Savvy June 2021

JUNE 2021

Celebrating

• HISTORY • TODAY • THE FUTURE

11 PAGES OF

health, fashion, beauty, art, home trends, fishing and food

See pages 29-39

PLUS

Whangārei’s Town Basin evolution

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HIHIAUA CULTURAL CENTRE

Come visit the Hihiaua Cultural Centre to see our everchanging exhibition and shop filled with authentic Māori art and unique local creations from nationally renowned artists.

Hihiaua Cultural Centre 56-58 Herekino Street, Whangarei Open Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm, Friday 10am-3pm, Saturday 10am-2pm

2 | SAVVY

JUNE 2021

Evolution of the Town Basin

contents Editor’s note

“Gull Roost” – an earlier bascule bridge across the Hātea River.

Photo / Whangārei District Libraries Heritage Collection

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t’s always hard to imagine our place before our time.

The black and white pictures depict a different world, yet, if you clock the landscape in the background, it’s the same. I was studying a photo of “Gull Roost”, the former lift-up bridge which opened in 1911 to carry the railway line across the harbour linking Onerahi to the city. Trying to pinpoint its location, I then looked at the hill-line in the background and realised that it was identical to the landscape out my window. My view overlooks a former railway bridge – who knew!

This 300m timbre bridge with a 10m lifting span had its fair share of controversy; it was said to be a bane in the lives of captains who complained bitterly of it being a hazard to shipping.

Its narrow lifting span caused delays for ships unable to fit through and accidents occurred with the most serious in 1929, involving a steel wire used to lift the bridge, snapping, badly damaging the bridge and snapping telephone lines. The Auckland-bound vessel was unharmed but trapped until a crane was found to lift the span.

In addition, passengers described the train swaying dangerously from side-to-side as it crossed the Gull Roost over to Kioreroa.

It closed and was subsequently dismantled in 1933.

Somehow I can’t see the same fate becoming of the next attempt at a bascule bridge built some 100 hundred years later further up the river.

Te Matau a Pohe – one of the most innovative bridges in the country, is one of many accruing jewels to today’s Town Basin. Here, we thought we’d celebrate how far we have come as the much-anticipated and controversial Hundertwasser project reaches a significant milestone.

You can read about this and the public ceremony held this month on page 4.

There’s more exciting projects set for completion in the coming months – read about them on pages 16 & 17.

We’ve taken a look at the evolution of the Town Basin and surrounds since the first European settlers, and many nearby businesses have jumped on board to celebrate and share their input. It snowballed to the point we ran out of space and it was suggested we do a follow-up with the completion of several major projects currently underway.

Watch this space.

Meanwhile, enjoy reading, celebrating and learning about the place we call home.

Editorial

Jodi Bryant – jodi.bryant@nzme.co.nz

Advertising

Jan Hewitt – jan.hewitt@nzme.co.nz

Design

Bryce Zhang

Cover photo

Bryce Zhang

Published by NZME Northland, 88 Robert Street, Whangārei. savvy@northernadvocate.co.nz www.savvymagazine.co.nz

04 - Whangārei’s Town Basin from bleak mangrove-fringed stream to thriving social hub 06 - Our Pathway of Opportunity 07 - Robinson Asphalts – First Class Civil Contractors 08 - Burning Issues Gallery – 25 years and still going strong 08 - Whangārei Theatre Company formerly WAODS 09 - Craniums So much more than a toy store 10 - Hihiaua Cultural Centre Reclaim, Restore, Renew 12 - Looking Forward 14 - There’s something to entertain everyone 15 - Northland Hospitality starts with a great cup of coffee 16 - Another Town Basin jewel with near-completion of unique time-keeper 17 - Cherry on top marks another significant step towards Hundertwasser completion

FASHION

18 - Walking The Talk 19 - The top boot trends for winter

BEAUTY

20 - What hair product best suits your lifestyle?

21 - Pigmentation, scarring, lines, wrinkles, sun damage, loose skin and uneven skin tone...

22 - How Do I Choose an Injectable Provider?

23 - What is Retinal Detachment?

HEALTH & WELLBEING

24 - Is multi-tasking really that good for you?

24 25 - Let’s talk about Cosmetic Medicine for Men …

26 - Packard Motor Museum – vehicle of the month 26 - Fishing tips & tales 27 - Lino prints by Zela Charlton 28 - Hihiaua Cultural Centre - Weaving voices of old into artistic expression

SAVVY HOMES

30 - Simple Ideas For Living With Less Waste your colour scheme 31 - Fireplace, anyplace 32 - Sounds like Sleep 33 - Gardening Tips: How To Grow A Winter Garden 34 - A new season A new look 38 years in the business 35 - How to avoid the major mistakes people make when renovating 36 - How to decorate a bedroom 38 - Interior Trends: What To Get & What To Forget

RE-HOME. RE-LOVE. RECYCLE.

Let the story continue.

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EVOLUTION OF THE TOWN BASIN HISTORY

Whangārei’s Town Basin

from bleak mangrove-fringed stream to thriving social hub

An artist’s impression of the town wharf in 1881.

When Londoner Sarah Mathew rowed up the thickly mangrovefringed Hātea River in 1840 she was met with a single tiny house, pigs, cultivations and the sound of a cock crowing near a Māori village.

I

n her diary, she described walking in rain through scrub and reeds, returning to find the tide fallen and the river a narrow winding stream through impenetrable banks of mangroves.

Fast-forward 180 years and today’s arrivals would be met with quite the different scene.

Large hillside homes overlook a thriving international marina mooring 300 vessels of up to 30m. Mangroves have been removed and the river now flanked with bustling alfresco cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, parks and art. Volumes of people, some with dogs, rotate the riverside via bridges both on foot and wheel.

Around the time of Sarah’s discovery, the first European settlers made their homes on the riverside of what is now the Town Basin. They were William Carruth, followed by the Mair family.

In 1843, Bishop Selwyn rowed up the Hātea River to the house of Gilbert Mair, noting 50 settlers and about 30 Māori in the area.

The Māori iwi Ngāpuhi occupied Whangārei from the early 19th century, and the Te Parawhau hapū lived at the head of the harbour.

Relations between the settlers and local Māori were generally friendly. However, this first settlement failed; in 1845, during the Flagstaff War, all settlers fled from Whangārei leaving their simple homes, gardens, animals and fields of crops and grass. Most of the original settlers never returned, selling their farms to the likes of Eugene Cafler, Edward Dent, Francis Hunt, Robert Reyburn and Henry Walton. These names are echoed in the streets, buildings and parks of Whangārei today.

From 1855, a small town developed, driven by the kauri gum trade. Today's Town Basin on the Hātea River was the original port and early exports included kauri gum and native timber, largely used for ship building, followed later by coal from Whau Valley, Kamo, and Hikurangi. By 1864, the nucleus of the present city was established.

BY JODI BRYANT

Whangārei Wharf.

Courtesy of Whangārei Museum (2010/46/2)

In 1877, the management and control of the Town Wharf was granted to the newly-formed County Council. It met as the Harbour Board for the first time in 1879. By February 1923 the Harbour Board office on Walton St was completed. It remains on the site today.

In 1909, the Harbour Board needed to define the foreshore limits of the land granted to settlers Carruth and Mair. Old waka mooring posts were long gone, and it was evident that the original riverbank was covered by reclaimed ground. Robert Reyburn Jr. offered to ‘dedicate my waterfront from Walton St to James St’ as an esplanade. The Harbour Board later built the retaining stone embankment along Reyburn’s foreshore and named it Victoria Quay. Then began the removal of mangroves, dredging, stopbanking and draining the tidal flats, and deepening and straightening channels to

improve water access and provide large areas of land for industry.

A pivot bridge across the Hātea from James St to Old Onerahi Rd was completed in 1898.

There was continual trouble with the pivoting span. Declared unsafe in 1926, it was closed. It was replaced in 1936 with the concrete Victoria bridge. By 1923 Borough and Harbour Board were working together to improve the road frontage across the river. The Borough would construct the 66-foot roadway, while the Harbour Board would build the stone retaining wall 24 feet beyond and provide the fill. It was the start of the riverside marina.

The inability of larger vessels to berth at the Town Basin was a long-standing problem.

In 1840, Whangārei was rejected as a site for the future capital of New Zealand because of inadequate flat land and insufficient depth of

The town wharf around 1922. On the far right is Reyburn House which has since been shifted down river. The large shed is in the approximate location of the current Town Basin retail area.

water in the inner harbour. Two thousand people petitioned parliament in 1897 for an extension of the railway to Grahamtown (Onerahi). The Railway Department completed the Opau wharf at Kioreroa in 1904, two miles downriver from the Town Basin. It was successful – with timber booms in place alongside, coal trains unloading and passenger traffic. By 1911, the link between Opau Wharf and Onerahi Wharf was in full operation. A causeway carrying the railway line curved across the harbour. A central lifting span known locally as the ‘Gull Roost’ could be opened as water traffic demanded. From 1911, Onerahi became a busy railhead and deep sea port with visits of both cargo and passenger boats. By 1933, the Kioreroa and Onerahi section of the railway was closed. The causeway, Onerahi Wharf and the old Opau wharf were demolished.

With the channel, and an eight-acre turning basin dredged, Kioreroa became the deep-water port.

In 1938 ‘Port Kioreroa’ became ‘Port Whangārei’.

From the 1920s, the foreshore above Victoria Bridge along Drummond Creek, was leased to boat builders and for boat sheds. The area was headquarters of both the Rowing Club and the Whangārei Cruising Club. With the industrialisation of reclaimed ground beyond the Town Basin and the loss of coastal shipping and large ships at the Town Basin, the Hatea was no longer a commercial area. The river became a haven for fishermen and pleasure boats.

The original line of the Town Basin foreshore disappeared when mangroves were removed, Doctor’s Creek and the Waiarohia were diverted,

The Town Basin, no longer a commercial port, became an important maritime and social hub for the community as pictured with these P-class yacht races at a 1945 Regatta Day.

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the tidal flats fronting Okara and Hihiaua were reclaimed and Riverside Drive, across the Hātea, was established. In 1953, the Whangārei A&P Winter Show Building opened in Dent St. In the 1970s, traffic patterns changed with the construction of the John St bridge parallel to the Victoria Bridge. A replica of the Bounty, built by local firm WECO, became a tourist attraction at the Town Wharf. By the 1980s the Whangārei Theatre Company had erected a geodesic-style theatre on the riverbank and the Town Basin was gaining a reputation as a haven for international yachts. In 1985, French agents moored their yacht Ouvea at the Basin, prior to sinking the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland.

In 1995, the old wharf sheds were demolished for another Town Basin development. Colonial styled buildings housed shops, eateries, a glass blowers’ studio, doll and fish museums and became Claphams Clocks new home. In 2005, the Waka and Wave millennium sculpture was unveiled at the end of the Hihiaua reclamation.

In 2006, the Northland Regional Council vacated the old Harbour Board building, Dent and Quay St roads were realigned, the A&P buildings were demolished, Victoria Bridge was widened and John St Bridge was closed to traffic becoming available as an outdoor venue.

In 2011, The Whangārei Art Museum relocated to the area along with the Hub, a state-of-the-art visitor information centre, with an expanded cafe, toilet facilities, retail outlets and public transport hub. The Canopy Bridge markets and newly developed Heritage Trail and Art Walk also opened.

Te Matau ā Pohe connected the two sides of the river enabling the loop walkway.

In 2013, Te Matau ā Pohe opened with a huge ceremony involving locals and dignitaries. It was the largest and most exciting civil engineering project in Whangārei’s history and one of the most innovative bridges in New Zealand. A major transport route across the Waiarohia Stream, the curved shape of the bascule lift-up bridge is shaped in the interpretation of a fish hook – a widely used motif in Māori culture.

The name, Te Matau ā Pohe, translated as “The Fishhook of Pohe”, is named after the Māori chief who welcomed the first English settlers to Whangārei. The original Pohe Island lay off

The former John St bridge became the Canopy Bridge used for open air markets. Photo: Maria Matussevich

Riverside Drive and was within Ngāti Kahu o Torongare territory. Wiremu Pohe was a chief of Ngāti Kahu. He was also related closely to the hapū of Parawhau whose territory lies on the eastern side of the Hātea River or the Port Road side of the river. Pohe was very skilled in manufacturing fish hooks using traditional materials and styles. His hooks were so practical, many of the settlers used his hooks in preference to the standard English hooks made of steel. Pohe was also instrumental in building bridges between the two cultures during the first years of English settlement amongst Māori.

He used his ranking to protect many of the first settlers from being killed.

The bascule lifting bridge provides a 25m wide lifting section to allow vessels taller than 7.5m to transit through and is raised and lowered every day at noon.

The following year, the 4.2km Hātea Loop officially opened linking numerous existing and future activities and experiences crossing three bridges. For the first time ever, people were able to walk the entire loop around the Town Basin along new footpaths and over the new foot/cycle bridge (Kotuitui Whitinga) across the Waiarohia stream taking in a variety of features along the way.

The Hātea Loop weaves past shops, cafes, restaurants, through markets, galleries, gym equipment and parks. Meandering along the riverside, people can admire the Art Park and study the Heritage Trail, before arriving at the Riverbank Theatre. From there it is only a few steps to the Waka and Wave Millennium sculpture.

The path connects with the bridge across the Waiarohia Stream, which steps off onto a pathway to Te Matau ā Pohe. From there, the path across William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island passes the Dog Park in one direction, the Camera Obscura, the BMX track, an all ages cycle track and skatepark, before heading back towards the Town Basin past boatsheds, Riverside Park and yachts.

Open air markets are regularly held at venues alongside the river, including an Artisan Fair and Canopy night food markets as well as festivals and both recreational and charity walk/run events circle the loop.

The marina is also popular with international yachting visitors, after gaining a reputation throughout the world as a safe haven. Many have made Whangārei a regular stop-over during the summer months.

The now picturesque and bustling Town Basin has become an increasing social and recreational hub for visitors and residents alike.

An aerial shot of today’s Town Basin. Photo: Tania Whyte

SAVVY | 5

EVOLUTION OF THE TOWN BASIN HISTORY

Our Pathway of

Opportunity

I have a unique perspective on the Hātea Loop/Huarahi o te Whai (Pathway of Opportunity).

F

Mayor Sheryl Mai opening Kotuitui Whitinga in 2017.

rom 1995-2001, I was working for the Whangārei District Council Parks and Recreation Horticulture team, and was involved in the very early stages of the Loop pathway 21 years ago. Our team managed the first stage of concreting the path from the Whangārei Theatre Company (WAODS in those days) through to the soon-to-be-installed Waka and Wave sculpture, a collaborative Millennium piece by Ngātiwai sculptor Te Warihi Hetaraka and Chris Booth.

