Plus Living+ Magazine, Tauranga Issue #1

FREE TAURANGA E DITION: 1 | 2021

Maintaining your motivation A guide to ageing well

A healthy headspace Embracing life at any age

Taking tangible steps towards what you want

A diet to desire Eating to stay healthy

10 easy ways to boost your mood

Battling ageism

The slow march towards egalitarianism

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End-of-life Planning

Windsor Industries Windsor Industries has been focused on manufacturing and supplying beautifully crafted caskets to the funeral industry throughout New Zealand for over 25 years.

They are committed to maintaining the reputation of excellence and reliability that has been earnt over many years.

On offer is the largest range of caskets of any of the casket manufacturers in New Zealand; this includes both traditional and contemporary styles to suit the requirements of every family. The timbers used include sustainable pine, recycled rimu, heart rimu, macrocarpa, as well as imported timbers such as mahogany and oak.

Windsor Industries does not sell direct to the public, but instead makes its range available to funeral homes throughout New Zealand.

They are proud of their connection with the industry and support both the FDANZ and NZIFH. Recently Windsor began including regular deliveries to the bay of Plenty and Waikato areas – most of the range is now available on request from your local funeral home.

Windsor Industries is the only casket manufacturer in NZ to hold an Environmental Choice NZ licence – this was awarded to the Waterford Sustainable pine range with its non-toxic water-based finishes.

Windsor Industries is the only casket manufacturer in NZ to hold an Environmental Choice NZ licence – this was awarded to the Waterford Sustainable pine range with its non-toxic water-based finishes.

To qualify for the certification was a rigorous process; the source of the raw materials was investigated and checked to ensure no hazardous substances were used in the processing or included as an ingredient. According to feedback from Environmental Choice, client feedback and a growing environmental consciousness amongst staff was essential in the company developing eco-friendly products.

Not only that, but Windsor Industries plants a tree through Trees That Count for every solid timber casket purchased as a living memorial.

There are also timber ranges suitable for natural burials. This requires that the caskets be made from locally sourced, untreated timber. The team is passionate about helping to build a sustainable New Zealand and is focused on waste reduction and reducing power consumption in the manufacturing processes.

As the only manufacturers in NZ of the premium Buckingham couch – New Zealand’s most premium casket – Windsor Industries caters to customers to make sure their loved ones have the best of the best.

Made from premium quality sapele mahogany, heart rimu, dark oak without knots or environmentally sourced river rimu. It takes Ming a week to produce from raw timber to the assembled couch. It then has to undergo a further five processes, including grain filling and surface preparation, before the final high gloss coats are added. This process takes a further week.

In addition to that, the Windsor team can create a custom painted casket or urn just for you, matching any memorabilia, be it a classic car, jewellery, clothing or anything you love. Just let your funeral director know the colour you require. Most families choose to have the caskets painted in a high gloss finish with either a flat or raised lid.

Located in Pahiatua, with urgent delivery available, Windsor Industries strives on working together with families and funeral homes to honour you or your loved one in the best way they can – through creating pristine, premium caskets. Feel free to give us a call at (06) 376 6499 to request a copy of our catalogue or jump on the website to learn more at www.windsorindustries.co.nz.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 3

Contents

Inside

this issue

REF#P21TR TAURANGA E DITION: 1 | 2021

LIVING WELL AND AGEING GRACEFULLY IN A MODERN SOCIETY

Mind over matter It seems as if there are a million sayings along the lines of ‘life is what you make it’ and every one of them falls under the guise of ‘easier said than done’.

While that’s undoubtedly true when it comes to navigating the myriad of obstacles physical existence throws our way, it might not be quite as watertight when it comes to our interpretation of those things.

With that in mind, this issue of Plusliving kicks off with articles about attitude – namely yours.

We start with a guide to ageing well entitled, funnily enough, ‘Life is what you make it’ and move onto pieces about maintaining a healthy mind, how to stay motivated, ways to boost your mood, things people use to judge you and the ongoing battle with ageism.

There’s also guides to healthy eating, self-discipline and being wise with money, plus much more.

Enjoy.

JonathonTaylor

Editor

Quaterly distribution: FREE distribution maximises readership Publisher: The Job Agency T|A Markat 38 Lowe Street, Addington, Christchurch 8011 Managing Director: Gary Collins GM of Operations: Kylie Palermo Sales: Angela Elley (03) 961 5184 | sales@markat.co.nz Editor: Jonathon Taylor (03) 961 5098 | editor@markat.co.nz Production: Jessica Ann (03) 961 5088 | jessica@markat.co.nz Accounts: Jo Pritchard (03) 961 5161 | accounts@markat.co.nz

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A guide to ageing well

Ten easy way to boost your mood

Battling ageism

A healthy headspace

Eating to stay healthy

Being wise with money

Staying motivated for life

Eight things people use to judge you

Creating a home office that works for you

Welcome to Plusliving – the magazine dedicated to living well and ageing gracefully in modern society. Aimed at the 50+ age group, you’ll find articles covering all aspects of contemporary life, including physical health and wellbeing, mental health and acuity, home life, working life and finances, technology, travel, self-improvement and more. Our aim is to provide information anyone can use, on any given day, so you can get more out of life.

Does your company have any information or products you would like to feature in an upcoming edition of Plusliving+?

Please contact us to discuss getting your business in print Disclaimer This publication is provided on the basis that The Job Agency T|A Markat is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services. The Job Agency T|A Markat expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2020 by The Job Agency T|A Markat. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

Health

“The little pharmacies with the big hearts”.

Our slogan explains our attitude - small in size but big in attitude, we like to go the extra mile for our customers!

Bureta Pharmacy STORE HOURS

Bay Health Pharmacy STORE HOURS

Monday – Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm

Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm Saturday 10am – 3pm

Phone: 07 576 9600

Phone: 07 571 6164

78 Bureta Road, Otumoetai

Tauranga Hospital, Main Entrance 829 Cameron Road Tauranga South

Both pharmacies stock a good ranges of natural health supplements, first aid, skin care and some quirky gift ideas to suit all tastes! www.buretapharmacy.co.nz www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 5

Wellbeing

– a guide to ageing well Through our daily exposure to today’s array of information and communication, we are inundated with messages about the merits of ageing well and the processes we can follow to ensure we realise our potential at any age.

The concept of ageing well can be perceived in a cosmetic sense, conjuring up images of anti-wrinkle remedies and the revolutionary youth serums which purportedly stall the physical metamorphosis we undergo as part of our evolutionary existence.

It’s a lucrative industry selling youth; one which has no expiration date, because the ‘youth in a bottle’ market and everything it encompasses will have life for as long as humans walk the earth and their desire for a life of longevity exists.

But ageing well in life cannot be taken at face value alone. Because while the restorative properties of age reversal potions and practises may bring skindeep satisfaction to our lives, ageing well in a holistic sense is what fulfils us in mind, body and soul.

Wise up We have heard the supposition ‘wisdom comes with age,’ time and time again.

It is a proclamation that suggests our wisdom well is fuller when our eyes, minds and hearts have absorbed a lifetime worth of knowledge and are more in tune with the way of the world.

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There is much to be said for and learned from the valuable hindsight that belongs to those who have experienced life, although it is important to utilise what intellectual capacity we have now to create a plan to age well.

For life’s greatest pearls of wisdom may well be reserved for a moment in time beyond our immediate reach, but making age well plans require the application of today’s wisdom while the wisdom of tomorrow still belongs to the future.

A plan to age well We spend our lives planning. Plans are personal maps for life which we formulate to help us reach milestones, fulfil ambitions and complete tasks effectively.

And while a life plan may not grant us immunity from the serendipitous way of the world, the protection, security and direction afforded to us by having a strategic plan, can only contribute to a life of longevity.

There is no dictionary definition for ageing well, no textbook manual open for our consultation.

Ageing well cannot be mimicked or even learned from others because while peers and family may be able to offer suggestive guidance, our unique genetic blueprint means how we define ageing well and go about it, will require a personal touch.

Therefore, a definitive list of steps for entering elder-hood and working towards a life of longevity cannot be given, but recommendations for areas of focus can be provided to help you on your journey.

Wellbeing And like adventure at any age, your physical, emotional and spiritual values should be your guiding intuition.

Sleep is also as important to our health as diet and exercise – without it we cannot function properly and may even become ill.

Physical health

We know when we sleep, our bodies rest – conserving energy and decreasing blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and body temperature, but our brains remain active – laying down memory, restoring daytime mental function and carrying out tasks that lead to physical growth.

We can all remember the physical liberation attached to being young and ailment free.

And while it becomes harder to reverse or right the physical wrongs we have committed as the years pass us by, if we are consistent throughout life and honour a balanced and physical lifestyle, we can continue to experience the physical autonomy gifted in youth.

The physical benefits of a balanced diet are also well documented, which is directly associated with healthy ageing.

The saying, “you are only as old as you feel” is applicable to the exercise equation because beyond the aesthetic merits of staying active, physical exercise is also an elixir for staying young in mind and spirit.

When entering any era in which our life profoundly changes, we need to get emotional – in an intuitive sense.

As a combatant for what ails you, the positive effects of a physical lifestyle are further increased with the adoption of other physical practises.

In order to beat stress effectively, you need to have a grab-bag of antistressing tools that you use often and proactively before your body’s stress response fully kicks in. The more anti-stressing tools you can learn the better.

Emotional health

As we get older and life presents us with new emotional challenges, understanding our emotional needs and feelings and catering to these, is as importance to our wellbeing as maintaining physical health.

Ageing well emotionally is like a quality of life initiative; the different realms of quality of life include physical, mental, social and spiritual factors.

Instead of reinventing the wheel, ageing well can be about maintaining what is working now for you and what has worked before in those specific domains and then adapting those to the appropriate age context.

Looking after mental health is incredibly important during our latter years in life and older age is most commonly the time in which people reach out to mental health workers or a social network.

Grief, dementia and physical, mental or social loss can be the catalyst for seeking out the support and assistance of others and it is in the process of seeking this assistance that people find renewed strength and direction.

In conjunction with seeking advice and emotional support from social networks and support systems, following a plan for ageing well emotionally can also involve taking a psychotherapeutic approach through cognitive behavioral therapy.

Getting out and about, staying active, having good hygiene and fitness as well as following regular sleeping patterns are all related to this.

Asking the existential questions in life, such as: “Who am I? Where am I going? What do I want from my life?” also benefits people’s emotional health and understanding of themselves, as does seeking out the guidance of spiritualists who are open to different denominations and people.

In conclusion Life is what you make it. Plan for tomorrow, live for today and seek out the support of any of the following organisations to guide you as you age well physically, emotionally and spiritually throughout life.

www.markat.co.nz Plusliving+ | 7

Life and Style

Lifestyles

1.

1. Camden Walnut Cocktail Ottoman Perfect for entertaining guests before a meal at your dinner party, this cocktail ottoman upholstered in black leather comes with a tray for those wanting to keep their drink close at hand. Created by English furniture designer Jonathan Charles.

RRP: POA | www.interiorsfurniture.com

2. Mixing it up Mix, whisk, knead and fold with ease – the new kMix stand mixer from Kenwood is the ultimate kitchen companion. With 1000W of planetary mix action, the mixer maintains speed and power, even under heavy loads allowing you to focus on being creative in the kitchen. Available in four colours: rose gold, chrome, black chrome and yellow gold.

2.

RRP: $649 | www.kenwoodworld.com/en-nz

3. Ultrasofa Designed by French designer Frédéric Sofia, this piece is an outdoor, two-seater sofa. With its straight lines and defined angles, this is perfect for lounging in the sun or getting cosy with someone outside.

3.

RRP: $11,490 | www.jardin.co.nz

4. Apple Watch Series 6

4.

This iteration of the Apple Watch takes your health to the next level – you can now measure your blood oxygen level and take an ECG anytime, anywhere. The enhanced Always-On Retina display, you can also see your fitness metrics at a glance.

RRP: $699 | www.apple.com

5. EMU Re-Trouvé High Back Chair Inspired by mid-century modern design, the EMU Re-Trouvé High Back Chair can easily mix and match from tons of bright colours for the effect you desire.

This piece will induce a bit of retro charm and nostalgia into an otherwise modern home.

RRP: POA | www.coalesse.com

5.

6. Sony Headphones These Sony HD noise cancelling headphones come with close-fitting ear pads, touch controls on the right ear cup, USB-C rapid charging, and 30 hours’ battery life. WIRED magazine’s recommendation for the best headphones, the best wireless and the best noise cancelling headphones is one and the same: the Sony WH-1000XM3.

RRP: $448

| www.sony.co.nz

6.

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Building

www.markat.co.nz Plusliving+ | 9

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Jones & Company Ltd Jones & Company Funeral Services has served the Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke and Katikati district for over 100 years.

Since opening in 1909, Jones & Company has remained locally owned and operated. Current owners Chris and Carolyn Andrews, along with their small dedicated and experienced team, care for your deceased loved ones with dignity, kindness and professionalism. Your family is treated with warmth, friendliness and kindness.

Jones & Company has three locations. Our Hillsdene Chapel and reception lounge is in Tauranga; our Mount Harbour Chapel (formerly the Mount Maunganui Methodist Church) has been extensively renovated for funerals and catering. Our Te Puke venue is located in the Te Puke Methodist Church. With the permission of the Church we regularly book the church and hall for funerals and catering. All three locations have air conditioning and data facilities.

Experience has shown us that the way we celebrate the loss of a loved one has changed considerably over the last two decades. From simple arrangements to complex, to ensure your last wishes are followed, consider pre-arranging your funeral. This helps those left behind immensely, easing what can be a stressful and emotional time.

