UNO Magazine | Issue 62 | Summer 2023 | Tiki Taane & Rachel Axis Taane by UNO Magazine

OF PLENTY B

Q U A R T E R L Y

L I F E S T Y L E

RACHEL & TIKI TAANE

THE ART OF INK BOP's vibrant body art scene B A Y A N D

BY T H E S E A

B E Y O N D

Ironman champion Cory Hutchings on his new Omanu gig

B AY T E C H BOOM Mount mums easing the load with amazing apps

SUMMER F L AVO U R S Alby Hailes' good food vibes

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The Pāpāmoa couple on 10 years together in the Bay and the serendipitous events that brought them here

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Mount tech scene Surfing for the soul Blended family Breaking the brunch rules Look inside your brain Split decision Holiday advice for parents Tech testing corner Boost your business success

THRIVE 58 63 64 66 68 70

Fashion forward Invest in your skin Best in beauty Thai Touch Sister act The art of ink

LIVE 84 89 90 97 98

Dopamine decorating Coveted with Kathrine McDonald Oliver Road Luxury Real Estate Summer gardening Creative Space Architecture

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1O4 106 110 112 114 117 119 120 122 123 124 129

Coach Cory Pro triathlete Hannah Berry Trinity Wharf's food focus Tauranga Crossing Lauren Mabbett Pāpāmoa's Excelsa Centre Books for summer Mount artist Shona Moller Food in the Bay Wine with Jess Easton Season's eatings Waste-free warrior

EXPLORE

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Coastal staycation Charming Ōhope California dreaming Christchurch in colour Satori Lounge's new space unomagazine.co.nz

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E D I T O R ’ S

N O T E

DIRECTOR Michele Griffin 021 183 4618 michele@unomagazine.co.nz DIRECTOR Rebecca Meyer 027 469 6177 rebecca@unomagazine.co.nz

From left: Stephanie Taylor, Nicky Adams, Rebecca Meyer, Michele Griffin, Hayley Barnett, Sam Henry, Desiree Osterman, Graeme Murray, and Tiki and Rachel Taane (front).

his issue we had the pleasure of featuring musician Tiki Taane and his beautiful wife Rachel on the cover. These two highenergy BOP locals were the perfect team to bring some colour and life into our summer edition, officially welcoming in the warm season. The couple have been busy since setting up their lives together on the shores of Pāpāmoa nearly 10 years ago. Tiki has been working tirelessly to produce an incredible documentary-style film around preparing and performing for his show alongside the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Tiki Taane in Session with CSO is a behind-the-scenes look into the hard work that goes on with such a huge collaboration. Watching their performance on the screen, it’s easy to forget you’re in the comfort of your living room and not among the awestruck audience at the Christchurch Town Hall. Rachel, on the other hand, has been spending her days advocating for victims of sexual assault. She travels to Bay secondary schools offering consent and healthy relationship education.

EDITOR Hayley Barnett hayley@unomagazine.co.nz DESIGNER Annabelle Rose ASSISTANT DESIGNER Alice Rose

Both Rachel and Tiki are former addicts and have supported one another along their journeys, each working hard to create an environment of trust for themselves and for others. Their obvious ease and chemistry with one another on that shoot day proves they’re achieving that. While Tiki has provided the safe space Rachel always craved, Rachel in turn has taught Tiki “untold amounts of stuff”. Ironically, it’s her traumatic experiences from her younger years that have bonded the two together. It’s something that many survivors don’t have the privilege of finding in their lives. Rachel knows this, hence her important work in empowering victims to speak up and find their voice, as well as educating around consent. It feels like we’re going backwards when it comes to this topic (among others) in New Zealand but with people like Rachel, who find the strength to stand up and be heard, we’ll get there. Hayley, editor Tiki Taane in Session with CSO is available to download on Tiki’s website.

MEDIA ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Stephanie Taylor SUB-EDITOR Katherine Granich CONTRIBUTORS Nicky Adams Amber Armitage Lucy Bleakley 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 2023. 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.

TIKIDUB.COM

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CO N T R I B U T O R S

CONTRIBUTORS Meet some of the hardworking, talented creatives behind the Summer 2023/24 issue of UNO.

LUCY BLEAKLEY Lucy has a knack for finding stories, especially ones that involve creative people doing good things. She found herself in the Mount years ago after a long stint in Melbourne working in media, food and sport. Lucy now freelances for bold brands ready to tell their story in a big way. She neatly packages her media expertise, cultivated from years in the trenches, into writing and brand strategy for creative locals ready to grow. In this issue, she talks to five mums in tech doing things differently. This smart group of women have created three tech game-changers that ease the mental load, all the while creating flexible, balanced lives for themselves in our beautiful beach town.

AMBER ARMITAGE Amber Armitage is a talented art director, stylist, and designer based in Auckland. With plenty of experience in the creative industry, Amber has a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating visually stunning content. Her work spans various mediums, including photoshoots for editorial. Her ability to transform spaces and bring interiors to life is shown in her shoot in this issue, “Dopamine Decorating”.

LAUREN MABBETT You might've heard Lauren on your radio hosting The Hits day show, where she gets to spend her days playing cool tunes and chatting about local events. Her radio career has been going since 2009, changing it up from being a creative writer, to a newsreader, to a traffic presenter, to her current role here in the Bay. She also hosts pub quizzes, does stand-up comedy, and MCs several local events. She loves writing her column for UNO. She says it's a form of therapy for her and hopes readers get some entertainment out of it too.

Magazine delivered to your door Annual subscription only $63.90 – the perfect Christmas gift! Purchase online at unomagazine.co.nz Follow us unomagnz

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PHOTOS FARMER AUTOVILLAGE AND MAXIMISE AGENCY LIMITED 1. David Ngaheu 2. Makaia Carr (Kura Kai Founder) , Marie Paterson (Kura Kai General Manager) 3. Djkg_nz 4. Damon Batchelor, Mike Bryant 5. Phil O’Reilly, Amy Corbett, Rylie Fox, Lianne Simpkin, Helen Gradwell, Anna Watkins, Mike Bryant 6. Phil O'Reilly 7. Tania Carr, Makaia Carr 8. Todd Couper - Contemporary Māori Artist 9. Aleisha Sanson, Anna Watkins, Amy Kluit 10. Nadita Beauchamp, Ange Couper 11. Calli Perrott, Todd Couper, Kylie Rae 12. Gema Martin, Katie Thomas, Kirsty Trevor, Pip Faulknor (Kura Kai Coordinators) 13. Phil O'Reilly, Jethro LeRoy, Ben BridgmanRaison, Grant O'Reilly, Samuel Mikaere 14. Phil O'Reilly, Marie Paterson, Makaia Carr, Mike Bryant (Barrett Homes – Event Sponsors) 15. Rach Wikeepa (Kura Kai Coordinator) 16 . Kendra Reynolds, Megan Te Whata 17. James Te Moana, Maraea Timutimu, Tania Lewis-Rickard

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PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN 1. Barbara Mead, Craig Bachelar, Theresa Le Bas 2. Chen Jiang, Fiona Mackenzie, Tina Liu 3. Emily Gudsell, Venelia Tolufo, Mitch Karpik, Alice Tipoki-Lawton 4. Harriet Gilbert, Pascale Hyboud-Peron 5. Jason Bywater-Lutman, Sybrand van Schalkwyk, Lachie McKenzie, Lyndon Marshall 6. Harriet Gilbert, Jon Calder 7. Karen Rodler, Julie Andrews, Princess Misa, Shona Shaw 8. Tracey Gudsell, Jenni Cubis, Nicola Farrant 9. Liam Dickson, Steve Te Kani, Steph O’Sullivan, Graeme Elvin 10. Nick Earl, Sandra Power, Graeme Elvin 11. Scott Adams, Nicky Adams, Graeme Elvin 12. Terangi Bartlett, Ewan Eggleston 13. Skate Bryant, Tina Liu 14. Shelley Slade-Gully, Gemma Bodle, Laura McLoughlin-Ware, Kimberley Irwin, Tash Boon, Sam Edwards, Heather McLean, Jess Holtom 15. Sandra Power, Nick Earl 16. Sheryl Dawson, Gary Dawson, Heidi Lichtwark, Matt Cowley

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CONQUERS ALL He’s one of Aotearoa’s biggest music stars and she’s working hard to make a difference in our community. Together Rachel Axis Taane Tinorau and Tiki Taane are one of the Bay’s most recognisable couples. Here they talk about their unusual love story, overcoming addiction and ghosts. WO R DS K A R L PU SCH MA N N | PH OTOS G R A E M E M U R R AY + SU PPLI ED S T Y LI N G N I CK Y A DA M S | HAI R SA M H E N RY | MAK E U P D E S I R E E OSTE R MA N

oving up to the Bay from Christchurch had been a dream come true for Rachel. But the dream turned into a living nightmare when a ghost showed up.

“I had a rough time when I first moved here. There was a weird energy and a spirit,” she tells UNO over a piping hot cup of cinnamon tea. “We nicknamed him Spirit Fingers.” We’re sitting in the comfy lounge of the Pāpāmoa Beach home she shares with her husband, musician Tiki Taane. It may be a gloriously sunny afternoon but her haunting story and the spirit’s creepy nickname cause a shudder. It’s fair to say that Spirit Fingers put something of a spooky damper on the excitement the couple had been feeling. They’d spent two years making

their long-distance relationship work. Rachel’s move up in 2015 marked the beginning of not just their life together but, as they each had a child, also the beginning of their life as a blended family. The couple couldn’t have been happier. Until… “I’d wake up with someone standing next to the bed or at the bedroom door,” Rachel continues. “When Tiki was away, walking down the hallway would freak me out. It was creepy. I could feel there was always someone there. It was full-on.” Tiki, who has planted himself in a huge, comfy beanbag, nods and says, “Where we are there’s a lot of spiritual energy. And a lot of spiritual history as well.” He explains that the area was used as battlegrounds and that there are urupā (burial sites) underneath the nearby boardwalks that stretch along the beachfront.

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“That’s why it’s up high,” Tiki explains. “There’s a lot of bones in that area.” There was something strange in their neighbourhood, but both being spiritual people, they weren’t about to call Ghostbusters. Instead, they wanted to show respect and understanding. They had a karakia (a traditional Māori prayer to invoke spiritual goodwill) written, which they then recited in their home. “It was basically to say to them, ‘You're welcome to be here’,” Rachel says. She laughs, then adds, “But just please don’t interfere with my sleep.” Looking back now, she thinks it was curiosity, rather than a terrifying Hollywood-style haunting, that was the spirit’s motive. “Tiki’s been settled here for a while so they were probably like, ‘Who’s this bitch?’” she grins. “They were just sussing me out. Since the karakia, it’s been sweet. There’s definitely still an energy, but not a bad one.” “This whole area of Pāpāmoa has an energy that I really enjoy,” Tiki says. “I love it here.” His connection to the area runs deep. He moved here back in 2010 but first visited in 1996, when his former band, the award-winning group Salmonella Dub, played in the Mount.

“The first time I came it blew me away. Then I just loved coming back here,” he says. “It’s always been good vibes.” When Tiki first laid eyes on Rachel, she wasn’t even there. He was in Auckland getting a tattoo when he saw a photo of his tattooist and her friend. “I was like, ‘Who’s that hottie?’ and she was like, “Oh, my God! I’ll hook you up!’” he laughs. Rachel of course knew of Tiki, but even with their mutual friend putting in the good word, she wasn’t prepared to rush a meeting with a stranger. “Rachel was like, ‘This is a red flag’,” Tiki laughs. “She didn't give me her number. She gave me her email. So I started emailing. Then emails led to texting and texting led to phone calls. We'd call each other every night.” In that regard, it was quite an old-fashioned courtship, with Tiki really trying to impress her. “Yeah. Hard,” he grins. When Tiki appeared somewhat out of the blue, Rachel was concentrating on being a solo mum to her toddler and not at all about relationships. “I hadn't had very good experiences with men, so I had my boundaries up,” Rachel says. “I was quite weary. But Tiki was really respectful. He wasn't creepy. So when I had trust through the emails, I was like, ‘Okay, here's my number’.” While the pair hadn’t committed to each other, they were becoming bigger parts of each other’s lives. But they hadn’t yet met and were still, in the words of Rachel, “doing our own thing.”

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“THIS WHOLE AREA OF PĀ PĀ M OA H A S A N E N E R G Y T H AT I R E A L LY E N J O Y. I LO V E I T H E R E . . . I T ’ S A LWAY S B E E N

GOOD VIBES.” 4.

1. Tiki and Rachel at their wedding with Karcia and Charlie. 2. Tiki at home in his studio in Pāpāmoa (photo by Brutus Powers). 3. On holiday in Rarotonga when the kids were young. 4. Tiki on stage with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) alongside Karcia and Charlie. 5. Celebrating their nuptials in style. 6. Tiki on stage with Synthony. 7. Rachel sometimes performs with Tiki live. 7. The happy couple on their wedding day.

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“IT’S BEEN A

HUGE ED U C AT I O N FO R

ME AND MADE ME R E A L LY B ECO M E M O R E TA L K AT I V E A B O U T SEXUAL HARM IN T H E M U S I C I N D U S T RY… I ' VE LE A R NED LOA DS FROM R ACHEL . UNTOLD A M O U N T S O F S T U F F. ”

About six months on from their virtual meeting Rachel entered a radio competition to win a trip to Rarotonga. It was a typical shock-jock style of radio competition, which saw five married men going to the island with five single women and their friends. “It’s so wrong and looking back now I’d be so anti it,” Rachel admits. “But I entered as one of the single chicks and won. I told Tiki and it turned out the dates I was there he was actually going to be there as well.” In what can only be described as serendipity – a word Tiki would also use when he wrote a love song to Rachel before proposing on camera during the making of its music video – he was going to be there with the drum ’n’ bass group Shapeshifter. The pair arranged to meet the night she arrived and he zipped over to her hotel on a scooter. After their six-month courtship, the couple finally met, and embraced, for the first time. “Then she got on the back of my scooter and that was it,” Tiki beams. “I pretty much spent the whole time with Tiki,” Rachel smiles. “It was a great first date.” After the fairytale romance in Rarotonga, the real world hit hard when they returned home. Rachel’s friends were worried she’d get too attached and her mum was concerned her old habits might return.

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“My mum was absolutely horrified. I'd been through such an intense time with addiction that she was really scared about the rock-and-roll, party lifestyle. Tiki was not like that at all. But there was an assumption, a stereotype, that the music industry is all about getting slaughtered and taking drugs all the time. It may be in some groups, but not ours.” Having finally met Rachel, Tiki wasn’t about to let her go. He already knew she was the one. He emailed her tickets to fly to Auckland that weekend so they could go to a dance party. “You told me that you loved me and I was like, ‘Ooof. This is a red flag’, because it had only been a week of physically knowing each other. But you asked me that weekend to be your partner. I was like, ‘Yeah!’ and here we are!” “We both had the same mindset and just really connected, big time,” Tiki says. “We were talking for months and months and months before we actually met in person. So we built our connection that way.” “Yeah, we had the same values and passions, like advocacy. We both had a kid, they’re only two years apart,” Rachel adds, referring to her daughter Karcia (12) and Tiki’s son Charlie (14). “And a similar life story in a way. Both of us have been through addiction and both came out the other side of that. We're both of a similar vibe.”

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Because Rachel’s mentioned it a couple of times, I ask about her addiction. “I was a meth addict for four or five years, from age 14 to 19,” she replies. “I'd done my work well prior to Tiki coming along. I went to rehab when I was 19.” Rachel escaped into addiction due to trauma. Her parents separated when she was two years old and Rachel's relationship with her father has had its challenges ever since. She moved schools a lot due to bullying and at just 14 years old she was sexually assaulted in a park after a party. The culmination of all this trauma at such a young age led her to meth. “I still struggle with PTSD,” she says. “I hate the word addiction. I look at it more as escapism. When people use a lot that's usually because they're trying to numb or hide from something that's either happened or that's going on. But me and Tiki have a really good relationship where if there’s something going on, we both talk about it. We don't need to get wasted to numb anything.” Those dark days are well and truly behind her. Having turned her own life around, she’s now determined to help others do the same. She does public speaking at events where she shares her journey through trauma, addiction and recovery and is also a qualified social worker who previously worked at Women’s Refuge and now goes into the Bay’s secondary schools to deliver consent education and healthy relationship education. “As someone who has had sexual trauma, I wish that I’d had this education when I was younger,” she says. Depending on the situations she encounters and the people she helps, it can sometimes be hard for her to switch off at the end of the day. But she knows Tiki is always ready to support her. “I listen and I wait till she’s got it all off her mind,” he says. “It’s been a huge education for me as well and made me really become more talkative about sexual harm in the music industry. When you start delving into the subject, this kaupapa, you've got to look at yourself, what you've done and start questioning the behaviours that you've done in the past. Some of it might not be nice. I can't sit here and go ‘this, this, this and this’, I have to look at what I've done and

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think about that and go, ‘How come that happened?’ or ‘Why does this happen?’. It's a really vulnerable opening you've got to do, and I think a lot of people are scared to do that. For me, I've learned loads from Rachel. Untold amounts of stuff.” Tiki, in turn, has also been sharing his knowledge with Rachel. Over lockdown, he taught her how to DJ and now she often plays support slots for him at his shows. Because he’s away playing his own shows so much he doesn’t often get to interact with the local music scene here that much. “This is my home. This is where I live. When I think of doing gigs and stuff, I think outwards. I don't think about playing locally. It’s quite interesting. I don't know why that is.” As well as touring, Tiki produces artists and bands in his purpose-built home studio and recently released his first feature film, the award-winning concertdocumentary Tiki Taane in Session with CSO, which he produced, directed and performed himself. Following rave reviews at the New Zealand International Film Festival, it has since been accepted into numerous festivals around the world and continues to clock up awards. “It's doing really awesome. It's been a wicked buzz,” Tiki says of the project which took him three years to complete. “I'm so stoked that I rolled the dice on it.” Spend some time with Rachel and Tiki and it’s easy to see why they work so well together. They’ve both overcome demons and found each other, and then overcame their initial physical distance to connect in a deeper, spiritual way. Their personalities complement each other with Rachel outgoing and Tiki more laid back. And with Spirit Fingers no longer haunting the hallways, their home has a chill vibe and a welcoming atmosphere. “We definitely made the deal, the commitment,” Tiki says of their relationship. “I knew from the beginning that I’m in this for the long run.” Then, smiling warmly, he says, “It's been incredible.” Tiki Taane in Session with CSO is available to rent at Tiki’s website TIKIDUB.COM

“ W E D E F I N I T E LY M A D E T H E D E A L , T H E CO M M I T M E N T. I K N E W F R O M T H E B EG I N N I N G T H AT I ’ M I N T H I S F O R T H E LO N G R U N .”

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CAN IT

Makaia's mimosa magic PAGE 42

WO M E N IN TECH

Female founders to the fore PAGE 32

STRENGTH OF C HAR AC T ER Law firms join forces PAGE 38

SOUL SURFERS

Beach to paddock PAGE 36

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WO R K > T E C H

MADE IN THE MOUNT Meet the women paving the way for a new tech scene in Mount Maunganui. WO R DS LU CY B LE AK LE Y PH OTOS K ATI E CH A R LOT TE

hat do a chemical engineer, graphic designer and teacher have in common? Apart from

above-average smarts and creativity, they are part of a burgeoning, female-founded tech scene coming to life from kitchen tables across Mount Maunganui.

Bonnet, Kept and euulo are three locally made apps developed by women who’ve created beautifully designed, “Why didn’t I think of that?” tech. All from home and with small children in tow. Each app is impressively thoughtful, and perhaps unsurprisingly, they all have one more thing in common – easing the mental load for their users.

Female tech founders Renaya Lloyd, Sheree van den Broek, Kerriden Edmondson, Steph Kennard, Katie Hunter and Nic Winslade.

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Deftly solving specific consumer problems to make everyday life, and in euulo’s case, life’s harder moments easier.

Like euulo and Kept founders, Steph saw an obvious gap in the market and a way to ease life’s admin overload.

Bonnet, founded by Steph Kennard, houses vehicle admin in one place when over 50 percent of Kiwis are driving on our roads without a WOF or rego. Kept, created by Nic Winslade and Katie Hunter, is a new marketplace for cleaners, allowing users to book a trusted, peer-reviewed cleaner and giving cleaners greater independence in an industry rife with unfair wages and hours.

“I’ve worked in the car industry and seen time and time again the barriers to keeping up with car admin for families, heavy vehicle operators and fleet managers – many are still using spreadsheets to manage hundreds of car regos and WOFs. There had to be a better way, and after years of development, Bonnet was launched earlier this year,” says Steph.

And Kerriden Edmondson, Renaya Lloyd and Sheree van den Broek have developed euulo, a SaaS product for the funeral industry. euulo is image-gathering technology designed to replace the clunky process of curating funeral photo tributes.

Steph says it’s amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it from the Mount.

“With backgrounds in fashion, design and engineering, the looks on people’s faces when we explain our technology is not lost on us,” muses Renaya Lloyd, co-founder of euulo. “But, if you’ve been in the difficult position of organising a photo tribute, you will understand the arduous process and we know we can make a real difference. We’ve spent a lot of time speaking to funeral directors and validating our solution to ensure our technology is easing the burden from all sides,” explains Renaya. Nic Winslade’s career has been all about bringing ideas to life for clients and Kept was an opportunity to explore an idea sparked from managing the mental load of family life. “The Mount was the perfect place to launch Kept, with so many busy, self-employed households wanting flexibility. And the focus on quality of life here is also the breeding ground for our innovation. Making life easier, better, and more rewarding for independent cleaning professionals as well as busy local homes,” says Nic.

“Research, development and design have all been done from our home office. With remote working taking off, a Zoom with a web developer or writing pitch decks from home with a walk up the Mount in between is completely doable,” says Steph. The gumption to do something different has paid off for these tech founders. Bonnet launched as the number one app on Google and in just a few months, over 50,000 cars are being monitored by the app. Kept has launched here in Tauranga, and in new markets across Auckland, Waikato, Wellington and Christchurch, with thousands of cleans booked and several independent cleaning businesses thriving thanks to Kept’s marketplace model. euulo, the baby of the three start-ups, has recently launched to a waiting list of funeral directors representing almost a third of New Zealand funeral homes, and already have plans to launch in Australia and the UK. Mount Maunganui has always been a creative haven, but these founders are driving a new type of tech scene forward. One built on empathy, flexibility and bloody hard work.

“. . .T H E F O C U S O N Q U A L I T Y O F LIFE HERE IS ALSO THE BREEDING GROUND FOR OUR INNOVATION. MAKING LIFE EASIER, BETTER, AND MOR E R EWAR DING...”

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STEPH KENNARD, BONNET Steph is a digital native through and through, developing Bonnet after working in the car industry with the likes of Jeep and Volkswagen. Bonnet houses all vehicle management in one place and gives reminders for regos, warrant of fitness, and diesel RUC, using Waka Kotahi data to create seamless reminders. Less than half of New Zealanders remember to do their WOF and registration in time, creating potentially unsafe cars on our roads, and Bonnet aims to change this with a brilliantly simple solution. BONNET.CO.NZ |

BONNET_ APP

NIC WINSLADE AND KATIE HUNTER, KEPT A housekeeping app that helps local customers find cleaners they trust with an instant booking system. Cleaners can create their own free online booking platform through Kept, setting their own hourly rates and availability, in a safe, supportive space. It also changes the game when finding a cleaner for your home. The app enables you to book for your specific needs and offers exit cleans, one-off cleans or regular cleaning. You can also specify which rooms you want cleaned. The booking and payment are completed through the app, so cleaners are guaranteed payment, and peer reviews help regulate the marketplace, encouraging a high-quality service. KEPT.CO.NZ |

RENAYA LLOYD, SHEREE VAN DEN BROEK AND KERRIDEN EDMONDSON, EUULO euulo is a SaaS solution developed to alleviate some of the pressure associated with creating a photo tribute for grieving families and funeral directors. The app features in-built scanning, social media integration, and image editing, giving families the opportunity to gather their photos in their own time and space. For funeral directors, the software gives visibility over the process and specific tools to create beautiful photo tributes with ease. Technology for the funeral industry is not something any of the euulo team could have foreseen in their future, but here they are, passionately designing a thoughtful way to ease the load for grieving families. EUULO.COM |

EUULOPHOTOTRIBUTE

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SURFING FOR THE SOUL Bay farmers are learning to take the beach back to the paddock. WO R DS H AY LE Y BA R N ET T

t’s fair to say the past few years haven’t been kind to our farming and horticulture community. Economic conditions and labour shortages have really taken their toll on a oncethriving industry. But a small group of people have been working hard to bring a little bit of sunshine back into the lives of the people holding together our country’s backbone, with an initiative called Surfing for Farmers.

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The idea is self-explanatory – getting more farmers and orchard workers out onto the beach and into the waves. The free programme runs over the whole of summer and offers surf lessons and an evening out for the whole family to enjoy. “The theme this year is to take the beach back to the paddock,” says BOP board member Sarah Hickey. “We want to encourage anyone working on a farm or in the horticulture industry to get out there into the surf then take that experience back to work, talk about it with their colleagues, or just feel better in their day-to-day life. We want that ripple effect to happen once you’re off the beach, to spread that good feeling.” This will be the fourth season that Surfing for Farmers has run in Mount Maunganui, but the programme itself has been running since 2018. The founder, Stephen Thomson, who worked in the farming industry himself, started the project after watching a documentary on returned soldiers using surfing as PTSD therapy. “Something just clicked and he was like, ‘I could do that here for farmers’,” explains Sarah. A year later, Sarah was sitting with a friend, who had been teaching her how to surf, when they came across a newspaper article about Stephen. “That’s when I realised that, hey, we could do

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Sarah Hickey

something here in the Mount,” she says. “It kind of snowballed from there and now we’re running in 28 locations around New Zealand.”

