Savvy December 2020

DECEMBER DECEMB BER 2020

Christmas

Shopping

Guide INSIDE

EXPLORING MATAKANA & SURROUNDS

PLUS

Right on Northland’s doorstep

KAURI COAST

Naturally Historic & The Great Outdoors

9 PAGES OF

health, fashion, beauty, home trends, fishing, arts and entertainment See pages 31-39

HAIR STATION & COUNTRY BOUTIQUE NEW STOCK ARRIVED Explore the beautiful and exclusive range of clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor items that Jo handpicked from all over the world.

Whether it is a Christmas present or birthday gift, the boutique store is filled with great ideas for you to get ready for any upcoming occasions.

Plus, don’t forget to book your hair appointment early with Jo and senior stylist Shayla to avoid disappointment.

Hair Station & Country Boutique Corner of Mangakahia Rd, SHW 14, Whangarei Book now: 021 438 550

Photo: Simon Devitt

HIHIAUA CULTURAL CENTRE Visit Hihiaua Cultural Centre to see Ngā Toi – our everchanging exhibition of authentic Māori art and unique local creations from nationally renowned artists, with many pieces available for purchase.

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

SNAPPER SHACK FRESH KIWI FAVOURITES As well as our traditional menu featuring our Famous Gourmet Burgers and other Tasty Treats, our brand new Snapper Shack menu features Fresh Kiwi Favorites and Fresh seasonal Specialties. Recipes enjoyed over generations now fresh straight to you! *All items and prices are subject to availability

OUR NEW SUMMER RANGE MADE IN NEW ZEALAND

OPENING HOURS: Open 7 Days 12pm-8pm ORDER: 9 Yorke Rd, Haruru, 0204 Ph: 09 402 5513 www.snappershack.co.nz

THE BOATSHED CHRISTMAS GIFTS YOU CAN COUNT ON… While you’re here check out Northland's largest range of swimwear.

Open 7 days, 9am-5pm 20 Quayside, Town Basin, Whangarei Phone 09 438 7828

Find us next to Third Wheel Coffee 76 - 94 Marsden Rd, Paihia, Bay of Islands www.kombination.co.nz

BODY

Spirit

MIND

Healing CLARITY Conciousness

ONENESS

VITALITY

COLLECTIVEHEALING WITH CAROLYN WIELINGA

TUTUKAKA SURF NORTHLAND NZ MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM TUTUKAKA SURF Wishing everyone a safe & happy holiday season

Marina Rd, Tutukaka Call 09 434 4135 Now Open 7 Days 9am - 5pm

Certified Accunect Practitioner ARE YOU FEELING ANXIOUS OR DEPRESSED OR NOT QUITE YOURSELF? Accunect is a STATE OF THE ART powerful, non-invasive Healing system that SUPERCHARGES HEALING and LOCKS IN results fast. Great for all mental, physical and spiritual issues as well as for addressing those ‘hard to reach’ issues nothing else touches. Accunect is great for: Back Pain, Depression, Anger issues, PTSD, Endocrine issues, Chronic fatigue, Improved Focus and Clarity, Anxiety and much more.

INTRODUCTORY SESSION $30 for 30min, November/December only.

Phone 027 638 1464 or book online at www.collectivehealing.au1.cliniko.com/bookings GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE 2 | SAVVY

NZ FUDGE FARM ORDER NOW FOR CHRISTMAS Orders Close December 15, 2020

The New Zealand Fudge Farm Shop 3, Town Basin, Whangarei Phone 09 438 3327 www.nzfudgefarm.co.nz Open 7 Days

KENSINGTON STUDIO UNIQUE FLORAL CHRISTMAS DESIGNS Many beautiful gift ideas and garden treasures to choose from

37 Mains Avenue, Kensington Open Thursday - Saturday 10am-4pm Phone: 09 437 0731

4 - Exploring Matakana & Surrounds – Right on Northland’s doorstep

DECEMBER 2020

contents

7 - Village Stay 9 - Kauri Coast – Naturally Historic & The Great Outdoors FASHION 12 - Anne of Craicor Celebrating 50 years of Garment Fitting 13 - Out of The Fire

Editor’s note

I

t had been nearly a decade since I went to Matakana and, after hearing continuous good things about the place, it’s been on my holiday destinations list for the last few years. So I was happy to be despatched to the area for our December destination feature.

Matakana didn’t disappoint. Even the drive connecting to Leigh was filled with surprises.

Matakana and Leigh have a lot going on, which was why I found it so hard to find accommodation for my stay. As the owner of the Matakana Pub told me, people are extending their weekends, arriving Thursday, with Sunday now just as busy as Friday and Saturday, and it’s only going to get busier heading into summer. Definitely book your accommodation in advance here!

In the end, I was glad to find somewhere slightly further afield in Warkworth. I’ve long made excuses to veer off through this quaint, picturesque town enroute to Auckland but never had a reason to stay there. Now I did. It would be a short holiday destination in itself with its popular cafes, riverwalk, rich history and the re-opening

HEALTH & BEAUTY of a new-old happening place in town! You can read about my road trip with just some of the things to see and do in the area on pages 4-6.

A little closer to home, we also highlight the Kauri Coast, another place so rich in history, and what there is to see and do on pages 9-11.

We have explored a lot of places in Northland this year and in our next edition in January, we will run through the highlights as a refresher and it might also make a good coffee table supplement for your holiday guests to peruse.

Being December, this is also our Christmas edition and the last one for the year - check out the gift guide on pages 19-25 for ideas. We will see you in the New Year but, meanwhile, have a safe, relaxing and well-deserved joyous Christmas with family and friends.

14 - Caci's Guide to Christmas Gifting 15 - Free Beauty Therapy, Nail Technology, Spa Therapy & Massage Training Offered In Whangarei 16 - How To Get Glowing Skin 17 - Eye Care Tips for summer 18 - Festive Season Fitness Tips

Christmas

Shopping

Guide

All the gift ideas to cater for every need, every budget and every single person on your list.

pages 19-25

LOVE IT HERE 27 - The Good Bay’s adventures continue!

27 - Hihiaua Cultural Centre 28 - Packard Motor Museum – vehicle of the month 28 - Fishing tips & tales

Editorial

Jodi Bryant – jodi.bryant@nzme.co.nz

Advertising

Jan Hewitt – jan.hewitt@nzme.co.nz

Design

Bryce Zhang

29 - Treasure Trove Published by NZME Northland, 88 Robert Street, Whangarei. savvy@northernadvocate.co.nz www.savvymagazine.co.nz

PETS 30 - Silly Season temptations for pets SAVVY HOMES 32 - How to avoid those expensive 'oops' moments 34 - Cushion Envy?

GIVEAWAY

35 - Sounds Like Sleep 36 - Avian Influences 36 - Hard or soft zones? Why renovators shouldn't ignore

Looking to incorporate natural locally made products into your beauty routine?

what's beneath their feet 38 - No wardrobe? Here are three cool alternatives

Be into win a stunning pack of Living Nature favourites, crafted with h nourishing omote a botanical ingredients to promote beautiful healthy complexion, naturally!

Last month Savvy did a feature on Opua and, after researching and speaking with local officials, published the meaning as “place of the flower”.

This pack contains: Vitalising Cleanser, Extra Hydrating Toning Gel and a Nourishing Day cream valued at over $150

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

Whangarei Skin Clinic

According to the Ruwhiu and Lane families who are long-associates with the Opua area, the correct name for Opua is Hopua, meaning a sheltering place. The high peninsular running out into the junction of the Waikare and Kawakawa Rivers provided shelter for boats from all directions of wind. According to the familes, over the years, the “H” has been dropped but a macron should be used to accentuate the “O” – as in “Oopua”.

Skin Cancer Medicine and Surgery •S Surgical/Non-Surgical gi l/No Su ical Skin Ski Cancer treatment • Radiofrequency Surgery

Cosmetic Medicine

• Botulinum Toxin Treatments • Dermal Fillers • Microneedling • Advanced Platelet Rich Therapy (PRP)

Dr Heike and her team wish you all a Merry Christmas and happy and safe skin.

• Give yourself or a loved one the best gift • Gift vouchers, skincare products, & certified natural Ocean friendly sunscreens available possible by having a complete skin check this summer.

Christmas hours: Closed December 23rd -January 11th 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

85 Hatea Drive, Regent Whangarei 0112

SAVVY | 3

MATAKANA

EXPLORING MATAKANA SURROUNDS

– right on Northland’s doorstep

Explored Northland thoroughly and looking for somewhere different, albeit nearby? Matakana is right on Northland’s doorstep. Jodi Bryant takes a road trip to the area.

Matakana Markets

A

ccording to Lonely Planet: "Around 15 years ago, Matakana was a nondescript rural village with a handful of heritage buildings and an old-fashioned country pub. Now the locals watch bemused as Auckland’s chattering classes idle away the hours in stylish wine bars and cafes.”

I decided to get amongst it and, within 1.5 hours, had arrived to the Matakana Markets in midday full-swing. With the smell of bacon wafting from the nitrate and sugar-free bacon stand and live music drifting across the cheerful chitchat, patrons were enjoying the cuisine at tables, standing and lounging riverside. Stalls include waffles, macadamia nuts, hand-crafted chocolates, cheese, bohemian cider, sauces, oysters and aloe vera shots.

The village itself hosts a selection of independent specialty shops. You won’t find chain stores in Matakana Village; retailers are passionate about their carefully curated collections of art, homewares, fashion, jewellery and gifts.

Across the road from the markets, I had spotted a cool-looking place that many were making a beeline for and was stoked to discover it was the Matakana Pub where I had a late lunch reservation.

Built in 1903 from the timber of a single kauri tree in what has become the heart of Matakana Village, The Matakana Village Pub has been a local landmark and a pivotal part of the village life since. Revitalised and upgraded within the last decade to become a relaxed and familyfriendly (including dogs) village pub, it is now in the hands of a group of enthusiastic owners who run a range of weekly events, such as open mic

night, Sunday roast and various bands, while continuing the traditions of the pub.

There is every type of seating option available and I opted to soak up the atmosphere in the front courtyard. Kelvin, the manager, was super-friendly and, although I ordered the paua and prawn risotto deepfried arancini with Kaitaia Fired mayo, he got the chefs to rustle up a huge spread which probably left those around me wondering if I thought I had imaginary friends!

The salt and pepper gluten-free calamari with rocket, chilli, coriander and miso mayo would have been completely satisfying alone but I had to leave some to polish off the paua as this delicacy is not to be wasted.

But there was more… and it was next-level.

Kelvin also suggested I sample the Squid Ink Linguine which comes with pan-fried Leigh snapper, mussel, prawns and herb oil and chilli.

The sight of this colourful dish is a feast for the eyes alone and discovering hidden succulent seafood under the linguine was a treat. This was ridiculously delicious, as was the pork belly, which had an aromatic, yummy sauce.