If you wish to talk through arrangements for yourself or someone close to you, please contact Jones & Company Funeral Services on 07 578 4009.

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COVID-19 has highlighted the necessity for an immediate cremation followed by a memorial service and/or live streaming the funeral service. This is especially the case where travel is restricted or family members are forced into managed isolation.

You may also want to phone us if you have wondered or thought about any of the following questions:

What do I do when a close relative or friend dies and I am to arrange things?

• What happens if the coroner is involved when a death occurs?

• What happens when the death is at home, hospital or a rest home?

• Burial or cremation? How do I choose?

• Do I have to have a funeral?

• Who can conduct a funeral?

• What costs are involved?

• Where can a funeral take place?

• What is the difference between a funeral service and a memorial service?

• What is a private service?

If you would prefer to speak with me personally, you can phone me on 027 276 2207. If I do not answer immediately please leave a message as I check my phone regularly even when off duty.

Kind Regards Chris & Carolyn Andrews

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FAMILY CARE | FAMILY VALUES FAMILY OWNED

Every life deserves a special time of honouring celebrating and farewell Jones & Company guiding families through the funeral process since 1909, and still remain locally owned.

Providing a professional and caring service for you and your family.

Our service is 24 hours, however office hours at our Hillsdene Chapel and Funeral Home (main office) are 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

www.jonesandco.co.nz | enquiry@jonesandco.co.nz

CALL US ANYTIME (07) 578 4009

HILLSDENE CHAPEL, 143 THIRTEENTH AVE, TAURANGA 3112

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Wellbeing ???

A healthyheadspace It is a topic that remained dormant in our society for many years. Silent whispers were exchanged behind closed doors, but the taboo stigma of the subject meant cries for help were ignored or never voiced.

Today, thankfully, the subject of mental health is embraced by society.

Campaigns, organisations and the media seek to educate and create public awareness and understanding about the importance of maintaining mental health.

What is mental health and how do we define it?

The World Health Organisation says, “Mental Health refers to a broad array of activities directly or indirectly related to the mental wellbeing component and includes – a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease.”

Embracing life at any age For older citizens, mental health can still be a difficult subject to broach as old fears or memories attached to dated mental health care and stigmas resurface, making it difficult for them to express their concern.

But with people progressively living longer in life, it is becoming increasingly important to look after our mental health because we are seeing retirees living for another 20 or 30 years after they cross the retirement threshold.

Mental health care starts with keeping in touch with those who provide our physical health care.

Be ready to say to your doctor you would like to spend more than the usual 10 minutes allotted so you can address any emotional issues with them.

Simple strategies like taking notice of what is around you, learning new things, being physically and mentally active and even smiling are all important for mental health.

Nutrition and exercise also contribute to healthy bodies and general practitioners can suggest where to get advice on healthy eating.

As we grow older, our mental health may be something we become more consciously aware of.

Maintaining dental care and having regular hearing and vision checks is also important as well as attending podiatry consultations.

Life’s little distractions, in the form of domestic duties, employment and an active social calendar may no longer demand as much of our time and therefore we are left to ponder a new direction.

A significant part of being mentally well is also about nourishing our spirit.

And while this is not always the case, the transition into retirement can mark the beginning of a new era, in which we are offered back the independence we exchanged earlier on in life for the responsibilities attached to family and work.

Whether or not this is associated with a religious order, it is another factor that can make us less vulnerable to depression. Music, painting, poetry and other forms of art fill a need in many people’s lives.

For some, there is a feeling of peace and happiness in working in a garden or walking on a deserted beach.

The liberties attached to this recovered freedom can open new doors and present fresh opportunities, but they can also leave us feeling somewhat lost and overwhelmed.

We do not stop growing as we age and it is up to us to recognise and seek out the people and activities that help us grow more vigorously and with greater joy.

It is at these times that our mental health may potentially suffer and we need to look at ways in which we can mitigate such feelings of loss or uncertainty.

Social support from friends, family and medical experts can all provide a buffer against mental illnesses like depression and having a support system in place can offer a sense of security and belonging.

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Wellbeing ???

Seven ways to improve your self-discipline

Finding success – be it professionally or personally – requires discipline. This is the actual personal disciplines of self-control, correctness, values, ethics, courage, character and purpose.

Personal discipline is the path to improving our own performance.

Self-discipline develops self-control and character, resulting in an orderly and efficient work and home life. It is discipline, not just desire, which determines success.

Discipline is necessary to set and achieve goals. If we have the discipline to do, to act, to listen and to constantly seek ways to improve, we will achieve far greater success in our lives.

Focused goal setting on results you really want to achieve is the key.

Achieving your clarified and specific goals through being disciplined will give you a more orderly, confident and stress-free work life.

As a bonus, productivity will improve and you will also demonstrate a positive impact on others. Attitudes are caught, not taught!

Come see the beauty and incredible wildlife of the Bay of Plenty.

Seven steps to developing discipline in your work life 1

Determine and prioritise your work goals. Know what you want to achieve. Write it down. Be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely.

2

List your reasons for the goal. What am I doing and why am I doing this? What will I possibly gain from achieving this goal?

Why is it important?

3

Identify any issues or obstacles. Anticipate road blocks that might work against you.

4

Develop new behaviours. Put in place new behaviours such as using your Outlook as a contact planner. Drink plenty of water every day. Practise reflection.

5

Have courage – courage to commit to the goals and their achievement.

6

Be ethical. Treat others as you want to be treated. Use strength based language. Praise publicly and criticise privately.

7

Stay focused. Read and review your goals daily. Don’t be despondent if you miss one or two. Just reset them and refocus.

Don’t give up! Be persistent and diligent.

The price of discipline is always less than the pain of regret.

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Fulfill your dream of encountering the majestic dolphins in the open waters of Tauranga. Dolphin Seafaris offers amazing encounters with dolphins using safe swim bars to hold on to while in the water. This is an unforgettable dolphin excursion that is perfect for the whole family.

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(326 8747)

Ph: 022 131 0201

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 13

Self-Improvement ???

Maintaining your motivation

Staying motivated in your daily life can be tough even when you’re having a good time.

Balancing work, relationships and social obligations, as well as your personal goals can be a daunting task.

Combine that with the wonders of the internet and Netflix at your fingers, and it’s a wonder anything gets done.

By Claire Wright

Before delving into how to stay motivated and focused, it’s important to note that you as a person are not defined by your productivity or how well you accomplish your personal goals.

Everyone is worthy of existing and taking a break. Breathing room and giving yourself rest and recreation is one way to stay your most motivated.

For example, if you want to start playing the piano, start out with the goal that you’ll learn a few chords to start with. That way they can add up, and when you look back, you’ll see you actually accomplished a lot.

At the end of the day when you close your eyes, where do you want to be?

What do you want to do with your time here?

These questions are hard to think about, but keeping them near the front of your mind will help guide you in the direction of how you want to live your life.

Whether you want to further your career or you want to dive headfirst into your hobby, you want to make sure you’re not filled with regret when you near life’s finish line.

Base goals on what you want, not on what you think you should want Often times, our loved ones pressure you into goals that aren’t necessarily what we want. You have to make sure that the goal you’ve set for yourself is one you want to attain.

Just because your grandad always wanted you to be a doctor doesn’t mean you have to be.

If you’re going to spend all this energy going after something, make sure it’s something you want, that’ll make you fulfilled and happy.

Break down your goal into manageable tasks When you look at what you want to accomplish, sometimes the whole idea can seem insurmountable. However, nothing is ever built overnight.

Breaking down what you want to do into smaller tasks with deadlines will help you accomplish them since they won’t feel so unachievable.

14 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Share your goal with others Share what you’re doing with a few loved ones to keep yourself accountable. Telling them you’re starting your novel is one way to make it a tangible thing – by saying you’re going to do something, you have already put the wheels into motion.

That way, they can also check in with you and keep you motivated.

Positive reinforcement always trumps negative reinforcement.

Look to others that do what you love Seeing the skill and artistry others have accomplished is a great way to stay hungry for your goal and give you something to strive for.

For example, if you want to start roller skating, viewing YouTube videos of people doing different styles of roller skating you’re interested in – jam skating, skate park skating or roller derby – can motivate you to work harder.

Be careful not to compare yourself to others. Everyone works at their own pace, and just because you’re not at someone else’s level yet doesn’t mean you’re bad at what you do. Keep at it!

At the end of the day, we all want to live a life we can be proud of. Taking tangible steps, even small ones, towards the life we want is a sure-fire way to be more satisfied with our place on earth.

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www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 15

Self-Improvement ???

10 Even the most optimistic people can use a mood boost every once in a while.

Taking an extra moment for yourself will make your day brighter and give you a healthier outlook on life.

Here are 10 simple ways you can bring a little happiness into your life right now: 1 Go for a walk Just a little bit of exercise can boost your mood and give you a fresh perspective on problems that have been bothering you.

easy ways to

2 Give it a rest Ditch late-night screen time and head to bed earlier. Increasing your amount of sleep can reduce your stress level and leave you feeling energised to tackle your day when you wake up.

3 Thank someone Acknowledge something that someone has done for you and send a note or a small bouquet of flowers. You’ll put a smile on their face and yours.

4 Compliment a stranger Tell someone that you like something that they have and you’re guaranteed to brighten their day. Seeing good things in others will help you start to see good things in yourself.

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Self-Improvement ???

boost your mood 5 Plan a vacation

8 Wear your favourite colour

Getting bogged down with our daily routines can send us into a rut, causing us to look at things negatively. Booking a trip near or far away will give you something to look forward to, and the break from your normal routine will help you to see your life a little more clearly.

Have a passion for red? Love cool blues? Wear your favourite colour and you’ll walk a little taller and smile throughout the day.

6 Buy something silly

Boost your confidence by completing a particularly hard crossword or Sudoku puzzle. Maximising your brain power and doing something challenging will help you to have a more confident outlook on life.

After all, laughter is the best medicine. Pick up something that makes you laugh like a funny picture, book, magazine, or a movie. Giving yourself time to laugh boosts feel-good endorphins.

7 Get a massage Your neck and back will thank you and you’ll feel relaxed the rest of the day – and then some.

9 Tackle a problem

10 Model behaviour Take a photo of yourself doing something you enjoy, like roller skating, skiing, swimming, playing an instrument, or being with friends and family.

Place the picture on your desk to remind yourself that you lead an amazing life and have lots to be happy about.

Keeping calm when the pressure is on Staying calm and focused is important when things don’t go as planned.

Be it at home, at work or in a recreational setting, it’s simply the nature of the beast that stress, anxiety, anger and frustration can rise under pressure.

Follow these suggestions to help you take the right approach: • A sense of decorum is required – be calm, confident and assertive.

When communicating to others, be positive and leave out rude or negative messages • Avoid reacting out of your own anxiety or rising to defensiveness.

Stay cool and everyone else will follow suit

• Remove yourself from the situation – take a break and allow yourself to settle down to think things over.

Separate your thoughts to get a clear idea of what you’re dealing with and then work out your course of action

REVIVE CANVAS AND UPHOLSTERY | CUSTOMIZE INTERIORS

• Reassure yourself – obstacles are all part of the challenge; you’ve done it before and you can do it again. Remind yourself of how you approached a problem in the past and how you solved it • Use a different perspective – as a simple shift of perspective can do wonders. Clearly identify and define the problem, and look at it from a different point of view. You may find you have overlooked something or gained new insight may turn out invaluable.

23A Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga

Ph: 027-209 3223

nick.actioncanvas@hotmail.com

www.actioncanvasandupholstery.co.nz www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 17

Legal Advice

Anderson Law Anderson Law was established in Katikati in August 1999.

Anderson Law specialises in the legal work associated with residential, orchard and business sales and purchases as well as wills, estates, enduring powers of attorney and relationship property agreements.

The business originally operated from the premises behind Westpac bank, and in a former life was the postmaster’s residence. After a number of years there, and with the increase in staff numbers, we moved to 12 Jocelyn Street in January 2019.

Anderson Law specialises in the legal work associated with residential, orchard and business sales and purchases as well as wills, estates, enduring powers of attorney and relationship property agreements. Each of these requires the application of special rules either laid down in government Acts or Regulations, or established by case law or the detailed knowledge of agreements, leases and other legal documents.

Some legal matters appear to be quite simple, such as wills. It is possible to purchase a will kit and draw up your own will, but we have seen a number of these, and in many cases they are defective, perhaps because they do not take into account changing circumstances, or they have been signed and witnessed incorrectly.

If a person dies leaving a defective will it will cause a lot of extra work in obtaining probate and distributing the estate. It is better to have a will drawn up correctly.

We are often asked by agents to advise a client who is selling a property by auction. The auction terms and conditions contain detailed rules. It is important that the Vendor (the seller) knows that he is giving a warranty that any structural work that he has done has received a building consent and code compliance certificate. If this warranty has not been complied with, then he will be in breach of contract.

The staff at Anderson Law can help you with these and many other matters.

Anderson Law Our Services RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY | FARM & ORCHARD SALES MORTGAGE REFINANCING | BUSINESS SALE & PURCHASE FAMILY MATTERS | RELATIONSHIP PROPERTY TRUSTS, WILLS & ESTATES | CIVIL & EMPLOYMENT

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Healthy Living

A diet to desire

– Eating to stay healthy

An apple a day keeps the doctor away – it’s an old saying, but there is more than a hint of truth in it.

What you eat has a huge impact on your ability to fight off bugs and infections during the winter months.

