focus magazine February/March 2020 edition

focus LIFESTYLE AND BUSINESS MAGAZINE. INSPIRE. EMPOWER. MOTIVATE.

ISSUE 21

Bay of Plenty and Waikato

BRINGING FAIRER

REAL ES TA TE

TO THE BAY RACHEL MILLARD, SUSAN NORTHEY AND JANET O’SHEA

HEALTH MIRACLES RETREAT INSTAGRAM CHECKLIST FOR SUCCESS

FOCUS ON DIVERSITY AFRICA

ONE MOUNTAIN, MANY FACES A HIKE AROUND MT RUAPEHU

WIN

FANTAST

IC PRIZES

ome Take me h I’M FREE

focus PUBLISHER Align Publishing (an n-Gon Group facet) EDITOR Dee Collins dee@focusmagazine.co.nz CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alex Spodyneiko ONLINE EDITOR Kseniia Spodyneiko kseniia@focusmagazine.co.nz SALES advertising@focusmagazine.co.nz COVER IMAGE Vanessa Laval-Glad Laval Photo & Video FEATURE WRITERS Millie Freeman Margarete Kraemer PRINTING Sanyati Print CONTACT DETAILS 62 10th Avenue Tauranga 3110 (n-Gon Group Head Office) P O Box 14004, Tauranga, 3143 Tel: (07) 578 6838 Mobile: 021 535 770 focusmagazine.co.nz facebook.com/focusmagazinenz DISTRIBUTION 5,000 free copies are delivered bi-monthly to high traffic areas such as high-end cafés and restaurants, hairdressers, fashion boutiques, waiting rooms and professional offices across BOP, Hamilton, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

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Editor’s Welco me

Image by Vanessa Laval-Glad Hair and makeup by Sharyn Butters Outfit by Magazine Clothing

W

elcome to the first edition of focus for 2020. We hope you’ve all had a fabulous break and are ready for another great year ahead. At focus HQ we’re already working at full speed on new ideas and projects, writing articles and interviewing amazing women, PLUS we’re also adding the finishing touches to our Instagram workshops which kick off on 20 February at The Raft in Tauranga. We still have a few spots left – hop onto our Facebook page to find out more.

For this edition, we shine a spotlight on Janet O’Shea, Susan Northey and Rachel Millard – three successful realtors and franchise owners from Tall Poppy Real Estate who talk to MAKE focus about how their organisation A Bindustry IG is disrupting the real estate IMPACT and what keeps them excited about their work. As they say, it’s not about property, it’s all about the people.

In this edition we also bring you a number of travel features. Whilst my husband and I enjoyed a sublime

weekend of pampering and delicious food at Health Miracles Retreat, and Margarete Kraemer reveled in time at the magical housewithnonails, focus writer Millie Freeman went on a challenging five-day hike around Mt Ruapehu. Which one would you choose to do?

We’re looking forward to a fantastic, goal-smashing 2020! It’s the start of a new decade and we’re excited to have you along for the ride.

With gratitude,

Dee

Editor & Founder dee@focusmagazine.co.nz

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BEHIND THE SCENES From getting glammed up at Ivy Hair to the windy but fun photoshoot with Vanessa Laval-Glad at Pilot Bay – follow focus and the trio of Tall Poppy ladies on the day of our February/March edition cover photoshoot.

Check out the behind the scenes video at focusmagazine.co.nz/ tallpoppy

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CONTENTS | focus

16

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY-MARCH2020

26

COVER STORY

LIFE

TALL POPPIES IN THE BAY Janet O’Shea, Susan Northey and Rachel Millard bringing fairer real estate to the region

Top tips for buying an e-bike

16

REGULARS 10

Ask the experts Why you need a recruiter and what flowers to choose when someone’s unwell

22 24

Health Miracles Te Puna Mindfulness and wellbeing retreat

26

housewithnonails Magical homestay in the Waikato

28

One mountain, many faces A hike around Mt Ruapehu

12

32

Beauty Best night-time routines

14

BUSINESS 37

Style Dress up!

Focus on diversity Southern African immigrants succeeding in the Bay

32

42

47

44

Recipes Mediterranean gut-friendly recipes

Giveaways

Checklist for success Instagram tips for your business

Best events of the season with Expandasign

48

The Last Page Senga Allen, MD and founder of Everest, and Chairperson of Waikato Chamber of Commerce focusmagazine.co.nz

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focus | OUT & ABOUT

1

2

3

4 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Chamber of Commerce’s last BA5 event for 2019 was hosted by Computastyle Signs and the Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre.

Guests enjoyed delicious snacks, had the opportunity to win fantastic prizes from both companies and to look around the newly refurbished hotel.

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Images VANESSA LAVAL-GLAD 1. Sharon Giblett, Dee Collins and Sarah Harcourt 2.

Kerry Ross, Matt Cowley and Conor Quinn 3. Maria & Philipp Wilkens and Kelly Cranstoun 4. Geraldine Hutchinson, Kelly Cranstoun, Patrice Belcher, Pete Wales and Gillian Houser 5. Mark Collins and Les Geraghty 6.

David Ellacott and Lyn Trail 7. Stacie Taylor and Michael Bayly 8. Graham Goodisson, Aaron Fitchett and Susan Lock 9. Dion & Angela Hale and Holly Parata 10. Candice Potgieter, Stephen Roger and David Ratima 11. Sarah and David Ellacott 12. Angela Miccio-Harris and Conor Quinn

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OUT & ABOUT | focus

LAVAL STUDIO SESSION 1

2

3

4

Laval Studio Sessions provide an opportunity to mingle with fellow local professionals. Guests enjoyed a catered brunch and experienced mini headshot sessions in the studio. Look out for Laval Photo & Video's next events in 2020!

1. The team from Grace & Graze 2. Sita Engling (Sita Engling Hair & Makeup) and Rachael Pearce (Wholesale Aroma Supplies) 3. Vanessa Laval-Glad and Ada Deacon (Owl Media) 4. Megan Unsworth (Nutmeg Studio), Kirt Richards (Celebrant) and Fenella Comesky 5. Ada Deacon (Owl Media) and Pam French (Homes of Hope) 6. Kim Brown and Dani Stewart (George Street Real Estate) 7. Michelle Mortlock (Elevation Chartered Accountants Limited) and Ellyn Brunskill (Eves Real Estate) 8. Rachel Sawyer and Ada Deacon (Owl Media)

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focus | WHAT'S ON?

?

N O S ' W H AUATRY/MARCH FEBR

HAMILTON GARDENS ARTS FESTIVAL 19 February-1 March Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton hgaf.co.nz Local, national and international artists from all genres will gather at Hamilton Gardens for two weeks of outstanding performances, workshops and public talks.

The musical collective Fly My Pretties will be headlining the festival this year.

THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES AT CULT CINEMA CLUB 8 February Historic Village, Tauranga cultcinemaclub.com Enjoy watching Walter Salles’ The Motorcycle Diaries, showcasing the life of Ernesto Guevara before he became known as ‘Che’, at 7.30pm. Come earlier for a tasty dinner from Kenny John’s Food Truck and a dance lesson from Tauranga-based Salsa ¡Agua.

QUEENS OF POP ROCK AND SOUL 8 February Barcode, Rotorua eventfinda.co.nz Australia’s best and most spectacular tribute show is coming to Aotearoa! With Kim Boath as P!nk, Emily Rose as Lady Gaga and Asabi Goodman as Aretha Franklin, it’s going to be a night of celebrating the three most influential female artists of all time.

MUSIC IN THE MEADOW 22 February 259 Raynes Road, Hamilton musicinthemeadow.co.nz Automatic 80s, Caitriona Fallon and other artists will perform live while you enjoy a picnic with friends and a beautiful sunset.

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WHAT'S ON? | focus

CLASSICS AT OHOPE 14 March Surf & Sand Ohope's Beachfront Venue, Whakatāne classicsatohope.co.nz Retro caravans, classic cars, mustangs, hot rods and all things 50-70s will be on display at Ohope’s Surf & Sand.

A day of family fun with Rock ‘n Roll dancing, street food and drink vendors and market stalls.

FOCUS INSTAGRAM WORKSHOP 20 February The Raft, Tauranga focusmagazine.co.nz/workshop Whether you’re just starting out or already cracking on Instagram, it never hurts to find out how to use the latest app updates and changes to your advantage and learn some strategies and techniques to help you grow and thrive online. Jump online to learn more, spots are limited!

GENERATION HOMES WOMEN’S TRIATHLON 23 February Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui triathlontauranga.org.nz

ART BY BIKE 29 February Te Manawa, Rotorua facebook.com/rotoruaevents Every last Saturday of the month at 10am, Rotorua Events is giving you a chance to take a free guided bike tour through Rotorua. Explore local art and the best cycleways.

Suitable for all ages and fitness levels!

With a 400m swim, a 10km cycle and a 4km run/walk, it’s an entry-level triathlon for all ages and fitness levels. Enter as an individual, 2-3 person team or opt for a special Mother/ Daughter category.

AUTUMN HOMEXPO 2020 27-29 March Claudelands Arena, Hamilton autumnhomexpo.co.nz A boutique event for those looking to renovate their home. Talk directly to experts in building and renovations and find all the products and services you need.