Matakana Pub Pork belly & squid ink linguine; Paua & prawn risotto deep-fried arancini & calamari

GIGS AT THE MILL DECEMBER

04.12......... WHITE CHAPEL JAK 8.30pm SOLD OUT / POSTPONED DATE FROM 14.8 06.12......... THE DESOTO’S 5.30pm 12.12......... CUTTIN’ LOOSE Vol 3 9.30pm 13.12......... DIANNE MORGAN & THE JADE RIVER UKES 3.00pm KOHA 18.12......... SOJOURN 9.00pm 20.12......... GOOD TO GO 7.00pm 7 days a week 30.12......... THE CHILLS 9.00pm 9am – Late

2021

02.01.......... BEACH BALL: DAFFODILS, SOAKED OATS, MARLIN’S DREAMING 7.00pm 07.01.......... SANDTRAP 8.30pm 09.01.......... FRISKY BUSINESS 8.30pm 10.01.......... THE AGM 5.30pm 14.01.......... PAUL UBANA JONES 7pm 17.01.......... AETEAROA BLACK GIANT SOUND SYSTEM 2.30pm KOHA 24.01.......... RIDDIM YARD 2.30pm KOHA 29.01.......... OPEN MIC NIGHT 8pm KOHA 31.01.......... NAIROBI TRIO 5.30pm KOHA 21.03.......... MARLON WILLIAMS 7.00pm SOLD OUT

Breakfast, Cabinet Food, Lunch & Dinner ‘The Leigh Sawmill Bottle Shop’ (9am – late)

© Mike Thornton

FOR UPDATES + FULL GIG DETAILS WWW.LEIGHSAWMILL.CO.NZ 4 | SAVVY

MATAKANA

There are reptiles at every turn at Ti Point Reptile Park

Impressive and, apart from wishing I had worn looser clothing and non-horizontal stripes, I thoroughly enjoyed the food and atmosphere with its constant flow.

Was it always this busy? I asked Kelvin.

“I’m finding that people are broadening their weekends, taking Friday off and coming up Thursday since lockdown,” he explains.

“Then they’re lingering on Sundays as Sunday is just as busy.”

Next it was onto something a little different; the Reptile Park at Ti Point. I can’t say I am into reptiles but this had been recommended and I ended up enjoying this place way more than I thought! Ti Point is just before Leigh and the park is situated on around 7ha of land which has been in Myfanwy’s family for generations.

Myfanwy married Ivan Borich who established a small zoo there around the 1980s before it evolved to his true passion - reptiles. Sadly, Ivan died last year, aged 85, and the dedicated local icon was still working to finish his last project – a huge polyhouse – and on the roof no less, until just weeks before he passed. His legacy lives

on in the reptile park he carved from the steep terrain of native bush.

With breath-taking views across the Hauraki Gulf, paths and steps meander towards enclosures containing surprise after surprise.

The unique collection of both native and exotic species is a one-of-a-kind in New Zealand and includes a range of lizards (both small and huge!), turtles and tortoise, dragons, tarantulas, tuatara and, just when I thought I’d seen it all, I chanced upon an American Alligator basking in the sun!

A bit of education from their website: “The term cold-blooded refers to the fact that reptiles do not have the internal mechanism to regulate their body temperature to one that will allow their bodies to function effectively. Reptiles must find a warm place for basking to raise their body heat and some cooler spots to move to from time-totime to prevent overheating. This means they must spend some time lying in the open and exposed, especially the smaller ones, to possible predators.

To protect themselves against this, most reptiles are able to blend in with their surroundings and, by keeping quite still, can be hard to detect.”

So as well as being educational, the lovely walk was some much-needed exercise after all that driving and eating, and I left the park with an unexpected sense of well-being which I can only pinpoint to it being good for the soul. Try it.

Further on is Leigh and, while researching things to do for this trip, I had come across Clearyak and had been looking forward to this the most. Clearyak is a local family-run business with 100 per cent clear kayaks which allows you to marvel up close at the marine life swimming in the clear waters just below your kayak around the Goat Island Marine Reserve, without getting wet.

However, due to high winds, the owner had emailed to say they would have to postpone that day. As the kayaks are tandem, I am looking forward to bringing my kids back for this adventure!

As well as its association with the Goat Island Marine Reserve and snorkelling and kayaking opportunities, the small coastal settlement of Leigh is known for its live music courtesy of the Leigh Sawmill. The former timber milling factory is now a sprawling complex that includes a restaurant, newly-renovated accommodation, garden bar and a concert hall which plays host to many New Zealand bands throughout the summer months.

“It’s one of those iconic venues that everyone wants to play at when first starting,” says Leigh Sawmill general manager Samantha Beeston.

Its Saturday night gig was, in fact, largely responsible for the sell-out accommodation in Matakana and surrounding areas that weekend.

With the addition of café services as of this week, it’s a true destination in itself.

Warkworth-bound, the trip is peppered with unique stopovers, such as Matakana Oysters and a candles and gifts shop. However, if you spot them too late, as I did, it’s quite hard to turn around so keep your eyes peeled. ... continued on next page

www.thematakana.co.nz • PH: 09 422 7518 Open 11.30 - late Mon - Sun The Matakana Village Pub, in the heart of Matakana Village is the perfect spot for mixing with locals, friends, visitors and a great meeting point for family get togethers. We pride ourselves in fresh flavours, live music, great atmosphere and friendly service, all while you enjoy our extensive craft beer selection, local wine range and made to order cocktails.

The Matakana Village Pub is your place for group bookings, functions, corporate events and life celebrations.

Whatever the occasion contact us today - book online or call us!

Present this AD to receive 10% off your next visit. *Does not include any specials or Happy Hour pricing

MATAKANA KANA EL MOTEL

Located right in the heart of Matakana Village with seven modern, clean, comfortable studio units and ten self-contained family units, all with air conditioning. Onsite there’s also a tepid swimming pool, children’s playground and gym facilities

Contact us now to book your stay 09 422 7497 • 975 Matakana Rd, Matakana www.matakanamotel.co.nz SAVVY | 5

MATAKANA ... continued

I arrived at the Bridgehouse Lodge and was immediately tempted to join the jovial punters enjoying a drink in the late Saturday afternoon sun amidst upbeat music at the front of the establishment.

The Bridgehouse is situated when you first drive into Warkworth from the north and a bar leaner lines the long front terrace where punters can perch with a drink or sit at tables and soak up the riverside ambience while watching the Warkworth world go by. This is flanking a stunning bar and restaurant facility with accommodation behind.

Bridgehouse

The first building in Warkworth, since 1854, the iconic Bridgehouse has served generations of the local community.

The founder of Warkworth, John Anderson Brown was a builder and an entrepreneur. He was attracted to the Mahurangi area by the abundance of Kauri trees. He set up a timber mill in the 1850's on a site just below the bridge on the riverbank.

He lived at the Bridgehouse with his house-keeper with the original building he built replaced by a larger one around 1900 and extended and renovated over the years.

Overlooking the Mahurangi river, it now offers its patrons high-quality food and drink, along with recently renovated accommodation, a modern bar and restaurant, outdoor dining, open fires, a sports bar, big screen tvs, gaming room, a separate function room with own bar and outdoor garden.

That night I had a reservation booked for the second oldest building – the picturesque Warkworth Hotel - down the road. Established by one of the ‘fathers of Warkworth’ John Southgate settled in Warkworth in I848.

He was one of the first people to recognise the potential of limestone, later establishing a small hotel on the site of his early kilns. In I862 he moved his hotel business to the centre of Warkworth, building the Warkworth Hotel with adjoining horse stables. The Norfolk pine tree he planted in front of the hotel was in tribute to his son and continues to be a prominent feature in town.

Today Warkworth Hotel has recently reopened after an 18-month extensive refit and furnish. Owners Woody and Kim have mindfully and tastefully brought the hotel back to its former glory.

“We wanted to bring back the charm of that error,” says Woody, of the 1862 establishment.

Punctuating the refit are antique furnishings and décor sourced, both locally and abroad, to take patrons back in time, such as the tiffany lampshades, the grandfather clock and the baby grand piano. The establishment now offers two unique options of dining: the Lobby, for drinks and carefully-crafted sharing plates, and the Dining Room, for a more formal experience presenting its own contemporary multi-course menu.

Since opening its doors in October, the restaurants have been flooded with curious locals

The newly-refurbished Warkworth Hotel

having long been awaiting its reopening. It would be safe to say the makeover was a success and it was no coincidence; Woody and Kim also own The Stables and Smiths restaurants in Matakana, which had grabbed my attention enroute back from Leigh that afternoon with a wedding taking place outside the impressive, sprawling establishment.

In fact, in 2015, after purchasing The Stables, situated on an equestrian park, amidst the rural Matakana landscape, they turned it into such a popular wedding venue - with 60 annually – that the following year, they built a second restaurant, Smiths (a combination of an old Blacksmiths and a '60s bach - industrial yet retro), next door, so the locals still had somewhere to dine when there were weddings.

Both are quite opposite in terms of cuisine, Woody tells me; while The Stables is traditional dining, Smiths is more international fusion cuisine.

“We’ve brought that concept here,” he says.

“Two dining experiences in the one venue. It’s

been very busy since opening in October. I guess you could say ‘The old girl is back in town’.”

The hotel was packed and humming and I ordered the lamb, which came with courgette, cherry tomato, crisp potato, pomegranate, hotel basil, feta and pesto. The lamb was succulent and aromatic, the potatoes, melt-in-your-mouth, with a delicious dressing – all a lovely blend of flavours.

Classy and professional – the Matakana Hotel is the new-old happening place in town.

Back at the Bridgehouse, a party was in full swing in one of the private function rooms, and a few men had snuck out to watch the rugby on the big screens in the bar.

My room overlooked the river so a river walk was on the cards for the morning. However, the weather had turned so I headed back into Matakana for brunch at Plume.

This seemed to be a popular place but I managed to get a table at peak time and the friendly waitress apologised profusely over the delay (which I hadn’t noticed), before bringing me a second complementary Eggs bene brunch at Plume coffee! After some yummy eggs bene and with plans to return on two more occasions – one with kids and one with friends - it was homeward-bound.

With thanks to Matakana Village Pub, Ti Point Reptile Park, Warkworth Bridgehouse Lodge and Warkworth Hotel.

5 Friday Big Green Steak & Egg Night from only - $25 Saturday A La Carte 2 Course Menu for - $49 Sunday Famous Roast only - $25 www.smithsmatakana.co.nz enquiries@smithsmatakana.co.nz

Wedding Season Is Upon Us! Please call ahead to confirm opening hours.

Wedding enquiries weddings@stablesmatakana.co.nz The Warkworth Hotel is a classy little piece of town history that will be affordable and casual enough for anyone to enjoy, whether you’re looking for an after work beer or a three course meal.

THE LOBBY open 7 days 11:00am - late

THE DINING ROOM Thurs - Sat 5:00pm - late Sundays 11:00am - 3:00pm

enquiries@warkworthhotel.co.nz

Phone 09 422 1862

9 Queen Street, Warkworth www.warkworthhotel.co.nz 6 | SAVVY

MATAKANA

Village Stay

The best spot to base yourself during a mini break in Matakana is the White Cottage, which opened late in 2018 right in the heart of Matakana village.

Quite literally just a few steps from the entrance to the famous market itself, the cottage is a local icon and is a sister property to the Black and White Barn.

One of the first residences to grace the landscape in 1883, the White Cottage embodies the heritage and heart of a much-loved region - but with a thoroughly modern touch.

From the local produce in the retro style fridge to the Morris & James mugs, it is the perfect mix of then and now, with an unabashedly chic yet comfy edge.

Built by the Loverlock family from native kauri sourced nearby, the elegant home has been lovingly refurbished and represents a unique opportunity to stay right in the heart of the village and minutes from the region's famous beaches and wineries.

Renovated in collaboration with local artisans and craftspeople, the two-bedroom home comes complete with

entertainer's kitchen and spacious living area, as well as the opportunity to spill onto the large outdoor dining area for al fresco fun when summer hits.

Intuitively refurnished to the nth degree, it retains the soul of a home but with all the essentials of modern life.

Just around the corner is its sister property, the Black and White Barn. Furnished in luxurious detail, its modern classic style was inspired by the fresh, crisp light of the surrounding coast by day, and the sparkling skies of the Matakana region by night.

