WildTomato November 2019 by WildTomato

Nelson Tasman and Marlboroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s magazine /

ISSUE 160 / NOVEMBER 2019 / $8.95

Home is where you park it - life in the motor home lane

Digital Detoxing Bathroom Ideas Nelson Fire Book Summer Sailing Mercedes GLE Abel Tasman Adventure Dust & Gold Hydrangeas Flaxmore Vineyards

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Nelson Tasman and Marlborough’s magazine

Features Issue 160 / November 2019

20 Mobile home living

Making the most of life in a motor home or caravan has become the norm for an increasing number of people. Alistair Hughes meets a few who enjoy life in the slow lane

26 Digital detoxing New Zealand is one of the top 10 places in the world to digitally detox and take a break from technology. Craig Sisterson investigates this growing phenomenon

32 Bathroom trends Modern bathrooms espouse style and luxury, Brenda Webb discovers

INTERVIEWS

12 My Big Idea Nelson Tasman’s big fire earlier this year provided the idea for a novel fundraiser. Renée Lang explains more

86 My Education Nursing student Emma Jonas enjoys helping the sick and vulnerable. She chatted with Ashleigh Rossiter about what it is like studying at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology 4

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Columns Issue 160 / November 2019

FASHION

39 Charismatic individualism

Queen’s Gardens set the scene for a ‘light’ spring shoot, coordinated by stylist Sonya Leusink Sladen and photographer Ishna Jacobs

46 Fashion Showcase Sonya Leusink Sladen provides some timely advice for always looking your fashionable best

LIFE

48 My Home Emma Peterson visits a Marlborough home that heats itself thanks to clever design and use of materials

54 My Garden Hydrangeas are enjoying a resurgence in our gardens, writes Annabel Schuler

56 My Health Laughter is excellent for the mind and body both, says GP Cindy de Villiers

58 My Kitchen A rustic vegetable tart makes a tasty meal for those longer spring/summer days. From Madame Lu’s Kitchen

60 Dine Out A green light for Harbour Light Bistro from reviewer Hugo Sampson

62 Wine Lynda Papesch meets the people behind the Moutere-based Flaxmore Vineyards label

63 Brews Beer aficionado Mark Preece checks out Nelson’s Free House 6

ACTIVE

80 Music Bellanna Stratford meets singing/songwriting duo Nikita Fountain and Mark Alan McKenzie who comprise Dust & Gold

66 Adventure Aya Mackay takes her young family on the Abel Tasman Great Walk

68 Sports From national champs to disabled sailors exploring precious freedom, local waters are swirling as the sailing season begins. Phil Barnes reports

81 Film Reviewer Michael Bortnick finds Hillary: Ocean to Sky a wonderful, multi-layered insight into one of New Zealand’s heroes

70 Motoring Reviewer Geoff Moffett takes to the roads in the latest Mercedes GLE

CULTURE

REGULARS

76 Arts

John Du Four catches up with metal artist Bruce Derrett

78 Books Some of the latest reads, compiled by Renée Lang

Editor’s letter & contributors 10 Noticeboard 14 Snapped 77 In the Gallery 82 Events

Editor's letter

Editor

Manager

oohoo! Welcome to WildTomato’s 160th issue. I managed to take a short break last month and took the time to travel around the Top of the South and re-acquaint myself with the land we love. The road trip reminded me of how many beautiful locations are within one, two or three hours’ driving from Nelson Tasman and Marlborough and that you don’t need to leave the country to have an exciting, relaxing or adventurous break away. Hubby Justin and I didn’t go in a motor home or caravan but we saw many of these on the road, and a surprising number were home to Kiwis on a lifestyle adventure. This month’s mobile home feature explores the exodus from land-based to mobile living and why people head down that path. We also take a look at digital detoxing which is something I too embraced while on holiday. New Zealand is ranked 10th out of the top 20 places in the world to digitally detox, largely due to the extent of its remote wilderness areas and slow internet speeds. Worldwide people are switching on to the need for regular technology-free time, especially in schools. Read more about that on page 26, and if you are looking for somewhere to chill out, relax and tune out of technology, look no further than our own back yard and neighbouring provinces. We are home to a large number of amazing remote and luxury lodges. This month we also feature bathroom trends and now’s the time to think about revamping/updating in time for family and friends coming home for Christmas. WildTomato’s pages are full of great ideas and also businesses that can help with special projects so if you are in need of inspiration then read on. Back issues may also prove helpful. I’ve been editor for three-and-a-half years now, and I’m always coming across people with collections of WildTomato magazines. Flicking back through them, I often find stories that are just as good reading now as when they were first published. This is another issue full of stimulating stories so turn the pages and enjoy! LYNDA PAPESCH

Love local Another successful Couture at the Cathedral

ashion and fun combined to raise $13,000 last month for the Nelson Regional Breast and Gynaecological Cancer Trust (nrbgct). The Couture at the Cathedral fashion show and charity auction , hosted by Morrison Square in conjuntion with WildTomato, has previously raised over $73,000 for nrbgt. This year was the fourth such event and attracted more than 150 supporters.

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

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

Design & art direction Hester Janssen design@wildtomato.co.nz

Contributors

Phil Barnes, Michael Bortnick, Chelsea Chang, Elora Chang, Cindy de Villiers, John Du Four, Maureen Dewar, Alistair Hughes, Steve Hussey, Bob Irvine, Ishna Jacobs, Renée Lang, Sonya Leusink Sladen, Brent McGilvary, Aya Mackay, Geoff Moffett, Sarah Nottage, Emma Peterson, Mark Preece, Ashleigh Rossiter, Mathew Roswell, Hugo Sampson, Annabel Schuler, Craig Sisterson, Bellanna Stratford, Adena Teka, Karaena Vincent, Brenda Webb, Dominique White

Advertising executives Chrissie Sanders 027 540 2237 chrissie@wildtomato.co.nz Jo Hender 021 264 7559 jo@wildtomato.co.nz

Lead ad designer Patrick Connor production@wildtomato.co.nz

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

Publisher

Jack Martin WildTomato Media Ltd The Boiler Room, 204 Hardy St, Nelson 7010 PO Box 1901 Nelson 7040 info@wildtomato.co.nz wildtomato.co.nz

Find us on: WildTomato/ @wildtomatomagazine @_WildTomato Read online at issuu.com/wildtomato WildTomato magazine is subject to copyright in its entirety and its contents may not be reproduced in any form, either wholly or in part, without written permission. The opinions expressed in WildTomato magazine are not necessarily those of WildTomato Media Ltd or its principals.

Cover design by Hester Janssen

Contributor spotlight ANNABEL SCHU LER

My Garden (page 54) Gardening has always been an escape for me, especially when I combined the role of busy community newspaper editor with growing hundreds of lavender plants to make a range of lavender-based products. Now I take life a little more sedately but still love to garden and to write. WildTomato allows me the opportunity to do both. I still follow gardening trends and add these to my trial-by-error gardening experiences in the My Garden column. I believe gardening is good for the soul and writing about it is even better.

AYA M A C K AY

Abel Tasman adventure (page 66) Originally from Japan, I’ve lived in Blenheim for about 15 years. I wrote this article about our first family multi-day tramp to the Abel Tasman National Park early this year. A lot of friends and acquaintances asked about our experience walking with our young family. It would be wonderful if more people took their children out into the parks of New Zealand so that they might learn to really love and appreciate what is on their doorstep.

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B E L L A N N A S T R AT F O R D

Music (page 80) Living in the top of the south and recently moving back to Nelson, I’ve grown up a hobbyist writer, evolving from the young age story telling of goblins and castles, to fiction stories of human connection. Writing the profile on Dust & Gold was an amazing first experience for me. They’re an inspirational couple and I wish them well for their future. Aside from my writing obsession, I hope to get my nose stuck in more books with summer sun on the horizon, salty sea tickling the end of my nose, it promises to be good beach reading weather. But for now, coming to the end of the Diploma in Writing for Creative Industries at NMIT in mid-November, is the time for me to be figuring out what is to come next, hopefully hard work and passion will keep writing in my future.

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

NOTICEBOARD

Record number of kākā released in Abel Tasman National Park

bel Tasman National Park is now home to 24 captive-raised kākā, recently released by Project Janszoon and the Department of Conservation from a purpose-built aviary at Bark Bay/Wairima. It is believed to be the largest number of kākā ever translocated at one time in New Zealand and there were so many of the threatened native parrots that the release was carried out in two sessions. “It will be magical seeing them thrive in the native forests of the Abel Tasman,” says Project Janszoon director Bruce Vander Lee. DOC biodiversity ranger John Henderson adds that it is important to ensure visitors to the park don’t feed the kākā as resulting ill health can be fatal for the birds. Signage has been erected to educate visitors about the birds’ diet, and tourism operators working in the park are being very supportive, offering to brief visitors to the park. Project Janszoon and DOC retrieved eggs and chicks from wild nests in Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes National Parks, before artificially incubating and hand-raising the hatchlings.

UNESCO Heritage Award for NCMA

he Nelson School of Music / Nelson Centre of Musical Arts redevelopment project by Irving Smith Architects and Ian Bowman Architect & Conservator has been recognised as a project of distinction by UNESCO at the 2019 Asia Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The jury reviewed 57 entries from 14 countries across the Asia-Pacific region. They noted: “The elegant restoration of the Nelson School of Music has brought new life to the significant Edwardian landmark, upgrading the century-old building to function as a 21st century performance space. External ornamentation was reintroduced using innovative materials, while the historic interiors were reinstated.” The jury went on to comment of the new elements of the building, “Modern building systems and a new entry foyer were deftly inserted, blending in smoothly with the heritage character of the property. The project establishes a noteworthy model for seismic upgrades, which can be applied to other historic buildings.”

Where do you read yours?

Airport terminal officially opens

he wait is over! On Tuesday 22nd October the newly completed Nelson Airport terminal opened to the public, marking a special day in aviation history. The public opening day followed the official opening ceremony on the previous Saturday with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and more than 150 guests. “Five years ago, we began a process of replacing the old terminal,” says Nelson Airport chairperson Paul Steere. “We set out to create an iconic and innovative airport precinct that would clearly characterise the region’s attributes, and that is what we are proud to have achieved!”

Congratulations

aint Clair Family Estate founders Neal and Judy Ibbotson have been named by the biggest Polish wine magazine (Czas Wina) as its ‘Persons of the Year 2019’ in recognition of their production of superb wines worldwide and especially the wines that Polish customers highly appreciate. This is a special distinction awarded to oenologists, wine writers and wine critics, owners of wineries, as well as for all other people committed to promoting the culture of wine worldwide.

Peter Ogilvie reads his WildTomato on the beach at Coolangatta in Australia. Send your image to editor@wildtomato.co.nz ONLY JPG FILES ACCEPTED, MIN 1MB

Correction

he tour in last month’s article about Mark Stevenson’s art collection was organised by the Nelson Suter Art Society (NSAS), not the Friends of the Suter as stated in the article. We apologise for any misunderstanding about this.

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MY BIG IDEA

Looking after the animals Author Renée Lang talks about her latest book which benefits animal charities. What is your big idea? My big idea came into being in September in the form of a fund-raising children’s book called But Who’s Looking After the Animals?

How did it come about? It came about as a result of the Pigeon Valley fires back in February, which had such a devastating effect on so many people in the region. At the time, I was really impressed with the way the community came together to look after affected families and individuals, but I felt helpless to do anything useful myself. And then I had a lightbulb moment – I could raise money to feed the animals, both livestock and domestic pets, which had been evacuated to the Richmond showgrounds. Within a very short space of time I managed to raise nearly $1100; this bought an impressive amount of food, all of which I delivered in several carloads. While delivering the various

Above: Renée Lang celebrates the launch of her new book 12

bags and cans I saw HUHA NZ (Helping U Help Animals) at work and their commitment left a lasting impression on me. Over the next couple of months, the animal evacuation story kept bubbling away in the back of my mind but I didn’t do anything about it until one day it occurred to me to write a children’s book to honour what HUHA and the other animal charities did during those difficult weeks. I was also determined to try to raise money for at least two animal charities and decided that if we could sell enough copies to cover our costs, we could then donate a significant amount of the sales income to those charities.

then refined the text and Polly got to work developing the final illustrations for the book, all 15 of them. That took just over a month and then But Who’s Looking After the Animals? was finished and ready to be sent off to the printer. As soon as our advance copies arrived from the printer we showed them around and the reaction was and continues to be very satisfying. People love Polly’s illustrations and everyone agrees that the positive slant we put on the story and illustrations makes the book a great way for children to read about the fires.

Who benefits? Who does it involve? The idea was to tell the story of what happened during the fires in a way that even a young child could understand, but to achieve this I had to enlist the help of an illustrator who would share my vision. Well, that wasn’t rocket science because one of my best mates, who goes by the utterly charming name of Polly Rabbits, just happens to be a very talented children’s book illustrator. She immediately threw herself into the project and after reading my first draft of the text she quickly created a set of rough illustrations for us to work with. I

One of the hardest things to do was choose which organisation or charity would receive any funds we raise and after careful thought we decided on HUHA (www.huha.org.nz) and the Nelson ARK (www.thenelsonark.co.nz).

Where can people buy the book? The book sells for $20 and is available from local booksellers in the region as well as The Suter Gallery shop, Pic’s Peanut Butter World, WOW Museum shop and various gift shops in the Tasman region. It’s also available online: www.butwhoslookingaftertheanimals.nz

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Motor Home Lifestyle

Home, sweet home on the move Alistair Hughes meets a growing band of Kiwis who prefer a nomadic lifestyle.

ur first family home was built in the mid-1970s, during a boom period in the construction industry. Long waits for labour and materials, and a transitional house-sitting plan falling through, led to the four of us, plus family cat, taking up residence in a caravan for several months. Being young kids, my sister and I thought this was a great adventure, but much later I realised it had all been an ordeal for my ‘reluctant gypsy’ parents. All the associated stresses instantly evaporated, however, the day we moved into our newly finished home, with the almost-forgotten luxury of entire rooms to ourselves. The whole experience might have been different today with the incredible advances made in caravan and motor home technology and comfort. Prices can range from more than $200,000 for the latest state-of-the-art RV (recreational vehicle), all the way down to a tiny house on wheels for under $10,000. High-end motor homes and caravans now boast central heating and air-conditioning, toilets and showers, designer kitchens and decor, plus sophisticated home entertainment systems. 20

Marlborough-based DeLuxe RV Group is one of several locally catering for the increased demand. Managing director Gary Smith says the Recreational Vehicle (RV) market has changed considerably in the past 20 years. “Where towing English caravans around the countryside was the fashion around the turn of century, today the market has changed considerably and has become so much more sophisticated. “So many Kiwis are selling up on retirement and hitting the road in their new pride and joy. The freedom and flexibility for their lives has transformed the way they live today.”

Prices can range from more than $200,000 for the latest state-ofthe-art RV (recreational vehicle), all the way down to a tiny house on wheels for under $10,000.

A booming community

The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) is the voice of a fast-growing motor home and caravan community, with a membership of 91,000. Most of that increase has occurred in the last decade, with caravans now making up just 30 percent of the NZMCA fleet. “Our members come from all walks of life and are spread throughout the country,” says NZMCA CEO Bruce Lochore, “but two things they all share are a love for getting off the beaten track to meet their fellow Kiwis and explore New Zealand’s backroads, and a fierce commitment to protecting our unique natural environment through responsible freedom camping.” The association owns or leases 45 parks for members only and provides a travel directory app that gives updated information on commercial campgrounds, car parks that welcome overnight stayers, and ‘park-over properties’ (POPs) available for koha. Golden Bay is a popular destination for visiting mobile homes, and for many who decide to make the lifestyle more permanent. NZMCA members Bob and Nicky Gilkison’s long history of living on the road began in Golden Bay almost 30 years ago, in an unusual way. “We basically left in a horse-and-cart,” Bob recalls, “and we were mobile for quite a long time, just living out of a gig and spring-wagon. It was a bit of a fantasy really, and we enjoyed that.” The couple eventually realised this wasn’t an ideal arrangement with three growing children, so they bought a Bedford bus. “We tore all the seats out and made it into a home. It was our home on wheels, and we were quite happy to live small.” Although now retired, Bob is a builder by trade, and the bus meant they could travel between sites, even living on them while he worked. “There is a whole raft of reasons to live small and to live with flexibility. It can also be really low impact on the environment. However, concern about our carbon footprint means we buy carbon credits to offset our tow vehicle.

Photo: Supplied

Gary says the main countries of origin for new RVs are Australia and varying parts of Europe. “The Australian models are generally heavier and more robust, built specially for New Zealand and Australian off-road conditions. The European models are generally lighter with sleek designs and built for touring. There is also a limited range built here in New Zealand.” High end RVs have become more and more attractive with all the comforts of home, including onboard water tanks, showers, toilets, satellite TVs and other forms of entertainment. Most RVs also have full kitchens and many have inbuilt barbecues. He believes electric bikes have been a major factor in recent RV market changes. “These days around 80 percent of new motorhomes that are sold have bikes racks fitted as habits have changed and people are wanting to remain fitter and healthier. E-bikes have become the way of the future and have replaced tow vehicles in many instances. “Whether it be a weekend away or permanent living the RV industry continues to grow and will do at least for the life span of our baby boomer population.” Combining a means of transport with accommodation, ‘motor caravanning’ offers unparalleled freedom in seeing and enjoying the country. Inflexible scheduling is bypassed, pets are usually welcome and friends everywhere can be visited without having their own homes ‘invaded’. Little wonder that rising numbers of New Zealanders are ‘travel-living’ in their mobile homes.