And that ripple effect Sarah was talking about earlier comes into play throughout not just the farming community, but the wider community as well.

Each region operates slightly differently, but the main aim is the same. In the Bay, friends and family of the team, who surf themselves, volunteer their time to coach, and the boards and wetsuits are borrowed from local surf schools.

“Farmers’ families often tell us that their dads have come home much happier,” says Sarah. “We had a daycare sponsor give us some money and we were like, ‘What's a daycare doing sponsoring Surfing for Farmers?’ And they said it was because they notice that the kids are happier. When the dads have been out for a surf, the kids are happier at the daycare. So it's a win-win for everyone.”

“It’s about sharing knowledge and getting everyone out here,” says Sarah. “It’s really fun. We always have a barbecue afterwards, so it turns into quite a community event.” The feedback, says Sarah, has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’ve definitely had some amazing stories. We've had one guy who was a farmer his whole life but had stopped working. He came along for one session and got hooked on surfing. And that became his way to still be connected to the industry. Now, he's retired and this has become a hobby that himself and his son do together. “It’s about connections and people. They come along, and then suddenly, three weeks in, they've got this new surfboard and wetsuit and they're grabbing their neighbours and inviting them to come down. Or they're discussing things on the farm and giving each other tips and tricks because it's a real mixture of young and old. We like to get the children involved too.”

But it’s not just the men getting amongst the waves. “It is mainly men but we do get quite a few women. One night we had females outnumber the males, which was a really cool night.” So far, around 4000 to 5000 farmers are taking part every year, and Sarah says they’d like to increase that number substantially. “Our goal for 2026 is that by the end of summer 2026, we will have moved the needle for 25,000 people.” To participate, all you need to do is turn up at any session and register. Session times are posted on the website for each region. “Just show up. That's all you need to do. We cover the rest.” SURFINGFORFARMERS.COM

“IT'S ABOUT SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND GETTING EVERYONE OUT HERE .”

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WO R K > T O M P K I N S

WA K E

From left: Fiona Mackenzie, Zandra Wackenier, Kate Sullivan and Stephanie Ambler.

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WA K E

BLENDED FAMILY Together Mackenzie Elvin and Tompkins Wake signify people, places and professionalism. WO R DS N I CK Y A DA M S | PH OTOS SALI NA GA LVA N

f it feels as though Tauranga already has access to some of the best legal representation in the country, then the recent merging of Mackenzie Elvin law firm, a family founded Tauranga-based practice, and Tompkins Wake, one of the largest national New Zealand law firms, has certainly upped the ante.

For Fiona Mackenzie, one of the founding partners of Mackenzie Elvin, the merger was part of a progression plan. Growth was inevitably on the cards, and Tompkins Wake presented at the perfect time. “We are a multi-generational firm and, in considering our future strategy, there were a number of options including continuing to grow as a mid-tier firm with all the pressures and complexities of modern legal practice, or we could look at developing alignments with practices that we respected and who operated according to values that mirrored ours. Tompkins Wake stood out,” says Fiona. “It’s been an interesting year, an exciting year – we remain in our lovely iconic villa, which is part of our brand, but we are now Tompkins Wake. I view it a little bit like a marriage where you may change your name, but you don’t lose your identity; instead, you become something more than you were before.” Jon Calder, Tompkins Wake chief executive, agrees that the synergy between the two companies is serendipitous. “We’ve had a presence in Tauranga since 2018 and have always been looking for opportunities to grow – the right, rather than any, opportunity – it became clear very quickly that the two firms had a strong alignment in terms of values,” Jon says.

There was more to the attraction than just culture – within Mackenzie Elvin, Jon identified “Ambition. The company was definitely ambitious to grow and offer a broader range of services to their clients. With the size and scale of Tompkins Wake, that’s something that we’re able to do.” Indeed, the capacity of the united law firm is now enormous. Together Tompkins Wake is one of the top 10 law firms within New Zealand in terms of size and reputation. Across the board there are 35 partners, 125 lawyers and over 200 staff, with offices in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua and Tauranga. The Family Law team is one close to the hearts of both firms. Fiona considers the practice intrinsic to the identity of the firm, and with the merger Fiona is confident at the breadth offered by the partners that include herself, Stephanie Ambler, Zandra Wackenier and Kate Sullivan. Each of them has not just extensive knowledge and experience, but also offers particular areas of expertise. As Fiona reflects, “Law is always developing and the practitioners I’m now working with are at the cutting edge.” The merger allows Fiona to move into her own space of mediation. “I take difficult relationship property situations, difficult blended family estate situations, and work with them in a mediation setting to explore resolution in a less adversarial but perhaps more enduring way.” With the addition of the other Family Law partners, “that now frees me up to develop mediation as a brand offering for the firm,” Fiona explains. Stephanie, who operates from the Hamilton office, is head of Tompkins Wake’s family practice and was part of the inception of Family Law within Tompkins

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WA K E

Wake. When Stephanie joined Tompkins Wake it was a different landscape. “I was the first family lawyer at Tompkins Wake. Ten years ago they didn’t have a family law practice when I joined, so it’s pretty phenomenal to see the growth of the family law team and it being embraced by a commercial firm.” The opportunity to work alongside Fiona and her team is an exciting one, says Stephanie. “I first had dealings with Fiona Mackenzie about 20 years ago when she was on the other side of a file of mine when I was working in Auckland, and she was an impressive woman, so I was quite in awe and intimidated!” Relationship property, Stephanie says, has been a huge growth area, so from her perspective the opportunity to expand Tompkins Wake’s presence in the Bay of Plenty with the acquisition of Mackenzie Elvin was golden. “It’s been a great fit for us – there was an existing team headed by Fiona, who has a fabulous reputation, and our values and cultures align very closely.”

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Zandra, who is based in the Auckland office, acknowledges the footprint in Tauranga is advantageous. “To have people on the ground with a longstanding history and connection to the area is incredible,” she says. “From a family law perspective, it has grown our team and given us more highly experienced lawyers. It’s great having those different skills and personalities in the team.” All striving to be experts in the field, the two firms are absolutely on the same page. With an additional unique area of expertise in reproductive law, Zandra gives access to a particularly niche and specialised aspect of family law. Indeed Fiona, Steph and Zandra are all recommended lawyers by the Doyle’s Guide, so referrals come through this way as well as wordof-mouth. However, Zandra explains that there is always careful consideration as to where a client is best suited, dependent on availability, complexity of the case, and capacity – because of the breadth of skill available, from junior solicitors to partners, there’s the ability to allocate clients appropriately.

WO R K > T O M P K I N S

WA K E

“T H E ‘ B ACK R O O M H EF T ’, A S I C A LL IT, IS E X TR AOR DIN A RY AND OFFERS HUGE BENEFITS TO OUR LOCAL COMMUNIT Y IN TERMS OF THE QUALITY AND C A PACIT Y OF THE LEGA L

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Kate, who works from Rotorua, echoes both Zandra and Stephanie when she notes that the local, client and market insight that comes from Mackenzie Elvin is essential, and the depth of this and strength of relationships with the community is invaluable. “The clients we have in Tauranga we now have a greater ability to look after because we’ve got the expertise and the local knowledge of Mackenzie Elvin people,” she says. “The partners really know their clients, they have a broad client base, and they know the market so well.” Under the “family” umbrella there is a separate sub team, which is the estate and litigation team (rather than relationship property and family law), which Kate heads up and is expanding, particularly in the Bay of Plenty region. Kate sees this as a huge growth area across New Zealand: “There are lots of exciting changes happening in that space in the higher courts, lots of interesting decisions coming out, so it’s a great arena to work in and it’s changing, so it’s quite exciting.”

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The scale of what is offered by the acquisition is impressive. As Jon Calder reflects, “We’ve got a deep expertise across all areas of practice, meaning we step up to another level. With the size of the firm, and the specialisations our people have, we rarely encounter a situation or a complex problem for a client that we haven’t seen before.” Crucially, “there’s an opportunity to bridge the gap for clients who are seeking expertise they perceive is not provided in the city, so rather than having to leave town it can be dealt with here in Tauranga.” Moreover, the mechanics in place in terms of systems and technology are also reflective of a business of size – benefits that have not gone unnoticed by Fiona Mackenzie. “The ‘backroom heft’, as I call it, is extraordinary and offers huge benefits to our local community in terms of the quality and capacity of the legal services now available locally.” TOMPKINSWAKE.COM

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BREAKING THE BRUNCH RULES Pāpāmoa influencer Makaia Carr is taking on the big business of beverages headfirst. WO R DS C ATH E R I N E SY LVE S TE R | PH OTOS E R I N C AVE

hey say that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. And whoever coined the phrase may just have had Makaia Carr in mind. After a whirlwind three years living in the Bay, which has seen the end of her 26-year marriage, and her two adult children fly the nest, this entrepreneurial whirlwind of Ngāruahine and Ngāti Kahungunu descent is setting her sights on the alcohol industry.

Known to some as one of the first social media influencers in Aotearoa, and to others as the founder of the charity Kura Kai, Makaia has her sights set on bringing the humble mimosa out of the brunch-only routine and into our lunches, picnics, BBQs and beyond. “I’m solely responsible for my life now,” the 44-year-old says, referring to her newly single status. “I knew this was the year to create something that will be exciting, enduring, and allow me to leave something for my kids.” Brainstorming with friends in early January, the genesis of her new venture, Henlee, was born. “I realised the drinks industry would be a good option,” explains Makaia. “I thought that having a mimosa in a can would be fun, convenient and would reduce wastage.” By February, meetings with a local bottling plant were underway, and by March the designers were at work. By late August, Henlee went to market and has been gathering momentum since. “It’s such a strong New Zealand product,” she says. “We use Hawke’s Bay sparkling wine and Gisborne orange juice. It’s low sugar and low calorie and you’re guaranteed the same great blend every time.”

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Having made Pāpāmoa home since moving from Auckland a few years ago, Makaia was conscious of working and engaging with people and businesses in the region. She worked locally to create the perfect mimosa formula, with it being bottled in and distributed from the Mount. For brand design and packaging, she worked with the Woods Agency, a local mainstay. Makaia credits her 20 years of retail experience with giving her the skills necessary to successfully run a business. “Those were my ‘university’ years,” she says, smiling. “I learned so much from old-school retailers about marketing plans, budgets, managing and leading teams. I was able to firstly apply that to my career in social media, and now to Henlee and the beverage industry.” With demand from Australia for the new mimosa in a can, and bars and retailers around the country stocking Henlee, it’s only a matter of time until an international market comes calling. Makaia acknowledges that New Zealand wine has such great renown overseas but is happy to take things one considered step at a time.

“I’m not going to rush things,” she adds. “For now, it’s all about focusing on making our mark. When people think mimosa, they’ll think Henlee.” And if her track record and current momentum is anything to go by, it will play out exactly the way she has planned. HENLEE.CO.NZ

Summer in our city centre Events / Live Music / Movies / Art and loads more mytauranga.co.nz/citycentre u n o m a g a z i n e . c o . n z | 43

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LOOK INSIDE YOUR BRAIN Think investors make decisions based on merit and data? There’s actually something more primitive at play. WO R DS J E N N Y R U D D

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Theresa Gattung and Jenny Rudd (photographer: Garth Badger).

icture someone who’s curious, persistent, a great communicator, and gets a lot done in a day. Who do you know like this? There might be a few people who spring to mind. Hold that thought.

If you’re a woman, you’re likely to have thought of examples of women. If you’re a man, you’d have pictured more men. And they’ll probably share your skin colour. This way of thinking is called bias. The brain inclines itself towards people who remind us of ourselves. The bias is unconscious, meaning we aren’t aware that our decisions aren’t rooted in data, but rather that we choose people that remind us of ourselves. I first heard the phrase unconscious bias in 2017 when Ranjna Patel came on a stage wearing a sari and asked the audience, ‘What do you think I do during the day?’ Immediately I imagined her cooking for her family. But Ranjna had already become the founder and director of Tāmaki Health, New Zealand’s biggest independent primary healthcare provider, with over 250,000 patients through 50 clinics. She went on to win Innovator of the Year at the New Zealander of the Year Awards in 2021, was named twice in the Queen’s Honours list, and achieved a raft of high-profile business awards. It made me feel cold inside to think of how I’d mentally pigeonholed Ranjna as someone whose primary role was to serve food to others, without knowing anything about her. If that’s how our brains work, then just think of all the abilities and skills we are missing out on because we’ve dismissed an entire group of people simply because they don’t look a certain way.

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“JUST THINK OF ALL THE ABILITIES AND SKILLS WE ARE MISSING OUT ON BECAUSE WE’VE DISMISSED AN ENTIRE GROUP O F P EO P L E S I M P LY BECAUSE THEY DON’T LOOK A CERTA I N WAY.”

Let’s go back to those characteristics of curiosity, persistence and getting stuff done. They are some of the traits of entrepreneurs. In our nationwide Young Enterprise Scheme there’s an even split of genders among the young people in the programme. At The Brave Venture in Palmerston North, set up to foster entrepreneurial skills in youth, around 55 percent of participants are young women. Entrepreneurial traits are evenly distributed, regardless of gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Entrepreneurs are vital for innovation, economic growth and job creation. They are the people who’ll solve the climate crisis and poverty. To get their game-changing ideas off the ground, they need investment. It’s risky, this type of investment. Innovation means lots of trial and error. Venture capital firms are comfortable with this kind of risk, so they make the bulk of investments into these world-changing startups. You’d assume, knowing that entrepreneurial skills are evenly distributed, that the founders of startups receiving venture capital investment would be representative of our population. But they aren’t. Looking at lists of New Zealand startups who’ve had investment, you’ll notice that they nearly all look the same; they are white and male. And that’s a problem, because it means we are missing out on the skills of the majority of the world’s entrepreneurs. In the US, white male entrepreneurs receive about 95c of every dollar of venture capital.

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Women-of-colour entrepreneurs receive less than 1c, even though there are more women of colour in the world than there are white men. It is not a good use of investment dollars to focus on one group at the expense of another. A few years ago I began investing in startups. I wanted to use my money to choose the kind of world I want to live in. You don’t need to be rich to take the first steps toward investing; I started with $92 a month. That’s it. The amount grew as I learned more. And I met Theresa Gattung, who’s pretty much the Head Girl of New Zealand when it comes to business (ex-CEO of Telecom, co-founder of My Food Bag and Tend). We have invested in startups alongside each other, including many led by women. This year, Theresa and I launched The Gender Investment Gap NZ, a report which gathers diversity data on who's receiving venture capital in New Zealand. In our first year, we discovered that in a fund using taxpayer money (called Aspire, run by New Zealand Capital Growth Partners), for every 100 startups invested in, just 7 are owned by women and 72 are owned by men. At Enterprise Angels in Tauranga where I’m on the board, it’s a similar picture. For every 100 startups which have received investment, 11 are owned by women, 76 by men, and the other 13 are mixed gender. To invest, you need money. To make lots of investments, you need lots of money. Men have more money than women, because of societal rules like women doing unpaid work (childcare, household chores) which has, for centuries, subsidised men’s paid work and prevented women from achieving their economic goals. And other laws which still existed in this lifetime, like women not being allowed to have credit cards or mortgages without their husband or father’s permission until the 1970s. Because of these rules and structures in our society, investors are mainly men, and therefore choose to invest in founders who look like them. It’s a myth that men are better than women at business. Report after report, study after study shows that startups owned and run by men are the lowest performing group of all. In fact, for every dollar invested in startups, women return $0.78 of revenue and men return $0.31 (BCG 2018). But venture capital firms continue to give the most investment to men. Even though data shows that women-only and mixed-gender startups outperform men-only teams. That’s how hard it is to overcome the unconscious bias we are all susceptible to.

WO R K > G E N D E R

I N V E S T M E N T

G A P

N Z

WNT Ventures is one of New Zealand's most successful venture capital firms.

“WNT VENTURES' TEAM OF SEVEN IS MADE UP OF FIVE WOMEN AND TWO MEN. OF THE CURRENT COHORT OF INVESTMENTS IN THEIR THIRD FUND, 60 PERCENT OF THE INVESTMENT DOLL AR S HA S GONE TO WOMEN I N T H E FO U N D I N G T E A M” And it’ll keep happening, as long as we have only one type of person choosing which founders to invest in. In The Gender Investment Gap NZ, we make these three suggestions for venture capital firms which are easy to implement, and will make immediate and significant change: •

Record the gender and ethnicity of entrepreneurs receiving investment

•

Have no more than 60 percent of either gender making investment decisions

•

Invest no more than 60 percent of your money into either gender.

Change is happening. The world knows it’s important. In September, a bill was passed in California (home of Silicon Valley and the biggest venture capital industry in the world) for all venture capital funds to record the gender and ethnicity data of every investment made. I went to Melbourne in September and met the team behind the bill, including CEO of the F5 Collective, Tracey Warren, and American investor Kelly Kimball. Theresa and I also belong to Equity Clear, a group of 100 investors who are also working on closing the gender investment gap in Australia.

We have now teamed up with The University of Auckland to bring independence to the gathering of the data in New Zealand. Our next report will be released in mid-2024. If you’re in any doubt as to whether the balance is redressed by having more women making investment decisions, look no further than one of the country’s most successful venture capital firms based right here in Tauranga. Run by Maria-José Alvarez and Carl Jones, WNT Ventures' team of seven is made up of five women and two men. Of the current cohort of investments in their third fund, 60 percent of the investment dollars has gone to startups with women in the founding team. I’ll leave you with a big number to think about. According to UN Women, if we funded women entrepreneurs to the same extent as men, we’d immediately add $32 billion dollars to New Zealand's economy. That’s a lot of value to add, just by taking women seriously. THEGENDERINVESTMENTGAP.CO.NZ Thank you to Global Women, Craig’s Investment Partners, Enterprise Angels, and ANZ, who have provided funds to support this project alongside Theresa Gattung and Jenny Rudd.

u n o m a g a z i n e . c o . n z | 47

07 579 3444 GEORGEEDWARDNZ |

GEORGE.EDWARD.5437

GEORGEEDWARD.CO.NZ

PH 07 5792133 URBANVOGUENZ |

URBANVOGUE.CO.NZ

Find us at the Bethlehem Town Centre, 19 Bethlehem Road, Tauranga

WO R K > R O T H E R H A M

L AW

SPLIT DECISION Rachael from Rotherham Law knows about divorce, from the legalities to the emotional impact it can have. Here she tells you what you need to do if you’re thinking about saying ‘I don’t’.

or some, separation comes as a shock, and for others it’s a slow burn. It can often be comparable to a partner passing away. You can go through similar stages of grief, fluctuating between shock, denial, anger, depression, bargaining, testing and acceptance. Family lawyers can assist with legalities, as well as personal matters, that range from contracting out (prenups), separation, childcare, spousal maintenance, child support, family violence, adoption and surrogacy. At the other end of life, they help with enduring Powers of Attorney, Wills and capacity matters like helping family members get orders to make decisions for elderly relatives when they have lost capacity. Here's a rundown of what to expect in divorce proceedings and advice on how to make it easier for everyone.

PICK YOUR BATTLES It is possible to separate with dignity, compassion and understanding. It doesn’t have to be The War of the Roses. Most people who hire a lawyer do not go near a courtroom and many choose a collaborative approach. Court is there when you need it, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The starting point is dividing property after all the debts are repaid 50/50. But not always, as sometimes there are circumstances that lead one

party to be entitled to more based on their situation. When you come to an agreement without the Court’s intervention it is called a Separation Agreement. It needs to be in writing to be legally binding, and the parties must have had independent legal advice from a lawyer who explained the effects and implications of it.

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE Make sure when you get legal advice that you are comfortable with the lawyer you are instructing. You need to be able to talk to them and feel listened to. But you also need to feel comfortable and trust them when they tell you something you don’t necessarily want to hear. They are always acting for your interests but what you are entitled to may not necessarily marry up to your expectation (pun intended). You know when you walk into a room and start talking to someone in that first minute if they are the right fit. Go with your gut instinct. We all have the same qualifications but different lawyers have different approaches, so it needs to feel right to you.

GET ORGANISED Go to your meetings prepared so that you make the most of your time. Make a list of what you want to talk about. If you are instructing on a separation, have a list ready of what assets and debts you have so when you get asked

this question you have that information. As difficult as it might be, try to remove the emotion so you’re making the most of your time with your lawyer, and they can gather all the necessary details needed the first time.

DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF As with any breakup, emotions are high and it can be hard to separate yourself from those feelings. But try to think about what is most important, like having somewhere to live and paying the bills, or the children’s care arrangements and what is best for them. I have been that lawyer who wrote a letter about returning the Cirque du Soleil umbrella that held emotional attachment, but was it worth the cost of my time to do it? That’s an individual decision, but my advice is to focus on the big picture. Your emotional wellbeing and moving forward are more important.

A qualified mediator and collaborative family lawyer, Rachael Rotherham spent the majority of her working life in Auckland at a large commercial firm before deciding to move her family out of the city and here to the Bay. Now, Rachael has created a boutique law firm specialising in family law and separations. ROTHERHAMLAW.CO.NZ

“ I T I S P OS S I B L E TO S EPA R AT E W I T H D I G N I T Y, CO M PA S S I O N A N D U N D ER S TA N D I N G.” u n o m a g a z i n e . c o . n z | 49

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WO R K > PA R E N T I N G

P L AC E

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Holly Jean Brooker from Parenting Place presents a working parents’ guide to school holidays.

want to be clear from the outset – all parents work. Raising kids is a 24/7 gig. And for parents who undertake paid work as well as parenting, there’s a fair bit of extra juggling that happens. This can be extra tricky when school holidays come around, especially if we don't have family support nearby.

Looking after kids who are in holiday mode when we are in work mode is a huge challenge. But, personally, I love school holidays. They’re a great opportunity for slower starts to the day for one thing (I’m not a fan of early mornings!). They also allow some space to do things outside the typical daily schedule, more time to reconnect with our kids and maybe a chance for a getaway or adventure. But managing work with kids at home is also pretty stressful.

Here are a few tips for keeping your kids and the boss happy during the summer break: 1.

Make the most of mealtimes: If you are working from home, enjoying a longer lunchtime with your kids to check in on the day and reconnect can be a great way to have a break and offer kids some focused time. For dinner, jazz up a meal with a fun theme or dress up, or add candles to make it special. Get older kids involved in cooking, and younger kids in menu planning.

Invest in evenings: If days are busy with work, the evening can be a time to do something a little special, especially now that you aren't ferrying kids to sports practice and all the other term-time activities. Splash out a little and break from routine. Have a movie night, go tenpin bowling, toast marshmallows under the stars, go out for ice cream, put on a talent show for a laugh, make a Kahoot or play Heads Up, have a dance battle (bring out your 2000s moves),or go for an evening walk together to chat.

Parents can feel stretched trying to meet all the demands. Our kids can get bored with unstructured time on their hands and also feel frustrated with our workload. What is supposed to be a fun old time can actually feel a bit tense. Parenting in an era where many of us are also working outside the home or from home, while trying to remain engaged and connected with our kids, comes with a lot of pressure. Parent guilt is always lurking behind the scenes. It’s a complex situation and the dynamics are unique to each family, so there’s no easy answer. What we do know is that kids love quality time with us, and even if we can’t spend whole days together, shorter periods of engaged time when we are present and giving our full attention has great benefits for our kids.

Weekend fun: If it is possible, planning some adventures for weekends or your days off gives everyone something fun to look forward to, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Local attractions (museum, parks, public library events), hikes, swimming pools, picnics, beaches – kids don’t need a lot of money spent on them to feel good. Time is what they value more than anything else.

Take time out: Navigating the work week with kids can be exhausting. The demands on your time can all feel unrelenting. Making sure you get some downtime to fill up your tank is really important for mental health. Think strategically about how you can grow your village. Are there some close friends you can talk to about sharing childcare by swapping playdate days, or even just for a few hours? Is there a local holiday programme the kids can do for a day a week, so you get a chance to catch your breath and get serious work done. Can you work from the McDonald’s cafe while the kids play in the playground for a change of scene (I’ve done this many times)?

Make a schedule: Kids love a plan as they are used to the structure of school. Even in the holidays, my kids often ask me to write out the plan for the day and they then go through it ticking things off as they go about the day. From reading, to creating obstacle courses, to baking together, to Nintendo time, the structure helps them feel in control and I get less of the “I’m bored, what can I do?” questions.

School holidays come around fast, and for many parents, this means juggling. While holidays are not always going to be a walk in the park, hopefully they do mean a little bit of time for a few walks in the park together – to chat, reconnect and help our kids feel important and valued during the busy season. PARENTINGPLACE.NZ

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WO R K > T E C H

G A D G E T S

TECH TESTING CORNER Karl Puschmann tries out the latest and greatest gadgets.

ULTIMATE EARS EPICBOOM With BBQ season rapidly approaching you’ll want to ensure you have your outdoor music situation sorted. When you’re entertaining, great sounds make all the difference to the atmosphere and vibe. For many years, I rocked the UE Boom 3. This trusty Kiwi favourite was portable, rugged and reliable. But, having moved to a bigger pad, it wasn’t quite cutting it these days. To retain my rep as the host with the most, I needed to upgrade. Enter UE’s brand-new EpicBoom portable speaker. This improves on its smaller brother in every way, while adding a few neat tricks of its own, like an outdoor mode, playlist saving and a handy carry strap.

SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FLIP5 No, you haven’t time-warped back to the 90s. Flip-phones are back. But should they be? I was a little dubious at first but the Flip 5 won me over. This is largely thanks to its front display, which Samsung calls the Flex Window. The 3.4-inch square display allows you to access most of the phone’s functionality without opening the device up. You can customise it with your fave widgets, reply to messages and emails, and even take selfies, all with the phone closed. When opened, it's tall and narrow and almost all screen. The obvious crease fades from notice the more you use it. Sadly, the camera is average, as is battery life, but performance is incredibly fast and snappy. It’s also water-resistant, handy coming into pool season. When folded, it’s compact and easily pocketable, making it comfy to carry around.