Made up of two spacious adjoining rooms, the welcoming space features a generous king-sized bed that can also be reconfigured as twin singles, and a separate queen-sized bed. There is also the option of taking possession of both the White Cottage and the Black and White Barn if you’re travelling with a bigger group or for a special occasion.

SAVVY | 7

MATAKANA

E L I T P RE

Matakana Old School A unique experience

with an eclectic range of vintage / industrial furniture, sourced both internationally and locally. Our warm atmosphere and passion for unique and quirky homeware makes your visit worthwhile.

5 minutes before Matakana Village, 745 Matakana Road.

Open from Friday to Monday 10am-4pm.

Find us on Facebook

and Instagram

.

THE RED BARN ANTIQUES MATAKANA

Swirls of antique stained glass, forests of carved wood and waterfalls of crystal combine to make up The Red Barn’s fabulously festive interior. We specialize in quality antiques, paint finish shabby chic, vintage items, rare collectables & restoration - come visit & enjoy. We are open Mon-Sun, or you can schedule an appointment

190 Matakana Rd, Warkworth Ph: 027 4731318 OR FIND US ON FACEBOOK THE RED BARN ANTIQUES MATAKANA

PARK

Ti Point Reptile Park is New Zealand’s largest collection of Reptiles,displaying over 40 species from Aotearoa and around the globe.

See Geckos, Tortoises, Tuatara,Green Iguanas, Lace Monitors American Alligators plus much more.

Bring your picnic and enjoy the park grounds set amongst native bush with stunning sea views.

ADULTS $20 CHILDREN $10 FAMILY PASS $50 UNDER 5’S FREE

S PM 7 DAY Y 10AM-5 IL A D N E OP LEIGH T ROAD, IN O P I T 7 2

Follow the amazing aroma of chocolate to find this gorgeous chocolate shop tucked in the corner of Matakana Village Known for their beautiful artisan chocolate bonbons, single origin tablets, dairy free caramels, homemade marshmallows, and proper hot chocolate that you can even order in an edible cup! All hand-crafted in store, gluten free, soy free, and ethically sourced. Lots of dairy free and vegan products, and available to order online

Delightful Trio Soy Candles

www.honestchocolat.com

Matakana Studio

There is a little gem of a candle and gift shop just 2 minutes along Matakana road from Warkworth that definitely warrants a stop. Natural soy candles are hand poured on-site and scented with a range of divine fragrances. With a unique range of gifts, you’ll find something special for yourself and also make a dent in your Christmas shopping list. Visit today!

Located in the picturesque Matakana Village. Studio Matakana offers an array of beautiful gifts and lifestyle luxuries. Discover beautiful items from New Zealand and around the world including Jewellery, Handbags & Accessories, Bath and Body products, gifts for Babies & Toddlers, and Homewares in a wide range of prices.

A visit to Studio Matakana is a must when exploring Matakana Village.

m: 021 028 43938

www.studiomatakana.co.nz

304 Matakana Road Warkworth w: triosoycandles.co.nz

Tel. 09 422 9959

The

‘HAT TO HEEL’

STYLING

WARKWORTH At Katya Maker, we pride ourselves on our ever-changing “on-trend” selection of garments that you will love to wear. Shopping at Katya Maker is like visiting a friend and leaving with a present.

We specialize in one-on-one service, so request an appointment to receive personalized attention.

We invite you to come by today to experience exceptional customer service and let us show you our latest offerings from around the globe. Come and visit our beautiful boutique at 17 Elizabeth Street in Warkworth or simply shop online. https://www.katyamaker.com/ Ph: 0800 08 999 788 78 • Ph: 09 422 3359 359 FB: Katya Maker Boutique • IG: @katyamakerboutique 8 | SAVVY

French Cupboard • ANTIQUES • VINTAGE • NEW

Stockist of CHALK PAINT

by Annie Sloan Stockist of Jeanne D’Arc Living, Italian and Danish Clothing French Linen Cushions French Table Linens Giftware – Homeware - Interiors Riverside Arcade, 62 Queen Street, Warkworth

www.thefrenchcupboard.co.nz

Luxury Pure Cotton Bed Linen designed and made in Matakana. We can make any size to fit your requirements for your home, boat and motorhome.

SURRENDER TO LUXURY

988 Matakana Road, Matakana Ph: 09 422 9286 • www.rivernilelinens.co.nz

THE MIGHTY KAURI COAST

KAURI COAST

Naturally Historic & The Great Outdoors Northland is a place where twin coasts become one, where two seas meet and where countless expressions of nature’s versatility almost beg for discovery.

B

oth coasts offer much of the unspoilt natural beauty for which New Zealand is famous. But, in addition, each coastline has a diverse, but complementary aspect making Northland a visitor’s paradise.

And it is all connected through the Twin Coast Discovery Highway.

The Kauri Coast, and part of the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, here in the west, offers a stunning scenic contrast to our eastern neighbours, known for its unforgiving coastline and incredible history. Home to the world’s oldest and largest ancient kauri trees, our

nation’s largest harbour and longest drivable beach, prehistoric rock formations, crystal clear freshwater Kai-Iwi lakes, kiwi in the wild and fantastic hospitality … the list goes on and all in the warmth of ‘winterless’ Northland.

Stretching from Brynderwyn in the south to Hokianga in the north, it is recommended the Kauri Coast be travelled northbound to capture the best vistas – travelling south misses some truly awesome and stunning sights, including the breathtaking first glimpse of the Hokianga Harbour at Omapere.

Turn left at Brynderwyn and wind your way

around the shores of the mighty Kaipara Harbour to the famous Kauri Museum at Matakohe and the quaint southern villages of Paparoa, Maungaturoto and Ruawai. The mountains, Tokatoka and Maungaraho majestically arise as you traverse SH12 to Dargaville. Tokatoka is worth the climb to view the mighty river and views to Dargaville but moderate level of fitness is required.

The riverside town of Dargaville is steeped in historic marine activities, kauri logging, shipbuilding and a known transport avenue in the early days, when roads were mostly nonexistent or not easily navigated.

Head out to Baylys Beach for your first encounter with the wild Tasman Sea. This expansive coastline stretches from Pouto Point at South Kaipara Head to Mangonui Bluff in the north, 103km in length and drivable with a 4WD on an outgoing tide, but care is essential.

Opportunities abound for fishing and all manner of beach activities. ... continued on next page

Nelsons Kaihu Kauri Gallery & Sawmill Tucked away on Northlands beautiful west coast is “Nelsons Kaihu Kauri” Sawmill and Gallery Just 30 kms north of Dargaville on state highway 12 before entering the Waipoua forest you will find our locally owned business,We specialize in New Zealand Ancient Kauri from timber to kauri slabs, ’table tops , bench and counter tops and resin inlay.

Next door to our sawmill is our beautiful Kauri gallery with a large range of NZ made products and gifts including greenstone, Glass, Pottery kauri gum, furniture and much more.

If you are thinking gifts come and visit or give us a call Support local shop local 2888 state highway 12 Kaihu, Dargaville • Monday to Saturday 9 - 5pm 094397227 / 0274930504 • kauri.furniture@xtra.co.nz

SAVVY | 9

THE MIGHTY KAURI COAST

... continued

Enjoy a freshwater dip in the magnificent Kai Iwi Lakes, an aquatic paradise and popular with day trippers and campers. From here you can disappear into the deep green of the Trounson Park, (Kiwi night walks on offer) and Waipoua Forest – home to Tane Mahuta, the largest kauri tree in the world (over 2000 year's old!). Waipoua Forest is the best preserved and largest of the

remaining Kauri Forests in New Zealand where you can enjoy many short walks. As you exit the forest, and travel through the quaint village of Waimamaki, the touring route then climbs steeply to suddenly reveal the majestic beauty of the historic Hokianga Harbour.

So much of New Zealand’s scenic beauty in just one easy-to-reach region but you will only experience this if you travel both east and west coasts via the Twin Coast Discovery Highway.

The Kauri Coast - Naturally New Zealand’s Ancient, Eco and Cultural Destination • Don’t miss the world-famous Kauri Museum at Matakohe - food and accommodation options available here.

• Moving on from the Kauri Museum and through the southern villages of Maungaturoto, Paparoa, Matakohe and Ruawai to Tokatoka mountain - worth a climb to survey the river and local area before driving onto Dargaville. Reasonable standard of fitness required.

• Visit The Dargaville Museum - Kaipara Heritage Museum - Pouto Point - Baylys Beach & Golf Club - Kai Iwi Lakes & Trout Fishing -Trounson Park and Waipoua Forest.

Great cycle trails - beach - lakes - rural and mountain bike options. Contact our premo cycle shop, at Dargaville 'Time To' for more information and all your cycling needs. www. timetodargaville.co.nz Baylys Beach, Horse Treks, 100km of beach to walk, with the dog, run, bike, surf, fish, (many styles) hang glide, sail board and for those who have a 4-wheel drive, the opportunity to drive the beach to Pouto Point in the south and the Bluff in the north check tides but ask a local for advice.

Golf at Baylys Beach - our 18-hole golf course is a real pleasure to play and loved by all who visit.

New Arrivals include art work by Jo May & Angie Dennis, and beautifully designed fine bone china cups and travel mugs

Snazzi Gifts For all your mystical needs and more

10 | SAVVY

See our website or instore for more choices

www.snazzigifts.co.nz

THE MIGHTY KAURI COAST

Food and catering In Dargaville there are many food outlets, takeaway, cafes and restaurants with a good selection of ethnic options, Thai, Indian Chinese, Subway, pizza and chicken takeouts and the very popular fish and chips - visit: www.dargavillenz.com.

Countdown supermarket and Four Square convenience stores are a great place to stock up if staying at the Holiday Parks.

A great family getaway with many attractions and activities, for young and older - Dargaville Museum - Kaipara Heritage Museum Rail & River Cruises in guided self-drive rail cars - Muddy Waters Gallery - Leadlight & Glass Art - The Woodturners Kauri Gallery - Nelson’s Kaihu Gallery - many cycle tracks (Refer Time To Bikes) - The historic riverwalk “Butter Baques and Gum” - Riverside Gardens and play area and the very cool 'Anzac' movie theatre.

Attractions accessed from Dargaville include: • The mighty Northern Wairoa River, Kaipara Harbour and Pouto Point.

• The awesome 103km long Ripiro Beach and the quaint settlement known as Baylys Beach - north and south of Baylys the settlements of Glinks Gully, Omamari Beach and The Bluff.

• The beautiful freshwater Kai Iwi dune lakes and an aquatic playground.

• Trounson Kauri park - a magnificent man-made island with forest walks, floura fauna and night tours and, close by, is the famous Waipoua Kauri Forest and the big tree Tane Mahuta.

BAYLYS BEACH HOLIDAY PARK

Baylys Beach Holiday Park offers accommodation for every type of traveller – whether you are on a family holiday or you would like to stay awhile with your backpack.

Baylys Beach Holiday Park is a short distance to walk down to the beach and a bit longer to walk back up. You will be stepping on the longest beach in the southern Hemisphere Ripiro Beach.

112kms stretches down to Pouto and up to the Manganui Bluff, Coastal settlements dotted along the way.

Baylys Beach is the only settlement with a Takeaway Dairy Bar, Sharky’s which is open 7 days a week, 10 min drive and you are in Dargaville, half an hour drive and you are at the Kai Iwi lakes, not far further you are in Waipoua Forest to see the majestic Kauri trees and Kiwi country.

Ph: 09 439 6349 or 0800 229 597 - www.baylysbeach.co.nz

THE SALVATION ARMY - DARGAVILLE A great way to recycle clothing, furniture, household goods, toys, books and support our work in the community.