Above: Nicky and Bob Gilkison, and Shorty the dog, outside their original home, an Airstream caravan

“We like our experiences to be about where we are and enjoying New Zealand as it used to be when I was a kid.” BOB G ILKISON

Eventually we bought a place near Lake Rotoiti and parked the bus there for a while. We were really happy to be stopped after two or three years of travelling around.” About six years ago, Bob and Nicky resumed their nomadic life, this time in a sleek Airstream caravan. “It was a bit big for harder-to-access places, although it was a very comfortable home,” Bob says. Nicky was intending to work as a relief teacher at places they stopped, but when schools kept asking her to stay on for longer, travelling slowed down. Unfortunately, catastrophic mechanical failure in both caravan and truck stranded them in a mechanic’s muddy paddock in the middle of winter while repairs took place. That was the decider for Nicky, who told Bob she really needed ‘somewhere to call home’. The couple now have a section in Palmerston, north of Dunedin, and have been there for a few years. Having sold their distinctive Airstream, Bob is now immersed in building another caravan while living in the latest in a long line of mobile homes — a six-metre tiny house. “You can put it on the back of a truck, or you could put wheels under it and turn it into a trailer. It’s a good solution for just the two of us.” Bob and Nicky’s travelling days are definitely not behind them, but what keeps drawing them back to the lifestyle? “It’s really satisfying to realise that you can get by without a lot of stuff. We’ve got everything we really need – more than many people have around the world. We like our experiences to be about where we are and enjoying New Zealand as it used to be when I was a kid.” 21

“We had our ‘Oh f..k it’ moment and basically sold everything up.” L I N DA DA R N I L L

A nomadic childhood

New Zealand-born Jola McDonald is also a recent visitor who spent almost three years journeying round the country in a tiny house on wheels. The 27-year-old travel blogger and videographer returned to Norway in May, and is now producing a documentary about her Kiwi adventure. “I was born and raised in a house truck,” she explains, “and as a little kid I was doing the gypsy fairs, [gatherings of the 22

Photo: Supplied

Enjoying life was a large part of what made Scotty and Linda Darnill ‘fly the coop’. The Pukekohe couple had been living busy existences, with three-hour commutes to work and the daily pressures of running a business and managing staff. But it afforded them what appeared to be a comfortable lifestyle. “We had all the latest gadgets – the flash house, car and the boat,” says Linda. “But we were working our fingers to the bone so we could enjoy all of these toys for just three or four weeks out of the year.” A combination of factors shook the couple. On returning from an overseas trip, post-holiday blues were compounded a thousand-fold when Linda lost her mum to cancer and then had to make the hard decision to put her unwell father into care. “Now in our early 50s, we realised there was no guarantee health-wise that we would still be able to do what we wanted at retirement age, and you never know what’s in store financially. So we had our ‘Oh f..k it’ moment and basically sold everything up.” Linda and Scotty imported an Australian JB caravan and hit the road to see New Zealand at a far more leisurely pace than they’d been used to. Travelling since the end of February this year, they keep a blog of their adventures (www.kiwisflythecoop. com) and are loving every minute. Linda explains the choice of their ‘great escape vehicle’: “We went with an off-road capable caravan [towed by a 4x4 ute], rather than a campervan, so we can unhitch and go where we want, especially around the Marlborough Sounds.” Their ute carries an inflatable dinghy and small outboard motor, while the caravan is equipped with an awning, slide-out BBQ and a petrol generator. “We’re also set up for solar and we’ve got a self-tuning satellite TV. We ‘rough it’ smoothly.” The ‘coop-flying Kiwis’ were in the Top of the South around the middle of the year, including stays in Kaiteriteri and Golden Bay. Scotty likes the freedom their now-relaxed timeframe gives them to explore out-of-the-way places. “When you’ve only got three weeks to travel around the South Island you’re bound to miss a lot, but when you’ve got longer you’ll see and find out things that you would never have known about.” Living so closely together means tasks are delineated. “Linda’s really good at researching where we’re going, and then it’s my job to get us there. Basically, I’m good on directions and she’s good at researching what we need to do when we get there.” The couple take on house-sitting assignments as they work their way slowly down the country, intending to spend Christmas with Scotty’s family in Invercargill. “We’re very appreciative of the lifestyle we lead,” he enthuses. “We never take it for granted.”

Photo: Cameron Burnell

Ditching the ‘gadgets’

Above: Jola McDonald and her Q-Ute (‘quirky ute’ with tiny house on the back)

New Zealand travelling community, established in 1990], with my brothers and mum.” When her mother died of cancer, 12-year-old Jola moved to Norway to live with her father. “I spent another 12 years here in Norway, but my curiosity drove me back to New Zealand to find out about my childhood and my mum. During the planning of that trip I decided to film it along the way so that family and friends could see what sort of lifestyle I grew up in, because when I try and explain it here in Norway no-one understands.” Jola’s beautifully produced YouTube videos, (search for ‘Jola Josie’), document her adventure as she travels twice round the country in her tiny house set on the back of a Toyota Hilux, rediscovering her roots and interviewing other fascinating mobile-home travellers. Her home, dubbed the Q-Ute (quirky ute), was originally built in Nelson, and coincidentally, Jola found herself having to do some rebuilding in Takaka. “At the beginning of my trip I realised all of my tiny-house walls were rotten, so I had to learn how to use power tools. I re-clad the house in Takaka, at a place right next to the Mussel Inn.” While here Jola met and interviewed long-term house trucker and local artist Luane

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“There’s so many more people doing it, although it is now more mobile homes and campervans – an older generation.” JOLA MCDONALD

Brauner. “A huge amount of the house truckers began in the Golden Bay area, probably because it is far more open and alternative than a lot of places in New Zealand. The amount of house trucks here seems greater than anywhere else too.” Having had a long history within the travelling community, Jola noticed many changes on her return to New Zealand. “When I was a kid there were a lot more house trucks on the road. There was also way less regulations and laws so some of the vehicle homes were absolutely insane. There was even a house truck with a whole roof which raised into a ‘pop-up’ second floor, and the chances of that being legal now are very slim.” Jola admits that although there might have been more freedom back then, the lifestyle is now easier in a different way 24

Above: Clockwise - Home baking; relaxing outdoors; family dinner time; awesome scenery

thanks to modern innovations like the NZMCA travel app. “The whole ‘living on the road’ lifestyle has really blossomed. There’s so many more people doing it, although it is now more mobile homes and campervans – an older generation.” Diversity still exists, however. “There are different kinds of groups within the travelling community: the house truckers, motor homes and then you’ve got the vans. Each of them also symbolises what kind of people live in them.”

Diversity on the move

Pohara Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park near Takaka reports an eclectic mix of holidaymakers in motor homes and travellers in house trucks, uniting two eras of mobile home living. And the NZMCA notes that an increasing number of younger families are joining the traditional baby boomers in a motorcaravan lifestyle, (reducing the average membership age by 10 years since 2017), ensuring many future stories to tell of life on the road. ‘Serial nomad’ Bob Gilkison sums up the appeal: “Travelling with a mobile home is a freedom which I think a lot of people don’t realise is very empowering.”

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Digital Detoxing

Taking a break from technology From the moment you awake each morning to when you go to sleep, technology is constantly in your life. Home, work, school and even holidays are full of it, yet increasingly people are also ‘switching off’. Craig Sisterson checks out who is digitally detoxing.

olidays should be a time to rejuvenate and reset but you can’t do that if you’re constantly worried about what’s happening on your digital device. The answer: take a break or a digital detox. The best way to do that, according to a recent study by UK travel specialists Hayes and Jarvis, is to head to one of New Zealand’s (or the world’s) more remote destinations. New Zealand ranks 10th out of the top 20 digital detox destinations in the study, for which the top five are Costa Rica, Chile, Iceland, Columbia and Peru. South Africa, Canada and Australia are also on the digital detox destination list which assessed the availability of the Internet and the population spread in various areas alongside desirable holiday activities, accessibility and attractions. In South Africa, for instance, more than 40 percent of residents are disconnected from the Internet, while in Canada only 0.11 percent of the land is built on, making its many beautiful forests and mountains great places to escape from technology.

Increasingly, schools, for instance, are banning cell phones in class, having IT-free days and restricting technology usage. 26

New Zealand has a huge variety of unspoilt, remote places to escape to, especially across the top of the South Island. Nelson Tasman and Marlborough and the neighbouring West Coast offer some of the country’s top remote locations. And while many of them are off the beaten track, there is no shortage of accommodation options for couples, groups and families who want to get away from it all. From hiking and biking, highlands to hinterland, camping and caravanning, to skiing to surfing, the mountains, lakes, beaches and gorgeous scenic locations offer opportunities unsurpassed elsewhere and you don’t have to leave the country to enjoy them. Accommodation options range from DIY camping to luxury lodges. If international travel is on the radar, however, Costa Rica – bordering the Caribbean in Central America – is considered ‘the best’ destination for a digital detox. Over half of the population (66 percent) there has access to the Internet but with 4G speeds of 5.82 Mbps, you won’t be surfing the web quickly. Instead of being distracted by the Internet, you could surf the waves or venture into the jungle. Costa Rica also has the highest percentage of parkland at 25 percent; higher than any other destination on the list making it an ideal location to get back in touch with nature.

Keeping toxicity out of technology

Taking a technology holiday is not just the domain of more switchedon users. Increasingly, schools, for instance, are banning cell phones in class, having IT-free days and restricting technology usage. And it’s pretty telling that the biggest tech gurus in the world, those who’ve spent their careers building businesses that have made computers, social media, and smartphones widely available and habitually used – people who deeply understand the benefits and dangers from the inside – actually ring-fence and restrict how they and their families use technology. The post-millennial generation, born from the late 1990s to early 2010s and dubbed iGen by US psychology professor Jean Twenge and others, is the first to have had the Internet available from a young age and go through adolescence with social media

Microsoft founder Bill Gates famously didn’t give his children a mobile phone until they were 14 years old ...

Above: Clockwise - Nelson Lakes; hiker walking on the Mt Robert circuit in the Nelson Lakes National Park; teenage girls walking the sands of Abel Tasman National Park; phone free meeting time; waiting to jump from the Mapua Wharf, Tasman

and smartphones. They’re facing opportunities, and challenges, that are different to any previous generation. Interestingly Steve Jobs, a man who loved technology, changed our world, and gave the ‘i’ to iGen with his company Apple’s launch of products like the iPod, iPhone and iPad, firmly believed children shouldn’t have unfettered exposure to technology. The year before he passed away from cancer in 2012, Jobs revealed to a New York Times reporter that his own children hadn’t used iPads at all, and that he and his wife limited technology use in their family home. The Apple founder and his family made a point of having dinner together each night at a big table, discussing all manner of things from books to history, said Walter Isaacson, the author

of a biography on Jobs that became a Hollywood film in 2015. “No one ever pulled out an iPad or a computer,” continued Isaacson. “The kids did not seem addicted at all to devices.” Other tech titans have taken a similar view. Microsoft founder Bill Gates famously didn’t give his children a mobile phone until they were 14 years old (the Kids & Tech report in 2016 found the average age in the US was 10 years old for smartphones, and 40 percent of kids had social media accounts at 11 years old). Gates also implemented a cap on screen time when his daughter became overly attached to a video game, banned phones from the family dinner table, and avoided screens before bedtime. As parents, Gates told the Mirror newspaper in 2017, he and his wife Melinda were always looking at how technology “can be used in a great way” by their children, such as homework and staying in touch with friends, while being conscious of “where it has gotten to excess”. Melinda Gates later said that if she could go back, she’d now hold out even longer in terms of giving her children smartphones, effectively “putting a computer in my children’s pockets”. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, former Wired editor Chris Anderson, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Facebook’s first president Sean Parker have also all spoken out about how technology brings dangers as well as benefits, and the importance of time offline. Given the world’s tech titans – who know just how much time, money and expertise are sunk into successfully enticing us to go online and stay online – are managing how their families interact with technology, perhaps we all need to take heed and modify our own habits.

Opposite page: Device-free zones are becoming increasingly popular

Many schools – in New Zealand and abroad – incorporate technology into their syllabuses, yet an increasing number are now bringing regular breaks from technology into classrooms. The students in Room Five at Richmond Primary School are learning art, but it’s not their teacher Ryan Higgins giving them directions, although he is there to help and guide them. Desks full of laptops show YouTube videos with instructions about what they’re supposed to be doing. “I can’t teach art any better,” says Ryan, the school’s deputy principal. “They use the videos and each student can go back to points where they need the information. I can walk around and help specific students rather than just talking to the whole classroom and some kids getting lost or left behind in what they’re doing.” Education, like many other areas of life, has changed at a rapid pace over the past decade as Internet technology, social media and smartphones have become more omnipresent. “So many tools are available these days it’s hard to keep up with it all,” says Ryan, who leads a programme that’s seen Richmond Primary recognised as a Microsoft showcase school. “We have to adapt to how students want to engage. What we were doing 10 years ago does not apply. It’s hard to apply the same sort of approach from even five years ago in terms of what was done then in the classroom to still get student engagement and learning.” Technology is evolving rapidly, as is student familiarity and engagement with it, and preference for it, even at young ages. Ryan has been at Richmond Primary for most of the new millennium and has witnessed the evolution first-hand. In recent years he’s even run an experiment, giving primary school students a reference book with all the information they need, and a laptop with the same information on it. “Often the kid goes straight for the technology versus the paper format, because that’s what they’re already used to,” he says. An advocate for technology in the classroom, Ryan’s no zealot, however. He knows that for all the positives technology can bring Above: Clockwise - Schools use technology as a learning tool not a replacement 28

Some schools have banned mobile phones in class. Students and teachers alike put their phones in a box to start each period. for students and teachers alike in terms of learning, fast access to a wealth of knowledge, and connection to the wider world, it is also a double-edged sword. Unmanaged, virtual connection can become distraction, disconnection, and worse. An over-reliance on easy-tofind online resources risks eroding other vital learning and life skills. That’s even before you take into consideration the sea of misinformation and manipulation online, the addictive design of many apps, and the damaging effects of always reaching for your phone. Technology provides wonderful tools, and it can too easily become toxic.

Dealing with the dangers

So how do teachers and students find the balance, utilising the good and minimising the bad? Ryan and his peers are taking a variety of steps to use technology wisely and teach digital skills while protecting students. Some schools have banned mobile phones in class. Students and teachers alike put their phones in a box to start each period. Students acknowledge that it’s easier to concentrate and at least one school has reported improved relationships between students and teachers. An Otago school has also introduced ‘Fibre-Free Fridays’, switching off the Wi-Fi and having senior students run a variety of lunchtime activities. Nelson College Preparatory School has IT-free days, and one Taranaki college switches off its Internet during intervals and lunch so students will play and socialise with each other. Last year, Hawera High School banned students from taking selfies at school camps (both for student safety online and so they’re more present during camp activities) as part of a wider practice to reduce mobile phone use.

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Periodically detox: Occasionally have days or longer without electronics. It may be scary, but removing technology connects you with others and yourself, and has ongoing benefits. Why is this important?

In the United States, studies have shown striking changes in teenage behaviour over the past decade (coinciding with a rise in smartphone use), including going out and socialising with friends less often and greater levels of feeling left out or not enjoying life. Teenage depression is on the rise, and in the US adolescent suicide has doubled. A new study published in August by academics from business schools at the Universities of Greenwich and East Anglia in the UK and Auckland University of Technology found that some tourists who chose to take a digital detox initially suffered withdrawal akin to giving up smoking or drinking, before later feeling more liberated, connecting more with travel companions and locals, and having a more interactive and enjoyable experience. “Technology is an important tool but you’ve got to use it carefully because if you just give students a free-for-all you’re opening yourself up for potential issues,” says Ryan, who’s had plenty of off-screen time himself in recent years coaching the school’s Rippa Rugby team that’s won the Tasman Mako regional tournament several times, and made the national final. However, he adds, if you just use technology as a tool as part of a broader classroom programme, then you can get a lot of student engagement and greater achievement as a result. Richmond Primary is very specific in what its students may do when it comes to technology in the classroom, and the specific devices used at different ages, says Ryan. “It takes away a lot of the issues that you can have with chat, messaging, texting and things like that. So the kids are actually using the tools as a learning product rather than a social thing.” While some schools utilise BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), Richmond Primary has gone away from that and is supplying students with PCs, laptops and iPads to use in the classroom. Students are taught to use programmes like Office, One Note and Share Point. Ryan is a fan of One Note, which he describes as an ‘electronic big piece of paper’, where students can gather and share notes, drawings, images and links, and embed YouTube videos and audio files. “We’re using this with writing, maths, topic … also if parents want to see what their kids are doing, or students want to keep going and work on something at home, they can log in using their account and then bring those ideas back into the classroom too. It’s a secure thing for kids, and parents have access to their kid’s work, so there’s transparency there.” He stresses that students aren’t on computers and tablets doing all their work. Subjects including reading, writing, and maths are all still done with pen and paper, just with a screen available that students can refer to and use if they need. “It’s just a tool, but often they don’t need it or want it. Getting the balance right between screen and no screen is one of our challenges.” Technology is a tool, but not a short cut, says Ryan. “The education that was applicable 10 years ago is still applicable today, it’s just that the tools we use to teach are different.” Teaching students the skills to find and filter information, to find quality information, is vital. 30

Detoxifying your digital life

onstant connectivity can leave us feeling overloaded, anxious and burned out. Smartphone use can easily become habitual overuse and pull us away from the things that really matter to us. It can also harm our productivity, concentration and decision-making.