Older people and children need to pay special attention to what they eat during the winter, as they are particularly vulnerable. However, quality, availability and variety of fresh food can be an issue in winter.

Keep eating vegetables and fruit The recommended intake for vegetables and fruit is five servings a day (three vegetables and two fruit).

These vital foods provide us with heaps of vitamins and fibre, as well as antioxidants and phytochemicals which have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.

To keep your meals affordable, look for vegetables that are in season. Great winter vegetables include carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, pumpkin, yams, kumara and broccoli.

Frozen and canned vegetables and fruit can also be great alternatives to fresh food during the winter, so keep plenty on hand. Look for those with no added sugar or salt where possible.

In cold weather, people can be less inclined to eat salads or raw fruit, but there are some cheap and simple steps you can take to make sure you keep your vitamin and mineral uptake up even during these months.

Cook comforting winter casseroles

Start the day with breakfast

Look to invest in a slow cooker – cheaper cuts of meat work well when cooked slowly and there is nothing to rival the smell of a home cooked casserole as you walk through the door at the end of the day.

To get your energy levels up in the morning it is vital to have a good breakfast. Great ideas for warming winter breakfasts include baked beans or a poached egg on toast, a simple veggie omelette, or porridge with fresh, dried, stewed or canned fruit.

If using canned fruit, try to buy fruit in its own juice rather than syrup, and try to keep additional sugar to a minimum if you stew your own fruit.

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Casseroles are fantastic for keeping you warm during winter and are great for feeding a family on a budget.

You can put almost anything in a casserole, but try to add lots of root vegetables and tinned tomatoes and keep the extra fat used to a minimum.

Mustard and Worcestershire sauce can give a real flavour kick and canned kidney beans or chick peas added near the end of cooking add great texture and taste to a dish.

A Kawerau moving company with heart

Agape Movers specialises in furniture and household removals from Kawerau and throughout the Bay of Plenty, as well as Waikato and beyond.

At Agape we provide full service quoting, packing and moving.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, we’re a moving company that nurtures a strong, caring value system across all areas of our business.

Our service area includes: Kawerau, Whakatane, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Hamilton and wider regions.

We value your possessions as if they were our own, and take extra care to ensure that all details of the move are considered from your perspective. We communicate with you at each stage of the move, from initial consultation to final delivery.

We have a highly motivated professional team who enjoy their work. All our staff are trained to understand your needs during the process of shifting to a new home.

Our local knowledge and experience allow us to access a location quickly and efficiently, and streamline the move no matter what the weather is doing – or how many steps there are!

Every move is unique, and each customer has different requirements. Agape Movers offers an in-home consultation during business hours of 10am4pm, Monday-Friday, within the Kawerau area. We’ll talk to you about the options available and tailor a package just for you. To assist us in preparation for your consultation, contact us today.

Healthy Living

Soup, soup, soup!

Soup is the ultimate ‘meal in a bowl’. Choose a favourite recipe and make a big batch over the weekend, then freeze individual portions for lunches during the week. Look to spice up traditional recipes by adding lentils, small pasta or pearl barley – they will give great texture and flavour to your dish, as well as making it go further. Pureed or textured, there is nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of soup served with crusty bread, pita bread or toast.

Curried Kumara Soup 1 tsp oil 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped 1 tsp minced garlic 1 tbsp curry powder or red curry paste 2 medium orange kumara, peeled and chopped 4 cups chicken stock 2/3 cup evaporated milk Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add onion and garlic and stir over a medium heat until the onion softens. Add curry powder or red curry paste and cook for a further 1-2 minutes.

Add kumara and chicken stock and simmer for 10 minutes or until the kumara is soft. Puree the mixture, add evaporated milk and heat through without bringing to the boil. Adjust the seasonings to taste.

Serving suggestion: serve sprinkled with chopped fresh coriander or parsley.

Kietzmann Investment Solutions Specialising in the management of investment portfolios for investors who are seeking absolute or positive returns for their investments over time.

Our primary objective is “preservation of capital”. With this focus, we seek to deliver our investors both sustainable and attractive long term returns.

We believe the return of your investment is as important as a return on your investment.

We invest alongside clients on the same terms, conditions, and fees, using the same investment specialists. We also favour those global investment specialists who have invested a substantial portion of their own personal wealth in their funds alongside their investors.

About Keith Kietzmann Keith’s experience in financial services ranges over 35 years.

Keith is also a Certified Financial Planner CM (CFPCM). Keith has been involved in financial planning, funds management, private banking and assisting financial planning groups around the country.

Easy Minestrone Soup ¾ cup (135g) pasta spirals or shells 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 6 cups chicken stock 1 x 500ml jar tomato pasta sauce ½ tsp dried oregano 1 tbsp sugar 1 cup pumpkin, peeled and chopped 1 large potato, peeled and chopped 1 large carrot, scrubbed and chopped 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 1 x 425g 4 bean mix, or red kidney beans (drained) 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Combine pasta, onion, chicken stock, pasta sauce, oregano, sugar, pumpkin, potato and carrot in a saucepan. Boil uncovered for 15 minutes.

Add peas and 4 bean mix and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.

Add parsley, stir until hot.

Serving suggestion: serve sprinkled with parmesan or grated tasty cheese and bread.

Keith Kietzmann Investment Solutions FSP763393

Keith prides himself in his long time dedicated service to his clients through many turbulent times in the investment markets over the years.

Keith has built many long term relationships with his clients, assisting them to grow and protect their wealth.

He is committed to ongoing education and personal development, ensuring clients are continually provided with best practice advice.

Keitzmann Investment Solutions is here to provide you with expert assistance. Wheelchair accessible entrance available. Whatever your needs may be, get in touch today.

Advice on:

+ Financial Planning + Retirement Planning + Discretionary Investment Management

Call 0800549453 or 021 966484 54 Levers Road ,Matua Tauranga

www.markat.co.nz Plusliving+ | 21

Behaviour

Sizing you up

Eight things people use to judge you The human brain is hardwired to judge. This survival mechanism makes it very hard to meet someone without evaluating and interpreting their behaviour.

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Behaviour

While we tend to think that our judgments are based on the content of conversations and other obvious behaviours, the research says otherwise.

In fact, the majority of our judgments are focused on smaller, subtler things, such as handshakes and body language. We often form complete opinions about people based solely on these behaviours.

in you is a strong personality indicator. People who only talk about themselves tend to be loud, self-absorbed ‘takers’. People who only ask questions and share little about themselves are usually quiet, humble ‘givers’. Those who strike a nice balance of give-and-take are reciprocators and good conversationalists.

Your handshake - It’s common for people to associate a weak

How you treat others - How you treat others, especially support

handshake with a lack of confidence and an overall lackadaisical attitude. A firm handshake is associated with being less shy, less neurotic and more extroverted

How often you check your phone - There’s nothing more

Tardiness - Showing up late leads people to think that you lack

and service people, is so indicative of your makeup that it has become a widely used way to assess someone’s personality.

frustrating than someone pulling out their phone mid-conversation. Doing so conveys a lack of respect, attention, listening skills, and willpower.

respect and tend to procrastinate, as well as being lazy or disinterested.

Repetitive, nervous habits - Touching your nails or face or

to relate your handwriting to your personality. Bottom line – the research is inconclusive at best when it comes to handwriting and personality.

picking at your skin typically indicates that you’re nervous, overwhelmed, and not in control. Research suggests these nervous habits are indicative of a perfectionistic personality, and that perfectionists are more likely to engage in these habits when they’re frustrated or bored.

How long you take to ask questions - Ever had a

conversation with someone where they talked about themselves the entire time? The amount of time someone allows to pass before they take an interest

Handwriting - There are all manner of false stereotypes attempting

Eye contact - The key to eye contact is balance. While it’s important to

maintain eye contact, doing so 100 percent of the time is perceived as aggressive and creepy. At the same time, if you only maintain eye contact for a small portion of the conversation, you’ll come across as disinterested, shy, or embarrassed.

Maintaining eye contact for roughly 60 percent of a conversation strikes the right balance and makes you come across as interested, friendly, and trustworthy.

Why Choose NPS Painting?

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Avoid masking tape mishaps, paint drips on the carpet, and standing on your tippy-toes on a ladder (please don’t do that!), and instead partner with NPS, your local Bay of Plenty painters.

With over a decade of experience painting interiors and exteriors, the NPS team have the knowledge and tools to reimagine your space with colour.

Looking for something else? If it involves paint, there is a good chance we can help you with it.

As a family-owned and operated business, people and results are at the heart of what NPS does. Every project deserves the care and attention to detail that NPS provides.

Painting is a tiresome job, but it’s one that we love. While many people consider painting their own spaces, nothing compares to the professional finish achieved with the right tools and technique.

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Colour has a way of making any space look new. Whether you are looking to bring an old space into the modern era or reflect your unique tastes with a pop of colour, we can help.

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Beauty

His, Hers & Scissors When looking for a hairdresser that you can trust creating a hairstyle for you, you will want someone with experience and flair.

His, Hers and Scissors, are ready to help you achieve the head of hair you’ve always dreamed of.

Not all hairdressers are created equal and it seems that neither are their prices. Fortunately, His, Hers and Scissors manage to provide their customers with a premium service at an affordable price.

Fortunately, you needn’t look any further than the team at His, Hers and Scissors, based in Otūmoetai.

Our team of experts will pamper, polish and style you in our luxurious salon, with the tools, knowledge and experience to get you looking your very best. We specialise in hair services such as haircuts, hair colours and we are also now able to offer chemical hair straightening which leaves your hair feeling silky and smooth.

This service also includes a cut, blow dry and straighten for a sleek finished look.

His, Hers and Scissors keep it real for each client, making sure that they can reach their hair needs. Whatever you are searching for in your hairdressing needs, we have a solution. We know how important it is to remain faithful to the client’s vision and you can rest assured that the fabulous and professional team at

We know how important it is to remain faithful to the client’s vision and you can rest assured that the fabulous and professional team at His, Hers and Scissors, are ready to help you achieve the head of hair you’ve always dreamed of.

So, what are you waiting for? Come in and meet our wonderful team here at His, Hers and Scissors today!

07-576 9603 82 Bureta Road, Otūmoetai Tauranga 3110, New Zealand Mon - Fri: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Sat: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Sun: Closed Late nights available by appointment

Owned and operated by an experienced Hair Stylist, His Hers & Scissors are here to provide hair care services to their customers’ satisfaction.

The team at His Hers & Scissors look forward to seeing you and taking care of your hair.

24 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Community

(Free Delivery on meals)

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 25

Society

Battling ageism

While we are progressively moving towards being a more engaging and accepting society, the existence of certain prejudices within our communities continues to threaten social equality and stifle the opportunity for an egalitarian environment.

Discrimination towards marginalised groups, subcultures and identities within society is not new. And while social acceptance is growing and playing its role as a social moderator in New Zealand, as a collective and united body of people we are yet to address and defeat an age-old discrimination.

An age-old issue

democratic society, the environments in which ageism is manifested, are a catalyst for further inequality.

Ageism can manifest itself in many ways. Sometimes its direct and other times its through ignorance and throwaway comments.

Intentional or not, such comments can be hurtful. However, New Zealanders can address this issue, stop it in its tracks, and uphold the rights of the elderly – this must be everyone’s central concern.

Studying society There have been various studies conducted to address and measure the presence of ageist attitudes within society. A 2006 research report commissioned by the New Zealand Rights Commission was undertaken by University of Auckland business school professor Marie Wilson and student Jordan Kan. Wilson and Kan attested that age-based stereotypes distort employment markets and affect perception about the employability, skills and competency of older works.

To legitimise the validity of this admission, Wilson and Kan conducted a field experiment where simulation and interviews were used to “assess the selection process from multiple perspectives and enable a thorough consideration of both the process and outcome of recruitment and selection decisions”.

In the workplace, on the street or in our social institutions, ageism is ubiquitous.

Young and older candidates were included in this study and the subsequent results were summarised in a report, Barriers to entry for the older worker.

This report confirmed that younger workers were perceived by employers as being more suitable candidates for employment opportunities although older people had a plethora of unique skills to offer.

In the most obvious sense, ostracising someone because of their age is a breach of the basic rights which should be afforded to all members of a

“Age-based discrimination undermines both personal and national productivity and limits the growth and productive capacity of firms...

Ageism, or prejudice towards the elderly is detrimental to our living history; those who represent the wise and courageous individuals who fought for our liberation and voted for our own equality.

Professional Health Care Service Providers We’re proud to provide high quality health care services Whether you need one hour per week to help with your house work, or full 24/7 care with a dedicated team of support workers and registered nurses, we can help.

Contact us to discuss your personalised needs, our Coordinators will work with you to ensure the best possible services are provided for you or your loved ones.

At all times you or your loved ones are in complete control of your services. We will provide the care you want, at the time you want it, in the way you want it. If you’re not happy for any reason we can work together to ensure complete satisfaction is achieved.

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“

Society

Intentional or not, such comments can be hurtful. However, New Zealanders can address this issue, stop it in its tracks, and uphold the rights of the elderly – this must be everyone’s central concern.

”

The assumptions behind age-based discrimination are largely false as well; older workers are not less adaptable, often possess rare and complex intellectual capital, provide longer and more reliable service to their employers and have fewer accidents, injuries and occasion fewer workplaces losses than their younger and often more expensive colleagues.”

Addressing ageism While ageism is on the social issues radar, prevalence is hard to determine as victims of age-based discrimination may not articulate their concerns; meaning it is difficult to develop a definitive understanding about the scale of the issue.

