Erin Cave, Jamie Troughton, Cam Neate, Mickey Smith, Joe Clarke, Ross Campbell, Synz Photo, Jack Bouvier, Wayne Tait, Anna Briggs, Salina Galvan.
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Cover & contents
Cover photography: Under the Bridge by Synz Photo (page 97). Contents photography: Watana Williams by Cam Neate (page 33).
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As the clocks fall back and the fresh autumn air settles in, we turn the pages on a new season of stories to embrace.
We find out why Otawa Waitaha a Hei project manager Luke Whareaorere gave up his Gold Coast construction career to come home and help restore the ngahere his tūpuna once traversed (33).
In our Kōrero series, we take a moment to just stop and listen with the two wāhine ataahua behind the Pause & Reset kaupapa (54).
Plus, we learn how Kenrick Smith is using the therapeutic creativity of beach art to help individuals find peace and clarity (60).
We chase wild honey with Leanne and Eugene Ormsby (106) and follow Jackson Price’s journey from barracks to birdies (116).
We welcome a new face to our foodie feature, Madeleine Hughes, who is plating up dishes that are giving us a taste of the new autumn season – including a butternut squash and olive oil cake with pecan streusel, chicken marbella, and root vegetable gratin (89). Cherie Metcalfe invites us to cook the books and join a new monthly Cookbook Club (79).
Meanwhile, we put a spotlight on the bold and rebellious spirit of rock music under the Tauranga Harbour bridge in our Photo Essay (97), we hear about Jake Andersen and Layla Clarke’s passion for native flora and fauna (85) and discover where the city centre’s finest coffee is served, one cup at a time with Downtown Tauranga (122).
Here’s to another issue giving us the chance to pause, reflect, and nurture the stories that make our place so unique.
Warm regards, The Our Place team
Words by Zoe Hunter
Ink in their Veins
In a world where paper, ink and press is widely thought of as a fading art, the Kale family’s passion for print has been treasured for generations. For them printing isn’t just a craft, it’s a legacy.
Photography by Wayne Tait
Ink practically runs in the veins of the Kale family.
In a world where paper, ink and press is widely thought of as a fading art, the Kale’s passion for print has been treasured for generations.
Founded in 1986 by husband and wife Stephen and Jill Kale – joined later by their children Brent, Rochelle, and Gavin – Kale Print is a business built on generations of printing passion. Stephen’s father Don was also a printer.
From hand-carved blocks to the latest digital presses, each new innovation is met with both respect and excitement.
To the Kale family, staying ahead of the curve means respecting the traditions of the past while embracing the future.
For them printing isn’t just a craft — it’s a legacy.
Producing between 1500 to 2000 jobs per month, Kale Print has become one of the leading print suppliers in Aotearoa.
But beyond the glossy pages, the ink runs even deeper. Because the people and the community bonds they create are the heart of every story.
At Kale Print, people are welcomed with open arms. It’s a place where people can come and feel cared for.
Soon, another page will be added to the Kale Print story with plans to move from Cameron Rd into a new purpose built production facility on Kaweroa Dr in Tauriko by 2026.
Despite the challenges posed by declining paper sales and the rise of digital media, they’ve stayed true to what they do best: Print.
Kale Print’s success has centred on not being afraid to take a hard look at the business and constantly improving and evolving.
“We’re always looking to better ourselves and have a firm focus on family values and putting people, staff and customers first.”
From investing in digital printing presses in 2002 for faster and more cost-effective production of smaller quantities, to introducing industry-firsts like the LED UV offset printing press in 2019, Kale Print is committed to innovation.
The new 2600sq m production facility will feature the company’s A1 and A2 UV offset printing presses, two digital printing presses, wide format and signage department and a bindery and finishing area.
There will also be space for a paper store, an administration office, customer services, design studio and estimating.
Kale Print’s general manager Peter Lloyd said it was time to start a new chapter in the family story.
“Our team is expanding. By bringing our entire team together under one roof, we will enhance collaboration, refine our workflow and prepare us for future growth. We can’t wait to share our new home with everyone.”
“We are looking forward to having more room to bring in even greater new technologies never seen here before. We can’t wait,” Stephen Kale said.
The business has also expanded into new areas including boutique packaging, signage and labels.
Complementing their printing services is an in-house graphic design team, providing clients with comprehensive design solutions.
From administration to delivery, Kale Print has talented people at every touch point – a necessity when it comes to manufacturing such a variety of products in quick time frames.
Employing 50 staff across the company, Kale Print’s people are their greatest asset.
“We’re a tight-knit group. Our staff retention rate is exceptional and there’s a lot of experience across all aspects of the business.
“We make sure Kale Print is a fun place to work and like to support the wider community whenever we can.
“The team donates blood regularly and supports over 100 community initiatives and not for profits.”
With five manufacturing sites – two in Tauranga, and one in Rotorua, Te Awamutu, and Whitianga – Kale Print has also expanded its reach to ensure a steady supply of services.
That includes Advocate Print in Rotorua in 2021, Endeavour Print in Whitianga in 2022, and Rosetown Print in Te Awamutu in 2024.
Stephen Kale pictured with one of the large volume offset printing presses.
“This active growth phase extends our customer base and future proofs the business so it can ensure it remains true to its core focus – taking care of its team and customers,” Lloyd said.
“It’s a strategy that’s helped the company deliver the highest levels of service and print quality.”
Kale Print is a familiar face in the prestigious Pride in Print Awards recognising the company’s dedication to investing in the latest technology, its people and processes.
What many may not know is that Kale Print also serves as the printer’s printer.
With their advanced technology and capabilities, they’ve quickly become the go-to provider of printing solutions for other printers and agencies across New Zealand and internationally.
“It’s a fast paced industry that’s constantly changing, but we want Kale Print to be very much a place where people can come and feel looked after and cared for.”
As a family business operating for more than 35 years, environmental responsibility and sustainability is a priority.
“We firmly believe it’s the responsibility of each generation to leave things in a better shape for the generation that follows. Operating responsibly has become part of our DNA.”
To prove their commitment to conservation, Kale Print actively pursues sustainability credentials. In 2019 it achieved a Forest Stewardship Council certification –a first and only for print in the Bay of Plenty.
Last year, Kale Print hit a milestone in its sustainability journey officially becoming a Toitū Carbonzero certified organisation and recognising its efforts to actively measure and minimise its carbon footprint.
“We believe in taking responsibility for both our employees and our planet.”
kaleprint.co.nz
Top left: The Kale family pictured in 2002 from left to right; Brent, Gavin, Rochelle, Stephen and Jill. Bottom left: Print in motion. Right: Vintage letterpress blocks from the early days of printing.
The Prom
What’s Up
Breast Cancer
Have fun, get fit, and fundraise for Breast Cancer Support Services Trust Tauranga by taking part in the 100 Kilometres in 30 Days challenge this May. Participants can choose to complete the distance however they wish across the 30 days — be it on foot, wheels, water, or some other creative way that inspires friends and family to donate. Tauranga policewoman Harriet Steele will be one of the many brave and fantastic supporters taking up the challenge. Harriet has just finished her breast cancer treatment and, remarkably, completed the Ironman in Taupō this March to raise funds for BCSST and breast cancer research. She will be a wonderful inspiration for others to keep fit, get active, and take on the 100km in 30 Days challenge.
→ The event runs from May 1 to May 30, 2025. Sign up at 100ksin30days.nz Support Harriet: givealittle.co.nz/ fundraiser/steele-takes-on-ironman-challenge-for-cancer
Tauranga Musical Theatre performers are powdering their noses, pulling on their prettiest frocks, and slipping on their dancing shoes for a night at The Prom this April and May. Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue... and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow — but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, The Prom expertly captures all the humour and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever.
→ April 25 to May 10, 2025. Where: Westside Theatre, 17th Ave, Tauranga. Tickets available from iticket.co.nz
Tauranga Pride Month
Get ready to embrace the vibrant spirit of love, diversity and inclusivity as Tauranga Pride Month returns this April! A collaborative community effort, supported by Tauranga Moana Rainbow Collective, ensures this year’s celebrations promise to be fun, inclusive, and a great way to bring the community together with an array of different events for everyone throughout the month. Tauranga Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community along with their whānau and friends by fostering connections and creating a welcoming space for all. From powerful theatre performances to fun-filled activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a long-time advocate or attending your first Pride event, there’s a space for you and your supporters to shine.
Keep an eye on our social media and website for the full event schedule. Let’s make April a month to remember, full of fun, love and laughter!
→ TMRC.org.nz
@taurangamoanarc tmrcnz
Photo by Charlotte Howe
Book into Toi Tauranga Art Gallery’s Winter Public Programmes
Trip to Whanganui in May
The wait is finally over! Toi Tauranga Art Gallery Director, Sonya Korohina, and Experience Manager, Hannah Wynn, are hosting a three-day trip to Whanganui.
It’s time to visit the newly re-opened Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, along with the many other delights the region has to offer. Limited spaces available so don’t delay your booking.
Four-part lecture series presented by Dr Penelope Jackson in July
A Winter Series presented by former Toi Tauranga Art Gallery Director and Curator, Dr Penelope Jackson MNZM, is a four-part introduction to art history.
Penelope has published three books about art crime as well as numerous exhibition catalogues and art historical articles.
What to expect
Unpackaging the Picture showcasing the tools for looking at and analysing artwork
Women and Art the depiction of women in artwork through time, and how they have been represented
Collections and Exhibitions how collections are developed at home and abroad, and considering curatorial backstories
Art and Crime art history is not always a pretty picture, with art crime capturing fraud, theft and vandalism
To book your spot, and stay up to date with Toi Tauranga Art Gallery updates, visit artgallery.org.nz
Artist impression of building due to reopen later this year.
The Little Big Markets
From creating their own clothing designs to finding joy in pre-loved fashion, and crafting everything from new menus to wooden toys, every stallholder is unique. These vendors share why they love the markets.
Words by Zoe Hunter Photography by Erin Cave
Art direction by Millie Guest
Coastal Chaos
What started as a hobby has turned into a huge success for Rachael Schou and Patrick Roehner.
With more than 20 years’ experience as a chef, Patrick and his partner Rachael always dreamed of owning their own food trailer. In September 2024, that dream came true and Coastal Chaos was born.
At first, the couple began selling their homemade burgers and loaded fries just on the weekends and at the odd event.
Since taking their trailer to The Little Big Markets, Rachael says their business has “taken off”.
“We thought it was beginner’s luck, but we’ve got so busy we’ve had to quit our jobs,” she says. “It’s been unreal. It’s better than we ever could have imagined.”
Rachael puts their success down to Patrick’s delicious, fresh, homemade ingredients.
“Patrick is a really good chef. He’s really passionate about his cooking.”
Patrick says it is the flavours that people love.
“Everything is homemade with original flavours, and I make all the sauces from scratch.”
@coastalchaosnz
Kubaii
When Vanessa’s baby girl started learning to eat solids “the mess was unreal” as any parent will know. Vanessa was constantly washing baby clothes and bibs after every meal and she tried many different bibs to keep her little girl clean but nothing worked. So the innovative and quick-thinking mum came up with a solution. Why not design her own! Named after Kubai the Turkish Goddess of children and childbirth, Kubaii’s products include a range of easy-to-clean, waterproof, full-coverage baby and toddler smock bibs to make mealtime cleanup easier. They come with or without food catcher pockets.
“The idea behind creating Kubaii was to create a brand that made parents’ lives easier. All of the bibs are fully adjustable for the perfect fit and to grow with your little one.”
The necklines include stretchy elastic and multiple dome settings that create a no-gap fit to stop mess getting down the neck. Vanessa’s daughter is now three years old and she still uses the extra long bibs. “We use them when she’s eating anything messy, painting or using marker pens, or helping me with baking.”
kubaii.com @kubaii_official
Min’s Closet
At Min’s Closet, fashion isn’t just about what you wear — it’s about the journey, the stories, and making conscious choices that are kinder to both your wallet and the planet.
