Wild Tomato February 2017

Nelson and Marlborough’s magazine /

ISSUE 127 / FEBRUARY 2017 / $8.95

SPECIAL

Weddings feature

Interview Aly Cook Exploring Laos

Buskers festival

Gallery Must-Haves

Retirement tales Cycling St James

Fashion VW Tiguan

Small works of art Multiple award-winning CIELO stands out for its exclusive collections of sanitary wares. All Cielos’ ranges are handmade, meaning they can make one-of-a-kind ceramic products, unique both in their proportions and surfaces. Nature is their inspiration, respecting it is the basis of everything they do and of course people themselves are the centre of their designs. You will find beautiful colour and textures in their latest ranges, along with beautifully crafted unique shapes that can be worked into contemporary or modern bathrooms. These sanitary wares are small handmade pieces of art, and just like fine art, these pieces hold timeless appeal which is essential when creating your beautiful bathroom.

CARLTON RICHARDS & TRISH DRUMMOND

Tiles • Bathroomware • Tapware • Timber Flooring surfacedesign.nz

|

68 Achilles Avenue

|

NELSON 03 546 7832

t

Ma

2016

•

ast

Registere dM

Registere dM

n/

Co

•

ast Co

s rlborou gh/ We

e Year f th eo

2016

LOCAL CATEGORY WINNER

o

ls o

Ma

Builders Ho ter us as

els • N

e • N n/

GOLD AWARD

e Year f th eo

Builders Ho ter us as

s rlborou gh/ We

t

Nelson and Marlborough’s magazine

30 Features Issue 127 / February 2017

20 The Interview: Aly Cook

L

ynda Papesch talks music with singer/songwriter and philanthropist Aly Cook

26 Busking in Nelson

F

un and games are the order of the day at Nelson’s annual Busking festival, writes Nellie Tuck

26

30 Wedding Special

T

raditions haven’t changed much but ceremony styles have, writes Di O’Donnell as she looks at small, medium and big budget weddings

42 Retirement

P

lanning for retirement can never start too soon, explains writer Eddie Allnutt

4

42

20

Olive Estate SHOWHOME OPEN!

Showhome times

NEW LIFE CHURCH

• Wed–Fri 1pm–3pm

• No appointments needed • On-site parking Otherwise feel free to call 0800 825 565 or email vanessa@integritycare.co.nz to arrange another time to come and view the showhome.

Vanessa Taylor, Sales Manager

SHOWHOME WENSLEY ROAD

• 37 Langdale Drive, Olive Estate (off Wensley Road, Richmond)

RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION

37

LANGDALE DRIVE

RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION

OLIVE ESTATE

www.oliveestate.co.nz lly

ca Lo

ed

n Ow

5

Columns Issue 127 / February 2017

65

68

INTERVIEWS

82 My Education Hannah Grimwood makes a great coffee, thanks to NMIT’s Certificate in Hospitality with Bartending course. She talks to Becks Wixon FASHION

49

49 Fashion Styling by Kelly Vercoe Photography by Ishna Jacobs

55 Shoe of the Month Pretty silver sandals for summer

56 Men’s Style Dressing for a special occasion LIFE

58 My Home A modern modular build affords stunning views at Kaiteriteri, writes Brenda Webb

58

64 My Kitchen Inspired by her nana, Nicola Galloway creates chilled cucumber and avocado soup for hot summer days

65 Dine Out Check out the venison at Blenheim’s Hotel D’Urville restaurant, says food critic Maxwell Flint

66 Wine Blenheim-based Saint Clair Wines is making a name for itself, according to wine writer Phillip Reay

67 Beer From a country shed to a town hall, Townshend Brewery has relocated to Motueka, writes Mark Preece ACTIVE

68 Travel Buddhist monks in flowing saffron robes inject calmness and a sense of spirituality to Laos, Brenda Webb discovers on her travels 6

70 Adventure Cycling the Saint James trail proved a holiday highlight for Sophie Preece

71 Boating The Red Shed, flagship headquarters of the Tasman Bay Cruising Club, is not the prettiest building, but she’s definitely unique, writes Steve Thomas

72 Motoring Volkswagen’s new Tiguan SUV has a game-changer that rivals can’t match, says WildTomato motoring writer Geoff Moffett

CULTURE

74 Arts Painter Richard Adams is set to share his experience at a Marlborough Art Society workshop this month

76 Music The unique Adam Chamber Music Festival generates phenomenal interest, writes music guru Pete Rainey

77 Film A war film about women, made by women, The Innocents has a welcome point of view, decides reviewer Michael Bortnick REGULARS

8 Editorial 10 Bits & Pieces 12 Events 14 Snapped 75 Gallery Must-Haves 78 Quiz 80 Directory

TRIBE - Modern networking for a business & life you love

JOIN TRIBE and belong to a collection of inspired women who join forces to Collaborate, Celebrate & Support one another in building stronger businesses organically and to connect with our community.

AT TRIBE you are immediately connected to new friends and clients and you do not need to be in business.

We welcome any positive or inspiring women in the Nelson region and offer an abundance of support and connection.

Visit www.yourtribe.net | Hook up with us on FB | Call Caron 021 1457 162 or email the team info@yourtribe.net Check out some of our members below

it in 3rds 1

⁄3

Now

1

⁄3

12 Mths

1

⁄3 0% Interest

*

24 Mths

The All-Wheel Drive Subaru Outback has room to fit all the things you need when you’re off to do. Plus room for those who want to join.

Outback 3.6 Premium shown

Standard Outback features include:

RRP starting from

44,990

$ subaru.co.nz

+ ORC

*Offer is based on a Subaru Outback 2.5i Sport with a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of $44,990 incl. GST. The Finance Offer is valid on all NZ new Subaru Outback models – quotes can be obtained on other Outback models from Subaru Authorised Dealers. Simply pay one third deposit $14,996.67, one third in 12 months $15,171.67, and one third in 24 months $15,171.67 fixed at 0% p.a. interest for the term. BNZ Lending criteria, terms and conditions, and fees apply. An application fee of $350 incl. GST applies. The total amount payable is $45,340.01 incl. GST. This advertisement is for a credit agreement with BNZ. For further details contact BNZ on 0800 236 777. Vehicle must be sold at RRP and is not available in conjunction with any other special, discount or promotional offer. Offer excludes lease, government and rental purchases, and excludes on-road costs and accessories. Available at participating dealers only. Offer valid until 31st March 2017 or while stocks last.

www.nbmg.co.nz

Mark Chapman Dealer Principal 021 243 5888

Nathan Ryder Sales Consultant 027 628 3364

Shane Green Sales Consultant 021 259 1010

7

Editorial

W

If Waitangi Day and its importance to New Zealand’s heritage is to be taken seriously then the major factions involved need to be united on protocols.

elcome to another stimulating issue. The same can be said for the annual Waitangi Day debacle. Yet again dissension mars this national holiday, which for many people is just that and nothing more – a holiday. Sadly, they don’t give the Treaty any thought, happy just to have a day off.

Opinions on Waitangi Day and its celebration are as diverse as the country’s native flora, but official celebrations appear to be dictated by the whim of a vocal minority. If Waitangi Day and its importance to New Zealand’s heritage is to be taken seriously then the major factions involved need to be united on protocols. Otherwise it’s time to scrap the day in favour of a New Zealand Day, and commemorate the Treaty in a more select manner.

Speaking of holidays, WildTomato is a particularly entertaining leisure-time read this month, starting with our Aly Cook interview. Arguably more widely recognised by the music industry overseas than in her native New Zealand, Aly is a cross-genre, award-winning musician and songwriter with several No.1 hits to her credit; the sort of Kiwi we are proud to claim. Better yet, she lives in the Tasman region so we really can call her our own.

It’s Buskers Festival time again and we profile the fun. What a fabulous creative experience this is for those who take part and who spectate. The reputation of the event is such that every year it attracts high-class international buskers to Nelson, and it is well worth taking time out to watch them.

If you’re planning to marry, check out our wedding feature to see what’s on trend, plus options for large, medium and small budget ceremonies. With St Valentine’s Day mid-month, it may be encouragement for that special someone to pop the question. And guys, if you need ideas on what to wear, this month’s Men’s Style has a few tips.

Retirement also features, with insight from several active retirees in both Nelson and Marlborough. And for our active readers there’s plenty of scope in the Adventure, Travel and Boating columns. Go yachting, take a trip to Laos or hop on your bike and enjoy a late holiday through the 64km St James Cycle Trail in North Canterbury.

Did you know that you can also read WildTomato online? Enjoy.

LY N D A PA P E S C H

Editor

Lynda Papesch 021 073 2786 editor@wildtomato.co.nz

Manager

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

Design & art direction Cover illustration by John Roughan, Johnroughan.com

8

Floor van Lierop Klaasz Breukel thisisthem.com

Sales Excecutives

Subscriptions

$75 for 12 issues Chrissie Sanders 03 546 3384 027 540 2237 chrissie@wildtomato.co.nz wildtomato.co.nz/ subscribe Thelma Sowman 021 371 880 Readership: 39,000 thelma@wildtomato.co.nz Source: Nielsen Consumer and Media Insights Survey Resina Bradley (Q3 2015 - Q2 2016) 027 525 3875 resina@wildtomato.co.nz

Publisher

Jack Martin WildTomato Media Ltd Bridge St Collective 111 Bridge St Nelson 7010 PO Box 1901 Nelson 7040 info@wildtomato.co.nz wildtomato.co.nz

CONTRIBUTORS

Eddie Allnutt Feature

Klaasz Breukel Design

Michael Bortnick Film

Patrick Connor Ad design

The acclaimed best seller.

Selling your home?

Each week, 742,000* property hunters nationwide seek out the Property Press.

Maureen Dewar Proof reading

Maxwell Flint Dine Out

Ana Galloway Photography

Nicola Galloway My Kitchen

A true page turner with its standout gloss colours and ease to read, it’s no wonder Property Press is New Zealand’s favourite property magazine.

Be seen where buyers are looking.

Ask your Real Estate agent about Property Press.

Ishna Jacobs Photography

Floor van Lierop Geoff Moffett Design Motoring

Di O'Donnell Feature

Mark Preece Beer

Sophie Preece Adventure

Pete Rainey Music

Phillip Reay Wine

John Roughan Ad design Illustration

Todd Starr Photography

Steve Thomas Boating

Kelly Vercoe Fashion

Amber Watts Ad design

Alyssa Watson Brenda Webb Ad design Feature

Becks Wixon My Education

Also available online at www.propertypress.co.nz

*2,177 members of the HorizonPoll national panel, representing the New Zealand population 18+, responded to the survey between 27 June and 12 July 2016.

The sample is weighted on age, gender, employment status, education status and ethnicity. The survey has a maximum margin of error at a 95% confidence level of ±2.1% overall.

9

BITS & PIECES

A GOOD CAUSE

LETTER

Dear Editor, ry 2017 I read Pete Rainey’s ’Starving our arts’ column (Janua sector l issue) with empathy. However, if there is a cultura ta that receives even less support than the arts, withou our of ent doubt it is cultural heritage and acknowledgem rich history.

Although the Top of the South heritage story (both iwi and and Pakeha) is one shared among Marlborough, Nelson sense.

Tasman, this is not reflected in any administrative of a Promoting heritage awareness is fragmented by the lack ities. author local shared regional strategy between the three ry Add to that fragmentation a wide range of small, volunta operate These heritage groups with very limited resources. as best they can without any co-ordination. What a lost

tourism and educational opportunity.

Over the last 14 years I’ve become more involved in local history, and the only truly combined effort has been of that associated with the bicentenary in 2005 of the Battle l unusua rather Trafalgar. With hindsight, that now seems a focus. This year 2017 brings the 375th anniversary of the of December 1642 events that intertwined the two strands of story shared our bicultural heritage for the first time. The literally hua, Aotearoa New Zealand began in Golden Bay/Mo It is a putting this country and its people on the world map. ;a history in t rare and well-documented flashpoint momen ries. national moment beyond local authority bounda As residents of the Top of the South (including Marlborough), where Abel Tasman spent most of his three weeks in New Zealand waters, we have a special responsibility on behalf of the whole country to nurture awareness of those events.

Penny Griffith, Collingwood

The Warrioress of Light

T

he late Golden Bay artist and jewellery designer Claire Prebble is this summer’s featured artist at the National WOW Museum from now until the end of February.

Prebble was a regular contributor to WOW, becoming the youngest-ever Supreme Award winner in 2004. She passed away in 2015, aged 29. However, her legacy lives on through her remarkable work including her last-ever design The Warrioress of Light (pictured) which was completed after her death by close friend Alex Denton.

Seven of her garments are displayed in the foyer of the museum so no entry fee applies.

WHERE DO YOU READ YOURS? WIN THIS BOOK

We have two autographed copies of designer Annah Stretton and Natalie Pearce’s new book Flourish to give away. To go into the draw to win a copy, register by 14 February on our website wildtomato.co.nz/ competitions

10

Aaron Joy reads his WildTomato on Stewart Island where he owns the backpackers’ accommodation.

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

Boarding ROAD SHOWS

We are proud to have a committed and enthusiastic team who care for our students.

Come along and meet our staff and students at our road shows and find out more about boarding at St Andrew’s College.

BLENHEIM

ASHBURTON

Wednesday 1 March 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Tuesday 7 March 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Chateau Marlborough, Cnr High and Henry Streets

Lushingtons Café, 5 Archibald Street

AMBERLEY

NELSON

WANAKA A&P SHOW (Site E3)

Wednesday 8 March 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Thursday 9 March 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Nor’wester Café, 95 Carters Road

River Kitchen, 81 Trafalgar Street

Friday 10 March and Saturday 11 March Upper Clutha A&P Show Grounds, Cnr Ardmore and McDougall Streets

Please visit our website for further information www.stac.school.nz or to RSVP contact Registrar Lynn Smith on 03 940 2016 or by email enrol@stac.school.nz.

Heads of

Boarding

2017

We are taking enrolments now for 2018

11

EVENTS

FEBRUARY EVENTS NELSON/TASMAN Fri 3

Mon 6

Wed 15

Tattletale Saints Album Release Tour

International Kai Festival

Go by Bike Breakfast Party

Tattletale Saints have built their career on exploring new territory. The duo’s new album brims with the band’s best playing to date. Starts 8pm.

The 9th such festival, starting with a powhiri at 11am. Offers a large variety of international foods made by families living in the Nelson region.

FAIRFIELD COURTYARD

FOUNDERS HERITAGE PARK &

Join the celebration of all things cycling with a delicious free breakfast, as well as Pomeroys coffee or hot chocolate (drinks free for the first 100 cyclists). The party will kick off from 7.30am with live music and giveaways.

WHAKATU MARAE

Sat 4, 11, 18, 25 Tattletale Saints

Wed 1, 8, 15, 22 Nelson Farmers’ Market Rain or shine, the Farmers’ Market comes to Morrison Square bringing fresh local produce and products from throughout the Top of the South.

MORRISON SQUARE

Thurs 2 to Sun 5 Nelson Buskers Festival Bringing award-winning street performers from around the world to our beautiful region for four days of action-packed, mind-blowing shows! Buskers from the USA, Britain, Canada, along with some of New Zealand’s best. Schedule on nelsonsummer.nz VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Thurs 2 to Sat 11

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

MONTGOMERY SQUARE

Sat 4 Annual Trafalgar Street Market Day Head to Nelson City for the biggest day on the street.

Trafalgar Street Market Day is on from 9am - 3pm with more than 80 stalls. Visit uniquelynelson.co.nz TRAFALGAR STREET

Sun 5, 12, 19, 26 Motueka Market Arts, crafts, food and drink, along with fresh local produce and entertainment, every Sunday from 8am till 1pm.

DECKS RESERVE CARPARK, MOTUEKA

Adam Chamber Music Festival

Thurs 9

International musicians and New Zealand’s best join forces for musical treats such as Beethoven’s complete cycle of sonatas for cello and piano, late night improv jazz and the NZ premiere of one woman opera Iris Dreaming.

The Company have a passion for high-energy original and traditional acoustic music.

Boasting two Australian champions on guitar, fiddle and banjo. Starts 8pm.

NELSON CATHEDRAL, THEATRE ROYAL, EAST ST CAFÉ

12

The Company Australian Bluegrass

FAIRFIELD HOUSE

Fri 10 to Fri 17

1903 SQUARE

How Great Thou Art Exhibition

Fri 17

A fundraising [non-religious] art and photography exhibition by the Richmond Family Support Trust for Ma’s Place, a drop-in centre for young mums, and PACT (Parents and Children Together).