When people are committing ageism, many of these offences can be readily identified by listening to general conversation as they are often quite overt acts.

Once identified, ageism can be dealt with through education. Victims of ageism can also seek out support on their own accord through organisations like Age Concern.

Age Concern focuses on advancing positive ageing and the wellbeing of older people. The organisation endeavours to assist older people who are subjected to ageist attitudes.

Addressing and eradicating ageist ideologies is not just about reducing inequality. The wealth of experience and skills possessed by the elderly often go unrecognised although they are invaluable to the betterment of society.

It is on the moral conscience of our nation to address this problem through understanding and support.

If you or anyone you know is a victim of ageism you can contact Age Concern by logging on to www.ageconcern.org.nz. This website contains a list of regional office numbers you can ring. Alternatively, talk to a friend or family member who can help you address this issue.

Golf Learning Centre The Golf Learning Centre is your worldclass golfing destination for lessons, coaching and on-course management.

Play alongside and develop your skills with professionals to enjoy the game more.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner, or a tour professional. We have the experience and resources to cater for all abilities.

Sessions can include; ball tracking radar technology, video analysis, training aids, on course coaching, follow up correspondence including practice and drill recommendations.

Additional services we provide: • Individual Coaching • Group Workshops • Golfing Experiences • Club Fitting • Beginner Coaching • Junior Coaching • High Performance Coaching • Playing Lessons • Personalised plans.

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Cleaning

Clean As Can Bee Clean As Can Bee are your local friendly and experienced cleaners who can be relied upon for doing a great job each and every time.

If you need hassle free cleaning, whether it’s for regular scheduled cleaning or for a one-off job, look no further than the team at Clean As Can Bee. Not everyone’s cleaning requirements are the same so please feel free to request what you want and we can do it for you.

A reliable and professional Tauranga-based cleaning company; we’re here to help.

Introducing Katie Williams and her team

Clients of Clean As Can Bee can be rest assured that they’ll receive a professional service lead by owner and operator Katie Williams accompanied by her small and trustworthy team.

polish. Whether you need a one off spring clean, oven cleaning, or end of tenancy clean which can include carpet cleaning, or you want to book us for scheduled home or office cleaning, call Clean As Can Bee.

We are environmentally friendly Clean As Can Be use environmentally friendly products (where possible) on all of our cleaning jobs to help keep you and your home or business irritant free. Our products are biodegradable and won’t affect septic tanks.

100% satisfaction guaranteed We provide our own specialised cleaning equipment

The Clean As Can Be team go above and beyond and provide their own vacuum cleaners, dusters, mops, and cleaning products including specialised products like cooktop protection products and wood

The Clean As Can Bee team understand that you would like your home or business to be squeaky clean, which is why we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with something, please call us and we’ll come and make it right for you.

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Energy

Get the real deal on your power Looking for a better deal on power? With many different providers to consider and their seemingly great incentives to sign-up, are some deals just too good to be true?

Here are the main pitfalls to be wary of.

Welcome gifts – you might get a free TV, or bill credit when joining, but you’ll probably be paying for it with higher base prices on your power and a contract. Watch out for hefty exit fees if you want out early.

Daily ‘free’ power – Sounds great right? But only if you’re prepared to put in the effort to increase your usage at just the right time each day to earn the reward. If not, best find a cheaper everyday rate elsewhere.

Bundling – Getting broadband with your power sounds convenient, provided you don’t mind your power company being a jack-of-all-trades.

Hopefully they’ll still have time to answer your call.

Consider Energy Online as the solution to all this confusion Competitive prices – Great prices on power and gas – not just when you join.

Simple plans & payment – No jargon, lots of options, one bill, no sweat.

Small print without surprises – No tricks, no hooks, no gimmicks. That’s how we roll.

Energy Online has 20 years’ experience in making energy simple, easy, and gimmick free.

With no contracts or early exit fees, competitive prices and flexible payment options, you’ll spend less time worrying about power, more time enjoying life.

Sound good? If it’s electricity, natural gas and LPG you’re after, sign up in five minutes at energyonline.co.nz or call 0800 086 400 today.

Energy Online has 20 years’ experience in making energy simple, easy, and gimmick free.

Get a better deal on your energy If it’s Power, Natural Gas or Bottled LPG you’re after, we’ve got you covered. Get brilliantly simple energy with no contracts, no gimmicks and no hidden charges – just great prices & great service.

Sign up online in less than 5 minutes and we’ll take care of the rest.

• Great everyday prices – no gimmicks, no hooks • Flexible payment options

• Award-winning customer service

• Manage bills with our handy mobile app

Join online at energyonline.co.nz or call us on 0800 086 400 www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 29

Money Matters

Being wise with money At some stage in our lives, we have each experienced the pitfalls of living outside our financial means.

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30 | Plusliving+ www.markat.co.nz

NZ_HPH_MAG

Money Matters Material desire, impulsive indulgence and a lack of ability to differentiate between ‘want’ and ‘need’ can blind our better judgement. Or, quite simply, unexpected bills and expenses can blow the budget.

retirement age manage their money well and that most report living a satisfied life in retirement, there are still important factors to consider when being wise with money.

As we get older, budgeting and saving for our future is imperative as is a regular renegotiation of financial priorities and preparation for potential losses of income.

Many elderly people in retirement have no chance of increasing their income and cannot be sure of how long they are going to live or what might happen in between.

It’s about investing in the future you.

Get Sorted

The value of wisdom While money is the universal form of currency, wisdom is of equal value, because being rich in savings is inconsequential to the security of your future if you are not rich in the financial wisdom you require to ration those savings.

Establishing relevant financial boundaries is about formulating strategies for protecting yourself and your money. Recognising the importance of a legitimate and age-appropriate investment is also imperative to avoid financial downfall.

Financial fortune, like life, is subject to change and forgetting that this change is an inevitable part of human existence, can set you up for a financial fall you may not recover from.

For example, if you rely heavily on your superannuation or a small investment, the more conservative you need to be. Generally, if something is high interest it is generally high risk.

We only need to look at the pandemic and its effects on the global economy to realise the unpredictable nature of finance, savings and investment.

In the ‘life stages’ section of the Retirement Commission’s online initiative the Sorted website outlines the following goals for 60 plus citizens:

Finance at every age In acknowledgement of the average retirement age in New Zealand, we generally classify the elderly as 65 and older.

But in fact, there are three generations within the 65 to 95-plus demographic.

Being wise with money involves recognising which generation of this wider category you fall into and what respective financial needs or obligations you may have.

While many elder targeted surveys in New Zealand suggest that those of

• Make some quiet time to set your goals • Be specific and write your goals down • Review goals every six months or annually • When you achieve your goal, celebrate and then set a new one.

Sorted also offers mutiple checklists, suggestions and common assumptions for your consideration as well as updated information on equity release, retirement villages and how best to spend your savings.

For further information on how to be wise with money, visit: www.sorted.org.nz.

www.markat.co.nz Plusliving+ | 31

Money Matters

The big turn off Substantial savings can be made from simple strategies.

Although you might not feel you have the time, energy or patience to pursue marginal cost-cutting strategies and techniques, the figures show these marginal strategies can make a significant impact to your energy costs, both at home and at the office.

Saving can be simple, so here are a few quick fixes to get you started: • • •

• • • • • •

• •

•

• •

Shut down computers – a small but easily managed saving Change light bulbs Avoid late fees and penalties by paying bills on time to assure prompt payment discount Take advantage of lower interest rates on loans if possible Sign up to Skype or Zoom for free video conferencing and save on travel Cut paper use by recycling or re-using misprints for scrap paper Energy efficient vehicles save on fuel, oil and maintenance Turn off any unnecessary appliances at night like that coffee machine Negotiate your office rent – if vacancies are high your landlord may prefer low rent to no rent Don’t offer lower prices straight away – not everyone is price sensitive Keep track of inventory – it saves staff from running over to the nearby overpriced store when they run out of essential items Lock the supply cabinet – it keeps it tidier and staff must request things, inevitably saving money and resources Reduce phone lines and phone features you really don’t need Renegotiate equipment leases, such as getting a smaller photocopier which may be more suited to your business needs, be they at home or in an office.

Kiwilaw

Bereavement is hard - but the pain of the legal work can be softened

by Kiwilaw If you want a no nonsense, empathic approach to probate then you should definitely contact Cheryl Simes, Kiwilaw director and lawyer.

Following the loss of a loved one, Kiwilaw makes your probate paperwork easier, less expensive, readily accessible, and still legally accurate.

Evolving from a lifetime’s interest in computers and systems, communications, and the law, not to mention Cheryl’s commitment to ‘doing things better’, Kiwilaw offers a unique online approach to create the legal probate documents you require. If there’s no will, no worries, the online process is similar but the documents are slightly different and cost a little more to prepare.

It really is that straightforward. Answer a series of simple questions online. Any concerns will be followed up, usually via email. Then court-ready documents arrive at your door, complete with instructions on what needs to be signed, how, where, by whom, and by when.

With little to no overheads and advanced document automation that saves time, these savings are passed on to you - the client.

With Kiwilaw there are no hidden costs.

32 | Plusliving+ www.markat.co.nz

Estate Administration

Save on estate administration costs with Kiwilaw...

It is difficult coping after losing a loved one.

Taking care of the estate administration can seem overwhelming and expensive.

But Kiwilaw’s online, NATIONWIDE probate service is there to make things easier.

Do you need probate?

Probate is the High Court’s approval of the Will and executors. You will need probate UNLESS there is no land (except Māori land) and no more than $15,000 in any one financial institution.

Read the reviews...

Don’t take our word for it, read the reviews and testimonials online at: www.kiwilaw.co.nz/grateful-clients

After probate, what else do I need to do?

For your FREE step-by-step outline of estate administration simply scan the QR code or visit the website:

www.kiwilaw.co.nz/estates

Choose who to use...

You don’t have to use the lawyer who holds the Will.

Ask for a clear estimate before you agree to anything.

Most charge from $1,000 to $3,000 just for probate, not counting the rest of the estate administration.

Kiwilaw - usually $490 (plus High Court fee)...

Available online 24/7, wherever you are in NZ.

Kiwilaw - there to help you at a difficult time • Probate documents to you directly (usually $490) or to your lawyer (usually $390) • Get a free copy of the 40-page Kiwilaw Guide to Estate Administration with your SuperGold card when you get probate through Kiwilaw (usually $49)

Cheryl Simes LL.B (Hons) MA (Hons) Kiwilaw Director/Lawyer

www.kiwilaw.co.nz

www.markat.co.nz Plusliving+ | 33

Building

Precise Builders TAURANGA BUILDERS WHO LOVE CRAFTING THE HOME YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED

Let’s make your home something to be proud of W www.precisebuilders.co.nz

E info@precisebuilders.co.nz

Call Dave Now 027 805 7763

Universal design centres on the concept of creating spaces and products that can be used by the widest range of people possible.

It recognises that there is a wide spectrum of human abilities and everyone, even the most able-bodied person, will pass through

Dave and Rachael together own and lead Precise Builders Limited, based in Tauranga. The pair have been building homes in Tauranga since 2014. Along with our team, we pride ourselves on delivering custom-built homes with a service tailored to meet the requirements of our clients. With us you get a team with experience spanning across two decades and across two continents, who have the qualifications and the drive to fulfil your new home, renovation or extension dreams.

Dave leads three teams of hard-working, quality builders whose energy, enthusiasm and attention to detail is second to none, along with their passion for your project being a huge driver for this close-knit team. Precise Builders is with you at every stage of the project; we work hard to make sure your building is your dream home. We do this through

many stages of life and generally experience periods of illness or injury.

By designing for this human diversity and age we can create things that are easier and suitable for everyone to use at all stages of life.

can be indistinguishable from their non-accessible counterparts, allowing for the creation of design-led bathrooms that will stand the test of time and allow for the safe and accessible use by a home’s occupants across their lifetime.

Modern bathroom products that incorporate universal design, and those that are Lifemark certified,

The beauty of contemporary universal design products is that they are indistinguishable from other product ranges.

The design basis for them is dual purpose; combining form and function to create beautiful yet functional spaces that can be used by the majority of the population at all stages of life.

Clever design of a support rail is vital. There are many brands on the market that show support rails with colour but that is only

34 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

our well-established process, good management, and regular communication. You’ll join Dave for weekly onsite catch ups, so you can see your new home taking shape.

This makes us one of Tauranga’s preferred building companies.

With us you get a team with experience spanning across two decades and across two continents, who have the qualifications and the drive to fulfil your new home, renovation or extension dreams.

So if your looking to build new, renovate or extend your existing home, give Dave a call on 027 805 7763 or send us an email info@precisebuilders.co.nz

a small part of the look.

The rounded ends and mounting rose ultimately still looks like a hospital rail. Hewi’s System 900 changes this perception with flat ends and smaller rose mounts.

Metalfix Solutions Metalfix Solutions designs, develops and engineers a variety of outdoor products including louvre roofs, canopies, pergolas, automatic/pedestrian gates, handrails and balustrades.

Each project is individually crafted to your specific requirements and using the highest quality materials and stainless steel fittings.

We focus heavily on research utilising the latest design trends in our engineering, fabrication and installation services. It’s important for us to source the best possible raw materials so we can stand by our quality of products, systems and workmanship.

We guarantee your installations will remain 100 percent rust-free and provide a five year warranty.

Established in 2017, we cover the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Coromandel. However, you are welcome to contact us if you are based outside this region. The Metalfix Solutions team is very experienced with over 15 years in aluminium fabrication and installation.

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Metalfix Solutions has a strong reputation for excellent customer service and communications with regular updates on our projects.