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focus | BOOKS

FROZEN SUMMER, IAN AUSTIN

READ & EAT

In the third novel of the Dan Calder series, the detective returns to the UK from New Zealand to investigate an unsolved murder that has haunted him for years and in which he is the only suspect.

Calder revisits the case with old friends and police colleagues who help with the investigation.

As the crime spirals into a network of drugs and violence, evidence mounts that there might be more to the case than meets the eye.

Words DEE COLLINS

EAT MORE VEGAN, LUKE HINES Luke Hines, a finalist on My Kitchen Rules, is one of the most popular health and wellness personalities in Australia and his latest compilation of recipes has to be one of the best vegan cookbooks I’ve come across this year. The book offers 100 easyto-prepare, plant-based recipes. Try his hemp and beetroot burgers, jackfruit souvlaki, roasted broccoli steaks or roasted hemp and macadamia mushrooms.

Finish off with a sweet treat such as blueberry ‘bounty’ bars or chilli-spiced macadamia bites.

THE STRANGERS WE KNOW, PIP DRYSDALE Charlie seems to have it all – a career in marketing and possibly in acting too, and a charming, sexy husband. But when Charlie sees a photo of Oliver on a dating app, a photograph that she took on their honeymoon, little does she know that infidelity is the least of her problems.

A great weekend read, this book will keep you enthralled with its twists and turns, right to the very end.

THE GUT-SKIN CONNECTION, JANINE TAIT AND SHERYL NICHOLSON The expression ‘leaky gut’ has garnered a lot of media attention recently. Janine Tait, an internationally qualified beauty therapist, dermonutrition expert (the study of how nutrition specifically impacts the skin), and educator in skin health and wellbeing, has teamed up with food-

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JUST DESSERTS, CHARLOTTE REE Instagram sensation Charlotte Ree is famous for her simple and delicious sweets. This gorgeous hardcover book showcases 30 of Charlotte’s most popular cake, biscuit, slice and dessert recipes – think chocolate brownies, shortbread caramel slice, chocolate-chip cookies and show stoppers such as layered berry pavlova and chocolate ganache. If you love baking and creating sweet treats, this recipe book was made for you.

guru, cancer-survivor and recipe developer Sheryl Nicholson to bring you this gorgeous full colour, hardcover book that combines new advances in gut research with holistic skincare wisdom. The book is beautifully balanced with science and stories, recipes, rituals and a 7-day programme to kickstart your gut healing journey and transform your skin.

We’ve featured two of the delicious recipes from this book on pages 32 & 33.

focus | ASK THE EXPERTS

ASK THE EXPERTS DONNA WALLACE drakeintl.com DWallace@nz.drakeintl.com WHAT SORT OF FLOWERS SHOULD YOU SEND TO SOMEONE WHO ISN’T WELL? WHY YOU SHOULD USE ONE RECRUITER, EXCLUSIVELY Let recruiters compete for your vacancy, but don’t make them compete on the same job.

Here’s why: Agents used to sell houses on a multi-listing basis. All this meant was that NO agent worked on selling your home; their efforts were on listings where they had an exclusive agreement. Recruiters are no different.

Here are just three reasons why it makes good business sense to hire one recruiter: 1. You’re getting the recruiter’s full commitment. You may think you get more effort from a recruiter when the role is in competition, but what happens is a short burst of activity from the recruiter(s) and if it’s not filled fast, their interest wanes as they focus on clients who will work with them as partners.

2. The responsibility for success is with the recruiter. If the job is given to your preferred recruiter, they own the problem and you can now concentrate on your core business.

3. You are taking the spotlight off speed.

Why would you want your crucial hiring decision to be based on who can get candidates to you first? Would you hire a brain surgeon because they could do the job quickest? ‘Exclusivity’ means the recruiter has been given time to do a thorough job.

It’s now the norm that agents only list properties exclusively. Once this becomes the same for recruiters, you will then see a much greater commitment when you work with your recruiter — as a partner — someone who will add value to your business.

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The first question is: where is the recipient recuperating? At home or in hospital? If in hospital, make sure they’re not in ICU, where flowers aren’t allowed. In the general wards, table space is limited so a cheerful and colourful compact arrangement, like our box posy, works really well at brightening up the patient and the ward.

Remember that patients don’t have access to vases so ensure the arrangement you send comes with its own container. Also, be careful to choose flowers that aren’t too aromatic or contain pollen. Chrysanthemums, gladioli, hydrangeas, sunflowers, peonies, tulips, sweetpeas and zinnia are all good options.

For patients at home, a bright house plant can lift their spirits and, symbolically, green represents health and wellbeing.

We personally deliver arrangements, free of charge, to a patient’s bedside.

SHARON PEDDIE blanc.co.nz @_blancflorist

BREAKING BARRIERS | focus

SHATTERING

LAW FIRM

STEREOTYPES If you make an appointment with a lawyer, do you expect to meet with a middle-aged, conservative man wearing a suit and tie combo? Most people do! All stereotypes aside, many female lawyers still find the glass ceiling firmly in place.

Although more women than men have graduated from New Zealand law schools in the past two decades, the partnership ranks of most law firms confirm that the industry is still not as gender diverse as it should be. If getting a promotion proves to be difficult, why not start your own firm and do things differently?

That’s exactly what Paula Lines had in mind in 2008 when she took over The Law Shop in Rotorua. The business grew fast, and Paula was joined in partnership by Stephanie Northey in 2014.

Stephanie specialises in family law, mental health and employment law. Paula is an expert in Property and Business Law. Both work from their Rotorua office and Paula travels to see their many Tauranga clients at their homes or in coworking spaces.

“Our main point of difference is that we bring a holistic approach to law. Our culture is down to earth, informal and friendly. Flexibility and caring for each other, including our clients, is important,” Paula says.

“If there’s a parent-teacher meeting, or the child of one of our staff is competing in a school sports event, I wouldn’t want them to miss it. We’re big on family and balance. At The Law Shop, that’s how we do things and our clients appreciate it.”

All but one member of The Law Shop team are women.

The only man is family lawyer Andre Hinz, who says he doesn’t mind in the slightest that he is surrounded by women in the workplace.

“The best thing is, there is no cattiness. We genuinely care for each other as people and have become great friends,” Paula says.

The Law Shop offers personal law and business law services at a fair price, and they are the preferred lawyers for retirees. Get in touch by calling 0800 LAW SHOP or email team@thelawshop.co.nz.

focus | BEAUTY

SLEEPING BEAUTY SLATHERING ON A MOISTURISER AT NIGHT IS BASICALLY AN ATHOME SPA FOR THE SKIN. WHEN OUR SKIN’S NOT FRANTICALLY BATTLING DAYTIME AGGRESSORS, IT CAN FINALLY FOCUS ON HEALING, SOOTHING AND RESTORING ITSELF. SAY GOOD MORNING TO THE NEW YOU!

SILK PILLOWCASE, MONDAY SILKS $90 Silk pillowcases are the new trend in the beauty world.

Monday Silks pillowcases are packed with natural proteins and amino acids which help counter the effects of ageing.

The silk doesn’t absorb natural oils and therefore helps retain the moisture in your skin. It also helps prevent skin creases and reduces frizzy bed hair and hair loss. Monday Silks pillowcases are made of the highest grade 6A long fibre, 22 momme mulberry silk, so you sleep like a princess! mondaysilks.com

BERRY BLEND INTENSE REPAIR NIGHT MOISTURISER, OKANA $22.99 Every Okana product consists of only 4-6 unprocessed ingredients. Macadamia oil in Berry Blend balances sebum production and creates a protective barrier. Blackberry, blueberry and raspberry juices are high in vitamins and minerals to plump up your skin.

The Okana team jokes their creams are so natural, you can eat them and Berry Blend even looks like a smoothie. okana.co.nz

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OVERNIGHT REPAIR SERUM, DERMALOGICA $131 A cocktail of megapowerful ingredients works on the major effects contributing to ageing skin, such as the formation of free radicals, the development of Advanced Glycation End-products and many more scary words that are simply translated as ‘YOU’RE GETTING OLD!’ Apply 4-6 drops to your face and let science do the work. It renews the resilience and revitalises lacklustre skin. dermalogica.co.nz

ROSEWOOD & MYRRH NIGHT CREAM, NELLIE TIER $60.75 Made specifically for mature skin, this cream is focused on rehydrating and soothing skin cells using only natural ingredients and a cruelty-free approach. Its rich texture means you only need apply the tiniest amount, so a humble 60g jar will last pretty much forever. All Nellie Tier products are hand blended in small quantities to ensure their highest quality and freshest condition. nellietier.co.nz

BLACK PINE 3D SCULPTING, FIRMING & LIFTING NIGHT CREAM, KORRES $102 Beautifully scented, this luxurious cream has a very dense but smooth, velvety texture that quickly melts into your skin. Greek pharmacist George Korres created something that reminds us of Back to the Future: a 3D sculpting, recontouring and lifting night cream! In a recent study, 100% women confirmed they would happily replace their current night cream with this one.