It’s a great-looking device, with UE’s signature + and - buttons standing out against its bust style. The speaker’s bottom and top are a rubbery black plastic augmented with highlights reminiscent of splattery paint. These parts are almost 60 percent recycled plastic, while the speaker’s wrap-around fabric is 100 percent recycled polyester. In fact, the whole device has been designed to be as recyclable as possible. It’s fantastic to see a company as big as UE embracing recyclability in this way. None of this has compromised its looks, durability or – most importantly – sound quality. It’s also waterproof, can float and even survive drops of up to one metre. That’s all well and good, but how does it sound? Really damn good. It pumps out 360-degree sound with natural detail and full bass. There’s plenty of volume for when the party really gets started and controllable via an app.

Had flip phones been this good back in the day, they never would have disappeared.

And with a 17-hour battery life, you can rest assured the party will die down well before the EpicBoom does.

Widely available from $1879

Widely available from $599

52 | u n o m a g a z i n e . c o . n z

NESPRESSO VERTUO CREATISTA This sleek, stainless steel machine is Nespresso’s evolution of the humble coffee capsule machine. It makes cafe-style coffees, like lattes, flat whites and piccolos, with the same ease of use as Nespresso’s popular coffee capsules. To achieve this it uses larger capsules. There’s a range of great flavours and drink styles to try – Pumpkin Spice Cake, anyone? These cost a little more and don’t have the same brand range as standard capsules. Handy pictures on the capsule boxes illustrate the formula to create the correct drink for the capsule and what size cup to use. From experience I can tell you a cappuccino-sized cup with a latte capsule is a recipe for a kitchen coffee flood… But once you get the hang of it, the Vertuo Creatista delivers a satisfying crema every brew. The star of the machine is its integrated milk-steaming wand which automatically steams up a perfect froth to your bespoke specifications, allowing you to authentically create cafe-style coffee at home. Widely available from $1249

TECH GIFT GUIDE Powerwave Controller Phone Mount Got a gamer in your life? This could be the perfect gift. One end of this giant plastic clip snaps onto a game controller while the other securely locks onto your smartphone, essentially turning it into a monitor. Connect them via Bluetooth and enjoy game sessions on your phone with a real controller.

HELPING YOU NAVIGATE THE WORLD OF MODERN EYEWEAR

Frames, lenses & sunglasses for discerning wearers

$29.99 from EB Games

Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk Bring some style and pizazz to your work life with this portable workstation. This swish suite of office essentials includes an ergonomic laptop stand, a wireless keyboard and mouse trackpad, allowing you to comfortably take care of business no matter where you are. When you’re done for the day it all tucks away to the size of a notepad. Very clever indeed. $329.95 from Noel Leeming

USB Mug Warmer We’ve all made a lovely hot cuppa, been called away just as we’ve sat down, and then returned to a cold mug of undrinkable liquid. Well, no more! This USB mug warmer will ensure that unpleasantness never happens again. It’s nothing fancy, just a USB-powered saucer that sits on your desk and keeps your cup warm. Brilliant.

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A TRUSTED NAME IN RETIREMENT LIVING

"Wishing you all the best." K A R A K A PI N E S V I LL AG E S A N D R E SI DE N T S

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WO R K > TAU R A N G A

B U S I N E S S

C H A M B E R

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS SUCCESS Roz Irwin explains how to unlock the full potential of your business with Tauranga Business Chamber's resources and support. PH OTO SA LI NA GA LVA N

here are many support resources available for businesses, but they’re spread across government agencies and non-government organisations. Plus, they keep changing; it’s hard to keep up.

It would be great if there was a local hub where people could understand where all the resources and support for businesses are available.

resources, gain Government support, and connect with local experts. No matter the stage in the economic cycle, there are always opportunities for business owners to offer new solutions to customers’ obstacles and challenges. Our services range from a free one-hour session with a business advisor, support to boost your capability, or resources to leverage your

Great news, there is! Tauranga Business Chamber has a dedicated, independent contracts team whose job is to know what resources and support channels are available for businesses and get them connected to the services that best suit their needs. Whether you’re well-established and looking to innovate or train your leaders, or you have a business idea and are unsure where to start, the Tauranga Business Chamber is the hub of business resources and support that can help all stages of business. Each year, we help hundreds of business leaders and entrepreneurs start their business, access free

innovation and R&D. Our advisors are independent and impartial. They are driven to help businesses succeed and reach their potential. Anyone can access our business support services; you don’t need to be a member of the Tauranga Business Chamber. Times are tough right now, but as another saying goes: “We’re all in this together.” If you’re seeking some extra support, reach out to our team and see how we can help. It’s free, it’s independent, and it’s impartial. TAURANGA.ORG.NZ

“THE TAUR A N GA BUSINE S S CH A M BER IS THE HUB OF BUSINESS RESOURCES A ND SUPP ORT TH AT C A N HELP A LL S TAG E S O F BUSINE S S ...”

u n o m a g a z i n e . c o . n z | 55

EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY

- T H E WAY W E -

THRIVE Look and feel the best version of you.

GOOD SKINVESTMENT

HANDS ON

PAGE 63

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Treat yourself well

Thai massage in Tauranga

S I S T E R AC T

Shared love for beauty

WEARABLE ART Tattooed taonga PAGE 70

W O R K > T H R I V E > L I V E > P L A Y > E X P L O R E

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T H R I V E> FA S H I O N

STYLE STATUS Versatility is key for the wardrobe this season. WO R DS N I CK Y ADAM S

3. 2.

HOT STUFF

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Balancing work and play outfits across the summer months is an annual consideration for most of us as the temperature rises. No one wants to overinvest in office wear, so to find pieces that tick the boxes of appropriate, breathable and stylish can be a challenge. Sheath dresses just so happen to be on-trend and, with their easy fit, will suit most body shapes. A style that is readily available in linen and cotton, should you opt for a sheer fabric, find a light slip to layer underneath. If it feels too shapeless, then belts are another key trend and one that will add a waistline. An oversized slouchy suit in a light linen with a satin camisole top underneath is super versatile for office or evening – just change up footwear from ballet flats to heels. If you’re feeling brave, an all-white suit comes off as effortlessly elevated – classic monochrome definitely comes under the luxe category. Laser-cut designs are a thoroughly modern take on a lace look; still conjuring up all the romanticism associated with this finish, a shirt can be put with anything and will pay style dividends. We know cargo pants are big hitters this season, and they’re coming in multiple fabrics, freeing them up from just streetwear – try styling with kitten heels for the office. Lilac and purple had a makeover last year, and the softer tones remain a really coveted colour this season. It’s fun to pair the various shades together or, if this is too much, just try a splash among other colourways. 1.

STATUS ANXIETY PHENOMENA $229.95, THELUXECLUB.CO.NZ

GEAR SHIFT DRESS $229, GEORGEEDWARD.CO.NZ

ARIZONA PURPLE FOG $120, BIRKENSTOCK.CO.NZ

PUMA PALERMO SNEAKERS $160, NZPUMA.COM

ALL SAINTS CARGO PANTS $460, TWENTYSEVENNAMES.CO.NZ

BEACH SHIRT $385, CAITLINCRISP.COM

AUGUSTE LELIA MAXI DRESS $299, CONTAINBOUTIQUE.CO.NZ

JORDAN STRIPE BLAZER $239 AND SALMA STRIPE PANTS $175, URBANVOGUE.CO.NZ

T H R I V E> FA S H I O N

TRENDING NOW Most wanted this season. 3. 2. 1.

WEAR IT WELL Ultra-feminine and floaty are trends that naturally lend themselves to this time of year; semi-sheer can look sophisticated and polished while still giving off a light and breezy vibe. More timeless than trendy, it can take you from day event to evening occasion seamlessly. Above all, we want our summer outfits to feel effortless – the silhouette of the season is definitely strapless, which works perfectly with the hot weather holy grail of achieving as few tan lines as possible. The simplicity of style is timeless; however, strapless naturally lends itself to a dressy occasion – and the cleaner the lines, the more you can layer up the accessories. Depending on the fabric (and event), the footwear will follow – cottons and stretch ribbed materials will suit casual slides, jandals or sneakers; and although we love to throw street shoes with everything, satin or shimmery fabric will dazzle with a dressy sandal. It’s fun to signal the frivolity of summer with your colours; vibrant hues are key this season – and if you don’t usually indulge, then try toning down by pairing with a more neutral piece such as jacket. Whether you love them or loathe them, tailored shorts are here to stay this season; despite being a look that is trickier to carry off, worn with heels, even the haters will be converted to the Bermuda length. Again on the divisive front is a 1980s favourite. If I say bubble hems are back, I’m sure there will be mad scrabbling in the bottom of dress-up boxes. But like any past style, it’s reappeared in a more sophisticated form. Its full, voluminous style requires visual balance from top to toe, but creates a dramatic look that will be a showstopper. 1.

FIZZY HOOPS MEDIUM $499 AND FIZZY RING SET CITRINE $579, SHOP.MEADOWLARK.CO.NZ

MR MINI VERNE $649, DEADLYPONIES.COM

RITI DRESS $529, GREGORY.NET.NZ

LALA DRESS $475, CAITLINCRISP.COM

MORGAN PLEAT BODICE $229 AND MORGAN PLEAT SKIRT $249, RUBYNZ.COM

MELODY GOLD SHOE $229, MINX.CO.NZ

TRELISE COOPER CRAZY IN LOVE DRESS $999, WENDYSBOUTIQUE.CO.NZ

JOSEPH RIBKOFF CHIFFON OVERLAY DRESS $469, MAGAZINECLOTHING.CO.NZ

SACHI SANDAL $260, MIPIACI.CO.NZ

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T H R I V E> FA S H I O N

SHAPESHIFTING Underpin your look for the ultimate outcome. WO R DS N I CK Y ADAM S

hen it comes to makeovers, the world of shapewear is right up there at the top of the tree. A gradual rebranding over the last 20 years has amped up into full force over the last five, to the point where most women will boast at least one pair of firm flesh-coloured undies in their lingerie collection.

lifesaver if you want something that gives boob support and smooths over your tummy area) to high-waisted shorts that will smooth the belly, ensure no panty line, and continue over top of legs. There is literally something for every dress, occasion, and body shape. The most well-known of the brands are Spanx in the States, and Nancy Ganz here in New Zealand. Nancy Ganz has been at this game for a long time, which

The emphasis has moved from slogans that were enough to make you sweat at the mere thought – “hold-me-ins that don’t let you out” a popular catchphrase that said it all – to a rebranding as empowering underwear essentials that give you a seamless, smooth silhouette. Botox for the body, if you will. Our love affair with silky slip dresses and body-con loungewear has meant that the merits of good solid undies cannot be understated to achieve the ultimate flawless finish. Women’s dressing has historically relied on firm foundations, most famously the corset, and while we’ve largely evolved from the belief in blatant restriction, the concept has been taken and transformed into in all manner of variants (that unless you’ve dabbled in this world before, you really would have no idea existed). From the basic seamless slip that will give you line-free curves (some with built-in bra, some designed to go over your own), to a backless bodysuit (a real

is reflected in the sheer variety on offer, and is easily available (Farmers). Kmart is worth checking out for entry level pieces. However, if you’re happy to shop online the Skims brand from Kim Kardashian has in some ways revolutionised the mass market, so much so that she has just introduced Skims for men – designed to enhance not conceal curves, she has had

the forethought to introduce inclusive sizing and diverse shades from beige to brown. The brand has also thrown in a few other innovations – the one-leg undies are a godsend to anyone with a maxi dress with a side split. There are other tricks of the trade used to perfect a polished look. Boob Tape is useful, although how effective depends on the size and perkiness of your breasts – “three children” and “boob tape” don’t usually work in the same sentence. Nevertheless, it’s worth a go – double- sided, it sticks to your skin, then onto the dress. Using it is something you want to practise first as it can be as tricky as eating jelly with a fork. However, even if you don’t manage to harness your breasts effectively, it can be super useful for sticking down a gaping décolletage on a plunging dress. To achieve the ultimate look, the focus is to avoid anything that makes you feel as though you are being squeezed in. The point of the evolution of shapewear is that it is no longer seen as a tool in flab fighting –anything that claims to eliminate excess flesh totally overlooks the physics of the body. Just like a sausage, if you’re pushing something into a tight skin, the law of science dictates that it must burst out somewhere else, and no one wants spillage over the top of a waistband. So just like with the external outfit, try, try and try again until you find the under-garment that may not look pretty, but feels fabulous.

“ . . . E M P OW E R I N G U N D E R W E A R E S S E N T I A L S T H AT GIVE YOU A SE A MLE SS , SMOOTH SILHOUE T TE. B O T O X F O R T H E B O DY, I F YO U W I L L .” 60 | u n o m a g a z i n e . c o . n z

T H R I V E> FA S H I O N

FASHION FORECAST

MIX AND MATCH If you thought you’d seen enough rugby shirts after the World Cup to last a lifetime, then you’re out of luck. The cool crowd have brought back this dad trend as a must-have, and it’s not just for the sideline sports fans: If you’re in any doubt then take note from the coolest of them all, Chloe Sevigny, spotted sporting one in downtown New York.

Get ahead with the latest summer fashion trends.

Louis Vuitton

Alexander McQueen

Saint Laurent

Alessandra Rich

Bottega Veneta

Stella McCartney

LEATHER LOOKS TIE IT UP

SKIRTING THE ISSUE

Sharp suiting – also known as power dressing – is a look that designers have brought to the fore for autumn/winter. This more polished approach to suiting is a throwback to the 1980s, so it’s no surprise to see exaggerated shoulders and sleek silhouettes. Throw in the double-breasted jackets, sartorial use of ties and tailored pinstriped pencil skirt suits and it’s hard not to feel nostalgic.

Denim skirts have been yanked back from the early noughties and heralded as the denim-to-die-for this season. In all lengths from midi to maxi, there’s a range of colourways and styles with detailing, belts and splits. This is one runway style that translates seamlessly to the wardrobe. For the cooler months and the shorter lengths, pair with long boots underneath for practicality.

Leather has been in every winter wardrobe for a number of years; however, it’s looking to reach its zenith for autumn/ winter 23. Never has this medium been used with such breadth – versatility is an understatement. Skirts, shirts, denim-look leather, evening dresses – even socks.

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Sophisticated Style

Sartorial Elegance

55 DEVONPORT ROAD, TAURANG A.

BONDANDCO.CO.NZ

T H R I V E> C A S H M O R E

C L I N I C

INVEST IN YOUR SKIN Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore reminds us that beautiful skin requires commitment – not a miracle.

t surprises me how many people start their skin journey with botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. Often they want a quick fix, the easiest option, with instant results. If you’re willing to invest that money into injectables, you should be willing to invest it into your skin first. Your skin is an investment, not an expense.

There are so many devices, machines, facials and supplements available to enhance our appearance, which also help our botulinum toxin and fillers last longer and look better. Here are just a few that will get your skin in tip top shape.

SKIN PEN NEEDLING People get put off this procedure as it involves needles, but the depth is controlled so as to not inflict pain that requires anaesthetic, but deep enough to stimulate collagen and elastin production. It's a slow burner requiring regular treatments to see the long-term results of a firmer, plumper and more hydrated appearance with minimised fine lines, pores and pigmentation. You can buy pre-purchased packages that make it inexpensive and with monthly treatments.

RADIO FREQUENCY NEEDLING Radio frequency needling is a medical grade needling experience where you get two treatments in one. Needling creates microscopic wounds in the skin which trigger collagen production. Radio frequency technology is emitted through the needles to penetrate deeper layers of the skin, triggering the skin's natural healing process (this treatment includes numbing cream). The heat has a tightening effect on the skin and can help acne by shrinking the sebaceous gland and reducing oil production in the skin. It’s an FDA-approved treatment and considered gently stimulating and minimally invasive.

FACIALS The list is endless. These treatments are a relaxing, rejuvenating experience that takes an hour or less and does wonders for your skin. Dermaplaning: Removing the fine hair and dead skin cells to help your skin better absorb products, creating a radiant glow and ensuring flawless makeup. Peels: These are amazing for gentle exfoliation and personally tailored to

suit your skin, whether it’s acne, pigmentation or just general dullness and lacklustre. Hydrafacial: This amazing machine deep cleanses, exfoliates, and extracts impurities from pores with a painless gentle suction, hydrating the skin with intense moisturisers. The skin looks incredible afterwards, especially when combining treatments with dermaplaning, creating the perfect facial that is amazing before an event.

SUPPLEMENTS Collagen powders have proved their worth, having a controversial history but recently backed with reinforcing evidence. During treatments, the addition of collagen supplements will aid the healing of the skin. For premium absorption, look for hydrolysed marine collagen, including extras like zinc, keratin, silica and vitamin C to offer more benefits. Great skin is in! It takes time and persistence; you will see results and prevent further damage by starting regular tailored treatments. CASHMORECLINIC.CO.NZ

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SUMMER LOVIN’ The products we’re in love with, all perfect for the warmer months ahead.

EYE ON THE PRIZE

REL A X BODY & MIND Magnesium and lavender are infused into this luxurious body butter from Koa Organics for complete relaxation. There’s benefits aplenty with 100 percent natural ingredients that work to relieve general aches and pains, arthritis, period pain, anxiety and more. RRP$32.50. KOAORGANICS.CO.NZ

ROLL ON SUMMER Created with sensitive skin in mind, LuxeStick’s fruit extract clay masks smell good enough to eat. Their rollon design and affordability provides an efficient, accessible self-care treat that has levelled up the beauty game. From RRP$29. LUXESTICKS.COM

BUG OFF Keep the mozzies at bay this barbecue season with Raglan Botanicals Aromatherapy’s Insect Repellent and Soothing Bug Bites Roll On. Ingredients like lemongrass, peppermint and coconut give that summerready scent while protecting your skin. From RRP$18. RAGLANBOTANICALS.CO.NZ

ATOPIS.CO.NZ

BRONZED BE AUT Y Avoid the sun’s harmful rays and achieve the safest sun-kissed look thanks to summerbrons. Formulated with 100 percent natural tanning actives and a bevvy of skin-loving ingredients, there’s everything you need to perfect your ultimate tan, from remover, to exfoliants and setting powder. The summerset Drying Powder instantly dries your tan without any streaking or transfer. Genius. RRP$28.99. SUMMERBRONS.COM

HOLIDAY GLOW Presented in their always cute signature packaging is Emma Lewisham’s Holiday Glow Trio, just in time for gifting season. Including three best sellers to ensure your skin returns from the Christmas holidays just as restored as you. RRP$70. EMMALEWISHAM.COM

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This powerful eye cream offers ground-breaking skin renewal for plumper, smoother, fuller skin around the eye contour area. Atopis Eye Repair Cream contains retinal that works in synergy with the patented ingredient Myrecil™, to deliver long-term benefits around the delicate eye area. RRP$79.

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SILKY SMOOTH Your favourite skin-nourishing oils now come in super handy 100ml glass bottles, the perfect size to take on holiday or as a stocking filler. Try adding a few drops of Linden Leaves Body Oils to a bath for the ultimate home pamper sesh. RRP$44.99. LINDENLEAVES.COM

DON’T SWE AT IT No3’s bestselling Underbalm deodorants are a welcome addition to low-tox living. Quality and effectiveness are not compromised with these all-natural, unisex formulations that absorb into the skin safely, without any pesky white residue. From RRP$19.99 NO3.CO.NZ

IT’S GIVING GL AM Flexi Lashes fluttery falsies feel reassuringly real and come in five super soft styles. For everyday use to special occasion glam, they’re a hypoallergenic embellishment that elevates your look, comfortably. RRP$16.99. MANICARE.CO.NZ

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

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MEDICAL GRADE SKINCARE

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SKIN BIOSTIMULANTS

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A P P E A R A N C E M E D I C I N E TA U R A N G A

T H R I V E> T H A I

T O U C H

Orasa and Nigel with their team at the newly opened Thai Touch in Tauranga's Elizabeth Street.

HEALING HANDS

Achieving balance and harmony is the main aim at Tauranga’s new Thai Touch. WO R DS N I CK Y A DAM S / PH OTOS JA H L MAR S H ALL

assage has been increasingly incorporated into the mainstream for both physical and mental wellbeing – a holistic approach to wellness, it is undeniably beneficial. I’ve personally been very slow off the starting block – my last massage was in Fiji many years ago and a virtual pummelling left me too winded to ask the lovely lady to ease off the pressure with her very strong hands; I learned part of the process is communicating what works for you. Booking into the new Thai Touch in Elizabeth Street was quite a different experience, though. From the outset it was consultative, and having opted for a relaxing massage (rather than the popular injuryorientated targeted therapy) I was quick, when asked, to say that my preference was gentle – very gentle – applied pressure. Arriving at the brand-new studio felt almost like a destination spa experience. High ceilings lend a sense of luxury, the décor is authentic without feeling kitsch, and the hush straight away makes you want to melt into your chair. Moving from reception to the treatment area in fresh new slippers, the sparkling cleanliness is apparent, with the rooms

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an ambient but adjustable temperature, furnished with fresh towels and sheets, and low-level background music. Wanna, my masseuse, was perfection – friendly but so respectful; I felt totally at ease in her company, bonded by a silence that was golden rather than awkward. Speaking with the owners, Orasa and Nigel, my experience was exactly what they have set out to achieve across each of their three studios (Mount, Bethlehem, and the latest in Tauranga). Orasa herself trained in Thailand at a massage school that taught an art that is over 2000 years old. Steeped in history, Thai massage is characterised by its energizing and vigorous processes. Drawing on ancient practices, massage and herbs are traditionally used for healing by treating muscle problems while clearing energy blockages and restoring balance. Falling into two different camps, one style of Thai massage concentrates on circulation and pressure points – known as a yoga massage. The other variety incorporates herbs by using a compress (or hot herb ball). At Thai Touch the massages follow a standardised process, apart from with the therapeutic massage where the therapist can address specific needs.

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T O U C H

Hot stone massage is just one of the many healing treatments on offer.

“A S E A M L E S S E X P E R I E N C E . . . A TR A NQUIL OA SIS OF R EL A X ATION A ND R EJUVEN ATION .”

Orasa and Nigel have aimed to incorporate many authentic customs into their studios – from the greeting with rehydrating lemon water, to the herbal tea served afterwards. As Nigel points out, “The element of ritual is a key part, even down to the silent prayer, hands together, said at the start by the therapist unbeknownst to the client.” The therapists themselves are all Thai; Orasa and Nigel travel to Orasa’s homeland to interview experienced therapists with multiple years of commercial experience that they feel will fit into their spa family. The community aspect of this is very strong, with both relatives in, and an emotional attachment to Thailand, Orasa and Nigel love that they get to bridge the gap between the two countries and cultures in a positive and constructive way. With a team of 70 (that will rise to 80 over summer) everyone from the 35-40 therapists to the housekeeping staff that make up the whole team, are able to send money back to help their families – many of whom live in rural Thailand. With the new salon Nigel believes their previous experience has culminated in what I consider to be exceptional premises. I was particularly struck by the high hygiene levels – always a priority for them,

post-pandemic these meet stringent standards. Health concerns are taken very seriously (hence the in-house housekeeping for laundry). Indeed, Nigel mentions Bethlehem and the Mount have sterile air going through the air conditioning unit, while in Elizabeth Street fresh air is continuously vented through the building. Here at Thai Touch, Nigel notes, “Relax and the healing can happen.” The aim was to achieve “a seamless experience – from walking in the front door into a tranquil oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation, with the whole environment a backdrop to a sense of trust in a place that is going to take care of you and your whole being.” From beginning to end there is an air of timelessness – always efficient, but not hurried. Nigel, himself an artist, has incorporated an art gallery to the side of the reception area, which will become a place where people can simply extend their stay in what he sees as a “conversational space.” It is this strong alignment with the essence of Thai culture that makes the whole process feel so beautifully authentic, to the point where the treatments, in all their wonderful relaxing glory, feel a part of a wider holistic experience. THAITOUCH.CO.NZ

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CO S M E T I C

C L I N I C

SISTER ACT Katie and Charlotte Mead are laser focused on their new venture together. WO R DS H AY LE Y BA R N ET T PH OTOS JA H L MA R S H A LL

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T H R I V E> T H E

iblings Katie and Charlotte Mead have never been closer – in both spirit and proximity. Now the two have come together in business too, opening their first store together – The Cosmetic Clinic at Tauranga Crossing.

