WildTomato April 2018

Nelson and Marlborough’s magazine / ISSUE

141 / APRIL 2018 / $8.95

Eco your home

It’s easier than you think The growth of golf Feast Marlborough Young Enterprise Scheme

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Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon Country Fashion French Chateaux Carving Pounamu Suzuki Sport Pinot Safari

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JOIN US FOR A NEW HOME BUILDERS’ INFORMATION SESSION Proudly Supporting

Building a new home is an exciting adventure and Jennian Homes has been building the homes New Zealanders want for more than 35 years.

Come and learn from the experts about the hidden costs of building and how to avoid surprises by designing a home, customised for you, to work within your true budget.

Our regular building information sessions arm you with lots of great information to help you on your journey to building your own home.

For more information visit jennianinfo.com or email nelson@jennian.co.nz

MOTHERS DAY 5 k m F UN RUN 1 3 M AY 2 0 1 8

Next session dates: 12th April, 24th May, 5th July, 16th August, 8th November

It’ll be a great start to the day and you’ll be doing your bit to help beat heart disease.

All participants will receive an event t-shirt designed by Dick Frizzell.

Register online at jennianmothersday.com

Jennian Homes Nelson Bays 8 Champion Road, Richmond, Nelson P 03 544 4390 E nelson@jennian.co.nz jennian.co.nz

Visit us at one of our Display Homes: 408 Hill Street, Richmond 2 Malone Crescent, Lower Queen Street

P R E S E N T S

T H E

2018

Vote for your favourite cafĂŠ, bar or restaurant today wildtomato.co.nz/dineout

Nelson and Marlborough’s magazine

Features Issue 141 / April 2018

22 Eco your home Brenda Webb explores the options for making your home more eco-friendly

28 Golf A hugely popular sport and recreation activity, golf is booming in the Top of the South, as Phil Barnes finds out in the lead-up to Nelson’s Festival of Golf

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32 Feast Marlborough Gourmet goodies from throughout Marlborough will be on offer at this month’s Feast Marlborough. Kat Pickford reports

36 Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon Running among the vines is proving popular, writes Kat Pickford

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40 Young Enterprise Scheme Encouraging young people to explore their entrepreneurial side has created some winning business, says Terry Shubkin

INTERVIEW

90 My Education Eddie Allnutt finds out why NMIT proved the ideal place for Stephen Adler to study

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First class surgical experience

We are proud to announce the opening of our stage one renovations Manuka Street Hospital is the Nelson Tasman region’s only private specialist surgical hospital.

Manuka Street Hospital is a joint venture partnership between a local Nelson trust, Manuka Street Charitable Trust, and Southern Cross Hospitals Limited. This combination of expertise, local knowledge and history, ensures the people of the

Nelson Tasman region are provided with a first class surgical hospital.

We endeavour to provide our skilled surgeons with modern, state-of-the-art theatres and equipment so that Nelson Tasman residents can have access to the very best in surgical procedures.

During your stay at Manuka Street Hospital, we aim to provide you with excellent quality

surgical care supported by exceptional nursing care and hospitality services.

Throughout your stay, our staff will strive to make your visit pleasant and comfortable.

The hospital offers a relaxing environment, which blends modern facilities with traditional personal attention. Manuka Street Hospital is certified by the Ministry of Health.

manukastreet.org.nz 36 Manuka Street, Nelson Telephone: 03 548 8566

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Columns Issue 141 / April 2018

FASHION

43 Country chic Fashion editor/stylist Sonya Leusink Sladen and photographer Ishna Jacobs hop to it in the country for this month’s fashion shoot

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49 Shoe of the Month Ankle boots and tactile textiles put their best foot forward

51 Style Being comfortable in the outdoors when off-duty and remaining welldressed can be a tall order, writes fashion editor Sonya Leusink Sladen LIFE

54 My Home How changing a stairway revitalised a whole apartment. By Brenda Webb

60 Interior Design Suggestions from Rebecca O’Fee on how to create a cosy country vibe

62 My Garden Sophie Preece explores the range of modern indoor plants

66 Wellbeing Nutritionist Emily Hope explains why there is no need to fear eating nutritious sources of fat every day

67 My History Marlborough fishing guide and author Tony Orman tells his story

68 My Kitchen A delectable harvest season grape chutney from Madame Lu’s

69 Dine Out Restaurant reviewer Hugo Sampson dines Filipino style at Arnel’s in Hardy Street, Nelson

70 Wine Sophie Preece goes on a pinot safari around Marlborough

71 Beer High alcohol beers are on the rise, writes Mark Preece 6

ACTIVE

84 Arts John Cohen-Du Four also meets Aniseed Valley pounamu craftsman Timoti, expanding on the latest chapter in Timoti’s journey to NZ’s favourite taonga (treasure): pounamu

72 Travel Visiting the Loire Valley gave Lynda Papesch the opportunity to check out a few chateaux

76 Sport The Wairua Warrior is not for the faint-hearted, explains Phil Barnes

86 Music Music columnist Pete Rainey suggests Nelson’s Trafalgar Centre needs a purpose-built concert facility

78 Motoring The third generation Suzuki Swift Sport is a fun pocket rocket, says reviewer Geoff Moffett

79 Adventure

87 Film

Set sail for Picton Harbour and the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club.

Sophie Preece explains why

Based on aging Vietnam war veterans, the film Last Flag Flying doesn’t inspire reviewer Michael Bortnick

CULTURE

80 Books Some of the latest and upcoming releases, compiled by Lynda Papesch

82 Arts – Youth Theatre The Nelson Youth Theatre’s forthcoming Phantom of the Opera is a real showcase of talent, John Cohen-Du Four writes

REGULARS

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Editor’s letter & contributors 10 Noticeboard 12 My Big Idea 14 Events 16 Snapped 85 Gallery must-haves

T HE SELLERS ROOM

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Editor's letter

Love local

A

utumn is a fabulous time of the year right across the Top of the South with so many events celebrating the diversity of the area. Admittedly the weather throws us a few curve balls, not to mention slips and such, but Kiwis are a resilient lot and we soon bounce back.

Sorting the road over to Golden Bay will take some time and patience is a word that springs to mind. In the meantime a dedicated band of workers is labouring six days a week to keep traffic flowing in and out so a big thank you to all of them for their efforts.

A lot of effort is going into two big events in Marlborough this month: Feast Marlborough and the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon, both of which are featured in this issue. Timing is everything, so they say, so if you live in Marlborough get out and support them; if you live elsewhere it’s a perfect time to visit and sample what the province has to offer.

Our main feature this month is how to make your home more eco-friendly, which may be as simple as replacing curtains with hemp or linen varieties, using eco-paints such as the Resene and Porter’s Paints range, or going all out and building an ecofriendly home from scratch. Brenda Webb has plenty of ideas from local experts for you to consider.

And how about considering a round of golf? You wouldn’t be alone. More than 500,000 Kiwis, all around the country, play golf. Our district alone has at least 12 clubs in Nelson and six in Marlborough with several staunch members. Phil Barnes finds out more in the lead-up to Nelson’s Festival of Golf this month.

In our final April feature, WildTomato explains exactly what YES means to many students; YES as in the Young Enterprise Scheme which encourages college students to explore their entrepreneurial sides.

The events pages are chokka full of things to do, while the more athletic readers might like to consider the Spooners Railway Tunnel Community Run on Anzac Day (April 25). Athlete Stu Hague tells you more about it in the My Big Idea page.

Last, but by no means least, the April Active section covers yachting school in Marlborough, me wending my way from chateau to chateau in France’s Loire Valley, and a real gut-busting warrior adventure on our Sports page. Carpe Diem!

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e all love a success story and there’s no denying that the Sprig & Fern Brewery in Richmond, Nelson, is all of that.

Now the company has added a major addition to its product portfolio with the launch this month of 330ml six packs and 500ml singles of their awardwinning beer. Previously the beers have only been available in 1.25l plastic bottles.

Master brewer and owner of Sprig & Fern Brewery, Tracy Banner says it was time to expand beyond the PET and keg market to include cafés and restaurants whilst giving the consumer a premium craft singles option.

LY N D A PA P E S C H

Editor

Lynda Papesch lynda@wildtomato.co.nz

Manager

Laura Loghry 027 378 0008 laura@wildtomato.co.nz

Design & art direction Cover photo supplied by Hybrid Homes & Living Ltd

Annabelle Archibald and Lisa Noble design@wildtomato.co.nz

Lead ad designer

Patrick Connor production@wildtomato.co.nz

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Sales executives

Chrissie Sanders 027 540 2237 chrissie@wildtomato.co.nz Sara Booth 021 214 5219 sara@wildtomato.co.nz

Subscriptions

$75 for 12 issues wildtomato.co.nz/subscribe

Publisher

Jack Martin WildTomato Media Ltd 258 Hardy Street Nelson 7010 PO Box 1901 Nelson 7040 info@wildtomato.co.nz wildtomato.co.nz

Contributors

Eddie Allnutt, Phil Barnes, Jessica Bay, Michael Bortnick, Chelsea Chang, Elora Chang, John Cohen-du Four, Tom Davies, Stu Hague, Emily Hope, Ana Galloway, Ishna Jacobs, Karina Kusumadarma, Sonya Leusink Sladen, Madame Lu’s, Geoff Moffett, Cameron Murray, Rebecca O’Fee, Tony Orman, Kat Pickford, Sophie Preece, Mark Preece, Pete Rainey, Hugo Sampson, Terry Shubkin, Brenda Webb, Dominique White, Susie Williams.

Find us on

WildTomato/ @wildtomatomagazine

@_WildTomato

Read online at

issuu.com/wildtomato

Contributor spotlight S O N YA L E U S I N K S L A D E N Fashion (page 43)

I

’ve been writing, styling and photographing fashion in the Nelson region for over 10 years now, and have returned to WildTomato after a few years away. It’s great to be back! Fashion styling has always been my dream job and it’s exciting to be working with photographer Ishna Jacobs again. In between stints at WildTomato, I have worked with other photographers and magazines, achieved a lifelong dream of entering, [and winning] New Zealand’s Hokonui Fashion Design Awards ‘recycling’ category, and most recently launched my own fashion blog Silk Purse, Oily Rag.

B R E N DA W E B B Eco Your Home, My Home (pages 26 & 54)

R

eturning to Marlborough three years ago, after spending 12 years living and travelling overseas, made me appreciate just what a special place the Top of the South is.

During our travels, mostly by yacht, we visited some wonderfully remote and exotic spots, but it’s pretty hard to beat the Marlborough Sounds on a good day.

I’ve lived and breathed journalism all my life – starting out as a fresh faced 18-year-old on Auckland city newspapers and moving to Marlborough (and the Marlborough Express) in 1986.

These days freelance journalism gives me the freedom to write about the things I’m passionate about.

Selling your home?

Each week, 859,700* people read Property Press.

With a wealth of listings, gloss colour & easy reading, it’s no wonder Property Press is New Zealand’s favourite property magazine.

Be where buyers are already looking.

Ask your real estate agent about Property Press.

Also available online at propertypress.co.nz

GEOFF MOFFETT Motoring (page 78)

‘G

rizzled veteran’ often describes journalists of my vintage. I prefer ‘mature and wise’, although perhaps the latter isn’t always the case.

I go back to the days of typewriters, newsrooms befogged by cigarette smoke and the old Nelson Evening Mail editorial set-up with sub-editors separated from reporters by a hatch in the wall through which a cadet would deposit his ‘copy’ with trepidation.

Newspapers are slowly dying in the digital, on-line age and everyone with a smart phone and Facebook or Twitter account is a reporter. Don’t get me started! I’m thankful to have worked when print media was king.

Viva WildTomato.

*Statistics from Horizon Research’s February 2017 survey, 2066 respondents aged 18+, weighted to represent the New Zealand adult population. The survey has a maximum margin of error at a 95% confidence level of +2.2% overall.

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N O T I C E B OA R D

Age of Grace

Join the revolution

Fashion Revolution

Fringe Festival Quality entertainment for all

T

he Top of the South’s only fringe festival, the Nelson Fringe Festival is a 10-day celebration of fringy theatre awesomeness – with workshops taught during the day and performances by night, from April 27 to May 6. This year’s line-up includes 42 shows, 16 workshops and two venues, Refinery Artspace and Ghost Light Theatre. The Visual Arts Programme also includes an exhibition of works created in the eight weeks leading up to the festival.

Visit nelsonfringe.co.nz

P

art of a global fashion activism movement calling for a fairer, safer fashion industry, Fashion Revolution Nelson Tasman has organised the largest-ever quality clothes swap in the Region – ‘Swap ’til You Drop’, being held at Founders Park, Nelson on Sunday 29th April from 10am to 2pm. Entry will be $2.

Clothing can be dropped off at the Energy Centre at Founders on Friday 27 April from 2-6pm and on Saturday 28 April from 102pm, or you can bring items early on the day.

Redeem tokens for swapping will be given for each item accepted with a limit of five items per person.

The Swap is for teen’s, women’s and men’s clothes only (no babies or children’s clothing, no shoes, no underwear/intimate clothing), and all clothes donated must be washed, in good condition and well presented.

Amazing textile heritage exhibition

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n now at Broadgreen Historic House, until the end of April, is the Age of Grace – Silk and Lace Exhibition. Co-curated

by NCC’s Heritage Facilities Officer Mahina Marshall and Broadgreen’s textile restorer Karen Richards, it features many beautiful garments including Perrine Moncrieff’s wedding dress.

The exhibition also ties in with Nelson’s Heritage Festival which this month features house tours, library displays and speakers, special events, and much more, from 9 to 29 April.

Visit nelson.govt.nz/recreation/festivalsand-events/heritage-festival

Movement Medicine Photography kudos

W

e’ve had a lot of good feedback about last month’s Movement Medicine feature. Thanks to all the photographers who helped us illustrate the feature. Some were mentioned in the feature; others slipped through the cracks so well done to Janice Feyen, Talitha Walterfang and Kerry Sunderland for their photographs.

Where do you read yours?

Jack Martin, owner of WildTomato, reads his on the family dairy farm in Hampshire’s Meon Valley (UK), at home amongst the cows that help produce the Tom Parker Creamery’s natural, high quality dairy products.

Send your image to editor@wildtomato.co.nz ONLY JPG FILES ACCEPTED, MIN 1MB

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On display at Broadgreen Historic House until May 2018.

276 NAYLAND ROAD, STOKE Entry free for locals

Detail from the wedding dress of Perrine Moncrieff

A look at the history of silk, and a showcase of lace, featuring selected Victorian to 1930’s garments from the Broadgreen textile collection.

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MY BIG IDEA

SPOONERS TUNNEL COMMUNITY RUN Last April more than 120 runners and walkers tackled the Spooners Tunnel Run. This year organisers are hoping for an even bigger turnout. Stu Hague elaborates P H O T O C H O C O L AT E D O G P H O T O G R A P H Y

What is your Big Idea?

A community run and/or walk through the historic Spooners Railway Tunnel on Anzac Day, April 25th. Entry is on the day.

Why Spooners Tunnel?

The tunnel was constructed from 1873 onwards and it was used by trains running between Nelson and Kawatiri up until 1955 when the line was dismantled. In 2016 it was opened to cyclists as part of Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. Many local families have historic links to those involved in its construction.

What is involved?

Organised by Athletics Nelson, it’s a run of approximately 14.5km starting at the Belgrove Tavern, going through 12

the tunnel and then all the way back.

The tunnel is 1352 metres long and very dark so all competitors have to carry a light – a torch or headlamp – which is compulsory for safety reasons.

Participants will be able to compete as an individual or as a two-person team with one person going up the tunnel, and the other coming back down it.

Teams can be mixed, for instance a runner and a walker, two runners or two walkers.

What do people need to know?

There is a $5 entry fee per person and spot prizes afterwards. It starts at 2pm for early runners and walkers, and at 2.30pm for runners. Marshals will be at both ends of the tunnel and the turnaround point. All times will be recorded and will be posted on the Athletics

Nelson club website.

Participants need to meet at the Belgrove Tavern to register.

As a general rule, if you cannot run under 27 minutes for 5km, then you should start with the early runners.

Relay runners will need to car pool from the Belgrove to the south end of the tunnel where the entrance will be marked.

Any other advice?

Headlamps or torches are compulsory for other competitors’ safety. Participants will not be allowed into the tunnel without their light being turned on.

Passage through the tunnel is single file, and participants need to keep left.

Baby buggies are okay, but remember that the tunnel is dark and the young might not cope well with this. Finally, no dogs are allowed. See you at the start.

Nelson and Marlborough’s magazine

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Summe r loving PAGE S

Horse ra cing, home bu ildin festivals g, and fashion

The first 20 subscribers this month will receive a $50 voucher for Renaissance Organic Hair Salon, located in Hardy Street, Nelson.

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Interview: Kerensa Medical Johnston cannabis and Rac debate hel Taulele Buildin i Musse g a house l Inn Summe r festiva ls

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This promotion is not in conjunction with any other WildTomato subscription offer and expires 30 April 2018. The $50 voucher is available to the first 20 subscribers.

13 The product offer in this promotion is non-transferrable for cash or other items.

EVENTS

What to do in April NELSON/TASMAN Find out more details on Nelson/Tasman Autumn events at itson.co.nz

Sun 1

Tues 3 & 10

Mapua Easter Fair

Aerial Silks Classes

Popular with all ages, the annual Mapua Easter Fair will have more than 220 stallholders, made up of arts, crafts, garden, fairground and miscellaneous stalls, a schoolrun café, secondhand store and silent auction. Starts 9am.

