UNO Magazine | Issue 61 | Spring 2023 | Richard O'Brien

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The best part of this job is meeting amazing creative people on a daily basis. From content creators, to business owners, to chefs, photographers or musicians. There's no shortage of inspiring locals doing marvellous things right here in the Bay.

I was lucky enough to visit the home of our cover star Richard O’Brien, the fun, charismatic writer and performer of Rocky Horror Picture Show fame. It’s been 50 years since Richard’s famous show hit the stage in London’s West End and, since we’d just discovered Richard is residing near Katikati, a short drive from the UNO office, it was the perfect excuse to get us in the door of his rambling gothic-style villa.

Within seconds of meeting Richard, he proved to be witty, charming, sophisticated, intelligent and silly all at once. At 10am, it would’ve been overwhelming if he wasn’t so welcoming – the exact opposite of what we were expecting. Past interviews with other publications make him out to be a grumpy, get-off-my-lawn type. Thankfully, he was anything but.

What amazed me most was how, at 81, he’d remained so incredibly curious about the world. Books were stacked all over the

huge coffee table and spilled out over the floor from the book shelves. “I’ve been meaning to donate those to the library,” he said, gesturing toward a big pile in the corner. Musical instruments lay around, while notes from every country he’d visited were plastered to cupboard doors.

It might be this curiosity that gives him an air of youthfulness and energy when he speaks. In the few hours we were there, he managed to talk about anything and everything, from politics to time travel, and how much his views had changed since he was young.

It made me wonder how so many of us manage to lose this sense of curiosity about the world, getting stuck in our ways and lost in our day-to-day routines.

Richard is still writing, painting, creating, singing. In fact, he’s premiering his latest play Kingdom of Bling at Tauranga Boys’ College in March next year, coming full circle back to his own school he attended as a boy.

We’re lucky to have such a huge talent here giving back to the community in such a creative way. Check out the story by Karl Puschmann on page 20.

Richard’s open-minded attitude to life is inspiring and contagious. I think we can all learn a thing or two from this whimsical man dancing to the beat of his own drum.

So go forth and just be yourself, joyfully and unapologetically.

Hayley, editor

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

Annabelle Rose

ASSISTANT DESIGNER

Alice Rose

MEDIA ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Stephanie Taylor

SUB-EDITORS

Katherine Granich

CONTRIBUTORS

Nicky Adams

Amber Armitage Monique Balvert-O’Connor

Karen Clarkson

Jess Easton

Jo Ferris

Salina Galvan

Will Johnston

Stacey Jones

Jahl Marshall

Kathrine McDonald

Graeme Murray

Desiree Osterman

Karl Puschmann

Jenny Rudd

Catherine Sylvester

Casey Vassallo

SUBSCRIPTIONS unomagazine.co.nz/shop

PRINTER Kale Print

DISTRIBUTOR Are Direct PUBLISHED BY SAO Media Limited

UNO is a quarterly publication: ISSN 2744-7901

© Copyright 2022. Articles and illustrations may not be reproduced in any form without the permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of, nor endorsed by, SAO Media, unless stated otherwise. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of printing, the publisher shall not be held responsible for any actions taken as a consequence of information contained in this publication.

CONTRIBUTORS

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

STEPHANIE TAYLOR

Born and bred in Tauranga, Steph was thrilled to recently come on board and work behind the scenes at UNO. With a background in advertising and media, a love for the written word, and a passion for people, she really enjoys creating content for UNO and supporting the team any way she can. “Researching local products for our upcoming editions is always super inspiring,” she says. When she’s not in the office, Steph adores getting out in nature with her young family, having a good boogie, drinking coffee and travelling.

KAREN CLARKSON

Karen began her media career as a teenager at her local radio station, Coromandel FM, before moving to Auckland to work on television shows like DIY Rescue, NZ Idol and John Campbell – A Queen’s Tour. Aged 21, she chased the snow to Canada before settling in London where she produced television shows for the BBC. Returning home, she switched codes to PR and marketing, working for brands including Dermalogica, Destination Rotorua, NZ Avocado and Unilever, before becoming Nadia Lim’s communications manager. Now, as a mum of three, communications consultant and freelance writer based in Mount Maunganui, Karen is passionate about uncovering the unique and personal stories behind a brand. In this issue, she chatted to Bill Willis about his company’s expansion and the challenges of managing an almost 120-year-old family business (page 106).

CASEY VASSALLO

Writing is Casey Vassallo’s jam. She works across all forms and subjects – basically everywhere words live – but has a special spot for features, having started her career in magazines in Australia. Especially because it means she gets to pen stories on everything from the latest restaurant in town to how a revered label has made it big. In this issue of UNO, Casey is behind the pen of several articles, and they all showcase Kiwis who have followed their gut and turned a passion or talent into a flourishing business.

DELIGHT

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We’ve found the latest products for your mind, body and home.

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Burgers and sport are a match made in heaven. So HelloFresh has recently launched a limited edition burger collection that delivers delicious burger recipes, each with an international twist, like the Irish-Style Roast Chicken Burger & Gravy. HELLOFRESH.CO.NZ

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THRIFT SHOP BALL

Presented by Rozella Presents and Mamamanagment and in Partnership with Preloved Project, this year’s Thrift Shop Ball offered a real fashion shoot experience.

PHOTOS SERENA STEVENSON 1 Amanda Hamlin (1st place UNO costume winner) 2. Jason & Ruth Smith, Kylie Merwood & Dave Merwood 3. Sarah Crowther & Rachael Stanway (Thrift Shop Ball organisers) 4. Trace Brechelt 5. Jade Kent, Red, Anneke Pepping, Lucinda Maunsell, Kate Martin, Jay Reece, Elyssia Gibb, Rachael Stanway, Mel Carroll 6. Steve Woodward, Mary Borman 7. Sarah Bunker, Philippa Joy, Kylie Pond, Molly Lawrence 8. Angela Deacon & Chris Deacon 9. Mark Sargent & Maureen McGonagle (Second runners up) 10. Patsy Skeet & Teresa Michels 11. Dolphin Therapy & Salty Chops

MCKENZIE & WILLIS

The grand opening of McKenzie & Willis’ beautiful new Mount Maunganui store was a who’s who of the Bay’s design world.

PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN 1. Amy Retief, Mollie Walker, Amanda Graham, Trish Sutcliffe 2. Bryce Waldie, Heather Coyne, Lucy Hall 3. Cody MclLroy, Katrina Millar, David Carr 4. Colin McGonagle & Pat Workman 5. David Carr, Issac Partida 6. Freddie Keene, Jayne Cross-Hunter, Kylie Keene, Larisa Cochrane

7. George Savill, Dan Shea 8. Helen Wolvers, Lisa Shea, Adrian Wolver 9. Janine Tullouch, Michelle Donnelly, Finn O'Connor, Liz McLean 10. Jill Durant, Sonta Bredesen 11. Jodie Snooks & Rachel Hearfield

12. Keri Courtney, Maria Welham, Anne Ball, Natalie Mckeany 13. Liz Laing, Juliet Page, Ana Laing

14. McKenzie Willis Team 15. Maggie Seddon, Vance Wiersma 16. Meg Marsh, Jeanne Lapeyrade, Tracey Giles 17. Michelle Calley, Kathryn Scholes 18. Sharon Scott, Colleen Carey, Myra Wilkinson

BUSINESS WOMEN'S NETWORK SPEAKER SERIES

Titled ‘Paving The Way’, inspiring speakers empowered and uplifted Bay of Plenty women in business at Baycourt Tauranga on June 27.

PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN 1. Jules Simpson, Clare Swallow 2. Angela Benstead, Erin Goodhue, Jo Hatchman 3. Jen Talbot, Hayley Burch, Kiri Patrick 4. Jenny Payne, Hannah Bougen 5. Peifen Chua, Jessica Cridge, Ash Stanford 6. Shelley Roche, Brittney Benn 7. Elin Jones, Catherine Murray 8. Angela Drew, Jessica Barnes, Rochelle Lockley, Cecilia Burgess, Penny Miller 9. Sarsha Ponga, Ruby Bathan, Amber Sharplin, Emily Doran 10. Kylie Lee 11. Deborah Peake, Lee Warburton, Megan Tomalinson.

1 2 3

TAURANGA ARTS FESTIVAL PROGRAMME LAUNCH

Celebrating 10 days of music, theatre comedy and visual arts the Tauranga Arts Festival runs from October 19-29.

AIMS GAMES

The 2023 Zespri AIMS Games was held in Tauranga over September 2-8, welcoming 373 schools and around 11,700 athletes.

PHOTOS JK PHOTOGRAPHY 1. Ben Calvert & Jesse Noorland 2. Corey & Karla Sweeney 3. Henk Popping & Charissa Barham 4. Joanna Sheeran & Jo Finlay 5. Melissa Nelson & Darin Morresey 6. Tina Harris-Ririnui & Tom Elvin 7. Vicki Semple & Bruce Cameron 8. Kelly Schischka, Natasha Rice 9. Vee De Koster, Nigel Tutt & Addison De Koster 10. Satsuki & Vianney Douglas

PHOTOS KATIE COX 1. Tamati Tata, Darrel Nitschke, Puhirake Ihaka 2. Shane Bosher & Sarah Dyck 3. Janine Tulloch, Puhirake Ihaka & Shirley-Marie Coffin 4. Nikki Hansen with Kai, Ray & Frankie Atkins 5. Jenna Quay, Sarah Cotter, Joanna Sheeran 6. Anne Tolley & Bill Holland

7. Hannah Wynn, Darcell Apelu & Nicol Sanders-O'Shea 8. Lesley Fraser, Alastair & Diana Melvin 9. Kathryn Lellman, Lisa Denyer, Jo Bond, Sally Morrison & Liz Cooper

INSIDE THE MIND OF

RICHARD O’BRIEN

Enter the surreal world of actor, writer and musician Richard O’Brien. Residing in Katikati, the Rocky Horror Picture Show creator takes us on a journey through the history of the world-shaking musical he wrote exactly 50 years ago.

WORDS KARL PUSCHMANN

PHOTOS GRAEME MURRAY + SUPPLIED

Ifeel a slight shiver of anticipation as I approach the front porch of Richard O’Brien’s homestead, which sits between Tauranga and Katikati and overlooks the harbour. As a struggling theatre actor in the 1970s, Richard wrote a musical in order to create himself a job and have something to act in. That musical was an instant phenomenon and would go on to become the very definition of a cult classic, with the BBC hailing it as “the one cult movie to rule them all”.

conducting strange experiments in his laboratory. The story follows Frank-N-Furter’s efforts to – depending on your view – either sexually corrupt the couple or sexually liberate them. And then aliens get involved.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat this is not. Rocky Horror is deeply weird, unashamedly sex-crazed and extremely funny. It features some absolutely banging tunes, the most famous of which is “ Time Warp ”, a spot-on rock n’ roll parody whose infectious lyrics instruct you how to dance to it (It’s just a step to the left / and then a jump to the right). But songs like “ Dammit Janet ” , “ Sweet Transvestite ” and “ Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me ” are right up there with it in terms of memorability and sing-along catchiness.

On stage, the musical was an instant hit when it debuted in June 1973, in the small upstairs theatre of the Royal Court Theatre in London’s West End. The show became the hottest ticket in town and quickly outgrew the venue, moving to bigger and bigger theatres and collecting awards. Two years later in 1975, the film adaptation was released with most of the original cast reprising their stage roles, including Richard as the hunchbacked butler Riff Raff and Tim Curry in his star-making performance as the fishnet stocking-clad, nymphomaniac Frank-N-Furter. And that’s when things for Richard and Rocky Horror really launched into outer space.

I knock on the door and the shutters, which I presume had been closed so UNO’s photographer could take these stunning portraits of Richard in his open-plan living area, are opened, allowing me and bright rays of light to enter. Having just finished the shoot, Richard, resplendent in black with a sparkling diamond necklace rubbing up against a sheer silky negligee that’s exposed under his open shirt, has taken a seat at the circular dining table. He’s now 81 but exudes an ageless androgynous glam rock cool.

As a teenager, it blew my mind when I discovered it had been written by a New Zealander. This was something far more impressive to me than any number of Rugby World Cup wins or America’s Cup victories. Richard’s musical was called The Rocky Horror Picture Show

A sexy, madcap tribute to Richard’s beloved sci-fi and horror B-movies of the 1950s, Rocky Horror revolves around a wholesome, newly engaged couple who seek refuge from a violent storm in the castle of Dr FrankN-Furter, a lascivious transvestite scientist who is

To his left is a gleaming white baby grand piano that’s covered in stacks of books, and beside that is a flamboyantly dressed life-sized mannequin. Behind him is a wall covered from floor to ceiling in currency from around the globe, with the phrase “The root of all evil” painted in the middle.

There’s so much to take in. Everywhere you look there are bright artworks, sculptures, instruments, books or pop culture collectibles. But don’t get the impression that it’s cluttered. Everything has been curated and displayed with an artist's eye.

I take a seat at the table as his wife Sabrina brings out a freshly brewed pot of strong coffee and a plate of chocolate bikkies before disappearing into the house, leaving Richard and I to talk.

Did she pull the curtains again on her way out?

I’m not sure. But the day’s bright sun very quickly dissolves into a smeared golden haze, lending our chat an almost dreamlike quality as we veer away from Rocky Horror to discuss everything from the evolution of man, politics and religion, to what awaits us in the afterlife.

It was appropriately surreal. It’d be disappointing if an audience with the creator and star of Rocky Horror was not an intrinsically and pleasingly strange experience. There are also moments of breathtaking performance when he figures the best way to answer a question is to simply demonstrate rather than explain.

A question about writing Rocky Horror’s world-famous songs sees him answer by picking up a guitar and brilliantly performing a tune from his upcoming musical The Kingdom of Bling before joking, “Three chords do go an awfully long way.”

And when I ask about his creativity, Richard says he’s striving to “create a gem of a phrase equal to Oscar Wilde,” before dramatically reciting an astonishing and wondrous poem titled The Fatous Fowl from a collection of children’s poetry he’s currently looking to have published, which consists entirely of sparkling gem-like phrases.

But before all that, we have to start with Rocky Horror which, unbelievably, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

1. Richard O'Brien and Tim Curry at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards at the Savoy Hotel in London, UK, 1974.

2 Richard received the Hamilton Kirikiriroa Medal for his services to the local arts and culture scene in 2022 / photo by Christel Yardley. 3 . Richard as Riff Raff on set of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

4 . Richard at his homestead near Katikati.

5. The Weta Workshopdesigned statue of Richard as Riff Raff / photo by Brenda Wallace.

1.

“ ROCKY WAS A PIECE OF ADOLESCENT FUN. A BOYS' BEDROOM MUSICAL. IT'S NOT A POLITICAL PIECE. IT’S JUST WHAT IT IS; A PIECE OF NONSENSE. IT’S VERY ENTERTAINING AND IT’S NOT A BAD YARN. ”

“I really think it's wonderful,” Richard says when asked about the musical hitting this impressive milestone. “It's so nice to meet so many people that love it.”

Then, as a nod to his purpose for writing it in the first place, he adds, “And it's so nice that it has employed so many people over the years.

“Without it intending to be, it’s become a kind of haven for people who feel different sexually. We all know that nobody asks to be born straight or gay. We seem to be going backwards slightly, don't we, on this whole issue. I thought we'd have got over that. I thought we all understood now that people are born gay and people are born transgender. It's not a choice. I thought we'd all agreed on that. But lately, we're becoming confused by the whole subject once again. I prefer a more tolerant society. I'm not sure if I approve of being too tarty in public.”

Then he chuckles softly and says, “Although, I think you should push the boat out occasionally. We don't want to live in a stuffy, staid, deeply evangelical society. It’s unhealthy.”

It’d be easy to think Rocky Horror was Richard purposefully pushing the boat out, ruffling the feathers of stuffy old England while waving the flag for LGBTQIA+ ideology and inclusivity. But that would be wrong.

“Rocky was a piece of adolescent fun. A boys' bedroom musical,” he says. “It has nothing of great import to say. It's not a political piece. It’s just what it is; a piece of nonsense. It’s very entertaining and it’s not a bad yarn. As a piece of storytelling and entertainment, it’s perfectly good and enjoyable, and fun. But for it to have had this longevity… It doesn't make a great deal of sense.”

He sounds almost puzzled by its success. But then, he’s struck by a thought.

“Maybe,” he begins, “that’s all we want? Maybe it’s the fact that Rocky Horror guarantees an evening out. You’re going to enjoy yourself and have a good time. It really could be just as simple as that.”

Perhaps. Rocky Horror is a good time. A whole subculture has grown around the movie, with people

“ I'VE ALWAYS LIVED IN MY HEAD. BEING TRANSGENDER AND NOT BEING ABLE TO TALK ABOUT THAT AND YET WANTING TO BE A ROCK-ANDROLLER... BUT I ENJOYED MYSELF. I NEVER FELT I'D BEEN SHORTCHANGED IN ANY WAY. ”

dressing up as their favourite characters and singing along with the film, while the stage play is said to be performed somewhere around the world every single night.

But it’s also credited as being a major influence on the counterculture and sexual liberation movements due to it being one of the first popular and successful musicals to depict fluid sexuality and progressive values.

“It’s become connected by default to transgender issues and gay issues. I understand that and I'm glad that the world became more liberal,” he says. “As I get older, I’d like the world to be much, much more liberal and much more left-wing. I wasn't always that way. I was ‘conservative’ with a small ‘c’ when I was in my 20s.”

A surprising admission after he’d described himself as “a dope-smoking hippie” during the time he was writing Rocky Horror

“Well, I hated the politics of envy. If people have a nice car and enjoy it, I say f**k it, they’ve earned it. That’s their right. They’re only caretakers anyway. It’s only yours while you’re alive. I don't like resentment,” he explains. “But I really loved the fact that there's a welfare state. I say to look after those who are less well-off, disenfranchised, isolated, or marginalised. It means that we’re civilised. If we start putting some bucks into that, it means we're really civilised. The glorification of wealth by the right-wing is an empty path. It’s really a glorification of greed. And that's shameful.”

Politics is a subject that’s very much on his mind. He especially has a keen interest in the circus of American politics and holds sharp vitriol towards the likes of Donald Trump and those who hide unsavoury, rights-destroying political convictions behind the facade of religion.

“It's odd to me that people prefer fantasy to rationality,” he sighs. “I think as a human race,

we've lost the plot. Religion has led us astray. It confused our thinking. It demands that you abandon rationality and believe in an invisible man in the sky.”

It’s ironic, I say, that religion’s promise is on what happens after you’re dead, rather than doing good while you’re alive.

“Well, I do hope there’s something more because what I would like to do – what Sabrina and I want to do – is travel through time and space for eternity. To see how it all started and what went on. To see life on other planets and to look back on our own history. I can't wait to get back to the megalithic period. That’s my favourite. I want to know the answers to everything.”

Despite his age, his curiosity and creativity remain as strong as ever. Far from sitting back and watching the world go by, Richard’s working on a myriad of projects. There’s his art, which is currently going through a pastels phase, and the aforementioned children’s poetry book as well as The Kingdom of Bling, his brand-new musical which he describes as a “satirical fairytale”.

“I have fun working and writing and doing things,” he explains simply.

His slightly posh and proper accent betrays the short decade he spent as a child growing up in the upper-class town of Cheltenham, England before his family immigrated to Tauranga when he was 10 years old, but his affection for this adopted area can’t be overstated.

It’s so strong, in fact, that rather than produce The Kingdom of Bling among the bright lights of Soho, Broadway or closer to home in Auckland or Wellington, he’s instead chosen to put it on at his old school, Tauranga Boys’ College.

Smiling warmly, he says, “We’re going to have the world premiere of The Kingdom of Bling using pupils from the primary school plus students from the boys’ and the girls’ colleges. What joy.”

He’s a singular presence with a highly theatrical aura. He carries a reputation for being a little prickly at times, but this morning he’s nothing but delightful company, whether slamming close-minded politics, marvelling at the hidden mysteries of the cosmos, recounting minutiae about the creation and legacy of Rocky Horror to an obvious fanboy or enthusing about his latest works.

“I’ve always lived in my head,” he says. “Being transgender and not being able to talk about that and yet wanting to be a young rock-and-roller... But I enjoyed myself. I never felt that I’d been shortchanged in any way. Life is what it is and you get through each day. I was a dustman. I cleaned people’s houses. I pumped gas. I did a lot of these jobs.”

While he found success in London, he did so with a very Kiwi attitude. He didn’t wait for anything to happen. He made it happen. He knocked on doors. He took any theatre stagehand job he could get just to feel a part of that magic.

And when he couldn’t get acting work, he sat down and wrote his own musical, inadvertently creating a show that would resonate with millions of people around the world and become a saucy, fun, fishnetclad beacon of the LGBTQIA+ community in the process and championed as a progressive cultural landmark. So happy 50th birthday, Rocky Horror, and bravo Richard.

To quote his character Riff Raff in "Time Warp", “It’s astounding.”

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

IN

A captivating solo performance

FRESH FLAVOURS

Stacey Jones introduces us to Tauranga's newest – and supremely talented – chefs.

You know you're having a food moment when, 13 years later, you close your eyes and you can still taste it. That happened when I first stepped into the French Café in Auckland and was treated to a deconstructed lemon meringue pie, perfectly executed by Simon Wright. So imagine my delight when I learned that the very same chef behind the infamous citrus dessert was venturing to Tauranga to head up Clarence Bistro.

The arrival of new chefs in the Tauranga region is cause for celebration. With the culinary landscape constantly evolving, these talented chefs bring a big dollop of energy, flavours and new ideas.

Simon and his family previously settled in Whangamata after selling the French Café in 2018. A few years down the line, after setting up the renowned Gather & Roam, they felt ready for a new challenge.

Simon explains, “We loved being by the beach, so Tauranga was a lovely, natural transition. It has such a great balance of beach with a cosmopolitan twist.”

“We’re six months in and still finding our feet. We’ve launched a French du jourstyle menu in a two- and three-course

format to really capture the essence of a bistro. My food philosophy is to use the best of everything. Fish is line-caught, meat is organic or naturally raised, and vegetables are from a collective in Katikati, who are spray-free.”

But it’s not only the CBD that is being treated to some culinary creativity.

I was delighted to discover that another passionate chef, Italian Simone Saglia, has taken over the reins of The Trading Post in Paengaroa, together with wife Kylie, who runs the front of the house.

“I started cooking and experimenting with food from a very young age,” Simone says. “I would visit my aunt’s house after school, and she would teach me how to cook. Hearing her talk about food, and then tasting how good it was, definitely sparked my interest.”

His journey led him to study at the culinary art school IIS Giolitti Bellisario in Mondovi, honing his skills at Michelinstarred restaurants. Venturing to London, Simone expanded his horizons before an exciting opportunity arose. “One night when working at Harry’s Bar, Neil Perry came into the kitchen and asked if any chefs would like to move to Australia and help him open Rosetta in Melbourne.”

With a culinary style that marries

tradition with a modern twist, Simone lets the flavours take centre stage. His standout dishes include must-try lasagna, mouthwatering beef and chamomile ravioli, and exquisite agnolotti del plin with three cheeses.

While we’re on the subject of Italian cooking, meet Stefano Raimondi, owner of Autentico, another chef who is bringing the essence of Italy to the Bay. He hits the nail on the head when he says, “Italian cooking classes, with a real Italian chef how could you say no, right?"

Embodying the Mediterranean spirit, his cooking style is a celebration of simplicity and tradition. He explains, “When I'm doing a menu, I usually find a good seasonal product, and my mind starts thinking about possible matching flavours and the best way of treating it. Remembering and mixing dishes learned in almost 20 years of cooking.”

Currently collaborating with Basilico pizzeria making fresh pasta and sauce, owning a food truck called Fritto, and planning pop-up dinners, Stefano has some delicious plans ahead. His classes run most Sunday afternoons and will feature favourites such as mushroom risotto and tiramisu.

Clarence Bistro.

Simon Wright of Clarence Bistro.

Kylie and Simone Saglia of The Trading Post. Stefano Raimondi of Autentico.

Stefano'sItaliancooking clas ses

POURING THEIR HEART OUT

UNO ’s wine columnist Jess Easton heads to Hawke’s Bay to discover a resilient label which is perfectly balanced in more ways than one.

WORDS JESS EASTON | PHOTOS JAMIE TROUGHTON/DSCRIBE MEDIA

Woven into grapes on the Saorsa wine label is a heart so vivid and intricate, it almost pulses.