Having been in the beauty industry for 11 years, Katie’s expertise lies mainly in advanced skin and laser technologies. Katie had previously joined The Cosmetic Clinic as a manager in one of the Auckland clinics seven years ago – the first to open in New Zealand. It wasn’t long before the beach life beckoned and her and partner, Derek, moved down to the Bay where Katie opened her first Cosmetic Clinic in Bayfair, then a second in Rotorua. Two kids later, her sister, Charlotte, and partner Calvin, decided their children needed to be around their cousins. “After having my two babies 12 months apart, I needed my sister!” laughs Charlotte. “And as I knew Katie was about to embark on her parenthood journey, she would need me also. Cliché, but it does take a village.” So with two under twos, and partner in tow, Charlotte made the journey down to Tauranga. Both Katie and Charlotte hail from London, England but have spent over half of their lives in New Zealand, both knowing they’d end up living near the other. Now business partners, the sisters are closer than ever. Charlotte and Katie opened TCC Tauranga Crossing side by side less than six months ago. “When the opportunity arose for us to make our way down here, we just wanted to be near Katie and Derek, so we made the jump before the business was a sure thing,” says Charlotte. “Since we moved down here I’ve been managing the Bayfair clinic for Katie after she had her first baby, and that's where I discovered my love for beauty. I would never consider myself a girly girl, but I love skin and cosmetic injectables. That’s how Katie and I realised it would work if we opened one together. And here we are!" Offering treatments from Dysport (a European version of Botox) and fillers, to laser hair removal and pigmentation treatments and peels, TCC targets a wide

CO S M E T I C

C L I N I C

range of concerns – aging seemingly their clients’ biggest concern of all. But it’s their safety and professionalism that the sisters are most proud of. “It's really nice having registered nurses on site,” says Katie. “All of our technicians have at least a level four or five Beauty Therapy diploma. Generally speaking, all of our staff are familiar with working under pressure. And then our entire clinic is overseen by doctors. It's a really safe environment with a lot of protocols in place that we have to adhere to.” Charlotte pushes the importance of finding clinics with a strong safety ethos. “These days anyone can work out of their garage with a laser machine, and it does happen. We're comfortable offering treatments that are advanced and can get results because everything's been tried and tested.” The Cosmetic Clinic is an Australian company, whose hygiene and safety protocols are among the most stringent in Australasia. Before any treatment launches at the New Zealand clinics, there is a lengthy process of case studies and market research, to ensure each procedure is safely executed. “Our point of difference is that we don't sell anything that doesn't work,” says Charlotte. “Everything has an intention. So if it's pigmentation removal that you're trying to achieve, or hair removal, all of the technology we use is tried and perfected before it's allowed on to the market. So you’re guaranteed a really great result if our clients remain committed. We also love that our skincare range was created alongside our treatment menu to enhance the results of our treatments. Not to mention they are cruelty free and marine and vegan friendly." Right now, the sisters are excited about where the industry is heading, with what they call “the clean girl aesthetic” trending across social media. “The clean movement has got people thinking a bit more about their skin, realising they need to feed and hydrate and care for it,” says Katie. “We were in an era before that, where it was about covering up, whereas now it's about letting your natural skin come through. Of course, you have to take care of your skin if you're going to be comfortable doing that. I just hope it keeps going in that direction.” THECOSMETICCLINIC.CO.NZ Tauranga Crossing

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T H R I V E> TAT T O O

A R T

THE ART OF

ink

UNO talks to local experts about the transformation of the Bay’s tattoo industry and the healing power of this often misunderstood art form. WO R DS K A R E N CL A R K SO N

n 2012, when celebrated tā moko artist Julie Paama-Pengelly (Ngāi Te Rangi) set up shop in Mount Maunganui, there were four tattoo studios in the area. Today, the local body-art industry has expanded to nearly 100 artists, operating from Waihi to Te Puke.

“Only a decade ago, the perception of the tattoo industry wasn’t positive. It sat within a genre which was not understood or recognised as mainstream. Aotearoa is now considered in the top five in the world as a destination for body art, and the scene here in the Bay of Plenty is as vibrant as ever,” says Julie, owner of Art + Body Creative Studio, which embraces a range of experienced artists offering contemporary tattoo alongside traditional tā moko and custom Māori design.

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Overall, New Zealanders are becoming more discerning, respecting the honoured tradition and its therapeutic benefits, and selecting artists who value authenticity and originality. “For a while there it became a copying profession and people were wanting the same as a friend, or choosing a design straight from the wall. Tattoo is like any fine art form, where originality is what drives and defines what we do, and there is more appreciation for that now,” says Julie, who features in World Atlas of Tattoos, a book showcasing 100 notable artists from around the globe.

Tattoo as therapy Tattoo artist Veronica de Oliveira, of Black Orchid Collective Studio, moved to New Zealand 20 years ago from Brazil and agrees the perception has changed radically. “When I first got my neck tattoo and walked

T H R I V E> TAT T O O

around, people just stared. There is a renewed appreciation and respect for this form of selfexpression, including its transformative power,” she says. “Tattooing alters your state of consciousness,” she explains. “The chemicals your body produces to manage the discomfort changes the energetic field and transforms your body into a different state. When you alter the vibration, you can heal the cells, make new cellular memories, and create a new state of mind. It's a special, sacred process that can heal people,” Veronica says. Julie agrees. “In the tā moko space, it is very much a therapy-based practice. Yes, there is execution, care and aesthetics that goes into the marking. But you’re also confronting pain, past trauma, covering scars or claiming a new path, which opens a healing, spiritual and cultural journey for people.” The COVID-19 pandemic presented an interesting phenomenon for the local tattoo industry, with a huge spike in demand after lockdowns and studios booked out months ahead. “People were confronted with mortality, loneliness, and disconnection from the world. They had time to research a meaningful piece of art that reflects their story, where they have come from and where they are going. For some, it was a way to mark a critical time in their life or to set a future goal,” Julie explains.

TRENDS International artists sharing their work online and connecting with people globally have challenged stigmas, resulting in a range of ages and stages getting inked – from Gen-Z first-timers or groups of millenials wanting to memorialise something, to an 80-year-old ticking off their bucket list.

A R T

“Larger, colourful pieces seen on heavily tattooed people in Europe or America are gaining momentum here alongside full sleeves, legs, necks and heads. I recently did a project with an older lady, maybe in her 70s, who wanted to fully cover her back. It was a beautiful, vulnerable experience,” says Veronica. Cover ups or redos are on the rise, too, with Kiwis wanting to reink old tattoos, or cover “regret” and “party” tattoos. “Some people go for years hiding a tattoo that reflects a bad memory or experience in their life. We can take something shameful and create something beautiful together,” says Veronica.

MODERN TECHNOLOGIES From hand-tattooing to machine-produced designs, new technologies are constantly evolving and opening the doors to a range of clients desiring thinner, more stylised lines, shading, florals, and delicate work. “The rise of portraiture and realism in the Bay of Plenty mirrors the growth internationally. Micro-tattooing allows portraits across smaller areas using finer needles, different machines and ink,” says Veronica. Julie credits the Māori art revival as playing an important role in the changing psyche of New Zealanders and popularity of tattoo. “We are highly regarded for tā moko and the work of Aotearoa tattoo artists is honoured around the world. Indigenous cultures that have embraced this sacred art form have created a pathway for tattoo in general,” she says. “Tā moko and tattoos are one of the most powerful forms of communication. There's authentic connection and cultural function that is created through this historical practice. When you get a tattoo, you embody that art form, its power and healing, and share that everywhere you go.” Read on to discover the many tattoo artists around the Bay.

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B O DY

MAKING

her mark Characterised by openness and support, this tattoo studio balances the mana of its artists with deep respect for its clients.

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T H R I V E> A R T

tep into Art + Body Creative Studio in Mount Maunganui, and embrace a vibrant, collaborative, light-filled space buzzing with a large team of artists including tā moko and contemporary tattoo artists working alongside eager apprentices. The open-plan workshop, complete with bus-theming throughout signifying the shared journey between artist and client, is the antithesis of the closed-off, traditional tattoo shop stereotype; a deliberate design by owner Julie Paama-Pengelly.

and transformational practice of tattoos is shared

“When I opened ‘Body’, I wanted to reject the conventional male-led tattoo paradigm; expose the mainstream to the often hidden nature of the industry, while also demystifying tā moko. As a result, we have created an environment where the powerful, intimate

succession of artists. More female practitioners were

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and celebrated,” explains Julie. Considered one of New Zealand’s leading tā moko artists, Julie (Ngāi Te Rangi), has played a key role in the revival of Māori arts since the 1980s. With a background as a university lecturer, arts faculty leader and renowned arts advisor, it was natural to combine her experience in education space with her commercial studio, evolving a pathway for apprentices since 2015. “As client demand for experienced moko artists took off, I knew I had a role to play to support the also coming to me asking, ‘How do we get access to more knowledge, more learning, more mentors?’, and I was passionate about supporting the rise of Māori women practising tā moko,” she explains.

“...TH E P OW ER FU L , INTI M ATE A N D TR A NSFOR M ATIO N A L PR AC TICE OF TAT TO OS IS SH A R ED A ND CELEBR ATED.”

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In the last nine years Julie has trained over 20 artists, with one to two per year graduating to fulltime employment at Art + Body Creative Studio or starting their own successful business. “Our apprentices learn technical skills and hone their artistic niche, but at the forefront of our kaupapa is creating an environment to support the clients' physical, emotional and spiritual transformation. This includes learning protocols, tikanga, health and safety, and coordinating an open and supportive client dialogue - which is less about the purchase and more on creating an honourable, respectful exchange,” she explains. Julie’s education work also extends beyond the studio, into orchestrating festivals, exchanges and exhibitions working to strengthen and enrich Māori arts and indigenous tattoo around the world. Toi Kiri, the world indigenous arts festival, developed by Julie and the team from Te Tuhi Māreikura Trust, was held in Tauranga last month. The fourth world indigenous tattoo event is held annually in October over 10 days, featuring a symposium, exhibition and public event showcasing 45 tattoo artists and 200 cultural performers from 16 different nations around the world. “We have worked hard to create a healthy and vibrant tā moko and tattoo community in Tauranga, and as a result of the vision here, New Zealand is at the forefront of an international movement supporting the revitalisation and exhibition of indigenous arts around the world,” says Julie.

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TĀ MOKO ON DISPLAY Julie Paama-Pengelly is one of eight cultural tattoo practitioners selected to take part in a world-first exhibition at the Museum of Vancouver in 2024. Internationally-acclaimed tattoo artist Dion Kaszas is curating “True Tribal: Contemporary Expressions of Ancestral Tattoo Practices”, an exhibition featuring podcasts, documentary, live performances, living portraits and a photographic exhibition; all celebrating the work of contemporary indigenous tattoo artists around the world.

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B O DY

QUICK QUESTIONS WITH

Julie Paama-Pengelly

UNO: What's your background? How did you become a tattoo artist? Julie: I have a background in design and did an undergraduate degree in anthropology, which gave me a cultural context to Māori ethnography, world view, and also the importance of our historical art objects. This led to an interest in Māori and Pacific Island development and a Masters of Third World Development. I then did a Bachelor and a Masters in Māori Visual Arts and went on to teach at Massey University School of Design, doing tā moko on the weekends. Tā moko is a cultural signifier of identity and pride; in the early days, it was a community practice that happened on marae and in whanau contexts, as part of the ongoing reclamation of health and wellbeing for Māori. How long have you been in the industry? I have been applying tā moko for more than 30 years, at times around my other roles as teacher, writer, exhibiting artist, and parent to two children. When I moved to Tauranga to be closer to my tribal base (I’m from Matakana and Matapihi), I saw the contrast between an affluent Western community and the relative position that Māori now occupied in Tauranga after suffering loss of land and capacity during colonisation. In 2011, I decided to open a studio to locate tā moko within other tattoo practices, to clarify the relative differences between tā moko and tattoo, and to engender further acceptance of tā moko – particularly facial markings which had historically faced discrimination in Western tattoo history.

How would you describe your style? I am a tā moko specialist and since I have been practicing for an extended length of time, this practice has developed quite a bit. I understand that the principles of tā moko design are underpinned by an inherited language vocabulary (Māori didn't have a written language so our arts served a powerful role), and once you know this, its up to the tā moko artist to expand on this and to reflect the changing nature of Māori experiences and society. When non-Māori copy tā moko, they fail to understand the language system, the design meaning as a personalised engagement between the wearer, their community and Māori ancestors, connecting us with our ancestors throughout time. Do you have a specialty or area of expertise and if so what? Within tā moko, I now focus most of my attention to doing moko kauae (the chin area) and moko peha (the lower back, buttocks and down the legs) on women. My body doesn't hold up like it used to, so my focus is now on what I can contribute to the ongoing practice of tā moko. As one of the few female practitioners, it is important for me to consider what unique voice I bring and how I can help keep the art form current into the future. What do you love most about your job? Tā moko is all about the people, and while this requires energy, it is the most rewarding part of the job. Particularly the therapy that we each share on the journey, what their story is, their hurdles and celebrations, and being able to collaborate to bring forth something that holds the meaning of generations of Māori. With bigger pieces where clients return time after time, they become family and we all feel connected, and this affects our studio too. Some clients will seek out our other artists to get pieces that reflect their specialties, which makes for a really nice working environment.

Tell us about your most memorable experience with a client. This is a difficult one, but I have had affirmation of the healing power that tā moko can have. One client who received a significant piece (some 60 hours of work) as a moko peha had a significant history of understanding that she couldn't conceive. She went on to have a child four years later, and more recently reflected that the moko peha might have contributed to this. Do you have a favourite piece of work? I treasure my large projects the most, as they allow me to build a significant design relationship between the elements as well as a bond with the receiver. My original first full moko peha piece on Jeanette Rata in 2004 still resonates with me, because the work flowed quite spontaneously from session to session, and the image has been widely viewed so I have had plenty of time to be critical of the work. My current moko peha piece on Erena Mikaere represents how my practice has developed over a 20-year period. What inspires you? The work of my ancestors, particularly when I see photos and marvel at the expertise of what they executed with tools fashioned from nature. They remind me of why it’s important to continue this practice, not necessarily to replicate their work, but to look at how they responded to the world. If only we had more primary material from artists back then! I am also inspired by everyone that takes on the commitment to wear tā moko. It’s a mark of bravery and a commitment to wear their identity, experiences and journey forever. They are the ultimate muse, creative influence and legacy for our tā moko traditions. ARTBODY.CO.NZ ARTBODYCREATIVE

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T H R I V E> B O H E M I A N

ART WITH

heArt

Pepa Heller of Bohemian Tattoo Arts in Tauranga strives to provide a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in his well-established, legendary parlour, with plenty of talent to choose from.

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UNO: How long has Bohemian Tattoo Arts been open? Pepa: We opened the studio in 2002, so we've been established for more than 20 years now. Did you have a big party to celebrate the anniversary? Not quite a party but we wanted to do something special that would also support the wider community, especially those in need of help. We also wanted to express gratitude to our clients and supporters, so we decided to run a mental health awareness fundraising project for I AM HOPE. It took us more than a year in preparation and about four months to execute. What was the project about? One of our team members, Jeffrey Robinson, had the idea of coming up with an animation in support of mental health. It consisted of 100 sketches of John Dory fish in support of men's mental health. The storyline is that the fish was absorbing a lot of darkness and negativity and became sad, only to realise that it could speak 'bubble' to become a happy fish once again. This was to represent mental health struggles. Everyone was really excited about this, so we decided to go ahead with it. The task was to tattoo 101 animation frames on 101 people. All profits were donated to I AM HOPE. Tattooing that many people takes a lot of time, so we called for more tattoo aficionados, mostly the ex-Bohemian crew to help us out. By the time we finished, it had taken us four months to complete all 101 tattoos. We are very happy to have fundraised over $15,000 for a great cause. That's amazing. How many artists worked on the project and how many do you have in the studio? Fifteen artists took part in completing the John Dory frames. We have eight amazing tattoo artists at the studio at the moment. Could you elaborate on your artists and their styles? Our team, from four different continents, consists of incredible talent and covers a broad spectrum of tattoo art styles. I cover large-scale realism/freehand kirituhi, while Julie of Reconnectink has her own unique style that is strongly connected to nature and good energy. We are both from Czech Republic. Grace of Ink_trek (NZ) is a master of fine lines, mandala art and stipple shading. Paul Collier (NZ) is amazing with large-scale colour and black and white realism. Bryn of spookeestuff.tattoo (UK/NZ) specialises in traditional tattoo style with solid lines and fine shading. Matias of Eme_Ese from Argentina is a solid artist on the rise. Sanjay of Swostiktattoo (Nepal) holds a Masters degree in Arts and focuses on oriental style and realism. Last but not least,

Aidan Holland (NZ) covers most styles. Just as cherished and important is our shop manager, Aja, along with professional piercer Olive, both hailing from Bohemia, Czech Republic. What do you think makes a great tattoo? I believe there must be a great deal of understanding and good communication between the artist and the client. The client needs to be tattooed by an artist whose style aligns with what the client wants. We are very fortunate to be able to cover most styles of tattooing at Bohemian Tattoo Arts. A great tattoo must strike a balance between scale, proportion, and flow while meeting the client's goal. How do you work with clients to create a custom design? First, we arrange for a free, no-obligation consultation, during that time we discuss the client's ideas and offer our own professional input. For the best possible result, it is important to come to a mutual understanding regarding the concept. Once we strike that balance, an appointment is determined and we start designing. What's the most interesting tattoo you've ever done? My awesome client Brent gave me his full back to do whatever I wanted, so naturally, I reached for a portrait of a majestic horse. During the first session, to my surprise, Brent was keen to make the commitment and come along with me to the Las Vegas Tattoo Convention in only four weeks. At that point, it sounded impossible to finish such a large-scale tattoo, but in the end, that’s exactly what we did. There were a lot of hours squeezed into a short time, but it was well worth it. What do you love most about your job? I am the luckiest man in the world to have the job that I do. It is creative and intimate; I get to know my clients very well and I feel privileged to be part of their life and journey. In the end, they will never be the same after they leave my chair. Do you have a favourite piece of work? The personality of my client and the project itself go hand in hand to determine my favourite projects, and there are a lot of these. So, if you’re reading this, and have a tattoo in mind, don’t hesitate to get in touch! BOHEMIANTATTOOARTS.COM

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O R C H I D

SACRED

honour Veronica de Oliveira brings art and healing together through her collective of creatives. WO R DS K AR E N CL A R K SO N

hile the Western world may have adopted tattooing in recent decades, ancient cultures around the world have performed this sacred art form for millennia. One local tattoo artist has set up a creative studio combining body art with holistic healing, products and services, all honouring

a theme of healing, transformation and community. Black Orchid Creative Studio in downtown Mount Maunganui is a collective of artists offering tattoos, hair and barber services, piercing, massage, coffee and healing reiki. Owned by Veronica de Oliveira, tattoo artist and mum of three, she is determined to transform the male-dominated industry, reclaiming its feminine history.

T H R I V E> B L AC K

O R C H I D

QUICK QUESTIONS WITH

Veronica de Oliveira UNO: How long have you been in the industry? Veronica: About seven years.

“Ancient cultures used body markings to acknowledge the energy of the divine feminine, and some of the earliest recorded tattoos were found on female Egyptian mummies. Considered gods of birth, Egyptian women were tattooed on the abdomen and upper thighs, to celebrate creation and provide protection over the birth,” she says. Veronica studied Reiki and is passionate about increasing understanding about the transformative power of tattoos by offering a large range of healing modalities alongside body art. “Tattooing is a historic blood ritual that transforms energy through art to someone's skin. There's an opportunity for more people to be educated on this sacred experience for its ability to heal trauma, overcome shame, provide empowerment and increase body positivity,” says Veronica. Inspired by her own journey to becoming a body art professional, Veronica believes with the accessibility of Youtube tutorials, and machines easily purchased online, it's important to create opportunities for the next generation to learn all the elements needed to become a professional tattoo artist. “My goal is to create an educational platform and offer workshops, education and guest speakers so up-and-coming artists can not just hone their artistic talent, but learn about the history of tattoo, its healing powers, how to honour the client, as well as the ins and outs of running your own business,” she says.

How did you become a tattoo artist? I’ve always been an artist; I believe you are born like that. I am a self-taught person, and when something interests me, I can’t stop until I master it. Before tattooing, I was working as an interior and events designer and as a florist. I tried a friend’s tattoo machine once and never went back! I was quite good on it to start, which made me buy my own equipment. I’ve offered free tattoos for family and friends until I worked as a volunteer in the Tattoo & Art Extravaganza and met my mentor, Pepa, who gave me my first opportunity to work in a shop. By that time, I had two small children on my own. It was my return to work life, and I knew I was supposed to do something big with my life. What do you love most about your job? My job empowers me. Through art, I can transcend reality and bring happiness to people. My studio is my temple, my dream. I love to come to work, meet people, share energy and heal. Do you have a favourite piece of work? At the moment I’m working on a collection of star sign goddesses. I’m in love with it! I create large pieces with my clients’ astrology characteristics in a black and grey neo-traditional style. Who and/or what inspires you? I could name so many artists that inspire me, but my real inspiration comes from my family and my devotion to women, the Divine Feminine. I think we are so resilient, so powerful and beautiful. Most of my clients are women, and we learn so much from each other.

mentality, good communication and understanding, intuitive people reading. Good common and aesthetic sense. Hunger for learning. What do you think has changed positively in the tattoo industry in the last 10 years? The increase of women in the industry and the technology. We now can rely on amazing equipment and material. Social media became a great marketing tool for artists to show their work. There is also less discrimination against tattooed people and artists. I also love that we see young and older people getting tattooed in the same room. Tattoo art has also evolved significantly – these days, artists are doing the most incredible art on peoples bodies. What do you want to see in the future for the tattooing industry? I would like to see more recognition of the profession from governmental institutions through more regulations and more educational incentives to apprentices and mentors. At the moment, I’m in the planning phase of an introductory tattoo course and workshops, to be released next winter. I believe that so many people out there are trying to learn on their own and wanting some guidance, support and the opportunity to succeed in the profession. LADYDRAGONTATTOOS BLACKORCHIDCOLLECTIVESTUDIO BLACKORCHIDCOLLECTIVE.CO.NZ

What do you think makes a good tattoo artist? Drawing skills, creativity, drive, humility, compassion, cleanliness, good customer service, ethical professional

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UNO: How long have you been in the industry? Aaron: Visual Intelligence has just celebrated its 19th birthday! I’ve been tattooing for 26 years, Emily for 20 years, and Kyah for two years. How would you describe your style? Aaron: We don't box ourselves into one particular style. We specialise in all styles of tattooing, from realism/portraits, to Tā Moko and Polynesian, full-colour, black and grey, illustrative, neo-trad, fineline, and everything in-between. We also custom design almost all of our work because, first and foremost, we are artists. What is your favourite style of tattooing? Aaron: I prefer big, bold custom work in black and grey or colour – tattoos that are built to last and will stand the test of time. I also have a large portfolio of Tā Moko/Māori, Polynesian and Japanese-style work. Emily: I love illustrative and neo-traditional art, but am happy to do all styles of tattooing.

BODY OF

work

With almost 20 years of history, this tattoo studio is a multi-generational hub of creativity, where originality and custom designs take centre stage.

riginally established in Dunedin in 2004, Visual Intelligence is a boutique-style tattoo studio, which recently moved to Pāpāmoa from the Mount. With three tattoo artists – Aaron, Emily and Kyah – the studio has a combined experience of almost 50 years. Macaela, who paints canvases for the studio gallery, is the manager and what the staff call the “organiser of everyone’s lives”. The studio specialises in all styles of tattooing and offers a friendly, professional and personalised service, together with high-quality artwork, in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

Here UNO asks the team a few burning questions.

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Kyah: I’m Aaron's apprentice and son, so I’m following in Dad's footsteps. I have a passion for tā moko/Māori, Polynesian and Japanese art. What do you think makes a great tattoo? Macaela: A customised design which has been skilfully executed, aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and one that both the artist is happy with and the client is proud to wear. It's also important to note that even a perfectly executed tattoo needs to be followed up with a perfectly well-healed tattoo. We provide personalised aftercare advice which is the responsibility of the client. This would include keeping the fresh tattoo clean at all times and out of the sun, sand and surf, using an aftercare product specifically for tattoos, and even once healed, using sunscreen whenever exposed to the outdoors. How do you work with clients to create a custom design? Macaela: The client would come to us with an idea or reference images and we then go through a consultation process, with the artist talking through their ideas, what will and won't work, size and placement and whether they're wanting colour or black and grey. Consulting with the client eliminates the need for multiple designs to be done, as a solid tattoo plan is discussed prior to any designing. There also needs to be an element of trust between client and artist. At the end of the day, the client has come to us through either a recommendation or because they've loved the work they've seen, and are happy to wait months in advance for a booking. Some clients like to see a design prior to their booking; however,

most trust our process and only see their design on the day of their booking. What inspired you to become a tattoo artist? What is your background? How did you become a tattoo artist? Aaron: I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil and I’ve been an artist my whole life. Drawing and design led me to becoming a self-taught tattoo artist and eventually Macaela and I opened Visual Intelligence in Dunedin in 2004. I also enjoy digital art and painting in oils and acrylics, and as well as being a tattoo artist, I was an aerosol artist for many years in Dunedin, painting large-scale murals. More recently I’ve been busy with commissions for custom-carved skate decks, inspired by my love for music, art, culture, skating and tattooing. Emily: I was brought up in West London and, as a teenager, was into the punk scene and also enjoyed designing tattoos for friends to get tattooed by other tattoo artists. I was always stoked to see my own designs as tattoos on my friends and one of them suggested I should look for an apprenticeship. I approached one of the best tattoo studios in West London for an apprenticeship, and that's where it all started! I have since tattooed in London, Perth and Sydney, and then joined the Visual Intelligence team in 2018. I also enjoy painting in oils, acrylics and watercolours. Kyah: My parents are Aaron and Macaela and I’ve basically been brought up in a tattoo studio my whole life. I’ve always been surrounded by their art and seeing what my dad could do in the tattoo studio inspired me to focus on my art at college. In my final year, I received the Mana Toi Tāne Award, which is awarded to "the male student who represents their culture through visual arts with perserverance, commitment and pride." I also completed a Certificate in Art & Design at Toi Ohomai and started my tattoo journey in 2021. What makes your studio unique? Macaela: Our studio not only produces high-quality, custom work, but also provides our clients with an experience. We have a beautiful new studio in Pāpāmoa and our environment is a professional hub of creativity, artistic flair, with a personalised service created for each individual client. Our clients feel welcomed, listened to and looked after throughout their tattoo journey. The majority of our clients are also repeat customers and are always thinking ahead and discussing with us the next project they wish us to help them undertake, whether that be on skin, canvas or a wall! VISUALINTELLIGENCE.NET.NZ

INTERIOR DESIGN

FURNITURE

C U R TA I N S

BLINDS

LINEN

BEDS

LET 'S MAKE YOUR HOME BEAUTIFUL M C W. N Z

- T H E WAY W E -

LIVE

Celebrating the places and spaces we call home.

PENINSULA PRESENCE Luxurious living PAGE 94

MAXED OUT Delight in decorating PAGE 84

CO U N T RY CHARM Rural serenity

HIGH PERFORMANCE

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Smart construction PAGE 98

W O R K > T H R I V E > L I V E > P L A Y > E X P L O R E

L I V E> I N S P I R E D

DOPAMINE DECORATING This trend is all about vivid colours, clashing patterns, maximalism and pure happiness.

