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Air Chats A I R C H AT H A M S I N F L I G H T M AG A Z I N E

Winter 2022 // ISSUE 12

C H AT H A M I S LA N D S

KĀ P I T I COA S T

Your complimentary copy

W H A KATĀ N E

WHANGANUI

N O R F O L K I S LA N D

A U C K LA N D

Sunshine this winter? Swing into it in Whakatāne

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Ōhope Beach Golf Links

HE WEATHER MAY BE COOLING DOWN, but New Zealand’s aviation sector is starting to heat back up. It has been encouraging to see the beginning of the border re-opening plan commence and our Australian neighbours warmly welcomed as they reconnect with family and friends and our beautiful country. We are looking forward to taking to the skies with more international travellers visiting our shores soon too.

KIA ORA TĀTOU

While we know tourism does need the boost of international travellers, now is the time to visit destinations before the crowds start to infiltrate some of New Zealand’s best kept secrets. Our mild winters are the perfect season to travel and experience regional New Zealand on a budget, with many operators offering ‘off-season’ pricing making it a very affordable time to take a holiday - or just grab your snowboard and jump on one of our flights from Auckland to Whanganui and be on the slopes within a few hours of take-off! Despite operating within a challenging pandemic climate since early 2020, Air Chathams continues to strive for excellence in our sector and to provide the much-needed air service to each of our regional destinations. As a team we have embarked on and completed a project to clearly establish our future vison “To be a leading aviation solutions provider for communities throughout New Zealand and beyond”. Whilst the global economy is a challenging place currently, our people are galvanised to maintaining the highquality services we pride ourselves on delivering. So please enjoy your flight. And thank you for all your support!

Duane Emeny

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

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Each year Air Chathams carries more than 100,000 passengers around New Zealand, and in each edition of our inflight magazine Air Chats we celebrate the very best of the regions we cover: from art and culture, to business, history and lifestyle, Air Chats tells the stories of the people who make those places great. If you’d like to be a part of Air Chats, get in touch - the team would love to hear from you. marketing@airchathams.co.nz airchathams.co.nz

Contents AIR CHATS

WINTER/JUNE/2022

fb.com/airchathams @airchathams

Publisher Plenty Limited - airchats@plenty.co.nz Editor/Kaiwhakatika Tuhinga Andy Taylor - info@plenty.co.nz Design & Production/Kaiwhakatauira Sarah Lane - design@plenty.co.nz Advertising Enquiries airchats@plenty.co.nz +64 (0)27 932 5515 Cover image Slaughter Bay Aerial, World Heritage Kingston, image Norfolk Island Tourism

Air Chats is published by Plenty Limited on behalf of Air Chathams Limited. Copyright 2022 by Plenty Limited. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the prior consent of the publisher. Advertising statements and editorial opinions expressed in Air Chats do not necessarily reflect the views of Plenty Limited or Air Chathams Limited. ISSN 2624-4179 (print), ISSN 2624-4861 (digital). A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 2

04 08 14 20

EVENTS/NEWS The airline that brings New Zealand together.

PRESERVING THE PAST

The Chatham Islands have an incredible history, and work is underway to preserve it for the future.

THE STARS ALIGN The Kāpiti Coast is the place to be for Matariki Ramaroa and the Māoriland Film Festival.

HIVE OF INDUSTRY

One billion bees and generations of a family’s work are making mighty fine honey near Whanganui.

26 30 34 38 40

WINTER WONDERLAND

Whakatāne is everyone’s idea of a summer destination - but it’s also the perfect winter getaway.

360° OF WONDER

Now’s the time to tick Norfolk Island off your list - before the rest of the world rediscovers its magic.

LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD

The last two years have been a challenge for us all, and we’re looking forward to once more connecting Kiwis with friends and families across the regions.

OUR FLEET

From single engine light aircraft to our turbo-prop planes, we’ve something for every occasion.

DESTINATIONS

Air Chathams is New Zealand’s largest privately owned airline, flying to some of New Zealand’s best regional destinations. A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 2

24th June – 17th July www.matariki.maorilandfilm.co.nz Matariki Ramaroa - Lights Arts Festival is a month-long, multi-disciplinary arts festival held across the Kāpiti region from June 24 to July 17, 2022. Bookended by two public light sculpture events it includes music, arts and theatre as well as multiple community events to enjoy; truly something for everyone so check out the website and start thinking about being a part of it.

�� Māoriland Film Festival 29th June – 3rd July www.maorilandfilm.co.nz

CHATHAM ISLANDS

KĀPITI COAST

Matariki Ramaroa

The Southern Hemisphere’s biggest indigenous film festival shares incredible stories from 80 nations around the globe. Through the power of storytelling, the Māoriland Film Festival shares important and engaging stories from all angles and styles. Now in its eighth year, it aims to present, facilitate and support Māori and international filmmakers and creatives, making the invisible visible again.

The Kāpiti Food Fair showcases Aotearoa New Zealand’s packaged foods and beverages with 250 vendors featuring the united nations of ready to eat food. It is accompanied by the licensed Tuatara Bar and Stage and a free kids’ zone with face painting, roving buskers, Christmas magic and much more, making for a foodie destination the whole family can enjoy.

