Junction February 2023

Hamish

The pinnacle in lifestyle living, Heartstone Estate is big, bold and beautiful – a world-class residence with instant appeal. Presiding over 33.3Ha with breath-taking vistas, Heartstone is a luxury retreat spanning a superior 422sqm footprint. With a 6m high stud and vaulted ceilings, the open plan layout flows effortlessly out to the central courtyard, and the chef-inspired gourmet kitchen – including state-of-the-art-Viking ovens and an indoor woodfired pizza oven, easily accommodates intimate family dinners or lavish ‘Black Tie’ events and cocktail parties. The large theatre room doubles as a library, with walls lined by an amazing collection of old-world favourites rarely seen in a private residence.

Asking Price $3,595,000

Dianna Coman 021 790 307 www.bayleys.co.nz/1203269

Kotare Haven is an idyllic one-hectare paradise, with an exceptional contemporary home nestled into the landscape and enjoying an incredible Kauri forest and Mahurangi Harbour outlook. An inviting home, with a curved boardwalk and Schist water feature at the entrance. There is a real emphasis on superior lifestyle, with spacious open-plan living accentuated by the soaring stud height. The luxury kitchen with expansive scullery makes hosting a breeze. Your guests will delight in the outdoor alfresco entertaining – a natural extension of the living space, with feature gas fireplace and hot tub, positioned to take in the captivating surrounds. Escape the hustle and bustle of city living and secure your own piece of paradise today.

Tender (unless sold prior) 4pm, Thursday 23 February 2023 41 Queen Street, Warkworth

Dianna Coman 021 790 307 www.bayleys.co.nz/1203361

BIG ENOUGH TO HORSE AROUND!

47 Monowai Road, Wainui

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and discover the ultimate country lifestyle this 38 hectare property in Wainui has to offer. Set in two lots (lot 2 & lot 5) with approximately 3.8 hectares of lush grass, and the balance in protected bush covenant, it provides the perfect balance of privacy, nature and opportunity. A current resource consent allows two homes to be built on the one title (one per lot), which will suit those looking for multiple generational living space or two families wishing to share. Horse enthusiasts will love the ample space for stables, an arena, and established riding trails through the bush. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to make this land your own in the highly sought-after location.

Tender (unless sold prior), 1pm, Friday 3 March 2023 41 Queen Street, Warkworth

John Barnett 021 790 393 www.bayleys.co.nz/1203362

FARM, LIFESTYLE & LOCATION!

685 Ocean View Road, Te Arai, Mangawhai

Superbly positioned in the heart of Te Arai, close to Mangawhai, popular surf and swimming beaches, great fishing, worldrenowned golf courses, Tomarata Lakes and just over an hour to Auckland is this 120-hectare former dairy farm. Its fertile flat to undulating contour has been well subdivided into 63 paddocks, with an extensive limestone race network and a full set of farm infrastructure already in place. A cute recently renovated threebedroom character bungalow will provide a comfortable and cozy home, rental investment or somewhere to stay whilst you build your dream home to take in the spectacular views over Whangarei Heads, Mangawhai Heads, Hen & Chicken Islands and Little Barrier.

Tender (unless sold prior) 4pm, Tuesday 28 February 2023 41 Queen Street, Warkworth

John Barnett 021 790 393 www.bayleys.co.nz/1203356

LARGE SCALE TOMARATA DAIRY PORTFOLIO

72 Pilling Road, Tomarata, Wellsford

“Waitapu Farms”, long recognised as one of the larger farming operations north of Auckland, presents buyers with the extremely rare opportunity to purchase in the "dairy capital’ of the North; a 697 hectare (1721 acre) dairy and grazing farm portfolio, in 12 twelve titles. Comprising of two dairy farms, plus two adjoining grazing and support farms, this operation produces all its own grass and crop feed requirements whilst raising all replacement stock and carrying cow herds throughout the year. Enjoy the benefits of a high-performing dairy farm, milking up to 950 cows with a production high of 387,541 kgMS. The properties fertile flat to undulating contour has been well subdivided into approximately 306 paddocks which are interlinked by an extensive limestone race network system, making it easy to manage and maintain. This portfolio represents the perfect choice for those looking to make a smart and sustainable investment in the future of New Zealand agricultural food production. The farm's infrastructure includes two cowsheds (36 ASHB and 32 ASHB), an array of farm sheds, cattle yards, farm bores, a Bosch irrigation system, feed bunkers, and eight houses. The homes include a farmstay business, and the owner's five-bedroom home and heated swimming pool, with spectacular views out over the farm, the Hen & Chicken Islands and beyond. This prime location, close to popular east coast swimming and surf beaches, world renowned golf courses, and just over an hour from Auckland, will ensure you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Tender (unless sold prior)

4pm, Thursday 9 March 2023

41 Queen Street, Warkworth

John Barnett 021 790 393 www.bayleys.co.nz/1203363

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Bianca Howlett bianca@JunctionMag.co.nz

ART DIRECTOR + DESIGN Susannah Marshall design@JunctionMag.co.nz

DEPUTY EDITOR

Emily Pattullo editorial@JunctionMag.co.nz

CONTENT & MARKETING MANAGER Shannen Frear marketing@JunctionMag.co.nz

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Angela Collins +64 21 481 056 ads@JunctionMag.co.nz

GENERAL & DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES hi@JunctionMag.co.nz

CONTRIBUTORS: Milly Nolan, Nikita Oliver Metcalfe, Luke Williamson, Christina Schmidt, Kate Moore, Geoff Ledbrook, Sarah Bray, Steph Gibson, Caro Jenson, Simon Devitt, David Read

FRONT COVER: Photographer: Christina Schmidtwww.instagram.com/WildSpiritWedding Styling: Shannen Frear | Sparking Roséwww.Sculptureum.nz | Mirror - www.facebook. com/QuailCollectablesMatakana | Crystal Glasses - www.BoandFloStyledEvents.co.nz | Blueberrieswww.facebook.com/FourSquareMangawhaiHeads Small dishes - www.NadineMcConnellCeramics. co.nz Large dish - www.instagram.com/ JoyPotteryMangawhai

*All details are correct at the time of print. Check event details direct with event organiser.

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Dream ice cream team

Ice Queen Gelato has arrived at the Wood Street shops in Mangawhai. Owned and operated by a mother and daughter team who are local to Mangawhai and create the delicious, locally-made Gelato and sorbet. Their flavours include salted caramel, mint chocolate flake, taro , strawberries and cream, and their newly-introduced vegan cocoa nut with the added benefit of detoxifying charcoal.

The mother and daughter team are passionate about providing fresh, quality-made products, served from the cute little pink and green caravan, and love to create new flavours on a regular basis. The y are super excited to share them with customers and look forward to serving you at Wood Street, Mangawhai Heads. 027 282 4580 | www.facebook.com/IceQueenGelato

Luxury living

As part of the largest luxury real-estate company in the world, New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty sells more than just houses – they sell lifestyles, inspiration and quality. The recently-opened office in Waipu Cove is home to sales associates Sandy and Yana. With their positive can-do attitude, the pair are genuinely passionate about achieving the best possible results for their clients. Together they have over 27 years of experience and extensive knowledge to make clients’ real-estate dreams a reality; firmly believing in the mantra: Luxury is an experience, not a price point.

Sandy McKenzie 021 431 541 | Yana Bell 021 080 79342

Working collective Leigh

Collective is a new shop in Leigh, created by Hillary Austin of Foundation Gallery as a retail opportunity for locals to showcase and sell their products. Stock includes garments from Tinker Tailor, skin care from Skin Soul Self, ceramics by Pakiri Clay, bags, aprons and other goods by the ladies at Waste Free Leigh, photos by Helen Parkes and Frances Dickinson, Palm Pod Fibre Art by Mary Jordon, turned wood bowls by John MacKinven, amazing honey from Honey by the Sea and much more. Well worth a visit. Open 10am-2pm Wednesday to Sunday, or by appointment. www.instagram.com/CollectiveinLeigh www.facebook.com/CollectiveLeigh

Flower power

Andra is a local florist and the owner of Andra’s Flowers. She started her florist business from a flower cart in Mangawhai with just an honesty box, and from there the business grew. “To me flowers are happiness,” she says. “I decided it was time to open a small shop so I could meet all my lovely clients.” Andra has taken a lot of time to set up her shop especially for those looking for little treats and treasures, and she supports other local businesses. “A flower doesn’t think of competing with the flower next to it,” says Andra. “It is really nice to be able to do what I love.” www.AndrasFlowers.com | 021 0263 8203

Small but perfectly formed

The Frankie Project was born in 2022 with the renovation of a tired 1976 Alpha Colonial caravan. With a background in tiny home builds, owners Emma and Dan used their skills in maximising small spaces to completely strip back and rebuild Frankie. Every inch inside the 4.27m caravan has been thoughtfully utilised, resulting in a spacious, comfortable holiday home on wheels. Suitable for two adults and two kids, Frankie has a full queen-size bed plus a fold-out double sofa-bed. Frankie is available to rent, with free delivery within 20km of Mangawhai.

hello@TheFrankieProject.co.nz www.instagram.com/TheFrankieProject.nz

Accommodation central

Weddings and events are a go again at Leigh Central. After two years of covid interruptions, the coastal venue, with stunning views and retro beach-style accommodation, is looking forward to a busy future.

A key factor in the relaunch is the recent appointment of Rachel Bevan as the live-in onsite manager. Rachel brings a wealth of hospitality experience and is brimming with ideas to develop the business further. From weddings and celebrations to corporate offsites, some good dates are still available for the upcoming season.

Alan and Jasmin Macdonald, who redeveloped the property from the bones of the old Leigh Hotel, continue as owners and will maintain close involvement with the business, but for an appointment to view or to plan your big day, contact Rachel. 021 246 0757 | www.LeighCentral.co.nz

Magical play potions

Little Poppet Potions are magical little pots of bubbling, shimmering and fizzing fun. Each potion entices all the senses and encourages imaginary play. Lovingly handcrafted after careful experimentation and observation with children at Playcentre; these delightful potion packs make messy and heuristic play fun and easy. Just add water. Each pack is made-to-order with all ingredients being environmentally friendly. Perfect as gifts or a fun activity, these potions open a world of excitement and magical transformation. www.LittlePoppet.co.nz | www.Instagram.com/Little_Poppet_Potions

Berry delicious

Rama’s Real Fruit Ice Cream is a local startup family business bringing tasty ice cream treats, which are also available with a yoghurt or a vegan base. Generous amounts of NZ-sourced berries including boysenberry, blueberry and strawberries are blended into each ice cream. Perfectly located by the Omaha Estuary, it’s a great place for the whole family to leisurely enjoy eating ice cream while soaking in the natural beauty of nature. www.facebook.com/RamasIceCream www.instagram.com/Ramas.Realfruit.Icecream

Local creative engineering at its finest

For the past decade, ITSS Engineering has worked very closely with local designers, builders, structural engineers, architects and artists to create bespoke pieces for their clients. Complementing its well-known engineering services, the organisation prides itself on bespoke design capabilities for complex briefs where unique solutions are required. The team thrives on delivering smarter solutions, which boast innovative design and thinking to overcome any challenges their clients are facing.

Local projects include fabrication and installation at Brick Bay in Snells Beach, along with functional rustic art in the heart of Matakana Village, and their continued

involvement in high-end residential builds in Omaha and Point Wells.

Glen Crandle, Engineering Manager of ITSS, says, “The importance of companies involving our engineering team from the early stages of the project ensures our team plays a pivotal role in the design and development of structural solutions, fabrication, and installation of artwork. “There is a large amount of collaboration and crossover, and our engineering team can bring the client’s design to life.”

Award-winning Brick Bay Winery, home to sculptures by New Zealand contemporary artists, has a long-standing relationship

with ITSS. Owner, Richard Didsbury, says “We have involved ITSS with many creative project showpieces, some of which started only with a conversation, a simple sketch on a piece of paper, or even a cardboard model. ITSS Engineering’s ability to take an idea, develop it through detailed drawings to ensure buildability, and then deliver on fabrication, coating, and installation has been fantastic. ITSS was able to rise above any manufacturing problems and think outside the box.”

Kent Dalziell, Manufacturing Manager, states, “Some of the best engineers we have are artists in the way that they approach their craft, whether they realise it or not. They

ITSS Engineering has become Mahurangi’s one-stop solution, offering all aspects of engineering.

think about the parts they are designing or making in a fluid or abstract way, weighing up the client’s brief and practicality. Investing in technology such as CNC Machinery and Profile Cutters ensures complex precision cutting on a variety of materials for o ur clients.”

Client Pascalle Drever from Cielo Design Studio says they engaged ITSS to engineer and fabricate custom-designed landscape elements for a high-end residential project in Mahurangi East. The engineering aspects included building the framing for a large feature, 3.2m long, curved bench seating with corten steel backs, a circular corten steel firewood stacker, and a series of 2.4m-high steel channel lights, spatially defining an outdoor dining area. Cielo was thrilled with the outcome and coordination with ITSS in working with the challenge of the custom aspects of the design.

ITSS Engineering operates its first-class facilities in Warkworth, Rodney, with over 70 local employees. While the company started out in general engineering some 30 years ago, ITSS has grown its capabilities to become an end-to-end engineering provider with in-house CAD/CAM Design, CNC Machining, Welding, Fabrication, and Installation services.

www.ItssEng.nz www.facebook.com/ItssEngineering

Understanding Relationship Property.