I remember comments such as ‘what a waste of concrete, and ‘no one’s ever going to go there’. I remember the dark, thick mangroves and the boggy ground. I also remember being impressed with the foresight of Council, that they supported the vision of a wonderful pathway for our community. Today, I often hear the Loop described as ‘the best thing Council has ever done.’

In 2004, I was elected as a councillor. By this time, the Hātea Loop had taken another step forwards, and it was being referred to as ‘an impressive new pathway along Hātea river’. The Waka and Wave sculpture had been completed the year before, and the Town Basin Sculpture Trail landscape preparations were well underway.

In 2012, on returning home after a year travelling overseas, I saw the completed Town Basin Sculpture Trail for the first time, and I recall thinking “this is world-class”.

I was elected into my current Mayoral role the very next year, and Huarahi o te Whai has continued to grow and improve every year since.

The Hātea Loop is now one of Whangārei’s most heavily used recreational areas, extending in a fully-accessible 4.2km stretch around our upper harbour. It’s an achievable distance, and constant improvements such as lighting, car parks, benches and water fountains are

BY MAYOR SHERYL MAI

continuing to make the Loop more popular.

Every year we see the Loop being used for more events, from charity runs, festivals, markets and promotional activities, to volunteer-led group activities such as the popular weekly Whangārei 5km Parkrun. Best of all, we’re seeing kids everywhere – on their bikes, scooters, walking their dogs, spotting fish and birds, and enjoying our beautiful environment with their families.

It’s a wonderful sight, and something I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of watching.

Like adding jewels to a necklace, our community and Council are finding new and creative features to contribute to the Loop experience. Most recently we celebrated the opening of Camera Obscura on Pohe Island, soon we’ll see the fascinating engineering of the Rolling Ball Clock plus the Pohe Island bike park completion. Our New Town Basin Park beside Hundertwasser will open in December 2021 and the Pohe Island Destination Playground early in 2022.

The Loop outdoor exercise equipment, Rolling Ball Clock and Camera Obscura are all communityled projects, and Council is continuing to receive fantastic ideas and input from our community. To have this level of interest in a community asset like the Loop really puts the ownership back into the hands of the people who live, work and play here, which is exactly the way it should be.

A real highlight for me in my time as Mayor of Whangārei was cutting the ribbon on Kotuitui Whitinga in 2017, declaring Huarahi o te Whai officially open. In June 2019 we celebrated the opening of stage One of the Hihiaua Cultural Centre, another collaborative Loop project which is fast becoming a world-class attraction in its own right. What started as a jigsaw puzzle of many pieces is finally making sense, and our community is embracing it as a free attraction open to residents and visitors alike.

The Pathway of Opportunity is living up to its name, and I have no doubt the Hātea Loop will continue to be Whangārei’s star attraction for many generations to come.

Photo: Bryce Zhang

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HISTORY

Robinson Asphalts

– First Class Civil Contractors

Robinson Asphalts has played a key part in the development of the Town Basin area since the early 1990s.

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obinsons are now well underway with the construction of the new Town Basin Park for Whangārei District Council, next to the Canopy Bridge and the Hundertwasser Art Centre & Wairau Māori Art Gallery. The project includes a large lawn, an amphitheatre, terraced seating and a water feature, wind sculpture, feature walls, trees and planting along with new public toilets. Other works are including remediating the seawall and upgrading the timber boardwalk.

The new park will complement the existing landscaping and the iconic waterfront area, providing a link to the Hatea Loop walkway and the surrounding features while being a beautiful space for Whangārei locals and visitors alike.

This major Town Basin project is particularly significant for the company as Robinsons also constructed the bulk of the original Town Basin landscaping and timber boardwalks back in the early 1990s. This was after first demolishing the old waterfront buildings, including the old Army

hall where The Quay restaurant is now situated (originally Revas). They carried out three of the four original Town Basin development stages.

Most of the existing paving, planting, stone walls, timber boardwalks, gardens and rock features were created by the Robinsons team. Some of the materials used in the original design were recycled from the old Pilkington Glass Works in Whangārei when it closed down.

Robinsons has also recently completed the new, popular Town Basin Playground near the Clock Museum and the Bascule Carpark and landscaping next to Te Matau a Pohe.

Another exciting project for Robinsons (as a subcontractor to Trigg Construction) is all of the landscaping works for the Hundertwasser Art Centre, including the iconic planting on the roof of the building, which is hard to miss if you’re driving past. The team are now beginning to pave

the surrounding grounds, which is interesting and challenging due to the creative ethos – the guys are more used to focusing on precision – this is more like art.

Robinson Asphalts was originally started by Peter & Joan Robinson in 1972 and later sold in 1992 to their daughter Annette (Annie) and husband, Alan Johnston. They are proud to have had so much involvement in the Town Basin area over the years - “We love the opportunity to transform vision into reality and provide people with a sense of pride and place, and there has certainly been a great deal of vision, effort and passion from many people to get to this stage at the Town Basin.”

The Robinson Asphalts name has been around for a long time (50 years next year!) and is now a bit of a misnomer considering the extensive scope of civil works the company undertakes; they are so much more than Asphalt.

But with the name comes a reputation and track

record that they are proud of. They look forward to delivering another valuable asset that the community can enjoy and the district can be proud of.

As part of their current work on the Town Basin Park, Robinson Asphalts has also engaged various specialist subcontractors for parts of the works, wherever possible, choosing local companies. These subcontractors and suppliers involved include Hansen Drainage & Excavation, The Watertight Company, Currie Electrical, Trigg Construction, CMT Group, GHK Piling, Graeme Bird Concrete Cutting, Shade Systems, Northland Metal Industries, Virgin Concrete, Buscks Prestressed Concrete, Tawapou Coastal Natives, Anlyn Piling, Geospatial Services, Greenfingers, BBS Timber, Streetscape, Walkspace, Cirtex and Horizon International. Whangārei District Council have also engaged several separate contractors and suppliers for specialist features that will form part of the new park.

SAVVY | 7

EVOLUTION OF THE TOWN BASIN

n 1946, an advertisement was placed in The Northern Advocate calling a meeting, at the YWCA hall, of all interested in forming a Whangārei Operatic Society.

WAODS came into being, and to start off the finances, each newly-elected committee member put in five pounds. Later that year, the society gave major assistance in organising and participating in the Borough Jubilee Pageant. In return, the council allowed WAODS to use the Town Hall for their first ever show.

As with most societies, a “home” is essential to allow it to rehearse and present productions effectively. After a number of homes, the society decided in 1980 to build The Riverbank Centre on the riverbank in Reyburn House Lane. Following many hours of hard work by members of the society, August 1987 saw WAODS produce its first show in the centre.

Since then, the company has become well-established due to the support from the people of Whangārei both as members and patrons. This support has enabled a continuing programme of refurbishment and improvement throughout the theatre. The programme included the change of name in 2001 from WAODS to Whangārei Theatre Company.

The company remains one of the most prominent entertainment organisations in Northland, with a reputation for excellence in quality of performance and standard of stage presentation. In recent years, the society has received a number of NAPTA awards in recognition of the excellent standards in both chorus and individual performances, as well as for the stage sets, props, lighting and sound.

The building is used by many from the Whangārei community, including Te Kāpehu Whetū (He Puna Marama Trust Integrated School), Life4U Church, Rising Starz, Making-aScene Drama Academy, Northable, St Francis Xavier School and Community members for weddings/receptions/birthday parties. Many other cultural and musical artists, both local and visiting, make use of the Riverbank facility as it provides an excellent venue for them.

The Riverbank Centre is now undergoing major refurbishment of its iconic and unique roof, as a number of leaks have been identified. The cost of this is over $500,000 and $300,000 has been received in grants from Foundation North and the Lotteries Commission. The company is working hard to find the remaining sum. If you would like to help ensure this iconic venue continues to serve the people of Whangārei, please visit https://nzwtc.sales.ticketsearch.com/ sales/salesdonation/130.

TODAY

HISTORY

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Whangārei Theatre Company formerly WAODS

Burning Issues Gallery

– 25 years and

still going strong

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urning Issues Gallery is one of the foundation businesses from the origins of the Town Basin 25 years ago, established by highly-regarded local glass artists Shona Firman and Keith Mahy in conjunction with their hot glass studio adjacent. The gallery has a history of showcasing the best of local and national object art, specialising in glass, and has a long and excellent reputation with the high standard of work well recognised both within New Zealand and internationally. It has been in the capable hands of Kathryn Beros and Philip Kilmore for the past four years and they hope the gallery is a welcoming, inspirational and enjoyable

experience for their customers. Judging by the constant positive comments they receive about both the quality of the display and of the work, it most certainly is.

Recently the gallery has added a range of high-quality limited edition prints of Philip’s photorealist paintings which, with their focus on detailed flowers and still life, complement the intense colours and luminosity of the glass and make a striking display on the walls.

Call into the gallery and view the beautiful, captivating, often breath-taking and sometimes amusing artworks.

The Riverbank Centre, with its new tent roof nearing completion to allow the refurbishments to commence

G L A S S ∙ C E R A M I C S ∙ PA I N T I N G ∙ S C U L P T U R E ∙ J E W E L L E RY

object art for 25 years Keep us here by Philip Kilmore

8 | SAVVY

Glass bu!erflies by Lukeke Design

Showcasing the best of local and national

100% Handmade in New Zealand Jars Full of Cheer by Philip Kilmore

TODAY

Craniums So much more than a toy store

Six young mothers met regularly to support each other and compare stories as they raised their new families.

T

hey found a common problem, the lack of toys and books that has both the educational aspect and the quality to endure a childhood.

That was almost 40 years ago and was the genesis of Storytime, a Whangārei institution since its inception in a cupboard at the Piggery. Before long, it outgrew the humble cupboard and under the loving care and dedication of Annemarie Florian it found many homes and generations of loyal customers.

As retirement beckoned in 2017, the institution that served Northland for decades was facing closure.

As the final sale commenced, it came to the attention of local Planetarium director Peter Felhofer. Sharing the same passion for educational quality toys and books, Storytime reminded him of his childhood and the joy of visiting a toy store designed for kids. It had to carry on.

Craniums Whangārei at the Town Bason

Kelly Shepherd with Director Peter Felhofer at the Northland Homeshow

The doors opened again at the Town Basin in April 2017 with Kelly Shepherd at the helm, and with support from the founding mothers and many loyal customers, Storytime was back in business.

Peter’s vision is to give every child the experience he had as a sixyear old visiting the toy store with his grandfather. As kids enter the store today, their eyes pop with excitement - this is a store designed for the kids.

Soon came similar opportunities in Tauranga and Pukekohe, so now with three stores under three different names, a new identity was needed. Professor Craniums to the rescue!

This year, Professor Craniums introduced the children’s passport.

Free with any purchase, this belongs to the child and lets them collect stamps with each visit, claim discounts on their birthday and Christmas, plus a range of activity pages as well.

Craniums (formerly Storytime) is found at the Town Basin, opposite the children’s playground and open seven days.

SAVVY | 9

EVOLUTION OF THE TOWN BASIN TODAY

Hihiaua Cultural Centre

Reclaim, Restore, Renew

Te Warihi Hetaraka at the Waka and Wave sculpture Photo by Michael Cunningham

RECLAIM

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n 1993 a meeting was held in the Whangārei Council Chambers. The purpose was to understand how local Māori could be more involved in the development of the Town Basin. Those that attended decided that they did not see themselves fitting into the northern end of the Town Basin which was filled with colonial buildings. So instead, the Council agreed in principle for a cultural centre to be put downriver on the Hihiaua peninsula. The idea had actually had its genesis in the 1980s when local Māori elders declared that Whangārei needed to unleash the latent potential and build the cultural capacity and capability of Māori, particularly in our youth. Their vision was for a cultural centre where identity and culture would be reclaimed, restored and renewed. Local carver, Te Warihi Hetaraka was privy to those early conversations.

Three years later, the cultural centre project had dropped off the public radar, when Te Warihi was approached by Scott Pothan (Creative Director of Whangārei Art Museum at the time) to be a part of a ‘millennium project’ with sculptor, Chris Booth. The idea was that the two would work on a piece that would eventually end up riverside by the swimming pools. Te Warihi was in two minds about taking on the project, when Chris Booth invited him to Paradise Valley Quarry to present his idea. It was there that Te Warihi had a vision that prompted him to announce to Chris, “I’ll work with you but we're not going to build

this thing by the swimming pool, it’s going on the Hihiaua peninsula”.

Although Te Warihi had Chris on board, his elders were not as keen. The peninsula was bushy, sometimes swampy and without the beautiful accessways provided today. Te Warihi’s response to their concerns was, “Ma te wa ki mua - one day you’ll know”.

Ten years later, in 2006, the Wave and Wave was unveiled on the Hihiaua peninsula. The waka tētē (fishing waka) was designed by Te Warihi and is positioned with the bow in the water at high tide, as if being launched into the Hātea Stream. Chris designed the stone waves which invade the shore from the Hātea Stream, partially submerging the waka and finally, like a tsunami wave, dispersing over the land. The work can be read as a comment on colonisation, but also acknowledges the history of the site as a landing place for waka and later as a point of arrival for Pākehā sea-farers. It was at the unveiling that the kaumatua realised Te Warihi’s intentions and responded with a challenge that reinvigorated the vision for a cultural centre - “Now we’ve got the anchor, where’s the real waka?”. And so began the work that led to the opening of Stage One of the Hihiaua Cultural Centre in June 2019.

Dawn blessing for the Hihiaua Cultural Centre in the final stages of renovations that transformed it from boat shed to cultural centre.

RESTORE

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ut of this vision has risen what is now an architectural icon, looming large on the riverbank at the end of Herekino St. The first stage of development saw the renovation of an existing boatshed into a high spec carving workshop with additional learning, meeting and exhibition spaces. A new whare waka (waka shelter) with automated launching gantries, a covered walkway and viewing platform completed the $2m stage funded by the Whangārei District Council, Foundation North and the Provincial Growth Fund. Moller Architects expertly designed and project managed the build undertaken by Whangārei construction company Arco Ltd. In 2021, the buildings’ practicality, beauty and versatility were acknowledged with three prestigious architecture awards including the John Scott Award for Public Architecture in the New Zealand Architecture Awards - the country's premier award for public architecture. However, it is not just the architecture or the feng shui, but the spirit of the wide variety of people who choose to visit, work and learn which makes Hihiaua so special. In Te Warihi’s own words, “It is the people that imbue the whare (building) with spirit and soul”.

Special thanks must be paid to the late Richard Drake, who served tirelessly as chairperson for the trust from 2008 until 2019.

He was determined and committed to seeing Stage One built on time and under budget for

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To add to that – they now have 24 different flavoured scoop ice creams, with sizes from kidicone to the large double scoop.

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Parents - when you’re visiting the wonderful new playground down at the Town Basin, stop by with the kids for an ice cream and make sure you grab one of our full range of espresso coffees made with Allpress beans.