Available at Mecca Maxima Bayfair. meccabeauty.co.nz

BEAUTY | focus

URBAN SKIN GOOD NIGHT DETOX MASK, NIVEA $12.99 Skin feeling tired from sun and pollution? This mask detoxifies, relaxes and de-stresses the skin with green tea extracts, hyaluronic acid and provitamin B5. It melts into the skin really quickly – massage it into your skin and remove any residue before you go to bed. You’ll wake up with silky soft, radiant skin. nivea.co.nz

OVERNIGHT RETINOL REPAIR, DERMALOGICA $185 Who doesn’t love a good freebie!

When buying this cream, you also receive a moisturising Buffer Cream to help acclimate the skin to this highly effective form of retinol.

It contains 0.5% pure retinol (read: a lot!) to increase cell turnover!

Peptides and Vitamin C fight signs of ageing, bioenergised Copper amino acid improves skin firmness, while active Polysaccharides prevent water loss. dermalogica.co.nz

REJUVENATING CRÈME WITH EVENING PRIMROSE, LISA GOODEVE $64 If skincare routine is a ‘ritual’ rather than a ‘routine’ for you, you’ll love this rich, deeply hydrating cream. Once you open it, a fresh yet relaxing aroma of tangerine, green tea and lavender envelops you. Created by an experienced Tauranga beauty therapist, this cream rejuvenates, heals, slows the ageing process and assists with pigmentation reduction. lisagoodeve.co.nz

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focus | STYLE

Asymmetric Bustier WITCHERY $199.90

Innocence Dress BLAK $349.00

Top & Pants WITCHERY

Best dressed

AFTER YEARS OF SNEAKERS AND THAT ONE UNIVERSAL T-SHIRT THAT YOU’VE WORN AT HOME, AT WORK AND FOR HIKING, CASUAL DRESSING HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A LITTLE ‘EXTRA’ EVERY DAY: A GIANT BOW ON YOUR DRESS, A CLASSIC PENCIL SKIRT, BUT IN LEOPARD PRINT, OR SPARKLING STATEMENT EARRINGS – NOTHING IS TOO MUCH NOW, EVEN IF GROCERIES AND MOVIES ARE ALL YOU PLAN FOR TODAY. Mele Drop Earring TIGERLILY $59.00

Mary Black KAREN WALKER $349.00

Spot Blouse WITCHERY $149.90

Honolulu Skirt LOOBIE'S STORY $299.00 Forward Pant LEO+BE $159.00

Benji Nude heel MI PIACI $260.00

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Pouch Belt Bag KETZ-KE $58.00

Vanessa Leather Heel WITCHERY $179.90

LIFE 16 TALL POPPY AGENTS

– CREATING A FAIRER REAL ESTATE MARKET IN THE BAY

26 HOUSEWITHNONAILS

Plus TIPS ON CHOOSING AN E-BIKE, RECIPES ... AND MORE

A MAGICAL HOMESTAY IN THE WAIKATO

28 HIKING AROUND

MOUNT RUAPEHU

focus | COVER STORY

TALL POPPIES IN

THE

B AY

FOUNDED IN 2012, TALL POPPY IS WORKING TO CREATE A FAIRER REAL ESTATE MARKET FOR ALL KIWIS AND IS GROWING QUICKLY IN THE BAY OF PLENTY. HOW? FOCUSED ON INNOVATION IN TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS, AWARD-WINNING TALL POPPY HAS MADE THE INDUSTRY SIT UP AND TAKE NOTICE. THE COMPANY HAS SAVED KIWIS MORE THAN $40M IN FEES OVER THE LAST SEVEN YEARS AND HAS A 99.8% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RATING. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH THREE LOCAL FRANCHISE OWNERS ABOUT WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE PART OF A MARKET DISRUPTOR.

Words: Millie Freeman Images: Vanessa Laval-Glad Makeup: Chloe Gray Hair: Hair to Train – 2019 graduating stylists, Shakyra Wade-Riedinger and Malaesaili Hukui

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COVER STORY | focus

RACHEL MILLARD A conversation with her real estate agent while buying a home in Omokoroa in 2011 changed everything for Rachel Millard. The buying process piqued her interest in the industry and when the agent suggested she ‘get your licence and join us’, she did. A few years later, in August 2017, she bought the Tall Poppy franchise for Omokoroa, covering Aongatete to the Wairoa River.

Changing careers wasn’t part of the plan when she and husband Martin packed up the family – twin boys, now 20, and a daughter, 16 – and moved from the UK in 2009. In fact, she had decided against returning to her accounting work, to focus instead on raising her children, growing vegetables and volunteering her time to the community.

But, as she says, “you inevitably go back to your core – 7-days-a-week and running!” And, even though the quieter lifestyle fell by the wayside, her get-up-and-go attitude, self-motivation and down-to-earth personality were ideally suited to the busy people-facing role of a real estate agent.

“It did take me out of my comfort zone initially, but when I’m in this role I love it. I’m driven by helping people, and when someone sees a house and falls in love with it, that’s my kick. I love being involved and making people smile.”

Before the call to sell real estate, Rachel got stuck into establishing the Omokoroa Community Centre, meeting a lot of people and making good friends in the process. She now sits on the Centre’s Trust.

“In real estate, people want someone they can trust.

They don’t want to see someone big and brash because it’s

“

I’m driven by helping people, and when someone sees a house and falls in love with it, that’s my kick.

I love being involved and making people smile.

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focus | COVER STORY

not about the agent; it’s about getting people into a property they love. I don’t want to get someone across the line who will later regret their decision; I want them to go, ‘thanks for finding me that house’.

“We believe strongly in our values and I think we enjoy a lot of repeat business because people appreciate our honesty and integrity. Omokoroa has become part of me and I want to ensure we keep that going.”

Tall Poppy has now cornered a sizeable chunk of the Omokoroa market, between 50-70%, and Rachel says as well as her personal connectedness to the community, the Tall Poppy business model has a lot to do with the area’s success.

“The industry’s had to sit up and think about what it’s doing, because, from a vendor point of view, we’re very different. Our fees are much fairer, yet we still provide a higher level of service.

We’re innovative and are always looking at what we can do next to improve our services and communication.”

Innovation, growth and branding are key indicators for her own franchise as well, and Rachel has been working

“

Teamwork (l to r) Rachel Millard, Lara Russell and Linley Ward

with a local mentor on business development and personal/professional development. Importantly for Rachel, the Tall Poppy business model means she can combine her love of sales with being a business owner. She’s still selling as much as before but with the help of her team.

“I have a full time PA, Lara, who helps with admin tasks which used to keep me up until midnight, and

Linley Ward has joined our team as a sales consultant, delivering the same exceptional service to Omokoroa. Now we have five Tall Poppy agents working in the Omokoroa and surrounding rural areas.

“It’s really important for me to love what I do. I have no plans to give up and I don’t think I could. I’m looking forward to fostering and growing the team, and spending more time with my family.”

SUSAN NORTHEY Real estate can really change people’s lives and I love being the person who can come in and make that difference for them. I still have that absolute excitement and enthusiasm for it as when I first started.

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Susan Northey started in real estate in 2014 but had her eye on the industry a long time before that.

A joy of working with people and a natural affinity for sales prompted her to study for her real estate qualifications about six years earlier, but, in the 2000s, it wasn’t the right time to make the move.

Susan has a knack for monitoring change and looking ahead, and with the GFC approaching, she put real estate on the back burner while she forged ahead in a sales and marketing role with a Bay of Plenty media organisation.

She had just finished three successful years as Tauranga, Rotorua and Hamilton franchise owner of The Her Business Network, founded by fashion designer Anna Stretton. With her outgoing, friendly and professional attitude, Susan thrived on the opportunity to organise sparkling networking events for women, with high powered and inspiring talks from successful business people.

“Many of the speakers were my business heroes and being exposed to their experience and knowledge was amazing.”

However Susan always knew she’d love real estate because, she says, it’s not about selling houses it’s a passion for people.

“Real estate can really change people’s lives and I love being the person who can come in and make that difference for them. I still have that absolute excitement

COVER STORY | focus

and enthusiasm for it as when I first started.”

Of course, she never thought she would own her own real estate business within five years! In fact, she says, the decision to buy into Tall Poppy was very easy. With business partner Michael Allott, she purchased the Tauranga Central franchise in July 2018, having previously worked for other local firms.

“I could see only opportunity. We’re big on service and small on fees and we love the fact that we can provide a full service – an even better service – at much less cost to the vendor!”

Susan says the innovative use of digital technology is one of the things setting Tall Poppies apart from other agencies. Most notably, the company makes huge cost savings through effective and highly efficient social media marketing, rather than print advertising, as well as clever use of digital video communication tools for keeping in touch with clients.

“I love movement and change and development, so a big factor for me in choosing to come to Tall Poppy was because they’re always looking ahead and asking what’s happening, where’s the market heading and what could we be doing better? It really resonated with me because if you do what you’ve always done, you end up going backwards.”

Currently Susan and Michael have four other agents in their team and are steadily building the Tall Poppy brand in the Tauranga region.

“We want to build slowly. We’d rather have a small, effective team with

agents doing really great business and all rowing the same boat together, than a large competitive team with a few high-flyers.”