RICHMOND BAPTIST CHURCH

Sat 11 Night Noodle Market Fun food event for the whole family with entertainment, music, lanterns and of course mouth-watering food from around the world.

An absolute must for food lovers. From 4pm to 9pm.

The Winery Tour Featuring an all-star line-up including Brooke Fraser and Bic Runga, and exciting newcomer Benny Tipene. Gates open 5pm.

NEUDORF VINEYARDS, UPPER MOUTERE

Sun 19 Nelson Wine & Food Festival

WASHBOURN GARDENS,

Hold onto your summer holiday groove, grab family and friends and head to the Nelson Wine & Food Festival at Brightwater for all-day music and entertainment, fantastic food and award-winning wine and beer. Starts 11am.

RICHMOND

MIDDLE-EARTH VINEYARDS, BRIGHTWATER

Sun 12 Tasman United v Hamilton Wanderers Support the region’s senior National League football team’s continuing efforts in their first season in the National League.

Kick-off 2pm.

TRAFALGAR PARK

Benny Tipene

MARLBOROUGH Sat 4, 11, 18, 25

Sat 11

Marlborough Artisan Market

Marlborough Wine & Food Festival

Join the Marlborough artisans for their fourth season. Lots of choice for everyone with food, coffee, jewellery, preserves, veggies, art, crafts, woodwork, pottery and more.

New Zealand’s original and longest running wine festival, this is a chance to sample world-class wines and delicious local produce in one of Marlborough’s most beautiful locations. Entertainment includes Hollie Smith and Supergroove. 10am to 6pm.

WYNEN ST, BLENHEIM

Sun 5, 12, 19, 26 Marlborough Farmers’ Market Enjoy the taste of the freshest seasonal fruit, vegetables and produce that Marlborough has to offer. The Farmers’ Market is full of locally grown and sourced food, sold by the producer.

A&P SHOWGROUNDS

BRANCOTT ESTATE

Sat 14 The Winery Tour Blenheim’s first taste of The Winery Tour featuring Brooke Fraser, Bic Runga and Benny Tipene, along with a tasting menu of local cuisine and wine from the Marlborough region.

ASB THEATRE, BLENHEIM

Tues 7 Lloyd Webber to Puccini Direct from the New York stage, tenor James Rodgers and mezzo-soprano Rachelle Pike return to their home town for this special concert, accompanied by James’ concert pianist wife, Jillian Zack Rodgers. Singing popular melodies from Broadway and the West End, and a selection of operatic arias and duets.

ASB THEATRE, BLENHEIM

The Company

Bic Runga

Sat 18, Sun 19 Richard Adams Abstract Painting Workshop Part of the Marlborough Art Society’s summer-autumn workshop programme, featuring painter and musician Richard Adams in a two-day workshop.

MARISCO VINEYARD WAIHOPAI VALLEY

Sat 18, Sun 19

Fri 24

Gypsy Fair

Nuits Romantiques French Outdoor Cinema

The original Gypsy Fair comes to town with an interesting range of handcrafted products such as glass blowing, woodcraft, soaps and oils, clothing and jewellery. Music, food, drink and entertainment too. Starts 9am daily.

REDWOODTOWN SCHOOL, BLENHEIM

Sun 19 More FM Beach Day The More FM Beach Day with a sandcastle competition, beach dig and Marlborough 4 Fun Concert. Local band Jokers Wild will be performing on the grass as part of the Marlborough 4 Fun Summer Concert Series.

PORT UNDERWOOD ROAD, RARANGI

Sun 19 Sport Tasman Marlborough Muddy Buddy Loads of fun and a chance to display some impressive skills negotiating the slippery slide, wriggling under the cargo net and racing the gauntlet through the zigzag. Visit the Sport Tasman website for more details. 1pm to 4pm.

Building on its ever-increasing popularity and partnering with the French Film Festival of the Alliance Francaise, this outdoor evening screening of an iconic French movie is a way to indulge yourself with a cultural night of fine French ‘Seventh Art’. Starts 7pm.

CLOS HENRI VINEYARD, STATE HIGHWAY 63

Sat 25 Dog Point – Logan Brown Classic Kiwi Picnic A casual and relaxing day out, set among the vines and olives of Dog Point Vineyard. Enjoy picnic fare created by the boys from Wellington’s Logan Brown Restaurant, superbly matched to Dog Point Vineyard wines.

Tickets include all wine, food, entertainment and return bus travel ex-Seymour Square in Blenheim. 12pm to 5pm.

DOG POINT VINEYARD, RENWICK

MAHAKIPAWA RD, HAVELOCK 13

Snapped

WildTomato goes out on the town…

2

1 Nelson Art Group expo Queens Gardens, Nelson P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y A N A G A L L O WAY

1. Elaine Barker-Grace, Andrea Barker & Sharon Carroll

4. Helen Osborne

2. Denise McIntosh

6. Jeff Connell & Tom Downing

3. Andrew Fitzgerald & Brooke Bogacz

5. Jackie Bird

3

7. Pauline & Jane Bayley

6 4

5

7 Nelson Premium Property

P l e n t y s e l l m o re b u t NONE SELL BIGGER

More experience than most at working with buyers and sellers in the premium end of the Nelson and Tasman property market.

If you have a ‘significant’ home or property requirement in Nelson or Tasman check our website first. www.nelsonpremiumproperty.co.nz

ROB WALLACE

14

S NA P P E D

1

3

2

Viavio cheese event Fords, Nelson P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y A N A G A L L O WAY

1. Flavia Spena, Walter Ceschini, Flavio Donati & Agnese Sabatini 2. Lea Macdonald

4

5

5. Alex Hogg & Paul Proctor 6. Flavio Donati & Jo Managh 7. Tracy Merry & Glenys King 8. Caron Proctor, Clare Fleming & Jo Managh

3. Tracy Merry 4. Flavio Donati

9. Judy Finn & Faye Baker

7 6

8

9

03 545 0038 | 022 411 4727 | WWW.LYNNCROSSLAND.CO.NZ | ASH.LYNN@XTRA.CO.NZ 15

Twilight Jazz Concert Founders Park, Nelson P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y T O D D S TA R R

1. Xander Burns, Pat Downey, Mike Robinson & Charlotte Shade 2. Amber Pierce & Bradley Walter 3. Christine Hendrie & Drago Loncar 4. Johan Wester

2

1 1

5. Shane Barrett 6. Adam Hyman 7. Lee-Anne Weenink, Andrea Kerr, Scott Weenink & Daniel List 8. Kelly Henderson, Olivia Caldwell & Erin Cretney

3

9. Matias Cacciavillani

5

4

7

6

8

9

0800 000 525 0800 000 525

Mike Mike Pero Pero Real Real Estate Estate Ltd. Ltd. Licensed Licensed REAA REAA (2008) (2008)

Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd. Licensed REAA (2008)

Best Best Property Property Marketing Marketing Best Negotiation Best Negotiation Skills Skills Best Results & Value Best Results & Value Winner Mike Pero Supreme Award 2014 & Kellie Hamilton Crai Craigg & Kellie Hamilton

Craig Hamilton Hamilton •• P P (03) (03) 544 544 4634 4634 •• M M 027 027 214 214 4851 4851 •• E E craig.hamilton@mikepero.com craig.hamilton@mikepero.com Craig Craig Hamilton • P (03) 544 4634 • M 027 214 4851 • E craig.hamilton@mikepero.com 16

Winner Pero Supreme Award #1 Mike NZ Top Sales Performance 2014 OFFICE RECOGNITION AWARDS 2015/16 #1Top NZGold Top Sales Performance 2014 #1 NZ Financial PREMIER Elite #1 NZ Top Financial Performance #1 NZ Top Client Marketing 2014 #1 NZ Top Client Marketing 2014

www.mikepero.com www.mikepero.com www.mikepero.com

S NA P P E D

1

2 Champagne tasting Casa del Vino, Nelson P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y LY N D A PA P E S C H

3

1. Glenn Cormier & Jessica Coyne

4. Evan Lane & Karen Lane

2. Peter Jamieson, Heike Lorenz & Andrew Higginbottom

6. Glenn Cormier & Juliane Cormier

3. Dawn Cooper & Chris Cooper

5. Jenny Norton & Ron Fyfe

7. Marcus Bowker, Suzanne Bowker, Dave Schaper & Nicola Hill

4 5

6

7

“The clarity in my vision is out of this world…”

“After having bad eyesight from 13 years old, I just thought I had to live with it. But I didn’t realise how much I was missing out on. Thanks to Dr Kent and his team I can bike, surf and ski now without having to worry about contacts or dry eyes. It’s almost a miracle!”

Hamish Evans Owner, Switch Espresso Phone or book online for your free laser assessment available in Christchurch & centres throughout the South Island Christchurch • Invercargill • Dunedin • Queenstown • Nelson

focus your future Fendalton Eye Clinic 10 Otara Street, Fendalton Christchurch, www.Lasik.nz

0800 4 LASIK 0800 45 27 45

17

2

1

3

4

Japanese Film Festival opening Suter Art Gallery, Nelson P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y A N A G A L L O WAY

1. Inga Lane

6. Jane and Richard Kempthorne & Masa Shinto

2. Ray Carter

7. Nao Uda, Arron Redmore, Ai Matsuzaki & Lauren Pengully

3. Masa Shinto 4. Ai Matsuzaki 5. Minoru Adachi, Kiyokazu Ueda, Rachel Reese, Richard Kempthorne, Toshihisa Takata & Yukiyasu Uda

8. Yukiyasu Uda 9. Akiko Crowther & Toshihisa Takata

5 7

6

8

When a disability makes even everyday activities a struggle, imagine how it must feel to sail off in a little yacht.

For people with disabilities, sailing with Sailability Nelson provides a unique sense of freedom and movement – life’s daily frustrations are forgotten.

From the Nelson Yacht Club, we sail two person Hansa yachts set up for any disability

and any age. Each yacht has an experienced sailor helper and each sail is around 30 minutes. Our sailing season commences in October and we will sail every second Sunday until mid-March.

Come on down and have a sail.

For this coming season we need help.

If you would like to become a Sailability Nelson volunteer, helper sailor, sponsor, or donor please contact John MacDuff, 0274 245 112 macduff@tasman.net

Join us to help disabled Nelsonians experience the freedom and joy of sailing. sailabilitynelson.org.nz

18

9

S NA P P E D

1

2

Nelson College Prep Night of Honour Teapot Valley Camp, Brightwater P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y A N A G A L L O WAY

3

4

1. Luca Molnar

6. John & Morgan Rollston

2. Richard Nott

7. Dan & Rob Edmonds

3. Arne Hinz & Lennard Mund

8. Marshall & Stuart Hore

4. Austin Knowles

9. Tom & Louis Croker

5. James & Monty Dawson

9

6 5

7

8

Offering you experience, expertise and one to one personal service.

03 548 3440 www.havenpm.co.nz Property Management is more than just collecting the rent

19

Interview

ALY COOK

Aly Cook calls Tasman home even though she is more widely known musically in Australia and Britain. Lynda Papesch talks to one of New Zealand’s largely unrecognised music stars.

20

L

ast year set a new career high for Tasman singer/songwriter Aly Cook. Three No.1 country radio hits in Australia, plus making the finals of the New Zealand Woman of the Year competition, added to what is already an impressive list of accomplishments.

Fresh back from performing and filming with a full production crew at Tamworth in Australia, she’s already planning her next few ventures. One of those is a 13-part Country Music TV series, some of which has been filmed in Nelson/Tasman. The series will screen once a week on Britain’s only full-time country music channel, Keepitcountry.tv, on Freeview, which beams into 19 million homes across the UK. “I am totally inspired to drive the ability for independent musicians to succeed by example,” says Aly. “Producing Kiwi Country is about this and celebrating our unrecognised amazing talent as well as celebrating our rich country music past.”

Four episodes of Kiwi Country are dedicated to New Zealanders in Tamworth, which have just been filmed. Aly interviewed several high-profile country artists in Tamworth and

New Zealand about fellow Nelsonian Tex Morton, who in the 1940s to 1960s became the grandfather of Australian country music. A bronze bust of Tex stands in Centennial Park in Tamworth.

On the way to Tamworth Aly stopped in Auckland and filmed a video for her next single, Western Line, featuring Brendan Dugan, Nik Brown from the Warratahs and Peter ‘Rooda’ Warren, formerly of DD Smash and now playing with the Narcs. The video releases in March.

Nelson born and bred, Aly is talented, a bundle of energy at the best of times, an active relaxer and someone not afraid to speak her mind, even though it has possibly been to her detriment on the New Zealand music scene.

Aly was an outspoken critic in the 1980s, in the company of people like actor/musician Bruno Lawrence, calling for local music quota on NZ radio and criticising the New Zealand On Air funding scheme for musicians. She – like many before her – finds the Australian music scene more to her liking.

“I’m not critical of the people running the New Zealand On Air scheme, but of the criteria that the funding is not evenly distributed across the various music genres. Occasionally there is a bit of country music, but you don’t see modern jazz artists funded, or blues, or heavy metal.

“And it’s not the artists who pick up the funding money, but the record companies, some of which goes to multi-nationals. It’s still Government funding, so as far as I’m concerned it should not be available to multi-national companies. Both as a taxpayer and a musician I don’t agree with that at all. The funding should go to independent New Zealand-owned companies.”

While New Zealand is home, Australia has embraced her talent more readily. Aly’s No.1 hits over there are based on airplay (“so the numbers can’t be influenced”).

“Unlike New Zealand, there are also lots of community radio stations in Australia and people tend to listen more to the small locally broadcasting stations.”

With an agent in Australia, Aly is a popular radio guest, with up to 10 interviews a week broadcast.

Causes are dear to her and she helps if she can – one reason she has twice been a finalist (2011 and 2016) in Next magazine’s New Zealand Woman of the Year award, in the Arts & Culture section, for inspiring women to follow their goals with passion, and for her exceptional contribution to world causes.

As an example of the latter, while preparing for her recent European tour, Aly was approached by the founder of the Forever Changed Campaign to write the song for the cause. She immediately penned Forever Changed, which played globally in a documentary of the same name about informed choice of alternative treatments for cancer.

She often helps young independent artists looking to break into the [Australian] music scene, and has assisted the Uncle Jimmy Thumbs Up scheme working with children in a remote area near Uluru (Ayers Rock), assisting Aboriginal youngsters using music. “Uncle Jimmy is inspired by the work of legendary Australian artist Jimmy Little. The programme uses the medium of music to get lessons across, for example using songs about how to eat vegetables to encourage healthy eating.”

On the local scene Aly’s name may be recognised more for her event planning skills. The recent SnapaFest, the Battle of Trafalgar and Nelson’s first Cider Festival, all late last year, have used her skills in various capacities. She works largely for international promoters like Sam Righi on the recent Andrea Bocelli tour, and is involved with action stunts show Nitro Circus (here Feb 6) and the tour by motivational speaker Simon Sinek in March.

MUSIC AND HORSES

So just who is Aly Cook and what drives her?

From her pre-teen years, music and horses were her two main interests, although today the former takes centre-stage more often than the latter.

Attending Tahunanui Primary School, Broadgreen Intermediate and then Nayland College, this daughter of a migrant couple (Swiss mother/English father) also learnt her lessons at home.

“Mum and Dad came out in the 1960s, just outside the ‘£10 Pom’ period, bringing my older brother with them. Dad Alan Cook was always self-employed; a work ethic Aly also embraced.

“When they first arrived in Nelson, he worked for Coles for a short time before starting his own business as an electronics engineer, custom-building home stereos. Mum [Pierrette] did the business books.”

Aly credits her love of music to her late father, a former concert violinist who studied opera at the Guild Hall in London.

“Right from a young age I had music in my life. Dad would have me turn my back to the piano. He’d play a note and I had to say what note it was.”

Aly aged 10 with her parents Pierrette Tissot-Cook and Alan Cook

She started classical piano lessons aged 10, and horse riding around the same time. “A lot of people are into both music and horses, I find. It has to do with the cadence, the rhythm etc. It’s also a good life balance.”

As soon as she reached 15, Aly quit school and started her musical career in earnest, singing in covers bands in and around Nelson. “I remember sneaking into taverns to sing because I was too young to legally be there.”

A year later, aged 16, she witnessed the death of her boyfriend in a skydiving accident at Nelson Airport. That focused her thoughts and shaped the drive and determination she has today.

“His chute didn’t open, and he died in front of me. That gave me a new respect for life; the reality that it could all be over in a flash. From that moment forward, I have lived every day to the fullest. I still do.”

Having self-employed parents added to her drive. “I learnt early on not to be dependent on an employer; to earn my own money for survival.”

After a few jobs locally, Aly took off to Australia, aged 18, singing in covers bands up and down the Queensland coast.