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RENEW Trustees of the Hihiaua Cultural Centre with Mayor Sheryl Mai and architect Craig Moller, celebrating at the opening in June 2019.

the community of Whangārei and Te Taitokerau, and we are privileged to be sheltered by the fruits of his efforts. His legacy lives on at Hihiaua, which acts as a hub for the community to build relationships and hope for a shared future.

As part of the thriving Hihiaua precinct, the centre has hosted during the first two years of operation nearly 70 artistic, cultural, environmental and community events. Many of these have been nationally and internationally significant including the Tier 1 Haka Powhiri for Tuia 250 and Rātā Ahurei Tarai Waka International Waka Carving Symposium which brought waka carvers from around the Pacific together to share knowledge and skills. Our carvers have also been involved in significant local and national projects, including the Whangārei Camera Obscura, Te Hononga in Kawakawa, Mokau Marae in Whangaruru and Te Rau Aroha in Waitangi.

Hihiaua has been and continues to be a source of pride for the Whangārei community and the Northland region. Our reputation as a world-class centre (physically and socially) can be seen simply in the many deliveries of wood from the community because they trust it will be respected and wellused here, as well as the many requests for advice on taonga, tikanga and toi (treasures, protocols, and art) we get from the community. It is the manifestation of the original wish of our elders.

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he original purpose of Stage One was to provide a hub for carving and weaving.

The various and numerous events we have been privileged to hold at Hihiaua have placed some strain on this original purpose and we look forward to the next stage of development which will eventually house the retail, gallery and event space more appropriately.

Stage Two will include a unique indoor/ outdoor performing arts space, exhibition hall and retail and dining spaces linked by pathways and planting. It will be a dynamic showplace for Māori creativity and support regionally, nationally and internationally significant events, performances and creative practices. The potential also exists in Stage Two for greater collaboration through exhibition, wananga of different kinds and more formalised leasing of space. Building will begin as soon as funding is secured.

HĀ - History of Aotearoa with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, February 2021.

There are two themes which have flowed from the genesis of the cultural centre into the future visions. Firstly that Hihiaua will always be a local asset serving the Whangārei and Te Taitokerau community and provide a touch point for local Māori to support ourselves economically as well as a location where multiple cultures come together to create a sense of community wellbeing and linkage when isolation and fragmentation are rife.

Secondly, that Hihiaua will always provide a space where youth can unleash their

potential, be inspired, and build relationships and hope for a shared future. One example is HĀ - History of Aotearoa, a group of youth who are passionate about developing education programmes which explore the shared history of Aotearoa. On February 5, 2021 HĀ presented their proposal for a genuine treaty partnership to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her cabinet colleagues at Hihiaua. Then, in accordance with HĀ’s programme, they challenged the ministers to create an artwork which reflected their desire to see history taught in schools. The ministers’ pieces then formed part of HĀ's Fundraising Exhibition which helped raise funds to run the Kakano programme in schools, which encourages Year 10 students to use art as a tool to embrace the collective history of Aotearoa, and imagine our future.

In preparation for Stage Two, we hold fast to the words of our former chairman Richard Drake, who said, “There is only one Hihiaua in the world and we hope our plans can exceed the expectations of all the people who have been involved in one way or another over the years”.

The gallery and shop area at Hihiaua which showcases authentic Māori art and unique local creations from nationally renowned artists.

Stage 1 of the Hihiaua Cultural Centre complete! Stage 2 coming soon…

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Sharon, Robbie and Lisa work with Chrissy running the 7-day business. Between them they have a wealth of experience ensuring that you will find what you are looking for! Being independent retailers it is their job to know their stuff. Chrissy travels overseas (when possible) and around New Zealand gift fairs to bring the latest looks and styles to her customers keeping the Boatshed on trend.

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SAVVY | 11

EVOLUTION OF THE TOWN BASIN

TODAY

Looking Forward

After moving to Waipū Cove to open the Cove Cafe, Loyd and Mike fell in love with Northland; they enjoyed exploring the area including regular visits to Whangārei but they could see the potential for more.

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he vision for the Quay was to bring the Whangārei community a restaurant which celebrated all aspects of the area. This included using locally-grown produce, locally-sourced seafood, meat and other ingredients, wherever possible. They also employed friendly and down-to-earth people from within the community embracing and enhancing the natural beauty of the unique setting, right on the waterfront in the heart of Whangārei.

Lloyd and Mike opened the Quay in July 2016 and felt very lucky that the community took it to their hearts almost straight away. The Quay is located right on the Hātea River with the best outlook in Whangārei, no wonder diners flock there for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

From Lloyd’s perspective, “The Town Basin has grown hugely over the past five years due in part to the council's vision for the area and in part to the local community embracing it the way that they have. The Town Basin is now vibrant, colourful and bustling, with three wonderful restaurants and a selection of great cafes. From cocktails to modern Asian to oysters with a glass of wine at the edge of the marina, the Town Basin currently ticks most of the boxes. With the recent addition of the new children's playground, it is now an even more inclusive space, perfect for families and for couples alike wanting to enjoy the best part of Whangārei”.

A year after opening the Quay, they were lucky enough to take over the lease of what was then Love Muscle and opened No8, Whangārei’s first modern Asian restaurant. No8 has found its niche in the market offering an eclectic mix of some of Asia's finest flavour profiles ranging from Thai to Japanese to Indian. In 2020, Mike and Lloyd

opened Loco offering a South American Salsa vibe to the Town Basin with colourful umbrellas, charming staff, great cocktails and South American-inspired food. It has quickly become a hotspot bringing fun and adding another layer to the Town Basin.

Mike and Lloyd are excited to be a part of the continual development and growth within the Town Basin, looking forward to the ongoing collaboration with existing and new businesses in the area. They are particularly looking forward to the opening of Hundertwasser which they believe is a real asset to the area for locals and visitors alike to enjoy before dining at one of their three amazing restaurants. Whangārei love it here!

Three beautiful restaurants in the Town Basin

Each restaurant provides its diners with a unique world class experience, carefully created interior decor, taking you on an unforgettable international food and beverage journey…

12 | SAVVY

SAVVY | 13

EVOLUTION OF THE TOWN BASIN TODAY

There’s something to entertain everyone

Visitors often ask why there is a clock museum in Whangārei and why it is called Claphams.

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laphams National Clock Museum is named after the founder of the collection, Archibald (Archie) Clapham.

Archie moved to New Zealand from Yorkshire UK, in 1903 when he was only 21-yearsold. He worked as an engineer, but his great passion was clocks and he amassed over 400 that he displayed in the lounge of his home which was near the Whangārei Falls. He had an open-door policy and people would turn up by the bus-load to view his collection.

When he got older, he started to wonder what he was going to do with 400 clocks so in 1961 he approached Whangārei Council and an agreement was made to purchase the collection for a nominal fee as an asset for the town.

His clocks have been displayed in numerous locations around Whangārei, but it was the development of the Town Basin that provided a permanent purpose-built home for Claphams National Clock Museum.

Archie’s collection of clocks and music boxes, some extremely rare and most in working order, form the basis of the museum. Currently, and mostly by donation, the collection stands at over 1400 clocks and 400 watches and is one of the largest and most historically significant in the Southern Hemisphere.

14 | SAVVY

Known for his quirky character and sense of humour, Archie’s favourite clocks were the ones that did something unexpected and made people laugh. Archie’s fun-loving spirit remains with his unique collection today. From ancient sun, sand and water clocks, to rare antique clocks, and wacky, unbelievable clocks, even clocks that make the tea, there’s something to entertain everyone.

The oldest clock in the collection is a Gretton longcase or grandfather clock that dates from c1690 and it still goes! While most of the clocks in the collection are mechanical, there are also some fine examples of battery-operated clocks

from the mid-20th century. There are also wonderful novelty clocks designed especially for children, and the children always enjoy the clock hunt where they search for particular clocks among the hundreds on display.

Guided tours are offered at no extra charge.

The enthusiastic and experienced guides bring the individual timepieces to life as they demonstrate how they work. You will learn how cuckoos “cuckoo”, why clocks go “clockwise”, why we have 24 hours in a day, and much more while they take you on an entertaining and educational walk through time.

At the entrance to the museum is the magnificent sundial. With its gnomon (rod) reaching 23 metres long, and weighing 6-tonne, it is believed to be the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The ingenious design allows the large in-ground plates displaying the numerals to be moved for daylight saving. Though it takes a special tool, not inconsiderable muscle power and, usually, a little head scratching about which direction to move them.

The museum shop stocks a great range of clocks and specialty watches. There are mechanical and automatic watches, pocket watches and nurses’ watches, and a fabulous range of time-teacher watches for children. You will also find New Zealand-made gifts including merino products, greenstone jewellery, and some

interesting steampunk jewellery made from old watch parts.

Claphams National Clock Museum is a Whangārei “must do” and is open every day from 9am–5 pm. Closed only Christmas Day.

TODAY

Northland Hospitality starts with a great cup of coffee

When you are enjoying a coffee around Whangārei, the chances are high that the ingredients have come from Northland Hospitality.

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hat extra flourish in the crema on top is also likely to have been taught at the Northland Hospitality barista training school.

As Northland’s largest coffee distributor, the team at Northland Hospitality takes great pride in their products and service. The business now offers all things coffee and kitchen-related, from different varieties of coffee beans to a big range of coffee machines, both commercial and domestic.

Their showroom is based at the Town Basin in Lower Dent Street, and they have been keeping a keen eye on the Hundertwasser development as it has grown to dominate the skyline.

The team at Northland Hospitality is excited for the city and keen to support local cafes as they welcome visitors to the area.

The business was started 27 years ago by Max and Judy Hutchings, and sales manager Robert Tadman shares their passion for the hospitality industry.

“We love being locals and supporting local businesses,’’ Robert said.

“Max and Judy have shown their love of the community by supporting local charities such as the Kids Can and the Northland Rescue Helicopter. They have also been heavily involved in conservation work to help kiwi regain a foothold in the Pukenui Forest.’’

They have been supplying beans from two of the largest Auckland roasters, Altura for 22 years and Karajoz for the past 12 years. Both are roasted from the Arabica coffee bean.

The team keeps coffee supplies stocked up

for cafes from Kaiwaka to Kaitaia. Supplies ranged from 1kg to 60kg per week, depending on the size of the cafe business.

Retail customers know they can have their coffee ground to their own specific requirements.

Coffee beans are freshly ground on site to specific orders every week and packed into 250g, 1kg and 2kg bags.

Northland Hospitality also stocks a wide range of kitchen ware for home and commercial catering, including pots and pans, commercial ovens, and crockery - right down to the teaspoons to stir your coffee. Tea is also gaining in popularity and they also sell a lot of syrups for hot chocolates, frappes and smoothies.

They also run the Altura Northland Barista Competition which is keenly contested among coffee makers. The event is held over two days in conjunction with the Home Show and features top judges from the coffee industry. The aim is to help lift the quality of coffee making in Northland.

A barista training facility has been set up at the Northland Hospitality offices so there is usually a welcoming smell of coffee wafting through the shop.

Another aspect of the business is the design and fitting out of commercial kitchens. Max brings his skill and experience to help cafes and restaurants achieve the functionality and efficiency that are needed for a top quality operation. Supporting that is quality commercial kitchen ware, including chef knives, bowls, whisks and baking dishes.

The business has been in Lower Dent St since 1996. In that time they moved once to new premises in the same street. The team is proud to witness and be part of the evolution of the Town Basin and is looking forward to continuing to provide an exceptional range of coffees to Northland businesses and the coffee-loving public.

@ Northland Hospitality

Longstanding and loyal staff is a key to the success of the business. Everyone is hands on and has the expertise to be able to step in to help with any aspect of the hospitality industry. Meet the friendly team - Sandra, Dane, Robert & Max, at the back; Judy & Sharly at the front.

106 Lower Dent Street, Whangārei | Call 09-430 0218 | Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm SAVVY | 15

EVOLUTION OF THE TOWN BASIN FUTURE

Another Town Basin jewel with near-completion of unique time-keeper

BY JODI BRYANT

Another jewel in the crown of Whangārei's Town Basin is a step closer with the nearcompletion of a world-unique rolling ball clock.

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he million-dollar project has been around 12 years in the making since a group of locals came up with the idea for a small rolling-ball timepiece after being inspired by a ball clock at Claphams Clock Museum.

With the aim of creating a kinetic timemeasuring sculpture that, not only tells the time but also provides a major tourist attraction with educational and cultural values, the About Time team was formed.

Following the successful construction of a full-size working demonstration model in 2016, the Whangārei District Council (WDC) accepted the clock as a gift and allocated a site next to Claphams at the Town Basin. And so began the years of fundraising and construction.

Measuring 6m long, 4m wide and 3m tall and with a striking wave form roof, the glass-enclosed kinetic sculpture weighs 20 tonnes. It comprises 35 balls speeding around on stainless steel tracks to reveal the physics of time. They perform various physical motions like banked corners, loop-the-loop, ride-in elevators, as well as telling the time via timing racks.

The racks indicate the time of day by the number of balls resting on them. Adjacent to the position of each ball is a number corresponding to the seconds, minutes and hours of time the clock is indicating. For example, the uppermost rack is the one-minute display. The addition of the 60-second ball causes the rack to overbalance and discharge all the balls.

The structure focuses on the Maori moon calendar and will provide educational opportunities for schools to show children mathematics, physics and the cultural aspect of the ball clock.

The machine was built by Absolute Stainless with Cook Costello carrying out the glass-walled enclosure.

The Rolling Ball Clock is about to undergo the final acceptance testing – an intensive four-six-week period of 24/7 operation to confirm its performance, in particular its reliability and accuracy.

The construction of concrete foundations

onsite at the Town Basin have also begun. Project manager Warren Thomas said, once these are finished within the month, and the clock has passed its final acceptance tests, the clock will be shifted onto its foundation and have the glass enclosure fitted and connected to the power system.

“The installation of the glass is the second-tolast step in the project. The last is the installation of the Pou. This is central to telling the cultural story of what the clock represents. This will occur immediately prior to the official ceremonial opening. At this stage, we will be looking at some time in August for this to happen,” he explained.

At a recent viewing, About Time committee member Sandra McKersey was delighted with the outcome so far.

"Once the balls started rolling, those who have worked so hard for so long were well-rewarded for their tenacity and determination."

"It will be another jewel in the crown of Whangārei's Town Basin."

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FUTURE

Cherry on top marks another significant step towards Hundertwasser completion

WORDS BY JODI BRYANT Friedensreich Hundertwasser was one of the most celebrated artists to come out of Europe in the 20th Century. He celebrated irregular lines and contrasting textures and colours and was acclaimed for his work with colour and mosaics.