Susan is also grateful to have the support of other women franchise owners in the Bay. “We all get along so well. There are no egos in the way, and we’re fortunate to have a model to support that.”

Naturally, she still has to rely on herself to run her own business and continues to put emphasis on upskilling herself because, as she says, “things change and there’s always something new to learn.” She has completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies at Waikato University, and keeps abreast of the constant compliance changes in real estate. Fortunately, very good office systems and her detailfocused work ethic ensure processes are taken care of efficiently.

That attention to detail started way back in the 80s when Susan started her career in hotel management. Having worked in Auckland for a number of years, thriving on the excitement of the people-focused hospitality industry and the crazy, unsociable hours, she re-settled in Tauranga with husband Phil and their two children, now 20 and 13. Susan is a Tauranga local, having completed her schooling here, and appreciates the rapid growth and change within the area.

“There’s not a lot of downtime in real estate so I’m very lucky to have my family’s love and support and the amazing support of the wider Tall Poppy team.”

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focus | COVER STORY

JANET O’SHEA Despite being in real estate since 2005, Janet O’Shea did not anticipate the phenomenal increase in business she has experienced since buying the Tall Poppy Tauranga South franchise in 2017.

She’s never been as busy, and the natural nurturer, enabler, extrovert and all-round people-person has been in her element. But it’s also been one of the most challenging times of her life.

Setting up a new business, building a brand and a team, trying to find the right people, dealing with family health issues, on top of moving house, has added up to emotional overload at times but she never considered giving up or getting out.

“I don’t think there’s ever an easy time to take on a business, but with everything else going on in my life, I was occasionally at the point of not knowing how to get through it all. At times I had to call my husband Pete and say you need to come home. He’s been my absolute rock and I couldn’t have done this without him.

“What I love about being part of Tall Poppy is that there’s no hierarchy. We’re all one big family, so if you need a hand, they’re there and they’ll ask, ‘what can we do to help you?’ That support has been incredible.”

Putting the team front and centre is no different to how Tall Poppy views their clients. Janet was delighted to find a company that echoed her own philosophy of ‘what can we do for you, the client?’ After her first meeting

22 | focusmagazine.co.nz

“

Real estate is not about houses; it’s about building relationships and helping people through difficult times.

with the owners to find out about the franchise opportunity, she immediately rang Pete and said, 'We have to do this.'

“Selling is about relationships and trust, whatever business you’re in, and that’s why the Tall Poppy model resonated with me because it’s the people I care about. Real estate is not about houses; it’s about building relationships and helping people through difficult times. I’ve laughed and cried with people in their lounge rooms, and I’ve put myself in their shoes, but I also believe it’s my role to tell them what they need to know, not what I think they want to hear.”

It’s this straight-up, friendly personality that has proved so successful for Janet’s business but she says you have to become the expert in your area and know what’s happening in the market.

“I see myself as an enabler because people ask for my knowledge and my guidance so they have the information to make the right decisions.

I get joy out of making lifelong clients and friends and of knowing that I’ve done a great job for that person. I love to help people and make them feel better about

themselves.”

It’s something she’s been doing all her life. Prior to starting in real estate, Janet worked in pharmacy for 20 years, including as a cosmetics consultant.

She got into real estate to get more flexibility, freedom and better lifestyle choices to fit around being a working mum with young children (her two sons are now 23 and 20), and despite still putting in long hours, she loves the flexibility of working from home, where she can put on her gumboots to feed the chooks and then swap to heels for her business day.

“I’m like everyone else with a busy life where sometimes things go pear shaped – just normal everyday issues that you try to fit around some kind of work/life balance.”

To help share the load she has recently appointed a PA, and her team of six spans Tauriko, The Lakes, Pyes Pa, Greerton and Gate Pa (Oropi, Maungatapu, Hairini and Welcome Bay are shared with Susan Northey’s team).

Starting out in real estate can be tough but she tells her team that persistence to keep going and consistency will get them there in the end.

“I get referrals daily, but I have put in the hard work to get to this point. I started out by building my profile in the area where I lived. Sales people often talk about their database; well I have a trust account – it’s about building up a pool of people who trust you.”

And, of course, being able to offer vendors the Tall Poppy service, systems and support, all for a much fairer fee – “how fantastic!” she says. 

focus | PROMOTION

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PAPAMOA PLAZA MALL 07 925 9920 ELECTRIFY.NZ

24 | focusmagazine.co.nz

PROMOTION | focus

Coaster REV BIKES $3,400

W

Peak MAGNUM $2,899

ith prices decreasing and improvements to battery technology, motors and suspension, as well as lighter-weight frames, e-bikes are becoming more commonplace and accepted by all age groups.

But what should you look for when buying an e-bike?

• Try before you buy. All Electrify.NZ models have a demo bike you can try so you can make an informed decision.

• E-bikes vary in weight so pick up a few and decide whether you’ll be able to lift it easily onto your bike rack or over a fence.

• What type of riding do you want the bike for? Tough ascents? Long distances? Comfort? There’s a big

City E-Bike BLACK $1,999

difference between a rear-hub- and central-hub-driven e-bike – we can explain all the jargon when you come in for a test ride.

• E-bikes range in price – they are a substantial purchase so make sure the retailer you choose is knowledgeable and helpful and, most importantly, offers ongoing support for warranty purposes and repairs. We see so many bikes that have been bought at expos, garage sales or online that may have been cheaper at the time, but haven’t lasted very long and have no follow-up customer support.

• Always ride with a helmet, and, if you’re riding at dusk, make sure you have decent lights. 

Reptila 800 GEPIDA $3,899

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We are here to support our community so please don't hesitate to give us a call or, alternatively, access our website if you would like to arrange a test ride.

If you decide to purchase a bike before June 2020, mention focus, and we’ll give you a FREE Cratoni helmet.

focus | TRAVEL

HEALTH MIRACLES Inspiring others to live their best life THEY SAY THAT WHAT YOU PUT OUT INTO THE UNIVERSE IS WHAT YOU GET BACK. I’VE OBVIOUSLY BEEN PUTTING OUT AN ENERGY THAT SAYS I NEED TO RELAX AND TAKE SOME TIME OFF – YES, I KNOW IT’S ONLY FEBRUARY, BUT THE TREADMILL OF PUBLISHING A BIMONTHLY MAGAZINE NEVER STOPS! ENTER HEALTH MIRACLES TE PUNA, PREVIOUSLY VILLADONNA RETREAT. IT’S LITERALLY A 15-MINUTE DRIVE FROM THE CENTRE OF TAURANGA CBD BUT YOU FEEL A WORLD AWAY. Words + Images DEE COLLINS

G

ordon and Donna Bodell are the inspiring owners of this beautiful establishment, set in the rolling Te Puna countryside. With very different backgrounds in health and wellbeing, their passion is to educate and inspire through their practised disciplines and to help clients enhance the connection between themselves, others and their own health.

We relax into our private accommodation – it’s simple, peaceful and comfortable with views over the rolling

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Donna Bodell, Health Miracles

Minden hills and, at night, the lights of Tauranga twinkle in the distance. It’s not long before we’re settled on the verandah, engrossed in conversation with Donna, sipping tea and sampling her delectable homemade Bliss Balls.

Accommodation is only available for one couple or a group of four, which means guests get exclusive attention.

Donna reminds us that we’re here to relax and asks us about our expectations and desires for the weekend. There are a myriad of options available – Psych-K (a technique to rewrite the powerful mind/body connection), hypnosis, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), yoga, QiGong, nutritional coaching, healthy meal preparation, mindfulness and massage.

It’s the latter that we choose for our first treatment – blissful, therapeutic massages for both of us. Back in our cabin Donna delivers a freshly-prepared and delicious vegetarian meal to our door. Even though it’s barely dark, our eyes soon begin to droop and we head off to bed for an early night.

A very important part of the retreat encompasses mindfulness and, during the course of the weekend, Gordon takes us through exercises covering our habits, lifestyle and thoughts and how these impact our physical, emotional and mental self. He’s not only a mindfulness coach but also a qualified remedial massage therapist, reconnective healer, Reiki master and Qi Gong instructor and teacher.

Donna, a highly qualified yoga teacher, personal trainer, wellness coach, hypnotherapist, nutritionist, and massage therapist, sees herself as a facilitator, empowering people on their journey to restoring balance and living a happy life. She takes each of us through a Psych-K session and then a guided

“

TRAVEL | focus

Our driving force is to help people accept their unique beautiful selves as something to honour and cherish. To empower them with knowledge around health, in all its facets, to work gently and with kindness to self, so that we can become the grandest version of ourselves. To embrace and celebrate each other’s strengths and come together, rather than striving in isolation and confusion, feeling lost.

WHAT’S ON OFFER? The private accommodation is exclusively yours for the duration of your stay and can house a maximum of four people (two queen beds). A cooked vegetarian breakfast is included daily and guests can choose any activities on offer. meditation in breath work, which helps with stress management, depression and to increase energy.

“The retreat is very much about clearing subconscious patterns and emotional blocks – physical, mental or both – that may be sabotaging or toxic, and stopping you from moving forward and living a healthier, happier life... it’s about the ‘you’ that you have been searching for,” says Donna. “My life has been filled with highs and lows – sexual abuse, low self-esteem, obsessive eating and exercise habits, smoking and alcohol – but I’m now in the best physical, emotional and spiritual place than I’ve ever been. It’s my life experience that helps me to connect, identify and, ultimately, help our guests.”