Everything they do, they do with heart. And while their recent viticultural journeys have involved a degree of heartbreak, they've also been pretty heart-warming too.

When we drop in to see them at their Haumoana home, a steady drizzle occasionally erupts into rain outside. A traumatic Cyclone Gabrielle-plagued summer has given way to a miserable winter and Alex has been busy digging boxes and boxes of their delicious wine out of the silt.

Saorsa is Gaelic, with rough translations of freedom, salvation, redemption and liberty. The label lived up to its name; despite the vineyard being in the heart of the Esk Valley, it came through the cyclone relatively unscathed. Unfortunately they had stored most

of their stock at neighbouring Linden Estate and much of it was left buried beneath metres of flood-strewn material, however.

But this is where the heart comes in. As soon as he could after the unprecedented devastation, Alex was back helping clear the vineyards, pulling the drowned stock of neighbours out from beneath the wires, doing his bit to help resurrect an ailing industry.

Wife Hana, meanwhile, was ignoring the floodwaters lapping at their own home and spending days and nights on duty with the local volunteer fire department.

With Haumoana's fire station under water, their home became the designated base, and remained that way for months afterwards.

Selfless and community driven, it's worth remembering the couple have three children of their own, while Hana – a qualified stainless steel engineer – has a full-time job as

operations manager in the waste industry. The pair are perfect foils for each other; Hana is a 100km/h live-wire, bristling with energy and zest, while Alex is all earthy calm. And somehow, impossibly, they've infused all this personality into their wines.

The Saorsa Syrah 2021 is luxuriously earthy and smoky, with hints of rose, yet retaining a freshness and liveliness.

And their Viognier 2021 is decadent and silky, with bold notes of peach and apricot mingling with toasted spices.

Saorsa's grapes are handpicked and treated with the utmost care. There are no shortcuts during winemaking and the whole process is an affectionate nod to tradition, mixed with modern sensibilities and style.

This is the dream Alex and Hana have created – making wine they love with the ones they love – all of which is infused with heart.

Alex Hendry and Hana Montaperto-Hendry outside their Haumoana house.

The cyclone-damaged Saorsa Syrah 2021 was auctioned for charity recently, after their distinctive labels were damaged by silt and water.

BAKER GATHERER

Hamiltonian Dane McGregor, otherwise known as the Baker Gatherer, started his baking journey with a love of food, childhood nostalgia, curiosity, and a willingness to experiment and create. Constantly learning and trialling new recipes and techniques, Dane has kindly shared some of his successes with UNO

Beer and Pretzel Cupcake

A beer and chocolate-flavoured cupcake, topped with cream cheese buttercream and pretzels.

Prep time: 40 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Makes 12

CUPCAKE

130ml beer

120g butter

40g cocoa powder

200g caster sugar

1 large egg

70g sour cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

120g plain flour

1¼ tsp baking soda

FOR THE TOP

80g butter, room temperature

150g cream cheese, room temperature

420g icing sugar

1 tbsp milk

Pretzels

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 170°C bake and line a cupcake tray with 12 cupcake cases. Set aside.

In a medium-sized saucepan, add in the beer and first measure of butter. Stir on a low heat until melted and combined. Do not boil.

Remove the saucepan from the heat, then whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until dissolved. Allow to cool slightly. Using a freestanding mixer or handheld beater, beat together the egg, sour cream and vanilla in a separate bowl until combined.

Slowly pour the beer and butter mixture in with the egg mixture, while still beating on a low speed. When combined, add in the flour and baking soda and continue to beat until smooth.

Transfer mixture to a small jug and pour into prepared cupcake cases, filling to about ⅔ full.

Bake for around 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and cupcakes spring back when touched. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

For the buttercream, add the butter and cream cheese to the bowl of a freestanding mixer or using a handheld beater, and beat for about 2-3 minutes until well combined.

Add the icing sugar in two stages, beating for another 3 minutes between each addition. If the buttercream is still quite firm, beat in small amounts of milk until desired consistency is reached.

Pipe blobs of buttercream on top of cooled cupcakes and decorate with pretzels. You can either roll the top of the cupcake in a saucer of broken pretzel pieces or spend some time arranging pretzels on top by hand. Enjoy!

Banana, Peanut Butter and Bacon Cupcake

A soft banana cupcake, topped with peanut butter buttercream and crispy bacon.

Prep time: 40 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Makes 12

CUPCAKE

100g caster sugar

20g brown sugar

140g self-raising flour

½ tsp baking soda

2 large eggs

125g butter, softened

½ ripe banana (approx 70g)

1 tbsp milk

FOR THE TOP

4-5 slices of streaky bacon

150g butter, softened

60g smooth peanut butter

270g icing sugar

1 tbsp milk

PEANUT CRUMB

30g smooth peanut butter

30g icing sugar

METHOD

To start, flick oven on to 180°C bake and fill cupcake tray with cases. Set aside. For the cupcakes, whisk together the sugars in a freestanding mixer.

Sift in the remaining dry ingredients and then add the eggs, butter and mashed banana. Beat for about 60 seconds.

Lower the speed and slowly add the milk before turning mixer back up for about another 30 seconds.

Fill paper cases about ⅔ full and bake for 16-20 minutes or until cupcakes spring back when touched. Allow to cool completely.

While the cupcakes are cooling, flick oven on to grill and grill slices of bacon on a sheet of greaseproof paper until cooked and crispy (or follow directions on pack). Allow to cool while you make the buttercream.

For the buttercream, beat butter and peanut butter in freestanding mixer for 5 minutes, scraping sides down occasionally.

Sift icing sugar and add to the butter mixture in two stages, beating for another 3 minutes between additions.

On a slower speed, add the milk, then turn mixer speed back up and beat for another few minutes.

To make the peanut crumb, mix peanut butter and icing sugar together until it forms an even crumb and set aside.

Once the cupcakes and bacon are cool, pipe a blob of buttercream, cram full of crispy bacon, and sprinkle with the peanut crumb. This will have you all shook up!

Sconut

A fusion of a scone and donut, covered in cinnamon sugar and filled with jam and cream.

Prep time: 40 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Makes 16-20

SCONUT

510g plain flour

5 tsp baking powder

Pinch of salt

1 tbsp sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

60g butter

¾ cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

CINNAMON SUGAR

80g butter, melted

200g sugar

1 tbsp cinnamon

FILLING

4 tsp water (optional)

1 tsp gelatin (optional)

200ml cream

80g icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Strawberry jam

METHOD

To start, flick oven on to 180°C bake and line an oven tray with baking paper.

Using a large bowl, add all of the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Add the butter and rub in to dry ingredients until it resembles a fine crumb.

Finally, pour in milk and vanilla, and mix through with a knife until dough comes together (add a little more milk or flour to get the right consistency).

Turn dough out onto a floured bench and knead for about a minute before rolling dough out to approximately 1cm thickness.

Using a circular cookie cutter or upsidedown drinking glass, cut out circles of dough and arrange them on a prepared baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes or until risen and cooked through.

While baking, start prepping the cinnamon sugar. Melt butter in a bowl and set-aside. Also mix together the sugar and cinnamon in another bowl too.

When the scones come out of the oven, immediately coat them in melted butter and cover with cinnamon sugar one at a time. Set aside to cool completely.

Once cooled, it’s time to fill with whipped cream. I like to use gelatin to stabilise the whipped cream, which then holds nicely inside the sconuts.

To start, add the water to a ramekin, then sprinkle over gelatin. Allow to sit for roughly 5 minutes.

Either using a freestanding mixer or a handheld beater, beat the cream, icing sugar and vanilla for a minute to combine.

When the gelatin is set, place in the microwave for 10 seconds to melt back into a liquid before pouring into the cream mixture while beating on a high speed. Continue to beat until whipped.

To assemble your sconuts, slice in half, pipe with whipped cream and add a dollop of strawberry jam. Perfect to enjoy with a hot cup of tea!

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Spiced Rose Shortbread

A smooth and warmly spiced shortbread, topped with sweet and fluffy rose-flavoured marshmallow.

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Chill time: 30 minutes

Makes 12

SHORTBREAD

180g butter, room temperature

70g icing sugar

225g plain flour

1 tsp cardamom

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp salt

MARSHMALLOW

60ml boiling water

1 tsp gelatin

100g caster sugar

1 tsp rose water

Pink food colouring

Dried rose petals (optional)

METHOD

Using a handheld beater, cream together the butter and icing sugar until pale and fluffy. Add flour, spices and salt and mix through until a firm dough is formed.

Roll out dough until 1.5cm thick and slice into rectangles. Place on a tray

lined with baking paper and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 180°C fan bake.

When dough has chilled, bake for approximately 15 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

For the marshmallow, add boiling water and gelatin to a large bowl, stirring to dissolve. Add sugar, rose water and colouring, and beat with a handheld beater on high for 10 minutes until thick, fluffy and sugar has dissolved.

Pipe on top of cooled shortbread and sprinkle with dried rose petals.

SUPERPOWERED SEAWEED

Humble and ubiquitous, seaweed has been around since before the dinosaurs, and an enterprising Paeroa family has harnessed its natural benefits for the agricultural industry and beyond.

WORD S CATHERINE SYLVESTER

Paeroa, nestled at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula towards the northeast of the Waikato; unofficial antiques capital of the country, geographical originator of the quintessentially Kiwi soft drink L&P, and home to the whānau-founded, owned and operated Agrisea, which specialises in the manufacture and innovation of high-nutrition seaweed products.

If you’ve found yourself traversing north on State Highway 2, emerging from the Karangahake Gorge, you may have spied their factory to the left and wondered exactly what one does with seaweed aside from wrapping sushi rolls with it. The answer, it turns out, is quite a lot.

Tane and Clare Bradley are second generation kaitiaki, or caretakers, of the family business. It was Tane’s parents, Jill and Keith, who saw the potential the marine algae has to make a positive

impact on the nutritional and environmental aspects of the food we grow and eat. Almost 30 years ago, a summer spent working on organic farms saw the couple witness firsthand the benefits seaweed nutrients could have on land and crops. Having complete confidence in their discovery, they packed up their family and moved from Tāmaki Makaurau to the more affordable Paeroa to realise their dream of creating organic products to support the home gardener.

“All us kids thought it was just a hobby till they called a family meeting, sold the house, and off we went,” laughs Tane. “We thought they were nuts!”

From humble beginnings selling Ocean Organics seaweed products from the store they rented and lived behind, the business flourished and in 2004 rebranded to become Agrisea, with an expanded focus to include the horticultural and farming climate of the industries the company found itself on the doorstep of.

Clare explains that the Agrisea products are biostimulants, rather than fertilisers.

“Fertilisers work by supplying nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which in overuse have a negative effect on the farm system and environment,” says the company’s CEO. “Biostimulants stimulate natural processes within the plant and soil to enhance growth, efficiency and health. It’s the plant equivalent of the difference between running a wellserviced car, rather than just putting more oil and gas in it.”

The couple met 18 years ago when Clare was forced to return to New Zealand due

to a flesh-eating disease she’d picked up while living and volunteering in the Amazon rainforest. They laugh when retelling this story, which is typical of the pair’s positive view on life.

“Tane makes friends wherever he goes,” Clare explains. “That’s how we’ve started some of our latest collaborations.”

Innovation and forward-thinking are keys to the company’s success. As well as three core agricultural products, they’ve found exciting and interesting ways to incorporate seaweed into new offerings as diverse as alcoholic beverages, kombucha and bee nutrition.

“We’ve partnered with Dominion Salt to make New Zealand seaweed and salt blocks for animals, and Roa Kombucha to make a delicious new drink,” elaborates Tane. “We’ve partnered with others to make a seaweed stout, vodka and gin!”

Apiarists and bees alike have fallen in love with the company’s Bee Nutrition that provides the essential amino acids, trace elements and minerals bees need to grow and reproduce, and the company has gone global with the product.

The apple hasn’t fallen far from the proverbial tree with the Bradleys, as they’ve inherited Jill and Keith’s original care and concern for others and the environment.

“Mum always used to say, ‘We’re not here to buy baches, boats and BMWs’,” Tane says. “'We’re here to make a difference.'”

This care comes in the form of research into the potential seaweed has to remove toxins from our coastal waters. Their pilot programme has seen great success with the next step being to figure out how to replicate this on a larger scale.

They’ve also partnered with Our Land and Water to research ways the mana and mauri of soil can be respected, and how a combination of matauranga Māori farming practices and science can create positive change.

So next time you find yourself in Paeroa and spot the Agrisea hub, take a moment to marvel at the wonder and potential of this humble gift from the sea, and all the superpowers seaweed has to offer. AGRISEA.CO.NZ

“ MUM ALWAYS USED TO SAY, ‘WE’RE NOT HERE TO BUY BACHES, BOATS AND BMWS. WE’RE HERE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.' ”

CHANGE OF ART

Tauranga Arts Festival is renowned for bringing the world to the city’s doorstep but for this year’s October 19-29 extravaganza, the new team at the festival’s helm are embracing the moment.

WORD S SANDRA SIMPSON

Taking on the mammoth project that is the Tauranga Arts Festival is beyond exciting for the new festival organisers.

“In building this year's programme, we're reflecting a need to provoke joy and belonging for our audiences – as well as undertaking necessary conversations with the vital voices of Aotearoa,” says artistic director Shane Bosher. “We'll be staging some out-of-the-box experiences, including an interactive work for families, which we are super excited about.”

The superb travelling venue, the Carrus Crystal Palace, will be at the southern end of The Strand waterfront for music, a night of comedy and all the fun of a poetry slam, with other performances and events unrolling throughout the city.

Our place on the planet is Oceania, borderless and vast, ranging from the fiery volcanoes of O'ahu to the wild tides of Rakiura. It’s a place rich with story that UPU brings to roaring theatrical life with an all-star line-up of Māori and Pasifika performers who will invigorate the words of Oceanic icons as well as writers transforming Aotearoa today, including Maualaivao Albert Wendt, Briar Grace-Smith, Apirana Taylor, Tayi Tibble, Selina Tusitala Marsh and Hone Tūwhare.

Tusiata Avia, whose work features in UPU and is the author of a previous festival hit, Wild Dogs Under My Skirt, is the first female Pasifika poet to win the Ockham Award for poetry. The festival is delighted to feature the ferocious stage adaptation of that award-winning 2021 collection, The Savage Coloniser. Avia’s unapologetic examination of race and racism is full of bold humour and lacerating truths. “This is a red-hot festival ticket that audiences should fear missing out on,” Shane says.

The Haka Party Incident brings the events of a more-recent history – the “ last New Zealand war ” in 1979 – to the stage in an award-winning production. Resurrected is the eventful day when a group of Auckland University engineering students rehearsing their annual tradition of a mock haka are confronted by the activist group, He Taua. Provocative, resonant and unforgettable, this is a not-to-be-missed theatre event from writer and director Katie Wolfe.

Laughter is an important component of any Tauranga Arts Festival and, thanks to an evening exploring questionable dating choices and romantic misadventures with Mr Wrong, the Carrus Crystal Palace will be a rollicking place to be. He’s a Rebel is a playful cabaret performed by The Up-Doos, actress-singers Liv Tennet, Esther Stephens and

“ PROVOCATIVE, RESONANT AND UNFORGETTABLE, THIS IS A NOT-TO-BE-MISSED THEATRE EVENT . ”

UPU . Image by Andi Crown.

The Up-Doos. Image by Andi Crown.

Aria Jones, who feature the music of Dionne Warwick, Shangri-Las and The Chiffons, among others.

Meanwhile, in her new solo show Mean Mums, actress Morgana O’Reilly wants to tell you Stories about my Body, some not-so-funny, but some definitely funny, and with the healthy reminder to be more gentle and kinder to ourselves. Warning: There will be nudity (and you will love it!).

Do you love to sing, but only when no one’s listening? Two of Aotearoa’s musical heavyweights – award-winning musical director Jason Te Mete and Rutene Spooner, a member of the Modern Māori Quartet – will tempt out your inner star and let you enjoy the thrill of a collective performance. In Battle Chorus, the maestros divvy up their audience and fight it out in a social singalong. With a complimentary drink to loosen the vocal cords, audience members will learn harmonies to great Kiwi hits, then join forces in a fun sing-off.

A rising star with a voice born in the rushing mountain streams and placid green bush of Te Wai Pounamu is singer-songwriter Jenny Mitchell, who blends folk, alt-country and Americana into her own captivating style. Just as her songs speak to the family ties that bind, so too does her backing band that includes her identical twin sisters, Maegan and Nicola, accomplished performers in their own right.

Festivals encourage innovative art and Kiwi singer/songwriter Finn Andrews, lead singer of the rock band The Veils, does just that by joining forces with the luscious sounds of violin, cello and piano of NZTrio’s contemporary classical musicians Amalia Hall, Ashley Brown and Somi Kim to perform songs from One Piece at a Time, Andrews' first solo album and previously unreleased material.

As well as top home-grown talent, the festival is thrilled to welcome Gráda, a five-piece Irish folk band (albeit one with a Kiwi member) that has reunited in 2023 especially for a New Zealand tour. Said to be to its genre what Arcade Fire are to indie (a big compliment), Gráda has appeared multiple times in Ireland’s top 10 music charts.

Thought-provoking conversations are guaranteed with a Speaker Programme that includes novelist Emily Perkins, Jared Savage (Gangland ), writer and director Katie Wolfe, comedian and writer Michele A’Court, children’s author Dame Lynley Dodd, and while playwright Nathan Joe, who also performs his Scenes from a Yellow Peril as a spoken-word event.

Another high-impact performer sharing stories from a life that straddles two cultures is Sameena Zehra, an award-winning performer, writer, director and blues singer-songwriter. Before moving to Aotearoa, Sameena lived in Britain where she performed at the National Theatre and toured internationally with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her show, Tea with the Terrorists, confronts everything, whether sombre or silly, with a light and insightful touch.

A Seat at the Table is one of the visual art installations in the central city during the festival. Attempting to rebalance the voices at the table of contemporary fine art, this intriguing work asks spectators to move around a large dinner table, with each place occupied by work from a diverse point of view. Pull up a seat and taste a more balanced contemporary art diet. Like the festival itself, everyone’s invited to this party!

Tickets from ticketek.co.nz or the Baycourt box office in Tauranga. See the full Tauranga Arts Festival programme at TAURANGAFESTIVAL.CO.NZ.

Jenny Mitchell.

The Haka Party Incident

Finn Andrews & NZTrio.

“ AVIA’S UNAPOLOGETIC EXAMINATION OF RACE AND RACISM IS FULL OF BOLD HUMOUR AND LACERATING TRUTHS . ”

Tusiata Avia's book The Savage Coloniser is now brought to life on stage and her poetry features in UPU

THE A TO Z OF DIRE STRAITS

Everything you didn’t know you needed to know about the legendary English rock band, playing at A Summer's Day Live in Tauranga on December 30.

WORD S KARL PUSCHMANN

A Summer’s Day Live

This annual concert has become a must-do Summer event. This year Dire Straits Legacy headline, supported by Nazareth and Hello Sailor. They play Tauranga’s Wharepai Domain on December 30. Other dates include Napier, Matakana and New Plymouth.

B anned

Canadian radio banned Money for Nothing due to a problematic slur in the song’s lyrics. The ban was overturned in 2011, a mere nine months after being instigated.

C ompact Disc

Dire Strait’s 1985 Brothers in Arms was the first album in history to sell a million copies on the then brand-new Compact Disc format.

D ire Straits Legacy

Former Dire Straits members keyboardist Alan Clark, guitarist Phil Palmer, percussionist Danny Cummings and saxophonist Mel Collins started this band. They enlisted the legendary Trevor Horn on bass and keys supremo Primiano Di Biase. Marco Caviglia, the world’s authority on original frontman Mark Knopfler’s distinctive guitar-playing style, leads the band.

E nglish teacher

Before Dire Straits took off Mark Knopfler was an English teacher at a college in Essex.

F ootball

Mark Knopfler famously supports football team Newcastle United. The club plays his soaring instrumental,

1983’s “ Going Home (Theme Of The Local Hero)” before every home game.

G rammy Awards

Dire Straits won four Grammys, including Best Rock Performance and Best Music Video, and was nominated for seven others including Album of the Year and Best New Artist.

H eadbands

Dire Straits wasn’t the most fashionable band around, but Mark Knopfler’s dedication to sporting a headband during the 1980s has since become iconic.

I nfidels

Mark Knopfler produced Bob Dylan’s 1983 album Infidels. Dire Straits Legacy keyboardist Alan Clark also played on the record.

J ack Sonni

Guitarist Jack Sonni played with Dire Straits from 1984 to 1988. He was in Dire Straits Legacy until passing away aged 68 in September. The upcoming shows at A Summer’s Day Live are dedicated to him.

K nopfler, Mark

The founder, frontman and flipping amazing lead guitarist of Dire Straits. Classic Rock described him as “a virtuoso” and Rolling Stone ranked him 27th on their 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

L awyers

After asking Sting to sing backing vocals on “ Money For Nothing ” Mark Knopfler got a call from The Police’s lawyers. Because Sting accidentally sang “I want my MTV” with the same melody as The Police’s hit “ Don’t Stand So Close To Me ” the lawyers demanded – and got – Sting a song co-writing credit.

M oney for Nothing

This pop-rock classic belittling the rock stars on TV was written verbatim from an actual conversation Knopfler overheard in a hardware store. The song reached No.4 here, spending 27 weeks in the charts.

N ew Zealand

Dire Straits regularly toured here throughout the 80s. Their first gig was at Western Springs Stadium in 1981. Their final was at Mt Smart Stadium a decade later in 1991.

O n Every Street

The 1991 follow-up album to Brothers in Arms couldn’t match its predecessor's success. With morale at an all-time low, the band called it quits after the accompanying tour.

P rivate Dancer

Tina Turner’s darkly seductive comeback hit was written by Mark Knopfler for Dire Straits. He shelved it after deciding the lyrics were unsuitable for a male singer.

Q Magazine

Popular UK music mag Q ranked Brothers in Arms number 51 in their 100 Greatest British Albums Ever list.

R omeo and Juliet

Alongside its Shakespearian influence, this early Dire Straits hit from 1981 takes oblique inspiration from one of Knopfler’s real-life failed romances.

S ultans of Swing

Undisputedly Dire Straits’ greatest song. This sublime, melancholic rocker from their self-titled 1978 debut album is a sophisticated fusing of rock, blues and jazz and details the (mis)fortunes of a pub band. The 10-minute performance on 1984’s live album Alchemy will rock your socks off.

T wisting by the Pool

The band’s only No.1 single here was this rock n’ roll throwback from 1983’s ExtendedancEPlay EP. It spent four weeks at No.1 and was in the charts for 15 weeks.

U li Edel

In 1989 the director tapped Mark Knopfler to write the soundtrack for his grim drama Last Exit to Brooklyn. Edel followed up this film with Madonna’s 1992 erotic thriller Body of Evidence

V ertigo

The British label that signed Dire Straits in 1977 after a London radio DJ played a demo of “ Sultans of Swing ” on his show.

W alk of Life

This cheery ditty off Brothers in Arms spent 14 weeks in our charts, peaking at No.3. The album’s producer wanted to leave it off the record but he was outvoted by the band.

X ylophone

The xylophone appears on “ Love Over Gold ”, the title track from the 1982 album that went straight to No.1 in our fair country.

Y es

The influential English prog rock band was formerly home to current Dire Straits Legacy bassist Trevor Horn.

Z aragoza

This Spanish city was the literal end of the line for Dire Straits. The band played their final ever concert there at the Estadio La Romareda on October 9, 1992.

Dire Straits from left: Marco Caviglia, Primiano Di Biase, Cristiano Miccalizzi, Trevor Horn, Alan Clark, Danny Cummings, Mel Collins and Phil Palmer.

TWO BROTHERS WITH A MISSION TO HANDCRAFT EXCEPTIONALLY SMOOTH AND TASTY SPIRITS THAT HAVE YOU COMING BACK FOR MORE.

From their distillery on the Pāpāmoa coastline comes this multi award winning gin and vodka, along with a genuine 3-year barrel aged rum.

PLAYING FOR KEEPS

Esteemed pianist Somi Kim is set to join Opus Orchestra for a captivating soloist performance.

One of sought-after pianist

Somi Kim’s earliest memories is attending keyboard classes with her mum in South Korea. “I just remember loving how interactive it was… And that we could collectively experience and share the enjoyment together,” Somi shares. “I guess that's what I love about music and going to concerts – you're in that moment that will never be the same again.”