Too good to throw away? Give it to the Sallies! The goods we sell make a huge difference to people’s lives and provide much needed relief in tight household budgets. Profits from goods and clothing sold through our Family Stores support our community work. Your generosity helps us make a difference by building better communities. How do you donate? We welcome donations of a variety of good quality goods, from fashion to furniture, toys and trinkets, CD’s to collectibles, books and bric-a-brac. Contact us about your donation. We can arrange to collect donated goods

Phone 09 439 6802 – www.salvationarmy.org.nz

B’ARCH WEAR “NORTHLAND’S FINEST FUNK STORE” You will find everything you need in this treasure trove of funky clothing, jewellery and accessories, tucked away down the McKays Arcade at 83 Victoria Road in Dargaville.

There is so much choice of funky products including a great range of skin products made from the local. Kaipara bees, plus perfumes, incense, and smoking accessories.

When visiting Dargaville make sure you visit this funky store or if out of town browse www.b-archwear.co.nz. ou will not be disappointed.

It’s your local 1-stop-vape-shop. Support local businesses and take advantage of our loyalty program card for extra savings.

THE WOODTURNERS STUDIO

Working studio and gallery of Master Woodturner Rick Taylor Touch, smell and experience Ancient Kauri at it’s very best Marvel at the range in the gallery featuring the amazing Ancient Kauri. Beautiful bowls, stunning platters, hollow forms, pens, candle holders and sculptures.

You may get to see Rick at work in his studio.

One day woodturning courses offered (bookings essential).

Start a new hobby or improve your woodturning skills.

Turning tools, kauri blanks and kauri slabs available 4 Murdoch St, on State Highway 12, Dargaville kauriinfo@xtra.co.nz

Phone 09 439 4975 – www.thewoodturnersstudio.co.nz

SAVVY | 11

Fashion

A CONTEMPORARY YET ELEGANT

ANNE OF CRAICOR

Celebrating 50 years of garment fitting The team at Anne of Craicor acknowledge 2020 has been a challenging year for all on different levels. We are looking forward to a bright and healthy future.

Fantasie’s Isla Side Support Bra offers supreme comfort, uplift and support.

NOW AVAILABLE AT

LINGERIE • BRAS • SWIMWEAR FASHION & MORE

84 Kerikeri Rd, Kerikeri Phone 09 401 7295 www.anneofcraicor.co.nz 12 | SAVVY

G

arments have evolved over time and how we look and dress has certainly changed too. But what has remained constant, is Anne’s commitment to understanding women’s bodies - helping them find the perfect fit.

In 2021, Anne will be celebrating 50 years of being a foundation garment fitter!

It was August 1971 that Anne attended her first 10-day fitting course, learning to fit both fashion and surgical garments.

She will be celebrating 50 years of learning, growing, supporting, listening, working, creating, fitting and improving.

Anne has a passion for offering her customers the best knowledge and service and sourcing products that offer the best fit and support.

Anne and her team invite you to visit her store so they can share their bra-fitting skills, knowledge and service with you.

Merry Christmas to all the Anne of Craicor shop’s friends and customers.

Colour Up Your Life A new line of swimwear from SUNFLAIR, this range has been made with you in mind.

Designed with a revolutionary eco-friendly fabric. Six solid colours and made from 100 per cent recycled material.

Fashion

OUT OF THE FIRE

R

Be Inspired This

Curate One Sided Dress

emember those glorious trips to the Islands, or those long-awaited, minutely-planned excursions to Europe, Scandinavia, Antarctica or the Americas? Well make the most of them because Karen Matich, summer 2020 is homegrown this Polwarth Design year. Everyone is in the same boat or, should I say, campervan, experiencing the same culinary delights and wines, exploring the same national treasures and outdoor excursions under the same Southern Hemisphere sky.

Confined to our island paradise and bereft of the fantastic international opportunities so abruptly cancelled, there are some things, though, that aren’t the same and we are finding our fashion directives one of them. High-end occasions, glittery night life events associated with cruises, international engagements or audiences demanding glamourous gowns and designer ensembles are few and far between. Out of the fire, though, rises the Phoenix of a new ‘up’ casual trend which clever designers are capitalising on.

Labels such as Lania, designed by Rose Keys (ex-Verge

designer) fit the brief with an edgy lifestyle brand built for fit and comfort that screams style. Going full steam ahead with stock levels when the future of retail was unknown, has reaped benefits for this label, with an enviable stock service that cautious companies wish they had.

Loobies Story and Curate are also stand-outs for this new ‘up’ casual trend. Using natural fibre blends and bold summer colours, their garments seamlessly grace the vineyard wedding or a day at the beach and that is what we are wanting. Buy it when you see it though because when it’s gone it’s gone!!

Vassalli, ever the ‘go-to’ casual range, are regretting their original caution pre-Covid and scrambling to increase stock levels to meet the unprecedented demand that not travelling overseas has opened up for retail. Their ‘up’ casual dresses and pants suites, along with those of Zaffina and Seduce are a perfect choice for drinks and dinner, dragged from the bottom of the backpack after a gruelling Tongariro Crossing or just lunching at the Quay.

Who would have believed that the grounding of international flights, denying us those international experiences, would have such a positive effect on buying local, experiencing local and being local? We’re all in the same boat and it’s not so bad.

Not sure what to wear for weddings, Christmas parties, business functions or your reunion with friends back home?

Shop now at Whangarei’s ONESTOP fashion store packed with dresses, bags, accessories and fashion tips to brighten up your carefree summer days and spice up those hot summer nights.

WHANGAREI

Okara Shopping Centre Phone 09 438 9697 Open Weekdays 9.30am-5pm; Sat 9.30am-4pm

DARGAVILLE

78 Victoria Street Phone 09 439 7341 Open Wed to Fri: 9.30am-5pm

www w.po olw warth hde esign n.co o.nz z Lania Oasis Dress

Loobies Story Copacabana Dress

Lania Emerson Top

Like us on

Follow us on SAVVY | 13

Health & Beauty

Caci's Guide

to Christmas Gifting

Stuck for gift inspiration? Search no further! Whether you're looking to treat yourself, your partner or a friend — Caci have pulled together their top gift ideas that, personally, we'd like to receive come 25 December.

Gift the gift of great skin! A Caci voucher is the ultimate skin gift this Christmas. The team specialise in a range of skin treatments, laser hair removal and cosmetic injectables. Or your loved one can stock up on skincare to treat themselves at home. You can count on being a crowd favourite by placing one of these gift vouchers under the tree.

Looking for a stocking filler or a must-have summer product? Or something Christmas-y?

Murad’s Hydration Heroes Value Set is the perfect Christmas gift for all skin types.

This two-piece set hydrates skin for a smoother, glowing appearance.

Have a free consultation and try a skin conditioning treatment for $70* (Usually up to $120) 110 Bank St, Whangarei

14 | SAVVY

caci.co.nz

Plus, you're saving a massive $124 — meaning there is probably room for you to now treat yourself. Right?

If you're after something a little more festive (we can't blame you) — opt for one of Skinsmiths or Murad's Holiday Gift Sets.

Featuring top-selling products at great value in a festive box.

You can shop for gift vouchers and Holidays Sets in clinic at Caci Whangarei on Clyde St. The team are also onhand to help you choose the perfect gift.

Is 2021 going to be a NEW YEAR, NEW YOU? Find out why so many graduates say studying at Evolution School in Whangarei changed their lives.

Health & Beauty

T

hese programmes could be FREE for you. If you are not eligible for fees free, don’t worry as all programmes are NZQA-approved and have student loans and allowances available.

NAIL TECHNOLOGY: NZ Certificate in Nail Technology covers manicures and pedicures, acrylics, gel nails, nail art, business and more! Attend only three days a week for 20 weeks and then only two days a month for five months (and earn while you learn in the second half!)

FREE

Beauty therapy, nail technology, spa therapy & massage training offered in whangarei

BEAUTY THERAPY: The NZ Certificate in Beauty Therapy covers facials, waxing, make-up, manicures, pedicures, body massage, electrolysis, spray tans and gel nails and a whole lot more! It’s the perfect allround qualification for anyone wishing to work as a beauty therapist. Attendance is only three days a week with the theory being done in the comfort of your own home and you have all school holidays off! International Diploma exams are available with this programme.

MASSAGE: The NZ Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage covers Swedish relaxation massage, pre and post event sports massage, pregnancy massage, infant massage and on-site chair massage as well as lots of other really interesting stuff. Attendance is only two days a week in term

time with the theory being completed in the comfort of your own home.

SPA THERAPY: The NZ Certificate in Spa Therapy covers treatments such as wraps and scrubs, hot stones, aromatherapy, reflexology, hydrotherapy, Indian head massage, Reiki, EFT and lots more.

Attendance is only three days a week for nine months and only in term time. Theory aspects are completed in the comfort of your own home.

Some prior massage skills are required for this course.

Evolution School is the only NZQA-approved nail tech, massage and spa education provider in Northland and is an NZQA Category ONE provider which means a very high quality. Evolution has small classes to ensure there is plenty of tutor/ student attention.

Give Evolution a call today to ask about your new, exciting career on 09 438 6583 or pop in and have a look around at 115 Cameron Street, Whangarei. www.evolutionschool.co.nz

EVOLUTION SCHOOL OF BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA FEES FREE for eligible students!

NZQA approved. Student loans and allowances available.

NZ Certificate in Beauty Therapy

Covers facials, waxing, make up, manicures, pedicures, body massage, electrolysis, spray tans, gel nails and more

NZ Certificate in Nail Technology Covers manicures and pedicures, acrylics, gels, nail art, business and more

NZ Certificate in Spa Therapy Includes Indian head, hot stones, aromatherapy, reflexology, hydrotherapy and more

NZ Diploma in Wellness & Relaxation Massage

Covers relaxation massage, pre and post event sports massage, infant, chair and lymph massage plus much more

40 weeks & 3 days a week attendance 20 weeks & 3 days a week and then only 2 days a month

30 weeks & 3 days a week attendance

40 weeks & 2 days a week attendance

115 Cameron St, Whangarei • 09 438 6583 • info@evolutionschool.co.nz • www.evolutionschool.co.nz SAVVY | 15

Health & Beauty

It is recommended at least eight glasses of water each day, more if you're active or live in a warm climate, for healthy, glowing skin.

How To Get Glowing Skin If you asked most of us to use one word that describes how we'd like our skin to look, we reckon that 'glowing' would be pretty high up the list.

and oxygen to skin cells, and preventing dehydration, which can cause premature ageing. It can even make skin appear fuller since the hyaluronic acid that naturally exists in skin will pull in and hold the water for a wrinkle-plumping effect.

It is recommended at least eight glasses of water each day, more if you're active or live in a warm climate, for healthy, glowing skin. To add a little flavour, try a skin-soothing tea like chamomile or mint.

B

ut that endlessly covetable luminosity is only God-given for a very few people.

The rest of us are going to need to invest a bit of time, love and patience.

If 'glowing skin' is on your list of wants, make a cuppa, sit down and read on.

This heavy-hitting hydrator can hold up to 100x its own weight in water, meaning it’ll draw water into every layer of the skin and hold it there. The best serum for glowing skin is likely to contain this punchy ingredient.

Make sure you apply SPF daily When it comes to how to get flawless skin, know that: 90 per cent of wrinkles are from sun exposure.

It's so much easier to prevent the damage than it is to fix it afterwards. That means no slacking during winter months either. What’s more, don't forget to apply when you're in the office or the car, as celldamaging UVA rays can penetrate glass too.