Many of the Health Miracles guests choose to stay longer than a few days so that they can experience the full bouquet of treatments on offer or, in some cases, take time to switch off and recharge. The choice is theirs. For Gordon and Donna, it’s important that their guests decide the direction for their stay.

Over the course of the weekend, we are privileged to experience many of Gordon and Donna’s teachings. This couple, with their selfless, caring and kind souls, give so much of themselves and certainly live their passion. We leave feeling reinvigorated and can’t wait to revisit down the track. 

021 769 221 healthmiracles.co.nz healthmiracles2believe@gmail.com

COURSES • Two-day massage course • One-day Reiki course • Three-hour nutritional cooking course HEALTH COMPONENTS • Massage • Reiki Attunement • Yoga, meditation and mindful breathing • Mindfulness • Psych-K • Hypnotherapy • NLP (Neuro-Linguistic-Programming) • Qi Gong Health Miracles currently offers the retreat at $500.00 per person, for two nights. This includes cooked vegetarian breakfasts and your choice of health components. The courses are a separate cost and subject to availability. There is no online booking system so you will need to email or call Donna – the retreat is often booked out weeks in advance.

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focus | TRAVEL

A HOMESTAY

out of

the ordinary

YOU DON’T HAVE TO DRIVE FAR TO UNWIND AT A MAGIC PLACE. ONE HOUR FROM TAURANGA LIES A TIMBER-FRAMED BARN APTLY NAMED HOUSEWITHNONAILS. IT’S A PLACE WITH A STORY, RUN BY A WOMAN WITH A PASSION. Words + Images MARGARETE KRAEMER

Jen welcoming and explaining timber framing

28 | focusmagazine.co.nz

TRAVEL | focus

A chance meeting at a Tauranga shop introduced me to Jen Roberts, the bubbly host of a very special B&B in Waharoa. We clicked immediately. Soon after, I decided to spend two nights at her place.

A labour of love created this unique accommodation in the middle of paddocks with spectacular views to the foothills of the Kaimai Range. The house – Jen and Dewi’s home – was handcrafted using construction methods dating back to the 10th century. And, yes, indeed no nails were used in the timber framing, with the network of posts, beams, rafters and braces interlocked and secured by large, handhewn oak pegs.

“We were young, we had four children and no money, but we had a dream to live in the country,” says Jen. Then, in 1988, Cyclone Bola hit leaving a trail of devastation. Dewi, originally from Wales, had always wanted to build a timber-framed house. He realised there was this resource sitting in the fields in the shape of felled trees: $80,000 worth of timber, all free in return for cleaning up the mess. Thus Bola provided 25m3 of macrocarpa and poplar for the housewithnonails. All the timber was hand-hewn by Dewi in a neighbour’s workshop, with an old-fashioned community barn-raising of the frames in 1992. The Welsh words carved into one of the main beams, Pen Saer Loft, mean Master Carpenter’s Barn.

Three years ago Jen decided to turn their family home into a unique B&B. Five rooms on two levels offer spacious accommodation for up to 16 guests.

Each room is different. The eclectic

country-chic interior oozes a natural, handmade aesthetic with a mix of raw materials carefully curated to create an utterly interesting homestay experience.

There is lime, wood and stone; concrete and copper; all complemented with furnishing dressed with linen, velvet and wool. Every room has braced handcrafted doors with forged ironmongery. “It’s a celebration of the beauty of raw materials”, says Jen. “Sleep in rooms made of local trees. Feel the lime plaster. Smell the tannin. It’s sensual and soothing. We want our guests to feel at home, not like in a hotel.”

Jen loves to cook healthy, wholesome country fare and decorates the table with locally foraged foliage and flowers. She creates intimate candlelit dinners for one person or groups, facilitating interesting conversations and memorable visits for guests. What she and many guests particularly enjoy – and what sets her B&B apart from other accommodation providers – is learning about each other. Often a culinary exchange at the table with international guests leads to a unique cultural exchange.

She is now dreaming of taking her hospitality to the next level: into the wild with long-table dinners by the river, in a paddock or the bush. “We have great local produce, and our natural environment provides a unique stage for unique food experiences,” says Jen. Just as natural and unique as the accommodation she provides, I conclude, and enjoy the view over the gently swaying grass of the paddocks surrounding the house.  focusmagazine.co.nz

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focus | TRAVEL

One mount a i n , many faces

U H E P A U R MT d n u o r a e A hik

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TRAVEL | focus

FROM THE ENDLESS BARREN BEAUTY OF RANGIPO DESERT TO THE TUMBLING WATERFALLS AND BEECH FORESTS ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, OUR FIVE-DAY, 66KM HIKE AROUND MT RUAPEHU COULD WELL HAVE BEEN FIVE SEPARATE TRAMPS THROUGH FIVE DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS. Words MILLIE FREEMAN Images MILLIE FREEMAN AND DIANA ANDERSON

A couple we met while hiking the Round the Mountain track in blisteringhot late November said a family hike on the same route many years earlier had sparked an enduring interest in geology for one of their sons. It’s not hard to see why. Yes, Mt Ruapehu, in Tongariro National Park, is stunning from any distance; get up a bit closer though and you can’t help but be awed by the extraordinary forces of nature. It was a daily dose of grandeur, with each section of track offering us a new face to discover.

Diana Anderson and I left Whakapapa Village on a clockwise

route, staying first at the smart and spacious Waihohonu Hut. The hut is shared with hikers doing the popular Northern Circuit ‘Great Walk’, which circles Mt Ngauruhoe and includes part of the Tongariro Crossing hike.

Some choose to walk the lesser travelled Round the Mountain track in three days, but, unless you’re aiming to cram it into a long weekend, you’d have to wonder, why the rush? There are so many expansive wonders to take in and enjoy over a few more days. And, despite seemingly short daily distances, the days are challenging, with steep ascents and often technical descents

over loose slate, shingle and lava deposits, all with heavy packs. Carrying plenty of drinking water did not aid the pack weight, but was critical in the high temperatures we experienced, especially as you can’t rely on the water quality of rivers and streams – even though they looked crystal clear, some drain directly from the Crater Lake.

Despite needing lots of water, we knew we were lucky to enjoy such a fine spell in an area renowned for extreme weather. Not only is there limited shelter from wind and rain on the desert side, track marker poles would be hard to see in a whiteout and you’d get lost in a heartbeat. On the plus side, several entry and exit points give options for shorter walks or an emergency escape route in bad conditions.

However Rangipo Desert on day 2 and part of day 3 was astonishingly beautiful despite being hot and dry.

Sand and rock in varying hues of beige and brown stretched impossibly onward, interspersed with white, yellow and red highlights from the tiny alpine shrubs that have adapted to thrive in these hostile environments.

As we crunched over the desolate moon-like landscape, I marvelled at the huge boulders, spewed from eruptions over millennia and strewn and scattered across the slopes, completely untouched. Such glorious detail unseen and unappreciated from passers-by driving the Desert Road. focusmagazine.co.nz

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focus | TRAVEL

FROM DESERT TO DEEP RIVER VALLEYS… Day 3 to Mangaehuehu Hut also offered more delights, particularly the magnificent Waihianoa River gorge with steep stony sides dropping down to the snakelike river. DoC had warned the bridge here was under repair and we prayed the snow melt would not prevent us from crossing the river, because ‘Plan B’ – to retrace our steps to the Tukino Road and shuttle around to Ohakune Mountain Road – was just not going to happen given the effort we had exerted to get here!

Had there been rain, the crossing may have proved too dangerous, however we were lucky with the river level and, safely across, inched our way up the steep ascent with wet boots – something we were to get a lot more practice with on Day 5. The desert soon gave way to scrubby bush and eventually mountain beech forest as Ruapehu slowly revealed a new face.

…AND PLUNGING WATERFALLS As captivated as I was with the desert, the best, and indeed the worst, part of the hike happened on Day 4. A steep 3km trudge up Ohakune Mountain Road at midday, with its sun-baked tarseal reflecting an hour’s worth of hot air into my lungs, was soon forgotten as the mountain opened up yet another window to its rugged past. The Cascades, or Lava Lounge as it’s known in some circles, is a cascading waterfall that tumbles into the magnificent Mangaturuturu Valley, and the track takes you straight down it. While the onward route is easily seen winding its way from the bottom of the rockfall, our most immediate concern became, ‘but how do we reach it?’ Somewhere

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we had to cross the cascades, yet the marker poles we had steadfastly relied upon throughout the hike were now rather vague – where exactly did they suggest we cross? The most common-sense place had to suffice and after a quick, yet ultimately futile, risk assessment we edged into the froth and waded safely across. Peering over the rockface we could now easily see the next three or four poles marking the route and realised we must have chosen the right spot. (In hindsight, we realised the route was perhaps intentionally vague so that hikers can assess the best crossing point depending on weather and river conditions on the day.) With hearts pounding from exhilaration rather than exertion we carefully made our way down the rocky slope with the water roaring down just a few metres beside us.