Born from a love of thrifting, a passion for style, quality and sustainability, Min’s Closet started over a year ago and is all about curating high-quality, pre-loved treasures that deserve a second life.
What started as a personal passion for Amanda Hohneck, selling her own pieces and those from her family, Min’s Closet has grown into a small online business that connects like-minded women who love fashion.
“So much clothing already exists that we could dress generations to come, why shop new?,” she says.
“I’ve learned that great style doesn’t have to come at a high price, or a high environmental cost.”
From boho vibes to designer gems, every item in Min’s Closet is chosen with heart.
“Every item I sell has a story, and I love knowing that it’s getting a new chapter with someone who truly appreciates it.”
But Min’s Closet is more than a business, it’s a community. A space where women uplift each other, where confidence is found in a perfect thrifted piece and pre-loved fashion gets the appreciation it deserves.
One of Amanda’s favourite things about The Little Big Markets is seeing people fall in love with pre-loved fashion.
“It’s more than just shopping, it’s about discovering unique pieces, embracing personal style, and making choices that reduce waste.
“There’s also something special about being in a beautiful community of creators, influencers, and small businesses that encourage and support each other.”
Join the movement. Love pre-loved. And wear your story with pride!
@mins.closet.nz
Left: Vanessa from Kubaii. Below left: Patrick Roehner and Rachael Schou. ↑ Amanda from Min’s Closet.
JM France
Growing up in France, Jean-Marie always wanted to work with wood like his father.
But, the only apprenticeship available in his village was working with metal. So, for many years, he trained and worked as a boiler-maker.
That was until Jean-Marie suffered a heart attack. The magnetic field generated by the arc welder interfered with an implanted internal defibrillator and meant he could no longer work with metal.
It was when Jean-Marie and his wife Alison moved to New Zealand that he realised his dream of working with wood. He has now been designing and making wooden toys for 11 years.
Jean-Marie named his toy-making enterprise JM France, which is short for Jean-Marie and also J’aime meaning “I love France” in French.
Each toy is hand-made from brand new kilndried macrocarpa, which is carefully cut out on a bandsaw from his beautifully organised workshop inside his home garage. He is often found working
with the roller door up and open to the world.
Most of the wheels are made on a small metal lathe, with the toy sanded, painted, varnished, and put together by Jean-Marie.
He often works on multiple toys simultaneously, spending a lot of time sanding to ensure a smooth polished finish to match the high quality of his workmanship.
Jean-marie loves planning and designing new toys. While he tries to keep the same standard toys available in stock, he is always making oneoff designs simply for the challenge and personal pleasure.
It puts a smile on Jean-Marie and Alison’s faces to see the wonder and excitement in children’s eyes when they visit their stall at The Little Big Markets.
“We enjoy the beachy, holiday vibe of the markets.
“We feel fortunate to have a market that is well organised, advertised, and attended in our local area,” Alison says.
“The Mount is a great place to bring the family on holiday and to buy a toy or two at the same time.”
↑ Alison and Jean-Marie with the wooden toys made from kiln-dried macrocarpa.
Winter Dates:
May 11—May 17—May 25—May 31
June 7—June 15—June 20
June 21—July 5—July 13—July 19
August 2—August 3—August 10—August 16
September 6—September 14—September 20
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DIVERGENCE WHISKY
Honouring the traditions of whisky making legends, the journey starts the same and in the nature of the great braided rivers that flow from the Southern Alps, there is a point where we diverge and the story becomes our own.
Born of Nature
Naturally from grain to glass. A perfect southern climate grows our Canterbury barley and improves barrel ageing. Pure artesian water is sustainably sourced from the snow melt of the Southern Alps. The same water that feeds the great braided rivers which guide our journey of Divergence.
Distilled by Industry
In our Christchurch distillery, each batch is carefully crafted and nurtured by our talented distillers, Antony and Jackson. Always finding ways to diverge, we use smaller barrels for ageing and harness the perfect Antipodean climate to develop this delicious spirit’s full, rich flavours.
Best known in NZ for Curiosity Gin, the team at The Spirits Workshop has been tending to their whisky stocks since 2016. Quietly nurturing and growing their varied oak barrel collection. The first award-winning Divergence Single Malt was released in late 2019. As explorers of the craft, the range regularly features unique single-cask expressions ready for the New World Whisky connoisseur. Whether you’re a long-time whisky guru or new to the dram, these exceptional single-cask releases are something to watch for.
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10% off on Divergence Whisky in our online store with discount code: OURPLACE
Ends 31st May 2025
Scan to Shop
@divergencewhisky
The way of Fife
Travel the World
Words by Zoe Hunter
Photography by Erin Cave
To the team at House of Travel Mount Maunganui, travel isn’t just about the destination. It’s about creating lasting memories. This group of travel-loving experts is celebrating 14 years in business.
Fourteen years ago, a small group of travel-loving experts came together with a shared goal: To turn wanderlust into reality.
Now, with the world’s arms reopened to adventure, the team at House of Travel Mount Maunganui are helping Kiwi’s plan trips of a lifetime.
To this team, travel isn’t just about the destination. It’s about creating lasting memories.
Locally owned by Tanya Aitken, House of Travel Mount Maunganui is celebrating its 14th birthday this August – a huge feat given Covid-19 nearly closed its doors overnight when borders closed.
But, the team bounced back stronger than ever – and are also now open on Saturdays!
Last year, House of Travel proudly accepted the ‘Large Business’ accolade in the Best
Place to work 2024 Awards – a credit to its great environment for individuals to flourish and grow.
With more than 160 years of industry experience, the team boasts both the extensive knowledge of long-standing travel agents and newer consultants with fresh and creative ideas who are eager to learn and are equally passionate about travel.
Retail manager Shelley Rich said her team was constantly upskilling, whether it’s in-store or online training, learning about new products and destinations.
“We are travellers too, and it’s important for our team to continue to explore the world both personally and professionally.
“It’s great to be a part of an industry that is about helping people and bringing people together.”
Just like their clients, the
team loves to experience new destinations and have been lucky enough to visit a number of countries in the last 12 months.
Shelley had the trip of a lifetime on Safari in Zimbabwe.
“The experience was incredible. Africa needs to be on everyone’s bucket list.”
Maree headed across the ditch to the Australian Open and Stephanie loved her time in Hawaii, visiting the Garden Island of Kauai and enjoying walks in its lush gardens and rainforests.
Helen soaked up the local food and hospitality in Italy, while touring on a Vespa and attending a Formula 1 race in Imola. Loris cruised in Alaska on Regent Seven Seas.
Cherry visited the shopping mecca of Hong Kong and “Fiji expert” Chelsea headed back to Fiji for the second time.
House of Travel Mount Maunganui Promotion
After 35 years in the industry, Shelley said travel trends have changed.
“Nowadays our clients want bucket lists, pinch-me moments, lifelong dreams. It’s no longer one-size-fits-all, and that’s where we come in.
“We co-ordinate all parts of your holiday, booking flights, accommodation, tours, cruises, insurance and provide tips and hidden gems to create the most epic holiday ever – one that’s tailor-made just for you!
Clients want to travel in a more relaxing way, exploring areas in depth.
“This won’t be their only time to travel, so their plans are often concentrated in one destination allowing them to really
↙ The House of Travel Mount Maunganui team. Just like their clients, the team loves to experience new destinations. Pictured is owner operator Tanya on a villa holiday in Ostuni, Italy.
immerse themselves in the culture and history.”
Cruising also plays a big part in people’s holiday plans, whether it’s ocean, river or expedition cruises. “A cruise is a fantastically relaxing way to see the world.”
Travel has also evolved, Shelley said, with new technologies to enhance customer experience.
For example, House of Travel now offers seamless digital and sustainable practises including virtual consultations.
“Not only do we do in-store consults but we also do phone and video consults. If you don’t want to sit in traffic you can have an appointment from the comfort of your own home.
“We can deliver your documentation via our HOT app, and offer our clients the back up and support of our emergency specialist available to our clients 24/7.”
House of Travel Mount Maunganui would also like to welcome clients to their brand new Travelex now in store and offering all your foreign currency needs.
“We’re a one stop shop,” Shelley said.
“We have a saying here at HOT Mount Maunganui: ‘Sometimes life’s greatest journeys begin by walking through our doors’.”
House of Travel Mount Maunganui Promotion
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Nurturing the Ngahere
Words
Rebecca Lee
Luke Whareaorere, Otawa Waitaha a Hei project manager, gave up his Gold Coast construction career to come home and help restore the ngahere his tūpuna once traversed.
by
of Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust
Photography by Cam Neate
Three generations — koro to mokopuna tuarua (great grandchild) — stand together, reflecting on their mahi to restore the mauri (life force) of their ancestral lands.
With a chorus of “āe” and “kia ora” of agreeance, Luke Whareaorere, Otawa Waitaha a Hei project manager, sums up the wairua (spirit, essence) the team feels. “We don’t own this awa, our maunga or our whenua,” he says, gesturing to the lush ngahere. “We belong to it.”
Otawa Waitaha a Hei is the environmental restoration project of Waitaha iwi. The field team of five have been operating a ground-based pest control network in Otawa, behind Te Puke, since 2021. Started with funding through Jobs For Nature,
and with the support of Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust, the team has installed, and is effectively managing, 400 hectares of pest control infrastructure.
Luke (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngā Potiki, Kahungunu, Waitaha, Tapuika and Ngā Puhi) has been with the project since inception, when he, his wife and four tamariki, returned from the Gold Coast where he was working on large construction sites. Now a father-of-five with another on the way, he has let the various construction tickets and licenses lapse, and is committed to a life of protecting the ngahere. Working in conservation gives Luke the purpose he was lacking and while it can be hard, it’s for the betterment of his
people. “This work… it’s improving the health of our people,” the 39-yearold says. “If our maunga and our awa are dying, our people are dying. The more we look after our ngahere, the healthier our people are.”
Pre-colonisation, this whenua was utilised heavily by Māori. Mainly used as a māra kai, a source of food, Luke’s tūpuna would walk these maunga to collect the kererū and other manu for protein along with an array of rākau that were both eaten and used for rongoā (medicine). However, decades of land confiscation, deforestation for logging and infestation from pest species, have left the ngahere and awa in a bad state. And it’s only just beginning to heal. “What we’re doing here
“We don’t own this awa, our maunga or our whenua,” he says, gesturing to the lush ngahere.
“We belong to it.”
Opener: Boro Dam, Otawa. ↖ Otawa Waitaha a Hei team: Hakaraia Whareaorere, Watana Williams, Ted Whareaorere, Luke Whareaorere , Robbie Peake. ↑ Luke Whareaorere.
“I like to walk along the riverbeds and when I have a break the manu come and see what I’m doing and they talk with me. I had never seen a kererū before this mahi, but now I see them all the time.”
The team tracks success through a range of monitoring methods including environmental DNA (eDNA), rat tracking tunnels and five-minute bird counts.
[predator control] is so important. Without it, they [the pests] would take over and the ngahere would collapse,” Luke says.
Waitaha are currently working on a 150ha project expansion, made possible through co-funding from BayTrust and TECT. Before they can set a single rat trap, the team have to hike almost two-hours to get to the border of the land-locked project area. A total 19,000 steps, 15 kilometres, 612 metre elevation gain. An instagrammable hīkoi (walk) for most… just an average day in the office for Waitaha. Their traplines target rodents, mustelids (stoats/ weasels/ferrets) and possums, and have been expertly planned and cut. To the untrained eye, it looks like a maze. “I’ve spent enough time in this ngahere that I can navigate without a map,” Luke says. “I like to walk along the riverbeds and when I have a break the manu come and see what
I’m doing and they talk with me. I had never seen a kererū before this mahi, but now I see them all the time”.
Ted Whareaorere, koro or uncle to every team member, has been hunting in this whenua since he was seven years old. He’s now in his 70s and witnessing the land regenerating. “Back in the ‘70s, you could see through this bush. There was nothing here. Now, especially in the last three years since the team’s been here, the bush is growing fast. There was a track that I knew like the back of my hand, but I can’t find the entrance,” Koro says.
