hawke’s Bay, Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula. These people have chainsawed their way into properties to get people out, removed God knows how many hundreds of kilos of silt from friends’ and strangers’ properties alike, and watched years of hard work literally float away or get buried. Not to mention what used to be 30-minute drives now taking three hours in some cases. As I sit writing this, it would currently take seven hours to drive to Napier from Tauranga. Just when you thought COVID was bad for tourism, not being able to get to the region puts a real dampener on your holiday (pun actually intended).

Cyclone Gabrielle has really hammered home to me the strength and compassion Kiwis show to people in need. It’s also made me a little more focussed on all of the things we should be thankful for here in the Bay.

We are going about our lives here, not covered in silt, with the power still on and running water out of the tap. The roads are drivable (well, mainly).

If you’ve already donated but still feel helpless, do something for someone you know in an affected region this week. I know it’s been a while, and I’m not saying you need to organise the entire Tauranga Aero Club to fly supplies to a stricken region, but maybe give someone you know there a text or a call this week. Sometimes connection and knowing you haven’t been forgotten is all it takes to help make someone’s day a little brighter.

RADIOWILL

CANINE COUTURE

These high-quality pet accessories help our furry friends leave lighter pawprints on the planet.

WORD S CATHERINE SYLVESTER | PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN

In this day of greater awareness around climate change and the flow-on effect our purchasing habits have on the environment, more people are turning to brands that not only stand the test of time but create the least negative impact in these areas. Until recently, local pet owners had very few options when it came to seeking accessories with these factors in mind for their beloved four-legged friends. This all changed at the start of last year when Scott and Nicole Brown brought their quality pet accessory business, Paw & Partners with them when they moved from Tāmaki Makaurau to Tauranga.

Birthed out of Nicole’s veterinary practice in Milford in 2015, the business stocks a wide range of high-end products catering to the needs of customer’s canine and feline family members.

Leashes and collars from the German company Hunter were the first pieces Scott imported for their collection. He explains, “The leashes and collars are handmade in Germany.”

These proved so popular that the couple found pet-lovers were travelling from all over Auckland to their North Shore practice, due to word-of-mouth. The Browns knew they were on to a winner. Their desire to ensure they could further provide for their customers’ needs saw them expand the range to include food bowls, beds, harnesses, and educational toys.

“Dogs can often get lonely and bored if left by themselves at home,” Scott says. “That’s usually when they’ll get themselves into mischief –digging up lawns, chewing.”

He explains that the interactive dog toys are helpful in keeping them occupied and focused, as getting to the elusive treat stashed inside is a real challenge.

“It stimulates their brains,” he continues. “The dog must figure out how to get the goodies out using only their paws and mouth. They can’t just shake or chew the toy to get to what they want.”

Scott’s passion for his business is evident. He travels to Europe to hunt down the best quality pet supply products he can find. Meeting the manufacturers face-to-face or attending international expos is of utmost importance. “It’s the only way to guarantee we’re getting the best quality that can be found,” he says.

One product he’s particularly fallen in love with is beds. “Some people like buying beautiful watches or shoes,” Scott smiles. “I like buying and supplying beautiful dog beds.”

Scott explains that the fabric quality is similar to that which can be found on regular furniture, and all the covers are machine-washable, which is very handy for those puppies who can’t yet make it through the night dry!

Bay of Plenty French Bulldog breeder Nik Fasching (Mount Frenchie Club) swears by Paw & Partners products. “The average dog will live for around 14 years, so it makes sense to invest wisely,” Nik explains. “I used to go through so many cheap beds – the dogs would chew them, or they’d fall apart in the wash. These ones last. They’re so good and they make beautiful gifts.”

Nik steers customers towards these high-quality products.

“The cheap stuff just ends up in landfill so quickly. Economically, these are a sound choice.”

Another recent addition is the harness, and Paw & Partners stock these in a range of sizes for both cats and dogs. “We’re using the Danish company Dog Copenhagen for the canine ones,” says Scott. “They make some of the best harnesses in the world – it’s all the company does.” One model is fitted with a D-ring on the chest, which Scott explains is particularly good to retrain the dog who pulls at the leash when out walking. “Many dog trainers recommend this harness,” he continues. “We’ve had lots of feedback that this is the best thing customers have purchased.”

With a retail store situated in Tauranga city centre, and an online store for those living a little further afield, Paw & Partners has made investing wisely into your pets easy. What started out as the notion of “we can do better for our customers” when it came to pet accessories, has turned into a reality for this couple. A reality that all pet owners – and their pets – can now benefit from.

Nicole and Scott with their own furry friends.

VET’S ROLL!

Animal expert and vet David McDonnell at Tauranga Vets offers advice on the purr-fect way to prepare for your vet visit.

With people’s busy schedules, getting the most out of your visit to the vet can help save you time, energy – and stress! To streamline the consultation and ensure you leave with the best advice and recommendations, it’s important to communicate well.

Veterinarians genuinely want their clients to get value from their visits, and help solve any animal issues or pet problems in the most timely and affordable way possible. With that goal in mind, here are some things you can do to get the most out of your vet consultation.

First on the list is making an appointment. Many clinics offer online bookings, which are a great way to efficiently find a time that fits your schedule. When booking, it’s important to thoughtfully answer questions around any concerns you may have about your pet. This helps the software prioritise your pet’s care needs and give the vet

clinic staff the right information about what you’re coming in for. However, if it’s an urgent case or you’re worried, call the clinic – receptionists and vet nurses can often triage the situation over the phone, and again, the more specific you can be with symptoms or the issue at hand, the better they’ll be able to assist you.

When it’s time for your visit, it’s super helpful to come prepared. Bring your pet’s record book and a list of questions or concerns. If your pet is particularly anxious, it can be beneficial to make a time prior to the appointment to come in and pick up some medication that can help lessen their stress.

To ensure your pet’s wellbeing and safety, make sure dogs are brought in on a leash, and cats are secure in a cage. Look for Cat Friendly Accredited clinics – at Tauranga Vets, we ensure that waiting and consult areas are separate for cats and dogs, and stagger their appointment times to keep our feline and canine companions apart.

Consider bringing in pictures or videos of your pet’s concerning behaviour or symptoms. A picture paints a thousand words, and this tool can be very helpful for diagnosing issues. If possible, have a list of dates, times, changes to food, environment, or home dynamics. Animals can often be affected by the nuances of life, and a good history of the situation is important.

Once in the rooms, your pet will take its cues from you. If you’re calm, it will help them to remain so. At Tauranga Vets, our consulting rooms have feline pheromone diffusers which are used to calm cats, and we’re trained in specific ways to handle them so as to minimise any stress they may feel. But as their owner, your calm demeanour can go a long way toward helping your pet to stay calm as well.

At the end of the consultation, your vet should clearly explain the next steps. More tests may be required, or a treatment plan be written up. If you need more clarification or you have questions, don’t be shy – just ask. If you have concerns regarding payment, discuss these with the vet nurse, as many clinics now offer different payment options, such as Afterpay.

Your vet should communicate well with you, too. And if you’re both committed to clear, calm, respectful communication with your pet’s health at the centre of the conversation, you’ll have a much smoother and more efficient visit – and less stress all around.

BOPVETS.CO.NZ

“ ...YOUR CALM DEMEANOUR CAN GO A LONG WAY TOWARD HELPING YOUR PET STAY CALM AS WELL. ”

Showcase

RAISE A GLASS

Perched on Mount Ngongotaha at Skyline Rotorua, Volcanic Hills Winery Tasting Room overlooks the popular geothermal region of Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island, and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Take in the scenery with a glass in hand – this relaxed tasting experience is light on the jargon and strong on just enjoying the wine (and a platter or two). Using grapes from the best of New Zealand’s wine-growing regions, Volcanic Hills Wine is made locally in Rotorua. Priced from $15 to taste three wines, $20 for five wines, or $55 for a return gondola ride and wine tasting for five wines.

VOLCANICHILLS.CO.NZ

AN EDIBLE JOURNEY

Fresh off the back of winning New Zealand’s Best Arts and Culture Event 2022 for Taiao: Food of the Gods, Kārena and Kasey Bird and Kitchen Takeover have joined forces again for a new foodie experience, Ki Tua. This five-course kai experience in a secret Tauranga location takes diners into the immersive world of Māori Atua, their connection with the natural world, and the kai we share. Running from Saturday, March 11 through to Sunday, April 2, Ki Tua is part of the Flavours of Plenty Festival.

Tickets $159 from KITCHENTAKEOVER.CO.NZ/KITUA

THRIVE

TAILOR MADE

STYLE STATUS

Low-key autumn elegance. PAGE 62

WHAT A GEM Meet master jewellery makers. PAGE 68

STYLE STATUS

Wardrobe staples to see you through autumn and beyond.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS

LOOKS TO LAST

The beauty of fashion in the southern hemisphere is the ability to be one step ahead of the game. Technically, what is being rolled out in the February fashion shows for European winters won’t yet be in our stores; however, fashion has increasingly embraced the view of longevity over trends. This means much of what is being predicted for next year can actually be sourced from the autumn trends hitting the stores now. Gone are the days of crazy catwalks; post-COVID what we’re seeing are multiple everyday looks for everyday women, with just enough pizzazz here and there to keep us fully engaged.

One look that is sure to catch the imagination is the return of layering a dress over pants. For many, this never really went away, but revived for this year the styling is tunic-style dresses with sheer fabrics and lots of detailing in hemlines. Another firm favourite is the shirt dress which, accessorised with an oversized tote, is almost painfully practical but still ultra-glamorous when the shirt dress has been well cut. Key things to look for in this universally flattering style is a cinched waist, full fit-and-flare skirt, roomy top that will accommodate – not squash – the bust, long sleeves for this time of year and, perhaps most importantly, a good weight of fabric that will fall beautifully around your legs. Pair with chunky Chelsea boots or loafers. Another absolute wardrobe staple is a leather skirt; team this with a high-fashion trend of a blouse with exaggerated cuffs falling below the fingertips, and totally elevate a piece of classic styling.

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1. MOLLIFY DRESS $597, TAYLORBOUTIQUE.CO.NZ

2. GOLD CITRINE DANGLY EARRINGS $139, SMITHANDILLON.COM

3. SCARLETTE MAXI DRESS $430, HANSENANDGRETEL.COM

4. MAGGIE BOOT $480, BRONWYNFOOTWEAR.COM

5. ORLA NECKLACE $218, SMITHANDILLON.COM

6. LEATHER A-LINE SKIRT $799, GATHERED DETAIL BLOUSE (SANDSTONE OR PETAL) $229, COUNTRYROAD.CO.NZ

7. PHOEBE LOAFER $299, KATHRYNWILSON.COM

8. BIG BETTY BAG $440, MAHY.CO.NZ

TRENDING NOW

Most wanted this season.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Warning: This is not a drill. Double denim is back. When you’ve seen it on Michelle Obama, you know that it’s coming our way; more polished and structured than some of the attempts we’ve seen before, this designer interpretation of the Canadian Tuxedo is seriously wearable. Throw on a pair of denim boots, trainers or shoes and you have the trifecta.

For party pieces, the cut-out continues to dominate – from the midriff to side, to back, depending on which area the wearer is most confident revealing. The latest look is one-sided oblique cutouts. If this feels too adventurous for a pub quiz night, then the slash neck is a hot look that is subtle but super stylish.

Grunge is having a revival, but this time it’s being used in a more sophisticated way as a detail rather than an entire look. Think faux leather or shearling vest over a dress. The sleeveless silhouette is huge, particularly pairing a tailored waistcoat with matching pants, and the fitted look avoids the androgynous feel often associated with suiting.

MIXING IT UP

Metallics are still omnipresent, to the extent that not only are silver and gold mainstays as partywear, but they have also been translated into daywear. Animal print, particularly leopard, has managed to work its way right up to cult classic status, while faux snake is fabulous for footwear. Velvet has been re-imagined and is the perfect fabric for autumn leading into winter with options for age, budget and taste. From dresses to coats to blouses, look to the celebrity set and you’ll see that the velvet pantsuit is having a moment. With careful styling, tartan, usually seen as a traditional trend, can be modernised to look more chic and less conventional. Spring/Summer 2023 runways were awash with plaid, which means it will be a transitional pattern, so for longevity pick something in a lighter fabric to carry through and pick a style that puts a twist on a classic piece.

1. FITTED DENIM SHIRT $75.90, ZW FITTED CARGO JEAN $109, ZARA.COM/NZ

2. MASTER CONTROL VEST $379, UNREALFUR.COM.AU

3. CHARLIE HOLIDAY HALEE PANT $189.95; CAMILA VEST $119.95, CHARLIEHOLIDAY.COM

4. ASYMMETRIC SEQUINNED DRESS $109, ZARA.COM/NZ

5. MESH TARTAN PRINT MIDI DRESS $79.99, PAGANI.CO.NZ

6. EBBET KNEE-HIGH BOOT $479.90, MERCHANT1948.CO.NZ

7. SHAR MESH BAG $120, THEPORTBOUTIQUE.CO.NZ

8. BESPOKE VELVET BLAZER $1,499, BONDANDCO.CO.NZ

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LOW-KEY LUXURY

Recreate an outfit to add some classic elevation.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS

Stealth wealth, quiet luxury – all buzzwords for a style of dressing that is understated, empowering and universally flattering. Essentially polished minimalism, it is a look that has been reflected in several blockbuster shows over the last few years – from Shiv Roy in Succession to Sophie Whitehouse (played by Sienna Miller) in Anatomy of a Scandal. Even if you don’t recognise the characters, you’ll know the style. This elegant, classic dress code is one that has been bubbling below the surface in the form of luxe minimalism for some time. So, when it comes to its current popularity, it’s hard to know if life has imitated art, or if these shows have picked up on a micro trend and made it mainstream. What we do know is that this vibe is one that can be successfully translated to every wardrobe and every figure.

While I’ve always admired the sleek streamlined look, it’s never one I’ve considered until I saw Sienna Miller looking utterly serene whilst she diced vegetables in a white (possibly cashmere) cardigan. Such was her poise and beauty that I decided I, too, should look like this as I loom over my chopping board. As the series progressed, and she showcased look after look of sartorial mastery, my obsession continued, along with a determination to recreate as many of the outfits as possible. Essentially the silhouette is

centred around clean classic lines, and beautiful tailoring, and while Sienna Miller ’s comes with a hefty price tag with pieces from The Row, Celine and Max Mara, this doesn’t need to be the case to achieve a similar look.