At eight years old, Somi moved to New Zealand, and despite her commitment to music she says she coasted on the back of her natural talent. That was right up until the end of her Master of Music degree at the University of Auckland. “I realised music was my saviour, and thought I’m going to give it a really good go,” she says. “Once I started putting in the effort, doors started to open.”

Somi went on to win the Royal Over-Seas League Pettman scholarship with her Estrella Quartet chamber group in 2012, and complete two more degrees in collaborative piano at the Royal Academy of Music in the UK. The stack of accolades she’s achieved since are nothing short of outstanding.

Today, Somi has her dream job as the official pianist for Auckland’s NZTrio, and regularly plays with the Auckland Philharmonia and Christchurch

Symphony Orchestra. “Being in Europe helped me find my musical voice and with experience comes confidence… Which opens a lot more doors for you,” she says. “Coming back home and being able to give back to the musical community – the home that helped shape me into the musician I am – feels extra special.”

Her upcoming performance with Opus Orchestra is her first with the group. Conducted by Peter Walls, the Somi Kim: Mozart and More concert is coming to Hamilton, Tauranga and Rotorua this October, which includes music from Prokofiev and Hamilton’s own composer Martin Lodge. “I get to play a Mozart concerto, which is every pianist's dream,” she says of the dark and stormy piece she’ll be playing in D minor, alongside his operatic Overture to Don Giovanni

“Without orchestras like Opus, it would be difficult to get classical music out to places like Tauranga, Hamilton and Rotorua that just don’t get enough exposure like the main cities,” Somi says. “Music is an integral part of life. It gives us all a chance to sit back and take some time for yourself and be present with your emotions.”

Somi Kim: Mozart and More will be heading to Hamilton on Friday, October 13, Tauranga on Saturday, October 14, and Rotorua on Sunday, October 15.

OPUSORCHESTRA.CO.NZ

We honour the music of the past, share the joy of music in the present, and nurture the music and musicians of the future.

Artistic excellence, gifted musicians and total dedicationthis is your orchestra.

Somi Kim Mozart & More concert dates

Friday 13th October

HAMILTON

Saturday 14th October

TAURANGA

Sunday 15th October

ROTORUA

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WORDS CASEY VASSALLO / PHOTO JEN RAOULT

The professional orchestra for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty region.

HEART OF THE VILLAGE

A wander into Bethlehem Town Centre uncovers some hidden treasures, both old and new.

If you haven’t visited Bethlehem Town Centre recently, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover new offerings among its boutique specialist shops

Ko Ko Dak is the newest eatery on the block, offering Korean cuisine with a twist. Now a choice of burgers offers even more of a fusion between east and west.

Luxurious new nail bar Majestic Nail Salon is a relaxing stop for shoppers looking for some retail respite, with a comfortable space and competitive pricing.

Other favourites like Caroline Eve, award-winning salon Rodney Wayne and home of Tauranga's famous fudgery Options Gifts on the High Street make it easy to lose yourself in a day of retail therapy and pampering indulgence.

With spring upon us, the allure of Bethlehem's High Street lies not only in its boutique treasures but also

in its inviting ambiance. For those seeking a touch of nature, take a leisurely stroll through “ the grove ” , a serene enclave of native trees accessible via a charming boardwalk. With over a dozen mature trees, the grove creates an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquillity.

Shoppers can begin the day with a steaming cup of rejuvenating coffee at one of the charming café s that bookend the street, like the revamped outdoor dining at The Coffee Club. Or savour the scenic views from Columbus Coffee, where a menu of local favourites await, curated by owners Alana and Steve. So whether you're drawn to designer fashion, pampering beauty treatments, or a serene natural retreat, Bethlehem Town Centre's High Street has something for every discerning visitor. Unveil the charm of this shopping haven and indulge in the pleasures that await around every corner.

“ FOR THOSE SEEKING A TOUCH OF NATURE, TAKE A LEISURELY STROLL THROUGH 'THE GROVE'... ”

TRENDING IN BETHLEHEM

URBAN VOGUE AND GEORGE EDWARD

SHOO

Shoo is welcoming a fun new season with a pop of colour for spring. Handcrafted shoes from Italy showcase bright oranges, cobalt blues and emerald greens. With a strong European influence in store, key brands this season include Laura Bellariva, Repo, Manufacture d'essai, and Repaini, all from Italy. Kathryn Wilson is bringing a touch of 70s with cork outsoles on high platforms and fun colours with bags to match. New sunglasses range Otra is in store and well priced from $89.

SHOO.CO.NZ | SHOO.ONLINE.NZ

SHOO_NZ

AFTER HOURS BOUTIQUE

With main designer brands being Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman and Anthea Crawford, the trending colours for Spring/Summer 23 are hot pink (thank you, Barbie !) and emerald green. Tropical florals are going to be popular for wedding season, while sequins are having a major comeback for party/ cocktail wear. There are a lot of floaty styles coming in as well as more structured silhouettes.

AFTERHOURS.BOUTIQUE

Two iconic fashion boutiques sit side by side in the town centre. The sister boutiques stock some of the country's leading fashion designers such as Kinney, Lemontree and Nice Things, Blackstone, MIMOSO and Noa Noa. Led by a small and experienced team who help their customers curate beautiful, stylish looks that are built on quality, taste and superb design, it's an experience to shop here that is matched only by overseas fashion houses.

URBANVOGUE.CO.NZ

GEORGEEDWARD.CO.NZ

BETHLEHEM EYE CARE

Discover the epitome of elegance in eyecare at Bethlehem Eye Care, where independent optometrist Stuart Willats and his team redefine vision excellence. With more than 20 years experience delivering unparalleled high quality and professional care, they specialise in comprehensive eye examinations, precision contact lens fittings and bespoke spectacles. Brands include Woody ®, Barcelona, Face & Cie and Vanni.

BETHEYES.NZ

DECK THE HALLS

TANGO’S SHOES

Chrissie Blazen (pictured) is fashioned with linen, giving an earthy, minimalistic look – a key style this spring. Providing an effortless flair with chic ruffled French pleat detail, the look is finished with this stunning mule. Available in Natural and Black Linen. Exclusive European brands include Aerobics, Andacco, Carrano, Gaimo, Plakton and Viguera.

TANGOSSHOES.CO.NZ

Bethlehem Town Centre is gearing up for a busy Christmas season. Each year, the centre makes the most of its open-air village experience by featuring Santa’s sleigh, Tauranga’s biggest Christmas tree and New Zealand’s largest Nutcracker Soldier. There will be some fun new additions to this year’s Christmas installs, including some Christmas card-worthy photo opportunities with gingerbread man and Santa chairs, and a 3D Christmas card. The village is also home to a beloved Santa – he’s a third-generation Santa Claus!

Fashion and gifting is at the forefront of Bethlehem Town Centre. Some of the village style gurus tell us what’s on offer for spring.

WRAPPED IN AROHA

These Māori-designed organic cotton baby blankets and throws blend traditional elements, modern style, and timeless quality.

PHOTOS RIA RAWIRI

Tasmyn Roach's idea for organic cotton paraikete (blankets) came from her love of making baby blankets for close friends and whānau. But as she learned more about her own culture and heritage, a passion for te ao Māori blossomed into a fusion of creativity and entrepreneurship – and Awhi was born.

Working alongside her sister Shenaye, partner Lance, and son Kahika, Tasmyn founded Awhi Company – the word “awhi” means “embrace” or “cuddle” – selling unique Māori-designed baby blankets, muslin wraps, and throw blankets that feature traditional Māori designs, patterns, colours, and themes. “I want to normalise Māori culture for the next generation,” Tasmyn says. “Each blanket is designed with an element of te reo Māori or Mātauranga Māori to ensure our pēpi stand strong in their identity from the moment they enter this world.”

With a degree in fashion design, Tasmyn is inspired by her journey learning te reo Māori, by the strength of her Māori heritage, and by a desire to celebrate and treasure Māoritanga. “Awhi encompasses everything I am about – values, focussing on te reo Māori, developing products for pēpi, and normalising te reo from birth,” Tasmyn explains. Here, she tells UNO more about Awhi.

Bay of Plenty’s authorised repairer for:

How did Awhi Company come about?

Awhi Company came about from my love for babies. I would make baby blankets for gifts for friends and whānau. My niece was the reason it turned into a business. She was born in Perth and I wanted to make some extra money to visit her. I started selling them on Facebook, auctioning one a night with the highest bidder at 7pm the following night winning the blanket. From there the demand grew, and so did my business. My partner and I eventually took a trip to China to check out manufacturers and ensure they had the same values as us and could create beautiful organic cotton blankets.

What do you love most about it?

I think our pēpi are the most important thing in the world, and it’s our job to nurture and protect them. I feel so grateful that our blankets can play such an important part in their lives, help them settle, feel loved, warm and protected for many years. My niece is six and still has her Awhi Blanket!

What is your career background?

In 2012 I moved to Tauranga Moana and completed a degree in fashion design. I even took a couple of collections to NZ Fashion Week through Miromoda, which was an amazing experience. I then went on to work with our at-risk rangatahi, supporting them with education, employment and helping to remove barriers. On the side I was hard at work growing Awhi Company organically.

What inspires you?

At the moment I am inspired by the change that is happening around the motu. Te Reo Māori and Māori designs are becoming standardised in everyday situations. I love that we can play a small part of that

by creating Māori-designed baby blankets and throws for the whare. What an exciting future for our tamariki here in Aotearoa!

What is most important to you – in work and in life?

When you have a business you are so passionate about, the lines get blurred. Learning te reo Māori, travelling, and spending time with my whānau are important to me. Helping ensure our babies are wrapped in their culture and language from birth. My son is 18 months old now and I feel so lucky to be learning te reo Māori alongside him and for him.

What's been the highlight of your business journey?

We have recently opened a shop at the Historic Village in Tauranga! Before then we were operating out of home. This was such a big moment for us as it opened a door and has enabled us to connect with our customers and community. We get to meet Māmā and pēpi and genuinely check in with people. As a māmā I know how hard the first year can be so creating a safe space for Māmā to come in is really important to us. We have a change table in store and a safe place to feed baby.

What's next for Awhi Company?

Normalising Māori designs is only one part of our business. We are working hard to create intimate te reo Māori play groups for Māmā and pēpi. Helping Māmā on their journey of reclaiming their language for the next generation. We are so lucky and grateful for where we are and look forward to what else we can offer for our people. AWHICOMPANY.CO.NZ

IN THE BLOOD

Racing is all in the family for the McClymonts, a three-generation clan of Baypark Speedway legends.

If Shakespeare was correct when he wrote “music be the food of love”, then the soundtrack to Brent and Hayley McClymont’s romance was playing long before they met. Instead of chords and harmonies, however, the backing track to their lives consisted of revving engines and the roar of a crowd as they travelled the speedway tracks of the North Island with their fathers.

Hayley and twin sister, Kylie, grew up around motorsport with their dad, Brian Audas, racing at Mystery Creek in Hamilton. A hundred kilometres away in Tauranga, Brent and his brother, John’s dad Dave, were also racing, and had helped build the old Baypark racetrack, behind what is now a trucking yard across the road from the current venue. Christine, the matriarch of the McClymont clan, has been involved with Baypark Speedway for many years, serving in a variety of roles including treasurer and secretary.

With both senior members of the family holding honorary lifetime club memberships, and their lengthy involvement in racing, it’s unsurprising that Brent and John followed in dad’s tyre tracks and took up the sport themselves. There was even a time when all three McClymont men were competing weekly against each other on the track.

WORD S CATHERINE SYLVESTER PHOTOS ALAN GIBSON + SUPPLIED

Hayley, Emma, Brent and Luke McClymont at Baypark Speedway.

Keeping things in familia, more than 20 years ago Hayley married Brent, and Kylie married John. Both couples had children – Luke and Emma, and Jack and Josh, respectively – and the third generation of McClymonts became involved with speedway, either behind the wheel or in the pits.

Call it fate, karma or kismet, but Luke even made his earthly debut the opening night of speedway 20 years ago.

“It was also Brent’s birthday,” laughs Hayley. “Brent didn’t want to miss any racing, so he stood outside the hospital while I was in labour, doing a rain dance in the hopes it would be postponed – the speedway, that is, not Luke!”

While still only a few days old, Luke and Emma could be found at the racetrack, and grew up around the sport, playing in prams and sleeping on chairs. The speedway community was like family, and all the competitor’s children would have a collective eye cast their way to ensure they were safe and staying out of trouble.

Although Brent hung up his helmet at the end of the 2014/15 season after 25 years of racing, he did so with an impressive array of trophies to his name. He’s a two-time NZ champion and has the distinction

of being the only competitor to have placed in the top three on the podium for seven consecutive national titles since the recognition of the saloon class of cars.

The decision to pass the racing baton to his son came after Luke was rushed to hospital following a crash one night, with Brent unable to accompany him due to already being strapped into his own car and sitting in the line-up. He knew he could no longer fully support Luke and maintain his own racing career.

“I had another go last year when Luke was sick with COVID-19,” Brent explains. “Now, though, it’s watching the kids coming through the ranks that I get a buzz from.”

Luke says racing is in his blood and that he’ll never get rid of it, nor would he want to.

“Dad raced on the first ever opening night of speedway at Baypark, and there’s definitely a legacy there,” says the winner of the Regional Competitor of the Year Award 2023. “It’s something I’ll definitely want my kids to do, too.”

Unable to officially race at Baypark before the age of 12, Luke and Emma, along with cousins Jack and Josh, started out in motocross. When old enough, the three boys moved into racing mini-stocks, with Josh and Luke now competing against each other

ABOVE: Dave McClymont supervising at Waikaraka Park Speedway.

RIGHT: Brent's final season of racing saloons before retiring to support Luke. The Grand Parade at Blenheim Speedway 2015.

ABOVE: Luke, winner of the Regional Competitor of the Year Award in July this year, holding the cup with his dad, Brent.

ABOVE: Dave and Christine.

in the six-shooter category. Even Emma’s boyfriend, who used to race, has been brought into the fold as part of the McClymont pit crew.

Apart from a handful of “mums’ races” during fun days held at Waharoa Speedway (that turned quite competitive when sister Kylie joined in), Hayley is happy off the track, behind the scenes and in the pits. When they began dating 30 years ago, Hayley knew what she was getting into and jumped in boots and all. After race-day, she could be found polishing the car’s aluminium panels and cleaning Brent’s helmet. She acknowledges that although it’s the drivers who get the accolades, Brent and Luke know the work their crews do behind the scenes is what enables them to get out there and do what they do best. Competing is a full McClymont team effort.

“The crew make sure the gear is cleaned, memberships completed, accommodations booked when travelling for competitions, and entry forms filled out,” Hayley explains. “Brent and Luke always get up and thank everyone behind the scenes when they win, and that means a lot.”

The family credits their sponsors, particularly the ongoing, long-term support of local business McLeod Cranes, with their ability to keep racing.

“McLeod’s have always been on the side of our cars – Brent and John’s saloons, all the boys mini-stocks, and now Luke and Josh in the six-shooter class,” explains Hayley. It’s no surprise to learn there’s even a family connection there. “Brent’s mum is godmother to one of the boys who now run the business!”

With Luke firmly buckled into the driver’s seat and eyes focused forward (at the time of print Luke received sponsorship from Seamount Racing, taking him into the Midget class), dreams of racing sprintcars are on the horizon. However, his biggest obstacle in getting this out the gate isn’t the competition, but the financial outlay it requires.

“The only way that it could happen is if someone else owns the sprintcar package, Luke races it and we help maintain it,” says Hayley. “That’s the dream scenario, anyway – or to win Lotto!”

If the family’s record of wins is anything to go by, the odds are most likely in their favour. And with two competitors still in the game, we’ll no doubt be hearing the name McClymont announced for the victory lap over loudspeakers at Baypark for quite some time to come.

ABOVE: Brent McClymont at Baypark Speedway 2010, proudly carrying the 1NZ on the car – showing the form that helped him retain a New Zealand number of his car for seven consecutive years.

RIGHT: Hayley wishes Luke good luck before a race.

LIVE IN THE NOW

Lauren Mabbett ponders whether it’s a midlife crisis that drove her to getting a tattoo for the first time at 38, or is it her insatiable zest for life? Perhaps just a questionable obsession with Wayne’s World.

According to Google, 40 through 60 are the years we are likely to suffer a midlife crisis, but I've never been one to follow the crowd, so I think I'm gonna have one at 38.

As I watch my fellow 38ers meet their partner, buy a house, get married or have kids, I go and book myself in for my first ever tattoo.

Tossing around ideas with a friend after three too many glasses of wine (the way only the best ideas are created, right?) I message my tattoo artist buddy and lock in an appointment for the following Friday.

“What did you want to get?” she asks.

Of course most people get something incredibly significant or heartfelt; a date of birth, a symbol that means a lot, the name of a family member...

“Wayne from Wayne's World,” I reply.

Oh great, is this a midlife crisis? Probably, although the fact I still drive around with my CD wallet on the floor of my car suggests maybe I never grew up in the first place.

Look, in my defence, I’ve loved this movie since its release in ‘92. I've dressed up as Wayne for many a dress-up party, I have the cups and the t-shirts, I’ve visited every possible filming location as well

About to bust out my best rendition of “ Bohemian Rhapsody ”

Magically whisked away to... Delaware!

“ I THOUGHT BACK TO HOW 20-YEAR-OLD ME WOULD SPEND THE WEEKEND DRUMMING IN A ROCK BAND AT BARS, WITH DYED BLACK HAIR, FEELING SO COOL. AND HERE I WAS SPENDING THE WEEKEND PUSHING BACK MY CUTICLES AND HAVING A SLICE AT THE GARDEN CENTRE CAF É . ”

as detouring my two last American roadies to include Aurora, Illinois where it’s set, and Delaware – the butt of a joke during the movie. When it comes to getting something on my body that’s gonna be there forever, it was only right. If anything I should be happy I didn't cave during the tramp stamp era.

I think subconsciously the changes began earlier this year, when I thought back to how 20-year-old me would spend the weekend drumming in a rock band at bars, with dyed black hair, feeling so cool, and here I was spending the weekend pushing back my cuticles and having a slice at the garden centre café

So far this year I’ve dyed my hair black again and bought an electric drum kit. Not sure I'm feeling cool enough yet though, hence the tattoo.

I've noticed myself increasingly referencing “ the good old days ” of the Strand in Tauranga.

Remember when you’d don your “ jeans and a nice top ” then head out to Krazy Jacks, Grumpy Mole, and Bahama Hut? You wanted to go to Beach Street but it was such a long walk all the way up Devonport Road so you ended up at Harringtons instead. Sigh.

It was a fun, carefree time where, instead of cutting out dairy and nightshades because your nearly 40-year-old tummy doesn't like them anymore, you ate that dirty 3am pie from Snackarama and bloody

loved it. (Still can't figure out why we all have gut issues now.)

The amount of tasks we need to accomplish to feel like we aren't disgusting as we get older is ridiculous. Creams and serums, beauty appointments, tweezing and shaving areas that didn't previously have hair encroaching on them.

In our 20s we could bang on some cargo pants and an army singlet, wipe your face with some Dream Matte Mousse and leave the house looking gorgeous for the day. During my 30s, every year I’ve had to add another ingredient to my face to make it look somewhat acceptable. I’ve given laser companies hundreds of dollars to make me look like a hairless cat, and I’ve had more cameras inside me than the Love Island villa.

Growing old is a part of life, of course, but as clich é as it sounds, you're only as old as you feel. As I drive around cranking my Killing Heidi CD, I think to myself: Physically I’m 38, but mentally I’m 23 (despite increasingly discovering a new line on my face that I swear wasn’t there yesterday).

So get that tattoo, wear those jeans and a nice top, and party on.

Listen to Lauren weekdays 9am to 3pm on The Hits 95.0FM.

A gesture of love for my fave film. Party on, Wayne! Party on, Garth.

Showcase

TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL

Angel Food has added a Dairy-Free Feta and Dairy-Free Sour Cream to its range of delicious vegan foods. Made without gluten, nuts or soy, they provide all the flavour of traditional feta and sour cream. With a similar creamy, crumbly texture and moreish salty, savoury, flavour profile as traditional feta (which is made with sheep’s milk), it’s hard to believe it’s not the real deal.

And the sour cream offers the same creamy, “dollop-able ” texture of dairy sour cream, but with the added benefit of being safe for allergy sufferers and those following plant-based diets (including vegan).

ANGELFOOD.CO.NZ

LOST YOUR MOJO?

Exercise. Nutrition. Sleep. Which one of these would you focus on first so that you could notice a positive effect on the others? What would happen if you focused on improving just one of these areas for 10, 20, or 30 days? What positive ripple effect would you create?

If you need a gentle nudge to get you back into a routine so you can improve your mojo, start by reading mental fitness coach Anna Veale's popular book Only Human. To buy a copy, visit FRESHCOACHING.ME

SOUPER BOWL

Get a load of these worldly flavours.

F. Whitlock & Sons® has launched a new range of bold soups that include the adventurous flavours of Peri Peri Chicken or Louisiana Style Tomato Gumbo, which will tantalise your tastebuds. Packed with protein, they promise convenience and deliciousness, with no artificial colours or flavours and no preservatives.

FWHITLOCK.CO.NZ

EUROPEAN FLAIR

Entering the Tile Gallery’s Tauranga showroom is like walking through a contemporary art studio, with an enormous selection of on-trend tiles displayed like the works of art they are. Since 1996, they have been providing ranges of tiles and timber flooring to exceed local quality standards, and to meet clients’ expectations.

“We are always looking for something different in the many new exciting tiles that arrive frequently from Italy and Spain,” says owner Casey Cole. The Italian tile industry is renowned throughout the world for flair, design and quality. Tile Gallery offers exclusive

ranges of quality tiles for both indoor and outdoor. Within them are premium products, as well as a selection of more affordable options.

Choices include a number of environmentally friendly products, with some tiles using up to 50 percent recycled material and are made by factories with comprehensive environmental policies, addressing recycled raw materials, energy usage, and CO2 emissions.

Casey and the team provide one-on-one consultations by appointment.

TILEGALLERY.CO.NZ

EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY

STYLE STATUS

Spring into action with trans-seasonal pieces.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS

READ THE ROOM

Again and again the same phrase is being reiterated –timeless rather than trendy; reimagining and repurposing classics with sensitivity to the economic climate. Staples should make up around 70 percent of your wardrobe and be trans-seasonal. If you update with one basic, make it utility wear – a pair of cargo pants, jacket or dress. Rather than the shapeless low-rise trousers of Y2K, this time cargos are tailored, and utility wear boasts well-placed pockets and comes in a range of colours and fabrics. Trousers are a solid staple this season; along with ultra-baggy styles, straight leg (both jeans and tailored) are a great investment.

RETRO CHIC

Great for the office, casual or event wear is the spring staple of florals, and jewel tones give a fresh perspective. Tweed is strong this season and along with the classic jacket, there are sheath dresses and two-piece combos. Meanwhile the white sneaker trend has morphed into subcategories. Celebs have been seen in Adidas Originals which look great with wide-leg pants. Elevated sports luxe tends to be understated and easy to pair with anything, while the closest to a “trainer” often introduces colour while giving a 90s vibe (the Asics Gel Kayano celebrated its 30th anniversary with a new release). These are best paired with oversized blazers and baggy jeans, not dresses.

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1. UNISEX ACW X TBL HUNTING PARKA, $1,500 FROM TIMBERLAND.CO.NZ

2. MOOCHI GLOBAL SKIRT, $279.99 FROM MOOCHI.CO.NZ

3. XANDER TAILORED PANT, $159 FROM ILOVEUGLY.CO.NZ

4. PUMA CALI COURT SNEAKERS, $160 FROM NZ.PUMA.COM

1. ASICS GEL KAYANO LEGACY, $340 FROM ASICS.COM/NZ/EN-NZ

2. TWIST DETAIL HALTERNECK JUMPSUIT, $215 FROM COS, COMMERCIAL BAY, AUCKLAND

3. TRELISE COOPER AT A CINCH DRESS, $899 FROM WENDYSBOUTIQUE.CO.NZ

4. AUGUSTINE EZRA SKIRT $159.99, BETTY BLAZER, $199.99, AND KESHA TOP, $139.99, ALL FROM AUGUSTINE.CO.NZ

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TRENDING NOW

Most wanted this season.