S T Y LI N G A M B E R A R M ITAG E @ MAR IGO LD PH OTOS WE N DY F E NWI CK @ F L A S H STU D I OS WALL CO LO U RS R E S E N E PAI NTS

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S T Y LI S T TI P Vibrant tones, such as yellow, red and orange, feel energetic and passionate. Mixing and matching this with checked and floral patterns on the bed, alongside a mural element, walks the fine line between fun and sophisticated.

THIS PAGE Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Meringue. Decorative line painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Tequila Sunrise. Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Bark. Dillon Rattan Queen Bedhead in Natural $449.99, Oslo Bedside Table in Sand $179.99, from Mocka. Light Original Painting by Sophie Melville $250, from Endemic World. Lily Pendant Lampshade in Cream $249.99, Jimmy Table Lamp $399.99, A&C Checker Printed Linen Robe in Terracotta $179.99, Emu Wrenlette in Natural $69.99, from A&C Homestore. Zinc Linen Duvet from $321.75, from Penney and Bennett. Bonnie And Neil Pillowcase Tiny Checkers Tan $85, Bonnie And Neil Quilted Throw Pastel Floral Sand $529, Bonnie & Neil Pastel Floral Sand Euro $99, from Allium. Lilac Purple Linen Pillowcases from $32, from Foxtrot Home. Sandringham Floor Rug in Putty from $1,420, from Baya. All else stylists own.

OPPOSITE PAGE AND RIGHT Back wall and bottom half of front wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Valentine. Top half of front wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Aviator. Floor painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Sea Fog. Hello Hermes Limited Edition Screen print by Emile Holmewood from $95, from Endemic World. Belinda Boucle Teddy Single Bed in Ivory $439.99, Kobie Cotton Blend Striped Floor Rug in Extra Large $219.99, from Mocka. Theodore Bench Seat in Off White $1,199.99, Cora Table Lamp in Blue/White $349.99, A&C Flax Linen Duvet Cover in Marine from $299.99, from A&C Homestore. Artie Open Bedside in Powder Blue $1,753, from Soren Liv. Bordallo Pinheiro Strawberries Bowl Oval 13.5cm $59, Rice Raffia Bag in Cherry Pink $125, Designers Guild Cushion Brera Lino $230, from Allium. Pink Stripes Linen Pillowcases from $32, from Foxtrot Home. Arcadia Cushion in Chambray $115, from Baya. Linen Quilt | Reversible from $480, from Alfie Home.

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S T Y LI S T TI P Although dopamine decor is very much focused on bold, bright colors, doesn’t mean these spaces can’t be soft and gentle too. Greens create a peaceful, relaxed setting and can help a space to feel grounding, ideal for a guest bedroom space.

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ABOVE Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Meringue. Decorative line painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Tequila Sunrise. Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Bark. Dillon Rattan Queen Bedhead in Natural $449.99, Oslo Bedside Table in Sand $179.99, both from Mocka. Light original painting by Sophie Melville $250, from Endemic World. Lily Pendant Lampshade in Cream $249.99, Jimmy Table Lamp $399.99, A&C Checker Printed Linen Robe in Terracotta $179.99, Emu Wrenlette in Natural $69.99, all from A&C Homestore. Zinc Linen Duvet from $321.75, from Penney and Bennett. Bonnie and Neil Pillowcase Tiny Checkers Tan $85, Bonnie and Neil Quilted Throw Pastel Floral Sand $529, Bonnie and Neil Pastel Floral Sand Euro $99, all from Allium. Lilac Purple Linen Pillowcases from $32, from Foxtrot Home. Sumba freestanding statue $85, Sandringham Floor Rug in Putty from $1420, both from Baya. All else stylist’s own. LEFT Top half of wall and floor painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Seafog. Bottom half of wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Wabi Sabi. Pure Shores original painting by Lucy Rice $1500, Still Looking original painting by Helen Dean $680, both from Endemic World. Lichen Standard Pillowslip $65 from Alfie Home. Tobacco Stripe Linen Pillowcases $32 from Foxtrot Home. A&C Stonewash Cotton Duvet in White from $189.99, A&C Stonewash Cotton Duvet in Pine Mini Stripe from $189.99, both from A&C Homestore. Riviera Side Table $1295, Kipas Vase $85, Dansa Cushion in Rose $179.99, all from Republic Home. Anna Arch Mirror in Gold $249.99, Eros Six Drawer in Sage Green $499.99, both from Mocka. Sol bag, large, $89 by Zay from Allium. All else stylist's own.

Care Centre Now Open El e v ate d ca re in yo u r l atte r ye a r s . p a c i f i cco a s t v i l l a ge.co. n z 07 5 7 2 3 0 2 9

21 0 M aran u i S tr e e t, Mo un t M a u ng a nu i

L I V E> COV E T E D

SIMPLE PLEASURES

Bring key elements together for great summer entertaining.

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12 EXPERT TIPS WITH

KATHRINE MCDONALD Simplicity is vital to a summer aesthetic – and less is more for an ultra-chic look. Natural tones and textures, such as wood, linen and wicker, all play into trends for the foreseeable future. Earth tones and metallic accents make for stunning accessories, along with lightweight raw fabrics and transparent textiles. There’s a real versatility to the look which can lean towards a variety of design styles. By carrying soft furnishings through both spaces seamlessly, your entertainment area will be fabulous. KMINTERIORDESIGN.CO.NZ MCDONALD.KATHRINE

13 14 1. Anton Dining Chair $1050 from sorenliv.com 2. Ferm Living Lump Vase $437.90 from designstuff.com 3. David Shaw x Nightworks Duet Large Pendant Light $POA from davidshaw.co.nz 4. Mezcla: Recipes To Excite by Ixta Belfrage $65 from theaxe.co.nz 5. Areaware Dusen Dusen Pattern Shakers $88 from top3.com.au 6. Otazen Capri Outdoor Dining Chair $765 from mckenzieandwillis.co.nz 7. Brass Lobster Bottle Opener $45 from bohemehome.co.nz 8.Acrylic Champagne Flute $16 from greenwithenvy.co.nz 9. AYTM Arura Medium Glass Vase in Amber $565.90 from designstuff.com 10. Muuto Ease Portable Lamp in Taupe $420 from top3.com.au 11. Mini Cheese Board $39 from bohemehome.co.nz 12. Mette Ditmer Art Piece Candle Holder in Sand $218 from top3.com.au 13. Mette Ditmer Art Piece Patch Bowl in Sand $273 from top3.com.au 14. Be the Light 4 by Anna Church Fine Art Limited Edition Print from $2400 from annachurchart.com

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RURAL ROMANCE In the upper hills of Ohauiti, an extraordinary transformation has taken place over the past three years. With the owners on to new adventures, this rural home offers a wonderful opportunity for shared family lifestyle. WO R DS J O F E R R I S

ny renovation involves a vision. But the combined talents of this couple’s experience in building and interior design was key to the double life the home now enjoys. Shared accommodation is growing in this country – from aging parents to adult children raising families of their own.

This home’s size was a great start for what this family wanted to create. It wasn’t simply the house itself; it was the extent of garage space that lent to conversion for separate living quarters. Even then, it still left a high-stud, triple garage with mezzanine storage to boot. While another builder undertook the actual construction – which involved reconfiguring the layout – these vendors did all the finishing. No mean feat, looking at the complex design. The house had the hint of a country villa initially. It just needed vision to truly take it to the next level. Private seclusion within this rural enclave is exquisite – a perfect backdrop for what now exists in the rolling landscape. Views gaze down the valley to Tauranga and offshore islands. There’s grazing for horses or livestock, a new shed for farm equipment, a chook house, and ample garden and playground freedom in a natural wonderland introduced by olive trees lining the driveway. Relaxing within the verandah shelter or looking out from the family living areas, this home embraces everything – best of all from the master retreat above. “Retreat” is an understatement. Like a five-star hotel suite, it encompasses a massive bedroom and personal lounge. A central wall, housing a double-sided fireplace, is the ultimate romantic touch. Until you step into the bathroom. It’s pure indulgence, with a deep bath, bespoke vanity and private shower and toilet areas. A “dressing-room” wardrobe is a fashionista’s dream, while hidden storage highlights discreet design and added features.

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Downstairs, bathroom zones all received similar detail. Refined taste in each area accentuates an eye for design and appreciation of how heritage finesse blends with chic styling. Panelled walls, wainscoting features and battened accents flow throughout the home, while instilling individual personality into each zone. The TV room is a cosy, carpeted snug, yet its French-door connection stays in touch with the vaulted expanse of the family hub. Polished concrete flooring enhances the rustic charm of rural life, while a gourmet kitchen is a tribute to the woman of the home’s past in kitchen design. It blends all the hallmarks of heritage allure, with the practical function that caters to big family occasions. Linked cleverly with a larder-style pantry and equally welldesigned laundry, the bespoke finish leaves nothing to chance. There’s a place for everything and everything is in place – even a vast vege and herb patch just outside to complement cooking. As the passage weaves past two bedrooms, it enters the second accommodation – part of the home, yet separate to ensure privacy and the added bonus of its own entry. Currently a one-bedroom unit, there’s potential to turn the “hobby” area into a second bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe to mirror the main suite. Spacious open-plan living is enhanced by raked ceilings and kept cosy with a wood burner. A wheelchair-friendly bathroom increases this unit’s convenience, while the spa pool and country verandah outside is enchanting privacy, which brings nature to the door. The serenity is bliss; just birdsong for company. Tuis divebomb flax bushes, feast on flowers and sing their hearts out. Hawks fly overhead and quails visit in summer evenings – there’s no better enticement. 11F Rowe Road, Upper Ohauiti OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

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RESORT AMBIENCE When this prime Pāpāmoa dune pocket was secured for residential purposes, it marked one of the last beachfront blocks available for development. Designed as a private haven for prestige residences, this home was destined for special kudos, which elevates its status. WO R DS J O F E R R I S

Entertainment is centre stage on the first floor – the open-plan design taking full advantage of the scenery, sun and coastal ambience. Gabled ceilings, clever glazing placement and an intimate outdoor connection stretches dining and relaxation between each zone. Sensitive tone and texture balance the home’s contemporary mood with the subtle hues of nature – clever harmony between the aesthetics of this home’s construction and the coastal setting it resides in. Practical yet luxurious, there is simplicity in the concept, while ensuring detailed finesse reigns.

warded the Master Builders Home of the Year for Bay of Plenty/Central Plateau in 2021, this home was subsequently named in New Zealand’s top 100 – further plaudits for its builder Justin Horler of JBH Building. Designed by Andre Laurent of Creative Space, the home draws inspiration from this coastal setting. The Beaches is unique and borders an historic dune reserve. An aspect which allows eternal views for the select resident ribbon on this fringe – this home among them.

sweeps from the ocean and Mayor/Tuhua

It revolves around the stunning scenery stretching in front. The panorama

to this pool area to expand the flexibility

19 Otira Close, The Beaches, Pāpāmoa

of this ground-floor suite.

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Island down the coastline to Mauao and around Tauranga to the Kaimai Range’s crisp outline. Sunset is the most magical time of day in this home – either toasting it from the quiet shelter of the first-floor balcony with pre-dinner drinks, or relaxing in the cherished privacy of the master retreat on the third floor. This home’s entire focus rests on the scenery and inspiration it evokes. It begins with a resort ambience in the poolside setting – a year-round sanctuary, thanks to the heated pool and sheltered corners to bask in the sun. A lounge and bathroom both link

Impressive features include underfloor heating in bathrooms, a lift to all levels, satellite TV and a Sonos sound system throughout, solar panels connected to the grid, underground rainwater for irrigation – to name a few. Direct beach access, significant parking and the comfort of gated security continues the long list of features to relish. With due reward already bestowed on this beautiful home, its kudos will belong to the next residents who enter this elite haven at Pāpāmoa.

L I V E> O L I V E R

A PLACE IN THE SUN This striking Omokoroa property was first introduced publicly as a showhome. A tribute to an owner’s vision and the construction team that created it. Now on the market, this home will undoubtedly draw huge interest – particularly among those who remember visiting it. WO R DS J O F E R R I S

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height of the upper level. David Trubridge pendants cast magical shadows on the walls and ceiling, while the stairs’ industrial look is another stark accent against the white cleanliness elsewhere. Upstairs is a dedicated five-star suite. A sumptuous master bedroom and bathroom, with a large private lounge. With its own fireside comfort, this

he flawless white façade and clean lines instil hints of modern Greek architecture, thanks to its geometric symmetry. This theme dominates throughout the home. Stark in its simplicity, it is soothing without complication.

also embraces extensive, full-height

retreat also shares the luxury of a bank

glazing to stream in natural light

of full-height glazing to bask in the

and views. Tinted green glass infuses

scenery. As with the outdoor flow

a soft reflection, while polished concrete

below, this level has a balcony running

flooring soaks up solar warmth.

its full length. Louvred roofing allows

The Bosch wall oven, microwave and

Views of Omokoroa Harbour and

What seems simple, however, is far from

coffee machine are the only contrast on

Mauao in the distance are maximised

it. There was nowhere the builder, GenX

the back wall. A raised bar on the curved

in this home. They’re just better

Homes, could hide. In reality, the detail

island uses a brown/black contrast,

upstairs. Glazing covers the full breadth

hides in its simplicity – and a masterclass

which continues in the innovative

of both levels, including balustrades,

in plastering. Enduring construction

barstool setting. Against the normal

while pillarless corner-stacking doors

features plaster-coated concrete panels,

trend, this sits at right angles to allow

provide seamless views. A shining

while the entire interior demonstrates

table seating for four. Formal dining has

example in design, construction and

the art of flush finish.

its own space nearby.

finish, this home will stand out long

This seamless approach is showcased in

The vaulted stairwell puts a new twist

features like the wall housing a gas fire

on grand staircases of old. It’s a central

51 Lynley Park Drive, Omokoroa

and display unit. The open-plan design

element and draws eyes up to the vast

OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

The kitchen matches this home’s identity. Devoid of handles, it has a futuristic look.

both filtered sunlight and shelter against the elements.

into the future.

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NATURAL ELEGANCE Tauranga Harbour’s spellbinding beauty around a hilltop peninsula is inspiration enough for an exceptional home. But a sensitive deference to nature – blending contemporary brilliance with the landscape that preceded it – underlines this home’s distinctive air. WO R DS J O F E R R I S

idden from the world, the home showcases bold design and precise execution. Deserving a string of awards in the 2019 Master Builders House of the Year, it was named supreme regional winner, and went on to earn national gold reserve status, also winning its category. Imposing, thanks to its lone presence on this peninsula, the home’s sole focus is on what surrounds it. The views are spectacular – a sweeping panorama that follows Tauranga Harbour and Matakana around to the Kaimais. The home captures nature and how the sun plays with water and trees before dipping behind the hills. Scenery is integral to this home’s design and how it connects with each aspect. Central to this concept is the swimming pool and how family living mimics similar infinity. The pool is like a separate extension that floats out to space, thanks to the innovative design. It’s heated for year-round exercise, while the built-in spa is a natural companion. Full-height glazing in the family wing ensures a seamless link with the patio and pool, while framing an extensive grasp on scenery. Genius design in the family lounge, cantilevers it in midair. Glazing wraps around this extension to heighten the floating feeling. Even the unique unit, housing a wall TV and display alcoves, appears to hover within the glass surround. The pool outlook might be centre stage, but a discreet sheltered patio provides a different perspective of nature. Full-height glazing is a significant feature in this home. It begins with a towering front door, drifts into various rooms and highlights aspects like the oak stair treads – another intriguing element that seems to float up to the master retreat. This retreat cherishes ultimate privacy. A sumptuous suite, with its “look-out” ambience stretching across

the harbour, bespoke dressing-room backdrop and a romantic bathroom. The simple elegance of an oval bath is matched by egg-shaped vanities on a custom dresser. Oak weaves a story throughout – on flooring, bespoke units in both lounges, kitchen cabinetry and designer vanities in all three bathrooms. With the master retreat relishing penthouse privacy, two more bedrooms share semi-ensuite luxury downstairs, while a guest bedroom has a private bathroom. Sitting in its own corner, this suite opens out to the poolside patio. This home displays the knowledge that refined class needs no extra flattery. Underfloor heating and a ducted system ensure constant comfort. Drapes disappear into the ceiling, while LED lighting hides in extraordinary ways to infuse soft illumination throughout. As day passes into evening, this home’s mood changes everything about its demeanour. Other features extend this property’s generous parameters, including an avocado orchard and shed. A secondary, high-stud, three-bay shed houses self-contained accommodation. Lined with plywood and featuring polished concrete flooring, this suite provides a bedroom, bathroom and open-plan living with a wrap-around verandah patio. The boat-shed ambience of this unit complements the considerable storage next door. Ideal for the Sealegs, this could be driven down the garden pathway to the private ramp into the harbour. A sandy beach invites launching the kayak at high tide, or packing a picnic to fossick as the water ebbs and flows. With a lily pond attracting wildlife, amid a garden wonderland and giant guardian pōhutukawa, nature is the eternal winner here – and willing to share it. OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

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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. Manufactured in the USA, 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.

S I L K WO O D L I V I N G .CO . N Z 4 Wilson Road South - Paengaroa | Tel: 07 533 1512

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SUBTROPICAL SUMMER

TAURANGA’S FAVOURITE GARDEN STOP For Giftware, Pots, Garden Decor & ZIGGY BBQs

G a rd e n ia P ro

cci

St a

Ginny Clark from Decor Gardenworld shows us just how easy it is to grow subtropical treats.

BLOOM CAFE V ire

ya Rhodos

he best time to plant fruit trees, trees and shrubs was five years ago. The next best time is now.

Growing your own is easier than you think and, with the subtropical summer on our doorstep, and shortages of some of our most popular of summer fruits in the shops, there is no time to waste. For the edible garden, we are spoiled in Tauranga, as we can grow numerous subtropical fruits that give us that tropical feel, along with many of the all-time hardy favourites. No matter what size your property is, there are plenty of options for you to grow in a sunny corner. Berry fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, boysenberries, and loganberries spring to mind. If you are growing blueberries, choosing several different varieties will help with pollination and extend your harvest season from November until April. Raspberries are either summer fruiting or autumn fruiting types, so again the season can be extended. There’s even a cute little raspberry called “Mini Me” which is ideal to grow in pots or hanging baskets. Passionfruit, strawberry, guavas, tamarillos, and Lady Finger bananas are subtropical fruits that are easy to grow. You could even plant a dwarf growing Cleopatra Avocado in the small home garden.

For those of us that have spent time in the tropics, you will remember the gorgeous fragrance that is quintessential to that part of the world. Plants that will remind you of that year after year include one of our all-time favourites, Gardenias. Ranging in size from the little low Radicans through to the taller Veitchii, Professor Pucci and True Love, you can’t go wrong. They work well as an under planting to Palms and glossyleafed Pukas and all those other tropicallooking plants. Star Jasmine is another all-time favourite, and it can be grown as a ground cover or climber. Vireya Rhodos are also a good choice. Some are fragrant, plus they will flower three to four times a year. Murraya (Orange Blossom) and Australian Frangipani also grow well here. But the piéce de résistance is the Tropical Frangipani. If you have the right spot that is super sunny and warm with a bit of space, then she would be my favourite.

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Plant Easy to Grow Summer Fruits NOW

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Of course, we can’t ignore Hibiscus either. Although not fragrant, they will give you a fabulous show right through until late autumn. Combine this selection, along with a Batik Bench seat, colourful Morris and James Pot and super-efficient Zieglar and Brown BBQ and you will be well on the way to creating your own subtropical paradise. DECORGARDENWORLD.CO.NZ

165 Moffat Road, Bethlehem PH 5764777 Open 9 - 4.30, 7 Days

DecorGardenWorld.co.nz decorgardenworld.co.nz

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PEAK PERFORMANCE Why settle for the bare minimum? André Laurent wants the best, so he builds it himself. WO R DS J E N N Y R U D D

erformance has always been the north star for the team at Creative Space Architecture. It could be getting the most energy efficiency from a new build, alteration or ensuring bullet-proof and robust weathertightness in a multi-level apartment complex. Performance is what truly spins the wheels of this team, many of them with a background in construction.

Director André Laurent and general manager Regan Little have always sought out high-performing construction systems like insulated concrete forms (ICFs), seen to be alternative, but outperforming the field in terms of insulation and durability, especially important in our coastal environment.

André Laurent

This drive to build the best-performing houses for their clients has taken them back to their construction roots with their new project, EvoCo.

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We asked André about his passion for Passive Homes and other high performing design methodologies, which are built with a focus on the occupants’ health and wellbeing, while consuming very little energy. How do you use your expertise to support clients? When it comes to New Zealand’s housing stock and the building code, it’s important to understand that

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the New Zealand Building Code represents the bare minimum standard. Imagine if you were building a boat to sail your family to Europe – would you build it to the bare minimum marine standards? Most likely not. Similarly, we shouldn’t take that approach with architecture. Many homes under construction have the potential to achieve a much higher level of performance; it’s just not the industry norm to invest a little more in those areas, and many aren’t aware of what’s achievable, or what the returns are. Maximising energy efficiency through architecture involves guiding clients to choose the right products, materials, and construction methods. It’s about tailoring solutions to the specific site and project brief. Surprisingly, many energy efficiency benefits can be realised through sound decision-making in the early stages of a project, often at no extra cost. Good fundamental design provides a solid foundation for a project’s success. How does passive solar design play a role in energy efficiency? Passive solar design is all about orienting living spaces correctly and selecting suitable materials to collect, store, and distribute solar energy without added costs. It’s about getting the right spaces in the right places and capitalising on good design principles. To achieve an energy-efficient home, start with a well-oriented site with sun exposure when facing the views. Then we can choose construction methods that complement the location and prioritise insulation and air tightness to retain energy. We recommend construction methods like ICFs or SIPs (Insulated Concrete Forms or Structural Insulated Panels) to improve air tightness, regulate temperatures, reduce energy costs, and minimise outdoor sound pollution. Traditional timber-framed homes often have small gaps everywhere that leak heat and energy, while these systems significantly improve performance.

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What part does design play in establishing performance and value? We say that great design creates great value. This means that exceptional design enhances every aspect of a building from its aesthetic to its performance and everything in between. This includes the experience for everyone interacting with a building, whether it’s observers, occupants, or future buyers. Great design’s positive impacts endure throughout the building’s lifecycle so the upfront decisions truly count. One of the best things we can do for our clients is follow the KISS principle: Keep it simple, stupid. Wherever possible we aim to reduce design complexity knowing it has a direct corelation with costs. While its easier to determine costs for a new home, its almost impossible to do so with alterations and additions without investment in very detailed designs. These are then handed over to an external Quantity Surveyor or a trusted Building Contractor to reveal actual costs. Unfortunately, bespoke architecture is a little chicken and egg, so it is extremely important to simplify designs wherever possible. Historically, high performance means high cost. Is that true of homes performing at a passive level? The future of healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient housing lies in Passive style homes that maintain consistent indoor comfort with minimal energy use for heating, cooling, and ventilation. With advancements in construction technologies, Passive level performance is becoming more affordable and achievable in the Southern Hemisphere. In essence, a Passive Home maintains comfort through continuous thermal insulation, airtight construction, high-quality windows and doors, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), and good passive solar design.

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reative Space Architecture’s journey took an unexpected turn when in early 2018, Regan Little, now general manager, and André started discussing the challenges facing the construction industry. They brainstormed solutions that could raise the bar in quality, durability, technology and performance for housing. Their dream was to take control of the entire process by designing and pre-fabricating buildings in their own controlled environment.

Over the following years, they made steady progress in developing and evolving a range of flexible home designs that would be highly transportable. The next step was to select construction methods and materials that would bring a higher baseline of performance. The final specifications were designed to achieve a ‘Passive Home’ level of performance.

Regan Little

Progress, as exciting as it was, came with its fair share of challenges. André says, “We learned that the biggest hurdles sometimes offered the greatest opportunities. Somewhere along the way, we went from leasing a yard to designing and specifying our own purpose-built architectural offices and prefabrication facility.”

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Once on their own site, EvoCo really started to take shape. EvoCo is now in production, operating in temporary digs at 400 Taurikura Drive with construction of the permanent facility anticipated late 2024.