For those who want to re-set their relationship with technology, here are some tips: 1. Remove distractions: Focus on what really matters (family, friends, health, work) and remove anything nonessential. Cull alerts, beeps and notifications that call out and distract us. It’s unlikely you need to always be on-call; many ‘emergencies’ are just in our minds.

2. Don’t deify busyness: Too many people are proud of

being ‘busy’, filling their lives with distractions that let them avoid tough choices or taking action towards what they really want. Don’t glamorise busyness; instead think clearly about how you use your time.

3. Ask why: Before pulling out your phone, ask why you’re doing it. While a great tool for staying connected with those who matter to us, or finding answers, often we’re using our phones to distract or avoid what’s in front of us. Leave it in your pocket, be present.

4. The rule of thirds: Eight hours work, eight hours sleep, eight hours free. Working longer doesn’t usually make us more productive. Working smarter and keeping time free does (research shows a productivity drop after 40 hours, or after 20 hours for creatives).

5. Periodically detox: Occasionally have days or longer without electronics. It may be scary, but removing technology connects you with others and yourself, and has ongoing benefits.

Summarised from the book Log Off:

How to Stay Connected after Disconnecting by Blake Snow, a features writer for top American media like CNN, US Today and Wired magazine.

W T + K A I T E R I T E R I R E C R E AT I O N R E S E R V E

Our very own premier coastal recreational destination BY SARA H NOT TAG E | PHOTO OLIVER WEBER

y first sight of the golden crescent of Kaiteriteri Beach was as a six-year-old lily-white Londoner with feet as soft as the inside of a kina. Legs sticking to the vinyl seat of my grandparents’ 1969 Austin Maxi, I felt like I was riding a snake along the winding road. As I absorbed the richly hued blue, green and golden landscape while searching glistening rock pools for crabs, my city eyes adjusted. I remember the sun on my shoulders, the salt on my lips, the sting as I stubbed my toe. I became a Kiwi kid that day. We all have rich memories of Kaiteriteri – it is part of our history and belonging; part of our story. However, perhaps because it is our backyard, we take it for granted. We assume this coastal gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park will always be full of golden, groomed sand and clear of rubbish. We may believe the local businesses are privately owned; that the bosses go back to their luxurious homes at the end of summer with full pockets. However, this narrative couldn’t be further from the truth. Governed by an active, enthusiastic board appointed by and accountable to the Minister of Conservation, the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve (‘The Reserve’) is responsible for directing and monitoring 250ha of Crown land. This includes Kaiteriteri Beach, Kaka Point Historic Reserve, Kaka Island, the estuary, mountain bike park and

surrounding hills. The Reserve owns and operates the campground, apartments, store, Kai & Gone Burgers restaurants and mountain bike park. Although they are a Crown entity, they don’t receive government funding and are non-profit – 100% of their business profit is invested back into the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve, in accordance with a ministerial-approved management plan.

One of seven world-wide With the vision of being New Zealand’s premier coastal recreation destination, The Reserve works tirelessly with community groups and experts to protect and preserve this natural adventure wonderland in perpetuity. “We trap pests, maintain walking tracks, collect rubbish, groom the beach,” says Ali Kimber, marketing manager. “We are regenerating the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park and the rear of the estuary with native trees, and recently planted kanuka along the beach front.” With the support of a local couple, The Reserve is funding a penguin repopulation programme and encourages visitors not to bring their dogs to Kaiteriteri, to protect the local wildlife. The Reserve also has to manage and finance the fallout from significant environmental events. “When Cyclone Gita hit in 2018 and our beach was washed away, we used our environmental disaster funds to replace the sand,” says Ali.

Above: Kaiteriteri is a perfect destination all year round

The mountain bike park is one of only seven worldwide with gold level status as accredited by the International Mountain Biking Association. “We love seeing people of all ages refuelling after a big day biking – there aren’t many places where you can get a treat at the bottom of the hill – especially with burgers named after the trails you have just ridden.” The Reserve supports local produce as much as possible; “You will always find fresh local fish, seafood, beer and wine in our Kai Restaurant,” says Ali. The Reserve acknowledges that the beachfront is at saturation point building wise, but that some of the older buildings need an uplift. Ali says: “We intend to maintain a beachy, relaxed feel, drawing your eye out to the sea.” A priority for The Reserve is education. “We work with school groups and local initiatives to teach them about the unique marine and land environment at Kaiteriteri.” Ali says that children leave at the end of the day brimming with passion for their precious natural environment. The Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve encourages people of all ages to visit and enjoy what the area has to offer all year round.

Contact

The Reserve owns and operates the campground, apartments, store, Kai & Gone Burgers restaurants and mountain bike park.

Ph 03 527 8010 www.experiencekaiteriteri.co.nz

Bathrooms

Relax, soak & unwind

It used to be that bathrooms were a small and utilitarian room on the south of the house with few windows. Brenda Webb finds today’s bathrooms are big, bright and well-appointed.

Art and colour

To achieve this Celia encourages people to look at putting chairs and artwork in the bathroom to help to create a relaxing atmosphere. At the other end of the scale many people are living in small apartments where space is key and so clever design is crucial. “We are working in some apartments where even the laundry is in the bathroom so you have to be very smart with utilising the space you have,” she says. “It all comes down to the client and their needs because trends do come and go, but I’m definitely seeing more luxury in the bathroom and people having a little fun in the powder room – perhaps with a splash of colour,” she says.

... go for fewer bathrooms but make them as spacious as possible with an outlook if feasible. JA R R O D M I D G L EY

Photo: Melanie Jenkins

athrooms are no longer a place to rush in and out of. They are becoming another significant room in the house where owners can linger and seek sanctuary – their own personal luxury day spa. No longer cold and uninviting, today’s bathrooms are light and warm private spaces where adults can escape children, the phone, the computer and all the other busyness of chaotic lives. Architects, bathroom designers, suppliers and colour consultants all say they have noticed a trend towards fewer but bigger bathrooms, with the master en suite in particular becoming a refuge with luxurious and, at times, indulgent touches coming through. Think rich and bold colours, sumptuous fabrics, lush plants and even furniture which would have been unheard of a few decades ago. Celia Visser runs a boutique Auckland-based practice specialising in designing bathrooms in high-end residential properties in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands. While many properties she sees have one bathroom per bedroom her advice is to have fewer and make them bigger to make the space more workable. She is noticing a definite trend towards people creating larger spaces for their master en suite which is generally the main bathroom in today’s house. “At the upper end the trend is definitely towards a lot more luxury in the bathroom in terms of the products,” she says. “Previously the bathroom was quite a functional space whereas now it is beautiful and more like a luxury spa, especially the master en suite which is becoming a room where people can go as couples and have their own private space.”

Marlborough architect Jarrod Midgley says people are starting to have more awareness about the function of bathrooms with people wanting a room where they want to linger, rather than rushing in and out. “Bathrooms have traditionally been small utilitarian spaces, poky in size, on the south side with a small high window to nowhere – often with obscured glass,” he says. “They were a bit like the way kitchens were usually considered – historically not somewhere that was a nice place to hang out.” Jarrod places huge importance on the style and functionality of bathrooms given they are generally the first room people encounter after waking up. It makes sense for them to be restful, light and spacious. “It’s where you go while collecting your thoughts – deciding if today is going to be great or otherwise – so it’s nice to be greeted by some positivity in the way of sunshine and scenery, plants and outlook,” he says. “It’s great to have a bit of space to allow you to move about, brush your teeth with your children.” The trend in recent years has been to have several bathrooms in the house which often results in them being small and unworkable. Jarrod’s advice to anyone building or renovating would be to go for fewer bathrooms but make them as spacious as possible with an outlook if feasible. A larger bathroom allows for options and for Jarrod a bath is non-negotiable. “Having a bath for many is a time for relaxation and the bathroom environment should create an atmosphere that enables this,” he says. “Colour and texture and the feel and finish of the tactile parts of the bathroom are all part of this, particularly because you are generally naked in the bath – and a dripping Craig and Jan Taylor

Perhaps the biggest change in recent years has been the swing to stronger colours in the bathroom particularly dark greys, charcoals and blues and greens. chrome tap and bright fluorescent light does not enable relaxation. My ideal bathroom would have an open fire and a bay window.”

Light is important in a bathroom – gone are the dull and uninspiring bathrooms of the 60s and 70s with obscured glass in a small window frame with a single fluorescent light over the basin. Back then basins and baths came in dull pink, olive green, white or beige. Bathrooms were generally small, cold and a place to whiz in and out of because there was the whole family to consider. Most houses only had one bathroom. Today, even if a house only has one bathroom, it has become a much nicer space to be in. Obscured glass is a thing of the past with large windows – often looking out to a well-planted garden area to ensure privacy – or skylights. Natural light is key but thought should be given to a well-planned lighting scheme as well to ensure light is optimum yet subtle. A range of lighting options – i.e. lights over the mirror for shaving as well as lights over the bath and shower – is common today with separate switches to allow for as much or little lighting as possible. Candles are a nice option too. Toni Roberts from Auckland-based Kitchen Architecture says people today are seriously treating the bathroom as a special room and giving it plenty of thought when it comes to size, design and colour. A certified bathroom designer, she says people want their bathrooms to be their own distinct spaces and, like kitchens, very much an integral part of the house rather than something hidden away. “There is a real flair in today’s bathrooms,” she says. “Colourwise everything is going quite dark at the moment and we’ve definitely moved away from a clinical look to a much warmer look with a real awareness of natural materials including granite and timber.”

Photo: Bryce Carleton

Light and bright

Above: Clockwise - Bathroom, with Resene Half Fuscous Grey, Double Black and White; a relevant, modern do-over for this bathroom in an original 1940s town house by C Moore Building Opposite page: Claudia Kozub bathroom with Resene Coriander, Black Pepper, Paddock, Walnut, Secrets, Seaweed and Scaramanga

Toni has also noticed a move towards bigger bathrooms especially the master en suite which is becoming an extension of the main bedroom. Toni says bathrooms are very personal and it is about the owner and what they want, but she is definitely seeing bold colours and more metallics such as golds being used. “The key always is good design and a coordinated approach so the final look pulls together beautifully and is coherent.” Perhaps the biggest change in recent years has been the swing to stronger colours in the bathroom particularly dark greys, charcoals and blues and greens.

Photo: Renee Edwards Photography

Adding colour

Karen Warman from Resene says bathrooms are a place where blues, greens and whites are traditionally popular as they bring a sense of freshness. But more customers are taking a bolder step and bringing vibrant colour into the bathroom. “More confident homeowners are starting to embrace dark colours – for some that means instead of the white they would have used in the past they have moved to weathered blues and greys for a timeless look,” she says. “Others are adopting mid tone and even very deep hues for a look that feels luxurious and cocooning. Dark and stormy colours – usually charcoals or deep blues and greens – are popular too.” 33

For those not brave enough to go the whole hog, think about a feature wall or accent colours – they can add colour without overwhelming the space. Karen sees such trends continuing as people turn their bathrooms from purely functional spaces into a room where they can relax and linger. “We are also seeing more timber finishes as homeowners bring a sense of the day spa into their bathroom so they can enjoy a relaxing escape from busy life. Where once bathrooms were often clinical and cold, people are starting to treat them as an opportunity to use colour, often as an extension of their master bedroom palette.” While neutrals will never fade from popular choice, they are warming up with beige a favourite. For people wanting white they are perhaps leaning towards darker off-whites that are more forgiving of everyday life and don’t require such frequent cleaning according to Karen.

Photo: Supplied

Photo: Renee Edwards Photography

Showers vary depending on the space and budget and while drop-in units are still popular, tiled showers are becoming more common.

Above: Clockwise - Debra DeLorenzo bathroom with Resene Bright Red and Double Alabaster; Salmond Reed Architects bathroom with Resene Sambuca and Red Berry; clever use of textures has bought this once tired bathroom into keeping with its owner’s modern but slightly vintage style thanks to C Moore Building

Photo: Supplied

Don’t think it’s over once you’ve sorted wall colours – there is still flooring, baths, shower units, basins and tapware to sort out. Most bathroom fittings such as baths, basins and toilets tend to be white. It’s functional, goes so well with the bold colours being used on walls and also works well with granite/Caesarstone and timber benchtops. There are always exceptions and if you want a stainless-steel bath or coloured basin – you can have one. Showers vary depending on the space and budget and while drop-in units are still popular, tiled showers are becoming more common. With bathrooms becoming bigger this allows for a more generously sized shower area and options for multiple shower heads to suit all users – for example a large rain shower as well as a removable wand shower head. Tiled showers mean yet another choice as tiles come in a range of sizes and colours in both glossy or matt finish, and for a real touch of luxury and glamour, there are patterned tiles. Suppliers say the most popular colours are whites, greys and blacks. Glossy black and grey are particularly popular. Tiled floors provide continuity if you are tiling the shower but they can be cold so underfloor heating is a must. For those wanting a warmer floor, vinyls are most popular and the colour and style range is huge. Suppliers say the vinyl planking timber look is a popular option in bathrooms. 34

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Baths remain popular with freestanding baths more popular than drop-in and a current trend is a back to wall bath which requires less room than the freestanding but still looks open.

Tapware today comes in many colours including black, rose, brass and chrome. Chrome tapware is the biggest seller according to Mandy Barrett, business development manager for Plumbing World, but there is a trend towards black, brushed nickel and gunmetal. “These colours could take over from black as they give a softer look,” she says. People tend to match their tapware to towel rails which also come in those colour options. Towel rails are trending towards single vertical or horizontal rails – people are installing two of these into the space for maximum impact according to Mandy. Vessel basins – which stand high above the counter – are ever-popular and come in a range of styles and colours, but

Photo: Tim Whittaker

Adding unique touches

Above: Clockwise - Clare Bush bathroom with grey Resene Raven; bathroom with black, white and Resene Alabaster; bathroom with Quarter Merino, Double White Pointer and Half Alabaster

Photo: Nicola Edmonds

predominantly white, according to Mandy. “Coloured concrete basins are the latest product which our people are very excited about – we are also seeing basins with finer edges coming through.” Baths remain popular with freestanding baths more popular than drop-in and a current trend is a back to wall bath which requires less room than the freestanding but still looks open. Nelson architect Brad Beazley says he hasn’t done many chrome specifications for a while with black tapware being the most popular. “A few are using brushed nickel or copper but overall black would be the standard spec,” he says. Brad is also noticing people splashing out on one or two unique items in their master suite bathroom to give it a luxurious feel. “What we are seeing is people trying to find a difference between the main bathroom that is used by guests and children and their own en suite which is a special space where they can splash out and have fun. We are seeing natural light being used more with skylights as some are fully internal spaces,” he says. The use of unique and bold tiles – in the shower – is one concept he is noticing, particularly a multi-layered patterned tile which would perhaps look out of place in the main bathroom. “Something like this gives a bit of texture and style. “People are pushing the boundaries when it comes to colour – the bathroom, especially the master, is being seen as a place where you can have some fun.” 36

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

Feel good about yourself B Y S O N YA L E U S I N K S L A D E N

his is my final column and fashion shoot for WildTomato as fashion editor as I pare back on the number of commitments I have and focus on my priorities of family and health. As I look back on recent years and consider what I have learned personally, I reflect on the following truths.

How we feel about how we look is more important than how we actually look Ever left the house feeling ‘old’, ‘fat’, ‘tired’, ‘ugly’ or having ‘a bad-hair day’? No matter what you wear on days like that, you will not feel stylish, even if others say otherwise. And the reverse is also true. When physically and mentally on fire, we will bring a spark to any outfit and will feel like a million bucks. This is important to recognise as it teaches us that to feel good about our style, we must like ourselves, be mentally well and physically healthy.

To compare and to compete is not what great style is You may have heard the saying that ‘to compare yourself with others is to take away your own happiness’. In style as in life, this has truth. A love of fashion and clothes should not be a means for women to compete against each other, or compare themselves. There will always be someone whose style and wardrobe are ‘better than ours’, just as there will always be someone against whom we can feel ‘better than’, and to continually compare and compete is exhausting. Instead, I remind myself to focus on an authentic style within my means, and to enjoy the process of creativity and improvement with myself.

We are all flawed, and great style is imperfect Mainstream fashion media has a reputation for making women feel ‘not enough’. Not young enough, not slim enough, not beautiful enough, not clever enough and not rich enough. From time 46

“… great style is about little every-day and sometimes unglamorous actions that require effort and a degree of self-discipline.” to time I myself feel these insecurities too, but remind myself that great style is not perfect and that no woman is either. I think about the real women whose style I admire and remind myself that I admire them for their creativity, resourcefulness, wit and cleverness with clothes, not their bank accounts, youth, size eight bodies and model-like beauty. We are all imperfect, and it’s a wonderful thing.