Rākau regeneration isn’t the only positive difference from pest control mahi. As at 8 March 2025, Otawa Waitaha a Hei, and the seven other Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project iwi and hapū-led conservation groups, have removed almost 20,000 rats, possums and mustelids from the Kaimai Mamaku forest.
Adult Norway rats, one of the two feral rat breeds in Aotearoa, can weigh more than 500 grams and eat up to 10 per cent of their weight each day. This predator would still be hungry after raiding an entire tūi nest where three to four 10-gram eggs are often left unattended.
Rather than just focusing on the kill tally, the team tracks success through a range of monitoring methods including environmental DNA (eDNA), rat tracking tunnels and 5-minute bird counts. Bird counts are a Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation standard, resourceefficient tool for monitoring the abundance of birds. The method sounds simple — just stand quietly at a fixed location and record all the birds you see or hear within five minutes. However for Waitaha, their project area consists of off-track, steep, untracked terrain, and the experience is anything but easy.
↑ Koro Ted with his mokopuna Hakaraia and Robbie. ↗ Top left: Luke Whareaorere. Bottom right: Watana playing a kōauau (flute) made from bone.
“The data is telling us longer term things. For at least the first five years, we didn’t hear any robins north of Aongetete. It’s only in recent years that we’ve heard them. So, they’re coming back.”
Warwick Buckman, chairman of HELP Waihi, and his wife Krishna have been leading an annual bird count in the Kaimai Mamaku since 2009. Around 28 fixed locations are strategically mapped across the conservation park with the couple, their daughters and other experts coming together to complete a count every spring. The analysis of 16 years of data shows bird populations have increased in certain areas. “Reserves, and pest control groups, can bolster [bird] numbers,” Warwick says. “The data is telling us longer term things. For at least the first five years, we didn’t hear any robins north of Aongetete. It’s only in recent years that we’ve heard them. So, they’re coming back.” Warwick is beginning to slow down in his golden years and is passing his extensive knowledge down to others, including all of the
Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project teams. He says it’s important for iwi and hapū to continue bird counts across the rohe. “They’re in the bush for long periods where they can do monitoring, even informal bird counts, regularly. They’ll start to notice an increase in numbers, or loss of birds too. And the more knowledgeable they become, the more aware they’ll become of those changes,” he says.
Like most people who work in te taiao (the environment) this isn’t just a job for Luke and the Waitaha team — it’s their life. To better look after the whenua and their whānau, Luke and his two teammates Robbie Peake and Watana Williams, are in their second year of a Bachelor of Environment Studies at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiarangi. “I like to think this is something my kids can
aspire to. I took the three youngest into the ngahere and told them all about the mahi, the studies and how we’re the guardians and protectors of these lands. The youngest said, ‘Me too, daddy? Can I come work in Otawa too?’ To hear her say that… that’s the reason I do this.”
Koro Ted feels the same.
“Being in this ngahere, with my moko, it’s my whole life. When I was a young fella, when everyone was out partying, I was in here. Being out here is rongoā. I lie down here and let all my woes go away. This is my healing place. I come in here and I’m a better person. And look at Hakaraia,” he says pointing at his great grandson.
“He’s at home too. My moko are the motivation to keep me going”.
@manaakikaimaimamaku mkm.org.nz/donate
↑ Ted, Luke and Watana pictured at the Hinenui Stream, Otawa.
THE SMART
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Spilling the Tea
Words by Zoe Hunter
Ash and Mark Webster spill the tea on finding joy in brewing the perfect cup of luxury together.
It was a dream brewed in the heart of a modest home garage.
What began as a passion for sipping the perfect cup of loose leaf tea has transformed into something much bigger.
From humble beginnings, Webster’s Tea can now be found in 170 cafes nationwide and is shipped to tea lovers around the world.
The husband-and-wife duo behind the brand, Ash and Mark Webster, share a dream of one day becoming New Zealand’s premium tea of choice.
This is their story of dedication, resilience, and the perfect blend of ambition and flavour.
It was Mark’s mum who inspired his tea-drinking passion.
“From an early age, mum always encouraged me to drink tea. I would ask for one and she would make one for me. It was something
we shared together,” he says.
“Mum only drinks tea. She has every kind of teapot imaginable.”
It was when Mark went travelling that he fell in love with tea even more.
Having worked in a tea shop overseas, Mark learned what makes a quality tea and how to source the perfect blend.
With a desire to share his knowledge back home in Aotearoa, he began sourcing, importing and blending quality organic loose leaf tea.
All tea comes from a small bush native to East Asia called the Camellia sinensis plant, Mark says, sharing the origins of a good cuppa.
“In China’s case, it’s been growing there for thousands of years,” Mark says. “It’s been my philosophy from the start to import our tea from where it’s best grown.”
The black and green teas are imported directly from India and China, and the Rooibos from South Africa.
He also sources local ingredients where possible. For example, the Webster’s Rooibos tea is infused with locally grown manuka leaves.
Mark first began selling Webster’s Tea at The Little Big Markets, where he met his beautiful wife Ash.
By 2021, the business had outgrown the garage – or The Tea Shed as they called it.
The couple had also welcomed their first child Harrison.
The stars aligned for the growing family business when a space on Clarke Rd in Te Puna became available.
“This is our dream spot,” says Ash. “We always said if we were to have a retail space we would want it to be a destination shop.”
Photography by Erin Cave
After a few more years – and welcoming their second child Penny – the couple was soon running out of room once again.
And as if it was all meant to be, the business just two doors down moved out, presenting an opportunity to expand once again.
“We’ve got twice the room in here and we love it,” Mark says.
Now in its eighth year, the
business has continued to grow from strength to strength.
“We’re in 170 cafes around New Zealand now,” Ash says proudly. “We ship to homes in the United Kingdom and Australia. We’re heading in a really positive direction.”
While tea is the focus in The Tea Shop at 7 Clarke Rd, they also stock and support local and
New Zealand-made products such as Goodwin Ceramics from Matamata, Small Batch from Tauranga, and Amberjack Candle Company from Paeroa. It’s their way of paying it forward.
“People took a punt on us when we started and now it’s our opportunity to give back,” Ash says. The trends in tea have
Mark Webster says trends will come and go, but there will always be tea!
changed over the past eight years.
Ash says since Covid people have become more health conscious and are also willing to take time for themselves.
“People are a lot more ritualistic about how they approach tea.”
And tea doesn’t discriminate, she says.
“Anyone can drink a cup of tea no matter your age. A grandmother and a granddaughter can share a cup of tea together, which is quite special.”
While the fan favourites including lime ginger, blood orange, and English breakfast haven’t changed, the couple has explored new blends such as turmeric and manuka Rooibos.
“Trends will come and go, but there will always be tea,” Mark says. “English breakfast is not
going anywhere.” Ash and Mark say working together as husband and wife hasn’t phased them and they feel lucky to have each other.
They each draw from their own skill sets.
Ash admires her husband’s hardworking nature, analytical mind and attention to detail. While Mark says his wife’s creative side has helped bring a fun, feminine side to the business.
So what’s next for Webster’s Tea? “It’s always been the goal to be New Zealand’s premium tea of choice,” Mark says.
“There is still so much more we can do.”
While Mark has his sights currently set on the Auckland tea market, Ash is dreaming even bigger.
“I always start a sentence with, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if…’,” she
says with a laugh.
“My wish is to be the United Kingdom and Australasia’s premium tea of choice – and then the world’s.”
For now, they’re focusing on changing the tea drinking culture one cuppa at a time.
“We want to show there’s a quality choice in a loose leaf tea,” Mark says.
“We want to debunk a lot of the myths that it’s too messy and takes more time.
“That’s just not true. It’s so easy and delicious!”
“We all deserve to spend a couple of minutes a day to pause and enjoy something that tastes good,” Ash says. “Everyone deserves a cup of luxury.”
@websters.tea websterstea.co.nz
Left: Webster’s also stocks Kiwi-made products. Right: Ash and Mark in front of their brand new tea shop.
The Bayview Bandits
Words by Mary-Rose Norton
When Phil Holland took on the role of The Bayview Retirement Village’s manager, he wasn’t expecting a sudden spike of activity on his social calendar. But he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Photography by Erin Cave
There’s a competitive gleam in Phil Holland’s eye as he looks across at his colleague Catherine Weedon. Tonight is the season’s last Twilight Bowls Tournament at Matua and “the stakes are high,” he declares.
You can see the sparks of their rivalry as they tell the tale of how the village team earned the nickname, ‘The Bayview Bandits’.
When Phil first took on the role of village manager at The Bayview Retirement Village, one thing he certainly wasn’t expecting was the sudden spike of activity on his social calendar.
Now, Monday night bowls has become a standing engagement with Phil driving his Bandits across to meet with sales manager Catherine to play against her team of friends from college.
This gradual blending of their work and personal lives has developed organically, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Catherine’s niece and nephew are regular visitors, stopping to chat with the residents, and Phil’s in-laws coincidentally live across the fence and have been known to pop in for the village café’s famous cheese scones.
Fostering relationships and building rapport with residents is something Catherine believes sets
Opener: Phil Holland, the new village manager.
← Catherine Weedon, the village sales manager.
↓ The Bayview Retirement Village Tauranga pictured as the sun sets, with a sweeping view of the Tauranga Harbour.
the boutique-sized village apart. As she speaks, it’s evident how she views her role as so much more than simply selling bricks and mortar.
“You get to know people intimately, because you’re hearing all about their families, what they’ve done in life, where they’re at now, and what they want in the future,” Catherine says. “I see these guys five or six days a week. They become such an integral part of your life, and you become a massive part of theirs. It’s really personal.”
The pair is united in the belief that being a part of the fun is crucial to making them more approachable and creating an avenue for the residents to share their thoughts. “Some people feel something has to be super serious to bring it to the manager, rather than those little bits of feedback. If we’re sitting down somewhere having a coke and watching somebody try to hit a golf ball, you get all those little things,” Phil explains.
“I love the crazy ideas, the not so crazy ideas. I’ll always take on any idea!” he laughs. The former business coach has a contagious energy (with a hint of mischief) and is certainly a possibility thinker. Constantly looking for ways to implement initiatives
Bayview Bandits captured mid-heist: Gary, also known as ‘The Burglar’, due to his infamous point-stealing skills, practises with fellow resident Val.
based on residents’ proposals, the seeds of these possibilities are already coming to fruition.
With marmalade on their minds, the residents are plotting out a new orchard. Phil’s discovered the plumber is a beekeeper, and now their very own hives are on order. There’s a van-full booked for a trip to Hamilton for an upcoming Chiefs game, and he’s polishing his classic Plymouth ready for ‘Bayview Hop’ – the village’s own answer to Beach Hop.
Phil’s beloved worm farm, at a previous workplace, is being sent the office paper waste, and he’s started a soft-plastics recycling initiative. A new multi-purpose court is also in the pipeline.
“We’ve got a croquet team that’s just started up. Most of them have never played before. There’s one lady who is around 90 years old learning to play croquet for the first time, how cool is that?”
Although there are sometimes challenging times, Catherine says each day always holds something rewarding. Watching people blossom, making new connections and trying new things, “they’re living their best lives”.
She’s passionate about being on the journey with new residents every step of the way, especially
after experiencing the transition first-hand with her own mum moving into a village not long before starting with Oceania.
And at The Bayview when new move-ins are announced, there’s a definite buzz. “The residents get excited about having people move in, it rejuvenates them,” Catherine says. “It’s another person for the coffee club, someone else to join in cards, it’s more people to come out on trips.” The whole village has been thrilled to see their community continue to grow. With 42 villages in the Bay, there’s plenty of choice, but this dynamic duo believes the kind of culture they have at The Bayview is hard to find.
As Phil sums up, “I think the key to it’s just all around enhancing. Enhancing their days, enhancing their weeks, enhancing their years.
“Our job is to make people laugh and be happy, living their best life as long as possible. And how cool is it that that’s your job?”