A start point is a few key pieces, which lend themselves perfectly to autumnal dressing. Head-to-toe neutral tones are a baseline, with shades of white, cream,

Pivotal to achieving this dress code is the concept of a capsule wardrobe, so a number of pieces that can be interchanged, and that will all look fabulous together. A beautiful camel coat would be considered a statement piece, as would a timeless trench. Mixing textures will give added interest to balance the subtlety of the colour shades, so wool skirts or pants worn with silky shirts become striking, or a thick knit jumper over a satin slip dress. Skinny fitting turtle/roll necks styled with straight or wide leg pants is elegant in the extreme – proportions are an important element of the look. Tweed is a fabric as timeless as is it sophisticated, and is currently having its own moment, so a Chanel-esque jacket would be perfect. A tailored feel is more important than figure hugging, and there’s absolutely room for a few vintage pieces within this wardrobe.

beige and biscuit as building blocks. White is a strong colour, and there is an immediate elevation of a look when the shade is perceived to be hard to wear – in fact within this colour wheel there will be a hue for every skin tone. In terms of the practicality of wafting around your kitchen in winter white with no apron, this is where choice of fabric is key. Rather than pure silks or cashmere, if your lifestyle is robust, consider polyester and viscose. Something that is machine-washable and man-made is far more durable and stain-resistant, even in pale shades.

It is the notable absence of labels in this look that has led to the coining of the term ‘stealth wealth’, and the reason why it is so easy to recreate this high end look on a lesser budget. There are multiple New Zealand and Australian designers who produce stunning pieces that fit into this aesthetic – Bassike, Jac + Jack, Silk Laundry and Caroline Sills, to name a few.

To sum it up, “quiet luxury ” is elegance without a hint of flashiness. With the key components of neutral colours, high-quality fabrics and a perfect fit – the result is understated at its best; soft power dressing has never been so achievable.

FASHION FORECAST

Winter is coming – and so are these cool, fun fashion trends.

COMING UP ROSES

Emerging trends have seen the traditional floral print superseded by a three-dimensional iteration. The appliqué effect is being used as an embellishment on everything from skirts to dresses to bags; one step further is the garment itself translated as an entire floral fabric structure. Early adopters will find it’s an easy trend to incorporate as an accessory – a fake flower choker around the neck will put you straight in the

STRAIGHT LACED

The lace-up knee boot is a sophisticated take on the still-super-popular combat boot. A dressier version than the comfort-oriented lug-soled combat sees a chunky or skinny heel with laces running up the back or even the side. Those wedded to walking distances be assured the knee-high combat will be a winter staple.

BRIGHT NIGHTS

Winter will be anything but dull. The continuing fixation with bright colourways scream energy and excitement. Pantone’s colour for 2023 is Viva Magenta – alongside this will be fuchsia, vibrant orange, cherry red, even chartreuse: Statement dressers will love the saturation. While head-to-toe block colour is a key look, a vibrant hue can be significantly toned down; try khaki, which is not only on trend, but will also match with multiple bright sheens.

GOTHIC GLAM

As the darker days draw in there’s a bit of a push for a city-girl aesthetic; this preppy vibe with a bit of goth/ grunge thrown in draws a little from the Netflix hit show Wednesday, which has popularised the appeal of A-line silhouettes, Mary Janes and Peter Pan/crisp white collars. The leading colourway for this look is black and white – moody but chic. If you’re having a d é j à vu moment with gothic mini dresses and feature collars, you’d be right. It’s all very 2010.

Zendaya wearing Valentino Haute Couture at the SAG Awards 2023.

Prabel Gurung.

Lucy Liu wearing Del Core.

Kylie Minogue wearing Miu Miu

Chloe boots.

Dr Martens boots.

SUITS YOU, SIR

Jason Dovey is known as the best in the biz. Even 007 himself would approve of his crisp collars and on-trend tailoring.

Seeing a Bond & Co tailored suit worn in 2019 by Black Cap captain Kane Williamson, to meet the late Queen Elizabeth II at a tea party at Buckingham Palace, was a career-defining moment for Bond & Co owner Jason Dovey. Over the years he has built up a loyal client base of repeat customers that includes everyone from high-profile local businessmen to sportsmen, politicians to musicians – but when it comes to his threads being showcased at a royal palace, as Jason says, “That doesn’t happen to everyone in their lifetime.”

Jason, his wife Michelle and the Bond & Co team do, however, consider each event that they dress their clients for of equal importance, whether it be a wedding, black-tie occasion, board meeting or simply someone investing in a cornerstone piece for the wardrobe. “I love making people look good and feel good – that’s the drive behind it,” says Jason. “It’s about sending them out feeling a million bucks.” There’s care and attention for each and every customer: “It’s not a help yourself, that’ll do set-up.”

Jason is a stalwart of high-end men’s fashion in Tauranga, having started in the trade in 1987, initially at Warnocks before moving to Molloy’s Menswear on Devonport Road in 1992. In 2012 he bought the

WORD S NICKY ADAMS | PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN + SUPPLIED

business, rebranding to Bond & Co in 2015. The store still proudly sits on Devonport Road, albeit on the other side – a small change (along with a stylish refit) that, despite the continuity, denotes a fresh feel.

Over time, Jason has watched menswear both evolve and, in some cases, circle back. Over the last six or seven years, he has seen a resurgence of black tie and the tuxedo (“You can’t beat a guy in a tux – it’s just a transformation”). However, for less formal attire, there is a trend towards soft suiting of blazers and jackets. As Jason says, “The office is not as corporate as it used to be. Yes, people are still wearing a suit, but there’s a lot more blazers, smart-casual chinos and that sort of thing being worn.” This move to more casual workwear has prompted stylish alternatives. “Shirting has become more interesting,” Jason muses. “There’s more variety with, trims, buttons and so on to make the shirt the statement and pop. Men have definitely become more adventurous in the last 10 years and are prepared to wear a floral shirt.”

An exploration of a wider tonal palette for wedding and occasion suiting is another development, with green currently the strongest colour leading the way. Jason illustrates the point by bringing out a rich forest-green suit jacket with contrasting stitching – this, together with a linen lichen-green jacket has been flying off the shelves; the jacket paired with black pants proves a striking look for a wedding party.

While eventwear is a motivator for purchasing an off-the-rack or tailored suit, in general, formalwear has been updated by the “slim fit”. This is particularly appealing to the younger market, as it feels fresh and modern. Developments in fabrics have also increased the wearability of a suit. While wool is still the most popular fabric, and velvet is the ultimate in luxe and polish, for everyday wear the addition of stretch to classic wool is looking to be a game-changer. Demonstrating the classic male crossed-arm flex/

hunch move, Jason illustrates just how great it is to have fabric with movement “for men sitting on an aeroplane, or just for comfort in general.” The fabrics used for suiting are sourced from fine Italian and British mills, with the main suppliers the illustrious Rembrandt and Holland & Sherry.

Along with roots steeped in the culture of highquality tailoring and impeccable service, Bond & Co is a very modern entity. Providing head-to-toe styling with accessories such as shoes, ties and pocket squares, there is a wide range of off-the-shelf shirting, suits, jackets and pants, along with selected pieces of casualwear, all of which can be quickly altered to fit to perfection via the onsite alterations workshop, operated by Michelle (she also caters to casual walk-ins for both menswear and womenswear). Should a client be after a made-tomeasure piece, the choice of fabric is enormous, and typically a garment would take approximately six weeks to make. Tailored shirting is produced in New Zealand in around four weeks – a bespoke waistcoat can be made in store with an even more impressive turnaround time. Additionally, Bond & Co offers the option of occasionwear hire.

While specialising in menswear, Jason and Michelle have recently extended their repertoire to include a curated collection of womenswear. It made sense to offer the ladies – who would often be in store assisting their partners – something to browse. Along with a beautiful line of shirting, the option of made-to-measure appeals to women who appreciate the sartorial value of a tailored garment; equally for those that can never find the perfect piece off-therack, a bespoke fitted investment piece is invaluable. This move is just another innovation that Jason and Michelle have introduced, proving that beneath the traditional exterior is a business with its finger on the pulse.

BONDANDCO.CO.NZ

LEFT: Kane Williamson in the Bond & Co suit he wore to meet Queen Elizabeth II.

HIDDEN GEMS

Jewellery making is a special and specialised art form that these local businesses have mastered with skill and creativity.

WORD S NICKY ADAMS

The craft of jewellery making, or manufacturing, is ancient and highly skilled, and like any art it is one that combines talent, skill and often years of experience. While there are many jewellery shops to choose from, not all of these are manufacturing jewellers (that is, where the jeweller makes the pieces themselves). The jewellers with an atelier are the places you can go to have bespoke pieces designed or find pieces that are truly handmade. UNO spoke with some local jewellery manufacturers about their craft.

JEWELLERS BOUTIQUE BETHLEHEM

Three years ago, after 12 years of owning Bethlehem Jewellers, a full-service village jewellery store, Adrian and Helen Redding identified that, in Helen’s words, “The industry was at a tipping point. There’s a huge amount of change and we were keen to move ahead of it.” Adrian clarifies, “With chain stores becoming more generic, we wanted to take the service back to working on those relationships with people; that’s how we can understand the vision of what they would like created.”

In order to do this, they needed to provide the environment where they could have those conversations, hence a move of premises, a change of focus, and realignment of their business. The dream was to become a bespoke manufacturing jeweller providing “consultation and development of design, from procuring the right gems to creating the piece.” With an existing thriving business, and loyal clientele, Adrian and Helen felt confident to take the next step, and opened a new, exclusive premises in Bethlehem that operates on a combination of restricted opening hours and an appointment basis. A stylish, intimate boutique destination with a workshop on site, here they sell a curated selection of fine jewellery and take on a limited amount of specialist repairs – the real emphasis is on bespoke manufacturing.

A love of the traditions of jewellery making is at the core for Adrian, who, after 29 years in the business, has a deep passion for his craft. He was literally plucked from Otumoetai College, where his skill at engineering, woodwork and metal work had identified him as an emerging talent. He was then offered an apprenticeship as a manufacturer of fine jewellery by respected Tauranga jeweller David Peet. Jewellery making, Helen notes, “is like engineering in miniature form – looking at how to build something so it is strong, durable and will last, and then making it beautiful, so it’s really a combination of engineering and design.” Adrian chimes in: “A fusion of aesthetics to structure.” For the Reddings, the art of designing that treasured custom piece is a skill that has come with experience. The result, is why Adrian is an awardwinning jeweller – because what he creates “is not just unique, it is the perfect balance of proportion, and beauty, custom-designed for the individual to wear every day.”

JEWELLERSBOUTIQUE.NZ

"JEWELLERY MAKING IS REALLY A COMBINATION OF ENGINEERING AND DESIGN... A FUSION OF AESTHETICS TO STRUCTURE."

ALEXANDRA MOSTYN JEWELLERY PĀPĀMOA

Working from her small workshop in P Alexandra is a silversmith. This love of silver is rooted in a combination of practicality, cost, and personal preference. ”Silver is visually cool… Set with beautiful pastel stones, the two just marry together so beautifully.” Alexandra moved to New Zealand in 2010 from the UK, where she had studied silversmithing and jewellery design at Kensington & Chelsea College. She then refined her skills at Guildhall University at Whitechapel, completing a pre-apprenticeship while working on the retail side for prestigious jewellers Tiffany &Co and Theo Fennell. Jewellery making as a business only happened years later, when suddenly the timing felt right. Turning her shed into a studio, she started creating – and, she says with a bit of surprise, “people said, ‘I like that, can I buy it?’ It’s all just through word of mouth and Instagram.”

Alexandra enjoys every element of the making process. “I love sitting down with clients, where I get the essence of them – we talk about design and stones, then I get into the studio. I get lost in the creativity of it all – there’s the problem-solving (if the cut of a stone isn’t right and I have to vary the design), lots of swearing along the way, then the moment when they pick up the ring and hug you.” The relationship side of it all is hugely inspirational to Alexandra, as is the concept of being able to upskill and learn. As a result, she started holding workshops, which she now runs on a regular basis from the Incubator Hub in Historic Village. She fizzes as she talks about the workshops, “I make them really fun and inclusive. I love the energy I get from my crowd; I love that these people are here to learn to create and are really proud of what they’ve made.”

huge believer in the connection between herself, the piece, and the client: “All the jewellery I make, I would personally wear.” The semi-precious stones she uses (aquamarine, opal and peridot are among her favourites) reflect this – “I know I’m going to sound like a tree-hugger, but every stone has different properties with different energies. It’s really important to get it right.”

ALEXANDRAMOSTYNJEWELLERY

DID YOU KNOW ?

• New Zealand jewellery is held to higher standards than jewellery manufactured overseas.

• When purchasing a piece, take into account whether the ring/bangle/ chain you are looking at is solid or hollow – it’s easy to forget that you’re not always comparing like for like.

• Think about the quality of the stone; whether it’s synthetic or natural, a real diamond or a lab diamond, consider size versus higher grade, which is less likely to fracture.

Alexandra at one of her workshops at the Incubator Hub in Historic Village.

ARTISAN MANUFACTURING JEWELLERS GREERTON

Trained in Auckland under the guidance of two ex-Hatton Garden Jewellers, Andrew Linn is an award-winning jewellery manufacturer who has been in the trade for 35 years. It’s an industry in which the combination of experience and skill can be seen in the workmanship, one glance in the display cabinet gives a clear reflection of his talents. Andrew and wife Kay run a manufacturing and retail store, where they hold to high standards. “We see a lot of low-grade stuff from overseas but we tend to go down the higher end because if something’s low-grade and full of inclusions, if it gets knocked it can fracture.”

Andrew sees a lot of people who come in to remodel a piece of jewellery. “Lots of remakes, all the old broken jewellery. We’ll do 3D images for them, we’ll sit down and spend time going through books. Most people will want to use Grandma’s gold or Grandma’s diamond.” Bespoke pieces are also created from scratch, and the jewellery in the cabinet provides inspiration – “We don’t have a huge range, just basic to give people ideas. If you don’t have stock people struggle to see what you can do. That goes for your handmade chains, anything.”