In the 1970s, Hundertwasser acquired several properties in the Bay of Islands. There he realised his dream of living and working closely connected to nature. Beside other projects, he designed the "Bottle House" there. He could live largely selfsufficiently using solar panels, a water wheel and a biological water purification plant. His first grass roof experiments took place there.

Hundertwasser spent most of the last 30 years of his life living and working in Northland and became a New Zealand citizen. His Kawakawa-based, trademark-designed toilets have become world-famous with bus-loads of tourist stopping in daily.

In 1993, Hundertwasser was invited to select a building in Whangārei suitable for one of his world-famous architectural transformations for an art centre within. He decided the former Northland Harbour Board building at the Town Basin would be ideal to turn into a work of art – thus becoming his parting gift to Northland.

Hundertwasser made a number of visits to the Town Basin to study the building, and sketched his ideas to doctor the building’s architecture along the lines of previous projects.

After his death in 2000, the project was shelved until 2008 when the Whangārei District Council (WDC) purchased the building and members of the council travelled to Vienna to win support of the Hundertwasser Non-Profit Foundation.

An artist’s impression of the completed Hundertwasser building.

The foundation not only retrieved the artist’s original drawings and architectural concept from its archive, but also persuaded Heinz Springmann, an architect on many Hundertwasser projects, to produce plans for WDC, capturing the artist’s vision.

WDC committed funding toward the project and plans went ahead. However, in 2014, newlyelected councillors voted to cancel the project.

Following this setback, a group of local citizens formed Prosper Northland Trust and began again, albeit independently.

The Hundertwasser Art Centre (HAC) project finally got underway in 2015 after a WDC referendum asked how the public wished the former site of the Harbour Board building to be used. More than 50 per cent voted to build the art centre, and the pace increased with fundraising beginning. Work on the controversial $33.2 million project began three years ago and has employed more than 500 people of various trades.

The construction has involved tens of thousands of coloured tiles and 40,000 recycled red bricks. In keeping with his grass-roof

theme, it will have the largest afforested roof in the southern hemisphere after 150 trees were crane-lifted over recent months along with the planting of thousands of plants with an estimated value of $100,000 donated by Tawapou Coastal Native Nursery.

Predictions had been that international travellers would comprise 42 per cent of visitors to the completed HAC, so management has been working with the tourism sector to devise a marketing plan to entice New Zealanders to visit. The HAC will house the only permanent collection of Hundertwasser works outside Austria and be the new home of the Wairau Māori Art Gallery.

The project is on track for its December 3, 2021 completion and, another milestone will be marked at the end of this month with the arrival and placement of the cherry on the top; a large cupola – a golden onion dome cupola is a signature feature of many of Hundertwasser’s buildings - will be barged up the Hātea River from Port Nikau and craned into place atop the building.

The cupola has been custom-made in Whangārei at Absolute Stainless’ fabrication workshop and has a surface area of 90m2 covered in $50,000 worth of fine gold leaf sealed with a protective coating, its durability expected to last 100 years.

The intricate job involves hand-applying 1000 sheets of the fine gold to make up just 1mm thickness and was carried out over several weeks by a master craftsman from Auckland.

Public are invited to watch the arrival and installation of the cupola at around 11.30am in front of the building site beside the river at the Town Basin.

Park & Hundertwasser on track to open together this year

Pohe Island’s destination playground part of living landscape transformation

The Town Basin is set to become even more exciting with the addition of a new park comprising an amphitheatre and interactive water feature with illuminated sequenced water jets.

The $6.6 million project encompasses 1ha of the former Canopy Bridge carpark and some of the boardwalk area near the Hundertwasser Art Centre building. It has been in the planning since 2015 and aims to link the waterfront, Loop Walkway and the central city.

The final design incorporates public feedback on a range of concepts and will include an amphitheatre and lawn area for community events and recreation, an interactive water feature with illuminated sequenced water jets, terraced waterfront seating, a small balance park to complement the existing Town Basin playground,

Another new playground to keep kids entertained along the loop is underway but on the opposite side of the river.

An unremarkable piece of dirt next to the Hātea Loop and the new skate park at Pohe Island is being transformed into an exciting destination playground.

To complement the new Town Basin playground, the Pohe Island destination playground will provide more adventurous play on a greater scale, featuring a large sandpit, flying fox, climbing structures, slides, multiple swings, new toilets and space to run around.

A fine spell of weather last month provided contractors the opportunity to start preparing the site for construction. After clearing the vegetation and debris, the playground area was being levelled before importing good clay fill. The next step was power installation, water and wastewater connections.

Whangārei District Council (WDC) project engineer Fiona Pratt said the playground would add yet another attraction to the Hātea Loop walk.

“The new Pohe Island playground will sit alongside other well-loved Hātea Loop features like the Town Basin playground, Waka and Wave Millennium Sculpture, Pocket Park, Hihiaua Cultural Centre, Camera

a large kinetic sculpture and public amenities.

Structural work has begun on the public toilets and fountain equipment room along with the planting of mature trees, such as pohutukawa and nikau – the area will include 160 new trees and nearly 5000 new plants.

The park is yet to be named and will undergo a three-step process; the public will be asked to submit ideas before a shortlist of five names will be selected by a group of representatives from WDC and Te Parawhau hapū.

The winning name will be selected from the shortlist after a vote by councillors and the mayor. A WDC spokesperson said progress was tracking well with both the budget and deadline.

The park is due for completion alongside the opening of the neighbouring Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery the first weekend of December.

Obscura and newly-refurbished skate park, giving the Hātea Loop walk another fun, free, familyfriendly attraction. Its location is ideal, as it will sit adjacent to the 272-space Pohe Island carpark and across from the busy Pohe Island sports fields, creating an easy-to-access adventure play area for kids of all ages.

“It’s very exciting to see this playground underway, although we have a while to wait until we see the playground equipment being installed.

At this point we’re just preparing the site, the playground itself won’t be fully developed until early 2022.”

The destination playground has a current budget of $3m and is part of WDC’s masterplan to transform the 54ha William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island from a closed landfill site to a living landscape.

The currently unnamed playground is set for completion in February/March 2022.

SAVVY | 17

Fashion

MUST HAVE FASHION FOR

Pink Ribbon Brunch was recently held at Whangārei Heads on Sunday 23rd May to raise money for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

Cheryl (left) and Karen (right) were honored to host a fashion parade with support from Jodie Hannam (middle) one of the organisers.

A winter wardrobe isn’t complete without a carefully curated collection of coats and jackets.

Walking The Talk

Your everyday winter coat/jacket has to serve a variety of functions - it has to look good, even when the rest of your outfit doesn’t; it has to keep you warm; and it has to last, ideally, for more than one season. Polwarth Design have the ultimate outerwear to complete your look - team them back with a pair of jogger pants or jeans to see you through to spring!

Fashion parades give the audience a bird’s-eye view of individual creations.

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ayered ensembles that are peeled off to reveal seasonal ‘must haves’ from tip to toe give the viewer an insight into new trends and how to wear them.

Often people have no idea what will suit them and identifying with a model who is the same size, height, and colouring can be illuminating. If they like it, they buy them or seek similar.

For a clothing retailer, fashion parades are integral to exploring new season stock and experimenting with new looks, especially when models are provided by the organisation we are assisting. They walk in just like any other customer and, in a minimal timeframe, they are attired in several outfits that work, outfits that they love and we love.

It’s an agreement. There is no way you can force a model to wear something she doesn’t like as every step down the catwalk will scream “I hate it I hate it”, and it shows!!

We love the challenge of dressing women whom we have never seen before, in outfits they may never have chosen themselves. Outfits that they feel comfortable in, enough to share with an audience. That is what fashion parades are about for us. To find the right person for the right fit. They give us the opportunity to match personality with style for each individual and create outfits that work.

Fashion parades are also our chance to ‘give back’; to be a part of fundraising events for amazing causes and we’ve participated in them for years. Recently we were invited to provide a fashion parade for The Replenish Pink Ribbon Brunch, organized by Jodie Marlow and Jodie Hannam, where proceeds went to breast cancer. This is a cause close to our hearts and we are proud to have been involved.

Thank you Jodie and Jodie for a fabulous afternoon and, of course, thank you to our fabulous models.

Karen Matich & Cheryl Polwart Polwarth Design

Shannon is wearing Trelise Cooper Baby Cakes Tunic and Frilly-ette Dress

Raewyn is wearing Curate by Trelise Get Back Dress, black Simple Shirt and Cashews Slip Dress

Kerry is wearing Curate by Trelise Blue Monday Jeans, Loobies Story Harmony Blouse, and Moss And Spy Estelle Raincoat

Maureen is wearing Curate by Trelise In The Long Dress and New London Hornsey Jacket in white bleach

WHANGAREI

Okara Shopping Centre • Ph 09 438 9697 Open 6 Days: Mon-Fri 9:30am - 5:30pm; Sat 9:30am - 4:00pm • Closed Sun

DARGAVILLE

78 Victoria Street St • Ph 09 439 7341 Open Wed - Fri 9:30am - 5:00pm Sat 9:30am - 2:00pm • Closed Sun, Mon & Tues

www.polwarthdesign.co.nz Like us on 18 | SAVVY

Follow us on

Terra is wearing Cuddle Me lose Jumper by Trelise Cooper and Loobies Story Hayworth Collar

Alex is wearing Ava Jacket, Pants in bone and mocha, and Rapsodia Blouse. All by Loobies Story

Fashion

KEEP CALM

The top boot trends for winter

IT’S BOOT SEASON

Genuine leather

$229.90

One of the best things about winter?

A wardrobe renewal.

M

ore specifically, new shoes. Boots are the undisputed star shoes of the season and personal favourites of the most stylish Itgirls. To avoid any faux pas, here are some top winter boot trends, which are all sure to be a hit this season.

$299.90

Combat boots This is the number one winter trend. This punk-style comeback should be sported along with shoulder-padded jackets and wide-leg pants to tuck into the boots, or, on the contrary, with ultra-feminine dresses.

$289.99

$219.90 Lace-up boots This very popular trend, which has been well underway for a few seasons now, is back with an extra special touch: bevelled heels.

They are ideally worn in cream or chocolate coloured versions.

$289.90 Ava ilable at SANTRE

NO

Eighties-style boots These are the sexiest boots, with their pleats and high heels.

They are a revival of the 1980s style and inspired by the most flamboyant looks. In the daytime you can pair them with skinny jeans, and at night time they would look gorgeous with a voluminous mini dress.

$299.90

Platform boots This is one of the most stand-out new looks of the season. The platform boots create a chic silhouette inspired by grunge to liven up small sexy dresses, or seventies-style suits. This trend is by far the most difficult to master.

Cowboy boots Of course, but only in soft versions. Here you'll find all the inspiration you need: no fuss or embellishments, heels and soft material, to be worn exclusively in black or camel.

Sandi’s pick of the month Kate Spade sneakers are now exclusively available at Santreno Shoes.

You’ll love Kate Spade for its playful designs, fun colour palette and cute creations. An easy addition to the weekend’s rotation of denim and leggings, those slip-on sneakers are also a fun twist with more polished pieces, too.

$179.90

$249.90

MEN’S BOOTS

$289.90

$549.90 $199.90

$169.90

The mall, 69 Cameron St, Whangarei,

Ph 09 438 2224

Locally Owned & Operated SAVVY | 19

Beauty

What hair product

best suits your lifestyle?

Tips from NAK HAIR

NAK Hair is an Australian made and owned haircare company, with a down-to-earth culture running through our veins. Dedicated to creating beautiful haircare for everyone.

NAK’s collections feature natural vegan ingredients, luxe botanicals, and pure essential oils which provide beautiful hair rituals that respect the delicate nature of hair and skin.

Beach Babe • Ultimate Cleanse Shampoo to remove salt water build-up.

• Nourish Shampoo and Conditioner to restore moisture.

• Ultimate Treatment 60 second repair for aftersun recovery.

• Sea Salt Mist for that lived-in beach hair.

Must Love Volume • Volume Shampoo and Conditioner for root lift.

• High Volume Texture Spray to help enhance your volume.

• Done and Dusted styling powder to create texture.

Gym Junkie • Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner to gentle cleanse natural oils.

• Replends Crème leave-in moisture to maintain the condition of your ends.

• Dry Clean Shampoo for in between cleansing.

The Finer Things • Nourish Shampoo and Conditioner for a rich cleansing experience.

• Options Sculpting Lotion for body and fullness.

• Thermal Shield a must-have before using heating tools.

• Fixation Finishing Spray to lock in that look.

• Ultimate Treatment 60-second repair for Sunday night pamper sessions.

VIKKI’S PICK OF THE MONTH

Vikki from Xtreme Shampoo Shop

Replends Crème Leave-in Moisturiser Vegan. Sulphate Free. Paraben Free.

A hero moisturising crème and leave-in daily essential designed to soften and protect hair. Detangles hair strands to reduce split ends and wear and tear.

• Conditions and moisturises • Provides thermal, mechanical and UV protection • Added body and shine • Reduces split ends

PROFESSIONAL ONLY HAIRCARE BRANDS AMERICAN CREW ANGEL BIOLAGE DAVINES • TIGI CLOUD NINE DELORENZO FUDGE • REDKEN GHD • JOICO KEVIN MURPHY KERATIN CARE KMS • LOREAL MOROCCANOIL MEDICEUTICALS NIOXIN • MATRIX PAUL MITCHELL PUREOLOGY SEBASTIAN AND MORE

WHERE GOOD HAIR DAYS BEGIN

ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE HAIRCARE

GIVEAWAY

NAK creates products that are cruelty-free, nut-free, gluten-free and sulphate and paraben-free.

Not only are they kinder to the planet, enriched with coconut, aloe and pear, they also smell delicious, are gentle on your skin, and leave your hair feeling soft and shiny.

NZ-11563492AC

SHAMPOO SHOPPE

20 | SAVVY

Ph 09 438 1933

The Strand Arcade, Whangarei www.xtremeshampooshop.co.nz

Winter Skin Hydration Pack

Be in to win a Skin Hydration pack from Living Nature, a handpicked selection of certified natural favourites to keep your skin soft and hydrated this winter. Set includes Living Nature’s Ultra Nourishing Mask, Natural Lip Hydrator, Ultra Rich Body Cream, and Hydrating Toning Gel. Valued at $166.00.

We have 1 to giveaway!

Enter to win now at TheHits.co.nz/Win

LINES WRINKLES SUN DAMAGE

UNEVEN SKIN TONE

The team at Caci know that these skin concerns can contribute to our overall wellbeing and confidence.

A

nd that’s why they’re here to help - to empower you with the best advice, skincare and treatments, so you can feel confident in your skin.

These skin concerns are best treated with a combination of in clinic skin treatments and skincare at home. Caci’s most advanced skin treatments have been chosen to specifically work from the inside out to reveal healthy, new skin!