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WHANGANUI

Saturday, 3rd December www.kapitifoodfair.co.nz

16th – 21st August www.chathamislands.co.nz/2022/02/10/ chatham-islands-festival-of-science-2022 For over 150 years the Chatham Islands have been visited by international scientists to study geology, observe weather patterns, map the solar system, monitor seismic movement and much more. Now the Chatham Islands Festival of Science invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy several days of science-inspired events including talks, field visits and panels with world renowned scientists. This year’s celebration of science covers a wide range of topics from ecology, weather, geology, and future of the environment, with youth and family-oriented activities including hands-on workshops exploring a variety of subjects. Led by Massey University’s Director and Professor of Disaster Management David Johnston, in conjunction with Tourism Chatham Islands, there is an impressive lineup of speakers including volcanologist Graham Leonard (GNS Science), environmental scientist Aneika Young (Cawthron Institute), Space Physicist Craig Rodger (University of Otago) and David himself speaking from a science history perspective.

Image Credit: Captured By Friday Photography

Kāpiti Food Fair

Festival of Science

Whanganui Home and Lifestyle Show Saturday, 13th – Sunday, 14th August www.homeandlifestyleshow.co.nz/whanganui The Whanganui Home & Lifestyle Show is the largest annual show in Whanganui with over 130 exhibitors and more than 10,000 visitors over the weekend event. Bringing together the very best in products and services for the home including kitchens, flooring, appliances, heating, new building and so much more, the show also includes a large Taste section with gourmet food and beverages plus a large Artisan Craft Zone. So whether you’re tackling a full on renovation, a new build, or just a good old Kiwi DIYer, this ones for you!

WHAKATĀNE

Whakatāne Kiwi Trust Night Walks Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve Friday Nights in June – July www.whakatanekiwi.org.nz/experiences/night-walks Don’t hibernate this winter! Wrap up warm, grab a torch and explore the REAL Whakatāne night life scene with the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust! These night walks are a unique experience for all ages and a perfect opportunity to see big bugs and if you’re lucky you might even hear the call of kiwi! The walks start at 7pm, last for two hours, and include an introduction to the area and work being done to protect kiwi. A reasonable level of physical fitness is required as they will be going off the public tracks. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear (i.e. not sandals) and bring a torch, some snacks, a drink and a camera.

�� Sun to Surf – Run and Walk Half Marathon Saturday, 8th October www.suntosurf.nz Victory Events – Events that Move You present the return of the Sun to Surf Run and Walk events in Ōhope, New Zealand, welcoming participants of all abilities to experience the unique beach vibes of the treasured Eastern Bay region and enjoy a slice of ocean paradise! Hang out in the Sun to Surf Craft Food and Beverage Village and enjoy entertainment in the beautiful Mahy Reserve under the shade of the band of amazing Pōhutukawa. We can’t wait to see you there - check out our website to find a course that suits you!

Local Wild Food Festival Weekend Friday, 18th November (Wild Food Feasting) and Saturday, 19th November (Local Wild Food Festival) www.whakatane.com/WildFoodWeekend2022 Whakatāne’s Local Wild Food Challenge returns in 2022 but this time it’s bigger and better than ever as part of a Local Wild Food Festival weekend. Working in conjunction with the all new Flavours of Plenty Festival, the Local Wild Food Festival (previously the Local Wild Food Challenge) will encompass multiple events across the weekend. The challenge element of the food festival will return and we encourage local foodies to enter the competition, preparing a wild food dish presented for judging on the day. The kids cooking competition will also return with a number of prizes up for grabs for both the adult and children’s categories. As well as this Wild Food Feasting will be a ticketed event too that will allow you to indulge in all the best kai our rohe has on offer. A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 2

Date set for Masters Games - Whanganui The 2023 New Zealand Masters Games will kick off on February 3 in Whanganui and run until February 12. The event is hosted on alternate years between Whanganui and Dunedin, but this year’s event, set to be hosted in the south, had to be cancelled because the country was in the red light Covid-19 setting.

News

Registration for the 2023 event is set to open in September, with the sports schedule and entertainment lineup to be announced over the coming months.

�� Transmission Gully links Kāpiti Coast to Capital The opening of the long-awaited Transmission Gully arterial route on 30 March is being described as a ‘game changer’ for the Kapiti Coast and a ‘big tick’ for Whanganui. The project has been six years in the making and is 27 kilometres long, and while it has been plagued with delays and budget issues its completion is expected to have widereaching and positive impacts on the region. The new motorway will mean a significant reduction in the drive time from Porirua to Kāpiti Coast, which together with the growing congestion of central Wellington, particularly at peak times, means Kāpiti Coast Airport is an increasingly convenient option for those looking to catch flights to Auckland. The reduced travel time also makes the Kāpiti Coast Airport a viable option for those wanting to access the capital from around New Zealand, as well as for Wellingtonians who can now take advantage of Air Chathams flights from Kāpiti. Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall meanwhile says the opening of Transmission Gully is a ‘big tick’ for Whanganui as it brings the city closer to the capital and represents considerable time and fuel savings for visitors as well as making it easier for manufacturers to access Wellington.

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Norfolk Island economy bouncing back from COVID

Whakatāne scoops Keep New Zealand Beautiful Supreme Award Whakatāne has been awarded the Supreme Award in this year’s Keep New Zealand Beautiful Most Beautiful Towns and Cities competition, with judges siting its biodiversity and the commitment of the community. The judges noted that locals undertook a tree audit and created tree policies so that people had a better understanding of the value of trees and how their lifespan impacts us. They have also closed the gaps in understanding between rural areas and the township, bringing a tighter cohesion to environmental efforts, and have also created a Seed Library, and are getting local children and youth involved in plantings – around 4,800 per year. Whakatāne is one of the sunniest spots in the country and nearby Ōhope beach has been previously named as New Zealand most loved beach.