CARING FOR YOUR JEWELLERY

Jewellery needs regular upkeep. It is, says Helen from Bethlehem Jewellers, “like changing the tyres of a car.” Try to avoid wearing rings when gardening or to the gym, and remove jewellery in bed, as cotton is actually very abrasive. Andrew from Artisan also uses the car analogy, saying, “You wash a car to clean it, you polish it for shine.” If you clean your jewellery at home, use a soft brush, warm soapy water, and a tissue to drain the water away. All the jewellers recommend avoiding hacks you’ve seen on the internet (don’t put in the microwave or boil in gin). When it comes to jewellery, the chances are what you have is priceless to you – it’s the ultimate emotional investment.

“Everything is one-off and unique; there will be other cluster rings, for example, but none the same,” says Andrew. Alongside all of this, Andrew works on a steady stream of repairs. Much of the work is done by hand, using the same traditional methods he learned as an apprentice. There are innovations in the jewellery industry: “Technology is starting to take over, 3D for drawings and printings (to use as a mould) – but the cost in our trade to do it is really expensive at the moment. But it will come down. 90% of our stuff is done by hand. I have several hundred patterns and I’ll cast a replica; as much as we handmake, we do cast some stuff.” Trends don’t really affect their market; however, at the moment, Andrew says, “We’re doing a lot more platinum work, which is more affordable than it used to be.” Andrew and Kay believe in traditional skills and traditional values: “Anything I make I look after for life. So if you want it cleaned, or checked – well, unless it has been run over by a bus, of course!”

ARTISANJEWELLERS.CO.NZ

"EVERYTHING IS ONE-OFF AND UNIQUE; THERE WILL BE OTHER CLUSTER RINGS, FOR EXAMPLE, BUT NONE THE SAME."

HEALTH IS WEALTH

Coming up on a year, UNO editor Hayley Barnett reflects on her fitness progress – and shares some unexpected lessons learned.

Health journeys are exactly that – journeys. Ongoing journeys, sometimes into the unknown, and always up and down. It’s never smooth sailing, as much as we like to think it will be.

The past year, for me, has been a journey of highs and lows, of trials and tribulations, but mainly celebrations and satisfaction at achieving things I never dreamt I’d achieve.

I ran a half marathon and I’m about to compete in my very first full marathon. I’m now an official “swimmer” and have managed to get over my fear of lap pools, as well as waltzing around in my togs at 6am in front of actual people (it turns out nobody gives a damn). I do yoga on a regular basis. I have tried every single one of the Clubfit Baywave classes, including pilates, body combat and spin.

Injuries may have prevented me from hitting targets on time, but the silver lining is in learning valuable lessons and gaining amazing habits.

I’ve learned that injuries are actually avoidable, even after the age of 40. Who knew? Apparently swimming is the best form of exercise when you have an injury, which is how I started my newfound hobby. I also do yoga before bed most nights, to limber up (before runs the following morning - get your mind out of the gutter) and prevent injuries from happening in the first place.

I’ve learned that the more support you have, the more successful you will be, and that surrounding yourself with people who have similar goals is much more inspiring than going it alone.

Joining a gym has provided me with ongoing support and helps me keep track of my progress and goals. And it’s a safe haven to exercise in when the rain just won’t stop. I’m actually looking forward to darker mornings as we head into winter, because it means I get to attend gym classes instead of exercising outdoors on my own. I’ve listened to one too many true crime podcasts to exercise alone in the dark. Plus there’s something about being around other bleary-eyed people at stupid o’clock that motivates you to put in a little more effort.

All in all it’s safe to say I’m sold on gyms. I have to thank the amazing team at Clubfit who have all helped in their own special way, even if it’s just a smile in the morning when I grunt at them. If you, like the old me, are afraid of joining a gym, Clubfit has just started virtual classes to complement their instructor-led programmes. Here you still attend a class in the actual studio, but follow along to recorded instructors on a big screen. It’s far less intimidating when no one is watching you mess up and a great, no-pressure way to get started with group fitness.

See you there!

CLUBFIT.CO.NZ

PERFECTLY POLISHED

The latest in skincare and self-care to keep you nourished during the chilly months.

STEP TO IT

Don’t forget your feet as we head into the cooler months! Manicare’s pediPRO range will help keep your toes in top shape. Use the Soft Roc Foot Exfoliator (RRP$17.99), Callus File (RRP$28.99) and Callus Remover (RRP$25.99) together to form a simple, effective three-step footcare routine.

MANICARE.CO.NZ

BRUSHING UP

UNO owner

Rebecca Meyer tried out the GHD Rise Volumising Hot Brush on her locks and was blown away –though not literally.

“I’ve been looking for something that gives me the same soft curl and blow out that I get at the hair salon. It’s a look I’ve never been able to achieve at home. I like the more natural, wavy curl that the Rise Volumising Hot Brush gives you, rather than the more structured curl you get with curling tongs or a GHD straightener. And it’s not as hot, so you can touch the brush while winding hair around the barrel, without the fear of burning yourself!” Promising to give you twice the volume from root to tip, and designed to allow for close root contact, this hot brush keeps its promises. If it’s the soft bouncy blow-out effect you're after, then it’s definitely worth the investment.

RRP$320, GHDHAIR.COM/NZ

BEAUTY THROUGH BIODIVERSITY

Inspired by New Zealand’s landscape, KAEĀ’s product formulations blend traditional plant wisdom together with Tahi’s UMF 15+ Mānuka honey to create a range of bioactive products that treat the skin holistically for exceptional results. Try the cleanser Multi-Active Gel Balm RRP$155, the vitaliser Multi-Omega Face Oil RRP$245, the rejuvenator

Multi-nutrient Face Balm RRP$205, and the rescuer

Multi-essential SOS Balm RRP$185.

KAEASKINCARE.COM

OUT DAMN SPOT

A pain-free solution to pimples, these hydrocolloid patches help conceal spots and extract impurities by gently drawing out excess oil and secretions, then help heal skin to prevent inflammation, scarring and future breakouts. Available in four different options, The Crème Shop's Acne Patches are designed to target different skin concerns. RRP$7.99.

CHEMISTWAREHOUSE.CO.NZ

SNACK TO GO

Chief Collagen Protein bars are the perfect clean eating healthy snack for busy people. With no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, Chief bars are Keto and Paleo friendly and provide a perfectly portable serving size for keeping nearby when on the run.

From RRP$5.95. NZ.THERASTORE.CO

BEAUTY AND THE BUMP

This pregnancy-focussed natural product range transforms skincare into an act of self-care.

WORD S KARL PUSCHMANN

The idea for Pure Mama came to Lara Christie when she was newly pregnant herself. As her body changed, she felt overwhelmed and confused by the skincare options for pregnant women.

She’d find herself inspecting the backs of bottles trying to navigate the safety and efficacy of ingredients. What she found either wasn’t suitable or smelled terrible.

“I thought to myself, what a horrible way to connect with my body,” she recalls. “As a result, I didn’t take care of my skin as well as I could have during my first pregnancy.”

She realised this was a common problem and that women often put themselves second when pregnant. With all their focus on their growing baby’s wellbeing, they often overlook their own self-care.

“The mother is doing so much hard work and going through a lot, both physically and mentally. For so many women it comes with a myriad of challenges,” she explains. “Everything from sickness, aches, pains, insomnia, diabetes, not to mention the hormonal and emotional rollercoaster.”

This is what Lara wanted to help remedy with

Pure Mama’s range of skin care products for pregnant mamas that use organic and natural ingredients. They were a little luxury they could give themselves each day.

“I am a big believer in acknowledging what your body is going through and taking the time to connect with it to truly appreciate how incredible it is. We get

so busy, and I often hear women say that there are days where they forget they are pregnant. I was very much one of them,” she says. “At the very end of a busy day, I would feel a kick and that would be a gentle reminder to take a moment to be present with my pregnancy.”

Pure Mama’s products help alleviate some of the common skin concerns around pregnancy including dryness, tightness and reducing the appearance of stretch marks. It’s all to make women feel as supported and comfortable as they can throughout their pregnancy journey.

“Pregnancy and motherhood really does have its highs and lows. Women often think they are going through something alone or are too scared to talk about it out loud. I have learned to be more confident in sharing the very real, and raw aspect of the journey because I think women need this,” she says.

To that end, a supportive and welcoming community has sprung up around Pure Mama.

“I absolutely love connecting with our community. We talk about everything from leaking boobs, messy houses, sleepless nights, right through to miscarriage and IVF,” she smiles. “Building our community has been one of the most enjoyable things about my business.”

Lara Christie is the founder of Pure Mama, a natural skincare range made for pregnant women.

WELL GROUNDED

Preppy, sporty, cool, Solect’s new autumn footwear brings the style with a comfort factor to boot.

SOLECT.CO.NZ

ADIDAS ORIGINALS GAZELLE $175

BIRKENSTOCK ARIZONA BIG BUCKLE VELVET $350

BIRKENSTOCK SYNDEY BIRKO FLOR $200

TIMBERLAND SENECA BAY OXFORD $220

ASICS EX89 $210

TIMBERLAND SKY 6-INCH BOOT $360

ASICS JAPAN S PLATFORM $160

CONVERSE CHUCK 70 ALL STAR CANVAS HI $140

DR. MARTENS 2976 QUAD CHELSEA BOOT $410

BLUNDSTONE 1306 GUSSET DRESS BOOT $300

EMU MONCH SLIPPER $130

LACOSTE CARNABY PRO $225

PUMA MAYZE STACK $190

MEET, SHOP, EAT

Spend

WORD S CATHERINE SYLVESTER

Amainstay of the local community for 16 years, Bethlehem Town Centre is reminiscent of the way shopping was done in the days before malls and retail centres dominated the scene. With an open-air village feel to it, the centre is designed as a one-stop shop with everything on hand for a leisurely day out.

This February saw the addition of a vibrant weekly market to bring the community together during the summer months. Held on Sunday mornings in the centre’s Main Street, local creatives can be found showcasing their talents, with everything from art and jewellery to garden ornaments and microgreens on display.

“We even had a kindergarten selling cookbooks filled with recipes shared by local families,” says centre manager Lauren Todd.

There is ample entertainment for the young – and young at heart. “Have a Go” circus workshops, and free face painting and candy floss have proved popular attractions with grandparents bringing their grandkids out to play.

Lauren suggests cocktails and a bite to eat as an ideal way to round out the day.

A central feature of the complex is the native tree walk which features mature tītoki, kahikatea, kāpuka, pūriri and mikimiki. "The centre is pet-friendly too, with outdoor seating at the café s, and an on-site groomer and DIY dog wash,” Lauren says.

The markets have generated such interest with those hoping to hold a stall that many new faces appear weekly. This in turn brings variety and flavour to those on the hunt for a great find and a fabulous day out.

SHOPPING GUIDE

Here are just a few of the businesses you’ll find inside the Bethlehem Town Centre complex.

BIN INN

IMMERSE NAIL & BEAUTY THERAPY

Passion, excellence and professionalism are what the team at Immerse Beauty Therapy bring to every treatment they offer. Whether it’s the face, nails or body that need a little bit of extra care and attention there is something for everyone. A luxurious respite from the day-to-day is a welcome treat for all.

IMMERSE.CO.NZ

IMMERSEBEAUTY IMMERSE_BEAUTY

232 CAKERY

For the sweet tooth on the lookout for the sweetest gifts, 232 Cakery is just the place you need. Tasty fresh cream cakes, macarons and pastries are just some of the offerings you will find whipped up by the team. For that special occasion, mouth-watering cakes and desserts can be ordered to savour at home.

232.CO.NZ

232CAKERY

232CAKERY

Care for the environment and quality of goods is what you’ll find at Bin Inn. They stock a large range of organics, plus keto and gluten-free food. Fresh bread is delivered daily from Mount Sourdough, and if you like your milk the old-fashioned way – in a glass bottle – then the creamy Raglan milk in stock will make you smile. You can even make your own peanut or almond butter, without any of the nasties.

BININN.CO.NZ

BININNBETHLEHEM

BININNBETHLEHEM

PATRICK’S PIES

Proud to be award-winning pie makers, the team at Patrick’s Pies have whatever you need to fill the gap once your errands are all done for the day. Theirs was the winner of the Bakels Legendary Sausage Roll competition in 2020, and they’ve taken home the Supreme Pie Award seven times! Best to grab a few to pop in the fridge for an easy weekend lunch or dinner too.

GOLDSTARPATRICKSPIES

SHOO

For the discerning footwear aficionado, Shoo is for you! Proudly carrying quality shoes from over 25 renowned New Zealand and international brands, the team are dedicated to ensuring the right shoe match is found to complement every shopper’s collection. Favourites such as Kathryn Wilson, EOS and Tamara London are just some of the beautiful offerings in store and online. For those a little further afield, Shoo offers an e-commerce site for convenience.

SHOO.CO.NZ

SHOO.ONLINE.NZ

SHOO_NZ

THE ORCHARD RESTAURANT AND BAR

Whatever the weather or occasion, The Orchard Restaurant and Bar has something for everyone. Open seven days, with all-day dining available, you can cosy up by the fire on those cooler evenings or relax outside in the sunshine watching the world go by on those finer days. Whether it’s dinner for one, or a larger group of up to 60, your dining needs can be catered to. The best part? Your beloved pup is welcome outside too! THEORCHARDBETHLEHEM.CO.NZ

SYSTEMIC CHANGE

UNO’s new health and wellness columnist, Anna Rolleston, shares how a plant-based diet may benefit your life – and the earth.

WORD S MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL

For most people, working with professional sporting teams might be considered the pinnacle of their career. Holding a PhD in nutrition and metabolism, Anna Rolleston was the exercise physiologist for both the NZ Warriors and Waikato/BOP Magic. She was responsible for the team members’ performance monitoring, a critical part of keeping these elite athletes working at their fittest and best.

But Anna isn’t “most people”. In 2010, she felt a calling to shift her life’s work into the health and wellbeing space. With whakapapa to Tauranga, she moved home from Auckland to launch and become director of The Cardiac Clinic. In 2016, the business took on a more holistic direction, rebranding to become The Centre for Health.

