SIR JIM MCLAY
ADELAIDE / LORD RANFURLY / WINEMAKER MATT CONNELL / HYDROTHERAPY / THE LUXURY OF ENOUGH
Journal.03
Welcome to Living
Summer is upon us, and there’s no better way to spend a warm seasonal afternoon than with some great reading in this third edition of Living Magazine.
One of our guiding principles at Generus Living is to provide safe, enjoyable and welcoming communities for all. We also strive to offer the best of the best for residents. I think this was perfectly exemplified recently when we hosted a fine dining evening like no other at the newly restored Pearson House within The Foundation precinct in Parnell.
We managed to secure master chef Tony Astle, to collaborate with master winemaker Matt Connell, for a paired dinner that brought back the memories of our resident’s favourite restaurant, Antoines. Fine food and fine wine in an elegant setting enjoyed by all. Some were fortunate to win a complimentary bottle of ‘The Holdsworth’ a reserve pinot noir recently awarded 98 points, for their interpretation of taste and character. You can read more about the evening beginning on page 28.
Elsewhere, our cover personality will be familiar to many and, such is the nature of Sir Jim McLay’s career, that familiarity will extend beyond geographical borders. Sir Jim’s is a life full of colour – and the occasional constitutional crisis. Revered for his diplomatic skills both inside Government and on the world’s stage as New Zealand’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Sir Jim’s story begins over the page.
Also in this issue, we have introduced a new regular ‘heritage’ themed story. We acknowledge many readers are history buffs and discovering people and places from our past is of great interest. Our chosen topic in this edition of Living is close to home: Lord Ranfurly. His is a name forever associated with New Zealand rugby, but in founding the Ranfurly Veterans Home (refurbished and given new life today as the centrepiece of Ranfurly Village), Lord Ranfurly ensured the sacrifice of New Zealand’s war veterans would always be honoured. Turn to page 18 to read more. There is plenty more to discover inside. On behalf of all of us at Generus Living, I hope you enjoy this third edition of Living
For all Living content and more visit: generus.co.nz
Graham Wilkinson Director Generus Living
Sir Jim McLay
He once quipped that as a trained lawyer, a politician and an investment banker, he had somehow chosen three of the most unpopular professions in the world. However, Sir Jim McLay’s pedigree in international relations and diplomacy across decades – coupled with his frontline role during some of New Zealand politics’ most turbulent times – have ensured his is a life replete with stories and successes.
Words: Cameron Officer
Portraits: Vinesh Kumaran
Diplomacy wins.
Sir Jim McLay is of the opinion that people shouldn’t stay in politics forever.
“I really don’t like the term ‘career politician’. It sounds a bit stale and a long tenure in office isn’t necessarily a good thing,” he says. “I think after a time, get out and give someone else a chance. Despite what many politicians think, they’re not irreplaceable, and it isn’t a job for life. Graveyards are full of people who deemed themselves indispensable.”
It is a firmly held view both now, and from his earliest days in politics.
Having made his mark at a rapid pace after his election as a Member of Parliament for the Birkenhead electorate in 1975, the young MP – known for his more liberal views within the National Party of the time – would be appointed Attorney-General and Minister of Justice three years later. Remarkably, McLay was still only 33 years old at the time.
“I realised early in life that if you really want access to the levers of change, you have to get involved,” he says. “I suppose I was there to inject some youth into things. I was never satisfied with the status quo in terms of relying on the same processes. Can we improve them? Can we make them better? I became focussed on policy development and organisational change, recommending changes to the way we selected candidates.”
Finessing the mechanics of politics was one thing. But by 1980, McLay and several colleagues within the third National Government’s caucus were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the party’s economically conservative, downright dictatorial central political operator – Prime Minister Robert Muldoon.
The loss of the 1980 East Coast Bays by-election to Social Credit came as a major blow to the party, East Coast Bays having traditionally been a safe National seat. Muldoon blamed both the National candidate, Don Brash, along with the wider party organisation for the loss. It was the latest in a series of abrasive actions and reprimands the Prime Minister publicly issued to his own party – one that would nearly result in his ousting as leader.
“At that point there was a small group of us, with encouragement from within the party, who recognised that the leadership had to change,” says McLay. “And it’s fair to say, we had it reasonably well done as far as I remember. But it wasn’t to be.”
In what became known as the ‘Colonels’ Coup’, McLay, alongside fellow young ministers Derek Quigley, Jim Bolger and George Gair, attempted to oust Muldoon as National Party leader and replace him with well-liked Deputy Prime Minister, Brian Talboys.
While Talboys agreed that leadership change was necessary for the health of the party, he was reluctant to argue for Muldoon’s removal.
Initially McLay and the other ‘Colonels’ achieved a slim majority in caucus in favour of Tallboys, but the ever-coercive Muldoon managed to tip the balance back in his direction. Fearing such public infighting would damage the party irreparably, Talboys backed down. Muldoon would remain leader.
“At the end of the day Talboys chose not to operate. And that was the end of it,” recalls McLay. “I think we could have persuaded him around the factors that were discouraging him, but he retired from politics the following year and perhaps his mind was already on that.”
Of course, four years later McLay would find himself at the centre of further political drama – this time as Deputy Prime Minister - with Muldoon’s calling of a snap election. Four decades on, the events of the evening of June 14, 1984, and the month that followed, remain one of the most compelling episodes in New Zealand politics.
“The Government had pretty well run out of time. The party wasn’t in good shape and all that you can expect from that situation is more of the same thing,” says McLay.
But a deeper crisis soon developed.
The announcement of the snap election caused an immediate run on the New Zealand dollar, with currency speculators believing a Labour win would mean devaluation. Despite a deepening foreign exchange crisis, Muldoon, who was also Minister of Finance, continued to refuse to devalue, forcing the Reserve Bank to take extraordinary steps such as closing the foreign exchange markets for a period of time to slow down devaluation. With National losing the general election in July, the incoming Labour government confirmed its intention to devalue. By New Zealand constitutional convention, between election day and the return of the writs for the election, an outgoing caretaker government implements the directions of an incoming government. But, as McLay recalls, Muldoon wasn’t having a bar of it.
“We had the constitutional duty to implement this at the behest of the newly elected government. Muldoon was an adamant opponent though. A group of us agreed that, as he had lost the confidence of his colleagues, we would have to inform the Governor General. We wanted to dismiss him as party leader, and thereby from his role as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
“He held out for as long as he could. We had what I would describe as a ‘difficult’ conversation. But he eventually relented. There’s still debate today as to whether there was a constitutional convention, but no one disagreed with him.