Look for a formula that offers broad-spectrum protection to guard against UVA rays (the ones that cause premature ageing) and UVB rays (one of the main causes of skin cancer).

Use hyaluronic acid Skin looking a bit thirsty? Glowing skin can be yours so long as you slather on a moisturiser or serum that is rich in hyaluronic acid.

Invest in skincare with Vitamin C Research shows that Vitamin C-rich foods not only mop up the free radicals that cause wrinkles and sagging, but can help remove the DNA damage they form.

While you're reaping the wound-healing and skin-protecting benefits of eating more Vitamin C, try smoothing some on your skin as well. In one study, women who treated sun-damaged skin with a vitamin C cream for six months saw significant improvement in fine lines and discolouration.

Hydrate skin from the inside out If you want to know how to get clear skin, this one's a non-negotiable. Water helps clear the toxins that cause inflammation and blemishes.

It also assists in transporting nutrients

Clean your make up brushes A British study found that 72 per cent of women never wash their brushes or sponges, even though they collect dirt and bacteria which can cause breakouts – not what you want when you're trying to get better skin.

You should wash loose powder brushes every two to three weeks, and those used to apply foundation once a week. Mix a couple of drops of gentle facial cleanser or shampoo and lukewarm water in a cup, swish your brushes around, rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry, and lay flat to air dry.

Keep your phone clean and keep your skin clear According to a Stanford University study, that phone you can't keep your hands off, can get more germ-infested than a toilet in a public bathroom. In fact, the glass touchscreens on mobile devices are so good at spreading viruses that sharing them may be almost as bad as sneezing in someone's face.

Here's a scary thought: All those germs land right on your cheek and jawline every time you chat away, causing spots and irritation. To keep your phone (and face) bacteria-free, keep a handy pack of anti-bac wipes next to your charger to remind you to give it a clean.

SUMMER TREATS

Don’t forget to take a moment to pamper yourself during this festive season! Make your Christmas or summer appointment now to avoid disappointment, as spots are filling up fast!

HAIR REDUCTION $119 IPL treatment for Brazilian and underarm 30 minute Express Micro $65.00 Microdermabrasion and vitamin C infusion, followed by our anti- oxidant tea!

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE KERIKERI - 3 Homestead Rd Ph 09 430 2201 • 021 385 186 16 | SAVVY

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 & Beauty

EYE CARE TIPS

For summer

Summer is here, and so is the harsh sun that can damage your eyes. Now is the time to ensure that you take good care of your eyes and protect them properly.

Below are some useful tips that can help protect your eyes this summer.

Wear Sunglasses Wear sunglasses that offer 100 per cent UV protection or ones that are polarised. Larger framed glasses are better as the large frame blocks out more UV rays. On cloudy days, it is recommended to wear sports sunglasses.

Don’t let the clouds deceive you, UV rays are still hurting your eyes. Sunglasses get scratched easily, or you lose them without realising, so always keep a second pair of sunglasses handy.

Wear a hat or a sun visor For extra protection, make sure you wear a hat.

The wider the brim, the more your eyes are shaded from UV rays. That hat is an additional barrier between you and the sun’s rays.

Stay hydrated Dehydration can affect your eyes. When you are dehydrated, your body can’t produce tears which leads to dry eye symptoms and other vision problems. It is extremely important to keep your skin and eyes hydrated. Drink at least two litres of water every day.

Avoid midday sun If possible, stay indoors between 10am-3pm. The sun’s rays are at their strongest during this time.

Need to go outside? Make sure you are wearing sunglasses with 100 per cent UV protection or polarised glasses, which help reduce the glare from the bright sun.

Wear goggles when you swim Protect your eyes from pool chemicals. The amount of chlorine in a pool can be harmful to your eyes. Make sure you wear goggles when you go for a dip in the pool. Goggles will also help keep other bacteria entering your eyes that can cause infections. While we are discussing pools, we recommend that your remove your contact lenses before getting into the water.

Wash your hands Wash your hands on a regular basis to protect yourself from the spread of disease. Germs come into contact with your eyes when you rub them with dirty hands; these germs can cause infections. However, if possible, avoid rubbing your eyes even with clean hands.

Eat healthy What you eat can affect your eyesight. You need to eat foods that are rich in nutrients that improve eyesight and help prevent the development of long-term vision eye problems.

Eat plenty leafy greens, carrots, citrus fruits, fish that are rich in omega 3 and nuts and seeds Use Eye Drops Despite your best efforts to keep your eyes healthy and moist, you might need eye drops to minimise discomfort from dry eyes. When your eyes are dry, they become more sensitive to light and vision could become blurry. Any eye that is not lubricated is more susceptible to scratches and infections.

So, if you are going to the beach this summer or lying by the pool catching the sunny rays, make sure you have your sunglasses, hat and water bottle. Look after your eyes this summer.

Teach your child healthy eye care: UV protection for their eyes are just as important as UV protection for their skins. Make sure they wear a hat and good sunglasses when exposed to the sun!

Encourage them to follow a balanced diet and drink enough water.

The team at Eye Centre Primecare wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

ARE OUR FOCUS

FOR ALL DISEASES OF THE EYE

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We are closed from midday 24th of December until the 10th of January 2021..

Help is only a phone call away 0800 11 0030

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 | 17

Health & Beauty

FESTIVE SEASON FITNESS TIPS FRIENDLY FACE Experienced Personal Trainer and Snap Fitness Whangārei Club Manager, Sherilyn Walsh has thrown herself into the role with her usual passion and gusto. After spending time in Australia and Fiji managing fitness clubs, running group classes and even competing in bodybuilding competitions, Sherilyn returned home to Northland when an opportunity came up for her husband, James.

It was a return of the heart for the couple as they loved what Northland offered; beaches, outdoor living, a sense of community and the feeling of health and wellness that came from living here. Sherilyn resonated with the innovative and forward-thinking Snap Fitness brand, but the real hook was their commitment to the community and supporting their team to develop professionally.

“It is about finding what is sustainable in all avenues of daily life as well as embracing and loving the journey it will continually take me on.... learning and accepting that ‘all or nothing’ is not a way to live.”

It is these ideals which have helped Sherilyn and the team at Snap Fitness Whangārei to come up with some top tips to help you make the most of the festive season and start looking forward to what the New Year brings.

Coming soon –January 2021 8 Kensington Avenue, Whangarei

18 | SAVVY

ACTIVE OUTINGS:

Summer holidays are all about friends and family coming together and, while this is a great time to make and share all your favourite foods together, it is also a great chance to get moving. Bring a ‘daily’ walk into your family time, backyard cricket, walks with a friend along the beach, make some of your social outings active outings. If family are visiting from out of town, what a great time to showcase all that your hometown has to offer; climb Parihaka or walk the ‘Loop’. We will be posting regular summer highlight’s so head over to our Facebook page to stay connected.

BUDDY UP:

GET ADVICE:

Where do I start? Starting out or making a decision to change things up can sometimes be a tad daunting, while the above tips are a great way to round off 2020 in a positive way, it is also important to look ahead and think about how you can bring out the best of you in the New Year. Getting advice on how you can achieve your goals in a way that is right for you is where we come in; our experienced team of Personal Trainers and Allied Health Professional partners are here to help. Take the first step to get in touch with us and we will take the next steps with you.

Set some challenges and goals with a friend. This way you can keep each other motivated and have a great excuse to get together. Having someone to cheer you on when the going gets tough helps you smash your goals in a safe and fun way and, best of all, you have someone to celebrate your wins with. Check out snapfitness.com/nz/blog for online workouts and challenges that you can do together.

“It is about finding what is sustainable in all avenues of daily life as well as embracing and loving the journey it will continually take me on....”

DO WHAT YOU ENJOY:

To stick to a workout routine, it must be enjoyable. We all want the benefits of exercise such as increasing muscle tone, decreasing body fat and improving energy levels, but the journey there must be enjoyable too. Ask yourself; do I like exercising in solitude or with a buddy?

Outdoors or indoors? When is a great time for me to exercise? Is hitting the gym first thing in the morning my peak time or is a lunch break workout the perfect way to pep me up for the afternoon? With the choice of Cardio, Functional, Strength zones as well as Group Fitness classes, Snap Fitness Whangarei has something for everyone. Being a 24/7 gym is a huge bonus if you are tight on time and need to workout in a safe environment when it suits you.

Your Christmas

Shopping

Guide

The holidays can be a stressful time even in the most ordinary of years, and with so much else going on in 2020, we think there’s no reason for you to spend unnecessary time worrying about finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. So we put together a Savvy Shopping Guide with all the gift ideas to cater for every need, every budget and every single person on your list.

GREAT BRANDS & GREAT SELECTION AT SANTRENO

$229.90

$229.90

$249.90 $2

$249.90

$179.90

$179.90

BAGS & MORE $179.90

$299.90

$169.90

$1 $199.90

$249.90

$199.90 $1 .90

WE HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN THE MEN!

$179.90

$149.90

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! The Mall, 69 Cameron St, Whangarei

Phone 09 438 2224

$89.90

Locally owned and operated SAVVY | 19

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

GIFT BEAUTIFUL HAIR ANGEL EN PROVENCE

OPF SCHWARZKO

JOICO O

Formulated u with natural and environmentally friendly ingredients

With cell perfector y technology and hyaluronic formula

$65

Improving g and enhancing g the integrity y of your ha air

$55.50-$68.50

$62

BOILAGE

DAVINES Made from natural ingredients

$80

LAYBYS & PHONE ORDERS WELCOME

Enriched with unique botanic extracts

MOROCCANOIL

Th he original foundation for all hair types

$68

From $35

CLOUD NINE

GHD LIMITED EDITION DELUXE SET T

PURE EOLOGY

Sulfate-free 100% veg gan n hair products

$88

Achiev ving smooth and silky hair wiithoutt efffortt

Featuring the award-winning platinum+ hair straightener & the innovative hair dryer

· JOICO · KMS · FUDGE · DE LORENZO · MATRIX · AMERICAN CREW · CLOUD NINE · GOLDWELL · GHD · NIOXIN · PAUL MITCHELL · DAVINES · SEBASTIAN · MEDICEUTICALS · WELLA · MOROCCAN OIL · ANGEL · BIOLAGE · ARGAN OIL · PUREOLOGY · KERATIN CARE · KEVIN MURPHY · REDKEN · AND MORE

THE STRAND ARCADE WHANGAREI Ph 09 438 1933

SHAMPOO SHOPPE!

WONDERFUL GIFT IDEAS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON Sun Hats & Turkish Towers From $39

Brass Earrings From $29

Recycle Sari Fabric Strings From $14 each

Cotton Summer Dress with Pockets

Bracelets From $17

Box Of Divination Cards $24.90

Light Cotton Scarves & Throngs From $29

In short & long styles

$79-$99

Poufs & Stools From $35

Bees Wax ax s Candles From $4.50

Handwoven Cotton Shirts for men

Sensatia Botanicals 100% natural skincare made in Bali

In short & long sleeve styles

$49-59

From $12

89 Cameron Street, Whangarei Ph: 09 430 2040 www.himalayantradingpost.co.nz with Online Store 20 | SAVVY

Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm Sat 9am-3pm, Sun 10am-3pm

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

SAVVY | 21

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

THAT MAGIC TIME!

It is the season of sparkles, your moment to shine, a perfect full stop to a year that has been one of a kind.

With fairy lights twinkling and holly at the door, we have diamonds, rubies, sapphires and more.

Natures splendour captured in gold, crafted by hand for your love to behold.

Global Diamonds are here so you can spoil those you hold dear. A touch of lux popped under the tree, perhaps you are even down on one knee.

Let them dazzle, shimmer and gleam, gifting you those extra brownie points to add to your own festive dream.