The Norfolk Island economy is regenerating after the impacts of COVID-19 with exciting new businesses opened by talented young Islanders. Wildcraft Norfolk Island, a funky new café located across from the Norfolk Island Airport, offers exceptional coffee, light snacks and a range of locally made produce such as jams, pickles and honey. A number of local artisan products are also sold from this exciting new business. The Reef Takeaway is a new fish and chip shop open on Taylors Road, providing great takeaway and dine-in meals of freshly caught grilled or battered local fish, and a menu of burgers. Enitaim Woodfired + Espresso also recently opened with a menu of light snacks and delicious wood fired pizzas, and the central retail precinct has expanded with the relocation of My Island Homewares, a terrific homeware and gift store featuring local artisan Jane Rutledge. The shop has partnered with NI Book Store to provide a unique shopping experience.

�� Incubator Workshops in Norfolk Regional Development Australia recently ran several incubator workshops on the island to assist in the development of small business opportunities. RDA’s priorities include attracting investment to the region, enhancing the tourism industry, enabling economic drivers and building capacity in the community. The incubator workshops, themed around wellness and agritourism, have been a great success with several new businesses starting up and others developing their business skills. The Music Valley Experience Tour, Aura Lanterns, Cheers, and Platters by Paige are just a few of the businesses who have prospered from the workshops.

�� Future Developments in Norfolk Island Moving forward, Council is looking at future development of new exciting tourism products inclusive of a Norfolk Island cycle and walking trail circumnavigating the island. The track would link council reserves and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed site of Kingston with a possible downhill mountain bike trail, and explore potential partnerships for a five star lodge and glamping experiences. Council will also work with the community to explore the development of exciting new adventure and nature based tourism experiences. A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 2

CHATHAM ISLANDS Stone Cottage prior to preservation work

Preserving the Past Auckland

Chatham Islands

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The Chatham Islands has a complex and truly fascinating heritage, from its Moriori and Māori inhabitants to more recent European arrivals - and now a dedicated group of locals and mainlanders alike are working to make sure the physical remainders of these cultures are preserved for generations to come.

“Heritage is a very important part of what makes up the Chatham Islands’ culture,” says Jackie Gurden of Tourism Chatham Islands, which has been working with the guardians of several historic buildings on the islands. “The history of the Chatham Islands is what makes it what it is today, so keeping that alive to remind us of the past when looking at today and to the future is important.” The first stage of the programme to preserve the Islands’ past for Tourism Chatham Islands has been the restoration of the Stone Cottage. Located remotely in the northwest of the island, the Stone Cottage is a Category 1 listed Historic Building that is a well-known and much visited tourist icon. Built in the 1860s, it was lived in until relatively recently and is built largely of local stone and wood to reflect the attitudes and commitment to the idea of self-reliance that were held by its first tenants: New Zealand’s sole Moravian German Church Mission who arrived in 1843. The missionaries made no converts in their time on the islands, but they did have a significant impact on the history and lifestyle of the Chathams, introducing large-scale horticulture, sheep farming, ship building and literacy, so the Stone Cottage is an integral part of Chatham’s history. “The first stage of the work was funded by a Heritage New Zealand National Heritage Preservation Incentive Fund grant and undertaken by Robert Caldana Builders Ltd,” Jackie says. “The work was undertaken in line with heritage protocols and included removing moss from the exterior of the building, repointing the northwestern stonework and repairing the chimney, spouting and downpipes to prevent stormwater penetrating the stonework.” A second stage is being planned and there is also a work in progress to establish a track to it for better access. Top right: Robert Caldana doing preservation work on Stone Cottage Right: Repointing the northwestern stonework, before and after A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 2

The second project includes the restoration of a further Category 1 listed building, the ponga whare. Located at Wharekauri Station this small ponga hut is the last remaining physical structure built around 1866 during the time of Te Kooti and the Pai Mārire followers incarcerated on the Chatham Islands, as well as the establishment of the Ringatū faith. “To date a Conservation Plan, Record and Condition Report, prepared by conservation carpenter Brent Withers of DPA Architects, and an Archaeological Assessment, prepared by Susan Thorpe of Kotuku Consultancy Ltd, have been completed,” says Jackie. “The project has been awarded a Heritage New Zealand National Heritage Preservation Incentive Fund grant to cover 50% of the project with the remaining funds still to be raised.”

Prisoners were put to work on different building jobs on the island. Among these was the Ponga Whare built around 1866

WHANGANUI TO CHATHAM ISLANDS Experience 8 days in one of New Zealand’s most remote and unique places. The Chatham Islands are the closest most New Zealanders can get to international travel without packing their passport.

Tour # 47 Is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Whanganui Tues 2nd October 2022, depart Whanganui 7:00am Arrive Chatham 9:45am (CI)

Due to ever increasing popularity and in conjunction with Air Chathams and Hotel Chathams, we have decided to run a tour out to the Chatham Islands for Whanganui folk from Whanganui during October 2022�

All Inclusive Costing per person X Whanganui

We will be using a 50 passenger ATR aircraft, where we will have up to 8 fully guided days to explore our most eastern island before returning home to Whanganui. Pitt Island is an option as is fishing.