BRIGHT, SUNSHINY DAYS

As the weather starts lifting, why not lean into glamour with something elegant or slinky. Corset styles are here to stay, and have been worked into patterned and floral dresses, giving off a vintage rather than bedroom feel. If you gravitate more towards easy to wear, easy to care, then a strapless silhouette is a key look, whether in maxi or mini length. Again, there’s that 90s minimalism prevalent in the aesthetic, but stretch fabrics have come a long way in that time, so comfort is a bonus. Necklines have been a focus for summer styles, with delicate shoulder reveals and halter necklines big news, whether in tops or incorporated into all-in-ones. Spring pastels are a tried and tested seasonal win. While barely there hues of baby pinks, blues, lavender and sunshine-yellow may feel like a cliché, they just look so good as the weather brightens.

FESTIVAL FEVER

If concert wear is front and centre, you’ll know that the bigger the star, the more themed the ensemble. While festival fashion has always been a thing (think Coachella, as much a fashion statement as an event, or Glastonbury grunge aesthetic), it seems themed threads have gone mainstream – so much so that some websites (ASOS, One Teaspoon) devote sections to concert looks. Cowboy boots will forever be synonymous with boho, as chic with shorts as with sequins; the Taylor Swift Eras tour has made fringed outerwear a must-have. Check out party dresses that can be paired with sneakers as well as heels – comfort is key! The concert must-have of 2023 is the perspex bag; rather than just another revival of a 90s look, its high visibility ticks all the security boxes.

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1. L’IDEE VACANCES TOP, $262 & SKIRT, $239 FROM SUPERETTE.CO.NZ

2. KNEWE DAKOTA DRESS, $229 FROM STREET2SURF.CO.NZ

3. SIMPLY ITALIAN WREATH EARRINGS, $244 FROM TILLYANDTIFFEN.CO.NZ

4. VENICE SHOES, $319 FROM NICOLEREBSTOCK.COM

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1. MINI SLOUCH HANDBAG, $380 FROM HELENMILLER.CO.NZ

2. ALL STAR HAND EMBELLISHED LEATHER JACKET, $780 FROM ONETEASPOON.COM.AU

3. SELF PORTRAIT GOLD SEQUIN MINI SKIRT, $589 FROM SUPERETTE.CO.NZ

4. AVIATOR SUNGLASSES, $39.99 FROM WILD-KIWI.CO.NZ

5. CELESTIAL ROSE LONG-SLEEVED TOP, $109 FROM ONETEASPOON.COM.AU

6. GOLDEN EMBOSS GLAMOUR SHOES, $219 FROM MINX.CO.NZ

WHAT TO WEAR

How to tackle a dress code.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS

Event wear dressing goes hand in hand with several “in a perfect world” prerequisites. Ideally, the outfit will be unique enough that you don’t arrive and find you’re twinning with anyone else; the ensemble will be crease-proof – and sweat-proof – enough to survive the day and, of course, it goes without saying that you feel like the very best version of yourself when you rock up to the do.

Depending on your relationship with fashion, the chance to go all out for an event, whether it be the races, a wedding or a formal evening, can either get the adrenalin pumping through exhilaration or sheer terror. You may have more than one date in your diary, but lots of events doesn’t have to mean lots of looks. Going to the races calls for something on the classic and conservative side (go easy on the cut-outs, sheer and above-the-knee) as does a wedding, so it’s possible there could be crossover for these events. Equally, for a cocktail or a black-tie event, one outfit could serve both purposes. Change up the accessories, jackets and hair and no-one need know.

If you want to guarantee a unique look then shopping for vintage is fun, but if you’re buying unseen then it’s worth remembering sizing has changed over the years; a dress from the 70s will size smaller than present day. Renting occasionwear is increasingly popular and is a great way to source a label you might not find locally. Australasia has some phenomenal boutique designers; the smaller the run rate, the better your chance of being a standout.

DECODING THE INVITATION

Navigating a dress-code can sometimes feel dicey, but it doesn’t need to be:

• Smart/casual – dress up a little and break out that elevated look that’s just a smidge too smart for a dinner date. Preferably not jeans (unless they’re dark denim and you might get away with it) paired with a chic top for women or collared shirt for men rather than a tee, and heels or dress shoes as opposed to trainers.

• Cocktail – bring on the satin, silks, velvets... A cocktail dress is traditionally thought of as around knee-length, although maxi is equally on point. For men, suits (with shirt and tie), usually dark in shade but if it’s a daytime event, light colours can be cool.

• Black tie – gown or cocktail dress, go big or go home. Elevate your look with accessories, evening bags, jewellery, shoes. Tuxedo for men with bow tie.

• White tie – this is top tier, so if you’ve been invited to an event like this, it’s unlikely you need advice! On the off-chance you do, then floor length gown terrain, tails for men – and white gloves all around.

KEY LOOKS FOR EVENT WEAR SPRING 2023

Orange has been noted as a number one wedding guest colour this season, while green, brown and navy are also topping colour charts. Along with longer hemlines, cocktail, boho and western looks. High/low hemlines, tulle and ruffles. Elevated fringe.

INSIDE SCOOP

For women:

“The biggest trends we’re seeing are lots of bright colours and beautiful prints which Trelise Cooper does so well; we’re also seeing florals coming from our European labels.”

The team at Wendy ’s Boutique

For men:

“Shades coming through are rich dark greens, with complementary brown/tan buttons and contrasting stitch on jackets. White or black shirts with subtle textures look sharp worn underneath.”

Jason Dovey, Bond & Co.

SEEING RED

For those desperately trying to balance out the shades of pink that are everywhere this spring, then throw in some red. A colour that is not only strong for summer, but one that is dominating the colour wheel for next autumn, it’s being showcased as head to toe rather than just accents. If you want to get ahead of the curve, this is one way to do it.

FASHION FORECAST

Get ahead with the latest summer fashion trends.

WRAPPED UP

Never far away from the top trends, the bow is back this summer. On skirts, dresses and blouses – whimsical and romantic, for 2023, the bigger the bow the better. Oversized makes for a statement, and whether on the shoulder as a strap detail, or added as a threedimensional embellishment, the feminine look is a hit. If this is too much, then the easiest way to wear a bow is a loosely tied pussybow blouse.

WATER WORKS

Summer resort trend is all about the mermaid inspiration – ranging from a sprinkling of ocean to full- on Ariel under the sea. A body-skimming gown with a fishtail skirt is an obvious interpretation, along with pearl jewellery, crochet separates and sequin column dresses. If sequins feel like they’ve supersized, that’s because they have. Outfits are bedecked with lots of the larger scale-like sequins – paillettes. Sealike shades bring the look into force, with aqua, cerulean and cobalt colourways.

PEP TALK

If you’ve started noticing a resurgence of the peplum trend, you’d be right – and by summer it will be in full force. Generally a more structured look that in itself can be divisive, historically it has played into tailoring; however with its summer ’ 23 reboot it’s being incorporated not just into dresses but also jackets and tops, while being softened into almost a frill in some cases.

Blumarine

Valentino

Loewe

Kelly Rowland wearing George Shobeika/Getty Images

Saiid Kobeisy Haute Couture/Getty images

David Koma/Gorunway.com

SPRING BLOOM

Prep your skin now to glide into summer.

LET’S MAKE UP

The Max & Louie beauty range makes it easy to be creative, confidently. Their vegan shadow sticks simply glide on and stay put, while the nourishing, highly pigmented Glossy Lips are a handbag must-have. From RRP$15.

MAXANDLOUIE.CO.NZ

CLIMATE CHANGE

Go with the seasons and MiTru IQ skincare. The Energise & Protect Day Cream auto-adapts to the environment you’re in, forming a thicker barrier in cold, dry weather, and a lighter film in warm conditions. It’s the perfect springtime companion! From RRP$27.

MITRUIQ.CO.NZ

FEED YOUR SKIN

With Weleda, there’s no need to choose between effective and natural skin care. Their new Skin Food Face Care range is the perfect plantpowered trio for nourished skin, the way nature intended. From RRP$25.90.

WELEDA.CO.NZ

JUST PEACHY

Go bold or keep it subtle with Peachy Lip Co.’s uber versatile Lip & Cheek Tints. There are four buildable shades to choose from so you can play with colour, while hydrating and protecting skin too. RRP$38.

PEACHY-LIPCO.COM

STREAMLINED SKINCARE

Welcome bathroom bench space back in your life with Swisspers 3in1 Cleanser Infused Pads. Infused with argan oil and aloe vera, the pure cotton pads cleanse, moisturise and remove waterproof makeup all in one swoop. RRP$9.99. SWISSPERS.CO.NZ

AT ONE WITH NURTURE

Growing older is certain, but proactive aging can be chosen with Aleph Beauty. Their brand new THE ONE Reset and Restore Moisture Cream is packed with a potent stack of clinically proven plant actives, providing both instant and longterm skin benefits. RRP$120.

ALEPHBEAUTY.COM

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Wedded bliss starts well before the walk down the aisle. Get ready for your big day with these stress-saving wedding planning tips.

The best day of your life shouldn’t also be the most stressful. But that’s often the case when couples find themselves out of their depth and out of pocket before the event has even taken place.

Here are some top tips for putting together a memorable wedding that everyone can enjoy, especially the bride and groom.

START PLANNING EARLY

While some couples can plan a wedding in just a few weeks, it’s highly recommended you allow yourself plenty of time. There can be a lot more to do than first anticipated. Research your ceremony and reception locations early, as these can get booked out months, even years, in advance. Also look at booking a photographer, florist, cake, band, and hair and makeup artists. Invites can be sent just a few months prior to the wedding, but sending “save the date” cards will help guests get themselves sorted with accommodation and travel arrangements. There are also websites like withjoy.com which you can use to send “save the date” emails – a great way to save money on printing.

SET A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT

In New Zealand, the average cost of a wedding is said to be around $35,000 these days, but can often cost far more. It’s important to decide what your budget is before doing your research, to avoid any disappointment or overspending.

While you’re researching, work out what you’d prefer to splurge on and what you’re okay cutting back. Remember, a wedding doesn’t need to be expensive to be perfect for you.

A backyard bash can save tonnes of money on venue hireage, or consider a cocktails-and-cake ceremony and reception rather than a sit-down meal.

Renting anything over purchasing can also be a good way to save dollars. Wedding rentals are big business, with couples renting everything from bridal gowns to signage.

A destination wedding can be a good economical option, too, with many island resorts offering cheap packages – and it doubles as the honeymoon!

DON’T BE AFRAID TO DELEGATE

The bridal party might end up doing most of the

“ REMEMBER, A WEDDING DOESN’T NEED TO BE EXPENSIVE TO BE PERFECT FOR YOU. ”

extra work, but that doesn’t mean you only have a small group to rely on.

If you’re sticking to a set budget, enlist the help of friends and family who might have specific talents. For example, take note of an ace cake maker, a creative type to do the flowers or design invitations, or a keen sewer to help make the bridesmaid dresses. In cases where the budget allows, consider a wedding planner, who will help coordinate everything and everyone in the lead-up, and who can also stay for the wedding day to ensure everything runs smoothly.

STAY ORGANISED

Create a timetable for the day, as well as a spreadsheet that includes all the vendors and their contact details. Give these to everyone involved in the running of the day. It can be handy for each vendor to know who they’re working alongside and they can contact each other if need be, in your absence. It’s also a good way for the bridal party to pick up anything that needs doing in the lead-up or on the day.

We will demonstrate to you how to easily colour match for your perfect shade! Giving a natural makeup finish. Experience our Multi Award winning skincare & cosmetics with Melissa Furze 25+ experience in the beauty industry.

We invite you to book your personalized consultation with Melissa & the team 021 1053990 | melissa@bellavicosmetics.com

Melissa Furze

WEDDING

showcase

Get to know some of the best in the business that Tauranga has to offer.

CLASSIC CHARM

These retro and rustic caravans will take your event to a whole new level.

It was in the midst of planning their own wedding that Nadia and Marcel Stannard came across a cute little caravan named Miss Tea. With their combined creative flair and passion for service, transforming Miss Tea into a mobile bar has been a dream come true for the pair. Since then they’ve gone on to refurbish their second caravan, the 1959 Gipsy.

Fast-forward to today and Mount Vintage Bar is a full-time gig, with the aim to provide everything you need in a wedding bar, without worrying about the set-up or pack-down. Offering bespoke packages to suit any size, budget and event, they offer a fully-equipped caravan bar with industry-standard beer fridges inclusive of bar staff and glassware.

The BYO service is set up to save you money by buying your choice of drinks direct, then Mount Vintage Bar does the rest.

There are two options to choose from. Miss Tea is a rustic caravan bar catering to 80-120 people, while Gipsy is a 1959 retro caravan catering for larger events. They supply all power connections to plug into the household supply or, should you need to host remotely, can plug into a generator.

Each package is designed to suit different occasions and they only require a 10 percent deposit upon booking.

MOUNTVINTAGEBAR.CO.NZ

MOUNTVINTAGEBAR

MTVINTAGEBAR

DESIREE OSTERMAN MAKEUP

Having trained under the guidance of makeup artist Bobbi Brown and Mr Uemura (Shu Uemura Cosmetics) in London, Desiree provides professional makeup, producing beauty that's your own, only skilfully enhanced using current up-to-theminute makeup products and techniques. Also a freelance hair stylist, Desiree offers a complete package for both hair and makeup for the entire bridal party, including a team for larger wedding parties.

In New Zealand, Desiree’s freelance work has included fashion shows for Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester, Trelise Cooper and magazine editorial work for Oyster, Next, UNO Magazine, Women's Weekly and Woman’s Day, Glassons, Coke and Levis.

Desiree travels throughout New Zealand and afar.

MAKEUPARTISTDESIREEOSTERMAN.COM

DESIREEOSTERMANMAKEUP

EXQUISITE ARTISTRY, MODERN PRECISION

For over 30 years, our artisans have curated special pieces that transcend time, crafting stories of love, legacy, and life's treasured moments. At Quantum Design, we are more than creators; we are custodians of your jewellery journey. At our Mount Maunganui workshop and showroom we encompass every facet from design and repair to the intricate process of bespoke jewellery manufacture. Our expertise extends to gold buying and insurance work. With ample free parking at the door, your visit promises convenience and delight.

WHITE SILK BRIDAL

White Silk Bridal Couture specialises in creating luxurious custom bridal gowns from design through to the final fitting, ensuring a beautiful journey that brides will have to treasure for a lifetime.

Using the finest fabrics and techniques, each gown is carefully handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, to bring visions to life. With more than 15 years of experience creating for local and international brides, White Silk Bridal commits to turning dream gowns into realities.

White Silk Bridal will alter gowns purchased elsewhere to ensure every bride is confident and aisle ready.

WHITESILKBRIDAL.COM | WHITESILKBRIDAL WHITESILKBRIDALCOUTURE

HAND-PICKED FLOWERS

Florist Kelly Scawin believes that her business is about the beauty of nature, a sense of home and the sharing of her love of flowers with others. She works closely with couples to advise and guide you while you navigate your way through your wedding journey.

From bouquets and buttonholes to ceremony and reception displays, her goal is to create floral designs and installations to enhance your space and create an atmosphere that represents couples and impacts guests.

Kelly works closely with an amazing selection of local growers and wholesalers throughout New Zealand and prides herself on sourcing unique flowers and foliage. She’s experienced, passionate and focused on making your wedding day your best day.

HAND-PICKED.CO.NZ | HANDPICKED3110

MEREDITH LORD PHOTOGRAPHY

Recently featured in British Vogue, Meredith Lord creates images that are stunningly editorial, with an aesthetic that is modern, fresh and fun.

Her friendly and relaxed approach to photography (clients can expect to have plenty of laughs when she is around) has an uncanny ability to make her couples feel at ease. This enables her to capture the magic in the little moments – the ones where no one is watching, but that evoke the emotion of the experience – and weave together the story of her couple's day in an incredibly beautiful and elevated way. Meredith loves to work closely with couples who like to have a bit of fun, creating captivating and unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

She works throughout New Zealand, as well as in Europe and the United Kingdom, capturing timeless love stories for modern romantics.

Dream BIG

Create your dream wedding with an unforgettable voyage to picturesque destinations.

Tell us your dream cruise destination, wedding date and ceremony style, and we'll take it from there.

We have a world of options and packages both at sea and onshore from an intimate ceremony with 2 special guests to an all-inclusive ceremony with lots more.

Talk to us today and we’ll create amazing memories!

BETWEEN THE LINES

UNO’s top new reads from home and across the ditch.

The Resilience Toolkit

By Dr Alia Bojilova, HarperCollins NZ

In this practical guide to building and sustaining your own resilience, peakperformance psychologist Dr Alia Bojilova draws on her work with the New Zealand SAS, Olympic athletes, contemporary leaders and successful entrepreneurs to help anyone unlock their potential in everyday life. With a proven four-step process, she believes the commitment to dig deep and be curious enough to explore life at the edge of possibility is in each and every one of us.

Good Vibes

By Alby Hailes, HarperCollins NZ

Winner of the Great Kiwi Bakeoff 2021, Alby Hailes has always been passionate about delicious, flavourful food. His latest offering, Good Vibes, brings together Alby’s on-repeat recipes for feeling good, both physically and mentally. As one of the most exciting young home cooks in New Zealand, his veg-forward new cookbook is sure to infuse fun and flavour into your kitchen.

Our Land In Colour

By Brendan Graham & Jock Phillips, HarperCollins NZ

A collection of 200 colourised photographs, Our Land in Colour celebrates the rich story of Aotearoa through the restoration of images never before seen in colour. From 1860 to 1960 these images show us a time when communities were isolated, before largescale urbanisation. From how the people adapted to the environment, to how they banded together with a spirit that would become famously Kiwi, each image in this 400-page book is a reminder of who we were and where we've come from.

Even More Basics to Brilliance

By Donna Hay, HarperCollins NZ

Donna Hay returns with the anticipated follow-up to her best-seller Basics to Brilliance. With more comforting classics that everyone needs in their repertoire, recipes are reimagined for today’s home cook and stepped up a notch using simple flavour switch-outs, making one recipe many. From a nostir roasted tomato sauce, to fall-apart roasts and ribs, and the carrot cake of your dreams, you’ll be left wanting more – and with clever recipe variations, that’s possible!

Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts

By Josie Shapiro, Allen & Unwin

Kiwi author Josie Shapiro’s debut novel plunges the reader into the grueling world of long distance running – every pleasure, every pain. Shapiro deftly weaves the coming-of-age story of Mickey Bloom into a gripping account of adult Bloom running the Auckland Marathon. With running as a coping strategy, Bloom forges a new life path for herself amidst the pain of grief management. You’ll be left on a runner’s high after this one.

Lola In The Mirror

By Trent Dalton, Fourth Estate

As international bestselling author of Boy Swallows Universe – which broke records to become the fastest selling Australian debut novel ever – Trent Dalton brings us Lola in the Mirror. Set in Brisbane, a girl and her mother have been on the run for 16 years. From their van parked in a scrapyard, the young girl dreams of a life far beyond the bullet that has her name on it. With heartbreak, humour, violence and beauty, Lola in the Mirror is a love story packed with refreshingly realistic grit.

FIGHTING FIT

Rachael Ferguson’s stage four cancer diagnosis was a stark reminder that health really is our wealth.

PHOTOS TIM INGLE + SUPPLIED

When Rachael Ferguson was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer no one was more shocked than the former competitive bodybuilder herself. At just 32 years old, Rachael was the picture of health. “I’d just got back into training,” explains Rachael. “I had been a member of Clubfit Baywave for five years and did a bit of running, too.”

At the time she was feeling a bit more fatigued than normal. Having just got married, Rachael put her tiredness down to the stress of the wedding and all the COVID-19 lockdowns that came afterwards.

Rachael and her husband Glen were planning to have a baby in the near future so she visited her doctor, to make sure she had nothing to worry about.

“Hand on heart, if we weren't planning to have a baby, I probably wouldn’t have

made that call,” admits Rachael. “Had I not gone, it’d be a different picture for me today.”

After her diagnosis she had what is called definitive surgery treatment – surgery on a sufficient margin of tissue. Her margins returned clear, but she still had to undergo chemotherapy, to catch any rogue cells.

Twelve rounds of chemo later, Rachael is thankfully one of the lucky few to survive stage four cancer.

Clubfit member Rachael credits her fitness with her recovery from cancer.

“My treatment took place over six months, with one every fortnight. I just kept an open mind every time and didn't fixate on side effects. Plus I worked out the whole way through.”

Her doctors recommended she continue her fitness regime as best she could.

“I was told it’s really important to replenish your body after chemo, because it absolutely knocks you. Exercise can be the last thing you want to do and often I'd feel average for a couple of days after treatment, but as soon as I would start to feel okay, I’d either be out going for a walk or back in the gym.”

Rachael continued training at Clubfit throughout, allowing her to still attend her favourite classes of Body Step and Body Pump.

“Everyone at Clubfit was so great,” says Rachael. “They knew what I was going through and where I was at. It’s always been such a nice community to be a part

of. There's no judgement and there’s so much support for everybody, which you don't often find in a gym.”

Just six weeks after her last round of chemo, Rachael fell pregnant with her son, George. These days, with George having just turned one, Rachael still makes sure she prioritises fitness. She goes to Clubfit classes twice during the week and once on the weekend when George is at his swimming lesson at Baywave below the gym.

“I really believe being healthy and fit played a huge part in me fighting the cancer the way I did,” says Rachael. “Everyone knows what the gym means to me now. It’s more than just staying in shape. A lot of women believe that once they become a mother their needs don't matter anymore, but you can't be your best if you're not feeling right. In many ways, looking after yourself is the most important thing.”

CLUBFIT.CO.NZ

Dr Jennifer Corson

“ I REALLY BELIEVE BEING HEALTHY AND FIT PLAYED A HUGE PART IN ME FIGHTING THE CANCER THE WAY I DID. EVERYONE KNOWS WHAT THE GYM MEANS TO ME NOW. IT’S MORE THAN JUST STAYING IN SHAPE. ”

Just six weeks after her last chemo treatment, Glen and Rachael found out they were expecting cute wee George.

After surgery Rachael focused on her mindset.

PLUMP AND SMOOTH

Local beauty expert Leanne Cashmore from Cashmore Clinic reveals all you need to know about Botox and fillers.

After years of administering injectables, I’m surprised how many people still don’t know the difference between botox and fillers. Firstly, Botox® is a brand name. Other brand names that are widely used in New Zealand are Dysport®, Xeomin® and Neuronox® They all fall under the umbrella of neuromodulators (muscle relaxants).

But what is a neuromodulator? A neuromodulator is a tiny protein that blocks the communication between a nerve and muscle cells. As a result the muscle cannot move. Don’t get too fixated about what brand to use – so long as you are going to a reputable clinic, you are in safe hands. The baseline ingredient (botulinum Type A toxin) is the same. The difference is their molecular makeup, but essentially they all achieve the same result.

Muscle relaxants are used to temporarily stop an expression that is causing the creases you want to get rid of: frowning, squinting, raising your eyebrows, pursing lips (also known as dynamic expressions). Once the expression is halted through a muscle relaxant, the creases soften. It is also used for jaw clenching (TMJ) and excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis). Neuromodulators have been used in the medical field for all sorts of conditions outside of beautification.

Now to understand more about dermal fillers. One example is Restylane®, but there are too many on the market to name them all. As an overall statement, they are used to add volume to an area that has lost volume, to lift the skin, lips, cheeks, chin, jaw, fine lines. The product is made up of a substance called hyaluronic acid that is already found naturally throughout our body. Our bodies produce less of this as we age. Once it is injected under the skin, the hyaluronic acid works by attracting water to the area, which causes the skin to plump out the wrinkles, hollows and folds. This can last a lot longer than neuromodulators – up to 18 months. Both products work well together. Though there is only so much we can do with neuromodulators, it is becoming very popular to use as a preventative. But once we get to a certain age, losing volume in our face and elasticity in our skin is inevitable and dermal fillers and skin boosters, such as Profhilo®, are the best ways to improve this.

Don’t let the fear of needles get to you. It’s quick, easy and relatively painless. We can use anaesthetic creams to make it easier. The amount of people who say I wish I had done this sooner is far too common.

If you do choose either, or both, I recommend you go with someone who has experience. We are regulated in this country so only medical professionals

can inject. I myself have worked in a private practice dermatology clinic for nearly 21 years. This was after completing an 18-month internship at Tauranga Hospital shortly after graduating from nursing.

While working in dermatology, I specialised in appearance medicine. Here I learned about injectables and everything about skin, skincare, and what works from the best in the field. They taught me everything I know and I’m forever grateful for that experience.

After my children had grown I decided I needed to learn some new skills. I opened my own business in 2018, which went very quickly from renting a small space with a hairdresser friend to buying my own building and having staff to help me. I concentrate on all the injectables and I have a nurse, Ann, who does everything skin, peels, needling and PRP, with lots of new treatments on the horizon.