CRAFTED LEGAL ADVICE FOR PEACE OF MIND.

The protection of assets that we have all worked so hard to acquire is an important consideration for most people.

Income, property, Kiwisaver, intermingled inheritances and gifts from third parties are all considered relationship property when in a de facto relationship - unless both parties have entered into a Contracting Out Agreement. Without one, relationship property would be shared equally upon separation, or even the death of one party, regardless of what anyone’s will said.

Know when your relationship is considered a de facto relationship under New Zealand legislation and protect your assets with a Contracting Out Agreement. Contact Tammy McLeod or one of her team for specialist advice.

All the way to the top

Words Milly Nolan

Mark’s career for the advertising icon, Saatchi & Saatchi, began over a decade ago in the New Zealand office he now leads. After a brief stint as CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi in South East Asia, Mark became Managing Director of Saatchi Melbourne for five years, taking the creative company from a start-up to Asia Pacific Creative Agency of The Year.

In 2020, he and his family returned home to their kiwi roots. In addition to his Chief Executive position, Mark is also the Chief Connection Officer across the Publicis Groupe Connected Platform of New Zealand.

We spoke to him about his journey, and what life is like living in the slow lane of Matakana.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the country, on a farm in Otago, surrounded by mountains, rolling hills and rivers. Much like the gorgeous Matakana area, just without the snow. It was pretty cold in winter.

What was your education like?

As a young kid I preferred helping my father versus going to school. I enjoyed the farm community we had and how everyone worked together, no matter who they were. That said, I was always interested in the arts (even though I can’t draw) economics (even though I can’t do complex maths) and then certainly marketing (which I eventually studied at University).

What did you want to be when you 'grew up'?

I wanted to be a helicopter pilot, but I do remember being amazed watching the Lessons from Geese commercial on television in 1999, and also being moved by the Telecom Father and Son ad in 2005. Strangely, both were made by Saatchi & Saatchi. Life is weird like that I guess.

Where did your career begin?

After working for a ski company in New Zealand, then in a ski workshop at night in France, I got my first proper job in advertising in London. I was a young Ad Exec that didn’t really know what I was doing

to be honest. Mostly it was just about doing what I was told, working hard and listening to all the creative minds around me.

How long have you worked for Saatchi & Saatchi now?

I’ve been in the advertising industry for over 20 years, 13 of them at Saatchi. Firstly at Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand leading brands like Toyota, DB, Tui, House of Travel and Air New Zealand. Saatchi then gave me the opportunity to go for an adventure, running the Thailand office in Bangkok for two years. I have such great memories exploring the region, and our first child Lola was born there. After that came five years as Managing Director of Saatchi & Saatchi Melbourne (a lot of which was spent in lockdown!). Our son, Archer, was born there.

Was leading the company as CEO always a goal of yours?

Yeah it was. I really believe in what Saatchi stands for. Nothing is impossible. It’s a challenging role, but also a privilege. I love the opportunity to create amazing ideas for New Zealanders, and it's humbling to lead such smart and courageous people.

Last year we were lucky to win the Grand Axis and Grand Prix 2022 for TV, Cinema and Online at the Axis Awards; I love our recent Toyota work titled Let’s Go Places; and I am proud of our growth – inviting the likes of Westpac, Tourism NZ, Z Energy, DB Export, Tiger, and FIFA Women’s World Cup into the Saatchi community.

What is it specifically that you bring to the table at work?

I know I’m not the smartest tool in the shed, so I bring optimism, imagination and pragmatism on how to get things done…and sometimes coffee.

come to live in Matakana after leaving Melbourne?

We thought, why just move from one big city to another? Plus we already had so many friends in the Matakana area (and now have so many more!), and we also really wanted to give our kids the values that come with living in a smaller, country community. It’s one of the things I love about the area.

Do you live by a daily mantra?

Not one specifically, but my friend often says “you only have so many times around the sun so make it count”. I like that.

www.Saatchi.co.nz

Anything to celebrate since taking over the role?

Your office is based in Auckland – how did you

From Bali with love

Luna & Rose is an ethical jewellery and apparel label that creates meaningful pieces with sustainability at the heart of what they do. The products are designed in New Zealand and created by a handful of gentle artisans on the island of Bali. This one is for the ladies who love to shine, and have a magpie eye for something a little bit special.

Words Shannen Frear

Luna & Rose blossomed in 2014, with the goal of designing a collection of accessories that have minimal impact on the environment, uplift the community and become a symbol of conscious consumption. Lovingly foraged through a passion for fashion and the identification of a gap in the market that was waiting to be filled, Rosie, founder of Luna & Rose had her lightbulb moment while working in the fashion industry in Australia. She was on the hunt for a new challenge, and when she realised the need for a sustainable jewellery brand, she packed her bags and headed off to Indonesia to chase her wil dest dreams.

“It is my mission with Luna & Rose to ensure that every decision I make is made with the planet first. All of our jewellery is made from recycled sterling silver and refined occurs purely to make our jewellery,” says

Rosie. Choosing to produce in this ecoconscious way comes with so much more research, rethinking, and re-designing. But it was never an option for Rosie to add to the mass production that already exists so widely.

A light footprint is a huge mission but an integral aspect of the business, also being transparent and sharing the stories of the humans who actually make their collections is just as important. The Luna & Rose marketing channels often showcase the incredible creators behind the scenes, whose divine work does not go unnoticed. An incredible brand, with incredible people, producing incredibly unique creations.

Nine years later Rosie’s brand has flourished worldwide, offering her loyal customers necklaces, earrings, bracelets, chains and rings as well as an apparel

line that includes shorts, shirts, pants, organic tees and their very popular Ollie overalls. Living her best life, Rosie and her young family are lucky enough to call both Mangawhai and Bali home sweet home and soak up all that these two beautiful, coastal places have to offer.

Luna & Rose ships worldwide, they are also stocked in well-loved local store Caro With Love, in Mangawhai. And for those heading to Bali, they can be found in Echo Be ach, Canggu.

Rosie, who is known as a happy human, wanted to share that, “Life really is short. Don't wait for a perfect time to make the jump, just give it a nudge and see wh at happens!”.

www.LunaAndRose.co info@LunaAndRose.co.nz

Going the extra mile

Starting early in 2023, passengers will be able to book scooters with their bus ride, store and charge them on the bus, and ride them at both ends of the journey, travelling to and from their final destination with ease.

Founder, Julian Ostling says, “Many of our passengers have to switch to other modes of transport when we reach the CBD – this includes connecting buses, walking, biking, scooters, or other modes of transport – so we know there is existing demand for this enhancement. Ultimately, we are looking to remove any barriers to adoption, encouraging commuters to leave the car at home, and we’re confident that this will make the service more appealing to many”.

Mahu City Express already welcomes passengers who bring bicycles, which they use for the first and last mile, carrying them in the luggage space beneath the coach at no additional charge.

“By adding electric scooters to this space and a facility to securely store and charge them during the journey, we can offer even more low-emissions first and last mile options to our passengers. Booking will be integrated into our app, allowing passengers to book a scooter in advance and retain the scooter all day or all night.

“People who currently use their cars to drive to our service can replace that car journey

with a zero-emissions scooter journey, and not have to find all-day parking, freeing up that space for other members of the community,” Julian says.

This step is being made with support from the Waka Kotahi Innovation Fund –Hoe ki angitū. Mahu City Express was a successful applicant in Round 1 of Hoe ki angitū, addressing a challenge set by the fund that asked: How might we integrate low-emission first and last mile travel solutions into the public transport system to reduce climate impacts, congestion, and ve hicle dependency?

Heart-full help for carers

Jacqui O'Connor began her career in nursing wanting to care for the world, just as she had been cared for. However, she left her career in nursing wanting to care for the carers, just as she hadn’t been cared for.

Influenced by her childhood health experiences, Jacqui O'Connor graduated as a New Zealand Registered Nurse in 1993. What she noticed right from university was the importance of people in her line of work caring for themselves in such a high-demand role. That aspect was never taught. And this has continued throughout Jacqui's career; there are no relevant wrap-around support options for carers in those positions – and there s till aren’t.

"We never learned how to put boundaries in place so that we weren’t taken advantage of," says Jacqui. “Our carers, such as nurses, doctors, emergency services personnel, teachers, and parents, give so much. Often so much that they have nothing left for themselves, leading them to suffer burn-out or what conventional medicine calls ‘mental illness’. Heart Place Hospital believes in mental fitness. We provide a safe space, tools, information, and support for our carers

helping them to feel uplifted, heart-full, a nd empowered.”

For so much of Jacqui's life and most of her career, she was left feeling she needed to ‘fix’ things that, as a woman, she naturally felt for people, particularly empathy, intuition, and her emotions. If she wanted to be a successful medicine woman and human, those things mustn’t be allowed to get in the way. What she didn't realise at the time was that these feminine qualities are exactly what a true healer must embody to help another human being heal. “They're also the traits all men and women need to balance if we are to become forces for healing, not only within caring professions but also for our culture and planet.”

Jacqui has experience in health psychology and qualifications from Whole Health Medicine Institute with Lissa Rankin MD. Through her own lived experience, Jacqui finds joy in sharing the tools she’s mastered

with others through co-creative one-toone coaching/mentoring, group coaching, workshops, speaking engagements, podcasts, writing, activism, and continued learning.

Heart Place Hospital provides its services free of charge to its carers. It receives no government funding so relies purely on the generosity and caring nature of people all over New Zealand to deliver their services.

Jacqui believes, with the support of the online and physical Heart Place Hospital, based in Mangawhai, that carers will be better equipped to handle the demand of their vital roles.

Jacqui has co-authored a book with 21 international nurses called Letters to a Future Nurse: Real Life Struggles, Heartwarming Stories, and Practical Tips which is available on Amazon.

Evolving naturally

Santosa’s new, completely organic range does something incredible; it actually does what it promotes. Using the power of natural ingredients and carefully-selected, organic essential oils, Katie Higgins has created a range of products that ensures a clean, delicious-smelling environment that is not filled with unwanted and harmful toxins.

Words Kate Moore

The new organic range showcases a simple, minimalist-inspired black label and two new scents – Sweet Orange & Ylang Ylang, and Cedarwood & Juniper Berry. Both new fragrances are available for purchase in two of the best-selling products: the ‘Good for Everything’ spray, which has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. This holy-grail product replaces the numerous other cleaners used in rooms all over the house. The other black label adorns the glass 'Foaming Handwash' bottles. Although this nourishing hand wash is gentle on the skin, it contains powerful ingredients that will clean your hands.

So how does the new range differ from the original products? Katie explains that while

the products with white labels are entirely natural, the essential oils used are not labelled organic. The new products, however, use organic, therapeutic-quality essential oils, so not only do they clean with non-toxic ingredients, but when the product description says 'uplifting,' they actually do up-lift.

Life is busy and to-do lists are never-ending, so to ensure customers are never caught short, Santosa has launched a subscription service where every four, six, or eight weeks, they can automatically send recyclable refills to fill up the bottles, meaning there is always an ample supply. And the best part is that the subscription can be amended or cancelled anytime. Santosa also offers beautifullycurated gift boxes that fit any budget. One

option is a foaming handwash with a refill set. This combination means the bottle can be refilled one-and-a-half times – talk about the gift that keeps on giving. Gift boxes can also be sent directly to the lucky recipient.

The future of Santosa will evolve gradually over time. As a trained educator, Katie is constantly researching and trialling new products. Any future additions to the sleek line-up must meet strict criteria and must also abide by the Santosa ethos. Every product must work, be kind to the environment and able to be used for more than one job before hitting the shelves.

www.Santosa.co.nz www.instagram.com/Santosa_Lifestyle

Commercial Grade, suitable for dining rooms, man/lady caves, breakfast areas and hospitality/commercial fitouts.

1916 SH1, Kaiwaka

Next to The Apple Basket. Showroom hours 10am-4pm Mon-Sat Sunday by appointment. Please call to ensure we are available.

Food for thought

The concept of providing food in pre-measured quantities wrapped in plastic is the problem; the solution, however, is not a new one. In fact it’s decades old. Paper bags or bring-you-own containers and purchase the exact amount to suit your needs and budget – old-fashioned, general-store style.

Words Emily Pattullo

Having been to America and experienced the enormity of wholefood supermarkets, Jill Gabriel had a desire to own something similar back in New Zealand. So when the opportunity to obtain Bin Inn in Warkworth presented itself, Jill jumped at the chance. That was a year ago, a tough time to be starting a new business venture, but the customers were loyal and business prevailed

(especially products that support immunity!) and now they are busier than ever.

The concept is simple, Bin Inn stock whole foods such as flour, nuts, spices, pulses, dried fruit, in large quantities so that customers can buy any amount using their own containers or paper bags provided by the shop. But that’s not all. It also has ecofriendly laundry products, beauty products

(even make-your-own cosmetics), essential oils, brewing ingredients, speciality items like gluten-free and low FODMAP foods, bread, and supplements.

The list goes on, but contrary to the implication that bulk always means large quantities, in the case of Bin Inn, it refers to being able to buy as much – or as little – as you like. As Jill says, “Customers can have a

teaspoon of sugar if that’s all they want. We just want to offer a sustainable alternative to supermarkets – buying what you need without the plastic and packaging waste.”