Tues 9th October 2022, depart Chatham Islands 5:15pm Arrive Whanganui 6:30pm SINGLE shared facilities �� $4,725 TWIN / DOUBLE with ensuite �� $4,825 SUPERIOR SUITES �� $4,925 Make up your party now and take advantage of your preferred accommodation while availability lasts. www.chathamislandtours.nz/contact/booking_enquiry

MERV’S CHATHAM ISLAND TOURS

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chathamislandtours@gmail.com +64 3 249 8294

Tommy Solomon Statue

“Tourism Chatham Islands is also working with the Tommy Solomon Memorial Trust Foundation to help upgrade the site of the statue of Tommy, who was the last known full Moriori, who died in 1933. The site commemorates Tommy and the Moriori people and the upgrade project involves installing a composting toilet, a shelter, new paths, fencing, interpretation panels and a Moriori compass.” Today there are over 3000 people of known Moriori descent, so this project is an incredibly important part of the history of both the Chatham Islands and Aotearoa New Zealand. Other projects in the planning stages include ideas not so focused on the human history of the islands but on highlighting its natural history. “The views over the extinct basalt volcanoes in the north-west are some of the

“Heritage is a very important part of what makes up the Chatham Islands’ culture”

most remarkable on the Chathams,” Jackie says, “so we want to develop a lookout to showcase these and enable off-road parking. None of the striking looking ‘peaks’ exceed 200 metres in height above sealevel. They erupted on the sea floor in water depths of 200 to 400 metres, and the oldest is 60 million years old and the youngest is just five million years old. There is nowhere else quite like it in New Zealand according to GNS geologist Hamish Campbell.” A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 2

The second lookout is to be in the east leading into Owenga. This provides impressive views of the 35 km long Hanson Bay that stretches from Okawa Point on the Island’s northeast to Manuka Point in the southeast. Across the ocean to the east are the islands of the Forty-Fours and the Chilean coast. Tourism Chatham Islands is also working with Massey University on recreating a replica of the observatory built at Port Hutt in 1874 to view the Transit of Venus, an event that was the first bilateral science collaboration between the United States of America and New Zealand. “Scientists from both countries came together to map the solar system during the Transit,” says Jackie. “It’s a little hard to imagine today that an event of such significance and with a large American naval ship could be held in this tiny, remote picturesque port.” It is, but then the Chatham Islands have always punched well above their weight, and by preserving the past, future generations can draw inspiration to continue that tradition well into the future.

View of the northern volcanoes

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Observatory and equatorial telescope on the Chatham Islands, during the 1874 United States expedition to observe the transit of Venus Image Alexander Turnbull Library Collection, ref PAColl-0058-05

Important Information for Visitors

The Islands are a place where you will enjoy many different activities. Nature, history, culture, fishing, walks and hikes, photography, art and craft, isolated beaches and bird watching. Here are a few key things Tourism Chatham Islands would like you to know before you arrive. Respecting the Local Kai Moana Resource The Chatham Islands are renowned for their abundant seafood. Help us preserve this valuable resource by taking only what you need for a meal and purchase fish to take home from the local factories. Please leave the paua beds for the locals. They are an important local food source and resource that we don’t want to see depleted. You can enjoy lots of quality Chatham Islands seafood on the menus here on the islands.

Voluntary Visitor Levy - $25 per visitor To assist enhancing the visitor experience, particularly infrastructure, we encourage all visitors to make a donation of $25 directly to Tourism Chatham Islands: ANZ Account: 06 0845 00796434 002 Particulars: Your name Reference: Donation

Private Land Access and Signage Unlike mainland New Zealand, most of the island, including the beaches, is privately owned land. Most attractions are on private land and access to them requires permission and payment of an entry fee. This must be prearranged and your host will be able to assist. Visitors are asked not to venture onto any private land without permission.

Natural and Archaeological Taonga The Chatham Islands are rich in flora and fauna, geological and archaeological treasures – for example native birds, fossils (including shark teeth), and sites related to Moriori settlement, all of which are protected by law. These also hold special value to Islanders. Please respect these by not removing any items you find.

Water Conservation Water is often in short supply and restrictions are put in place, particularly in summer. Please help us to conserve it when showering, flushing etc.

Thank you for your support. A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 2

KĀPITI COAST Images supplied by Kāpiti Coast District Council

Stars THE

Align

COVID-19 HAS CAUSED DISRUPTION to many, many events across Aotearoa and the world, but this year it has also caused the stars to align on the Kāpiti Coast. In late June the Māoriland Film Festival is to be held alongside the Matariki Ramaroa Lights Arts Festival, which means a star studded month of arts experiences - and makes the Kāpiti Coast the place to be this winter! “The sighting of the Matariki star cluster traditionally signals the beginning of the Māori new year,” says Matariki Ramaroa Producer Dylan Herkes. “It is a time to be with loved ones and to remember those who have passed in the year before, to come together to reflect and celebrate and plan ahead, and the Matariki Ramaroa festival ties together a month of arts events integrating contemporary arts with the traditions of Matariki. There will be world class and pioneering indigenous exhibitions of cinema, sculpture, music, theatre, dance and thoughtprovoking kōrero connecting and celebrating with the people of the Kāpiti Coast.” Māoriland Film Festival Director Libby Hakaraia says that while having to reschedule the Film Festival was not ideal, it has turned into a happy coincidence that it will now be side by side with the Matariki celebrations.

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“This is the second Matariki Ramaroa we’ve organised and it’s exciting that it will run with the Film Festival,” says Libby. “We really wanted to see Matariki have strong foundations in tradition, and we were really blown away by the huge public response we had to the first festival. This is our uniquely New Zealand celebration and with Matariki Ramaroa we are putting the creativity out there and retaining that joy of community celebration rather than a corporate-style event. We’re encouraging people to be a part of the festival, and I think the great thing about combining festivals is that they can see the world without leaving home through the Māoriland Film Festival, and also connect again with the endless possibilities of artistic creativity with Matariki Ramaroa. Art uplifts us, and that’s what we want to shine a light on.”

“A highlight of Matariki Ramaroa last year was the lighting of the beacon – the Ramaroa – on Paraparaumu Beach here in Kāpiti. It was a fantastic way of starting our event and of marking Matariki. This year we are going to have the Ramaroa lighting again, but we are also going to have storytelling around the fire – a really simple yet inspiring part of our culture – and I think this is a part of the festival you really don’t want to miss!”