The top table at the National Party dominion council meeting in Wellington, July 1984. From left: Barry Leay, National Party general director; Sue Wood, party president; Sir Robert Muldoon; and deputy leader McLay. Image: National Library
McLay during his tenure as Commissioner of New Zealand’s delegation to the International Whaling Commission (IWF), photographed during the final plenary session in London, July 2001. Image: Getty Images
“Sir Robert obviously wanted an active role, and he somehow believed he could continue in the way he had done – he’d kidded himself into thinking things would remain the same, but the rest of his colleagues knew that wasn’t going to happen. My task was to get that message through.”
Encouraging Muldoon to abandon his position, McLay drafted and advocated for a ‘Caretaker Convention’. As a result, the incoming Labour Government convened a committee to review New Zealand’s constitutional law which resulted in the Constitution Act 1986.
McLay’s implementation of the ‘Caretaker Convention’ would rewrite the rules for the transfer of executive powers between incumbent and newly elected governments.
“The Convention remains in the Cabinet Manual today, and it is in the Cabinet Manual of a number of other similar countries. It’s all ancient history now of course,” McLay adds with a smile. “But yes, it was an interesting time to be in politics.”
If McLay hadn’t yet considered a future in diplomacy at this point, the expertise with which he handled the constitutional crisis surely cemented his reputation in the field. First, however, he would lead the National Party in Opposition.
“No one likes being in Opposition. However, the desire for reinvention does become strong when you find yourself there. It’s probably the best environment for change.”
“
You’re only as good as the people who support you and I was lucky to have some very skilled people in my team. You’re the one who is responsible, but you need good advice. We had a good team at the UN – a very good team. ”
Now on the other side of the House, ructions within the National Party rumbled on. In March 1987 a caucus vote on the party leadership saw Jim Bolger achieve a majority over McLay. While McLay was appointed Shadow Minister of Justice and Shadow Attorney-General, it was too far from the frontlines for his liking. He chose to retire from politics at the 1987 General Election. Had he run out of fight?
“Absolutely not,” he says. “I had plenty of fight left, but I saw the role ascribed to me under the new leadership as something of a plateau. That didn’t work for me, so I left in order to seek out a new challenge. As I say, no one should be a politician forever. It was my decision to go.”
He would spend the next decade in investment banking – a career in itself, and one which would prompt perhaps McLay’s most memorable quote: “I started out as a lawyer, but I found that wasn’t very popular. So, I became a politician and found that wasn’t very popular. So, then I became an investment banker. And we know how popular bankers are.”
Although quick to state he isn’t a “professional diplomat”, McLay’s impressive catalogue of roles within international relations and diplomacy would grow into an enviable list of achievements.
In 1994, while still working full-time in the finance sector, McLay was asked to become the New Zealand representative on the International Whaling Commission, advocating on behalf of the country for a whale sanctuary in the Southern Ocean. It was a job, he recalls with a laugh, he was told would take up just a few weeks a year.
“It was a bit more involved than that. It was a lot of work; a lot of travel, and of course I still had to juggle my full-time role,” he says.
“But it was important work to do and I’m proud of what we achieved.
“Conservation has always been important to me, and I believe I brought the right political philosophical approach to the issue. With other countries involved and encroaching on territorial waters, there was a diplomatic aspect to the task as well.”
Today, in recognition of his work, McLay has a glacier in Antarctica named in his honour.
With a career spanning politics, justice reform, conservation and, as New Zealand’s representative to the Palestinian Authority; humanitarian concerns, his next calling would prove to be his most high profile globally.
Having taken up the role of New Zealand’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 2009, McLay led the New York end of the
the country’s successful campaign to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2014. It was a crucial position on the world’s stage, and one that brought with it more long hours. The toughest job he ever had?
“I wouldn’t describe it like that, but it was certainly a lot of work. Most mornings I would work for a couple of hours before heading to the office and even then, I’d be first in the door. But the job demanded that level of dedication,” he says.
“If you’re a diplomat to the United States, you’re worried about one relationship with one country. If you’re a diplomat to the United Nations, you’re worried about 102 relationships with 102 countries – it’s as simple as that.
“I’m extremely impressed with the work done by diplomats –particularly young diplomats who work very long hours negotiating issues that are often of considerable importance to New Zealand.”
What, then, makes a good diplomat?
“There isn’t one single trait – it’s a combination of things,” McLay says. “You make the decisions in the end, but knowing how to work with the experts around you is crucial. You’re only as good as the people who support you and I was lucky to have some very skilled people in my team. Again, you’re the one who is responsible, but you need good advice. We had a good team at the UN – a very good team.”
Today, McLay and wife, Lady Marcy – who has also enjoyed a long career in governance and diplomacy (the two met in the early 1980s while Lady Marcy was assistant to American educator and Congressman, Daniel Akaka) – divide their time between a home in Matakana and a city residence at The Foundation in Parnell.
The latter, filled as it is with photographs, books and mementos of a career well-traversed and a life well-lived, also reveals a few insights into what occupies McLay’s time beyond international diplomacy.
A baby grand piano (played by many a visiting diplomat during their time in New York, says Lady Marcy), family photos and other framed memories of destinations travelled to for leisure, along with a tidy pile of motorsport magazines, speak to interests beyond his multifaceted career.
At age 80, can Sir Jim McLay now happily switch off from the machinations of local and international politics?
“Oh, I have plenty of other interests. But I also keep an eye on things,” he says with a smile. “I’m definitely having fun watching from a distance.”
Travel & Heritage
Adelaide
Delivering the perfect balance of serenity and vibrancy, Adelaide is a destination where you can taste Australia’s wine history with lunch and revel in the energy of an Aussie Rules game at night. It’s a river city with a passion for art and culture, but operates at a more relaxed pace, setting it apart from many other must-visit Australian cities.
Lord Ranfurly
Synonymous with a sporting shield that remains at the heart of our national game, Uchter John Mark Knox – better know as Lord Ranfurly, the fifth Governor of New Zealand – was also a vociferous champion of the sacrifice made by this country’s war veterans. In establishing the Ranfurly Veterans Home (now known as Ranfurly Village) in Auckland during his tenure, Lord Ranfurly exemplified a humanitarian vision that still echoes down the ages.
Adventures in Adelaide
Adelaide is a city that effortlessly mixes fine wine, intriguing art and the majesty of sport, all within an easily traversable circumference and at a pace of your choosing.