To earn extra dollars, she worked for promoter Kevin O’Neill, 21

who ran tours to Darwin, scripting his posters initially and then progressing to event organising, advance publicity and tour coordinating – while still performing.

The years ticked by and Aly found herself working for Bullens and Edgley Ventures on touring events, everything from using the biggest tent in the world for a tour by legendary icedancers Torvill and Dean to the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Starlight Express.

FIFESHIRE CONCERT COUP

TOP TO BOTTOM (CLOCKWISE) Showjumping about 1996; loading horses on to the Federal Express 747 for Edgley’s Great Moscow Circus; 1980s ‘big’ hair aged 23

22

A trip home to visit her parents in Nelson in the late 1980s saw her running the Fifeshire Radio Concert, celebrating the station’s full-time on-air status. A stellar line-up included Icehouse, Boom Crash Opera and Nelson-born Sharon O’Neill, before a crowd of 9000 at Trafalgar Park. That forged a relationship with Sharon that still exists today. She sang a guest vocal on Aly’s first album and Aly has sung live with Sharon on a number of shows.

“She’s like my Nelson soul sister and I still try to catch up every visit to Sydney. I love her so much; she’s just awesome.”

The visit pre-empted Aly’s move back to New Zealand in the early 1990s, to live in Auckland and start her own company called Te Aroha Records. Still involved with the entertainment industry running shows, she also found time to put out Tama Renata’s first album and to sing with Rick Bryant and the Jive Bombers.

Following a split with her then partner, Aly literally ran away to join the circus, the Moscow Circus that is, spending 15 months touring Australia and New Zealand with the Edgley show.

“Around Australia we travelled with 14 semi-trailers and played all the major event centres, before heading across to Taiwan.

“Then Mum suffered a stroke so I came back to Nelson to look after her.”

Still singing, Aly teamed up with friend Ross Wilson, and while performing with him one night in Nelson in 1993 she met her future husband, Andrew Dodson.

He has no connection with the entertainment industry whatsoever, says Aly, and this provides the perfect balance in her busy work/home life. Married for 23 years now, and parents to Bailey (20), Drew (17) and Melody (15), the couple live on a farm at Kina.

Andrew encourages Aly to sing and write. “He accepts that I have to sing and to travel, and has never held me back. I have remained as the person he met.”

Starting a family didn’t hold her back either. Aly had made many valuable contacts in the entertainment industry, and social media helped her to re-connect with them. “Social media has been great and I embraced it early. In 1992, as soon as the Internet became available, I was all over it,” she laughs.

Your eyes say it all You can regain your confidence with Eyelid Surgery or Blepharoplasty

HEY STUDENTS! Get your wisdom Do you have missing teeth? teeth out youloose headdentures? off to uni.

Do before you have Have you lost teeth in an accident?

Dental Implants can restore your smile, improve your bite and secure your dentures.

ACC approved specialist provider

Eyelid surgery is a procedure in which excess upper eyelid skin is removed and excess fat in the upper and lower eyelids is reduced.

You and your family’s wisdom teeth removal can be covered by your health insurance.

We are an affiliated provider for Southern Cross Healthcare.

Before

37 Manuka Street, Nelson | Phone 03 548 0838

Kitten for the family After

Excess eyelid skin makes the lids feel heavy and applying make-up difficult. In some cases it can effect peripheral vision.

Blepharoplasty nowadays is carried out with local anaesthetic supplemented by oral sedation. Most people find this very comfortable. The procedure is done as a day stay procedure at our day stay surgical facility. A return to work can be planned for 5 to 7 days.

We provide 24/7 post op on call, and post-operative care indefinitely to ensure you’re well looked after.

We also offer the following procedures:

HereWisdom at the SPCA we are inundated with kittens. tooth removal specialist If you are thinking of adopting, If your wisdomadopting teeth have caused episode consider from the an SPCA. of pain,fee they are $150 likely to cause further The adoption is from which includes the kittens problems. having their first vaccination and being wormed, de-flead, desexed and microchipped. It also includes going on the Call us NZ to make a time for aregister. consultation.

Companion animal

Iain Wilson - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Bsc (Hons), MDS, MB.CHB, FRACDS, FDSRSC, FRACDS (OMS)

37 Manuka Street Phone (03) 548 0838

Facelift and necklift | Eyelid surgery | Rhinoplasty (nose) Breast surgery | Liposuction and liposculpture Crow’s feet | Frown lines | Liquid facelift | Dermal fillers Cosmetic/Medical tattooing, eyeliner, eyebrows, lips, areola/nipple

Your support is greatly appreciated If you are looking for an animal to add to your family, please consider adopting from the SPCA and help out an animal in real need of a home.

Level 2 - 105 Collingwood St (Collingwood Medical Centre) Phone: 03 548 1909 Email: nelsonplasticsurgery@outlook.co.nz

Our opening hours are Monday – Friday from 10am – 4pm and Saturday & Sunday from 10 – 1pm

Visit nelsonplasticsurgery.co.nz for more information

Sponsored by Nelson Oral Surgery

23

“I am totally inspired to drive the ability for independent musicians to succeed by example.

Producing Kiwi Country is about this and celebrating our unrecognised amazing talent, as well as celebrating our rich country music past.”

A LY C O O K – FA M O U S LY U N K N OW N AWA R D WINNING MUSICIAN AND SONGWRITER

TASTE TASMAN ‘WONDER-MUM’

When 2005 rolled around, the children were at Tasman School when parents mooted the first Taste Tasman as a fundraiser.

“I was part of a group of seven wonder-mothers who ran the first one with a budget of $1300. Four thousand people attended.”

Taste Tasman proved an award-winning idea, and was a chance for Aly to ‘dip her toe’ back into entertainment.

She helped to run it for three consecutive years.

The years since have been good, although a fall from her horse in 2006 resulted in a back injury that put paid to her show jumping. Undaunted, she transferred her efforts to breeding, selling several horses locally and in Australia and in 2009 one to the King of Bahrain.

She added another accolade to her CV when in 2011, while on a tour in France with her family, they became perhaps the first New Zealanders in 23 years to attend a commemorative service in Sassenay for a Kiwi who had been shot down during World War 2. On August 15, 1943, Flight Lieutenant Royston Taylor was part of an eight-strong international crew who died when their RAF plane crashed in a field near Sassenay after being attacked by a German night-fighter. A local youth was also electrocuted by downed powerlines as he approached the crash site to help the airmen.

The people of Sassenay believed the crew sacrificed their own lives to avoid crashing in the village. Some 2000 people from around the region gathered for the airmen’s funeral, in defiance of their Nazi occupiers. A number of villagers, including the mayor, were later imprisoned.

Every year on August 15 Sassenay holds a memorial service for Taylor and the other airmen. In 1988 residents unveiled a monument to the crew, but because of tensions over the Rainbow Warrior sinking, no New Zealand military personnel attended. When Aly learned of the continuing absence, she voiced her outrage and campaigned for change. New Zealand is now represented at each memorial service.

Auckland author Lynn John has written a book and screenplay about the incident. He and Aly hope it will make it to the screen one day.

CROWD-FUNDING FOR ALBUMS

Aly is still busy, meanwhile, with singing, song writing, touring and event managing as well as several charitable causes. She discovered crowd-funding and became only the fifth person in NZ to crowd-fund an album. Now she has raised more than $100,000, producing two albums and a number of music videos.

Over the last couple of years her performances have included opening for Melissa Etheridge, REO Speedwagon and Huey Lewis and the News before 20,000 people in Taupo, opening for Roseanne Cash in Poland, Laura Bell Bundy in Italy, and performing at the Sydney Opera House for The Jimmy Little Foundation Fundraiser.

24

TOP TO BOTTOM (CLOCKWISE) Backstage with Melissa Etheridge in Taupo last year; with Bert Newton after winning a heat of New Faces in Australia in the early 1990s; Back stage with Rosanne Cash (daughter of Johnny Cash) in Poland

Last year her second album, Horseshoe Rodeo Hotel, racked up three No.1 hits on Australia’s Top 40 Country Tracks Chart, starting with the single Midnight Cowboys. That paved the way for Message in a Cloud, and late last year Kimberley also hit the top spot.

Aly‘s songs come from her heart, not fitting a particular genre. She writes about life and experiences, places she’s been and people she’s met; songs about the spiritual message of Uluru, about the amazing Kimberley region of Australia, the ‘midnight sun’ in Norway and about travelling on Sydney trains.

Unknown Memories was inspired by Aly and brother Ian’s discovery in 2010 of a previously unknown half-brother, Les, who lives in the UK. She describes her music as cross-over. “Some of it falls into country; some of it is barely country. I write where it falls, as opposed to trying to fit a specific genre.”

An image of Aly features in Volume: Making Music in Aotearoa, an exhibition now on at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, in partnership with the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. “The image of me that was used was taken by Australian photographer Russell Johnson from Wagga Wagga, who travelled to New Zealand for a photoshoot as part of a music video shoot for the single Midnight Sun. “It’s a very Nelson/Tasman affair, not only because I’m from the region, but also because the guitar featured is handcrafted

by Nelsonian Russ Mattsen, and I’m wearing a dress by Nelson designer Donna Robertson.”

first-Ever The The all-new Tiguan.

M{zd{ CX-3

Settle for everything.

Move like never before

The all-new Tiguan.

Introducing the first small SUV to bring you stunning KODO design, class-leading Settle for everything.

safety and connectivity that always keeps you in touch with your world. Add to this an unparalleled pairing of SKYACTIV power and fuel efficiency, together with a choice of Front or All-Wheel Drive and 3 years of mazdacare Genuine Scheduled Servicing* at no extra cost; the First-Ever Mazda CX-3 will move you like never before.

firstevermazdacx-3.co.nz Test-drive the Tiguan range today.

Why settle for less when you can have it all? Equipped with intelligent technology, class-leading • 2WD from $41,990* 615L boot capacity*, advanced driver assistant systems and boasting a smart new look, the all-new Test-drive the Tiguan range today.

Why settle for less when you can have it all? Equipped with intelligent technology, class-leading *3 years or kilometres (whichever occurs fieven rst).a model armed with as Tiguan the100,000 compactdriver SUV. And with 162kW of power, there’s • 4WD from $57,990* • 2WD from $41,990* 615Lredefines boot capacity*, advanced assistant systems and boasting a smart new look, the all-new much power as the iconic Golf GTI. Tiguan redefines the compact SUV. And with 162kW of power, there’s even a model armed with as • 4WD from $57,990* much power as the iconic Golf GTI.

• 4WD R-Line from $66,990*

• 4WD R-Line from $66,990*

NZ Olympic Partner since 2012

NZ Olympic Partne

Dealer Name Address Dealer | Ph: xx-xxx xxxx | www.<dealer website>.co.nz Dealer Name | |Dealer Dealer Address Dealer City |City Ph: xx-xxx xxxx | www.<dealer website>.co.nz *Prices exclude roadcosts costs and optional extras.

615L luggage capacitydetails is measuredisDealer with rear seatsdetails slid forward.

Model shown is Tiguan TSIDealer 4MOTION with optional extras priced fromwith $66,990* available to order nowfrom for early 2017 delivery. *Prices exclude onondetails road and optional extras.

615L luggage capacity measured with rear seats slid forward.

Model shownR-Line is details Tiguan TSI Dealer 4MOTION R-Line optional extras priced $66,990* available to order now for early 2017 delivery.

Dealer Dealer details Dealer Dealer details details

Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details Dealer details

NEW ZEALAND WINE

N E U D O R F Share a bottle in the garden with artisan cheeses from our DIY deli Open every day 11am - 5pm Upper Moutere www.neudorf.co.nz

Crafted in the vineyard.

Order now to capture the taste of summer! www.blackenbrook.co.nz

25

Buskers Festival Canadian busker Mighty Mike spends his days researching and training how to become stronger, how to make impossible seeming feats look easy. Bowling balls, bricks, even a 5kg sledgehammer are all thrown around as if light as a feather.

26

Weird, wicked & wonderful

The Buskers Festival brings jaw-dropping acts to Nelson once again.

Nellie Tuck profiles a feast of hilarity, aerial acrobatics and bowling-ball juggling.

PHOTOGRAPHY JOHANNA GUETTLER

E

xploring the streets of Nelson in late January, early February has become an adventure. You must be game; you must expect the unexpected – it’s Buskers Festival time after all.

More often than not, you’ll hear it before you see it; the gasps of relief or the rapturous applause from a curious crowd, all a little unsure of themselves yet unable to tear themselves away. That is what makes the Nelson Buskers Festival so enthralling – you never know what’s going to happen next.

And so it has been for more than two decades. This year’s Festival over Waitangi Weekend will be no different, with a line-up of artists from as far afield as the USA, Britain and Canada, joined by some of New Zealand’s finest.

“Some of the best crowds I’ve ever had have been in New Zealand,” says American Al Miller, a.k.a. Alakazam, who will be in Nelson performing as The Human Knot.

He started busking in 1996 as a fun way to show off his circus skills, and found this hobby morphing into a career. Al will bring to Nelson ‘extreme feats of flexibility, insanely dangerous stunts and cheeky comedy’.

“When I was a little boy I always wanted to be an astronaut, a neuroscientist or a street performer,” he says wryly. “I practised as a hobby for a few years. The tricks became a show and the show got better with time.

“I get paid to do what I love and see all corners of the globe doing it. I have done so well that I am now the proud owner of a 2001 Honda Civic.”

With endorsements from big names such as Bruce Springsteen, who called him ‘The greatest street performer I have ever seen’, and Sting, who described Al as ‘Incredible; absolutely amazing’, Nelson is in for a treat.

For the Kamikaze Fireflies, a two-person act also from the US (Rob Williams and Casey Martin) involving memorable stunts and gut-busting laughter, it’s all about the audience as well. “We make a living playing with toys and making people laugh,” says Rob. “It’s an amazing job and we love it.”

Of course, there’s also the fact they hold numerous world records. “For every trick you see us perform there were many, many hours of rehearsal to learn the skill,” he says.

“We have four Guinness World Records and received a standing ovation on America’s Got Talent. We perform some strange things like making sandwiches using only the feet – one of our Guinness records.”

The UK’s Mat Ricardo kick-started his busking career with gear from a pet shop. “Nearly 30 years ago, as a teenager, I saw a street performer while on vacation with my family. I became his biggest fan, then realised that I wanted to do what he did. When I got home, I went to the pet shop at the end of our street, bought three rubber dog balls and never looked back.”

Also known as the Gentleman Juggler, Mat promises his audience ‘feats of dexterity so ridiculous, unlikely and spectacular that when they tell their friends about them, their friends will assume they are lying’.Those feats aren’t just your usual ‘pull the tablecloth out without disturbing the dishes’ kind of thing. No – he’ll put the tablecloth back again. Needless to say, Mat’s shows have sold out around the world, including at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and a run in London West End. “It’s back-breaking and sometimes heart-breaking work, but it’s the most honest and pure way to make a living there is … from being able to pay my mortgage from the stupid dreams I had as a teenager, to getting to travel the world making people laugh and gasp.”

Madame Guillotine – Canada

Kiki Bittovabitsch – Australia

Ace K – Japan

27

The festival is brought here as part of Nelson’s Summer Events programme. Axel de Maupeou, the City Council’s Festivals Team Leader, says the weird antics have become a staple on the calendar.

“I’m really excited that, after a couple of years of concentrating on single performers, we have a double act coming over from the States, as well as New Zealand’s own Biggest Little Circus, a group of three who will be performing aerial tricks high above people’s heads.

“It is also very exciting to be expanding the Buskers Festival by taking the performers into Tasman this year. Mapua Wharf will be a really great place to see these international performers.”

Audiences are as much a part of the fun, says Alex. “There’s nothing quite like experiencing your first street performance.

Watching the horrified looks on the faces of poor unsuspecting audience members who are called upon to become a part of the show is a sight to see in itself.”

THE PERFORMERS Alakazam – The Human Knot (USA) A street, circus and corporate entertainer, he presents a highenergy show that should have you reeling with laughter.

Al’s contortions, cheeky comedy and ridiculous sky-high feats of danger offer a mix of traditional vaudeville and circus sideshow.

The Human Knot is a freak-show suitable for the whole family.

THE EVENTS BUSKERS ON TRAFALGAR Thu 2 & Fri 3 Feb, 11am - 2.30pm; Sat 4 Feb, 10.30am - 2pm Outside Nelson Provincial Museum, Trafalgar St. BUSKERS AT THE BOATHOUSE Thu 2 Feb, 8pm & Fri 3 Feb, 8.30pm The Boathouse, Nelson Strictly adults only – some content may offend.