“There are really so many great things happening it’s very hard to choose where to start,” says Libby, “but for me personally there are a couple of highlights that I think are must-sees.”

Programme director Madeleine Hakaraia de Young says it is great to see the festival going ahead and also that the lifting of border restrictions means the return of international ﬁlmmakers to present their ﬁlms.

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Visitors will also not want to miss this year’s Māoriland Film Festival. Traditionally held in March, the 2022 Festival will now run over five days from June 29 to July 3 and see filmmakers from around the globe share their stories in over 80 films, from award-winning featurelength dramas to illuminating documentaries and a diverse collection of short films.

Relax Unwind Indulge Atahuri awaits

“The great thing about combining festivals is that they can see the world without leaving home” “Māoriland is now nine years young and the largest in-person international Indigenous film festival in the world,” says Madeleine. “Pre-COVID, international film makers and screen industry reps were coming in bigger numbers every year to the festival. When the borders closed our Aotearoa film making community was brought closer together at Māoriland, but now there will be an even bigger reason to celebrate as we welcome our friends from overseas back to Ōtaki to share their films.

Kapiti’s hidden secret — Atahuri oﬀering luxurious boutique accommodation

atahuri.co.nz

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And we have a really diverse event this year - films, art, emerging technology, industry workshops, the Māoriland Keynote and the Māoriland Red Carpet Party.”

TE IWA O MATARIKI THE NINE STARS OF MATARIKI

“A highlight of the Māoriland Film Festival is that we have the world festival premiere of The Lion King in the te reo Māori, Waipuna-ā-rangi together with the premiere of a French animated film called ASTRO KID that Māoriland has dubbed into te reo Māori; so we have two feature films back to back that celebrate te reo Māori. Everyone Hiwa-i-te-rangi knows the Lion King and ASTRO KID is a movie everyone can follow, so we’re really Waitā looking forward to that and to seeing the audience response.” Both festival schedules can be seen on maorilandfilm.co.nz so that you can start planning a trip to the Kāpiti Coast now.

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Ururangi

Matariki

Waitī

Pōhutukawa

Tupu-ā-rangi

Tupu-ā-nuku

Discover the Kāpiti Coast A wonderland of unspoilt beaches, stunning natural landscapes, vibrant local artisans and foodie delights.

What's on this winter NZSO Setting up Camp Nachtmusik: 10 June TEDx Kāpiti: 25 June Matariki Ramaroa: 24 June - 17 July Māoriland Film Festival: 29 June - 3 July Krishnan's Dairy: 30 June - 2 July

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.com

WHANGANUI

A Hive of

Industry Images supplied by Settlers Honey

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ORTHWEST OF WHANGANUI, straddling the Waitotara River and near the end of New Zealand’s longest no-exit road lies Makowhai Station, home to the Mathews family, 40,000 acres of native bush – and Settler’s Honey, who together with a billion bees produce some of the very best mānuka honey around. The Settler’s Honey story starts in 2011 when Henry Mathews got his own first beehives after a few years of working in partnership in the industry, but the Makowhai Station story goes back a lot longer than that. And it’s quite a story. Joseph Haddow started farming the station after travelling up the Waitotara by canoe in 1893. He and wife Sophie raised ten children before relocating to Auckland and selling the farm to Frank Mathews who, together with his two sons Leslie and Harry, set about clearing the scrub, building fences and adding several builds. Leslie also married one of Joseph Haddow’s daughters, Hilda, bringing that family back into the picture and together they had five sons – once of which, Raymond, is the father of current owner Henry. “Our connection to the land dates back over 125 years,” says Melody Mathews, Logistics Manager and sister of Henry, “so the family feels a great attachment to the Station and are committed to making sure we have a sustainable business - right down to working on a small hydro power scheme to help reduce our carbon footprint and running a mānuka nursery to make sure we can regenerate the land.”

The settlers arrive - Joseph Haddow with his wife Sophie and their family Henry with the next generation

“Since the early days of farming the land, to then going into the honey industry it has certainly had its ups and downs, but we’re really committed and now have a team of 80 employees, over 20,000 beehives – so that’s about one billion bees in peak season - and we produce over 450 tonnes of honey year after year.”

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A teaspoon full (of honey) a day is sworn by many to be the secret to wellbeing

“To this day we remain 100% New Zealand owned and operated and all of our honey is extracted, processed and packaged right here on the Station in our very own state of the art facilities, with a capacity to pack up to 20,000 jars a day.” “We’ve been working hard to make sure the flavour and consistency of our honey is just right,” Melody says. “We own our own land with mostly mānuka on it and we have managed that closely to make sure we’re getting what we feel is the best tasting honey with really nice flavour profiles. But for example we’ve also spent a lot of time getting our honey to a really nice texture and colour; we don’t use any additives, but the process we use to ‘cream’ the honey ensures a smooth, soft set honey which our customers love.”

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20,000 jars is a lot of honey, but that’s a good thing because an everincreasing number of Kiwis – and overseas buyers – are finding more and more ways of enjoying Settler’s finest. Honey is becoming a regular fixture in many people’s medicine cupboards and a teaspoon full a day is sworn by many to be the secret to wellbeing, but there is also a growing foodie angle that has gone beyond the standard kiwi practice of honey on toast for breakfast.