WORDS Dee Vermeulen
Here’s what I love about Adelaide; it moves at a pace that invites you to breathe.
Sydney and Melbourne are both amazing destinations but operate at a frantic pace.
Adelaide, with the afternoon sun pooling on sandstone terraces aside the River Torrens, provides the perfect balance of serenity and vibrancy. It’s a place where you can taste Australia’s wine history with lunch and feel a whole stadium tilt between the joy and heartbreak of footy by night.
That picturesque river curls around the CBD like a ribbon with famed vineyards skimming the foothills like a green hem. And I’ve come here to experience one vineyard in particular. If the legend of South Australian wine is written in stone and oak, Penfold’s Magill Estate is its living footnote. Founded in 1844 by Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold on the slopes of Magill, around 8km from Adelaide’s CBD, it remains one of the world’s few urban single-vineyard wineries.
Once covering approximately 120 hectares, over time the original estate has been reduced by suburban growth to about 5.2 hectares wrapped around its historic heart. The site’s fabric tells the story: Grange Cottage – the Penfolds’ 1844 home – still stands beside the original stone cellars, with heritagelisted bluestone buildings and a network of underground tunnels (“drives”) linking the working barrel rooms to the modern cellar door, kitchen and fine-dining restaurant that operate on the estate today.
Visitors can walk a living timeline of Australian wine here – through cottage, tunnels and cellar – while looking out over the last vines of Magill Estate.
The cellar tour slips you through dim corridors where the air smells of earth, toasted staves and time. Guides talk of experimentation and audacity – Max Schubert and the birth of Grange, for example – while you trace a finger over ancient
redgum beams and chalked barrel heads. In Cellar 9, ask to see the storied “Helen Keller” barrel (technically a vast old vat): during a 1948 visit, Keller paced the enormous vat’s girth and, by touch alone, accurately gauged its enormous capacity. The vat was later inscribed with her name and remains a much-loved curiosity – equal parts folklore and fact in a subterranean room.
My travel experience also featured a sumptuous tasting menu of local lamb and beef, paired perfectly to the Penfold’s rich, leathery reds that the winery is renowned for. Pricey, but an experience that will last with me – and any visitor – for many years. The next morning, with the city slowly coming to life, I enjoy a tranquil wander along the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari: the city’s green spine. Here, art doubles as wayfinding. Shaun Kirby’s “Talking Our Way Home” scatters five origami-like boats across the waterline –sharp silhouettes that feel mid-conversation with the river’s breeze, while John Wood’s
galvanised-iron “River Markers” nod to the pre-colonial landscape and the species that once crowded the riverbanks here. Even the Popeye River Cruiser I hopped aboard was adorned stern to bow with local artist Alice Lindstrom’s work, “River Tapestry”.
As the afternoon thins to gold, attention turns to Adelaide Oval, a cathedral of Australian Rules Football framed by the stately gums of the Park Lands with the old manual scoreboard peering over the hill. On match day, the stadium hums before you even see the turf: scarves looped, meat pies steaming, chants finding their rhythm. It’s a clean and modern stadium, and the atmosphere when the Crows are winning is electric. I left still in the dark as to how Aussie Rules football is played, but it’s a high energy game that is certainly enormous fun to watch.
If you want something unforgettable from your night at the Oval, you can book a stadium RoofClimb Game On experience and watch a quarter from a rooftop perch
If the legend of South Australian wine is written in stone and oak, Penfold’s Magill Estate is its living footnote. ” “
above the crowds. Or if your timing misses a fixture, the behind-thescenes tour – changing rooms, heritage galleries, even the players’ race – still delivers a spine-tingling sense of place. Back in the CBD, wandering the many laneways that stitch from the river to the markets, it’s delightful to discover many small surprises: light-boxed “ART POD” exhibitions in civic nooks, murals that appear between café windows and wine bars, and sculptural interventions that make the city feel delightfully unfinished in the best way possible.
Use the Council’s public-art map as a scavenger hunt, you’ll find yourself looping between galleries and gelato, pausing for a Negroni as traffic murmurs past. Adelaide’s art isn’t an itinerary item so much as a companion – always nearby, casually intriguing. With vineyards, the river, and streetlevel creativity, it’s the balance that defines Adelaide’s charm: absolutely serious about flavour and sport, relaxed about everything else.
On my next trip I will definitely have to explore further to the famed beaches and into the Adelaide Hills. But this fleeting trip to the CBD had the essentials: a sip of living wine history beneath Magill, art that turns a stroll into a story, and the communal roar of footy folding over the Torrens as the lights come up.
That’s Adelaide: cultured, easy-going, and quietly unforgettable.
Lord Ranfurly: Of sacrifice and sport
The name Ranfurly is indelibly linked with New Zealand rugby tradition. However, the man who donated a shield to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union that bears his name today, was also a humanitarian, championing the dignity and selflessness of those who had served in the defence of the Empire.
Born into an aristocratic Northern Irish family in 1856, Uchter John Mark Knox became 5th Earl of Ranfurly at the age of 19 after the death of his older brother in a shooting accident in Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia and Eritrea). Educated at Harrow and Cambridge, he spent several years fruit-growing in Australia, visiting New Zealand for the first time in 1888. Marked out for a career of note from an early age, the Earl of Ranfurly would rise to the position of Lord-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria by 1895. Governor of New Zealand for two terms (18971904), Lord Ranfurly was the first member of the British aristocracy to hold the position, with earlier Governors picked from military or diplomatic backgrounds. However, his position in the upper echelons of British society certainly didn’t see him lead a passive role while in office. On the contrary, Lord Ranfurly was an active Governor during his time in New Zealand. Believing strongly in the dignity of his position as the Queen’s representative in the fledgling colony (New Zealand wouldn’t become a Dominion until three years after he departed the post), Lord and Lady Ranfurly travelled incessantly during those seven years, racking up an astonishing 140,000km of travel across the length and breadth of New Zealand by ship, rail and coach.
It was perhaps inevitable, despite his lofty status back ‘home’, that he would become a well-respected figurehead in many pioneering communities throughout the provinces.
This popularity would, quite literally, pay dividends later in Lord Ranfurly’s tenure, when he spearheaded a nationwide fundraising drive to help establish a war veteran’s home in Auckland.
His commitment to communities throughout New Zealand is perhaps no better exemplified than by his patronage of rugby union. Within two years of arriving in the country – and despite his declaration, initially at least, that fishing and shooting were more his cup of tea as far as recreational sporting activities went – Lord Ranfurly became Patron of the New Zealand Rugby Union.