Effort is underrated In a world of instant gratification and quick fixes, we might be lured into thinking that great style can be bought with a new outfit or some new beauty treatment. In truth, great style is about little every-day and sometimes unglamorous actions that require effort and a degree of self-discipline.

Resourcefulness, self-care habits, clothing care, healthy eating and exercise, and careful planning are examples of the ‘work’ that goes on behind the scenes. While money helps to buy beautiful clothes, great style cannot be bought.

Great style is ever so much more than nice clothes All of the above leads back to one fundamental truth, which is to recognise that the woman inside is what gives clothes their value, and without substance, they are just clothes. It is a woman’s heart, her intelligence, her individuality, personality and grace that bring ‘style’ to the picture, and her ability to be authentic (true to herself ) matters most. The clothes are, if you like, ‘the icing on the cake’, that without a ‘great cake underneath’ are just superficial fluff.

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Combining fashionable flair with natural fabric BY LUKA DROPPERS | PHOTO KARAENA VINCENT

nspired by the philosophy of designing clothing which is unique and empowers women to feel beautiful, Anita Reiter has gone ‘ROGUE’ and is paving her own path through the world of fashion. Needing to look after the planet and to dress fashionably are, for many people, two ever-present issues. However, with the fashion industry being one of the larger contributors to the global environmental crisis as well as leading to major social welfare issues, it is easy to assume that you can’t have both. Anita (21) owner of Rogue Linen, believes that the combination of companies like hers and customers who understand and care more and more about what they buy and from where, means no-one has to choose just one. After completing high school, Anita set her sights on becoming an independent and self-employed young woman. From a young age, she’s been fascinated by the power of visuals and the potential they have to influence people. Turning her passion for photography, graphic/web design and fashion design into a career is how she turned her vision into reality. Anita grew up on a small farm in rural Motueka, nurturing her love of nature and

combining it with her mother’s many years of involvement in the fashion industry. Making the choice to work with linen was easy. Linen, apart from being durable and breathable, is also one of the most sustainable fabrics available commercially, she says. Now, once she has chosen her fabric, Anita starts work, hand-drawing her designs in her home-based Motueka Valley studio and setting up her own photographic studio in the garage. “There’s never a dull moment,” she laughs, adding that she coordinates regular photo shoots with a handful of local women, keeping things as personal as possible.

Strong ethical values When Anita founded Rogue Linen she made a conscious decision to incorporate her most important core values: integrity and authentic communication. “Creating a business reflects who you are, and what you stand for,” she explains. Her core values are reflected when photographing ‘real’ looking women and not using Photoshop to alter appearances. Communication plays a big role in the day-to-day running of Rogue Linen,

When Anita founded Rogue Linen she made a conscious decision to incorporate her most important core values: integrity and authentic communication.

Above: Anita Reiter, owner of Rouge Linen

whether it’s in the factory or with stockists. Anita’s annual road trip means she regularly engages with, develops and maintains a solid relationship with stockists of Rogue Linen nationwide. Maintaining open and honest communication in any situation is one of her goals moving forward. She also makes treating fairly the people she works with a priority, and has done so since day one. Rogue Linen’s clothing is ethically manufactured at a small family-owned factory in Guangzhou, China, with strong ties to New Zealand. Anita’s vision for Rogue Linen is to contribute to redesigning the future of the fashion industry. She believes using natural fibres and inspiring others to purchase clothing consciously is the way of a valuedriven and honest future fashion industry. Her new spring collection can now be found on her website, www.roguelinen.co.nz, as well as in-store at Rogue Linen’s New Zealand stockists.

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MY HOME

A house that heats itself BY EMMA PETERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY DOMINIQUE WHITE

eing warm in winter was a key consideration when Brenda Webb and David Morgan set about building on their eight-hectare Marlborough vineyard. “We were sick and tired of cold and poorly insulated and ventilated New Zealand houses, and not just the old villas we’d both lived in,” says Brenda. “We were surprised to find new homes we stayed in were cold despite having heat pumps and log burners.” The couple didn’t rush into housebuilding – they’d lived on a yacht sailing the world for 10 years and had plenty of time to dream and scheme. David says that when they returned home and moved into a single-glazed, poorly insulated rental property, “We could not believe how cold it was. The heat loss was immense and after shivering through one winter we knew we couldn’t live like that.” After attending a ‘passive house’ conference in Christchurch, David became captivated with the idea of a house that relied on the sun, heat generated from within and extra insulation to remain warm in winter and cool in summer. He figured that Marlborough’s sunny climate was ideal for the concept, and set about researching.

1. The Baltic Pine bench was made from waste timber 2. French oak floors and dark walls provide a striking contrast 3. Dark charcoal walls in the living room frame the rural views 4. The kitchen is a social point for friends and family 5 Navy walls in the entry hall show off art and collectibles 6. Riding boots across the generations – David’s grandfather’s polo boots in the middle 7. An heirloom oak table blends well in the modern setting 8. A floating oak staircase leads to the master bedroom and ensuite

“The minimum standard is totally inadequate for South Island conditions ...” DAV I D M O R G A N

It became clear that for a house to perform to such a high level it required specialised materials and equipment such as thermally broken triple glazing, airtight thermal wrapping and a high-tech ventilation system.

Tripling the standard Timber joinery was ordered from Europe (cheaper than the New Zealand equivalent) and the entire house was wrapped in airtight Intello Wrap. The insulation is more than double the New Zealand Building Code standard. “The minimum standard is totally inadequate for South Island conditions – it’s ridiculous,” says David. “The wrap, thick insulation and triple glazing all mean we don’t lose the heat. Temperature is constant at around 21 degrees.” The sophisticated German ventilation and heatexchange system ensures the house is well-ventilated. In summer, warm air is extracted outside. Moisture is also extracted so the house maintains noticeably low humidity. To capture all-day sun the house faces north, with deep soffits to block summer sun. Before embarking on the build David spent hours researching, talking to knowledgeable people and investigating materials that would provide the semipassive house they desired.

9. A 1965 Fiat Bambina reflects the couple’s love of all things Italian 10. A swimming pool, flanked by olive trees, was a must for those hot Marlborough days 11. The guest bedroom has triple glazed French doors opening to a private deck

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Brenda took a while to accept the ‘no heating’ theory. “A fire was non-negotiable for me – I couldn’t see past having one,” she says. “But I’m the first to admit we don’t need one. The only times we’ve had to use a heater is when it’s been grey for days on end.”

Architects wary

Finding an architect and builder who could make their dreams a reality wasn’t easy. “Several architects we spoke to could not grasp the concept of an airtight house,” says David. Complicating the issue was that the couple did not want the usual uninspiring, rectangular passive-house look. “They are that shape for a reason but we felt that our vineyard site needed a traditional design and we wanted a top storey for views,” says David. “Luckily for us Marlborough architect Jarrod Midgley embraced the concept, even if we had to be a little forceful at times.” From Jarrod’s perspective, applying passive-house design principles to minimise energy use was logical, although that was only one ingredient alongside privacy, outlook, aesthetics and cost. “What we have achieved is a house I believe is appropriate to the Marlborough climate and lifestyle,” he says. “I am happy we have some south-facing windows, some volume to living spaces and have brought the project in for a reasonable budget while balancing the other also-important design considerations.” Builder George Guthrie took a while to embrace the philosophy and admits it was a complex build, but he and his team of skilled tradesmen produced the goods and came around to the concept, acknowledging its benefits. When George visited one chilly winter’s day recently, he couldn’t believe how warm the house was. Both David and Brenda worked on-site – David helped the builders, did much of the insulation and installed the ventilation system. They also did some painting and all of the landscaping.

Dressed in black The house is clad in black corrugated iron for its lowmaintenance qualities. Cedar breaks up the monotone. Inside, dramatic wall colours include dark blue, charcoal and bright orange. These show off the couple’s eclectic mix of memorabilia gathered during their worldwide travels. Brenda says their favourite element is the Scandistyle living room ceiling, “which is rough-sawn timber painstakingly whitewashed by us before it went up”. David was thrilled to recycle the Baltic pine ‘packing’ around the joinery. He points out the kitchen bench and bathroom vanities made by local craftsman David McGill from the timber. “We absolutely love our house,” he says. “It is everything we hoped for and more … Best of all is coming in on a cold winter’s evening to a welcoming and warm environment and not having to rush around and light the fire.”

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MY GARDEN

In praise of the humble hydrangea BY ANNABEL SCHULER

“D

unny plants!” a friend exclaimed when I sang the praises of hydrangeas recently. Yes, I conceded, the original hydrangeas we grew up with were used to disguise a variety of rural outbuildings, but hydrangeas have come a long way since then. The colour of hydrangea flower heads used to be a lottery coming up either pink or blue depending on the acidity of the soil they were grown in, but nowadays cultivars are bred to stay true to a colour palette trending from pearly white to salmon pink to deep blues, lipstick reds, pinks, whites and even greens. Hydrangeas originated from Asia and were originally named after a ‘water barrel’ – the ancient Greeks’ take on the upside-down shape of the flower. Last summer’s drought was hard on hydrangeas, they wilted frighteningly in the noon-day sun, but most recovered late Above: Pink, purple and blue hydrangeas 54

in the day, albeit with a good dousing of water from the shower or the kitchen sink when water rationing was on. As a rule of thumb though, they need to be planted in at least part-shade and need a good, regular watering. Thanks to years of development by horticulturists the flowers now come in three specific forms. The mop heads are most reminiscent of the old-fashioned hydrangeas which add splashes of blue to roadsides throughout the summer. For those who are attracted to floral delicacy the ‘lace caps’ are bred for you. These flowers comprise small, tightly budded centres ringed by open flowers.

Adding interest Lastly, and very much on the rise in popularity, are the ‘paniculata’ varieties. These big, pear-shaped flowers are very showy. Most spectacular is Limelight which produces a mass of flowers in creamy, green/white with a touch of pink. Planted against a dark fence or grouped in a shady spot Limelight excels and is luminous in the summer twilight. Just because hydrangeas have been around for centuries and seem as tough as old boots does not mean they will thrive on neglect. They like

Just because hydrangeas have been around for centuries and seem as tough as old boots does not mean they will thrive on neglect. a rich, fertile soil and side dressings of sheep pellets. The new cultivars come in a variety of sizes so you need to check how much room they will need and allow for growth. Hydrangea leaves and stems can add interest in the garden too. The oak leaves of some cultivars which hail from America turn golden in autumn and some also have dark stems. These varieties can grow quite tall. One downside to hydrangea blooms is that they droop quickly when cut for use in a floral arrangement. To avoid this, take a bucket of water with you when gathering the flowers, cut the stems on an angle then plunge them straight into the water. When you are ready to arrange your stems cut them again then dip them into very hot water for about half a minute before arranging. This dissolves an inherent sticky substance which clogs the cut and otherwise impedes water uptake. Hydrangeas are in garden centres now so give them a second look – they are worth it.

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M Y H E A LT H

Musings on laughter BY CINDY DE VILLIERS, GP

“U

ntil the scientists work out all the details, get in all the laughter you can!” Robert Provine: laughter researcher – no irony intended. Laughter, amongst many other joys, has long been a topic of medical research. No fewer than 694 peer-reviewed scientific papers appear on a PubMed search with laughter in the title, not just in the text. The most recently published paper is titled, ‘The Humor in Therapy: The Healing Power of Laughter’. We have to laugh now, too? Laugh? Besides eating the right foods at the right time, exercising, breathing correctly, meditating, sleeping eight hours, making time for ourselves, keeping up social connections and not getting stressed about the state of the world. Whoa. We may be forgiven for rebelling, only to feel guilty and resolve to get back to whatever path we have fallen off. My work as a functional medical practitioner involves constantly informing people of how best to adapt their lives to heal and excel. I may even prescribe laughter yoga or laughing before bed to improve melatonin levels. I was drawn to this topic after seeing the recent publication of the Ig Noble Prize winners; the prizes in improbable research that ‘make people laugh and then think’. You may recall that University of Otago researchers won the Ig Noble prize in physics in 2010 for demonstrating that wearing socks on the outside of shoes while walking on the icy Dunedin streets reduced the chances of falling. One of this year’s prizes is a paper titled ‘The Pleasurability of Scratching an Itch: A Psychophysical and Topographical

Assessment’. Even scratching an itch does not escape scientific scrutiny. I am the first to look for scientific evidence and am enthralled at the theories behind how laughing improves heart rate variability and health outcomes. Give me the pathways involved and I am in heaven. Today, however, I have found more succour in philosophy and I quote Professor Mark Week: “Laughter is the sound of a hole being torn in the fabric of time. In no time at all, we’re in no time at all.” When last did you have a vacation from time? Is a holiday a good substitute for laughter? I would suggest not. Compare a good belly laugh with real tears and the absence of intrusion with all the stuff we want to do while on holiday. Why does laughter work for us? Could it be that laughter offers a safe

Laughter facilitates instant relief from real life and allows immediate return without any harm to self. escape from all we have to be and do? Laughter facilitates instant relief from real life and allows immediate return without any harm to self. There are almost no side effects and this time away in laughter may even offer insights into life and its incongruities, as the memory of laughter may last many years. Laughter is also contagious, facilitating connection and may I posit, peace. Laughter is an effortless mindful meditation. Laughter may be the best medicine, but it is also an uplifting attitude to living life.

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All money raised goes to Club 24 Charity

go to www.uniquelynelson.co.nz to register SHOPPING & DINING PRECINCT

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MY KITCHEN

Rustic vegetable tart This tasty recipe is great for those longer spring/summer days and can easily be made well ahead of time, and then baked when needed. BY MADAME LUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S KITCHEN

Time: 1.5 hours | Serves: 4 Pastry Ingredients 2 1/2 cups of spelt or brown rice flour Pinch of sea salt 180gm butter, chilled and diced 2 free-range eggs Filling 1 cup pre-roasted kumara 2 pre-roasted red peppers (or store-bought) 1/2 cup of sundried tomatoes, roughly chopped 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 1/2 cup feta 1/2 cup caramelised onion Method:

1. To make the pastry, place the

brown rice flour and sea salt in a food processor and pulse to combine.

2. Add the butter and pulse

again until the mix resembles fine breadcrumbs.

3. Add the eggs and 2tbsp of

water and process again until the mix comes together like a dough.

5. Combine the filling ingredients in a bowl and put aside.

4. Turn the dough out and give it a 6. Preheat the oven to 180c. Line a wee knead on a floured surface, shape into a ball and place in the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap for 20 minutes.

baking tray.

fold in the sides to form a rustic tart shape.

8. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden.

7. Divide the pastry into four segments 9. Serve alongside a green salad and roll each out into a rough circle. Place the filling into the centre and

and chutney.

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DINE OUT

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FORSTERS MOUTERE HILLS

xperience the exquisite and delicious flavours of Thailand. Our food is prepared from scratch, the traditional way, using only the freshest ingredients. We have something for everyone as we cater for a vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free diet, along with your choice of heat. Takeaways available online at chokdee.co.nz

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The Forum, Queen Street, Blenheim 03 577 7300 www.cbdcafe.nz

42 Eggers Road, Upper Moutere 03 543 2288 table@forsters.co.nz www.forsters.co.nz

ituated in the heart of Blenheim, we are open every day for breakfast and lunch. We have a delicious range of chef-inspired cabinet food, breakfast and lunch menus. Homemade pies, sweet treats and salads. Delicious coffee. Recent winners of the Best Café 2018 - Marlborough.

he perfect location to relax over a long lunch with views over the vines to mountains beyond and indulge in the finest, most exquisite dishes paired with Moutere Hills wines. The Forsters are passionate about sourcing the finest of local produce, creating sophisticated, exquisite dishes that showcase the dynamic region of Tasman.

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HARBOUR LIGHT BISTRO

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ocally owned and based on the waterfront. Enjoy fresh seafood and delicious dishes, made from quality ingredients sourced from the local region.With breathtaking views coupled with exceptional food, wine and service, this is a dining experience you won’t want to miss.

alf price appetisers*, raw bar and truffle fries. *Excludes oysters. Featuring - Aperol Spritz, Americano, Negroni and Peroni.