FROM OUR HEARTS TO YOURS, M E R RY CHRISTMAS!

Whangarei, NewZealand

www.globaldiamonds.co.nz |12 Cameron St, Whangarei | 0800 100 766 info@globaldiamond.co.nz 22 | SAVVY

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

SHOES S FOR WOMEN

40%

50%

20%

40%

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

New Balance Propel

New Balance 420

20%

15%

OFF

15%

OFF

New Balance 880V9

Asics GT 2000 8

New Balance Arishi Fresh Roam

40%

OFF

OFF

Asics Scram

New Balance Synact

SHOES FOR MEN

Merrell Sandspur Delta Flip

SHOES FOR KIDS

50%

40%

40%

30%

40%

30%

New Balance 420

Asics Netburner Professional

New Balance M870

New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro

New Balance Nitrel

Asics Excite 7

30%

25%

20%

15 %

40%

40%

Mizuno Wave Inspire 15

New Balance M860 4E

Asics GT 2000 8

Asics Sonoma 4E

New Balance Y860

Asics Patriot

OFFF OFF

OFFF OFF

OFFF OFF

OFFF OFF

OFFF OFF

OFFF OFF

OFFFF OFF

OFF

OFFF OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

New Arrivals - Hot Sandals For Summer We stock a large range of stylish & supportive sandals designed for comfort, featuring maximum adjustability to support many foot types. Check out our top sellers - recommended by NZ’s leading orthotic experts!

Revere Portofino

Whangarei

Revere Miami

72 Cameron Street Phone 09 430 8063

Merrell Juno Wrap

Teva Tirra

Warkworth

40 Queen Street Phone 09 422 2212

Oofos Oolala Luxe Sandal

Vionic Bella 7

Vionic Islander 6

Cobain Shimmer 7

Open

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 9am - 2pm SAVVY | 23

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

y t i al

KITCHENWARE

u Q

for all who love to cook!

Rancilio Silvia Coffee Machine One of the most talked about specialty espresso machines on the market

$1,399

Bialetti Coffee Pots • Producing a rich, authentic espresso in just minutes • Available in 3, 6 or 9 cups ps

From $69

Altura Christmas Blend Coffee Beans • A smooth blend of Central and South American coffees • Also available freshly ground

From $29.95

Everything Tea

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

A great range of cast iron teapots and special teas for the tea connoisseur

Durable cast iron design and exceptional heat retention

From $12.40

Scanpan Impact Tagine

Stainless Steel Stockpot

Cheese e Baker

Complete with th recipes

Designed in heavy duty stainless steel body for maximum durability

• Commercial standard heavy duty stock pots • Great for crayfish • Sizes from 10-50L

From $135

$215

Only $32

Cookbook Stands

Italian Imperia Pasta Maker Prepare fresh home-made pasta in just a few minutes

Sushi Maker Makes square and heart shaped sushi

Wide selection in store

From $129

Coffee Knockout Bins

$24.50

From $39.95

PL8 Professional Mandoline & Spiralizers

Knife Block Sets ets • Made from the best steel eel n alloy to ensure precision cutting and a lifetime off durability

Transforms your market fresh produce into billowing, colourful vegetable spirals and slices

• Designed to deliver maximum comfort, balance, and performance

SECRET SANTA S

W have a Santa sack full of great We secret Santa gift ideas for under $20! se

Farberware Food Huggers ......................... $14.95 Fa Dame Onion Goggles ................................. $15.50 Da Victorinox knives ........................................ $9.95 Vi Le Lemon / Orange Juicer............................... $10.50 Ce Ceramic Pie Bird for perfect pie crusts ...... $12

tS

tre et

W HA NG AR EI

TO W

N

BA

W alt on

Str ee t

De n

Str

ee t

Ha nn

24 | SAVVY

ah

Ro be rt

Str ee t

Str

ee t

SIN

Den

WE A HERE!

Str ee t

Str ee t

ah

Ca rru th

Ha nn

Lo wer

Reyburn Street

@ Northland Hospitality

Ro be rt

WE ARE HERE!

WH AN GA RE I

tS

tree

t

TO WN

BA SIN

0800 466 7467 Or phone 09 430 0218 106 Lower Dent Street, Whangarei Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

We are open

We are open Saturday’s in Saturdays December throughout 9am to 12pm December 9am-1pm

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

SAVVY | 25

S TO R E H O U R S M O N DAY: 10 a m – 5 p m T U E S DAY: 10 a m – 5 p m W E D N E S DAY: 10 a m – 5 p m T H U R S DAY: 10 a m – 7 p m F R I DAY: 10 a m – 5 p m SAT U R DAY: 9 a m – 2 p m

KOA KOA D E S I GN

LO C AT I O N : 6 8 R E Y B U R N H O U S E L A N E , W H A N G A R E I , 0110 opportunities to launch, develop, grow, and scale Māori business through collective effort, which allows us to reduce costs and risks to our members while increasing exposure, reach, and opportunity.

Bringing you a one stop shop for Authentic, Locally, Hand-Made Products with a native twist. All small businesses are indigenous owned and operated from all around Aotearoa brought to you by the InnoNative Economy.

“The InnoNative Economy is whanau prosperity through indigenous collaboration locally, regionally, nationally and internationally,” We, at InnoNative are constantly looking for

w w w. i n n o n a t i v e . n z

Our amazing retail store is on Reyburn House Lane in Whangarei, you can also purchase through our online store and of course we’re on Facebook & Instagram!

“Empowering indigenous people through entrepreneurship and enterprise”

Innonative Economy

K A I T U A R TS

NONI

MAURI 2 MAURI

D E S I G N E D BY N AT I V E S

26 | SAVVY

innonative_

A H O C R E AT I V E

AHUREI COLLECTION

Hihiaua Cultural Centre

The Good Bay’s Adventures Continue!

Ngā Toki Exhibition 2020 Opening. Photo by Joji Photography, commissioned by Te Taitokerau Māori Artists Collective.

“The Hihiaua Cultural Centre asks not what architecture is in terms of materiality, but what architecture can do in terms of social value.” - New Zealand Architecture Awards 2020, Jury citation.

T

he Hihiaua Cultural Centre is humbled to have recently received three prestigious awards which acknowledges our buildings practicality, beauty and versatility - ‘Excellence’ in the Civic and Arts Category in the Property Industry Awards; the National Public Architecture Award in the New Zealand Architecture Awards; and, the John Scott Award for Public Architecture in the New Zealand Architecture Awards - the country's premier award for public architecture.

For each of these awards, we extend our congratulations to Moller Architects and ARCO Group builders who have supported our vision, and are also reminded by our tohunga whakairo, Te Warihi Hetaraka, that it is the people that imbue the whare (building) with spirit and soul.

Across the Hatea River we have also been celebrating the opening of the Whangarei Camera Obscura, a collaborative project 10 years in the making, led by photographer Diane Stoppard, architect Felicity Christian, sculptor Trish Clarke, and involving one of our

carvers, Poutama Hetaraka. The design includes features that represent Whangarei - our community, our flora and fauna, our rivers, our heritage and arts.

On the exhibition front, “Ngā Toki” the Te Taitokerau Māori Artists Collective (TTMAC) 10 year anniversary exhibition sponsored by Creative NZ and Creative Northland, showcasing some of the best Maori art ever seen, wound up at Hihiaua this week. We congratulate TTMAC on the success of the show.

From December 8-11 we are excited to be hosting Kim Robinson (MNZM) and Abbie Twiss (BFA) with their unique exhibition, “Hands in the Community’’. The project, which formed from a late night discussion between Deaf friends about the lack of Sign Language within art, features casts of Kim’s hands creating words and expressions in sign, and pop art from Elam School of Fine Arts graduate, Abbie Twiss, detailing her Covid19 lockdown experiences. Hands in the Community captures hand movements in ways people subconsciously do things without realising it is also a natural part of a language; it shows how sign language tells our stories. Proceeds of the sale are donated to Deaf Action, an organisation that seeks to improve accessibility for Deaf people in society.

Hihiaua’s usual eclectic range of high quality Maori artworks will also be on display and available for purchase leading into Christmas and you can keep up-to-date with what is happening at Hihiaua by joining the Hihiaua Cultural Centre and Friends of Hihiaua Facebook pages or see us on Instagram.

Pipiwai farm girl Madison Macmillan is set to launch her third children’s book – The Good Baby and the Unicorn.

The nine-year-old from St Francis Xavier Catholic School says she is excited to have the book out before Christmas.

She has again teamed up with Whangarei Fire Fighter Adam Anderson to bring the story to life with his wonderful illustrations.

Madison published her first book – The Good Baby and the Bad Hippo – in 2018 and released The Good Baby and the Hairy Monster in 2019.

She has so far donated $1000 of book sales to the Northland Rescue Helicopter Service.

Madison says her friend Ashlyn Muckle helped with her latest book.

“The Good Baby and the Unicorn is about sharing and caring and not judging people for what they look like. I hope people really enjoy the book,” says Madison.

There are still two more books in the Good Baby series to publish in 2021.

“The Good Baby and the Unicorn waved goodbye and left. They went away talking and pounced everywhere together forever. They became best friends and lived a good life together.”

ALPACA & MOHAIR THROWS make

Dine in daily from 8am to 4pm Takeaway cafe open from 6.30am

Enjoy your Christmas lunch here!!

Group bookings welcome

PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFTS! Available on www.batesandkeenfamilyfarm.co.nz

Business lunches • Meeting spaces available Order party salads for entertaining Enquiries: info@theoldpackhouse.co.nz 0276275380 or 0274305240 SAVVY | 27

PACKARD MOTOR MUSEUM – VEHICLE OF THE MONTH

BY GERALDINE CRAW

1940s Aveling Barford Calf Dozer

A

t the Packard Motor Museum, next to our 1873 steam locomotive sits another interesting machine; an Aveling Barford Calf Dozer, built in Grantham, England.

In the early 1940s, Aveling Barford recognised a need for a compact dozer-type machine able to work in confined spaces such as pipe-line trench backfilling. Prior to the development of hydraulic excavators in the 1960s, excavating machinery was cableoperated. The cable machines had limited ability to break open new ground and were not suitable for backfilling trenches. Hence, Aveling Barford developed these mini-sized bulldozers and appropriately named them Calf Dozers due to their tiny size (compared to other earth-moving machines).

These little machines were used in the docks for clearing ship holds of bulk cargo such as coal, grain and fertilizer; and

for railway track maintenance. NZ Railways es between 1947 purchased 25 of these machines and 1957 for sidings work and track batter (ground slope) upkeep. These machines were easily transportable.

The original Dozers were designed igned with a Dorman single cylinder 9 horse petrol engine.

Later machines were driven by Petter water-cool engines. Our Calf Dozer is powered ered by a single cylinder Ruston Air-cooled Diesel. sel. Only two diesel Calf Dozers were known to have come to New Zealand.

The Calf Dozer can be counter-rotated ter-rotated on its own axis like a Bob-cat loader making it very manoeuvrable. The driver is positioned sitioned in front of the machine with nowhere ere to put his feet but the top of blade.

There are no safety systems, with the only handles to hang on to being the clutch control levers. The only other controls

Fishing tips & tales I have spoken with many fisho’s over the last few weeks and their trip reports have all been very positive: 1. Went scallop diving in Whangarei Harbour with a water temperature over 21 degrees.

Diving finished, they threw out a couple of lines and had immediate hook-ups to good snapper. A great day - good scallop feed and several nice snapper in a short period of time. 2. Went for a snapper fish just off Parua Bay; great fishing with plenty of good-sized snapper and kingfish hanging around. This area has come alive much earlier than usual, probably due to the warm water.