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“There are the obvious uses in the kitchen as a sugar replacement for baking,” says Melody, “but it’s also great with soy in stir fry, in drinks, in ice cream, and we’re working on a liquid honey that will be great to drizzle on porridge and as a great guilt-free salad dressing. And the latest one is in Cocktails! We’re collaborating with Frank Bar in Whanganui on some menu items and a couple of cocktails – so the whole company is looking forward to that one!” So the next time your flying out of Whanganui on an Air Chathams flight, be sure to wave as you pass over the Waitotara River – because down below are the Mathews and a billion bees. And the next time you’re in the market for honey, be sure to check out Settler’s.

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Whanganui River

Enjoy the relaxing flow

discoverwhanganui.nz A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 2

WHAKATĀNE

Winter

WONDERLAND

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Images Whakatāne District Council

OR GENERATIONS WHAKATĀNE and its nearby sibling Ōhope have been the great escape for a quintessential Kiwi summer break; the seemingly endless sand of Ōhope beach, the sun, the sea, fish and chips and ice cream. But what anyone who lives there will tell you is that Whakatāne and Ōhope are a fantastic winter retreat, with plenty to do and none of the hustle and bustle of the crowded summer months.

It’s winter and the slopes and your snowboard are beckoning, but if you can’t face packing the family and mountains of gear into the car – or you just aren’t a ski bunny – then get away from it all in a place we usually reserve for summer: Whakatāne.

For a start, all the natural beauty that wows us in summer is just as great in winter. You probably won’t be taking a dip in the water, but on a brisk winter day a breakfast at one of Ōhope’s great cafes and a walk along the 11 kilometres of uninterrupted sand is the perfect way to forget your cares and clear your mind. After the early morning dog walkers have done their dash you usually have the beach to yourself, and if you want something a bit more energetic then take the hike up and over the hill from Ōhope’s West End to Ōtarawairere for a magical hidden bay with rock pools to explore and an amazing white sand and shell beach. Time it right with the tide and you can carry on over to Whakatāne via the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway, with some stunning views along the way – and the promise of a good coffee (or something stronger) and some shopping at the other end. A much easier walk is at the other end of Ōhope, close to the Ōpotiki turnoff: the Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve is home to one of our oldest pā sites (Tauwhare, which translates to “the village suspended in space”) and offers sweeping views of Ōhope and Ōhiwa harbour; it’s a strangely calming and invigorating place to be on a blustery winter’s morning. For a day trip with a difference check out Moutohorā/Whale Island, the lush green little jewel that sits just off the coast of Whakatāne. You can join a guided tour of the island sanctuary or kayak around its pristine waters to see the seal, and its array of native flora and fauna is truly stunning – there is even a kiwi colony on the island.

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Excellent golf courses that punch way above their weight with divine views and that are at their most serene best in the winter months.

And if birdlife is your thing, then remember that Whakatāne is the kiwi capital of the world – and they have the trademark to prove it! In 1999 eight North Island brown kiwi were found – somewhat unexpectedly as it happens – in the Ōhope Scenic Reserve and this prompted a concerted effort to trap pests and help this little group survive and thrive. They have now grown into the largest brown kiwi colony to be found, well, anywhere, and they are literally right in the backyard of Ōhope; check out the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust website to find out more and also about their kiwi night walks; it’s our national bird, but so many of us know very little about them, so make changing that a part of your Whakatāne trip. You should also make learning more of the area’s heritage a part of your stay. There is an excellent history trail through the town, while the Whakatāne Museum is free and offers a great, contemporary visitor experience. Check out whakatane.com for other cultural and heritage experiences, but be sure to make the Mataatua Wharenui top of your list. Known locally as The House that Came Home, it was built in 1875 but spent 130 years abroad in exhibitions and on display before being returned to its rightful home and lovingly restored by local iwi Ngāti Awa.

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There’s so much to discover in Whakatāne that sometimes it just pays to follow your nose. Without the summer thongs the streets are cool and calm, so wander Whakatāne’s Strand for boutique shops and cafés then along the riverbank before checking out the town’s eateries; they feature great local kai and you’ll soon see why this is called the Bay of Plenty. And don’t forget that there is some of the country’s best fishing to be found in the Eastern Bay – and the snapper bite just as well in winter as they do in summer! And for that matter the greens are just as good

year-round too; Whakatāne and Ōhope have excellent golf courses that punch way above their weight with divine views and that are at their most serene best in the winter months, so bring your clubs for a leisurely round. Or two. Go on, leave the skis in the garage, don’t worry about buying a mountain pass and jostling with the crowds, instead get away from it all in Whakatāne; have the beach to yourself, relax and unwind, and head home with your head cleared and wondering why you don’t do this more often.

WHAKATANE GOLF CLUB

With fast running greens and lush, forgiving fairways, the course offers golfers of all levels a challenging but rewarding 18 holes. Relax afterwards at our lounge bar and restaurant/cafe with tasty home-made snacks and meals. Par 70, 6009m course just 10 minutes from town near the airport.

WHAKATANE GOLF CLUB 181 Golf Links Rd, Paroa ph. 07 308 8117 whakatanegolfclub@gmail.com www.whakatanegolf.com A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 2

NORFOLK ISLAND

360° OF WONDER Norfolk Island

From surfing to stargazing, ghost tours to golf, stunning scenery, pristine beaches and fantastic food, Norfolk Island has it all. It’s less than a three-hour flight from New Zealand, and once you experience Norfolk Island’s 360° of wonder, you’ll soon be wondering why you didn’t come over sooner!