It has been suggested that Lord Ranfurly saw the game of rugby union as an exemplar of the qualities required to perform with distinction on the battlefield. At his insistence, what was
originally donated as a sporting cup became a shield at the conclusion of the Boer War in 1902. While the specific reason for the change has been lost to history, several writers suggest Lord Ranfurly felt the connection between ‘shield’ and ‘battle’ was a more fitting tribute for the times. That same year, the Ranfurly Shield was contested for the first time, with Auckland the inaugural winners of what would become colloquially known in the decades since as the ‘Log o’ Wood’.
The conclusion of the Boer War (or South African War, as it was contemporarily referred to) held further resonance for Lord Ranfurly.
Within days of the peace declaration in South Africa, Lord Ranfurly put forth a proposal –faithfully broadcast in newspapers all over New Zealand – that something significant and meaningful should be done to commemorate those who had fought.
“Instead of putting up numerous local monuments, New Zealanders should
Image: National Library
commemorate the fallen with a single national living monument, a home for war veterans,” he wrote. “The home would not be for general use but specifically for those who had fought and won the Empire’s battles. Who had made the Empire what it is.”
Lord Ranfurly’s energetic fundraising campaign to help establish just such a facility took the form of fairs, sporting events, musical concerts, ‘bazaars’, and donations large and small from all over the country. The peer of the realm from the other side of the world harnessed a sense of unity in New Zealand’s early communities, and donations would eventually amount to nearly half the cost of the entire build, or around $320,000 in today’s money.
The Ranfurly Veterans Home (as it was initially known) became a reality in 1903. Built on a parcel of land that was previously part of Three Kings Farm – which was owned by prominent Auckland businessman Alfred Buckland, after which Bucklands Beach is named – Ranfurly House would quickly become a cornerstone of compassion.
Residents when it opened included Veterans of the Crimean War (1854-1856) and New Zealand Wars (1845-1872). Naturally, with the country’s active participation in subsequent conflicts in the early 20th Century, Ranfurly Veterans Home saw an increase in inhabitants over time and was physically added to, particularly after World War II.
Image: National Library
Image: National Library
As Veteran numbers dwindled in the latter part of the century, however, the property gradually fell into disrepair. Thankfully, it has now taken on a second life, becoming the cherished centrepiece of Generus Living’s Ranfurly Village, which was developed on the site. In partnership with landowner The Ranfurly Veterans’ Trust, Generus Living undertook a meticulous refurbishment of the building, which has been fully restored to its original glory – a place for Auckland retirees to access and enjoy.
Lord Ranfurly died in England on October 1st, 1933, at the age of 77. However, his story – and his connection to New Zealand – didn’t end with his passing.
Remarkably for such a well-known public figure, by the early 2000s, the details of his grave’s location in Lansdown Cemetery in Bath had been lost. The grave was discovered
again by chance in 2012 but was found to be in a derelict state.
The following year, Generus Living, supported by The Ranfurly Veterans’ Trust and Auckland RSA, completed a full restoration of the gravesite.
A rededication ceremony was held onsite and attended by, among others, then-New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sir Lockwood Smith; President of the NZRFU, Ian McRae; All Black great, Sean Fitzpatrick; Brigadier Michael Dudman, representing the Auckland RSA; Graham Wilkinson, Director Generus Living; and Rose Simmonds, great great granddaughter of Lord Ranfurly
The restoration and rededication of Lord Ranfurly’s final resting place acted as a mark of respect to an inclusive vision that, today, seems modern beyond his time, along with his tangible contributions to New Zealand, to rugby, and the country’s war veterans.
Eat & Drink
Winemaker Matt Connell
As immensely talented as he is totally disarming, multi-awardwinning winemaker Matt Connell is a firm believer that hard work and dedication – rather than viticultural trickery – is key to producing an unforgettable drop. The thing he loves most about wine, aside from its central part in creating convivial memories, is that it’s truly subjective: that no opinion can be wrong.
Fine dining at Pearson House
Recently invited guests came together at The Foundation’s Pearson House to enjoy a fine dining experience like no other. Legendary Auckland chef Tony Astle (Antoine’s) and awardwinning winemaker Matt Connell (Nevis Bluff ) combined to showcase classic fare and internationally recognised wines in an evening that celebrated exquisite food and wine pairings in sumptuous surroundings.
Grapes to gold
If you know your wine, you’ll know of champion winemaker Matt Connell. With his varietals consistently scoring top marks, gold medals and trophies from judges both here and overseas, it would seem anything in a bottle Connell has had a hand in producing is definitely worth seeking out and savouring.
WORDS Cameron Officer
PHOTOS Giona Bridler
Recognition. It should be Matt Connell’s middle name. The number of plaudits the winemaker has received over the last 15 years is, frankly, staggering when you list them all.
But the thing about Connell is how selfeffacing he is – about his achievements and about the hard work that goes into producing award-winning wines. He mentions his Winemaker of Show trophies (awarded at the 2021 New Zealand International Wine Show) almost as an afterthought. But then, while recognition certainly is nice, it becomes clear in conversation with Connell that it’s what’s in the bottle that counts.
“I don’t think there are a whole lot of secrets in winemaking. The wine you taste is the wine you’re getting, and there aren’t too many tricks that have gone into making it. It’s just dedication and a willingness to learn, to adapt, that has made it what it is,” he says.
“If I’m honest, I really can’t get onboard with all the smoke and mirrors associated with winemaking. Everyone tastes differently and having conversations with people about the wine and what they’re tasting is the fun part.”
There are certainly plenty of wines worth talking about in Connell’s back catalogue.
A contract winemaker for brands such as Nevis Bluff and Three Miners, Connell has also made
his mark with his own varietals under the Matt Connell Wines banner. Two years after launching the brand, his ‘Rendition’ Pinot Noir won both Champion Pinot Noir and overall Champion Wine of Show at the 2018 New Zealand International Wine Show. With around 2,500 wines routinely entered, the New Zealand International Wine Show is the preeminent local wine competition.
“It’s an important event because people tend to get really comfortable with a certain brand or vineyard and just blindly stick with it. They’ll lock into a brand and never go off the beaten path – Kiwis are terrible for that. There are some stunning wines in this country that aren’t as well known as they should be, but the smaller producers find it tough to shout over the top of the big names and that’s actually a disservice to consumers. So yes, the Wine Show helps open up the conversation for those smaller producers which is important.”
Wines Connell produces for clients are similarly lauded.