We pride ourselves on a professional, punctual service for our clients and we invite you to enjoy this experience for yourself.

James has been in the aluminium industry since he was 15.

He worked on large high-rise commercial façade, conducting manufacturing and installations. From there he moved to eight years of residential installations and built large game fishing boats for overseas clients. A broad range of skills is required for the custom made products. His vast experience and knowledge in fabrication projects is perfect for ensuring that you receive the best results for your requirements.

We would love to hear about any projects you may have in mind.

Contact us now to discuss your requirements.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 35

Real Estate

What to look for in a real estate agent Selling your home can be a daunting process, so our advice is to start by talking to family, friends and people from your local community groups as to whether they have used an agent locally and had a positive experience and found someone they can recommend.

An agent’s reputation is one of the key ways they get referrals and repeat business.

It’s good to look for agents who can demonstrate knowledge of your local area and community, as this will help them with the marketing and explaining the benefits of your home, such as the location, to potential purchasers.

Local agents also tend to have a network of potential buyers that they have been working with, or that they have access to through colleagues – ensuring your property is best positioned and marketed to potential buyers.

Things to look for when choosing an agent: • Communicates in person first – a great agent will pick up the phone and call someone rather than emailing or texting first. They want to connect and keep a rapport going. They are also good listeners. They aim to minimise any misinterpretations that can arise via text or email (when tone can come across wrong, spell check does something random etc). While technology can help, being good at the fundamentals is essential • Is an effective communicator – they get back to people when they say they will. Vendors are usually extremely worried about selling their house so when an open home is held, they expect the salesperson to get back to them straight away

with how many people came, feedback, next steps, etc. Look for someone who goes the extra mile with communications to all parties • Displays local knowledge – they can demonstrate knowledge of the local area and community, ideally with a network of potential buyers. This can help ensure your property is best positioned and marketed to potential buyers • Experience and ambition – a great agent can talk to you about similar properties they’ve worked with, or situations they’ve faced and how they’ve fixed any issues that have arisen.

Look for someone who talks in facts and specifics instead of generic sentences. Whilst lengthy experience can be advantageous, it is important not to discount someone new to the industry as their ambition to succeed could prove even more beneficial.

• Positive testimonials – there is nothing more telling than hearing directly from someone who has worked with this agent before, whether that is someone you know personally that has worked with them, or if the agent will let you ring “Mr & Mrs Smith from 123 Green Street” and talk to you about their experience of dealing with that agent.

We often recommend meeting a few agents before you choose who to work with.

We also recommend visiting open homes they are hosting to understand how they present their vendor’s home.

This will help you get more of a feel for how they work to get the best for your property.

You can also look online and see how agents are using social media or digital marketing to increase coverage for the properties they are selling, and therefore see what you could expect for your property.

- Wendy Alexander is the acting chief executive at the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ).

Brooke Edwards - Eves Waihi Brooke Edwards Residential & Lifestyle Sales Licenced under the REAA 2008

Waihi and Surrounding Areas Specialist

07 863 2288 027 435 5905 brooke.edwards@eves.co.nz www.brookeedwards.eves.co.nz Eves Waihi 42 Seddon Street, Waihi

36 | Plusliving+ www.markat.co.nz

Brooke is currently the youngest real estate salesperson in Waihi, but don’t be fooled she is driven, enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable in the real estate realm.

She currently resides on a farm with her husband, son, and many animals. Not afraid of a bit of hardwork, Brooke has done it all fencing, cattle rustling, fixing water leaks, priming the water pump, you name it.

Backed by seven years in real estate within residential and commercial property, as well as years of experience in rural agriculture, Brooke is the agent you want selling your property to get you the best possible price. It is understandable why she is able to successfully assist

her clients and customers with their real estate needs, as she applies determination and skill to guide her clients through the property transaction. She does so to make to make the prcoess as stress-free as possible.

As a seller, it’s important that you understand what’s happening in terms of how buyers are shopping, what they are buying, what stops them from making offers, what is the best way to attract them to your front door and how your agent can coach both parties to get a mutually successful outcome.

You can trust Brooke to make your journey to buying or selling as smooth as possible with the skills and expertise to ensure she gets you a successful result.

Jeanette Hamlyn - Harcourts

Having lived and worked in Tauranga for over 30 years, clients can feel rest assured that Jeanette has a broad and comprehensive knowledge of real estate and Tauranga’s property market.

Well-equipped with a decorated background in insurance and banking, Jeanette’s number one philosophy is to maintain open, honest and professional relationships with all of her clients.

A people person at her core, Jeanette enjoys individuals from all walks of life which enables her to build and foster valuable client relationships. Transparency and authenticity are the hallmark of her personal communication style.

Jeanette is proud to represent New Zealand’s most trusted real estate brand and is committed to providing the finest experience in the industry. As a licenced real estate professional, Jeanette

strives to provide an elevated service by consistently delivering accountable results for her clients with total integrity and always ensures that her client’s experience is as seamless as possible.

Whether buying or selling, Jeanette is equally at home with residential and rural lifestyle properties.

Operating since 1888, Harcourts’ focus is firmly on the future and continuing to offer clients with the highest levels of personal and professional service, while achieving the best possible results. Harcourts International is the largest real estate group in New Zealand and the fastest growing Real Estate group in Australasia Time and time again, satisfied clients recommend Harcourts agents, such as Jeanette to their friends. Clients stay loyal for successive transactions with over 94% of clients reporting that they would recommend Harcourts.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Jeanette today for a successful real estate result!

Jeanette Hamlyn Marketing Consultant - Tauranga Central Licensed REAA 2008

Whether you are buying or selling, Jeanette is equally at home with residential and rural lifestyle properties.

Her enjoyment of people from all walks of life and desire for all things Tauranga, results in a sincere, enthusiastic real estate experience.

07 5781203 � 027 570 2012 � jeanette.hamlyn@harcourts.co.nz � 1 Third Avenue, Tauranga �

www.markat.co.nz Plusliving+ | 37

Real Estate

Adele Alexander - First National I have been privileged to assist buyers and sellers with their real estate needs across all price levels since 2013.

professional relationship. I provide high quality service throughout the entire selling and buying process. I do my utmost to ensure your experience is stress-free and your real estate goals are reached.

I believe there are three main factors that separate me from my competition.

Number three

Number one

Is my energy. Real estate involves many processes, including very long hours. Being focused and energised throughout negotiations is key to achieving the best outcome for clients.

Is thinking outside the box, as real estate has changed so much over the years, even since I started. It is really important for me to keep abreast with the changing and evolving property market, as well as ways to utilise different marketing methods that can set a property apart from the rest.

Number two

I have a commitment to my clients.

I am dedicated to providing exceptional and individualised service, a fresh and energetic approach and I develop an honest and trusting

If I say I am going to do something, I will do it!

I look forward to working with you.

What Past Clients Have to Say...

We have great faith in Adele, she is a person who does what she says she will do. Everything to do with the sale of our home has gone smoothly and with little stress and this is important to elder sellers. She was also patient in explaining the contract to us. We would thoroughly recommend Adele to anyone thinking of selling their home.

- B & M Tazewell Adele went over and above the call of duty to help us out and she had the patience of a saint to put up with us two, as we are not easy to please. We did give her a few headaches and she kept her cool. WELL DONE ADELE, we have no hesitation in recommending Adele to help buy or sell a house.

- D & M Parr

Licenced Agent REAA 2008

Excellent service. Adele has a very pleasant personality, so helpful and not pushy. I would recommend to anyone.

Many thanks.

- B Butler Adele was very professional in her dealings. Her understanding of the market and advice given regarding the sale of the house helped the sale of our house much smoother. She was always keeping us informed and was readily available to answer any questions. Her manner is very friendly and professional. We would have no hesitation in having Adele as our agent again.

- L & D Crone

P: 027 936 5500 or 573 0600 | E: adele@tepukerealty.co.nz 159b Jellicoe Street, Te Puke | www.adelealexander.co.nz 38 | Plusliving+ www.markat.co.nz

Real Estate

Joanne Hurne

Eves Realty Katikati

Joanne is committed to providing her clients with the highest standard of real estate expertise and will make the process of buying and selling a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

Testimonials Here is what some of her clients have said about working with Joanne.

Thoroughly professional. Having dealt with a number of agents trying to sell this property, we brought Jo in and were immediately impressed with her down to earth approach. She kept us up to date with any developments and got the job done quickly with a minimum of fuss, can recommend.

After 23 years in the industry, Joanne brings to your property a raft of expertise. Achieving top salesperson for the last financial year in her former office in Auckland and many years prior is a testament to the hard work and commitment she has for her clients.

After 20 years in Auckland, mid 2019 Joanne located from Kawakawa Bay to join Eves Realty Katikati. A company that has a team ethic similar to her previous company. Quickly establishing herself as a residential and section specialist.

Joanne prides herself on her honesty, integrity and dedication. She approaches all interactions with complete professionalism and care.

Specialising in lifestyle, and residential and coastal properties, Joanne loves living the lifestyle she sells.

“When you find someone who has provided an excellent and professional service for you previously, I reckon it’s a good idea to stick with the tried and true. Joanne had previously sold our home in another city and when we elected to sell our present home, it was great to discover Joanne moved to our region and was working with Eves Realty. Right from the start, Joanne provided sound advice regarding the property sale and worked very closely with me to facilitate all requirements. Nothing is too much trouble for Joanne and she is always available to answer any questions and assist. Her sunny disposition is also a great asset. I would recommend Joanne to anyone who is looking for excellent service, whether purchasing or selling.”

Specialising in lifestyle and residential properties, Joanne loves living the lifestyle she sells.

For exceptional service and results, contact Joanne Hurne at EVES today.

Professional. Hard Working. Consistent.

027 291 1440 joanne.hurne@eves.co.nz

joannehurne.eves.co.nz @joannehurnerealestate

EVES Realty Ltd, Licensed under the REAA 2008

www.markat.co.nz Plusliving+ | 39

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Ray White Mount Maunganui & Papamoa YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENTS AND PROPERTY MANAGERS Realty Focus Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

Did you know Ray White sells 1 in every 5 New Zealand properties?

We may not be perfect yet, but that's a lot of practice.

So use the people that other people use.

Ray White Mount Maunganui rwmtmaunganui.co.nz 07 575 2030 mtmaunganui.nz@raywhite.com rwmtmaunganui.co.nz

Ray White Papamoa rwpapamoa.co.nz 07 542 0501 papamoa.nz@raywhite.com rwpapamoa.co.nz

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @raywhitemountpapamoa 40 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

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Build your new lifestyle with Signature Homes Tauranga & Bay of Plenty At Signature Homes Tauranga & Bay of Plenty we pride ourselves in providing our customers with a bespoke experience by building homes that feel uniquely theirs.

Owners Debbie and Craig Williams know a thing or two about building beautiful Kiwi homes as they’ve been doing it in the region for more than 30 years.

You’re almost guaranteed to enjoy your build experience with the Signature Homes Tauranga & Bay of Plenty team, who since 2008 has won the National Client Survey award eleven times.

Build with confidence From the get-go, you’ll have your own team by your side who will take care of all the nuts and bolts, so you can relax and be confident your home is in good hands with award-winning builders. Plus we’ll provide you with the best building guarantees in the country.

Time to be inspired Bryan and Marie (featured in the images) spent eight years moving between 17 rental properties around New Zealand before deciding to design & build their home from scratch.

The retired couple didn’t have a plan in mind when they approached Signature Homes but had a list of must-haves. Their home needed to be low maintenance and have plenty of room for their children and grandchildren to stay. A place to finally relax and enjoy is what we delivered for this inspiring couple.

“Signature Homes exceeded our expectations in every respect. We had no regrets and would give them a 10 out of 10”, says Bryan and Marie.

Ready to start?

Wherever you are in your building journey, we can help.

Contact one of the Award Winning team today on 0800 102 105 or visit signature.co.nz for more information.

MOUNT

CONCRETE

Phone: 021 0484 434

Email: richard.mountconcrete@gmail.com

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 41

Real Estate

First National Te Awamutu Your home is your biggest asset; So when making a property decision you need the right people at your side, a good lawyer, financial advisor and real estate professional. Finding the ideal combination of professionalism, experience and understanding is what brings you to us - we are the little guys with a big heart! Covering the Waikato since 2017; We invest in our clients to ensure their properties are marketed properly to get the best possible outcome.

When we set up our agency under the First National Brand it was in the knowledge that we weren’t in this alone. The First National group is a cooperative, each office is individually owned, yet we collectively work together and support each other. We are able to draw on a long and wide knowledge of the industry and historical markets.

What we offer

is on presenting the property in its best light and arming the buyer with the knowledge to purchase. We invest in our client’s property because we put them first.

Do you have a Real Estate query? What we do at First National is help you find the right solution, what we are really passionate about is helping people, so we can help you realize your dreams.

We enjoy being part of our communities, supporting local groups with sponsorship and person power. Give us a call to see what we can do for you!