The scores are in! The Bayview Bandits stole the competition with a score of 9-2.
159 Waihi Rd, Tauranga oceaniahealthcare.co.nz
25 April - 10 may 2025
“A lighthearted coming of age story about acceptance and love, with plenty of laughs”
Lyrics by Chad
BY
WITH ORiGiN™ THEATRICAL ON BEHALF OF THEATRICAL RIGHTS WORLDWIDE, NEW YORK
Music by Matthew Sklar Book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin
Beguelin
ARRANGEMENT
Experience Rotorua’s ultimate outdoor playground all set against breathtaking views of Lake Rotorua.
Mickey Smith is known for her striking and poignant reflection of human history through photographing book spines. Now, she’s won her first NZ art award.
When Mickey Smith’s sixth grade school teacher showed the classroom a series of black and white portraits he’d taken of his family, she knew straight away she wanted to become a photographer.
Now, Mickey has become an award-winning photographer known for her striking and poignant reflection of human history through her documentation of simple, provocative titles found in libraries and secondhand book stores worldwide.
This year, her work was recognised among 50 of New Zealand’s best contemporary artworks as part of the prestigious Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 2025 exhibition – the first arts award she’s applied for in Aotearoa.
Organised by Arts Whakatāne and Whakatāne District Council, the exhibition opened from February to March at Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi - Whakatane library and exhibition centre.
A total of 50 finalists were
selected from 548 entrants by three preliminary judges – James Gatt, Dr Elliot Collins and Fiona Jack. The winners were chosen by guest judge and director of the Tauranga Art Gallery Sonya Korohina.
This year, Mickey was awarded the Our Place Magazine Merit Award for her photography entry: Artificial Intelligence.
Mickey says winning the award came as a complete surprise.
“On the drive to Whakatāne, I swore to my mother that all award
Opener: Mickey Smith ↑ Her work has been recognised in the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 2025 awards. ← Mickey won an award for her photography entry titled Artificial Intelligence.
winners were notified in advance.”
The day before the award ceremony marked 13 years of living in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for Mickey and her family since moving to New Zealand from Manhattan.
“It was a challenge to start over and I’ve spent years rebuilding in Aotearoa,” she says.
“So receiving a Molly Morpeth Canaday Award feels like a long awaited acknowledgement of my work on a national level and I’m grateful to all the jurors for the recognition.”
For over two decades, Mickey has worked almost exclusively in libraries, with books and archives around the world.
“Although my degree in photography is from an art school, I spent a great deal of time studying photojournalism. I’ve always wanted to tell the story, to reveal a truth.”
Her winning entry is part of a long-form project titled Volume, in which she creates large scale monuments of bound periodicals and journals found in public and academic libraries.
“The books are not touched, artificially lit, or manipulated — rather created by the librarian, found and photographed in the stacks as positioned by the last reader.
“I’m inspired to keep documenting these titles before they become extinct.”
Mickey says the work she does feels increasingly urgent as the journals are quietly, understandably, deaccessioned.
“Although the works can be interpreted as simple, it takes a great deal of research, concentration and intuition to find the right combination of factors which make a work sing.
“For example, in the case of
Artificial Intelligence, it wasn’t until I had my camera on the tripod did ‘art intel’ reveal itself.”
For Mickey, Artificial Intelligence marks yet another shift in photography.
“It has always been important to me to stay true, to not manipulate my subjects. Recently, it appears all rules have flown out the window overnight, courtesy of AI itself.”
In her judge’s comments, guest judge and Tauranga Art Gallery director Sonya Korohina acknowledged Mickey’s role and process of documenting books that have been placed by the librarian or the last reader.
“The work ‘literally references’ the past while the title speaks to the future. I don’t know whether to run away, or be soothed.”
mmcaward.co.nz
Sanctuary for the Soul
In this sacred space, it’s time to stop and listen. This is a place to pause, to nurture, and to truly take care of oneself. Meet the two wāhine ataahua behind the Pause & Reset Retreat kaupapa.
Words by Zoe Hunter
Photography by Yvana Sanders, Tayla Grace Dunnett and Te Whetumarama Peipi
Kōrero
Whāia te hauora kia piki te oranga. Pursue wellness so that life may flourish.
The morning mist clings to the trees like a silk blanket, the air crisp with the scent of pine and earth.
At the edge of the ngahere, nestled away from the noise of the world, a peaceful retreat unfolds in quiet harmony — a sanctuary for the soul. Here, wāhine from all walks of life have come to breathe, slow down, and rediscover the peace that’s been buried beneath the weight of their daily lives.
A beautiful blend of detoxing, deep healing, and reconnection in the peaceful, picturesque setting of Ngatuhoa Lodge, the Pause & Reset Retreat has begun. The sun filters through the leaves of the trees of Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, casting golden rays that dance across the ground below, guiding each woman towards a moment of stillness.
It’s as if the hustle, deadlines, and endless to-do lists have been left behind at the forest entrance. In this sacred space, it’s time to just stop and listen. This is a place to pause, to nurture, and to remember what it feels like to truly care for oneself.
Here, surrounded by nature and a community of kindred spirits, the journey of mindfulness begins.
The Pause & Reset Retreat kaupapa was born from a shared desire to reset after the festive time. The wāhine behind it all are Michaela Fenech (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Haua, Ngāpuhi) and Awhina Motutere (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Kahungunu).
Michaela is a qualified osteopath and clinical pilates instructor, while Awhina is a qualified medical herbalist, naturopath, and Rongoā Māori practitioner. Together, the two wāhine have created a space where other women can step away from the demands of everyday life and put themselves first, allowing them to pause and reset – not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Michaela and Awhina whakapapa to this whenua through their “Nanny Te Kui Gardiner” — Awhina’s grandmother and Michaela’s great-grandmother.
“Our vision is to offer retreats that support deep rest, reconnection, and collective healing not just for people, but for the whenua too,” Awhina says.
Through their own personal experiences with healing and transformation, the pair saw a need for a retreat that offered not just physical rejuvenation through juicing and bodywork, but also deeper healing through modalities like spinal energetics, breathwork, and Rongoā Māori.
“The vision is to create a safe and supportive space where women can reconnect with themselves,
release what no longer serves them, and leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more aligned,” Michaela says.
It’s more than just a detox. It’s a full mind, body, and wairua reset. It’s a chance to let go of stress, reconnect with yourself and te taiao (the natural world), leaving you feeling refreshed and recharged.
Awhina says each retreat is intentionally held with spaciousness and fluidity — allowing people to drop into presence, away from the pressure of constant structure.
“I’m currently in a season of rebelling against the construct of time, and I’ve found that letting go of rigid schedules creates space for real transformation.
“There’s method in the madness — a rhythm that unfolds naturally when we give ourselves permission to slow down.”
Rather than a strict agenda, the retreats offer a range of experiences that may include breathwork, Rongoā Māori, spinal energetics, nature-based immersion, movement, journaling, or deep rest.
“Some days we might follow a plan, other days we might choose to swim in the river, lie under the trees, or simply be.”
The outcomes vary for each person, but many leave feeling deeply rested, more connected to themselves and the land, and re-tuned to their own internal rhythm.
“It’s about remembering how to be, rather than always doing,” Awhina says.
Michaela says the retreat was designed for women who are ready to put themselves first for once.
“Most of the wāhine who come through are busy. Whether that’s in their careers, as māmā, or just carrying a lot in their personal lives.
“Some are feeling burnt out, some are navigating big life shifts, and others just know they need a reset but don’t know where to start.
“It’s not about whether you’ve done a juice cleanse before or if you’re into holistic healing, it’s about being open to slowing down and letting yourself release whatever needs to go.”
Michaela says women left the February retreat feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected to themselves.
“Some said it was exactly what they needed to reset their mind and body, while others have called it life-changing.
“The retreat isn’t just about detoxing physically. It’s about releasing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually too.”
People come with many different intentions, Awhina says. Some seek healing, others come to be surrounded by like-minded souls, but most are looking
“Our vision is to offer retreats that support deep rest, reconnection, and collective healing not just for people, but for the whenua too.”
↑ Top: Michaela, a qualified osteopath, giving a peaceful massage. Bottom left: A woman relaxes while receiving a Kawakawa head compress. Bottom right: A fern from the ngahere.
February’s Pause & Reset Retreat was held in the picturesque setting of Ngatuhoa Lodge.
↓ The wāhine behind the kaupapa: Awhina Motutere and Michaela Fenech.
for something deeper: A sense of connection, clarity, and reconnection to themselves.
“Each person arrives with their own story, and the retreat becomes a space where they can soften, reflect, and begin to restore in a safe and supportive environment.”
A qualified naturopath, medical herbalist, and Rongoā Māori practitioner, Awhina has been working in the natural health field for about 16 years. She is also trained in spinal energetics and trauma-informed breathwork.
“My journey into this mahi was born from a deep commitment to holistic wellbeing, cultural connection, and the desire to create more accessible healing pathways.”
As well as operating Arohi – a collective wellness hub for healing – in Mount Maunganui, Awhina engages in several kaupapa across Aotearoa, contracting to various organisations and providing Rongoā Māori services in both clinical and community settings.
Born in Melbourne, Australia, with Maltese (Dad) and New Zealand Māori (Mum) heritage, Michaela moved to Tauranga in March 2021 to connect with her roots and share her expertise with the local community.
“My journey into holistic health has evolved over time, weaving together my clinical background with my growing passion for alternative and indigenous healing practises, having recently completed my Rongoā Maori diploma and Spinal Energetics qualification.
Looking to the future, Michaela and Awhina hope to continue to grow Pause & Reset Retreat and expand the ways they can support wāhine in their healing. Longer retreats for a deeper reset and bringing in more Rongoā Māori elements are just some of the healing plans on the horizon.
“We’re always looking at ways to refine and evolve what we offer so that every retreat feels even more transformative,” Michaela says.
“Our vision is to create a space where women can truly heal, reset, and reconnect — not just during
“My journey into this mahi was born from a deep commitment to holistic wellbeing, cultural connection, and the desire to create more accessible healing pathways.”
↑ Surrounded by the ngahere, away from the noise of the world, is where this peaceful retreat unfolds.
the retreat, but in a way that carries through to their everyday lives.”
Awhina says there’s a clear and growing need for spaces that support deep healing, reconnection, and rest.
“My vision is to keep the retreats accessible and affordable, which means I see a lot more collaborations on the horizon.
“For now, the focus is staying grounded, staying connected, and continuing to offer spaces that truly serve.”
Pause & Reset is more than a retreat. It’s a movement towards reclaiming balance in women’s
lives. “We live in a world that often prioritises busyness over wellbeing, and our retreat is about challenging that,” Michaela says.
“It’s about reminding people that healing happens when we slow down, listen to our bodies, and honour what we truly need. If you’re feeling the call to reset, this is your space to do so.”
Pause & Reset 2.0 coming soon. Stayed tuned on their social media page.
Words by Cira Olivier
From the Ground, Up
Kenrick Smith uses the therapeutic creativity of beach art to help individuals find peace and clarity, turning grains of sand into a calming escape from life’s stresses.
Photography by Kenrick Smith
Photo by Oh Joy! Photography
You’ll likely notice Kenrick Smith’s infectious energy and dry humour first.
Then you’ll watch his eyes light up as he excitedly talks about his passions: His family, sand art, mental health and wellness, and his growing business.
That excitement then turns to emotion. He’s candid and vulnerable talking about himself, and equally interested in hearing about you.
Who is he? A boy from Wairoa with a superpower – his ADHD, diagnosed at age 37.
It’s been a busy start to the year, with his first bit of downtime in nearly three months.
Most recently, he was in Gisborne for three days of sand art commissions at the Surf Lifesaving Nationals. He’s also been painting a mural alongside his wife, local mural artist Jasmine Kroeze.
The two artists juggle work and family life raising their children Ivy, 6, and Otto, 3, in Pāpāmoa.
Growing up in Hawke’s Bay, Kenrick said it took a while before he was diagnosed ADHD.