Outside our harbour, snapper and kingfish fishing have continued to be very good; the Three Mile Reef area and beyond, off Ruakaka Beach in depths of 25 to 40 metres, and out toward the Chicks there has been plenty of school fish/bird activity. Slow jigs, sliders and soft baits are all working well. Watch your sounder as the feeding fish are often well off

are the throttle and the lever for raising or lowering the hydraulic blade.

There are very few of these machines left in New Zealand.

WITH JOHN VOWLESS (WHANGAREI) & KURT NASH AND REEF O’DONNELL (@FARNORTHKINGS)

the bottom. Baits are also working but not quite as well as the methods I’ve mentioned.

A very keen fishing couple reported great terakihi fishing in 50 metres (the location is top-secret but is only 15 minutes from the harbour entrance). They have repeated this several times in the last month. The fish were of very good size and condition and they have also landed reasonable snapper, trevally, blue cod and four crayfish - two packhorse and two reds. These crays were tangled in their lines and very tasty.

– John Vowless

Golden A recent catch caught by John and wifesnapper Trish reef fish

Jim Nash caught this 9kg snapper recently near Mangonui

Hey all you keen fisho’s. The fishing here in the north has just started to pick up again.

We are starting to see a lot more kingfish in the shallower waters around the coast. The snapper in the Bay of Islands have been feeding in around 15-40 metres and most people have been getting good fish in the middle grounds in the bay. The key in the bay at the moment is to find the birds. There have been lots of workups and these workups are holding lots of good fish at the moment too like this nice 9kg snapper caught by my poppa just out of Mangonui. So get out there and give it a crack – you never know what you might catch next.

– Kurt Nash

WOF • REPAIRS SERVICES • MAINTENANCE BATTERIES AND TYRES Your local garage for honest, friendly service

Proudly supporting y the community MALCOLM & SALLY MEEK rahi 1 Church Street, Onerahi

Phone: 09 436 5971 E: admin@onerahigarage.co.nz ge.co.nz .co.nz W: www.onerahigarage.co.nz

28 | SAVVY

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR YOUR SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE PAST YEAR

offering of original art, vintage and retro homeware, folk art, candles, gifts for Christmas and more. . .

ArtEVENTspace & online

DECEMBER

Treasure Trove

ArtEVentspace & online

Thurs 10am-4pm Fri 10am-4pm Sat 10am-2pm

4 Rust Ave, Whangarei w: thursdays.nz

m: 021 749 022

‘The Light is Inconsolable’, the collaborative works of poet Arthur Fairley and photographer Diane Stoppard.

The poetry book and photographs are available now at Hangar Gallery.

14 Cross St, Regent, Whangarei E frameskamo@xtra.co.nz Ph 4381260 | www.hangarart.nz SAVVY | 29

Pets

Silly Season temptations for pets The silly season is fast approaching and that means an abundance of delicious food.

H

owever, there are many popular human dishes that are not healthy for pets to consume. It is important to remember what foods are bad for cats and dogs. Especially when they are putting on a cute face as they beg for food at the dinner table. Do not be shy to tell your guests these foods to benefit your furry friends.

The following is a list of some foods that are bad for cats and dogs. Be sure to keep these away from your pet.

1. Ham Ham and other pork products may cause pancreatitis, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is also high in fat, which can lead to obesity in pets. The smallest amount can count for a large amount of your small dog or cat’s total calorie intake.

2. Stuffing Stuffing in most cases is made with onions, scallions and/ or garlic. These ingredients alone can be very toxic to dogs and cats and can cause a life-threatening anaemia.

3. Cooked bones Cooked bones should never be given to dogs or cats. As the bones are cooked the moisture content is reduced and makes the bones dry and brittle. If fed to your pet, the bone may split or splinter and cause choking.

4. Mashed potato While cooked potato is fine for your dog or cat to eat, mashed potato should be avoided as they usually contain butter and milk. These dairy products can cause diarrhoea in lactose-intolerant pets. Additionally, some mashed potato recipes have added onion powder or garlic, which are very toxic to your furry friend.

5. Grapes and raisins These are known to be highly toxic to both cats and dogs. Grapes and raisins are very toxic and can lead to kidney damage or even life-threatening kidney failure.

6. Chocolate Chocolate is very toxic to both cats and dogs. The darker the chocolate the more toxic it is. Cats and dogs are both at risk of chocolate poisoning.

However, there are more reported cases of dogs being affected since dogs typically eat just about anything. Smaller pets face much greater risk of chocolate toxicity than large breed dogs because it only takes a small amount of chocolate to negatively affect them.

If your pet ingests any of these foods this festive season, be sure to call your veterinarian immediately. The best thing you can do for them is early action which may prevent more costly and serious complications from developing. If in doubt, don’t feed it to them and give your fur baby a pet-friendly treat instead. They won’t know they difference.

Premium dog food for all life stages

Available in 3kg and 13kg

Only available at your local...

32A Commerce Street, Whangarei 09 4388835 30 | SAVVY

‘Tis The Season @ Late Night Thursdays 10% off between 5-8pm

Christmas Hours

Closing 5pm - Christmas Eve Reopening 8.30am 27th Dec

Thank you to all of our customers who donated, we raised over $3000

Christmas Trees and Poinsettias Now in stock Open 7 days 8.30 - 5.00 | 1526 Springbank Road, Kerikeri | 09 407 5462 | www.redwoodsgardencentre.co.nz | Follow us on Facebook SAVVY | 31

How to avoid those expensive 'oops' moments Curtains and blinds are one of the most expensive parts of your decor, so experts can help you make the right choices

BY LAURA HEYNIKE, ONE ROOF As I designer I’ve had my 'oops' moments. At least a dozen times during a consultation at a client’s home I've suggested new curtains or blinds- only to have the client will say that they have just spent huge amounts on the very ones I am looking at.

At this point I am trying to find a shovel to dig a hole and hide in it!

But it just makes it clear to me that people do not really know what sorts of blinds or curtains are right for their window and how to select the right look.

Who can help?

Curtains and blinds are a big investment – often more than you might expect - but remember that they last a long time and are something that you use every day. There are multiple curtain and blind companies out there that do a free measure and quote in your home.

They get a trade price on a selection of fabrics and have manufacturing companies who can quote, measure and install. The advantage of this is that you do not have to deal with too many people, experts take care of every stage.

If you just need window treatments I recommend going straight to the experts.

However the fabric choices that they offer may just be consolidated to some of their best sellers.

If you are after something a bit more unique and higher end then an interior designer will have the time and knowledge to find something more special that ties in with the rest of your home decor.

Before you talk to these professionals make sure you have a clear idea of a timeline, budget and fabric style so they can best meet your

expectations. If you have looked at products and done some style research beforehand you will be more likely get an outcome that you truly love.

Choosing the right curtain or blind application for your windows is the first decision.

In our design practice, we are most commonly specifying a dual solution - roller or electric blinds with a long sheer drape in front. This is both contemporary and functional: the richness of the romantic sheer frames the room and gives it softness. Automation makes controlling light easy, with blinds that can be programmed to

Design & Build Your Home

Our Complimentary Offer

• Comprehensive design consultation covering all your building requirements • Site visit and full sketch design • Personalised specifications and fixed price quotation SHOWHOME: 401 Western Hills Drive, Whangarei

Open 6 Days: Mon-Fri 9:00am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm 32 | SAVVY

FREE OFFER

0800 86 89 86

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

A sheer curtain with blinds behind is a popular look right now, particularly if the curtain tracks start up at ceiling height.

In bathrooms, opt for blinds that are moisture resistant

block afternoon sun to keep a space cool in the summer, for example.

In other cases, customers prefer a thicker curtain rather than paying for two systems to do one job.

An important thing to remember is that you do not need a window treatment on every single window in your home. In bathrooms, for example, an opaque film over the glass lets in light but keeps the window private.

If people really want a blind in the bathroom or kitchen, I recommend a wide width white plantation shutter which also looks elegant. Or a moisture-resistant roller blind is easy to wipe and has hardware that will not rust. I generally steer away from venetian blinds as they are hard to wipe down.

A moody or dramatic colour makes a room seem cosy at night

Automation and pre-programming blinds means you can control sun light and heat remotely, using your phone.

Narrowing down the fabric style for curtains and blinds is a big decision. I suggest you start with the textiles that are currently in your home.

Do you tend to sway towards the natural fibers such as linen and viscose? Or do you prefer something more structured and hardwearing, such as a polyester mix?

When selecting the length of the curtains, hang the curtains right under the ceiling line as opposed to sitting above the window or door line.

This will create a long vertical line of sight making your space seem larger than it is.

If you want total blackout – no light bleeding through your material - make sure you make this clear to your designer, as some fabrics are denser than others. Upgrading the thickness of the backing or lining can help improve blackout qualities.

Commercial Residential Industrial Maintenance Sheet Metal Fabrication Gas Water & Home Heating

Choosing colour or fabric pattern is always the trickiest part as curtains and blinds are going to be around a long time.

For a more intimate feeling at night, explore the moody darker tones. For a more calming sanctuary-feel, or if you don’t want the curtains to standout, then go for the lighter shades that blend harmoniously with the walls during the night, and are less visible when pulled back during the day.

Overall, the choice between blinds or curtains really comes down to what looks best to you, the feeling you want in your décor and the right product for the right application. Lean on the professionals for their technical expertise as they would have seen thousands of homes and know what has worked for other customers.

Radiators Underfloor heating Combi-boiler systems Heat pump Gas & diesel

Whangarei - Corner of Poto St & Porowini Ave | Bay of Islands Depot - 1229 Bulls Road, Kerikeri | Hours: Mon - Fri 7.30am - 5pm

Phone: 0800 400 192 www.gasworksandplumbing.co.nz

SAVVY | 33

Cushion envy?

BY TRACEY HARVEY, FRAZERHURST

Whenever I think of multiple cushions on a bed, I am reminded of that scene in the Ben Stiller movie, ‘A long came Polly’. Ben gets to stab all the cushions to infinity with feathers everywhere.

W

hat Ben didn’t realise is that you can change the theme or the style of a room with a few cushions. Like art work, they can tell a story, add a pop of unexpected colour, nostalgia, glamour or fun. All he had to do was change the covers to ones that told his new story.

A lot less clean up required and if he had called into the Frazerhurst showroom, we would have helped with ideas for cushions that told his own story.

Cushions make easy and fun Christmas gifts.

What do you give someone who has everything?

A gift certificate from Frazerhurst for them to plan and design their own cushion range. With fabric suppliers, such as Designers Guild, Unique fabrics, Icon textiles, Hemptech and Textilia, to name just a few, you can mix and match to your

heart’s content. When you call in to see us, bring some photos of your space as it currently is and, if possible, some ideas of how you would rather it look and we can work together to tell your new story for 2021.

I really hope you will love your new cushions from Frazerhurst enough to keep them safe from the Bens of this world.

Call into the Frazerhurst Showroom at 146 Lower Dent St to discuss your new cushion story.

Just a whisper between friends; we have free offcuts and end-of-line fabrics ready for you to collect and make your own cushions over the holidays.

Just let us know you saw the whisper here.

Happy Christmas and Merry New Year from the team at Frazerhurst.

Northland’s Largest Range of Window Furnishings From Affordable Simplicity to Absolute Luxury... Frazerhurst Curtains and Blinds in Lower Dent street A calm haven this silly season where you can relax and take your time reviewing your window furnishing choices. With as little or as much assistance as you would like, the team are here to help.