“Vayle was always going to be our first choice once we decided to sell. She is very professional, super efficient and totally reliable. The way she listens to your needs; as clients we cannot be more grateful for. She goes over and above the service expectations.” - Nen & Jan

At First National Te Awamutu we have a great team, we are a small group with a big heart. We all have a shared view about wanting to help people, do the best for them and support them through their individual property experience. True to the First National motto “We put you first” we believe that selling real-estate is not about us, our focus

first national p first choice p first time p

firstnational R E A L

E S T A T E

Te Awamutu

Vayle Hammond 027 226 9532

07 280 7536

Tania Cortesi-Western Lynne Aldridge 027 203 8261 021 0224 4700

admin@waiparealestate.nz

waiparealestate.nz

35 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu

Waipa Real Estate Ltd, MREINZ Licensed REAA 2008

42 | Plusliving+ www.markat.co.nz

Home Improvement About Flooring Design The Flooring Design franchise started in the Hawke’s Bay and was founded on a simple philosophy, which was to offer customers a great range of top-quality flooring products at exceptional prices. These products are all backed by “good old fashioned service”. Today Flooring Design has stores throughout the North Island. All stores are locally owned and operated by flooring experts. There is the benefit of dealing with a group with the buying power to secure you the best possible prices.

Flooring Design Design. Supply. Install. Flooring Design does it all.

At Simons Flooring Design, the team handles everything for you byworking with you to find the best solution for your flooring project. At the start of the project, the experts at Simons Flooring Design will take the time to work through your brief. What sort of atmosphere do you want to create? What are the practical considerations? What is the colour scheme and design of the rest of the space? Once the brief has been nailed down, the team will work with you to come up with the right solutions.

Simons Flooring Design is a long established Tauranga Business. In the 1970 (some of you may recall,) it was originally located in Christopher Street and traded under the name of Simons Carpets. It moved to its current location at 1 Koromiko Street, Judea (on the corner of Waihi Road) in 2003. More recently it joined the Flooring Design network of stores and rebranded as Simons Flooring Design.

You will generally find the owners Malcolm and Amber Carr in the shop with the team delivering a down to earth and friendly experience.

Carpet, Vinyl, Vinyl Tile / Planks, Hybrid, Wood & Laminate Simons Flooring Design has an extensive range to choose from in their showroom and the team are happy to talk you through the different options.

They also hold stock at excellent pricing to allow for quick turnaround of jobs should you require this. With quality tradesmen to install all types of flooring from small residential to large scale commercial. Whatever your requirement, Simons Flooring Design has all your needs covered. Get in touch with them today to have a chat about your flooring requirements.

Residential or commercial whatever your requirement, Flooring Design has all your needs covered.

Get in touch today for a FREE measure and quote.

Phone 0800 746667 (0800 SIMONS)

1 Koromiko Street, Judea, Tauranga Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 8am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 2pm P: 0800 746667 E: tauranga@flooringdesign.co.nz www.flooringdesign.co.nz/tauranga www.markat.co.nz Plusliving+ | 43

Home Improvement

Heat friendly home design Homes can be designed to be naturally warm in winter and cool in summer, if they’re built using passive heating concepts.

The idea behind passive heating is to maximise a home’s ability to absorb and retain the sun’s natural heat to create a more comfortable home and minimise energy bills.

Its aim is to control the temperature and ventilation of a home without the use of appliances that consume energy.

Embrace these simple concepts when you build for a much more comfortable and energy efficient home.

Good passive design includes:

House orientation - Your home should ideally be positioned as far as possible away from neighbouring buildings that might block the north sun.

Note that in the winter, objects cast shadows up to three times their height, blocks out sun light. It is also important to decide which rooms you want to be the sunniest, typically living spaces are chosen.

Shade protection - Wide eaves are a useful feature to help shade from the harsh sun in summer and provide increased weather protection in winter.

Insulation - Well insulated homes are capable of using the heat from the sun more effectively to retain heat and also slow the flow of heat loss.

Plus it maintains a more constant internal temperature to reduce the need for heating.

Window placement - Larger windows should face the sun to capture the warmth while south-facing windows,, which receive minimal sun, should be small to avoid heat loss. All windows should be double glazed as a minimum standard.

Colour consideration - If you live in a cooler environment use dark coloured roofing material to absorb heat, and likewise if you live in a warmer environment use light coloured roofing to reflect the suns rays.

Ventilation - Use window joinery with security catches which allow windows to remain partially open to help ventilate the home and remove condensation.

Draughts - Once a house is well-insulated and appropriately glazed, the biggest potential heat loss is through draughts around windows and doors.

Use weather-stripping and high-quality sealants to reduce air leakage.

Smart storage solutions Stairs - Ever thought of storing items in the stair risers? Or place drawers inside the steps so you can pull them out when you need something? It’s a great way to hide items and a bonus that it adds visual interest to your home.

Furniture - Ottomans, window seats with a lid, sofas with drawers in the bottom, beds with in-built storage, and trunks. These furniture pieces not only work as storage but it adds character.

Find storage in the stairway wall and under the stairway by adding shelves or a shelving unit that can be pulled out from under the stairs.

Closets - Build rows of shelves inside the closet and additionally, add rows of hooks to hold handbags or jewellery on the inside of the door. Hang an overthe-door rack or hook to keep things organised and out of sight.

Ceilings - Overhead storage is not always the most obvious place you would look to store items, but it’s surprisingly suitable. Narrow hallways are ideal and if you don’t mind a bit of DIY, attach shelving onto the ceiling to make the most out of your ceiling space.

Under floor storage - If you’re not looking up, look down. Find storage under the floor boards where you can store everything from precious possessions to jewellery and clothes.

44 | Plusliving+ www.markat.co.nz

Walls - Fringe your hallway with shelves or cabinets, particularly if you have a wide hallway. For something creative, add character with a wall decal.

Want to store some books on a shelf? Apply a tree wall decal and attach the shelves high up in the tree.

Remember: look up, look down, look inside and look behind for unused storage solutions around your home.

Home Improvement

Prime Painting and Decorating If you were to Google the definition of the word ‘prime’, you’d be presented with two main results.

1.”Of first importance; main” and 2. “Of the best possible quality; excellent”. If you were to contact Prime Painting and Decorating to help paint your home or commercial project, you’d get the same results.

With over 20 years of collective experience in the trade, Prime Painting and Decorating aim to set the bar high with our acute attention to detail, un-matched paint finish and high level of professionalism. We are on a mission to combat the negative stereotypes of the painting industry and make the Bay of Plenty better looking than it already is, one building at a time!

Our painting expertise is broad and seasoned, ranging from small home projects like staining a deck or painting a roof, to large projects like high-end homes and commercial buildings. Each job is as important as the last, and is treated as such. We believe that trust and reliability are extremely important when it comes to conducting

business, especially when it comes to working in a person’s home unsupervised. For this reason, we are very proud and appreciative of the positive feedback and repeat business we receive from our clients, with many of them willing to refer our services to family and friends.

If you are thinking about getting some work done to your existing home, planning on building your dream home or wanting to spruce up your commercial property, contact Prime Painting and Decorating for professional advice or a free no-obligation quote. With our high quality equipment, products and skills, we are the definition of a good painting company.

www.markat.co.nz Plusliving+ | 45

Home Improvement

SOLID PLASTERS

P: 022 026 4679

Locally owned and operated

E: 01solidplaster@gmail.com

We are a small company that have been in business for 5 years with 25 years experience working in the Bay of Plenty region.

We cover the Tauranga area and further if needed.

• Exterior solid plastering • Hard landscaping • Swimming pools

46 | Plusliving+ www.markat.co.nz

Spirits

Super Liquor Waihi Renowned for its history as a gold mine town, Waihi can be found tucked away in the North Island of New Zealand at the foot of the Coromandel Peninsula, near the western end of the Bay of Plenty.

Boasting hot summers and beautiful beaches this little town has earned its reputation as a holiday hotspot. Everybody knows that great weather and leisure go hand-in-hand with enjoying a beverage (or two!) in the sun with your friends and family.

From smooth liquors and choice wines to craft beer and readyto-drink mixes, Super Liquor Waihi have got you covered. Proud experts in the Liquor Outlet industry, Super Liquor enjoys a proud and successful history of liquor retailing throughout New Zealand.

The Super Liquor name was first used in the late 70s when John Butterfield established the name Super Liquor Man. In the early1990s, LLR reviewed the Super Liquor Man brand and decided the image

was no longer relevant and renamed the brand Super Liquor. From the late 1992 onwards, the stores were franchised by LLR who continued to manage the chain. The total group today is comprised of 165 stores.

Super Liquor is proud to be a member of the Franchise Association New Zealand and Hospitality NZ New Zealand and has won the following awards: • Winner for the “Best Franchise System – Retail Category” at the Westpac NZ Franchise Awards 2017.

• Winner of the Reader’s Digest Quality Services Award 2016 – Liquor Outlets as voted by New Zealander’s.

• Runner Up of the Reader’s Digest Quality Services Award 2017 – Liquor Outlets as voted by New Zealander’s.

So what are you waiting for? To quench all of your alcohol-related needs, head on down to Super Liquor Waihi!

For more information about what they can offer, give them a call today on 07-863 8923.

ORDER ONLINE FOR PICK UP OR DELIVERY

Shop our hot deals & store specials on beer, wine, spirits & RTD’s

078638923 |

waihi.superliquor.co.nz |

waihi@superliquor.co.nz www.markat.co.nz Plusliving+ | 47

Destinations ???

The 10 most expensive countries to get sick in

Kiwis love to travel, but far-flung and exotic destination hopping isn’t all beer and skittles, because when things go wrong when you’re travelling, they can go very wrong and be very expensive – particularly when medical costs are involved.

The top 10 most expensive countries are: 1. USA 2. Australia 3. Italy 4. Israel

Southern Cross Travel Insurance has revealed the 10 most expensive countries to which New Zealand travellers go, measured by the cost of medical-related insurance claims.

5. United Kingdom

USA, Australia and Italy top the list for the highest claim costs, with Israel, the UK and China following close behind. Indonesia, Canada, Spain and Thailand round out the list, according to data collected.

7. Indonesia

The largest claim was for $370,000 by an insured customer who fell ill on a cruise ship in the USA and had to be transferred to hospital. The 77-year-old was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and underwent surgery to replace an aortic valve.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance chief executive, Chris White, says that while no traveller expects to be the one who gets sick overseas and needs extensive medical treatment, the reality is that this can happen to anyone, regardless of how fit and healthy they are.

“Medical incidents occurring on holidays are extremely stressful due to the compounding factors of being away from a familiar home environment, not speaking the language, and not knowing the local healthcare system.

“We know that when we take away the worry of managing hospital arrangements, medical costs and payment uncertainty, it can really help to reduce stress for travellers and their families.”

It is important that customers disclosed any pre-existing conditions and if they were unsure, to contact their travel insurer for advice, Chris says.

48 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

6. China 8. Canada 9. Spain 10. Thailand

“Travel claims are rarely isolated to the costs associated with being ill and receiving treatment. Some of the highest claims we receive are for tourists requiring extended accommodation for recovery, or medically-assisted travel back home.

“The knowledge that these extra costs can be covered by travel insurance is a huge relief to travellers suffering away from home.”

In another case, a 68-year-old New Zealander was flown home from Australia after treatment for a spinal abscess, which resulted in a total claim for $14,670.

Meanwhile, in Italy, a 70-year-old cruise ship passenger made a claim for $123,764 after falling ill and being transferred to hospital for bowel surgery.

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Coastal Motor Lodge Nestled away in the breath-taking scenery at the gateway of the Coromandel Peninsula, Coastal Motor Lodge is a four-star Motel located five minutes from Thames town centre.

Accommodation is set amongst beautiful lush grounds directly opposite the Hauraki Gulf, which provides a convenient base camp to those endeavouring to explore the Coromandel peninsula. There is a great selection of quality accommodation choices on offer, including elevated sea-view studio chalets, a family room, access rooms and kiwi cottages.

The lodge has a BBQ and outdoor eating area for motel guests to enjoy.

The Coastal Motor Lodge also caters to businesses who require a home away from home for valued employees.

In-house services: • Washing machine and dryer • Sky satellite tv • Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Daily room servicing • Household amenities

Guests that visit the Coastal Motor Lodge are enchanted by the native fauna and flora which can be spotted around the surrounding area and on the many stunning walks in the area. From the beach to bushwalks, guests will certainly find that there is plenty to occupy them during their stay.

What’s more, the Hauraki Gulf on the door step of Coastal Motor Lodge is a great snapper fishing area. The mussel farms north of Thames are where the snapper love to hang out and feed on the mussels. Several charter boat operators will take you on half or full day trips with rods and bait included. Located just 45 minutes from the Coastal Motor Lodge, The Coromandel Mussel Kitchen is also a must stop off if you enjoy fresh mussels from the Coromandel mussel farms.

So, if you would like to tick the Coromandel off your bucket list, be sure to book the Coastal Motor Lodge for your next holiday!

Book with us today 07 868 6843 info@coastalmotorlodge.co.nz |

� @coastalmotorlodge.co.nz

Coastal Motor Lodge is a four star

motel located five minutes from Thames town centre at the gateway of the magnificent Coromandel Peninsula.

Accommodation is set amongst beautiful lush grounds directly opposite the Hauraki Gulf and provides a range of quality accommodation including elevated sea view studio chalets, family room, access rooms and kiwi cottages.

Under new management since April 1st 2021.

10% discount for Gold Card holders.

608 TARARU, STATE HIGHWAY 25, THAMES, COROMANDEL PENINSULA, NEW ZEALAND

WWW.COASTALMOTORLODGE.CO.NZ

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 49

Home Life ???

Creating a home office that works for you As working from home is a viable and realistic option for many of us, it makes sense to include a home office or home-based workspace as part of your building, renovation or home upgrade plan.

It’s not really all that long ago as computers started to infiltrate our home lives, you might have created your ‘office’ in what was perceived as otherwise ‘wasted’ space under stairs or in cupboards.

Light fittings - The trend for light fittings these days tends to be downlights.

However they are not always positioned in the best place for computer screens.