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And while it’s an ideal spot to kick back and bask in the sunshine and sea air, chances are you won’t be sitting still for long. Pull on some goggles and float out from the sands of Emily Bay to coral reefs or out a little further into surf breaks where the waves are plenty and your fellow surfers are friendly and few. There are morning charters that let you fish the day away - and the fishing here is spectacular! - then by night sit back as your catch is served up to you expertly prepared island style. And island style eating is what is putting Norfolk Island on the map for many foodies. Because forget about food miles - on Norfolk they work in food metres! Their volcanic soils are rich, deep and free of all the chemical nasties the rest of the world is finally waking up to, so pile your plate with food caught, collected and harvested from our pristine waters, tide pools and paddocks each day. And, if you like to eat organic, well, that’s pretty much the only way the Islanders know: from mouth-watering fresh-caught seafood cooked on the barbecue or flame-grilled Norfolk Blue beef served up in the atmospheric dining room of a convict-era home, to the South Pacific’s best wood-fired pizzas and burgers big enough to satisfy the appetite of the most ravenous castaway.

VERYWHERE YOU TURN ON Norfolk Island - literally for 360 degrees - there’s something wonderful, something to thrill and inspire, to soothe the mind, body and soul. And while Norfolk has been on many Kiwis’ to-do list for years, and there’s never been a better time than now to come see paradise before the hustle and bustle returns. With its mix of sunlit sands and crystalclear waters, rugged cliffs and deep forests, Norfolk’s diverse landscape magically changes at each turn. A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // W I N T E R 2 0 2 2

F YOU PREFER TO STAY ON DRY LAND then explore the forest and clifftop trails or take a hiking tour to Phillip Island and feel like Charles Darwin in the land that time forgot. The island is home to unique flora and fauna, but you don’t have to be a birdwatcher to recognise the beauty of this place; it’s a photographers paradise, with inspiring sunsets and sunrises, and capturing all this beauty is just part of the adventure. But then adventure has been in the blood of Norfolk Islanders for generations. Wherever you travel in the world you’ll find stories, but it’s a challenge to find a place with more legends, tall tales and ripping yarns per square metre than Norfolk Island. Polynesian seafarers shared their songs and stories here centuries before Captain Cook first sighted the Norfolk pines through his spyglass, and then, shortly after the First Fleet dropped anchor in Sydney Harbour, Norfolk’s first European chapters were written in convict blood, sweat and tears.

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It’s a photographers paradise, with inspiring sunsets and sunrises

Norfolk’s sweeping narrative took on a more hopeful tone when the descendants and families of the HMS Bounty mutineers arrived from Pitcairn Island, shaping the European and Tahitian character and culture you’ll find on Norfolk today. Then came the whalers and the World War II airmen, all adding to the story and character of what we know as Norfolk Island today.

Norfolk offers everything you want in the perfect getaway: sun, sand, great food, relaxation and adventure

The story of the island is no means a dusty old history though; with so many voices from so many parts of the world, it is little wonder that Norfolk Islanders are some of the world’s great storytellers. Every ruin, every laneway, every gravestone has a story to tell, and if you love a good yarn then join one of the guided tours to learn more of the heritage and characters that abound on the island; the night tours, taking in the historic buildings and stories - as well as a good ghost story or two - are proving particularly popular! Places like Kingston, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, capture the page-turner history of the Island, filled with triumph and heartbreak; and with the Norfolk Island Golf Club right next door, visiting golfers can drop in to experience their own special form of that. So come on Kiwis, now really is the time to get back in the air and get on over to Norfolk Island before the rest of the world returns. It’s just a hop, skip and a jump away, and it offers everything you want in the perfect getaway: sun, sand, great food, relaxation and adventure. So what are you waiting for?

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OUR AIRLINE Image Robbie Lanauze

Looking back,

Moving forward

The last two years have been a challenge for the airline industry, our country and the global community as a whole, and while we still have challenges ahead, our family airline is looking forward to getting back to what we love to do most: connecting Kiwis with friends and families across the regions. As the skies start to clear and Kiwis look to fly once more, we caught up with Chief Operating Officer Duane Emeny to look back on an eventful time - and to the future!

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Air Chathams COO Duane Emeny at the helm

Looking back it was a pretty frightening time, but we knew we had a fantastic team and could rely on them to be rock solid.

The start of the global pandemic and the associated lockdown had a huge effect on individual Kiwis, their families and businesses. How did it impact Air Chathams? It was such a dynamic situation, with changes coming not day by day but hour by hour. There is always the temptation to jump into action, but we needed to hang back and pace ourselves and see what was coming through as the situation evolved. We went from doing 116 scheduled flights a week to having everything effectively coming to a grinding halt, but the first thing we prioritised was the Chatham Islands because we knew that the Islands had to have an air link. We were well supported in that by the Ministry of Transport, who came to the table and said, “What do you need to make sure those flights continue?” Looking back it was a pretty frightening time, but we knew we had a fantastic team and could rely on them to be rock solid.

Suliasi Fualalo performing a routine oil check on the ATR-72 500

As an airline that prides itself on being a closeknit, cooperative team the impact of lockdowns on business must have been challenging. There were so many people across the country losing their jobs, and regardless of the situation it’s not an easy thing to do - and particularly for a family business like ours - so we were waiting and hoping for assistance and fortunately it was enough for us to retain all our staff. We knew it was crucial for us to maintain our very skilled staff so that as soon as the situation changed we could ramp things up and get back into operation. So we made the decision to tough it out and not to let anyone go, and that meant we could continue to not only maintain freight links but be ready to pivot as soon as borders opened and things changed.

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Everyone was working together and that’s a real Kiwi thing - to make sure we got through.

Has anything positive come from the pandemic experience?