In this class for adults, InsideOut’s Damara Sylvester will guide you through the art of aerial silks – a breathtaking and elegant way of climbing up a piece of long material while performing acrobatic tricks and drops that will strengthen your core and endurance like no other whole-body exercise. To register email insideoutcircus@gmail.com

MAPUA DOMAIN

Sun 1 to May 17 National Geographic Exhibition National Geographic 50 Greatest Photographs Exhibition opened last month and runs into May. This exhibition will transport visitors behind the lenses of some of National Geographic’s most engaging images, including the unforgettable Afghan Girl.

NELSON PROVINCIAL MUSEUM

Sun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Motueka Market Brighten your Motueka Sunday with this showcase of arts, crafts, food and drink, along with fresh local produce and entertainment.

DECKS RESERVE CARPARK

RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTRE, LOWER MOUTERE

Wed 4, 11, 18, 25 Nelson Farmers’ Market Rain or shine, the Farmers’ Market brings fresh local produce and products from throughout the Top of the South.

Enjoy the new venue!

Piano to the People

A signature event held each year during harvest time, the Kai Fest showcases the great food produced in the Motueka region, and brings together a community of many cultures.

From 10am.

Acclaimed New Zealand pianist Jonathan Crayford’s work spans many different genres and disciplines, in many different parts of the world, including Australasia, Europe, Brazil, Spain, America and Cuba.

DECKS RESERVE, MOTUEKA

NELSON MUSICAL THEATRE

Wed 11 & Thurs 12

The Phantom of the Opera

Beyond the Plate A two-day event featuring food art installations from local school students and Nelsonians.

On the 11th installations will be assembled during the day followed by a ticketed event that evening with edible food canapes. The following day the installations will be open for schools and the public to view.

Nelson Youth Theatre presents the Nelson premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical masterpiece, The Phantom of the Opera. The winner of seven Tony Awards, the show has been seen by over 100 million people in 144 cities in 27 countries.

THEATRE ROYAL

Wed 11 to Wed 18 Ideas Festival

The bustling Nelson Market transforms Montgomery Square into a vibrant showcase of regional arts, crafts, fashion, jewellery and fresh local and organic produce.

The concept behind the Nelson IDEAS Festival is simple – people who do amazing things can inspire others to do amazing things too. This year there’s separate ideas get-togethers for adults, teens and youngsters. For more information check out the website if.org.nz

MONTGOMERY SQUARE

VARIOUS VENUES

The Nelson Market

Fri 13

Motueka Kai Fest

Sun 8 to Sat 21

Sat 7, 14, 21, 28

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Sun 8

MAITAI BOULEVARD

RATA ROOM NMIT CAMPUS

National Geographic Exhibition

Jonathan Crayford

Sun 15 Toitū – Regional Biodiversity Festival The heart of Nelson CBD becomes an interactive handson biodiversity zone for a day – with stalls, workshops, demonstrations, debates, hands-on participation, competitions, street entertainment, music, food & fun. Starts 10am.

TRAFALGAR SQUARE

Sat 21 Michael Tsalka – Final Concert Distinguished teacher and keyboard player, Michael Tsalka plays Mozart and Bach with the Nelson School of Music Chamber Orchestra. Admission is by paper koha. Starts 7.30pm.

OLD ST JOHN’S

MARLBOROUGH Find out more details about Marlborough Autumn events at marlborough4fun.co.nz

Sat 7, 14, 21, 28 Marlborough Artisan Market

Sun 1 & Mon 2 Havelock Lions Book Sale A three-day book sale in the historic Havelock Town Hall, with thousands of books in every category at low prices. All funds raised go towards funding community events in the Pelorus area. Runs 9am to 3pm from Saturday 31st March.

HAVELOCK TOWN HALL

Sun 1 to Tues 3 2018 Toyota Optimist Nationals Running since March 29th, the Optimist Nationals has more than 200 sailors participating.

Finals are Monday & Tuesday.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE YACHT CLUB, PICTON

Sun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Marlborough Farmers’ Market

The market is back for another season with fresh vegetables, crafty items and brunch on offer.

WYNEN STREET POCKET PARK

Sat 7 Forrest Graperide A competitive recreational ride through some of the most stunning natural beauty on offer. From the vineyards of the Wairau plains through the head of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds to the greenshell mussel capital of Havelock and home to Forrest Estate in Renwick, the heart of the world- renowned Marlborough wine industry.

Starts 6am.

FORREST ESTATE WINERY, RENWICK

Fri 13 Shaun Kirk – Howlin At the Moon Single Launch Tour

Enjoy the taste of the freshest seasonal fruit, vegetables and produce that Marlborough has to offer. Locally grown and sourced food, sold by the producer.

Following the recent success of his Australian ‘Midnight in Motion’ tour, award-winning blues/soul troubadour Shaun Kirk is touring the country to launch his soon-to-be-released new single ‘Howlin At the Moon’.

Starts 6.30pm.

A&P SHOWGROUNDS

LE CAFÉ, PICTON

Fri 6 Mimosa Mimosa is a gypsy jazz duo from Australia made up of one violin and one guitar. Though currently performing as guest entertainers on cruise ships, the duo spent six months in France soaking up the gypsy jazz style, and have since performed in Australia’s one and only Gypsy Jazz Festival: OzManouche.

Ticket only event.

Sat 14

Fri 20 to May 6

Sport Tasman Marlborough Muddy Buddy

Mary Poppins

The ever-popular Sport Tasman Muddy Buddy is back in Marlborough for 2018 – the ultimate mud-packed adventure fun run for all abilities. Get your fancy dress costume together, grab a mate/parent/co-worker and prepare to get muddy! This is a great team-building event for your sports team, co-workers, church group etc. Registration opens at 12.30pm.

HAVELOCK ESTUARY, MAHAKIPAWA RD, HAVELOCK

Sat 14 Ukulele Flash Mob Anyone with a ukulele is welcome to join the flash mob from 1pm to 4pm.

THE VINES VILLAGE, RAPAURA ROAD

Everyone’s favourite practically-perfect nanny takes the stage in this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure. One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way; as a practicallyperfect musical!

ASB THEATRE MARLBOROUGH

Sat 21 Marlborough Earth Day Party This free entry event brings together Marlborough families, businesses, community leaders, conservation groups and experts in climate and sustainability to showcase and learn about the benefits of renewable energy, low carbon transport/ technologies, sustainable food production, plant-based diet and conserving Marlborough’s ecosystems and wildlife for future generations. Starts 10am.

Visit climatekaranga.org.nz A&P PARK, BLENHEIM

Fri 27 & Sun 29 Marlborough Racing Club Gallops Head along to the Waterlea race course for two days of exciting gallops with children’s entertainment and two harness events each day. Starts 12pm both days.

HIGHFIELD ESTATE, WAIHOPAI VALLEY

Beyond the Plate Coffee Art

Yachting on Picton Harbour

WATERLEA RACEWAY, BLENHEIM

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Snapped WildTomato goes out on the town‌

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Opera in the Park Saxton Oval, Stoke P H O T O G R A P H E R : C A M E R O N M U R R AY

1. Helen & David Lewis

5. Vicky Bond & Kelly Kerr

2. Lois Lawes & Julia Hamilton

6. Deborah & Donald McConochie

3. Katie StĹŤmp & Johanna Balcarek 4. Mike & Denise Ballard, Graham & Maureen Ellwood

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7. Gareth & Denise Burke 8. Jessica Conrad & Erik Swayne 9. Gayle Lawrie & Simon Fane

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Working alongside local businesses getting their

BRAND NOTICED

Call in and see Paul at 34 Bridge St, Nelson or phone 03 548 7233 nelson@embroidme.co.nz www.embroidme.co.nz 16

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2 Nelson Food & Wine Festival Middle Earth Vineyards, Brightwater PHOTOGRAPHER: DOMINIQUE WHITE

1. Kate Gardener, Chloe BarlettKoen, Lydia Williams & Chereez Barlett-Koen 2. Michelle & Swampy Torrens, Dave & Shelley Campbell 3. Aled Shaw, Emma Mcfarlane & Jared Shepherd

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5. Trudy Sheild, Ryan & Kylie O’Connell 6. Yvonne Blakemore & Joyce Bruning 7. Chris Gaul & Susannah Mckenzie

4. Shona Killick & Jeanette Anderson

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Exhibition Opening Atkins Gallery, Nelson PHOTOGRAPHER: DOMINIQUE WHITE

1. Bryce Wastney, Rachel Waddy & Sally Reynolds 2. Christine Johnston & Lyndal Howley 3. Stan Bowski, Tor Muriwai & Steve Galpin 4. Jan & Warren Tan

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5. Larisse Hall & Vanessa Griffin 6. Jason Maccormick & Deb Moore 7. Larisse Hall 8. Georgia Barber & Robert Thompson

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2 Zephyr Garden Party Kerseley Vineyards, Blenheim PHOTOGRAPHER: SUSIE WILLIAMS

1. Julia Brown, Mands Jones, Rach Anderson, Bridge Glackin & Georgie Leach

4. Marg Sutherland & Joelle Thomson

2. Joelle Thomson & Susie Glover

6. Jules Taylor & Ben Glover

3. Ben Glover, Ivan Sutherland & John Saker

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5. Georgie Leach & Jason Yank 7. Trish Grammer & Kirsty Trolove

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145 Bridge Street, Nelson Wednesday to Sunday 5pm to late

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B!Social Workshop and Networking Event BNZ Bank, Nelson PHOTOGRAPHER: KARINA KUSUMADARMA

1. Ange Leonard, Yvonne Bowater & Lynet Craig

5. Beate Baden & Sharron Wetere

2. Emily Hoult & Robyn Wilson

6. Pauline Pellowe & Sarah Goodfellow

3. Evelyn O’Neill, Bea Pole – Bokor & Jo Kitchen 4. Gill Ireland & Aurora August

7. Julie Baxendine & Tanea Collier

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Eco Your Home

Sitting lightly on the land The demands of an increasing worldwide population are affecting our environment.

Doing your part to help ease the stress may be as simple as switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs, as Brenda Webb discovers.

P H O T O G R A P H Y S U P P L I E D B Y H Y B R I D H O M E S & L I V I N G LT D

B

eing eco-friendly is all about having a lower impact on the environment.

We constantly hear talk about reducing our carbon footprint, so thinking of ways to reduce our impact and learning to live a more sustainable and eco-friendly life is definitely desirable.

When it comes to our homes and workplaces, we all want to live and work somewhere that is healthy, keeps us happy, warm and comfortable and is not having a detrimental effect on the environment.

Such a home or workplace is one designed and built using materials that are sympathetic to the environment, which includes lower energy needs.

Anyone building should consider implementing eco policies, but there are ways to make your existing home or workspace more eco-friendly. The easiest first step is to ensure 22

you have energy efficient lightbulbs – they instantly reduce power costs.

A new-build gives you a clean slate.

The number one rule is to orientate your house towards the sun with plenty of double-glazed (or triple) windows to the north.

These flood the house with sunlight.

If you have good insulation (well above minimum New Zealand Building Standards) and draught-proof windows and doors, the heat generated is trapped.

The extreme example of this is a passive house that is airtight and doesn’t require any additional form of heating – in fact passive houses often require cooling systems.

Assess the angle of the sun during winter and summer.

Some older houses with wide verandas don’t allow winter sun – the verandas mean the house is cool in summer but cold in winter. Consider replacing the roof with clear plastic sheeting or

changing the angle of the veranda to allow more sunlight.

Nick Marer, from energy-efficient building company Little Pig, says taking advantage of the sun is crucial – especially in the Top of the South with our high sunshine hours.

He advocates plenty of windows to the north and solar options for heating and hot water.

“You should also look at passive solar heat retention systems, such as using a thermal mass – either on the floor or a wall – to soak up the heat then release it at night. It acts like a night store heater using the heat available in the house.”

Nick says a masonry wall, adobe brick wall or even a polished concrete floor will act as a heat sink and improve energy efficiency in a home.

Keeping the warmth in reduces energy loss so good insulation is key, as is double-glazing, thicker walls and using quality materials.

Nick favours straw bales for construction because they are a natural material, a by-product of farming and provide excellent insulation.

When investigating products for your home, Nick advises doing research to make sure you are using environmentally friendly ones.

“A lot of the products appear at face value to be wonderful and natural, but you need to look into the processes involved in production – suddenly they might not be so flash,” he says.

“You need to consider what chemical glues and resins were perhaps used in the production, ask whether the people involved are treating their environment correctly and consider the transport costs in getting the product here.”

Nick works closely with many New Zealand suppliers and says he is constantly impressed at the strict environmental standards they follow and how seriously they take environmental concerns.

Blenheim architect Jarrod Midgley believes houses built in moderate climates such as the Top of the South shouldn’t require huge amounts of energy.

His fundamental belief is to design a house using quality and traditional materials that will accommodate a variety of occupants over its lifetime and still be there and be loved in 150 years’ time.

“I like to think people use products that are eco-friendly but last.”

JA R R O D M I D G L EY, A R C H I T E C T

“The bigger picture, I think, is not to build too big a house that consumes a whole lot of energy or be a white elephant in terms of aesthetics or planning,” he says.

Jarrod is influenced by Australian architects Glen Murcutt and Peter Stutchbury, whose ethos is to live in harmony with nature.

“I believe in designing houses that make the most of the sun, require little energy and use sustainable materials that last,” he says.

“But I’m less obsessed with eco-friendly materials if they have a limited time span. For example, why would you buy an eco-friendly wardrobe if you tire of it and biff it out in 10 years? I like to think that people use products that are ecofriendly but last.”

Jarrod steer clears of products that use petroleum chemicals, such as plastic weatherboards and guttering, preferring options like cedar weatherboards from a sustainable source.

“I would always beware of hardwoods – look for those with an ecological FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) rating. They are still hacking down indigenous rainforest in parts of the world so look for something that has been sustainably logged.”

Timber is generally sustainable because trees don’t pollute, they produce oxygen, provide a wildlife habitat, can be replanted, sourced locally and can be recycled.

Countries such as Canada that produce cedar have programmes in place to ensure sustainability but rainforest 23

Photo supplied by Hemptech

“It is worth investing time and money into good-quality insulation options and go as thick as you can – you will not regret it.”

N ATA L I A H A R R I N G TO N H Y B R I D H O M E S & L I V I N G LT D

areas that produce hardwood may not have the same ethics, so research is vital.

Concrete is commonly used, and these days has become popular as a flooring – it can double as a heat sink.

While the production of concrete produces lots of carbon emissions, a variety being produced in New Zealand replaces a portion of the cement with fly ash – a waste product – and therefore lowers the carbon footprint.

Building an environmentally low-impact home means you instantly reduce your energy needs but that might not be so easy in an older home.

Think about installing more windows to the north to allow more sunlight, or perhaps putting in skylights.

A ventilation system circulates air and reduces dampness and condensation, making a house feel instantly warmer. Such systems have been proven to reduce health problems, particularly respiratory issues so prevalent in New Zealand.

Condensation makes homes harder to heat and a good ventilation system with high-quality filters will provide healthy fresh air and warm your house by recirculating warm air from the ceiling cavity, which is always hotter than the house.

Keeping the warmth in reduces energy loss, hence maximum insulation is key. Insulation in older houses can slump over time and lose its effectiveness. Consider installing more insulation in your ceiling, whether it’s fibreglass or wool.

Natalia Harrington, from Hybrid Homes, specialists in building energy-efficient eco-homes, says proper insulation makes a huge difference to comfort and wellbeing.

“It is worth investing time and money into good-quality insulation options, and go as thick as you can – you will not regret it. For every dollar you spend on insulation you save two on medical bills, not to mention power and heating costs.”

To be eco-friendly, Natalia says using a smart house 24

design is number one, followed by reducing your energy consumption.

“The majority of New Zealand homes are far from energy efficient. This can be improved through energyefficient lighting and appliances, installing solar hot water, installing energy-efficient supplementary heating timers, thermostats and sensors. “The same applies to water conservation – when choosing tapware or whiteware check their water-efficiency rating. Greywater recycling systems can be used to irrigate your garden.”

If you are replacing curtains, think about using natural products such as cotton, linen or hemp, and materials produced and made in New Zealand. Guthrie Bowron in Nelson, Blenheim and Motueka, for instance, have several options. Carolyn Reed, from Guthrie Bowron Blenheim, says the Hemptech range features natural fibres, including linen and hemp, most of which is designed and made in New Zealand.

“Thermal linings do provide better insulation but if you want to be eco-friendly then you can’t beat good old calico,” she says.

To prolong the life of curtains Carolyn advises pulling them back past the window edge – and if you are building a new house make sure there is wall space both sides of the windows to do this.

Harsh sunlight in the Top of the South can deteriorate curtains quickly, particularly if you are using natural products.

A range of cedar venetian blinds is also available – cedar is one of the most sustainable timbers.

As for flooring options, alternative eco-friendly products are increasingly available, says Darren Knight, salesman with Guthrie Bowron.

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At a glance Quick ways to ‘eco’ your home or workspace: • Ensure you are using (or switch to) energy-efficient lightbulbs.

• Replace dated and inefficient whiteware and appliances with low-energy models.