If you are planning to install these, see if you can get LEDs with a wide angle and have one positioned above where you are planning to put your desk, so that light goes onto your screen, not into it. Otherwise, you may need to take up space on your desk and use a desk lamp.

Colour schemes - Walls which are painted a dark colour make a room feel smaller and like they are soaking up the light; this makes the room feels dark, which is not ideal for working in, and if the room has a lot of sunlight, lighter colours can make it feel too bright.

These spaces were fine if all you needed to do was check a few emails (possibly via dial-up!) or briefly logon to look up some information, but they were definitely Head for something which is neutral, warm and feels good to you. You can always not designed for you to be at your desks for long periods of time. increase the colour feel in your workspace with art work.

Usually cramped and deliberately tucked ‘out of the way’ so that you could close the door on ugly computer ware and printers, they were less than ideal for setting Furniture - Many built-in desks in new or newly renovated homes (often up an efficient workstation. seen as a space saver) are frequently built-in too high and don’t allow for any flexibility of positioning.

As long as we’ve got decent internet access, we can easily work from home – so realistically, with real work to be done, you don’t want to be tucked under the Some beautiful old desks – used as computer desks – are usually designed for stairs or stuck out on the landing! writing, not typing.

There are quite a few things to consider when creating a study or home office Buy a specific computer desk, and if it’s within your budget, preferably one that’s though, and it is well worthwhile doing some planning with your builder/ electrically height adjustable so you can work both sitting and standing. architect, to optimise this space.

A decent office chair is also important and these days, can blend in nicely with the rest of your decor. Look for a chair with good padding, adjustable height and back Things to consider include: angle, and one which is easy to adjust.

Location - Consider which room to use for your office, particularly in terms of the lighting. For instance, to reduce glare and heat from the sun at different times of the day, a room with windows which faces east, north or west will need good light control. The size of the window as well as aspect should be considered.

Computer cabling - Make sure that you’ve allowed for appropriate cabling, particularly if you are likely to have high computer use, or more than one computer in your workspace, either now or in the future.

50 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

In conclusion - Finally, if you’re building a home office, even if you only use it occasionally, make sure to create a space you enjoy being in.

Not only will it look great and function well, getting elements such as the lighting, furniture type and placement right, means that you will also be more productive in what is your very own work space.

It’s your home, and it’s about living, so with a little bit of thought and planning, you can make your office work for you!

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Tauranga Landscaping Locally-owned and operated, Tauranga Landscaping is your resident hard and soft landscape specialist in Tauranga.

With a lifetime of outdoor work experience, owner and operator, Alan, can be considered a jack of all trades. Working alongside his wife Rosina, to maintain their family-run business, the duo takes pride in consistently meeting and exceeding their client’s expectations.

Equipped with a wide range of tradesman and handyman skills, Alan employs a hands-on-approach to transform and improve his client’s outdoor areas. Alan believes that his skillset, combined with fair and realistic costs, will result in a transformed or refreshed outdoor living space to be enjoyed for many years to come.

So, whether you’re wanting to upgrade your outdoor living space, or are simply in need of a garden tidy-up, you can rest assured that the team at Tauranga Landscaping will deliver a high degree of quality workmanship and professionalism.

Alan and his team specialise in hard landscaping such as building retaining walls, decks, fences, garden boxes or section levelling. However they also do soft landscaping, such as pruning and hedge-cutting. What sets this business apart from others, is the time spent to first fully understand what the customer wants to achieve within their budget. Then their attention to detail and quality workmanship will produce a unique result for each individual client. From residential to commercial, Tauranga Landscaping proudly offers an extensive range of landscaping services tailored to fit your property and lifestyle.

Services: • Retaining walls • Fences & gates • Decks

• Garden structures • Garden design & layout • Arboriculture • New lawns & instant lawn turf • Paving.

So, what are you waiting for? If you’re wanting a professional and satisfactory service, look no further than Tauranga Landscaping Ltd. Contact Alan on 022-111-7770 today, to discuss your landscaping plans based on your preferences and budget

s Deck g Pavin wns a l t n g Insta uttin c e g Hed oxes b n e Gard grass l a i c Artifi alls w g n ini ces n e Reta f l g entia d i s apin e c s R d n en la d r a G

US TACT N O C ATES STIM E R S FO UOTE OR Q www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 51

Home Life ???

For the DIYer, the internet is a hive of information. Websites containing links, videos, pictures or audio of some basic projects can enable you to capitalise on the expertise of others.

For the building project, major stores such as Bunnings Warehouse or Mitre 10 offer online brochures and ‘how to’ guides to simplify the process, and staff are trained in what tools are best for what job.

While just about everything looks good with a paint job, the colour you use, the type of paint needed and the tips and tools necessary to add quality to the job may make the difference between a good job and one that was best before it was started.

Since the 1950s, do-it-yourself, or DIY projects, have become a growing part of the Kiwi lifestyle. Our number eight wire mentality coupled with a fiercely independent attitude have crafted a DIY culture, and it’s yours for the taking.

DIY home improvements, in particular, involve fixing, renovating or adding to a house without the expense of professional contractors.

Many homeowners may have a basic understanding of how to use common tools and complete general tasks, and for small projects this is often enough because giving your home a spruce up may be as simple as slapping on some paint or throwing up some curtains.

Mini-makeover Remodelling a room can be a big undertaking for the inexperienced DIYer. But even a mini-makeover can be just what you need to spruce up a room or two.

The bedroom is always a good place to start. Often thought to be the sanctuary of the home, it has the ability to refresh your mind, body and soul.

The first thing to do before the mini-makeover of any room is to de-clutter.

The second thing to look at is colour, a powerful tool which can shape moods and emotions – there are many variations of the basic colours.

Some colours are more appropriate for particular rooms within a house and should be treated with care. Blue, for example, is a calming, relaxing and healing colour which would be perfect for a bedroom. Yellow, known for stimulating mental activity, would be great in a study, but its ability to keep our minds switched on means it may not be so favourable in a bedroom.

52 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Major paint stores such as Resene offer colour consulting services and pamphlets on just about every type of paint job, the tools to use, instruction manuals and what paint system to use on what substrate. Note to self: test pots are always the way to go!

Landscaping advice can be obtained from most leading garden supply stores and magazines such as Home and Garden can prove invaluable when it comes to planning your dream garden.

For the truly passionate, most areas offer DIY classes or more in-depth courses. Community education centres are often a good source, as are local colleges or tertiary institutes. Or you may discover a friend knows how to re-wire a house, or simply has a way with colour consulting, while you are the master of plumbing – and then everyone wins. The best advice is to start simple, get advice and very soon you could have the house of your dreams, for a dream price.

You may prefer to stick to neutral colours. These allow you to jazz up and change the feel of the room with just some new cushions or a throw rug; think deep warm reds cushions in winter or cooling blue or green hues in summer.

When decorating an area, the complementary colours and their variations should be remembered and combined with our main choice of colour by way of soft furnishings and art works.

Changing handles or knobs on furniture is a simple way to update a room.

Keep in mind the ‘era’ or style you want to convey in the room.

For a contemporary look add simple stainless-steel handles, or for a more traditional look consider a more opulent look of fittings.

Maybe you’re not ready for a complete over-haul of your entire house.

But by adding one, some or all of these mini-makeover tips, you can get the fresh, new room you’ve been waiting for, or even just that little pick me up to get you through the winter blues.

Arborists

Tree Fellers

What we can do We are proud to offer a range of tree removal and maintenance services to our clients in the region, in addition to offering related garden services. Going the extra mile every time.

If you are looking for knowledgeable and certified arborists in Tauranga and other neighbouring towns, look no further than Tree Fellers; one of the country’s most reliable tree service providers.

We can help with all aspects of:

A small and friendly team of hardworking experienced Kiwi blokes, we are a privately owned and operated business that has worked on both small and large-scale projects with a variety of clients. Sharing over 20 years of combined experience in the arborist industry, we are certified for all tree work. When dealing with Tree Fellers you can be sure you are dealing with the best.

If you’ve got a difficult tree that needs to be quickly removed or your garden is in need of dedicated maintenance; call the fellas at Tree Fellers. There’s no limit to how high we can get. In fact, we’re the only local arborists and tree fellers who have quick access to cherry pickers for elevated work. Servicing the wider Bay of Plenty area, we can cover everything, from hedges to high trees to entire blocks of land. Best of all we can come to you anywhere in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Papamoa, Katikati, Waihi, Rotorua, Whakatane and Matamata.

• High climbing • Tree felling • Hedge trimming • Land clearing • Mulching and chipping • Stump removal • Free quotes • Pricing structures • Shelter belt topping • Tree pruning • Crown lifting.

For prompt and reliable tree services in Tauranga and surrounding areas, please contact us today to arrange a free quote and to get started on your job.

2017 LTD

A small friendly locally owned and operated team of hardworking experienced blokes.

• • • • •

TOPPING PALMS HEDGES SHELTER BELTS CHAINSAW JOBS

• • • • •

PRUNING CHIPPING TRIMMING SHAPING REMOVAL

info@treefellers.co.nz www.treefellers.co.nz

• • • • •

STUMP REMOVAL FIREWOOD SPLITTING ORCHARD CHIPPING CHIP/MULCH SUPPLY TREES LARGE & SMALL

0800 46 46 44 Brendon: 027 286 0043 www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 53

Community

Western Bay of Plenty

District Libraries

Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries – here to support your digital learning.

Although libraries have changed over time, there are some aspects of Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries which haven’t, and never will.

From - our helpful friendly staff; and the cosy, restful spaces where you can escape into the pages of a good book.

In addition to the magazines, paperbacks and hardcovers of which we are so accustomed, our library members have free on-site use of our WIFI, computers and access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, national and international news and magazine publications through our library’s subscription to the Borrowbox, ePlatform by Wheelers Books and PressReader apps. These are available for download on both Android and Apple devices from the Apple App Store or Google’s Google Play Store and require your Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries barcode number and 4-digit passcode to register.

If this sounds right up your alley, but just out of reach, you may be interested in our digital literacy initiative - free digital workshops with Better Digital Futures and Stepping UP courses at our Katikati and Te Puke branches. These workshops are proving very popular and cover

1.

a wide range of subjects from how to use a mouse to online banking and where to access the best free games! Our hope is to de-mystify the digital experience and build confidence in the technology that has become so integral to our way of life. If your beef is with your device, then pop into one of our branches where our friendly staff are always happy to help where they can.

We also offer a range of social activities for like-minded members of our community. Scrabble, Book Buzz, Knit and Natter and movie mornings are some of the groups currently being run.

Pop in to your local Western Bay of Plenty District Library branch and check out what’s happening in your area!

If you require further information or have any questions please check out our website: libraries.westernbay.govt.nz, contact us at libraries@westernbay.govt.nz, phone our Customer Services Team on 07 571 8008 or 0800 926 732 or visit your nearest Library and Service Centre.

Waihī Beach Library & Service Centre 106 Waihī Beach Road, Waihī Beach 3611 Monday - Thursday: 10am - 2pm Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

2.

Katikati Library & Service Centre 21 Main Road, Katikati 3129 Monday - Friday: 8pm - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

3.

Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre 28 Western Avenue, Ōmokoroa 3114 Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

4.

Te Puke Library & Service Centre 130 Jelicoe Street, Te Puke 3119 Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

54 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Four Libraries.

One Membership.

Health

First stop, your family doctor Your family doctor or nurse is often the first person you turn to when you have a non-urgent health concern.

Seeing one doctor (also known as a general practitioner or GP) over time helps your doctor get to know you and your health to provide the best possible care. In turn, you get to know your doctor better and that makes each visit easier.

A standard doctors visit is only 15 minutes long, and sometimes you can leave feeling like you haven’t covered everything you wanted to.

It’s a good idea to write down your main concerns or questions and have a list of the medicines and supplements you take. You can take a support person with you – it often helps to have another person there to help you remember what was said during the consultation, or you could ask your doctor to write down any instructions.

health records at any time and ask questions of your doctor or nurse.

If you can use a website, you can use a patient portal!

It’s free to enrol with a GP and it means your healthcare will be subsidised so you pay a reduced fee.

It’s important to be honest about your symptoms and your lifestyle – it’s nothing your family doctor hasn’t heard before.

In Tauranga there are 31 general practices funded by the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (PHO). As well as supporting healthy lifestyles and quality healthcare services provided by its general practice network, the PHO offers free complementary services such as diabetes and lifestyle wellness self-management programmes.

If you aren’t already using a patient portal, find out if your medical centre has one. It’s a free, secure website where you can access your

Find out more about your local medical centres and their fees at www.wboppho.org.nz/medical-centres.

Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation is proud to support the family doctors and nurses working in our community.

For more information about local medical centres phone 07 577 3190, email support@wboppho.org.nz or visit www.wboppho.org.nz

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 55

Community

Whakatane Aquatic and Fitness Centre Are you looking for ways to keep active within your current lifestyle? The Whakatane Aquatic and Fitness Centre have numerous options to keep you active while feeling safe and supported.

If you prefer to keep active on your own terms, the Centre boasts a 25-metre indoor pool, 33-metre outdoor pool, two large spa pools, hydroslide, learners’ pool and ‘beach pool’ for the littles. There is also an excellent poolside café for your coffee and snack fix!

The host of group fitness classes on offer are designed for all ages, including seniors. The social, low impact, high intensity pool-based workouts increase fitness and flexibility, while burning calories and building strength.

Our friendly staff at the Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre are trained and qualified to help you reach your goals and ensure you have a wonderful experience at the pools.