Assisted by her son, Sam, whose role as Tech and Support Manager sees him managing marketing and social design, the two have big plans for the future. They want to provide more organic produce, and source as much of their stock locally as possible. They also would like to expand within their territory, that reaches from Puhoi to Mangawhai, to include other stores, as well as offering an online ordering system for click and collect.

Personal service and good customer relations is a huge part of their ethos, as well as offering top-quality, fresh products. “Our customers are like our extended family, it’s a small community so we get to know everybody. We like the old-fashioned, general store vibe where we know what our customers’ needs are, and can do our best to accommodate them,” says Jill.

11 Elizabeth St, Warkworth 09 652 0021

Use less single waste

and Steph Gibson from Sustainable Kaipara.

Transitioning from the linear economy – where we take materials from the earth, make stuff, then throw them into landfill; to the circular economy – where we keep resources in use and prevent waste being produced in the first place, is a cornerstone for how we might continue to inhabit planet earth for many generations to come.

The three principles of the circular economy are: eliminate waste and pollution; circulate products and materials; regenerate nature. The prevalence of single-use items in our society is most definitely an aspect of the

linear economy. Often these items are made of materials that, in principle, can last a long time (think plastic cutlery) but are instead used for mere minutes before ending up in landfill or our waterways where they degrade and create harm for generations to come.

Single-use plastics get the most air-time, and for good reason. Single-use plastics include products such as bags, straws, bottles –basically any item that’s made of plastic and designed for a short or single-use. They last a long time (hundreds of years) and affect both our environment and our health, which

are inextricably linked. They kill seabirds and other animals through direct consumption and by entanglement. Microplastics (small plastic particles) can be absorbed by human tissue and impact growth and development.

Single-use anything is a huge waste of the earth’s precious resources and the labour that went into manufacturing. Noting of course, that there are definitely times that single-use may be the best option – for example in healthcare and safety. Using cardboard plates for food instead of reusable plates is not a solution to singleuse plastic. It’s just a band-aid that makes consumers feel better about their purchase. The cardboard still ends up in landfill as waste (food contaminated cardboard can’t be recycled) and the resources (trees!) that went into making it are left to degrade and produce harmful emissions that exacerbate climate change. Lots of food and beverage packaging is now compostable. Unfortunately, there are very few composting facilities in Aotearoa, so most compostable packaging is not composted. The Ministry for the Environment is currently investigating the impacts of compostable products on soils and the food chain.

Government intervention:

From 2022 to 2025 the Government is phasing out certain hard-to-recycle plastics and six single-use items. This will prevent them from ending up as waste in our landfills and waterways but also prevent them contaminating recycling.

Words Sarah Bray + Steph Gibson

Future generations:

Engaging directly with tamariki is a key component of the transition to the circular economy. The Mangawhai Beach Waste Wise group recently completed a waste audit and students were quick to pick up on the fact that plastic sushi containers and disposable coffee cups were common items heading to landfill after being used once.

Business is getting on board:

Recently, we have supported Trade Breakfasts at ITM Mangawhai and Bunnings Mangawhai where the coffee was provided in reusable cups that attendees simply placed in a return bin before leaving. This simple system saved hundreds of cups from ending up in landfill.

Saying goodbye to single-use items is not only of the utmost importance for environmental health, it makes economic sense too. Businesses that implement reusable systems can lower operational costs and when they allow consumers to bring their own bags, cups or containers the business saves on single-use packaging associated with supply and storage expenditure.

sarah@SustainablekKaipara.org steph@SustainableKaipara.org

New year wellness

Body Wisdom Kinesiology

“Your belief systems create your potentials”. Life experiences deposit their tension deep into our bodies, this can leave us feeling physically, mentally, energetically and emotionally depleted.

KI-NESI-OLOGY uses ‘Muscle Testing’ to communicate with your unique body to unlock subconscious needs, blocks, unwanted habits, and self-limiting beliefs. You gain awareness that will support you to develop new patterns, create new positive thought processes, increase your energy and enhance all aspects of your path to wellness.

In-clinic or online sessions and Kinesiology trainings available. www.BodyWisdom.co.nz | 027 292 4836

Summer at Parohe Island Retreat, Kawau New beach cabins for 2023

Discover the much acclaimed new Parohe Island Retreat on Kawau Island, just 20 minutes from Sandspit marina. The island features eco chic cabins with luxury linens and amenities, a candle lit dining area, yoga platforms thoughtfully nestled in the bush, a pool, outdoor baths and sauna, water activities including kayaks, fishing and more. Signature wellness retreats of 2, 3 and 4 days are created to inspire and rejuvenate guests with extensive inclusions and outstanding plant based cuisine. Bespoke retreats focus on couples, Hot Yoga, nutrition, art, cuisine and more.

Why not try our popular two night Signature ‘Relax Retreat’ designed to improve overall wellbeing, decompress and unwind in the serenity of nature. A great way to enjoy summer on the island. The retreat includes daily yoga classes, meditation workshop, wellness facilities, land and water activities, hiking trails and plant based meals.

For more details contact: gm@Parohe.co.nz | www.Parohe.co.nz

Health Reset

Omaha Naturopath Sandy Watts will empower you to take control of your health, make sustainable positive change, and achieve your health goals. Your individualised wellness plan focusing on new diet and lifestyle choices, herbal medicine and nutritional supplementation will support your body’s ability to thrive.

0275 492 887 www.UniquelyYouHealthSolutions.nz

Lite Injectables

Lite Injectables philosophy: Natural results that reflect a NZ aesthetic, focusing on subtle enhancement rather than obvious changes to the architecture of the face. “I want our clients to feel happy in their own skin and ensure that their look is enhanced and attractive rather than artificial because it is important to us how others view us. Skin health is a key priority and an area I increasingly focus on to achieve and maintain a more natural look for my clients.”

- Teri Newton, Founder and Director

Botox®. Prescription Medicine. For the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet. Botox® has risks and benefits. Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 Units. For product information, check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz www.LiteInjectables.nz www.instagram.com/LiteInjectables

With so much information on how, what and why you should look after yourself, it can be hard to know where to start. So here are a few suggestions that will have you well on your way.

Kakariki Health Store

Kakariki is located in the beautiful Bennetts complex, Mangawhai. The store has health supplements, natural body care, candles and crystals. It also has a great range of quality Mediterranean food, fresh produce and organic food. Perfect for your weekend Mezes!

52 Moir St, Mangawhai Village 09 4314 070 | 021 468 291

Are you ready for a lifestyle change?

Time to take back control!

Do you want to look and feel good? Drop a dress size?

Do you want to control your menopausal symptoms? Are you ready to conceive?

Ready to experience a pain-free life? Are there other areas of your life you would like help with?

Contact Jeanette for a confidential chat to discuss how she can help you and get you to where you want to be. 022 0429 535 www.Hypnomatters.com

Muse Hair Lounge

Situated on a tranquil green Vista in Warkworth. Using the latest and healthiest colour technology from O&M. Free from PPDs synthetic purfume, sulphates, parabens and MIT. Consultations, coffee and conversation.

Bebes Beauty

Phoebe a trained beauty therapist and Julia a registered nurse of 18 years will use the Ridge luxury accomadation once a month for bookings for Vivace microneedling and PRP also known as vampire facials, dysport injectables and bespoke facials. Bookings in advance are essential.

www.BebesBeauty.co.nz Julia@BebesBeauty.co.nz

Skinperfector

Warkworth & Mangawhai.

Specialising in beautifully curated Facials and Medi treatments and with over three decades of experience between founder Caroline and therapist, Mirjana, clients can relax safe in the knowledge that they have found their skincare haven

With over 20 Facials to choose from Skinperfector prides itself on consistently helping clients achieve their best skin. A combination of bespoke, holistic facials and Medi treatments ensures exceptional results and happy clients

A new addition to Skinperfector Mangawhai is a natural, non-invasive alternative to Botox which dramatically reduces fine lines and l ifts skin For bookings and consultations: www.Skinperfector.co.nz | 021 274 1919

Top 10 wellness tips

As an Integrative Health Practitioner, Matakana local, Marique Knight, helps men and women prioritise their health so that they have more energy, less stress and great gut health. By addressing the root cause of symptoms, Marique supports and guides her clients in making the dietary, lifestyle, and mindset changes necessary to ensure optimal health and wellness, longevity and anti-ageing.

We asked Marique for ten wellness tips that, when practised daily, will create lasting results.

Words Milly Nolan

1. Stop snacking

If you graze all day, your digestive system never gets a break. Not only does this rob you of precious energy, but it can throw your blood sugar off too. Ideally, leave three to four hours between meals, so that you’re not piling new food on top of partially-digested food, which can cause bloating and gas. Provided you’re eating enough protein, healthy fats and carbs, you should easily last between meals.

2. Use your breath

Used to its full potential, the breath can help us master almost any situation. These days, stress is inevitable, but it’s our response to it that makes the difference. The best and easiest way to calm yourself in a stressful situation is by deep belly-breathing. When we slow the breath, it conveys to every cell in our body that we’re safe. It switches us from ‘fight or flight’ mode into ‘rest and repair’ mode. And it’s so effective that a few deep, slow breaths can literally change our physiology.

3. Get sweaty

Supporting detoxification is the missing piece for many people struggling with their health.

Sadly, we are all exposed to human-made chemicals these days and when these enter the body, they can wreak havoc with how we feel. That’s why it’s so important to actively assist the body in getting rid of these toxins that build up over time. Saunas are perfect for this. But apart from just getting sweaty, we also need to be mindful to limit our exposure to toxins wherever possible. Choose safer alternatives for skincare and cleaning products, since your skin absorbs what you put on it.

4. Make veggies the main affair

All gurus would agree that the best diets in the world have one thing in common – they’re 60-80 percent plant based. And since no food nourishes the body in more ways than plants, you really want to be making veggies the main affair. Aim to eat seven-plus cups of fruit/vegetables daily (two to three handfuls at every meal). This is key for optimal health and vitality. Bonus points for organic, local and seasonal produce.

5. Replace your deficiencies

The body becomes imbalanced for two main reasons: too much of the things we don’t need, and not enough of the ones we do –

such as vitamins and minerals. When we’re lacking these micronutrients, the body will struggle to buffer the stress or fight winter bugs. Ideally, we’d get all these nutrients from food alone but nowadays that’s not as easy, and our busy lives deplete us faster. Fill the gaps in your diet with a goodquality multivitamin, along with an Omega 3 supplement to help ensure your body isn’t deficient in any key nutrients.

6. Priortise sleep

Prioritising sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Sleep is when the magic happens and if you can’t restore your sleep you will have a hard time getting well. Try to get to bed by 10pm, because around this time we can get a little rise in cortisol, meaning we don’t feel so tired anymore, and miss the opportunity to fall into a deep restorative sleep. Capitalise on quality sleep in the first part of the night if you want to feel your best.

7. Practise gratitude

Take a moment to appreciate the good things in your life, no matter how big or small. When we are grateful, we can’t physically feel stressed at the same time. And this feeling

of gratitude puts us in the ultimate state of receivership, where we naturally attract more goodness. So, don’t wait for things to go wrong to be thankful for what you have. Life is a beautiful gift but sometimes we forget to open our eyes and see it.

8. Get in nature

A special kind of energy is present in the earth and when we connect with it (also known as grounding) we allow this energy to rise up into our bodies, which has massive healing benefits for us. Research has shown that it can help with inflammation, as well as reducing stress and improving sleep. A pretty good reason to get your toes in the sand and receive a little ‘energy infusion’ compliments of Mother Earth.

9. Don’t ignore your symptoms

Your body is always talking to you, and your symptoms are a response to something being out of balance. Instead of masking the issue with a quick fix, you need to dive

deeper and explore what’s really going on. You know your body better than anyone, so tune in to what it’s telling you. Once the root cause of your health concerns is addressed, the body can come back into balance with ease. But, if we ignore the whispers of the body, the body will start to yell.

10. The body achieves what the mind believes

How we think and how we feel creates a state of being. If we want to improve our health, we must first believe it’s possible. Our psychology 100 percent affects our biology. The placebo effect is great proof of this. If we can change our thinking, we can literally change our lives – the mind is that powerful! If you know and believe you can get well, then it can be that simple. Because where you place your attention, is where you place your energy. Choose wisely.

www.MariqueKnight.com www.instagram.com/MariqueKnight

To the bone

Susie Lever was first introduced to Bones for Life ® during the three-year fragmented period of lockdowns due to the Covid19 virus. “I love yoga, but these simple and very gentle Bones for Life ® processes just blew me away. I could immediately feel more ease and balance in my body, walking and moving around. Because of my deep knowledge of yoga, I have been able to do a teacher-training for Bones for Life ® during the past three years.”

Bones for Life ® was created by Ruthy Alon, a senior Feldenkrais teacher. She was shocked to notice that her own posture was quite rounded in the upper back, even though she was very flexible and moved easily. So she got to work to develop a programme of 90 different processes, working on ways to find alignment and strength, better balance and energy; unlocking areas of tightness and rigidity through simple, gentle and subtle moves and introducing new and better b ody patterns.

“Some of the processes are done lying down, usually near a wall and some standing up –we even use a 4-metre-long ‘wrap’ and find different ways to wear and use the wrap to encourage and reinforce correct alignment.”

The main, ‘bread and butter’ move is called Bouncing on the Heels; a small, rhythmical thrust of the heel-bone into the earth is enough to give a streaming force up through the bones to the top of the head, stimulating and encouraging bone health for stronger, denser bones.