“I grew up thinking I was dumb and lazy because I couldn’t do well in school. Exams were horrible, but also just doing everyday things … I just had a really low view of myself.
“I just stayed there to eat my lunch,” he joked dryly.
After school, he took an interest in photography and by 2010 he was travelling the world with new wife Jasmine.
Returning to New Zealand and settling in rural Katikati, he worked as a wedding photographer for the next eight years.
During the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, his mental health declined.
“I was being really hard on myself. My business was struggling, my marriage was struggling … I was deeply unhappy.”
Still undiagnosed, he blamed everyone else for how he felt.
The turning point was when he took responsibility for his happiness. There was no magic fix. It was hard work, including marriage and individual counselling, which he endorses.
When the lockdown lifted, he and his baby daughter went to the beach. Drawing a sun in the sand calmed him, and her, instantly. Jasmine noticed the change in her husband’s demeanour almost instantly.
Two days later, he did it again.
“I already knew spending time in nature is good, and drawing in the sand gave me something to do as an active relaxer.”
He began listening to a book on meditation and learnt about different breathing techniques, thinking: “This isn’t going to work. My brain’s never been calm”. After five minutes, “quiet”. The first time ever.
Around this time, he was diagnosed with ADHD and began medication, which works for him.
“Learning I am different and my brain does work differently was really freeing.”
Moving to Pāpāmoa by the second lockdown, he noticed depressive feelings returning. So, he bought a rake and piece of string and drew a mandala in the sand most days. He began adding mindfulness and grounding techniques, which calmed him.
In 2021, he and a mate made a giant mandala visible from the Mauao base track. “Everyone was fizzing.”
Setting up Facebook and Instagram accounts dedicated to his art, he realised the joy it brought others. “It’s art, it’s not asking for anything, it’s just beautiful and people love it.”
So, he created a two-hour sand art workshop combined with mindfulness and guided meditation.
The rest is history. Kenrick said from the hundreds of people who have since been to his teambuilding workshops, many aged between 35 and 55, about 70 per cent had never done any meditation or mindfulness in their life.
“I love it, showing people their inner world and calm … We’re so busy now on our phones and work and stress.”
It took him about six months to get to his 3am AH-HA moment, figuring out how to take clients’ digital files and recreate it on the beach, 20m to 50m wide with centimetre accuracy.
One of his biggest selling points. Not willing to give away his secret, he said not many people in the world can do what he does.
Creating a website, landing on the name Rake Healing, which is tongue in cheek on ‘reiki healing’.
“I use a rake, and the process has been healing for me.”
Soon after, he was booking small jobs over a few months before landing one with Warner Music NZ for Ed Sheeran’s album about his mental health – a massive confidence boost.
Kenrick now creates commissions for brands and runs sand art workshops for teams and groups.
Yarns with Rick
He also now helps others as a mental health coach, running men’s retreats, workshops and events through his other venture, ‘Yarns with Rick’. He also does one-on-one coaching on the beach or Summerhill.
“They sit up after an hour, in tears, and they’re like ‘F***, bro’. Every single time. A lot of people have never been that calm or that safe to get closer to their demons.”
“I already knew spending time in nature is good, and drawing in the sand gave me something to do as an active relaxer.”
Opener: Kenrick Smith. Top left: Kenrick’s daughter Ivy sitting in his first drawing on the beach, where it all began in 2020. Top right: Sand art workshop for Arataki Primary School. Bottom: ‘Humpback Whales’, to scale, 15m long near Leisure Island, Mount Maunganui.
Kenrick’s sand art piece titled ‘Le Dance’ was inspired by a 1910 painting by Henry Matisse.
His coaching came about after he was invited to speak as a sand artist at a men’s mental health event named ‘He’.
“Mostly I spoke about gratitude, being grateful for the life you have and how you actually can change your brain … That’s incredible because you don’t have to stay in the rut you’re in.”
He pauses briefly, becoming emotional. “We need to start having these conversations around not being okay. Instead of talking about the rugby, it needs to be: ‘How are you actually doing?’
“Sometimes people just need to be able to talk … you just need to validate them and listen.”
Kenrick said it’s amazing seeing guys wanting to learn how to start having these conversations. “You just have to start. Say what’s going on and name some emotions.
“That changes friend groups, communities, whānau … hopefully it will change a nation.”
What’s next?
“I think I might need a name change,” he said, revealing he’s working on a technique to do similar designs on grass and snow. He’s already got environmentally friendly chalk and charcoal. This would increase the scale and open up the types of surfaces he could use – like golf courses, mountains, and ski resorts. “I’m really excited … It’s pretty fringe, pretty niche. It’s going to be incredible for brands.” The prospect of international work excited him, too.
rakehealing.com
Words by Zoe Hunter
Photography by Rotorua Canopy Tours
Canopies and Conservation
Rotorua Canopy Tours is more than just the thrill of soaring through trees on a zipline. Here, you not only gain an adrenaline rush but help to power vital conservation projects in the local ngahere.
Nestled in the heart of an untouched ancient forest, Rotorua Canopy Tours offers more than just the thrill of soaring through the trees on a zipline.
It’s an adventure that connects you to the heart of nature through exhilarating heights and a deep commitment to preserving the forest floor below.
Every ticket sold doesn’t just unlock an adrenaline rush — it powers vital conservation projects.
Helping to ensure this breathtaking landscape thrives for generations to come is a group of eco warriors disguised as adventure-loving tour guides.
Today’s customers are a team of thrill-seekers from The Little Big Events on a day trip to Rotorua for a team bonding experience.
Lochie and Mitch have been assigned their guides for the Ultimate Canopy Tour and, after a health and safety briefing and the tightening of harnesses and helmets, the group is ready for adventure.
During a 15-minute van ride from the Rotorua Canopy Tours headquarters towards the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve (Okoheriki), Lochie and Mitch explain what’s in store for the three-hour experience.
The first stop is a 75m swingbridge suspended
20m above ground – a perfect introduction to the adventure ahead.
Navigating the forest zipline by zipline, the team’s confidence builds.
The first zipline is 50m from tree to tree, the next is 100m, and the third swoops 200m onto an exposed volcanic rockface.
Adrenaline is pumping as the team maneuvers along a narrow walkway fixed to the side of the mountain, stopping midway to pose for a photo 50m above ground.
Next is a 400m double zipline side by side and it’s time for a team race!
After some friendly competition, the team moves across a 75m suspended swing bridge that guides across a gully. The boss was impressed by the giant ferns below.
A few more photos are snapped on the swingbridge before a 200-stair climb and it’s time to rest.
Here, Lochie and Mitch take a moment to educate the team about the unique forest and Rotorua Canopy Tour’s conservation efforts to preserve it.
As they speak, a little robin (toutouwai) stops
The Ultimate Canopy Tour features more than 1km of zip lines through the ngahere.
by to sing its birdsong almost as if it’s giving its approval. Lochie lets a few of the team hand feed the bird, which they’ve aptly named “Mr Robin”.
The robin chirps happily in the background as Lochie explains conservation is the cornerstone of Rotorua Canopy Tours.
It all began in 2012 when Tauranga man James Fitzgerald and his friend Andrew Blackford planned to build a world class zipline experience while simultaneously restoring 1000ha in the Okoheriki Forest namely Dansey Road Reserve to its pre-human existence.
But, Lochie says, when building the Original Canopy Tour the team discovered the forest was ravaged by pests.
Setting aside funds to help restore the forest’s vulnerable ecosystem, they began setting traps to remove as many pests as possible.
At first, they caught 20 rats overnight. Over the space of a week, more than 800 pests were removed.
After days of setting, checking, and removing animals from traps, they needed a more sustainable way to save the forest.
Over the next few years, more innovative traps were created that could kill dozens of rats and
possums before having to be reset. But, of course, everything came at a cost.
Between 2015 and 2018, Rotorua Canopy Tours and the Department of Conservation signed a threeyear conservation partnership agreement – the first of its kind in New Zealand.
If Rotorua Canopy Tours contributed $35,000 to conservation management, DoC would match it. Since 2018, Rotorua Canopy Tours and its customers have solely contributed to the Canopy Conservation Trust.
A portion of every tour fee goes to the Trust, which means while the team has been having fun soaring through the trees, they’ve also become part of the forest’s journey back to its former glory!
Nowadays, the rat and mice population within the forest ranges from 15 to 22 per cent, with possum numbers at 7 to 10 per cent – and Lochie says they only need to check the traps every three-to-four months.
Okoheriki is the ancestral land of Tura Te Ngākau Ki Ngongotahā and is managed by DoC. To operate on this land, Rotorua Canopy Tours has approval from Manawhenua and a commercial concession from DoC.
Top left: The Little Big Events team stops for a photo 50m above ground. Top right: A reptile found in the ngahere. Bottom left: Tour guide Lochie and a robin feeding from a tourist’s hand. Bottom right: Zipline tour.
By removing pests and predators, Paul hopes to start translocating species back into the forest that would have resided here before pests arrived. “We’ll start with plants that will provide food, including tree fuchsia (kōtukutuku), dactylanthus (Pua te rēinga), and native mistletoe. The next phase will be translocating reptiles, skinks and geckos and finally the top of our food chain, birds.”
After a well-versed conservation lesson under the natural forest trees, the team takes two more 150m long ziplines to finish our tour.
Still high above the tree tops, they make their way to the ground in a controlled descent 18m down to the forest floor.
With their feet firmly back on the ground, they take a van ride back to base.
Rotorua Canopy Tours general manager Paul Button says conservation is a significant part of the business aligning with New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 ambitions.
“Having an ancient old-growth forest within 15 minutes of a significant population – and it isn’t the Redwoods – is an absolute privilege.
“We want to turn it into a national sanctuary for all to enjoy and help solve New Zealand’s biodiversity crisis.”
Paul also plans for it to be a carbon-zero forest by 2050. The reason it isn’t already, he says, is because people don’t understand how great native forests are at absorbing and storing carbon.
Pests and predators are essentially some of New Zealand’s worst polluters, he says, with the soil beneath trees also soaking up carbon at amazing rates.
Testing a section of soil at Okoheriki Forest without predator control, researchers found it was storing five times more carbon than the sites left to their own devices.
“There are plenty of merits in the above-ground foliage in our native forests, but it’s only a matter of time and research before we understand the full value of carbon stored in the soil.”
Paul says the canopy layers are dense with foliage from native and endemic species and ferns cover the forest floor like they did hundreds of years ago.
“We’ve seen critically threatened species,
found rare fungi and invertebrates, and discovered new species the world has never seen.”
In 2023, Scion researchers found 11 new undescribed beetle species in the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve following a 10-month survey examining more than 4600 beetles. Scion scientists also discovered two rare saphobius dung beetles.
Another study of bats – New Zealand’s only native land mammals – found 22 positive audio recordings of bats over 30 days of monitoring.
“There are only two types of bats here, the long and short tail and they’re critically endangered. So to know they are here in our forest is amazing.”
By removing pests and predators, Paul hopes to start translocating species back into the forest that would have resided here before pests arrived.
“We’ll start with plants that will provide food, including tree fuchsia (kōtukutuku), dactylanthus (Pua te rēinga), and native mistletoe.
The next phase will be translocating reptiles, skinks and geckos and finally the top of our food chain, birds.
“We would love to translocate weka, kōkako, pateke, tieke, and then the goal bird, the tītipounamu.
“This would be the pinnacle of an inspiring story for all to be a part of.”
As kaitiakitanga – or guardians of the land – Rotorua Canopy Tours donates annually to community groups and conservation programmes. In 2023, it proudly became Rotorua’s first B-Corp certified company.
Paul says Rotorua Canopy Tours is by no means the superhero, but they’re doing their bit.
“We’re trying to solve the world’s biosecurity problems through tourism. It’s really exciting.
“This forest is so unique, we are so lucky to be working within it. We need people to understand the forest is our temple.” canopytours.co.nz
Sky-high Whai
Basketball is booming in Tauranga and the city now boasts two professional teams. We talk to a couple of young rising stars.