Read on to learn how Fractional CO2 Laser, Photo Rejuvenation and Microneedling can help to reverse the effects of sun damage and scarring, balance your complexion, tighten loose skin and soften lines and wrinkles.

Plus, Caci’s top three reasons why it is best to boost your skin results by having these treatments over winter!

Microneedling - Boost that Collagen!

Improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and scarring (including acne scarring) by stimulating collagen production. Microneedles penetrate the skin, triggering the body's natural healing response resulting in a boost in collagen production - resulting in stronger, clearer, healthy and firmer skin.

Photo Rejuvenation - for the post summer sun damage!

This pulsed light treatment targets the signs of ageing including pigmentation, age and sun spots on the face, chest and hands. It also is great for reducing redness, treating broken capillaries, red veins and minor vascular issues. An added bonus - it stimulates collagen production too!

Fractional CO2 Laser - our most advanced treatment for ultimate results!

This treatment uses a fractional carbon dioxide laser to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, promote a smoother skin texture, reduce pigmentation and tighten the skin.

"The fractional laser is the best anti-ageing treatment I have tried. It reduced my wrinkles, tightened my skin and improved my skin tone. The first one I had gave me the best results - I actually felt the results looked akin to a face lift. I had a plan of five treatments and while the next four treatments gave me great results none were as impressive as the first one.

LOOSE SKIN

SCARRING

PIGMENTATION

Beauty

I have had peels, non-surgical face lifts, Microdermabrasion and the Fractional Laser results are better. However, you have to be prepared to be in a bit of discomfort, I find the first night after the treatment the most uncomfortable as your face is quite hot. Then the next day your face is red and swollen but, as far as results go, the redder and more swollen, the better. Day two my face was itchy and tight. Day three, no discomfort." – Loren Our early morning starts might be a bit brisk right now, winter is coming! And if there’s one advantage to these colder months, it’s the perfect time to work on your skin health. Here are three reasons why….

Good things take time There’s nothing like fresh, beautiful skin to have you at your best as warm weather gets closer.

Scheduling your advanced skin treatments from the beginning of winter helps ensure you can have a series of treatments in time for summer.

Sun Exposure Is Limited In The Winter You’re far less likely to spend too much time in the sun during the winter months. Why does this matter? Because laser skin treatments should not be performed on skin that’s tanned and it is also essential that you protect your sensitive post-treatment skin from sun damage because the new skin in the treatment area is more susceptible to damage from exposure to UV rays.

Avoiding the sun is much easier during the winter than during the summer!

Recovery is Best During the Winter After your treatment, you will experience some redness and/or swelling for a few days as the skin heals. Your skin will also change in tone from a red to a pinkish hue before returning to its natural coloring. The full recovery is different for each person but can take up to a week, and you can expect some peeling and flaking of the old skin during this time.

Winter provides the best time for recovery because it’s easier to stay indoors! Think curling up over the weekend with a good book or some Netflix!

Interested in working on your skin health this winter? Contact the team at Caci Whangārei for a free consultation Call 0800 003 939 or go visit www.whangarei.caci.co.nz

Have a free consultation and add on a first time treatment: Microdermabrasion

Hydradermabrasion

Brightening Glycolic Peel

LED Light Therapy

+

$99! $128 Blemish Control Facial

+

LED Blue Light Therapy

$149! $207 WE’RE FOR YOU

+

$149! $207 Sonophoresis Skincare Infusion

$70! $120

caci.co.nz

Terms & Conditions apply

SAVVY | 21

Beauty

How Do I Choose an Injectable Provider?

Injectables are one of the most popular nonsurgical beauty treatments in the world.

T

housands and thousands of women are being injected with botulinum toxin and fillers (commonly called ‘anti-Wrinkle Injections’) to reduce the appearance of their facial ageing, reduce excessive sweating, and even treating neck spasm issues.

Many people make the mistake of downplaying the risks because injections are nonsurgical procedures that do not require anaesthesia, a hospital setting or incisions.

In the right hands, there are very few complications and almost immediate results.

However, in the wrong hands, you may be injected with a substance that is not approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) or be injected incorrectly resulting in negative results. Choosing the right injector is the most important decision you will make about injectable beauty treatments of any kind.

Choosing a qualified and reputable doctor for anti-wrinkle injections Choosing a suitably qualified, reputable and experienced practitioner to administer your anti-wrinkle injections is extremely important and can definitely affect your outcome and results. In New Zealand, injectables should only be performed by a doctor or a qualified nurse.

Be aware though that just because a doctor such as your local GP is allowed to perform the procedure, it doesn’t mean they’re good at it. Check out their experience and training specifically for injectables.

DISCLAIMERS Botox® is a Prescription Medicine containing 100 units of clostridium botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines, crows feet and horizontal forehead lines. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Cautions: people with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, presence of infection at site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning or redness at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eye lids, lack of feeling & nausea. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure or if you have concerns or side effects. Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Auckland.

Minimising Your Risks for anti-wrinkle Injections To minimise your risks, you want to be sure your practitioner is fully-qualified and experienced with injectables – and without

any ‘shady’ history. Check out their credentials; you might want to do a google search to check out any bad reviews (preferably verified!) or to ensure their or their clinic’s licence has never been revoked for any reason. Do they have positive feedback, testimonials and reviews?

When you do this, keep in mind that there are usually always going to be unhappy patients with unrealistic expectations who are not ever going to be happy with their results.

As well as this, it’s usually the unhappy patients who take the time to express their dissatisfaction. However, a bit of keyboard research will tell you if there is an overwhelming number of negative outcomes or any legal action taken against that practitioner, as well as an overall feel for previous patient satisfaction levels.

Anti-wrinkle injections should only be administered where there is appropriate equipment and protocols. The clinic should be able to deal with any side-effects or lifethreatening reactions. There should be infection control, safe injection practices including safe preparation and administration.

Your Initial Consultation You should absolutely have an initial consultation with your doctor or practitioner before the actual appointment to get your anti-wrinkle injections.

You want to eliminate any doctor who seems distracted, not completely focused or interested in you as an individual or who seems too pushy or focused on money. Also check out the clinic staff – if they all look like done-up dolls with similar looking faces that don’t have much expression, you should be concerned (unless of course that’s the look you’re after – then you’ve found your match!).

The initial consultation should include the doctor giving you a proper examination and

going through your clinical history and talking through realistic expectations and possible sideeffects and complications.

Also make sure you are clear on the pricing of the anti-wrinkle injections and how much it’s going to cost – you don’t want any extra costs at the end of the day.

Do remember: the cheapest clinic may not always be the best one.

You’ve Chosen Your Practitioner – what else is there to consider?

• Pain threshold – Although the injecting procedure is not supposed to be too uncomfortable, some of us are more sensitive to pain (or needles!) than others. Ask your practitioner if they use topical anaesthetic creams or gels to numb the area prior to injection.

• How much anti-wrinkle injections should you be getting? – Perhaps for your very first time, consider getting a lesser amount than what you think you might want. You can get touch-ups afterwards if you want more. You don’t want to freak yourself (and others) out with over-done results.

• Helping your recovery – One tip we’re told helps your recovery is to try to stay upright for a few hours after your injections. Apparently it helps with swelling and inflammation.

• Don’t touch your face! – Try not to scratch or rub your face where you’ve had anti-wrinkle injections – the toxin or filler has been known to move before it’s settled and produce unwanted effects.

• Lastly, be patient – anti-wrinkle injections take a little while for the results to be seen. It can take a few days for the results to be fully visible so wait a little before rushing back to your practitioner worried.

SEE DOCTOR ELEANOR FOR ALL YOUR INJECTABLE NEEDS Female doctor with 16 years of experience

NZ-11581040AB

Pick Safety, Pick Experience

KERIKERI - 3 Homestead Rd Ph 09 430 2201 • 021 385 186

22 | SAVVY

Facedoctors Northland is the most qualified & experienced practitioner for injectables and is a proud stocklist of leading brands - Botox®, Dysport® and Xeomin®.

All three are well established and FDA approved for producing effective results in relaxing the muscles and softening the dynamic wrinkle at the highest safety standard.

To find out more, please book an obligation-free appointment.

WHANGAREI - 8 Quality St Ph 09 430 2201 • 021 385 182

WARKWORTH - 2 Kapanui St Ph 021 385 183

www.facedoctorsnorthland.co.nz Follow us on instagram facedoctors_northland

Health

What is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment describes an emergency situation in which a thin layer of tissue (the retina) at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal position.

R

etinal detachment separates the retinal cells from the layer of blood vessels that provides oxygen and nourishment.

The longer retinal detachment goes untreated, the greater your risk of permanent vision loss in the affected eye.

Warning signs of retinal detachment may include one or all of the following: the sudden appearance of floaters and flashes and reduced vision. Contacting an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) right away can help save your vision.

Symptoms Retinal detachment itself is painless. But warning signs almost always appear before it occurs or has advanced, such as: • The sudden appearance of many floaters — tiny specks that seem to drift through your field of vision

• • • •

Flashes of light in one or both eyes (photopsia) Blurred vision Gradually reduced side (peripheral) vision A curtain-like shadow over your visual field

Causes There are three different types of retinal detachment: • Rhegmatogenous (reg-ma-TODGE-uhnus). These types of retinal detachments are the most common. Rhegmatogenous detachments are caused by a hole or tear in the retina that allows fluid to pass through and collect underneath the retina, pulling the retina away from underlying tissues. The areas where the retina detaches lose their blood supply and stop working, causing you to lose vision.

The most common cause of rhegmatogenous

Your EYEs

are our Focus

•

•

detachment is aging. As you age, the gel-like material that fills the inside of your eye, known as the vitreous (VIT-ree-us), may change in consistency and shrink or become more liquid. Normally, the vitreous separates from the surface of the retina without any complications — a common condition called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). One complication of this separation is a tear.

As the vitreous separates or peels off the retina, it may tug on the retina with enough force to create a retinal tear. Left untreated, the liquid vitreous can pass through the tear into the space behind the retina, causing the retina to become detached.

Tractional. This type of detachment can occur when scar tissue grows on the retina's surface, causing the retina to pull away from the back of the eye. Tractional detachment is typically seen in people who have poorly controlled diabetes or other conditions.

Exudative. In this type of detachment, fluid accumulates beneath the retina, but there are no holes or tears in the retina. Exudative

• Ophthalmic eye examinations • Cataract extraction and lens implant • Pterygium excision plus conjunctive graft • Injection for wet age related Macular Degeneration • Glaucoma treatment

For all diseases oF the eye

• Cataract surgery Help is only a phone call away 0800 11 0030

detachment can be caused by age-related macular degeneration, injury to the eye, tumors or inflammatory disorders.

Risk factors The following factors increase your risk of retinal detachment: • Aging — retinal detachment is more common in people over age 50 • Previous retinal detachment in one eye • Family history of retinal detachment • Extreme nearsightedness (myopia) • Previous eye surgery, such as cataract removal • Previous severe eye injury • Previous other eye disease or disorder, including retinoschisis, uveitis or thinning of the peripheral retina (lattice degeneration).

When to see a doctor Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing the signs or symptoms of retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency in which you can permanently lose your vision.

We aLS CONSU O LT IN KerIKe rI

EYE cENTrE PrIMECArE Eye specialists:

David Dalziel and Andrew Watts Ph: 09-972 7022 12 Kensington ave, Whangarei Fax: 09-972 7026 email: pceyes@xtra.co.nz Website: www.bit.do/Eyecentre SAVVY | 23

Is multi-tasking really that good for you?

I’ll help you reclaim your happiness, and discover how to live a more energised and fulfilling life.

• Private Coaching • Group Coaching • Workshops & Events Once you have the clarity around what you want for your life, you can start creating it.

H

ave you ever been at a restaurant where the couple next to you are deeply engrossed in their own phones and you’re wondering how are they meant to truly connect with one another when they’re in two different realities?

Or when being sold a marketing package, they tell you with a wide smile that most people are viewing different content across three devices at one time, like it’s something to be excited about.

I’ve never found the concept of divided attention something to be proud of. It’s like living your life with one foot in, and besides pulling us out of the present moment with loved ones, it’s making us overwhelmed and exhausted.

Studies show that in today’s world our brain is forced to process around 11 million bits of information per second, YET it only has the conscious capacity to process 120.

Therefore, every time you divide your attention across multiple things in one moment, you cause your brain to become overwhelmed and overloaded. This is why collectively we’re feeling...

• increasingly tired, • that we’re unable to retain new information, • distracted, • disconnected from others, and • as though we can’t come up with any new or creative ideas.

It’s also the main reason we feel we can’t get ahead in life.

With everything that’s competing for your attention, if you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself focusing on the wrong things, or on too many things that aren’t related to what’s important.

027 368 5969

Looking for more support in defining what to put your attention and focus on in life? Book your free 30-minute consultation at sarahtrass.com

Sarah is an internationally-certified Health and Lifestyle Coach, passionate about helping you live your best life - a life that’s healthier, happier, and way more fulfilling.

The greatest power we have is what we choose to put our attention towards.

By focusing your attention on something specific in each moment it will bring your thoughts, actions, and resources all into alignment to achieve it. Whether it be taking one step closer to your dream job, connecting with your child in a meaningful way, or taking time out for yourself to rest and recharge.

The more intentional you are with your attention and focus, the greater the result you will get.

So my invitation for you is to start noticing what you’re putting your attention towards in life.

• Are you intentional about what you focus on, or are you scattered?

• What are you giving most of your attention towards throughout the day – is it aligned with what’s important to you? Is it moving you closer to what you truly want?

• What constantly steals or divides your attention? How is this serving you?

• What’s one thing you could change in your day to give your full attention to one thing?

With love, Sarah xx

Showcasing services and offers to support your health and wellness journey!

Introducing JANE BENNETT

Special Dietary Requirements?

Jane joined the Stem Cell Nutrition Team more than five years ago after a major turn around with her own health issues. She is now determined to ‘spread the word’ to anyone who is interested. Jane holds seminars and talks with groups of all sizes.

‘I have got my life back so I’m here to help others do the same.'

JANE’S QUALIFICATIONS: • 240V Electrician • Sports Therapy (UK Dip) • Anatomy, Physiology and Massage (UK Dip) • Equine Sports Therapy (UK Dip) • Consultant for Stem Cell Nutrition and IBO (Independent business operator

At POWER PLANT wholefood & organic store, all our food is gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, mostly organic and made inhouse with love. We create nutritious and delicious made-to-order meals plus ‘grab & go’ cabinet items for those on the run. Our food is crafted by a passionate and dedicated team of professionals for dine-in or takeaway.

We serve fair-trade organic Kokako coffee and house-made hot drinks, with Northland organic Mama Zing kombucha on tap.

STEM CELL NUTRITION

US Biotech giant Cerule brings adult stem cell release support to New Zealand.