His 2024 Nevis Bluff Pinot Noir and Holdsworth Reserve were both awarded Double Gold at the 2025 New Zealand International Wine Show, where only six double golds were awarded out of 183 pinot
noirs to be awarded a gold, silver or bronze medal. Other Pinot Noirs he produces have won the Champion Pinot Noir Trophy at the New Zealand International Wine Show six times over the last 13 vintages. Perhaps most significantly, last year another Pinot Noir produced for a client won the Pinot Noir Trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Undisputably the world’s most prestigious wine awards, the 2024 competition saw a mindboggling 18,000 entries submitted, with Connell coming out on top.
Not bad for the boy from Canterbury who left high school to complete a Parks and
Recreation degree and has pulled beers – as much as he has poured wines – all over the world in that most traditional of Kiwi manner.
“I think my strength as a winemaker comes from the fact I got into making wine because I had a love of it through hospitality.
Combine that with a love of being outside in nature, and it’s something that, I suppose, feels innate to me as a job.
“It might sound a bit counterintuitive to what people expect, but I think I built up my palate from drinking too much beer late at night,” he continues with a grin. “My palate is probably based around what people might
term as more of a commercial palate. It’s pretty broad, but then I can also make really fine wine. At the end of the day, I like wine that people can drink. You know, ‘Wednesday night wine’ – that’s really important to me as a winemaker.
“Wine is all about adding to people’s enjoyment of life. Yes, winning awards is satisfying, but do you know what the biggest buzz I get is? If I go up to the Bannockburn Hotel or somewhere like that with the family, and I look over and see a group of people with a bottle of our wine on their table and they’re having a great night and there’s laughing and carrying on – well, that’s fantastic. That’s success. Because you’ve hoped for the best result and you’re sharing that result with people.”
Earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology, Connell, alongside his wife Beth, then spent many years working in vineyards in South Australia and Oregon (“The best place for Pinot other than New Zealand,” he affirms) and traveling the world before moving back to New Zealand to work for several high-profile wineries. Highlights include helping winemaker Michelle Richardson set up Peregrine Wines in 2003, and successful stints with Olssens Wines, Akaroa Wines and others. With its consistent climate, which is perfect for Pinot Noir, Connell has made Cromwell in Central Otago his base of operations – and Pinot Noir his specialty – for the past few years. Reinvesting in a small existing familyrun winery by improving infrastructure and adding the all-important cellar door, Matt Connell Wines has taken the site from processing around 20 tons of fruit each year to approximately 400 tons.
“Pinot Noir can be a really tricky grape, but it brings rewards with the challenges. Generally, here in Central we have warm days followed by cool evenings when the air flows
down from the ranges. That helps retain freshness and acidity in the fruit. The schistbased soil we have here also contributes to the minerality of our wine, which is very specific to the region.
“Again though, I love being outdoors and being a winemaker, you take a lot of notice of the seasons. Everything has a stage throughout the year and it’s all very rhythmical. But also, it’s never predictable – you can’t get comfortable. You have to continually adjust how you do things, and you learn something new every year.”
Connell says the thing he loves most about making wine is its subjectivity –that no one can be wrong.
“A customer might come up to one of our tastings at the cellar door and say, ‘Oh yeah, I’m getting a blueberry taste from this one’, and I’m thinking to myself ‘Really? I don’t get that at all’. But maybe it’s in there and it’s just that I’m not tasting it. Those conversations are really useful to me though – it makes me look at the wine a bit deeper.”
He also believes New Zealand’s wine industry has never been stronger than it currently is. But, as ever with the subtleties of the grape, with the uncertainties of a changing climate, and with the expectations of the consumer, there’s always room for improvement.
“The Kiwi wine industry is full of great stories, but we have to do a better job of telling those stories. Increasingly, people want to know where the wine they’re buying comes from, and who makes it. You can say the same about locally produced meat or cheese. People like to know the story behind the product, and we should be encouraging that. That’s certainly what we like to do – it’s a work in progress. But then, that’s what wine always is too –a work in progress.”
The classics on a plate
For one night only, Tony Astle, legendary founder of Antoine’s, and Matt Connell, head winemaker at Nevis Bluff, came together to create a memorable menu and wine tasting experience at The Foundation.
Curated exclusively for current and future residents, a recent fine dining evening in the salubrious surrounds of Maddington on the Domain, within the refurbished Pearson House, showcased the depth of care and creativity that defines life at The Foundation.
For those who dined at Antoine’s over its remarkable 50-year history in Parnell, seeing Tony Astle back in his element felt like welcoming an old friend home.
“When I was asked to join this evening, I was very excited,” says Tony. “It’s a bit like coming out into the restaurant again – talking to people, cooking, sharing memories. I could say I was coerced out of retirement, but it just fit beautifully.”
That sense of nostalgia carried through to the menu – a carefully chosen selection of Antoine’s classics that have stood the test of time.
“Over the years we tried every cuisine trend – Nouvelle, Minceur, everything – but people always came back to Antoine’s food. So tonight, it’s total nostalgia.”
The first course brought back a quintessential favourite: prawns and avocado with seasonal asparagus. For the main, it could only be the dish Tony is most often asked to recreate – his legendary Confit Duck á L’Orange, once Antoine’s biggest summer seller. Dessert was a light yet indulgent meringue roulade with fresh berries: a Kiwi nod to the sweetness of fun memories.
“Many of these people would have had these favourites a hundred times, so heaven help me if it’s not right tonight!” Tony laughs. Complementing the evening’s menu was a trio of Nevis Bluff wines, each handpicked by winemaker Matt Connell.
“Tonight’s about showcasing Nevis Bluff and its new direction,” he explains. “We’ve made a lot of changes in the last couple of years, and this is a great opportunity to engage with people who may not have tried our wines before.”
Guests were welcomed with Champagne, followed by the 2024 Nevis Bluff Pinot Blanc – a crisp companion to Tony’s entrée – and the 2024 Nevis Bluff Pinot Noir, with
“
To share what you love with people you care about – it’s the most perfect thing. Especially now, when the world needs more of that. ”
a vibrancy and acidity that made it the ideal match for duck. To finish, a 2018 Nevis Bluff Late Harvest Pinot Gris delivered a golden, honeyed conclusion to the evening.
“Working with Tony on the pairings has been a real highlight,” Matt continues.
“We kept the menu concise so each wine could shine in harmony with the food.”
Nevis Bluff, founded in 1998, is one of Central Otago’s oldest wineries.