DINE OUT

Give Harbour Light a go BY HUGO SAMPSON

Photo: Dominique White

hat do you do on a ‘batteringlywet’ and windy Saturday? Go out to lunch of course. And so it was on this uncomfortably inclement day that we found ourselves at Harbour Light Bistro on Wakefield Quay in Nelson. The dining room sits high above the water, taking in a great expanse of the harbour so there’s never any shortage of things to distract the eye while you peruse the menus. On this day we could choose from an interesting a la carte menu with plenty of tempting goodies like an entrée of pork brawn terrine, hot mustard, herb salad and grilled pumpernickel. Or from the mains, a tempting vegetarian option of spiced pumpkin cannelloni, smoked tomato sauce, fennel and aioli. But what really took our fancy was the three-course set lunch (only) menu at a very reasonable $35 per person. Frankly, there was no legitimate reason to go past it. So to begin we enjoyed a perfectly seasoned roasted pumpkin velouté with foamy Parmesan cream, coriander and grilled sourdough ciabatta, and a simple, cheesy Caesar salad dressed in a feisty garlic dressing and dotted generously with anchovies. Our mains were delicious also; house-made fettuccine in a feisty braised pork and beef ragout, finished with plenty of pecorino cheese for him. For the fish lover, the freshest fillet of tarakihi, pan-fried on the skin with toasty lemon thyme. Nice touch. This perfectly cooked piece of fish sat enticingly over a generous cluster of velvet

There is obviously talent and experience happening in this kitchen, with a small but good list of wines and beers too. smooth parsnip purée and roasted baby potatoes, steamed green beans and sprouts, and a luscious, lemony beurre blanc sauce brought it all together very nicely indeed. Desserts topped off a consistently good feed. A fluffy light gingerbread cake reminded me of my mother’s wonderful steamed ginger pudding, except we never got the butterscotch, spiced pear and candied walnuts to go with it. The vanilla ice cream sealed the deal on a very good sweets plate. For my partner, kiwifruit and vanilla sorbets with fresh fruit topped with lime syrup made for an entirely respectable follow-up to his full-bodied pasta main. There is obviously talent and experience happening in this kitchen

with a small but good list of wines and beers too. The only thing that let the side down was the chilly dining room on such a damp day, and the rather perfunctory, though perfectly polite, service. Give it a go.

Harbour Light Bistro 341 Wakefield Quay, Stepneyville, Nelson. Ph: 03 546 6685. Open: Lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday from 11.30 till late. Closed Sunday. Cost: $97.00 for two – two set menus at $35 each, and two glasses of wine.

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G enratec M A S T E R

Y O U R

ÂŽ

W O R L D

Photo: Steve Hussey

WINE

From holiday visitors to Flaxmore wine producers B Y LY N D A PA P E S C H

or the last few years Patricia (aka P) and Stuart Anderson have been steadily establishing their Flaxmore Vineyards label in Nelson Tasman, bringing to reality a dream that started more than four decades ago. As a lad, Stuart often visited the region annually on family holidays during the 1970s and 1980s and that’s when he first fell in love with Nelson Tasman. While working in London he also fell in love with (and married) P and of course he then introduced her to the region. The rest is history. Stuart and P spent their working lives mainly in Asia and the Middle East – he as an accountant/banker and P as a chartered surveyor – but decided early on that they also needed a New Zealand base to keep their family grounded. “Nelson was always the obvious place to be,” laughs Stuart. His interest in wine started at university and blossomed when he became acquainted with Australian wine pioneer David Hohnen, who founded Cape Mentelle at Margaret River and Cloudy Bay in Marlborough. “More recently wine companies which are very focused with no compromise on quality, started me thinking. We’d been travelling back to New Zealand regularly and loved Neudorf wines, and as a banker I

liked the idea of becoming involved in an emerging market.” When the opportunity arose in 2006, they bought a 28-hectare block on Flaxmore Road in the Moutere and two years later set about planting nine hectares in pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot gris. “The area felt right for us, and it was just down the road from Neudorf Vineyards, who we became growers for,” says Stuart. The property comprises slopes, gullies, dry boney ridgetops and substantial wetland areas in addition to the vineyard so development during the last decade has included more than 5000 exotic and native tree plantings. often during holiday visits to the region. An early addition was an irrigation pond which is now home to many bird species and waterfowl. Flaxmore Vineyards’ first harvest was in 2011 for Neudorf and it is now that winery’s largest external grower. In the following years the Andersons relocated to Flaxmore Road permanently and now call Nelson Tasman home. Son Robbie (19) is studying architecture at Auckland University, and daughter Issy (16) is at Nelson College for Girls.

… wines crafted from hand-picked grapes that are an expression of the special characters created by the vineyard’s combination of clay gravels and climate. 62

Above: From left: Robbie, Issy, Stuart and P Anderson at Flaxmore Vineyards

They produced their own label for the first time last year with “a modest 600 cases”, and the same number again this year including pinot noir, pinot gris and rosé. Plans are to add a chardonnay to the 2020 list and also to have their own on-site cellar door. The planning process is already under way to convert an old apple packing shed, with budding architect Robbie taking a hands-on interest. Fully accredited by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, Flaxmore Vineyards’ business ethos is to produce quality wines that offer the consumer a view into the vineyard; wines crafted from handpicked grapes that are an expression of the special characters created by the vineyard’s combination of clay gravels and climate. What they are drinking:

Flaxmore Moutere Pinot Gris 2018 Crisp, off-dry pinot gris with citrus, pineapple, pear and subtle spicy flavours. Impressive purity and an ethereal texture add appeal. Lovely acidity helps promote a drying finish. (Bob Campbell)

Flaxmore Moutere Rosé The distinctive 2018 vintage was made from hand-picked pinot noir, grown in the Moutere. Pale pink, it is a fresh and lively, medium-bodied wine, with very satisfying depth of watermelon, peach and spice flavours, dry and lingering. A ‘serious’ style of rosé, it’s looking good for the summer of 2019-20. (Michael Cooper)

BREWS

Beers that come and go BY MARK PREECE

bsence makes the heart grow fonder, so the saying goes, and it was the absence of good pubs in Nelson which drove The Free House owners Eelco Boswijk and Mic Dover to start quarterly beer fetes at Nelson’s Founders Park. It proved so popular that a few years later they purchased a property, formerly a Dutch Reform Church, and started The Free House in central Nelson. The expansion did not stop there. About two years later, they bought the car yard next door and expanded into it. Up went the yurt, followed by an enclosed beer garden, complete with radiator pipes under the table for those hardy winter souls. And if you’re feeling peckish there’s takeout from selected local restaurants – like the Indian Café across the road who can deliver your favourite curry for you. The food has always been popular, so last month The Free House began serving Mexican from their caravan kitchen, with tacos, nachos, quesadillas, “and of course our famous chips,” says Eelco.

Decisions, decisions You’ll be excused for taking your time at the altar – there’s lots to choose from. “With 13 taps and three beer engines dedicated to beer, there’s a range of styles to suit everyone’s tastes,” says Eelco. “We try and cover it all – so we have a wheat beer, pilsner, a lager, sour, a dark beer and a pale ale.” They also have three or four IPAs right now, and “they are going gangbusters,” says Eelco. “We have to have a hazy one, a West Coast one and double IPAs,” he says. “That in mind, every week I look and see what I need to keep those taps ticking over. And I’ll buy 50-100 litres of any beer from any brewery in the country I choose. So, when one beer finishes, the next one comes in and takes its place.” If there’s a super popular beer, Eelco might choose to get it back, “but in general they come, and they go,” he says. The beauty of The Free House is it’s not loyal to any one brewery, and only serves beer from keg or cask – so customers receive only fresh beer, “and

You’ll be excused for taking your time at the altar – there’s lots to choose from. there’s an extra positive that there’s minimal packaging associated with it,” says Eelco.

Fresh beer and true ales It’s not just about beer, because you’ll inevitably meet great people, he says. “There’s a broad demograph that frequent here, from our Friday night locals, to travellers who have quite literally just got off the plane, so you’ll never know just who you’re seated next to and strike up a conversation with.” The Free House’s layout of long tables is ideal for meeting people, and “the outcome is greater than the sum of its parts,” says Eelco. If you want to experience real ale, this is the place to go, because live beer is

hand-pulled (or pumped) from the cask. The bar at The Free House is built like a cellar, so the beer is served at 10-13°C. Being a live product, the beer will age naturally once oxygen gets into the cask. “Most of the time we don’t use a blanket of carbon dioxide over the beer, which kills it,” says Eelco. “And we simply rely on the high turnover to ensure customers only get the freshest beer and a true real ale.” For those who think beer must be ice-cold and fizzy, you’ll need to think again – warmer, hand-pulled beer really enhances the aromatics and has a silky-smooth texture, which creates an amazing mouthfeel. And yes, on Sundays you can still have a pint at the old church. 63

Evolutionary award-winning accounting firm leads the way B Y S A R A H N O T TA G E | P H O T O G R A P H Y S T E V E H U S S E Y

alloch McClean Chartered Accountants & Business Advisory is a national awardwinning accountancy firm in Nelson. With Manoli Aerakis as managing director at the helm, it is easy to see why. To listen to Manoli talk, you acquire a sense of someone who not only loves what he does but has the confidence and ability to help other people find and develop their own passions – in business and in life in general. Armed with a genuine smile and charming personality, Manoli leads a team of dedicated professionals who are so good at what they do that they have just taken out a major national award to prove it. Against a field of 70 other accountancy businesses throughout

New Zealand, Malloch McClean won the prestigious Large Accounting Partner of the Year Award at the 2019 Xero Awards recently held in Wellington. According to Xero’s endorsement, “The team has transformed a traditional firm running legacy processes and systems into one with a more modern approach. The evolution they have gone through and the cultural change in particular made them stand out in our books.” According to company history on its website, back in 1933 ‘Malloch McClean was established when Mr Malloch set off on his bicycle around the countryside talking to farmers about the impending introduction of depreciation and the need for double entry accounting’. The business found success straight away.

“We love to look after our clients’ accounting needs but we also want people to run smarter, better businesses and so we facilitate this through coaching, advisory and mentorship.” MANOLI AERAKIS

Six years later in 1939, Mr McClean came on to the scene and introduced the theme of continuous innovation. Today the firm initially founded on solid accounting principles has evolved into a business that could best be described as embracing a form of ‘new accounting’. According to Manoli, the Xero award not only gives Malloch McClean kudos in the accounting industry but also endorses the cultural shift that the business has undergone. No longer just the purveyors of lists of numbers and balance sheets, Manoli and his team partner with their clients’ businesses to help fully develop their potential. They see themselves much more than just accountants. “Where the traditional accounting method is to meet with clients once a year, we meet with ours up to four times each year to help them achieve their goals. We don’t just talk numbers but offer them coaching, business planning and strategic planning. “We love to look after our clients’ accounting needs but we also want people to run smarter, better businesses and so we facilitate this through coaching, advisory and mentorship.

WT + MALLOCH MCCLEAN

We think of ourselves as being ‘on the field’ with our clients – we roll our sleeves up and deal with their day-today challenges which may be entirely different for every organisation we work with. Some of our coaching engagements may not even cover accounting. For instance, a session may be focussed on human resources, marketing or organisational structure.”

Core values

You can sense from walking into the offices at Malloch McClean that there is something special happening there. The energy is palpable, and you know simply by walking past the Superman-inspired photo of Manoli on the sliding entrance doors that the business believes in itself. It is strong, exciting and offers much more than number crunching. The people who work there are drawn together by a very inspiring set of values which are visible in every room; what they believe in, what they are aiming to do and what they value. The core Malloch McClean purpose ‘To build enduring wealth through successful businesses’ is well and good, but the underlying values of being proactive, putting family first, having empathy with their clients and walking alongside them with congruent business practices – these values make it all make sense and give a heart to the action. Even having fun and loving your job at Malloch McClean is an essential ingredient on the list – and of course it should be. Manoli’s business coaching is also valued by the members of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, where he runs Business Building Block workshops. These sessions focus on a particular business objective and are highly acclaimed by the attendees. Manoli considers this as an important part of helping to develop strong businesses in the region, which he sees will be to the benefit of everyone. The thing that stands out from the outset is that Manoli doesn’t just talk the talk, but instead he models Malloch McClean’s values and processes in his own management style. If he gives advice Above: Malloch McClean team members (from left) Rochelle Dudley, Louise Staite, Manoli Aerakis, Catrin Gibson, Gavin Frampton and Meegan Riley. Absent: Gail Murray (away in Europe) and Daniel Reynolds (Wesport office) Opposite page: Malloch McClean managing director Manoli Aerakis

The Malloch McClean core purpose is ‘To build enduring wealth through successful businesses’. to create a business plan or new system, it is because he has done the same; he embodies the values of Malloch McClean because they work. He has his own business coach and is constantly reviewing his plans and processes to ensure he will meet his personal and professional goals. Previously a representative rugby player for Stoke and now an active dad with three boys, Manoli knows what it means to roll up his sleeves and get stuck in. His family is happily ensconced in Mapua and loving being part of their community.

Peer recognition

It is obvious that he is doing something right, as success breeds success. Not only has Malloch McClean won the Large Accounting Partner of the Year Award, but Manoli has also been recognised as an outstanding contributor to the Nelson Tasman business community by being announced as a finalist for Business Person of the Year in the upcoming Nelson Pine Industries Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Business Awards (nominated by his clients none the less). This recognition is on top of another

prestigious award he has won recently recognising his effective leadership. Last year Manoli’s directorship was recognised by the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Directors with the Duncan Cotterill Emerging Director Award. In the words of Danielle Martel, founder of web-development company Keetrax Ltd, participating in a business planning session with Malloch McClean was very much worth the investment. “Yes! It was an amazing afternoon, where we covered a lot of ground but didn't feel rushed nor bullied into anything. Manoli was structured in a fun, highly engaging manner and took the time to explain things along the way. You felt like you were actively listened to and he would contribute valuable points or suggestions to help us achieve our season goals. Did we cover them? We smashed them!”

Contact Ph 03 545 6565 www.mmca.co.nz

ADVENTURE

Legging it with littlies Aya Mackay takes her young family on the Abel Tasman Great Walk.

fter spending an enjoyable Christmas camping at Kaiteriteri, we thought of doing our first Great Walk in New Zealand. My girls, five and seven, are fit and full of mischief. They adore being outdoors, so hubby and I decided to walk the Abel Tasman over four days in early March. That gave us time to prepare (we’d never been tramping), the weather would still be warm and, as we live in Marlborough, the track is handy. I grew more apprehensive as time passed – would we be able to carry everything we needed? What if the kids hurt themselves or became unwell? In the spare room I laid out our gear. Thankfully my dad, a keen hiker, had gifted the family many items. The Queen Charlotte track is nearby so that became our first trial. I put 10kg in my bag, 15kg in hubby’s, and water bladders, snacks and jerseys in the kids’ little packs. It was a tough day. My back and shoulders ached from my ill-fitting pack, and hubby’s was no better. On the plus side, the kids did well and we walked 14km. A good friend (and tramper) glanced at our gear and said, “Half of this needs to go.” Our pile dwindled. She was also unimpressed with my backpack, a relic from my 20s when I first came to New Zealand. She offered hers, we packed it with 12kg, and wow – I felt like I could dance in it. Hubby changed his pack too.

Day 1: Marahau to Anchorage (12.4km, estimated 4hr) As we walked onto the boardwalk about 9.30am, looking at the sparkling estuarine water, it already felt like a special place and moment. Earthy forest smells soon had me relaxed and happy. That first day was mostly easy walking. We stopped at Apple Tree Bay for lunch. A curious weka joined us – and made off with some poor guy’s jandal, with him in hot pursuit. He emerged from the bush with wet shoes, a scowl – and his jandal. A DOC staff member later told us weka have learned to open zips with their beaks. The kids were so happy walking along the track, fantails flitting around them. The bush became a wondrous world in their imagination as they watched for ‘jungle animals’. We reached the new and lovely Anchorage hut about 3.30pm – six hours. The kids were excited to choose their room, and both wanted the top bunks, of course. We enjoyed a swim to relieve tired feet and aching legs. After dinner and a few rounds of cards, the kids were in bed (without fuss) by 7.30pm.

Day 2: Anchorage to Bark Bay (11.5km, est. 4hr) A little tired but fresh the next morning, we devoured our porridge. The tide was draining from the estuary, meaning we could shortcut across, saving an hour. We ditched boots but sharp shells soon forced us to don jandals. The mud tried to suck them off our feet and then splatted our backs with mud-dots. The girls thought it was a great laugh. Above: Aya brings up the rear, behind the girls Opposite Page: Clockwise - Family fun; life’s a beach; making friends with a weka 66

We chatted to walkers who had boated or kayaked in, passed waterfalls and found fish and eels in the creeks, but the day’s highlight for the kids was the big swing bridge, which they crossed several times, shrieking with delight. The bush finally gave way to orange clay ground – stunningly pretty but steep down to Bark Bay Hut. Time five hours. Another young family at the hut had kayaked in. Their children were about three and five and easily made friends with my girls. They all played outside until dark.

Day 3: Bark Bay to Awaroa (13.5km, est. 4.5hr) After another great sleep we began at 9am in warm sunshine, but rain was predicted for late afternoon, turning heavy. The day started with a steep climb. The girls were as enchanted with their adventure as they had been on the first day, counting all the orange markers on the trees, rubbing their cheeks on soft moss and lying on the cold clay ground. After the long walk over the hill we reached the golden sand of Onetahuti Bay. We only saw one other couple – New Zealand magic. In the girls’ exuberance to reach the beach our littlest took a tumble and cut her hand. Patched up, she was soon playing happily on the tree swing. We pushed on to beat the rain. After another steep hill we sighted Awaroa Hut, nestled by a huge sandy estuary. Just as we arrived the drizzle began.

A good friend (and tramper) glanced at our gear and said, “Half of this needs to go.”

We were ecstatic from our little adventure. The boat trip back was beautiful … Six hours’ trek. An elderly Dutch couple told us we could have taken a shortcut. A non-DOC track leads to the lodge and a stroll to the hut along the estuary – avoiding the hill. The freeze-dried meal of the day was a delicious wild mushroom lamb risotto. By now I was feeling like an expert bushwalker. I loved the simplicity of it all. I lit the wood burner and we enjoyed another evening of cards as the rain worsened.