Experience the benefits like thousands of Americans do, today.

Every time you take 2 capsules you support the body’s natural release of adult stem cells. These can become any cell type in the body that needs replacing.

Call stem cell support adviser with 10 years’ experience, Jane Bennett, for a free consultation. Read the label, take as directed.

Phone for a Free Consultation - 021 526 342 Jane Bennett, Waikato TAPS 1260RS 24 | SAVVY

3#1;:%1 '%9 =46 9= :1 ;<# =477' 34>4&:1# 41. !#/#:7# 4 "!## /%""## 6:;< 41' $9!/<4=# 91;:5 0*=; 895' )+)*, ;#!3= 41. /%1.:;:%1= :1 =;%!#

>59;#1-"!## .4:!'-"!## %!>41:/ $541;-24=#. "%%. ( /%""## SHOP 5, CIVIC ARCADE, 37 BANK STREET, WHANGAREI CBD, ACCESS THROUGH TUNNEL FROM FORUM NORTH CARPARK | www.powerplantorganics.co.nz

Let’s talk about Cosmetic Medicine for Men …

While women have been embracing and enjoying the results of cosmetic procedures for many years, it is not a much talked about topic for men.

S

ociety is constantly evolving and highly competitive. Along with being physically fit and having an active mind, we all love to also look fresh and healthy.

Whangārei Skin Clinic works to enhance, not change the way you look. Cosmetic medicine treatments for men are subtle yet improve the overall appearance and boost confidence.

Treatments can be as simple as using moisturisers. We all go for haircuts, so why not consider using an advanced skin care regime to treat effects of sun damage, signs of aging and environmental damage.

The most common concerns men attend consultations for: • Acne and acne scars, rosacea • “Grumpy folds” that give the impression of being angry or sad.

• Hair Loss • Volume loss in the face • Excessive sweating • Removal of benign, unsightly lesions

POSSIBLE TREATMENTS INCLUDE: •

Acne: discussion about medication, creams and tablets, LED light therapy

•

Acne scars: skin resurfacing with dermal needling with or without platelet rich plasma therapy.

•

Rosacea: medication and LED light therapy

•

Skin improving/resurfacing treatments like hyaluronic acid injections and dermal needling and medical peels.

•

Treatment of lines and wrinkles with botulinum toxin, for example: “grumpy folds".

These are forehead lines that give the impression of looking sad and angry. Crow’s feet, lines on the temples that start smile lines but can get longer with time and make the skin look older. Men respond to botulinum toxin injection the same way as women but have stronger muscles so a higher dose might be required.

•

Excessive sweating – medically known as hyperhidrosis: Botulinum toxin does not only smooth fine wrinkles, but also inhibits sweat glands. This provides good relief from excessive sweating especially in the armpits and hands. Treatments last for up to a year.

•

Enhancement, accentuation, and correction of specific facial areas like the jawline and cheekbones with hyaluronic acid fillers.

•

Treatment of thinning hair with platelet rich plasma injections.

While technically not different, cosmetic medicine treatments in men must be tailored to the male anatomy and aesthetic ideals. This also takes the client’s age, ethnic and cultural background into consideration. For instance, most females prefer softer lines and an oval shape for the face whereas men like a "chiselled" look and do not mind sharper edges. Most cultures perceive curved eyebrows in females as attractive, while eyebrows in men impress when shaped flatter and thicker.

A cosmetic medicine consultation should start with a medical history, acknowledging current medication, allergies and sensitivities. After an assessment and a discussion about possible therapies and expected outcomes, you will have the necessary tools to decide on a treatment right for you.

Most treatments will allow you to return to work immediately or have very little down time.

We look forward to seeing you at Whangārei Skin Clinic!

SKIN CANCER MEDICINE AND SURGERY

COSMETIC MEDICINE

• Surgical/Non-Surgical Skin Cancer treatment • Radiofrequency Surgery • Complete Skin Cancer Checks

• • • • • •

Winter is definitely here, so why not take the time to treat yourself like Royalty Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9am - 4.30pm Exception Thursday 10.30am - 6pm (Evening Surgery)

Phone 09 4370852

E Info@whgskinclinic.co.nz www.whangareiskinclinic.co.nz

Botulinum Toxin Treatments • Dermal Fillers • Microneedling Advanced Platelet Rich Therapy (PRP) Non surgical Thread face lift Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Treatment LED (light therapy) Skincare products and Sunscreens

85 Hatea Drive Regent Whangarei 0112 SAVVY | 25

Things to Do in Northland F THE MONTH PACKARD MOTOR MUSEUM – VEHICLE OF

BY GERALDINE CRAW

1965 Austin Gipsy

A

nother interesting vehicle has arrived at the Packard Motor Museum. A British Motor Corporation, Austin Gypsy. The Gipsy was produced from 1958 until 1968 and was designed by Austin to compete with Rover’s Land Rover.

Prior to building the Gipsy, Austin decided to build a jeep-like military vehicle of their own so they could compete for the lucrative government contracts. The result was the Austin Champ, a small, light military vehicle, but it did not find favour with the British troops. The Champ had an open cab and was more complex to service, so ultimately Land Rover gained all the military work.

After the war, Austin realised that the Land Rover was popular with civilians and so they designed the Gipsy. This

vehicle was far more advanced than the Land Rover with its rubber torsion-type independent suspension. However, unlike the aluminium bodied Land Rover, the Gipsy was built with a steel body. The top and frame were fully removable, along with the side windows to give a full open-air vehicle.

The Gipsy came in two sizes; a 90inch or the longer 111-inch wheel-base.

They were produced with either a petrol 2.2 litre motor (derived from the 1950s A70 car engine) or a 2.2 litre diesel, both developing about 60hp.

Our vehicle is the short wheel-base, diesel version.

In 1968, BMC merged with Leyland, meaning the Gipsy and Land Rover, were produced by the same company. Because of this, British Leyland saw the slower selling Gipsy as redundant and ceased its production.

In New Zealand, the Gipsy was assembled from a knock-down kit (parts shipped to New Zealand) at the BMC Petone factory. During the 1960s, the Gipsy was common on New Zealand roads but today it is a rarity.

Fishing tips & tales WITH JOHN VOWLESS As I write this, the wind is howling.

Outside Whangārei Harbour, the swells are huge, the wave buoy recording swells of 4-6m with the occasional monster of 10m.

Not the weather to be taking the boat out.

The outer harbour is also lumpy and up around Onerahi, the seas are messy and the water dirty.

However, if you were very keen or very hungry, you could probably go for a fish but, because of conditions, the fishing would likely be slow and uncomfortable.

This is a pity as recently a very skilled fisherman named Phil left Parua Bay at 5am with his mate Piko. They fished in the harbour and, by 7.30am, were home again with their limit of good snapper, most of which were in the 400 to 550 very good eating size. Quality fishing!

Snapper and a few kahawai are still being caught off the shore throughout our harbour but, as winter comes, on our harbour, fishing

will slow. Straight after a big blow, the outer harbour can fish quite well but you need to be in clean water. All along the coast and around the Islands, the fishing can be very good. When conditions become safe, fish off the shore and lob big baits without sinkers into the churned-up water - this is a good time to catch big snapper.

Boaties can take advantage of these conditions also. As the seas start to subside and become safely fishable, fish out from the rocky shoreline and strayline big baits in toward the rocks. This can be very productive and heaps of fun.

I rarely go far from shore for my fishing but recently had an interesting conversation with a game fish fisherman; he mentioned that gamefishers fishing out from our east coast occasionally see manta rays and, at times, see small groups of these magnificent giants. These rays are harmless and eat by sifting plankton while swimming slowly with huge mouths wide open. There are many species and they can have a wingspan of between 3-6m. They must be an awesome sight.

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Things to Do in Northland

Hihiaua Cultural Centre

- Weaving voices of old into artistic expression

Lino prints by Zela Charlton

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angar Gallery has the great pleasure to present the well-known and much-loved ‘Northland Series’ of lino prints by Zela Charlton. This series of lino print reproductions pay tribute to Zela’s observations of the Whangārei community that has been her home since the 1970s.

A prominent figure in the local art scene, Zela Charlton has been involved in many educative and cultural institutions, including Head of the Art Department at Kamo High School, member of the Whangārei Art Society and was critical in helping to establish the Northland Polytechnic Art Programme.

Zela, Alan and their family arrived from the United Kingdom in 1973. Their arrival coincided with a growing artistic movement happening in Northland. They were affiliated with wellrespected artists including Yvonne Rust, Tony

Fomison, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Stephanie Sheehan, Jo Hardy and Doug Chowns.

In later years, Zela opened an art gallery on Ngunguru Rd, Art Stop, and exhibited many local and New Zealand artists.

While also a painter, Zela’s lino prints have primarily focused on Northlanders in their everyday lives. She has depicted the relationship of the inhabitant to their environment, be it pipi pickers wading in the shallows of the estuary or flax weavers at the marae. There are scenes of fishing and waiting for the school bus, playing on the beach and exploring rock pools. She has accentuated the colours by hand-colouring the prints. The latest works have been reproduced as serigraphs, although Hangar Gallery does still have some original hand-tinted lino prints. The works are fresh and engaging. Please call in to view the collection.

Hangar Gallery has a wide range of ceramics by local artists.

Photo by Sally Spicer

14 Cross St, Regent, Whangarei E frameskamo@xtra.co.nz Ph 4381260 | www.hangarart.nz

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his month at Hihiaua Cultural Centre we are celebrating the coming of the Māori new year with a schedule of awesome events run by local collective Taku Ahi. ‘Taku Ahi’ is the fire at the entrance of the wharenui (meeting house) where, over the cold winter months, the whole community is responsible for tending to the embers.

The Ahi became the place of storytelling, sharing, warmth and helped ignite the flames for the rest of the community. The Taku Ahi collective have taken this concept and created a festival to celebrate this idea through sharing stories, passing on skills and warming our creative spirits over this cold period. This will be the third Taku Ahi festival, which takes place biennially.

First up is the opening of the Taku Ahi Puanga Exhibition at 5:30pm on Wednesday June 2. Artists from around New Zealand have been invited to submit new works that draw inspiration from Rongomatane (god of cultivated foods and peace) and Haumiatiketike (god of uncultivated food). The public are welcome to attend the opening, and the exhibition will be available for viewing until the end of June.

Second is a three-day Toi Māori workshop (June 11-13) which will focus on traditional art and cultural practice with the goal of creating a finished work of art to take home after being

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HARBOUR CRUISING

included in the exhibition. Participants will learn and experience knowledge pertaining to Puanga, a star that signifies the coming of the new year for Māori in Northland. Registration costs $60 and is essential. Please email matariki.takuahi@gmail. com for more information.

Third and fourth are the Pia Talks and the Tohunga Talks which will be held on Thursday June 24 and Friday June 25 respectively, both starting at 7pm. The Pia Talks will feature artists from the Puanga exhibition talking about their work, inspiration and art practice. The Tohunga Talks is a contemporary take on the ritual of passing down higher knowledge from experts, to the future generation. It will feature some prominent Māori knowledge holders speaking on the traditional meanings and practices associated with Puanga, and the Māori new year. Both events are free but donations are appreciated to help the festival continue. Please dress warm.

Finally, we are excited to host Māmā Moving Mountains for their Mataariki Expo on Friday June 25 from 9:30am-2:30pm. The event welcomes visitors to celebrate, connect and collaborate through food and conversation. The entrepreneurial mothers that make up the group will also have stalls set up with awesome locally made products available for purchase.

Keep an eye on our Hihiaua Cultural Centre Facebook page and Instagram for more information and updates.

On a sunny Sunday in May, members and friends of the Northland Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society enjoyed one of Whangāreis local attractions, embarking on the MV Waipapa for a 2 hour harbour cruise run by Tony and Heather of Whangārei Harbour Cruises.

A new perspective and appreciation of both the Town Basin area and of the Whangārei Harbour itself was given to all those on board. Definitely a trip worth doing.

SAVVY | 27

A LITTLE TASTE OF ITALY

IN QUALITY ST WHANGAREI CBD Amici's Arancini

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOCAL SUPPORT

The Italian risotto balls, arancini, which is pronounced: "a-ruhn-see-ni". Arancini is a diminutive of arancia or 'orange'. The name, which is translated as "little orange", derives from their shape and colour which after cooking is reminiscent of an orange. Arancini are small rice balls filled with roasted pumpkin, baby spinach & parmesan, coated in breadcrumbs and fried, served on Napoli sauce topped with parmesan.

Fully Licensed Take Away and Delivery available (Free Delivery over $100) Order online at www.amici.nz

Amici's Spaghetti Puttanesca (V) Spaghetti Puttanesca, which is pronounced as poottah-NEHS-kah, is an Italian pasta dish invented in Naples in the mid-20th century and made with sundried tomatoes, olive oil, olives, capers, chilli and garlic in a napolitana (tomato) sauce with spaghetti pasta.

Tuesday - Sunday Breakfast & Lunch 10am-3pm Dinner 5pm-9pm

Shop 13, Quality Street, Whangarei CBD. Ph: 09 438 2961 – www.amici.nz Follow us on FB: Amiciwhangarei

Carrington's Te Mana Lamb Rump Te Mana Lamb Rump - Char - grilled, served with new potatoes, baby carrots, seasonal greens, Goat Feta, caramelised fig and smoked paprika oil.

The Restaurant offers attentive service and genuine hospitality, delivering rustic and honest New Zealand-inspired fare.

Carrington's Kaweka Venison Loin Seasoned wild/farmed venison. From the Kaweka ranges in the Central North Island. Pan seared and served with roasted root vegetables, seasonal greens, dark cherry relish and port wine jus.

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We focus on sharing our passion for food with our guests. Our mission is staying true to our belief in provenance and providing seasonal, sustainable and locally sourced produce.

Carrington Restaurant provides a space for you to feel relaxed whilst being mesmerised by the stunning views.

We cater for all types of events from weddings, birthdays, corporate functions to live music etc.

Carrington Estate, 109 Matai Bay Road, Karikari Peninsula P 09 408 7222 E info@carrington.co.nz W www.carrington.co.nz

In the winter, far beneath the bitter snows, lie the seed, that with the sun’s love, in the spring, becomes the rose Open 7 days 8.30 - 5.00 | 1526 Springbank Road, Kerikeri SH10 09 407 5462 | www.redwoodsgardencentre.co.nz | Follow us on Facebook SAVVY | 29

SIMPLE IDEAS FOR LIVING WITH LESS WASTE Eleanor Ozich shares some easy things to incorporate into your day for a more positive impact

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e live in a fast-paced world that has led the majority of us to demand convenience in all aspects of our lives. From the food we eat, the clothes we wear, to the technology we continually update — pretty much everything we consume is packaged unsustainably, in some shape or form.