Words and photography by Jamie Troughton
Carter Hopoi is right at home at Mercury Baypark Arena playing for the Tauranga Whai in the Sal’s NBL.
It’s game day at Mercury Baypark Arena, the first of a new season.
Carter Hopoi eases into the Arena’s grandstand seating, wedging his size-16 feet and 2.06m frame in place. Nothing much fazes the 18-year-old. He grins, ignoring good-natured banter wafting into the stands from his Tauranga Whai teammates.
He’s right at home here. The lit-up court in front of him is as close to tūrangawaewae as he can get.
“This is our house and we don’t want other teams coming to our home and beating us,” he explains. “You can see the guys firing up. There’s a lot of adrenaline and when it gets loud in here, it really lifts the whole team.”
It promises to be a big year for the dunking, blocking, rebounding whizz-kid, whose towering athleticism on court is capturing plenty of attention. He comes from good sporting stock; his father Dave played for the NZ Breakers, mum Koren was a talented netballer and cousin of All Black Frano Botica, and Hopoi’s great grandfather was Cyril Eastlake, legend of Kiwi rugby league.
United States college scholarships are beckoning in Hopoi’s first year out of Mount Maunganui College. He’s already made his debut with the Tall Blacks, and now the Whai men’s team are looking to
build on their 2024 entry into the Sal’s NBL with Hopoi a regular starter. Game day used to set him churning. Now he’s leaning into it.
“Last year, I used to get pretty nervous but now it’s fine, even though it’s a big step-up to starting an NBL game. It’s not scary or nerve-wracking, it’s more like I’m excited and ready for it these days.”
Across town at the Whai training base in Judea, Pahlyss Hokianga is glistening in the pre-dawn chill, running drills with academy teammates.
Like Hopoi, she’s already represented New Zealand at the highest level, breaking into the Tall Ferns early last year as the youngest-ever female — a scarcely conceivable 16 years and 115 days old.
At 1.65m, however, she’s at the opposite end of basketball’s physical spectrum from Hopoi, instead building a game based around speed and hunger.
“I’ve always been a hard worker and had that work ethic, but I’ve also learned over time what I need to do if I want to play in top-level teams or go places,” Hokianga says. “It’s meant I’ve had to be faster than my opposition and get a lot stronger to compete against women.”
The Whai women’s team play their fourth season in the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa League later this year, going in as defending champions, courtesy of victory
“You get a sense of how these sports teams can bring local pride, form identity for a city, and provide not only inspiration for young people but actual pathways to play at that level.”
over the Tokomanawa Queens in the 2024 final.
Hokianga was at the heart of that incredible campaign, but just a year earlier, she was a wide-eyed fan, travelling to Whai games at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre in Tauranga with teammates from Hastings.
There’s even a photo of her — a jubilant 15-yearold sharing a moment with her Whai heroes. It’s a tradition for the franchise, encouraging fans to come onto the court after the game and mingle.
Within months, Hokianga had an invitation to train with the Whai academy. Within a year, she was starting for the senior team. Now, she’s in her last year at Tauranga Girls’ College with another Whai season ahead of her.
“The Pahlyss story really validates the exact thing we’re trying to do,” Whai Basketball general manager John Miller explains.
“In a sense, we’re playing an entire game of basketball so we can create that moment. We want to compete and win, but the bigger picture is that we want to create that moment for a young person to be
inspired and to think, ‘I could do this’.” Even the Whai name has aspirational qualities. As well as Te Reo for stingray, “whai” means to chase, pursue, look for, or aim at. Three local families — the Millers, Rawstorns, and McDougalls — planted that seed when they founded the Whai basketball franchise, inspired by visits to other cities with franchise teams.
“You get a sense of how these sports teams can bring local pride, form identity for a city, and provide not only inspiration for young people but actual pathways to play at that level,” Miller says.
Those pathways are paved. Carter Hopoi and Pahlyss Hokianga are heading towards the horizon. Others will follow.
Support the Tauranga Whai in the Sal’s NBL all season long at Mercury Baypark Arena. Tickets are $14 for children, $22 for adults, and under-5s are free. Family tickets and memberships are also available. Visit mercurybaypark.co.nz and whai.basketball for more information.
↑ Left: Pahlyss Hokianga, the youngest-ever female to break into the Tall Ferns. Right: Carter is a dunking, blocking, rebounding whizz-kid.
Beyond Skin Deep
Words by Leisa McGill
Appearance Coach doesn’t just treat skin, they transform it. Skin health is more than surface deep. Your skin has a story, so let’s write the next chapter together.
Above: Kim educates a client in a pre-treatment consultation. Bottom left: Jackie gives long-term confidence to her client. Bottom right: Kirsty connects with her client.
At Appearance Coach, we believe skin health is so much more than surface deep.
While many clinics focus on treating symptoms with quick-fix solutions, we look beneath the surface — working to uncover the root cause of your skin concerns so we can create real, lasting change.
We’re not just here to sell you a treatment or a product. We’re a team of passionate cosmetic nurses and dermal therapists, deeply invested in your skin journey. Our goal is to educate and empower you, so you understand why we recommend what we do.
From gut health and hormonal imbalances to stress and lifestyle factors, we take a holistic approach — because skin is a reflection of your internal health.
At Appearance Coach, we’re a corrective skin clinic that focuses on treatment journeys, not one-off treatments. We’re here for long-term results, walking alongside you every step of the way with honesty, compassion, and clinical expertise.
Whether you’re struggling with acne, pigmentation, dullness, ageing, or sensitivity, we dig deeper to treat the cause, not just the symptom. We offer a wide range of services from advanced skin treatments to cosmetic injectables and tailor every plan to suit your goals, lifestyle, and budget.
And for those unsure where to start: Start with skin. People will always notice your skin quality before they notice a wrinkle. Great skin is the
foundation. It’s where your confidence begins. Already a client? This is your reminder that your skin journey doesn’t have to stop where it started. You may have come to us for skincare advice, but there’s a whole world of safe, effective treatments waiting for you — many of which can complement what you’re already doing.
Whether it’s collagen stimulation, hydration boosters, or subtle cosmetic enhancements, our team will guide you with integrity and care.
What sets us apart? Our results speak for themselves, but so do our clients. We’re proud to have over 150 five-star reviews on Google from real people whose lives (and skin) have changed through working with us.
We believe that trust is earned, and we’re committed to creating a space where you feel informed, supported, and seen.
So if you’re ready to move beyond short-term fixes and finally understand your skin on a deeper level, Appearance Coach is here for you.
We don’t just treat skin — we transform it, with a focus on education, connection, and long-term confidence.
Your skin has a story. Let’s write the next chapter together.
appearancecoach.co.nz
Cherie’s Foodie Finds
Cook the Books
Words by Cherie Metcalfe
Photography by Erin Cave
Cherie’s Foodie Finds
Choose a recipe to cook, bring along the dish, and feast with friends. Welcome to the Cookbook Club: A chance for foodies to get-together for a free, wholesome Sunday afternoon activity.
For the last six months, myself and Rose Kennedy from Rose’s Dining Table have been collaborating with Our Place magazine and hosting a monthly Cookbook Club at Pilot Bay.
Cookbook Club is a great opportunity for foodies of all ages and stages of life to come together in a no-pressure environment for a free, wholesome Sunday afternoon activity.
Each month, we have been choosing different books to cook from and the concept is pretty simple: You pick a recipe to cook from the selected book (we provide recipes, so not everyone has to buy the book) and bring it along to share with everyone else.
We usually end up with around 20 different dishes to try from the book, which is a pretty epic feast and a really cool way to experience different cookbooks. So far, we have focused on Kiwi
cookbooks from myself (Together and Keepers), VJ Cooks (Everyday Favourites), Polly Markus (Seriously Delicious) and Sam Low (Modern Chinese).
The concept of Cookbook Club came from a group that’s formed in New York doing the exact same thing, gathering in Central Park once a month to feast together. It’s such a cool way to meet new friends and fellow foodies. Some of us even bring the kids for a swim!
The club is completely free, with no commitments or joining fees, which is what makes it so unique. It is a very simple bringing together of people through food.
We would love to spread the word about our Cookbook Club and encourage new people to join, particularly anyone who’s new to the Bay of Plenty and looking to feel a bit more part of the community.
Cherie’s Foodie Finds
↖ Rose, Rachelle, and Cherie have been hosting a monthly Cookbook Club at Pilot Bay. ↑ So far, recipes have featured from Kiwi cookbooks including Cherie, VJ Cooks, Polly Markus and Sam Low.
The Cookbook Club is a great opportunity for foodies of all ages and stages to come together in a nopressure environment for a free, wholesome Sunday afternoon of activity at Pilot Bay.
Maybe you’re looking for new friends, or you just simply love to enjoy food in a fun casual environment. Cookbook Club is held on the second Sunday of each month at 1.30pm. All you need to do is bring a dish from the selected book, which you’ll be able to find promoted throughout Instagram (link below), a plate and some cutlery, and maybe some takeaway containers so we can divvy out the leftovers!
There’s usually a great dessert spread at the same time, so you certainly won’t need dinner!
Kids and husbands are welcome and if you can only make one month every now and then, that’s absolutely fine.
We are pretty proud of the Cookbook Club. I think having the free, no-commitment needed option for foodies to gather is pretty unique.
Rachelle Duffy, Rose and myself would love to see you all there at some stage and we’re always on the lookout for new cookbooks to try. We are open to all crowd suggestions!
If you are interested in joining us at all, or would just like to see some of the epic dishes created, chuck us a follow on Instagram!
@cookbookclubnz @pepperandme
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Restoring Our Ecosystem
Words by Layla Clarke
Photography by Joe Clarke
It was a school trip led by student teacher Jake Andersen through the local reserve and wetlands that inspired Pāpāmoa teenager Layla Clarke’s love of plants and wildlife seven years ago. Now, she speaks to Jake about their shared passion for our native flora and fauna.
Take a walk with Jake Andersen through the forest or native wetlands and you will leave with an abundance of knowledge.
He can’t help but to stop every two minutes to spot a native tree, plant, or bird.
Aotearoa was once an abundance of birds and trees – and the return of these native taonga is something Jake aspires to achieve through his continued work in ecosystem restoration for the benefit of our whenua, plants, people and wildlife.
“It isn’t enough to just plant natives. We need to think carefully about what we’re doing when we’re working to restore a natural ecosystem,” he says.
“What would have historically been in the area, what is present now and what is missing? If we can understand how nature brings forest back when it has been lost, then we can work to emulate this process of natural regeneration.”
Jake’s love of ecology drew him to teaching so he could share his passion for our native flora and fauna, as well as to restoration work, as a means of
helping to tip the balance back to native dominance in our wetlands and forests.
Since 2017, he has established several gardens in schools and supported environmental education programmes, including with Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Gate Pa School and Trees for Survival.
In 2022, he became the Waitao Landcare Group chairperson. This group was established 20 years ago with the driving force of making the Waitao River swimmable again, including Kaiate Falls.
They collect seeds from local forests, germinate them, grow them in their own nursery and plant them out with the goal of restoring the natural ecosystems here from “summit to sea”.
But, Jake says, we must be selective in what we plant and where.
For instance, he says, mānuka and kānuka are both commonly planted for restoration throughout New Zealand.
“But in our area, mānuka should mostly be
↑ Layla admiring the beauty of kōrari (harakeke flower stems) and the abundance of seeds they produce.
confined to wetland plantings, because that is where we see it naturally occurring most.
“The more we can understand these special spaces, the better we’ll be at restoring them.”
It was Jake’s passion for plants and the opportunity to learn from one of New Zealand’s most knowledgeable plant experts, Rob McGowan, that brought him to the Waitao Landcare Group.
However, he soon discovered the group is more than a place of education for him, it is a place of nourishment and belonging, full of connectedness.
Jake jokes the potting table is like their pub.
“It’s where we can come to have a good yarn, a laugh and just to feel part of something good.
“I quickly realised the benefits to my own well-being through just having a social connection like that.”