BUSKERS AT FAIRFIELD PARK Sat 4 & Sun 5 Feb, 6pm Fairfield Park, Nelson Wet-weather venue, Nelson College Hall, Waimea Rd. Evening variety show for the whole family.

BUSKERS AT MAPUA WHARF Sun 5 Feb, 11am - 2.30pm Mapua Wharf, Tasman See some of the best buskers perform by the water.

Follow the Nelson Buskers Festival Facebook page for updates and booking details.

Matt Ricardo

Biggest Little Circus (NZ) This show promises to be big, bold, loud and funny, going from amazement to hilarity in the blink of an eye. The Biggest Little Circus is a cast of three, performing everything from juggling to aerial acrobatics, with plenty of interaction and Kiwi charm.

Kamikaze Fireflies (USA) A Los Angeles-based two-person vaudeville act featuring Rob Williams (formerly of comedy troupe The Flaming Idiots) and Casey Martin (survivor of the acrobatic show Barely Balanced).

Whether spinning gigantic metal cubes, juggling, stilt-walking, performing daring stunts, breathing fire or breaking into contortionist backbends, the Fireflies promise awe and laughter for the entire family.

Mat Ricardo (UK) The Gentleman Juggler presents laughs, serious skills, slapstick and breath-taking spectacle. There’ll be genuine danger, dexterous elegance and thrills, performed by a man at the top of his game. One of the hardest-working and most reliably entertaining speciality acts in the world, Mat is the first man in history to be able to put a tablecloth back on a table underneath all the objects, but he’ll never let his amazing tricks get in the way of his cutting wit.

Mighty Mike (Canada) Old-time strongman feats and juggling, with a lot of spontaneous fun and audience interaction. This family-friendly show has featured at events all round the world. Mike’s signature feats include driving a nail through a board with his hand, tearing packs of cards in half, bending bars over his head, and juggling with bowling balls, knives and a full-sized sledgehammer, all while wearing a 1920s-style bathing suit. Throw in zany dance routines, Mike’s quick wit and some thought-provoking nuggets of timeless wisdom, and this show is sure to impress.

28

Rob Firenix

Meet the team that creates awardwinning joinery for both residential and commercial projects The Sellers Room, which also consists of husband and wife owners Myles and Margarette, specializes in designing and building the perfect space for your needs.

The Sellers Room team has a varied skill base ranging from supporting our younger team by way of apprenticeships, to the use of solid timber and high-end bespoke joinery in designing your kitchen or home space through to a new restaurant, bar or retail space. All of this is project managed and manufactured in Stoke and seen in homes and commercial projects around New Zealand.

0800 469 537

www.thesellersroom.co.nz

Phone: 03 547 7144 | Fax: 03 547 7133 Email: msellers@thesellersroom.co.nz | View our showroom at 9 Echodale Place, Stoke

Call in to Kaimira Winery in Brightwater where you can sit down and enjoy a taste of our wines and drink in the view at the same time ...

Tastings of certified organic wine from our extensive selection.

Open now until the end of March Mon to Sat 11am to 4pm.

Other times by arrangement.

FEATURED ART EXHIBITION DURING FEBRUARY:

Photo by Chocolate Dog Studio

Paintings and illustrations by local artist Kylie Conning

97 LIVINGSTON ROAD, BRIGHTWATER 03 542 3491 â&#x20AC;˘ 021 2484 107 kaimirawines.com

Certif 29 Free

wine

Summer sizzle

Wedding Special Di O’Donnell looks at the latest wedding trends, and talks to three couples who did it their way, with vastly different approaches.

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y G E R I S H E P PA R D

YOUR SPECIAL DAY ON ANY BUDGET x

30

H

ow we do the ‘I do’ hasn’t changed much since the Middle Ages, however while the traditional values behind marriage are much the same, technology, personal tastes and budget pressures have introduced new kinds of creativity. Whether it’s DIY, second-hand, pets included or picnics on mountain tops, couples are often choosing to do things in a way that reflects who they are.

Outdoor venues in beautiful natural settings or family gardens have given rise to the ‘pop-up’ wedding, using marquees.

Receptions will now often be shared platters of food reminiscent of a family feast.

More couples are planning online so everything is at their fingertips 24/7. One of the biggest trends in today’s weddings is the use of social media – Facebook, Twitter and posts on Instagram. The use of Snapchat, photo booths and other photographic innovations is also increasing. Don’t be surprised to see a small drone flying overhead, capturing the day from a new perspective.

Dress trends come and go, but for many white weddings still feature in their dream days. The following three couples all had white weddings and share one thing in common – the memories of their special day bring joy to them whether it was two years ago, or last month. That is priceless, yet what these couples spent on their weddings is vastly different.

M

eeting through their shared love of motocross, Amy (from Moutere) and Cameron (from Collingwood) had been together 10 years when they married on 24th January, 2015.

Both country people at heart, Amy is a vegetarian and Cameron a keen hunter, yet they share a common bond of love and respect for animals and nature. Amy laughed as she remembered the best man’s speech at their wedding: “Love must be blind if a vegetarian can marry a hunter, so there is hope for us all.”

Following a suggestion from Amy’s mum, their wedding was held at Icon Art Park in Upper Moutere, with a reception at the Moutere Hills Community Centre.

Family friend, celebrant Joyce Wiley, from Collingwood, conducted the ceremony.

To keep costs down, they recruited family and friends to help plan and execute their wedding. Amy found her dress online at Astra Bridal in Wellington, choosing three online to select from. The second one proved perfect, with alterations carried out

by Alison Eades from Alison’s Bridal.

Horse-mad Amy opted not to ride to her wedding, but instead posed with an old family horse before the ceremony.

Transport was safer in her stepfather’s panel-van and a friend’s classic car, with another car for her six bridesmaids.

The couple’s rings are also recycled; Amy’s rings are her great aunt’s, resized, and Cameron’s was his grandmother’s ring, melted down and shaped by Collingwood jeweller Jane Casey.

Special touches included disposable cameras on each table (as well as official wedding photographer Geri Sheppard), and silk flowers from Amy’s grandmother and aunt; great because two years later they’re still beautiful, says Amy. In an unusual move, the couple banned social media as they thought it would be distracting and depersonalise their day.

While choosing to pay for specific things, the couple also had help from family and friends. Her mum, skilled in calligraphy, hand-made the invitation for instance, but the stationery was expensive.

Catering worked out at $8.50 per head thanks to hunter/gatherer Cameron providing home-grown meat, game and fish. His aunt made a three-tier cake of fruit, marble and chocolate that was decorated with horses, dogs and a cat.

Cameron’s parents put money towards the alcohol, and the reception room was decorated by Amy’s grandmother.

After their wedding night at Monaco, they honeymooned for a couple of weeks at Okiwi Bay in a holiday home lent to them; yet another cost saving.

“Love must be blind if a vegetarian can marry a hunter, so there is hope for us all.”

CAMERON ’S BEST MAN

AMY AND CAMERON’S WEDDING BUDGET Dress $5000 6 Bridesmaids dresses $900 7 Suits $1400 Hair $ 840 Make-up etc $ 755 Rings $1250 Photography $2500 Venues $2000 Catering $1110 Invitations $300 Celebrant $450 Licence $150 Alcohol $4000 Meat (butchered) $500 Music $100 Bridesmaids’ expenses $200 Total $21,455

31

WE D D I N G D I R E CTO RY

Nelson Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Central Wedding Venue Onsite Wedding Coordinator Spacious Modern Banquet Room Outdoor Courtyard Tailored Menus Indoor / Outdoor Venue Options Complimentary* Suite for the Bride & Groom

Where flowers are the inspiration in creating beautiful memories.

Phone 03 548 2299 | 0800 437 227 Email weddings@rutherfordhotel.co.nz www.rutherfordhotel.nz *Terms and conditions apply

Book an appointment today for the wedding season 2017/2018

31 Trafalgar Street, Nelson, 7010 | 03 545 7939 | willowfloraldesign.co.nz

32

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Somewhere Special

TM

@Melrose The perfect venue for your special day

TheWeddingShow @ Melrose Sunday 26 March 10am to 3:30pm

Experience a beautiful day at Melrose and meet our hand-picked local vendors - ready to help you plan your perfect wedding!

Tickets at melrosehouse.co.nz

Photo by Luke Marshall lukemarshallimages.com

Melrose House, Gardens & CafĂŠ 26 Brougham Street, Nelson

Photo by Luke Marshall

Photo by Luke Marshall

MELROSE CAFE

Fabulous on-site catering from Melrose CafĂŠ 9-4 weekdays & 9-5 weekends 03 548 9179 www.melrosecafe.co.nz

33

34

Wedding Special

Small budget and special in Marahau P HO T O G R A P H Y BY I S H NA JAC OB S

W

hen they married on January 23, 2016, Carl and Amber chose a DIY wedding to keep costs achievable, with family and friends helping to create their special day.

Their ceremony was held in Amber’s mum’s Marahau garden, followed by a reception at Riverside.

Having a garden wedding meant they had a lovely natural venue, and were also able to use flowers and greenery from the garden for the reception.

One hundred guests bussed to the ceremony, where they watched as Amber walked with her four bridesmaids and three flower girls through a hidden walkway in the trees to a small glade.

Special touches included a flower petal heart where the couple stood to take their vows, and hay bales covered in white tablecloths used as seating for guests. The couple recycled Amber’s mum Jane’s wedding ring, with help from Golden Bay artisan jeweller Grant Muir, to create two new wedding bands.

Other family members helped out with the reception, food, drink and even

cash donations. Amber’s sister Tara designed and made her wedding dress as a gift and her aunt Jude did her hair for free.

Carl’s family helped with the catering and the wedding cake, a threetiered carrot cake, while friends and extended family members also made food gifts. Further costs were saved with guests being asked to bring either cheese, salad, bread or dessert and something to drink.

“Friends of ours married at the same venue a week before and left their fairy lights and decorations for us to use.”

“Friends of ours married at the same venue a week before and left their fairy lights and decorations for us to use,” adds Amber.

To record the special day, guests were given an Instagram hashtag to share their photos, and a drone flew around taking a video. An uncle of Carl’s took more professional photos as a gift.

AMBER AND CARL’S WEDDING BUDGET Make-up $340 Bus $265 Photographer $500 Band (gift) 0 Got it Covered $909 Hirepool $414 Meat (gift) 0 Wine (gift) 0 Beer $300 Food $400 Flowers $120 Caterers $320 Wedding night $300 Family holiday $1500 invitations $70 Hall hire $ 700 Rings $1265 Celebrant $400 Licence $ 120 Fabric for dress $350 Bridesmaid dresses $360 Total $8633

35

WE D D I N G D I R E CTO RY

PAUL HARRIS J

E

W

E

L

L

E

R

S

Monaco Resort Paul Harris, Nelsons qualified master craftsman, has 38 years of experience at the bench and in design of stunning jewellery.

29 APRIL 11AM - 3PM MARK YOUR DIARY NOW!

We’ve got it all! See for yourself on one of our personalised, guided tours!

F EN REE TR Y

Offering five great wedding and reception venues, onsite accommodation for you and your guests along with a full wedding catering service.

On the day talk to: Our events coordinators, Alison’s Bridal (wedding dresses), About Beauty (beauty treatments), Point Six Hair, Got it Covered (event decorative hire specialists) and others!

Paul specialises in engagement and wedding rings set with personally selected diamonds in any design you have in mind, or he’ll create a beautiful piece remade from your pre-loved jewellery.

Email enquiries to: paulharrisjeweller@hotmail.co.nz Phone 02102735932

Where beauty is all about you

Award-winning salon

Est 2003, over 25 years’ experience We have a mobile service available for your special day and can create the perfect package for your wedding party from head to toe.

Book in a Wedding Consultation and Make-up Trial $70 and Receive a FREE $50 voucher towards your pre-wedding treatments at About Beauty.

03 547 0798 Grand Mercure Monaco Apartments 6 Point Rd, Monaco, Nelson info@aboutbeauty.co.nz aboutbeauty.co.nz

36

Spot prizes and giveaways on the day!

P. 03 547 8233 E. events@monacoresort.co.nz W. monacoresort.co.nz GrandMercureNelsonMonaco

WE D D I N G D I R E CTO RY

Fairfield

HISTORIC HOUSE & GARDENS The beautiful wedding venue in the heart of Nelson

Wedding Jewellery Do it right, the first and only time.

No matter what your budget.

So many romantic spaces in which to create your special day MEADOW COURTYARD BALLROOM GALLERY

Ceremony | Photographs | Reception | Dancing FOR B O OKINGS AND FRIENDLY ADVICE

03 548 3640 | fairfieldnelson.org.nz

Be your

most

beautiful

you

LASERCARE CLINIC - Our established laser clinic has been offering medical grade laser treatments for over eight years, using the gold standard in aesthetic equipment to deliver outstanding results.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL - Laser skin treatments - sunspots & pigmentation.

LASER TATTOO REMOVAL - No regrets tattoo removal with Spectrum Q switch laser.

Proud to be New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first UltraShape clinic FDA approved ultrasonic body sculpting for immediate fat cell destruction.

Specialists in LED teeth whitening & Classic Lash extensions & facial piercing.

Call now for a free consultation or find us on Facebook.

Invest In Yourself !

No. 1 Bridge Street Nelson 0800 GLEN JAMES | 0274 845 353 | +64 548 4523 info@glenjames.co.nz | www.glenjames.co.nz

173B High St Motueka 027 436 4575

37

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y T E N E YA N G ATA

Wedding Special

Big budget for dream wedding K

ristin and Hayden went all out for their dream wedding on 9th December last year. They met through Hayden’s cousin and “it really was love at first sight,” says Kristin.

Opting for an American-style white country wedding, Kristin took ideas from other weddings she’d been to – such as making the dance-floor outside with lanterns in the trees so that everyone was in one area. Dreaming of her big day since she was a little girl, she also remembered an electric violinist she’d seen busking in Queen St, Auckland, and flew him down to play.

From Wellington, they wanted to make their wedding like a little holiday for everyone, so chose Marlborough, having seen the venue, at Paripuma Estate in Cloudy Bay, online. The remote location meant hiring everything, dealing with up to eight different vendors; something that proved confusing and stressful at times.

Neither actually realised how much 38

the wedding would cost. Their initial budget was $50,000 but it quickly spun out.

Kristin started a Pinterest wedding album that she kept adding to. Ironically after trying on about 30 wedding dresses at Wellington’s Brides on Thornton, the dress she choose was one she had saved in her Pinterest account months earlier.

Hayden owns a scaffolding business and never really gets to dress up so he

“Like many modern weddings, family helped out where they could.” opted for a classic black- suit with white shirt and bow tie. His groomsmen also wore black but with normal ties.

Like many modern weddings, family helped out where they could. Kristin’s mum, Sandy Gibbons, doing much of the decorating, making the bridesmaid and flower girl dresses and flower baskets

in the marquee. Sandy and Kristin’s dad Don also contributed $20,000 towards the wedding.

Her bridesmaids, mum Sandy and sister-in-law Aimee Davis, all helped to set up everything for the day.

Special touches included the outdoor dance-floor created from a photo, catering by Posh Nosh from Marlborough for 115 guests, and having wedding co-ordinator Jessica Bunting, from Betty and Co, for the big day.

Kristin loves peonies and was lucky enough to have a friend whose family own a flower farm called Altitude Peonies down in Otago. They sent a consignment north. The blooms opened on the morning of the wedding – and were perfect.

Kristin laughs as she recalled how, when she started her walk down the aisle with her dad, her veil snagged in the driftwood holding open the door. She was literally running to make it to Hayden before the music stopped.

KRISTIN AND HAYDENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WEDDING BUDGET Bridal party attire $11,000 Hair & make-up $1300 Rings $56,000 Flowers $2200 Photography/video $7650 Venue & marquee hire $18,600 Catering $13,000 Invitations $700 Celebrant $450 Licence $150 Transport $800 Honeymoon $7000 Electric violinist $1100 DJ $850 Wedding co-ordinator $1200 Props $1800 Cake $260 Bar staff $2000 Cleaners $2000 Alcohol $5000 Table settings $1200 Lanterns for aisle $520 Generators $900 Toilets $700 Photo booth $450 Total $136,830

39

WE D D I N G D I R E CTO RY

GERI SHEPPARD PHOTOGRAPHY

“Enjoy the moment, it’s all about you” FREE engagement shoot & thank-you cards with every confirmed wedding booking

www.gerisheppard.co.nz

THOMAS’S SUIT HIRE FOR ALL YOUR SUIT HIRE REQUIREMENTS, A COMPLETE RANGE OF SUITS, SHIRTS, TIES AND ACCESSORIES FOR HIRE. AVAILABLE TO VIEW ON WWW.THOMASS.CO.NZ

WORLD-CLASS DESIGNER GOWNS BESPOKE BRIDAL CREATIONS ALTERATIONS RE-DESIGN

54 MARKET ST, BLENHEIM PHONE 0800 88 24 88

Grand Mercure Resort 6 Point Road, Monaco P 64 3 547 4835 M 0273 528 186 www.facebook.com/alisonsbridal www.alisonsbridal.co.nz

wdermeaamkse...