The Centre for Health focuses on lifestyle management – through programmes, services, and research – for long-term conditions like heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety and depression, and more.

“We cover everything from medical management to lifestyle change – nutrition, exercise, dealing with stress – and Māori traditional healing practices and complementary and alternative modalities for health management,” Anna explains.

She and her “excellent” team feel strongly about creating a health system that really works for people. And it’s far from a one-size-fits-all approach.

“We recognise people have different ways of viewing health, different cultural contexts, different conditions. People want to be heard and listened to, and there’s not always a lot of time in the health system to get off their chest what they need to,” Anna says.

“We like to think we are pathfinders, listening to people’s stories and then supporting them in a solution that moves them forward on a health and wellness journey.

“We talk about ourselves as a bridge between potentially disconnected worlds: medical and non-medical, cultural and Western, illness and wellness.”

At The Centre for Health, some of the bridge-making incorporates a te ao Māori approach and is backed by community-driven research undertaken by Anna’s team. “Our strong research arm provides evidence that what we do works, and it supports communities to answer questions people have about their health,” Anna explains. “We also support clinical trials, and combine clinical and qualitative research too.”

As well as research, The Centre for Health team’s capabilities cover clinical exercise physiology, nutrition, sport science, nursing, and Rongoā Māori.

One of the more recent offerings they’ve developed is FastTrack Kai ā Nuku, which offers recipe packages promoting healthy eating. It’s been well received by The Centre for Health’s clients and is now available to the public via its website (fasttracknz.co.nz).

FastTrack – a plant-based approach to eating – started as an idea from the centre's clients. Recipe creation and testing followed, and the programme was launched late last year. FastTrack offers recipes and menu plans for breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and smoothies.

“FastTrack is a way of living that supports flourishing. It is not a diet,” Anna emphasises. At its heart, FastTrack encourages clients to eat foods that promote good health. The programme is linked to the health and wellbeing services provided at The Centre for Health.

Anna says that The Centre for Health isn’t prescribing a specific way of eating – “We are just about helping people eat more healthily in their lives and sharing various ways to do that, but knowing that plant foods are key in good health.”

FastTrack may be particularly helpful for people who might suffer from diabetes and heart problems, for example. “Our clients were saying, ‘Surely we can eat our way well!’” recalls Anna. “Evidence says this is about reducing meat and dairy intake and increasing plant-based food, so that is FastTrack’s focus.”

This grounded approach to eating has benefits not only for our bodies, but also for the planet. “Eating food that comes mostly from plants is good for our bodies and also helps to support Papatūānuku (the earth),” Anna explains. “We have used evidence from science, principles from BlueZone communities, and the mātauranga (Māori knowledge) that is unique to our place in the world. We’ve combined those three spaces and created an Aotearoa-specific plant-based eating approach.”

Every FastTrack recipe has been trialled and rejigged if necessary. Processed foods are out, but fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, sourdough and coconut yoghurt) get the big tick. There is even flexibility to include seafood.

But the main criteria is, the recipes have to be delicious, Anna says firmly.

“In terms of our Centre For Health clients, FastTrack is going great guns. Now we’re ready to spread it more widely.”

FASTTRACKNZ.CO.NZ

The principles behind FastTrack’s recipes and menu plans:

• 90 percent plant-based

• Daily dose of beans of any variety

• Meat on special occasions only, or limited to one serving per week

• Eggs limited to four per week

• Sourdough bread only, maximum of two slices per day

• Fish and other seafood are allowed, three servings per week

• No dairy; use goat’s milk products, plant milks and coconut yoghurt as alternatives

• No added or refined sugar

• Limit caffeine and alcohol.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW

Finding the perfect mix of new and vintage just comes down to filling your interior with things that make you happy, they might spark a memory or tell a story or just feel like “you ” .

in Amber

Bordallo Pinheiro Amazonia bowl

Diva fork $12.70 each, Diva knife $12.70 each, Live Beautiful book $65, all from Father Rabbit. Together napkin, set of four, $80 from Claire Stapleton. Iittala Teema white plate $39.95, Torino Triangles bowl $589, from Smith and Caughey’s. Karaka merino rug, $1,210 from Baya. Flowers from Urban Flowers.

STYLING AMBER ARMITAGE PHOTOS WENDY FENWICK @ FLASH STUDIOS WALL COLOURS RESENE PAINTS

BOTH PAGES Main walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Cinnamon, through doorway painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Twilight, and floor finished in Resene Colorwood in Resene Breathe Easy. Large white pot painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Egg Sour. Model 1048 Sunburst table by Stow Davis $8950, Juliane dining chairs for Udlum Mobelfabrik $6750, Norwegian floor lamp by Mejlstrøm Belysning $1450, from Mr Bigglesworthy. Portrait 001 painting by Hey Maker Studio, $949 from Endemic World. French jug $76.50, stoneware crock $75, large stoneware jug $135, from Flotsam & Jetsam. Kinto cast water glass

$24.99,

$79,

STYLIST TIP

Create dynamic interiors by playing with unexpected colour combinations where two spaces meet. Paying attention to these transition spaces can create moments of magic.

STYLIST TIP

THIS PAGE Back wall painted in Resene Twilight, right-hand walls painted in Resene Zibibbo, and floor finished in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Wall hook painted in Resene Zibibbo. Monza Bed by Ercol, $2,795 from Good Form. Tobacco Stripes Linen flat sheet $123, Tobacco Stripe Linen pillowcases $64 set of two, Lilac linen pillowcases $64 set of two, Lilac linen duvet, $239, all from Foxtrot Linen. Ida Bolster cushion cover in Mulberry, $69.90 from Citta. Stripe Black cushion, $139 from Father Rabbit. Victorian Rise painting, $75 from Flotsam & Jetsam Terracotta & Rose painting by Brenda Clews, $950 from Endemic World. Raawii Strøm vase $150, Rosenthal Flux Glass Berry vase $399, Colonna black stool $865, from Smith and Caughey’s. Karaka Merino rug $1210, from Baya. Flowers from Urban Flowers.

RIGHT: 1. Left wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Egg Sour, right wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Cinnamon, and floor finished in Resene Colorwood in Resene Breathe Easy. Franco Albini Belladonna rattan sofa by Sika Design $3650, Fordite rug by CC-Tapis $16,800, from Good Form. Toledo French market basket $119, from Father Rabbit. Serenade throw $90, Flaxmill Doeskin cushion $140, Cassia Almond cushion $115, Flaxmill Fenugreek cushion $140, all from Baya. Zig Zag stool in lilac and leather $970, Venus

mug in lilac $49.95, from Smith and Caughey’s. Two Roads North painting by Lucy Rice, $2,200 from Endemic World. Haven Sheer curtains in Cloud, from $99.99 each, from Curtain Studio.

2. Main wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Twilight, and floor finished in Resene Colorwood in Resene Breathe Easy. Artwork on wall created with Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Twilight and Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Cinnamon. Claremont two door cabinet in black $369.95, Hannah diamond wool blend

floor rug $399.95, from Mocka. Tash Swivel chair, $899 from Danske Mobler. Black side table, $299 from Bedpost . Victorian mirror $75, from Flotsam & Jetsam. Senso Zen shoes in ebony, $289 from Father Rabbit. Jonathan Adler Balloon vase $275, Jonathan Adler Porcelain Geisha $435, from Smith and Caughey’s. Flowers from Urban Flowers.

3. Testpots and drawdowns from top in Resene Cinnamon, Resene Egg Sour, Resene Zibibbo, and Resene Twilight.

The perfect shade of lilac, Resene Twilight is a pale lilac pink, rosy and suffused with the last sunset. Pair with the depth of Resene Zibibbo, a deep velvety red, for a bedroom palette with a bit of romance.

FOR THE LOVE OF LINEN

Opening soon in Tauranga, the global Kiwi bed linen brand MM Linen will bring their unique signature style to the Bay.

WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR

Australia, USA, South Africa, UK, the UAE, and now the Bay has become part of the ever-expanding success story that is MM Linen, with this quality bed linen and homewares brand about to open up shop in Tauranga’s city centre.

Kerry Jackson, the company’s co-founder and creative director, has been selling in stores around the world since launching MM Linen about 10 years ago. The company has been on a steady growth trajectory ever since, and is now stocked in about 700 stores in New Zealand, Australia, UK, the USA, South Africa, Israel, Canada and the United Arab Emirates. There’s impressive pedigree among those stores – think major British multinational retailer Marks and Spencer and high-end department store chain John Lewis.

Within eight weeks of launching in Marks and Spencer three months ago, MM Linen was one of their top home linen brands. In addition, it’s been ranked within the top five ever since launching at John Lewis three years ago. The brand also has a strong presence across the Tasman in Myer.

With that impressive global reach sorted, this entrepreneurial Christchurchbased businesswoman turned to store ownership in New Zealand. In recent years she has opened two stores – Auckland in June 2020, and Christchurch in August last year where their head office is also based. Now it’s Tauranga’s turn, with MM Linen opening in the Eleventh Ave shopping precinct on May 5.

For Kerry, watching her business grow has been exhilarating. “I just love being my own boss, and I’m proud it’s a New Zealand homegrown company focused on treading lightly on our environment.

“I love the opportunity to be creative and hands-on, and to be in control of my own destiny,” she says.

Destiny’s path took a bit of an about turn for Kerry back in 2012 when she had just turned 50. With an unexpected change in her career direction, and

a determination to remain in Christchurch, she decided to start her own business. This was with the backing of her business partner, a textile manufacturer based in the UK.

It took merely two years for MM Linen to become a global enterprise, soon to gain a reputation for beautifully fitting out bedrooms across the world. Kerry says having original designs created from scratch by artists gives her company an edge in the extremely competitive home linen market. She’s also proud to add that MM Linen has been operating as a carbon-neutral company for years.

Kerry tells how MM Linen has always had a strong customer following from the Bay of Plenty area.

“Lots of BOP people visit our Auckland flagship and Christchurch stores and buy through stockists (Dillimore’s in Waihi being one of them, and previously Cabbages and Kings). So many people say, ‘When are you coming to Tauranga?’ I feel there is a real gap, a space for a beautiful bed linen store in Tauranga, so we’re coming!”

A personal connection with the city has long been forged. Kerry’s husband is from the Bay and her parents lived in Omokoroa for 15 years.

“So, I frequented the stores in Tauranga with my mother during regular visits – Wendy’s, opposite our new store, being

one of them. I think there will be good synergy between my store and Wendy’s, so the location is key,” enthuses Kerry, who professes to having a very flamboyant fashion sense. It’s colourful and botanical, and that’s what she uses as inspiration for her bedding range.

It’s exciting, she says, to be at the stage whereby her business is growing a New Zealand presence, and Tauranga is a good fit for MM Linen’s signature botanical print.

“Our brand is really inspired by nature and botanicals and Tauranga is a drawcard – with beaches, sunshine and enjoyment of the great outdoors,” says Kerry, who personally curates her range along with the team at its head office. There, a small team of six can be found, and the company has designers in Australia, France, Israel, and the UK as well as New Zealand.

This year brings a new chapter for MM Linen. Tauranga shoppers can expect their MM Linen store to be a boutique destination, housing bed linen (textures, plains and botanical prints), a wide cushion selection, throws, aprons, tea towels, printed mugs, bean bags, and a designer home scent and body range (diffusers and hand creams etc) imported from Italy.

The success story is set to continue.

MMLINEN.COM

A HAPPY LIFE

The owners of this idyllic country property admit it will be a hard wrench when they finally say goodbye to their home. It has been a haven that has brought immense joy.

WORDS JO FERRIS

Nestled in the quiet ribbon off Wairoa River, the property feels miles away from reality. Yet, the drive into Bethlehem Town Centre is less than 15 minutes. The vendors fell in love with it the moment they set foot inside. And there is much to love. The home is the initial introduction as electric gates slide open, but this property’s expanse soon reveals so much more.

A huge shed sits in one corner – a threebay giant with a roller-door division between a double workshop and single garage. The bonus feature is an adjoining office. Formerly a hair salon for the original owners, this suite has a “tea-

room” and separate office. Plumbed, and with front-door access, there are various options for this shed and office. Parking is significant – fully sealed by the current owners to offer a mini road that runs from the shed, up to the house and beyond to reveal the next surprise.

A “pool house” cottage nestles in its own little world amid an impressive rockery and trees. Built by the original owners as a temporary dwelling while they developed their dream home, this cottage is a dream in itself, thanks to two key aspects. The swimming pool is a total surprise, but right next door, discreetly tucked within its own corner, is a hot-water outdoor bath. Serene by day, fairy lights turn this entire nature pocket into a magical wonderland at night.

Operating as a successful Airbnb, this two-bedroom cottage is an absolute charmer. Future owners could continue this as an income-based operation, but it’s an obvious invitation for extended family. With the shedding and this pool house, there’s endless opportunity for families to share life and business together, while enjoying personal privacy.

The main house is a stand-out. A home that has been all things to this family. A place where major family gatherings and grandchildren’s parties have been held. Easy to see why, given all the playground space and spa pool. This home’s warm greeting is instant. No need for the formality of a foyer; the open-plan design welcomes with open arms.

Polished concrete flooring is not only aesthetically beautiful, it’s practical and useful. Heated, and on a timer, it warms the toes in the morning. By afternoon, glazing harnesses solar warmth. The gas fire is rarely turned on. But it makes a grand statement. The other striking element is a feature wall. Stack-bonded concrete bricks make a dramatic background for artwork – especially when spot-lit from above for theatrical mood.

A gourmet kitchen and scullery cater for big gatherings, including a second dishwasher and sink in the scullery. Stainless steel on the cooking station is a cook’s dream and the bar-stool interacts brilliantly with the dining setting and sheltered lounge outside. This suntrap café is a gem – its cosiness

enhanced by a gas fire that links back-to-back with the fireplace inside. An invitation to start the day with a cuppa in the sun, this corner is brilliant in the afternoon as the sun starts to set. Three bedrooms downstairs share a huge bathroom with a signature rainfall fixture, while the parent retreat basks in privacy upstairs. This is five-star intimacy with a hotel-style bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and another designer bathroom.