Keep an eye out for my columns in UNO, where I’ll be giving you the lowdown on everything from skincare to cosmetic enhancement.

Remember, when you look your best you feel your best, and summer is right around the corner!

CASHMORECLINIC.CO.NZ

Botox®, Prescription Medicine for the treatment of frown lines and crow's feet. Botox® has risks and benefits. Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 units. For product information check with your doctor or consumer medicine information on www.medsafe.govt.nz. Allergan, Auckland. Restylane®, Medical Device Class lll to smooth facial wrinkles and enhance lips by restoring volume and fullness. Restylane® has risks and benefits. For product information check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier. Galderma, Auckland. Dysport®, Prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines and crow's feet. Dysport® has risks and benefits. Botulinum toxin type A 300 or 500 Ipsen units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz. Click for further details. Galderma, Auckland.

Understanding inflammation is incredibly important for health and wellbeing. Inflammation is a natural response that helps our bodies heal and fight off infections. When we cut our finger or catch a cold, inflammation kicks in and our immune system sends an army of cells to the affected area to promote healing. However, when inflammation is prolonged or spreads throughout the body, it can contribute to a range of health issues and disrupt the delicate balance that keeps us well.

First, let's talk about physical health. Chronic inflammation has been linked to numerous conditions like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer. It's like a low-grade fire that smoulders inside our bodies, leading to tissue damage and impairing the normal functioning of many organs. Inflammation is the beginning of almost all disease processes, so any actions to reduce inflammation will be beneficial for our overall health.

Inflammation plays a role in our mental and emotional health as well. Research has shown that chronic inflammation can disrupt the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in our brain, leading to symptoms of anxiety and depression. In fact, individuals with chronic inflammation are more likely to experience mood disorders.

TRUST YOUR GUT

Centre For Health’s Anna Rolleston takes a deep dive into the fascinating microscopic world of inflammation and how it can influence both our mental and physical wellbeing.

It is our gut that plays a crucial role when it comes to inflammation and mental health. The gut and the brain are intimately connected through a complex communication network called the gut-brain axis. This bidirectional communication influences our mood, emotions, and cognitive function. Inflammation disrupts this connection. The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the microbiome. This bustling community not only aids in digestion but also plays a crucial role in regulating our immune system. When inflammation occurs, it can upset the balance of the microbiome, leading to a condition called dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can further perpetuate inflammation, creating a vicious cycle. That's where adopting plant-based foods can be a game-changer. Plantbased foods are packed with essential nutrients, fibre, and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. Fruits and vegetables, in particular, are nutritional powerhouses that contain a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. These plant compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to calm the flames of inflammation within our bodies. Moreover, the fibre in plant-based foods acts as a prebiotic, providing nourishment to the beneficial bacteria in our gut, promoting a diverse and thriving microbiome.

A plant-based way of eating is generally lower in saturated fats and high in

healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, further supporting our overall health. Adding fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi and yoghurt contributes to boosting the quantity and quality of the organisms in our gut, especially if consumed daily. By shifting our focus to plant-based meals, we not only reduce our intake of potentially inflammatory foods like processed meats and highsugar snacks but also increase our consumption of foods that actively fight inflammation. That is most definitely a win-win situation!

Adopting a plant-based approach doesn't mean totally giving up all animal products. It's about making gradual changes and incorporating more plant foods into meals. Start by incorporating more colour into salads and stir-fries, making the vegetable component of your plate the largest part and trying plantbased proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu. It's a journey of exploring new flavours and discovering the incredible variety of plant-based foods available to us.

By nourishing our bodies with a plant-based diet, we can help tame inflammation, support our gut health, and boost our overall well-being. It's not just about what we eliminate from our plates but also about the vibrant, nourishing foods we add. Celebrate the power of plants and embrace a healthier, inflammation-free life!

FASTTRACKNZ.CO.NZ

PHOTO JAHL MARSHALL

SHAPE OF DIVERSITY

An inclusive beauty and body-shaping studio in the Mount is redefining body confidence.

WORD S HAYLEY BARNETT

PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN

When hairdresser Rāhera Haaker lost 30kg three years ago after the birth of her daughter, Layla, she was left with a “mum pouch”.

“Anyone who’s had a C-section will tell you those pouches can be stubborn,” she laughs. She tried everything from changing her diet to including daily intense cardio into her already hectic schedule, but nothing seemed to help minimise her bump. At the time, she was living in Australia and had heard about fat freezing, so visited a nearby clinic and ended up with incredible results.

A short time later she moved back to New Zealand and sought out one more treatment, but soon learned it was much less accessible in her home country – in more ways than one.

“My whole kaupapa with anything in life is inclusivity,” explains Rāhera (Ngati Whakaue/Te Arawa).

“There's a huge part of the beauty industry that’s not marketed towards minorities. And that’s minorities in terms of sexuality, cultural background, financial status, and social status. Salons and beauty treatment centres often don’t provide a space that everyone feels comfortable coming into. It’s 2023, and it’s time to market these things to everybody.”

And so Rāhera set up Āhua Studio in the centre of Mount Maunganui, offering Thermal Shock Fat Freezing (cryolipolysis) and Body Sculpting treatments. Having worked as a hairdresser for 13 years, she also runs her hair salon out of the studio.

Through her hairdressing, Rāhera has grown a loyal client base who are attracted to her down-to-earth, non-judgemental approach.

“A good portion of my hairdressing clients are on the spectrum or queer,” says Rāhera. “I like creating a supportive environment for people who might not feel comfortable in traditional spaces. It’s providing the little things, like our booking system includes an option for people to add their pronouns.”

Though she caters to minorities, Rāhera has watched the growth in popularity of Thermal Shock Fat Freezing across all social groups, races and genders.

The non-surgical procedure removes stubborn fat from any part of the body using a technology that delivers a

series of temperatures from hot to cold to hot, to shock the subcutaneous fat cells, causing them to permanently die. The dead fat cells are naturally disposed of over subsequent weeks through your lymphatic system.

The treatment process is painless, requires no anaesthesia, and your skin is protected from the risk of ice burn with a medical-grade gel pad.

A typical session lasts up to one hour and it takes around 14 days to see results. The number of treatments depends on the person.

“It really depends on the buildup of fat and the size of the area,” says Rāhera. “Also how active someone’s lymphatic system is, and their dedication to diet and exercise at home. If it’s a little buildup of fat and they eat really well, drink lots of water and are still regularly exercising, one treatment will probably be enough. For larger pockets of fat, and when the diet isn’t the best, with not a lot of water, they would potentially need a couple more treatments.”

One treatment reduces up to 47 percent of fat cells and results are permanent. The results typically show from 14 days and continue to show for up to 90 days.

Her second offering, body sculpting, targets large muscle groups using Teslasculpt HIFEM technology. It sends electric currents to the muscles, causing concentric contractions. Its primary focus is muscle building with fat loss occurring the same way lifting weights would reduce fat in a certain area.

“It’s the equivalent of doing 36,000 situps or squats in 30 minutes,” says Rāhera. “It tones and builds muscle while dissolving fat.”

Both treatments work for anyone, but the sculpting is designed for those with smaller areas of stubborn fat.

But, regardless of your fat buildup, and no matter your gender, sexuality, age, race or social standing, you can rest assured Āhua Studio will welcome you with open arms.

And it seems the machines don’t discriminate either.

“I’ve seen amazing results in many different people,” says Rāhera. “It doesn’t happen overnight. It happens gradually each day, but after one treatment, whatever the size of the area, you’re definitely going to get great results.”

TAKING CHARGE

It took a health scare for Scandi Health Coaching owner Sofie Falk to find her true calling – helping other women realise their potential through self-care.

WORD S HAYLEY BARNETT PHOTOS GLEESON ROYFREE

Sofie Falk often thinks about the day she woke up exhausted. Reflecting on the night before, there didn’t seem to be any explanation for the worst fatigue she’d ever felt. She wasn’t hungover, the kids hadn’t kept her up, and she’d gone to sleep at a reasonable hour.

She dragged herself out of bed and managed to get her kids to daycare and school, but immediately returned home to sleep for six hours.

“When they came home I put them in front of the TV and went back to bed,” she explains. “From then on I started having horrible night sweats, my lymph nodes were swollen all over my body and I had constant migraines.”

The Tauranga mum of three went through the hospital system for a year and a half, having x-rays and ultrasounds and biopsies of her lymph nodes. They were consistently swollen, which indicated that Sofie had chronic inflammation throughout her body.

“After a lot of different tests, I was eventually discharged from hospital as a ‘diagnostic dilemma’. But I knew there was more to it.”

That was the beginning of Sofie’s foray into the natural therapy world. With a degree in Sports Science, and having worked in areas like human nutrition at The University of Auckland, a lot of holistic treatment was foreign to her, but she also knew there was a chance she could treat whatever it was that she

was fighting by changing her lifestyle. She saw a naturopath who advised she cut out caffeine, gluten, dairy and alcohol, and after just a few weeks she noticed a massive difference. Her migraines had disappeared, she started sleeping well and the swelling in her lymph nodes dramatically improved.

“I felt like I'd got back to myself. I started wondering how many other people were out there suffering and thinking it’s just mum life or some horrible illness they can’t shake.”

a gap in the market for something low-key, affordable and less, well, hippie.

“The retreats I’d been to were expensive and they were the kinds of places that make you sit around a campfire burning up your notes,” she laughs. “I wanted a normal one, where you can opt in or out of anything and just have time to yourself. I wanted to offer women a quiet space to notice what we need to notice.”

The last retreat featured vegan chef Mila Arena of delivery service V On Wheels, as well as Encore Pilates owner Fanny Peters and yoga teacher Estelle Harman, all known experts in their fields. The retreat offered yoga, breathwork and pilates, with massage, reiki and beauty treatments as added extras.

Coming up on her fourth retreat in October, Sofie dreams of taking groups of women to the Cook Islands and Australia. Right now, they’re being held closer to home, like Paradise Valley in Rotorua.

“I grew up in Sweden and it was normal for people to attend retreats regularly,” explains Sofie.

Blessed with newfound energy and vitality, Sofie decided to upskill by doing a health coaching course, to find out about the latest research in holistic medicine and nutrition. “I found my calling,” she says. “ I needed to work with women, to help them become the women they know they can be.”

From there, Scandi Health Coaching was born, and soon Sofie was organising health retreats. She had been to a few herself in the past and knew there was

“I want my retreats to be for the everyday woman. Why can’t we all go somewhere exotic on our own or with a friend for a week, to recharge?”

For now, Sofie is focussing on balancing work with family life, keeping her revitalised sense of self well nourished. “I don’t want to tip over into burnout. The demand is there so I’ll carry on offering it, but I might have to hire a bigger team at some point!”

SCANDI.CO.NZ

At Paradise Valley Lodge on one of Sofie's retreats.

ESCAPE OUTDOORS

Spring brings a new energy to our homes. It’s a time when we look around and consider the house and garden as a whole and think about which of our existing pieces might need an upgrade. Maximise outdoor areas by considering how to best utilise these spaces. Create a cosy nook or simply add pieces that spark joy – a beautiful cutlery set, easy additional indoor/outdoor seating, pillows and throws – anything that helps create the perfect atmosphere for lazy days ahead.

KMINTERIORDESIGN.CO.NZ

MCDONALD.KATHRINE

1. Navy Stripe hammock, $379 from greenwithenvy.co.nz 2. Eva Solo Nordic salad servers, $54.95 from paperplanestore.com 3. Sienna and Rose Le Corbusier lambswool and cashmere blanket, $1750 from simonjames.co.nz 4. Fazeek Wave cutlery, $120 from sundayhomestore.co.nz 5. Holm Lemongrass, Patchouli and Mint scented candle, $69 from greenwithenvy.co.nz 6. Six Barrel Soda Kiwifruit and Kawakawa syrup, $23 from paperplanestore.com 7. Napoleon Goods Mini Chilly, $145 from paperplanestore.com 8. Ferm Living Hale Oven Mitt, $48 from paperplanestore.com 9. Lode Outdoor Ottoman, $520 from kingliving.co.nz 10. Erato outdoor coffee table, $4257 from jamessaid.com.au 11. Coco Republic Gio outdoor fire pit, $1,595 from cocorepublic.co.nz 12. Hourglass large pot, $770 from slowstore.co.nz 13. Made of Tomorrow 2024 diary, $65 from sundayhomestore.co.nz

BRING IN THE SUNSHINE

Illuminate your space for the season ahead with this colourful palette.

STYLIST TIP

Don’t be afraid of the sunshine hues! Wrap your walls in these honey tones and feel how much warmth they bring to your home.

THIS PAGE: Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Illuminate. Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Bask. Twin Wall Bowl $185 and CC Stool in Walnut $745, both from Good Form . Karimoku Case Study A-S01 Sofa from $12,495 from Mr. Bigglesworthy. John Tootill Raumati V Artwork $11,000 from Sanderson Gallery. Scent of Home Candle $119, Remodelista in Maine $69.99, and Patina Modern: A Guide to Designing Warm, Timeless Interiors $95, all from Father Rabbit . Radial Round Coffee Table $1,390, Boucl é Cushion Cover $89.90, Makaua Tambo Basket $189, and August Throw $159, all from Citta . Torrance Rattan Occasional Chair $439.99 from Mocka . Lago

White Floor Lamp $219 from Lighting Plus . Willis Cushion in Sage/ Ivory $125 and Wichita Floor Rug $1,120, both from Baya

OPPOSITE PAGE Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Illuminate. Tara Nesting Bowls $109 from Citta . Bubble Vase $108 and Grid Vase Satin $49.50, both from Tessuti . Bon Parfumeur Eau De Parfum 30ml in 203 Fruity $81.99 and Acme Roman Cup and Saucer Mini $16.60, all from Father Rabbit . Canyon Two-Drawer Bedside Table $169.99 and Quinn Queen Bed in Natural $559.99, both from Mocka . Calypso Duvet Cover in King from $270, Mushroom Flat Sheet in Queen $165, Mimosa Pillowslips $90, and Mushroom Pillowslips $90, all from Dehei

THIS PAGE TOP LEFT: Walls and shelf painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Illuminate. Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Bask. Maquette Ceramic Table Sculpture B $185, Stair Table Lamp $675, Bloom Table Lamp in Dusty Green $1,195, CC Stool in Walnut $745, Ildhane Candle Holder $145, and Magazine Rack $275, all from Good Form . Iconic Dick Cordemeijer Cleopatra Daybed by Auping $2,950 from Mr. Bigglesworthy. Vauban Vase $585 from Tessuti . John Tootill Raumati V Artwork $11,000 from Sanderson Gallery Nomad at Home $69.99 and The Home Upgrade $120, both from Father Rabbit . Torrance Rattan Occasional Chair $439.99 from Mocka Cheltenham Throw $130 and Wichita Rug $1,120, both from Baya

TOP RIGHT: Back wall and shelf painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Illuminate. Maquette Ceramic Table Sculpture B $185 from Good Form . Vauban Vase $585 from Tessuti

BOTTOM RIGHT: Testpots and Drawdowns (from top) in Resene Illuminate, Resene I Dare You and Resene Tropical.

OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: Doorway painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Green Days. Back wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Illuminate. Pulse Platter $295, Large Ovum Vase $350, and Romana Large Sideboard $6,795, all from Good Form . Katherine Throne Hidden Gems Artwork $3,050, from Sanderson Gallery

OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM RIGHT: Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Illuminate. After the Song Art Print by Helen Dean $289 from Endemic World . Tara Nesting Bowls $109 from Citta . Bubble Vase $108 and Grid Vase Satin $49.50, both from Tessuti . Bon Parfumeur Eau De Parfum 30ml in 203 Fruity $81.99 and Acme Roman Cup and Saucer Mini $16.60, all from Father Rabbit . Canyon Two-Drawer Bedside Table $169.99 from Mocka Calypso Duvet Cover in King from $270 from Dehei

STYLIST TIP

Resene Illuminate is a mellow yellow with a green undertone that can sit well alongside many other colours.

Builder: Signature Homes

Interior Design: Twill Interiors

LEGACY OF LUXURY

Pāpāmoa’s latest aged care facility is a testament to resort-style retirement living.

Bay of Plenty aged care options have taken yet another leap forward thanks to the recent completion of the Pacific Coast Care Centre – Te Manaaki, a luxurious $30 million aged care facility.

The new residential aged care centre opened in June at Pacific Coast Village, located at Maranui Street, on the coastal stretch between Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa. The completion of Te Manaaki (loosely translated to mean care and support) allows Pacific Coast and its adjacent sister village, Pacific Lakes, to offer a full continuum of care – from independent living, serviced apartments to residential aged care. Te Manaaki offers rest home and hospital level care, including palliative and end-of-life care.

Pacific Coast Village and Pacific Lakes Village are part of the Generus Living Group, which can lay claim to what’s been described as an unrivalled reputation for creating some of New Zealand’s most respected lifestyle villages.

says the villages are indeed known for their upscale design and resort-style facilities rarely seen in New Zealand.

“The Care Centre, Te Manaaki, is a continuation of this considered design, crafted to provide residents with luxury living as well as elevated care and with it an added sense of security in their later years,” he says.

The rapidly burgeoning Bay of Plenty population has been watching the development of the villages – and lately Te Manaaki specifically – with interest, Graham says, especially those seeking a more upscale living and caring environment than previously offered in the area.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Designed by architectural firm Sumich Chaplin, the new building is 3000 square metres and seamlessly integrates with Pacific Coast’s architecturally designed Beach House. Te Manaaki presents as a modern facility with 58 highly appointed care suites over two levels, offering a range of spacious residences. Premier Suites, for

example, are up to 56 square metres and include a small kitchenette, dedicated dining lounge area, walk-through wardrobe, and private ensuite. The extended living spaces and amenities are substantial and have been carefully curated to present as highly residential, providing residents with choice of environment and a sense of home.

THE TE MANAAKI WAY

Te Manaaki will place a significant emphasis on a personalised approach, where residents will take the lead in their own lifestyle. They will be supported by a collaborative approach between Te Manaaki’s multidisciplinary clinical staff and family.

“It is recognised that this extra time, effort, and energy to adopt and engage in this model of care delivers significant outcomes, enhancing the daily life of both our residents and team,” Graham says.

Three months on and the feedback indicates it’s an applauded approach. Residents and stakeholders speak of the “warm and welcoming” staff, excellent companionship, removal of worry, the

Generus Living director Graham Wilkinson

hotel-like standards, and the well-crafted building and fit-outs.

VOICING THEIR PRAISE

UNO spoke to Te Manaaki residents Joy Morgan, and Neil and Claire Robinson, who live in premier suites, and Tony King, who lives in a care suite, close to a villa where his wife lives. All are aged over 80.

Joy says living at Te Manaaki removes the worry for her children who both live overseas, and there is no other immediate family nearby. As well as that she’s happy to say she has all the amenities she needs, with plenty of activities offered to occupy her time. Plus she loves the company of people of a similar age. Joy was already a village resident, and the transfer and transition to Te Manaaki were seamless.

Neil and Claire both have conditions requiring care and can no longer manage being at home. They are more than happy to call Te Manaaki their new home. They love that it is brand new and enjoy amenities like the café and restaurant. Not having to cook or do their own washing gets the thumbs up too. The fact the village

plans included building an aged care facility was the clincher in their decision making around where to live.

“We are being taken care of and enjoy the nice company offered by the other residents.”

Tony says he “liked the look of the place” and it has lived up to expectations. He appreciates how living in a care suite has removed the burden of his care from his wife. It is a safe place.

VALUE-CENTRED PARTNERSHIP

The care centre’s name acknowledges Generus Living Group’s partnership with Mangatawa Pāpāmoa Blocks Incorporation (MPBI) in the development of both villages – Pacific Coast and Pacific Lakes and whose taonga tuku iho (ancestral land) the villages are built on.

MPBI chief executive Scott Wikohika says Manaaki is a concept which is deeply valued. “Manaakitanga is about reciprocity of care and support," he says. "We are proud to have partnered in an investment

that celebrates and recognises the value and contribution people continue to make to communities throughout their lives, regardless of their age.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

There are more than 600 residents calling either Pacific Coast or the adjacent Pacific Lakes Village home. Once Te Manaaki is fully occupied, and the remaining Pacific Lakes villas completed, the two villages will be home to more than 800 people. Pacific Lakes has 170 completed villas, with that number expected to reach 250 within two years’ time. Under development at Pacific Lakes is also The Pavilion – a larger amenity to the highly-acclaimed and widely-enjoyed Lake House. The Pavilion is also expected to be completed in two years’ and is set to become one of the largest and most comprehensive community facilities in any New Zealand village. The opening of Te Manaaki has boosted staff numbers, with the villages currently employing about 120 people. Employee numbers over both villages will eventually exceed 140.

PACIFICCOASTVILLAGE.CO.NZ

IN FINE FORM

The art of designing a home and instilling finesse with its interior tone usually involves specialist expertise. This Pā p ā moa Beach home certainly involved expert talent. However, the vision behind its creation is the real story.

WORDS JO FERRIS

Kirri Gardiner had a dream to build a home in Palm Springs and set out to create a high-end property that matched its themed coastal features, waterways and playgrounds. Fully landscaped in keeping with this waterway setting, the entire property was created without compromise on quality – in every facet.

To appreciate that, you just have to understand Kirri’s passion and ability to gather a team of equally passionate people. New Plymouth’s Ian Macdonald of MacDesignz remained faithful to Kirri’s vision, while delivering an architectural home design. Kirri then contracted local builder Liam Collier from Collier Construction to bring her dream to fruition. Next came the interior design. After finding Auckland-based Alicia Jensen of Vue Concepts on the internet, the women met and connected straight away. Their styles matched and the concept of a totally custom approach laid the foundations for a brilliant partnership. Alicia’s contacts also made it easy to source this home’s bespoke elements. The result makes an immediate impact – one that honours the dedication by everyone involved in finetuning even the smallest element.

Bespoke styling disguises the extent of detail. Layer upon layer of high-end craftmanship underpins every aspect of this home. Features like the mimicking of tongue-and-groove cedar in aluminium accents that contrast with the charcoal tone of plaster elsewhere. Inside, customised vertical timber panelling is testament to the builder’s signature. It makes a statement on a feature wall in the family hub and media room. It appears again as a backdrop in the master bedroom – one designed for a Californian king bed – and still room to spare. A similar thread features in utility rooms, though the painted finish on a hardy material changes the texture, not the tone.

Kitchen, bathroom and utility joinery – designed by Vue Concepts and installed by A.one Kitchens &

Interiors – is a master class in craftsmanship. A subtle industrial undertone blends innovation and forethought with materials and function in the kitchen and scullery. Negative detail follows push-touch minimalism – right to the unique texture on the island bar’s frontage; one that hides a bank of cabinets, including power points. This approach continues in both bathrooms, laundry and linen cupboard. Quality without compromise underpins every aspect of this home’s chic style.

Lighting plays a s ignificant role. Down lights illuminate the home’s exterior at night and radiate shimmering flickers on the waterway alongside the home. Inset spots in the boardwalk entry light up the welcome, while garden corners and pathways all received special attention. Inside, sensors light passages, closets and bathrooms. Dimmed spots infuse romance into both bathrooms; enhanced by strip lighting in showers and subtle insets beside the oval bath for a candle-like mood. There’s even strip lighting beneath an oak shelving feature in the laundry.

Considered thought behind the scenes hushes everything. Noise is no issue, thanks to the extent of high-spec silencing insulation. Every room has it. Every bedroom has custom wardrobe systems. Every room has individual temperature-controlled heating. Even the garage has its own heating and air conditioning. There’s extra parking for a small boat or camper. This home even has a garden shed – it’s just hidden within the footprint. Fully landscaped, irrigated and fenced with flair, this home rises above and beyond expectations. Designed for the discerning, inspiration devised this home and combined passion created a property that fits Palm Spring’s lifestyle appeal in this coastal setting.

6 Serrata Close, Palm Springs, P ā p ā moa Beach OLIVERROADESTATEAGENTS.COM

“ QUALITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE UNDERPINS EVERY ASPECT OF THIS HOME’S CHIC STYLE. ”

GO WITH THE FLOW

Sentimental childhood memories played a huge role in choosing this home to raise the next generation. It took next-generation vision however, to transform a simple three-bedroom brick bungalow into a modern-day masterpiece.

WORDS JO FERRIS

Returning home after years overseas, the familiarity of Tauranga’s Avenues’ precinct was the starting point for these vendors when searching for a home to raise their children. The location was perfect; enhanced by the fact the house hid down a private driveway. All it required was a new look to fit this family’s lifestyle.