“We balance, walk, run and jump – all the necessary day-to-day activities you find in life. Each person working to their own capacity and ability and comfort – we call this using ‘greenhouse conditions’. The simple and gentle processes are really quite magic!” says Susie.

Find out more about Susie’s ‘Bones’ class.

021 039 4483 | www.YogaBody.co.nz

Years of sedentary lifestyles due to pandemic lockdowns have had a detrimental effect on our bones and posture. Susie Lever of Yogabody Matakana has the answer.

Ed&I Dry Body Brush

Made with natural boar bristles, this dry body brush will help exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and promote the excretion of toxins – giving your lymphatic system the vital boost it needs.

www.ForTheThrill.co.nz

Wellness toolbox

Radiate from the inside out with these wonder products that are designed to assist your wellness goals, whether it’s through supporting the skin, or simply a good night's sleep.

Words Milly Nolan

Twenty 8 Lavender Pure Organic Hydrating Mist

Filled with healing properties, this gentle spray tonic is especially helpful for irritated and damaged skin, but can also support conditions such as anxiety, stress, insomnia, nappy rash and sunburn.

www.NomadAndHome.co.nz

Matakana Botanicals Sleep & Body Massage Oil

Specially formulated with pure Sweet Almond Oil and locally grown Olive and Macadamia Oil, this calming “sleep easy” massage oil also has a blend of Neroli, Lavender and Chamomile to soothe, comfort and promote relaxation. www.MatakanaBotanicals.co.nz

Camden Co Linen

Eye Pillow, Natural Stripe

Handcrafted in New Zealand, this soothing wheatfilled eye pillow will help to calm your mind, help you sleep or just relax and unwind. You can also chill in the fridge to relieve headaches. www.GreenWithEnvy.co.nz

Love Skin Gua Sha Stone

Ideal for giving yourself a soothing facial massage at home, this Gua Sha stone will also boost the benefits of your skincare serum. www.TeaAndTonic.co.nz

Ritualis Beauty Blend Loose-Leaf Tea

Made from organic botanical ingredients, this invigorating, mood-boosting blend is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C for both inner and outer radiance. www.Ritualis.co.nz

Be gone 2022… hello 2023

An MC once said to a big audience that, “Crying babies, like New Year’s resolutions, should be carried out.”

What was the implication? What did that mean?

Obviously at a wedding or a graduation ceremony, or other events, a crying baby changes the feel of the situation. Agreed, empathy involves patience and once the crying stops, the relaxation level settles right back down and we carry on.

So with that ‘New Years resolution thinking’ foremost, ‘IF’ one of yours was to be healthier, more energetic, more focused, then the combination is not that hard.

1 Brisk walk for 20 mins, minimum three times per week, non stop.

2 Eat as fresh and close to nature as possible.

3 Love what you do, love who you are with, and mostly, lo ve yourself.

4 Get some decent sleep and even a mini nap in the e arly afternoon.

5 Breathe the clean air at the beach or in the bush.

6 But certainly not last, make sure your nerve system is operating as best as it can. The brain, nerve system and sense organs co ntrol everything.

A regular (2-4 weekly) chiropractic check-up works wonders for all.

Happy and prosperous 2023.

Dr Barry Rushton D.C. (Hons) | 09 425 8761 | www.SummitChiro.co.nz

ARA HILLS BY AVJENNINGS

Not many communities offer a sea and tree change. Ara Hills, located in breathtaking Orewa, does both. Bordered by the protected bushland of Nukumea Reserve and overlooking Hauraki Gulf, Ara Hills is close to Orewa Beach and the Hibiscus Coast.

With Stage one sold out, construction of the first homes is underway and the feature park is now complete, Ara Hills developed by AVJennings will eventually be home to approximately 2,000 people and will offer a range of beautiful homes designed to take advantage of the unique landscape.

to visit the Sales and Information Centre located off Grand Drive, Orewa.

416 9590 | www.avjennings.co.nz

Printed & bright

A true reflection of the season, it’s all about bright colours and bold prints this summer. Embrace the look with a head-to-toe style or add a little pop with accessories!

Styling Nikita Oliver Metcalfe

Bored

Wanda

Perfect summer pairings

Light, fragrant, and refreshing, rosé is the ultimate summer wine. Naturally, New Zealand Rosé Day is celebrated at the height of summer on Sunday 5 February. Rosé is incredibly foodfriendly and goes very well with a variety of summer dishes. The following pink pairings are made for sharing and to celebrate in-season produce and delicious, local rosé wines.

Words Caro Jenson

Brick Bay Rosé 2021 matched with a whipped feta board

INGREDIENTS:

170g cow feta (room temperature)

1/3 cup plain Greek yoghurt

1T extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste Pomegranate arils

Fresh parsley Baguette or sourdough loaf

METHOD:

Add the feta, Greek yoghurt, and olive oil to a highspeed blender and blend it for one minute until smooth.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use salt sparingly as feta is stored in a salty brine. Spread the whipped feta onto a plate or baking paper-lined wooden board.

Garnish with chopped, fresh parsley, pomegranate arils, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly ground pepper. Serve with sliced baguette or toasted sourdough bread.

Sculptureum Art Series Camille Rosé 2022 matched with deconstructed burrata bruschetta

INGREDIENTS:

1 ball of burrata cheese

300g tomatoes (cherry or truss)

2T extra virgin olive oil

1t balsamic vinegar

1 garlic bulb (halved)

Salt and pepper

Fresh oregano or basil

¼ cup salsa verde or pesto genovese

METHOD:

Preheat the oven to 160C.

Wash and dry the tomatoes and place them in an oven-proof dish.

Drizzle them with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

Slow-roast the tomatoes for one hour. Remove them from the oven and add the burrata cheese.

Garnish it with salsa verde or dollops of pesto Genovese, fresh oregano or basil.

Once the garlic has been roasted, the cloves can be squeezed directly onto a piece of toasted baguette and spread like butter. Enjoy!

Join the NZ Rosé Day celebrations via the hashtags #nzroséday and #nzrosé and visit www.Caroha.com to find out more.

Sculptureum 2022 Rosé

The Sculptureum 2022 Rosé range is here! The new Art Series Camille is the perfect choice for special occasions and celebrations.

A finely structured wine with natural lime acidity, peach, almond and citrus on the nose, crisp, dry and mineral and then red cherry on the palate, with a clean lingering finish.

Enjoy 20% off rosé cases this summer via the Sculptureum website. Discount applied automatically at checkout and is only available online.

www.Sculptureum.nz 40 Omaha Flats Rd, Matakana

The best of rosé

Heron's Flight Rosato 2022

This rosato is a blend of the Italian grapes Dolcetto and Sangiovese, grown at Heron's Flight Vineyard in Matakana.

It is a vibrant and refreshing wine, that is rich and soft on the palate. Heron's Flight created this wine using primarily their Dolcetto grapes, as an experiment for their own enjoyment. They love it and are delighted that others appreciate it too.

A vibrant fuchsia colour and brimful of summer fruits, it's a delicious wine. Perfect served cool with plates of cheeses, cold meats and other mixed antipasti.

www.HeronsFlight.co.nz 49 Sharp Rd, Matakana

Coxhead Creek Rosé

Cabernet Franc has a reputation for producing some of the world's finest Rosé wines, many of which come from Loire Valley of France.

By combining Cabernet Franc's proven elegance with the refreshing qualities of the Coxhead Creek site, they have produced a wine that is perfect for long summer evenings. 100% Cabernet Franc. 13% Vol. 750ml. 021 192 4013 www.CoxheadCreek.co.nz

BrookeLane Vineyard Rosé

Nestled in magical Mangawhai Valley, BrookeLane Vineyard is the home of the popular ’Tipsy Tui’ Rosé.

A unique blend of the Syrah and Pinot Gris grapes grown on the vineyard, this Rosé is light in colour, beautifully balanced and provides fantastic seasonal berry flavours.

Strawberries and Cream comes through strongly in this medium dry styled Rosé, which can be enjoyed as an anytime wine for any occasion.

Tastings are available at BrookeLane Vineyard located at 52 Brooke Lane, Mangawhai between 11am-5pm.

'You may even get to meet Tui Tui'. 021 545 299

BrookeLaneVineyard@gmail.com

Do you have children going into Year 7 or Year 9 in 2024 or beyond?

Don’t miss our upcoming information evening! Come and hear about our unique Middle School environment that sets us apart and keeps them together.

Thursday 16 March 2023, from 5pm

Register to attend at kristin.school.nz or call our Admissions Manager on 09 415 9566 ext 2324.

Scholarships are available to enable new students to join Kristin in Year 9, 2024.

A pizza passion

Making pizza is a ‘fun sideline’ for Trent Warren and his family who run Roving Pizza, a portable pizza oven that sticks closely to true Italian pizza-making traditions.

Words Luke Williamson

After getting married in Greece, Trent Warren and his wife, Teresa, took a detour to Italy and fell in love with the cuisine.

“I just love the simplicity of Italian food and what they do with fresh, good-quality ingredients,” says Trent.

That love has translated into a passion for making pizza. “Some people fish, some people play golf, but I enjoy making pizzas,” laughs Trent. At first, it was just for friends and family who visited Trent’s home in Waipu, but now it’s evolved into Roving Pizza, a mobile pizza oven Trent takes to markets and social events. “We did the first one with a small oven and it couldn't cope because it was just too busy. So we ended up getting a larger one that can cook up to four pizzas at once in 60-to-90 seconds. You have to be pretty quick and keep an eye on things,” he laughs.

While Trent’s ‘day job’ is as a real estate agent, Roving Pizza is his fun sideline and it’s a family affair. “My wife is helping roll the dough and prepare the bases, and my 11-year-old daughter is learning to run the Eftpos. It helps her earn a bit of money and pushes her outside her comfort zone, and kids need that these days, I think.”

The key to Roving Pizza’s popularity is the dough Trent uses. “We use flour imported from Italy and do an indirect style of dough that takes 48 hours to create. It's a lot more fragrant and lighter, and it's easier for your stomach to process.”

“Because the pizzas are a simple, Italian style, the ingredients have to be top-notch,” says Trent. “We're using ingredients imported from Italy – Fior di Latte cheese, tomatoes, salamis,

Mortadella – as well as good-quality truffle oil and extra virgin olive oil. We're trying to use spray-free and organic where we can, and locally-grown vegetables and herbs. We offer Belle Chèvre goat cheese (made in Waipu) on our Margherita pizza.”

The best places to sample Trent’s delicious pizzas are the Roving Rural Market and the Canopy Night Market in Whangarei (check out both markets on Facebook). Or you can find Roving Pizza on Facebook and book them for your next party.

I put Trent on the spot and asked him which pizza is his favourite. “The Margherita or the Pugliese. I’m very partial to the Pugliese with the anchovies, capers, chilli, olive, garlic, oregano and feta. It’s really delicious. But having said that, I love the ham and mushroom one because it comes with truffle oil and it’s just yum!”

In other words, he loves them all.

www.facebook.com/RovingPizza

HOMEWARES

Date night (and day!) dining

Words Nikita Oliver Metcalfe

Rothko Restaurant

A relaxed dining experience in a spacious country setting, Rothko at Sculptureum combines exceptional food with an exceptional location. Executive Chef, Rod Hazel, uses the freshest seasonal ingredients, focusing on local produce and suppliers to create each menu alongside the team at Rothko. Visit for dinner or combine a lunch date with a wander around the Sculptureum. www.Sculptureum.nz | 09 422 7375

Village Picnic

Turn your date into an adventure with a mystery picnic or bespoke hamper from Village Picnic. Explore the Matakana Coast on a four to five hour self-drive scavenger hunt, collecting gourmet picnic food to enjoy at your final destination. Alternatively order your premade bespoke hamper to take straight to your location of choice. A guaranteed date with a difference! www.VillagePicnic.co.nz | philippa@VillagePicnic.co.nz

The Dune Restaurant and Bar

In the heart of Mangawhai Village, The Dune Restaurant and Bar offers a beautiful setting to enjoy meals created using locally-farmed meat, seasonal locally-sourced seafood, and fresh produce. From sharing plates to wood-fired pizza and a Thursday night four-course degustation, Head Chef Marcel Inacio adds a South American flair to the menu with his Brazilian heritage. www.DuneMangawhai.co.nz | 09 431 5695

Perfectly Imperfect

Cosy up for a date night at home with Perfectly Imperfect pizza kits. Providing everything you need, including par-baked bases and the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients, from fresh tomato passata to freerange meats and fresh organic herbs. You can enjoy the cooking process without the fuss! Meat, vegetarian and kids, plus gluten-free options make Perfectly Imperfect the perfect choice for a family date night. www.PerfectlyImperfect.co.nz

manager@omahaholidayhouses.co.nz www.omahaholidayhouses.co.nz

Locally owned and operated, Omaha Holiday Houses specialises in property management and short-term rental accommodation for Omaha and its surrounds. From booking reservations to property maintenance, OHH provides unparalleled service and results for its holiday home owners and guests.