At one with nature, birdsong and a myriad of fruits to feast on, this property nurtures the soul with its serenity. Hard to leave, but Wanaka beckons – allowing another chapter to begin in this extraordinary country property.

21 Vernon Road, Wairoa

Sitting on the water’s edge with prominent views of Mauao and Matakana, the complex crosses bridges as this city’s only facility with dry-stack storage. It eliminates the need for a hefty 4WD to tow the boat and removes that tedious task of trailering and queuing for access to a boat ramp. At The Nautilus, boats are delivered personally to owners waiting dockside.

A penthouse address merely heightens the distinction of this prestige lifestyle – particularly this penthouse. Its position on the upper corner places it with the enviable advantage of a sweeping view around the harbour to the Kaimais. Toasting sunset from the sheltered luxury of the balcony is something to cherish.

WONDER OF WATER

While sunset glory isn’t unique to many properties throughout this region, the scenery stretching in front of this home certainly is.

It's an eclectic mosaic of extraordinary diversity. The port is a close neighbour. Sulphur Point, with its green-belt reserve, marina and ever-changing activity, always gives moments to enjoy. Mauao stands majestically in full view. From shipping to sailing, boating to kayaking, there’s always something happening.

Above it all, this penthouse embraces the vibrancy in stunning style. Thanks to the wrap-around balcony and significant floor-length glazing, all three bedrooms and living areas bask in scenery and outdoor intimacy. Being five floors up, the privacy is serene. Motorised blinds in living areas lift the morning’s greeting

– though staying in touch with the view at any time of day or night is photographic brilliance.

A substantial revamp has instilled further luxury – with brand-new state-of-the-art American decking, new blinds and drapes, new ensuite, plus a full interior repaint. The finish is defined by understated elegance and high-end detail. The designer kitchen boasts Miele appliances, stone counters and that essential bar-stool drawcard. A new ensuite gives five-star hotel status – with twin vanities and a rainfall fixture bolstering the shower, a bath in the shared bathroom, plus new facilities in the powder room.

Additional features include tandem garaging with a built-in end storage. This penthouse also has its own laundry room, not a built-in amenity – also

Of all Tauranga’s prestigious apartment complexes, The Nautilus has a unique feature which puts it heads and shoulders above the rest – direct harbour access for boat owners.

WORDS JO FERRIS

"TOASTING SUNSET FROM THE SHELTERED LUXURY OF THE BALCONY IS SOMETHING TO CHERISH."

finished with Miele appliances. Other notable extras include two wall-mounted TVs, a gallery picture wall system, outdoor potted plants and the eye-catching mural featuring a stainless steel oyster catcher.

Biking or walking is a joy from this vantage point to all Tauranga’s city haunts. There’s the popular Nautilus restaurant on site when cooking isn’t in mind. It’s also worth noting that parking for caravans, motorhomes and trailer boats is available at The Nautilus, along with significant space for guests.

One of just 12 apartments in this unique complex – and one of three penthouses – this takes star billing; and deservedly so. The owners have loved the lifestyle, but are Gold Coast-bound for full retirement in their other luxury apartment.

LIFE AT THE TOP

Penthouses are considered by many to be the pinnacle of lifestyle – and for good reason.

Oliver Road’s Jason Eves says penthouse apartments typically perform independently of the market. “They are the antithesis of commodity property – few in number and rarely available. They offer true prestige of both lifestyle and address.”

Despite the uncertainty of the past few years – or possibly because of it –Oliver Road marked a couple of notable sales of this sought-after property type. The penthouse at Devonport Towers in Tauranga was sold in June 2021 for $3.4 million. A very large apartment with distinguished features in terms of its individual styling and finish, its most dominant aspect is the commanding view. Thanks to this penthouse’s lofty position on the 16th floor and facing due north, the wraparound panorama sweeps east to west, giving all rooms an astonishing pictorial that captures the very essence of Tauranga’s harbour connection.

Apart from its unique position on the top floor, Devonport Towers has another unique advantage, born from the history of the site. The original home of the Tauranga Club, Devonport Towers now incorporates the club’s facilities, along with a hotel division – features which

give added kudos to this inner city complex and its grand entrance. As Tauranga CBD‘s rejuvenation continues and new development emerges, Devonport Towers – and this penthouse in particular – will continue to be highly valued as blue-chip investment.

Mount Maunganui offers a different perspective on apartment lifestyle. The Mount’s close connection with the beach underpins its resort recognition compared with Tauranga’s CBD vibe. The Mount’s main focus shines a spotlight on several high-rise developments at the base of Mauao. However, the distinctive complex on Marine Parade above the Tay Street Beach Café showcases another perspective of the Mount as a surfing mecca. Oliver Road sold this penthouse in July 2022 for $5.25 million. Just one year on from selling Devonport Towers, the significant price is further recognition of the value placed on penthouses and the premium commanded by front-row Mount Maunganui addresses.

Penthouses will always be upmarket in terms of their design and finish – top-of-the-line features and high-end appliances.

Jason says all these features and amenities make penthouse apartments highly desirable, “Particularly among people with principal or secondary residences in other regions or countries.”

403 The Nautilus, 50b Cross Road, Tauranga OLIVERROADESTATEAGENTS.COM

Devonport Towers in Tauranga.

A COASTAL SOLSTICE

The street-front impression of this impressive Mount Maunganui home showcases a home of extraordinary size, introduced by two separate parking areas and two gated entries. It immediately suggests the level of secure parking that’s available – not simply for vehicles, but also the boat and a motorhome.

WORDS JO FERRIS

Motorhome sojourns are such a favourite pastime for the owners of this Mount Maunganui property, they are “camping” while their home is opened for sale. It’s a novel way to avoid the daily upkeep of presenting a property. But it’s also a smart way to let go. These owners have enjoyed 25 years of happy memories here – family gatherings and watching grandchildren frolic in the heated swimming pool as parents toast the occasion in a seated corner of the pool, or soaking in the inbuilt spa. Sounds of the ocean remind one how close the beach is. Views to Mauao show how near the Mount’s vibrant lifestyle is. Yet, in this quiet enclave, life is a sanctuary. Double-gated entry gives the assurance of security – the first feature, which immediately hints at this property’s significant proportions. Dedicated parking provides ample room for a large motorhome – in its own corner with room beside for another vehicle or boat. A drive-through carport gives alternative access from the main gated entry to the garage. From here, the house steps up into a three-level residence with unique features and glamour that defies its age. Expansion inside and out by these owners sits at the heart of this home’s allure, however.

Quality construction will always last the test of time – accentuated here with sound-proofing concrete between levels and American oak flooring in the upper living area and stairwell. The design is another reflection of the forethought behind the original vision, but it’s what these owners added that elevates its status. Top-floor living takes full advantage of the shaft views out to sea and Mauao. Extensions to the original design created a sunny café snug beside the kitchen. This was also upgraded with attention to detail. The lounge was extended to enlarge the indoor space with a feature gas fire, while outdoor flow was enhanced with a wrap-around balcony. This is the suntrap – overlooking the pool below, with a gas fire to snuggle around as the sun sets and a cosy corner to hide with a book.

This middle level houses three bedrooms that share spa-bath indulgence in the family bathroom. There’s a powder room for added convenience and a lift shaft for future installation. The showstopper sits on the ground floor. This level has direct access to the backyard resort created by the vendors. The courtyard runs the length of the home to give every room personal entry. And it’s the extent of rooms that makes this level so appealing.

An adjoining snug gives the ensuite master bedroom a personal area to either work in peace or relax in a private snug. The main “pool lounge” sits next door, housing bar-kitchen facilities to

keep refreshments on hand and the natural complement of a bathroom. Like the other rooms, this lounge swings open to the pools outside. The final treat is yet another room, with a gas fire and intimate link to the courtyard. Be it a luxury bedroom or another lounge, this area highlights the significant space this home boasts.

Its intricacy and finish are extraordinary. All the necessary equipment to heat and keep both pools in tip top order are neatly hidden in their own places. Outdoor links ensure easy access to corners all around the house. Fully immersed within gated and fenced security, it epitomises the Mount’s resort lifestyle – locked up safely when a motorhome sojourn beckons.

"THE HOME EPITOMISES THE MOUNT’S RESORT LIFESTYLE."

TAPPING INTO TRENDS

Harrison Bloy just opened their first North Island showroom in Tauranga, and now proudly provides high-quality products to bathrooms around the Bay.

WORD S NICKY ADAMS | PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL

The bathroom is a room that is overarchingly functional – however, it is also a space that makes one of the biggest interior design statements. It is a room that needs to be designed for longevity, practicality and visual impact – but also one that every family member will spend time in. When working out the design direction you want to take amid the current looks, there is no better place to find inspiration than in a physical showroom.

Harrison Bloy is a privately owned New Zealand bathroom (and kitchen/ laundry plumbing) supplier that, while well-established throughout the South Island, has recently chosen to open its first North Island showroom in Tauranga. The decision to move to Matakokiri Drive in Tauriko, says co-owner Callum Harrison, was largely driven by the desire to be closer to family up here. However, he and business partner Ben Bloy had also identified the exponential growth in the Lakes area, with huge potential growth to come in Tauriko.

Harrison Bloy considers it important to offer a wide spectrum of brands and products not just in terms of style, but also price points. In addition to the other familiar quality brands available in New Zealand, it also supplies Watersino, a well-known worldwide brand unique in New Zealand to Harrison Bloy. Callum is passionate about the service they can provide at Harrison Bloy: “We have top of the line, but we like to think that we’re experts in bathroom fittings and it’s not just another bathroom shop it’s actually advice, design and top-quality gear on display.” The interactive nature of the showroom is something the company is proud of: “There’s a working toilet (with a heated seat!) over there, working gas fires here.” The pi è ce de ré sistance, though, is the “ wet area ”, where customers can pick from multiple shower heads to try out for themselves. Equally, the stylish bathroom pods have been designed to give a visual concept of different looks – placing key components in individual settings. Another clever feature is the way in which tapware, rather than being fixed on display, can be moved around and placed with different basins – the basins themselves can also be interchanged. These are all hugely helpful parts of the process when trying to work out the best combination for personal taste.

The showroom itself is large, thoughtfully designed and allows customers to organically move among the products on display. The range is extensive, and starts at a lower price point, moving up to higher-end, more bespoke pieces. Here customers will find a selection they hitherto may have expected to travel further afield to access. With a hugely experienced team to filter what is showcased, the customer is saved from a product overload – and can be confident what is here is a selection of high quality, on trend pieces, that will help make the ultimate bathroom.

Zucchetti is a well-established Italian premium tapware brand stocked by Harrison Bloy in all its showrooms. Robertson Bathware general manager of architecture and design, Dean Davis (New Zealand supplier of Zucchetti), reflects on the direction Harrison Bloy has taken, commenting, “It’s a credit to Harrison Bloy to want to take retail to the next level. It’s really refreshing in both its design and to the market.” Zucchetti is a family-owned and run business that was established nearly a century ago; now led by the third generation, Zucchetti prides itself on the way it has evolved, and indeed anticipation leads the direction of market trends.

Zucchetti has always invested heavily in the design aspect of its products alongside exceptional performance. While the overall aesthetic of a bathroom (or kitchen) will be dictated by multiple factors, increasingly interior designers are looking to the “ work horse ” pieces, such as the fittings, to make a statement. Zucchetti has set itself apart from other brands in this arena. With a focus on being an architectural led brand, Zucchetti employs a team of international designers whose award-winning ranges reflect the calibre of their skill. As Dean says, “One of the point of differences that Zucchetti offers is that they employ international and innovative designers to create each collection.” Zucchetti is also proud of the symbiotic relationship with the designers themselves; the Medameda range was created by a fatherand-son design duo, Alberto and Francesco Meda.

With the overall aesthetic of a bathroom both elevated and unified by the fittings, it’s no surprise that there are distinct trends within tapware. Currently,

Dean says, there is an increase of the gooseneck spouts, and softer, rounder shapes are more popular. Driven by the European trends, the curvier shape doesn’t date so quickly. There is a clear leaning towards Stainless Steel, which is considered both durable and ecosustainable; tie this in with the lack of lead in its production and it will continue to be a market leader.

Dean feels another area of strength for Zucchetti is its breadth of options – most designs come in six or seven colourways and, importantly, provide matching accessories such as toilet paper holders, basin wastes, shower hooks and so on.

While design is key, functionality is vital – clients expect longevity from these types of pieces.

Zucchetti stands by a good

warranty along with other practical aspects such as good efficiency on water flow. Continually seeking exciting developments, this can be seen in ranges such as the new Isy22 – a progressive mixer with infrared options, in which the water flows from cold to hot. This means that should a child, for example, turn on the tap, they won’t be scalded by extreme heat.

Implicit to its ethos is a drive to be ahead of the curve, and Zucchetti prides itself on an innovative attitude towards the link between design and purpose. It believes its products not only offer exceptional performance, but also elevate and unify the overall aesthetic of any space within which they are placed.

HARRISONBLOY.CO.NZ

BATHROOM TIPS TO STAY ON-TREND

Add a customised piece

Use the bath as a focal point

Coordinate all bathroom products with a full range of accessories

Round shapes are popular – also products with a balanced size

Refresh rather than remodel by changing your vanity unit

Go for lighter tones like beige and pink, with warmer woods

Scandinavian style meets Japanese influence is cool and current

TECH TESTING CORNER

Karl Puschmann tries out the latest and greatest gadgets.

PSVR 2

As the name suggests, this is PlayStation’s second go at VR, and it's vastly improved. While the design looks similar, it's been totally redesigned. I found the new headset lighter, more comfortable to wear and easier to take on and off. The screens inside are also dramatically better which, when combined with the sheer grunt of the PS5, make for a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

The PSVR 2 is cutting-edge tech and does come with a cutting-edge price, costing more than the required PS5 console itself. It’s certainly not going to be an impulse buy.

But no other gaming experiences come anywhere close to offering the undeniable thrills, realism and sense of complete immersion offered by virtual reality, and the PSVR 2 is one of the easiest user-friendly and powerful ways of joining the VR gaming revolution. RRP$999.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 ULTRA

The new flagship phone from Samsung has constantly impressed. It's said the best camera is the one you have with you, and if you have the S23 Ultra, you’ll have the best phone camera currently available with you at all times. Its elegant design features an ultra-wide, two telephoto lenses and a 200-megapixel main camera.