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The unity between Creative Space and EvoCo is strengthening both businesses. Creative Space is evolving, returning to its roots in hands-on construction, and EvoCo is benefiting from the wider team's skills available across both businesses. They see a strong future together pushing the boundaries of high-performance architecture and pre-fabrication. André acknowledges the crucial roles played by his parents as role models, Creative Space and the EvoCo teams, especially Regan Little, Jonno Marshel, Grier Fisher, Abi Hubbard and Glen Hadfield, in making this journey enjoyable and successful. “This has been an exciting ride, and to be entering production is a dream come true,” says André. EvoCo’s objective for the next year is to refine their craft, scale their services, and collaborate with clients who share their dream. By mid-to-late 2024, they will move into their new purpose-built factory, evolving their capabilities producing Prefabricated Passive Builds. EvoCo’s products reflect their commitment to high standards in design, performance, and durability. They incorporate technology that not only reduces living costs but also adds convenience to our increasingly busy lives. Their homes present an exceptional level of performance and quality, with production taking place in a controlled factory environment. In the realm of performance, EvoCo provides homes that far exceed the current energy efficiency requirements of the building code. These buildings are constructed and

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tested in EcoCo’s controlled environment before being transported to the site, delivering optimal performance in any climate or earthquake zone. EvoCo’s target audience includes those who value quality, want to reduce the environmental impact of new builds, and are eager to cut energy costs while enjoying a healthy and comfortable lifestyle. When André says their homes are smart, he means they build residences equipped with intelligent and automated devices and systems that enhance comfort, convenience, security, and energy efficiency. Nowadays smart homes are not only achievable, the systems and devices are also affordable. Currently, the EvoCo team is ramping up production, looking for like-minded clients interested in first builds. They have four 35m2 single-bedroom standalone dwellings underway, which can be used individually or customised as a group. Next is a 60m2 two-bedroom dwelling suitable for secondary dwellings on any Western Bay of Plenty site. There are other models right up to a four-bedroom home. Ultimately EvoCo will adjust their production plans based on demand. The future for Creative Space and EvoCo is seen as a long-term partnership, continuously evolving and enhancing the products they produce. André says, “Really, this has always been about living life to its fullest and having fun doing the things we love. The future should be about the excitement and fun of exceeding our own dreams and expectations.” CREATIVESPACE.CO.NZ

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

FOOD WITH A VIEW Harbourside dining PAGE 110

SEA LIFE

Mentoring the next generation PAGE 104

R E TA I L OA S I S

Tauranga Crossing PAGE 112

SEASON'S E AT I N G S

New festive flavours PAGE 124

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COACH CORY Former world surf lifesaving Ironman champion Cory Hutchings is back in the Bay mentoring youngsters at Omanu Surf Club. WO R DS K A R L PU SCH MAN N

hen UNO arrives at the Omanu Surf Club to interview Cory Hutchings, the former world surf lifesaving Ironman champion is out on the water. It’s a glorious day, with the sun shining brightly on the gentle surf. Out paddling alongside Cory is a handful of kids, all learning the lifesaving ropes from one of New Zealand’s very best.

I wander down to the beach with the club’s general manager Scott Bartlett, to wait for Cory to come ashore at the end of his class. He’s going to sneak in a quick chat before he takes the next class of kids out into the water. “He's looking after our Ocean Athletes programme, which is for kids under 14. Then he runs our seniors and helps with our masters,” Scott tells me. “As lead sports coordinator, Cory’s job is to coordinate the athletes and the lifeguards going forward. He makes sure they're fit and healthy and keeps them tracking towards any goals they wish to achieve. Whether it be becoming fitter lifeguards, or going down the pathway of competition.”

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Having started surf lifesaving at age five and now with a long list of championships under his belt, including multiple wins in the World Surf Lifesaving Ironman Competition and the New Zealand Ironman Competition, you couldn’t hope for a better trainer than Cory. He joined the club in September and has quickly settled in. “We were really excited because we knew how beneficial his skill set would be for the community,” Scott says. “He's going great. The kids love him. He's a big kid himself. From a technical point of view, he's doing a lot with our lifeguard space as well. So they're going to be fitter and faster on the beach this year. I would say Cory is probably one of the best in New Zealand at doing it.” Just then there’s a rush of motion as the kids run past us and head towards the clubrooms, all carrying their surf or paddle boards. The lesson’s over and Cory walks over with a big grin. The lesson went well and he’s loving spending the morning in the water. “The ocean’s my glue. I get anxious if I'm not on the water for an hour a day,” he explains. “It's a big part of my life and has been since I was born. As long as

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I can remember, I've been at the beach. It’s not even to do with racing. It’s just in my DNA.” While the club were able to lure him up from his hometown of Gisborne, it’s more of a return for Cory than an initiation. “I lived in the Mount back in the early 2000s for about three or four years so I know the place,” he says. “I raced here a lot over my career. So I have a lot of friends here and it's familiar to me.” As the club’s core business is lifeguarding, that’s the main part of his focus. He’s been coaching for 15 years and is passionate about teaching kids ocean skills and giving them the right training to become better lifeguards. He describes himself as “a handson coach”, getting down on the beach and into the water with the kids during his sessions. Of course, being a former world champion he’s also keeping an eye out for any competitive promise he spots amongst his students. “If there's a kid that really wants to go on and succeed, train hard and reach some pretty big goals, then our club has a pathway for that child. I think that's important because we do get caught up sometimes on pure participation. It's nice that we can provide both, and that there is an elite pathway as well. It's the balance between the two.” He encourages parents to bring their kids down to the club to try out a class, saying learning lifeguarding builds confidence and gets them fit and healthy. “Once they start to get the hang of it you see their confidence grow. They change in front of your eyes,” he smiles. “They start making new friends, connect with different groups, and make those connections around the ocean.” Which is the other big thing for him. He wants kids to get that same buzz from the ocean that he does. “You can escape into the ocean. It’s like a spiritual place. There are moments that you have in the ocean that are pretty special. Nothing to do with sport, but just sitting out there. It's a pretty awesome place to be.” He gestures out to the blue sea that’s lapping up at the sand and says, “Especially in this environment. It's no secret how beautiful this place is. The vibe of this place stimulates me. That's what was exciting about coming here.” OMANUBEACH.CO.NZ

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ATHLETE’S PARADISE Pro triathlete Hannah Berry has had a whirlwind year on the world stage. She’s back in the Bay for summer, and loving the lifestyle of her home base. WO R DS SCOT T Y EO MA N PH OTOS SCOT T Y EO MA N + S U PPLI E D

ou can be a full-time professional athlete training and competing on the world stage – jetting off to Australia, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, France, Mexico and Hawaii in the space of six months – and still call this place home. You can chase your sporting dreams and still spend hot summer afternoons on your favourite Mount Maunganui beach. Swim laps at your local pool, go for picturesque runs around Mauao, and work out in a high-performance gym alongside familiar – and famous – faces. You can recover from an injury and smash your training goals, and still celebrate at the end of the week by having a glass of wine with your husband at home. 106 | u n o m a g a z i n e . c o . n z

Hannah Berry is proof of all that. She is proof that Mount Maunganui is an athlete’s paradise. The 33-year-old pro triathlete has had a whirlwind year; from a podium finish at the Ironman Taupō event in March, to a season-stopping stress reaction injury in her femur, to bouncing back and winning gold in Mexico in September, and then a personal best at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii in October. Hannah's home for the summer and has a lot of training ahead of her; the 2024 Ironman Pro Series is firmly in her sights. So, what does a normal day in the Mount look like for a professional triathlete who wants to be able to swim 3.8km, cycle 180km, and run 42.2km in less than eight hours, 53 minutes, and 45 seconds? Hannah

starts her day by swimming laps at Baywave (about five or six kilometres worth). She does that five days a week, starting at 5.50am. She might then head home and do three or four hours on the indoor trainer bike in her garage. She also runs three times a week; her favourite route takes her around Mauao. Then there’s strength and conditioning and gym work at the University of Waikato Adams Centre for High Performance. Hannah trains there at least a couple of times a week. This state-of-the-art facility is situated on the outskirts of Blake Park and has become a one-stop shop for individual athletes and teams preparing for competition at the highest level. The Netherlands women’s football team trained at the Adams Centre during the FIFA World Cup earlier this year, and other recent visitors include the All Blacks, Wallabies, New Zealand Warriors, and the English cricket team. The centre is also home to both New Zealand rugby sevens teams, the Bay of Plenty Steamers and Bay of Plenty Volcanix, as well as North Island-based Black Caps, the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, and the Adams Academy – a development programme with around 100 aspiring and established athletes across 27 sporting codes and counting. Hannah has been a member of the Adams Academy since its inception and recently won Athlete of the Year at its annual

Hannah trains at the Adams Centre for High Performance twice a week.

ADAMS ACADEMY High Performance Sport Academy for Representative Athletes

awards. “Being surrounded by other high performance athletes is quite unique,” she says. “And it's really cool to see other athletes here training – there’s motivation everywhere.” The Adams Centre has a team of strength and conditioning coaches onsite, a dietitian and sports psychologist, and a sports science laboratory with a full array of testing equipment, including an environmental chamber (one of only two in the country) which helps athletes like Hannah prepare for international competitions in varying climates and altitudes. Hannah will be back competing in Ironman pro events all over the world next year. It’s a remarkable achievement, considering she only started long-distance endurance triathlons about 10 years ago. In fact, that’s when she started competing in any kind of triathlon for the first time. Hannah believes her late entry into the competitive world of triathlon might actually be an advantage. A lot of the top triathletes have been pouring hours into this individual pursuit since they were teenagers, or even younger. Hannah only played team sports like netball, volleyball, and hockey while growing up in Te Puke. Then she went off to university and studied her way towards a PhD in biotech engineering. She is now Dr Hannah Berry. She only decided to pause that career and chase her triathlon dreams full-time in 2019. Her 11th-place finish at the iconic World Championship event in Kona in October was her fourth full-length Ironman. She’s just getting started. “It's a very demanding, time-consuming sport, so I think the fact that I picked it up later in life is quite good,” Hannah says. “I haven't just been this sort of one-dimensional person my entire life and that means, at the moment, it still feels really fresh and exciting. And I'm seeing improvements all the time. So that I think is good and it keeps me going.” It keeps her swimming, cycling and running, chasing her sporting dreams all over the globe, 226km at a time, with Mount Maunganui as her home base.

uowadamshpc.co.nz

Welcome to Downtown Tauranga, the vibrant heart of the CBD where culinary excellence meets diverse flavors. Experience the Bay's finest cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Embark on a gastronomic journey at Jais Aben Bar & Bistro, the newest gem on the strand, harmoniously blending the richness of European cuisine with the unparalleled freshness of New Zealand-sourced ingredients. For an enticing taste of the Best Korean Style Fried Chicken in the Bay of Plenty, look no further than Chicken Fryday. Their flavorful creations are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Vitality Kitchen is a haven for those seeking nutritious plant-based delights. With a menu meticulously crafted to be one hundred percent delicious, it's a place where wholesome goodness meets culinary excellence. In the heart of the CBD, the charming IDK Cafe, affectionately known as the 'I da know' cafe, invites

TASTY FLAVOURS Dumpling Delight Arirang Sushi Thai Thani 2 Chook Nook aMoment Indian Restaurant La Mexica Zozo Asian Street Food Ramen Chidori Japanese Abrakebabra Gold Rice Thai Cuisine Sushi Queen Turkish To Go Yoku Sushi Pinoy Street Food Pluto Juice & Salad Bar Katsuya Japanese Cuisine Hashtag Cafe Barrio Brothers Satori Sushi & Sake Bar Mudan Tearoom & Eatery Eastern Ocean Chinese Restaurant Oscar & Otto Robert Harris Doca cafe & pizza bar Little Long Picknicka Bar & Grill Dam Da

you to experience the warmth of family. Famous for their cheese scones, this family-owned and operated establishment embodies the essence of whanau, creating an atmosphere that feels like home. For a fusion of Cafe Cabinet food and authentic Malaysian flavors, Banana Blossom is your go-to destination. Renowned for their friendly staff, and the Best Malaysian Laksa in the Bay of Plenty, it's a culinary haven that promises a delightful escape for your senses. Indulge your taste buds ina falafel frenzy at Falafel Metro, where flavour takes centre stage. This downtown hotspot offers a mouthwatering menu of falafel wraps and pitas bursting with fresh veggies, cheeses and irresistible sauces. Elevate your dining experience and join the ranks of converted meat lovers.

WINE AND DINE

TASTING EXPERIENCES

Macau Bar Kitchen & Lounge Asian Banquets

Barrell room - tasting flights to experience a selection of beer

Lone Star Kiwi/American

Satori Sushi & Sake bar suhsi rolled fresh to order

Nectar Vietnamese

Bobby’s Fresh Fish Market - Fish & Chips

Harbourside Waterfront dining

But First Desserts High Tea

Picnicka European

Miss Gee’s Bar & Eatery NZ Gin Tastings

Sugo Italian

Macau Bar Kitchen & Lounge - Asian Banquets

Trinitiy Wharf Waterfront dining Clarence Bistro Mediterranean

BEERS AND COCKTAILS CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen The Hop House Barrel Room Redoubt Miss Gee's The Phoenix Crown & Badger Cornerstone But First Dessert Marty's Pool Bar H2O Sports Bar City Sports Bar

Bar Centrale Italia

GET YOUR COFFEE FIX Coffix Folk Brewers Oscar & Otto Doca cafe & pizza bar Little Long Hashtag Cafe Robert Harris

Join us as we explore the explosion of tastes and experiences in Downtown Tauranga

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W H A R F

AT THE WATER’S EDGE Down on the harbour you’ll find this elegant, light-filled eatery, where the food is just as appealing as the view. WO R DS K AR L PU SCH MA N N

ou’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere to eat with a more spectacular view than The Restaurant at Trinity Wharf. Perched on three piers that stretch out and over the glistening waters of Tauranga’s harbour, the only way to get any closer to the water would be to jump in.

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ASK THE CHEF Rob Forsman takes on UNO’s quickfire questions. It’s a view that would improve any meal. But Trinity Wharf’s executive chef Rob Forsman, doesn’t want the food to simply match the gorgeous views, he wants it to exceed them. Rob’s been working in restaurants for close to 25 years. During this time he’s worked as head chef for Aotearoa’s restaurant royalty like Simon Gault, Al Brown and the Bay’s Kitchen Takeover team before moving to Trinity Wharf 18 months ago.

the head chef role with Al Brown at the

It’s a long way from his humble beginnings. “I started as a kitchen hand,” he says. “It was out of necessity. I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a chef. That would be a really cool story to tell but it’s not the case. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, but it didn’t occur to me as a job until I started washing dishes.”

then he reasons the food will take care

He spent well over a year in the “dish pit,” picking up knowledge around the kitchen and getting trained in the basics. Soon enough his days of scrubbing pans were over and his passion had been ignited. Not just for the work, but for kitchen culture itself.

and we want to support local business

“To be in a team of hardworking people who are all single-minded in their vision and all working toward the same goal is an amazing feeling. It epitomises kitchen work.” He worked his way up the chain of command until he attracted the attention of Simon Gault, who offered him the head chef role at Ponsonby’s acclaimed Jervois Steak House. He was there for three years before accepting

trendy Federal Delicatessen beside Sky City. “I loved working in these places. AI’s whole vision was to treat customers like friends and treat staff like family. It’s inspirational.” That’s the mindset he’s instilling in his staff at Trinity Wharf. He wants to inspire and feel that inspiration himself. If the kitchen’s cooking, so to speak, of itself. To that end, his first priority was to refresh the menu. “We now use New Zealand ingredients and try to source as much as we can locally. There’s a lot of great produce and fruit in this part of the country as well.” While adapting from the single-focused restaurant business to the multi-faceted role at Trinity Wharf, with its multitude of menus for various occasions, events and the day-to-day, has been a challenge, it’s one he’s embraced. Looking out over the glistening sea which is right outside the window, he reveals his hopes for The Restaurant at Trinity Wharf. “We’d love to become a destination for the local population.” He smiles. “We’d absolutely love that.”

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had? The street food in Southeast Asia. It’s not a polished, plated meal but the flavours are insane. It’s so humble but the love has been put into it. I recently went to Indonesia and ate my way around. I didn’t eat any Western food at all. What’s your earliest food memory? Baking bread with my grandmother. I was really little and the process was like magic to me – kneading the dough and seeing how it rises. Her secret was to pop it under the bed to proof. How can you make everyone’s most disliked vegetable, Brussels sprouts, tasty? Blanch them in a little bit of salt and sugar to take the bitterness off. Get some bacon nice and crispy, some caramelised onions, some chilli if it takes your fancy, and then toss them all together in the frying pan with some butter until you get a little colour on the Brussels sprouts. Colour is king. What’s the next big trend in food? I think people are going to start consuming a lot less meat. It’s become too expensive, and there’s a lot more awareness around the environmental impact. I think meat is on its way out. Slowly. We’ll never get rid of it. It’ll just become more opulent. More special.

TRINITYWHARF.CO.NZ

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COMMUNITY AND COMMERCE COLLIDE Tauranga Crossing has become known as a real retail oasis. But Catherine Sylvester discovers it’s more than just a mall.

t would be fair to assume that most Bay of Plenty residents would, if asked, say that Tauriko is a traditional te reo Māori placename. The truth, however, is not so straight forward and there’s a little bit more to the story. Long before this suburb was identified predominantly with the region’s newest shopping centre, Tauranga Crossing, it was well-known for the family-owned sawmill that prospered in the area. Not sporting the catchiest of monikers, the Tauranga Rimu Timber Company was shortened to the more euphonic sounding Taurico. And with one

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small tweak, the word became compatible with the local language, and the rest, as they say, is history. History holds great significance for the owners of The Crossing, as it’s affectionately known. Throughout the centre you’ll find more than a perfunctory nod to the past. Woven throughout the fibre of its ethos is the pioneering spirit of its predecessors, as the centre’s mission to be “the heart of the community” informs everything they do. From the architecture and design of the centre to the special moments and initiatives offered, Tauranga Crossing aims to stand out from the average mall.

S P O N S O R E D

In all they do, they aspire to be the place where every part of a guests’ life intersects. The Millyard dining precinct and the Millwalk opened in late 2016. Strolling through this outdoor area amongst shops and eateries, you’ll discover numerous timber bollards with the history of the suburb etched onto them. Throughout the indoor centre, opened in 2019, the salute to the past continues in the artwork depicted on the walls. “The owners constantly ensure we’re reminded of our history and why we’re here,” says centre manager, Janet Vincent. “Everything has been curated with such care.”

A DEEPER OFFERING Driving past the centre heading towards the Kaimai Ranges, you cannot fail to notice the bright coral kinetic tree sculptures. Nestled amongst a cosy play area for children, the artwork named 'The Fernery' is designed by artist Phil Price. An indoor play park for those rainy days means littlies are entertained while caregivers can take a pause amid exploring the offerings of over 100 stores. A beautiful parent’s room with private feeding areas, TV, toddlers play area and bottle warmers provides a small oasis from the hustle and bustle of the day. “We always think about how people feel when they shop with us,” explains marketing manager, Lana Stretton. “We want everyone to have an enjoyable experience, and we actively find ways to surprise and delight them throughout the year.” During Matariki, management arranged to drop small star cutouts from the top level of the centre. Attached to each star was a gift card. The centre ensures a Justice of the Peace is available, free of charge to offer advice and services for customers once a week, and the generous Local Legends initiative, that was born out of covid when people were struggling continues with the gifting of $5000 four times yearly to a worthy cause that is voted on by the public.

“ W E AC T I V E LY FI N D WAYS TO SURPRISE AND DELIGHT SHOPPER S...”

Even the centre security guards receive positive feedback on their welcoming presence, and in addition to keeping the site safe, function almost as ambassadors for the centre. Both Janet and Lana feel lucky to work for New Zealand owners who care deeply for their staff, their centre, and their customers. “It’s so important to them that we are connecting with the community and they’re incredibly good to our retailers, too,” says Janet. With Christmas on our doorstep, thoughts turn to Santa and presents and fun. Tauranga Crossing curates a beautiful space for photos and chats with the man in red himself. “During the Christmas season, we like to lurk in the stores then pop up when a customer is about to pay for their goods,” smiles Janet. “It’s always amazing to see their reactions when we offer to cover the costs for them.” With activities for the kids, like cookie decorating classes, kaleidoscope making and scavenger hunts, and everything you’d ever need for the festive season in one place, Tauranga Crossing may just well be at the top of your “nice” list this December and for the entire summer holidays. TAURANGACROSSING.CO.NZ

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M A B B E T T

FLATMATE FROM HELL Lauren Mabbett’s new roommate is too good to be true – but at least the rent’s being paid.

elilah Nunin. When I search her on Facebook, the name doesn't come up. Weird. No Instagram, either. I guess she doesn't like social media.

In early 2020, I move into a cute two-bedroom home in Auckland, and go on the hunt to find a new flatmate. Delilah, or “Del”, sends a lovely message: She's 42, American, a luxury travel agent, clean and tidy. Perfect. I tell her that rent is $300 a week plus bills, and she gives a “pfft, is that all” type of response. It's an interesting response considering when I ask her to pay bond before she moves in, she refuses, because she has no money until move-in day. I notice tiny things that seem slightly off, but let them go, like the fact her three children are growing up in America but she's in New Zealand just because she “liked New Zealand more”. I ask her if she’s on social media, but she tells me she goes under different names as she “doesn't want her mum getting all up in her business”. Maybe don't add your mum on Facebook? But okay. Level 4 lockdown hits. This makes me slightly nervous, as Del is a “luxury travel agent”, and every travel agent I'm hearing about is getting made redundant. Despite this, she convinces me she's the busiest she's ever been, working longer hours to accommodate all the trips being booked. She tells a lot of long-winded stories that don’t quite add up. Then one day, Del suddenly tells me she needs to find a new place as her parents are coming over and she needs to live with them (this must be the mum she didn’t want all up in her business). Within three days, she's not only found a house, but has been accepted, and is moving this coming weekend. Since we are still on

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really good terms, she agrees to cover rent for both places until I can replace her (despite her new place being $750 a week). In the meantime, she's buying a brandnew leather lounge suite. Brand-new dining table. Brand-new TV. Brand-new iPad… For someone who couldn't pay bond right away, I can’t help but think this is a bit suspicious – but as long as she pays rent, whatever. Over the next few days, Del comes and goes to get a few bits. Her room is still basically full minus her bed, and we keep in touch. I even go to her new house with a pot plant. Two more weeks pass… And then the rent bounces. I message her asking what happened, and get no reply. I try twice more, then change the locks. A whole week goes by without hearing from Del. This is SUPER weird, as we talked nearly every day and there'd been no fights or anything. Just as I'm expecting the rent to bounce again, her rent pops in. This is even weirder. If you're going to ghost me, why are you still paying rent? The rent keeps coming. Week after week. I reach out on Del’s birthday despite having not heard from her, and notice most people on her Facebook page are calling her Wendy. Don't they know that's her fake name? Suddenly, another week of rent is skipped. But the next week goes in. What the hell is going on? I go away on a girls’ weekend and fill my friends in on the situation. We decide to Google her. Oh. My. God.

M A B B E T T

The first article I see is a formal complaint to the Better Business Bureau in the USA regarding a fraudulent travel agent named Delilah Nunin. She ripped a group off of roughly $30,000, and when they tried to get their money back, she gave the special Del brand of long, confusing, complicated answers, then vanished. Several other articles popped up about her different aliases, pyramid schemes, multiple birth dates… The list went on.

My face is starting to look like Tim Curry in Home Alone 2 when he discovers Kevin's credit card is stolen.

About four weeks go by, and I send Del a final message to cover myself, basically saying that if she doesn't pay rent this week I'll be removing her property from the house. No reply.

The next thing I find makes me physically shake; she'd been advertising her room in my flat for rent, and replying to comments of interest. Replies that were sent three days ago, when we hadn't spoken in weeks, and she's had no access to the house. I can only imagine this is some ploy to take people’s bond and scarper.

Right! Time to pour a wine, invite a friend over, and have a field day going through what she left behind. And oh, boy. Do we ever. We start sorting through piles of documents, handbags, folders, diaries, boxes. Pretty much everything minus her bed was left there. (Let me just reiterate I'd made multiple attempts by this point to reach her, and also consulted a lawyer to protect my terrified wee backside.) Straight away I find her passport; it's under the name Delilah Nunin - and it seems real. Why the heck would you leave that behind? I find a wallet with multiple credit cards, eftpos cards, and other cards (all current) inside. Letters requesting to change her IRD number, multiple name tags with different names on them, it doesn't stop. I then find several letters from debt collectors demanding payments of upwards of $20,000. I can only imagine this may have played a part in Del’s sudden move.

I find an iPad – sweet. Maybe I can sell this to make up for that $600 in Del’s rent I'm now paying. A voucher for a night away in a deluxe room with breakfast included? Strange but okay. I then Google her “luxury travel agency” and find it's been raided and shut down for fraud.

We then turn to Del’s wardrobe and discover it's literally jammed full of clothes, at a guess around 300 pieces, which are all brand-new, expensive, labelled, and in significantly different sizes. Well, I did what any burned roommate would do, and went shopping in there. I now own a few pieces from The Del Collection *flicks hair and looks at camera*, and the Sallies and Recycle Boutique got the rest. To this day, I still have not heard from the mysterious Delilah Nunin again. I can confirm her parents are not here and never were. I have passed on her new address to the debt collectors. All that aside, I am looking forward to my night away in a deluxe room with breakfast included. Thanks, mate. Listen to Lauren weekdays 9am to 3pm on The Hits 95.0FM.

“THE FIRST ARTICLE I SEE IS A FORMAL COMPL AINT TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU IN THE USA REGARDING A FR AUDULENT T R AV E L A G E N T N A M E D D E L I L A H N U N I N .”

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GOLDEN TOUCH This multi-purpose complex has created an amazing community packed full of dining, entertainment, health and retail options for Pāpāmoa East.

he ever-growing area that is Golden Sands, in Pāpāmoa East, has fast become a destination for visitors and locals looking for quality stores and services. This is thanks mainly to the Excelsa Centre, the community hub offering a wide range of dining, entertainment, health and retail options. Situated on the corner of Golden Sands Drive and Pāpāmoa Beach Road, the main area houses everything from a luxury cinema, to a reformer pilates studio and the now-famous contemporary restaurant and bar, Papa Mo’s. Across the road sits the famous Henry and Ted Café, catering to all ages but especially to families and their extended furry friends.

LUXE CINEMAS This luxurious, upmarket cinema is not your average picture theatre. Housing three cinemas showcasing a wide selection of films, the familyrun business caters to a range of people, from families to seniors. It's the perfect place for a quiet catch up, and you don’t even have to watch a movie. They offer coffee, wine and snacks and the space is also available to rent for functions, fundraisers and birthday parties. Luxe Cinemas Pāpāmoa is open seven days a week. LUXECINEMAS.NZ

PAPA MO’S Serving up quality food and drink with a focus on local produce, Papa Mo’s has become the place to be in Golden Sands. With live music every Friday and Sunday, along with the Tuesday pub quiz and Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm seven days a week, it’s the perfect locale to meet up with friends and family. Special meal and drinks deals happen on the daily and the menu covers something for everyone. PAPAMOS.CO.NZ

Read on to discover just what each one has to offer.