Visit whakatāne.govt.nz/aquatic or call 07 308 4192 for more details.

Casual, concession or membership rates are available, and the highquality facilities are open 6am-8pm weekdays and 7am-6pm during the weekend. The centre is located in central Whakatāne – a short stroll from Kopeopeo, the nearest shopping precinct.

aquaticcentre@whakatane.govt.nz

whakataneaquaticcentre | whakatane.govt.nz/aquatic

56 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Digital Marketing

form of advertising you can measure, then increase or decrease, so you can manage your workflow accordingly!

You’ve probably heard people talk about digital marketing, Google AdWords, online traffic, SEO and social media. Then on top of all that, you need to have a lead generating web presence with good traffic etc.

This can sound complicated – but it doesn’t have to if you talk to the right people.

Let’s start with the basics Right now there are people looking for a business just like yours.

However, if you don’t have AdWords, there’s a very good chance they’ve just clicked one of your competitors’ websites.

Most businesses would benefit from Google AdWords. It’s simple to set up, it’s fast, you set the monthly budget, and you can see the results immediately.

Included is a complimentary call tracking service to measure daily results, plus you get a monthly report that’s explained in as much detail as you like.

Don’t let another year go by without truly discovering what digital marketing can do for your business.

With years’ of experience and having delivered outstanding results, we have some of the best digital experts in the business.

We are so confident, that if you aren’t 100% happy after the first month, you won’t pay a cent for the management fee. And if you mention this ad, set-up is free – a service other companies charge up to $3,000 for.

FREE call tracking, which means you can actually hear recordings of the phone calls coming into your business to see if your staff are doing things correctly or if they need more training. This tool can make a massive difference to the FAT on your bottom line.

Available to the first 25 people who book a consultation.

With over 15 years’ experience - we know what we’re doing.

- 38 Lowe St, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand - Level 6, 3-13 Shortland Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010 Call 0800 FATWEB, or email enquiries@fatweb.co.nz to book a FREE consultation.

We have many success stories where people have thought marketing is a waste of money, but have finally found something that gives them a transparent Return on Investment.

If you would like to be our next success story, please call or email: enquiries@fatweb.co.nz We have offices throughout New Zealand and can discuss your needs over the phone or by Skype.

0800 FATWEB | www.fatweb.co.nz www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 57

End-of-Life Planning

A meaningful farewell

By David Moger, Funeral Directors Association NZ CEO

Covid has taught us many things as it has impacted upon so many areas of our lives over the past 18 months, however not all the lessons have been new ones.

The classic one is also the line in Jodi Mitchell’s song Big Yellow Taxi, “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone”.

Last year, Covid reminded us of this very starkly when at Level 4 Lockdown, funerals were not allowed. To make matters worse, neither were viewings. In fact, the reality for over 4,000 families was that they were unable to say goodbye to their loved ones in the way they wanted to.

Funeral Directors Association NZ CEO, David Moger.

They were denied the basic human right of grieving with the deceased, of seeing a loved one laid to rest, of placing a flower on a coffin surrounded by family and friends.

From research, we know that to deny a meaningful farewell leads to a poor grieving process and subsequent issues with mental well-being. The New Zealand Influenza Pandemic Plan recognises this, stating that funerals should not be cancelled because of the medium to long-term mental health impact.

Yet they were, and only time will tell if the price those families paid was worthwhile.

The line of that song rang true for them as much as it has done for other families in recent times. We have all seen the desperation of the Pike River families to be able to farewell their loved ones, something currently denied to them.

We saw the bravery of the New Zealand Defense Force personnel venturing back to Whakaari/White Island to try and recover the bodies of those lost in that tragedy.

History is littered with examples of people determined to be able to farewell their loved ones and yet still that line from Big Yellow Taxi haunts us.“Stick me in a box and throw me over the side”.

“Don’t waste my money on my funeral - use it more productively”.

“Don’t bother with a grave or a headstone. I’ll be gone, just move on”.

These are all phrases that we hear regularly from people talking about their own funeral and it is this that has driven the rise of a term over recent years called “ direct cremation”.

Direct cremation is as basic and raw as it gets. The body is removed from the scene of death, put in as cheap a box as possible, burnt and the ashes put in a container and given back to the family.

58 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Usually within 24 hours. That description makes it sound brutal and it is. Brutal for the person who has died and who’s memory is extinguished so abruptly, but even more brutal for the family left behind.

Ask Jane Godfrey (see her video here: www.funeraldirectors.co.nz/aboutus/takethe-time-to-talk. ) Jane’s mum used very much the sort of phrases above and was insistent that there be no funeral for her. Jane and her family followed her wishes and paid a price for the following five years, struggling to come to terms with the loss. When her dad was taken ill, he said the same thing and Jane said “No, that’s not fair!”.

Fortunately, her dad listened and Jane was able to plan and prepare a meaningful farewell for her and her family. She speaks passionately about the need she had for that and the difference it made to her grieving and mental well-being.

Someone else I know also used those same phrases – me! Before joining the Funeral Directors Association, my family were under no doubt – “stick me in a box and throw me over side and if you can get away without a box, all the better – it doesn’t matter to me, I’m gone, so save the money and spend it on something else”.

This was a statement I made regularly to my wife and two sons. I am a reasonably intelligent person, reasonably well travelled and reasonably thoughtful, but I now realise how wrong I was. Fortunately, I have found out in time.

I have now said to my family that they need a meaningful farewell and that can be whatever they want and not what I want. When I shared this with them, my wife cried because she did not want to throw me over the side and my two sons went quiet. Later that week, my eldest son called, “did you mean what you said, Dad?” he asked. “Yes, son,” I replied. “Good.” He said.

End-of-Life Planning

Willets Funeral Services Willetts Funeral Services, based in the landmark Methodist Church building in the heart of Kopeopeo converted to suit the needs of the local people the company serves, giving families a venue to have all their funeral requirements in one place.

For example they can hold the service in our chapel and also use the facilities for refreshments after the service.

As well as taking care of the legal documentation, we can organise the printing of service sheets, flowers, catering, funeral notices, bereavement notices and cards.

We can also organise personalised remembrance books, photo presentations, overseas repatriations, memorial services, ashes interments, headstones of all sizes, shapes and their installation.

We are a 100% local family-owned business and have staff available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Willetts Funeral Services offers a caring, sensitive and personal service tailored each family’s needs. We believe every funeral service is different and unique just as each person is.

We see ourselves as the facilitators of their wishes, doing everything we can to make their requests happen. Sometimes a death is expected and we can help families to prepare, pre-arrange and find out generally what is available to them, so they can prepare a service that both honours and reflects the life of the one they love, often with the involvement of that person.

Families now can choose every aspect of their funeral so the ceremony is personal and reflect the person’s life.

The venue is very important for many reasons. It must be where the family feel comfortable and where the loved one would want it to be held. This may be at home, in our chapel, in a church, hall, beach or for that matter anywhere that is practical.

Proud to be 100% locally owned

Ph 07 307 1111

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21 King Street, Whakatane Email: willettsfuneral@xtra.co.nz www.willettsfuneralservices.co.nz

Helping celebrate life since 1990 www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 59

End-of-Life Planning

What do your loved ones need when you are gone?

A meaningful farewell is your gift to them. A pre-arrangement allows your loved ones to gather together, support one another, remember and celebrate your life without the responsibility of making difficult choices in very emotional circumstances.

What we also need to know is that we don’t have to wait to give that gift, we can do so now. It’s as simple as taking the time to talk to family, friends and your Funeral Directors Association funeral director. Only they are your assurance of a meaningful farewell, and that assurance goes beyond the skills and expertise they have, the professional standards they commit to as a member and the inspection monitoring they go through.

That assurance also extents to how it can be paid for. Your Funeral Directors Association member will not only help you to work out the details of your meaningful farewell, but will also be perfectly transparent in telling you what that would cost you today.

The question then becomes what do you do about that? For some people, the cost of that meaningful farewell is manageable, usually through the estate but even if that is the case, it is worth putting that aside somewhere, so it is easily identifiable and separate. Currently, the first $10,000 put aside into a pre-paid funeral arrangement plan is deducted from assets for Aged Care Allowance, which may be a helpful side benefit.

For others, the cost needs careful planning. Insurance is an option as it provides an immediate death benefit if the pre-arrangement is needed early, but over time insurance can be a very costly option if you live longer than the insurance actuaries calculate, and premiums exceed the sum insured.

The big issue is that if you cancel at that point, you lose the cover and are worse off than you started with no cover and all those premiums wasted. They are not wasted as far as the insurance companies are concerned though.

So where does that leave someone who doesn’t have the full amount of cash sitting in a bank account and wants to provide for their meaningful farewell, but doesn’t want to get caught in the premium trap of insurance contracts?

The answer lies in The Funeral Trust: www.thefuneraltrust.co.nz.

The Funeral Trust has been set up by the Funeral Directors Association to do two things: • Keep prepaid funeral contributions safe and secure • Over time to maintain the purchasing power of those funeral contributions.

Your contributions are kept safe by being held under a trust, separate from the funeral director, with a strong governance structure.

Taking a little poetic license with the line in Jodi’s song, using The Funeral Trust to gift your meaningful farewell to them now means “you do know what you’re giving when you’re gone”!

David Moger is CEO of the Funeral Directors Association.

“At a difficult time, know that you won’t pay a fortune for you and your loved one to be looked after with dignity and respect.”

Qualified and experienced Funeral Directors ALISTAIR BLACK Funeral Director and Embalmer

S1945abBayCremation

Fixed Price Farewell Plans Available

(07) 282-7922 | (0800) 777-433 Email: info@baycremationcare.kiwi.nz www.baycremationcare.kiwi.nz

60 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

n o i t c u A Kings Auction Kings are a proudly kiwi owned family business based in Papamoa Beach in the sunny Bay of Plenty.

The business was established in 2012, originally running live auctions then later on specialising in buying and selling a range of antiques & collectables. Haley and Frank both have an appreciation and passion for discovering unwanted items, and finding a new owner who will treasure these valuables.

Their team takes the hassle out of moving unwanted possessions and going above and beyond to support customers who have an estate to deal with, providing an end to end service. They believe there is a story behind each item and enjoy sharing the history of each piece with the next owner.

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Haley and Frank knew that in order to reach their niche demographic they needed to tap into specific avenues. Auction Kings offer valuation services for insurance, separation and market value purposes.

They are a one-stop shop with a wide range of items such as: • Furniture • Whiteware • Vintage toys • Jewellery • Coins & notes

• Tools & machinery • Boating & fishing gear • Sporting goods • Militaria • So much more.

As members of the Auctioneers Association of New Zealand, Auction Kings have been selling via Trademe for over 20 years now. Their excellent feedback rate show they are trusted & reliable sellers.

At Auction Kings, most customers come back again and again! They love what they do and look forward to finding you the next treasure that you possibly didn’t even know you wanted!

Shifting, downsizing, managing an Estate or just have some goods that you’d like to rehome?

At Auction Kings we can take the hassle out of moving on your unwanted possessions!

Buying from Auctions Kings We offer a wide range of products for sale on our website www.auctionkings.co.nz and larger items on TradeMe.

Give us a call on 07-985 6190 or email us at admin@auctionkings.co.nz www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 61

Home Improvement

HomePlus Tauranga are your local friendly home improvements store owned and operated by Murray & Trena Barlow.

We offer professional advice at no obligation.

Call us today for your FREE measure & quote.

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Home Improvement

tauranga@homeplus.co.nz 07 574 7281

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Individualised care for every client

When Louise decided to get back into the workforce, she knew Care On Call was who she was wanting to work for.

After being so impressed with the personal and professional care she had received for her mum, she wanted to give back the same way the company had for her “I didn’t want anything stressful so I thought I’d do something I know, and I love working with people and I think having seen my own parents’ journey through old age it wanted me to help other people.”

Louise left her job as a registered nurse and became a stay-at-home mum after she and her husband had four daughters, but it was off the back of her mum’s experience and wanting to utilise her nursing background which encouraged her to apply for a role within the company.

As a fussy family when it came to care of her parents, Louise made sure to look at all the options before deciding on Care On Call.

“We chose Care On Call because they weren’t too big of a company, but big enough to service our needs and we felt we could build a relationship with them. So quite personal - more personal than maybe the bigger ones. Then I went to see David who’s still the CEO, and he just impressed me with his caring, professional approach I just felt that we could have a good relationship with him which was pretty important to us.

“I was so impressed with that and I got to know some of the staff quite well and I was returning to the work force and it was just like why wouldn’t I go and work for them, and because of their excellent processes to maintain safety for clients.

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“They were always very caring, competent, honest and reliable and we were kept up to date with progress notes, emails and phone calls especially if there were any incidents, like any falls, any changes in health or any unusual behaviour.”

As a carer Louise’s role ranges from helping people on ACC, to private care of clients in their own homes.

We chose Care On Call because they weren’t too big of a company, but big enough to service our needs and we felt we could build a relationship with them. So quite personal - more personal than maybe the bigger ones. Then I went to see David who’s still the CEO, and he just impressed me with his caring, professional approach I just felt that we could have a good relationship with him which was pretty important to us.

“In terms of private care that’s the experience that we had as a client, it is a great option for those not wanting to go into residential care to keep them in their own homes, particularly elderly people to stay living in their own home.

“So, I help with the activities of daily living and that could include assistance with showering, dressing, preparing meals, transport to appointments, prompting medication, administration, companionship, help with housekeeping which may include laundry, shopping, cleaning, making beds etc.”

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Care On Call provides quality in-home care for young and old, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, throughout New Zealand.

Call us anytime

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