We also liked the customisable always-on display and the stylus tucked away for note-taking or doodling on its absolutely gorgeous screen.

The phone’s also incredibly fast and responsive and easily handled everything I’ve thrown at it. Battery life was also impressive getting me through the day.

Everything about the S23 Ultra feels premium and it certainly earns its Ultra branding. RRP$2299.

MICROSOFT SURFACE 5 LAPTOP

Windows laptops aren’t renowned for their good looks. With its Surface range, Microsoft has sought to change that reputation by showing what Windows-powered computers and devices can look like.

Their new Surface 5 is an exceptionally good-looking laptop. For the past month, UNO’s been testing the flagship 16-inch model. The 14-inch comes in a range of stylish colours, but our review unit was a stealthy black augmented with a mirrored Windows logo on the front. Very classy.

Thanks to Windows Hello, its Face ID feature, whenever you open the laptop up it’s ready to go. It sounds trivial but is one of my favourite features. The laptop’s vivid and bright screen also doubles as a touch screen, which sounds gimmicky, but was increasingly useful to quickly close a window or sign documents.

Battery life’s also very good. Using it as my daily work computer I could get through a full eight hours without plugging in. The only real struggle I encountered was with more demanding gaming.

But for casual or productivity users the Surface Laptop 5 is a solid, stylish choice. It’s quiet, houses one of the nicest keyboards going and has been a joy to use.

Starting from $2449 for the 15 inch.

NORTON ANTITRACK

They may not be glamorous, but online privacy and data protection are important. Norton’s new AntiTrack subscription allows you to simply go back to not thinking about these things. It blocks all online trackers, personal data collectors and fingerprinting spyware from gathering any personal info as you surf the web.

EUFY ROBOVAC 35C

Having two kids and a fluffy kitten running around the house meant vacuuming was a daily chore. No longer. Unlike more expensive models, the 35C can’t map your house or do anything fancier than schedule a daily start time. Instead, it randomly bumps its way around the house sucking up everything in his path. I was initially sceptical of how good a job this cost-effective model would do. But it’s been revolutionary. I’m overjoyed to report I haven’t used my handheld vacuum cleaner in weeks.

RRP$399.

MOOCHIES CONNECT SMARTWATCH 4G

No one wants to be a helicopter parent but the cold hard facts are that the world is a more dangerous place than it was in the good old days when we grew up. The Moochies Connect Smartwatch is designed so kids can play and explore their world with freedom but you can still keep tabs on where they are at all times. If the worst does happen, like falling off their bike and needing your help, there's an SOS button they can press. The monthly plans come with 1GB of data and unlimited call minutes so they can call you directly from the watch if they need to. It's water resistant and tough enough to stand even the most rigorous play sessions making their watch one thing you won't need to worry about.

RRP$189.99, monthly plans from $15.95 a month.

watch you don't want to part with then this nifty device could be just the ticket. The Ōura Smart Ring provides all the same health data and habit analysis that a smartwatch would, all shrunk down into a discrete and stylish ring. This Finnish company says for health tracking your pulse is actually stronger on your finger than your wrist making their data as accurate as possible. With sleep tracker, body temp gauge, readiness scores, movement, steps and heart rate tracking, amongst many others, this little ring does it all.

RRP$499.

NATURAL SYNERGY

THE EXPERT

KATHRINE MCDONALD

Kathrine McDonald Design is an interior business based in Mount Maunganui. Clean lines, natural materials and a monochromatic palette can be extraordinarily impactful. I love the visual effect achieved by using raw textures such as linen, wool, wood and marble, where you let the materials do the talking. Don’t overcomplicate things - reflect architectural features in furnishings through curves and angles, and for a beautiful synergy ensure the elements all talk to each other.

KMINTERIORDESIGN.CO.NZ MCDONALD.KATHRINE

1. Tasman Pendant $2385, from Nightworks Studio (nightworksstudio.com). 2. Twist Side Table $899, Special Studio (specialstudio.co).

3. Squiggle Candlestick $69, from Boheme Home (bohemehome.co.nz). 4. Arlo Bench Seat by David Shaw $POA, available through Kathrine McDonald Design (kminteriordesign.co.nz). 5. The Minimalist Emilee Daybed by Beck Wadworth x David Shaw $POA, available through Kathrine McDonald Design (gallerydenovo.co.nz). 7. Moltini Side Table $1695, from Coco Republic Anders Stool $595, from Coco Republic (cocorepublic.co.nz). (bohemehome.co.nz).

TAURANGA’S FAVOURITE GARDEN STOP

IN SEASON

Visit the Cafe while the Children enjoy the playground

Open daily 9-3pm

With the price of fresh produce increasing daily and shortages at the supermarkets, there has never been a better time to start growing your own groceries. Whether you have a large property or small rental, you can plan, plant and successfully harvest your own homegrown fruit and vegetables year round.

TIPS FOR GROWING YOUR OWN ORCHARD

Buy only quality plants.

For more information pick up a FREE copy of the Ican Harvest brochure.

decorgardenworld.co.nz

The first thing to consider is what you like to eat. We all have our favourites. Here in the Bay we are blessed with great growing conditions. Citrus trees like lemons, limes, mandarins and oranges are a must, and if you plan well, you can be picking some form of citrus at all times of the year. Other favourites are feijoas. These are a hardy fruit and can act as both a fruit producer and a handy shelter hedge or pot plant. Use your existing fencelines to espalier fruit along them. That way you don't need to look at an ugly fence. If you don't have much room for your fruit, do not despair. A lot of varieties are grafted onto semi-dwarf or dwarf rootstocks, resulting in a tree that is much reduced in size. Pruning your fruit trees from a young age is a must. Many are also happy in pots or containers, which will also restrict the size of the plant. While most of us love the idea of growing fruit, remember we can't do this without bees, insects and birds. So make sure you plant bee-attracting and companion plants like lavender and rosemary close by. Pears and plums will sometimes need to be planted with a second tree of a different variety, which acts as the pollinator. Consider harvest times, too. There is no point growing a plum that ripens in January if you know you always go away that month. And remember to always choose quality and tried-and-true varieties.

Give them a good start with part sunlight, part shelter, and plant with planting mix and a base dressing such as Ican Slow Food.

Plant at least two fruit trees of the same type to help cross-pollination.

Mulch and feed with compost, blood and bone and fruit food.

Water regularly and thin excess fruit out through the growing season.

Protect the crop from birds.

Prune correctly from day one. Check out our website for expert advice and videos on pruning or come to our pruning session on July 24 at Decor Gardenworld.

Decor Gardenworld in Bethlehem has been providing BOP gardeners with top-quality fruiting, flowering and fabulous plants for over 55 years. It is family owned and operated and is committed to providing friendly service and advice.

Autumn is the time to plant your favourite ICAN HARVEST FRUIT TREES

Ginny

Clark from Decor Gardenworld shows us how to grow our own groceries.

For Giftware, Pots and Garden Decor

Indoor Plants

In times of uncertainty and fear, it’s hard to know where your money should go. All this talk about inflation can be confusing but by taking a step back, and looking at the bigger picture, you can get a better understanding of where your money is best kept in hard times.

In times of rising inflation, commercial investment can be a wise move. Even when the yield on a commercial property remains the same, your dollar is still worth a dollar. The bank’s dollar, on the other hand, is worth less and less with inflation.

Growth assets, such as commercial investment, will protect the spending power of your dollar. Long leases hold through to the next cycle, and so being exposed to growth assets is a game you need to be playing if you hope to grow your wealth long term.

However, with all of today’s challenges, it becomes hard to even create a wealth plan and build a future in the first place. That’s where a collaborative approach can work. Joining a private collective means you join a group of like-minded individuals who jointly purchase, then lease, the building in question.

GROWING YOUR FUTURE

When it comes to securing your financial future, growth assets and collaboration go hand in hand.

WORD S OWEN COONEY

PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL

There are many advantages to owning a share of a building using this model, compared to owning the building outright.

Firstly, the collective admin team does the legwork in that they find high-quality properties worth investing in. Secondly, they ensure the numbers stack up and the right contractual arrangements are in place to generate a profit from the get-go. And, thirdly, they organise reliable tenants and take care of all bank financing, lease arrangements and financial reporting.

If you're keen to connect with our network of investors and potentially join a collective when the right opportunity arises, head over to the Classic Collectives website and schedule your own 15-minute discovery call. There are no obligations to join our syndicates; we’re simply here to answer your questions.

Being able to ask honest questions and get straight answers is perhaps the best investment of all. It only costs your time.

CLASSICCOLLECTIVES.CO.NZ

FROM THE HEART

With “giving” as their ethos, these three organisations bring joy to everyone they work with, from customers to colleagues.

WORD S KARL PUSCHMANN

We all know the old saying that it’s better to give than receive. But it’s not just a theory, it’s actually been scientifically proven. Giving activates the pleasure part of your brain and releases chemicals that make you feel better. It’s also been proven that being given something makes a person more likely to become a giver themselves. It’s a powerful circle of good vibes.

It’s also an idea these three local companies have taken to heart. They were all started – and operate – with that idea front and centre. Whether that’s by inspiring you to gift a future memory, donate to charity, directly support a community, or even just treat yourself to something nice, they all make a difference in people’s lives through the philosophy of giving.

GIVING MEMORIES

James Fitzgerald is one of the founders of Chuffed, a business that allows people to gift experiences.

James Fitzgerald describes the founding of Chuffed as “an act of desperation” born out of the COVID-19 lockdowns.

“When you have your back against the wall, you think differently to how you normally would when you're sitting in a comfortable, ‘everything's cruising along nicely’ position,” he says. “It seemed like a good idea, so we gave it a crack to see if it worked.”

The idea was great. Chuffed allows people to gift experiences rather than material objects. The company caters for personal occasions like birthdays, Christmas and weddings as well as businesses

wanting to gift their staff or clients something more meaningful than the standard bottle of wine.

“Handing something over and receiving a box is actually a really important part of gift-giving as part of the showing of love or appreciation. The handing over is the gift-giving moment. There's so much value tied up,” he explains. “We have created physical gifts. People receive a box, open it up and it reveals that they've been given an experience. We tried to stick with what traditionally is the awesome thing about giving gifts, but make it so the gift is actually a reallife experience.”

Receivers have a range of experience options to choose from. Everything from adventurous escapes, relaxing getaways, thrill-seeking activities or wining and dining. Each package offers over 80 local experiences to select from.

This is a big part of Chuffed that James is, well, chuffed about. Connecting their local partners with people they otherwise may not have reached.

“A lot of them are small family businesses. What we've been able to do through gift giving, is connect people that might have otherwise received a bread board or a bottle of champagne with the small Kiwi businesses around the country,” he explains. “Suddenly, these small family businesses and in Raglan, Tauranga, Taup ō or wherever have Aucklanders turning up on the doors to do their experience. Chuffed’s had a real meaningful effect on their businesses and their families.”

“We get a real thrill when the invoices come in from the partners and the whole cycle of the gift has happened,” he smiles.

It sounds like Chuffed may be the only company out there that actually enjoys paying out money.

“Yeah,” he laughs. “It is a good feeling because you know it’s been working. It’s great!”

CHUFFEDGIFTS.CO.NZ

"WHAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO DO THROUGH GIFT GIVING IS CONNECT PEOPLE WITH SMALL KIWI BUSINESSES AROUND THE COUNTRY."

mes Fitzgera l d and Alex H

Zorb and The Secret Spot (right) are just some of the experiences you can gift with Chuffed.

LIFE-CHANGING CHOCOLATE

Glenn Yeatman is the managing director of Solomon’s Gold, a local chocolate brand that supports a whole community.

As far as helping others go, eating chocolate has to be one of the easiest – and most delicious – ways of doing so. But that’s what choosing a block of Solomon’s Gold over other chocolate does.

Since 2006 the local chocolatiers have had a factory in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. Today, they support over 60 cacao bean growers and their families.

“We do have a presence there. We've been there a long time,” Glenn Yeatman says. “We don't just put the factory at the wharf, load the cacao and ship it out. We get involved with the people in the plantations, we’ve built roads, heaps of stuff.”

Their focus on community is a point of pride for the artisan chocolate makers and makes a real difference

in the quality of their bars, which they make with only organic ingredients.

“We could actually take you to the Solomon Islands and show you where the bean was grown,” he says. “That’s the difference between us and others. We know what the trees look like, we know the topography, everything. And that's the difference. It's not just a commodity, it's a story.”

This, he says, allows them to know the exact origin of their beans which allows them to get specific types from specific areas for their various types. As well as bean quality, Glenn says there’s also another upside.

“If you know what the origin has been, you know that you've treated the people well, and paid a good price.”

SOLOMONSGOLD.CO.NZ

"WE KNOW WHAT THE TREES LOOK LIKE, WE KNOW THE TOPOGRAPHY, EVERYTHING. AND THAT'S THE DIFFERENCE. IT'S NOT JUST A COMMODITY, IT'S A STORY."

Glenn Ye atman, Solomon'sGold

PAYING IT FORWARD

Rohan McClosky is a founder of GoGenerosity, a service that helps people help businesses help the less fortunate.

The concept of “pay it forward” took off in the year 2000 with the release of Helen Hunt’s box-office smash romantic drama of the same name. The idea is that instead of returning a favour, you do something nice first: Ergo, paying it forward.

This is also the basic concept behind GoGenerosity. It allows people to “pay forward” a small amount on top of their bill. This then pays for the business to do good in its community. Everything from supplying meals right through to haircuts and charity donations. It’s an easy way for people to make a difference and support both their favourite businesses and those less fortunate than themselves.

During the Level 3 lockdown, Rohan’s restaurants were struggling and he saw that his community here in Tauranga was as well. He wanted to do something.

“I partnered with my customers to initiate a pay-itforward model, which meant that they simply made a donation and we guaranteed that we turned 100 percent of that donation into food from our local restaurants,” he explains. “Then we partnered with a charity who would come and collect the food and feed people in the community who were in need.”

His customers loved the idea and he saw there was an opportunity to expand from his own restaurants and into the wider business community.