Recycling plastic, paper and glass might be second nature for most of us, but the truth is, we largely ignore a staggering amount of other waste going to landfill, such as soft plastic packaging, convenience products, clothing, and food. We tell ourselves that as New Zealanders, we're clean and green but, the truth is, our country is creating waste like there's no tomorrow.

It's deeply upsetting to think of what we're doing the environment, and as a result, to our future generations. The good news, however, is that there are plenty simple changes we can all make towards living with less waste.

Here are a few ideas you might be interested in incorporating into your daily rhythms.

currently sending approximately 3 million tons of trash to the landfill each year, a frightful amount to say in the least. Next time you recycle, make sure your paper, plastic and aluminium vessels are well-cleaned, as this will ensure they are actually recycled.

Shop Plastic-Free Taking a few minutes to plan before you head to the grocery store can help to make the world of difference. Shopping plastic-free can be easy once you get used it, and before long, it'll feel like second nature. Invest in some reusable shopping

Always Clean Your Recyclables Did you know it's likely that only 50 per cent of what you think is being recycled is actually being recycled? Here in New Zealand, we are

bags (I personally love French-style market bags, because well, they look pretty) and cotton or linen produce bags are handy for filling with fresh fruit and vegetables. You can also take your own glass containers along with you to your local butcher, fishmonger or takeaway shop. You'll find that most are happy to place the food into your own container, we even do this for sushi, too.

Buy in Bulk Purchase dried goods such as baking ingredients, spices, and legumes in bulk to avoid single-use plastic. If you're like me, you might enjoy storing your dried goods in glass jars, as they look tidier in your pantry. Furthermore, most whole foods or bin in stores allow you to do the same.

Ditch the Plastic Coffee Cup Do you frequent the local cafe or coffee shop?

Next time order a coffee, consider using a reusable coffee cup (such as KeepCup, or Joco cups). Or simply take a moment to sit down and enjoy your drink, rather than take it on the go.

Why are you in such a rush?

Make Your Own Consider buying a big bottle of natural Castille soap and making your own homemade cleaning

and beauty products. Castille soap can be used for almost anything and comes in a range of gorgeous scents.

Shop Second-Hand It is estimated that carbon dioxide emissions from clothing manufacturing and waste account for ten per cent of global emissions, and is the second largest industrial polluter, second only to oil. Shopping second-hand helps to save perfectly good clothing from a landfill and can reduce the horrifyingly huge demand for clothing production.

Say No to Bottled Water Not only is it exorbitantly expensive, take a moment to think about the resources used to collect, bottle, and ship it, let alone the plastic bottle it comes in. Also, you might like to know that often the bottles aren't recycled.

Re-Purpose Lastly, next time you're about to toss something in the trash, take a moment to consider whether it can be mended, or re-purposed in some way or another. Turn old clothes into cleaning rags, or if they're still in good condition, drop them off at your local charity shop for the chance of a second life.

Capture a Moment in time

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Contact Peter McNabb

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FIREPLACE, ANYPLACE Five unconventional places to install a gas fireplace, thanks to Escea’s Flexible Flue technology.

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as fire technology is continually evolving, knocking down the boundaries of conventional design and constantly exceeding our expectations.

Escea’s Flexible Flue technology is an architect and interior designer’s best friend – allowing them to put a fireplace virtually anywhere.

Escea’s Direct Vent powered flues can be run in any direction, including through walls and under the floor! This is thanks to a powered direct vent system, which is essentially a fan that pushes air in whatever direct you want which allows for absolute design freedom when it comes to fireplace placement. This, plus the fact that Escea can flue up to 40m is what allows for unique, unconventional, and unexpected fireplace installations – and at Home Heating Kerikeri, we’ve seen some great ones.

The ability to run the flue downward, and underneath the floor allows you to think outside the walls when it comes to your fireplace design, because who needs them?

and tricks with pulling together these kinds of installs, so just make sure you speak to us first and refer to Escea’s comprehensive style guides for complicated installs

Under bench The kitchen is widely thought of as the heart of the home. It’s where we convene in the morning over a cup of tea and toast, and share stories of our day whilst we prepare dinner in the evening.

You might think there’s not a lot of room in the kitchen for a fireplace, but have you imagined one under your kitchen island bench?

This unexpected design is again made possible by running Escea’s flexible flues underneath the floor. Of course, there are tips

Under window A fireplace under the window makes a serious impact – giving you two views at the same time. Particularly magic in winter, you can watch the hoar frost, or the rain fall outside at the same time as you take in the mesmerising flames from the comfort of your warm, cosy living room.

To pull off this unique install, the flue would be run horizontally under the window, exiting the home through the exterior wall.

In the middle of the room That’s right, you can put a fireplace smack bang in the middle of your living room. Escea’s range of double-sided gas fireplaces create stunning room dividers, designating two spaces while connecting them with flame.

Integrated into bespoke cabinetry The integration of flame into bookcases and shelving is becoming increasingly popular amongst architects and designers – not only is it a clever and conservative use of space, it’s an engaging feature that brings dimension to the room. This is where Escea’s Flexible Flue shines again, fluing in any direction to avoid any structural obstacles. Bedroom right above? No problem, you can run the flue horizontally and out the side of the wall.

Want to include a TV? Great! Escea has the lowest TV clearance on the market.

Inside-Out Finally, with the Escea DX Series you can have a double-sided fire that connects inside and out – creating a flame-framed window to the outdoors (or indoors). With two sides of flame viewing, this fire can transform the courtyard and the living room at the same time– a two-for-one deal you might say.

The possibilities are endless and the limitations are few – Escea’s technology gives you the edge to forget what you knew about fireplace design and imagine your fireplace, anyplace.

The team at Home Heating Kerikeri are experts when it comes to flexible installations and can offer advice at the planning stage of your project. Call us today to arrange a time, or just pop in with your plans.

Home Heating Homekeriker.co.nz

Fireplace, anyplace.

With Escea gas fireplaces there’s no need to compromise on design. Flexible flue technology allows you to put the fire wherever you want.

The only limit is your imagination.

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SAVVY | 31

SOUNDS LIKE SLEEP If the sound of getting a good night’s sleep is music to your ears – you may just be in luck.

Disconnecting from the day is a struggle many Kiwis face and the secret to silencing your mind may be easier than you think and, contrary to popular belief, it’s as easy as pressing play.

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s the experts in sleep, the team at Beds R Us aim to provide you with a premium sleep experience that extends beyond the mattress – and recently they’ve found research that suggests good tunes may be the optimal tool to get you snoozin’. Sleep music offers an easy solution for those restless nights and has recently surged in popularity as an affordable sleep aid, without any side effects.

It’s no new fad either, there’s historical proof that melodies were often played by moonlight— and it seems to evoke an orchestrated response from our body too. ✔ Synchronised snoozing Music has powerful effects on your breathing and heart rate. A tune with a tempo of 60–80 beats per minute mimics that of a resting heart rate, subsequently causing your breathing and heart rate to slow. This simulates what your body

experiences in the early stages of sleep, so you’ll be on your way to dreamland before you know it. ✔ Efficient and effective Is there one thought keeping you from slumber at night? The amount of time it takes to nod off versus the time you spend asleep is referred to as sleep efficiency. Music acts as a catalyst in this equation, with research showing you’ll fall asleep quicker with some twilight tunes. Make it a nightly routine and the positive effects are proven to build overtime! ✔ Get in the mood Emotions running high? There’s no doubt you’ll be in for a disrupted sleep. Music at bedtime has the ability to help wash away the stresses and anxieties of each day. Feel the physical benefits as it eases your nervous system and muscle tension, helping you melt into your mattress and feel the full effects of a luxurious night’s sleep.

✔ Go lightly on the lyrics Just as easily as music subconsciously influences your breathing and heart rate, your brain can’t help but sing along too. Songs with lyrics can mentally stimulate the cognitive centres in your brain – so it’s best to avoid this right before bed.

If you have put on your snoozy sonata but your sleep is still hitting a flat note, the rest of your sleep environment may be out of tune. Talk to the bed specialists at Beds R Us Whangārei today to find out how to orchestrate all elements of your bedroom for the perfect night's sleep.

Beds R Us Whangārei has moved to a new location on the corner of Porowini Ave and Tarewa Rd (old Smiths City building) with Northland’s largest range of New Zealand-made Sleepyhead beds.

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Whangarei · Open 7 Days · Ph 09 438 3550 32 | SAVVY

GARDENING TIPS:

How To Grow A Winter Garden Avoid paying $13 for a cauliflower this winter and grow your own. Whether you live in an apartment or have a backyard, gardener Claire Mummery’s tips will help you on your way.

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older days have arrived, it’s still a good time to start planning how you can be more self-sufficient over winter. Even if you just grow rosemary, thyme, mint and parsley in pots, they will serve you well and bring extra, fresh flavour to dishes.

Think rosemary crushed into lamb mince patties, mint chopped through a salad, or thyme and lemon tucked into a roast chicken...

1. If you’re looking for a winter garden harvest with a quick turnaround, try and source plants and seeds for pak choi, rocket, radishes, baby carrots, silverbeet, Chinese vegetables, mustard seeds, and even look for a wild weed salad from your garden.

2. You can start preparing the ground for your vege plot now. Make sure it’s in a position where it will get plenty of winter sun. Gather resources from your home and garden. Collect brown leaves, grass clippings and weeds for compost, and plant into this mixture to give plants a healthy start.

3. Re-use meat trays from the supermarket to sow seeds. They are perfect. Heat a knife and make some holes in the bottom; line with newspaper or paper towels, wet the lining, then dig up some soil and crumble it finely on top. Water, sow seeds (not too deep) and water lightly every day until germination.

4. When seeds are ready to be transferred to the ground, be sure to water seedlings daily in the cool morning. As the sun rises, its rays can

damage wet leaves even through autumn, so watering later in the day will only cause harm.

5. Mulch around plants with brown leaves or carbon material — even ripped up newspaper or cardboard — and put grass clippings on top.

This will protect plants from the rain splashes and retain vital nutrients for their growth.

6. Liquid feeding plants is great for replenishing them with nutrients if you have a worm farm to drain the liquid from, or compost tea. Other super-tonics include EM (effective microoganisms) and liquid kelp, as they boost plants with much-needed support. It is best to spray these on to the seedlings and plants, or you can put it in a watering can and water the base of your plants.

7. Try to sow seeds in alignment with the moon

for the best results. The moon is a powerful force within the garden, literally pulling up or down — just like the tide. Sowing aboveground seeds when the moon is rising is really important as this harnesses the waxing energy and you will be rewarded with seeds sprouting quicker. After the full moon, sow below-ground crops such as beetroot, carrots, turnip, swede and Florence fennel.

8. Bokashi is by far the quickest way for making soil and a one-stop-shop for quick and healthy growth. Food scraps are so valuable when inoculated and fermented with microorganisms. If you’ve never heard of Bokashi before, get googling as there are heaps of resources out there, including Facebook pages like Bokashi New Zealand.

Design & Build Your Home

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www.homeworld.co.nz Everything you want in a Building Company SAVVY | 33

A NEW SEASON

A NEW LOOK 38 years in the business

BY TRACEY HARVEY, FRAZERHURST

At Frazerhurst Curtains and Blinds we change our look twice a year to reflect what is currently on trend. In autumn to take us into winter and again in spring to take us into summer.

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e choose fabrics from our suppliers’ new ranges and add a few of our favourite classics in as well. Once we have chosen what we want to display, we order the fabrics, then schedule them into the workroom. Just as if we were a client, we have to wait our turn. In fact, our displays are usually put behind clients’ projects.

When we change our display, it is sad to see some favourites leave us but when the new ones arrive, we marvel at how wonderful it looks.

We eagerly await each new display and, when completed, we mull over matching cushions and

possible complementary interior schemes.

Being a local, independent business, we have the luxury to make our own decisions. We choose what we know our Nothland clients will love. We do not have to comply with a head office directive.

Frazerhurst has been supporting locals for 38 years and this has given us an insight into what Northlanders want and what is important for window furnishings for a Northland home.

Alongside our extensive drapery options, we are the local agent for New Zealand Weathermaster and a Luxaflex commercial partner. Most of the products are made here in

BE IN TO WIN

New Zealand or in Australia so we are confident in the quality.

Weathermaster are the masters at both indoor and outdoor window furnishings including Shutters, Awnings and drop screens for exterior weather control as well as a full range of indoor blinds and shutters.

Here at Frazerhurst, we pride ourselves on our professionalism, great service and excellent product knowledge. We stand by our products.

Our job is not done until the customer is happy.

An amazing prize pack from Maison by Rapee when you spend with Frazerhurst in June!

Prize includes table runner, tote bag & 3 cushions.

Ts & Cs apply.

Call into Frazerhurst Curtains and Blinds in Lower Dent St, Whangārei.

Stylish window furnishings with optimum functionality, installed with a minimum of fuss, completed within your budget.

Frazerhurst Curtains and Blinds is 38

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*Some exclusions and conditions apply.. Sale must end 25th June 2021.

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146 Lower Dent St, Whangarei | Ph 09 438 3986 www.frazerhurst.co.nz | Email: info@frazerhurst.co.nz

“Customers come first at Frazerhurst”

How to avoid the major mistakes people make when renovating

LAURA HEYNIKE, ONEROOF

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any people think that renovations will add value to your home, and while this is mostly true, poor choices can lead to frustrated home buyers and a difficult task for your real estate agent to market.

Quality workmanship and unfinished work is one of the biggest factors that buyers notice, and they sure notice it if the execution is poor.

Repainting a home is a great way to freshen up the old bones, but don’t paint over

imperfect walls or wallpaper that actually needs to be stripped.

The prospect of having to re-do what the seller has done is frustrating and devalues the home instantly.

Shoddy work whether it be tiling, building or painting is best reflected on what should be DIY and when to call in quality tradespeople to carry out the work to a high standard that is council compliant.

A great exercise is a ‘defect walk’.

Stand one metre away and look at every defect that you can see.

Start working your way through this list, you will find you can remedy most of them with a mix of DIY and professional trade help.

Bad colour choices also make it on the list.

By keeping your paint scheme or kitchen splashback neutral you appeal to a wider range of buyers ready for them to make their mark on the interior with colours that they physiologically connect with.

Bold feature walls and tiles in bathrooms are tricky to replace so think carefully about your product selection.

Overpriced renovations catch home owners out when they get carried away with starting on one area which evidently leads to two or three more areas that subsequently need to be updated as now it looks worse.

By being selective with zones, you can avoid this completely.

Keep in mind that most homes are open plan so if you do tackle the kitchen, then the whole living-dining area generally needs to be updated too for a finished renovation.

If you are working on a small budget perhaps look at replacing the flooring, paint, make sure all fittings aren’t mismatched, updating the laundry and the street appeal of your home for first impressions.

Lastly allocate a proportion of your budget to styling your home both inside and out.