Day 4: Awaroa to Totaranui (7.1km, est. 2.5hr) The storm whipped the hut all night, but we were cosy. By morning the dark clouds dissolved into sunshine. The inlet can only be crossed at low tide. Even then, the DOC lady was worried about the swollen river. We might have to return to Awaroa Lodge and catch a boat back. Our hearts sank. The last water taxi from Totaranui was at 3.15pm. Over a lazy breakfast we watched hikers attempting the estuary crossing, zigzagging, sometimes chest-deep in water with packs raised above their heads. Some turned back. About midday we decided on a shallower crossing up river. The DOC lady guided us to where the river forks. I put togs on the girls. The DOC ranger took my eldest’s hand, hubby took the youngest, and I grabbed their packs. We all got wet bottoms and little Emilie was all but swimming. At the other side there was no time for celebrations as we quick-marched to Totaranui, arriving at 2.45pm. We were ecstatic from our little adventure. The boat trip back was beautiful and as we passed Tonga Island, a wildlife reserve, baby seals played in the water. Our happy girls fell asleep. We retrieved our car and arrived back in Blenheim about 8.30pm – to the best deep-sleep ever. Then it was back to work and school. The kids’ highlights? The naughty weka, crossing the swing bridge, swimming, collecting treasures for their teacher (stones, moss, shells etc), finding bugs and crabs, making friends, playing Uno ... For the adults, the beautiful bush greenery and the smell of vegetation, the beaches and water, having unlimited time for conversations yet enough quiet time for ourselves. I am incredibly grateful to the wonderful DOC staff, and a big ‘thank you’ to my husband, who carried 18-20kg and made the entire trip easier, safer and happier. 67

SPORTS

Sailing into summer From national champs to disabled sailors exploring precious freedom, the waters will be foaming, Phil Barnes reports.

ailing enthusiasts in Nelson and Marlborough are looking forward to an action-packed summer, with everything from national regattas to a wide variety of club racing, cruising, a maritime festival and a growing scheme to introduce sailing to people with disabilities. Highlights at the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club include the Marlborough-Nelson championships in December, the Zephyr Nationals from 1 to 5 February and the Interislander Regatta from 1 to 23 February. This is an open regatta attracting all classes of boats, from Optimists to Flying Dutchman. Above: Sailability Nelson sailors and volunteer coaches sailing their Hansa dinghies in the Nelson Haven Opposite Page: Volunteer coach William Daniel with Lockie Hewson 68

Commodore Richard Gifford says the club is in the midst of a $1.2 million redevelopment of its clubrooms and while that won’t be completely finished in February, they expect to have it operational in time for the regattas. Richard says the club will continue its successful ‘learn to sail’ courses, encouraging young people in particular to get on the water. As a result, the club’s junior membership is strong, he adds. Meanwhile, the annual Picton Maritime Festival takes place on 18 January.

Cruising in Nelson Across the hills, Tasman Bay Cruising Club has its usual active sailing programme lined up for the summer. The popular Wednesday night spring racing runs until 9 December and then re-starts as a summer series from 29 January until 1 April. Vice-commodore Alister Morison says the series attracts an average of 30 yachts competing in three divisions. Highlights of the club’s season include hosting the Evolution Sails Nelson Regatta in January. This incorporates the Trailer Yacht South Island Championships and Top of the South Trailer Yacht and Sports Boat Regatta.

Other major events include the sixrace offshore series, which includes races from Nelson to French Pass and back, Nelson to Port Tarakohe and back and Wellington to Nelson. This year the club is introducing a monthly two-handed race series. Alister says the format is popular in Auckland as with just two people on board, skippers don’t have the hassle of mustering crews. For less competitive yachties the club has introduced eight Friday evening rum races in late summer. “It will be very casual.” Spinnakers are outlawed and a Mark Foy start means yachts are on handicap according to their estimated speed. “So with the faster yachts starting last it will be a ‘catch-me-if-you-can’ pursuit race.”

“With the faster yachts starting last it will be a ‘catch-me-if-you-can’ pursuit race.” A L I S T E R M O R I S O N L O O KS F O RWA R D TO R U M R A C I N G O N TA S M A N BAY

Alister says the club also has an active cruising set-up, with yachties often going away for long weekends. He says they plan to make more use of sailing in the waters of Abel Tasman National Park. Club manager Deb Mahan says another popular event will be the annual Ladies Race on December 18, which aims to encourage more women to sail. Potential new members, or indeed anyone wanting to try their hand at crewing, are welcome to come down to the Wednesday evening twilight series, she adds.

Starlings flock in The highlights for the Nelson Yacht Club’s season are its annual Whakatu Regatta in January and the Starling nationals in April. This year the Whakatu event will also incorporate the South Island Starling and Flying Dutchman championships. Club commodore Geoff Pitcaithly says they sometimes hold events together to cut down on the resources required to organise them. “It means we can use the same personnel for all the events.” The Nelson club also runs ‘learn to sail’ programmes, including after school and in school holidays. Geoff says the club, which was founded in 1857 and is New Zealand’s oldest, has about 300 members, most of whom are juniors, which bodes well for the future.

A growing addition to the sailing scene is the volunteer group Sailability Nelson.

“The thrill that parents or caregivers get from seeing their loved ones out on the water is one of the things that makes it all worthwhile for the volunteers.” J O H N M A C D U F F, O N S A I L I N G FOR THE DISABLED

“Our membership has remained steady over the last few years, which actually is a positive thing as so many other yacht clubs struggle these days because there are so many other things for people to do.”

Disabled out on the water A growing addition to the sailing scene is the volunteer group Sailability Nelson. The worldwide organisation, whose purpose is to enrich the lives of people with intellectual and physical disabilities through sailing, has spawned 10 such groups in New Zealand but only this one in the South Island. Sailability Nelson Trust chairman John MacDuff says the local chapter started five years ago when they held an open day to gauge public interest. “From there we have grown progressively through word-of-mouth. Currently we have about 30 families involved.” The Nelson group has five specially designed Hansa dinghies and is able to take out up to 25 people on alternate Sundays through the summer season. The dinghies cater for people with disability issues, including a lack of mobility. A heavy lead-weighted centreboard has a

similar effect to a keel and ensures the vessels don’t tip over. The boom is cranked up higher than usual, so sailors with limited mobility can tack while sitting down without having to duck under a swinging boom. And to assist steering, the boats have a joystick at the front rather than a tiller at the back. John says people of all ages take part, from children to older people who have suffered strokes or deal with conditions such as multiple sclerosis. The dinghies are launched from a pontoon accessible by ramp from the Nelson Rescue Centre. If necessary, wheelchair users can be hoisted into the boats. To ensure maximum safety two support boats accompany the sailors and everyone on the water is in contact with shore via two-way radio. If the breeze stiffens beyond a certain limit all vessels return to shore.

Therapy and thrills John has seen significant benefits from the scheme. “Water is very therapeutic and some of the children have really found their niche learning to sail. Some of them are getting to the stage where they can sail independently.” Sailing enables people to experience adventure and freedom, plus build mobility, self-confidence and pride through a sense of achievement, he adds. “People living with disabilities seldom have opportunities to participate in individual sporting activities where they can stand on a level playing field. Overall, sailing helps build confidence and enables personal growth, with the benefits extending beyond the sailor to their family, schools, clubs and the wider community. “And the thrill that parents or caregivers get from seeing their loved ones out on the water is one of the things that makes it all worthwhile for the volunteers.” If you want to be part of that thrill, John can always use more helpers – and sailing experience isn’t necessary. “We need 12 to 15 volunteers a day.” 69

MOTORING

Marry this Merc ... BY GEOFF MOFFETT

ere’s a car that understands you. Not just listens, but really gets you, thanks to Mercedes’ voice activation system. It takes automotive artificial intelligence to a new level, first found in the A class and now in the GLE SUV. Say the magic words “Hey Mercedes” and a pleasant voice will say, “How can I help you?” Voice activation has been around for years. Mercedes introduced its ‘Linguatronic’ system in the S class in 1996, but the new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) is a whole new world. Saying “I’m too cold” will have the car dialling up the heat. “I want to go to Trafalgar St” will put you on course for Nelson’s main drag without having to labour through a series of commands. I didn’t have the car long enough, but the MBUX will get to know your voice. It will suggest music, cabin and comfort settings, or even destinations, through a ‘suggestions’ shortcut as it learns your habits. The technology is all about keeping your attention on the road, although that’s not easy with the Mercedes’ fabulous wide-screen digital dash. It’s a beautiful thing; seemingly two iPads laid on their sides and arrayed across the cockpit in front of you. Touch-activated, of course. Swipe your way through the menus, but preferably not while you are moving. That’s why you have the voice control. You can customise the dash’s look in four modes, and there’s also a touch-pad that responds to handwriting. 70

You even have the choice of cockpit ambient lighting colours (64 of them). Such impressive tech in the new GLE is indicative of how far it has moved from its ML SUV genes. It’s a big vehicle, masculine with more seductive curves, has four-wheel drive (or 4-Motion in M-B speak) plus an optional ‘E-Active Body Control’ air-suspension which, in ‘Curve’ mode, can lean the car into bends to minimise body roll. The features go on. For example, the 84 individually controllable LEDs per headlamp adapt to turning, cornering or driving on highways.

much luxury and comfort for that, and a brilliant highway ride. You can have a seven-seat option with either 300 or 400 model and a tempting shopping list of other extras that can easily add $50k to the starting price, especially with the desirable air suspension at $13k. What you will get, however, is the most sophisticated motoring available in a desirable SUV package – and a car that will know how to work on your relationship.

Tech spec

Warning of cyclists Every safety and driver assistance system you can imagine is here – and probably more. The Blind Spot Assist, for instance, gives a visual as well as audio warning of impending side collision, and warns if you’re about to open the door on a cyclist. The GLE is offered with four- or six-cylinder engine, both diesel. For most buyers, the four will have enough power – a healthy 180kw and 500Nm of torque, giving spirited acceleration to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds, although at times you are aware of it having to haul about 2.3 tonnes of vehicle. For an extra $11k, the in-line ‘six’ will find admirers. Either way, it’s a big vehicle, although surprisingly easy to place on the road, has a decent turning circle and, after some familiarity, it will lose any intimidation factor. There’s too

Price:

GLE 300d 4MATIC $128,200; GLE 400d $139,990.

Power:

300d, 1950cc 4-cylinder turbocharged, 180kw @ 4200 rpm, 500Nm @ 1600-2400rpm; 400d, 2925cc 6-cylinder turbocharged, 243kw @ 3600-4000rpm, 700Nm @ 1200-3000rpm. Both 9-speed auto.

Carbon emissions: Fuel:

400km (nominal) 6.9l/100km combined (300d), 7.7l/100km (400d).

Vehicle courtesy of Houston Motor Group

W T + C R A I G S I N V E S T M E N T PA R T N E R S N E L S O N

The importance of investing - it’s never too late to start BY SA R A H NO T TAG E

or many of us, investing can be daunting; where to start, what to do, what level of risk do you want to take? In today’s economy, with low interest rates and taxes and inflation eating into your nest egg, putting your hard-earned savings in a bank may not be the best plan. And with the changes in the housing market, the once traditional fallback of buying a rental property now carries more risk, and is not as easy as it once was. If you are thinking about investing, a good starting point is to talk to an expert and get financial advice.

Investing across the Top of the South Craigs Investment Partners Nelson branch is open for business, and the experienced team is looking forward to helping local clients achieve their financial goals. “I’m passionate about helping clients achieve their financial goals and grow their wealth,” begins Tanya McMurtrie, investment adviser at Craigs Investment Partners. “I believe that where a client’s financial future is concerned, preparation and understanding are everything.” Tanya McMurtrie and Jason Craig, investment advisers, joined the Craigs team earlier this year, and opened the branch doors in September. The Nelson branch is the 19th in the Craigs network throughout New Zealand, and complements the wellestablished Blenheim branch with investment advisers Felix Vavasour and Kent Winstanley. Frank Aldridge, managing director at Craigs explains; “The Nelson branch completes our footprint across New Zealand. We opened our Blenheim branch in 2006 and had been waiting for the opportune time to extend our investment services into the Nelson area.” Above: From left - Jason Craig and Tanya McMurtrie (Nelson), Felix Vavasour and Kent Winstanley (Blenheim), are investment advisers at Craigs Investment Partners. Their Adviser Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge at www.craigsip.com

From small beginnings

Craigs was founded in Whakatane 35 years ago by Neil Craig, the current chairman, and today is one of the largest investment advisory firms in the country with $19 billion* of client funds under management. Craigs has grown not only in size, but has also expanded its products and services offering a full range of investment services, from managed portfolios, broking, KiwiSaver and savings solutions, superannuation and Australian and UK pension transfers. Services can be tailored to the specific needs and goals of clients.

Local knowledge and expertise

Nelson-born and raised, Tanya and Jason have 30 years’ combined experience as investment advisers. Tanya and Jason spend time getting to know their clients, enabling them to tailor an investment portfolio to personal needs and preferences. “Craigs is all about client service and partnering with clients for the long term to build personalised investment portfolios,” says Jason.

A sense of community

Craigs has two national sponsorship partnerships with Community Foundations of New Zealand and Hospice New Zealand. Craigs places great value on corporate responsibility and is also committed to supporting its local communities. Jason is implementing the ‘Craigs Nelson Marlborough Rescue Chopper 50k-a-day Challenge’, encouraging Craigs’ staff to run, walk or cycle

either as individuals or teams and obtain sponsorship to raise money for the Nelson Marlborough rescue helicopter, and Tanya has been a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson Tasman for 10 years. Both Tanya and Jason are actively involved in the local community in their personal interests, Jason, a former New Zealand track cyclist, is still heavily involved in the local Nelson cycling scene, and Tanya, a keen runner, is currently in the middle of completing a personal challenge of finishing marathons in seven continents.

Investing is for everyone Craigs firmly believes that investing is for all New Zealanders and the team will help you plan towards building a secure financial future so that you can enjoy your life. As Jason says; “You only live once. You’ve got to make the most of it.” The Nelson and Blenheim teams welcome new clients for a complimentary, no-obligation discussion. Whether prospective clients are new or experienced investors, all are met with warmth and enthusiasm by a professional and experienced team on hand to help. *As at September 2019.

Contact Ph Nelson 03 744 0100 or Blenheim 03 577 7410 | www.craigsip.com

Sawmill opens up career pathways for young people B Y C AT H I E B E L L | P H O T O G R A P H Y A N T H O N Y P H E L P S

orking at Kaituna Sawmill in Marlborough opens up a world of opportunities for people, workers at the mill say. Opportunities are not just available for school leavers, and sawmill staff say they are able to move up within the mill and try out a variety of roles as part of a rewarding career. Ricky McKnight has started his apprenticeship at the sawmill, and Kane Sullivan, Ryan Williamson, and Jamie Howieson have all done apprenticeships and different jobs at the sawmill. All say they would like to see others in Marlborough and from further afield joining them at Kaituna. Kaituna Sawmill, part of Nelson Forests Ltd, is owned by Australian company OneFortyOne. Kane Sullivan is a maintenance engineer, who has currently stepped up to share a departmental manager’s role as Workshop Maintenance Manager. Above: From Left - Ryan Williamson, Ricky McKnight, Jamie Howieson, and Kane Sullivan say their careers at Kaituna Sawmill are rewarding 72

He says he started at the sawmill in 2011 on the production line, feeding timber into a machine to be wrapped. He was on night shift and had moved from the food industry. “It was a big change, but I adapted.” From there, he went to a full-time day-shift job on the planer processing line, before moving into dispatch. An apprenticeship came up in the workshop in 2015, and Kane qualified eight weeks ago as a mechanical engineer. “My biggest regret was that I didn’t do some sort of apprenticeship when I was 20,” says Kane. He says sawmill staff are keen to develop new skill sets and widen their expertise. “If we can have people from all types of industries coming here, that’s good. Recently, we had two engineers who are not sawmillers join the team and they’re bringing in a whole different mindset.”

Kane says there’s also nothing wrong with coming in and doing a trade apprenticeship at Kaituna and then taking that skill set elsewhere for a time, like taking a sabbatical, before returning to Kaituna. The vision of the team is that Kaituna is seen as the top sawmill in the country and as a “must have” in a top-quality sawmiller’s CV. “We want employers to ask someone, ‘When did you have a connection with Kaituna Sawmill?’”

Numerous job opportunities

Jamie Howieson says he heard about jobs at Kaituna Sawmill after talking to a friend’s brother at a party 16 years ago. Jamie started stacking timber, then became a forklift driver coordinator, before completing a three-and-a-half-year apprenticeship to become a saw doctor. Despite his trade apprenticeship being quite specialised, he’s also had the opportunity to try out working in other areas of the sawmill. “There are quite a few different jobs at the mill. You can move around.” He likes his job as a saw doctor and has recruited others to work at the sawmill too, like his friend’s brother.