Under Matt’s direction, it continues to refine its craft, recently earning two Double Golds at the New Zealand International Wine Show – each wine unanimously awarded top marks by every judge.
“I’ve been making wine in Central Otago since 2005,” says Matt. “The goal now is refinement and understanding each vineyard pocket, each clone, and pushing the wines to the next level.”
Tony, too, reflected on the evolution of taste in New Zealand.
“When we opened Antoine’s, you couldn’t drink the wine here. We had only French. Over the years, I became friends with so many winemakers. It’s been amazing to learn and grow together.”
For both experts, the night wasn’t just about food and wine – it was also about connection.
“It’s been my passion and the only job I’ve ever had,” Tony concludes. “To share what you love with people you care about – it’s the most perfect thing. Especially now, when the world needs more of that.”
Evenings like this are about more than just fine dining – they reflect a way of living well, in a setting crafted with that same uncompromising quality. At The Foundation, life is enriched not only by luxurious surroundings, but by experiences that bring people together through culture, flavour, and story.
Crafting Timeless Wines.
Perfected by Matt Connell
Health & Wellbeing
The Luxury of Enough
The idea of the “Luxury of Enough” offers a mindset that rejects the chase for acquisition and instead celebrates the art of subtraction. It is about curating our lives and homes to reflect our most deeply held values and is centred around the profound realisation that true wealth is not measured by how much we can attain, but by the richness of experiences, relationships, and an overwhelming happiness with what we already possess.
Hydrotherapy
With water supporting the body and reducing strain on joints, Hydrotherapy removes many of the barriers of land-based exercise. Water’s natural resistance also helps strengthen muscles without the need for heavy equipment. Unlike lifting weights, this resistance is gentle on the joints and connective tissues, making Hydrotherapy an excellent way to build strength without the risk of injury.
The luxury of enough
The traditional notion of luxury – once purely a monument to excess and consumption – is being dismantled and rebuilt. A new philosophy is taking hold, one that finds opulence not in the acquisition of more, but in the discernment of enough. It represents a powerful cultural shift from a life of accumulating to a life of editing.
The traditional idea of luxury can often boil down to a simple equation: more equals better. More square footage, more designer labels: a race to the top, fuelled by a desire to impress and possess.
For an increasing number of people, however, a saturation point has been reached. Homes overflowing with things not used, minds cluttered with a constant stream of information. The result is a paradox: we have more than ever, yet we feel a profound sense of lack – of time, peace and true connection. The idea of the “Luxury of Enough” offers a radical alternative. It’s a mindset that rejects the chase for acquisition and instead celebrates the art of subtraction. It’s about curating our lives and homes to reflect our most deeply held values. It’s about choosing quality over quantity, meaning over materialism, and intention over impulse. Consider our homes. A sanctuary doesn’t have to be based purely on size and the miscellanea we fill it with. An absence of clutter creates a sense of calm and clarity, where every item
has been chosen with purpose, and every piece of furniture is a statement. Choosing to have less doesn’t translate to austerity, it’s actually a form of profound wealth: the wealth of space and of the mental freedom that comes from not being tethered to a mountain of possessions.
Downsizing is a conscious choice for health and ease of living. This isn’t about “less space”; instead “better space”. Choosing a home that features plentiful natural light, improved indoor–outdoor flow, is built using sustainable materials and filled with fewer, finer, carefully chosen items, can reward with the quiet satisfaction of having curated exactly what your home needs: no more, no less. And this shift isn’t limited to our physical spaces. It also extends to what we place within them.
The consumer landscape is already adapting to this new philosophy. Brands of pedigree are moving away from fast fashion and disposable goods, and are instead emphasising craftsmanship, durability, and ethical
sourcing. A luxury handbag is no longer just a status symbol; it’s a piece of art, a story of the artisan who made it, and a commitment to a product that will last a lifetime.
The movement is also fuelled by a growing awareness of our environmental footprint and a desire to be more present in the world. The food industry, for example, is seeing a return to utilising local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients as a calling card for a better dining experience. A five-course tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant certainly remains a luxury, but so is perfectly ripe produce
obtained from a farmer’s market, enjoyed with friends and family.
Ultimately, the “Luxury of Enough” is a paradigm shift from external validation to internal contentment. It’s about finding satisfaction not in what we have, but in who we are and how we live.
It’s the profound realisation that true wealth is not measured by the square footage of a home and how much is in it, but by the richness of experiences, the depth of relationships, and the overwhelming happiness with what we have.
Making waves
Born from the world of high-performance athletics, hydrotherapy is a safe, effective, and fun way to stay active, manage pain, and boost overall wellbeing.
As we age it’s normal to experience joint stiffness, arthritis or balance problems. Often these symptoms render traditional land-based exercises too strenuous or risky, particularly for those with osteoarthritis or reduced bone density. With water supporting the body and reducing strain on joints, hydrotherapy removes many of the barriers of landbased exercising. Water’s natural resistance also helps strengthen muscles without the need for heavy equipment. While any form of water exercise has benefits, increasing water temperature for hydrotherapy can prove even more effective. At a soothing 33°C, everything changes. The warmth relaxes your muscles, and the buoyancy supports your joints.
There is plenty of recent research into the benefits of hydrotherapy for seniors. For example, a team from the University of Melbourne ran a clinical trial for people suffering with osteoarthritis in their knees. Those who did hydrotherapy twice a week
reported less pain, more mobility, and generally a better quality of life compared to those who didn’t.
Similarly, a 2017 study by the University of Otago looked at whether hydrotherapy could prevent falls. Researchers found older adults who took part in aquatic exercise had better balance and fewer falls over time.
Hydrotherapy is about smart, gentle movement tailored to your needs. Readily available as part of physiotherapy practices in the main centres, most sessions run for around 45 minutes and are led by trained physiotherapists or instructors. Everything is low-impact, adjustable to your fitness level, and designed with the age group in mind.
Here’s a taste of what you might do:
• Walking through water to improve leg strength and stability.
• Knee lifts and gentle squats to keep joints mobile and mimic everyday movements.
• Arm exercises using foam dumbbells to build upper body strength.
• Balance drills that are challenging but safe, thanks to the water’s support.
BUOYANCY
HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE
NATURAL RESISTANCE
THE THREE FUNDAMENTALS OF WATER
• Buoyancy is the upward force of the water that counteracts gravity. When submerged, your body becomes lighter, which significantly reduces the stress and weight on your joints, such as the knees, hips, and spine. This makes movement easier and less painful, allowing you to perform exercises and stretches that might be difficult on land. Imagine walking or stretching with less strain – this is the magic of buoyancy at work.
• Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure that water exerts on your body from all directions. This pressure acts like a gentle compression garment, which helps to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the limbs. It also provides a feeling of stability and support, which can be reassuring for those who are unsteady on their feet, improving balance and confidence.
• The natural resistance of water provides a safe and effective way to build strength and muscle tone. The faster you move, the greater the resistance, allowing you to tailor the intensity of your workout to your specific needs. Unlike lifting weights, this resistance is gentle on the joints and connective tissues, making it an excellent way to build strength without the risk of injury.
The water creates a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere that you don’t always get in a gym. There’s no pressure to compete or push too hard, just the encouragement to keep moving and feel good doing it. Plus, it fits beautifully into a balanced lifestyle. You can pair it with a coffee catch-up, a relaxing walk or, depending on the facilities available, a soak in the spa after class.
Before you start hydrotherapy, it’s wise to have a chat with your GP or physiotherapist to make sure it’s the right choice for you and can recommend a program tailored to your specific needs and health goals. Sessions are often held in dedicated hydrotherapy pools, which are kept at a warmer temperature than standard swimming pools to enhance the activity’s therapeutic effects.
Once you’re cleared, all you need is a swimsuit, towel, and a willingness to dip your toes in. The water – and the benefits – are waiting.
Product Showcase
Fujifilm X-E5
fujifilm-x.com
Capturing summer memories in low light will be easier this season thanks to the new Fujifilm X-E5 mirrorless digital camera. Sticking to the Fujifilm playbook of a beautiful retro exterior design, simple functionality, and masses of highspec tech inside, the EX-5 features a top plate made entirely from machined aluminium for an authentic tactile feel, as well as a new ‘Classic Display’ mode in the viewfinder which banishes info graphic clutter to the margins. It’s also the first X-Series camera from Fujifilm to feature a five-axis in-body stabilisation mechanism, meaning that if you’re shooting movement – whether it be in full sunlight or in the half-light of a warm evening get together – your images will remain beautifully sharp.
Oppo Watch X2 Mini
oppo.com/nz
The Oppo Watch X2 Mini proves that high-tech smartwatches don’t have to deliver digital practicality to the detriment of beautiful design. The X2 Mini arrives in two stylish colourways – Glimmer Gold, with an 18K rose gold-plated finish, and Nebula Black, in black monochrome – with both options featuring highly polished componentry and a stainlesssteel case. Despite the chic outer, the X2 Mini remains an impressively powerful health, wellness and everyday life tool as well. Running on Wear OS by Google, you can check notifications, navigate with Google Maps and make payments using Google Wallet, right from your wrist
Ninja Combi 14-In-1 Multicooker
ninjakitchen.co.nz
We’ve all heard of 3-in-1 solutions before, but 14-in1? That really resets the bar. The Ninja Combi 14-in-1 Multicooker might be the benchtop appliance that makes your conventional oven completely redundant. Ninja really does underline the ‘Combi’ part of the equation with its new Multicooker, delivering an appliance which combines what is referred to as HyperSteam technology with convection cooking and air frying. The result? You’re able to steam, grill, bake, prove, slow cook, sear and reheat, among all sorts of other meal solutions. Pork belly on the top tray with broccolini and rice in the bottom pan? And every ingredient ready to serve at the same time? Perfect.
Samsung Frame Pro
samsung.com/nz
Whether it’s a masterpiece or a movie, the stunning clarity of the Samsung Frame Pro is truly jaw-dropping. The Frame Pro is the first and so-far only TV of its type to offer 4K wireless transmission via a Wireless One Connect Box, which will help keep your living space clutter free. The Frame Pro’s dynamic refresh rate offers ultra-smooth visuals for both TV viewing and can automatically reduce when the TV is in ‘Art Mode’, helping save energy. The Frame Pro is even designed like a piece of art in itself, featuring a matte display to reduce glare and a standard slim fit wall mount, meaning it’ll sit nearly flush to the wall like a picture in a gallery.
Huski Champagne Cooler
huski.co.nz
New Zealand success story Huski says that, since champagne was first created in the 1600s, there has been virtually no advancement in how it’s kept cold on the go, with the traditional ice bucket remaining the default for centuries. Huski’s new champagne cooler features double-walled vacuum insulation to keep beverages cold for hours without the need for ice. It also features the patent-pending BubbleLock Bottle Stopper, which helps slow the loss of effervescence and extend the drinking experience, which is believed to be a world-first feature.
Raad Candles
raad.co.nz
New Zealand home and body care brand RAAD is already the brand of choice for some of New Zealand’s most prestigious venues, including Amisfield, Ahi, Queens Rooftop, The Northern Club and more. Now RAAD has debuted its first hand-poured artisanal candle range, with three signature options, each crafted with mood-driven French fragrances that unfold like fine, complex perfume rather than overwhelm like many mainstream candles do. What’s more, the striking stainless-steel vessels transform each RAAD candle into luminous lanterns, casting a mesmerising glow when lit for extra ambience.
Satechi Findall Eyewear Case
pbtech.co.nz
The Satechi FindAll eyewear case is fashioned from a choice of either durable vegan leather or brushed aluminium, with a microsuede liner inside. The collapsible eyewear case can be charged wirelessly, lasts up to eight months per charge and uses Bluetooth 5.4 LE for fast connectivity. When paired with the companion smartphone app, users are alerted if they are separated from the case, with step-by-step directions and a sound ping to advise when they are back within range.
Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni
jbhifi.co.nz
Designed with hard floor surfaces in mind, the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni delivers superior suction power and even self-washing technology. Featuring 16 clean water nozzles, the Deebot’s ‘Ozmo Roller’ mopping technology continuously refreshes the mop by replenishing fresh water after wastewater is removed for a fresh clean with every pass. Paired with 3D edge sensors, maximum coverage at corners and edges is guaranteed, avoiding collisions and allowing the roller mop to stay close to surfaces. The Deebot X8 even knows what to do if there is a rug in the middle of your living room, with its ‘carpet first’ function that will clean carpeted areas before wetting the mop.
Boost Lab Collagen Plump Eye Cream
boostlabco.com
Boost Lab Collagen Plump Eye Cream is a lightweight, fastabsorbing eye cream clinically proven to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin firmness in just four weeks. Packed with Collagen Multi-Peptides, it visibly smooths, tightens and hydrates the delicate eye area. Boost Lab says Collagen Plump Eye Cream is clinically proven to reduce deep wrinkles and improve hydration, with wrinkle reduction of up to 23 percent. The eye cream also layers perfectly with Boost Lab’s Eye Reset Serum for even better results.