40

ENQUIRIES@THOMASS.CO.NZ WWW.THOMASS.CO.NZ

WE D D I N G D I R E CTO RY

Repeat Business Your friends are already my customers.

Just ask them!

The perfect place to prepare for your wedding Facials, O Cosmedic Treatments, Waxing, Eye Tints & Waxes, Shellac Nails, Manicures, Pedicures, Swedish Massage, Spraytanz, Foot Peels and more.

03 547 7509 | 027 464 7174 | WWW.ELLIOTTBEAUTY.CO.NZ 33 Trafalgar Street, Nelson, 7010

No. 1 Bridge Street Nelson 0800 GLEN JAMES | 0274 845 353 | +64 548 4523 info@glenjames.co.nz | www.glenjames.co.nz

41

Retirement Youthful baby boomers are rewriting the manual for ‘retirement’. Eddie Allnutt, himself approaching his half-century, checks out a diverse landscape.

Chrissie Keay with Ginny Kimberley and Michael Bortnick

Sun-filled options in PHOTOGRAPHY BY T O D D S TA R R

42

GOLDEN YEARS

N

ew Zealand doesn’t have an official retirement age (apart from a few exceptions), but NZ Superannuation – paid by the Government from taxation – typically starts when we turn 65. Payments depend on personal circumstances. Broadly speaking, $769.52 a fortnight is the amount a single person living alone receives after tax at code ‘M’ (if you have no other income).

A couple receives $591.94 each.

The number of people aged 65 and over is about 650,000, and by 2050 that will double because we are living longer. By then one in four residents will receive Super – straining the public purse because a smaller ratio of workers (we are also having fewer kids) will be supporting retirees, many of whom will live well into their 90s.

Then there’s the question of how much we need to save?

While NZ Super may provide a basic retirement, it’s not enough for many and a DIY savings plan, such as Kiwi Saver, will be needed, with the mantra being, ‘It’s never too early to start.’

A phenomenon called ‘retirement shock’ can derail the bestconceived plan or lifestyle, so having an emergency fund is recommended. Such shocks include medical problems, loss of partner or a natural disaster.

As we age we tend to keep up our spending, and increasing bills can’t be banished into eternal exile. Many elderly have to be thrifty, yet others are fortunate enough to have seven days of Saturday. This can eat into funds that would otherwise have gone to their children. However, the children generally accept that retirement nowadays accompanies a changing mindset and are less likely to grumble.

Di Connolly and Janice Emery, from RE/MAX Elite, Nelson, run retirement seminars with guest speakers throughout the year. “Our seminars are designed to give people the tools to help them make decisions about their future,” says Di. She encounters a popular wish for downsizing to two-bedroom townhouses that are sunny and warm with postage stamp-sized gardens – though such properties are in short supply in the Nelson region. Skiing and cruise holidays are also in vogue with sexagenarians through to nonagenarians. And let’s not forget assailing the senses with a sauv in late afternoon.

RETURNING HOME TO RETIRE Many retirees choose to live in a lifestyle village. Julie Meagher, a resident at Olive Estate in Richmond, is semi-retired, in her 60s and is a delight from the second I step into her terraced house.

She makes coffee and we take a seat in the spacious open-plan kitchen/livingroom.

“I didn’t want to grow old in Auckland, and I had a hankering to come back here as I’m originally from Motueka,” she says.

“I didn’t really plan for it, but things just happened one after another and before I knew it, the removal truck arrived and then it dawned on me – there was no turning back.”

Julie loves living in the estate. “I can’t speak highly enough of it and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. My sister’s close by in Oakwoods and I feel at home.” She misses her Auckland friends but not the time banked up in traffic.

Julie lived and worked in the City of Sails for a good chunk of her life. She believes it’s important to consolidate what you have and prioritise what you spend when older.

She’s still working for an Auckland company, but remotely, and the hours have halved. “It pays for the weekly village fee,” she explains, which covers maintenance of the property.

“You buy into a certain lifestyle and it’s a lifestyle that gives freedom and independent living,” she says. If she travels or has to go north for a work-related meeting, it’s easy to lock up and leave.

Julie Meagher

“What’s important to me is a sense of community and I certainly get it here both in the village and the region.”

J U L I E M E A G H E R L E F T AU C K L A N D F O R RETIREMENT IN RICHMOND

“You don’t own the property but you buy the right to occupy.

It’s not a financial move as no capital gain is received. What’s important to me is a sense of community and I certainly get it here both in the village and the region. I pop over to my neighbours for a barbecue, attend the markets and do some volunteer work for St John.”

The minimum age to move into Olive Estate is 55, “but a younger partner or spouse could move in with management approval,” Julie explains.

I get the tour both inside and out. I’m impressed with how practical everything is, from the strategically positioned privacy screens in the garden to the his-and-hers bathroom.

NEW COUNTRY, NEW LIFE Back in Nelson, Kimberley and Michael Bortnick, a Californian couple in their 60s and 70s, live in their 1930s art deco house close to the greenery of Botanical Hill, with views to the distant blues and greys of the hills across Tasman Bay. A view like that wouldn’t have been affordable in California, says Kimberley.

You often hear about people threatening to leave their country if so-and-so gets into power, but this couple actually did.

Michael explains: “We were living in what we call a comfortable rut and then George Bush gets in. And again – re-elected. That’s when we started contemplating the move more seriously. The rigmarole of the paperwork started and Kimberley got a work visa as she was a registered nurse and there was a need for that occupation.” Michael was over NZ’s age curfew but could come in as her hubby. They still joke about Kimberley smuggling him in.

Echoing Julie’s experience, things fell into place for the Bortnicks. They sold up – just before the US housing bubble 43

“Hawkesbridge became the first Marlborough sauvignon imported by Berry Bros and set us well on the path to financial security.”

M I K E A N D J U DY V E A L

burst – and arrived in Nelson to enjoy their advancing years.

Interestingly, they had been to Aotearoa twice before, but neither time to Nelson.

“We are so glad we retired here,” Kimberley says. “People are grounded and the energy is different – it’s better. It’s small so it forces you to be social.”

Michael and Kimberley seem to have found a good mix of relaxation and keeping active. The cover comes off the spa pool once a week and they love sitting outside listening to music under the shade-sail. Michael swings a golf club, hosts a two-hour live and local radio show, and does some freelance writing for ‘pork-chop money’ to buy this and that.

Michael must have his feet on Kiwi soil for 10 years cumulatively before being entitled to NZ Super. Every time he heads off to San Francisco to visit his granddaughter, it adds to the wait. Kimberley receives what’s called Social Security from the US – she paid into it from the age of 16, when she started work.

Wellbeing is paramount to Kimberley. She has a small yoga studio at home where she practises and teaches. She buys market-fresh and organic food. Michael is fast following suit to kick the Homer Simpson diet he developed when visiting the US recently. ‘Diabesity’ is rife in America, especially southern states, they inform me.

The couple worked hard on their house and garden to get it as low-upkeep as possible, but there’s always something to do on a place of this era and ilk.

Upon leaving their company, my vision catches some artwork of David Bowie’s and I start to look forward to running for the shadows in these golden years.

44

VINTAGE RETIREMENT Sunny Marlborough is the retirement lifestyle choice for Judy and Mike Veal, who were among the earliest grape growers in the region. A former Nelson Public Relations Officer (1971 to 1974), Mike was responsible for the building of the first i-SITE on Millers Acre, and later introduced New Zealand to Lotto.

These days he and Judy are happily retired in Blenheim, enjoying occasional trips abroad. Both are, or have been, involved in community volunteer work which keeps them active.

“Judy and I retired the day we sold our vineyard property and moved house,” says Mike, who views his life as being like a jigsaw puzzle with each piece representing a facet of it. A new job, a different house, a shift to Marlborough, growing grapes, making and exporting wine; each of these was part of the whole jigsaw puzzle of life, as is retirement now.

In Wellington Mike started and ran his own advertising, PR and marketing company for over 20 years. The success of the business allowed the couple to buy 16 hectares in Marlborough in 1990. Muller thurgau was the grape of choice then but phylloxera put paid to that and so they started to clear the land and planted sauvignon blanc.

With no income from grapes for the first three years, Mike commuted to Wellington every week from Tuesday to Thursday looking after his clients. Suit and tie for three days a week and the rest in jeans and on an old International tractor is how he describes it.

Mike tells how he has always liked to be involved in the politics of his enterprises, from being the National President of the New Zealand Institute of PR practitioners to a couple of years as Chairman of the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival are two examples.

Judy explains how she learnt about grape growing while Mike was in Wellington, working in the vineyard, planting, training, and bud rubbing and lifting wires; a far cry from life in Wellington’s Khandallah.

In the 90s, Marlborough sauvignon blanc was still a relatively new product in the UK. Mike, with his marketing

For over 23 years Blackmore Wealth Management has been assisting clients throughout the top of the South Island plan for and achieve their desired retirement lifestyle.

Let us help you achieve your desired retirement lifestyle by: •

listening to and understanding your situation

•

developing a strategy to meet your retirement needs

•

regularly meeting to review your retirement strategy.

If you would like to find out how we may be able to assist you please feel free to contact Rob on 03 545 8029, 027 220 3940 or rob@bmorewealthy.co.nz Adviser Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

WE SELL WE SERVICE WE RENT ALL TYPES OF SCOOTERS AND MOBILITY EQUIPMENT 269 Queen St, Richmond,Nelson | 03 544 6603 | www.mobility4you.co.nz

45

Simon and Alison Starr

background, decided there was more money to be made by producing and selling wine than simply selling grapes. With Tim Finn of Neudorf fame in Nelson as winemaker and a label – Hawkesbridge Wines – he was able to broker a deal with UK distributor and merchant Berry Bros and Rudd. Hawkesbridge became the first Marlborough sauvignon imported by Berry Bros and set the couple well on the path to financial security.

Almost three decades and two vineyards later, Mike and Judy are enjoying their retirement, thanks to hard work and actively planning for the latter stages of their lives. Adding to that they are able to enjoy the fruits of their labours with a wellstocked cellar and lots of friends. Cheers!

ENJOYING THE FREEDOM Having achieved what she wanted, Chrissie Keay retired 18 months ago, aged 69. Nelson born and bred, she tells me she felt happy with what she’d accomplished and it was time to sit back and enjoy retirement.

Chrissie moved away for many years, serving in the army, then returned in the 1970s. After a stint in the printing/ publishing industry, she set up her own brokering business which ran for 25 years.

“I became tired of having to chase tardy payers so closed the business and went to work as a supervisor at ENZA. I loved it, working there until I retired.”

Her retirement is better than she thought it would be. “I’m enjoying the freedom I now have; my life is not run by the clock.”

Chrissie occupies her time with family, popping back and forth to Australia and looking after her animals. “Animals are my passion,” she laughs, admitting to owning two rescue dogs, Ginny (a Pomeranian) and Oscar (a Maltese cross), plus a cat from the SPCA. “I’m still relatively new to this freedom so I’m sure I will also get into doing other things,” she adds.

46

LIVING EVERY DAY Retiring early aged 49 became a necessity for Alison Starr when she was diagnosed with cancer. That was five months ago, and since then Alison has been living every day to the fullest, making the most of time with family and exploring the region.

Her stonemason husband Simon still works, but Alison spends her days cycling, walking in the Abel Tasman National Park and with family.

“Retiring has given me the freedom to be with my family, and also to get out and about in this beautiful region.”

The Starr family emigrated to Nelson from the United Kingdom 11 years ago, after Simon visited and fell in love with the region.

Alison’s advice about retirement: “Embrace every day no matter what age; you never know what the future holds so it’s never too soon to start planning for it.”

Actively planning for retirement Even if retirement seems a long way off, it’s never too soon to start planning for it.

Aspects to consider and implement include: • starting a retirement savings fund or investing • deciding when to retire • deciding where to live • looking at different lifestyle options • getting rid of debt before retiring • keeping fit and active.

SPEND THE DAY WITH US

Jack Inglis Friendship Hospital Day Activity Programme is for senior people or those with a disability. Enjoy a hot nutritional midday meal as well as morning and afternoon tea.

You can choose to get involved in the many activities available or just meet some new friends and maybe catch up with some old ones.

Another option is to simply relax with good company in our spacious and comfortable activity room.

We can pick you up and take you home at the end of the day (9am to 4pm). Transportation is free within the Motueka area.

COMMITTED TO SERVICE

This is a flexible service and you may qualify for a subsidy.

Come and meet our friendly team.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure you will enjoy your time with us.

Please phone reception 03 528 9662

Wheelchairs Mobility Scooters Walkers/Canes Electric Beds and Hoist Lift Assist Chairs

03 547 6050 linda.bamford@bamfordlaw.co.nz tony.bamford@bamfordlaw.co.nz

YOUR

MOVE Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make it happen For real estate call Janice & Di

Bathroom Solutions Incontinence Products Daily Living aids www.accessmobility.co.nz | Visit our Show rooms at: Richmond: Cnr McGlashen Ave & Croucher St | PH 03 544 7717 Blenheim - Cnr Stuart & Main Sts Blenheim | PH 03 578 8002

Sales | Service | Rentals | Repairs

Janice Emery 0274 470 805

Di Connolly 0274 306 518

RE/MAX Elite, 7 Haven Rd, Nelson 7010. www.remax.co.nz Phone: 03 548 7705 Fifeshire Realty Ltd, Licensed Under REAA 2008, Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

47

Come and enjoy or surprise your beloved this Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day.

Enjoy Columbus Coffee, Morri St CafĂŠ, Babagatto, Pattacca or Chilandos for lunch or dinner. Or how about takeaway delicacies from Marcels, Aki Sushi or Pita Pit? And why not pick up presents from a variety of our retailers?

48

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

FA S H I O N S T Y L I S T K E L LY V E R C O E P HO T O G R A P H Y I S H NA JAC OB S MODEL ROSE MCLEOD MAKE-UP MICHELLE NALDER AT G L I T T E R A N D B L U S H H A I R JA DE F R OM C A R DE L L S L O C AT I O N T H E F L O W E R FA R M

Ruby dress from Trouble and Fox Dyrberg/Kern earrings from Shine

Messop dress from Shine Zoe & Morgan necklace from Shine

Ruby dress from Trouble and Fox Dyrberg/Kern bracelets from Shine Olga Berg handbag from Shine Bresley heels from Taylorsâ&#x20AC;¦We Love Shoes

Tuesday dress from Thomasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dyrberg/Kern necklace from Shine Bracelets from Shine

Portmans dress from Portmans Dyrberg/Kern earrings from Shine

Portmans dress from Portmans Dyrberg/Kern watch from Shine

S HOE OF T H E MON T H

What’s in a name?

T

he term ‘jandals’ is commonly used to describe a style of sandal that has a piece of material between the big and first toe. They are also often referred to as ‘thongs’ or ‘flip-flops’.

Not many will know that the word

‘jandals’ is actually a registered brand name from many decades ago. A New Zealand company by the name of J. Yock and Co Ltd designed these sandals based on a similar Japanese style and then produced hundreds of thousands

of pairs. There have been court cases against other companies for using the name. This pretty silver ‘sandal’ is a model from the brand ‘Fit-flop’, a play on words, but one model of many with a huge reputation for comfort.

FIT-FLOPS ‘Gladdie’ Silver $249.90. Exclusively from Taylors…We Love Shoes, Nelson and Richmond

WORLD FAMOUS FREE MERRELL S OCKS With all fullpriced purchased durin g February

Mens Traveler Spin Brown

$229.90

Mens Rant Slate grey and green Available in 4 colourways

$169.90

Womens Rant Black and purple

$159.90

Womens Agave 2 Lavish Aluminium Also available in Black

$199.90

Specialists of Swimwear | Nightwear | Lingerie

51 Bridge St, Nelson | 03 548 3943

TWO GREAT LOCATIONS 245 Trafalgar St, Nelson 211 Queen St, Richmond www.weloveshoes.co.nz

55

STYLE FILE

MEN’S

STYLE FEBRUARY 2017

‘I’ve got nothing to wear’ is usually a feminine cry, but men too are often faced with a similar dilemma, although theirs is, more exactly, what to wear! Especially if it’s for a romantic date or they want to look smart for a special occasion.