After four days the mountain had already shown us so many faces, yet the final day still had its own treasures to reveal – spectacular and massive gouged-out river valleys, rocky inclines, numerous river crossings and the surround sound of waterfalls plummeting off lava bluffs, and, further on, shady forest for the final descent to Whakapapa Village. What an incredible

day to complete an epic hike.

It’s certainly no ‘walk in the park’, and weather plays a hugely important role, but if you have good fitness, and are prepared for some long, challenging days, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery and the excitement of seeing some new treasure around every corner. 

BUSINESS, SHOP AND PACKAGING SUPPLIES

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focus | FOOD

FLAVOURS

of the Med

BESTOW BEAUTY FOUNDER JANINE TAIT AND FOOD PHOTOGRAPHER SHERYL NICHOLSON ARE TAKING US ON A FOOD JOURNEY ACROSS THE MEDITERRANEAN WITH THESE RECIPES FROM THEIR BOOK, THE GUT-SKIN CONNECTION.

The Gut-Skin Connection – 224 colourful pages combining new advances in gut research with holistic skincare wisdom, providing the principles, recipes, rituals and a meal plan to restore your gut and renew your skin from within. bestowbeauty.com

34 | focusmagazine.co.nz

FOOD | focus

ZESTY GREEK FISH INGREDIENTS: • 4 medium-sized white fish fillets • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed • ¼ cup of sliced black olives • 1 Tbsp capers • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice • 1/3 cup olive oil • Himalayan salt METHOD: 1. Pre-heat oven to 200°C. 2. Pour lemon juice and olive oil in a lidded jar. Add Himalayan salt and shake well.

3. Pour 1/3 of lemon juice mixture in a dish and dip fish fillets, coating both sides.

4. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a frypan over a medium-high heat.

When the oil is sizzling, add fish and sear on each side to give it some colour but don’t fully cook it (a couple of minutes on each side).

Remove from heat and place in an ovenproof dish.

5. Add crushed garlic, olives and capers to the remaining lemon juice mixture.

Drizzle over fish fillets.

6. Bake in the oven until fish begins to flake easily with a fork (around 10 minutes but begin checking earlier).

Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, season to taste and serve with lemon slices or wedges.

CHICKEN CORIANDER MEATBALLS INGREDIENTS: • ½ onion, peeled and roughly chopped • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped • 1 cm fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped • 400g free-range chicken breast, roughly chopped • 1 Tbsp coconut aminos (Coconut sap sauce – dark, rich, salty and slightly sweet. Can be found in supermarkets, in the health food or gluten-free aisles.)

• 1 small handful fresh coriander • 1 Tbsp olive oil • Himalayan salt to season METHOD: 1. Put garlic, onion and ginger into a food processor and pulse a few times. Add chicken breast, coconut aminos, coriander and salt. Process until well combined. If necessary, stop and scrap down the sides as you go.

2. Wet your hands and roll 9-10 meatballs, a little smaller than a golf ball size. Place meatballs into a frypan with the olive oil and cook on medium high for 15-20 minutes, rotating frequently until cooked through and golden brown. Alternatively bake them in oven on 200°C for 1520 minutes.

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focus | BUSINESS

HAVE YOU GOT YOUR TECHNOLOGY COVERED? IT’S HARD TO KEEP UP WITH TECHNOLOGY THESE DAYS. EVEN THOSE IN THE INDUSTRY SPEND A LOT OF TIME KEEPING ABREAST OF UPDATES, MODIFICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENTS. FROM OTS (OFF THE SHELF) SOFTWARE, APPLICATIONS AND HARDWARE, TO BESPOKE DEVELOPMENT AND CODING LANGUAGES, THERE ARE PLENTY OF QUESTIONS BUSINESSES ASK – WHAT CRM OR GPS TRACKING APP SHOULD I BE USING? WHICH VOIP SYSTEM? WHICH LAPTOP TABLET IS GOOD FOR A MOBILE WORKFORCE? Words TONY SNOW, STRATUS BLUE

36 | focusmagazine.co.nz

U

nless you’re into technology and understand it, how is anyone expected to keep up with it all and find time to run a business?

We all have 1,440 minutes in a day, but how wisely are you using those precious minutes? Do you really have time to spend trying to fix or manage your own technology? If you do a quick calculation of your hourly rate, are you really getting the best return on your time?

When we have accounting needs we tend to go to an accountant, for legal issues we engage a lawyer and when we’re unwell, we go to the doctor. So it makes sense to work with a technology partner who speaks non-geeky language when you have tech issues.

Small-business cashflow is challenging at the best of times and if your technology is playing up, or not being productive, it doesn’t take long for the fun – and the funds – to drain away.

Stratus Blue offers human-to-human technology services and focuses on the backend part of IT to make sure everything is secure and working the way you want it to and as it should.

That way you can focus on what you do and spend your time actively growing your business.

Find out more on stratusblue.nz or 0800 2 ASSIST 

BUSINESS 37 FOCUS ON DIVERSITY

SOUTHERN AFRICAN IMMIGRANTS SUCCEEDING IN THE BAY

42 INSTAGRAM TIPS

FOR YOUR BUSINESS

48 SENGA ALLEN

ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS

Plus GIVEAWAYS, EXPANDASIGN EVENTS ... AND MORE

DIVERSITY | focus

FOCUS ON DIVERSITY

Africa

THREE IN TEN PEOPLE LIVING IN NEW ZEALAND WERE BORN OVERSEAS AND IN DOZENS OF MONTHLY CEREMONIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, PEOPLE GATHER TO BECOME OUR NEWEST NEW ZEALANDERS. THIS CULTURAL DIVERSITY, FROM AN ASSORTED RANGE OF ETHNICITIES, HAS ADDED SO MANY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES, VIEWS, THOUGHTS, LANGUAGES, CUSTOMS, TRADITIONS, BACKGROUNDS, EXPERIENCES AND INTERESTS TO THE COUNTRY.

A

ccording to the latest permanent and long-term migration data released by Statistics New Zealand, there were 5,428 arrivals into the Bay of Plenty in 2017 from countries around the world, many of them from Southern Africa. With its subtropical climate and outdoor lifestyle, many southern African migrants choose to settle

in the Bay of Plenty and, with the increasing instability, crime rates, unemployment and uncertainty for a future in Africa, the numbers are increasing annually.

In our first focus on Diversity feature, we shine a spotlight on some of the Southern African migrants who have decided to call the Bay of Plenty, home.

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focus | DIVERSITY

MARK AND DEE COLLINS, N-GON GROUP “Since leaving Zimbabwe, we’ve lived in Christchurch, Australia’s Sunshine Coast and four years ago, settled in Tauranga – hopefully, this is the last move!”

There are four facets/divisions to the n-Gon Group – Sanyati Print, Savant Creative, Ezy Supply and Align Publishing (focus magazine falls under this umbrella).

So, in essence, we are a one-stop-shop for your marketing requirements – design, print, packaging, signage, advertising and websites.

We are a group of industry-specific people who provide full solutions to our clients utilising each other’s skills and expertise. Each of us contributes our best work, supports others, and enables the highest quality, timely service and costeffective completion for our customers.

07 578 6838 ngongroup.com

FRANS LOKKER, RAY WHITE Honesty, Integrity, Respect – these values should form the backbone of all successful relationships.

As a highly motivated, empathetic and reliable person with 16 years of management experience in the hospitality industry and a very successful real estate background, you can be sure of my absolute commitment to making you top of my priorities when it comes to service.

Being a devoted family man and dad to three amazing daughters, I know what it’s like to bear the huge responsibility of finding a new home and settling a family in as seamlessly as possible. Although the process of buying and selling is stressful, I will do absolutely everything in my power to make the transition as stress free and happy as possible by carefully listening to and respecting your requirements. My track record proves that I do accomplish this!

Discipline will achieve success and balance is the key to a happy life.

021 023 81472 frans.lokker@raywhite.com rwmountmaunganui.co.nz

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DIVERSITY | focus

VANESSA LAVAL-GLAD, LAVAL PHOTO & VIDEO Vanessa Laval Glad, founder, photographer and videographer at Laval Photo & Video, is the embodiment of the statement “people don’t care what you do, they care about how you make them feel”.

Starting her photography business early in life, Vanessa followed her heart (literally) to New Zealand in 2004, where she has honed her photography skills, bringing that same passion and heart to her work, and drawing it from her subjects.

Fast-forward to today and Vanessa has shot countless projects and travelled extensively to build a varied and robust portfolio of work in creative, professional and personal photography and videography.

Vanessa’s personal touch is evident in all her work, with her subjects exuding a sense of confidence and comfort seldom found in the vulnerable space in front of the camera, often inspired behind the scenes, in the open and airy feel of her studio.

Her South African warmth, combined with a Kiwi charm, creates a sense of connection with the subjects she photographs, enabling her to bring out the best in them and tell their unique business and personal stories through high-quality, crisp and stylish visuals.

07 808 0464 vanessa@laval.nz laval.nz

CRAIG RETIEF, IMPORTACAR Originally from Springs, South Africa, Craig, his wife and three daughters spent two years in Auckland before moving to Tauranga where, with his passion for motor vehicles, Craig started importing cars from Japan.