• Maximise sunlight – consider putting in a skylight or windows to the north.

• Install a ventilation system.

• If building, investigate eco-friendly options for sewerage and wastewater.

• Double-glaze windows (mandatory in New Zealand with new-builds).

• When redecorating look for eco-friendly curtains, flooring options and paints.

• Install solar panels.

• Consider re-insulating your ceilings.

• Install underfloor insulation – government subsidies are available for some.

• Use environmentally-friendly products – become a label reader.

• Stop draughts – put tape around gaps in windows and doors, and use draught seals.

• Close curtains before the sun goes down to trap the warmth.

• Install low-flow shower heads and dual-flushing toilets.

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Most of the big carpet companies offer an eco-option – one is a nylon/bamboo blend, while another produces a ‘green’ carpet made from renewably sourced polymer made from natural corn sugar.

Personally, Darren still feels that wool carpet made from New Zealand sheep is a ‘pretty good option’.

As far as hard flooring goes, bamboo and cork are the low-carbon options.

Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork tree but the tree itself recovers and grows back within three years.

Bamboo is also sustainable as technically it’s a grass that grows back quickly.

Darren also favours tiles, which double as a heat sink when placed near windows that have direct sunlight. But with any product it pays to check the processes involved and whether glues and resins are used in the production.

When it comes to decorating, eco-friendly paint options are widely available. It wasn’t too many years ago that paints contained mercury compounds, arsenic and lead.

Paint manufacturing has come a long way, also developing a lower tolerance towards VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions.

Resene has a range of waterborne paints that have replaced many of their solvent-based paints, which typically released more VOCs. Porter’s Paints from Guthrie Bowron are also eco-friendly.

Look for the Environmental Choice tick and make sure the paints you use will have a minimal impact on your health and the environment.

Most electrical and whiteware appliances now have star ratings that show how energy-efficient they are, so go for the highest rating provided it suits your requirements. When replacing your fridge, dishwasher or washing machine, check the specs and opt for a product that uses less power and, in the case of a washing machine and dishwasher, less water.

The overall key to being eco-friendly is to think carefully about what products you use and learn to identify those that cause harm. Read labels, do your research and choose wisely.

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Golf

FAIRWAY TO

HEAVEN Golf is a huge part of the New Zealand lifestyle. In the lead-up to Nelson’s Festival of Golf, Phil Barnes takes a closer look at the game’s popularity in the Top of the South.

G

olf is the highest club participation sport in the country – half a million Kiwis play the game, according to New Zealand Golf’s website. Around 105,000 New Zealanders are affiliated to golf clubs nationwide, with many more casual players. All-up, they play some five million rounds annually. With 390 golf clubs, New Zealand is second in the world for the number of courses per capita. Only Scotland (543 courses for five million people) beats us.

New Zealand Golf says the game is so popular because it is one of the most affordable sports in the country. Kiwis can play on club courses for as little as $25, and membership is very reasonable nationwide.

The figures are equally impressive for Nelson and Marlborough, which form part of New Zealand Golf’s Tasman District, one of 15 district associations.

Chris Pugh, Tasman District community golf manager, says it is the largest district geographically within New Zealand, stretching as far south as Whataroa near Franz

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Josef on the West Coast and Kaikoura on the east coast.

The district has 4100 members from 24 clubs, 12 of which are in Nelson and six in Marlborough.

Chris says membership numbers have started to grow in the last 18 months.

“There had been a decrease following the financial crisis in 2008 as people didn’t want to spend the discretionary dollar on things like club membership.”

Two of the major clubs in Nelson and Marlborough also show impressive signs of recent growth.

Jonti Philipson, Marlborough Golf Club manager and Golf Hub Marlborough director, says the club has 410 members, an increase of about 50 from recent years.

“And we recorded a 7.5 percent increase in the number of rounds played since last year.”

Jonti says clubs in Tasman seem to be bucking the global trend of declining golf membership. Marlborough also has an academy with 53 junior members at the club, which is encouraging, he says.

“We have had players from the Bay of Islands to Invercargill, and even from Australia.”

D E R E K D RY S DA L E

Photo by Tom Davies

F E S T I VA L O F G O L F D I R E C TO R

BIG TOURNAMENTS BOOST REGION

T

wo of the main tournaments held at the Marlborough Golf Club attract large numbers of players from around the country, boosting the local economy, Jonti adds.

The Allan Scott Women’s Tournament, held in March, drew a field of 200, 120 of them from out of the region.

“They come from Auckland to Dunedin. It’s a week-long event and women are very good at spending lots of money,” he laughs.

In October the Marlborough NZPGA event attracts 32 four-person teams. Although this is only a one-day event, it is also particularly good at attracting players from throughout New Zealand.

Nelson Golf Club has 622 members and also attracts many casual players.

Club president and TSB Festival of Golf director Derek Drysdale says the club is doing well considering it has to compete with many other attractions.

For instance, in the Nelson/Marlborough area there has been a huge increase in social cycling groups, especially in the 50-plus age bracket, traditionally the main age group who play golf, he says.

In addition to this month’s Festival of Golf, the club runs six open tournaments a year, attracting plenty of members from other clubs. But it is the festival that brings in people from far and wide.

“We have had people from the Bay of Islands to Invercargill, and even from Australia.”

Derek says the course is well-regarded nationally.

“New Zealand Golf has chosen us three times in the last four years for major tournaments.” These were the New Zealand Amateur Championships, plus the Seniors and Under-19s Championships, with contestants posting wonderful feedback each time.

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL

I

n stark contrast to the large clubs, much of golf’s attraction in the Top of the South is the charm of its many small country clubs.

A perfect example is Nopera Bay, which lies in an idyllic setting on the shores of Kenepuru Sound.

Nopera is a 90km, two-hour drive from Picton on windy roads – club champion Phil Radford describes it as one of the most isolated clubs in the country.

Nopera nearly disappeared two years ago as the course lies on working farmland where players used to share the fairways with grazing sheep and electric fences, he says.

The need to use more of the farmland meant the community had to work together to redesign a restricted course that makes up for its lack of length with a challenging terrain. “It’s quintessentially Kiwi and sums up everything great about New Zealand,” Phil says.

Chris Pugh, who is the Tasman District’s only full-time golf employee, says one of the district’s main focuses is on junior golf through its Golf in Schools programme. The idea is to get children with clubs in their hands and then to provide a link to a golf course.

“That’s important because many children come from non-golfing families so they don’t have contact with the golf clubs. By getting children involved we get a lot of non-golfing families introduced to the game.

“The perception we get when we visit schools is they think golf is just for rich old men. We need to show them this is not the case and in fact it is a great game for everyone.”

The Tasman District has been encouraging its clubs to set up their own junior programmes.

In the last 18 months some clubs have been reaping the rewards through a significant increase in juniors.

The district is also encouraging more women to take up 29

Photo by Tom Davies

The district has 4100 members from 24 clubs, 12 of which are in Nelson and six in Marlborough.

the sport through its She Loves Golf programme.

Another age group targeted is men between the ages of 30 and 50.

“There’s a big gap in male players in this age group as they are often busy with work, families and mortgages. They think they can’t justify taking up so much time spending four to five hours playing a round of golf.

“So we want to make people realise they can also play shortened games. It’s quite possible to play nine holes or just go out on the course for an hour and a half.”

SUPPORTING THE TALENT

A

t the top level, the district helps Tasman’s representative teams to compete at national level, and supports talented young players in realising their dreams of becoming professionals.

Chris says that aside from players making the pro circuit, many others have gone on to become club professionals, both locally and even overseas.

To that end the Tasman District has joined forces with Total Golf professionals and managing directors Sean and Blair Riordan to launch a development academy for the region’s best junior players.

The young guns attended a talent development weekend at the Nelson Golf Club in March run by New Zealand Golf high-performance manager Gregg Thorpe and national coach Jay Carter.

Blair says Total Golf, comprising himself, brother Sean and fellow professional Nick Loach, is keen to put something back into the sport by helping up-and-coming players progress. Eight elite players and 10 development players were invited to the weekend academy.

Total Golf plans to continue with monthly group training sessions for the elite players and sessions every two months for the development squad. Players can also come for coaching individually.

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Blair says his age group benefited from similar set-ups when they were learning the game as teenagers, so the trio are keen to re-establish something similar.

Meanwhile, less talented but no-less keen players haven’t been forgotten. Sean says low-handicap golfers have no opportunities to compete at present, as interclub competitions are for players with handicaps of seven or more.

“So this year we are also setting up a Tasman Cup for players at the lower-handicapped level.”

It will launch in the Nelson area, but once established, the trio want to widen it to include Marlborough and Tasman.

FESTIVAL A HIGHLIGHT

C

hris says one of the highlights of the year is the TSB Nelson Festival of Golf, which takes place between April 30 and May 4.

“The festival is an iconic event and is very well run.”

Derek Drysdale says this is the fifth year the event has been held and apart from one year when there were some late cancellations, the tournament has always attracted a full field of 128 players.

Around 100 of those players come from outside the region, often bringing their partners for the week. Many fly in, stay in hotels and also visit the wineries and tour the district, so the event has a significant economic impact.

Because of that financial pay-off, the tournament

PLAY GOLF AT WAAHI TAAKARO receives sponsorship from the Nelson Events Marketing and Development Programme, which is funded by the Nelson City Council with the aim of stimulating the economy in shoulder and off-seasons.

The main tournament tees off with a team ambrose competition at Nelson on the Monday. It continues with three days of stableford competition starting at Greenacres on Tuesday. Wednesday is a rest day, then the tournament moves to Motueka on Thursday and finishes at Nelson on Friday.

Using the three golf courses gives contestants the chance to compete on different styles of terrain, varying from Nelson’s links course to Motueka’s mature parkland course.

Derek says another fun attraction within the festival is the putting competition.

On the first day all contestants are invited to have one attempt at a long putt. The six players closest to the hole qualify for the final, played at the end of the main tournament on the 18th green while everyone gathers on the club-house balcony to watch.

He says this makes for a wonderful fun atmosphere.

AN EXPERIENCED ORGANISER

D

erek, who moved to Nelson in 2010, has plenty of experience organising golf competitions.

“My wife and I organised golf competitions for charity in the UK for 20 years prior to moving to New Zealand.

“We used a similar template to what we had been doing in the UK when we organised the first Festival of Golf in 2013.”

They didn’t realise at that time that the festival would become an annual event.

“But after the first year, we were inundated with people asking when we were going to hold another one.

“One of the things about this tournament is that people always want to tell us how much they have enjoyed it. There are many players who quickly want to register for the next year’s tournament, and some have played every year.”

Derek says there is so much work involved with the festival that organising the next one starts immediately.

“We have a debrief the week following the festival and then we immediately start booking the three golf courses for the week and speaking to sponsors.”

A relaxed 9 hole course set in the lush Maitai Valley, just a ten minute drive from town.

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31

Autumn in Marlborough

An epicurean

adventure for all Autumn in Marlborough is a time for harvesting and enjoying the fruits of that harvest at a variety of special events. Kat Pickford profiles two of the major festivals happening in Marlborough this April.

PHOTOGRAPHY JESSICA JONES

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LEFT & BELOW: Entertainment, epicurean food and good times for all ages.

O

rganisers underestimated the appetite for eating good, local food alongside the people who farmed, caught, prepared and cooked it – and Feast Marlborough sold out in two hours flat.

This year, buoyed by such enthusiasm, the festival has morphed into four days of foodie heaven, celebrating the best of the region’s produce and culinary talent in beautiful venues around Marlborough.

Local food advocate Liz Buttimore, from the awardwinning restaurant Arbour, is on the Feast Marlborough committee and is excited to share the region’s food secrets with the world.

“There’s no denying Marlborough wine has done a fantastic job of putting our region on the map, but we think there’s a real opportunity for Marlborough food to be celebrated too – people just aren’t as aware,” Liz says. “That’s what Feast Marlborough is all about, sharing our beautiful food and food stories on a national stage and creating some excitement around the amazing culinary scene we have down here.”

Liz is responsible for Gala Feast, which kicks off the event on Thursday May 10, and it promises to be a sensory feast that pushes the boundaries of culinary art.

“It’s going to be huge,” says Liz, who has a background in events management. “People will be hit from left, right, behind and above with Marlborough art, photography, videography, performing art, song, dance and comedy, as well as a beautiful, whimsical menu designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia.”

Liz’s partner, Bradley Hornby, is designing the menu, and will be assisted in the kitchen by a handful of Marlborough’s top chefs.

“There’s such a great bunch of people in the restaurant scene down here, everyone we’ve asked has jumped at the chance to help out,” she says.

“We hope to create an environment that encourages people to stay a while, explore and socialise.”

STEPHANIE MCINTYRE, OUTRÉ

“Yes, we’re all in competition, but we’re all mates too and working together is the best thing for our industry as a whole. It’s going to be a whole lot of crazy, chaotic fun.”

The finalists of the best regional dish, Rare Fare, will also be announced by Cuisine magazine editor Kelli Brett and Kaikoura MP Stuart Smith on the big night.

Rare Fare is another initiative set up by Feast Marlborough as an opportunity for the region’s eateries to become involved in the month leading up to the festival. So far 20 restaurants and cafés have signed up to create their take on Marlborough’s signature dishes, in hopes of being crowned the inaugural Rare Fare winner.

One of Liz’s goals is for another Marlborough restaurant to 33

LEFT & BELOW: Local restaurants create special dishes and music adds to the ambience.

be named in the top 100 New Zealand restaurants this year – alongside Arbour, which made the list in 2017.

“One of the great things with a food event like Feast is you draw these amazing, influential food writers who just love discovering all the freshest foodie events and fads. There’s definitely potential for another Marlborough eatery to make that list – they just haven’t discovered it yet.”

The Blenheim street party, Friday Night Feast, is back again this year, covering an area three times as big as last year, with twice as many vendors and a central dining area at the heart of it all.

Stephanie McIntyre from Outré, who is organising Friday Night Feast, sees the family-friendly event as a ‘culinary showpiece’ where people have a chance to sample the best Marlborough produce.

“We hope to create an environment that encourages people to stay a while, explore and socialise,” Stephanie says.

With dishes ranging from $5-$15, it is affordable for families, although organisers have added ‘gourmet details’ for the grownup foodies, including a wine and beer ‘pocket lounge’ and a kitchen takeover by Arbour at Thomas’s café.

The diversity of the region’s produce and the people behind it all set Feast Marlborough apart from other culinary events round the country, says Stephanie.

“Marlborough is a lifestyle decision and the people who choose to live in Marlborough and nurture its produce are incredibly passionate – and you can taste that.”

Blenheim businesses can also see the opportunity for showcasing a vibrant town and are planning on staying open 34

late for shopping that evening.

Jo Glover, the organiser of Marlborough Underground – a series of dining experiences in unique locations around the region – says Marlborough restaurants and wineries have also jumped on board.

“May is always a little quieter in Marlborough, so it’s the perfect time to create an event that brings people to Marlborough and encourages them to explore and stay awhile,” she says.

Jo says Marlborough’s food scene is long overdue for a celebration.

“The growers and producers, food-lovers, chefs and landscape we have here in Marlborough make our region so unique. We want to lift the lid on some of these hidden gems and create some really unique experiences.”

Find out more Feast Marlborough is on May 10-13.

To find out more or buy tickets to any events, head to feastmarlborough.co.nz

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Autumn in Marlborough

VINEYARD HALF IS PACKED WITH TREATS In its 12th year, the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon has become a firm favourite on the Marlborough events calendar, with locals and visitors alike keen to lace up their running shoes and sample the region’s beautiful scenery, food, wine and hospitality.

PHOTOS COURTESY JESSICA JONES

W

ith its friendly, intimate vibe and live entertainment and food taste stations on-course, the Vineyard Half is the most unique half-marathon in New Zealand, says organiser Chris Shaw.

“Our aim is for people to enjoy a complete Marlborough experience and go away feeling as though they have had the best weekend ever.

“We think Marlborough is one of the best places in New Zealand for its food, wine, scenery and just awesome, friendly, genuine people. If we can share just a little bit of that with people, we know they are going to love it too and hopefully come back with their friends and families.”

The 21.1km course is mostly off-road, winding through 22 vineyards, up and over stopbanks and alongside the Wairau River.

Competitors can either walk or run, and have an opportunity to stop at food stalls for tasters such as Appleby Farms ice-cream, Makana truffles and Taylor Pass Honey. Photo breaks in scenic locations are signposted, and with the Wither Hills to the south, the Richmond Ranges to the north and vineyards ablaze in their autumn colours, the Vineyard Half is arguably one of the most scenic runs in the country.

If that scenery isn’t enough to keep participants going, uplifting song and dance is available from local musicians such as the Hortus Ni-Van band, Highland Pipe Band and Sounds Orchestral Ukulele Picton.

36

Once across the finish line, participants collect their ‘medal’, a bottle of wine from Saint Clair Family Estate, which has been the naming sponsor and hub of the event since its inception. Of course, the estate cellar door and restaurant are a lovely location set among the vines for competitors to relax and unwind.

With gourmet food carts, coffee, beer and wine tastings, yoga classes and live entertainment, the Vineyard Half afterparty, dubbed 21.2, quickly becomes a celebration as people regain their energy and bask in post-exercise endorphins.