REFORM PILATES Recognised throughout New Zealand as synonymous with high-quality studios, incredible trainers and killer reformer pilates classes, the Reform brand’s mission is to turn traditional pilates on its head. Creating a more upbeat, dynamic and results-driven experience, this studio strives to provide an exciting, unique exercise programme that delivers fast results in a safe and carefully controlled environment. Classes are challenging with options offered to suit all fitness levels and abilities. REFORMFITNESS.CO.NZ/STUDIOS/PAPAMOA

HENRY AND TED CAFÉ The suburban eatery that prides itself on catering for everyone just keeps getting better. With a brand new menu, brunch is tastier than ever. Dishes like Sourdough Crumpets with honey-roasted pear, thyme, and housemade lemon ricotta, are impressing foodie diners, while others, such as the Philly Cheese Steak Sammy, are providing comfort food year round. For caffeine addicts, the Nitro Cold Brew is back on tap and events are always being planned. Keep an eye on their social pages for tickets. HENRYANDTED

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R E V I E W S

BETWEEN THE LINES UNO’s top new reads from home and around the world.

Gangster’s Paradise Jared Savage HarperCollins NZ From the bestselling author of Gangland comes a shocking look into the escalation of New Zealand’s deadly gang culture. Working from the Bay, Jared Savage is an investigative reporter for The New Zealand Herald, experiencing our country’s underworld as part of his day-to-day life. Since the influx of ‘501’ deportees from Australia, Savage tells how our country’s organised crime has increased in scale considerably both as a response from established gangs, and also due to the introduction of sophisticated communications, international drug syndicates, and more of a readiness to use firearms.

Life Done Differently Lisa Jansen High Tide Ltd If you enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love then you’ll love this adventurous, inspiring memoir from Kiwi writer and digital nomad, Lisa Jansen. In 2017, Lisa bravely decided to quit her wellpaying job and embark on a five-year journey exploring New Zealand in a campervan. Life Done Differently is her honest account of this brave new lifestyle, including all the ups and downs, soul searching and adventures. The perfect escape for your holidays.

Greatest Walks of the World Stuart Butler & Mary Caperton Morton Exisle A great Christmas present for the outdoors enthusiast in your life. Greatest Walks of the World is a visual feast of 50 main hikes from around the world, each featuring three similar/inspired by routes to try next. There’s a good selection of bucket-list style must-treks combined with ‘locals-only’ knowledge, all chosen for their outstanding natural beauty and popularity among the hiking community. A great guide to start your summer adventures.

Bright Shining: How grace changes everything Julia Baird HarperCollins Australia If karma is getting what you deserve, then grace is the opposite: forgiving the unforgivable, favouring the undeserving, loving the unlovable. Like giving blood and not knowing who it will end up helping, but putting a needle in your arm anyway and donating a part of yourself. This is a book about those small, selfless things that create deep connections and meaning. In a world that seems to be lacking in empathy and goodwill, Bright Shining is a luminously beautiful, insightful exploration of grace and how to nurture and express this deeply important human quality.

The Future Naomi Alderman Simon & Schuster The future is coming. The Future is here! While a few billionaires lead the world to destruction, a handful of friends plot a daring heist to save the world from these tech giants, whose greed threatens life as we know it. This hilarious-yettender thriller unfolds at breakneck speed, highlighting how power corrupts the few who have it and what it means to stand up to them. With constantly escalating twists, it’s an explosively exciting summer read.

Fearless Trinny Woodall HarperCollins With practical fashion, beauty, health and life advice, the talented Trinny Woodall aims to transform women's self-confidence to have them looking and feeling their absolute best. The stylist, who rose to fame with the television show What Not To Wear, has created a manual for being empowered at every stage of life, whether you need help with how to dress, defining your style, finding out the colours that suit you or understanding the right beauty routine for the skin you have now. Trinny draws from personal experiences and it's clear that she's truly passionate about helping all women to thrive and live fearlessly.

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Q & A

ART AND SOUL Visual artist Shona Moller brings artistic diversity and a unique approach to Mount Maunganui's arts scene.

fter more than 20 years of professional practice from her beachfront Kapiti studio gallery, Shona Moller now calls Mount Maunganui home. From her gallery space at 102 Maunganui Road, Shona creates new works within two very different genres that tell stories of heritage and belonging within contemporary artworks, and reflect the unique Bay of Plenty light and

energy through lusciously applied oils in representational works of local landscapes and seascapes. UNO: Tell us about your background. How did you become an artist? Shona: Perhaps, to some extent, artists are born into it. I was a curious, explorative child, expressing and recording through artworks from an early age. In some respects, then, art is my first language.

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How would you explain your art approach now? Similar to that as a child; explorative, intuitive, although now I work within two diverse genres where each allows me to express myself fully in different ways. Through representational works, which is really just a flash word for an artistic representation of what you can see, I explore my surroundings, my environment, intimately. I sketch, photograph and plan larger works on canvas where it is my intention to capture essence, mood, and resonance as opposed to finer details. My more contemporary urban inspired works tell stories of heritage, English and Maori, employing icons like the London Tube map with New Zealand place names. These speak on a national level as well as a |personal one. You self represent. Why does this work for you? I realise how fortunate I am to have my own gallery; I don't take this for granted at all. Self-representation works for me on many levels. First, it frees me to work how I want, at a pace where I can do my best work. I am not obligated to gallery directors, to create what sells well, to deadlines and timeframes. While I take commissions, I can be selective, and I'm very grateful that my work has commemorated many significant milestones in peoples' lives. Also, being accessible allows for a real connection with those for whom my art resonates. What inspires you to create? Too many things! I'm inspired by East Coast sunrises, full unapologetic new beginnings. I'm inspired by (what someone much more articulate than me coined) the DOGS, the Dead Old Guys; Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Vermeer, Rembrandt. I'm inspired by those artists that had the foresight and the genius to simplify forms when others strove for realism, to leave brushstrokes proud where others blended, to use pure colour where others mixed. I'm inspired by narrative, and the circle of energy created between myself as the artist, a completed artwork, and the viewer.

What is your favourite piece and why? It sounds very PC to say, but it's always the one I'm working on. What have been your career highlights? I have loved every aspect of having my own space. Over and above that, the sell-out London show was an unexpected success. Travel, art tours; I've painted in Renoir's garden, followed Van Gogh's exact footsteps in Arles, sketched where Monet painted his water lilies. I've featured in many media outlets over the years; magazines and Holmes back when that was a thing. Katherine Ryan interviewed me for Radio New Zealand, and most recently 7 Sharp spent a full day with me. The article aired in July, and anyone interested can view it via my website. I think the biggest career highlight though, in all honesty, in no small part because of the amazing support I have received, is that I get to live my art every day. Oh, and UNO, obviously! UNO: What do you love about living in the Bay? Let me count the ways. Sunrises, as mentioned. The sense of coming home, evident in the smells of white sand warmed by a spring sun, sea foam, and rock pools. Mynar birds. Tui song alarm 'clocks'. Coffee at café sharing tables. Dappled sunlight through ancient base track pohutukawas. Port lights reflected in the inky sea. Mauao, her moods, her constant grounded reassuring presence in all weathers. 'God rays' through thunder clouds. Whānau. The people! Bay people are good people. I have been so beautifully welcomed into the community here, and from what people are telling me, they're delighted to once again have an organic, authentically artist-run gallery space at The Mount. So, can I just say thank you to everyone for their generosity of spirit. I feel seen, acknowledged, and home. SHONAMOLLER.COM

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THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER Stacey Jones savours the local kaimoana with a side of social enterprise.

aimoana is the jewel in the crown of the Bay of Plenty’s food story. A delicious bounty that supported Iwi for centuries, as they gathered kai in the plentiful harbours of Tauranga, Ōhiwa and Makatu over the summer months, preserving for the winter months ahead. But kaimoana has become a scarce commodity, a result of relentless overfishing. It’s perplexing – our region boasts one of New Zealand’s most extensive coastlines, yet obtaining fresh, local kaimoana is akin to locating a pearl in a sea of oysters. So you can’t imagine how big my smile was when I heard the oyster farm in Ōhiwa, newly named Tio Ōhiwa (“tio” means oyster), had been purchased by a collective of Māori tono (bid) for shares in the oyster farms’ development, with an aim to regenerate the oysters in the harbour, along with scallops, mussels, 122 | u n o m a g a z i n e . c o . n z

and pipis. Not only that, they’re also planning to offer a culinary tourism experience through a social enterprise, providing work opportunities to rangatahi (young people) who may find the school system challenging, but have potential. The masterminds behind the project are directors Wini and Simon Geddes, quintessential Kiwis known for their nononsense approach to getting sh*t done. In my initial meeting with Wini, I quickly grasped the essence of her character. When I asked about her role, she replied, “I mainly clean the toilets” – which, while true to an extent, belies her role as director of Tio Ōhiwa. Initially, their plan was to focus on training rangatahi to deliver a qualification in aquaculture, and then move onto the tourism experience at a later stage. However, they swiftly realised the tourism opportunity could not wait. As Wini aptly puts it, “The tourism part

of the project was a five-year plan, but we seem to have done it in five weeks.” The newly reopened farm, established in 1968, offers daily tours, fittingly named the “Shuck ’n’ Cruise”. These tours include the chance to wade out to the oyster crates, shuck oysters, ride a boat into the harbour to see the farms firsthand, and savour the delectable kai offered at the onsite takeaway shop. Plans to create a new waterfront restaurant are in the making, with pontoons and a helipad, plus a boardwalk to Tauwhare Pāpa. They will also be offering year-round production so you’ll never have to go a day without oysters and champagne. Remarkably, theirs could very well be New Zealand’s busiest seafood takeaway, dishing out 2000+ oysters a day during the peak season. This is just the beginning of their ambitious plans, with the owners aiming to reach a staggering five million oysters in annual production. So this summer, take a trip to Tio Ōhiwa to experience their plentiful kaimoana. Book a Shuck ‘n’ Cruise, bring your friends, and go the extra mile to help this place become a must-visit tourism destination. After all, it’s not every day you get to experience fresh kaimoana right from the source, created by the most get-sh*t-done Kiwis I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. They are truly making the world our rangatahis’ oyster, while putting the “plenty” back in the Bay’s seafood story. Ka pai!

P L AY > W I N E

Greywacke's Sauvignon Blanc has just been named one of the top 10 wines in the world for 2023 by New York's Wine Spectator.

CO L U M N

Greywacke winemaker Richelle Tyney is determined to continue the amazing legacy of founder Kevin Judd, with a little help from winery mascot Enzo.

FANCY FOOTWORK Marlborough’s magnificent whites have so much more to offer than perfumed savs, as UNO wine columnist Jess Easton discovers. PH OTOS JA M I E TRO U G HTO N/DSCR I B E M E D IA

here are many ways to become a master winemaker and while Richelle Tyney may have taken a slightly unorthodox route, the result is still going to end up the same.

representative touch rugby and been a handy basketballer. Two uncles – Jamie Joseph and Terry Mitchell – were All Blacks and she knew far more about sport than wine, apart from that it came in at least three different colours and was good fun at parties.

The Nelson-raised, Blenheim-based wahine – who has strong Bay of Plenty whakapapa (Ngāti Maniapoto/Ngāti Porou) – manages the winemaking programme at Greywacke, working alongside enigmatic founder Kevin Judd.

Her OE changed all that. Landing a nannying job in Switzerland, she was introduced to fine wine by the family she was working for and a lightbulb went off in her head. Before she knew it, she was back home, enrolled in winemaking at Lincoln University.

That’s the same Kevin Judd who helped put Cloudy Bay, Marlborough and New Zealand on the world wine map, forever changing the perception of 'new world' wines and Sauvignon Blanc as a variety. He started his own label Greywacke in 2009, named for the relatively bland bedrock that underpins most of Aotearoa, and started producing vintages that are anything but bland. Before joining Greywacke in 2021, meanwhile, Richelle had spent the best part of a decade working with the likes of Mahi’s Brian Bicknell and Spy Valley’s Paul Bourgeois. Before that, however, she’d studied exercise science in Christchurch, played

A very similar lightbulb went off in my head the first time I tried a Greywacke Riesling, building up to Kitchen Takeover’s Ki Tua event earlier this year. Smooth and delicious, with layers of honeysuckle, citrus peel and juicy stone-fruit flavours, subtly emerging and swirling rather than bursting and punching. And, wait a minute – it’s from Marlborough? A region that is known for being Sauvignon Blanc centric with not much else. A morning tasting with Richelle dispelled that misconception forever, as she unleashed the full spectrum of Greywacke’s white wine wizardry. Riesling, Pinot Gris, a startlingly good

Chardonnay and a Wild Sauvignon that was wildly interesting and jawdroppingly tasty. Greywacke is all about hand-picking and hand-crafting. And the thing I love about Richelle is how she’s completely unfazed at working with an industry legend; her own confidence and sense of self are only going to grow the depth and quality of Greywacke’s offerings. “Kevin’s both highly creative and very detailed at the same time – which is what makes him so talented – and there's a mutual respect where questions are asked and decisions are made,” she explains. “It’s rewarding to work with an industry icon and know that my input is genuinely contributing to the wine style." And maybe there’s something in her sporty background that helps too; a surefootedness when the pressure comes on and the weather throws curve balls. “I love it at harvest, with all the problemsolving and thinking on your feet. That’s the beauty of it – no year is ever going to be the same. I wouldn’t recommend it but I love it.” Jess Easton is a director and owner of Kitchen Takeover, complementing her career as a Tauranga-based lawyer.

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SEASON’S EATINGS Great Kiwi Bakeoff winner Alby Hailes showcases his latest book, Good Vibes, with a selection of delectable, fresh recipes, each offering delicious flavours, perfect for celebrating. WO R DS A ARO N M CLE A N

Turmeric roast potatoes with crispy kawakawa & brown butter whip The perfect roast potato recipe, and potatoes this good deserve special treatment – kawakawa leaves, a plant endemic to Aotearoa, bring complexity to the brown butter and crisp up beautifully when fried to garnish. If kawakawa is unavailable, use fresh sage. hands-on time 30 mins total time 1 hour 10 mins serves 6–8 as a side INGREDIENTS Brown butter whip 150g butter, chopped into small cubes 6 kawakawa leaves Turmeric roast potatoes 100ml canola oil 2kg agria potatoes, peeled and cut into 4cm chunks 1 tbsp + 1 tsp sea salt 1 tbsp finely chopped sage 2 tsp ground turmeric ½ tsp cracked black pepper 2 tbsp olive oil 8 kawakawa leaves 124 | u n o m a g a z i n e . c o . n z

METHOD First start the brown butter whip. Melt the butter with the kawakawa leaves in a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Continue to cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring regularly and swirling the pan, until it starts to foam and the butter turns a deep golden brown (be careful here as it can rapidly go from brown to black). Pour the brown butter (including any flecks that have solidified) into a bowl, and discard the kawakawa leaves. Refrigerate the butter until cooled to the consistency of room temperature butter (this can take up to an hour). Stir a couple of times as it cools to mix up any browned solids with the melted butter. Remove from the fridge and set aside.

they are still firm in the centre. Drain then return to low heat and stir for 1 minute to dry out the potatoes a little. Remove from the heat and give the saucepan a decent shake until the edges of the potatoes are fluffed up. Add the sage and turmeric, tossing to coat. Carefully remove the roasting dish from the oven. Add the potatoes and carefully toss to coat with the hot oil. Roast for 35–40 minutes, until golden, crispy and cooked through. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the pepper and remaining 1 tsp salt, tossing to coat.

Preheat the oven to 190°C fan-forced (or 210°C conventional).

For the crispy kawakawa, place the olive oil in a small frying pan over mediumhigh heat. Once the oil is really hot, add the remaining kawakawa leaves and fry for 20–30 seconds on each side until blistered and crispy, then remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

For the turmeric roast potatoes, pour the canola oil into a large roasting dish and place in the oven to heat. Place the potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with cold water and add 2 tbsp salt. Bring to the boil over high heat. Once boiling, parboil the potatoes by cooking for 5–10 minutes, until a knife can go easily through the outer edge of a potato but

To finish the brown butter whip, beat the brown butter with an electric hand mixer for 3 minutes until fluffy and whipped.

Serve the potatoes warm, topped with dollops of brown butter whip and the crispy kawakawa leaves.

P L AY > R E C I P E S

Lazy-day pulled pork with apple & beetroot slaw This combination of pork and slaw can be stuffed into bao, tacos and flatbreads, or served with your favourite sides. A healthy swig of rum and grated green apple give the meat incredible flavour. Allowing the slaw to marinate 30 minutes in the fridge lets the cabbage soften just a little. hands-on time 15 mins total time 5 hours serves 6–8 INGREDIENTS Pulled pork 1.5kg pork shoulder or leg, bone-in 2 tsp ground sumac 1 tsp ground chipotle chilli (or other chilli powder) 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cumin ¼ tsp ground cloves 2 tbsp soft brown sugar 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 large green apple, grated 60ml apple cider vinegar 60ml golden rum 2 tbsp tomato paste ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp cracked black pepper 2 red onions, thinly sliced 400ml can coconut cream Apple & beetroot slaw ¼ red cabbage, shredded 1 large green apple, halved, cored, cut into matchsticks 1 small beetroot (about 125g), finely grated 70g unsweetened natural yoghurt 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses 2 tbsp chopped mint leaves 1 handful coriander leaves

METHOD For the pulled pork, trim any excess fat or skin from the pork. Pat the meat dry with paper towel. Using a sharp knife, score the meat diagonally a few times, making cuts just 1cm deep. This lets the marinade penetrate the flesh. Place into a medium–large (about 25cm diameter) Dutch oven or casserole dish with a lid. In a bowl, whisk together the spices, sugar, ginger, garlic, apple, vinegar, rum, tomato paste, salt and pepper until well combined. Pour over the pork and massage into both sides of the meat. Cover with the lid and leave at room temperature for 1 hour to marinate. Preheat the oven to 140°C fan-forced (or 160°C conventional). Add the onion and coconut cream to the meat and stir through to coat. Cover and cook for

about 4 hours, until the meat is very tender and falling apart. For the apple & beetroot slaw, combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss together. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. To serve, transfer the pork to a chopping board. Using two forks, pull the meat into shreds. Return the pork to the casserole dish and mix through the sauce to absorb all the moisture and flavour. Serve warm with the apple & beetroot slaw, either on their own or stuffed into tacos, buns or flatbreads. Note: Alternatively, cook the pork in a slow cooker on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 6 hours, until tender and falling apart. Ensure you still marinate the pork first for maximum flavour.

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Black sesame, rose & cardamom cake with honey mascarpone icing If there is a quintessentially me cake, this is it. This cake has fed hungry hospital nurses, been cut by a married couple, and even featured as the base for one of my showstoppers on The Great Kiwi Bake Off. I love how visually striking the grey tones of the crumb are against the whipped cloud-like mascarpone. The combination of black sesame, rose, cardamom and black pepper is an unusual one, and it’s sure to become a favourite. hands-on time 20 mins total time 1 hour 30 mins serves 12 INGREDIENTS Cake batter 100g butter, softened to room temperature 200g caster sugar 2 eggs 125ml canola oil 2 tbsp rose water 2 tsp vanilla extract 75g black tahini 125ml coconut cream 150g plain flour 110g ground almonds 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp ground cardamom ¼ tsp sea salt ¼ tsp ground black pepper To decorate 1 tbsp white sesame seeds 1 tbsp black sesame seeds 200g mascarpone 1 ½ tbsp honey, plus extra to drizzle 2 tsp rose water

METHOD Preheat the oven to 160°C fan-forced (or 180°C conventional). Grease a 20cm round cake tin and line with baking paper. To make the cake, beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl, using an electric hand or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, for 3 minutes or until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs and beat for 1 minute, until well combined. Pour in the oil, rose water and vanilla. Beat for 1 minute, until smooth. Add the black tahini and coconut cream and beat for an additional minute, until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, cardamom, salt and pepper. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet until smooth and just combined. There should be no remaining specks of flour left in the cake batter. Pour into the cake tin and bake

for 45–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 15 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool completely. To decorate, toast the sesame seeds in a small frying pan over medium heat for a few minutes, until starting to brown and pop. Transfer to a small bowl to cool. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mascarpone, honey and rose water until smooth. Pipe or spread the honey mascarpone evenly over the top of the cooled cake, then sprinkle with the toasted seeds and drizzle with extra honey. Serve on the day of baking, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

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P L AY > R E C I P E S

Matcha & pistachio amaretti In the style of Italian amaretti, these biscuits are wonderfully chewy due to a base of egg whites and ground nuts. Matcha and pistachio are buddies in green and a dangerously moreish combination, so if ingredients are on hand, this recipe is always worth doubling. hands-on time 15 mins total time 1 hour 10 mins serves 15 small cookies INGREDIENTS 100g pistachio kernels 110g ground almonds 200g caster sugar 1 tbsp matcha powder pinch of sea salt 65g egg whites (about 2) 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 75g icing sugar

DESIGNS BY MARK CASHMORE DESIGN

Recipes extracted from Good Vibes by Alby Hailes (HarperCollins NZ, HB, RRP$55)

METHOD Place the pistachios in a food processor and blitz until finely ground. Transfer to a large bowl, add the ground almonds, caster sugar, matcha and salt, whisking to combine. In a separate bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Add the egg whites and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold together to make a soft, slightly sticky paste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 40 minutes, so that the mixture can be rolled into balls without sticking to your hands.

Preheat the oven to 150°C fan-forced (or 170°C conventional). Line 2 oven trays with baking paper. Sift the icing sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll the chilled dough into small balls (about 30g each). Roll the balls in the icing sugar to coat generously. Place on the oven trays spaced at least 4cm apart, as they may spread a little as they bake. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until cracked, fragrant and just starting to turn lightly golden brown at the edges. Leave to cool on the trays for 10 minutes, before carefully moving to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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P L AY > WA S T E - F R E E

WA R R I O R

SMALL STEPS, BIG IMPACT Katikati local and waste-free warrior Kate Meads shares some simple food waste tips to help us all be more sustainable.

ut simply, food waste is a problem for the environment, but by thinking about some simple changes to how you buy food, store it and then consume it is an easy climate action we can all take. Better food storage reduces waste. There are lots of ways we can store our food better and make it last longer. Most of our fresh vegetables like carrots, lettuce and celery will store for a long time in the fridge if they are put in airtight containers. When it comes to things like lettuce leaves, storing them in the bag they come in is the worst way to store them. Take them out of the bag and put them in an airtight container with a paper towel under them - doing this will make them last three times longer. With veggies like broccoli being the flower of a plant, they are best stored like a bunch of flowers - in a glass jar with water in the fridge. Using a meal kit delivery service helps Kiwis reduce food waste. Planning what you are going to cook during the week is a really effective way to waste less food. Using a meal kit delivery service can be really beneficial to people who are short on time, not great at planning meals, or who just generally find they waste a lot of food. The idea of having exactly what you need to cook arrive at your doorstep once a week is really helpful. Meal kits are perfectly pre-portioned and the planning is completely removed for you. You can also pause at any time if you are going on holiday, or you can order bigger potions if you are entertaining. First in, first out. A lot of people who waste food do so because they lose track of what should be eaten first. My best tip for this begins when you bring home your groceries or receive your meal kit for the week. Start by moving all of the older products in your fridge, pantry and freezer to the front, and place new products to the back. Label things “eat me first” if it

has an approaching expiry date, incorporate it into your meal planning, and eat what you have! Consider food packaging. Being mindful of packaging waste is all part of the journey too. This is where I see brands needing to lead the way in providing packaging that is minimalistic or easily recyclable. Make sure your tins are kerbside recyclable, and wash soft plastics out and drop them off at your local soft plastic collection point. When it comes to your recycling, make sure it is clean and dry. One thing to make sure of when you have packaging that you want to recycle is that it must be clean. All containers such as plastic, glass, tin, and aluminum need to be well rinsed. Cardboard and paper need to be clean and not food-contaminated before being put into the recycling bin. Importantly, soft plastics also need to be clean and dry before you drop them to the drop off points. Reducing our food waste doesn’t need to be complicated – small changes at home can make a big difference to our impact on the planet.

Kate Meads is an ambassador for Hello Fresh meal kits, leading the way in recyclable packaging. HELLOFRESH.CO.NZ

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We’re here to get you moving

P L AY > S H O W C A S E

Showcase

SAIL AWAY Ever thought about learning to sail but never had the chance? Women On Water (WOW) is a programme designed to give women of all ages and from all walks of life the opportunity to experience sailing in both a racing and non-racing capacity. From October through to April, there are a number of sailing and skills events that members can participate in, all organised through the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boats Club (TYPBC). The social events are a chance to meet like-minded women and include a dinner in the clubrooms. Cost is $145 for a membership or $20 per sail. Boat sizes range from six-metre trailer yachts to 12-metre keeler yachts. YACHT.ORG.NZ

Pop in and speak to our friendly staff

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P L AY > S H O W C A S E

LEND A HELPING HAND

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Need more energy? Eating habits out of whack? Weight around the belly? When we get stressed, it seems like our healthy habits go out the window. Lifespark’s focus is all about helping women reach their weight and wellness potential through stress management, lifestyle and nutrition strategies, wellness tips and personalised nutrition options that work in with your life and are sustainable. They aim to reduce the overwhelm, diet culture and support women with their hormones, gut function and eating habits so that they can feel better in their clothes faster and enjoy more energy. Here in the Bay, Kate, a registered nutritionist, is on hand to offer online and in-person consultations. Medical insurance claims can be used.