BrookeLane Vineyard

Established grape vines surrounding a meandering brook is the stunning setting for BrookeLane Vineyard. Experience the fruits of the land with a wine tasting before stepping into a purpose-built bar, inside an old water tank, to enjoy a gin tasting. Get in touch before your visit to order a unique hamper, made up of locally-sourced artisanal produce, and bring your picnic blanket for a relaxing afternoon among the vines.

www.BrookeLaneVineyard.com | BrookeLaneVineyard@gmail.com

Bam Boo

Bam Boo Asian Canteen, in the heart of Warkworth, offers more than meets the eye. With elegant and flamboyant decor inside, and outdoor deck seating with views of the river, it has plenty of private spaces to tuck away and escape the outside world. With a delicious and fresh Asian-inspired menu of dishes all designed to share, it’s a guaranteed delight for the tastebuds.

www.BamBooCanteen.co.nz | 09 422 2511

Brick Bay

There’s something for everyone at Brick Bay. Enjoy lunch in The Glass House restaurant, cantilevered over a shimmering lake with cuisine inspired by the farm produce, orchards and gardens on site. Relax under a canopy of grapes at The Row for a tasting of the property’s boutique range of wines. And enjoy the sculpture trail and kids play area to continue soaking up the surroundings long after you’ve eaten.

www.BrickBay.co.nz | 09 425 4690

Warkworth Hotel

Step into the glamorous old world of the Warkworth Hotel to enjoy elevated pub-style cuisine. Described as a sophisticated homage to the English pub, the menu includes small and large plates that put a kiwi twist on British cuisine. Weekends see the more sophisticated dining room area open for a two- or three-course set menu offering, with optional wine pairings. www.WarkworthHotel.co.nz | 09 422 1862

Valentine's Day

There are lots of ways to show someone the love; here are a variety of options to tickle your fancy.

Experienced Celebrant & Master of Ceremonies

Carla Rotondo will be there to make your day go your way. Capable, passionate, openminded and adaptable.

“I am passionate about people and celebrations. Everyone has a story that is worthy of being told the right way.”

021 241 0668 www.CarlaRotondo.com

Caro With Love

A beautifully-curated store found in Mangawhai village, will have you leaving with all your senses filled this summer.

Caro has this space filled with interior homewares, womens fashion, baby gifts and more, with her friendly staff there to help you.

Shop local this summer. 104 Moir St, Mangawhai www.CaroWithLove.com

Happy Valentine's Day

For over 40 years Bilkey & Co have been privileged to play an important role in your special occasions, with engagement rings being their specialty.

They ethically sourced stunning gemstones and diamonds to create timeless pieces in their workshop.

You are welcome to arrange a meeting to discuss having a bespoke piece made exclusively for you.

Their workshop also specialises in remodelling or repairing your favourite pieces. www.Bilkey.co.nz | sales@Bilkey.co.nz

Treat your love's skin to the highest antioxidants

The vegan, naturally active KOSHO Matcha Effective Cosmetics are made in Switzerland and combine ancient Japanese beauty traditions with the latest in Swiss skin science. Based on a unique extract of organic Matcha green tea – with highest levels of antioxidants from all superfoods and 100x more potent than vitamin C – KOSHO skincare provides the ultimate, plant-based skin rejuvenation results. Available exclusively through the website. www.Aesthetikonzept.com | 09 422 7833

Marion Stewart Marriage Celebrant

In Northland and North Auckland, Marion provides beautifullycrafted and inspired individual wedding ceremonies. Her skill in drawing out a couple's love story provides powerful and enriching ceremonies embedded with humour, happy tears and love that captures the true essence of each couple creating a memorable special day. MarryonStewart@gmail.com 021 432 463

Twig & Bloom – Matakana Village Florist

Flowers are the perfect way to say “I love you” this Valentine’s Day. Twig & Bloom is now taking pre-orders for flowers, house plants, chocolates, and gifts through their website.

Orders can be picked up from their Matakana store, or they deliver from Puhoi to Mangawhai (and everywhere in between) in their electric vehicles.

Pre-order now so you don’t miss out! Pre-orders close Thursday 9 February at 5pm.

Twig & Bloom has been located next to the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market since 2015. They're open 7 days, offer same-day deliveries, practise sustainable floristry and support local and national growers.

www.TwigAndBloom.co.nz | 09 423 0091

Photo: Helena Lopes

Labour of love

Jeanie Sutherland has always loved growing things, especially fruit and vegetables, so last year she erected a couple of polytunnels in her garden and her hobby quickly became a business.

Words Emily Pattullo

“I always wondered why people bother with lawns, when the upkeep is so timeconsuming and costly,” Jeanie says. “Why don’t people plant veggies and fruit trees?”

Jeanie studied horticulture and worked at Dunedin Botanic Gardens before moving to the area 20 years ago. She now owns a property just outside Matakana where she is studying to become certified organic, although she says, “it’s a lot of work, and so in the meantime I’m ‘practising’ organic and all my plants are spray free”.

Rather than the actual fruits (and vegetables) of her labour, Jeanie sells seedlings and plants at Matakana Farmers' Market every Saturday, so that “others can enjoy the benefits of growing their own produce and knowing what it is that they’re putting on their plates.”

Jeanie sells plants each week that are ready to go for that particular season, and is on hand to offer advice and suggestions u pon purchase.

Preparing the soil is simple and quick, but we can’t predict the weather, and certain conditions dictate the success of growth and harvest of various produce. “All this rain has meant lettuces and tomatoes have suffered,” says Jeanie. “My no-fail veg to plant is runner beans.”

Jeanie has big dreams for her property, specifically a ‘food forest’ where she can grow bananas, finger limes, papayas, and pineapples. She already grows oranges, mandarins, berries and figs, as well as copious vegetables, so is well on her way.

“My happy, calm place is my garden and tunnel houses; when you find your passion, it really is true that you don't feel like you're working.”

Visit Matakana Greens on a Saturday at Matakana Farmers' Market, or for m ore information: www.facebook.com/Mtk.Greens

How to prepare your garden for planting:

• Pull out all weeds and any plants that are past their best.

• Fork over the soil, turning the fork slightly to break up any clumps of soil.

• Add a good layer of compost and aged animal manure, such as chicken manure, and fork over to mix with the existing soil.

• Add a layer of pea straw as mulch to keep the soil moist and prevent weeds.

• Water.

• You are now ready to plant your seedlings.

BULTEMA BUILDERS

Our services: • New Builds • Extension

Renovations • Lite commercial • Landscape builds • Kitchens and bathrooms

Locally owned with a passion for quality, an eye for detail and a wealth of experience and knowledge Call Tom today to discuss your upcoming project. 021 083 083 10 | Bultemabuilders@gmail.com

Gardening calendar

As you enjoy the fruits of your summer garden, start to think about what you want in your winter garden. If you are sowing your own seeds allow six to eight weeks lead time for planting winter crops like brassicas and onions. Autumn is to the winter garden as spring is to all the summer crops you are picking right now.

Leeks

Sweet-flavoured leeks are great companions for winter garden-to-table recipes. Leeks planted in late summer to early autumn will have time to grow strongly before they slow down for winter. Allow five to six months before you have big fat leeks for harvest. If you plant from February to April, this lets you harvest from mid-winter into early spring. Leeks are very accommodating and can be left in your garden bed until you need them in the kitchen. When you are ready, dig each leek out gently with a fork or spade, otherwise your leek may break off at ground level and leave some good bits behind.

Leeks need a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter with good nitrogen levels to encourage strong healthy leaves. As the colder winter conditions set in, growth will slow, so strong growth in autumn is needed to get them nice and plump. Like their cousins, onions and garlic, they prefer a soil with a pH above 6.0. If your soil is below that, add lime in advance of planting. A raised bed will work well for leeks, particularly if your garden is prone to poor drainage in the cold, wet winter months.

Plant good-sized seedlings in rows 25cm apart and allow 2-5cm between plants. At 2cm spacing you will need to thin out young leeks to a final spacing of 15-20cm. Leek seedlings are transplanted into a hole 2-4cm deep, made by pushing a finger or round stick (dibber) into the soil. As you plant, make sure the roots are not tangled up before you lower the seedling into the planting hole. Fill the hole partially around the roots and leave the shank below soil level. As the plant develops, mound the rows slightly. This will encourage long white shanks which is the part you want to eat.

If you are planting carrots in your garden at a similar time, plant next to the leeks. Leeks will make a good physical barrier to carrot fly and help keep the winter carrot crop healthy.

Plant

• Beans

• Beetroot

• Celery

• Courgettes and cucumbers

• Greens (spinach, silverbeet, rocket, kale)

• Herbs (basil, parsley, coriander, dill, chives, oregano, thyme, sage)

• Leeks and spring onions

• Lettuces

• Peas and sugar snap peas

• Potatoes

Sow

• Beans (climbing and dwarf)

• Beetroot

• Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower)

• Carrots

• Cucumbers

• Florence fennel

• Greens (Asian greens, silverbeet, spinach, rocket)

• Herbs (basil, parsley, chives, dill)

• Leeks and onions

• Radish

Words Geoff Ledbrook

Harvest

February’s warmth will provide good supplies of tomatoes, aubergines, capsicums, chillies, beans, cucumbers, pumpkins and sweetcorn. Heat-loving basil will be in its element. Regular picking will keep it leafy and help stop it from running to seed. Greens and lettuce will need plenty of water and partial shade to be at their best.

Fruit/vege of the month: plums

Plums are truly a fruit of many colours. There are amazing colours and flavours to be had, from the zingy, dark-red Black Doris, the sweet, gold-fleshed Burbank to tangy Greengages. Plums are high in valuable antioxidants and provide fresh nutritious fruit when picked from the tree at peak ripeness. Allow 20 weeks from fruit set to harvest.

Careful variety selection can give you a steady supply from December to March. Early season plums include Wilsons Early and Duffs Early Jewel. Mid-season varieties include Coes Golden Drop, Sultan, Hawera, Burbank and Luisa. Late season varieties include Black Doris, Greengage and Omega. Most plums also need pollinators so check with your garden centre on your variety choices.

• Beans

• Beetroot

• Capsicums and chillies

• Courgettes and cucumbers

• Eggplants

• Onions

• Potatoes

• Sweetcorn

• Squash and pumpkins

• Tomatoes

Plum Butter

INGREDIENTS

• 1kg plums

• 1/4 cup water

• 1t cinnamon

• 1t cardamom

• 2T lemon juice

• 2 1/2 cups sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Half and pit all of the plums and place through a food processor.

2. In a large saucepan, combine plums, water, lemon juice, spices and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and boil gently until mixture thickens and holds its shape on a spoon, 30-40 minutes.

Creating beautiful, functional, liveable and magical outdoor spaces, unique to each client’s wants and needs. Resident Garden Designer, and qualified Horticulturist, Paul Glover combines his talents and experience to guide clients through the design process to ensure every detail reflects them and ultimately results in a garden they love.

Whether you have dreams of transforming your bare section into a botanical wonderland to relax, entertain and laugh in with family and friends, or you are re-thinking your existing garden to grow with your young family, giving your children a space to safely play and explore the natural world in, or anything in between - we would love to help.

Changing perspectives

Located on a sunny corner overlooking the river in Point Wells, it is hard not to stare at the ‘Crinkle Cut’ house (as it has fondly become known) as you are passing by. Painted in a delicate pink colour reminiscent of seashells, the house is attention-grabbing for so many reasons.

Words Milly Nolan | Photos Simon Devitt

Owned by Philip and Lu Lindesay, the striking home was built from the ground up. Having lived in the Matakana region for many years – previously on Jones Road – it was on a bike ride that the couple first noticed that the riverside site was for sale. Apart from a tiny bach, which was constructed from an old garage, the section was bare and the land was completely overgrown.

Wanting to preserve as many of the original plants as possible, and taking into consideration the magnificent Pohutakawa trees that line the property, Philip and Lu’s brief to the architects was for a light and sunny home, which was to be connected to the water and close-knit community of Point Wells, while also allowing for privacy. Plus, it had to be painted pink. “We always wanted a pink house and we wanted it to be tropical and fit with the seaside theme,” says Lu. “We also wanted it to fit in with the neighbourhood as well as possible.”

Architecture to bring their dream to reality, it of course goes without saying that the couple’s construction company, Lindesay Construction – which is run by their son William (who is also an architect) – would build the house. The end product was a true collaboration between all parties involved, resulting in a stunning three-bedroom, single-storey, garden-centric house, cleverly designed around internal courtyards and verandas, meaning there’s always a spot to sit outdoors and take in the coastal air. Rather than having manicured lawns, the house essentially ‘bends’ around the gardens. “One of my favourite aspects of the house,” says Philip, “is being able to sit on the riverside veranda in the summer and watch the world go by, yet still remain in privacy. No one can really see in, unless they get close.”

The perimeter of the house and the courtyards are defined by a kinetic facade of louvres and shifting glazed panels, both

of which offer a myriad of ways to open up the house, or close it down. The house can be modified depending on what the weather is doing, to suit the climate, view and atmosphere, as well as for privacy reasons.

“The street can be shut off while the interior is open,” says Aaron Paterson of Pac Studio. “Or, on a summer's day you can engage with the neighbourhood and enjoy the spectacle of dog walking, swimmers, bike riding and general seaside activities. If the weather turns, you can simply modify the rhythm and porosity of the louvres to control wind, sun and ambient light.”

Along with the movable louvres, the raked clerestory windows also supply a constant changing atmosphere of light and shadow,

Employing Pac Studio and Steven Lloyd

The Humble Pantry

Tucked away down sleepy Ti Point Road is the hidden gem The Humble Pantry.

With offerings of seasonal flowers, botanical gifts, plants and more, it’s worth a little detour on your travels.