“My biggest regret was that I didn’t do some sort of apprenticeship when I was 20.” K A N E S U L L I VA N

WT + NELSON FORESTS

Ryan Williamson qualified as a maintenance engineer six years ago, having done his apprenticeship at the sawmill. “I started here just before I turned 17. I’ve been here coming up 11 years now. “I live locally, so I just rode my pushbike down and put in a CV and started the next day … at the time, I didn’t realise the opportunities that were here. “I’ve done speedway and built my own race cars. I’ve always enjoyed engineering and pulling things apart. Working here gives me an opportunity to better myself and add to what I can do. “I wouldn’t change anything about the job. It’s a very good job. The only thing that

I want to do is continuously further myself and find the next step in my career.”

Helping the company grow

Ricky McKnight is six weeks into his apprenticeship and says that it’s brilliant. “It’s really enjoyable. Everyone’s really easy to get on with.” Ricky says he is looking forward to finishing his apprenticeship and then working his way around a few other tickets and modules. “I want to improve on my skills and help the company grow, so I can be here for bigger and better things. “I would recommend it here. It’s a really good place to learn. They really look after you.”

“It’s a really good place to learn. They really look after you.” RICKY MCKNIGHT

General Manager at Kaituna Sawmill Tracy Goss is encouraging people to get in touch and make the most of opportunities for trade training at the mill. “If you or someone you know might be interested in a career at Kaituna Sawmill, the time to make an enquiry is right now. Get in touch with me and we can talk to you about where an apprenticeship can lead.”

Forest with a family connection B Y C AT H I E B E L L P H O T O G R A P H Y M A R K F O R WA R D

t’s a stunning day up on the ridges of Coronation Forest in Golden Downs, south of Richmond. There’s a lot of chatter as 74 school children aged 10 and 11 gather to begin a day’s activities in the forest. Coronation Forest has a long-standing connection with the Nelson Tasman community. The forest is run by Nelson Forests Ltd, and each year in September, the company hosts about 300 children across a week to plant seedlings, understand the relationship between indigenous forest and plantation forest, and learn about how a plantation forest works. It’s the 65th year of planting at Coronation Forest, and now there are children taking part whose parents and grandparents took part when they were their age. When Nelson Forests’ Heather Arnold asks if any of the parents supervising took part, half the adults there raise their hands. And it’s not just the parent-helpers – one of the forestry staff supervising is Barry Walsh. He remembers planting trees at Coronation Forest when he was at Waimea Intermediate School. His son took part in planting while at school and is now working in a harvesting crew on

the next hill over. Barry’s daughter-in-law Saraya Walsh also works in forestry and is at the school event supervising. His grandson came with his school group this year to take part.

Intergenerational forest

Coronation Forest was the idea of Arnold Cork, who was the Senior Agricultural Instructor for the Nelson Education Board in the early 1950s, Heather Arnold says. “He realised that forestry was destined to play a major role in the New Zealand economy and thought that the best way for children to appreciate this was for them to be involved in their own forest,” says Heather. In 1953 schools were given a supply of tree seeds to establish their own small

Above: Barry Walsh, his daughter in-law Saraya Walsh and her sons Jack (left) and Ryan (right)

nurseries to raise seedlings and supply tree stocks for planting the following year. As the seedlings were grown during the year that Queen Elizabeth II was crowned, the forest was named Coronation Forest. The seedlings were then planted in Coronation Forest in 1954, covering six hectares. Douglas-fir seedlings were planted by 712 children from 20 schools across the Nelson Tasman region. Since then, planting at Coronation Forest has occurred every year. Heather Arnold says there were many Coronation Forests set up nationally, but she thinks that Golden Downs is the only one still active. 73

“Nelson Forests’ staff and contractors look forward to the event each year, with the workers involved volunteering to be part of the day, running activities and acting as guides for each school group as well as cooking sausages and preparing hot chocolate for the children.” It’s a popular event, not just with the children. Barry Walsh has retired from forestry work, but comes back each year for the planting. He says the children do well with their planting – they are put into groups of three and are given 10 seedlings to plant in a set area.

“They take their time with it, but they make a good job … they all get into it.” The children plant a certain area, and then contractors come in to finish planting the full area. In 12 months’ time, the seedlings will have grown as high as the children are tall, Barry Walsh says.

Educational experience

Another retired forestry worker who keeps coming back is Rex Marshall. He takes the children through a block of protected indigenous trees within the forest, and teaches them about different plants, insects, and birds in the area.

His tour ends with the children nibbling on a horopito leaf, the unexpected spiciness of that remaining in the children’s memory of the day. The third activity takes the children to a block of trees that will be harvested in coming weeks. There, they count and measure different trees, noting what the trunks are like and calculating which trees are more valuable than others. After watching Brightwater School Year 6 students take part in the day, it’s easy to see why they recommend it to others. From that, you could anticipate that it will be a popular event for years to come.

Our beautiful wild kea need our help BY SANDRINE MARRASSÉ | PHOTOGRAPHY NELSON FORESTS AND MECHANISED CABLE HARVESTING (MCH)

eeing kea in the wild is a really special experience. They are beautiful birds; majestic yet playful, sociable and highly intelligent. As they fly, we’re treated to the beautiful blue and green markings that colour their wings and tail tip, and the stunning flash of vivid orange of their underwing. Named by Māori for the sound of its call, the kea is endemic to Aotearoa’s South Island and is the world’s only mountain parrot. Kea have a number of memorable behaviour traits and most of us will readily recall the confident strut of the mischievous extrovert, seemingly tame in its demeanour, yet ready and willing to pose for that perfect Instagram photo. Looking a little deeper into the life of kea, and coming to understand that the

nationally endangered birds are ground nesters, reveals more about these beautiful parrots. “They’re on the ground and really vulnerable,” says Andrea Goodman, the Kea Conservation Trust’s Kea Conflict Management and Community Engagement Coordinator. “The female kea sits there quite quiet, just like a chicken. She’s not a gregarious clown that’s all bolshy and strong.” The highly intelligent and social birds have an unusual tendency to seek out people and property. This leads to what the Kea Conservation Trust refers to as conflict. Kea are naturally attracted to human activity, particularly the buzz and action of working plantation forestry sites. Nelson Forests sees its relationship with the Kea Conservation Trust as a long-term and vitally important one. They have worked together since 2014 to protect kea, at the same time endeavouring to ensure worker safety. Kea can be distracting and destructive on a worksite, so operating in kea-populated areas can be challenging. It’s important to both organisations to understand how any human–kea conflict can be managed in a way that is mutually beneficial. “Like the kiwi, kea are an iconic New Zealand species,” says Heather Arnold, Nelson Forests’ Environmental Planner. “However, most people don’t realise that there are fewer than 5000 kea left, compared with 68,000 kiwi.” Starting this year, Nelson Forests is providing funding to the Trust as part of a

five-year programme to help support kea conservation. The funding will support the Conflict Transformation Programme, a citizen science research programme that will strive to establish how important plantation forestry is to kea by using kea sightings and data from Nelson Forests’ staff and contractors to contribute to the project, and a third research programme that supports kea in situ. “We are in a stage of transitioning from managing human–kea conflict and trying to come up with avoidance tactics, to being a lot more proactive about trying to understand how important plantation forestry is for kea survival and habitat, and what we can do to create a good balance between our achieving productive land use, and helping the kea thrive in their habitat for the long term,” says Heather.

Vital funding

Part of the Nelson Forests funding will go towards human–kea conflict transformation work that is currently

active in the Top of the South. “It’s about changing people’s perception of kea and also making sure that people can live with kea in their backyards, and ensuring that people such as those working in harvesting crews can work safely with kea,” says Andrea. “That’s huge for the industry as well – given that they value safety so highly. “The forestry industry as a whole has just been terrific with their response to kea conservation in the South Island. Nelson Forests, in particular, has really jumped on board and Heather Arnold has been instrumental in encouraging the ethos of kea conservation within harvesting crews and the wider Nelson Forests business.” In addition to programme funding, Nelson Forests will also contribute in-kind support towards developing, trialling and assessing a variety of kea-proofing strategies and tools to be employed at forestry and other work sites. “I get regular phone calls from contractors to let me know ‘hey, we’ve got kea here’, so we roll out the standard things that have proved to work,” says Heather. “The first and biggest rule being never to feed kea, and then other practical things like covering vehicles and precious items with blue tarpaulins. “Kea don’t like garlic paste so we suggest the crews smear it over their key wires as the birds like to strip the plastic housings to play with the wires underneath. If it’s a crew that hasn’t already had a discussion with Andrea from the Kea Conservation Trust, I’ll ask her to come and talk to the crew about how precious kea are and what we need to do to look after them, and how we can minimise those areas of conflict. “Building on our long-term work with the Trust, we’ve just started the citizen science research programme that has been designed to try to understand the interface between plantation forestry and kea habitat. Part of this project is kea banding, which is also partly funded by the New Zealand Forest Owners’ Association. This project is really reliant on timely reporting from our workforce in the forest.” The kea are captured and banded with leg tags. The Kea Conservation Trust and DOC use the opportunity while the kea are captive to take blood samples from them that test for lead levels. Colour banding Above: - Kea Conservation Trust and DOC workers take blood samples from kea to test for lead poisoning Opposite page: Clockwise - Heather Arnold holds one of the kea as it's banded and checked; Curious Kea visit MCH’s forest harvesting site

“... most people don’t realise that there are fewer than 5000 kea left, compared with 68,000 kiwi.” H E AT H E R A R N O L D , N E L S O N F O R E S T S E N V I R O N M E N TA L P L A N N E R

of kea provides important re-sighting opportunities, which will contribute to a database of information on individual kea survival, social affiliations, movement and status of populations over time. “We are trying to band as many birds as we can within plantation forest and harvesting sites, look at where they are going, and find out if it’s the same kea that are visiting multiple sites,” says Andrea. “We can also track and monitor which kea are pairing up, but we’re also testing them for lead levels. Lead is a really big factor in kea mortality. Kea get lead from many places. They get it from old roofs, they’re picking off the lead nails and the lead flashing, and old paint, and they’re also getting it from dump sites. We’re finding that kea have really high lead levels in places like Arthur’s Pass and on the West Coast.”

Mapping kea sites

In-kind support from Nelson Forests includes reporting kea sightings and their banding colours. If unbanded birds are spotted, Nelson Forests staff and contractors alert the Trust so that they can come and band those birds. This information contributes to GIS mapping of the kea conflict locations and will be disseminated via the Kea Conservation Trust website and shared with crews at the sites as well. This research will benefit the local kea and the human communities who are living

with kea around them. Kea sightings can be logged at www.keadatabase.nz. The Kea Conservation Trust in conjunction with Nelson Forests and other local forestry companies have drafted the Kea and Forestry Guidelines, which have been endorsed by the Forest Owners’ Association and distributed to harvesting crews throughout the South Island. It gives forestry personnel an understanding of what to do if there are kea in the area and what they should do if they come across kea, such as how to behave, what their environmental responsibilities are, and what the protocols are if they see evidence of nesting kea. “The forestry industry has been really proactive as opposed to reactive – and it’s worked,” says Andrea. “We have had examples where we have found a kea nest on a harvest site and the guidelines were followed to the letter. “The work we’ve been doing is showing that plantation forestry clearly plays an important role in kea conservation.” Just how important a role is a big question still to be answered. Andrea and Heather hope that the upcoming research programme will contribute to existing knowledge and help ensure an enriched and sustainable future for our precious wild kea.

Contact www.nelsonforests.co.nz

Photo: Dominique White

ARTS

A maestro with metal Bruce Derrett transforms junk into fantastical creatures, John Du Four reports.

culpting from nature takes a real knack – to capture perfectly the look, the proportions, the key details of a particular species. It’s an even greater ask to inject vitality into that work; the suggestion of life – but do this out of cold, hard, welded metal, you’re talking major skill. Then throw in the added challenge of using only recycled bits and pieces – everything from car parts to kitchen implements, machinery to sporting goods, tools, nuts, bolts, you name it – all the while never losing the realism or personality of the creature. Now that’s rare talent indeed. Welcome to the extraordinary world of Bruce Derrett. The Motueka sculptor has been charming people with his clever creations for nearly a decade. Not too shabby for a boy who failed metalwork at school.

“I wasn’t a motivated student,” Bruce admits. “I only did what I had to. As for metalwork, that was a teacher/clash thing.” What Bruce did know was he liked working with his hands. “At 14 I rebuilt a car engine with my neighbour. I’m one of those ‘I’ll make that’ kind of guys. I’ve always set up a workshop wherever I’ve lived.”

Fresh start, new purpose In 1990, as a 19-year-old, Bruce moved to Nelson from the North Island. “My wife Jossie and I had our kids at a young age. Our family hobby became going to garage sales. That’s how over the years I picked up all my tools. “I saw things in magazines; quirky recycled things. I liked that they were different – old stuff given new life.” So Bruce made a few little pieces like hanging bugs, small spiders and crickets, selling them through the Cool Store Gallery in Mapua. “People seemed to like them – everything sold – but more and more people suggested I should be at the Nelson Market; that it was the perfect spot.” Eight years ago Bruce made the switch. “They were right – things just took off. You’re surrounded by so many well-made crafts, and people of a similar energy. And

“Another couple, keen cyclists, asked me to make them a hall table solely out of bicycle parts. It nearly did my head in, but I got there.” 76

Above: Bruce Derrett in his workshop with some of his life-like birds

I love the interaction with the public.” He hasn’t looked back. “My art falls into two main types: the naturalistic pieces and the cartoony/quirky ones.” Using a Mig-welder, Bruce transforms nails into feathers, spatulas into wings, wheel bearings into eyes. Birds are a favourite subject: penguins with bodies made from motorbike petrol tanks; hawks with shearing blades for wings; fantails covered in nail feathers; herons with lawnmower-tank torsos. It doesn’t end there. Meat mincers, golf-club heads, secateurs, petanque balls – they all end up becoming fish, dogs, insects, goats, lizards, even stags. “I like to retain the original painted colour of components, like my special haul of Holden-green car-door panels,” says Bruce. “It’s amazing what a pop of colour adds to some pieces. “People know me now – they bring me their junk,” he laughs. “I never turn them down. I know one day I’ll find just the bit I need.” Bruce recalls one lady who brought him a box of dentistry bits and pieces and asked him to make a fish sculpture for her dentist boss’s 60th birthday. “Another couple, keen cyclists, asked me to make them a hall table solely out of bicycle parts. It nearly did my head in, but I got there.” Get there he does, with every sculpture – the mark of an assured artist.

IN THE GALLERY

Novemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top creative picks Treat yourself to an inspirational piece of art or jewellery from our latest gallery must-haves.

1. Jens Hansen, Yellow Gold Ring with Cushion Cut Citrine, www.jenshansen.co.nz, $1,649 2. Joanna Upperton, In The Tea Leaves, 760 x 640mm, acrylic on board, The Gallery Havelock, 60 Main Road, Havelock, 03 574 2821, www.facebook.com/TheGalleryHavelock, $6,500 3. Jasmin Papworth, Tui, 220 x 300mm, giclĂŠe prints, limited edition of 15, $85 each, Forest Fusion, Mapua Wharf, 022 091 8380, www.forestfusion.com 4. Roz Speirs, Fire Poppy, fused glass bowl, Wall to Wall Art, 112 Bridge St, Nelson, 027 500 5528, www.clarityglass.co.nz, $245 5. Johanna Tyson, Pool, 2019, acrylic on canvas, 1000 x 760mm, Quiet Dog Gallery, Nelson, 03 548 3991, www.quietdoggallery.co.nz 6. Marilyn Andrews, 3189 Tropical Paradise, 1500 x 900mm, acrylic on canvas, Marilyn Andrews Gallery, Nelson, 03 548 9400, www.marilynandrewsart.co.nz, commissioned work

BOOKS

Fiction or nonfiction? Sometimes it can be hard to tell. Photo: Steve Austin

COMPILED BY RENÉE LANG

The Testaments Margaret Atwood

Meet Nelson’s awardwinning booksellers BY RENÉE LANG

urveyors of a beautifully curated collection of books in Nelson’s Church Lane, Thomas Koed and Stella Chrysostomou have between them an impressive amount of experience in dealing with books. Both were working in bookshops when they first met in the early 1990s. While bookselling was something that Stella fell into by default after completing university, she has also worked in events management, hospitality and customer service roles. She’s also a practising artist, but for her “the book trade has its own special flavour and is endlessly challenging and satisfying”. Prior to establishing Volume, Thomas explored other aspects of the book trade, including editing, publishing and publication design. That he is now a bookseller again is largely due to his experience which he sums up as “being present at the moment when the book and the reader meet is inexhaustibly satisfying”. Being awarded the New Zealand Bookshop of the Year (in 2018) after just two years in business was a wonderful accolade and was clearly a huge boost. “We believe that a bookshop can never be more than the expression of its community, so this award was entirely due to our community’s unquenchable enthusiasm for books and for the communities they can build.” Thomas leans towards reading fiction in which the form is as important to the book as the subject matter. “In other words, I am interested in people exploring the ways in which a book can be written.” Stella’s choices range across fiction and non-fiction, preferably edgy writers (mostly women) with a sharp wit, “those who create fiction that confronts our human fallibility.” Her non-fiction interests include feminist theory, politics, anything about art, and essaystyle investigations into social-cultural dynamics. Both are keen to promote books that they think are particularly interesting and run regular discussion groups for interested customers. They are quick to say that they enjoy being “small and agile, being able to do things as we like, getting to know our customers personally — and being small enough to stock only books we think are really good”. Stella and Thomas believe the future of physical bookshops is still to some extent under threat by unsustainable growthfixated overseas Internet retailers. “We provide experiences, services and expertise that cannot be had on the Internet, and we are a focus for a community of book lovers.” Above: Thomas Koed and Stella Chrysostomou 78

Available now, $48.00 Penguin Random House

ot on the heels of the end of series three of The Handmaid’s Tale comes this much-awaited sequel that picks up the story 15 years after the character we know as both Offred and June decides – against alarming odds – not to make the run to Canada. Deservedly described by the Guardian as ‘the literary event of the year’.