“It was such a great way in terms of the consumer, having the transparency of where their money was going. It was a really big, important thing for us that the money was going into the business, and the business was then creating its product from that money. It wasn't being sent off somewhere where we didn't know what the outcome was.”

This is the biggest point of difference for GoGenerosity. Just this year they’ve already raised over $250,000 and positively impacted the lives of over 25,000 here in the Bay. And with over 65 businesses on board, everything from café s, restaurants to utilities and petrol stations, it’s easy to pay it forward whenever you see the little green GG sticker.

“Kiwis are a generous bunch of people and I think GoGenerosity has proven that's true,” he smiles. “People want to be involved, especially when they can see where their impacts are being had.”

GOGENEROSITY.COM

"KIWIS ARE A GENEROUS BUNCH OF PEOPLE AND I THINK GOGENEROSITY HAS PROVEN THAT'S TRUE."

Founder of GoGenerosity Rohan McClosky and family.

ONE SMILE AT A TIME

Providing necessary dental care to remote and underserved communities is what drives these seagoing volunteers.

WORD S CATHERINE SYLVESTER

The year 2020 was meant to be the year for YWAM Ships Aotearoa (YSA).

Having been gifted a container ship in 2019 by Stoney Creek Shipping, the local team had spent the previous months fitting it out with everything needed to take dental and basic health care across the Pacific Ocean to the peoples of the Solomon Islands. Then March 2020 came along, and we know how this story plays out.

But the spirit of determination runs deep within the greater YWAM organisation. Founded 63 years ago in the US, with the goal of equipping young people to volunteer worldwide, Youth With a Mission (pronounced why-wham) has had a base in Tauranga since 2005. Medical “Mercy Ships” were introduced internationally in the late 1970s to enable healthcare to be sent to some of the harder-to-reach nations of the world.

Tauranga-based managing director of YSA Marty Emmett was determined not to let the pandemic entirely derail the work his team had already planned. “The gift of lockdown was that it gave us time to reanalyse who we are and what our purpose is,” he explains. “It started this amazing journey of looking at how we could still utilise this ship and its facilities if we weren’t able to travel internationally.”

The decision was made at the beginning of 2021 to take the container that housed the dental clinic off the ship, and reach into the Bay of Plenty, offering free work for the most serious of oral health cases in the community.

Retired local dentist Sue Cole came on board to lead the team. “What drives me is seeing transformations in people – physical and emotional,” Sue says. “We offer a hand up, rather than a handout.”

Within the first 18 months of operating the Trinity Koha Dental Clinic, Sue and the volunteer dentists cared for 1,900 patients, and performed over $1 million worth of free dental services.

Equally important as the practical services offered is the holistic care for clients. Marty explains that for many of those attending clinics, a history of dental trauma is carried with them. A dedicated “Call and Care” team ensures time is spent connecting with clients over the phone, discussing concerns and assuaging fears. “Sometimes, to get a patient to the stage of getting into the chair, the team will spend literally hours speaking with them on the phone first,” Sue says. “On the day, a group of our people will lovingly walk them in, supporting them every step of the way.”

The level of need within New Zealand surprised Marty, much of it surpassing what he has since seen

– SUE COLE

in subsequent outreaches to isolated islands in the Pacific. “Within three days of starting a clinic here, we had hundreds of people on a waiting list,” he says. “Once we became aware of the scale of need, we knew we had to continue this work.”

July 2022 saw the ship finally able to travel internationally, with four months spent stationed in Fiji. There, hundreds of locals received free health screenings and dental treatment. Marty tells the story of one woman with high blood pressure who was advised to change her diet, get some exercise and to cut back on a few indulgences. Two weeks later she returned, requesting her blood pressure be retested as she had implemented these changes. Incredibly, it had gone from dangerously high to normal.

Partnering with local agencies if of great importance to YSA. “The key for us is to facilitate training and empower local workers – not just come in and do the services,” explains Marty. “Our main focus is around monitoring health and diet – small things that make a big difference.” The whakatoukī that best sums up their approach is “Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora

ai te iwi – With your food basket and my food basket, together the people will flourish and thrive.”

Everyone involved with YSA is a volunteer. The greater operational costs are covered by financial assistance from companies such as Trinity Lands, Bay Trust, TECT, Good Neighbour and Bid Foods, while private sponsorship is employed by individuals for their personal living costs. For Sue, Marty and team, it is more than worth it.

Sue recalls one of many cases that make what they do so worthwhile. “Recently a young woman was frustrated she couldn’t find a job, despite being skilled. She was missing her front tooth and lacked confidence from that,” she explains. “Our dentists restored the tooth, and the woman was over the moon. The shame she’d felt had gone.”

Moving forward, Marty says that by operating more dental clinics in the Bay, the Waikato, and in the Pacific, they want to eradicate high dental needs in these areas and help as many people as they can. “We’re not afraid to dream big!”

YWAMSHIPSAOTEAROA.ORG.NZ

"WHAT DRIVES ME IS SEEING TRANSFORMATIONS IN PEOPLE – PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL. WE OFFER A HAND UP, RATHER THAN A HANDOUT."

Part of the dental team from left: Nathanael Herman, YWAM dental assistant; Dr Shikha Lal, dental officer at Tukavesi, Fiji; Dr Penelope Roberts, dentist from the Waikato; Levani Takiveikata, dental therapist at Tukavesi, Fiji.

FUNDING DREAMS

Here in Tauranga we have one of the country’s most committed groups of investors supporting the startups that will change the world.

WORD S JENNY RUDD

Sometimes business isn't just about making a profit; it's about being part of something bigger than yourself and making a difference. Enterprise Angels in Tauranga are all about supporting startups that are making a positive impact on the world. Angel investing is when you put your own money into a startup company. These are the kind of businesses that are just starting out, with big dreams and potential. They often use software as a way to disrupt inefficient industries, or solve really big problems. You're not just investing your money, you're investing in the future.

It can be a thrilling and lucrative experience for the adventurous investor. Here's why.

First off, technology can help improve operations, reach new customers and scale businesses quickly. This can lead to faster growth and more potential for a return on your investment.

But that's not all. Tech-enabled startups often have a wider potential customer base, as they can reach customers all over the world through the internet. This means they have more potential for revenue and can grow more quickly than a small, local business.

Plus, with lower overhead costs and higher profit margins, investing in a tech-enabled startup can be

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE INVESTMENTS ?

Ways to increase your chances of enjoyment and success:

Choose startups that align with your values and interests. Investing in something you're passionate about is really fulfilling. And you’re more likely to be able to offer advice and support to the founding team.

Consider the startup's growth potential. Would you buy it? Will other people around the world want to buy it?

Think about the potential impact that the startup could have on the world. It could be solving something important, like addressing climate change, or inequality.

a savvy financial decision. You could be backing the next big disruptor in an industry, positioning yourself at the forefront of innovation and potentially reaping big rewards as the industry evolves.

Enterprise Angels was started by Bill Murphy 16 years ago, and today, it's led by CEO Nina le Lievre. Since the beginning, members have supported lots of different startups to find their place in the world. For example, there's Supie, a rapidly growing and innovative supermarket founded by Sarah Balle, poised to disrupt the industry with its focus on customer satisfaction and affordable prices.

Another fantastic business with worldwide impact is Fuel50, a career development platform that uses AI to connect talent within businesses to the best career-growth opportunities and projects. Founders Anne Fulton and Jo Mills have developed tech to remove bias and unlock the potential of people.

And of course, we have a local success story in Tauranga with SwipedOn. Their digital sign-in system has replaced traditional paper-based methods, saving time and money while also supporting sustainability. Founder Hadleigh Ford sold the fledgling startup to a UK company, and it still operates as a global player overlooking Tauranga Harbour on The Strand.

I'm proud to be part of this community of likeminded investors who are committed to making a positive impact on the world.

WHY FUNDS ARE GOOD FOR BEGINNERS

Investing in a fund can be a fantastic way to get started in angel investing. By pooling together money from multiple investors, these funds can provide diversification and reduce the risk of investing in a single venture. The fund is managed by a team of professionals who select and manage the investments on behalf of the investors. You buy shares in the fund, then the fund invests that money into a range of startup companies.

It’s also a great way to be able to invest in a startup you like, but which has a minimum investment requirement bigger than you’re comfortable with.

It can be a fantastic way to begin your journey as an angel investor until you have the confidence to select individual startups to invest in.

Every other month, there’s a meetup in Tauranga and Hamilton. We get together to have a drink, eat snacks, and listen to startup founders who “pitch” their idea to the group of investors. If you’d like to come and find out how it all works, get in contact.

NINA@ENTERPRISEANGELS.CO.NZ

RAIL RIDER

From the mountains to the tussock grasslands, through picturesque towns and over soaring bridges, taking the train will start your vacation on the right track.

WORD S REBECCA MEYER

Whenever I told people we were embarking on a “grown-up family ” long weekend to Wellington and were taking the train, I would often get an enthusiastic response: “Oh, that’s cool! I've always wanted to do that!”

This would be the third journey on the Northern Explorer for my folks, whom it’s safe to say were hooked on the whole rail experience. After coming

home from their first trip a few years ago, they made us all promise that one day we’d all make the journey together. Bless Daughter Number One, whom we fondly call “ Spreadsheet Sophie ” She coordinated, arranged, planned and booked everything, ensuring all our busy schedules aligned for the impending adventure ahead.

The Northern Explorer is an epic 648km journey which connects multicultural Auckland to our bustling capital Wellington. However, we began our adventure in Hamilton, boarding at 10.15am from the busy platform at Frankton Street Station.

Travelling by train is a sociable affair, and our “ Spreadsheet Sophie ” managed to book the perfect seating arrangement, ensuring all eight of us sat together. We had adjoining seats with a table in the centre, straight across the aisle from one another. This was well planned on our part considering all five carriages were full, including families with young children, lots of couples and larger groups of all ages. Travel by rail is obviously a popular mode of transport when visiting Wellington.

Straightaway it was obvious everything’s been done to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed as you sink back in your seat and get ready to soak up the North Island scenery.

With spacious seating, and generous amounts of legroom, our Scenic Class carriage delivered air-conditioned comfort for the clickity-clack journey ahead. With a fully-licensed bar on board, we were able to sit back and enjoy several world-famous New Zealand wines and local beers while someone else took care of the driving.

If it’s a large meal you’re after, the dining cart offers plenty of options, from braised beef cheeks and Moroccan spiced vegetable salad, or classics like roasted free range chicken and lamb shank, and for the smaller appetite, there's plenty of savoury snacks and sweet treats to satisfy everyone. Having cash with you is advisable, as the train often travels out of network range, but they do provide all credit and debit card payment facilities. The friendly staff even allowed us to run a tab.

The scenery was quite honestly breathtaking, weaving through the rolling hills of the King Country. The historic Raurimu Spiral at the southern tip of the Central Plateau was a real highlight and was designed in 1898 to make the 139-metre ascent into the plateau possible. Navigating our way around the foothills of Mount Ruapehu, a series of three steeping viaducts bridge the deep ravines carved by the rivers across Tongariro National Park.

What makes this all the more breathtaking is being able to stroll to the open air viewing carriage to breathe in and taste the atmosphere you truly get to appreciate our beautiful country.

Reaching the Kapiti Coast, we cling to the cliffs high above the ocean, with spectacular views of the Tasman Sea and Kapiti Island.

As we near the end of our journey, reaching Porirua Harbour, it's close to 7pm on a warm, balmy summer evening. The short stretch between Porirua and Paremata is a scenic gem, and a stunning way to end our epic rail adventure. This truly is an unforgettable day-long adventure, and a unique experience well worth sharing with family or a group of friends. Because Wellington's city train service is so good, we don't need a car for the long weekend away. So to everyone who’s ever wondered if it’s worth the $214 one-way train ticket on the Northern Explorer to Wellington, I’d say yes, do it if it’s on your bucket list!

GREATJOURNEYSNZ.COM

Northern Explorer Auckland to Wellington trains run Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

DESTINATIONS: Auckland • Hamilton

Otorohanga (Waitomo Caves) • Taumarunui

Tongariro National Park • Ohakune

Palmerston North • Wellington.

All eight members of Rebecca's family were able to sit together, enjoying the scenery.

and the must haves right now on offer in your city centre. We’ve curated a range of unique and amazing experiences and offers so that you can experience your city centre, your way!

Discover what’s new, what’s not to be missed

EXPERIENCE YOUR CITY CENTRE YOUR WAY

COCKTAILS IN THE CITY CENTRE

From a Centroni at Bar Centrale to a Strawberry Shortcake at But First Dessert, classic cocktails to contemporary creations, these are 18 cocktail hot spots, all within walking distance of one another, to check out next time you’re in the city centre.

MUMS’ NIGHT OUT WITH THE GIRLS

Mum, it’s time to focus on yourself and enjoy a night out! We’ve packaged up the ultimate evening experience in the city for you and your friends to enjoy. It’s time you took some time out for yourself, because we know you deserve it.

AUTUMN MUST HAVES

With summer over and the cooler weather creeping in at night, the leaves will begin to fall, the days will start to shorten, and it’s time for some new season fashion and accessories! Our city centre retailers have some gorgeous items that are new in store right in time for autumn.

DAY OUT WITH THE FAMILY

Treat that wonderful mum of yours to a fun day out for the whole family. A healthy mix of quality time with the family, a bit of alone time, AND amazing food will make this a day she won’t forget.

What else are you missing out on?

downtowntauranga.co.nz

TAMING THE TORA

Fifteen mums escape for a few days of vigorous exercise, a lot of wine, spectacular views and the best home-cooked meals a tired mum could ask for.

WORD S HAYLEY BARNETT

I’ve always considered myself a hiker, or a tramper as we’re more commonly known in New Zealand. Growing up, my family holidays consisted of walks through dense native bush, sleeping in tents and run-down cabins. The damp scent of Swanndris and merino socks, as well as the taste of Barley Sugars and trail mix, take me back there in an instant. It wasn’t until I became an adult that I learned not everyone has these same experiences, even Kiwis.

My partner was born and bred in central Auckland and spent his youth tramping the streets, trailing behind his dad who regularly frequented jazz bars. Not a terrible life, but I can’t imagine sitting here now without those fond outdoor memories.