SOLUTIONS TAILORED TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS

Blinds | Awnings | Shutters | Umbrellas

34 | SAVVY

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

“Customers come first at Frazerhurst”

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

D

isconnecting 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.

As the experts in sleep, we aim to provide you with a premium sleep experience that extends beyond the mattress – and recently we’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

& GET YOUR HOLIDAY BEDROOM NEEDS SORTED NOW Whether you need a luxurious bed for your bedroom or a brilliant-value bed for your bach, we have a solution for every need and budget.

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 centers 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 one of our bed specialists at Beds R Us Whangarei today to find out how to orchestrate all elements of your bedroom for the perfect night's sleep.

50

% OFF

A GREAT RANGE OF SLEEPYHEAD BEDS

PLUS INTEREST FREE TERMS AVAILABLE Conditions apply - see in store for details.

MATTRESS ONLY FROM $299 • MATTRESS & BASE FROM $529

Beds R Us Whangarei

7 Gumdigger Place | Ph: 09 438 3550 | Open 7 Days

Locally Owned & Operated

SAVVY | 35

Avian influences Birds are ruffling up the interior decorating world.

Try these ideas for feathering your nest.

I

s there a sound more soothing than the resonant hoot of a ruru on a dark night, or more enchanting than the sunlit warble of a tui? Could the shimmering blue of a kingfisher be any more beautiful, or the bronzed green of a kererū more magical? We Kiwis love our feathered friends and have long harnessed this soft spot as inspiration for our interiors.

It’s a look that’s both centuries-old and on-trend, with brands pulling bird patterns and references from their archives from all sorts of different periods.

Wall tweetments As a décor motif, birds conjure opulence, femininity, luxury and sophistication. From glass doors decorated with frosted etchings of avian forms, to homeware depicting feathered fantasies, it’s an enduring aesthetic that can take any number of forms.

Wallpaper is at once a contemporary and classic way to introduce bird motifs at home, and several of Resene’s latest releases are exquisite representations of the look. The herons in the Resene Helium Wallpaper Collection; the parrots in the Resene Tropic Exotic Wallpaper Collection and the hummingbirds, peacocks, flamingos and swans in the Resene Kaleidoscope Wallpaper Collection and more are a portal to a current trend that never falls out of favour.

Meanwhile, the Peacocks print in Resene’s handcrafted Mason wallpaper collection reinterprets in today’s colours (including exquisite Resene Pure Pewter metallic paint and Resene Resolution Blue) the mid-century designs of Bill Mason, an internationally acclaimed artist whose Wellington studio became the first Resene ColorShop.

Resene Half Duck Egg Blue with Resene Fast Forward, Resene Mystery and Resene Artemis.

PRE CHRISTMAS SALE OUR STOCK IS RUNNING LOW BUY NOW WHILE STOCKS LAST BASIN & KITCHEN TAPS ............................ FROM $95 TOILETS...............................................................FROM $249 PLYWOOD VANITIES .................................FROM $249 SHOWER UNITS ............................................FROM $569 FREE STANDING BATHS..........................FROM $979 SHOWER SLIDES ............................................. FROM $75 HEATED TOWEL RAILS ................................ FROM $99

Residential, Commercial & Industrial Rats & Mice • Ants Spiders • Wasps • Borer • Carpet Beetle • Flies Cockroaches • Fleas • Bed Bugs • Silver Fish Mosquitoes Providing pest control services Northlandwide for your home, bach or business.

PEST CONTROL

FREE PHONE: 0800 26 26 26 | Mob: 021 071 8490

Email: info@northpest.co.nz | Website: www.northpest.co.nz

LED MIRRORS ...............................................FROM $259 CALIFONT ........................................................FROM $169

We wish all our customers a Merry Christmas!

Capture a Moment in time

Watchmakers & Jewellers Finest selection of clocks in Northland Two watchmakers on premises Specialist in watch, clock and Jewellery restoration

Timeless & Classic Quality 137 Cameron St, Whangarei Ph 09 222 7088 | Mon-Fri: 9am-5.30pm www.millen.co.nz 36 | SAVVY

Traders Welcome!

Phone: 09 435 2145 |

531 Kamo Road, Kamo, Whangarei www.graemejohnsonclocks.co.nz

Avian accessories Beyond the birds themselves, feather-printed fabrics and other accents are an ever-popular way to embrace the look – and ideal if you’re renting and unable to paint your walls.

“If you’re up for a bit of DIY, you’ll find YouTube tutorials for lightshades you can make using inexpensive feather boas,” says Auckland interior stylist Megan Harrison-Turner. “Paint the shade itself with a coordinating Resene colour – a testpot should be more than enough. Then just add cushions in the same colours. Accent colours repeated at different heights help pull a room together.”

Use swooping birds to augment the energy in a space – arranging ceramic or glass versions in a flock-like formation on the wall, or hanging a collection of painted paper cranes (at different heights for a dynamic display) from the ceiling.

Other extras to consider include avian-inspired wall decals for children’s rooms, cruelty-free taxidermy and bird paintings and prints.

“A number of artists are doing interesting work with birds, including Wellington pop-surrealist Rieko Woodford-Robinson, who has painted portraits of native birds in the style of Charles

TOP TIPS •

•

Although there’s no time limit on classic beauty, the type of wallpaper print you choose will create a distinct mood. Are you a ‘quaint country’ or ‘serene Japanese garden’ type? Ask for samples at your local Resene ColorShop, which will also give you a full appreciation of subtle textural effects that may not be obvious online.

When using wallpaper as a full room treatment, keep the remainder of

Goldie and Gottfried Lindauer,” says Megan. “Or check out Margaret Petchell’s prints at Auckland’s Endemic World.”

Outdoors, forage for fallen nests you can display other curios in, or paint a vintage birdcage in quiet lilac-grey Resene Birdcage or loud tropicalyellow Resene Bird Flower, and place a potted plant (climbing ivy would be enchanting) inside it, after painting the pot the same shade.

the space low-key – block colours as opposed to prints, and hues that echo those in your wall treatment. Or, try wallpapering just one wall, your ceiling, or select architectural details, such as door panels or drawer fronts.

•

For a chic outcome with this look, don’t just wing it. Putting any old bird on it or adding them everywhere is a recipe for tacky, so incorporate just a couple of bird-related items in a handful of rooms.

Flying colours A less literal but equally elegant expression of the look, bird plumage is a trove of inspiration for colour combinations. Resene has created a host of paints that directly pay homage to our natives, among them brown Resene Kiwi, lilac-grey Resene Morepork, bush green Resene Kereru, energetic green Resene Kakapo, rich violet Resene Pukeko, malted beige Resene Fantail and spruce green Resene Kea. When using paint, specify a pecking order by making one shade your hero and the others its supporters. Megan advises sticking to the interior-design 60:30:10 rule, which states that 60 per cent of the room should be in a dominant colour, 30 per cent in a secondary colour and 10 per cent in an accent.

Consider what you really love and the effect you’re hoping your hues to have. “For some, kingfisher and parakeet colours might be a bit overwhelming to live with; for others they could

be fun and cheerful,” says Megan. “Kererū colours can be very restful, while darker tui and blackbird shades look great with New Zealand greens.

“Taking your cue from Mother Nature’s combinations is a sure way to get a colour scheme right,” she continues. Riffing of the hues of a kererū feather, she combined clean Resene Permanent Green, serene blue-green Resene Sorrento, charcoal Resene Zeus and off-white Resene Half Merino with oak timber stained with Resene Colorwood Equilibrium to create a colour palette you’d be right at home with. She also turned to introduced species, creating an earthy palette inspired by a pheasant feather using mink beige Resene Stonewashed, light beige Resene Sisal, redwood brown Resene Hairy Heath and charcoal Resene Bokara Grey with oak timber stained with warm Resene Colorwood Natural.

If you’re a magpie for colour, consider a palette lifted from a parakeet feather, using blue-with-a-hint-of-violet Resene True Blue, smoky blue Resene Echo Blue, atmospheric blue Resene Astronaut, warm Resene Hint of Grey and stone grey Resene Half Chicago, with oak timber stained with a mix of Resene Colorwood Pitch Black and limed white Resene Colorwood Rock Salt.

Blue is a forever favourite embodied in our kingfisher that’d be amazing in an entryway that offers a sense of transformation as you pass through it. Try pastel Resene Kingfisher Blue or lively violet Resene Kingfisher Daisy. Or channel the peacock’s unabashed allure in a bathroom with hints of showy green Resene Niagara.

YOUR DESIGN & BUILD SPECIALISTS

Resene Wishing Well with accent wall design in Resene Influential and Resene Time After Time.

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.

PAINT APPLICATION SPECIALISTS WITH COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND DOMESTIC PROJECTS

• Paperhanging • Waterblasting • Spray Texture • Specialist Finishes • Anti Graffiti • Waterproofing • Fireproof Coatings • Zolatone Application • Tradesmen Quality

Contact Peter McNabb

Mob: 027 209 2015 Ph: 09 438 5337

En njoy quality and benefits of an efficient,, low overhead nationwide company.

Fowler Homes have done it this way since the early 1980’s.

Wayne Pickerill, Managing Director

Enjoy dealing with one person start to completion.

63 Walton Street, Whangarei • Ph 09 438 4840

www.fowlerhomes.co.nz

SAVVY | 37

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

At A1homes we’re here to make things easy and it couldn’t be easier when using all the good stuff from home. So whether it’s your first home, second home, or home away from home, call A1homes or visit our website and discover the easiest way to get the home you want.

Show home: Cnr of Sandford Road & State Highway 1, Ruakaka

Call A1homes and discover the easy way to get the home you want.

Mon-Fri 8.30am-4pm

Contact Steve Hart

T: 09 433 0200 E: a1northland@a1homes.co.nz 38 | SAVVY

0800 A1homes www.A1homes.co.nz

2019

BRIGHTON - FROM THE URBAN STYLE PLAN RANGE

Stonewood Homes Whangarei welcomes New Home Consultant Julia Russell to the Sales Team

S

tonewood Homes Whangarei welcomes Julia Russell to the Sales Team.

Having worked in a number of different industries including teaching, laboratories and management, Julia brings a wealth of knowledge with her.

Originally from Taranaki, she has lived in Northland for over 15 years – much preferring the warmer climate. Julia lives in One Tree Point with husband Craig and two daughters, and has recently undertaken home

renovations, building a 2nd storey onto their own home.

Previous management position has allowed her to develop good communication skills, and with a love of interiors/homewares she is well suited to help clients bring their ideas to life.

Julia joins Vynka Short in the sales team

Vynka has been with the Stonewood team for 5 years, and is well established in the building industry.

Vynka’s passion and dedication

to her clients is reflected in the comments received when a new home is completed. One client recently stated “It was obvious Vynka was passionate about our build and was always very receptive to our ideas.

Stonewood has a gem to be cherished”.

Stonewood Homes Whangarei are a small dedicated team and pride themselves on their good relationship with clients, many of whom are repeat.

As well as having a wide range

of plans available for perusal which can be customised to suit the individual, clients can also approach the team with their own design ideas.

Every care is made to make sure that your build is everything you’re hoping for. Working with clients to achieve their dream home is what sets Stonewood apart and the results speak for themselves.

Talk to our team today about bringing your plans to life

Vynka Short 021 1201 163 | Julia Russell 027 630 8849

Visit the showhome at 60 Stace Hopper Drive, Marsden Cove Open Thursday-Sunday 11.00 am – 3.00pm

SAVVY | 39

Life at The Falls Estate means renewing old friendships - and making new ones!

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

94 BOUNDAR Y ROAD, TIKIPUNG A , WHANG AREI

W W W. F A L L S E S TAT E . C O . N Z

40 | SAVVY