Jake was also instrumental in establishing the community predator control programme at Summerhill.
“It’s exciting to see the results of our work here.
We are starting to see an increase in birds such as tūī and kererū, and we’re also seeing bellbirds in areas we never did before.
“We only need to visit a forest where introduced predators have been removed to see the difference it makes.”
Jake says many people share the same aspirations for our environment and communities are starting to make a real difference.
“If we can share our knowledge and find ways to work together, we will all benefit.”
Thanks to the likes of The Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust, rare wildlife such as kōkako are thriving and coming our way, Jake says.
“Imagine if this beautiful bird lived in the Pāpāmoa and Waitao Hills again.”
Jake is aware that if this is just one person’s vision, then it will simply stay as a dream.
“But if there’s enough of us, then maybe just maybe it could become a reality.”
waitaolandcaregroup
↑ Left: The community grows thousands of natives each year to help nature thrive (kauri seedling pictured).
Right: Layla and Jake have a shared passion for our native flora and fauna.
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The Autumn Table
Words by Madeleine Hughes
Private chef Madeleine Hughes is a self-confessed food lover. She’s plating up dishes that are giving us a taste of the new autumn season, with warming spices, decadent vegetables, and effortless crowd favourites – wholesome, hearty and healthy.
Photography by Erin Cave
This is a super simple cake that tastes like autumn: Warming spices, nutty, brown sugary and a little bit wholesome. I’m not an icing girl, so the pecan streusel and brown butter glaze to me are the perfect alternative. But, feel free to slather the top with cream cheese icing and I’m sure you won’t have any complaints!
Place all ingredients into a food processor. Pulse a couple of times just until a loose rubble consistency.
For the cake
Preheat oven to 1700C fan bake. Grease and line a 23cm cake tin. In a large bowl, mix together dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk oil, sugar, and eggs until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Fold in grated butternut. Pour into prepared cake tin. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the surface of the cake batter. Place into oven for 4560 minutes, until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Leave to cool for 10 minutes in the tin before turning onto a wire rack to continue cooling.
For the glaze
In a small saucepan, place 50g of butter. Cook on medium heat for a couple of minutes or until you can see brown flecks and it smells lovely and nutty. Mix in 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and drizzle over the cake while still warm. This cake stays moist for days when kept at room temperature in a sealed container. Enjoy!
This dish is an old-school crowd favourite that I think is perfect in every way: Sticky, sweet, sour, salty, juicy, effortless. If you’re wanting to try a vegan option, sub the chicken for big wedges of pumpkin, plus a can of drained butter beans.
Chicken Marbella
SERVES 6 Ingredients
8 chicken legs, drumstick and thigh attached, skin on
8 garlic cloves, peeled
2-3 sprigs fresh oregano, or 1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup pitted green olives
2 tbsp capers, + 2 tbs of their juices
1/2 cup prunes
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 tbsp honey
3/4 tsp salt
Pepper to taste
Method
In a deep roasting dish, toss everything together. Arrange in an even layer. Cover in cling film and place in the fridge for at least a couple of hours, but anywhere up to 24 hours. Uncover and place in a preheated oven at 1800C for about 50 minutes or until the chicken is deep golden, spooning over the juices a couple of times throughout the cooking process. Serve with buttery mashed potato, a simple rocket salad, or this root vegetable gratin.
This is a deliciously decadent addition to any dinner table. Use any combination of root vegetables to make this, it’ll be great with any combo you choose. Using up any stray bits of cheeses you have in your fridge will also be a delicious riff: Cheddar, camembert, blue… fill your boots.
Wash and peel your choice of root vegetables. Using a mandolin, or putting your knife skills to the test, slice everything around 2mm thick.
In a large mixing bowl, add the cream, garlic, herbs, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Mix together, then toss through the sliced vegetables. Layer it all up into a lasagne dish, pouring any remaining cream over the top. Scatter over the cubes of butter, cover with foil, and bake at 1800C for 1 hour. Remove the foil, add the remaining cup of parmesan, and continue cooking for around 15-30 minutes, until the top is bubbling and a knife can be inserted without any resistance.
Sell your winter wardrobe.
Under the Bridge
Known for its bold and rebellious spirit, rock music is a symbol of expression and creativity. The genre’s foundation lies in distorted electric guitars, thumping basslines and dynamic drum patterns, with vocals ranging from raw and gritty to melodic and anthemic. Its sound is characterised by powerful guitar riffs, strong drum beats and energetic vocals. Beneath the Tauranga Harbour Bridge, a unique music scene thrives with musicians bringing raw energy and electrifying performances. The impromptu gigs transform the area into an outdoor stage for local and touring bands offering a unique experience. It’s a celebration of music, culture and the spirit of rock. A Tauranga photographer was there to capture the magic.
@synzphoto synzphoto.co.nz
Words by Katherine Whittaker
Chasing the Wild Honey
While the city sleeps, Eugene and Leanne Ormsby are driving the countryside chasing wild honey. They’ve become experts in charming bees. This is a story of the sweet life.
They’re the equivalent of the so-called “storm chasers” hunting down something unpredictable and addictive.
Though in this case, Eugene and Leanne Ormsby travel the state highways and rural byways of the North Island chasing wild honey.
Kiwifruit and avocado pollination is their main income earner, while chasing honey is the adventure and hopefully the cream on top. In their quest to craft and source the sweet nectar, the husband-and-wife duo can drive for hours transporting and caring for beehives and their precious cargo. It’s almost certainly not as romantic and stress-free as it sounds. While others are tucked up in bed, Eugene and Leanne
are driving through the small hours of the morning, keeping each other awake with banter and turning up the music. “There’s nothing better than music on a roadie,” Leanne says. “It makes it feel less like work somehow and it keeps us awake. We turn it up!”
When home, they sleep during the day to catch up and replenish. Tauranga-born Eugene, and Leanne, from Putaruru, have become experts in charming the bees. Although, it didn’t start out that way.
Eugene, a builder of 20-plus years, and Leanne, an early childhood teacher, and their three children were hit by a massive downturn in the building industry about 2009-2010.
Photography by Erin Cave
Opener: Leanne and Eugene Ormsby. ↑ Top: The husband-and-wife duo have become experts in charming bees. Bottom left: Leanne gently holds a frame of brood (baby bees) surrounded by honey. Bottom right: A view from the Ormsby’s home. Right: A jar of The Sweet Life honey made in their local factory.
Living on land owned by his family for almost 50 years, Eugene faced some hard decisions.
“I had been self-employed since I was 21 years old. So, it was tough. But we just simply ran out of work,” Eugene says. They had to be practical. When a friend offered him a role “helping with the bees,” he decided to have a go at beekeeping and later set up his own business called Ormsbee’s Honey.
Eugene carried on with the building work parttime while he learned the trade and Leanne came on board a couple of years later.
“I had actually decided that day to finish up teaching and talk to Eugene about it.
And that was the day he asked me to help him in the business,” Leanne says.
Three years ago, they bought The Sweet Life – a bigger company with a lot more equipment and got staff on board. Their Pāpāmoa extraction and jarring factory was where their honey processing journey began.
“Ormsbee’s was simple,” Leanne says. When they bought The Sweet Life, however, that’s when things went “crazy busy”. “We did it for a couple of years, but Eugene had a couple of injuries so it was very intense.” By the beginning of the 2023 season, they decided they had to simplify. “We needed to get back to it being Eugene and Leanne again.” They’re working to keep it simple. They’ve moved The Sweet Life extraction facility into a purpose built shed at home. They’re also selling honey to friends and from a few select farm outlets, Bin Inn, and Tyre World Tauranga, which they also own.
a golf hole as part of a fundraiser for Kaimai School, where their three children – Eli, 26, Maddie, 25, and Cassidy, 23 – attended when they were younger.
This season has been the busiest since they started out in the honey business and that means there’s been what Leanne calls “an insane flow of native honey”.
Much of it has come from the rewarewa trees, which have produced a lot more nectar than usual.
“We don’t often get that early start. It keeps us on our toes … well even more than usual!”
Ask the pair for a few minutes to sit down and chat and Eugene says, “Yes ma’am”. But you get the feeling his mind is continually switching between at least half a dozen other things. That’s probably because it’s March and nearing the end of the busy season for the couple, who’ve been extracting honey and ensuring the bees are healthy to see out the winter months. They will work in high gear until the end of April and rest from May to July.
They’re also collaborating with Mount Maunganui-based Small Batch Foods who are using Eugene and Leanne’s honeys in their peanut butter.
The couple still lives on Ormsby family land, which they bought from Eugene’s father, who bought it off his own father. The pair lives in the home – which Eugene built – with their daughter also living on the property. Eugene and Leanne love being part of their local community. The Sweet Life recently sponsored
In August, they restart bee-keeping season, getting the hives healthy, prepared and ready for the October and November kiwifruit and avocado pollination season when they take the hives to orchards.
“The pollination time is hectic.” Spending long nights dropping hives into orchards, often with not much notice.
“You never have definite schedules when nature is involved.” The couple run up to 400 hives from various sites, from the other side Tīrau/Matamata to the other side of Te Puke. Raetihi, Ohakune, and Mōkau are their current spots, and they’ve been as far as Stratford, Gisborne, and right up to the far north. But, again, they’re simplifying the process. When this interview takes place, they’ve just returned from a “Mōkau mission” to the far reaches of Taranaki. They love it. It’s a labour of love. It’s “hard yakka”. But they do it together.
In the meantime, they just do their thing – and let the bees do their thing. “We’re trying our best to keep it a sweet and simple life.” thesweetlife.nz
Caring for the Environment, Caring for Each Other
Words by Marcel Currin
by Ross Campbell
The life-changing difference a supportive workplace makes, and what happened when an environmental compliance officer was given time to heal.
Photography
of Plenty
It’s 4am and Ella Florence is running down a mountain in Italy. It’s been a night of great food, wine, and laughter in a hut on Monte Resegone.
Ella and her friend Lorna spent the previous day on the summit cheering for competitors in the ResegUp Trail Running Race, a 24km mountain run that starts and finishes in the little town of Lecco.
Since then, they’ve been hanging with the locals and now they are galloping down dark, stoney trails in the rain to catch a flight out of Italy. Ella is having the time of her life.
“I like being surrounded by people, maybe even a bit of chaos,” she says with a grin.
Ella is the second of seven siblings, which may explain some of that chaos. They are a close family.
“It gets laughed about in the office that I’ve usually been up to something weird or wacky with my family on the weekend.”
The office is in Whakatāne at the Bay of Plenty Regional Council where Ella works as an environmental compliance officer. It’s a monitoring and enforcement job, making sure that places like orchards and campgrounds meet agreed conditions for their water use and on-site wastewater systems.
At first glance, Ella seems an unlikely candidate for a compliance officer. She is cut from a template that is perpetually young and cheerful, not the type of person you’d expect to show up at your door with a warrant.
science but wanted to get outdoors so pivoted to environmental science.
After graduating from Massey University in 2019, she took her first full-time job in Queenstown, arriving on the same day that New Zealand’s first Covid-19 lockdown was announced.
“I started my new job in a lockdown, in a new town, with two new flatmates,” she laughs. “It could have been a disaster but we had a fantastic time. We’re still really good friends.”
As much as Ella enjoyed Queenstown, she missed her family and returned to Whakatāne in late 2021 for a role at the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
However, chatting with Ella, it becomes clear that she is a people person, which turns out to be an ideal quality for the role.
“My job relies on keeping good relationships with people,” she confirms.
“Taking five minutes to have a conversation and connect on a personal level at the start of a site visit makes the biggest difference. The option of flashing your warrant and barging onto someone’s land is never going to lead to the best environmental outcomes because right from the get-go they don’t like you and don’t want to work with you.”
Ella started out in medical laboratory
At this point the conversation skips casually to her overseas travels: Australia, South-East Asia, Europe... wait, what prompted the trip? There’s something that’s not been said.
It’s only later, via email, that she fills in the gap: About a month after Ella started her job at the regional council, her younger sister Julia was critically injured in a farm bike accident. Julia did not survive. She had just turned 21.