These days, I rarely get out for a hike, given we have young kids and my partner refuses to go anywhere near mud, so I’m limited to a few walks here and there with friends.

When I was invited to hit the Tora Coastal Walk with some mates and their mates and their mates of mates it didn’t take much to convince me.

The Tora trail was the first private walk to be established in the North Island 25 years ago. It’s located in the Southern Wairarapa, a half-hour drive from what is known as the ‘wine town’ of Martinborough. It takes three days to walk across hilly farmland and bush, with stays at three different types of accommodation, located on the farm and along the stunning Tora coast.

The waitlist for groups to walk the Tora is a long one. We booked two years in advance, and just hoped we would all make it. Although a couple of people had to drop out in that time, replacements were easy to find. Our group was made up of 15 mums, all excited about the prospect of heading away, equipped with as much alcohol as we could fit in the hire van. A few of us had tagged on a shopping spree in Wellington the day before and were well acquainted before the one-hour drive to Poppies, our lunch stopover in Martinborough. Poppies makes beautifully hand-crafted wines, which you can sample in their impressive European-style tasting room and restaurant. It makes for a great taste of Martinborough when you’re passing through.

Another half hour’s drive away, we arrived at our accommodation, Whakapata Cottage. The quaint little farm house sleeps 15 people and sits at the entranceway to the Tora Coastal Walk.

We were greeted by owner Kiri Elworthy, a second generation Tora farmer, who has been inviting hikers on to her property for the past 28 years, and created many of the succulent dishes the walk has become well known for. These days she has a team of cooks, but is still actively involved in menu development. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree either. Kiri’s four children have been known to knock out a lemon tart for 14 people, too. That night we were treated to a mean pesto fish dish, and a delicious fruit crumble, all made with fresh, organic ingredients.

Kiri gave us a full rundown on the walk – what to expect each day, recommended leaving times and additional walks and activities to add to our itineraries. The following day is the hardest, she warned, with the steepest inclines and the longest distance. We all agreed to take it easy on the drinks that night.

The next day, we were up and raring to go. You couldn’t have asked for a better day weatherwise. We slapped on our sunscreen, laced up our embarrassingly clean boots and hit the track.

Nothing could have prepared us for the views. As soon as we hit the top of our first hill, the mountainous landscape was immediately vast and somewhat foreboding. On our first day, grey clouds filled the skyline and threatened to rain at various points. But the sun eventually shone through and we tramped on. We were lucky as the previous week had seen a large rainfall and left behind sticky mud for the hikers to slog through. By the time we arrived it had dried up completely. I still recommend taking hiking sticks, however. I’d say it made the track a good 10 percent easier to tackle, and I can highly recommend them after giving up my stick for a fellow hiker who was five months pregnant. It’s hard to justify a walking stick when a pregnant woman is huffing and puffing and letting out the odd worrisome moan behind you all the way.

Six hours later we arrived at our destination, Stony Bay Lodge. Its luxurious ranch-like vibe is exactly what you need after a six-hour hilly tramp through farmland. A homemade peach shortcake awaited us and it wasn’t long before we were tucking into it on the deck, overlooking the rocky shoreline, our steaming socks lined up to dry in the sun. Thankfully, our boxes of Pals and Poppies vino had arrived before us (the transportation of baggage and alcohol is another luxury included in the package) and we made short work of those too.

We had been left with a leg of lamb to roast and a sizeable pottle each of white chocolate mousse with berry coulis.

FAR LEFT: Tora walk owner, cook and baker Kiri Elworthy; LEFT: top of the Tora.

An early night meant most of the group was up at the crack of dawn to hike up the hill behind us, then beyond to the end of the road to view the Opua Shipwreck. A handful of ladies stayed behind to natter and “keep the pregnant lady company”, and to make full use of the cosy living area with views of Manurewa Point and the Pacific Ocean.

By 11am we were all at the nearby rocks for some seal spotting, before heading over the hill and along the road to our next accommodation – Greentops Farmhouse. The historic home used to house Return Servicemen in the 1950s and features a cathedral ceiling and a stunning stained glass window.

After we had settled in and recovered from a small bout of rain on our walk over (my jacket proved to be less waterproof than I’d hoped), a bunch of us followed a trail out the back up to the highest point in our journey. This was my favourite part of the trip – the views were even better than the previous day. It’s an optional add-on and is the last thing you want to do if you’ve

completed all the optional extras, but if you only add one, let this be it.

That last night was deemed to be “the big night”, where we let loose in all our fluoro glory and partied as long as our middle-aged livers would let us, which was quite far for some, too far for others, and meant the last walk was a lot harder than it should have been.

It was a three-and-a-half-hour journey up and down some gnarly hills, but we all survived back in one piece.

Looking back on our three days, it’s easy to see why there’s a two-year wait for this incredible experience. Despite the sore heads, the group was keen to book another walk somewhere in the next year. Our boots will be well worn by then, and no doubt we’ll all have some hiking sticks at the ready.

TORACOASTALWALK.NZ

"...IT WASN’T LONG BEFORE WE WERE LOUNGING ON THE DECK, OVERLOOKING THE ROCKY SHORELINE, OUR STEAMING SOCKS LINED UP TO DRY IN THE SUN."

Greentops Farmhouse. Stony Bay Lodge.

Tight and Bright Night at Greentops.

INSIDE OUT

Women realising their self-worth is integral to this world-class retreat centre.

WORD S HAYLEY BARNETT

Think women’s health retreat and you’ll no doubt conjure up images of kumbaya circles and cleanses. Think weight loss retreat, and there will surely be some scary ideas of restriction and quiet shaming.

Resolution Retreats aims to do better. Founder Joelene Ranby started the retreats in 2012 after her own inspiring health journey led her to move away from her corporate life and into helping other women to slow down. She discovered the focus should be more on what to do, rather than what not to do when it comes to a healthy lifestyle.

Situated on Lake Karapiro, Resolution Retreats offers luxurious resort accommodation at a reasonable price, compared to other retreats that cost thousands of dollars a day to attend. It’s in line with the vision Joelene had when she started the business 10 years ago.

“I come from a family of people who don't prioritise their health,” explains Joelene. “And so I was never taught or encouraged to take care of my health from an early age. It wasn’t until I was an adult in my twenties that I decided to make changes, and implement some healthy options into my life.”

Joelene says she had to learn these changes

“through the school of hard knocks”. Her journey took her from an overweight, stressed-out financial accountant to a relaxed and vibrant 30-something woman giving workshops to help others in the same dark place she was all those years ago.

“I wish I could have done something like this back then, but it didn’t exist,” she says. “I started learning about the psychology behind taking better care of yourself, and studying habits.”

Founder Joelene Ranby has a passion for helping others on their health journeys.

Today Joelene offers a range of retreats with varying themes from weight loss to resilience, perimenopause and menopause and fasting – but all the retreats have a focus on changing behaviour.

“If there was a degree in habits, I would have it,” laughs Joelene. “I'm obsessed with how they're formed and how people respond to them. It's just very, very interesting to me. Everything comes from a place of practicality, and never from just science.”

At the end of each retreat, which range in days from three to 20, Joelene and her staff have one-on-one consultations with each guest to work out what their goals are and how they can best support them. Coming away from a three-day weight loss retreat, there’s a feeling of lightness, not just on the scales, but also in the mind.

“Some people see a weight loss retreat as simply going there and losing some weight, because they didn't eat as much as normal, but it’s psychological,” says Joelene.

“I believe the true difference between somebody who is ‘healthy’ and somebody who is ‘unhealthy’ is what they do when they fall off the wagon. Because unhealthy people perceive that 'healthy' people don't fall off the wagon, but it's not true. They do, they’re just kinder to themselves. They go, ‘Oh no, I'm off track. Let's get back into it.’”

That’s the main aim at Resolution Retreats – to teach women to be kinder to themselves.

“A lot of women just reinforce what they are already thinking when they ‘fail’ at another diet, particularly people who have a really low self opinion of themselves. They can find that difficult to do and even more difficult to hear.”

The challenge, she says, is in getting people to realise that they need to slow down and, perhaps not smell the coffee, but more their own sense of self-worth.

In the future, Joelene wants to offer more specialised retreats, such as her mother/daughter focused workshops, and plans to launch a charitable trust this year, to help make the retreats that much more accessible to low-income earners.

“I want to get the message out there that, if you are struggling with your health, there is somewhere you can go for help, no matter your circumstances, to instil those healthy habits in a safe, non-judgemental space,” says Joelene.

On What’s

GENERATION HOMES THE MOUNT SWIM

Saturday, April 8

Mount Maunganui Beach

Whether you’re keen on swimming around Rabbit and Leisure Islands in the long swim 2.8km, setting your sights on the Amphibian swim/run event, or a bit of everything, there’s loads happening in the water and on the sand to make sure you have a day full of awesome memories.

OCEANSWIM.CO.NZ

JEKYLL & HYDE: THE MUSICAL

April 14 - 29

Westside Theatre

The epic struggle between good and evil comes to life on stage! A devoted man of science, Dr Henry Jekyll seeks a chemical breakthrough that can solve some of mankind's most challenging medical dilemmas. Rebuffed by the powers that be, he makes himself the subject of his own experimental treatments, accidentally unleashing his inner demons along with the man the world would come to know as Mr Hyde.

ITICKET.CO.NZ

PLANT FEST

Sunday, April 16

Tauranga Racecourse

Bringing together a collection of New Zealand’s best plant sellers, growers, pot makers and plant accessory experts from all over the country, if you’re looking for a new plant, a handmade pot, some advice, prints, accessories or even a plant tattoo, Plant Fest is for you. Thousands of plants ranging from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars, plus vendors galore.

PLANTFEST.CO.NZ

Events around the Bay

ULTIMATE ATHLETE

Saturday, April 29

Mount Maunganui Beach

Obstacle course racing is the fastestgrowing mass participation sport in the world, combining functional fitness and fun. This course is designed to challenge all fitness levels, from kids through to pro athletes, with endurance and strength elements set over two distances. Go it alone or with a team. You'll run/walk, climb, swing, and crawl your way through this one-of-a-kind course that will push you to your limits through sand and over trails.

ULTIMATEATHLETE.CO.NZ

GRAND KYIV BALLET OF UKRAINE: FOREST SONG & DON QUIXOTE

April 22-23

Baycourt Addison Theatre

From the trauma and heartbreak of war in their country, the Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine brings two sensational performances in one magnificent evening of ballet. Act One is the legendary Ukranian showpiece Forest Song, a tale of love and the fearless and brave Mavka, who longs for peace in her world. Act Two is Don Quixote, a flamboyant and festive Spanish romantic comedy.

PREMIER.TICKETEK.CO.NZ

WE RUN THE NIGHT

Saturday, April 15

Hopukiore Mount Drury Run or walk the night in Mount Maunganui. With a range of course options, there's something for everyone. The 5km Run/Walk (one lap) is open to all ages but under-10s should be accompanied by an adult, who will be responsible for them on the event course. The 10km Run/Walk (two laps) is for 10+ years. Registration pick-up, event HQ and start/finish located at Hopukiore Mount Drury on the Mount Main Beach.

WERUNTHENIGHT.CO.NZ

TAURANGA HOME SHOW

May 5 - 7

Trustpower Baypark, Mount Maunganui

With over 300 exhibitors spread across both halls of Baypark Arena, plus outdoor and marquee displays, the Tauranga Home Show is the Bay of Plenty's biggest home and lifestyle exhibition.

TAURANGAHOMESHOW.CO.NZ

TAKE A DIVE

UNO editor Hayley Barnett experiences the quintessential American dive bar experience that is Palace Tavern.

Walking past all the bright, shiny bars and eateries on the Mount's main drag, Brad Dellar and Sam King had a revelation. There was nowhere they wanted to go. They were tired of frequenting bars that only catered to certain people of a certain age bracket and felt there was nowhere men in their thirties truly belonged. They wanted dark and dingy –where everyone knew their name, but no one cared to use it.

"We wanted it to have an American dive bar sort of feel," says Sam. "A place where the locals can come hang out, have a beer, a burger, a game of pool – we spent a lot of money on that pool table!"

Having originally opened around the corner as Palace Burger on the Mount main street, Sam and Brad

decided to start over with the d and a rebrand when they moved to Banks Ave in November, 2022.

The glass 80s-style ashtrays outside give you a taste of what you're in for. Indeed, the bar is dark and dingy but, strangely, the UNO team don't want to leave.

The menu is mouth-wateringly good. From the Buffalo Burger to the Hoedown, there's a definite American vibe going on, with a bit of a Kiwi twist. The Crispy Boy is packed with potato crisps, along with a smashed patty, bacon, cheese and onion. I went for the Classic Chicken, one of their most popular burgers, and washed it down with Maple Butter Wings, Jalapeño Poppers and Cheese n Gravy Fries. If you're going to eat like a man, you might as well do it right.

Everything was perfectly more-ish, tasty and extremely satisfying – exactly how Brad and Sam like their food.

Palace Tavern might have been set up as a place for 30-something men, but they've set it up so well that it's naturally become inclusive. "We've made our fair share of lettuce burgers, but we're not really the place to come if you're trying to lose weight," laughs Sam.

And, despite refusing to play Top 20 hits, they can't hold the crowds back once the wee hours of the morning swing round. "We have long lines right up the road every weekend," says Brad.

It's a dark place with a cool vibe, cold craft beer, amazing cocktails and great food. It's the place Brad and Sam always wanted to go. And, now that we've been, it's a place we can't wait to head back to.

PALACEBURGER.NZ

"...WE'RE NOT REALLY THE PLACE TO COME IF YOU'RE TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT."

Oliver Road is a celebration and marketplace of Bay of Plenty’s most unique, high-value homes.

Representing a select few properties at any given time, we are committed to delivering a world-class service; one that includes a comprehensive valuation, advice on pre-market improvements, luxury furnishing, commercial-grade photography, broad-reaching exposure to an international audience, and expert handling of buyer enquiry and negotiation.

Selling with Oliver Road means partnering with a tight-knit team of highly experienced, passionate professionals who operate at all times with absolute integrity and dedication to our clients

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If you’ve come to expect mediocre service and lack of product knowledge from this industry, we invite you to take the road less traveled

Take a seat at our table and experience the difference.

Expect better - by any measure.