Editor’s letter

Time rolls by so fast and it’s hard to believe we are almost a quarter of the way through 2020 already. March is a busy time, heralding the start of autumn, celebrating St Patrick’s Day for all the Irish out there and sadly this year the first anniversary of the horrendous terrorist attack on 15th March at two Christchurch mosques. Fifty one people died that infamous day putting New Zealand firmly in the glare of the international terrorism spotlight, but at the same time uniting this country’s moral and ethical people against such hatred and racism. Throughout our history – especially during the nation’s early development – there have been many clashes of different sorts over real and perceived grievances and some, such as the historic Wairau Affray, have turned deadly. Despite this, New Zealanders have stepped up, united and moved on to develop a solid, steadfast nation with a multi-cultural population. Even the early settlers in Picton and Blenheim worked together to sort their differences and develop what is now known as Marlborough. Check out on page 38 what went on during the last 170 years.

Our main feature this month is about café culture and who doesn’t enjoy an espresso and a piece of sugar-free slice? The Top of the South has a huge range of café options catering for all walks of life, all ages and all stages so check them out on the following pages and in person.

Maybe the girls can get together for coffee and cake while the guys head for a trim and some ‘beardscaping’ at one of the interesting local barber shops. Throughout New Zealand, including right across Nelson Tasman and Marlborough, old-style barber shops are enjoying a resurgence with a contemporary twist and there’s more about that in the following pages too.

Elsewhere there’s the usual interesting columns and interviews so pick up your WildTomato, order that flat white, Americano or pot of English breakfast tea and take time out of your busy day to relax and enjoy.

LYNDA PAPESCH

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

CEO Lisa Friis 021 0879 4411 lisa@wildtomato.co.nz

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

Contributors Eddie Allnutt, Phil Barnes, Alana Bozoky, Chelsea Chang, Elora Chang, Cindy de Villiers, Maureen Dewar, Carries Dobbs, John Du Four, Lisa Duncan, Bob Irvine, Ishna Jacobs, Aimee Jules, Alistair Hughes, Steve Hussey, Henry Jaine, Renée Lang, Sarah La Touche, Ivy Lynden, Brent McGilvary, Sandy McKay, Amy McLeod, Geoff Moffett, Sarah Nottage, Pete Oswald, Mark Preece, Hugo Sampson, Adena Teka, Brenda Webb, Dominque White.

Advertising executives Jo Hender 021 264 7559 jo@wildtomato.co.nz Wendy Rankin 027 221 6969 wendy@wildtomato.co.nz Carrie Frew 021 190 7120 carrie@wildtomato.co.nz Lead ad designer Patrick Connor production@wildtomato.co.nz

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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.

Heading to Marchfest P opular Lyttleton band The Eastern (pictured) is one of the feature acts at this year’s Marchfest on Saturday 14th March at Founders Heritage Park. Celebrating its 13th year, Marchfest is a unique craft beer and music festival held annually in Nelson.

Unlike ordinary beer festivals, all the beers available at Marchfest have been specially commissioned for the event and have never previously been tasted by the public. Last year was the biggest Marchfest yet, with a sell-out crowd of more than 4000 people enjoying the one-day event. Marchfest is the keynote event of Nelson Beer Week (NBW) now in its third year. Last year over 25 fun beer-related events were held across different venues, involving great beers from Kiwi breweries all over the country.

Cover photography by Ishna Jacobs and styled by Amy McLeod, check out page 41 of Fashion for where you can get the look

WildTomato magazine is printed by Blue Star Group (New Zealand) Limited using, vegetable based inks and environmentally responsible paper. Printed on Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified stocks, papers made of Mixed Source pulp from Responsible Sources.

ALISTAIR HUGHES Blenheim & Picton 170th (page 38) It has taken decades, but I’ve finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving to Golden Bay. Usually slightly better with deadlines, I’m a writer and graphic artist who spent many years with Fairfax Media, and am now a ‘pen for hire’. My love of words, graphics and classic film combined recently for my first book, Infogothic: An Unauthorised Graphic Guide to Hammer Horror, (Telos Publishing, UK).

When not balancing a cat on my lap while at my keyboard, I’m usually out exploring, with adventurous new friends who’ve taken us under their wings. In this issue I look back at the history and development of Blenheim and Picton.

STEVE HUSSEY Snapped photography (pages 18 & 19) Café culture (page 28) I am a Nelson-based commercial photographer. In the words of Matilda, my stepdaughter; “Steve has a vibrant mind and he is always creating beautiful music and photos. He makes your day a very treasured time and he is an hilarious, adventurous guy. He has won many photography awards and they are still clogging up the post. His heart is full of love for life, family, music, adventure, photography and especially coffee. This is the one and only Steve Hussey!!” I live in Stoke with my partner Sarah Nottage and we are raising four very cool kids.

SARAH NOTTAGE Café culture feature (page 28)

I have always had wanderlust and after university I was part of Helen Clark’s ‘Brain Drain’. Living in big cities and crazy places gave me perspective. Firstly, that Nelson is an utterly incredible place to visit and live. Secondly, that it is very easy to become complacent about living in an utterly incredible place. My partner Steve Hussey and I are raising four children together whilst growing our photography business and going on as many adventures as we can in order to explore. We are ready and willing to push our comfort levels and boundaries along the way!

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