Silk & Steel Couture Collection
silkandsteel.co.nz
Silk & Steel has relaunched its signature Couture Collection, a tribute to the brand’s 16-year legacy of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewellery rooted in vintage glamour with a contemporary edge. In a celebration of both heritage and reinvention, the Couture collection features one-of-a-kind statement pieces which blend collectible vintage elements with directional materials like curb chains, gemstones, faux pearls, and signature spike and cross detailing.
Birkenstock
Omega Railmaster
partridgejewellers.com
Originally released in 1957, the Omega Railmaster is making a return to the famed watchmaker’s line-up. What made the original Railmaster particularly suitable was its superb antimagnetic properties. Shielded by an inner protective case, the watch was able to resist magnetic fields, guaranteeing reliable precision for any wearer, including engineers, industrialists and scientists who worked around rail lines. The Railmaster collection has remained a favourite among Omega fans, with its vintage style. Several Railmaster revivals have occurred since 2003, now including this year’s new versions in stainless steel.
birkenstock.co.nz
Tracing its heritage back to 1774, German footwear company Birkenstock needs no introduction. But with summer on the way once again, its expanded range of stylish and comfortable models are more relevant to the wardrobe than ever. The secret to Birkenstock’s success is its footbed, which has been designed since the 1930s to be anatomically shaped to suit supreme comfort, even when the shoes are worn for many hours. Constructed out of cork and natural latex, the contours of the footbed ensure proper weight distribution, with raised arches to help support the foot’s natural shape and structure. This means the feet, knees and hips are relieved from pressure, allowing for a more relaxed, straighter back.
Books
It’s Been Six Weeks Since My Last Confession
Peta Mathias
Peta Mathias Books | $38.00
It’s Been Six Weeks Since My Last Confession serves as a joyful reminder to embrace life in all its richness. It inspires readers to wear the beautiful clothing, eat the delicious food and embrace every opportunity while looking and feeling fabulous.
Peta Mathias MNZM shares thoroughly enjoyable stories from her past and gives advice on what to wear, eat and drink if you should find yourself in a similar situation.
She talks about a road rage incident where she casually flipped a certain finger at a man stuck behind her at a malfunctioning toll gate in France. This ended up being a terrifying experience for her. But, if you ever find yourself a victim of road rage, she recommends you eat Oritz anchovies and balsamic cheese crackers, drink Pedro Ximenez sherry and wear Issey Miyake Pleats Please perfume.
Elsewhere, Mathias tells readers about the years she spent dying her hair and her decision that enough was enough – time to celebrate the grey. Not surprisingly, she looks fantastic.
Mathias is witty, warm and endlessly interesting. Her latest book is like chatting with a friend – an inspirational one with expensive tastes and a wonderful life. With an impressive 18 other books under her belt, It’s Been Six Weeks Since My Last Confession sits like the jewel in the sparkling designer tiara perched on top of Mathias’ beautiful grey hair.
Nine Lives of a Soldier and Sailor
Kelvin Davis
IMRI Publishing | $40.00
There are always those nonfiction titles that, within the space of a handful of chapters, have you thinking ‘This should be a movie’. Kelvin Davis’ new memoir, Nine Lives of a Soldier and Sailor, is one of those books.
His post-military successes in business over the decades that have passed since the Vietnam conflict have done nothing to dull his candid, detailed memories of a remarkable journey through a warzone. His vivid recollections of experiences as the only Navy Medic to patrol alongside the New Zealand infantry in Vietnam remain gripping and, often, shocking.
Before being drawn inextricably into the conflict, the book details Davis’ Navy training and career as a diver, during which he had some lucky escapes. Then, at just 23 years old, Davis finds himself with colleagues performing surgeries with limited tools and rudimentary anaesthetics amidst the chaos of the battlefield. His moment-by-moment recounting of a Viet Cong ambush, where he was shot in the chest, reads like a cat-andmouse thriller, albeit one that is very real.
Davis says that it was the urging of his family to tell his story to them and his grandchildren before it was too late, that served as the impetus for the writing of Nine Lives of a Soldier and Sailor. Thank goodness for them, because it is a story of remarkable courage told exceedingly well.
Once a Forest Ranger
Chris Nelson
Lonesome Pine Publishing | $45.00
In Once a Forest Ranger, Chris Nelson, a lifelong forestry professional and outdoor enthusiast, provides a vivid glimpse into the evolving landscape of New Zealand forestry and the adventurous life behind the profession. Set against the stunning backdrop of the North Island, the book chronicles Nelson’s challenges, triumphs and the occasional rogue possum.
Beyond the backcountry, Nelson’s memoir also reveals a childhood marked by hardship and transience (he attended over twelve schools before turning 12), and the bond he shared with his mother who raised him and his sisters against the odds. In an ever-changing and turbulent time in New Zealand history, it’s easy to see why the hills always beckoned – and continue to do so – for Nelson.
A very New Zealand story, Once a Forest Ranger will inspire you to get outdoors and into fresh mountain air. And even if that’s not a feasible reality, the memorable stories and evocative scene setting on the page will still take you there.
Worth a listen
Keen on podcasts? Never given one a go?
Here are a couple of recommendations for some worthwhile audio entertainment available to download for free.
Dan Snow’s History Hit
History Hit Podcasts
Released three times a week, this podcast is a must for any history fan. Such is the breadth of topics covered, and always with a bone fide expert in the guest seat, there’s something for any particular interest. Snow (son of legendary BBC reporter Peter Snow) is both a consummate presenter and a history academic possessing what seems like an unquenchable thirst for knowledge on topics as diverse as the Spanish Civil War, the origins of plague in Medieval Europe, or Francis Drake. With over 1,500 episodes to choose from, you’ll find something intriguing every time you scroll.
Our Changing World
Radio New Zealand
Radio New Zealand making an increasing number of its programmes available in podcast form, to be enjoyed whenever it suits the listener rather than as part of its scheduled broadcasts, is a very good thing indeed. In each episode of Our Changing World, host Dr Claire Concannon follows scientists into the bush, across rivers and mountains, back to their labs and many places in-between to cover the most fascinating research being done in New Zealand. Insightful and educational, this award-winning podcast covers myriad topics that affect Kiwis, always with an eye on the science being used to achieve greater understanding.
generus.co.nz