Having so many Marlborough brands and businesses on-board for one event is a reflection of the energy Chris and wife Anna Polson put in to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. With a field of 4000 runners, about 88 percent from out of town, mostly women, it’s a fantastic chance for Marlborough brands and businesses to showcase their products, Chris says.

“Part of what we do is sharing some of the best food this region has to offer, so if our guests go home and source some of the products they’ve sampled here to recreate this happy moment with friends and family, it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Chris and Anna work closely with 21 landowners who provide access to their properties for the event. This is a

ABOVE: The setting for the annual half marathon.

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LEFT: Lining up at the start.

BELOW: Race Angels are on hand to help.

BOTTOM: The half marathon attracts all ages and raises valuable funds for local charities.

The largest charitable organisation to benefit from the event is Bowel Cancer New Zealand... masterclass in event organisation by itself, but also a positive indication of the support the Vineyard Half has within the community.

Last year around $15,000 was raised by the dozen Marlborough community groups and charitable organisations who provide the manpower for the countless essential tasks necessary to safely and seamlessly pull off an event of this size.

Think registration, parking, packing race packs, marshals, gear storage, cleaning, setting up and packing down – the list goes on.

Mustering a workforce of that size for a few days would be near-impossible, so recruiting the help of the community is another win-win, says Chris.

The largest charitable organisation to benefit from the event is Bowel Cancer New Zealand, which came on board as the official charity in 2014. Over the past five years the Vineyard Half has raised more than $200,000 for the organisation. Chris and Anna pledge $20 from every race entry, and there are 150 BCNZ spots for people who are keen to run for a cause.

Some of those 2018 BCNZ entries are still available, says Chris, so if you want to help the Vineyard Half reach its ambitious goal of raising $80,000 for the charity this year, get in touch.

With so much going on, and a seemingly-winning formula, it would be easy for Chris and Anna to become complacent and roll out the same tricks year after year, but the energetic couple enjoy improving and innovating in their mission to give everyone a memorable weekend.

“We go out of our way to collect feedback, and while 99 percent of it is overwhelmingly positive, we really listen and take on board any suggestions people have, which is why we’re constantly tweaking things every year, to stay relevant and

deliver the kind of experience people want and expect.”

The 2018 Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon is on May 18.

To find out more or get an entry, head to vineyardhalf.com

38

NELSON COLLEGE

PREPARATORY SCHOOL Preparing young men to take their place in the world

Entry for Year 7 & Year 8, 2019

INFORMATION

Join our sisterhood to build a life and business you will love.

Check out some of our members

EVENING Tuesday 15 May 2018 We invite boys and their families to join us in Nelson College Hall at 7.00pm

All enquiries welcome for entry in 2019

Learn about the wide range of high-interest topics designed for boys and our special programmes for: • Academic extension in maths, science and English • Literacy support • ENCOUNTER programme • Future problem solving and philosophy class (FPS National winners in 2017) • House and sport programmes

Food | Drinks | Music

Visit www.yourtribe.net Hook up with us on FB Call Caron 021 1457 162 or email the team info@yourtribe.net

Tel: 03 548 3099 pn@nelsoncollege.school.nz

www.nelsoncollege.school.nz

39

Photo Dominique White

YES

INSPIRING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS During her visit to Nelson last month, former prime minister Helen Clark met budding young entrepreneurs in the region at a Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) event. CEO Terry Shubkin explains what YES is all about.

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W

hat happens when you take a couple of hundred teenagers, inspire them about business, connect them with local mentors and then let them loose? You get to see the best of what the future holds for New Zealand and for the region.

The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) gives students the opportunity to set up a business while they are still in their last two years of school – real products and services; real opportunities and challenges; real profit and loss.

Students learn about how business can be tied into their passion, whether that’s for a particular product, service or a social cause they are trying to solve. For

“It pretty much jumpstarted my life.”

JA C K DA LTO N , M A R L B O R O U G H B OY S ’ C O L L E G E

ABOVE: Nelson College Where’s Woolley team won the national final.

RIGHT: Tane’s Team, from Westmount School Marlborough, won the regional final with their children’s book about earthquake safety.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Helen Clark, centre front, meets with Young Enterprise Scheme students during her visit to Nelson in March.

many students YES is life-changing.

At a base level, YES gives students critical skills that will benefit them in their careers and in life, regardless of what pathway they choose to take.

Recent surveys of YES students and alumni point to work-ready skills such as confidence, team-work, communication and problem-solving.

Highlights for me personally range from students telling me that YES motivated them to stay in school, to YES alumni who have gone on to create their own business and credit YES with starting their entrepreneurial journey.

In the Nelson/Marlborough region, more than 230 students participated in YES last year, and those students set up over 35 YES companies. These were diverse enterprises reflecting the varied interests of the students: Tane’s Team (from Westmount School, Marlborough) did a children’s book about earthquake safety. Proceeds went to the Kaikoura Earthquake Appeal. Tane’s Team took out the regional title and went to Wellington to compete for the national Company of the Year.

Scholar (a combined team from Marlborough Boys’ and Marlborough Girls’ Colleges) developed an app to help students find scholarships.

Caution Streetwear (from Waimea College) designed and printed their own cool and stylish clothing range by skaters for skaters.

Nelson Gymsports Centre (from Nelson College for Girls) provided cheerleading classes.

Blue Balls (from Nelson College) ran a golf tournament to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Society.

Natural Boost (from Nayland College) did a caffeine-free pre-workout drink and worked closely with the Cawthron Institute on their product development.

The 2018 programme kicked off recently and the

national head of YES, Dr Colin Kennedy, was in Nelson to meet this year’s students. “I am so excited to see how much this region is thriving,” he says. “From just over 230 students last year, we had over 300 students attending our KickStart/Tīmata Day this year. That’s an incredible growth of over 30 percent.”

Colin attributed that growth to a combination of a good regional delivery partner in NMIT, enthusiastic local teachers and excellent engagement from the local business community.

The Nelson/Marlborough region has a great history of success for students participating in YES. Last year Jack Dalton, from Marlborough Boys’ College, was one of just eight students out of 3600 nationally to be selected to go to Sao Paulo on an intensive week-long programme visiting local start-up businesses and taking part in a minicompetition with Brazilian students. When asked about the value of doing YES, Jack said “It pretty much jumpstarted my life.”

In 2016, the Where’s Woolly company from Nelson College was crowned the overall Company of the Year at the YES National Awards in Wellington, from an original pool of close to 800 enterprises nationwide, and 20 other teams who made the final competition.

About Young Enterprise

Y

ES is the flagship programme of the charity Young Enterprise, which has spent the last 37 years inspiring students and unleashing leaders. The programme works with more than 600 schools across New Zealand to introduce students from Years 1-13 to enterprise and business.

Locally, YES is delivered by NMIT. The regional coordinators run student events, workshops and student celebrations throughout the year. They connect students with local business by organising volunteers to mentor teams throughout the year.

41

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48

S HOE OF T H E MON T H

Boots for touch

It

will come as no surprise to the fashion conscious that ankle boots will again form a major part of the fashion scene this autumn and winter.

While colour will offer some refreshing options, the biggest influence comes from textures and materials.

Combinations of leathers with suedes or fabrics are popular and there is plentiful use of patent leather, furs, prints and embroidery with some really interesting use of bling and other trims. Laceups are again very important as an overall look.

‘Flat and casual’ is big but there are some really lovely shoes and ankle boots on heels as well.

This interesting style from Germany is in steel grey velvet. It’s one of those styles that will steal the attention of others because it is so stunning.

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49

SCHOOL

HOLIDAY FUN with Flossie

Balloons

CELEBRATE!

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50

FA S H I O N S H OWC A S E

How to dress well off-duty and outdoors B Y S O N YA L E U S I N K S L A D E N

B

eing comfortable in the outdoors when off-duty and remaining well-dressed can be a tall order.

And actually, if I’m really honest, I am not very good at it! To me, outdoors comfort is about wearing familiar old threads with elasticated waistbands and old running shoes.

But since becoming a working mum I’ve actually had to learn how to dress in a way that enables me to straddle both worlds. Here are five essential pieces that can help you look great without compromising your ability to move, play and get dirty in the outdoors.

“Your day off should be about comfort … but it doesn’t have to be a day off from style.” Rachael Zoe (celebrity stylist)

Fitted and loose layers for comfort and chic Loose layers help us physically and psychologically to relax, so they’re essential to off-duty style. However, from a figure flattery point of view, it’s useful to know that balancing loose things with more fitted things looks better than loose all over. As a general rule of thumb, I recommend wearing fitted pieces over the parts of your body you’re okay with, and to disguise your figure flaws with the looser layers.

Hats or scarves for bad hair Since chopping off my hair, I suffer less from bad off-duty hair. But I do remember days when my highmaintenance ‘do’ would cause me great style anxiety. A great hat or headscarf became my friend, helping me look okay in public after a day spent undone in the garden.

“Your day off should be about comfort … but it doesn’t have to be a day off from style.”

RACHAEL ZOE (CELEBRITY STYLIST)

A super coat

Amazing sunglasses

If there is one piece to invest in, it must be a fantastic coat. The master of disguise, coverer of all manner of fashion sins or play clothes beneath, a great coat is magic. For maximum utility, find one that works on the street or at an outdoor café, as well as on a leaf-covered walking track.

Great sunglasses are an off-duty style essential, and a worthwhile style investment. They help us to look chic when we’re make-up free, more youthful as we grow older and can transform a plain look into something more fashion forward. But not any old glasses will do. Make sure yours are the best quality you can afford, suit your face shape and work with your personal style.

Familiar jeans to make you relax I don’t have a problem with track pants, but stylishly speaking, worn jeans look and feel better when you’re in a toasty warm café at the end of your outdoor adventure. I prefer high-waisted ones that don’t gape at the back when I bend down to comfort a child, and slim, 7/8 length or straight-cut styles that don’t collect dirt and dampness from wet grass or grease from a bicycle chain.

Shoes you can run in Thankfully, fashion has presented a bundle of sportswear-inspired highfashion trainers for us to choose from, or classic canvas lace-ups. There are no rules around your choice – bar that you can chase your dog through the sand dunes in them (and they aren’t actual running shoes).

51

Combining great education with making friends for life

BY HELEN MURDOCH

O

ne of New Zealand’s oldest boarding and day schools for girls is also one of the most forward-thinking.

St Margaret’s College’s high ratio of staff to students, emphasis on pastoral care, leadership, compassion and internationally focussed education provide its graduates the best start in life.

Principal Gillian Simpson has lead the Christchurch school since 2008.

During that time the college and its 800-strong student community have suffered the destruction of the Christchurch earthquakes, rebuilt over 85% of its buildings and maintained a place as a leading educational provider.

“To be honest I think it is the love and care in every single staff member,” says Gillian of the college’s success.

“It’s about positive care and respect and living what you believe.

“People tell us they can feel it on the campus and say what they come for is the family feel and the pastoral care.

“We do put more of our budget into pastoral care than most schools do, or are able to, because that is what we believe is number one.

“After all, if you are not happy you cannot learn.”

Gillian says the high ratio of adults to students and close partnerships with parents provide the backbone of St Margaret’s pastoral care programme.

“We are very much about not letting people fall through the cracks rather than being the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff,” she says.

52

“It’s all about supporting students to thrive.”

The college caters for girls from Year 1 to Year 13 across its Junior, Middle and Senior schools.

Its roll includes 150 boarders from Year 7 and the college offers a pre-school for young boys and girls.

Gillian says boarders largely come from farming communities and small South Island towns, including a growing number from the Nelson and Marlborough region.

“It’s all about supporting students to thrive.”

G I LLIAN SI M PS O N , P R I N C I PAL

They make friends for life and the school has relationships and friendships with families in the regions that go back for generations, Gillian says.

“We are respectful of the fact it is a huge commitment for families, but a way of giving your daughter her best shot in the world.”

Gillian says St Margaret’s is forever thankful to rural communities which are the lifeblood of the school.

“Some of our boarders are from Wellington, Auckland and Hawkes Bay along with a few from New Zealand families living overseas.”

St Margaret’s College is one of a

handful of national schools offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

The balanced yet academically challenging two-year programme for senior students prepares them for university and life and is recognised by the world’s leading universities.

The IB Diploma is offered alongside the national NCEA exam process.

Last year St Margaret’s College students achieved 99 to 100 per cent pass rates across the three NCEA levels, a 97.9 per cent pass rate in University Entrance and 100 per cent of the IB Diploma students achieved their university goals.

St Margaret’s College also educates young women to live and lead.

Key is the school’s graduate profile and related wellbeing programmes which support each student to be well-rounded, confident, resilient, life-long learners and critical thinkers, flexible, responsible, compassionate, collaborative and self-managers.

Both staff and students are enrolled in wellbeing programmes which provide a toolkit of strategies on an individual basis.

“Everyone will be able to go through the series of modules in the programmes for their own personal journey.”

Girls entering Year 10 are also guided through the challenging passage to adulthood through The Rite Journey – a year-long programme supporting them to be self-aware, responsible and resilient.

Gillian says the Year 10 students are head of the Middle School and the programme, along with support from

W T + S T. M A R G A R E T ' S C O L L E G E

mentors, gives them the responsibility to lead.

St Margaret’s College fosters a ‘family feel’ through its friendly sporting and cultural rivalry between its six houses and its House Tutor System.

And all students have a key adult with the overview of their wellbeing and progress who is the contact person for their parents.

Marlborough’s Isla Fulton is a Year 10 boarder at St Margaret’s College.

“It’s a good place to be and feels very welcoming.”

I SLA F U LTO N , ST U D E N T

“Coming here was mind-blowing,” she says.

“My last school was a little country school, we didn’t have nearly as many facilities or opportunities.

“The facilities here are amazing, especially in the Centre for Innovation.”

Access to such a range of opportunities opens doors for students wanting to go down different career paths, Isla says.

And despite being away from home she found it easy to make friends.

“You find yourself drawn to likeminded girls. All the girls here share the same qualities and it’s really easy to find people that you gel with.”

Isla says St Margaret’s has a good culture and sense of family.

“It’s a good place to be and feels very welcoming.

ABOVE: Isla Fulton, Year 10 boarder at St Margaret's.

BELOW: Gillian Simpson, principal, with St Margaret’s students.

“I’m into sports (rowing) but also love drama and arts and the school makes it easy to do both.”

Isla was voted onto the school council in her first year and helped organise events and sorted out issues in school.

“It was great to be able to help others and come up with ideas on how we could raise money for charities like EGG (Educating Girls Globally).”

She says preparing students for life after school is an important part of the college.

“The education we get makes you feel really good about yourself and able to go out and do something

valuable with your life.”

And leadership opportunities for boarders, like helping younger students, develops their own skills.

While Isla initially found boarding hard the support of her new friends and matrons soon made the school feel like a whole new family.

“They are there to support you through your ups and downs. While I was homesick at first there is always someone to help you through it.”

She fell in love with St Margaret’s on her first tour of the school.

“Everyone we met was so nice and welcoming.

“It is crazy how big the school is and how many facilities and new technologies they have to help you grow.

“I knew I’d be able to do anything I wanted.”

She encourages others to enrol at St Margaret’s.

“It’s so much fun, you get to have a great education and in boarding you make friends that you’ll have for the rest of your life.”

Contact ST MARGARET'S COLLEGE OPEN DAY Friday 11 May - 10.30am to 1.00pm with Principal's address at 11.45am SMC BOARDERS' SLEEPOVER Friday 11 May to Saturday 12 May stmargarets.school.nz

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“As with many alterations, it began with the goal of changing one small feature of the existing space.�

H E L E N A A L E X A N D E R , A RT H O U S E A R C H I T E C T S

1

2

3

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4

5

M MYY H HO OM MEE

A stairway to apartment heaven B Y B R E N D A W E B B P H O T O G R A P H Y A N A G A L L O WAY

6

Using fresh materials and colours helps to unify spaces, giving the owners what feels like a new home.

It

began with a simple brief to improve the boxed-in and awkwardly placed stairway in a Nelson waterfront apartment.

It ended up being a total refurbishment, and the owners are delighted.

“We’re thrilled with it,” they say. “It has more than exceeded our expectations, and increased our enjoyment of living here a hundred-fold.” Helena Alexander, from Arthouse Architects, says the project began when the owners approached the firm to discuss redesigning the stairwell, which they felt was heavy and ugly.

The project slowly expanded to the point where the entire apartment was renovated, although nothing structural, except a bathroom wall, was involved.

“As with many alterations, it began with the goal of changing one small feature of the existing space,” says Helena.

7

1. Sleek lines and a smart stainless steel bench in the updated kitchen.

2. Sliding doors give unimpeded sea views from the dining area.

3. A quiet spot for the office with unobstructed views.

4. Oiled American oak floors feature in the living areas.

5. American oak was also used for the new staircase.

6. Tan leather furniture matches perfectly with the American oak flooring.

7. Detail in the steel handrail.

8. The staircase, previously bulky and awkward, was the impetus for the renovation.

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8

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10

11

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That feature was the carpeted and boxed stairway that divided the living space of the two-level, 120sq.m. apartment.

“It created a visual interruption and spatial disconnection. The opportunity to transform it into an elegant sculptural piece became the catalyst to evolve into a complete overhaul.” Helena worked to a plan of opening the space up and creating more functionality.

The first step was to create uniformity with a single flooring material throughout the living spaces. Oiled American white oak was used, and this also features in the striking new staircase.

Using a simple palette of materials and colours helped to unify spaces.