160 Ti Point Rd, Leigh www.TheHumblePantry.co.nz

Whanga eats will surprise and delight you. A great destination or place to break up your journey. A small country café in the heart of the Whangaripo valley situated between Matakana and Pakiri. Owned and operated by a young local family with a passion for great honest tasty fare matched with strong Rush Coffee and good old country hospitality. Child and pet friendly and a sunny yet sheltered outdoor seating with charming rural views, loads of parking and wheelchair access.

Open: Wednesday-Saturday, 7am-2pm Sunday 8am-2pm.

1199 Matakana Valley Road, Whangaripo www.whangaeats.co.nz

but also allow the inhabitants to follow the movement of the sun (and moon, if desired) throughout the home’s spaces. “The house was built around the spectacle of light and shadow,” says Aaron. “It exemplifies the benefits of a passive design principle, the orientation of sun shading and highperformance thermal materials – how airflow and ventilation can be fine-tuned for a comfortable and sustainable connection with the elements,” he says.

It is no wonder that the house won the New Zealand Institute of Architects Award 2022 for Residential Design. Nor does it come as any surprise that its inhabitants love living there. “We are never without sunlight during the day, and at night the house subtly glows from the street like a lightbox,” says Lu.

www.LindesayConstruction.co.nz www.PacStudio.co.nz www.StevenLloydArchitecture.co.nz

Welcome to Torea Park, Matakana’s best kept secret

Just 200 steps from Matakana Village and seven minutes drive to Omaha Beach and the coastal gateway to some of the best beaches you could imagine, lies Torea Park, a secret, exclusive subdivision.

Originally a five-acre lifestyle block, owned by Kiwis Andrew (a high-end builder) and Christine (a software designer), it is now a limited subdivision of only 15 sections. Having returned from the UK in 2014, they decided to embark on a 10-year journey to design and create the unique spot, using the specialist skills they learned whilst working and living abroad. Seven years into the project, and 11 completed houses later, they, together with their award-winning architects Dorrington Atcheson Architects (DAA), have developed an enclave of extraordinarily beautiful, bespoke single-level, north-facing homes, nestled down a private, quiet cul de sac in an exclusive, park-like environment.

Torea Park is relatively unusual as the subdivision developer is also the building developer. Consistency, build quality, and attention to finishing detail has therefore been maintained throughout the whole process, from the conception of architectural plans to completion, including professional landscaping. This standard of excellence has ensured the success of the project thus protecting both value and price.

Andrew and Christine have lived on the block the whole time it was being developed and the houses built, and plan on building a new home there for themselves. Friends asked them if they had really thought about what they were doing living in the street

that they were building houses in, with the constant knocking on the door from new owners asking questions, and the inevitable teething problems. They replied, “If it’s our responsibility, we will sort it out.” They want people to love living in Torea Park and enjoy the Matakana lifestyle. It is such passion and vested interest that will ensure Torea Park retains its enduring value propositions and remains as a legacy to other pr operty owners.

The sub-division in Torea Road has proudly achieved the highest Matakana Village sales prices over the past four years, and has become one of the most sought-after streets in the area. If you’re looking to exchange

Well heck that wasn’t the weather we were hoping for...good things come to those who wait, the weather has improved and Dimity is having a massive Summer sale!!

If you haven’t already bagged a treat from the early sale come and check out what’s left and the even greater savings on summer stock!

Open 7 Days

The Hub, Unit 4/6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai www.dimity.co.nz dimityboutiquemangawhai

Shoreditch Plywood Kitchens.

Bespoke Design. Eco Conscious Materials. Free from Mdf. Kasey 027 529 4639

the city for a vibrant village lifestyle with all the benefits of living in a community, there are a limited number of house and land opportunities in Torea Park left, including this just-finished property at 34 Torea Road (pictured on right). It is a truly stunning, four bedroom, three bathroom, exquisitely finished home with unsurpassed privacy, and enjoys all day sun. A heated 9.5m x 3.8m swimming pool with cover, entertaining decks, and covered outdoor living can be enjoyed year round. Like all properties in Torea Park, the property is handy for schools and is within walking distance of Matakana School, as well as just a stroll to the bounties of Matakana village.

Discover more at dibalich.co.nz ID#550094

For more information about the opportunities at Torea Park contact:

Di Balich AREINZ 021 917 080

Precision Real Estate MREINZ (Licensed REAA 2008)

Soul sanctuary

Lucinda McDonald believes your home is your sanctuary and that a welcoming, relaxing, comfortable space to live in is central to your wellbeing. And nothing emphasises the importance of your home environment more than a lockdown or two. This is what motivates her to help clients create homes they love.

Established in 2016, Soul Interior Design specialises in creating interiors that look great and feel even better, packed with personality and style. From renovations and new-builds, to makeovers, furnishings and finishing touches, Lucinda is passionate about creating individual and enduring spaces. “I encourage my clients to be brave and really prioritise what they love over trends. Homes that tell a story of the people that live in them are the most welcoming and memorable.”

Soul Interior Design works with clients all over Auckland, and beyond, from a studio based in Matakana.

So how do you create a home with soul? Lucinda shares her top five tips:

• Show yourself – incorporate what you love, things that evoke an emotional response and spark memories. This doesn’t mean surrounding yourself with clutter, but rather finding clever ways to include special mementos. Try grouping travel treasures, books, and accessories on designated shelving or a wall unit and creating a gallery wall for family and travel photos.

• Don’t be afraid of colour – whether you’re a maximalist or minimalist, love bright

or muted colours, there is always a way to incorporate moments of magic without overwhelm. Colour is right up there in the interior designer’s toolbox for its tangible effect on how we feel and the mood we aim to create in a space.

• Mix it up – the most personal and interesting spaces incorporate a mixture of the old and new, a juxtaposition of textures and a carefully-selected variety of materials. Elements of the unexpected add character, humour, and stop a space from feeling prescriptive or like a show home.

• Don’t forget lighting – it’s often an afterthought but lighting is one of the best ways to create instant warmth and ambience in a room. It can draw attention to (or away from) elements and allow you to create several different moods in the same space. From a full lighting plan for a newbuild, to floor lamps and wall lights in a renovation, lighting is an interior designer’s se cret weapon.

• Quality not quantity – can be applied to pretty much every area of our lives, and interior choices are no exception. When it comes to furniture and other investment pieces, buy the best you can afford and enjoy a functional quality piece that stands the test of time.

027 416 6001 www.SoulInteriorDesign.co.nz

Scenes to make you smile – and think

Who is Connie Parkinson? Tell us about yourself…

I am a mother, wife, businessperson, avid runner, and cyclist – and an artist! I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember, but it’s only in the last few years I have dared create anything for the public to view and critique.

My first series of works, all of animals, was done before the Covid-19 pandemic started, but the various lockdowns just killed any kind of creativity that I had. So, it was only last year that I regained the spark to draw, and my ever-expanding Bright Life series is the result of this.

What makes you draw the way you do? What are the drivers behind it?

Our planet is clearly facing a lot of challenges; the news is full of worrisome

stories and trends, at so many levels, including climate change. Though, instead of drawing melting ice caps, dried-out rivers or ferocious firestorms, I have chosen to draw happy pictures with an embedded message about all the small and practical things we can all do to help ourselves and the next generations.

I have a passion for humans being fit and healthy, for animals, for protecting their natural environment, for planting trees, for growing plants and vegetables, for using bikes and scooters, for setting up compost bins at home.

Tell us more about how you create your artworks? Where do you get your inspiration from?

I mostly use stretched canvases, in many sizes, the smallest 200x200mm (8x8in) and the largest so far, 762x1016mm (30x40in). My chosen ‘tools’ are permanent felt-

Connie Parkinson draws whimsical urban scenes, with vivid, vibrant colours, designed to make you smile, but with a very real message about the state of the planet and what we can do about it.

tip markers. It’s unusual but I love the way the markers feel in my hand, and I imagine I am a kid again, this time creating my own colo uring-in book. Inspiration comes from all sorts of places; one day I was looking through a magazine, saw a full-page image of asparagus and thought, they look like tall thin houses! The result of that was the artwork called Green, Green or Green. We

Because of the combination of bright and happy colours with a ‘message’, I would love to do a collage of artworks – maybe two or three – for a large wall; maybe an entrance to a library, a company office, or even somebody’s home.

www.Successio.co.nz www.instagram.com/ArtSuccessio

www.theartisanhub.co.nz

Story lines

Tell

us about your background – do you have any formal training or work-life training to gain your experience?

I have always loved drawing and making. My parents are creative and I studied Graphic Design at AUT – I am still a graphic designer 30 years on. I have always combined drawing as part of my work and still do a huge amount of illustration for my clients.

How did you come to choose this style of illustration?

On a recent trip to NZ, I took to wandering around the places where I grew up. A few different thoughts just came together, the love of suburbia and the landscape. Black is a dominant colour in NZ and the discipline of only using black line and texture I thought would be an interesting constraint.

I have family in Omaha and Dargaville, so I am familiar with the drive north. On my last visit my aunt was driving as we pretty much pulled over everywhere for me to take notes and reference pictures –Walkworth,

Kaipara Flats, Kaiwaka, and Maungaturoto.

For a long time I have been thinking how I could capture the places I remember and a particular feeling. I explored a more graphic novel story-telling approach but the planning aspect of that was just too similar to my commercial work. I am trying to tell a story but not with a verbal narrative.

the

Marcia Mihotich is a graphic designer and illustrator who was born and grew up in Auckland but lives and works in London. For many years she worked on branding but for the last 18 years has worked for her own clients mostly in the arts and culture sector. Most notably she is the designer behind The School of Life’s successful retail brand.

At the moment I draw on an iPad – because I was travelling it was easier than carrying ink and paper everywhere, which is what I would normally do. I had never done it before and it gave a fluidness to the lines which I love – you have to be quite bold and decisive.

What do you love most about drawing buildings?

It’s not so much the buildings, but the human element. If you are familiar with a style of architecture or place then the pictures can be very evocative. People have said that they have a dark undercurrent – I really like that. I think that’s what I am aiming for, you can put yourself in the picture and imagine your own personal scenario.

How long does one of your pieces take to complete?

The actual drawing part is probably around three to four hours, but before that, I walk around and design the image in my mind – it must look very suspicious; I often have people asking if they can help me. I can’t always draw in-situ so I take a lot of reference images to use later. I like motorways and intersections and you really can’t sit there.

How do you see your artwork progressing in the future?

I feel I have only just started with this work and it has had a really wonderful response from people and I have been selling prints. I would like to explore larger-scale work and have the opportunity to show it in real life but I am in no rush as I just want to see where it goes.

www.MarciaMihotich.com www.instagram.com/MarciaMihotichStudio

Creating Your Sanctuary

Caroline is a travel agent extraordinaire with over 35 years’ experience.

Offering a mobile business in the Mangawhai and surrounding areas, meeting at your place of choice, supporting local cafés. Also offering 24/7 emergency service. 027 449 2349

Caro@Wtm.co.nz

Mangawhai & Milford

Sensational inner-city retreat!

A secret oasis in New Plymouth, New Zealand’s sunniest city.

This sanctuary of grand design reveals an excellence in craftsmanship; using a combination of concrete, glass, space and light, as well as some unique additions to ensure a feeling of luxury and lifestyle in this expansive home.

Indulge in the good life with top-class entertaining from a culinary space that will delight the most serious of chefs. Quality appliances, a long, wide Corian countertop, as well as a large scullery and a dumb waiter, makes cooking for your guests a unique and impressive experience for all. The kitchen is open-plan to the generous living area, which flows effortlessly out to a sizeable, partiallycovered deck – perfectly set up for BBQs. From here, outdoor entertaining comes easy, whether that be an evening spent enjoying the ambience of the wood fire, or a warm summer’s day overlooking the lake and your private domain. A parent’s retreat on the upper level, complete with a large spa bath, offers privacy and views to the same lush setting outside.

An indoor pool area, evocative of resort living, opens out to another deck space for sunbathing or relaxation, while on that same level a well-lit craft studio provides a tranquil space for artworks – a space to retreat to after your afternoon swim.

The east wing is the original home that has been fully restored, creating a sizeable living addition. This comprises 4 bedrooms, a separate lounge and rumpus area, plus an additional office. There is also a viable kitchenette space which, if converted, would be perfect for guests, teens or extended family.

Large garaging with high doors was built to accommodate your camper or boat, plus extra space for toys, hobbies or a mple storage.

A spectacular home hidden away on a magnificent and private 11781 sqm site is well-equipped to cater to all your family needs – while also offering potential for various lifestyle options.

Future opportunity awaits to capitalise on the avocado orchard where more than 600 3-yearold avocado trees have been planted along terraces, either side of the natural wetlands. This is a perfect option for a hobby farmer or market gardener in an incredibly tranquil valley, central to the city and within a stone’s throw to the Merrilands shopping centre.

A futuristic design encompassing an elegance and style that will truly take your breath away.

Step into a stunning new world. Buyers over $4.7m should inspect

48b Nevada Drive, Merrilands, New Plymouth Price by Negotiation.

www.taranakiharcourts.co.nz/NP8393

Zay Griffith 027 242 2175

zay@taranakiharcourts.co.nz

Team Taranaki Ltd Licensed

Splash of colour

On Moir Street in Mangawhai, heading towards Kaiwaka, there is now a vibrant mural on the side of what used to be a very dull and very grey corrugated iron shed. This visual masterpiece is titled The Interconnection of all Living Things, and was created by Shann Whitaker, a public space and hotel artist.