In a somewhat back-to-front approach, the swimming pool came first. A challenging thought, given the secluded spot this home enjoys. Looking at it now, the pool seems like it was here from the outset; such is the home’s intimate connection with this sun-drenched corner.

Intimacy is a key feature. Despite the density of this Avenues’ position, the home enjoys precious privacy. The driveway is the introduction – and was actually the first area to be upgraded. Lined with manicured olive trees and leafy layers of greenery, it sets the tone for what hides beyond.

The home nestles with a sheltered sun trap, thanks to a leafy fringe enhancing the privacy and discreet ambience. With the brickwork gone and the house completely transformed, sun and outdoor connections are integral to its outlook on life. Architectural designer John McAlpine of the Thorne Group turned the kitchen upside down, opened up the family hub in the process, added a second lounge and extended the home at the rear. This allowed for an ensuite master bedroom, a powder room and well-appointed laundry.

A mud room connects this laundry with the garage. Originally an external garage, the creation of an internal entry was not only logical, it allowed a natural corridor for a cloak room. The laundry was also given special treatment with decent bench space and custom cabinetry below and above.

Its finish matches the kitchen’s clean aesthetics. This is a focal point of the home – styled to match the coastal appeal of the family hub. A scullery expands pantry storage and provides a second workplace. It also leaves spacious counters in the kitchen free for entertaining around the essential bar-stool island. Double skylights and well-placed double glazing stream light and sun to ensure natural warmth all year round. Ducted heating is in place, but when the sun shines, this is rarely needed, thanks to the way this home harnesses the sun’s warmth all day.

Family relaxation considers family preferences. Two distinct living areas give separate places for family members to enjoy their own entertainment. The main hub is the initial focus – for dining, gathering and lazing on the cushioned window seat in the sun. Smart storage within this unit hides games, toys and books, while bi-fold windows slide open for a seamless connection with the cottage garden.

The TV lounge sits down the passage and shares a personal link with the swimming pool. Moods change in this room. This snug has a more intimate vibe. Inbuilt shelving and a desk cater for work and library storage. Its link with the pool however, instils a subtle resort hint.

A discreet outdoor corner slips off from the master bedroom. It’s yet another feature that highlights how good design not only embraces various corners outside, but demonstrates how outdoor flow and privacy can be incorporated into the function and flow of a family home. One that still has the advantage of a 10-Year Master Build Guarantee.

27 Briarley St, Avenues, Tauranga

OLIVERROADESTATEAGENTS.COM

PERFECTLY POISED

Oliver Road’s recent expansion into Hawke’s Bay brings their specialist real estate services up to a whole new level.

WORDS JO FERRIS

Six years ago, Cam Winter believed there to be a gap in the Bay of Plenty market for an estate agency focused solely on representing unique, high-value homes. As Oliver Road approaches 150 sales totalling more than $340 million, it’s clear this gap did indeed exist.

Joined in 2019 by Jason and Abigail Eves, and Ben Hawan in 2022, the team’s success, in Cam’s words, can be attributed to “relentless, continuous improvement across everything we do, along with a clear focus on doing one thing well, along with an unwavering commitment to each and every client and the outcome of their sale.”

Throughout the recent market correction, Oliver Road invested heavily to ensure their luxury real estate marketing platform remained unrivalled in their industry – recently taking on a full-time digital and marketing manager. Mckenzie Comer is a seasoned digital and social media professional with an impressive track record that spans over six years. Throughout her dynamic career, she has made her mark leading digital strategies for various clients, including some of New Zealand’s most prominent corporate giants.

“In the ever-expanding digital landscape, strategic cross-channel paid marketing ensures that our real estate content doesn't just look good but reaches the right audience in the most effective manner,”

Oliver Road's expanding New Zealand team together for a training conference held at Clarence Hotel in Tauranga.

says Mckenzie. Her comprehensive understanding of optimising campaigns to ensure maximum reach and engagement are already paying dividends for Oliver Road and their clients, with new buyer enquiry and offers being made on properties that can be directly attributed to her talented efforts behind the scenes.

Last year, Oliver Road also employed a talented photographer full-time, ensuring this important task could be approached with time and space, something Cam believes “can’t be said for real estate photographers with 30+ shoots to juggle every week.”

Photographer Jerusha Razey can’t get enough of this new pace and what it means for Oliver Road’s clients. “It’s so special being able to photograph a beautiful property across multiple days, combining sunrise, golden-hour, twilight and more without having to convince a client that the spend will be worth it. Or worse, having to call and postpone their booked time to catch up on a backlog of other shoots due to bad weather the week before!”

It’s clear how important Cam believes this to be, adding, “Photography is arguably the most fundamental element of any real estate campaign. To produce anything less than exceptional is not an option.”

Beyond Oliver Road’s foundational Bay of Plenty operation, late last year the agency opened in Hawke’s Bay, partnering with experienced local agents Nic Goodman and Fiona Harper. Some years ago, Nic and Fiona identified Oliver Road as a unique, luxury estate agency with exceptional marketing selling high-end homes in Bay of Plenty. They set their sights on bringing Oliver Road to Hawke’s Bay and are proud to have recently formed this exciting partnership. “Sellers of Hawke’s Bay’s most fabulous homes have waited long enough for a specialist agency, one that can deliver world-class marketing and superior results,” Nic says, adding, “we’re here to prove that the wait is over.” Beyond the two “Bays”, a third office servicing the Coatesville and wider Rodney area has just launched, and plans are underway further afield to bring Oliver Road’s specialist approach to both Queenstown and Christchurch.

Accolades including the recent “Best Independent Luxury Real Estate Agency in NZ” for the third year running (Luxury Lifestyle Awards), along with Jason’s position in the top one percent of salespeople nationwide (RateMyAgent), it could be fair to conclude that, as one recent client wrote in reviewing their experience, “These guys are without doubt the absolute best in the business.” OLIVERROADESTATEAGENTS.COM

“ THE TEAM'S SUCCESS CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO RELENTLESS, CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT ACROSS EVERYTHING WE DO, ALONG WITH A CLEAR FOCUS ON DOING ONE THING WELL... ”

Mckenzie Comer & Jerusha Razey, Oliver Road's marketing and media production team.

AMERICAN SPIRIT

Silkwood Living brings cleverly-crafted, environmentally friendly furniture to New Zealanders, all the way from the US, and each piece will last a lifetime.

WORDS CASEY VASSALLO / PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL

Searching for unique homeware and furniture in out-of-the-way places has been a lifelong hobby for Rod and Corina Snow. So it’s only fitting that they’d choose a little township away from the hustle and bustle to offer up the said homeware and furniture for sale to the public.

Just a 20-minute drive from Tauranga, in Paengaroa, you’ll find a curated collection of expertly styled homewares alongside a range of indoor and outdoor furniture that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Their pieces will instead transport you to The Hamptons, and the mountains of Montana.

“One of the coolest things in the store is often I'll be sitting there in the office and you'll hear someone come in and go ‘Wow’,” co-owner Rod Snow says. “Now that happens very frequently. People

are just blown away, because the furniture and home decor are so different.”

The owners of Silkwood, Rod and Corina Snow, started travelling through America back in 1989, falling head over heels for the landscape, hospitality and decor. They’ve long made a point to go back most years, and more recently twice-yearly as they hit up the big wholesale trade fairs and make their way through 39 states and counting. They even have their own motorhome parked up in Montana. “We just love the US. The people, the scenery. Everything,” Rod says.

During their travels with friends, exploring and shopping, they always found decor they loved and wished they could take home to New Zealand. “We’d always say ‘why can’t we buy that type of decor at home?’,” Rod says. “As I tell customers in my lingo, one night sitting around the campfire in Big Sky, Montana, I thought, ‘I know what we can do...’.” So Silkwood Living was born.

Essentially, the business has become a way for Rod and Corina to make their passion for travelling and affinity for America work in their favour. And, of course, their customers reap the benefits.

The couple are passionate about sourcing a mix of traditional and modern American pieces that make a statement and won’t just last a few seasons. That’s especially so of their Breezesta and Berlin Gardens ranges, which they exclusively import to New Zealand.

Both labels make comfortable, striking and solid pieces that are low maintenance. Better yet, as made-to-order suppliers, Silkwood Living’s clients can customise their furniture, choosing from a suite of colours to mix-and-match between and cater exactly to a home’s style.

But it’s what they’re made of that’s most unique – recycled petroleum-based milk and water bottles removed from landfill.

It’s a material called poly lumber, which is

Rod and Corina Snow.

made using high-density polyethylene recycled plastics. To put it into perspective, the supersized Breezesta Adirondack chair that sits on the store’s roof like a beacon is made from 48,000 milk bottles and weighs 256 kilograms.

Despite what you might think, these pieces look and feel like authentic wood. However, the poly lumber furniture won’t crack, chip, peel or rot like wood often does in the elements, whether that be rain, wind, snow, salt or high-UV rays… Something the Snows know of too well after living on Pāpāmoa Beach Road for 15 years.

Based in Pennsylvania, Breezesta has its own recycling plant to manufacture poly lumber, and guarantees their pieces with a lifetime residential warranty. Berlin Gardens offers a 20-year warranty and is made in the heart of Amish Country in Ohio. “What that means is the quality of the workmanship and attention to detail is second to none,” Rod explains.

Rod says they are already seeing clients return to add to their initial collection, which is made possible with a poly lumber product because it retains its colour and doesn't fade with time or a weather battering if it’s taken care of. “That’s your best testament – when people come back and buy more after a period of time,” he says. “There’s nothing else you can buy that lasts the distance like these products do.” With customers all over the country, from Northland to Southland and most places in between, that says a lot. They also stock rustic pieces from Montana Woodworks, which uses standing dead lodgepole pine trees gently harvested from the Kootenai National Forest in North-west Montana. The pieces are exactly what you’d find in an authentic log cabin, à la Yellowstone, the awardwinning drama series that has everyone wanting a cowboy hat and rocking chair. Despite their niche product made using a material that resonates, it wasn’t an

easy start for the business. They were due to open the week New Zealand went into its first lockdown in 2020. And ever since, importing goods from America has come with a huge set of challenges. Three years in, they are finally getting deliveries within three to four months. That’s just in time for summer, if you’re wondering.

Rod jokes that they both work eight days a week. Corina continues to run her revered bridal studio The Bridal House (which adjoins Silkwood Living), and utilises her eye for beauty to style the store when she’s not designing and tailoring dream dresses for brides-to-be. Rod works in the finance world, but now can be found tending to their herd of 212 steers on their farm in Paengaroa when he’s not checking on shipments, assembling furniture and chatting away with customers at Silkwood Living.

SILKWOODLIVING.CO.NZ

“ SITTING AROUND A CAMPFIRE ONE NIGHT IN MONTANA, I THOUGHT, ‘ I KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO .. . ’ ”

CHOOSE FURNITURE THAT LASTS A LIFETIME.

At Silkwood Living it feels great to offer quality sustainable choices, and that means you can feel great about your purchases.

The Breezesta and Berlin Gardens collections are constructed from a product called “Poly Lumber” which is made from recycled milk bottles, renowned for its vast design range and amazing comfort, each piece comes with a lifetime warranty that protects your purchase from cracking, splintering, peeling, rotting, and insect damage.

SILKWOODLIVING.CO.NZ 4 Wilson Road South - Paengaroa | Tel: 07 533 1512

PLAN, PLANT AND POT

Ginny Clark from Decor Gardenworld says a little bit of planning now will go a long way to ensuring you have time to sit back, relax and enjoy your garden this summer.

In an unprecedented year of lacklustre weather, spring is finally emerging. This is a wonderful time to spruce up your outdoor spaces with thoughtful gardening.

Begin by evaluating your indoor-outdoor flow. Enhance the appeal of your outdoor living areas and don’t forget about your main entrance – this is the first area your guests will see! Simplify access to vegetable gardens and utility spaces. Replace aged trees, update planting schemes, and tend to outdoor containers.

Foliage is key, and a variety of texture forms and colours will enhance yearround interest. Contrast and repetition create visual appeal, while varied heights add depth. Grass-like textures like Lomandra, Astelias, Carex, Flaxes, and small palms, combined with easy-care shrubs such as Coprosmas, Nandinas, Hebes, Green Ball Pittosporum and Loropetalum Plum Delight offer vibrancy. Leucadendron and Grevilleas will provide lasting colour.

Layer your spaces with ground-covering plants to curb weeds and backbone

plants with red and green foliage shrubs. Use plants to create low borders – flowering annuals, low perennials and Japanese Box or even parsley can be very effective and as long as they are trimmed occasionally.

Then turn your focus to elevating the spaces with garden art, ornamental pots, furniture, and screens. Revitalise your entryway with pots of perennials or annuals, fruit trees or a specimen plant. It is easy to change the look seasonally, and consistency in pot style will help enhance the visual impact.

Strategic placement of artistic elements like urns or bird baths adds character. Use them as a focal point that can be viewed from both indoors and outdoors. Introduce outdoor “rooms” through shade trees, pergolas, ornamental screens, or a bench seat. A New Zealandmade glasshouse extends growing seasons and doubles as a cosy place to relax.

The options are endless, so get planning, planting and potting to make your outdoor space a home to be enjoyed for many moons to come.

DECORGARDENWORLD.CO.NZ

Lomandra

Nandina

Leucadendron

SOLID FOUNDATIONS

A time-honoured building system in Europe is being utilised to craft homes that embody a heritage-worthy essence.

WORDS CASEY VASSALLO PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL

Homes are meant to be sanctuaries of security, comfort and lasting memories, where loved ones gather to create cherished moments to last generations.

At least this is the dream Chris and Robyn MacPherson are striving to create for more people with Stellaria, a company dedicated to premium building materials.

Chris, who started out in landscape architecture, established MacPherson Architecture in 2000 and has been designing thoughtful high-end and lifestyle homes for over 25 years.

On the other hand, Robyn was studying law when the Great Recession of 2008/09 hit and made the pivotal decision to come into the fold. Together, they form an exceptional team with a passion for alternative building materials.

Along the way, the couple have designed homes using all systems such as concrete, mudblock and rammed earth – but much of it was arduous according to Robyn. That all changed when they discovered

Porotherm clay block from Wienerberger, an Austrian-founded company.

“We both looked at it and by the extruded honeycomb nature of the block, we could just see immediately how it worked,” Robyn says. “We could see that it had the ability to do everything we try so hard to achieve.” From there, they began nurturing a relationship with Wienerberger to become their New Zealand partner, and in late 2014 Stellaria launched.

Porotherm clay blocks are a structural walling system that can be used in place of materials like timber frame with insulation. Imported from France, there’s a main Porotherm clay block, a portal block, and a lintel block, each taking on an intricate honeycomb matrix structure. Only the portals and lintels are filled with steel and concrete to form the structural elements, being a confined masonry construction system. The rest are installed as a typical concrete block, bound using a Dryfix adhesive instead of mortar. The exterior of the home can then be clad in any fashion, to meet the New Zealand Building Code.

“It's such a simple, efficient system. There's very little complexity around the walls, and the blocks go up really fast,” Robyn says. It’s said to be faster to construct a building from Porotherm, and a site uses less water and produces less waste given it’s a straight-forward and natural product. “This building system actually forms the majority of the buildings in Europe, and it's been around for 150 years in this extruded form,” Robyn claims.

What stands out about the system is its performance in passive heating and cooling, high acoustic insulation, ventilation and moisture management. “The clayblocks are breathable with interior lime plaster, which is antiseptic, so as the air moves into the building, it's cleaning the air and we've got 100 percent natural indoor air quality,” says Robyn.

She adds most New Zealand homes will fall to around eight to 12 degrees overnight, whereas a Porotherm home retains the heat in winter and keeps cool in the summer. “It takes 12 hours for the heat and cool to move across that block, and it also moves moisture, so the blocks are

Robyn MacPherson of Stellaria.

breathing,” Robyn explains. “Our clients say living in these homes, it just doesn't go below 18 degrees without any heating.”

Clay is also the perfect material to create a quiet shelter – a naturally effective acoustic solution. “When you're inside it, it's quite cave-like. It just has a density around it and a peacefulness that is hard to describe until people get into it.”

By using an all-round material like this, you can reduce the need for all the extras we’ve come to rely on to make a home comfortable, like ventilation systems, dehumidifiers, heaters and air conditioning.

The best way to get a sense of everything Porotherm can do is at Stellaria’s first showhome, which opened this year on Swayne Road in Cambridge. There, they’ve used a mix of Stellaria clay brick cladding and breathable plaster with mineral paints by Resene Construction Systems on the exterior. Lime plaster is used to finish the walls inside, which has a venetian-like finish with an artisanal quality to

it and is extremely smooth to touch – almost glass-like.

“The showhome is about all the products we import from Weinerberger and is the first in a medium-density development of duplex and detachable high-performance homes – we call it Swayne Village,” Robyn says. “These buildings will still be standing in 400 years time, which we don't see in New Zealand really.”

That’s what drives Chris and Robyn – the need for design to be backed by materials that will last the distance. “It's about knowing you've got an asset that not only has a better capital value but also is something that can be handed down. It's intergenerational, it's multigenerational. It's not a house, it's a forever home.”

Robyn says that in New Zealand, we should be following in Europe’s footsteps with products like Porotherm to avoid issues such as leaky homes and crying windows, which can lead to serious health issues. Because where you spend your

time is as important to your health as what you put into your body.

“We talk a lot about eating well, good water, sleeping well, reducing your pharmaceuticals, so [a healthy Porotherm home] is an extension of what people are trying to do with clean living.”

Stellaria is supplying a host of midto high-end projects from Mangawhai to Queenstown. But this product is for every home, despite the perception that building with it is going to be more expensive. The fact is, it’s comparable with a 140mm timber-frame build, at roughly $4,500-$5,500 per m2 to build.

“We're delivering something in which people will get much more for their money, and they should. Because it's the biggest emotional and financial investment,” Robyn says. “We not only believe in the integrity of the build, and the honesty in the building materials, we won't design in timber frame anymore.” Weinerberger warrants the design life of the Porotherm block at 150 years but the

“ IT'S ABOUT KNOWING YOU'VE GOT AN ASSET THAT NOT ONLY HAS A BETTER CAPITAL VALUE BUT ALSO IS SOMETHING THAT CAN BE HANDED DOWN. IT'S INTERGENERATIONAL, IT'S MULTIGENERATIONAL. IT'S NOT A HOUSE, IT'S A HOME. ”

building will last well beyond that. The plight to change the game is very much a family affair, too. All four of Chris and Robyn’s sons play a part in the businesses. Jonty heads up marketing for Stellaria, while Thomas lends his IT knowhow wherever it’s needed. Benjamin and Geordie recently finished building Geordie and wife Cassandra’s own Porotherm home in Taupō. Cassandra, of Cassandra Swan Interiors, also covers interior design projects like their showhome.

As with anything new or innovative, it takes time to build momentum and get people on board. Stellaria is in the process of setting up a showroom in the

Home Ideas building and design showroom in Auckland, showcasing all eight of their Wienerberger products, including bricks, cladding, roof tiles and paving.

They are also working on an online resource called BlockBuild to connect people considering creating a home using Porotherm with architects, engineers and builders in their area, across New Zealand. Because Robyn and the team see each Porotherm build as its own promise. “The promise of performance, longevity, durability, and of good health,” she says.

“That's why we love it, because we know that it's going to work. It's going to keep its promise.”

STELLARIA.CO.NZ

Porotherm clay blocks reduce the need for air conditioning and ventilation.

Stellaria's show home in Cambridge.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

One of the South Island's original furniture retailers, McKenzie & Willis Interiors, is set to bring Bay of Plenty homes their signature treatment. UNO spoke to managing director Bill Willis about his great-grandfather's legacy and the brand’s expansion north.

WORDS KAREN CLARKSON / PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN

Having your family’s furniture store at your fingertips to explore and play in every day, might just be every child’s dream. For Bill Willis, and his cousin Tim Willis, directors of family-owned interiors brand McKenzie & Willis, this sums up their life as kids in Christchurch.

“In those days, McKenzie & Willis was a four-level downtown showroom, managed by my dad, and Tim’s dad. We had great fun as children bouncing on the beds and exploring the furniture displays. As a teenager, I learnt to drive the trade truck and spent weekends delivering furniture around Christchurch,” recalls managing director Bill Willis.

Bill and Tim’s great-grandfather Joseph Willis, along with RS McKenzie, first launched the business in 1906, selling houses, land, and furniture. Now almost 120 years later, and passing through three generations of Willis’, the Christchurch institution has become one of our country’s leading home furniture and interior design brands.

Bill and Tim, who took the helm from their respective fathers after the Christchurch earthquakes, have set about expanding the brand’s footprint across New Zealand.

With five successful stores in the South Island, including a purpose-built Christchurch showroom, McKenzie & Willis Interiors opened in the capital in 2017. In 2021, Bill and Tim took the leap further north with the acquisition of The Design Depot from Mount Maunganui and Hamilton, and this year they added two contemporary showrooms to their now eight locations across Aotearoa. Bill says the purchase and rebrand of The Design Depot was a natural fit for the brand’s growth and values: a family business dedicated to creating beautiful interiors with excellent personalised service to match.

“People and service have always been at the heart of what we do. We’re really proud to have all The Design Depot team continue with us at the new stores. To be able to adopt a great team with experience and relationships is the best outcome for everyone,” explains Bill.

Kylie Keene (former owner of The Design Depot) took the lead alongside the McKenzie & Willis product team to design the new Mount Maunganui showroom collection and fit-out.

Inside the space, creative curtain and blind displays, furniture, homewares, beds, and linens reflect the region’s personality. Across the store’s collection, the Bay’s relaxed, calm style, influenced by nature and the outdoors, has been combined with eye-catching patterns, textures, and wallpapers synonymous with the McKenzie & Willis brand.

“The focus was to bring the very best of these aesthetics together with high-end homewares and quality brands from here and around the world,” explains Bill.

Alongside their hallmark showrooms and core offering of furniture, beds, and furnishings, is a full-service interior design experience with a focus on clients building a relationship with one key designer on their personal project.

“We have been so fortunate to have attracted incredibly talented and passionate interior designers in each of our stores. Homes are where we spend time, bring up families, and entertain with friends. Our team of specialists works closely with our clients to turn houses into beautiful spaces that Kiwis love,” explains Bill.

The new Mount showroom features an expansive and inspiring sampling area allowing customers to visit and work alongside their interior designer. Whether clients are transforming a bedroom, living room, or building a new home, Bill says that by having one key contact, creating a strong relationship, and leaning on the chain of other stores, the team delivers exceptional results. “Across our family of New Zealand-made and imported brands, we can tailor-make sizes, fabrics, and configurations bespoke to your home and style. This is a real strength of McKenzie & Willis,” says Bill.

Alongside the new Mount Maunganui showroom, McKenzie & Willis have renovated and rebranded The Design Depot store in Hamilton – a move he knows his dad and uncle would be proud of.

“Opening in new locations signals an exciting chapter for us; expanding our offering nationwide and giving New Zealanders greater access to our comprehensive collections and design expertise. Dad had a real passion for growth and building beautiful showrooms and while he passed away last year, he knew the Mount Maunganui store was opening. I know he would be proud of our vision and what our team has created here.”

MCW.NZ

Back row L-R: Maggie Seddon, Riki Parata, Nicola Gibson. Front row L-R: Lauren Brackley, Bill Willis, Lisa Shea, Tim Willis.

LIFE’S A BEACH

A lifestyle village with an increasingly admired business model welcomed its first residents at Waihi Beach.

WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR PHOTOS ALAN GIBSON

Recently Waihi Beach became home to its own Karaka Pines Village, the seventh in the country operating under a model focussed on fairness to investing residents – who keep the capital gains made on their property when they decide to sell their village dwelling.

Located at the north end of Waihi Beach, and only an eight-minute stroll to the ocean, Karaka Pines’ latest village will feature 96 premium homes.

The first part of stage one of the development is completed, with 12 dwellings constructed and selling fast. The first residents moved in over May, with the initial three homes occupied by Waihi Beach locals who are thrilled with the opportunity to live in a retirement village within their beach community. And they’re enjoying the growing community at the village itself.

Karaka Pines Villages chief executive Adam Yates says open days were held in June, with enthusiastic interest coming from further afield too, mainly from Auckland, the Waikato and Coromandel.

There are still opportunities to buy one of the first homes on site, and now is a good time to visit the village and potentially stake an interest. The next builds will get underway at the earliest opportunity, Adam says.