“We wanted to create more light and space, and looking through the stairway rather than having it blocked off achieved that,” says Helena.

Renovations can be just as challenging as designing a new-build, she adds.

“Quite amazing things can happen when you have added constraints and limitations, which were the case with this apartment.

“The exercise was a valuable lesson in how subtle changes to surface and detail can transform the space. We

9. Timber features throughout along with a neutral colour scheme.

10. Colourful art is shown off beautifully on white walls.

11. The updated bathroom features grey tiles and a timber washstand.

12. The master bedroom is upstairs and also enjoys spectacular views.

13. A love of books is evident with this large built in bookcase.

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13

www.arthousearchitects.co.nz

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The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū Congratulations to The Suter for its vision. Tha

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57

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were lucky the owners had an incredible eye for detail and were excited to be involved with the project.”

The owners, who have lived in the apartment for 12 years, say they were triggered into the total refurbishment as their confidence grew with Arthouse.

“As we got to know them and looked at the number of projects they had done, both residential and commercial, we realised what amazing scope and tremendous experience they had. We remarked that we had found the right people and we both felt like it was right to take the plunge.

“It became obvious after several meetings that we had to take this further and so we decided to change our approach from just doing the stairs into the whole apartment.”

Simple changes to materials have completely altered the way the apartment functions, say the owners, who can’t believe how different their home feels. “The materials work really well and are very soft and pleasing on the eye. The whole apartment has a lovely feeling, and of course the views are amazing.

“The simplicity of the layout also works really well. All of the elements seem to work seamlessly together and it makes everyday living a tremendous pleasure.”

15

14. Hardwood decking outside echoes the timber flooring inside.

15. Wonderful views over the sea from the private decking area.

16. Timber throughout helps create a seamless transition from exterior to interior.

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INTERIOR

1

INTERIOR DESIGN

2

C O SY C OU N T RY

With autumn in full swing, nothing says cosy like a country home.

BY REBECCA O’FEE

With the use of dark timbers paired with light linens and fabrics, it’s the perfect setting to cuddle up on the couch with a cuppa and keep warm.

The blue accessories provide the perfect accent to the cream and timber tones to add interest and texture.

3

Use small accessories that don’t break the bank, like decorative eggs or pine cones on a tray to add individuality to the space.

Lighting is key in your home, however it is often overlooked. Invest in a good lighting plan to ensure you are maximising the features in your home by having task lighting where it is required and mood lighting in other areas.

A country-style home is perfect for combining a mix of vintage and highend finds. This will lend to a relaxed vibe throughout your home.

4

1. Bolla light: $400 from The Lighthouse Nelson 2. Bedside table: $325 from Moxini 3. Eggs: $14.95 from Moxini 4. Chair: $1699; Citta throw: $129; Small cushion: $63.80;

Large cushion including inner: $107.80 fom Moxini

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MY GARDEN

ABOVE: Felicity Thomson.

TOP RIGHT: Crassula ovata, one of the jade tree varieties, often known as the money tree.

RIGHT: Syngonium, known as the arrowhead plant, is easy-care and likes some moisture, but not too much.

Retro indoor plants in vogue

BY SOPHIE PREECE

F

rom fern to ficus, palm to orchid, pot plants are a hot fashion in home decor. Mitre 10 Mega Nelson’s garden manager Felicity Thomson orders indoor plants on a weekly basis to keep up with demand, while nurseries work busily to grow their stocks. Even now, some lines are in short supply, “but there are enough plants on the market to suit most people,” she says.

Describe a room and she will come up with a myriad of options, describing the maidenhair fern’s light cascade of small emerald fronds, to the plate-sized leaves of the tropical Monstera Deliciosa, bringing the Mexican jungle to Top of the South living rooms. The kentia palm is a tropical beauty that can soar to four metres when potted indoors, with deep green fronds springing from slender trunks, while the Phalaenopsis (Singapore

“Everything that is back in vogue now was in vogue then, from the maidenhair to the spider plant.”

FELICITY THOMSON

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orchid) has a more refined character, its elegant blooms a definite ‘statement piece’, says Felicity. “A lot of people will put three in a lovely big container and put sphagnum moss around them.”

She thinks the proliferation of indoor plants is thanks partly to the growth in minimalist decor and the countless pics of glossy-leafed plants in glossy magazines.

However, it’s also to do with a burgeoning awareness of an indoor garden’s health benefits. “Certain plants are good to help you sleep and other plants are good at taking toxicity out of the air.” Whatever the reason, she hasn’t seen such interest since the lush green interiors of the 1960s and 70s. “Everything that is back in vogue now was in vogue then, from the maidenhair to the spider plant.”

Just like then, there are inevitably casualties, with people thinking it’s enough to pop the pot in a corner and give the plant a good drink. “People think they grow without them doing anything, but each species has to be treated differently,” says Felicity. The Calathea, with its glossy variegated leaves, likes a low light area, and the snake-like Sansevieria (aka mother-in-law’s tongue!) will tolerate a cool dim bathroom, while the fabulous

fiddle-leaf fig likes bright indirect light (not too much, not too little), and the Dracaena marginata (dragon plant) can handle a heated north-facing aspect. Many like it warm and moist, but not too wet, she adds. “Most house plants are from the jungle and they are tropical. I encourage people to get a sprayer of rainwater – not tap water – and to mist them every day to recreate that humidity.”

If in doubt of your plant parenting abilities, go for an air-purifying Spathiphyllum (peace lily), the hardy and rather retro spider plant, with its long and striking variegated leaves, or resilient Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, all of which Felicity describes as ‘no kill plants’.

TIP

F

or dusty leaves on tropical palms or yukka, Felicity recommends using Yates Conqueror Spraying Oil mixed with water to wipe the leaves, leaving them shiny. However, read up on your plant first as some do not like to be touched.

W T + D E B B I E C O O P E R R E A L E S TAT E

A lifetime investment in realty

BY F R A N K N E L S ON P HO T O I S H NA JAC OB S

D

ebbie Cooper is passionate about providing people with a highly professional and personalised real estate service. “My goal is to build a referral business where the client experience is so good they just can’t help but tell all their friends.”

In just a few short months, the Nelson-based businesswoman has taken huge strides towards that goal.

In November she launched her own company, Debbie Cooper Real Estate, and as a result of the extremely positive response, she has now introduced Trudee Clearwater to the business.

Trudee, a licensed salesperson, will be working alongside Debbie to ensure that every client they serve, sellers and buyers, has a great real estate experience.

Trudee has spent 30 years in banking, much of that time helping clients in and out of homes. She worked with Debbie for about eight months last year. “I feel we’re very much like-minded professionals, extremely motivated and dedicated, and I believe that we both share the same vision of what exceptional customer service looks like,” says Trudee.

Having recently completed her agent qualification, Debbie has a wealth of knowledge and experience that instils confidence and puts her clients at ease.

Her credentials include the last eight years working in real estate in Nelson including most recently managing real estate offices

“It’s all about going that extra mile.”

D E B B I E CO O P E R

in Nelson and Blenheim. Before that she was with a luxury resort company, heading the team responsible for managing a portfolio of destination properties.

She’s now bringing all that experience to the table with the aim of building a boutique business which will continue to grow with other likeminded professionals. “It’s not a case of just growing the business, but also the reputation, and allowing others to enjoy what this brand can do for them.”

The words ‘Loyal for Life’ head up the company’s mission statement. “I know I have done a great job when I get calls from past clients who tell me they wouldn’t use anybody else. It’s an awesome feeling.

“Your referral means everything to us, as does our commitment to making sure that the credibility of your referral is upheld at all costs.”

Debbie’s attention to detail and emphasis on a bespoke, stress-free experience for each client has given rise to what she refers to as the DC Distinction. “It’s all about going that extra mile,” she says.

For example, for an out-of-town buyer coming to Nelson, Debbie may organise an airport pick-up and accommodation, and even arrange a restaurant booking. She provides a comprehensive insight into the region based on the needs of each buyer.

Debbie can also provide home styling and preparation advice, put the client in touch with key people and oversee certain works for absentee sellers.

These and a number of other thoughtful services relating to buying and selling property – all designed to streamline and soften that sometimes stressful and abrasive process – are woven into the fabric of Debbie Cooper Real Estate.

The company covers the Nelson and Tasman region with Debbie’s niche market being mid to higher-end properties. With her background in the luxury property sector, Debbie sees this niche as a natural fit.

At the same time, Debbie insists on every client receiving the same high level of service and attention, no matter the value of their property.

Contact debbiecooper.co.nz Debbie: 021 0252 8294 Trudee: 021 0228 8912

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W T + M C K E N Z I E S PA I N T I N G C O N T R AC T O R S

Seventy years old and still going strong P HO T O I S H NA JAC OB S

I

t is rare in the painting industry for a company to outlast its founder, but McKenzies (or Ray McKenzie and Sons, to give the firm its full title) is still going strong 70 years after it was founded.

Ray McKenzie established the company after returning home from World War 2.

He was then followed by his sons Terry and Glenn joining their father in 1967 and 1975 respectively, going through their apprenticeships in the painting trade and later going on to train most of the painters in the region.

In 2012 Nathan Delany, who is Ray’s grandson, joined the company. Nathan is a qualified builder and is project manager and adds another dimension to the company and in 2014 Karin McKenzie, granddaughter of Ray, joined the workforce and is at present learning the painting trade.

The company has continued to grow over the past 70 years from a sole operator business to one employing up to 35 employees at its peak; today the workforce averages 30. The

apprenticeship course is still running, with two currently learning the trade at McKenzies.

A strong work ethic pervades this company, with only the highest standards accepted in every job they undertake.

This means they have an army of loyal clients, some of whom have been with the firm for 40 years or more; Glenn comments that they are now dealing with a third generation of clients, from families that started out with his father.

“Our clients are our main priority,” says Glenn. “We follow up each job with a visit to see that all is well and that the client is happy with what we have done. We are always looking for ways to do things even better.” They may not be the cheapest price but they believe that when you have

“Our clients are our main priority.”

G LE N N M C K E N Z I E

your house painted it is an investment and the best products and workmanship must be used and McKenzies always stands by their workmanship.

Along with their commercial and residential painting McKenzies also has its own spraying factory which services a number of joinery firms in the region as well as the local public. People are amazed that for as little as around $2,000 they can completely update their kitchen or furniture items.

The team at McKenzies are all qualified master painters and know they set a standard that they must up hold.

Over the years, McKenzies has maintained loyal relationships with its various suppliers and thanks them for their support on this occasion.

Contact mckenziepaint.co.nz info@mckenziepaint.co.nz Phone: 03 548 5259 65

WELLBEING

Simple ways to enjoy more nutritious fats B Y E M I LY H O P E

6. Enjoy a dollop of peanut butter on slices of raw apple for a satisfying snack with a protein and healthy fat boost.

7. Sprinkle lightly toasted white and/ or black sesame seeds over stir-fried vegetables.

8. Try a wholesome yet delicious chia pudding for dessert – there are many recipes online but many start simply with coconut cream and chia seeds with added sweetness from cinnamon, honey and berries.

Sprinkling over toasted nuts adds extra wholesome fats and a lovely crunch!

T

here is no need to fear fat. In fact, nutritious sources of fat should be enjoyed on a daily basis.

Fat is a necessity (being one of the three macronutrients) and not only provides flavour to food which helps us to feel more satisfied with what we are eating but it also helps to fill us up more efficiently. This means we are less likely to overeat beyond the point of satisfaction.

Fat carries the all-important fatsoluble nutrients – vitamins A, E, D and K – and certain fats offer specific health benefits to our heart and brain along with supporting our hair, skin and nails to be strong, glossy and healthy.

However, this does not mean you should run to your nearest takeaway store and load up on all things deep-fried. I’m talking about enjoying more wholesome, nutritious fats that offer a variety of nutrients your body needs. Here are a few simple ways to enjoy more nutritious fats.

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1. Add avocado to toasted sourdough along with free-range eggs to start the day to provide heart- and brainloving monounsaturated fat.

2. Add a spoonful of chia seeds to breakfast smoothies or those you enjoy as a snack for a serve of plantbased omega-3 fats.

3. Snack on a handful of raw nuts daily (adding in two Brazil nuts daily provides much needed selenium).

4. Add a home-made olive oil-based dressing to salad and vegetables just before serving (try simply mixing olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the top) for added flavour and heart-healthy oleic acid.

5. Aim to enjoy at least two serves of oily fish each week such as salmon, tuna or mackerel as a delicious way to amp up your long-chain marine sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

As a guide, I would encourage you to enjoy a small serve of nutritious fat with each meal or snack. A day may look something like this … remembering to honour your body’s hunger and fullness cues (more on this next time!).

Breakfast: A bowl of home-made nut/seed granola topped with Greek yoghurt and seasonal fruit Snack: One apple smeared with a tablespoon of peanut butter Lunch: Toasted sourdough topped with avocado, free-range eggs and a handful of rocket Afternoon tea: Smoothie made with water or coconut water, one tablespoon of chia seeds, one frozen sliced banana, handful of frozen berries, dollop of Greek yoghurt and a handful of spinach.

Dinner: Roasted salmon fillet, brown rice and stir-fried greens topped with toasted sesame seeds.

As a guide, I would encourage you to enjoy a small serve of nutritious fat with each meal or snack.

M Y H I S T O RY

CLOCKWISE: Snapper in Marlborough Sounds; Shooting deer with a camera – hind and fawn; Appreciating Top of the South outdoors – Tony Orman and friend.

‘The Good Life’ in the Top of the South

BY TONY ORMAN

I

came south to Marlborough in 1969 when, with a land surveying degree, I took up the position of town and country planner with the Marlborough District Council. The job aside, I had struck gold with my leisure activities of fishing and hunting. A stag or two from the Avon Valley, trout up to four kilograms in the Wairau River and Spring Creek and snapper in the Kenepuru Sound, plus a climate blessed with sunny weather made Marlborough an outdoors paradise.

The town planning job was potentially great. I completed the first district planning scheme, but personality circumstances made the job difficult. I veered into school teaching ending up eventually at Marlborough Girls’ College, teaching mathematics and geography.

In the mid-1970s along with family I shifted to a two hectare block at Lower Moutere, just out of Motueka.

Unfortunately, a ‘busted’ marriage ensued and I became a solo parent. By then I had reverted to school teaching, mainly geography at Motueka High School which was blessed with a superbly efficient deputy principal Ross Cantrick.

Again outdoor opportunities were so accessible. The tangible rewards from the outdoors and the farmlet were not only precious to a tight home budget, but were totally organic and delicious fare.

Every so often I would manage a deer from the slopes of the Mt Arthur Range above the Motueka River, which in turn was a superb brown trout river.

Venison went into the deep freeze along with home-killed hogget, pork, bacon and vegetables from the farmlet’s production.

Trout added variety. It was the veritable ‘Good Life’.But other factors intervened and somewhat reluctantly I headed to Wellington to a full-time position in journalism, based on books I had published. With the Tourist and Publicity Department I wrote cabinet ministers’ and governor generals’ speeches, then I entered public relations marketing and onto editor for NZ Federated Farmers ‘Straight Furrow’ newspaper.

When the Marlborough Express offered a ‘farm editor’ position, despite a considerable drop in salary Bridget and I didn’t hesitate. ‘The Good Life’ of the Top of the South was beckoning.

Reg Spowart was a fine unobtrusive editor. Mixing with local farmers enhanced job satisfaction and some fine friendships formed. My fishing and hunting activities were again in relative paradise, where they remain.

True there’s been a decline in the quality and quantity of trout and the snapper have taken a downward dive due to ‘customary’ beach seining in the Kenepuru. Kahawai have been short-sightedly plundered by corporate company purse seiners.

But I can still go and shoot deer, now mostly with the camera, catch a snapper or trout or two or indulge in the superb sport of fly fishing for kahawai – a very underrated table fish. Again the deep freeze benefits by judicious harvesting of fish and game.

There are not too many regions that can offer such easily-accessed bounties.

Footnote: Tony Orman has had some two dozen books published. A new book of back country tales is due in July.

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MY KITCHEN

A delectable harvest treat This chutney is a beautiful way to use up any grapes that may be left hanging on the vines. Team with a local cheese, diced tomato and fresh grapes and a sprig of coriander on crostini.

BY MADAME LU’S

Spiced Grape Harvest Chutney / Makes one jar Ingredients 2½ cups of seedless black grapes, halved 1 tbsp. olive oil or coconut oil 1 red chilli, finely chopped 1 tbsp. fresh ginger, finely grated 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped ¼ tsp fenugreek seeds ¼ tsp fennel seeds ¼ tsp black mustard seeds

¼ tsp nigella seeds ¼ tsp cumin seeds Zest and juice of 1 lime 1 cup water ½ cup coconut sugar Pinch of salt For serving Brie Crostinis Diced tomato Diced fresh grape Coriander leaves

1. Add the oil to a saucepan then heat to a medium heat.

2. Add the spices and sauté until aromatic. Add

the ginger and garlic and continue to cook for a further two minutes on low.

3. Add the grapes, coconut sugar, lime zest and

juice, salt and water. Turn the heat back up to medium high and cook for 25 minutes. Then reduce the heat to low and allow to cook for an hour so the liquid reduces and the chutney becomes thick.