Craig's focus is on quality, price, customer service and competitive interest rates. Below are his tips on buying a second-hand car: • Make sure it comes with a warranty. This is one of the pitfalls with a private sale.

• Cheapest isn’t always best, stay clear of vehicles under 5K. • It must have a WOF and current registration.

• Imports have in-depth check-ups, odometers are certified and a compliance certificate issued.

• If imported, replace the snow tyres.

Craig knows what it’s like to be a new arrival and always goes the extra mile to ensure his customers leave happy. He can also organise finance for newly arrived migrants, as long as they have a work visa and employment contract. On a deposit of $1,000, he can organise finance over 36 months, for as little as $50 a week.

07 542 2579 craig@importacar.nz importacar.nz

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focus | DIVERSITY

07 578 8621 stay@harbourviewmotel.co.nz harbourviewmotel.co.nz

ATHOL AND LORRAINE POTTERILL, ASURE HARBOUR VIEW MOTEL TAURANGA Owners Athol and Lorraine Potterill ran a popular guest house, travel agency and safari company in South Africa before moving to Tauranga in 2009. Initially, they ran a large motel and conference centre before purchasing Harbour View Motel in 2012 as a renovations project.

“We fell in love with the location on the water’s edge of Tauranga’s inner harbour. We decided to renovate, refurbish and restyle the motel into a Cape Cod waterside motel.” Its location, in a quiet cul-de-sac, 40m from the water’s edge and only a few minutes’ walk into the city

centre, as well as easy access to the numerous walkways around the estuary and harbour, are popular features for most of their guests who also have free use of kayaks, paddle boards and mountain bikes during their stay.

Since 2016, the couple has gone on to win multiple awards and Certificates of Excellence for Harbour View. “We love the lifestyle that this motel offers, the opportunity to host guests and to share the highlights of Tauranga and our wonderful Bay of Plenty.”

RIAAN AND ESTÉE KRIEK, PYES PA DENTISTS Dentists with a difference – Estée and Riaan Kriek, both South African-trained dentists who ran their own practices in Pretoria and Thabazimbi, came to Tauranga in 2008 with their two children. In 2015, after initially working for other dentists, they set up their own practice, Pyes Pa Dentists, and later added Omokoroa Dental Surgery to their portfolio.

What makes them different from other dentists is their constant commitment to the use of modern technology.

They take pride in using the most advanced equipment

and the latest techniques to design and create affordable solutions specific to their patients’ needs and preferences.

Riaan Kriek isn’t too proud to admit that he grew up with a fear of dentists. He and Estée decided to make it their goal in life to change the way dental service and care are delivered. Their team of dentists and support staff, some of whom are also from South Africa, all share the same vision and are committed to delivering exceptional dental experiences.

07 577 1478 reception@pyespadentists.nz pyespadentists.nz

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DIVERSITY | focus

CLARISSA VAN EMMENES, THE CREATIVE COLLECTIVE

027 210 4851 hello@thecreativecollective.co.nz thecreativecollective.co.nz

The Creative Collective is the brainchild of South African expat and digital communications aficionado, Clarissa van Emmenes. After moving to New Zealand with her husband in 2016, Clarissa decided to turn her passion for writing and content strategy into a business.

In a noisy digital world where content is king, it has become increasingly important for businesses to differentiate themselves by telling stories that resonate with their audiences on a more personal level than ever before – businesses need a brand story that helps excite their customers and increase sales.

Clarissa noted that, while traditional strategies do hold value, small businesses and startups often don’t have the resources or tools to help them create and execute these strategies. The Creative Collective is focused on just that: helping brands dig deep to find their core story and message, and crafting a strategy that tells their story in a compelling way that resonates with their audience and increases their bottom line.

From detailed Brand Story guides and workshops, through to website copywriting, content and campaign management, The Creative Collective offers bespoke content services for businesses who want to stand out without splashing out.

ZIEGFRIED AND HAIDEE KRITZINGER, CLOUD BASED SERVICES ACCOUNTANTS LIMITED New Zealand’s natural beauty, friendly people and exciting opportunities have made settling into this country a great success for Ziegfried and Haidee Kritzinger. They love the opportunities they now have to travel through the South Pacific, firstly exploring New Zealand, then visiting places such as the Cook Islands and Australia.

The Kritzingers ran a successful accounting practice in their home country but had to start from scratch when they moved to New Zealand. Initially, Haidee worked for a chartered accounting firm while Ziegfried started Cloud Based Services Accountants Ltd. Ziegfried’s strategy was to start providing accountancy services to friends and relatives whilst he spent time actively networking to promote his practice. All these efforts paid off, and now the practice provides more than 300 satisfied clients all over New Zealand with specialist tax advice and accounting services.

021 203 4118 ziegfried@cbservices.co.nz cbservices.co.nz

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focus | BUSINESS

t s i l k c e Ch

for success

STILL STRUGGLING TO GROW YOUR AUDIENCE AND SALES ON INSTAGRAM? THIS CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO DO BEFORE AND AFTER POSTING AN UPDATE TO YOUR FEED WILL BOOST YOUR PERFORMANCE IN NO TIME! WANT TO LEARN MORE? BOOK INTO OUR INSTAGRAM WORKSHOP ON 20 FEBRUARY AT THE RAFT AND HAVE ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED AND EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES HANDED TO YOU. Save the date:

10.30am-1.00pm: Blast Off

20 February at The Raft (65 Chapel Street)

Just starting out on Instagram but determined to make your business shine online? THE Morning class reveals all the basics you need to know about this app and teaches essential tips and tricks.

Price: $165 for Blast Off $199 for Crackerjack $320 for both (saving of $44) Each person receives an amazing goodie bag!

focusmagazine.co.nz/workshop

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2.00-4.30pm: Crackerjack Feeling right at home on Instagram but plateauing with the same numbers and results for ages? THE Afternoon class includes in-depth strategies and secrets to help you grow.

BUSINESS | focus

Before

CHECK IT’S THE RIGHT TIME. When you post something on Instagram, you want as many followers as possible to see your update. So, it makes no sense to publish it when everyone is busy living their life, working or sleeping, right? Check out the ‘Audience’ tab under your ‘Insights’ – the graph at the bottom shows when exactly your followers are spending time online on each day of the week. Organise your posting times around these suggestions.

ADD A LOCATION. Did you know people can type in any destination on Instagram and look through all the posts that have ever used this location tag?

That’s why location is basically your ‘gateway’ to a new audience. If your business operates locally – like a café or a hairdresser – use a tag for your town.

If you sell products online and have a nationwide delivery, make sure you tag different big cities as your location. If your photo is not obviously location related, playing with tags will help you to reach an audience in different corners of New Zealand. Enjoy the variety, but remember, snapping a selfie at the top of Mount Maunganui and tagging ‘Christchurch’ is probably not the best strategy.

TAG OTHER ACCOUNTS. Are there other people or businesses in your photo? Tag them! When you tag someone in your photo, you let not only them but also their entire audience see it. If there are no specific people captured in a photo, tag accounts in your niche that will be interested in what you do. For example, cafés can tag @bop.eats or @ newzealandeats – these accounts repost beautiful photos of food and can expose your business to thousands. Travel agencies should be tagging @ gottalovenz or @newzealandguide. And everyone can, of course, always tag @focusmagazinenz – we love supporting local talent!

USE HASHTAGS. There are 120K posts under the #nzbusiness hashtag, 100K tagged with #nzbeauty and should we even mention #healthyfood with its 70 million (!!) photos. Many people don’t bother Googling ‘photographer in Tauranga’ these days, they check out Instagram hashtags instead. If you ignore hashtags, they’ll simply pick your competitor who’s aced the game. Appearing in hashtags gives you a wider reach and, quite possibly, new clients.

The app allows you to add up to 30 hashtags to each post – use them all! Start with smaller ones that are directly connected with your business.

Then move on to niche hashtags. And finally, leave some space for location tags – every big city where your business operates and generic New Zealand hashtags.

After

SHARE YOUR POST TO STORIES. These days, many people don’t scroll through the feed, they only watch Stories, so let them know you have something exciting going on by sharing your latest photo to Stories. Click on the little ‘aeroplane’ under your post and add a short intriguing caption, encouraging people to click and read more.

ENGAGE WITH HASHTAGS. When it comes to Instagram strategies, many of them are ‘a grey zone’ – there is no textbook explaining how and why some things work and others don’t – we have to simply rely on what people like you and I swear by.

Engaging with hashtags is one of those activities no one from Instagram has ever officially confirmed but somehow, we all know it works. Once you’ve posted your new photo, click on 5-10 hashtags you’ve used and like and comment on photos you’ll see there.

Apparently, that way you’re showing the Instagram algorithm you’re active in these hashtags and they are really related to you, so your photo will perform better as well.