Keeping it simple works every time. A nice pair of shoes, a smart jacket or blazer, long pants definitely, and a collared shirt, maybe with a hint of pattern, but nothing too loud.

Classic chinos

Step out in style

hen you want to look smart but not formal, think classic chinos such as these Scotch & Soda garment-dyed options from Sidecar.

Chinos now come in a range of on-trend colours such as nutmeg (pictured), black and navy, and even subtly patterned so they may be teamed with co-ordinating shirts and jackets. They feel nice to wear and are a great step up from jeans.

wo accessories set a man apart; his watch and his shoes. If nothing else, invest in both to make a statement. Black is always popular for shoes, but browns and tans – such as Whale (pictured) from the Julius Marlow range are highly versatile, working well with jeans, or chinos for a smarter look.

W

T

Available at Taylors...We Love Shoes, Nelson and Richmond

Lightweight elegance

A

good quality, light-coloured, lightweight summer jacket or blazer will deal to any dress code from casual to smart, depending on what you team it with. This Ben Sherman blazer, for instance, will pair nicely with chinos, jeans or even white linen pants if you dare.

Available at Thomas’s, Blenheim Available at Sidecar, Nelson

56

Perfect partners

P

lain or patterned, collared shirts add style to an outfit, and these two from the Elmwood range are spot-on in colour, style and design. Dress them up with a blazer or opt for a more casual look with a T-shirt underneath.

POP ROCK TOP

Available at Hogeys Surf, Nelson

CHECK OUT OUR FULL RANGE IN STORE

162 HARDY ST NELSON | 03 548 4011 | FIND US ON FACEBOOK

HÖGLUND GLASSBLOWING STUDIO

Time to shine

L

ess is best when it comes to men’s bling! The last thing you want is to look like an Italian gigolo or take the shine off your female companion. A tasteful signet such as this offering from Black Matter – sterling silver with an intricately hand-crafted 9 carat gold navy anchor – is all you need.

Available at Benjamin Black Goldsmiths, Nelson

Locally made by glass artists Ola and Marie Höglund and their family.

Makers of New Zealand art glass and glass jewellery since 1982.

VISITORS WELCOME – OPEN DAILY 10 TO 5 The glassblowing schedule is always subject to change - please ring us to find out when you can watch glassblowing in action.

52 Lansdowne Road, Appleby, Richmond Ph 03 544 6500

www.hoglundartglass.com 57

MY HOME

1

1.

2.

3.

4.

Cleverly designed angles provide optimum views from all rooms and decks of the stunning Little Kaiteriteri home Set on a sloping section, the Paul Richards designed home nestles into the hillside Cedar cladding, both natural and black, is a striking feature of the home Over-sized comfy chairs on the sunny deck are the perfect spot to soak up the Tasman Bay views

2

MY HOME

3

Modular

with stunning views

BY BRENDA WEBB

M

aking the most of the magnificent sea views was top priority when Tony and Sue Sanders set about designing their contemporary seaside home. Waking up and seeing the water was a must for the couple who spent most of their lives in the English Midlands – about as far from the ocean as you can get in Britain.

“When we came to New Zealand we lived in Split Apple Rock for 10 years so were very spoilt with views, and we weren’t prepared to compromise,” says Tony. Their stunning Paul Richards designed and built house, with its elevated Little Kaiteriteri position and expansive alfresco areas, fulfils that wish beautifully.

“One of Paul’s signatures is this vision of seeing right through the house, and that gives a terrific feeling of space and maximises the views,” Tony says. “Another feature is the protected alfresco areas that flow beautifully from the lounge and kitchen, and that flow was quite important.”

Having a home with the ‘wow’ factor, inside and out, was also crucial. The flat roof, striking combination of black and natural cedar cladding, large windows and doors, and a blackand-white interior colour theme achieve that.

“The house is basically two shoeboxes,” says Tony. “The crispness of the design lent itself to a flat roof so the eye is not drawn away.” It also suits the sloping section.

In their design brief, the Sanders insisted on three bedrooms and three bathrooms, a reasonable-sized dining area and a separate lounge. “We don’t like the lounge to be part of something else. We like to go there and chill out,” Tony adds.

Sue is a keen cook and knew the size and scope she wanted in her kitchen, worktops, pantry and utility areas. Paul Richards was then told to add anything else into the mix that he felt

would provide a ‘twist’, and he came up with a 220sq.m. concept design. “Then we sat around the table with the pencil and played with it a bit,” says Tony.

To make sure there were no surprises, Tony built a cardboard model, even cutting out furniture and placing it in the rooms. This gave the couple a feel for how the house would work, and the only thing they did was extend the garage.

The three bedrooms are downstairs and each has its own deck area, giving independence, especially when guests are staying. The house showcases some spectacular interior features, such as the black granite table Tony had specially

4

59

MY HOME

5 5.

6.

7.

8.

6

The large, open and airy kitchen features huge windows and large sliding doors An Escea DL1100 gas fire with inset fascia is in keeping with the modular design Sue is a keen cook so had a major part in kitchen planning and went for a large island bench Wicker furniture invites outdoor dining on one of the large decks

built. It complements the black lacquered kitchen cabinets and the plush black carpet in the lounge.

With its contemporary feel, open spaces and crisp modern design, the home is a far cry from the converted barn the Sanders lived in back in the UK, which featured exposed beams, heavy oak doors and high ceilings.

The Kaiteriteri home was completed in February 2016 and the Sanders are delighted with their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;beautiful little seaside houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, which also scored a 2016 House of the Year gold reserve award.

7

60

8

Award-winning, custom-made joinery for residential & commercial projects PROUD WINNERS OF 3 AWARDS AT THE 2016 NELSON MARLBOROUGH MASTER JOINER AWARDS BE INSPIRED BY ONE OF OUR 8 CREATIVE DESIGNERS FOR YOUR OWN 2017 PROJECT BEST KITCHEN

12 John Wesley Lane, Richmond (off Queen St, behind Avanti Plus)

Phone: 03 544 1515

BEST KITCHEN DESIGN

BEST KITCHEN $15,000 - $30,000

www.moxini.co.nz

your decorating totally co t o g vere ve d W eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Painting Wallpapering Spraying | Plastering

Proud to be the painting contractor for the Sanders home Bays Joinery Nelson 6 Tokomaru Place, Stoke Showroom on site T: 03 544 0087

BAYSJOINERY.CO.NZ

Bays Joinery Marlborough

25 Redwood Street, Blenheim

Showroom on site T: 03 579 2520

Call Aaron on 027 346 6305 or email info@totaldecorating.co.nz

www.totaldecorating.co.nz 61

MY HOME

9 10

9.

10.

11.

12.

12

11

62

The black and white theme continues into the bedrooms Dark carpets and light walls provide a real wow factor inside Who wouldn't want to dine outside with these views?

Crisp lines are a feature of the Paul Richards designed home

ITALIAN

STYLING YOUR SUMMER

POOL TILES

NELSON TILE & SLATE CENTRE 40 Vanguard Street, Nelson neltile@xtra.co.nz www.nelsontileandslate.co.nz

Ph: 03 548 7733 OPEN - MON to FRI - 8am to 5pm SATURDAY from 10am to 2pm

2 hours FREE parking

63

MY KITCHEN

Chilled cucumber & avocado soup

Ingredients: 1 telegraph cucumber 1/2 perfectly ripe avocado 1/2 cup unsweetened natural yoghurt Juice of half a lemon or lime 1 garlic clove, peeled Large handful of fresh mint 6 ice cubes or 1/3 cup chilled water Salt and cracked pepper to taste

B Y N I C O L A G A L L O WAY

Serves 8

This soup is inspired by Nana’s chilled cucumber soup.

The original recipe didn’t contain avocado, but my nana, being quite radical for her time, would sometimes add a scoop of creamy avocado for a smoother texture.

Directions: Put all the ingredients in a food processor and blitz – scraping down the sides several times – until smooth. Check taste, adding extra lemon, salt and/or cracked pepper to find a perfect balance of flavours. Add more chilled water or several more ice cubes if the mixture is too thick – it should be pourable like a smoothie. Serve the soup icy-cold in small bowls with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and mint leaves to garnish. Serves 4.

Still a family favourite, this soup is often requested on a hot summer’s day. With February renowned for being the hottest month in the Nelson/Tasman region, serve this refreshing soup for a light lunch or a pre-dinner starter.

I hope it becomes a summer favourite in your home too.

64

DINE OUT

Quality you can

bank on

BY MAXWELL FLINT

I

have always marvelled at the pomposity of Victorian bank and insurance buildings. All those marbled columns and swirly bits proclaiming they are very successful at producing nothing, all the while using your money to make large amounts of cash. In fact, I think all the old bank buildings should be immediately turned into restaurants or whorehouses, which would be a much more appropriate use of their mock Georgian facades.

Thankfully for Blenheim, one has been. The Hotel d’Urville is an ex-bank building, now home to a rather smart hotel and restaurant. The problem is that the buildings made to impress also create high expectations. Cloth cap in hand and forelock at the ready, I shuffled through the rather grand entranceway to dine at the hotel restaurant, where the decor is less Georgian and more ‘Travel-Inn’ – not

unpleasant, just a little too inoffensive.

The bar area looked like it was a second thought and possibly bought in a flatpack.

The maître d’ was a towering Frenchman who had a delightful accent and wore a rather lived-in white shirt.

I was surprised that I was the only diner, and was informed by ‘Monsieur’ that the recent quakes had diverted potential customers away from Kaikoura and Blenheim.

The menu selection looked good – not exactly cutting-edge but covering all the bases. I started with scallops and black pudding with champagne beurre blanc ($24), which, despite the disparity of ingredients, is a relatively classic dish.

An interesting twist on surf-and-turf.

Simple but well-executed; perfectly seared scallops perched on fried, not overly strong, black pudding. A dollop of pesto, balsamic reduction and the ubiquitous

micro-greens and ‘hey presto’, a dish that worked.

Normally I don’t order cervena, the farmed venison, as I don’t think it has enough oomph. However, wild venison I do like. It’s a result of all the native flora the beast has been feeding on.

The main course I chose was pink wild venison loin, foraged wilted greens and forest fruits essence ($39), with some French fries courtesy of an upsell from Monsieur. This was quite a dish, and apart from the excellently cooked venison, there was also wilted spinach, capsicum, asparagus, roasted onion, courgette and mushroom – and of course, a large amount of chips on the side with three dips. Sacré bleu! This was a hunter’s meal.

The venison wasn’t that gamey, but top marks to the chef – he knows how to cook venison.

Apparently, the pastry chef is French, so I ordered the raspberry chou-chou ($18). Well-made choux pastry, sitting on raspberry marmalade, with wild raspberries, Chantilly cream and vanilla ice cream. Delicious, but it completely stonkered me.

This was a very good meal and I enjoyed it. I think the restaurant may have pretensions to fine dining, but it’s not. A lack of linen and decor sees to that.

This doesn’t matter because it was still a great meal.

The toilets are in the old bank vault and I am sure there is a joke in that regarding safes and deposits, but I will refrain.

Hotel d'Urville Cost: $120 for one with 2 glasses of wine Value for money: Food: Atmosphere: Service:

Hands-on cooking classes - starting mid-February - Thai cuisine with Paula (Paula’s Plate) Thai Cooking with Paula

Restaurant

The Basics of Thai Cooking Everyday Thai Dishes Regional Thai Cuisine Advanced Thai Cuisine

Pizza, Paella & Pasta - Refined

Prego banner — locked spot

A series of four Thai cooking classes:

These hands-on classes are hosted by Masterchef finalist Paula Kilkelly.

Days: Mon-Sat 8am - 4pm Evenings: Wed-Sat 5pm - 9pm Details at comida.co.nz

65

WINE

The Saint Clair family

Landmark achievements B Y P H I L L I P R E AY

R

ecording a ‘ton’ in cricket is quite an achievement, but hitting 102 not out in human years is nothing short of amazing. Dawn Ibbotson, the matriarch of Saint Clair family estate, reached this august age recently. I’m told she still lives alone and finishes the cryptic crossword before breakfast – there’s hope for us all.

In celebration of Dawn’s 100th birthday, Saint Clair produced Dawn methode traditionelle. With hand-picked fruit, the chardonnay was tank-fermented and the pinot noir fermented in old, French barriques. The wine was 35 months on the lees before Daniel Le Brun disgorged and bottled it for them.

The result is fantastic – dry, but with wonderful fruit and displaying the yeasty bread characteristics of truly good methode. This is easily one of the top bubbles I have tried from New Zealand.

Saint Clair is one of the oldest vineyards in Marlborough, first growing grapes in 1978, then producing their own wine from 1994. A hallmark of this winery is that they ferment in small batches – no huge tanks here. That way they can separate grapes from the different

66

vineyards and thus retain each vineyard’s characteristics.

The winery produces several labels.

The best quality is probably the ‘reserve’ range, using their finest fruit. Sitting alongside that is the ‘Pioneer Block’ label using small parcels of fruit from selected vineyards.

The other labels use wine blended from different vineyards, although there is a ‘Barrique’ label that produces oak-aged and fermented sauvignon blanc. The estate also owns a vineyard on the famous Hawkes Bay gravels.

I spent an enjoyable couple of hours with chief winemaker Hamish Clark discussing and tasting wines in the Saint Clair vineyard kitchen, a restaurant gaining quite a reputation.

A wine that stood out for me was the Saint Clair Pioneer Block 11 Cell Block Chardonnay 2014. This chardonnay was 100 percent barrel-fermented in new French oak, which I imagined would create an oak explosion. However, they carefully selected barrels from the right manufacturer to ensure a subtle oak influence.

The wine underwent 100 percent

malolactic fermentation – again a risk of being a little flabby. Well, the opposite was the case. The wine was bright and yet harmonious, with a depth and structure found in really good chardonnays.

The three years in the bottle has really helped this chardonnay develop. It is an excellent wine.

If you want to show visitors a classic example of Marlborough sauvignon blanc, then the Saint Clair Pioneer Block 25 Point Five Sauvignon Blanc 2015 is the go-to wine. It screams Marlborough and displays all the wonderful characteristics that have made this varietal so famous.

Saint Clair aromatics are also quality wines. Both the rieslings and the gewürztraminer are made in the Germanic style with a little bit of residue sugar. There is a dry-style riesling as well.

Saint Clair has one of the biggest holdings of the gruner veltliner grape in Marlborough, and it must be pretty damn good as the 2015 has just won a transTasman award for the best New Zealand wine. There was also an excellent pinot noir made from aged vines and I tasted a good weighted malbec from Hawkes Bay. Great wine, great restaurant, great people.

BEER

Brewery takes new road to Toad

BY MARK PREECE

W

hen Martin Townshend saw the opportunity to relocate his brewery to Motueka café Toad Hall’s backyard, he jumped at the chance. Townshend Brewery will literally put its beers into customers’ hands.

“Toad Hall’s steady flow of customers can look at the brewery, do tastings and enjoy the fantastic food the Toad already has.” Martin is looking to sell beer in keg and cask over the bar, “but also use our bottling plant to do some weird and wonderful stuff, which would be ideal for a beer-geek cellar”.

His introduction to brewing came 12 years ago when, after a suggestion to Fresh FM that they should have someone on radio talking about beer, he landed himself a weekly interview assignment.

The contacts he made during his 18-month stint on radio, and also through a period of beer column writing for the Nelson Mail, led to marketing beer for others, then the decision to “have a stab at brewing”.

He established Townshend Brewery, which covered everything from bottles and kegs to contract brewing and dealing with far-flung distributors, spreading the operation thinly. “We are a family operation and for that to work we have to crank a lot of volume,” he says. “We ended up running ourselves ragged trying to help everyone out, and decided to have a change of tack.”

Moving to Toad Hall seemed like the perfect step.

Not only does it simplify the workstream but Martin gets to talk to the people drinking his beers. “Whether you come on a bike, car, on a bus or have

hitched, we don’t mind how you get there but we’ll look after you once you’re here.”

Here’s an ever-changing selection of the Townshend hospitality you can expect: Old House ESB, ABV 5.3%.

They say: This English extra-special bitter is malty and sweet, strong in flavour with a sweet/sour aftertaste. A real seasonable bitter, with great balance. Won Best in Class at the Brewers Guild of New Zealand Awards 2013.

Aotearoa Pale Ale, ABV 5%.

They say: A long white cloud of fresh flavours. It’s ‘Kiwi as’. This massively hoppy aromatic pale ale contains deliciously local hops for a Kiwi version of the ever-popular IPA. It is also quenchingly bitter, while still having great balance and mouthfeel.

HM’s Black Strap Porter, ABV 4.5%.