4. Serve with a local cheese, crostini, diced

tomato and grapes straight from the vine. madamelus.co.nz

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DINE OUT

W

e seem to be spoilt for choice when it comes to Asian dining in Nelson these days. Lots of Thai, Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese. And now we have a Filipino spot to head for.

I don’t know about you, but I had no experience of Filipino food until I visited Arnel’s in Hardy Street, Nelson, for dinner recently.

A bit of research tells me that the cuisine of this steamy archipelago is made up of over 130 distinct ethnolinguistic tribes, with a bit of Malay, Indonesian, Chinese, American and Spanish thrown in for good measure.

Wow! What a busy culinary time it’s had over the centuries.

So it’s no surprise then, that Arnel’s menu is quite extensive. How to navigate your way around it could be a problem, but friendly Filipino waitperson Kent is an asset. With a wide smile and amenable manner, he deftly describes a number of the more famous specialities of his home country, and again, there’s plenty to try.

Adobo, chicken or pork braised in garlic, vinegar, oil and soy sauce; KareKare, oxtail and vegetables cooked in a peanut sauce; Pinakbet, bitter kabocha

A taste of the Philippines

BY HUGO SAMPSON PHOTOS DOMINIQUE WHITE

squash, eggplant, beans, okra and tomato stew flavoured with aromatic shrimp paste; Pancit, basically noodles in varying forms; Lumpia, fresh or fried spring rolls; Tapsi, which are dishes made up from chicken to cured beef to home-made Philippine-style sausage, to fish, all served with fried rice, fried eggs and pickles … I expect you are getting the picture by now.

We went all out on the entrées, which proved a little ambitious as it turned out. The portion sizes are generous.

Battered and deep-fried prawns with chilli mayonnaise, steamed pork dumplings, tempura-styled vegetable fritters with a vinegar dipping sauce, and Lampiang Sariwa – wide spring rolls made with a selection of vegetables wrapped in a light egg pancake.

Mains were an interesting combination of Bicol Express – braised pork belly, green beans, green chillies and coconut cream; the traditional stew

Pinakbet for me, really well flavoured with fermented fish paste; while our friends chose the sizzling plate of snapper with ginger, tomato, garlic and oyster sauce, and a very traditional Bangsilog which is made from the national fish of the Philippines called milkfish that is deboned, marinated in vinegar and garlic, then fried and served with fried rice and two fried eggs.

No room for dessert having overindulged on the entrées! And sadly, no alcoholic beverages either, as they await their liquor licence. The fresh mango juice instead was lusciously mango.

ARNEL’S Hardy Street, Nelson Cost: $177.90 for six entrées, four mains, plus three mango juices and a bottle of sparkling mineral water.

Prego & Comida - two of Nelson’s finest ingredients in one location. Buxton Square, Nelson

Cheese? Yes Please!

Prego banner –

English Cheddar, locked spot French Brie, Dutch Gouda, Italian Parmesan, Kaikoura Cheeses, Nelson Viavio Mozzarella and Thorvald multi-medal-winning Sheep Cheeses ...

Nelson’s Mediterranean Pantry In the giant seal & squid building, Buxton Square, Nelson

69

WINE

Pinot character and individuality

BY SOPHIE PREECE

“E

verything we do here works to underline the individuality and specialness of this particular place,” says Sam Weaver, from the top of a hillside vineyard looking over the Omaka and Waihopai Valleys.

Churton, with its organic east-facing pinot noir blocks, is the final stop on the Marlborough Pinot Noir Safari, an off-road exploration of extraordinary wines, each unique to the remote corner of Marlborough they hail from.

“The message I hope you’ve been getting all the way around is that Marlborough is not just about regional blends,” Sam tells the safari guests, who have travelled here 4WD, via bumpy tracks and river beds, far from the sauvignon plains. “There are some really specific sites that demonstrate the aspects of terroir.”

He and his wife Mandy planted this land in 1997, when no one had vineyards on hills at 200 metres above sea level.

Undeterred, they allocated different varieties to different aspects, matching wine with terroir. “This vineyard is 22 hectares, but some nutter put 17 different blocks in,” Sam says, with a wry smile. “The reason is that we wanted to isolate different parts that we could manage in a very detailed way.”

The sentiment echoes that of all the winemakers and viticulturists on the safari, representing 10 producers 70

who are passionate about their pinot.

TerraVin winemaker Gordon Ritchie explains, as we bump across a Dashwood Pass paddock to the beautiful Calrossie Vineyard, that good hillside pinot noir is managed in parcels, with the top and bottom bands picked separately to isolate the ‘sweet spot’ in the middle, considered the grand cru of the block.

From there we travel to the north bank of the Awatere River, visiting a treeclad Nautilus Estate vineyard on a terrace of glacial gravels. “It’s quite a unique site and quite special for us,” winemaker Clive Jones told the safarists, while explaining the valley’s diverse soils and extreme climate. Looking up to Mount Tapuae-oUenuku in the Kaikoura Range, he talks of the shelter those mountains give the region, diverting rainfall elsewhere. The Marlborough Sounds do the same to the north, helping make Marlborough a great place to grow grapes. “It’s not New Zealand’s largest grape growing region by accident,” he says, before sending the fleet of trucks back to the trail.

We drive on via Villa Maria’s Taylor

Pass vineyard, which is picked according to clone and soil, with bins switched mid row, when silt gives way to stone. Then it’s on to the Wairau Valley’s Ben Morven region, and the historic Auntsfield Estate. Winemaker Luc Cowley points to greywacke rocks thrusting up from the steep slopes beyond the vines, revealing the underlying structure of the land.

Loose clay lies on top, helping to define the estate’s wines, he says.

The tour continues to the iconic Clayvin Vineyard, where Marlborough’s first commercial, close-planted hillside pinot noir vineyard was established by Mike Eaton in 1992. Fromm winemaker Hätsch Kalberer says a single vineyard wine ‘has to have a voice’, as he pours guests a Fromm pinot noir from there, as well as one from Churton. And certainly the safari’s vineyards, also including Dog Point, Greywacke, Seresin and Spy Valley, are producing wines with plenty to say. “Like all great pinot, they show character and individuality,” says Sam. “And that sense of place - a true hallmark of terroir.”

“It’s not New Zealand’s largest grape growing region by accident.”

C L I V E J O N E S , N AU T I LU S E S TAT E

BEER

More kick, more flavour

BY MARK PREECE

N

ew Zealand has access to more high-strength beers than ever before, thanks to the influence of the craft segment. According to data from Statistics NZ, the availability of high-strength beer (5% or more) increased 37% in 2017, marking the fourth consecutive growth year.

“The volume of high-strength beer available is now over twice the 2013 volume, and three times the 2011 volume, in part reflecting the rising popularity of craft beers,” says international statistics manager Tehseen Islam.

Moa’s head brewer, David Nicholls, says alcohol content imparts a fullness and mouthfeel that brewers and connoisseur consumers often like to find in a beer, “so in the reverse it’s quite difficult to make a low-alcohol beer with flavour”. The Moa St Josephs, for example, has a higher residual sweetness, but also high alcohol, giving it “a real fullness and rounded character”. However, they did not set out to make a high-alcohol beer, says David. “We said, ‘Let’s make a Belgianstyle tripel’ – it just happens to be highalcohol because that’s what a tripel style demands.”

Beer volumes with an alcohol content from 4.35% to 5% also rose last year, up 4%, but traditional midstrength and lower-strength beer volumes fell.

High-alcohol beers are booming as brewers and hop-heads seek a fuller mouthfeel.

Here’s how I’ll do my part for the 2018 stats: Townshend Brewery’s Blitzgreig American IPA, 6.5% ABV. They say: ‘A USA-style beer, with big ‘hop in your face’ flavour. Made as an annual release for the Malthouse West Coast IPA Challenge – assertive, brash and loud. A US of A amber-coloured ale using American hops.’

Garage Project’s Golden Spiral Fibonacci hopped IPA, ABV 8%. They say: ‘A unique experiment using Fibonacci numbers to determine the volume and timing of hop additions. Undoubtedly the most complex and audaciously hopped recipe we’ve ever attempted, with 13 different hop varieties utilised in 21 different hop additions, creating a complexity rivalled only in the wonders of nature itself.’

Moa Imperial Stout, 10.2% ABV. They say: ‘Moa Imperial Stout is a very strong, upfront and rich beer hopped to over 100 IBUs. Aged with French oak, this beer not only displays coffee, mocha and smoked cedar characters but also some sweet and savoury notes unique to Moa Imperial Stout. A great beer to cellar and age.’

Yeastie Boys xeRRex Peat-smoked Imperial Golden Ale, 10.0% ABV. They say: ‘This (approximately annual) batch of imperial-strength Rex Attitude is a selfindulgent celebration. Dedicated to all the peat freaks who have let us know how much they enjoy Rex: your love helps us soldier on through all the hate – thank you.’

Don’t miss a thing and subscribe to WildTomato Receive 30% off retail prices and have each issue posted to your door. For more info and to subscribe visit wildtomato.co.nz

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T R AV E L

Ongoing heritage from times gone by P H O T O S LY N D A PA P E S C H

A trip to the Loire set the scene for Lynda Papesch to indulge in a few home visits – chateaux style.

T

here I was, by myself on a train speeding from Paris to Central France and the Loire Valley for a week on my own.

Hubby Justin and our oldest son William opted to head for Champagne then Bourgogne, but I’d been there twice before so branched out to a new region.

I’d had wines from the Loire and thoroughly enjoyed them, hence my decision to explore more. From Paris to Orleans then on to Tours; the journey hardly took any time at all and there I was with my handbag, camera bag and backpack. The train station is right in the city so it was no trouble to locate a taxi or a tourism centre.

Tours is the main city in the central region, surrounded on all sides by smaller towns and cities well-known for their wineries and/or magnificent chateaux. The latter was also a major drawcard for me. My first visit was to a local tourism outlet to arrange several tours. I was spoilt for choice but settled on three chateaux that were all different and unique from their architectural styles to their histories.

As too was the chateau where I was staying, Domaine des Bidaudieres which is just outside the village of Vouvray. More a spacious villa than a chateau, Domaine des Bidaudieres sits on the site of an 18th century vineyard and includes a magnificent grotto carved out of the side of a cliff. It’s a popular wedding venue too and I felt right at home.

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ABOVE: Chateau Chenonceau also known as the ladies’ chateau.

BELOW: Timeless stairs at Domaine des Bidaudieres.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The entrance to the grotto carved out of a cliff at Domaine des Bidaudieres (left), and Chateau Chenonceau dating back to the 16th century.

Although several kilometres outside of Tours, the local bus route ran right past Domaine des Bidaudieres so it was an easy hike each morning for me to hop on a ride and head to the big city. From there I trod the well-worn cobbles to where my tours left each day.

Most chateau tours are half-day excursions, costing from eight to 10 euro per person, in comfortable small (20 seater) buses. Mostly it was women on board, although at the chateaux themselves visitors included men, women and children of all ages.

My first stop was to Chateau de Chenonceau, otherwise known as the ladies’ chateau. Built in the 16th century, at various times it was home to Diane de Poitiers (1499 – 1566), Catherine de Medici (1519 – 1589), Louise of Lorraine (1553 – 1601), Louise Dupin (1706 – 1799) and during the First World War became a hospital under the care of Simone Menier (1881 – 1972).

Sixteenth century tapestries still grace many of the walls, while in the chapel the magnificent stained-glass windows are a testament to 20th century renovation. The originals were destroyed by bombs in 1944, but replaced in 1954 by master glassworker Max Ingrand. The chapel was saved from certain destruction during the French Revolution when the owner at the time, Madame Dupin, camouflaged it by turning it into a wood store.

Another notable feature (to me) is the vaulted hall ceiling; a series of ‘ribs’ sculpted in 1515 during the first French Renaissance period. The baskets feature foliage, roses, cherubs, chimera and cornucopia.

The various bedrooms include the blue room of Diane de Poitiers, a favourite mistress of King Henri II, who inherited the chateau on his death. She later exchanged it with Catherine de Medici for Chaumont-sur-Loire.

Second stop on my list was Chateau Chambord, of the same name as my favourite liqueur and also a UNESCO

Most chateau tours are half-day excursions, costing from eight to 10 euro per person, in comfortable small (20 seater) buses.

world heritage site. Initiated by King Francis 1 in 1519, Chambord was originally intended as a hunting lodge but along the way the king and his architect succumbed to the influence of Italy’s Renaissance architecture.

While its design still resembles a medieval stronghold (a central keep flanked by four large towers, two wings and a curtain wall enclosing it all), Chambord also has innovative architecture from Renaissance Italy ie loggias, a terrace, pilasters and horizontal mouldings decorating its facades.

Famous residents included Frances 1 (1494 – 1547), Louis XIV (1638 – 1715), exiled Polish king Stanislaus Leszczynski (1677 – 1766), and the Duc de Bordeaux, Comte de Chambord (1820 – 1833).

The French Government bought the chateau from the Comte de Chambord’s heirs in 1930, and has been systematically renovating and repairing it for future generations to enjoy.

Among the architectural highlights is a double spiral staircase that links the chateau’s three floors. Comprising two concentric spiral flights of stairs that wind independently around a hallow central column, it also features amazing Renaissance ornamental carving.

The ornamental ceiling vaults feature salamanders (the emblem of Francis 1) and were included to illustrate the king’s motto Nutrisco et extinguo which translates: ‘I feed (on good fire) and I extinguish (bad fire)’. A visit to the chateau roof is a must as it is the best place to take photographs, affording a spectacular view of its many roofs – Gothic, Italian Renaissance and French influenced – as well as the estate’s magnificent panoramas.

Covering 5440 hectares, it is surrounded by a wall 32km long with six gates.

The last of the guided tours I took was to Chateau Cheverny, at Solonge near Blois. One of the first stately homes to open to 73

T R AV E L

LEFT: Chateau Cheverny is privately owned BELOW: Rich colours and fabrics in one of the bedrooms

the public – in 1922 – Chateau Cheverny has been owned by the Hurault family for more than six centuries. Today it is still home to the Huraults, with their private apartments located in the right wing.

Cheverny is open every day of the year and has only been closed on a few occasions since it opened to the public. The architect was Jacques Bougier, who also worked on Chateau Chambord, while much of the interior is the work of Jean Monier, a native of Blois, who trained in Italy.

Arguably its best-known façade is south facing and decorated with Roman style busts. By contrast the north façade is a perfect example of the Louis X111 style, characterised by its walls with decorative quoin stone angles.

Very symmetrical, Cheverny was inspired by the Luxembourg Palace in Paris and comprises large corner pavilions topped with domes, and straight horizontal lines.

Inside, an impressive staircase, also typical of Louis XIII style, leads to the various levels and impressive, ornate rooms ranging from a library to a birth chamber where mothers presented their new-born babies.

A relic from a bygone era, a 16th century suit of parade armour from Savoy stands on the landing, while above it is a set of prehistoric antlers believed to be more than 6000 years old.

The private apartments show all the trappings of life at court with many pieces, such as the antlers, dated prior to the 16th century. Much of the furniture incorporates designs celebrating Napoleon Bonaparte’s Egyptian campaigns.

The largest room in the castle is the arms room, and it is

Chambord also has innovative architecture from Renaissance Italy ie loggias, a terrace, pilasters and horizontal mouldings decorating its facades.

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one of the few rooms that has not been restored, showing the weapons and artefacts exactly as they were in the day.

Throughout Cheverny are sumptuous tapestries, including a 17th century Gobelin masterpiece representing the abduction of Helen of Troy by Paris. While tapestries line the walls, many of the doors and ceilings are equally impressive with paintings by Jean Monier.

Cheverny’s layout includes The King’s bedchamber, reserved for kings and distinguished guests, its own ornate chapel, a vestibule, grand salon, gallery, portrait room, library and special tapestry room.

An important hunting venue, it boasts kennels that house about a hundred French hounds and depending on timing, visitors may even see them being fed.

For me the week was about visiting the chateaux and I highly recommend it to avid Francophiles, lovers of history and of architecture. If I’d had more time, I’d have visited even more.

Maybe next trip!

And let’s not forget that the Loire Valley is not just about chateaux. Tours is surrounded by Amboise, Chinon, Loches, Langeais and Azay-Le-Rideau where indeed there are more romantic palaces, and it is also in the idle of a vast vineyard sweeping from Sancerre to the ocean. The local wine list includes at least 10 AOC (controlled designation of origin) wines ranging from reds (Chinon, Bourgueil …) to white wines such as Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire.

By the time I hooked up with Justin and William a week later, we were each toting several cases of delicious wines. Cheers!

Give a man a gun and he can rob Give a man a gun a bank. and he can rob Give a man a bank a bank. and he can rob the Give a man a bank whole world. and he can rob the whole world.

www.fico.co.nz www.fico.co.nz

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SPORTS

LEFT: Muddy cuddles for the competitors: From left, Helen Bush, Sheree Lavender and Wendy Laubscher.

Overcoming all obstacles

BY PHIL BARNES

U

p to 800 people are expected to take part in the fourth annual Wairua Warrior obstacle course race at Happy Valley on Cable Bay Rd on April 7.

Organiser and club president Greg Witika says while it is a fun event, it also challenges competitors’ strength, endurance and mental attitude. He says Happy Valley is an ideal location with undulating terrain, scrub, a river, natural and man-made obstacles and lots of mud.

The event includes 27 obstacles – five of which are new.