Words Kate Moore

After living in Vietnam for six years, Shann now resides in Mangawhai with his family. He constantly works with the council and various grants to provide personality to the seaside village he calls home.

The mural was completed on 5 December 2022 and took Shann five days to bring to life, as the mural is an impressive 10m by 2m in size. The site it adorns is the toy library shed on the property belonging to Te Whai o Mangawhai. Shann wanted to enhance the building by adding “fun and colour to an otherwise boring space”, and provide the kids with something exciting to look at.

Shann completed the mural after being one of 10 recipients of the annual Resenes Keep NZ Beautiful campaign. He received a voucher to purchase the paints and grant money to complete the artwork. The competition rules stated that the finished product must follow an environmental theme. This inspired Shann to show the people of Mangawhai’s connection to the ocean, which surrounds the picturesque village. Mother Nature is also vibrantly breathing life into all of her surroundings. Mangawhai means ‘stream of stingray’, and the stingray is also part of Te Whai Mangawhai’s logo, which is a fitting tribute.

The next project that Shann has his eye on is the two water tanks located on the property. He has put together a group of five Mangawhai locals between the ages of 8-14, and together they will design a mural of what Managwhai means to them. The project will start in early February so keep an eye out for the next masterpiece. Until then, the public can view more of Shann’s stunning work outside the Lincoln Street toilet block, where he has created another vi sual feast.

www.ShannWhitaker.com www.instagram.com/ShannWhitaker.Art.nz

Bear essentials

When Dear Ted founder, Hayley Stephenson, moved back to New Zealand from London, she decided to fulfil her ambition of setting up a company combining her love for teddies, design, her home country and its unique ecosystem.

It started with a childhood love of teddy bears, and after years of being in the creative industry overseas, Hayley worked to bring a classic-style teddy bear with a modern colourful twist to fruition. She wanted to create beautiful, unique bears that would not only brighten up people’s homes and hearts but also make a small difference in helping the environment – which is where Dear Ted was born.

Dear Ted Editions are boutique bears that come in six vibrant colours: Butterscotch, Cedar, Periwinkle, Raspberry, Rosewood, and Seafoam, all designed to suit the many different palettes. The bears come in two sizes – Dear Ted Editions and Dear Ted T iny Editions.

Ensuring the bear is durable and the softest ted on the market, Hayley worked with local suppliers to find sustainable, high-quality natural fibres. Made with a blend of New Zealand possum and merino, the yarn is the perfect balance of softness and durability.

The filling is recycled cotton making them exceptionally cuddly. Hayley then found a wonderful manufacturer overseas who would hand-finish each bear and bring them to life, with a chemical-free process that makes every bear suitable for kids and adults alike.

Finally adding a sweet little personality to each ted and the most adorable packaging, Dear Ted is a truly sweet, heirloom gift.

One of the most important things Hayley wanted to do was give back to the incredible country she calls home by helping to protect its truly stunning forests and precious indigenous wildlife. That’s why Dear Ted pledges to donate every year to a great cause close to their hearts: The New Zealand Conservation Trust, for their biodiversity work and education efforts that will help preserve New Zealand's unique ecosystem for generations to come.

www.DearTed.co www.instagram.com/DearTed_

Professional, locally owned & operated cabinet making business. Kitchens, storage solutions, wardrobes, laundry’s, bathroom cabinetry and more. Get in contact today for a free measure and quote! Servicing the Mangawhai and Kaipara area.

jake@mangawhaikitchens.co.nz

- 027 444 9206

A beautiful architecturally designed home available for special getaways, sleeps up to 8 guests. A world away from the rush of everyday life, slow down and enjoy a holiday, just a short stroll from the village.

thevillagehaven.matakana@gmail.com Katie 021 261 8013

Route cause

Words Kate Moore

Not having a sense of belonging is one of the many issues facing the youth community that Te Whai Community Trust hopes to provide a solution to. Introducing Rangatahi Pathways, this concept focuses on the youth in Mangawhai. Pathways aims to offer activities to those that otherwise would not have the opportunity, by engaging young people in the community and the outdoors with constructive and meaningful activities. “The impact of bullying is evident, anxiety around COVID, transitioning from primary to secondary school is particularly stressful. There is a need for activities and life-skills for a sizeable group of kids that experience boredom,” says Mary-Anne Boyd, Te Whai’s Wellbeing Strategic Consultant. “We need more support for rangatahi who cannot access services because of location.”

Rangatahi Pathways will take place in the

Rangatahi Zone, a specific space located on the grounds used by Te Whai Community Trust. The Rangatahi Zone is dedicated to the youth and provides them with opportunities to connect with peers and coaches. Mentors and tutors will work hand-in-hand with social service team members to offer supervised and facilitated youth-orientated sessions and workshops during the day. The sessions will focus on cultivating respect for themselves and their peers, environmental respect, well-being, stress management and building resilience, self-identity, the identity of Mangawhai, and its rich history. Workshops will include the creation (design and project planning) and construction of items for the Community Park or other locations, various life-skills, and teach safe practice with tools. There are many activities that Kiri Eriwata (General Manager) and the rest of her team from Te Whai hope to see

available in 2023. These include Whakairo Workshops (carving), making board games, a bicycle repair shop, collaboration with Piroa-Brynderrwynn Land Care Group, the construction of huts with natural materials, Te Whare Rehia (indigenous games), Space Invaders (sculptural art, not the arcade game), ceramic workshops, music/ drumming workshops, self-portraits and Hara keke weaving.

Te Whai Community Trust offers a safe harbour to all who seek help and advice. There are many types of programmes and services available. Have a look at their website, and if you require something, please reach out to them; they can arrange transportation if necessary.

www.TeWhaiCommunityTrust.co.nz www.facebook.com/ TeWhaiCommunituTrustMangawhai

On the move

Relocating can be hard work and stressful with everything that has to be arranged, but with a little help from a few people it doesn't have to be that way.

FLOORING XTRA

Are you looking to refresh your home’s interior with new floorin g?

From carpet to timber and beyond, Flooring Xtra offers the very latest in flooring design and technology from top brands.

Locally owned and operated with showrooms in Warkworth and Silverdale, their friendly team pride themselves in providing the best service, installation and design knowledge. Visit today, or get in touch to arrange a free in-home measure and quote.

Flooring Xtra Warkworth | 09 422 2275

Unit 2, 51 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth Warkworth@FlooringXtra.co.nz

Flooring Xtra Silverdale | 09 421 0006

19a Silverdale St, Silverdale Silverdale@FlooringXtra.co.nz

The team at Allan Plumbing & Gas are your local go-to plumbers for new house builds, renovations and relocated homes. Let them help you in to your new home, whether it be managing the full water and gas connections or by simply connecting your appliances to your water supply. Free quotes or feel free to call and chat through your options.

027 278 1120 | www.allanpgs.co.nz

Mehran and his team commit to each and every client with integrity and determination, to create a remarkable experience and achieve a successful outcome!

From prior client service experience in sales management, health, sports and the hospitality industry, Mehran strives to empathise with every client's situation and tailor their service accordingly. Attention to detail and level of communication are always as he would expect for himself if he were the client.

With so many people moving to this area from New Zealand's largest city, Barfoot & Thompson are uniquely placed to directly access more Auckland buyers than any other agency.

Call Mehran for a coffee and a chat to see how he can make a difference!

If you feel the same as he does – then why not join them!

DECORATING WITH A CONSCIENCE

How about long lasting quality hand-made curtains?

Sustainable blind choices. Including a local team who know how to provide the best solution, for any situation whether it is curtains, blinds, shutters or awnings.

Split personality.

If you are looking for a little local colour on your windows, contact Curtain Specialists on 09 425 0037 or pop into the Warkworth showroom.

1 Elizabeth St, Warkworth | www.CurtainSpecialists.co.nz

MSc Branch Manager 09 425 8742 | www.Barfoot.co.nz/Warkworth

MEHRAN ZAREIAN AREINZ BSc

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY!

Getting out and about, the local team has a strong focus on community engagement and charity fundraising where it matters. You will always see the team giving back to the communities.

Barfoot & Thompson have supported regular:

• Tradies’ Breakfasts

• Rotary Speaker Series Seminars

• Mahurangi Winter Light Festival snow pit with “Frozen” characters

• “Fill the Blues Bus” campaigns

• Auckland Marathon for the Starship Foundation

• Bowls Club Tournaments

The Barfoot & Thompson Quiz Night raised $268,000 for the Starship Foundation.

We have also raised over $15,000 for 18 local causes by holding Monthly Super Sausage Sizzle fundraising outside the Warkworth Butchery and Matakana Church in conjunction with the Rotary Club, Warkworth Butchery and Matakana Butchery. Please do go along and join them!

WHO WOULDN’T WANT TO HEAD NORTH TO THE MATAKANA OMAHA REGION?

With a large office in Auckland, Ray White Matakana are often on both sides of the transaction helping clients with their entire journey of either buying a holiday home or moving up permanently from central to north. As career Property Professionals they have a depth of experience making them the obvious choice to help you navigate this tricky market whether buying or selling.

As permanent residents of Omaha and Matakana they live and breathe this area - the team is positioned and passionate about achieving their clients' property goals. Seeing things through to the end ensuring new residents are put in touch with their trustworthy network so they get the help they need to integrate into a wonderful community. Ray White Matakana also love to give back and support multiple local charities including supporting less fortunate four legged friends. Call into their beautiful offices and meet the team.

Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

Heather Walton 021 432 167

Heather.walton@raywhite.com

Ray White Matakana, Point Wells & Omaha Office 09 283 3656 897 Matakana Rd, Matakana

YOUR TAILOR-MADE MOVING SERVICE

Moving house can be stressful. To make a move happen you need time, energy and focus. This can be difficult when life is busy, or you have limited support.

Move By Design can take care of everything from presale preparation to packing and new home set up.

• Experienced & passionate – 50 years’ family experience in the moving industry.

• Project managers & home organisers –experts at planning and organising.

• Art gallery trained – they know how to pack and hang art. • 5-Star rated – Customers love their personal service. Plus, they are an all-women team and they are locals!

Clare and Ania look forward to seeing you around the neighbourhood and to making your move stress-free and joyful.

“Clare has selected a team of professionals who are all passionate about doing an outstanding job. They made moving an incredibly smooth experience.” Ben Rose www.MoveByDesign.co.nz | 021 180 0651

Linda Smith and Robert Matulich have more than 22 years of celebrated industry experience between them. Individually, they have achieved phenomenal results for their clients, however as a team they’re even more effective, bringing together a synergy of seasoned professionalism, local knowledge, seamless communication and unparalleled expertise in marketing and negotiation. Their complementary skills, cohesive approach and dedication to delivering the best result means less stress and more success for you. Give them a call now, for a chat. They’d love to guide you on your property journey.

Linda Smith 021 470 175

LindaSmith@Premium.co.nz Matakana 09 422 9280

Rob Matulich 021 634 059

RobMatulich@Premium.co.nz Matakana 09 422 9280

One stop party shop

Bespoke party boxes and balloon bouquets are what family-owned business Megs & Co offers customers. Their aim? A stress-free party for every parent, and a party to remember for every child.

Words Shannen Frear

Megan, founder of Megs & Co, has a passion for hosting parties for kids. Finding joy in how excited children get over the smallest things, such as a balloon, she says that these simple little memories are just priceless.

“The inspiration for this business came about when I was planning my two-year-old’s birthday party. I was searching the internet trying to find some unique and different party supplies. I found a lot of neat party accessories overseas but found New Zealand to be lacking. So I decided to bring in these amazing products from America, England and Poland and that’s when Megs & Co was born,” says Megan.

Offering colourful and imaginative partyware, all-in-one party boxes, balloon decorations, tableware and themed setups, it truly is a one-stop shop to help bring all kinds of party visions to life.

Megan has dreams to one day open a party shop where her customers can browse through a unique range of partyware in person and piece together the perfect party in a stress-free way. For now, Megs & Co is all online.

www.MegsCo.nz | hello@MegsCo.nz

Top tips for planning a stress-free birthday party that is unique to your child:

• Choose a theme that your little one loves. Your options are endless.

• Keep organised and start the party planning early! Create a checklist.

• Ask yourself what type of decorations will bring your vision to life.

• If a garland is on the list of wants, ask for help from a family member or a professional to piece this together for you a day before t he party.

• Grab a party box. This is a great way to save time and money. It comes with everything you need to throw an amazing party. Just unbox and set it up.

• Remember to soak up the special moments and find joy in the w hole experience.

hazel@meadinnewzealand.com www.meadinnewzealand.com

Chris Penk MP for Kaipara ki Mahurangi

Whoopsie Daisy!

Monique Rowe’s latest children’s picture book, Whoopsie Daisy, tells the story of a three-legged heading dog who doesn’t think she can do what other dogs can because she is different. She soon discovers that she can do all those things and more. Through her book, Monique wants to teach children not to compare themselves to others and that they can do anything they put their minds to.

Comparing ourselves to others is human nature, and so is wishing we could do what they can. Monique was so inspired by Daisy and her courageous story, she came up with an idea to teach children that they don’t have to feel that way. Monique fell in love with Daisy’s determination to give love despite a start in life that left her with a broken leg and hip, and narrowly avoiding being shot. Thankfully, through the work of some wonderful people, she made it to Auckland and into the care of Helen and Gavin at Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary. There she

had her back leg removed and began her road to recovery, as well as her journey towards rebuilding her trust in humans and confidence in herself. Monique became a ‘foster fail’, which means she couldn’t give Daisy up and so kept her.