They say: Rich, dark and complex, this delicious porter is creamy, chocolatey and malty, with a hint of espresso. A multiple winner at the Brewers Guild of New Zealand Awards.

Kings Landing Scotch Ale, ABV 6.8%.

They say: This annual release is a dark scotch ale with peated malt, in the oldworld tradition.

Oldham’s Tap Pilsner, ABV 5.5%.

They say: This beer-brewing gig is full of great characters who are as passionate about the part they play in the process as we are about putting it all together.

It takes its name from a true-blue fellow named Colin Oldham from Tapawera, and that’s where his hop garden is situated.

He kindly supplied the 100 percent fresh Riwaka hops delicately used in this 100 percent NZ ingredients pilsner.

Martin Townshend

NELSON'S FINEST CO-WORKING SPACE

“ 111 BRIDGE STREET PH. 03 548 9877

FIND US ON

..having a place to go to work each day, with friendly faces, fast Internet, great coffee and a good vibe.

- KAREN BROWN

”

WWW.BRIDGESTREET.CO.NZ 67

T R AV E L

THIS PAGE Young Buddhist monks in their bright robes shield themselves from the scorching midday sun in Luang Prabang NEXT PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM The tranquil countryside around Luang Prabang is covered with lush green rice paddies; the potholed and dusty backroads of Vang Vieng are home to subsistence farmers; delicious and dirtcheap barbecued street food on the Vientiane roadside

Languid in Laos

BY BRENDA WEBB

I

blame the Buddhist monks. Clad in flowing saffron robes, they wander elegantly through the streets of Luang Prabang. I’m sure it’s their presence that injects a calmness and sense of spirituality to this Unescoprotected gem of a city.

The peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, in the north of Laos, makes a wonderful setting for the city’s 33 Buddhist temples, some incredibly ornate with shiny golden towers and lavish ornamental dragons guarding the gateways.

Laos is slowly embracing tourism.

Accommodation ranges from simple backpacker dormitories right through to five-star luxury, albeit at prices relative to a Third World country, meaning a nice spot with a pool is about $30. Food is also ridiculously cheap – $5 fed us both, and that included a cold beer.

68

Our time in Laos began in Vientiane, still showing signs of its French colonial past with tree-lined boulevards and the fading grandeur of imposing heritage buildings. The best things the French left behind were their penchant for fantastic flaky croissants and great coffee. Both are available in abundance.

A highlight in Vientiane was the COPE centre, an inspiring non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting victims of unexploded cluster-bombs. An estimated 260 million ‘bomblets’ were dropped on Laos during the Vietnam War – it was used as a dumping ground – and up to 80 million failed to detonate, remaining in the ground.

While we were in Laos two boys were killed by such bomblets and during our travels we saw dozens of victims with missing limbs. It was heartening to see many visitors, like us, donating to the cause.

From Vientiane we took a wild bus ride north to Vang Vieng. Our driver delighted in passing on blind corners and speeding through villages, scattering children, dogs, chickens and pigs. Fortunately, the roads are reasonably quiet and we reached our destination shaken but in one piece.

Vang Vieng is an achingly beautiful town and it’s easy to see why it became such a popular backpacker haunt in the

late 1990s. Set on a river at the base of spectacular mountains, it presents an array of outdoor activities, including tubing and kayaking on the river, rockclimbing, hiking and caving.

Word got out and soon Vang Vieng became a hedonistic hideaway for hippies and those seeking off-the-wall adventures. Excessive partying at the many bars or risk-taking while caving, tubing and rock-climbing caused a number of fatalities and in 2012 the Laos Government shut down the party scene.

Locals breathed a sigh of relief as their town returned to normal.

Our five-hour bus ride from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang was far more sedate than our first, probably because the route passes over tortuous mountain roads, some gouged out by recent rain.

We passed tiny mountain villages where most residents were obviously very poor. Tiny shacks built from bamboo line the road and activity seems to centre right there. People cook, sit, eat and live on the street – their one-room shacks often open right onto the roadway.

The Lao people are resilient, friendly, welcoming, honest and grateful for the income they receive from tourism, which is slowly putting this war-torn country back on its feet.

A fantastic place to visit, especially if you get off the beaten track as we did.

MELROSE CAFE

Open 7 days 9am-5pm

(03) 548 9179 www.melrosecafe.co.nz

Secured business and personal loans www.fico.co.nz 69

A DV E N T U R E

Superb scenery upstaged

BY SOPHIE PREECE

W

ith snowy peaks to our right, a steep mountain range to our left, and wild horses on a nearby river plain, we should be savouring the St James Cycle Trail.

However, threatening black clouds mean our focus is largely on making ground through this magnificent highcountry landscape, with its bright carpet of wild flowers.

The 64km trail through the historic St James sheep and beef station was the first ’Great Ride’ established as part of the Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail, after the Government purchased the North Canterbury farm in 2008.

It has superb scenery and challenging riding, with plenty of climbs along the way.

We begin at the Maling Pass carpark, 30 minutes’ drive from Hanmer Springs, cycle over the pass and down the craggy 4WD track on the other side.

The route then drops through beech forest to the edge of the Waiau River, and along a bike track that cuts through long grass and bright daisies.

We detour a few kilometres off-track to visit the goose-laden Lake Guyon, a beautiful high-country lake with a small Department of Conservation hut at its edge. Sandflies and rainclouds provide

70

perfect motivation to move on and we head back to the trail, where we soon see the wild St James horses across the river.

Having crossed the Waiau, we climb the gruelling Saddle Spur – with me pushing my bike much of the way – then drop to the very modest Pool Hut. Its most redeeming feature, apart from the stunning surroundings, is the fact that we are its sole occupants, having come across no other riders all day.

With a big chunk of the ride bitten off on that first day, we can enjoy a lazy morning at the hut. The clouds have disappeared and a wide blue sky cloaks the alpine landscape. Then we cross the McArthur Bridge and ride farm tracks up and over terraces before climbing Charlies Saddle and dropping to Scotties Camp Hut. Somewhere near here there is a natural hot pool that I’ve had in mind since we set off, planning to ease aching muscles mid-journey. But we miss the turnoff – and barely regret it, thinking instead of cold streams as the sun sizzles us in the saddle.

We continue up Edwards Valley on a 4WD track, crossing several streams along the way, then climb up to Peters Pass for a fast and fun downhill ride to the St James Homestead at the end of the trail.

NEED TO KNOW

DOC classes this ride as intermediate (Grade 3).

There is some advanced riding, but you can always get off and push. Good fitness required.

If you have time, consider a quiet three-day ride, with a night at Lake Guyon and Scotties Hut. The track is remote and without cell phone coverage, so be prepared. It’s a 20km road ride from the homestead to the Maling Pass carpark, so unless you have someone willing to ride the road while you sleep under a tree (thanks Mark), you’ll need to organise a vehicle drop.

For more information go to doc.govt.nz and nzcycletrail.com

B OAT I N G

Birth of a yacht club

BY STEVE THOMAS

S

he stands out a like a sore toe at Nelson marina. ‘The Red Shed’, flagship headquarters of the Tasman Bay Cruising Club, is not the prettiest building, some say, but she’s definitely unique.

Nearly 30 years have passed since prominent Wellington architect Ian Athfield joined forces with a group of third-year students from the Wellington School of Architecture. They had been invited to use the proposed clubhouse as a design project. Each student prepared sketch plans and siting proposals for the new building. Nearly all proposed building on the land offered to the club, but two students realised the potential of building over the water and saving the land for other uses. One of these projects was unanimously selected and it was from those ideas that full plans were developed.

But how did this distinctive marina structure come to light? Rewind two years to 1985. The Nelson Harbour Board had set aside a piece of land for boating interests (now the site of the club’s boat hardstand yard opposite). There was a growing desire amongst local boaties for new shore-based facilities following the completion of the marina. A number of meetings were held, largely initiated by legendary yachtie Jack Shacklock.

By the middle of the following year no significant progress had been made and the proposal was formally dropped. Too many meetings can have that effect.

But Jack was not yet ready to throw in the towel. He invited Nelson yacht owners to meet one more time to consider their future needs. With the help of some ‘liquid refreshment’, it quickly became obvious that the group were talking about a new club. Initially the available land had been offered to the Nelson Yacht Club, who undertook to produce a development plan, but as happens in many voluntary clubs, the proposal died.

Finally, late in November 1986 a steering group was formed, led by Jack, to push ahead with the development of a new clubhouse, and the Tasman Bay Cruising Club was born. A vigorous fundraising campaign, involving philanthropic contributions and debentures plus a mortgage, raised enough dollars to start construction.

The clubhouse was officially opened

by Nelson Mayor Peter Malone on June

11, 1989. The names of the original committee are recorded on a brass plaque placed in the club’s foyer: Jack Shacklock, Bill Bean, Mike Neale, Robert Kay, Ross Greenslade, Mike Heath, Andrew Harding, George Topliss, Hamish Riddoch, Brian Kidson, Roger Gibbons, Wally Dobson, Phil Robson, Colin Geddes and Tony Bennett.

Nelson boaties have these guys to thank for providing such a great facility enjoyed by a fast-growing club membership. Special thanks to those no longer with us.

I shudder to think how hard it would be to get a voluntary project like this completed in today’s PC world of resource consents, health and safety, seabed and foreshore acts, to name but a few of the obstacles. Much better to savour a beer at the Red Shed bar and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Cheers to TBCC.

Yacht, Launch and Commercial Vessel Sales Your first port of call!

nzboatsales.com 71

MOTORING

BY GEOFF MOFFETT

VW Tiguan Instrument display a game-changer

V

olkswagen’s new Tiguan SUV has come up with a game-changer that rivals can’t match – a virtual cockpit instrument display, and it surely sets an automotive trend that will soon be as common as the reversing camera.

The Tiguan dispenses with the fixed speedo and tacho dials. Now you get a digital display – a cool-looking thing that you can customise to highlight the information you want. With your navigation, for example, the map will take centre-stage while the dials shrink to either side. It’s not just a neat trick. It’s easy to read and keeps the driver’s eyes front-and-centre. The cockpit also offers a supplementary 8-inch touchscreen for passengers to play with.

Audi and Volkswagen are in front with this technology, in the stable that also includes Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche and Skoda – a vast auto empire making nearly 10 million vehicles per year, second only to Toyota. The virtual 12.3-inch display – or ‘active info display’ 72

as VW calls it – gives the Tiguan a point of difference in the highly competitive compact SUV market, although you’ll have to pay $1000 for the option on the 2WD models.

But the virtual display is not the only feature that makes this Tiguan an excellent car. The second-generation is lifted to an impressive new standard of fit and finish, as well as roominess, equipment and safety. It’s instantly appealing, top-class inside, and has a comfortable ride, with reassuring grip in the all-wheel-drive models. The NZ range offers five variants: one diesel and four petrol in two- and four-wheel-drive (or 4Motion). In the petrol models, buyers can choose the Comfortline or the more luxurious Highline.

The engine range is the 1.4-litre, 110kw turbo petrol and diesel, or a 2-litre, 132kw petrol, also turbocharged.

Prices start at $41,990 and up to $66,990 for the TSI R-line 162kw hot version with everything. This Tiguan is longer

(by 60mm), wider (by 30mm) and has a longer wheelbase (70mm) than its predecessor and offers another 145 litres of load space (now 615 litres) with the rear seats forward. And the new vehicle is no dearer than the old one.

Although prices are at the higher end in this segment, buyers are snapping up the new SUV as quickly as they’re delivered to the Nelson showrooms of Haven Motors. This Tiguan packs in a lot of features for the money. All models get auto-cornering lights, park-distance control and park-assist, folding and heated exterior mirrors, automatic driving lights, auto-dim mirror and – but for the base model – keyless entry and start.

That’s an impressive line-up, and you can add safety features such as electronic stability control, a full complement of airbags, driver-fatigue detection system, front-collision warning with autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, side assist and rear traffic alert.

On the road, the Tiguan feels taut and solid, with the seven-speed gearbox in the diesel I drove well-matched to the 2-litre engine. The Tiguan is no lightweight but the upside is that feeling of solidity.

Tech spec Model: Price:

VW Tiguan TDI From $41,990 (TSI Comfortline 2WD); $57,990 (TSI Highline 4Motion), $59,990 (TDI Highline diesel) $66,990 (R-Line 4Motion petrol) Power: 1.4 litre petrol, 110Kw @ 5,000-6,000rpm; 250Nm @ 5,000-6,000rpm, 1984cc petrol, 132Kw @ 3,940-6,000rpm, 320Nm @ 1,500-3,940rpm; 1968cc diesel, 110Kw @ 3,500-4,000rpm, 340Nm @ 1,750-3,000rpm; 1984cc diesel, 162Kw @ 4,500-6,200rpm, 350Nm @ 1,500-4,4000rpm).

Fuel economy: From 5.6 l/100km combined (diesel) Vehicle supplied by Haven Motors

BUSINESS PROFILE

Top-flight skills, tight-knit team

BY BRENDA WEBB P H O T O A N A G A L L O WAY

W

eb and user experience designer Bryce Easton was ‘blown away’ by the calibre and quality of work being produced by Nelson branding agency HotHouse when he arrived in the city in 2015.

The Canterbury lad, who did a Bachelor of Design at Christchurch’s School of Arts, spent several years working for himself as well as for high-profile agencies in Australia and North America.

His former clients included Mazda, Toyota, Foxtel, American Express, Yering Station, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Deloitte, Thomson Reuters, Brown Brothers and Henschke .

He moved to Nelson in October 2015 in what was ‘definitely a lifestyle choice’, and admits there were challenges in leaving a city like Sydney, population four million, for Nelson, population 50,000, especially when it came to finding a stimulating job.

“I had no work expectations but got chatting to people, started looking around and stumbled across HotHouse,” he says. “I wasn’t expecting to find something like this in a small provincial city … they are a fantastic team of people doing amazing work.”

The HotHouse team is made up of creative professionals curious about technology and the way it can be leveraged to create memorable,

meaningful brand experiences. As a web designer Easton is passionate about the online space and loves creating functioning, high-converting and successful websites.

HotHouse aims to be all things to all people and promote long-term relationships.

He is also enthusiastic about the outdoors, and says Nelson’s accessibility to the mountains and sea made moving here a straightforward choice. “There is so much to do and enjoy. I love fishing, kayaking and being outside and I feel if you have a happy lifestyle then you are happy at work – they bounce off each other.”

HotHouse offers full graphic design, web design and branding services for companies of all shapes and sizes.

Creative director Allan Innes-Walker, who has been with the company for 11 years, says HotHouse aims to be all things to all people and promote long-term relationships.

“The challenge is delivering a website or brand and then getting into that privileged position where you really get to know your client and become a trusted partner in helping to grow their business,”

he says. “It’s a fascinating place to be.”

Innes-Walker believes in surrounding himself with ‘awesome’ people who become part of a close-knit, talented and skilled team. Attracting them to Nelson is not difficult, he says.

“These are people who have big-city and big-agency skills but they want to be in a small town with access to the outdoors and the fantastic lifestyle that offers. We’ve ended up with a collection of highly educated people who are applying their skills here in Nelson for Nelson businesses.”

Today’s technology means HotHouse can deliver to companies outside of Nelson. Some of their biggest clients are based in Wellington, Auckland and even overseas.

Easton describes living in Nelson as seamless. “Everything here is so accessible,” he says. “I have a five minute commute to work and can be in Wellington talking to a client within the hour. How amazing is that to be in another city faster than it used to take me to get to work.”

Contact hothouse.co.nz Phone: 03­545 7995

73

ARTS

A man of many talents B Y LY N D A PA P E S C H

B

udding artists have the chance this month to work with a painter who has gained international recognition for his brushwork and also his musicianship. Richard Adams will be teaching a two-day workshop for the Marlborough Art Society at Marisco Vineyard on 25 and 26 February.

Adams paints, he writes and he cofounded the New Zealand jazz ensemble ‘Nairobi Trio’.

Although English born, he cultivated his artistic endeavours in New Zealand, starting with co-scripting, co-producing and co-directing the New Zealand Feature Film ‘Artman’ released at the Wellington Film Festival, July 1979, when he was aged 22. Later that year he published ‘Translations’, a book of poems and etchings.

From 1982 till 1988 he was head scenic artist for the New Zealand Film

Richard Adams

Industry, after which stint he co-founded Pro Art, specialising in commissioned artworks and sculptural pieces. A year later, 1989, he helped establish ‘Nairobi Trio’ while at the same time deciding to also pursue painting seriously. From then until now, Adams continues to divide his time between painting and touring, both nationally and internationally, with Nairobi Trio.

His Marlborough workshop follows soon after a residency at the prestigious Winchester College, an independent school for boys in the British public school tradition, situated in Winchester, Hampshire, England.