The terrain is a significant obstacle in itself but along the way competitors will also be required to balance on several five centimetre boards, negotiate muddy ditches – some with the use of ropes, run while dragging a tyre, climb a 2.5 metre wall, jump along a series of elevated logs, crawl under barbed wire, hang on to monkey bars, haul cargo under low tight nets and carry a 35kg sandbag up a rough hill track, among many other challenges.

Greg says the event’s marshals, nicknamed ‘muddles’, play a special role as they encourage many competitors to overcome the obstacles.

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They often give people ‘muddy cuddles’ – hence the name ‘muddles’ as competitors struggle to overcome obstacles. A marshal can be the saving grace to help people get through the event, he says.

The Wairua Warrior started after Greg and other obstacle course enthusiasts formed a club in 2014 so like-minded people could train together. They then decided to create an event because there were no obstacle course races in the region for people to take part in.

Consequently, the first Wairua Warrior was held in 2015, attracting 200 competitors. Numbers have increased each year with last year’s event attracting nearly 600 and it has become the only event in New Zealand that acts as a qualifier for people to take part in the world obstacle course race championships.

Competitors have come from all around New Zealand and even from Australia, Europe and the United States.

The event offers short and long course options of 6km and 12km.

People can take part individually or in teams where the idea is to help each other get over obstacles such as climbing walls. The 6km course is a good, fun challenge whereas the 12km course is for people who want more of a challenge both mentally and physically.

If elite competitors fail to do one of the obstacle challenges, they are required to do 30 burpees before they are allowed to continue. A burpee involves starting from a standing position, jumping in the air to a position lying face down on the ground and then making a squat thrust back to standing.

Greg says the sport of obstacle course racing is growing rapidly all around the world.

To show local competitors the standard of leading overseas exponents, organisers invited top American competitor Brakken Kraker to last year’s event. Greg says it is a positive indication of the high standard of some local competitors that he only won by 90 seconds.

The event includes a strong cultural component.

Greg says it is about respect of all that is around us, and acceptance of the challenge honouring the land, those who came before us, ourselves and each other.

“Each year we honour the Wairua Warrior by laying down a wero (challenge) by our local tangata whenua (people of the land).

“After the challenge is accepted competitors then take part in a cleansing with water. It’s an opportunity for you to reset and clear everything around you and to respect everything in front of you so you can be in a Zen state with a clear focus before you start the race.”

“Each year we honour the Wairua Warrior by laying down a wero (challenge) by our local tangata whenua (people of the land).”

GREG WITIKA

Olive Estate SHOWHOME OPEN!

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MOTORING

… the new car handles even better than before, tucking into corners like a hound chasing a hare.

Suzuki Sport – even more fun

BY GEOFF MOFFETT

S

uzuki has just taken the sports fun factor up a notch with the third generation of its little Swift Sport.

The pocket rocket has always managed to put a smile on your face with its cheeky performance but it’s now in another league. Suzuki has managed to trim more weight off the car, installed a smaller (1.4 litre v 1.6) engine but added a turbo charger for the first time and ramped up the torque from 160Nm to a meaty 230Nm. And all for $1k more.

That translates to an awful lot of fun and the new car handles even better than before, tucking into corners like a hound chasing a hare. Yes, it’s firm riding, but you don’t mind exchanging a little cruise comfort for the pure joy you get from driving the Sport on a twisty hilly road. It really does rate among the best motoring fun you can have for under $30k.

The even better handling is down partly to the lighter weight (and this is a front wheel drive that displays no torque-steer vices), but also to its stiffer build, lowered height and wider track and improved damping control. The car feels safe and secure, even if you’re having too much fun and I reckon that owners will be 78

putting up their hands for a day at a race track to check out all its tricks. 0-100km/h takes around 8.6 seconds – very decent for a small five-door.

So, you get more go for your dollar, but you also get a lot of equipment.

The Sport packs in devices such as a ‘forward detection’ system that warns of impending front-on prangs, tells you if you’re out of your lane or weaving. You also get an adaptive cruise control – rare in this small car market – plus a speed limiter, and there’s sat-nav and keyless entry.

The five-door hatchback looks the part, too, with its honeycombe grill, side skirts, back diffuser, twin exhausts and rear spoiler.

Inside, the Sport stands out with its red-stitched front seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and alloy pedals.

Needless to say, the Swift Sport is flying out the doors of Suzuki dealers and at the time of writing, the stink-bug biosecurity scare that’s been keeping carcarriers from Japan out of New Zealand ports is adding to waiting lists. Last year, Suzuki sales were up nearly 32 per cent on 2016 and at nearly 7,000 units were way

ahead of the brand’s previous record year.

When I first saw the new car, I was hoping for a drive in the manual. But after a stint in the six-speed auto, I’m pretty sure I’d spend the $1500 extra and take the auto. It’s a terrific transmission, with a manual mode and flappy paddles. The car is such a hoot to drive that, inevitably, you’ll go for a paddle downshift and hear a beep. That’s the Sport telling you it you can’t pull a gear that low at those particular revs.

But you don’t need to be hitting the rev heights to enjoy this little car.

Chock full of character, it’s a fun drive just around town. The cabin is nicely assembled, and the gauges are good to look at. The Suzuki Sport’s new efficient third-gen model also claims more economical driving than the previous model. Add it all together and join the crowds heading down to the local dealer ready to buy one.

Tech spec Model : Suzuki Swift Sport Power: 1.4 litre, 16-valve turbo; 103kw @ 5,500rpm, 230Nm at 2,500-3,500 rpm; 6-speed manual or auto transmission.

Fuel: 6.1l/100km

100/6,900 Price: $28,500 (manual), $29,990 (auto) Vehicle supplied by Nelson Bays Motor Group

A DV E N T U R E

LEFT: Interislander Regatta.

BELOW: QCYC’s Interislander Regatta is known for its hospitality.

Permission to come aboard at QCYC

BY SOPHIE PREECE

T

he Queen Charlotte Yacht Club (QCYC) has prime position on Picton’s waterfront, watching optimists, lazers and starlings fly across the water, helmed by children as young as eight. “There’s no other yacht club like it,” says Commodore Richard Gifford, who is there every Saturday, helping young sailors in little boats navigate Marlborough’s tricky winds.

But after more than 80 years of wakes, waves and flooding tides, the modest brown building on Shelley Beach has holes in its walls and hills in its floors. The blue moon tides earlier this year proved a nail in the building’s coffin, and work is about to begin on a new $1.3 million club slightly southwest of the original.

The project has received $270,000 from the Marlborough District Council, as well as a substantial donation from the Rata Foundation, but still has a shortfall in funds. Despite that, the piles are likely to be laid this month, says Richard, “because basically, the club

won’t last another season”. There’s enough money to get the floor in and shell up, as well as the boatsheds completed, and he is confident the progressing build will inspire corporates and funders to get on board.

The club and its yachts are centre stage for ferry traffic and Picton’s foreshore, making it some of the most watchable sailing in the country. And the changeable winds make it the perfect training ground, with coach Tom Mitchell ensuring sailors are vigilant about what’s heading their way. “This is an iconic club that has nurtured some of the country’s best young sailors,” Richard says. “QCYC definitely punches well above its weight nationally and internationally.”

The new facility will be multipurpose, used by the community for seminars and events, as well as a hub for the club’s summer courses, weekly sailing and annual regattas. It will also open up access to Shelley Beach, making it a ‘win-win’ for QCYC and the

community, says Richard.

Marlborough mayor John Leggett says the Marlborough Sounds is a special place for boating “and the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club has a great club culture, doing a wonderful job of introducing youngsters to the sport”. He says the club’s success is seen through the competitors, parents and supporters getting involved in its events, attracting competitors from other parts of the country. “That’s good for the club but also for our wider region and the visitor spend.”

He was there in February for the QCYC Interislander Regatta, which drew 210 entries from clubs around the country, as a preliminary for the Toyota Nationals held this Easter, with around 200 boats in the running.

Mandy Evans and Jean Hendry, from Wellington’s Worser Bay Yacht Club, travelled to Picton with their kids for the Interislander Regatta and applauded the club’s hospitality. “It’s amazing,” said Mandy at the Taste Marlborough event that kicks it off each year. “Everyone comes down and socialises and eats and drinks. At Worser Bay, all they talk about is ‘are you going to Picton?’”

“It’s the perfect event for ‘complete newbies’,” said Jean from the edge of the sea, with hundreds of optimists lined up on the shoreline behind her. “It’s amazing and fun, and the kids love it.” The old club, with its wave-lashed walls and water-warped floors, managed to do the trick, but “in a new club this could be the most amazing experience,” she said.

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BOOKS

Wilmot’s one-day war C O M P I L E D B Y LY N D A PA P E S C H

outline of the Wereroa litia led by Captain Wilmot a 35mm slide by Alastair hoto supplied by Puke Ariki with kind permission of

t Leeds, England, and sailed e realised that within a few nd and facing different

author of Porters in My Past, eat grandson of Thomas

JOHN EWAN

rry and become a prominent daughter Anna Maria would large family. Meanwhile, son ldier, and then an auctioneer, , poet and borough along with a growing family e town – played major roles

ACCIDENTAL IMMIGRANTS

eee eee eee Accidental eee Immigrants eee π eee π eee

lishing Ltd 3

They sailed for India, but settled in New Zealand

CPL CHATE AU

John Ewan

T

his year marks the 150th anniversary of one of the most bizarre actions in the New Zealand Wars. The event, as related in Nelson author John Ewan’s recently published book Accidental Immigrants, was all over in one day in 1868. But to get to the action, the troops were required

to Kai Iwi the first day before trudging on to the redoubt. For the first two weeks they mostly did army drills but then found themselves on their own when the troops they’d been sent to support were deployed elsewhere.

The attack came late in the afternoon of 12 November and carried on for some hours, but eventually it all came to nothing and the attackers fell away. The next morning, orders came to abandon the redoubt. The militia had laid their lives on the line for nothing.

Later one of them, a young painter called Richard Tingey went on to co-found a nationwide painting and paperhanging firm, while another, Australian-born Charles Gray served two terms as mayor of Christchurch and was also MP for Christchurch North.

Captain Wilmot Powell took over management of the family business and was prominent in a number of activities such as poetry, sport, music and the church choir. When he died he was a Whanganui Borough councillor.

Accidental Immigrants by John Ewan is published by Chateau Publishing Ltd, Richmond, Nelson.

The World’s Best Bowl Food

The Second Grave

A Way with Words

Lonely Planet

Ian Austin

Chris Maclean

D

D

S

iscover 100 one-pot recipes from cultures around the globe with Lonely Planet Food’s ‘The World’s Best Bowl Food’, published last month.

Divided into six chapters: Breakfast Bowls, Soups, Salads & Healthy Bowls, Rice, Pasta & Noodles, Stews, Braises & Hearty Bowls, and Desserts, the book represents 46 destinations all around the world.

Explore the culture and cooking methods behind the planet’s most comforting meals with recipes for dishes such as Boeuf Bourguignon (France), Bibimbap (Korea), Red bean tagine (Morocco), Waldorf salad (USA) and Eton mess (England). All recipes in the book are rated easy, medium or hard to re-create and include tasting notes and information about the origins of the dish.

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to march two days from Whanganui, to Wereroa on the Waitotara River.

For weeks the newly-formed town of Whanganui (without an ‘h’ in those days) had been abuzz with military comings and goings. It was more the goings that left the town fairly bare in the back-up department.

This is where Wilmot Powell comes into the picture. Wilmot, along with his sister Anna Maria and father Thomas Powell had arrived in New Zealand some 14 years earlier. They had settled earlier in India but had been encouraged to move on to New Zealand after Thomas Powell’s wife had been felled by cholera.

While imperial troops were engaged in various pursuits, the Whanganui citizens formed themselves into a militia – a kind of forerunner to the home guard. Wilmot joined up and quickly rose through the ranks to become a captain.

It was early in November 1868 when the call went up for more men to reinforce the defence of a redoubt at a strategic spot called Wereroa. As there were few options available, Captain Powell and his men were despatched.

Poorly equipped with many barely having held a firearm, they marched north

an Calder is back; back in his native England once again to help his best friend and ex-partner Nick Hetherington.

Nick’s daughter has been arrested in connection with the death of a Nottingham prostitute. He’s back to face his darkest moment as old acquaintances and old enemies set his cupboard full of skeletons rattling once more. ‘The Second Grave’ has Calder facing the battle of his life to fulfil a solemn promise to his dearest friend. New foes including a local gangster are prepared to do anything to prevent the truth being revealed. Left at home in New Zealand, Calder’s girlfriend Tara senses he also views this return as an opportunity to settle old scores.

ince the 1980s, author and publisher Chris Maclean has written a dozen nonfiction books, publishing many of them very successfully under his own imprint, The Whitcombe Press.

In ‘A Way with Words’ he takes us through the changes over the years describing a variety of aspects of writing; the effect of writing by hand, the influence of memory, sleep assisted writing, the requirements for writing online and the value of an editor. Coming from one of New Zealand’s oldest publishing families (Whitcombe & Tombs), he ponders the demise of the publisher and the bookshop but also talks about the opportunities that have arisen because of the changing times.

W T + J O H N S T O N A S S O C I AT E S S O U T H

Ben Halliday

Jonathon Deans

More Than You Might Expect

BY R E N É E L A NG P HO T O I S H NA JAC OB S

A

lthough the firm of Johnston Associates South has been well established in Nelson for more than 10 years, what might not be so well known is that it is the fastestgrowing firm in its field in the NelsonMarlborough region and has offices in Havelock and Blenheim.

Staff also offer much more than the usual compliance services, and this is because they are of the view that it’s important to look at not just where modern accounting is right now but where it is going – and how their advisory consultancy services can help, particularly pertaining to specialist consulting and succession planning.

In fact, two of their new associates are offering services that in previous years might have been viewed as well outside the traditional purview of chartered accountants.

Specialising in business technology, Jonathon Deans CA joined the firm four years ago after a fairly traditional stint in the world of accounting. However, with his interest in technology and certification in Xero, Xero Payroll and Workflowmax, he has quickly established himself as the go-to associate at the firm for advice on the best and most

appropriate software available for clients’ specific needs. It’s an important part of the service that Johnston Associates South offers, given the ongoing changes and improvements in technology.

However, Jonathon also has significant experience in the areas of business structure and cashflow forecasting and his industry specialties include trades, professional services, IT and retail.

...‘out-of-the-box’ approach to modern accounting

Blenheim-based associate Ben Halliday is firmly focused on business development which he knows quite a lot about, particularly as it was his experience that saw Johnston Associates South establish a small but extremely efficient team in Blenheim two years ago. Not only did Ben research and find the premises but his background in HR saw him successfully recruit the staff members necessary for the branch.

For this, and other reasons, he sees his role within the firm as unique and he is justifiably proud of the referrals the firm

receives as a result of his ‘out-of-the-box’ approach to modern accounting. One of Ben’s interests is winemaking and so it is hardly surprising that he counts a number of local wine companies and winemakers among his clients. Like Jonathon, he places a high value on the services he offers, which are tailored to individual client’s needs and thus go well beyond the day-to-day issues of compliance.

It’s also good to know that the large team behind both Jonathon and Ben also have their clients’ best interests at heart and with their unwavering belief in always taking into consideration the ‘best fit’ for each client, it’s clear that if you want to work with an accountancy firm that doesn’t just look at your present needs but is also actively signalling useful directions for the future, you’d do well to choose Johnston Associates South.

Contact jacalsouthisland.nz Phone: 03 548 7437 Jonathon: jdeans@jacal.co.nz Ben: bhalliday@jacal.co.nz

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ARTS

Nelson’s upcoming ‘Phantom’ in safe hands B Y J O H N C O H E N - D U F O U R P H O T O N E L S O N Y O U T H T H E AT R E C O M PA N Y

H

ow does a totally volunteer youth theatre based in a smallish city in a smallish country at the bottom of the world somehow manage to produce a string of musical successes dating back to the year 2000 – not just any shows, but mega-hit-makers like Les Misérables, Cats, The Sound of Music, Chicago, Oliver, Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar and more?

It’s a fair enough question, especially given Nelson Youth Theatre’s next big production at the Theatre Royal from 8-21 April is none other than Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global musical phenomenon The Phantom of the Opera.

Seen by over 100 million people in 144 cities in 27 countries, The Phantom is the longest running show in Broadway history, a winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, and it still pulls the crowds in both New York and London.

And now, for the first time, Nelson gets to experience the spectacle.

Nelson Youth Theatre founder and producer/director Richard Carruthers outlines the key factors that come into play when deciding to mount such a production: “For starters, audiences have to want to see it; then, of course, the kids themselves have to want to do it.

“We always double or even triple cast our shows because it creates the maximum opportunities for our kids,” he says. “We’ve built a big core of some 40-50 actors capable of playing lead or big roles, so we have a great pool to call upon. Even our 13 and 14-year-olds can have the experience of up to 20 shows behind them.”

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Richard explains that single casting does not serve the theatre company’s core mission. “We utilise as many youth as possible as it’s their involvement in the process of theatre that encourages their self-motivation and self-discipline, develops their leadership skills, and inspires their individual creativity.”

All this may seem a far cry from Richard’s 35-year professional life as an osteopath, but Nelson Youth Theatre has always been his labour of love.

“I launched the theatre in 2000 to provide opportunities for my own children back when they were first learning drama. It’s never been just about kids strutting the boards and singing their hearts out – it’s a very real training ground for the many different aspects and disciplines of theatre.