This could be a new front door and the street front refreshed with new plantings and letter box through to replacing light fittings and door handles, hanging artwork, and staged or at least curated existing furniture to remove the personal touch and achieve more of a show home experience.

For over 15 years we’ve been proudly building Kiwi homes for Kiwis using all the best stuff from right here in good ol’ NZ. Over the last 15 years the Kiwi dream has come a long way since the elusive quarter acre.

That’s why we’re proud to still be able to provide a Kiwi solution for your first home, second home, a home where you need a bit more home, or even your home away from home.

We offer a range of plans from 60 to 250 square metres. These can be built straight from the plans, or we can use them as inspiration to create your own Kiwi dream.

SAVVY | 35

HOW TO DECORATE A BEDROOM Do you love retreating to your blissful, peaceful bedroom at the end of the day, knowing this room is your safe haven?

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YOUR DESIGN & BUILD SPECIALISTS

Standard Plans · Altered Plans · Your Plans Hi, I’m Wayne Pick kerill, Managing Director & Project Manager for your new Fowler Ho ome. We will havve exactly what you need to know about building your new home an nd guide you thro ough the process.

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36 | SAVVY

opefully you do, because we all need a space away from it all, where we can escape to from the bustle of daily life.

Bedrooms are the sanctuaries in our homes. It is here we retreat to for slumber at the end of the day and wake up, greeting the morning.

So much of this room's aesthetic impacts us emotionally. When our bedrooms are comprised of colours and textures that resonate with us, we'll immediately sense comfort here, feeling recharged and restored.

What also helps with this is the room's décor; photographs of times we've loved, people who are special to us, artworks that inspire us and a clutter-free setting.

If our bedrooms don't have a look that we connect with, this can sometimes have a negative impact on our emotions. Taking the time and thought into creating a bedroom that we love is worthwhile.

The best place to start is with the things that won’t change – the furniture, the artwork, the lighting and the soft furnishings. Then you can coordinate a Resene paint colour to suit.

Interior designer Hamish Dodd says there are two camps of design when it comes to bedrooms. "One is light and airy, whimsical white with pastels, bringing in colour with bedding," he says. "The other is cave-like and moody."

"Ask yourself what feeling you want in the bedroom. If you want that cave feeling, there are no limits to a dark room. You can achieve a heavy feeling in a room with a dark bedhead, dark throws on the bed, dark drapes and a chair in the corner."

Look to on-trend sumptuous hues to achieve this effect, such as the deep charcoal of Resene Double Foundry, paired with accents in Resene Triple Joss or Resene Flashback. Or bring in the sophisticated navy of Resene Madison with accents in Resene Gold Drop and the amber of Resene Porsche.

The deep plum of Resene Arthouse will feel full of richness and life when paired with decor in the pink-red of Resene Geronimo and cerulean blue of Resene Retro. Add trims in Resene Half Black White and watch these colours resonate and pop.

"If you wanted to do something different," Hamish says, "use Resene Dauntless, which is a fantastic rich, teal green ¬– it's fun. Colour your walls then pick a light white for the ceiling such as Resene Wan White."

Or if you want to go crazy, it only takes a litre or two of paint to paint a feature wall behind your bed. "You can do one coat per day so it's all done in a weekend," Hamish says. "Use Resene Twisted Sister for some punch! For me, it doesn't feel like a colour I'd wrap around a whole room as it's a 'look at me' colour. Other walls could be in neutrals such as Resene Alabaster, Resene Wan White or Resene Thorndon Cream.”

"Imagine walking into a white room and getting the bang hit of orange, which draws the focus to head of the bed. Bring neutrals and orange in through bedding and side lamps - play around with it. Remember, if you're working with colour it should be fun."

If you and your partner can't agree whether to go dark or light, compromise by choosing a dark, luscious Resene wallpaper with shutters and trims painted in crisp Resene White. This will allow for the dark walls to cater to the person who wants a cave-like feeling in their bedroom, and the white paint to serve the person who is drawn to the lighter aspects of the room.

You can choose a lighter coloured bedhead and bedding for the room also. "A lot of people end up having some furniture in a bedroom, so a light upholstered chair or foot stool at the end of the bed will work," Hamish says. "Lighter coloured side tables and light curtains in a natural linen finish will resonate too. If the floor coverings are dark, lift that with a pale coloured rug. Lighting is super important also."

For those drawn to a pared-back aesthetic, use Resene Black White, one of the most popular whites. For a warmer white use Resene Rice Cake.

Remember, going pale doesn't mean it can't be interesting; you can bring in decorative details,

such as a white lamp with an interesting texture on its base and a shade in a pale pattern, or use Resene Anaglypta paint-on wallpaper to bring texture to your paint colour. Bring in a headboard in a pastel stripe or floral that blends in with your curtains or bedding. How matchy-matchy you choose to go with your fabrics is up to you.

Unite the space and create synergy with textural materials and accents throughout.

The key when using patterns is ensuring they don't overwhelm the space, get the balance right. You may want to keep the whole room full of soft, gentle colour, then throw a surprise element in with a patterned headboard that anchors the room.

The soft pink of Resene Half Pale Rose, the everpopular Resene Half Duck Egg Blue and the gentle green of Resene Rainee are examples of soft colours that will bring your bedroom to life, especially when paired with fabric in the same tones.

Bringing a touch of nature's calm in always works, such as green. Look to the fresh Resene Willow Brook, revitalising Resene Spring Rain, dark pastel of Resene Summer Green or the rich tones of Green Pea. By tying in an extra layer of lime-washed effect, you'll bring a sense of vibrancy to your interior too. Tie up your setting with timber finishes in your furniture, bedding and lighting in tones of warm white to lend a rustic, comforting effect. For those with a passion for print, tie in your green paint colour with a botanical wallpaper to capture a sense of peace.

Team this with a jute rug and a green lamp base or pendant to complement your chosen colour.

Warming, autumnal hues will embrace the senses, leaving you feeling cosy and comforted.

Think amber-pink walls, with soothing clay tones in your lighting, and bedding with cushions in teal, marigold and burgundy to balance. Use the brown-edged orange of Resene Moroccan Spice,

the rich red of Resene Lusty, bold Resene Pizazz with the blue-green of Resene Maestro.

Or for a more powerful punch, embrace indigo blue that evokes the starlit sky, paired with uplifting tones of lilac, green and burgundy in your soft furnishings and furniture. This is a perfect setting upon which to add modern botanicals by way of wallpaper or curtains or adopt a more masculine look with plain fabrics and brass lighting for a lift.

If you have an en suite off your bedroom, carry your colours into there too. This can apply to your floor tiles, cabinetry colour, lighting styles and towels in the same colour as your bedding.

Interior designer Stacy Hayman looked to the natural environment of the native reserve surrounding her home when decorating her master bedroom, using greens, browns and pinks. "I went with Resene Linen, Resene Akaroa and Resene Just Right," she says. "My general rule is to apply a neutral to 70 percent of the bedroom, then ease down to bolder colours for the remaining 30 percent."

"I used Resene Linen on our wardrobe, then Resene Half Linen on our built-in wooden headboard. For soft furnishings, I found a duvet in the same colour as Resene Akaroa and a throw in the same colour as Resene Just Right. It's by far the easiest tactic to choose your overall colour palette from Resene's range because you can take advantage of their testpots, create large A4 swatches and coordinate different elements in the room to those swatches."

It depends on the person and their bedroom as to what aesthetic they choose, Stacy says. "We created a calming yet colourful sanctuary, pairing a few key colours with one of Resene's beautiful white, textured wallpapers to add dimension, as well as a v-groove headboard ledge."

"Prints and large-scale artwork can elevate

a room immensely, Stacy says. "And if you have space, always add in an occasional chair (don't let it become your dumping ground!), it becomes a nice space away from the communal areas if you aren't interested in lying down on your bed to read or work."

Ultimately, for a harmonious look in this space, including paint colours and styling, ensure the tones across your wall colours, trims and ceiling, decorative elements and soft furnishings all work together.

When it comes to choosing paints, opt for Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen for walls with Resene SpaceCote Flat for ceilings. Or use Resene SpaceCote Flat for both walls and ceiling to bring out the moody depth in your paint colour. If you have wooden flooring, rejuvenate the timber colour with Resene Colorwood or bring in a coastal vibe with Resene Colorwood Whitewash and team with weathered blues and dusty greys.

By taking into account all of these elements, you'll have the right formula for a beautiful bedroom. Ensure the flow of space is easy, from the door to the bed, and around the bed itself.

Consider the sensations getting out of bed in the morning. Do you need a soft rug underfoot for added comfort and pleasure? Make it a space you look forward to returning to at the end of each day. And relax…

Whether you are looking to decorate just one room or your entire home, we know you want top quality, real choice and inspiration, as well as expert advice so it’s done right the first time.

The team at Guthrie Bowron Whangarei are ready to help, so pop in and let’s chat!

Ashley Wilde Montana Collection from Charles Parsons.

Top: Feltex, Salisbury. Above: Dulux Kohukohunui. Photographer: Mike Baker. Stylist: Bree Leech. Artwork: Claire Kirkup 'Gathered and Spun' 2018. Image supplied by Dulux.

GUTHRIE BOWRON WHANGAREI

34 Porowini Ave, Morningside, Whangarei 0110 09 438 2519 | sales.whangarei@guthriebowron.co.nz

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INTERIOR TRENDS:

What To Get & What To Forget

All-white bathrooms, grey shades and pineapple motifs are so last decade. Jessica Doyle reveals the top trends right now.

Forget: GREY WALLS Get: GREEN WALLS Grey has been the standout paint colour that has defined the past decade, in all its shades, from dove through to charcoal. After years of magnolia and off-white, grey felt fresh and cool. It’s also incredibly versatile, working with most other colours. For that reason, it’s too soon to say that it’s over. But as with anything that saturates the market so completely, it’s being phased out in favour of other colours that offer a new look.

Warmer shades such as pink, peach and oatmeal have been gradually replacing grey as the choice for a more neutral palette, but trend forecasters such as WGSN are predicting a move towards pale green. It ties in with the current preoccupation with nature and plants, and offers a calm counterpoint to a turbulent outside world according to Dulux, whose version of the shade, Tauherenikau, is its colour of the year for 2020.

Combine it with darker greens or warmer pinky tones to stop it from looking too sickly; painting a room in more than one colour is another current decorating trend.

Forget: NEUTRAL SOFAS Get: A STATEMENT SOFA Practical considerations have often dictated sofa trends. Brown leather was huge in the 2000s, and dark browns and grey fabrics took over at the beginning of the last decade. But that all went

2020

It was a time of introspection. It made us question what we want, how we work, the way we use our home, what we want for our future.

At Stonewood we used the time to learn from you.

We surveyed New Zealanders to find out what

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they wanted in a home. We discovered the spaces that made you happy, what elements you would change, and the ones you desired in a dream home.

We took this unique perspective and have created

out of the window a few years ago when velvet became the upholstery of choice. Not only that, homeware brands are reporting that velvet sofas in strong colours such as burnt orange and yellow are in demand.

The patterned sofa, which hasn’t really been seen since the 80s, is also currently staging a comeback. Look out for modern florals, geometric designs and even animal print. If florals aren’t your thing, try a stripe in either bright velvet or more muted linen.

Forget: PINEAPPLE PATTERNS Get: FLORALS AND OCEAN-INSPIRED MOTIFS At some point last year, we reached peak pineapple. It’s hardly new in terms of homeware; traditionally a sign of welcome and wealth, it has been used as a decorative motif for hundreds of years. But when it started appearing on cushions and cocktailware — alongside cactuses, flamingos and parrots — it turned swiftly from a tongue-in-cheek style novelty to a cliche. That’s not to say that tropical patterns are over in

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general; palm leaves, still look stylish and make a striking statement. But there’s a new, decidedly less brash breed of pattern coming through, with a gentler, more nostalgic feel.

Florals have been staging a comeback, but forget large-scale, abstract poppy motifs: the new florals look decidedly old-fashioned, with finely drawn outlines and delicate patterns. Some are executed in punchy modern colourways, while others stay true to traditional chintzes.

The current preoccupation with the state of the oceans could be a factor in the rise of sea-inspired motifs: coral, sea grasses and shells have all been appearing in the new fabric and wallpaper collections. Sea creatures are popping up on tableware, too, featuring everything from sea gods and starfish, to shell dishes. Shells have been a key motif across the board over the past year or so, with scallop edges appearing on furniture, cushions, textiles and mirrors.

Forget: ALL-WHITE BATHROOM SUITES Get: A COLOURFUL BATHROOM Ten years ago, the all-white, marble-tiled, spa-like bathroom was all the rage; but both bright colour and edgy darker tones are gradually making their way in. It started with the taps, which went from chrome to brass to black over the past decade, and now there are taps, tiles, baths and basins in all sorts of shades.

Coloured bathroom suites can look spectacular, but they tend to be on the expensive side. A more affordable way to get the look is with a colourful vinyl wallpaper, or tiles. Alternatively, stick with the white theme, but add edge with black accents in brassware and shower screens.

Forget: SAFE KITCHENS Get: BOLD UNITS AND TWO-TONE SCHEMES As with bathrooms, kitchens have gone through

a decidedly neutral phase and, in many homes, they still are, with white remaining the most popular choice. The kitchen is usually the most expensive room in the house, and the one where we’re more likely to want to play it safe to ensure longevity — which makes it even more revealing that kitchen suppliers are reporting a definite increase in demand for punchier styles.

The home-interest website Houzz has seen an uplift in its users posting pictures of kitchen cabinets in blues and greens, and one of the rising search terms used on the site last year was, somewhat surprisingly, “yellow kitchens”.

Kitchen companies are championing a two-tone (or even three-tone) look, with different colours used on eye-level units, base-level units and free-standing islands.

Forget: PLASTIC Get: NATURAL MATERIALS Biophilia — surrounding oneself with nature and natural materials in order to feel a connection with the outside world — has come to the fore in interiors this year, and it’s a trend that is set to continue into the next decade as we increasingly ditch the plastic in favour of more sustainable materials.

The rattan trend has been one example of this — rattan offering an inexpensive and lightweight alternative to synthetic furniture. Raw wooden surfaces, whether on tables, chairs or kitchen cabinets, are taking over from their high-gloss counterparts that were previously so popular.

Antique and vintage furniture, particularly in darker-toned woods, is a trend that looks set to grow as we increasingly reject the cheap, disposable pieces popular 10 years ago and seek to reuse and repurpose what already exists — a movement that can only be a good thing both for the planet and for our homes.

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Secure your lifestyle at the popular Falls Estate.

For sale Refurbished and spacious 2 or 3 bedroom apartments and houses.

Call to view on 09 437 5844

The Falls Estate isn’t just retirement, but an appetite for living.

94 BOUNDAR Y ROAD, TIK IPUNG A , WHANG AREI

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