Tucked away in a sunny, protected valley, Karaka Pines Village is sited on what was farmland. The village is located on Browns Drive, spans 5.12 hectares, and neighbours residential streets and a council reserve. The village’s brick and tile houses come with either two or three bedrooms, offer either a single or double garage, and feature an ensuite as well as main bathroom. Houses are either standalone or duplexes. The homes range in price from a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, single garage duplex at $1.1 million to $1.4 million for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, double garage standalone dwelling. Spacious apartments also feature on the village plan (with parking included), as does a clubhouse, which will include a pool complex, wellness centre, and well-stocked library – but for now, a temporary clubhouse is currently being enjoyed by residents and friends. The apartment plans show two-storied buildings with a patio providing alfresco dining opportunities for ground-floor residents, and balconies serving the same purpose one floor up.

Karaka Pines Villages operate under an independent living model, although for peace of mind each home is equipped with an emergency call button that is monitored 24/7.

The Karaka Pines operating model has been admired and trusted for many years. There are Karaka Pines

Villages in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua and Christchurch, led by Tauranga’s Kempton Park, which was the first to open about 12 years ago. Each village has its own special character, but they all have one thing in common: All are vibrant communities where like-minded people enjoy living as they choose, secure in the knowledge that their capital gain is protected.

“Like all properties that come under the Karaka Pines Villages umbrella, when the time comes for owners of the Waihi Beach dwellings to sell, they are the ones who will benefit from the capital gain in their homes, not the management. We think that’s only fair,” Adam says. In fact, a recently released research report (by Janine Starks at moneytips.nz) on New Zealand retirement village costs found that Karaka Pines residents receive back 99 percent more capital on death/exit than those with the country’s “big six” retirement village operators. Adding to Karaka Pines’ financial security equation is the fact residents have the chance to opt for a fixed fee for life. That fee (it can be variable, if preferred) covers outside maintenance, insurance and rates. This way residents can have a very clear vision of their financial state, Adam explains.

Karaka Pines Villages specialise in independent living, but because of their financial structure – particularly its capital gains model – people moving on to assisted living, for example, are more likely to be able to afford to do so.

“We value our residents and want them to own their financial future,” Adam is proud to say. “We see the village as the residents’ village. We are resident-centred, and want our residents to feel like they own the place. After all, we only work there – they have to live there.”

Adam explains that it’s important for Karaka Pines Villages staff to live the ethos that it’s not their job to make their own jobs easy, but to make the residents’ lives easier. “We do things for people, not to people,” he says. “We look for moments of ‘I see you’ – seeing each of our residents as independent individuals and supporting them to live their best lives through our words and actions.”

Adam and his team are proud to offer a retirement living model that concentrates firmly on fairness.

Those keen to check out what’s developing can visit the village and tour the show home. Touch base with the village manager on 027 223 8822 or click on the website tab to send an email enquiry. People can also subscribe to the Karaka Pines newsletter, via the website, for updates.

KARAKAPINES.CO.NZ

Got fleas? Should you shear your dog like a sheep in springtime? And what about wet pet food? Here’s vet David’s best advice for keeping your furry friends happy, healthy and well as the weather warms up.

Q: How often should I de-flea and worm my pet?

A: Fleas can be a problem for our pets all year round in the Bay of Plenty, as we have a relatively warm climate here and many of our pets live indoors as well, staying warm all the time. Because of this, we recommend keeping up with regular flea treatments all year round to ensure you don’t get a flea infestation in your house. Ninety-five percent of the flea population live off the animal; that is, in our environment which can include our house. Ensuring good flea control in our homes by using regular vacuuming and a flea bomb, for example, can also help prevent your pet becoming reinfected following flea treatment. There are many different flea products available these days. The most commonly used products are given orally, and some are still applied to the skin on the back of the pet’s neck. The length of time each product lasts can also vary from one to six months usually. Talk to your vet for advice on which product would be best for your pets.

Q: Should I shave my pet to keep them cool in summer?

A: In the heat of summer, it can be hard for some dogs to keep themselves cool. This is especially so for some bigger dogs with heavy coats, as well as brachycephalic breeds of dogs such as bulldogs. Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat through their skin. They rely on panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and nose to regulate their body temperature. If they can’t cool down, they will quickly develop heatstroke. For pets with thick and long coats, shaving them can certainly help to keep them cooler in the hot summer months as well as prevent unwanted knots or mats in the fur. There is a small risk which is higher in some breeds of

CREATURE COMFORTS

Animal expert and veterinarian

David McDonnell of Tauranga Vets answers your im-paw-tant questions about pet health and wellbeing.

PHOTO SALINA GALVAN

dog that the hair doesn’t grow back properly. Breeds at increased risk include those with long, plush coats, such as the Alaskan malamute, American Eskimo, Chow Chow, Keeshond, Pomeranian, Samoyed, and Siberian Husky, but it can occur in any breed. No one knows exactly why this occurs sometimes for some dogs.

Q: Why does my pet only want wet food?

A: Most pets should be able to eat a completely dry or mixed wet and dry diet. If you have noticed a change in your pet’s preference to only wanting wet food, there could be some underlying health reasons for that. The most common medical reason for this would potentially be pain in the mouth from dental disease. Pets will often keep eating even with teeth that have serious disease present. The best way to check for this is to get a dental and health check done by a vet. Good dental health is pivotal to good overall health and welfare for our pets. Dental disease can cause significant pain to animals that is very hard for owners to detect until it is really severe. Your vet should complete an oral exam during your pet’s annual health check as well.

Q: My neighbour's dog barks all day. Is this a sign of stress?

A: Barking is how dogs communicate. They can bark for many reasons including fear, territorial barking, anxiety and boredom. In these situations, it’s best to alert the owner, as they may be unaware of what their dog is doing while they’re not home. Once they’re aware, it’s something that would require a significant amount of work and training to help alleviate the dog’s underlying reason for barking. We often recommend contacting a qualified dog behaviourist or trainer to help with these kinds of situations. They are able to come to the dog’s home and help assess what it is that’s causing the dog to bark. They would then be able to work with the owner to implement some environmental adjustments or enrichment, alongside training the owner on how to train the dog to prevent the barking from occurring.

BOPVETS.CO.NZ

A FINE BAL AN CE

Holly Brooker from Parenting Place offers a parent’s gentle guide to reining in screen time.

While there are real benefits to all those handy screens in our lives (connection with faraway loved ones, online grocery shopping and relatable parenting memes would be my top three), there are also down sides. When screen time isn’t balanced with the other things that make us happy humans (things like exercise, sleep, time outdoors and, most importantly, face-to-face connection), the benefits are overpowered by the negatives.

Recently, the annual Nib Insurance State of the Nation Parenting Survey, which canvasses the issues and concerns of parents around New Zealand, released more research results showing what parents are struggling with the most. The results reveal that 70 percent of parents and caregivers are concerned about their kids’ tech use, with 24 percent revealing they are “extremely concerned”. However, two-thirds (66 percent) of us admit we rely on technology as a distraction for children. Easy babysitter, right?

ARE WE ADDICTED?

What is interesting about this research is that parents admit lacking discipline when it comes to their own screen time and their inability to model healthy device use.

In fact, a whopping 50 percent of the parents surveyed said they themselves

felt addicted to their devices. I’m sure most of us can relate. We are living and parenting in the thick of a digital era and can feel this constant push and pull as we use tech while also trying to maintain balance for our families.

THE FAMILY HUI

I’m a big fan of the “ family reset ” There can be more buy-in when boundaries are discussed as a family (in a family meeting or hui), and there’s an opportunity for kids to identify the positives and negatives they see from device use and feel heard as they voice their opinions too. Be honest, share your own thoughts and concerns – it’s great to share how too much screen time affects us as adults as well.

If tech time has crept in as the default activity at your place, you might want to chat with your kids about ideas for offline things to do. Joining your child in these activities can help them transition back into the real world whether it’s a board game together, a walk to the park to kick a ball, or doing something creative together.

WALK THE TALK

The thing is, kids learn by what they see more than what we say. So if we keep harping on about the dangers of screen time but are constantly on our phones ourselves, the message is murky.

I’ve found that turning notifications off, deleting social media apps and news apps with never-ending feeds, and even using grey scale has helped me rein in

my screen use and makes my phone less enticing!

PUTTING LIMITS IN PLACE

Limits are good. While we can’t live in a screen-free bubble, we can put boundaries in place around when, where and for how long our family can use devices. We can also have family limits around what content our kids are consuming.

Every whānau is different and parenting isn’t black and white. How much access to technology you want your kids to have is something you get to decide for your family, and limits might vary according to circumstances or change as your kids get older.

When we set limits, it can take a bit of work to stick to them and continually reinforce them. Patience and consistency are key here. Kids are wonderfully adaptable – they will adjust to the new framework and find fresh ways to spend their time. They’ll also benefit hugely from the developmental opportunities that time offline can bring.

Trust your own instincts, weigh up the pros and cons, and figure out where your family values lie, then set the limits you want for your family. And apply them to yourself, too.

Then, when all of that hard parenting work is done, sit down with a cuppa to enjoy that gripping show on Netflix you’re hooked on.

PARENTINGPLACE.NZ

NURTURE IN NATURE

Karen Clarkson spoke to the Principal of Matahui School to learn why for the last 30 years the school has turned traditional education systems on its head and the critical role nature plays in creating positive learning outcomes.

While politicians and education researchers are divided over the state of our education system in the lead up to this year's election, a special character primary school on the outskirts of Katikati, is providing a beacon of hope for parents whose children have struggled in traditional school environments.

Principal, Mary Woods, says that the mainstream education system is not suited to every child. Matahui School provides an alternative approach to education so that young people can achieve success with the increased pace and technology the modern world demands.

“Matahui School challenges traditional education methods and provides a unique sanctuary for children to learn. All children have a diverse range of strengths and learning styles. Unlike the mainstream system, we don’t believe one size fits all. Our smaller class sizes allows individual one-on-one time with the teacher and creates a quieter, calmer environment that is more conducive to learning,” she explains.

At Matahui, the school embraces a balance of the fundamentals of core learning wrapped in enquiry that encourages the child to flourish in a way that best suits them.

“Recent reports and findings from the ERO (Education Review Office) and Education Hub describe children having

better outcomes when they develop their own learning goals. Enquiry-based education is at the centre of our ethos and the children actively influence their own pathways to learning daily.

“Recently the Year 1 and 2 students wanted to learn about space. Through discussion their teacher came to understand that they were more interested in learning about moon buggies and space transport, so she used this as the springboard for their enquiry,” says Mary.

development in children. All of our teachers will agree that the real magic happens beyond our classroom walls, where hands-on experiences and challenges empower the children to develop independence, confidence, learn technical skills, and manage risk,” says Mary.

Every week, rain or shine, students spend a full day immersed in nature, building makeshift shelters, exploring meandering streams, and overcoming challenges as part of the forest school programme. The Year 7 and 8 students attend four camps throughout the year, clocking up to 30 days a year in the great outdoors. Recently a class visited and worked on a local farm to better understand the milk production process from farm to fridge.

Ruth, mother of Polly, a former student of Matahui, says she appreciates the positive impact the school’s values and unique learning approach has provided her daughter.

“Polly’s college teachers have noted how engaged she is with her personal learning, the confidence she has to challenge herself and her perseverance when things are hard.”

While more and more schools reach for technology to deliver the curriculum, Matahui School nestled among towering pines and surrounding orchards, uses a progressive curriculum that values outdoor education and delivers core subjects across a variety of disciplines.

“Connection with and within nature has been proven around the world to be critical to supporting healthy

Mary agrees that the environment and experiences Matahui School students are provided supports them to learn in the way that not only suits them best, but empowers them to develop key skills to handle the inevitable challenges they will meet in their future education, and life beyond the classroom.

MATAHUI.SCHOOL.NZ

Did you know that for our brains to optimally “wash” themselves of the day’s stresses, we need to be asleep between the hours of 10.30pm and 12am?

By making small changes to prioritise sleep during this window, we can experience a positive impact on our mental health, and our ability to manage the pressures of the coming day.

This is just one of the tidbits of inspiration more than 350 women took away from the Business Women’s Network’s annual Speaker Series in June.

In its third year, the Speaker Series attracted its largest audience yet – women from all different industries and stages of their careers who gathered to connect and be inspired by five of New Zealand’s most progressive women.

Under the theme “ Paving the way ” , Rebekah Campbell, Kerre Woodham, Cecilia Burgess, Amanda Lowry, and Sally Duxfield collectively had the audience see-sawing from belly laughs, to tears, to moments of total awe and “aha ”

ASK AND RECEIVE

This year, the Business Women’s Network Speaker Series dished out life-changing advice from five inspirational and hilarious women ‘Paving the way’ for others.

From Amanda, who boldly shared her insights and experiences as a woman living in a wheelchair and making massive headway advocating for people with disabilities, to media-star Kerre, who bounded onto the stage with her big hair and even bigger bosom and had everyone in hysterics as she recounted her experience of running a marathon in Paris.

Or the insatiably smart Sally, who shared ways we can utilise our natural chemistry to enhance our performance at work, and in life.

It’s impossible to share everything, but for a glimpse into one of the city’s most inspiring events – here’s a small but life-changing tip gleaned from the day: “Just ask, you never know what answer you’ll get.”

Rebekah Campbell is by every account an incredibly successful Kiwi entrepreneur. But she doesn’t think she’s any smarter than the average person, and she credits herself as doing “okay ” at school.

So what’s her secret? Aside from her rigid commitment to goal setting, there was one simple tip she shared which rang out like a siren: Just ask for what you want.

Too many women don’t ask for what they want, out of fear of being told no, or looking silly. But making this one change can open doors you never imagined, she says.

And she’s speaking from experience. As a child, Rebekah was set a simple school assignment. However, she decided that she needed to interview the country’s Prime Minister – Jim Bolger – to do it justice. So a young Rebekah phoned the PM’s office, explained her assignment, and boldly requested an interview. Lo and behold, she received an appointment, and shared the news valiantly with her teacher. It wasn’t until Mr Bolger’s office called the school to confirm the meeting that anyone believed her.

It's a trick Rebekah’s carried with her ever since, and one that’s had a critical impact on her overall career success.

A massive thank you to the Speaker Series’ principal sponsors Craigs Investment Partners and Cooney Lees Morgan.

The Business Women’s Network is run by Tauranga Business Chamber, and hosts regular events for local women in business. To find out more, visit: TAURANGA.ORG.NZ/BWN

Kerre Woodham.

SHARE TO CARE

Car sharing is a concept that’s popular in many major metropolitan cities across the globe, but one that has been slow to arrive in Tauranga. Until now.

GoTo Car Share is the first such service to zoom across the starting line here in the Bay. And because the company was started by locals it’s been created with a mission to be as environmentally friendly as possible to help not only ease traffic congestion in and around the CBD but also sustain the natural beauty of our renowned beaches and environment.

“Having electric vehicles (EVs) only was part of the plan all along,” Steven Vincent, GoTo’s founder, explains. “It’s about sharing resources and having an environmentally conscious solution for business and people.”

Starting GoTo Car Share happened organically. Steven and some business partners had already

formed the office-sharing company Basestation in Durham Street where freelancers and small business owners could rent a desk, meeting room or office for anywhere between an hour to a more lengthy commitment. His team had a fleet of four cars and he began to see the waste in having to park, insure and pay for cars that spent most of their time idle.

“We started thinking about whether we needed the cars at all as they only got used 10 percent of the time,” Steven says. “So we talked about how we could share those cars with other people and get more use out of them. It wasn’t just the car, it was also the fact of them taking up valuable car park space as well.”

As they were already sharing meeting rooms and office spaces the concept of sharing was at the forefront of his mind. Looking around he realised that Basestation had a great central location with a potential customer base of around 50 businesses already in the building. And so Steven started GoTo Car Share from the same space. He got rid of the petrol cars and began building a small fleet of EVs,

Steven Vincent, GoTo’s founder.

Do you really need a car? The answer may surprise you.

GoTo Car Share’s founder Steven Vincent explains the environmental and financial benefits of only using a car when you need to.

WORDS KARL PUSCHMANN

believing the environmental benefits and user accessibility were key.

“We wanted to make a public service where anyone can use it,” Steven says.

Of course, Kiwis love their cars. A byproduct of decades worth of woefully underfunded public transport. Steven too loves cars, just not owning them.

“If you look at the service of car sharing it comes down to the concept of flexibility. It’s about usership, not ownership.”

With a current fleet of five EVs available 24/7 and plans coming along to expand to other locations, including Mount Maunganui, customers will never be caught short without access to a vehicle when they need one. The convenience and financial freedom of not running a car could even make ownership a thing of the past.

The concept is initially a bit different but Steven

says change is in the air, as evidenced by the variety of people using the service. Including those you’d least expect.

“The person who took a car just before I talked to you, even he admits it would be very difficult to get out of his petrol car,” Steven says. “However, this week, he made a commitment and he hasn't used his car all week. He's used the bus service for the first time in his life, and electric scooters. And now he's trying the car sharing. So if that's an indication of what people are doing there's a sea change underway.”

“People are definitely embracing it. And they're definitely wanting to change,” he continues.

“People are wanting to get out of their cars and use other forms of transport. Where we fit into that puzzle is, if you need a car just for an hour, come and use one. You don't necessarily need to own one.”

GOTO.NZ

“ IF YOU LOOK AT THE SERVICE OF CAR SHARING IT COMES DOWN TO THE CONCEPT OF FLEXIBILITY. IT’S ABOUT USERSHIP, NOT OWNERSHIP. ”

YOUR TRUE NORTH

WORDS JENNY RUDD | PHOTOS JEREMY BRIGHT – GRABB

Imagine you’re giving a speech to announce the closing down of your business because you’ve achieved everything you set out to do. Catie Noble, owner of Upward, would sound something like this.

“Thanks to our mahi, everyone now knows what impact they’d like to have on the world, and they have a plan to make it happen. Our world is getting better, because every person is doing what they care about, and they are doing it well.”

Based in Taupō but with clients in Tauranga and further afield, this is one of the many tools Catie uses in her workshops, regular coaching and activity sessions to help businesses and ambitious individuals do better.

There’s some noise in the background during our interview, so I ask where she is. Wellington airport, en route to Climate Action Marlborough. Over this week, Catie has: Problem-solved a global go-tomarket strategy for a New Zealand beauty startup, brought together teams in a large corporate to help them uncover the “ stinky fish ” that was creating a business-limiting culture (and gave them tools to resolve it), and met with one of her regular clients, a high-end interior designer. And that’s all before immersing herself into climate solutions in the South Island.

“I’ve spent the last 20 years listening to people and extracting the core issues holding them back. I take their stories and experiences, distil what’s happening for them, and help them get clear and take action. And like any business owner, I’ve made a bunch of mistakes, faced tough challenges and had to come up with novel ways to solve them, and brought my team along for the ride.” Clearly she’s good at it.

It’s a modest description of the last two decades. Catie has built and sold successful health businesses, and was awarded the Supreme Business of the Year and Excellence in Business Leadership at the BNZ Taupō Business Awards. As president and chairperson of Taupō’s Business Chamber she led them through a huge transformation, then sat on the board of the region’s economic development agency. Recently Catie was an advisor on Electrify, an accelerator for female-founded startups, and the business she mentored, Vince, completed a successful capital raise during that time.

Not one to sit still, she’s a voracious learner. COVID-19 lockdowns provided the opportunity to do a post-grad certificate in leading Change for Good, designed by education visionary Francis Valentine, CEO of Mind Lab.

Catie says that the business owners, senior executive teams or high performers that she works with often come to her knowing there’s a problem, but can’t articulate what it is. It’s when the task ahead seems messy and woolly that Catie really adds value.

“People who want to push themselves are well-suited to working with me. They know they can do more but in our overloaded world they might struggle with decisions or get overwhelmed with what needs to be done. I straighten out their thinking and get them cranking. I've worked with tech startups, founders, heavy industry, tradies, national utilities in New Zealand (Catie’s a geothermal enthusiast), and everything in between. I want to work with interesting people on interesting problems. If you want to make the effort, then I'm ready to jump in.”

UPWARD.NZ

If you could work out what really drives you as a person, what change could you make in the world? We meet Catie Noble from Upward, who does exactly that for her clients.

UPWARD OFFERINGS

Client: Upflow, Taupō geothermal startup which partners with the US Department of Energy on projects.

Mahi: We freed the founders! I extracted stories and experiences from the team to form the company’s manifesto. The purpose, mission, values and expectations of behaviours is used to attract world class talent and solve the world's most pressing problems with STEAM (science, tech, engineering, arts and maths).

Client: Tim Vaughan, co-founder of Education Perfect, who’d exited the company after it was acquired for $455m.

Mahi: Workshop with Tim and Kate Vaughan to define what’s important to their family and set goals.

Client: Pitcrew AI, Australian tech startup which automates the maintenance of automated mining trucks.

Mahi: A few days in sunny Australia to articulate the purpose of this fast-growing startup. Deloitte’s research shows a 40 percent higher workforce retention in purpose-driven companies.

Client: Twill Interiors, interior design studio in Mount Maunganui.

Mahi: Strategic planning, accountability to execution, and monthly coaching, brainstorming and learning sessions have given Jacqui Mitchell and her team the focus and energy to really understand their customers and what makes Twill special, taking them to the next level.

Client: Contact, New Zealand renewable energy generator and wholesaler.

Mahi: Bringing together two groups of leaders. Differing values and ways of working plus a sense of separation threatened the success of a complex merger in the company. A series of exercises designed to build trust and open communication led to a remarkable outcome of unity and shared understanding.

“ THANKS TO OUR MAHI, EVERYONE NOW KNOWS WHAT IMPACT THEY’D LIKE TO HAVE ON THE WORLD, AND THEY HAVE A PLAN TO MAKE IT HAPPEN . ”

TECHTESTING CORNER

Karl Puschmann tries out the latest and greatest gadgets.

APPLE WATCH SERIES 8

It can be hard to see the benefits of a smartwatch until you strap one on your wrist. Health and exercise features, like heart rate monitors and step counters, are usually highlighted as selling points. If these hold no interest, then why would you want one?

I was in this camp myself. But the latest Apple Watch has become one of my favourite gadgets. And not because I’m concerned about knowing my blood-oxygen levels – although I can check that.

Rather, it’s the functionality and control it offers over my phone that, ironically, has allowed me to break the addictive grip it previously held.

Apple Watch eliminates that nagging urge to constantly check your phone. It gently vibrates when you get an email, message or notification. Once you’ve curated what apps to allow – a quick process that prevents your wrist from buzzing all day like an overworked bee – you’ll quickly break the habit of picking up your phone.

A feature I love is hand gestures. You can dismiss notifications, pause workout trackers and even take photos with your phone’s camera by simply tapping your fingers. It feels like magic.

Its best trick is the three activity rings. These track standing, steps and exercise and make a game of fitness by dishing out awards and a little dopamine hit when you close them each day. There’s also ample storage to load up podcasts or music so you can leave your phone at home on a walk, run or at the gym.

And with the ability to customise and change watch faces and even the straps, it’s truly like wearing a spiffy new watch every day. Widely available, starting at $729

SAMSUNG S95C

The elephant in the room is Samsung’s latest and greatest 65” 4K OLED TV. Its mammoth size eclipses the 42” TV it replaced. It’s shockingly thin but its sheer size dominates the lounge. Even I was wondering if it was too big – a shameful admission from an enthusiast like myself.

Any misgivings were thoroughly dismissed after powering on this gargantuan. The picture is startlingly realistic and sharp. The colours are bright and naturalistic and there’s a pleasing vibrancy to the image. It’s a joy to watch.

Without getting bogged down in technobabble the S95C has a QD-OLED screen, which merges Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology with the OLED standard. These had previously been in competition. Think of one as bacon, one as lettuce, and the combination of the two as a BLT sandwich serving up delicious image quality and astounding colour accuracy.

In order to be so thin, there’s only one port on the back. This connects to the chunky One Connect box which houses an array of ports, including a generous 4 HDMI ports and two USB. This eliminates the cord spaghetti usually jacked into the back of your TV. It can be attached to the included stand or hidden away and connected via its super-long cord if the TV is mounted on the wall.

The S95C has a built-in Xbox app so you can play games over the cloud without needing an actual Xbox console (although you will need a controller) and it has all the SmartTV features you’d expect.

Samsung’s flagship TV boasts a stylish design and show-stopping picture quality. But all of this cutting-edge tech ensures a price that matches its size.

Widely available. RRP $5399

SKY POD

Sky Pod is a cheap and cheerful, one-stop interface for live TV, streaming services, casting and Sky’s subscriber content like its sports, news and entertainment channels.