“For instance, every year I teach a directing course where the kids learn how to prepare a play prior to audition,” says Richard.

“They run the casting process, plan and execute rehearsals, and then stage their resulting efforts.”

Ten different young directors each get a small play and draw on the company’s pool of 50 actors to realise it. Everyone benefits from this learning because the kids gain a huge appreciation of how hard it actually is to direct and mount a show.

“It boosts their understanding of the whole process, so as actors they take things a whole lot more seriously; and they bring their own experiences to the productions, things that are relevant to the times, for example using tools like Google to research their plays and expand the scope of their productions.”

Being a youth theatre, Richard has had some ask him: Why choose The Phantom, with its questionable themes?

He smiles and says, “The same happened with Les Misérables

“It’s never been just about kids strutting the boards and singing their hearts out – it’s a very real training ground for the many different aspects and disciplines of theatre.”

RICHARD CARRUTHERS

OPPOSITE PAGE: Sophie McCarlie as Christine and Amy Von Tromp as the Prima Donna Carlotta LEFT: The three Christines and a chandelier! Sophie McCarlie, Jasmine Jesson and Bri Weir ABOVE: Daniel de Clercq as the Phantom and Jasmine Jesson as Christine

back in 2007. People need to appreciate how experienced these teenagers are. The theatrical level they are operating at is very much a tertiary, drama school one. The performers may be young adults, but they very much understand the stories, embrace them, and have a very mature response to them. “And for the record,” Richard points out, “Les Misérables was a sellout, garnering glowing reviews and praise.” The Phantom has always been the company’s dream show, which explains why they’re putting so much of their resources into a musical that actually poses significant problems. Touring productions of the show had sets simply too big to work in Nelson’s Theatre Royal, so some of the musical’s greatest scenic elements needed to be purpose-built.

“We put out a call to arms,” says Richard, “and were rewarded with a brilliant team of set designers – including Simon Sheppard, who’s had 25 years of building sets and props for the BBC and film industry; Anne-Lisa Noordover, who’s just completed her third year studying theatre at Victoria University, specialising in scenography; and Marcel Stoks, who’s had 12 years in professional theatre.

“We’re in good hands – which is just as well because we’ve had to build two royal boxes in the auditorium, devise the means for candles to float out of a mist in the Phantom’s lair, for a boat to flow seamlessly across the stage, and of course, that chandelier!” The chandelier not only has to plummet from the theatre’s heights and crash down upon the stage, but had to be specially designed to fit within the theatre’s smaller fly space.

“Then there’s the highly rehearsed sword fighting scene, and the rich costuming. You can see why this production is our

most expensive to date,” says Richard.

The Phantom’s music is in no way an easy sing – the smashhit score includes: Think of Me, Angel of Music, All I Ask of You, Masquerade and Phantom of the Opera.

“Our young performers have been carefully coached and taught by New Zealand Opera tenor Ewen Griffiths, and musical director and singing tutor Melanie Carruthers. I’m confident audiences will be delighted with our set, and our cast’s abilities to deliver on those sublime top notes,” says Richard.

Certainly the fact that every year two to three students from Nelson Youth Theatre go on to train at recognised drama schools like Toi Whakaari and NASDA in New Zealand, NIDA or WAPA in Australia, and even RADA in London and the New York Film Academy, shows the quality of their learning.

And all this from a volunteer youth theatre whose express aim is to give opportunity to the youth of Nelson to challenge themselves and expand their abilities through theatrical productions. Never has the company’s slogan ‘Inspiring the future through creativity’ rung more true.

For further information on shows in Nelson Youth Theatre’s upcoming Theatre Royal season, contact Richard Carruthers at nelsonytc@gmail.com For The Phantom ticket prices and bookings contact Theatre Royal theatreroyalnelson.co.nz

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ARTS

Timoti and the power of pounamu

BY JOHN COHEN-DU FOUR

M

eeting Aniseed Valley pounamu craftsman Timoti, one cannot help but be enchanted by the humble man’s boundless energy and sense of purpose, and his profound belief in the power of aroha and the human spirit.

He is refreshingly honest, unreservedly putting down the unexpected latest chapter in his life’s journey to NZ’s favourite taonga (treasure): pounamu.

We’re not talking about your usual West Coast greenstone – no, this pounamu, amazingly, is sourced right here in Te Tau Ihu (the Top of the South); and how Timoti came to discover it is equally amazing.

“One night I dreamt of a green taniwha,” he explains, “that came from our local awa (river) and pulled me in. I woke up but went back to sleep, only to have the same dream again. Waking up I felt quite agitated and went to check on our tamariki (children) to see they were safe. Then I went back to bed.

“I awoke from the same dream for a third time. It was dawn and I told my wife Morganne about my dreams. We all got up, dressed, and went down to the awa.

I found the spot I’d dreamt about, and 84

there it was – this large green boulder.”

This was in April 2015, and Timoti’s previous mahi (work) as a builder, venturing south as part of Christchurch’s rebuild, quite literally changed overnight.

Timoti discovered more local pounamu – which comes in the most incredible variety of colours, including even white – and recognised it was his mission to be led by this previously unknown source of taonga. He sought and received the blessing of local iwi to harvest the material to use it for the highest of purposes.

He and Morganne successfully approached Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, an arm of the South Island’s Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency, and gained investment for their unfolding vision and aspirations, many of which are based on further powerful dreams.

“We’re providing our customers with lovingly-crafted taonga – everything from body adornments to trophies to commissioned pieces – using, wherever possible, locally sourced, sustainably harvested resources,” says Timoti.

“But we see our mission as so much more than simply carving beautiful treasures. This place will become somewhere to help people and give Maori

youth a place to learn their culture.”

Timoti’s simmering excitement jumps up a notch: “We’ve already hosted severely troubled youngsters, taken them to the awa, the source; shown them the raw pounamu in the water and witnessed the light come alive in their eyes, seen the peace that comes over them.” Morganne explains their kaitiaki (custodianship): “Here on our land we are planning a centre to educate people from all walks of life on the spiritual and cultural value of the taonga and the awa, working alongside schools and others to create public awareness of the limited resource that is our pounamu. We’ll teach the ways of traditional crafts, and put funds from every sale back into a river revegetation project.

“Much of our early business growth has come from koha,” she says. “We’ve given away many pieces to worthy organisations – those dealing with really hard issues like child-sex trade, feeding hungry kids, and youth suicide – to do what they want with the donated pieces to help fund their operations. We’ve also helped local sports bodies and businesses with trophies and mementos.

“This has unexpectedly led to many referrals and relationships that really boosted our sales. It’s been like paying it forward.”

“And,” adds Timoti, with a gleam in his eye, “it really proves our kaupapa (core values): people before profit, Papatuanuku before profit, integrity before profit. We believe as humans we are part of the natural world – it is a symbiotic relationship.” He laughs: “Who would have dreamed it?”

For more information on Taonga by Timoti visit: timoti.nz

In the Gallery If you’re a bit of an art collector, you’re certainly living in the right place.

The Top of the South boasts a wealth of high-quality galleries featuring creative superstars.

Check out this month’s pick of must-have artworks.

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1 | Marilyn Andrews, Fish in Our Garden Abundant Sea, acrylic on canvas, 120cm x 90cm, Marilyn Andrews Gallery, Nelson, 03 548 9400, $3,250 2 | Brent Forbes, Afternoon Bay, acrylic and mixed medium, 1050mm x 800mm, Red Gallery, Nelson, 03 548 2170, redartgallery.com, $1850 3 | Charisse Papworth, Stainless steel oblong earrings, Forest Fusion, Mapua Wharf, forestfusion.com, 03 540 2961 4 | Roz Speirs, Peacock Sunburst, fused glass, Art @ 203, Nelson, 027 500 5528, $450 5 | Bill Burke, The Rooster, oil on canvas, 650mm x 540mm, Bill Burke Gallery, 03 546 6793, billburke.co.nz

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6 | OLE LYNGGAARD COPENHAGEN exclusive to Jens Hansen in Nelson, Snakes Collection, jenshansen.co.nz

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MUSIC

Photo Larisa Birta

Circumstances like dodgy weather and unfortunate timing can play havoc with events that arise from the best intentions.

Let’s bring the Trafalgar Centre up to speed and get humming

BY PETE RAINEY

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hat does it take to create a real musical experience on a large scale in your own home town?

If Opera in the Park is an example, and I can tell you from first-hand experience, it takes a lot.

It takes a dedicated production team, and plenty of financial support.

However Opera in the Park is not the only ‘big’ event in the Top of the South. Whether it’s MarchFest, or the Havelock Mussel Festival, or the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival, attracting a big audience for a musical or festival venture takes planning and financial support, as well as careful consideration of the talent that’s being offered to the public.

A friend of mine commented after Opera in the Park that the famous English conductor Sir Thomas Beecham once said: “I hire the best players and let them play.”

Sometimes it’s not enough to ‘hire the best players’. Circumstances like dodgy weather and unfortunate timing can play havoc with events that arise from the best intentions.

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Public taste is also an extremely frustrating thing to predict; if you could always get it right you’d be extremely successful.

As well, the discerning public are growing more accustomed to instant gratification with the ease of online music streaming services, (not to mention visual content as well), so it could be argued that the digital revolution has delivered a scenario where it’s becoming more and more difficult to have successful live events.

This doesn’t tally with the increase in touring that the country is experiencing, but conversely maybe that’s because acts are not able to make money from recording like they used to.

There is no question that people like live music. The reaction to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra at the Opera in the Park event was very encouraging, so it would be great to have them perform here more often.

The question is where would they play? Since only a very small version of the orchestra would be able to use the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, attention turns towards the Trafalgar Centre.

I make no secret of my desire to see our national orchestra tour here more often, and it makes sense to try the Trafalgar Centre.

It would be essential for the orchestra to use an acoustic sound projection shell, but they do so in stadium concerts in other centres like Christchurch and Hamilton – so no problem.

Since the council is not fearful of improving facilities to encourage sport participation at the highest level, why shouldn’t the city put in place top-level facilities within the Trafalgar Centre to make it as functional as possible for all events?

The pace of change seems slow in regards to getting the Centre up to speed and really busy. The need to optimise its usage is very apparent. So is there a lack of governance oversight in maximizing the full range of events that the building is capable of accommodating? Whatever you think – the question must be asked – what’s the holdup? Why does the building continue to sit empty for week after week?

Touring acts are flooding the country but still bypassing Nelson, so let’s get up to speed and get the place humming.

FILM

Flying at half mast

BY MICHAEL BORTNICK

Last Flag Flying Comedy, Drama, War Directed by Richard Linklater Starring Bryan Cranston, Steve Carell, Laurence Fishburne 125 minutes Rated R

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suppose it’s safe to admit it now, but I did some shenanigans to avoid serving in the Viet Nam War. Bone spurs were involved. Call me a coward or a wizard, I don’t care. The war was bogus.

After that period in history, I became distrustful of the government and lost all respect for the flag.

There is a new film dealing with aging vets, unlike myself, 30 years after the end of the war. ‘Doc’ Shepherd (Steve Carell) visits the bar of Sal Nealon (Bryan Cranston), a former marine buddy. They meet up with another vet companion, pastor Richard Mueller (Laurence Fishburne). Doc reveals that his wife had recently passed away, and the purpose of his trip was to ask his friends to accompany him to retrieve and bury his son, Larry, who had recently been killed in Iraq.

Thus begins a wacky road trip, albeit a bit of a morbid one.

The boys don’t always get along and some bad choices they made in ’Nam are brought to the table.

Upon arriving at Dover Air Force Base, Doc requests to view the body

of his son, who was killed in valorous action, saving many men.

It is soon revealed that he died from a sniper bullet whilst getting a soda.

From there, the film starts on its long slow breakdown. Even poor 93-yearold Cecily Tyson is forced to get involved.

The three main actors are all accomplished and capable, and Richard Linklater made his director bones long ago with Boyhood and Slacker.

But something is missing. At times it is anti-war where we want to burn old glory. Later it wraps itself in the flag and turns pro-military. And as George M. Cohan said, “Many a bum show has been saved by the flag.”

As a comedy, it has its moments, especially from Cranston, but I can’t say it was very funny.

And at over two hours, it is just too slow and too long. (Kind of like the Viet Nam War.) I suppose I can still recommend Last Flag Flying, but maybe it flies at half-mast.

Michael Bortnick has left the theatre to take a knee.

Here are this month’s suggestions for road trip films:

Little Miss Sunshine A dysfunctional family in a VW bus are on their way to a junior beauty pageant in this disturbing but hilarious comedy.

The Motorcycle Diaries Before kick-starting the Cuban Revolution, Che Guevara set off on a motorcycle trip with his mate Alberto.

Fortunately for us, he kept a diary.

Better still, we don’t have to read it thanks to this excellent film.

Wild at Heart David Lynch assembled a cast of suitably loony characters for this strange trailer trash road movie.

But it’s brilliantly shot, packed with memorable scenes and full of bizarre Wizard of Oz references.

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D I R E C T O RY

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Dine in or takeaway

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Lavish cakes Supreme coffee

Baking at its best 68 Aranui Rd, Mapua | Ph: 03 540 3656 mapuavillagebakery@xtra.co.nz www.mapuavillagebakery.co.nz

Thai with a twist

118 Bridge Street, Nelson cardells.co.nz • 03 548 1505

Nelson-Tasman 104.8 • Nelson Central City 107.2 Takaka 95.0 • Blenheim 88.9

Vintage Radio DRAMA Fundraiser on 21st April

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Warm up with a delightful red tonight!

Excellent selection from NZ and around the world.

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M Y E D U C AT I O N

Reflection Finds Solutions After 25 years as a social worker with the Ministry for Children, Oranga Tamariki, Stephen Alder had an epiphany and decided it was time for a change. Studying NMIT’s Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Supervision in 2017 was one of the things he set about doing and now he’s set up his own business.

What does a professional supervisor do?

We help people with workplace issues in a safe and confidential space. I like to think of it as a forum for reflection on what’s happening with your work, with the aim of making improvements and finding solutions and therefore making work a more satisfying place to be.

Why did you choose the course?

During lunch with a friend, ideas about future work possibilities were being discussed and she mentioned this course, which really got me thinking. I had planned to have a year off from working full-time in 2017 anyway, so part-time study was a good option. I checked it out and signed up!

I undertook the course with the idea of setting up my own business to offer this service. I see it as a good part-time work option to sit alongside other employment and interests that I have.

How was it?

The course proved very useful as it let me develop a framework to be able to work as a professional supervisor.

This framework is independent of an organisation that has its own guidelines for supervision, which was my experience while having a supervisory role for 10 years at The Ministry for Children. There was plenty of practice time in workshops for trying out different models of supervision which was great.

The tutors were professional supervisors themselves so were speaking from experience. Not only that, but we students – quite a mature bunch – came from multifaceted backgrounds, and consequently we learnt a lot from each other.

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find their own solutions to challenges or issues in their workplace. As in all helping professions, you need a good understanding of yourself so ‘you’ don’t get in the way when others are talking about their experiences and stories of their work.

Who would it suit?

professionals.

Most of the students – apart from me were working full-time and had to fit their study around work. It required attendance at six two-day workshops from March through to October and the completion of six assignments.

The course would suit anyone who works with people, especially those in the helping professions such as social work, counselling, nursing and allied health workers, and managers and HR

What traits do you need in this line of work?

How’s your business going?

You need to enjoy and get satisfaction in seeing people you work with develop and grow in their professional lives and

I’m building it up progressively and have created a website. A lot of it is by word of mouth and promoting yourself through networks.

What’s on at NMIT Learn something new NMIT Food Art Installation - Beyond the Plate 11-12 April Celebrate the Nelson region’s wonderful produce and creativity through food art. Create an entry, enjoy the launch event or visit during the day on April 12. Visit nmit.ac.nz for more information.

Artisan Cheesemaking - A Taste of Feta & Mascarpone 26 April In an evening, learn to make feta and mascarpone cheese at NMIT with Karen Trafford from Wangapeka cheese.

Chinese Language Beginner 1 2 May Doing business in China? Start your evening language lessons with the basics.

New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Salon Support) Starts 7 May Don’t wait until next year to get your hairdressing career off the ground, start growing your skills now.

Plant Identification 8-9 May A short course for those working or volunteering in conservation in Marlborough to learn the process of identifying plants.

Certificate in Superyacht Crewing Starts 21 May In twelve weeks, learn a wide range of skills to be able to work in the global superyacht industry.

NMIT Information Evening 23 May Look out for this chance to pop into the Nelson campus, 4-7pm, talk with tutors and see the facilities.

Aviation Engineering Field Trip 24 May Primarily for year 12 and 13 students, the field trip is an opportunity to find out more about career prospects and study options in aviation engineering.

APPLY NOW

nmit.ac.nz

Learn more, visit nmit.ac.nz

0800 422 733

Waterfront and Lifestyle Property Marketing Specialist • Seven years experience in Marlborough waterfront and lifestyle property sales • Powerful national and international networks • Boutique portfolio and exclusive database • Keen negotiator with genuine intent offering outstanding service and results

If you are looking for extraordinary results contact Michal.

Michal Wells M +64 21 420 428 michal.wells@sothebysrealty.com 3 Maxwell Road, Blenheim nzsothebysrealty.com

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