Mitchell Reade loading the Cargo onto the ATR-72 500 for Chatham Island residents

How important was maintaining freight services? It was vital. There were no domestic flights within New Zealand and this had a massive effect on things like the seafood industry. But because we had made sure we could still operate we were able to step in and help that industry get their product to market - and therefore keep their workers in work. We played a big part in this, at one stage shifting 500 tonnes of export-packed live crayfish out of the South Island, and it was an awesome effort by all involved to be a part of making that happen. The cooperation and support we saw at this time was fantastic. Everyone was working together - and that’s a real Kiwi thing - to make sure we got through. District Councils came to the party to see how they could help us to keep connecting the regions, and obviously the Ministry of Transport played a really important part in keeping us operational and maintaining the role we play in the New Zealand air transport scene.

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A silver lining to the pandemic has been that so many Kiwis have chosen to visit the Chatham Islands, and we’ve had a fantastic response from people who have always wanted to go and have subsequently been really positive about their time there. So many people have had the Chatham Islands on their bucket list, and the closing of the borders was the impetus to make that a reality, and the overwhelming response we’ve heard from those who have visited the Chathams has shown just how great it is as a destination. Suliasi Fualalo and Taufa Ha’angana getting ready to push one of the aircraft in to the Air Chathams hangar in Auckland

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Are there still challenges ahead? Yes, we’re not out of the woods yet! Like pretty much every other industry we’re seeing huge disruptions to supply chains, with parts taking much longer to source and also being much more expensive. Aviation fuel alone has tripled in price, and just as we’re feeling the price at the pump when we fill up our cars, the increases in aviation fuel and the like is going to make the coming year very difficult for us, our industry and many others. Ultimately we’re just really happy to see things begin to turn a corner and that we can get back to doing what we love - connecting the regions and getting Kiwis around the country. And there is a new addition to ‘the family’? Yes - our newly purchased ATR aircraft is going to be a great addition to Air Chathams. We pride ourselves on having backups in our fleet so that we can always make sure we complete our schedules wherever humanly possible, and having this aircraft on the roster reinforces that. The new ATR could be flying domestically during peak times, doing private charters throughout the country as well as flights to Norfolk Island when flights restart back in September - we’re loving having it as the latest addition to Air Chathams and we think our passengers are going to love it too.

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Let’s unlock the potential in your property =

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Subdivisions Planning and Engineering Wastewater Consents Aerial Photography and Mapping Farm Mapping We are land development consultants specialising in planning, surveying and engineering design. We’re regularly making trips to the Chathams and we put the effort in up front to make sure you get the most from your land. Consult our experts to ensure your project gets off on the right foot. Contact Andrew Ledingham Call 03 339 0401 Email andrew.l@blg.nz

Canterbury 0800 BLG 123 Marlborough 0800 BLG 123 Visit blg.co.nz

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AIRCRAFT AIR CHATHAMS

Our fleet Air Chathams has a fleet of 11 aircraft, ranging from single-engine light planes to turbo-prop passenger aircraft capable of speeds of over 500km/h. With this diverse fleet we can offer everything from scenic flights to charters, passenger services and freight.

Saab 340 Our Swedish princess Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

470 kilometres per hour 25,000 feet Yes 2 1 Available Yes

Fairchild Metroliner Safe, fast, and efficient commuter aircraft Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

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450 kilometres per hour 25,000 feet Yes 2 0 Limited No

ATR 72 Our newest regional airliner Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

500 kilometres per hour 25,000 feet Yes 2 2 Available Yes

Douglas DC-3 Our pride and joy. This remarkable aircraft has certainly ‘been there and done that’. Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

240 kilometres per hour 10,000 feet No 2 1 Available Yes

Cessna 206 The Chatham Islands workhorse Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

230 kilometres per hour 10,000 feet No 1 0 No No

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DESTINATIONS AIR CHATHAMS

Norfolk Island

The airline that brings New Zealand together Air Chathams is family owned and operated and is New Zealand’s largest privately owned airline, flying to some of the country’s best regional destinations. For more than 35 years we’ve been bringing New Zealand together.

Auckland Whakatāne

Whanganui Kāpiti Coast Wellington

Chatham Islands

SERVI

N RE

PRO

Christchurch

GIONA N

INCE Z S

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The home of Air Chathams The Chatham Islands are New Zealand’s most eastern islands, located over 800 kilometres (500 miles) east of southern New Zealand. About 600 people live on the two largest islands, Chatham and Pitt, and we have officially been a part of New Zealand since 1842. The islands are volcanic in origin with diverse landscapes and a fascinating history, renowned for a bountiful seafood industry and conservation efforts protecting many rare and endangered species. Top tips before making a visit: • No passport is necessary when flying from New Zealand.

Air Chathams brings New Zealand together! We’re the country’s largest privately owned airline, flying to some of New Zealand’s best regional destinations, and our inflight magazine Air Chats is a great way to build your brand and your business. We’d love to have you on board, so get in touch to find out about advertising - and come fly with us.

airchats@plenty.co.nz

• Electricity is standard for New Zealand at 240 volts AC, but can be unreliable so we recommend surge protection on your devices. • Pack clothing for variable weather. Think layers and protection from the sun, wind and rain. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. • The Chatham Islands are 45 mins ahead of mainland New Zealand standard time. • There are no shuttles or taxis. Transport from the airline needs to be arranged with your accommodation as will any rental vehicle prior to your visit. • Check with your accommodation provider about any specialist needs or allergies as the Chatham Islands often have limited supplies for specific requirements. • There is a small hospital with a resident doctor and nurses available. Air Chathams always recommends travel insurance for any air travel. • With deep family connections and local heritage, many places of interest are on private land and require the owner’s permission to visit. If you are unsure, please ask first.

Fly with us

and experience what the Chatham Islands has to offer.

Get out there and explore regional New Zealand

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airchathams.co.nz 0800 580 127

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You don’t know what you’re missing until you find it. Visit our amazing regional destinations and discover something new.

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