Set-up is straightforward. Plug it into your TV’s HDMI, log into your Google and Sky accounts, connect to Wi-Fi and you’re ready to go.

The main menu presents hot new content pulled from a variety of your providers. Scroll down for streaming services like Netflix, Neon, etc as well as local freebies TVNZ+ and ThreeNow and even YouTube. There’s also customised recommendations and ‘Continue watching’ options.

The viewing guide is its best function and makes live TV a viable option again. It shows what’s on, what’s coming up and what you missed in the last three days. Forget your fave show? Click on it and it instantly streams. Fantastic.

The only two problems with Sky Pod are that it’s noticeably sluggish – hopefully software updates make it more snappy – and that it’s not yet widely available.

If you’re not a Sky subscriber, it holds little appeal. But if you are, then the easy access to your Sky subscriptions plus the integration of streaming and live TV make Sky Pod well worth consideration.

Available from Sky for $100

WEIRD AND WONDERFUL

Looking for something unusual? Try these.

Levitating Shoe Display

Sneakerheads will get a kick out of this seemingly magical stand that suspends and rotates your favourite shoe in mid-air.

Dramatically backlit with an LED, it is sure to be a talking point in your lounge or, more probably, man cave. $299.99 at MIGHTYAPE.CO.NZ

Bug-A-Salt

The warming months mean the welcome return of sunshine and BBQs and the unwelcome return of flies and mozzies. Sure, a can of fly spray makes short work of them, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, make a sport out of it with the Bug-A-Salt. Simply load with table salt and take out those annoying bugs with a satisfying, well-aimed shot. $89.99 at NOTSOCKS.CO.NZ

INOKIM OZO Electric Bike

With its stylish, single-line Z-shaped frame, the OZO looks like no other eBike on the market. This urban-minded eBike is perfect for commuters wanting to ditch their car. With a top speed of 25kmh and made of sturdy, aviation-quality aluminium alloy, you’ll beat the traffic and look good doing it.

$1899 at TECHOUTLET.CO.NZ

CAMBODIA CALLING

Liz French travelled to Cambodia and experienced firsthand the work of the Tauranga-based Cambodia Charitable Trust, meeting her sponsored child and learning about the brutal history of this beautiful country.

WORD S LIZ FRENCH

It’s an emotional moment when a 16-year-old high school student weeps with gratitude for the difference you are making in her life. Sear Sun Nary attends Ang Rokha Secondary School in the Takeo province south of Phnom Penh. My $60 per month, less than I spend on lattes, not only helps her but takes the pressure off her family, who live in a home smaller than my lounge, without running water or electricity. Dad farms their couple of cows, two pigs and a few chickens. Mum is a vendor, a precarious job at best.

Our Cambodian experience began in Phnom Penh. We took a tuk-tuk from the airport to our city hotel, the first of many rides in these rickshaws with open sides pulled by a motorbike, or with the engine incorporated in the more sophisticated ones. We soon discovered that if your group has more than one tuk-tuk, it becomes a race. We shot through frenetic streets full of scooters and a surprising number of late-model cars, all vying for road space in the chaos.

It’s a culture shock to arrive in a seething city, winterised bodies hitting mid-30s temperatures. The White Mansion, a former American Embassy

residence, provided just the oasis of respite we needed, with large air-conditioned rooms, a cool pool and superb breakfasts, all for around NZ$100 a night. Mid-range accommodation is amazingly reasonable in Cambodia.

The next morning, we hit the markets. The Toul Tompoung, or Russian Market, harks to its popularity with Russian expats in the 1980s. It’s a labyrinth of stalls and sensory sensations where freshly skinned poultry hangs near stands of cheap clothing, trinkets, machinery components and cosmetics. The Phsar Thum Thmei (meaning New Grand Market), better known as Central Market, was completed in 1937, and fans out from a high art deco dome. More of the same in a slightly more salubrious and orderly setting.

The rarity of old people in Cambodia reflects the way Pol Pot virtually wiped out a generation. You cannot visit Phnom Penh without acknowledging this

harrowing history. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (referred to by Khmer Rouge as S21) is a former school where, between 1975 and 1979, thousands endured torture and the exacting of false confessions before death. Rooms that held hundreds are now sparse spaces with subtle suggestions of the horror. Boards display photos of victims, one a commemoration of Kerry Hamill from Whakatane, who was plucked from his yacht off the coast and eventually executed. I felt I held my breath the whole time I was there.

It was a privilege to visit schools with Denise Arnold, founder/director of the Cambodia Charitable Trust. An immeasurable difference has been made by asking what was needed and delivering just that, by improving teacher training, and supplying basic needs like libraries and toilets. Her (and by default our) welcome reminded me of the way Sir Edmund Hillary was revered for his work with the Sherpas.

FACING PAGE: Kampot fishermen. ABOVE: Liz and Nary. TOP RIGHT: Russian Market in Phnom Penh. BOTTOM RIGHT: A sobering visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

I was particularly taken with the children, who seemed equally fascinated by a little white lady.

I was mobbed by primary kids on break and trailed by preschoolers, all in pristine uniforms, when visiting one of their homes reinforced their subsistence existence. Travelling with someone who has been there many times meant interesting off-the-beatentrack places, like the homestay where we were hosted overnight and saw their thriving cotton weaving cottage industry.

I was distressed by the proliferation of single-use plastic. But what can you do when the water is not fit to drink, when life in a third-world country is tough enough without worrying about the state of the planet? We even cleaned our teeth with bottled water. Plastic is strewn along the roads, and when we went to the top of a hill to see some ancient ruins and rural views, we climbed hundreds of steps littered with debris. It seemed that to be clear of rubble you had

to be a regal or religious site. The Royal Palace grounds in Phnom Penh were a pristine vision; temples were tidy.

Our travels took us to Kampot, an attractive town with a sprinkling of French colonial architecture where an English woman owned our hotel, a cleverly converted cinema, and a Dutch expat ran our favourite riverfront restaurant; then to Sihanoukville on the coast where it was nicer to see the sea than the effects on the skyline of huge Chinese investment. It was a relief to hop on a plane to Siem Reap.

For many tourists, Cambodia is Siem Reap. They pour into the modern airport, take wide tree-lined streets into the bustling centre, stay in one of hundreds of hotels (ours was jaded but had a resort-quality pool), and eat cheaply in restaurants galore, many on Pub Street. Cocktails for a couple of dollars? Another one, please! Though it was quiet on the tourist front, we saw more Europeans here than the entire trip to date.

“ TRAVELLING WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE MANY TIMES MEANT INTERESTING OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK PLACES . ”

LEFT: Liz and Cambodian schoolchildren. TOP RIGHT: Cotton weaving. ABOVE: A lone monk at a temple in Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat is the drawcard. Angkor Wat means City of Temples and is said to be the largest religious monument in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site of over 160 hectares was built in the 12th Century, the work, our guide told us, of 6,000 men and 4,000 elephants. Endless wall etchings depict bygone battles, and restoration work is never ending. There are several areas, so it pays to have a local guide and a tuk-tuk. The clean, green jungle setting is a balm to the soul.

I left my soul with the children of Cambodia, with their joy in education and the love and appreciation they showed for these visitors from a far land bringing them a brighter future. Nary, who I sponsor, wants to go to university and have a career. I will support her all the way.

To sponsor a child through the Cambodia Charitable Trust, visit CCTNZ.ORG.NZ

“ I LEFT MY SOUL WITH THE CHILDREN OF CAMBODIA. ”

TOP RIGHT: Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. ABOVE: Siem Reap Hotel.

Travelling via tuk-tuk.

High-rise living in Phnom Penh.

Bayon Temple in Angkor Wat.

LET IT SNOW

Flying south for the winter, UNO editor Hayley Barnett attempts to turn her family into thrill-seeking adventure enthusiasts, with mixed results.

WORD S HAYLEY BARNETT

As far as winter getaways go, you don’t get much better than Queenstown. It’s a hub for skiers, thrill seekers, partiers and foodies, and, although partying was off the agenda this time, it’s the perfect destination for a family’s first ski holiday.

Getting my kids on skis has long been a dream of mine, but with COVID-19 restrictions and the recent debacle that kept our local ski fields closed, my grand plans have never come to fruition. Until now.

This year was the year, I decided. It’d be the year the kids would finally fall in love with snow sports and we’d become one of those families who hit the slopes every winter, toasting marshmallows in front of the fire at the end of a long, enjoyable day skilfully flying down the mountain at top speed. Aprè s ski, here we come.

If you have kids, you can probably guess it didn’t all go completely to plan. Five-year-olds don’t always comply in an environment where everyone is wearing ski masks and wielding large planks around. But I can officially say I have skiers now, and I can also recommend some amazing activities to do in the area on those days you don’t quite make it to the slopes.

OAKS QUEENSTOWN SHORES RESORT

Jumping on the Booking.com app, I came across Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort, serviced apartments on the outskirts of Queenstown with incredible views of Lake Wakatipu. A two-bedroom apartment was the perfect size for the four of us. With an electric fireplace, fully self-contained kitchen and two bathrooms, it has everything you need when sharing with kids and a snorer. The apartment was huge and meant we didn’t have to venture out to get breakfast. We even stayed at home for dinner one night because it was too cosy to leave. There’s a gym for those who don’t get all their energy out on the mountain, and an inviting reception area with a fireplace, dining room and a bar, overlooking the lake.

Relax at Onsen Hot Pools after a day on the slopes.

Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort.

CARDRONA SKI RESORT

With friends staying in Wanaka, we decided Cardrona would be a good place to meet up for a couple of days skiing. It was recommended I book lessons for the kids well in advance – and tickets, too, as they were limiting the number of people on the ski fields this year. The winding hour-long drive did make me question our decision not to just book at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables, the much closer options, but it ended up being the best decision of the trip. The smoother, flatter slopes proved to be much less intimidating to my three learner family members (who were expecting the steeper runs of neighbouring mountains), and Cardrona had the most centimetres of snow that week. Score!

Having booked our vacation a week before the school holidays, it meant there were hardly any chairlift lines

TRANSPORT

If you want to get the most out of your Queenstown family holiday, a reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable. Enabling travellers to seamlessly plan their travel, Booking.com offers much more than just accommodation and is a one-stop solution offering a wide range of travel services such as car hire without ever having to leave the platform or app. We easily secured a mid-sized Toyota Corolla via the app. I added booster seats for the kids and chains for the wheels. Pick up was easy. We caught a ride with the Snap Rentals van from the airport and 15 minutes later we were in our car and heading off to our accommodation.

to wait in. I managed to get a heap of runs in that first day, despite the visibility being somewhat dismal. Luckily, for our second day at Cardrona, the weather had improved. The sun was peaking out and we’d had a large dump of snow overnight, replacing slush with powder. Having learned from the previous day, I dropped the kids off at their lessons, pockets stuffed with lollies (top tip to convince small – and big – kids to do anything) and took off up the mountain again.

By the end of day two, Poppy was flying down from the top, as I’d hoped, and Oscar had learned to avoid crashing into anyone who ventured into his eyeline. Jumping on the bus back down to our rental car, we were soon on our way to the Cardrona Hotel for some well-deserved pub grub and drinks.

Oscar and Poppy's first time at the snow.

Oscar with Dad.

CARDRONA HOTEL RESTAURANT & BAR

A five-minute drive from the turn-off up to Cardrona Ski Resort is one of New Zealand’s oldest hotels and one of only two remaining buildings from the Cardrona Valley gold rush era. These days, it’s most well known for its aprè s ski pub food and drinks and its warm and cosy atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to take the kids, with plenty of room to run around outside, featuring a playground and a giant outdoor fireplace. There are bags of marshmallows, which we purchased a few of, after discovering Oscar had devoured the first bag before we even made it over to the fireplace. We can highly recommend the loaded wedges and the seafood chowder, both washed down with some local gin from the Cardrona Distillery across the road.

PUZZLING WORLD, WANAKA

One of the highlights for all of us was Puzzling World. Yes, we had to travel for an hour from Queenstown, but boy, was it worth it. I had booked tickets through Booking.com when securing our accommodation months ago, which forced us out of our cosy, warm beds on a non-ski day. By the time we got there we knew we’d made the right decision.

The family-run attraction started with a wooden maze in 1973 and evolved into a science museum that has become famous across the country – and internationally. Home to the world’s first multi-level “mega maze”, Puzzling World offers a challenging course that takes around an hour to complete (well, it did for us, anyway). Participants must reach all four towers located in four corners of the maze. The kids were the perfect age for it and no one noticed they’d been running around for an hour.

The Illusion Rooms inside the museum provided hours of entertainment. The slightly nauseating Tilting Room was a favourite for the kids, as was the Ames Room, where they suddenly outgrew us adults, becoming giants to our dwarfed bodies. Afterwards we headed out to the idyllic Lake Wanaka, just a five-minute drive from Puzzling World, to recover from all the excitement.

ARROWTOWN

On our way back home we decided to stop at the little historic village of Arrowtown for dinner. Proving to be just as pretty at nighttime as it is during the day, we took our time wandering up and down the town centre’s main drag, overwhelmed by the many dining choices on offer. We settled on Bendix Stables – a “ watering hole and food emporium ” built in 1873 as a stable to keep local politician Bendix Hallenstein’s horses. We had the top floor to ourselves where we devoured giant burgers and toasted marshmallows for s’mores.

KAWARAU RIVER JET BOAT TOUR

On our last day, we headed into Queenstown for one more adventure – the Kawarau River Jet Boat Tour. It popped up as a recommendation on Booking.com and was super easy to add as a last-minute addition to our itinerary. There are two tours to choose from – a 20-minute joy ride around the lake or an hour-long tour up the river. We went for the hour, which was filled with thrills and not-too-many spills, thankfully. The kids loved the build-up of suspense when our driver raised his hand in warning each time he slammed on the brakes for a heart-stopping 360-degree spin. The scenery became more and more impressive the further down the river we spun. An exciting attraction for families with just the right amount of thrill for the littlies.

To book your holiday to Queenstown, simply download the BOOKING.COM app and get planning!

The old Police Hut in Arrowtown.

Arrowtown at night.

Bendix Stables.

PAUSE, RELAX, UNWIND

As we shrug off winter and look to set new health and wellness goals, the answer to lowering your stress levels and feeling better could be closer to home than you think.

Bay of Plenty is renowned for epic beaches, surf and sunshine but the variety of wellness activities on offer here has exploded post-pandemic. Soothing our minds and recharging our bodies is now a legitimate priority and there are some heavenly ways to do just that in our own backyard.

STEAM

Release physical, mental and emotional stress with The Sauna Project at the Mount or Waihī Beach. Heat up inside their traditional wood fired sauna followed by a cold ocean plunge. Known as “contrast therapy ” , exposing your body to temperature extremes is a renowned way to promote healing, reduce pain and enhance your overall wellbeing.

SOAK

Try float therapy at Zen Float Spa. Their quiet pods of high-density saltwater remove gravity from the equation so you can completely escape from life’s many distractions. Fernland Spa and Ōropi Hot Pools provide a tranquil setting to let go of daily stress, or book a massage at one of the many beauty spas or massage therapy clinics across the Bay.

MOVE

Outdoor activities help promote mindfulness and improve your mental wellbeing. Mauao Adventures offer stand up paddleboard (SUP) sessions so you can admire both our moana (sea) and whenua (land). Or book a surfing lesson and experience the rush of riding our ocean’s waves.

STRETCH

Yoga and Pilates are long-recognised for their enormous physical and mental health benefits. Improve your strength and stability while releasing a rush of endorphins. Classes are available everywhere and are suitable for all ages and experience levels. Pilates can be done on reformer machines for extra resistance or just by using your own body weight. Enjoy a yoga session with Miriama at Waihī Beach or try a “ Breathwork with Camilla ” class for something a bit different.

CONNECT

We are surrounded by nature but often forget to fully appreciate it. Reconnect with the outdoors by playing a game of disc golf at McLaren Falls Park or take a stroll along our extended beachside boardwalks. Go for a hike through P ā p ā moa Hills Regional Park or explore native forests and spot a real life kiwi in the Eastern Bay with Ōmataroa Eco Tours.

PAUSE

Italians celebrate “dolce far niente ” –the “ sweetness of doing nothing ”

We can probably all agree that slowing down and enjoying the simple things in life is a great idea. Sit on the beach, walk through a park, enjoy a delicious smoothie at your local café, or pay your local coffee cart a visit. Find time to do nothing and you’ll be happier for it!

MIDDLE AGES

Will Johnston is trying to age gracefully. Sort of.

People who say age is just a number are either young, in denial about ageing, or trying to justify dating someone significantly younger/ older than them.

Not that age matters in relationships. Take it from me. I’m a celebrant (so I’ve seen a few) and my wife is nine years younger than me.

The biggest age gap I’ve had the pleasure of officiating and joining in the un-holiest of matrimonies (cos it’s not holy unless you believe it to be) is 33 years. They’re still together eight years later and have two kids. They’re some of the happiest people I know.

Anyway, my number is 40. And man did it hurt a few months back when I turned it. I’m now closer to 80 than birth.

I’m not a big one for a huge night out these days. Because I’m 40. Not only is it a number, it’s a biological and physical measurement that reminds you there are things you now can’t do that you could do before. Here is a list to live by if you’ve just reached the “naughty forties”:

YOU CAN’T:

Have a big night on a Saturday where your nearest and dearest friends and family stitch you up with tequila shots and Long Island Iced Teas and expect that you will be ok by Monday. You will not be. Clear your Monday appointments and big life decisions. Tuesday is now the day for them.

Claim to “not be the adult” in any situation you are in that requires an adult to make a decision. Even though everyone knows you are still rolling around with a 15-year-old college boy sense of humour and emotional intelligence level.

Expect to not have hair on some area of your back (at a worryingly increasing rate of growth). It’s just creeping down your body as it leaves your head. Cool, cool, cool.

Talk a big game about how you’ll be fine staying up late working/watching TV/scrolling on your phone. You know it’ll hit 10.30pm and you’ll have a yearning for sleep that will outlast the arctic winter.

Speaking of winter, “winter is coming” for your metabolism. Get used to salad. Or just one large ab.

You can’t expect that you will get away with putting your head in the sand and not being responsible for your rapidly aging parents needing to move to an easier care section with a single level house in a warmer climate. Especially when you are an auctioneer and sales

manager for Tremains Real Estate. Okay, that one might be personal to just me. But you can see my predicament.

Be surprised when you grow a little facial hair for that facial hair to have a substantial amount of “salt” when it comes to “salt and pepper” colouring.

Be offended when more than a few people – who don’t know each other and haven’t conspired against you in a cruel, age-shaming prank – say, “You look shattered” or “Are you okay?” or “Rough night with the baby?”. Even after you’ve had the best sleep of your life and thought you were looking perky and attractive. It’s purely because that’s what your face looks like now. You just have to deal with it. Or pay to change it.

It's not all doom and gloom though. Here’s an exhaustive list of things you can do when you hit 40:

YOU CAN:

Live your life in the way you want to live it, not caring what others say or adhering to social expectation or normalcy. Because you are 40, you’ve been through all that rubbish, self-doubt and anguish over whether or not you’re heading in the right direction or successful and completely perfect in all areas. And you realise that actually it takes very little to tick your happy boxes; family, friends, roof over head and food on the table is really all you need.

Oh and maybe a liver cleanse.

You do you. Age is just a number, after all.

RADIOWILL

On What’s

ELTON JOHN VS BILLY JOEL NZ TRIBUTE

Sunday, October 15

Baycourt Community and Arts Centre, Tauranga

After wildly successfully sell-out shows across New Zealand, join Cam and Sam as they wow audiences performing the greatest hits of Elton John and Billy Joel live! “Piano Man”, “Rocket Man”, “Uptown Girl”, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, “We Didn't Start the Fire”, “Benny and the Jets”, “She's Always A Woman”, “Crocodile Rock” and many more.

PREMIER.TICKETEK.CO.NZ

TAURANGA ARTS FESTIVAL

October 19 to 29

Tauranga/Western BOP

10 days of music, theatre, comedy and visual arts. Escape is delivered in alternate years to the Festival and is a readers and writers weekend with thought-provoking talks. The variety of arts experiences along with free community programming means there is no suggestion of arts elitism, but rather the opposite, a wonderful coming together of hearts and minds and the pleasure of shared experiences.

TAURANGAFESTIVAL.CO.NZ

SPRING CHALLENGE WHAKATĀ NE

October 27 to 29

Whakatane

One of the gems of New Zealand adventure racing, where 450+ teams of three women take part in a physical challenge that includes kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and orienteering. SPRINGCHALLENGE.CO.NZ/ WHAKATANE-2023

TELL ME TAURANGA

Thursday, November 2 16th Avenue Theatre, Tauranga

The third Tell Me Tauranga/Kōrerohia Mai will host eight storytellers on stage, each spinning a tale for seven minutes in front of a live audience. These are true tales without notes or props; the theme is “Legacy”. It's about fostering a close-knit community and spreading uplifting vibes.

TELLMETAURANGA

WHITE CHAPEL JAK SPRING NIGHTS TOUR

Saturday, November 4

Totara St, Mount Maunganui

Aotearoa's favourite covers band, White Chapel Jak, are hitting the road with a sumptuous love punch of sheer musical bliss, to elevate glory-filled nights to springtime heights!

WHITECHAPELJAK.COM

MITRE 10 MEGA TAURANGA CITY TO SURF

Sunday, November 5

Mount Maunganui

Make sure you are part of the largest fun run/walk in the Bay of Plenty. There is a Half Marathon, 11km and 5km run or walk option on this scenic course. EVENTPROMOTIONS.CO.NZ

Our four vet clinics in Tauranga , Te Puna , Katikati and Papamoa are focused on providing the best veterinary care for your companion, production, equine and lifestyle animals.

• Locally owned and operated for more than 40 years

• Best Practice ® accredited

• 24 hour emergency on-call service for our clients

• Offering BestCare, our promise to you and your animal

• Various payment options available including Laybuy

• New purpose built Clinic opening in Mount Maunganui Feb 2023

Vets Papamoa Village Vets 30 Gravatt Rd, Papamoa

Tauranga Te Puna Vets 15C Minden Rd, Te Puna

Mt Maunganui Vets 60 Girven Rd Mt Maunganui

It’s official: The rum revival is real. While 2023 is being hailed as the year rum makes its comeback, there’s one new bar and eatery getting fully on board with the trend.

The dynamic duo behind Mount Maunganui’s Brew Co and Hide Thirst and Hunger recently set sail with another gem, Sailor Galley and Rum Bar. Also located along the Mount Main Street, where the now-closed Fish Face eatery was situated, this new project is a labour of love.

When the space came up for sale Matt and Kimberley Hayward jumped at the chance to secure it, with the aim of expanding its back garden terrace for the summer crowds, to take full advantage of the sun-laden deck.

ALL ABOARD

A dedicated rum bar in the Mount is making waves with its refined mixology and sophisticated eats.

WORDS HAYLEY BARNETT

The original plan was to set up a sophisticated wine bar, after the couple recognised a need for bars and eateries targeted at their more mature clientele. But, mulling over the idea, they decided it would be much more fun to do something a little bit different – and more relevant to their sunny seaside surroundings. And so they ran with the idea of a rum bar.

Matt and Kimberley have held true to their promise of sophistication – this isn’t some grubby old sailor’s quarters. The restaurant gives off more of a super yacht vibe. The modern fit-out feels very much like a wine bar, but offers premium rum and delicious cocktails, from local labels like Armada Spirits in P ā p ā moa, to rums further afield like Flor De Ca ñ a from Nicaragua.

The menu is suitably sumptuous with dishes like Smoked Bone Marrow on Sourdough and Burnt Butter Crumpet with Blue Swimmer Crab.

Despite the name, the menu isn't too heavy on seafood. Executive chef Perrin Yates, former chef of Picnicka and Clarence Bistro, has designed a travel-inspired culinary journey offering up a good mix of refined and favourite go-tos – some of which are blended to create something delightfully gourmet yet casual.

On the snack menu is the popular Boston Crayfish Roll as well as the Parmesan Churros with fire roasted capsicum sauce, both equally tasty.

Regardless of whether you're a sun lover, a rum drinker, or just a fan of good food, Sailor will hit the spot.

SAILORMOUNT.NZ

Spring Collection

We are currently appraising properties, recommending pre-market improvements, and scheduling campaigns into our upcoming Summer Collection. Should you be considering a sale of your own unique, high-value home over the coming months, contact us to understand more about what you can expect working with Oliver Road.