Founded by Sir Graeme Dingle and Jo-anne Wilkinson in response to New Zealand's negative youth statistics (some of the worst in the OECD), The Graeme Dingle Foundation has been relentless in their mission to improve these statistics for over 26 years. Today, the Foundation has supported over 300,000 kiwis, helping them to build confidence, tackle life's challenges and make meaningful connections. These vital connections and skills taught through the Foundation's programmes broaden horizons for young people, leading to brighter futures, exciting work and study prospects and ultimately a greater contribution to Aotearoa by each individual they connect with. Their programmes, Kiwi Can, Stars, Career Navigator and Project K, are in 16 schools across the Western Bay of Plenty, having a positive impact on the lives of over 3,800 tamariki and rangatahi each week. They would love to hear from anyone who is interested in supporting their work – from mentoring rangatahi, to fundraising events or donations. DINGLEFOUNDATION.ORG.NZ

LIFESPARK.CO.NZ

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- T H E WAY W E -

E X P LO R E Hit the road and explore our surrounding treasures.

S L I C E O F PA R A D I S E Outstanding Ōhope PAGE 136

G O L D E N S TAT E

HEART OF THE CITY

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A month in California

Play in Christchurch

WAT E R WORLD

Summer in the Bay PAGE 134

W O R K > T H R I V E > L I V E > P L A Y > E X P L O R E

E X P LO R E> S U M M E R

F U N

POLYNESIAN SPA An iconic geothermal oasis on Lake Rotorua's shores, Polynesian Spa has been a global wellness destination for 50 years. Its 28 mineral-rich pools provide soothing experiences, from muscle relief in the Priest Spring to skin nourishment in the Rachel Spring. Geothermal marvels create a serene lakeside setting, complemented by diverse spa treatments, yoga, and meditation. Enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals at the café and discover unique gifts. POLYNESIANSPA.CO.NZ POLYNESIANSPA POLYNESIANSPA/

LUXE CINEMAS

SEASIDE STAYCATION Tourism and the Bay of Plenty go handin-hand this summer, with activities and adventures for everyone – plus plenty of opportunities to relax, eat, and take it all in.

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Looking for something to do on those rainy days? Luxe Cinemas has recently launched in Tauranga and Papamoa, showcasing a wide range of films, from art house and documentaries to Hollywood blockbusters. The family-owned boutique cinema chain believes that going to the cinema should be an experience. With a luxurious lounge area, plush couches and beautiful foliage, even arriving at the cinema feels like the ultimate escapism. Sit back with your choice of beverage – perhaps a Mills Reef wine, Fitzpatrick craft beer or Excelso coffee – and snack to enjoy your film in luxury. LUXECINEMAS.NZ

E X P LO R E> S U M M E R

F U N

DOLPHIN SEAFARIS Encounter wild dolphins on a thrilling adventure with Dolphin Seafaris. Set sail in the beautiful open waters of Tauranga and head out on an unforgettable journey to witness these enchanting creatures in their natural habitat. This is one for the whole family. Book your seats through the website or over the phone. NZDOLPHIN.COM | NZDOLPHINS

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FLAVOURS OF PLENTY FESTIVAL 2024 Having recently earned two awards at the NZEA New Zealand Event Awards for Best Local Government Event 2023 and Best Lifestyle Event 2023, the Flavours of Plenty Festival is returning again next year. Embark on a gastronomic adventure spanning from Waihī Beach to Ōhope Beach for eleven days, from April 4 to 14, 2024. Explore the coastal wonders of the Bay of Plenty as delectable treats collide in degustations, workshops, dish challenges, cook-offs, long lunches, tours, and so much more. Tickets and the programme will be unveiled in February 2024. FLAVOURSOFPLENTYFESTIVAL.COM

SMALLGUSTA

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What happens when you shrink a golf course to 10 percent of its size? You get Smallgusta! Only 15 minutes from the CBD and the Mount is New Zealand’s premium miniature golf course. Perfectly fun for all abilities, Smallgusta is a nine-hole, par 35 putting challenge with epic views, licensed café as well as thermally heated pools. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 9pm.

Experience the joy of surfing at Mount Maunganui beach this summer. Expert instructors make learning to surf a blast. Mount Surf Academy provides surf therapy, surf for mums, a women's programme, surf and yoga sessions, group packages to Matakana Island, plus many more fun activities.

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MARSHALLS ANIMAL PARK Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Marshalls Animal Park provides a fabulous day out in the country for young and old. Hand feed the friendly animals, check out the eel spring, and play on the flying fox playground. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables, then head off for an easy nature walk, with an option to drive if needing special access. Pony rides available 11.30am to 1.30pm. Located at 140 McLaren Falls Road just outside Tauranga, the farm is open weekends and holidays 10am to 4.30pm, and Wednesdays to Fridays 10am to 2pm.

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E X P LO R E> W H A K ATĀ N E

COASTAL CHARM Sun, sand, strolls along the beach… Ōhope is a little slice of paradise with so many options for families, couples, and solo travellers to enjoy this summer.

he beautiful Ōhope, just 6km from Whakatāne, is one of the Bay of Plenty’s hidden gems. With 11km of pristine golden sand, along with picturesque natural beauty, native birds and views of Whakaari/White Island and Moutohorā/Whale Island, it’s been voted New Zealand’s most-loved beach for a reason.

ŌHOPE’S NEW HOTSPOT Situated at Port Ōhope Wharf, Wharfside is the place to be this season. Bring your family and friends and set off on a harbour cruise, hire SUP, kayaks, and e-scooters for some family fun, or sit and relax with a craft beer and bite to eat while the kids practice their manus off the wharf. This popular spot is open from December 27 through February 5, and select weekends throughout autumn. Visit the pop-up isite Visitor Information Centre to get all the inspo – and booking assistance – you need to have an epic Eastern Bay summer. WHAKATĀNE.COM/SEE-AND-DO/WHARFSIDE

CRUISE & SHUCK Discover Ōhiwa’s rich history, oyster farming, cultural significance and stunning harbour on an immersive Ōhiwa Tour. Experience the ocean’s bounty through an engaging oyster experience where you’ll learn the art of shucking oysters, followed by a tasting of delicious kaimoana. Tio Ōhiwa is more than just an oyster farm and takeaway shop; it's a community hub and indigenous-owned business that believes in bringing people together through good food and good company. OHIWAOYSTERS.COM

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E X P LO R E> W H A K ATĀ N E

Must-dos nearby Surf and turf

GET MOVIN’ The calm waters, easy beach access and great scenery make VMAC Rides’ base on Wharfside, Ōhiwa Harbour the perfect place to have a go at stand-up paddleboarding. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned professional, VMAC Rides has the boards for you to get out there and enjoy yourself! Or if you’d rather stay on land, you can explore this little slice of paradise on an eScooter or eBike. Suitable for both adults and children, it’s a great way to have family fun together. VMACRIDES.CO.NZ

Gaze at the stellar harbour views, take in a stellar sunset, and enjoy the beachy vibe from the spacious deck of Fisherman’s Wharf Café. Surf and turf is their speciality, with excellent steaks and sumptuous seafood – try the fish tacos – and there’s a decent beer and wine selection to ease you into another relaxed Ōhope evening. If you’re wanting tasty takeaways, fish and chips are available from the handy window too. FACEBOOK.COM/ FISHERMANSWHARFCAFE

Take to the water With experienced guides who know the local history and environment, KG Kayaks offers tours and freedom hires in a variety of locations around the Whakatāne and Ōhope Beach area. The relaxing, family-friendly Ōhiwa Harbour tours, and trip out to Moutohorā/Whale Island via sailing catamaran are particularly memorable, with regular wildlife encounters and a hot water beach experience making it a day to remember. Novices are welcome, and safety is always first priority – they also offer options for school and corporate days out. KGKAYAKS.CO.NZ

On the trail

MATA BREWERY Mata Brewery Taproom & Eatery is a much-loved family-friendly gathering place for Whakatāne locals and visitors alike. With a selection of 12 taps and several packaged options, there’s a wide variety of beer and cider to satisfy every taste. Try a tasting tray or grab a glass – they have a good selection of wine, low-alcohol, and non-alcoholic drinks, too. At Wharfside, they'll have a pop-up brewery with all their favourite beers and ciders, bar snacks and live music. It's a great spot to sit and relax while the kids swim and jump off the wharf. MATABEER.NZ

Perfect for cyclists and walkers alike, the Ōhope Harbourside Trail is a gentle amble for all ages and abilities. Winding along the shoreline of one of our most unspoiled and culturally significant estuaries, Ōhiwa Harbour, you’ll come across a multitude of birdlife, shellfish and fish species. Traversing esplanade and recreational reserves, the walk has been designed to ensure the least disruption to the natural environment while allowing for stunning views. WHAKATANE.COM/BIKING/OHOPEHARBOURSIDE-TRAIL

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E X P LO R E> A M E R I C A

CALIFORNIA DREAMING Catherine Sylvester and her family escaped the Kiwi winter for a scenic coastal road trip in sunny California, hitting up the best the Golden State has to offer along the way.

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

our weeks, one state, multiple Costco lunches with mostly fabulous weather, and I can safely say we love California. Flying into San Francisco and departing from Los Angeles meant renting the biggest car I’ve ever seen, and hundreds of miles covered in between. First stop: San Francisco. Steep streets, Mrs Doubtfire, the Summer of Love and the painted lady houses of Full House fame. The presence of two iconic structures looms large over this northern California city – the Golden Gate Bridge and former prison Alcatraz. Both are situated over the harbour – one a conduit of movement and travel, the other an insurance against it. We tackled both with equal enthusiasm.

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SAN FRANCIScO

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

Los Angeles

Hiring bikes in town, we cycled along the waterfront in beautiful sunshine, pulling off jumpers and reapplying sunscreen. Upon reaching the bridge, we entered a low-hanging, chilly cloud, causing the rapid redonning of clothing. Such is San Francisco. To the accompaniment of harbour fog horns, we made our way across the bridge and onto the adorable tourist town of Sausalito for burgers and ice creams back in the sunshine before the ferry ride home.

The island of Alcatraz.

E X P LO R E> A M E R I C A

Locked up at Alcatraz.

ALCATRAZ ISLAND Make sure you book well in advance for Alcatraz as tickets sell out fast. We took the first ferry of the day, which was wise, as the island fills up steadily with tourists. A self-guided tour through the former maximum security federal prison allows you to move at your own pace and get all the photos you like. A fascinating look at a self-contained island and penitentiary that was home not only to some of America’s most notorious criminals, like Al Capone and The Birdman of Alcatraz, but hundreds of guards, employees and their families. The gift shop at the end of the tour meant books for the road for me, written by those who grew up on the island, detailing their quite normal lives in a quite unusual setting.

California Tunnel Tree, Mariposa Grove, with a hole cut in 1895 to allow horses and buggies to pass through.

Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Valley.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Depending on road conditions, the drive to Yosemite takes around four hours from San Francisco, and the scenery is stunning.

El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a 3000ft climb from base to summit.

We stayed in cabins at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and felt very Bear Grylls as we roasted marshmallows for s’mores over an open fire. Although there was no foraging for bear droppings or whatever it is Grylls dines on, we still felt quite rustic. Squirrel, chipmunk and deer sightings were big winners with our kids, though I did face a conundrum when a cute skunk sidled up to the campfire. How to move it on without alarm, thereby causing the release of its bespoke odour? Thankfully, a quiet “Shoo!” and soft clap of the hands did the trick. Emerging from Tunnel View into Yosemite National Park itself is breathtaking. Heavy snows last winter meant waterfalls were the fullest and most powerful they’d been in 50 years. We were fortunate to be there, as only weeks prior to our trip the park was closed due to flooding caused by the melting snow. Mariposa Grove is worth the hike for the enormous sequoia, and a gentle ride on hired bikes to the Mirror Lake is also very manageable. Due to the change in the volume of the waterfalls, the Misty Trail hike up to Vernal Falls was more like the Torrential Trail, but quite spectacular and well worth the effort.

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E X P LO R E> A M E R I C A

Horse riding at Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo.

World famous Steak House at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo.

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY On down the coast to the old fishing town of Monterey, then the exquisite artist colony of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and on to Clint Eastwood was once Mayor of Carmel, a town famous for its quirky, storybook buildings.

San Luis Obispo – home of the bubble-gum wall (exactly what it sounds like), and the one-of-a-kind Madonna Inn (nothing to do with either the virgin or the singer). Individually themed rooms with names like Caveman, Fabulous 50s, and Hearts and Flowers make the Inn a unique experience, and while we didn’t stay there this trip, a housekeeper was kind enough to let us take a peek. Definitely on our list of future accommodations. A leisurely meander across picturesque

Carmel-by-the-Sea, an artist colony.

hills on horses from the Inn’s Trail Rides

tested my courage. Snakes, spiders and the most nauseating of roller coasters I’m up for, but I am a little nervy around our equine friends. Thankfully I was gifted the docile Cherokee, to whom I softly whispered, “Please be nice!” all the way up the hill, and “Thank you for being nice!” all the way down. Even if you’re not staying at the inn, you must grab a stool at the restaurant counter and order an American-sized slab of pink champagne cake and a soda. Look around the Barbie-pink explosion of finery that is the Steak House, and sneak into the worldfamous men’s washroom with waterfall urinal – but best have a male friend check the coast is clear first!

“ORDER AN AMERICAN-SIZED SL AB OF PINK CHA MPAGNE C AK E AND A SODA . LOOK AROUND THE BARBIE-PINK E XPLOSION O F F I N E R Y T H AT I S T H E S T E A K H O U S E .”

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E X P LO R E> A M E R I C A

At a Dodgers baseball game.

CALIFORNIA TRAVEL TIPS •

School summer holidays run from the beginning of June through August. Tourist spots fill up then. Yosemite in May was perfect, but by mid-June it was apparently packed.

MALIBU AND LOS ANGELES

•

Other highlights of a jam-packed trip were dinner on the sand at Paradise Cove in Malibu, watching Clueless by the pool and under the stars engulfed in the heady scent of jasmine at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, dining on wiener schnitzel and cabbage in the Danish-style village of Solvang, Dodgers baseball games, and a mandatory marathon two days exploring Disneyland and California Adventure Park.

Prices often look good, but always consider the exchange rate. Most goods will cost more than the price tag indicates due to state taxes that don’t appear until you’re at the checkout.

•

When you’ve finished dining, your server will “bring you the check”, and you pay while seated, rather than at the till. It’s not warmly received if you bypass this process.

•

Hollywood Boulevard itself is fun and a bit crazy, but you might want to keep the kids close and avoid after dark.

•

What we call entrées, Americans call starters. What we call mains, they call entrées. Knowing this can avoid accidental over-ordering of food.

•

If you hanker for some simple food, try the slightly fancy supermarket Whole Foods, as they have a self-serve smorgasbord arrangement. It’s not the cheapest, but by week three I was grateful for some plain salads and vegetables.

•

We love LA but locals don’t refer to June weather as “June gloom” for nothing. Be prepared you may have a few overcast days.

•

If visiting Disneyland or California Adventure Park, it is worth the extra investment of the Lightning Lane Pass, as it significantly cuts down wait times for rides.

The Danish-style village of Solvang.

Saying goodbye to California is always hard, so as we crammed our shopping into the extra fit-for-purpose bags we’d bought and shared one more fabulous Mexican meal at Pancho’s in Manhattan Beach, plans were already well under way for our next trip to The Golden State.

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E X P LO R E> C H R I S T C H U R C H

(RE)BUILT TO ENJOY Christchurch is like the adventurous and fun friend everyone needs. WO R DS J E N N Y R U D D / I MAG E S SU PPLI ED

tarting over again after everything’s fallen apart takes grit. Marian Johnson, CEO of Ōtautahi Christchurch’s Ministry of Awesome said that the city had a choice to just rebuild what they’d lost, or go for gold and reimagine where they want to live. Christchurch is shaping up to be a seriously special city in our beautiful country.

MURALS Huge bangs of colour, life and passion are spread across the raw faces of buildings throughout the CBD. Art says something words can’t. It gives the city warmth, and is an indication of where they are headed. There’s a sense of purpose and fun that made us feel like we wanted to stay there and be part of it. CHRISTCHURCHNZ.COM

MOUNT DOBSON

TE PAE CONVENTION CENTRE A brand new, futuristic curve of reflective metal and glass features 43,000 herringbone tiles, a nod to the region’s braided rivers. The centre buzzed with life on our visit. Tourists and locals filled the space as they meandered through art exhibitions and a television crew was set up in the entrance interviewing delegates to a conference. Puamiria Parata-Goodall says, “The ancestral bones of Ngāi Tahu are in this land. The new Ōtautahi reflects both its Ngāi Tahu and European history. Māori language, art, and stories are recognised and celebrated like they haven’t been before. My ancestors have their voice back again in our landscape.” TEPAE.CO.NZ

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No trip to the South Island is complete without a trip to Mount Dobson (that’s the word from my teens, anyway). This year the mountain’s season straddled both school holidays in July and October, making for an elongated season at the warm end, with great snow and sun in the sky. It’s about two-ish hours from Christchurch, making it a good overnight detour, especially if you bunk down in Fairlie near the bakehouse and its famous pies. MTDOBSON.CO.NZ |

MTDOBSONSKI

E X P LO R E> C H R I S T C H U R C H

MINISTRY OF AWESOME Does everything it says on the tin. The output of MoA is world-changing startups, solving every kind of global problem you can imagine. And it’s led by the indomitable Marian Johnson, who’s leading the charge to put Christchurch on the global map. We were invited to the demo day event at the end of Electrify Accelerator, where 20 female-founded startups had been working to grow their businesses over 12 weeks, and then pitched to a room full of the country’s top investors. MINISTRYOFAWESOME.COM

We didn’t have a car with us, as it’s a short Uber ride into the city, and why drive when you can take the tram!? Kōrero about Christchurch’s history, the rebuilds post-earthquake, and the cultural landscape of the city gave us a local’s view of the city. We bought an all-day ticket, and rode round the circuit a couple of times. If you can get a reservation, The Tramway Restaurant looked extremely fun!

rah

CHRISTCHURCHATTRACTIONS.NZ/CHRISTCHURCH-TRAM

SHE IS NOT YOUR REHAB

B r ow n

THE TRAM

RIVERSIDE MARKET

One of the startups that has been through the Ministry of Awesome’s programme. Conversations between founder Matt Brown and clients in his barbershop to help men break the cycle of abuse they have been born into, has spawned a whole movement. Matt and his wife Sarah have set up an art gallery in the CBD, where you can get a limited edition print of a piece of artwork by Tauranga’s Mr G. You can also get married there; Sarah is a celebrant! This couple are determined to change the world by healing our tāne and break the cycle of generational physical and sexual abuse. INNERBOY.NZ SHEISNOTYOURREHAB

Empire Chicken

We didn’t cook a single meal in Christchurch. As soon as we discovered this market, there was no mental space for anything else. The list of must-tries in here is as long as my arm. On day one I barely got through the entrance before I was eating a dosa crammed with fragrant chicken curry. I pushed it all down with a beesting. Oh. My. Word. A brioche, soaked in honey, stuffed with a mascarpone custard and sprinkled with flaked almonds. Thank goodness the tram was outside. I needed a moment before walking again. RIVERSIDE.NZ

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TAKE THE BEACH BACK TO THE PADDOCK Register now

OHOPE

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MT MAUNGANUI

West End Ohope

North End Surf Club

Pukehina Surf Club

Ngarunui B each

35 Marine Parade

Robin Bean 027 281 5225

Mike Meade 027 659 0661

Boyd Harris 027 341 4439

Matte Kirk 027 222 2403

Sarah Hickey 027 554 9257

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For session times in January check out the website - surfingforfarmers.com

n O What’s ONE LOVE

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBR ATIONS Sunday, December 31 Celebrate New Year’s Eve with family and friends at one of Council’s free community celebrations. Enjoy live music, roving entertainment, food trucks, activities for the kids and a local MC to host. All events will finish with fireworks at 9.30pm, except the Greerton celebration that will finish with a laser light show. There are five community celebrations from 6pm to 9.30pm: Gordon Spratt Reserve, Pāpāmoa The Waterfront, Tauranga City Centre

January 27 & 28 Tauranga Domain Aotearoa’s massive celebration of reggae music, One Love, returns in 2024 with a huge line-up of reggae and dance hall greats. Lock in January 27-28 2024 for two days of good vibes and quality performances by some of the biggest names in reggae music. ONELOVEFESTIVAL.CO.NZ

RUSSELL HOWARD LIVE

Wednesday, February 7 Mercury Baypark Russell Howard, “one of the world’s top comedians” (Sunday Times), is on his way to Australia and New Zealand in 2024. As we reel from one global crisis to the next, join Russell, “the uplifting Comedy King”, as he puts the world to rights in his own uniquely hilarious way. PREMIER.TICKETEK.CO.NZ

Fergusson Park, Matua (accessible & low-sensory event 5.30pm – 6pm) Tauranga Racecourse, Greerton Blake Park, Mount Maunganui. MYTAURANGA.CO.NZ/WHATS-ON

E X P LO R E> E V E N T S

A R O U N D

T H E

B AY

BOP OPEN STUDIOS ART TR AIL WEEKEND

February 23 – 25 9.30am to 4.30pm daily An art trail with 84 artists from Athenree to Pukehina. Over three art-filled days, the BOP's top artists warmly welcome you into their studios. Here you can meet the makers, explore their work, chat about their practice, learn what inspires them and purchase artwork directly from their studio. BOPOPENSTUDIOS.CO.NZ BOPOPENSTUDIOS

THE MICHAEL JACKSON HISTORY SHOW

Friday, March 1 Baycourt Addison Theatre Celebrate Jackson’s creative genius and unsurpassed talent with riveting live performances evoking his early days as a member of the Jackson 5, his groundbreaking theatrics in the 80s, and his continued domination of pop culture into the 21st century. Get the full Michael Jackson concert experience with triple-threat performer Garth Field – electrifying in his role as Jackson – plus a live band, choreographed dancers, authentic costumes, state-of-the-art sound and theatrical lighting, vision and effects. Truly a mind-blowing stage production not to be missed. PREMIER.TICKETEK.CO.NZ

RESPECT: THE ARETHA FR ANKLIN STORY

Saturday, January 20 Tauranga The Fulton Hogan Festival of Multisport incorporates a number of events that include Tauranga Half, The AquaBike, Pilot Bay Swim, and Pressio Mount Festival Half Marathon, all in a festival atmosphere for a wide range of people with varied athletic abilities.

Thursday, February 8 Baycourt Addison Theatre The electrifying show RESPECT journeys through Aretha Franklin’s courageous life of love, tragedy and triumph, while showcasing her greatest hits over the last 50 years. Starring Australia’s “Soul Mama”, Angie Narayan, RESPECT is a masterful piece of storytelling about family, loyalty and victory, layered with glorious harmonies and sassy repartee.

MOUNTFESTIVAL.KIWI

PREMIER.TICKETEK.CO.NZ

FESTIVAL OF MULTISPORT

PORT OF TAUR ANGA 61ST NATIONAL JA ZZ FESTIVAL March 23 – April 1 Tauranga Come and enjoy the 61st National Jazz Festival. Experience an incredible lineup of jazz, blues, and funk artists. Think jazz. Think Easter. Think Tauranga! JAZZ.ORG.NZ

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E AT S

Lisa with partner Blair and their six-year-old twins, Shay and Isaac.

ON A ROLL The Mount’s favourite sushi fusion restaurant and bar, Satori Lounge, has moved across the bridge to bigger, better and far more modern premises on The Strand. WO R DS H AY LE Y BAR N ET T

isa Wilson never pictured herself in hospitality, let alone owning and running one of the most popular sushi restaurants in the Bay. She didn’t even like raw fish. But, 13 years ago, that’s exactly what happened, and now she can’t imagine doing anything else.

“It was an accident, really,” says Lisa, gesturing towards her expansive, modern eatery on The Strand in Tauranga, which is right now heaving with the inner-city weekday lunch crowd. “My ex is Chilean and sushi is huge in South America, so he talked me into giving him some of my savings to start a sushi restaurant in the Mount. Of course, he kept needing more and more money until eventually I didn’t have any savings left. And then we broke up!” Lisa found herself having to quickly take the reins, all while working her day job in banking to stay afloat. After one too many reviews stating that the food was great but the service 146 | u n o m a g a z i n e . c o . n z

needed some work, Lisa realised she’d have to quit her day job and take on the restaurant full-time – and to stop responding to those reviews with “If you want quick service, head to McDonald’s.”

responsible for Lisa’s about-turn on the raw fish front. She added more raw salmon little by little until her tastebuds agreed, and now it’s one of her favourite foods.

“It took me a while to learn that the customer is always right,” laughs Lisa.

Though a change in menu won’t be on the cards, it seems the change in scenery is working to the restaurant’s advantage. Lisa even has plans to landscape the back into a garden area for diners with the help of Blair, her landscaping partner and father to her twin boys.

Today is Tuesday – gluten-free day – at her new premises. It’s always been popular, but now that Satori Lounge has moved across the bridge, every day is popular. It could be the new office crowds that she’s catering for, but I suggest it might be the fact that Satori Lounge has such a great reputation for fresh (and fast) sushi with a difference. All the best dishes are still on the menu, like my personal favourites, the Citrus Sushi Roll and the Ceviche Sushi Roll, as well as the Honey Chicken Sushi Roll and, well, everything else.

So, whether you’re a hardcore sushi fan, or just keen to try the Honey Chicken Roll (the most popular dish), you’ll definitely find something to love about Satori Lounge. And say hi to Lisa if you see her fumbling around the bar area.

“I don’t like to change the menu,” explains Lisa. “Chefs have tried but people know our menu and they like it, so why change it?”

“I wasn’t cut out for hospitality,” she assures me. “I love talking to people too much!” Which is, funnily enough, what makes a restaurant so hospitable. That could be part of the reason this not-so-new eatery is really hitting the spot.

It was the Citrus Sushi Roll that was

SATORILOUNGE.CO.NZ

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OLIVER ROAD LUXURY REAL ESTATE

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We are currently appraising properties and scheduling campaigns for the remaining positions in our Summer Collection. Contact us today if you are considering listing your unique, high-value home over the coming months and would like to understand more about what you can expect working with Oliver Road.

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+64 27 587 5509

+64 21 174 7305