Adams believes he is the only New Zealand artist to have completed the 8-week programme, which introduces a ‘working artist’ to the college students and is available mainly to English artists.

Previous artists in residence at Winchester

College have included Hungarian war photographer and photojournalist, Robert Capa, and English sculptor and painter, Barbara Hepworth.

Of particular interest to him was the college’s art gallery, resembling a museum of great works including those of William Turner and John Constable. “I spent hours poring over the collection,” he admits, The residency involved mentoring the students and teaching alongside painting. Additionally he had to produce a commission piece that was paid for by the college. Early in his stay, Adams elected to create a triptych that measured roughly 2.5 metres high by 5 metres wide, and in traditional format included a large central panel flanked by two side wings. Being a jazz musician of note, (he took his fiddle with him) Adams has a strong connection with music and felt it appropriate to make a work for the music school that has a large curved wall in its foyer – perfect for what he had in mind.

Some of the process of making the commission ‘800 Years of Marks’ was done with the boys’ involvement; the name of the work echoing the centuries-old habit of scratching initials, names and drawings on to the stone walls.

Adams found the residency hugely interesting and believes it is a rare opportunity that is available for other artists. The theme for the residency covers many contemporary art disciplines including painting, sculpting, printmaking, conceptual art and photography.

The works shown in his current Orexart exhibition in Auckland reflect his time in the United Kingdom and Europe via his translation of the light. The light in the northern hemisphere is not as contrasting as in the Pacific. It is muted and softer, hence in his latest exhibition Adams has employed muted tones and has played down contrast. He feels that when he was in residency at Winchester College, he subconsciously painted with muted contrast being affected by his immediate environment.

He describes it as a shift in style rather than a significant change. workshops@marlboroughartsociety.com

74

G A L L E RY M U S T- H AV E S

2 1.

Marilyn Andrews, A Walk in the Garden, Mixed media on canvas, Marilyn Andrews Gallery, Nelson 03 548 9400, 150cm x 90cm, $6,000

2. Jane Smith, Mo in the Springtime, oil portrait, Chocolate Dog Studio, Mapua 03 540 2007, $240 3. Russell Papworth, On top of the World, Forest Fusion, Mapua wharf 03 540 2961, $1,850 4. Custom made platinum princess cut diamond with Ceylonese sapphire, Benjamin Black Goldsmiths, Nelson 03 546 9137, benjaminblack.co.nz 5. Bill Burke, Heading Out, Nelson, pastel, Bill Burke Gallery, Nelson, 03 546 6793, 88cm x 56cm 6. Roz Speirs, Southerly Winds, Art@203, Nelson 027 500 5528, $135

3

1

7. Candy Clarke, Daily Grind, acyrlic on perspex, Red Gallery, Nelson redartgallery.com

4

5 6

7 75

MUSIC

VIP passes sold out in record time, with more than 80 percent of them going to out-of-towners, many from overseas.

The hottest tickets in town

BY PETE RAINEY

The

Adam Chamber Music Festival might not sell out in 23 minutes like an Adele gig, but this unique music event generates phenomenal interest. Individual tickets for the nine-day showcase in February are selling fast, and Festival Manager Bob Bickerton says the VIP passes sold out in record time, with more than 80 percent of them going to out-of-towners, many from overseas.

All those festival attendees flying into Nelson is good news for the city, and 12 of the musicians will fly in with their best mates strapped into the seats next to them, not uttering a word or eating a mouthful. That’s because festival Artistic Directors Helene Pohl and Gillian Ansell, from the New Zealand String Quartet, 76

have put the spotlight on the cello this year.

“We have an astonishing 12 cellists, led by Matthew Barley from the UK, and a fantastic ‘mini cello festival’ with Beethoven’s complete cycle of sonatas for cello and piano, as well as two concerts featuring all our top cellists,” says Gillian.

“With their instruments worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, they require a booked seat rather than going in with the luggage.”

And she says the line-up doesn’t stop with cellists: “Leading our international guests is the great Hungarian pianist Dénes Varjon, who has been on our ‘must-invite’ list for years. We’re delighted to announce the return of legendary Canadian clarinettist James Campbell,

plus the inspiring Goldner Quartet from Australia, who will be in Nelson to celebrate their 22nd anniversary.”

Luckily for us, the Top of the South is a drawcard for musicians and festival audiences alike. It’s not just the beautiful settings and the southern summer that brings them in, but also our heritage venues, with string and wind ensembles at Nelson Cathedral, and the piano concerts, for the first time, at the Theatre Royal. Bob Bickerton says sound experts Marshall Day Acoustics have come up with a ‘sound shell design’ to reflect the music from the stage into the auditorium, transforming the theatre into a chamber music venue.

“People are going to be really impressed with the Theatre Royal. The Sturgeon Steinway will sound truly inspirational there, the lines of sight are excellent and we benefit from the theatre’s modern venue facilities.”

The festival programme boasts a huge array of fascinating concerts.

Composers of new works will give talks, and early birds with VIP passes will enjoy concerts in interesting locations around the region. It’s not all string quartets and pianos either. Offerings include marimba and improvisation with celebrated American percussionist Ian Rosenbaum and composer-drummer Ed Ware, a Kiwi who now lives between Barcelona and New York.

As usual the festival features an array of premieres and commissioned works, including Dame Gillian Whitehead’s new one-woman opera, Iris Dreaming. Based on the life of poet and novelist Iris Wilkinson, aka Robin Hyde, it will be performed by the NZ Trio and London-based NZ soprano Joanne Roughton-Arnold.

From late-night jazz at East St Cafe to a children’s concert, music in the street and a line-up of world-class concerts, the festival is shaping up to be a cracker.

The Adam Chamber Music Festival, February 2-11 2017 Go to music.org.nz for tickets and more information.

FILM

The Innocents Drama Directed by Anne Fontaine Starring Lou de Laâge, Agata Buzek, Agata Kulesza 155 minutes Rated PG-13

We

all have a story to tell.

Consider Philippe Maynial, who struggled for five years to make a motion picture with inspiration from his aunt’s diary. Her name was Madeleine Pauliac, a French Red Cross doctor during the Second World War. The result of his efforts is The Innocents, a war film about women, made by women and with a welcome point of view.

The Innocents begins at the end of the war in Poland, December 1945.

Madeleine is summoned to a convent where a number of nuns are in the family way. You read me right – preggers.

The story is based on real events.

According to the diary notes, advancing Soviet soldiers raped 25 religious sisters, killed 20 more and left five pregnant.

(The nuns’ gruesome experience was common. Soviet soldiers are estimated to have raped as many as 100,000 Polish women.)

Old habits die hard

BY MICHAEL BORTNICK

The film, at 155 minutes, actually passes quite quickly as predicaments pile on dilemmas. An overly superior Mother Superior, who merely contracted syphilis in the attack, is highly concerned about the humiliation from formerly unblemished nuns, which could cause the convent to close.

And another thing – the doctor, Mathilde, is a communist atheist who is dating a Jew. And since nuns are married to Jesus and sworn to chastity, how do we conceal the babies?

Then, of course, what sort of deity are we worshipping who lets these highjinks happen? As Sister Maria confides to Mathilde, “We often believe that faith cements those who are driven by it, but that’s an error. Much to the contrary – it is 24 hours of doubt for one minute of hope.”

The Innocents is a difficult film to sit through squirmless. There is never an opportunity to smile, except for

maybe the final minute. With all the melancholy, the ending wraps things up in a quick and tidy way so we can go home feeling a bit less soiled.

The scenery effectively replicates a bitter winter in a sunless and isolated place. At all times we feel cold and lonely. The Innocents is seemingly not filmed in colour, but rather sepia, where all is dark, during either night or day.

Rare dialogue is spoken quietly, as one would expect in a house of the Lord.

Even dining is without pleasure; every menu consists of either boiled potatoes or some kind of hard, dry bread.

The performance we get from Lou de Laâge (Mathilde) is well above board.

We see the world through her eyes and she reflects our reactions, and that’s a good thing.

Note also, The Innocents is in French with subtitles. However, the tale is crucial and commanding and should be seen by discerning adults.

77

QUIZ

Crossword

Across 01. Amusingly coarse 05. Castle water ditch 07. Senseless (comment) 08. Hawaiian dance 09. Grumble 10. Dining bench 11. Cows’ milk sacs 13. Not one 14. More effortless 18. Phantoms 21. Collar button 22. Wellbeing 24. Female reproductive organ 25. Forbid 26. Injury 27. Ascended 28. Operates 29. Records

Sudoku

Every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: Each of the nine horizontal rows Each of the nine vertical columns Each of the nine 3x3 boxes

Down 01. Reaccommodate 02. Conscious 03. Slimming plans 04. Poking abruptly 05. Token of remembrance 06. Opposed to 12. Regret 15. National songs 16. Within building 17. Fall ill again 19. Garden tool 20. Plots 22. African scavenger 23. Pallid

Wordfind Z D U S T S T O R M Q O J

Last month’s solutions CROSSWORD

Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

SUDOKU

U L D E E P S R C W Y B L

W M T P R H F Q L U Z Z I

R A B R E F W R O L B E G

R E V R V R E B U W R T H

F A W E E T E C D U O T T

S L P O S L T D S R S L N

T H A I H Y L S N U G U I

O G W S P S E A R U J M N

R T W H H R D G A M H U G

M J O L P O E H M G K T G

Y O K K E N A C I R R U H

N B L I Z Z A R D Y Q J I

BLIZZARD CLOUDS DUST STORM FLASH HURRICANE LIGHTNING PRESSURE SEVERE SHOWER SPEED STORMY SURGE THUNDER TORNADO TUMULT TWISTER TYPHOON UMBRELLA WAVES

Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or diagonally.

Theme: Weather

Anagram WORDFIND ANAGRAM Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aries, Taurus Mystery word: PISCES

V R Y S H R D D R C Q V O

C R E A T E V E E O D J B

L M K C C G T L B G E S C

B S E I A A I I M I T V O

T E D D N L R B E T A W Z

T E L I I E L E M A M Y P

O C M I S T G R E T I O I

L U E O E N A A R E N J M

R P L P L V U T S D A E A

T V P M X Y E E E I E C G

E N O S A E R R X D V T I

T C E L F E R R D Z E N N

G W B R A I N P O W E R E

Unscramble the letters of the phrases to make five words relating to the theme, each starting with the given letter. The letters in the shaded squares will spell out another word relating to the theme. This is the mystery keyword.

A RASH IRON LACE DOMAINS CANNY PEEL OPEN

78

S C M N P

Theme: GIRLS NAMES

MARLBOROUGH ART SOCIETY 2017 SUMMER-AUTUMN

WORKSHOPS PROGRAMME RICHARD ADAMS’S ABSTRACT PAINTING WORKSHOP AT MARISCO VINEYARD $200

25 - 26 February Our venue will be ‘The River Hut’ in the beautiful Waihopai Valley where Richard will demonstrate his approach to abstract painting.

Suitable for both experienced artists and beginners wanting to learn how to paint in an abstract way. You will need to bring your own paint.

SHEYNE TUFFERY’S WOODCUT PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP $200

18 - 19 March This workshop is designed for people to make contrasting dynamic prints using traditional methods and experimentation.

It will be a hands-on introduction into the world of woodblock printmaking, from the idea to the finished print.

email workshops@marlboroughartsociety.com to register your interest or phone Helen Ballinger on 021 0267 8711

Funded by Creative Communities NZ Local Arts Funding 2016-2017

Asian Asiandining dining by by the the waterfront waterfront

Onlinebookings bookings at Online atnahm.co.nz nahm.co.nzor or 03 03 548 548 7776 7776

79

D I R E C T O RY

graphic design motion graphics & art direction

Ball Season Beauty Hair + Makeup + Nail packages available.

03 545 74 25 | hello@glitterandblush.co.nz www.glitterandblush.co.nz Based at Hair In The City, Nelson

THE NEW BLAK HAIRSTYLIST | MAKE UP ARTIST | FASHION STYLIST kelly.v@hotmail.co.nz | 0279625126

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

ARe you diffeRent?

Photography/Videography 020 410 37119 toddstarr@outlook.com www.focusdigital.space our business is Your success

80

So are we!

Want to make a radio show?

Contact the Team at Fresh FM content@freshfm.net

www.freshfm.net

D I R E C T O RY

Lydia’s Cafe Happy & healthy New Year from us all at Lydia’s Cafe.

Open from 6am Mon - Fri, serving excellent food and coffee.

265 Queen St, Richmond | Phone 544 1020

Anything but

ordinary

12 John Wesley Lane, Richmond (off Queen St, behind Avanti Plus)

Phone: 03 544 1515

www.moxini.co.nz

LoveNelson.NZ Locals supporting locals.

The quick and easy way to purchase local goods and services, directly from your computer or smartphone.

Nelson Kia

159 Haven Road, Nelson 03 545 6785 | www.nelsonkia.co.nz

Fine wines, great food, craft beers

www.marilynandrewsart.co.nz

OPEN DAILY | MAPUA WHARF | P 03 540 2580

Marilyn Andrews Art Commissions and bespoke creations 03 548 9400 027 652 2793

Fresh fruit and veggies and real fruit ice creams PYO strawberries, raspberries and boysenberries Gift shop and fun park 03 544 2099 | 108 Appleby Hwy, Appleby, Richmond

81

M Y E D U C AT I O N

What drew you to this course, and what do you hope to take away from it?

I signed up to this course because I love good coffee.

I hope to come away as an employable barista.

Now I see I will take away much more.

Such as?

Well, an interest and knowledge in the bar and wine industries for one. I hadn’t realised the extent to which the course would cover this. Some days we even make and taste cocktails. Several students have designed their own cocktails. That’s been a lot of fun.

It’s surprising how much taste-testing we get to do.

Hospitality is a very exciting, but demanding, industry. What types of challenges are you prepared for?

I can now make a great coffee, so I guess the first challenge will be getting someone to take a gamble on me. A lot of people have years of experience, but the course at NMIT really prepares you well – it’ll just be about getting a chance to prove that to an employer.

How does the course prepare you for the real world of hospitality?

A cool aspect is the café service part of the course.

This is a replica of working in a real café. We run the Rata Café at NMIT every Thursday. It is run at cost so we attract a lot of staff, and even pensioners as it is open to the public. It’s a great way to see how each aspect of the industry fits together. Our tutors supervise, but all roles, from the maître d‘ to baristas and bartenders, on this day are students.

How well does it prepare you for a real café job?

It can be stressful, and it shows where people’s strengths lie. When students are placed in roles that they haven’t learned enough about yet, it’s not so easy-going. When it runs well, it teaches us what it is we are aiming for and what sort of thing the industry will expect from us.

The Nelson region has such a wide range on offer in hospitality: craft beer, diverse restaurants, wineries and cafés. What is your personal go-to?

Well, given my love of coffee, it would be the great range of cafés. Thanks to the course, I have become more interested in the wineries and vineyards around.

Is there anything you think our Nelson region is missing, in terms of hospitality?

Not at all. Nelson is a popular destination and I feel the industry has covered it well. There’s such variety here.

What do you hope to offer the industry when you finish the course?

A sense of humour. Work is fun when the people have fun – as well as a great skill set, of course.

82

Hannah Grimwood makes a great coffee thanks to NMIT’s Certificate in Hospitality with Bartending course. She talks to Becks Wixon.

P H O T O G R A P H Y A N A G A L L O WAY

Coffee & broader horizons

Hairdressing graduate Check out Kim’s classroom

You’ll be so glad you did

Te Ha-para (Diploma in Ma-ori Studies), Certificate in Te Rito o Te Reo Check out Kapohau’s classroom

APPLY NOW

FOR FEB 2017

nmit.ac.nz/applynow

0800 788 391

Programmes available in: Aquaculture, Aviation Engineering, Conservation, Maritime, Viticulture and Winemaking, Adventure Tourism, Business, Information Technology, Arts and Design, Nursing, Health, Fitness, Ma-ori Studies, Automotive, Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Construction, Social Work, Counselling, Supervision, Cookery, Hospitality, Business Administration, Interior Design, Retail, Writing, Music, Hairdressing, Beauty and Body Therapy, English Language, Horticulture, Vocational Skills. Or take a Bridging Programme to help you into your future study.

Certificate in Superyacht Crewing Check out Zach’s classroom

Trainee Ranger Certificate Check out Zealand’s classroom

Proud sponsors of the Adam Chamber Music Festival Gala Dinner, Mahana Estates 2 February 2017

Shop 1, 295 Trafalgar Street, Nelson +64 3 539 0216 nzsothebysrealty.com Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Browns Real Estate Limited (licensed under the REAA 2008) MREINZ.