Whoopsie Daisy is available through Monique’s website, or if you spot her at markets around Auckland, go and say hi! If you are quick, you will also get a signed photo of Daisy before she gets tired of putting her paw on photos and Monique gets tired of cleaning up inky paw prints

from all over the house.

One dollar from every book sold in New Zealand goes to Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary, a not-for-profit charity that does fantastic work in caring for and rehoming rescued dogs. Check out their website for some beautiful dogs looking for someone to love them and for them to love back.

To get your copy of Whoopsie Daisy head to Monique’s website: www.MonroweBooks.com www.CountryRetreatAnimalSanctuary.org

Creative journey

Mahurangi Artists’ Studio Trail | 3-12 February

From an Opening Night Preview on Thursday 2 February, 6-8pm at the Warkworth Town Hall until Sunday 12 February 2023, the Mahurangi Artists’ Studio Trail brings together artists from many disciplines, schools, and techniques. There will be something for everyone –ceramics, mixed media, silk screen-printing, painting, textiles, jewellery, wood sculptures and even some World of Wearable Art garments.

Visitors have a chance to travel through the beautiful Mahurangi countryside and visit the working spaces of local artists. They will be able to talk to artists about their ideas and techniques and gain insight into the creative processes that drive them. Some venues offer creative workshops in card making, clay play, stitching and sculpture, where visitors have the amazing opportunity to make and create on site with the artist.

All information for the trail is in the free trail brochure, available at the Warkworth Information Centre, local libraries, caf é s and galleries around the region, at the members’ art showcase in the Warkworth Town Hall, or online.

www.MahurangiArtistNetwork.com www.Instagram.com/@MahurangiArtist

www.boutiquebarn.co.nz

Thirty artists in 20 venues will be showcasing their talents with a feast of artworks on display in studios, workspaces and galleries around the picturesque Mahurangi Region.

On that farm

Get out your gumboots, New Zealand’s national open farm day is set for Sunday 12 March. So far, Open Farms has seen over 7,000 urban kiwis visit 82 open farm days across sheep and beef stations, lifestyle blocks, permaculture orchards, dairy farms, honey producers and others. “There is no lack of interest from urban Kiwis to get on-farm,” says founder, Daniel Eb. “We book out half of our capacity in 24 hours and more than 80 percent of events are overbooked.”

After two years of running NZ’s national Open Farms day, the team have seen the impacts of on-farm experiences first-hand. “There’s a mindset piece – farmers feel a renewed sense of pride when seeing their farm through fresh eyes, or sparking a passion for food production in others. There are tangible economic benefits to hosting too; we’ve seen farmers use their open-day to build team morale, hire new people or market a direct-to-customer business model. When it comes to bridging the urban-rural divide, there is nothing more effective than an on-farm experience,” says Daniel. “It’s about getting urban Kiwis back out on-farm to experience where their food starts,” continues Daniel. “Ahead of the event, we’re calling for farmers close to our major cities – particularly Auckland – to sign up and host an open day.”

To host an event with Open Farms, farmers sign up on the website, set and track their visitor numbers and download a handbook covering activity ideas, checklists and more. Open Farms supports farmers to plan, manages all visitor marketing and registrations, and provides a ‘box-of-kit’ for the day.

Across two post-event social science research projects, visitor feedback is clear: people feel more connected to farmers, view sustainability in farming more positively, and better understand the complexities of farming after an open day.

For more information, prospective farmer hosts and visitors can visit the website or phone Daniel.

HAPPENINGS

Super bowl 10am, Saturday 4 February

Mangawhai Activity Zone, Mangawhai Heads

Widely regarded as the ‘best bowl in New Zealand’, Mangawhai’s Activity Zone is once again hosting this year’s Mangawhai Bowl Bash, and it does require balls but not the kind that immediately spring to mind.

In this context the bowl being referred to is a large concrete hole into which skate-boarders throw themselves in order to gain enough momentum to perform impressive and death-defying tricks for which they can be handsomely rewarded as well as celebrated. Previously Mangawhai Bowl Jam, it’s the 10th premiere bowl event and draws talent from around the country.

“When Jesse Peters announced he was pulling the plug on the Mangawhai Bowl Jam, which for 10 years has been New Zealand’s premiere bowl event, we realised we had no option but to carry it on,” says Andrew “Morri” Morrison, ex-professional skateboarder and fourtimes Bowl Jam Masters Champ. Owners of Irrom skateboard distribution, he and his wife Shiree, along with Evan King and Nicole Seyle from No Limits surf and skate in Mangawhai, and some behind the scenes help from ex-professional skateboarder Dave Crabb and wife Victoria will manage the event. “This year it will take on a slightly different name and shape – Mangawhai Bowl Bash – changing the format from the best single run to jam format will mean much more fun for the competitors and more scope for better tricks, which is what the crowd wants to see,” says Andrew. The bowl is 11ft deep and was built 11 years ago by Jason Parkes from Premium Skate Designs and is widely regarded as the best bowl in the country.

The event draws talent from around the country but also is a highlight of the year for some of the locals who want some awesome entertainment. The event brings welcomed revenue to the community with both riders and spectators spending money and supporting a lot of local businesses. With a total prize pool of $20k, the following are the divisions and some of the competitors to keep a look out for:

Open Men’s: Shaun Boucher, Louis Newman, Zedyn Fellows, Niwa Shewry Open Women’s: Yeva Butler, Billie Morrison, Krysta Ashwell

Under 16s: Monty Graham, Felix Griffin, Ary Teruel-Crowe, Sage Freeman Masters (over 40s): Steven Nikolls, Von Griffin, Ramon Thackwell and Leigh McKenzie

Proceedings kick off at 10am on Saturday 4 February with a rain day planned for Sunday.

Legends Dave Crabb and Levi Hawken (Nek Minute) will be the MC’s bringing the hype and good vibes.

Sustainability Kaipara has set some guidelines to make it a waste-wise event: BYO plates, cups and cutlery. Take waste home and use the right bins. No glass bottles are allowed at the event.

www.instagram.com/MangawhaiBowlBash

The After

9pm, Saturday 11 February

Puhoi Pub

Quickly gaining attention in New Zealand and internationally, Kiwi band The After was founded by bassist and songwriter Andrew Featherstone. The New Zealand music stalwart has also released music by 8 Foot Sativa, Vegas all-female Jaggedy Ann (produced by AC/DC’s Phil Rudd) and has also organised the Battle of the Bands National Championship for 27 years. Their single 'Doesn't Matter’ – co-produced by Grammy-nominated Steve James (Sex Pistols, Monty Python, Thin Lizzy, The Jam, Weta, Cold Chisel) – has hit the charts, including number one in the USA and New Zealand.

Touring NZ, including Puhoi Pub. New tour dates for Asia will be announced soon including shows in Japan, The Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore. www.PuhoiPub.com | www.TheAfter.lnk.to/DoesntMatter

Photos: David Read / Manual magazine

LOCAL GIG GUIDE

Due

MARKETS

Every Fri 4.30-8pm

Wellsford/Te Hana Night Market

Every Sat 8am-1pm Matakana Village Farmers Market

Wellsford Community Centre / Te Hana Marae

Matakana Village

Every Sat 8am-2pm Matakana Market The Old Dairy Factory, Matakana

Every Sat 8.30am-1pm Mangawhai Tavern Market Mangawhai Tavern, Mangawhai

Every Sat 9am-1pm Mangawhai Community Market Mangawhai Beach School

Every Sun 8.30-1pm Matakana Country Park Market Matakana Country Park

1st Sat of the Month 9am-1pm Wellsford Market

2nd Sun of the Month 9am-1pm Waipu Boutique Market

OWL Community Hub, 120 Rodney Street, Wellsford

Coronation Hall, Waipu

3rd Tues of the Month 9am-12pm The Whangateau Community Market Whangateau Hall

Last Sun of the Month 9am-1pm Puhoi Village Market Puhoi Domain

DATE TIME EVENT VENUE WEBSITE

Fri 20 Jan-1 Feb 10am-3pm

Exhibition: Four Visions

Mangawhai Artists Gallery

MangawhaiArtists.co.nz

Thu 26 Jan 5.30pm Late Night at Matakana Estate Matakana Estate MatakanaEstate.co.nz

Fri 27 Jan 7pm Matakana Comedy Club

8 Wired Barrelworks 8Wired.co.nz

Sat 28 Jan 2-9pm Matakana Food & Beer Festival Matakana Country Park

Sat 28 Jan 2-6.30pm Jazz on a Summers Day Tahamoana Farm, Waipu Eventfinda.co.nz

Sat 28 Jan 3pm Small Waves Leigh Sawmill Café SawmillCafe.co.nz

Sat 28 Jan 4-8pm The Last Saturday Club Brooke Lane Vineyard BrookelaneVineyard.com

Sat 28-30 Jan 9am-5pm The Extravaganza Fair Mangawhai Domain Extravaganza.co.nz

Sun 29 Jan 12pm Sunday Sessions with Carli Oso Managawhai Tavern MangawhaiTavern.co.nz

Sun 29 Jan 7.30pm Nairobi Trio In Concert Leigh Sawmill Café SawmillCafe.co.nz

Mon 30 Jan Whangateau Folk Club Whangateau Hall Whangateau.co.nz

Wed 1 Feb 6pm Ladies Night Warkworth Hotel WarkworthHotel.co.nz

Thu 2 Feb 6pm Live in the Lobby Warkworth Hotel WarkworthHotel.co.nz

Feb 3 Feb 6-9pm Fiji Friday Smiths Matakana SmithsMatakana.co.nz

Fri 3-15 Feb 10am-3pm Exhibition: The New Road Mangawhai Artists Gallery MangawhaiArtists.co.nz

Sat 4 Feb 10am Mangawhai Bowl Bash Mangawhai Activity Zone

Sat 4 Feb 6-9pm Mixed Messages Smiths Matakana SmithsMatakana.co.nz

Sat 4 Feb 6pm Hotel Swing Warkworth Hotel WarkworthHotel.co.nz

Sat 4 Feb 6.30pm The Stevie Nicks Xperience The Sawmill Brewery SawmillBrewery.co.nz

Sat 4 Feb 7.30pm Rud Stewart & The Atlantic Crossing Waipu Citizen & Services Club Waipu.c.s@xtra.co.nz

Sat 4-6 Feb Mahurangi Artist's Studio Trail Various Locations MahurangiArtistNetwork.com

Sun 5 Feb 10am-4pm Sandsational Mangawhai Heads Beach Mangawhai.Rotary@gmail.com

Sun 5 Feb 12pm Sunday Sessions with Steve Coppard Managawhai Tavern MangawhaiTavern.co.nz

Sun 5 Feb 12pm Sunday Service Smiths Matakana SmithsMatakana.co.nz

Sun 5 Feb 3-11pm Rock 'n' Rods Tahamoana Farm, Waipu Eventfinda.co.nz

Sun 5 Feb 7pm Summer Thieves Leigh Sawmill Café SawmillCafe.co.nz

Mon 6 Feb 10am Goat Island Kiwi Guardians Goat Island Beach Eventbrite.com

Fri 10 Feb 10am Tea & Talk - Life and Times of Leigh Sawmill Warkworth Museum WarkworthMuseum.co.nz

Sat 11 Feb 8-11pm Bowie Bowie Tahamoana Farm, Waipu Eventfinda.co.nz

Sat 11 Feb 9pm The After The Puhoi Pub PuhoiPub.com

Sat 11+12 Feb Mahurangi Artist's Studio Trail Various Locations MahurangiArtistNetwork.com

Wed 15 Feb 7.30pm Frank Burkitt and Friends Whangateau Hall Whangateau.co.nz

Fri 17 Feb-1 Mar 10am-3pm Exhibition: Home Mangawhai Artists Gallery MangawhaiArtists.co.nz

Sat 18 Feb 10am-2.30pm Youth Clubs and Groups Day Warkworth Masonic Hall 09-307 7795

Sat 18 Feb 5.30pm Matakana Opera Picnic Matakana AucklandOperaStudio.co.nz

Sun 19 Feb 12pm Sunday Sessions with Kate Wood Mangawhai Tavern MangawhaiTavern.co.nz

Sat 25 Feb 4-8pm The Last Saturday Club Brooke Lane Vineyard BrookelaneVineyard.com

Sat 25-26 Feb 10am-3pm Mangawhai Art Trail Mangawhai Artists Gallery & environs MangawhaiArtists.co.nz

Sat 25 Feb 7.30pm Tierra y Mar Flamenco Tour Warkworth Town Hall PaulBosauder.com

Mon 27 Feb Whangateau Folk Club Whangateau Hall Whangateau.co.nz

Sat 4 Mar MBPC Trek Millbrook,

34 TOREA ROAD, MATAKANA

This architecturally designed, hi-spec new build is idyllically located in a new prestige subdivision in one of Matakana’s best streets.

Absolutely exquisitely finished with in-built cabinetry, European appliances & stone benchtops. Magnificent open plan living, high ceilings, 4 bedrooms, 2 with en-suites + family bathroom, office, media room & separate laundry.

Solar Power, ducted heating, + indoor gas fireplace + outdoor fire + fire pit. Double garage & off street parking.

Unsurpassed privacy with only one neighbour, north facing enjoying all day sun. Professional landscaping with irrigation.

Handy to schools, walking distance to Matakana Primary. Just a stroll to the bounties of Matakana village.