STAY ONLINE. Switching off your phone right after you’ve posted is a huge mistake! Make sure you only post when you have another 20-30 free minutes to stay online, reply to any comments you receive, visit profiles of those who like your photo and return the favour. Engaging with your audience makes you Hermione Granger – a straight A student who deserves all the love and support from the app

KSENIIA SPODYNEIKO online editor at focus She started her career as a social media manager with Cosmopolitan Russia before being promoted to digital director and then moving on to Marie Claire. She’s been using Instagram since its launch in 2010, scored collabs with BMW, Travel Maldives, OPPO and now helps local brands like Pyes Pa Dentists, Bodysense Pilates and Plum Organics Papamoa to perform better on Instagram. focusmagazine.co.nz

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focus | PROMOTION

SET YOUR SIGHTS ON

SOME ADVENTUROUS EVENTS

THIS SUMMER

FOR MANY OF US, A NEW YEAR BRINGS WITH IT NEW IDEAS, GOALS AND CHALLENGES. IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY TO PUSH YOURSELF OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE, SET YOUR SIGHTS ON SOMETHING NEW, AND ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING YOU’VE NEVER DONE BEFORE.

A

nd if you’re looking to have some fun along the way as well, there’s a juicy line up of inspiring, exciting and sometimes gutsy events being held right here in our backyard over the next few months.

What sets these events apart from others is the behind-the-scenes work that we often don’t see, or even consider when we’re standing at the starting line, bursting with adrenaline. The event organisers pour their hearts and souls

into making each event engaging, memorable and beyond expectations. It takes a team of professionals and reliable sponsors to create events that help you feel an indescribable sense of achievement. Expandasign, as a locally based sign company, is proud to have partnered with these event organisers and make dreams a reality.

So what’s on the cards for 2020 that will get your heart pumping?

TAUPO GREAT LAKE RELAY One of the benefits of living in the Bay of Plenty is the proximity to other towns and cities in New Zealand. Less than two hours’ drive away from Tauranga, the 25th Taupō Great Lake Relay will take place in February. Teams and solo competitors can take on the entire 155km to complete a lap of Lake Taupō or the 67km to complete the length of the lake. Round up your friends, family, gym buddies and work colleagues and join the thousands of others completing the iconic challenge which is renowned as being a great team building activity. All finishers will receive a special 25th anniversary medal!

When: 15 February 2020 Where: Taupō “Expandasign always go out of their way to ensure we are happy with the final product" –Taupō Great Lake Relay

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PROMOTION | focus

ROTORUA OFF-ROAD HALF MARATHON Entries are already flowing in for The Rotorua Off-Road Half Marathon running and walking event at the tail end of the summer season.

The courses follow a mixture of smooth gravel forest roads and scenic forest trails. The half marathon is a two-lap course designed to be achievable by competitors of all abilities. The 10km course is a one-lap course. The 5km fun run/walk is one smaller loop, on forestry roads and walking tracks and there is even a fun run for the kids. All competitors who cross the finish line will receive a finisher’s medal for their accomplishments!

When: 1 March 2020 Where: Rotorua “We organise over 36 events in a year. Our branded signage gets well used and needs to be durable and reliable" –Event Promotions

CRANKWORX Not for the faint hearted, Crankworx Rotorua is the ultimate experience in mountain biking. It brings together all aspects of the sport, including elite and pro competition, amateur competition, Kidsworx events for young athletes of all levels of ability, women’s specific events, as well as expo and demo areas showcasing the latest and greatest products in mountain biking. Come see the celebration of epic endurance, monster air, extreme jumps and heart stopping drops from the best mountain bikers in the world.

When: 2-8 March 2020 Where: Rotorua “We look for a signage supplier who is reliable, easy to work with and provides a high quality product.

Expandasign ticks all these boxes" – Crankworx

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focus | PROMOTION

SPIRITED WOMEN Next up is an event just outside of our beautiful Bay of Plenty.

Previously this event was held in Whakatāne, but this year is an opportunity to gather up your friends and head off on a girls’ weekend to the sunny Hawke’s Bay. The Spirited Women – All Women’s Adventure Race is an event where teams of four women navigate (side by side) a secret course by foot, mountain bike and kayak (and a few surprise mystery activities along the way, where no prior

experience is needed!). With a short-, medium- and long-course adventure to choose from and stable sit-on tandem kayaks provided for all teams, all levels of fitness and experience are welcomed. It strengthens bonds and relationships, bringing family, friends and work colleagues together for a weekend of unadulterated fun in the great outdoors. We invite you to find your inner spirit, be brave, and together with your girlfriends make up a team to compete in an unforgettable experience.

When: 27-29 March 2020 Where: Central Hawke’s Bay “We have worked with Expandasign for over a decade. It has been an awesome partnership. They are a great company who are passionate about signage. They have a professional and quality product and always deliver on time with great service" – Spirited Women

The high you get from completing events such as these is unreal. Some would say almost contagious. If you’re in the process of setting goals for the new year, absolutely think about getting out of your comfort zone and

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taking part in one of these events.

Alternatively, if you’d like to host a memorable event, let’s talk about how Expandasign can bring your ideas and branding to life. 

GI VEAWAYS

GIVEAWAYS | focus

ENTER AT FOCUSMAGAZINE.CO.NZ/WIN | ENTRIES CLOSE 8 MARCH 2020

Epiology anti-acne skincare set

Two nights at Health Miracles Te Puna This amazing retreat in the heart of Tauranga is waiting for you! We’re giving away a two-night wellbeing stay for two, so grab your bestie – or other half – and immerse yourself in a weekend of relaxation. With panoramic views across the hills to Tauranga and the ocean beyond, nature all around, you won’t want to miss this opportunity. The prize includes nourishing, vegetarian breakfasts for both days and a mindfulness session for both of you. The winner has until 1 August to redeem the voucher. Usual T&Cs apply.

Created in the Waikato, Epiology products are dermatologist recommended and formulated specifically for sensitive skin with acne or pimples, that can happen at any age. Penetrating deep into the pores, they reduce redness and irritation, leaving the skin nourished and clear. We’re giving away two sets of Epiology foaming cleanser, moisturising cream, spot gel and 5x face masks.

Dermalogica

night-time skincare set This prize includes an Overnight Retinol Repair ($185) and Overnight Repair Serum ($131) – a powerful combo for dramatic anti-ageing results, skin renewal and improved skin. Dermalogica AGE Smart® products contain scientifically advanced ingredients proven to impact the major biochemical reactions that contribute to skin ageing.

These luxurious products nourish and hydrate the skin while you sleep, boosting its luminosity and giving it a healthy look. focusmagazine.co.nz

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focus | LAST PAGE

SENGA ALLEN Managing Director and Founder, Everest – all about people; Chairperson, Waikato Chamber of Commerce; Trustee, Graeme Dingle Foundation, Waikato.

EVEREST ARE PEOPLE AND CULTURE SPECIALISTS, FORMED IN 2006. OUR AIM IS TO HELP NEW ZEALAND BUSINESSES CREATE EXCEPTIONAL WORKPLACES.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE, FAIL-SAFE RELAXATION ACTIVITY? Walking, preferably on a beach, on or around sunset or sunrise. Mushy I know, but I love the beach and it relaxes me instantly! Sadly, I don’t live near a beach so when I get there it’s magnificent.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN? For me it came quite late in life but that was to take more time for myself. I always thought the whole “look after yourself first” concept was a bit of a myth to be honest, but now I look back and realise I should have taken heed of this advice earlier. As a depression sufferer since my 20s, I look back and realise that advice could have been spot on! Thankfully, over the last couple of years I have made myself a priority more than ever. It doesn’t mean I’m not available to help others but I’ve become better at saying no – without feeling guilty.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE WAIKATO? The pace of life here – nothing is too stressful and nothing is too far away! The access to some of the best cafés, restaurants and river walks in New Zealand. The people – I’ve always enjoyed the layers and layers of networks and friendships you can create here – whether it’s through your children’s schools, or sports groups, or business networks. It really is easy living in the Waikato.

WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS TO GET THROUGH A CHALLENGING DAY? Firstly, just stop and ask yourself, ‘how bad is this that I’m dealing with right now?’ Humans are prone to overthinking and overanalysing situations which isn’t always healthy. Breathe

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more, reflect on how you could do things differently and find someone to talk to who could help you process what’s going on.

I’ve always found talking to people helpful when you’re having a difficult day – as an extrovert I talk before I think but I appreciate that’s not everyone’s style. Take five minutes, get some fresh air.

Go for a walk and, if you’re an animal lover like me, take your dog to work!

IF TIME-TRAVEL WAS REALITY AND YOU COULD HOP BACK 20 YEARS, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? I’d love to say go and do your OE earlier but then I wouldn’t be answering the question below! I think I would tell me to be kinder to myself and don’t rush through life events. It’s not a race but a journey to be experienced. Stay away from Coruba and spend more time with my girlfriends.

IF YOU COULD HEAD OFF ON HOLIDAY, MONEY NO OBJECT, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Oh gosh, that’s easy – all of the Northern Hemisphere – that’s on my list as I never did my OE as a young woman – too busy developing my career, my business and having a family. I feel a six-month sabbatical coming on soon!

THE CHANGE I WANT TO SEE IN 2020 IS… That more women have the strength to ask for help when they need it and don’t feel they need to be superwoman all of the time! There is no such thing as perfection, and I’d love to see a change in this search for perfectionism that has crept into our lives. There are some amazingly cool women out there doing marvellous work and we need to recognise that more. 

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