Medical Cannabis Dr Shaun Holt Available now, $29.99 Potton & Burton

edical cannabis is big business, even as we prepare ourselves to vote in next year’s referendum about legalising the stuff for personal use. In the meantime medical doctor, researcher, adjunct professor at Wellington’s Victoria University and committed advocate, Dr Shaun Holt offers his views on its efficacy, citing its potential benefits, particularly in terms of cost.

Big Ideas for Small Houses Catherine Foster Available now, $50 Penguin Random House

he tiny – or in this case small – house concept is not going away any time soon and by using a wonderfully diverse and stylish array of examples Auckland-based writer Catherine Foster confirms that it is indeed possible to break into the tight housing market if you are prepared to go small.

What’s on 8 - 13 December Super Club Netball 19 December 7 Days Live 21 December Christmas for the City 29 December L.A.B & Katchafire 3 January Bay Dreams Pre-Party 4 January Bay Dreams After-Party 5 January Sticky Fingers

HÖGLUND GLASS STUDIO & GALLERY Locally made blown glass and jewellery by artists Ola & Marie Höglund and their family. Makers of Nelson art glass since 1982.

VISITORS WELCOME – OPEN DAILY 10 TO 5 (closed on public holidays)

52 Lansdowne Road, Appleby, Richmond Ph 03 544 6500

www.hoglundartglass.com

8 February Good People Festival Black Seeds, Laughton Kora, Sunshine Sound System+ 22 February Kapa Haka Regional Championships 28 March Tactix Netball

For more info and tickets visit:

itson.co.nz

/trafalgarvenues

trafalgar_venues

Cnr Champion & Salisbury Roads, Richmond OPEN 7 DAYS 8am–6.30pm Ph: 03 544 0824 | raewardfresh.co.nz

Photo: Dominique White

MUSIC

Love in a country tone B Y B E L L A N A S T R AT F O R D

ongwriting duo Nikita Fountain and Mark Alan McKenzie are experimenting with enriched contemporary country sounds. The Nelson pair, who perform as Dust & Gold, have been making music together since 2016. Nikita was working as a real-estate agent next to Mark’s recording studio, but while they had heard of each other, it took a while to connect – they finally met at a music shop. Call it fate because they are now engaged. Mark started out playing guitar and had been a part of numerous bands, specialising in rock and blues. Nikita had grown up listening to country and church music, with a passion for singing, but, when they met, had less performance and songwriting experience than her partner. When Mark invited Nikita to his studio for a jam session, they quickly heard something special in their sound. They started performing at Nelson bar/restaurant Rhythm and Brown, but their intention to quietly practise their songs didn’t quite Above: Nikita Fountain and Mark Alan McKenzie 80

work out. “People started coming in and sitting down just to watch us,” says Nikita. The duo feel they enhance each other’s performances. Nikita stands back, supporting Mark to do his thing while providing melodies, and vice versa. Being new to songwriting, Nikita says it thrills her when, as a singer, she finds herself humming a melody or part of a chorus. Mark often jumps in and asks her to extend on sections, which has shown Nikita what she can look for too. Mark has also stretched himself, with singing and the technical aspects of creating music. The guitarist never thought he’d be a vocalist, but when he took lessons to learn how to sing higher, he discovered he was a baritone and has since embraced this voice, which suits the country tone.

Embracing opposites The name Dust & Gold came to them as they were sitting around Mark’s flat, talking about opposites. “We saw Dust & Gold as very masculine and feminine, a marriage of the two, and here we are getting married too. The synergy of the two together is more powerful than [they are] separately,” says Mark. “Relationships aren’t just excellent and sexy,” he adds when talking about some of their older songs. Their debut single, Merry Go Round, was Nikita’s take on her previous relationship. In turn, their new single, What I Want, refers to one of Mark’s past loves.

“We’ve got to get the past songs out first, all the breakup songs, ’cause we’re all too happy now.” N I K I TA F O U N TA I N

“Love songs to come eventually for Dust & Gold,” Nikita quips. “We’ve got to get the past songs out first, all the break-up songs, ’cause we’re all too happy now.” Releasing singles has allowed the duo to get their songs out into the world and, with a bank of about 50 unrecorded numbers, they have a lot of original content to share. “As long as the songs keep coming to us, we’ll keep trying to record them and do our best to get people to hear them,” Mark says with a smile. The wedding is set for December. Meanwhile, the pair will be kept on their toes with numerous gigs, both locally and outside the region. They recently performed at the Nelson Arts Festival in October and are looking forward to the Wairarapa Country Music Festival in January. Bellana Stratford is studying for a NZ Diploma in Writing for the Creative Industries at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.

FILM

Pete and Ed’s excellent adventure BY MICHAEL BORTNICK

91 Trafalgar Street, Nelson - Ph: 548 3885 Hillary: Ocean to Sky Documentary Directed by Michael Dillon Starring Edmund and Peter Hillary, Jim Wilson 106 minutes Rated G

“E

d was not only a great explorer, he was the most loyal friend you could ever hope for.” Dr Jim Wilson, a jet boat driver on the 1977 Ganges trip. Edmund Hillary is and will always be New Zealand’s greatest hero. He’s on the five dollar note … and stamps. Mountain peaks and roads are named after him. He has repeatedly been called our most trusted individual. And he was knighted by the Queen. A listing of his achievements would humble any of us. He passed away over 10 years ago, and on an average day … he still does more than me. Hidden in his Wikipedia page is the line, “In 1977, Hillary led a jet boat expedition, from the mouth of the Ganges River to its source.” Interestingly, to Sir Ed, this little river trip always remained ‘the best journey of them all’. The mission set off shortly after the tragic plane crash where Ed lost his wife and daughter. The idea of going all the way up a river from the ocean and finishing up on the top of a mountain was a lifelong dream. He realised that he could do it in an indigenous New Zealand machine – the jet boat designed by Sir William Hamilton for operation in the fast-flowing and shallow rivers of New Zealand, specifically to overcome the problem of propellers striking rocks. Ocean to Sky tells the story of Hillary and his companions, which included son Peter and William Hamilton’s grandson, Michael, embarking in 1977 on what would be Ed’s last major expedition and the only one to be comprehensively filmed. The extraordinary journey included tigers, sinking boats and fans queuing for miles to get a glimpse of the great man. For the people of India, it was a pilgrimage led by a hero of almost god-like status and millions lined the river to watch him pass in his ‘miraculous’ jet boats. For Ed’s team of friends, it was a thrilling ride through the heart of India aboard three of New Zealand’s iconic Hamilton jet boats. They navigated the Ganges’ tiger- and crocodile-infested delta, crossed its vast, fertile flood plains, struggled up gorges guarded by fearsome rapids towards its sacred origins among the peaks of the Himalayas. Then, near the Ganges’ snowy source, the first man to climb the world’s highest mountain succumbed to severe altitude sickness. The story of the desperate race by his friends and son to save his life has never been told until now. And it is told well by several of the remaining crew. Although old and wizened, their loyalty and love for the man shows in teary eyes and choked-up voices. The hospitality, culture and colour of the people of India living all along the Ganges adds yet another layer to this wonderful film. Michael Bortnick has left the theatre to ride his electric bike to his base camp.

Movies Screening in NOVEMBER ARMSTRONG PG | 1hr 50min With the support of the Armstrong family, Harrison Ford narrates this documentary on Armstrong’s life story, from his childhood in Ohio to his trip to the Moon—and beyond. FORD V. FERRARI Rating: TBC | 2hrs 40min Christian Bale and Matt Damon lead this drama, directed by James Mangold (Logan), about Ford’s battle to beat Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966 with an innovative new race car. OFFICIAL SECRETS Rating: TBC | 2hrs Keira Knightley is whistle-blower Katharine Gun in this political thriller exposing an illegal U.S.-U.K. spying operation. Co-starring Ralph Fiennes and from the director of Tsotsi. KNIVES OUT M | 2hrs 20min Daniel Craig investigates the murder of Christopher Plummer, the deceased patriarch of a quirky and dysfunctional family in Rian Johnson’s star-studded ensemble whodunit.

For more information, go to our website:

www.statecinemas.co.nz

EVENTS

Regular Markets

Nelson Tasman Until February 9, 2020

Every Saturday morning

Sympathetic Resonance Exhibition

The Nelson Market 8am to 1pm

The eighth in a series of contemporary art projects, Sympathetic Resonance is an exhibition that deconstructs the hierarchies which tether art to people, material, place and time. It looks at how contemporary artists reject limitations placed on their practices. Sympathetic Resonance is also a reflection of the contemporary rejection of binaries that have been imposed by Western culture.

MONTGOMERY SQUARE

Every Sunday Motueka Market 8am to 1pm DECKS RESERVE CAR PARK

Monty’s Market 8am to 1pm

Image Detail: Emily Hartley-Skudder, Fancy Goods, 2018-2019, mixed media. Courtesy of the artist and Jonathan Smart Gallery, Christchurch.

MONTGOMERY SQUARE

Every Wednesday Nelson Farmers’ Market 8.30am to 1.30pm

THE SUTER ART GALLERY, NELSON

KIRBY LANE

NOVEMBER Friday 1

at 7pm Julia Deans in Concert Friday 8 at 8pm at NCMA. NELSON CENTRE OF MUSICAL ARTS

Mercado Latino

Saturday 16

Enjoy traditional Latino Market with amazing locally handmade arts/crafts, music, dancing and great food. From 4pm to 9pm.

The NZ Cider Festival 2019

KIRBY LANE, NELSON

Sunday 3 Dia De Los Muertos A family fun day based on the Mexican festival ‘Day of the Dead’ with culture, food and entertainment. From 12pm to 5pm.

Back for its fourth year celebrating all things cider in the region that produces 60 percent of the country’s cider. Ticketed event, from 1pm to 7pm. FOUNDERS HERITAGE PARK, NELSON

Friday 22

Wednesday 20 to Saturday 30

Inaugural South Island ‘The Kids Sing’

One Act Play Festival

The junior version of The Big Sing, run by the NZ Choral Federation and featuring intermediate and primary schools from around the Nelson Tasman region. From 6pm - 8pm. MOTUEKA MEMORIAL HALL

Friday 22 & 29 Wynasty

Catch all the live action in our own backyard. Play starts at 2pm.

The annual awards recognise outstanding performance and service to sport by people in the Nelson region. A ticketed event from 5.30pm to 11pm. Formal dress.

Entertaining theatre from Nelson’s very own The People’s Republic of Improv, featuring a star-studded cast of characters, all bent on each other’s downfall. Wynasty depicts the fortunes and calamities of the mysterious Neudorf family in a live action soap opera. The story continues each Friday and spans four weeks (November 22, 29 & December 6 & 13). From 8pm to 9pm.

SAXTON OVAL, STOKE

ANNESBROOK CHURCH, STOKE

STUDIO ONE, NELSON

FOUNDERS HERITAGE PARK, NELSON

Tuesday 5 Blackcaps v England T20

Thursday 21 ASB Nelson Sports Awards

Friday 8 Julia Deans Solo Nelson favourite Julia Deans will perform a one-off solo show of favourites from her 5 star albums ‘We Light Fire’ and ‘Modern Fables’, as well as introducing newly penned songs. Her solo performance coincides with a workshop that she will be running with local NMIT music students, culminating with ‘Origins’, a concert performed by Nelson’s own up and coming song writers. ‘Origins’ - Thursday 7 82

Sunday 24 The Great Christmas Market More than 100 of the region’s finest boutique makers offering unique, handmade gifts. Food and refreshments also available, with buskers and choirs to entertain. From 10am to 4pm. FOUNDERS HERITAGE PARK, NELSON

Nelson Repertory’s One Act Play Festival is a combination of Nelson Tasman talent involving Nelson Repertory, Wakefield Players and director Beccy Myers. There are five one act plays: two per evening, and a Saturday matinee especially for children and family groups. 7.30pm each night and also 2.30pm. THEATRE ROYAL, NELSON

Friday 29 The Warratahs The Warratahs’ songs by lead singer and guitarist Barry Saunders are etched into New Zealand’s landscape and their most recent double album Drivin’ Wheel is a unique collection of their songs and style since the band’s beginning in 1986. Bring your dancing shoes to their show. From 7pm till late. THE BOATHOUSE, NELSON

EVENTS

Regular Markets

Marlborough

Every Saturday Artisan Market 9am to 2pm

Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 Rapaura Springs Garden Marlborough

QUAYS, BLENHEIM

Marlborough’s nationally renowned garden festival, celebrating and showcasing the best the region has to offer with garden tours, garden-themed workshops and social events. Mingle with like-minded gardeners and guest speakers at the Garden Party held on the Saturday night, and head along to the Stihl Shop Garden Fête on Sunday with more than 200 stall holders. Visit the website gardenmarlborough.

Every Sunday

Photo: Richard Briggs

Marlborough Farmers’ Market 9am - 12pm

ASSORTED VENUES, DAYS AND TIMES, MARLBOROUGH

NOVEMBER Tuesday 5 The South Afreakins A dark comedic solo show about leaving everything you’ve ever known and starting over again. Helene and Gordon are stuck in South Africa and in their same rut. One longs to get out and experience everything retirement has to offer, while one won’t leave his milk tart. When they finally immigrate to New Zealand, the result is heartbreaking and hilarious as they discover it’s hard work to find ‘home’. Starts 7.30pm.

discuss ‘cannabis–cultivation’ for medicinal, nutraceutical and industrial hemp potential, in the lead-up to next year’s referendum on cannabis legalisation. Part of Garden Marlborough. From 6.30pm to 8.30pm. ASB THEATRE MARLBOROUGH, BLENHEIM

Friday 15 Greg Johnson Cocktail Club tour

Cannabis Cultivation Potential

California-based Kiwi singersongwriter Greg Johnson brings a very special tour to New Zealand – just in time for some pre-Christmas fun. So many great Greg Johnson songs to look forward to – Isabelle, Don’t Wait Another Day, Liberty, Save Yourself, It’s Been So Long, Now the Sun is Out – to name just a few! Starts 8pm.

Thomas Forrest CF, BaM, DiB and Dr Graham Gulbransen

ASB THEATRE MARLBOROUGH, BLENHEIM

PICTON LITTLE THEATRE, PICTON

Thursday 7

The Sunday Marlborough Farmers’ Market is based on supporting local, fresh and seasonal produce and products. Everything has been picked, grown, farmed, fished, produced and made by the people selling it at the market. A&P SHOWGROUNDS

Saturday 16 Lights Over Marlborough

Tuesday 19

Whitney Street School hosts its annual fundraising fireworks extravaganza, the spectacular ‘Lights Over Marlborough’. Food, fun and entertainment from 6pm to 10pm.

The Imperial Russian Ballet Company presents this muchloved classical ballet in two acts, following the original storyline with subtle revisions and variations. The Imperial Russian Ballet Company, formed in 1994, comprises 40 dancers from the major ballet schools of Russia. From 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

MARLBOROUGH A&P SHOWGROUNDS, BLENHEIM

Monday 18 Marlborough Sports Awards

Russian Ballet - Swan Lake

ASB THEATRE MARLBOROUGH, BLENHEIM

The Marlborough Sports Awards has been the premier sports awards event in the Marlborough province since 1967, honouring hundreds of the region’s finest sporting achievers during the past five decades. Ticketed event with special guest, former Silver Ferns captain Bernice Mene. 6pm to 10pm. MARLBOROUGH CONVENTION CENTRE, BLENHEIM

Saturday 23

Friday 22 Tuia 250 ki Tōtaranui - Welcome to Waitohi/ Picton The Marlborough community is encouraged to witness the arrival of the Dual Heritage flotilla into Waitohi/Picton harbour. This will be followed by a civic ceremony to welcome the crews from Tahiti, Aotearoa and Australia. 10am to 1pm. PICTON FORESHORE, PICTON

Tuia 250 ki Tōtaranui Meet 10am - 4.30pm: Explore the flotilla vessels, meet the crew. 1pm - 8pm: Taste the best of Marlborough at Kete Kai Street Market 10am - 8pm: All-day entertainment from bands including: H4LF CĀST, Rabbit Hole, a niVanuatu band, Cass & Tee, kapa haka groups and lots more. 8pm - late: Interislander animated light show followed by the Fly My Pretties free concert.

Saturday 23 Crop Swap

PICTON FORESHORE, PICTON

Haunui

Crop Swap Blenheim brings together backyard gardeners for swapping and sharing high-quality food and produce every month. Connect with like-minded people and help foster local, sustainable food production in our kitchens and backyards. 2pm to 3pm. $2 koha. CROSSROADS CAFÉ, BLENHEIM