My sister died. Three simple words that upended Ella’s world. “It was a really difficult grief journey,” she says when we next speak in person.
“I was struggling big time. When you work in compliance, you come across some tough situations and I had no emotional capacity to deal with anything more than what was already on my plate.”
She pushed on for 10 months, then decided to hand in her notice. Instead of accepting her resignation, her team leader put an alternative plan on the table: Was Ella open to taking a year of unpaid leave?
“The idea was that I could come back in a year’s time when I was in a better space. Or, if I still felt the same, I could hand in my notice then.”
Telling this story, she pauses to reflect. “How many employers would give you a whole year off to take some space and do some healing so that you can come back later and have another crack at the job?” That’s how we find her running down a mountain in Italy.
“My friend Lorna had dropped everything to be with me when Julia passed away. I can’t quite remember whose idea it was, but we decided to book one-way tickets overseas and basically go on an adventure for as long as our savings would last. We had no itinerary, we were just seeing where the wind blew us.” She is grateful to her managers for giving her time to grieve for her sister, acknowledging it was an exceptional circumstance.
“I was in a much better head space returning from overseas. I was in a good place to be challenged.”
One such challenge, she admits cheerfully, is that being a compliance officer “definitely sounds like a bad guy role”. This is where it helps to be good with people. “I had a lady respond quite aggressively to a site visit request, so I made sure that I arrived with a big smile and a ‘kia ora’.
“By the end of my visit we’d had a super productive conversation and she thanked me
for explaining everything. I’d explained how her consent is there to protect people and nature from wastewater pollution, and I walked her through maintaining her on-site wastewater system. Overall, it will be a better outcome for the environment.”
Ella says a lot of compliance work is communication and education.
“When we do a really good job of these things, we don’t have to venture down the serious enforcement pathway too often.”
It is still an enforcement role, though.
“In simple terms, I’m there to enforce the rules that are designed to make sure there are enough natural resources for human activities while also maintaining healthy ecosystems. “I genuinely believe this stuff is important. If we didn’t have these rules, or people to enforce them, I think New Zealand would be a pretty stink place to live!”
boprc.govt.nz
↑ Ella Florence works in Whakatāne as one of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s environmental compliance officers.
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Words by Zoe Hunter
From Barracks to Birdies
Throughout Jackson Price’s journey from barracks to birdies, that same grit and determination that saw him face his toughest battles in combat training is now fuelling his passion for golf coaching.
Photography by Jack Bouvier
Opener: Jackson Price enlisted in the army at age 21.
↘ He is now a professional golf coach in Tauranga.
There’s something about the way Jackson Price swings a golf club. It’s steady, calculated and precise.
His eyes lock on the target: A little white ball balancing on a tee. He’s poised for the perfect shot.
For this former rifleman, his skills have been honed on a different kind of battlefield.
Growing up, Jackson dreamed of becoming a professional golfer.
“It was all I ever wanted to do.”
That was until he enlisted in the army.
Now, life has come full circle and he is sharing the lessons that army life taught him as a fully qualified golf coach.
Throughout Jackson’s journey from birdies to barracks and back again, the same grit and determination that saw him face his toughest battles during combat training is now fuelling his passion for golf coaching.
He’s learned to adapt, overcome and excel in both military and sport and has found that success comes not only from raw talent but also having the right mindset.
Growing up in Australia, golf was Jackson’s first passion.
“I always had the dream of turning pro,” he says, smiling as he remembers it was his nana who introduced him to the game.
“She got me a set of clubs when I was five.
They were nan’s clubs that she’d cut down to my length. It was crack up because I probably wouldn’t have even been able to swing them.”
Jackson joined a golf club and started getting golf coaching by age 13.
“I wasn’t an academic kid. I just wanted to be out on the golf course,” he says.
He began entering amateur golf tournaments and worked in the golf shop to pay for his travels.
“I was playing some of the bigger events around the country against some of the best. It was a great experience I’m very grateful to have had.
“I remember playing in tournaments with Cameron Smith [Australian professional golfer]. You think of where he’s at now and you knew he was going to be good.”
By 2011, Jackson was ready for Q-School – an open competition for competitive golfers seeking status on professional golf tours, such as the PGA Tour.
“In the first year of Q-School I didn’t get my card, so I thought, ‘Cool I’ll just go back and keep chasing that dream’.
“When it didn’t happen in the second year, all of a sudden I was starting to think of a contingency plan.”
That was when he thought about enlisting in the army.
“They completely strip you down to build you back up. All of a sudden you’re like, ‘Ok here I am. I’m in here for the long haul and I could be potentially called up to fight for my country’.”
“It was always a bit of a love of mine. Whether it was watching or reading about the military, I had an interest in the army.”
Jackson applied for the Australian Defence Force at age 21.
“I thought, ‘Bugger it. Let’s jump in the deep end and apply’. It was my younger bro, Harry, who spearheaded the idea. We both did the aptitude testing and it went from there.
“I was shortlisted for some jobs and I wanted to be a rifleman.”
Jackson was sworn in to the Australian Defence Force at a small ceremony in Brisbane in front of his family – a proud moment – before being ushered onto a bus and off to basic training.
He remembers a Warrant Officer screaming orders at the busload of young men about to become soldiers, saying:
“That was when reality kicked in.”
The first few weeks of basic training were brutal.
yourself to a high standard both physically and mentally.
“It involved some of the toughest moments I faced in my life, but ones that shape me now.”
He learned and refined skills from instructors who had real-life experience of combat and was put in scenarios based on having an enemy at the other end. Simulated training and field exercises would imitate real-life combat situations.
“That was probably the moment where I was like, ‘S*** this is the real deal’.
“They completely strip you down to build you back up.
“All of a sudden you’re like, ‘Ok, here I am, I’m in here for the long haul and I could be potentially called up to fight for my country’.”
On the first morning, Jackson remembers having to strip the bed sheets and line up in front of their dorms with the sheets over their shoulders.
“You’ve got nine minutes to have a shower, brush your teeth and make your bed. If you don’t do it in that time, you do it again, and again until you get it right.”
Jackson made it through basic and initial employment training (school of infantry) before being posted to Brisbane.
After 18 months and a gruelling two-week reconnaissance course, he was selected into the reconnaissance, surveillance and sniper platoon.
“Being part of that platoon meant holding
“We did a number of exercises where you’d have artillery coming from kilometres away landing 250m to 300m in front of you as you were fighting through, which was pretty gnarly.”
Jackson overcame mental and physical battles in training from doing burpees for hours, to 24 hour navigation exercises in the wilderness and stomping in the pouring rain during the early morning.
“There was this thing called the Death March from 5pm to 5am through thick terrain, carrying a heavy pack and a weapon, in the rain and only moving about 10km.”
He was training for the day he’d be called into combat.
“It was a mindset shift. That was the reality of the profession I was in and if I was faced with a situation like that, I knew what to do.”
Thankfully, he never had to go into combat.
“It felt like being an Olympic runner training for the 100m race, but never actually going to do it.
“We were training all this time to learn special skills that you’re not sure if you’re going to ever use, but you want to.”
In his fourth year of service, Jackson had met the love of his life, Jordy, and decided to focus on a new future.
It was when he and Jordy – who is now his wife and mother to son Beau – moved to New Zealand in
↑ Jackson says the values he has gained from the army have helped shape the way he coaches.
2020 that he picked up the golf clubs again.
“I hadn’t played golf the whole time I was in the army, but during a social round I shot like seven or eight under [par].”
Jackson wondered why he’d never played like that before and found it freeing.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself as a young golfer. In my mind, golf was the only thing in the world and if I wasn’t successful I was a failure.
“I think it was maybe the character I had built within the army. It sort of changed my whole perspective on golf.”
The physical and mental experiences during the army shaped a new mindset – one of acceptance, adaptation and problem-solving, even in the toughest or uncomfortable situations.
“It also taught me it’s okay to fail, learn something from it and use it as fuel.”
Completing his NZ PGA traineeship, Jackson now coaches at The Clubroom Tauranga full time and is building his own small coaching business called Jackson Price Performance.
“I’ve rediscovered the joy of golf. The values I’ve gained from the army have helped shape the way I coach.
“There’s a certain confidence you gain from being in the military.
“I love being able to communicate in a way that keeps things simplistic, while also helping the
person I’m coaching gain an understanding of their golf game.”
Jackson says focussing on a person’s perspective on the game itself can help improve their performance.
“The technical aspect of the game, of course, plays a huge part in the ability to improve, but sometimes when we’re on the golf course thinking too technically and trying to hit that perfect shot every time, we can start to drift into this deep dark hole of negativity if we don’t pull it off.
“I can now lean on certain experiences where I’ve needed grit and resilience to bring me back to Earth, to feel it’s okay to not be perfect every time, take a moment to find that groove or rhythm and get back to playing the game I enjoy.”
While he’s found his dream job in golf coaching, Jackson’s military past is still evident. He still drives around with his green beret and skippy badge in the glovebox, and suits up every Anzac Day to pay tribute to fallen soldiers.
The life lessons he’s learned as a man, a husband and a father are something he can pass on to his young son.
“I look back and I wouldn’t change a thing. I can’t wait to share some of the stories with Beau. I hope he’ll be proud.”
jacksonpriceperformance.co.nz
kmskins t udio.co.n z ph: 021 037 7 70 3
t e 6 , 2 6 c Gravatt Rd , Fashion Island,
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Sip Back, Relax
Photography by Anna Briggs and Salina Galvan
Downtown Tauranga has brewed the perfect guide to the city’s best coffee stops. Journey through the heart of the city centre and discover where the finest brew is served, one cup at a time.
Walk through the heart of a vibrant and bustling city centre and you’ll feel the rhythm of city life pulsing with every step.
The centre of one of New Zealand’s fastestgrowing cities is made up of a diverse range of businesses, cultural attractions and stunning natural beauty. Behind the businesses is a not-for-profit organisation helping them to thrive.
Their mission is simple: To actively promote the city centre as a destination.
Downtown Tauranga represents more than 500 property and business owners, operators and their staff within the district.
A cheerleader for the city’s businesses, Downtown Tauranga supports its members by advocating for their interests, fosters connections between businesses and the local community, and creates benefits for everyone.
Its sole purpose is to drive events, activities and initiatives to make Tauranga a desirable place to live, work, learn, eat, shop, and play.
As part of the organisation’s role in sharing positive stories, they’ve popped the kettle on and brewed the perfect guide to some of the city’s best coffee stops.
From cozy hideaways to award winning cafés, these top coffee spots are sure to perk you up.
More than just places to grab a caffeine fix, these are where conversations are held, ideas are shared, and secrets are whispered over a coffee or two.
There’s a story behind every sip.
Downtown Tauranga manager Genevieve Whitson says the city centre has a high calibre and array of options for good coffee.
“We are kind of spoiled for choice! There is basically a good coffee shop no more than two or three minutes walk from most offices.”
Genevieve believes it is really important to support local businesses and getting out on your work break and getting a coffee is the perfect way to do this.
“It’s also a great chance to take in some of the exciting developments happening in the city centre while exploring and enjoying some of the new attractions.”
Take a journey through the heart of Tauranga’s
city centre and discover where the city’s finest brew is served, one cup at a time.
Here’s what some of the cafés had to say about their brews:
Folk, 148 Durham St
Folk is a friendly coffee shop and roastery located in BaseStation on Durham St, Tauranga.
We offer a variety of coffees, roasted in-house, along with a selection of snacks and light meals, all prepared with a generous helping of artisan passion. We believe our coffee stands out because of our dedication to quality sourcing and roasting, combined with our cozy atmosphere and commitment to the local community.
Mt Zion Coffee, 27 Spring St
At Mt Zion, we pride ourselves on coffee excellence and community.
We feel like we have built something special in the middle of downtown. Every customer who walks in is greeted like a regular. We have worked hard to create a space where everyone feels welcome. Whether you’re a tired parent needing a boost, a business person needing your daily fix, or a coffee enthusiast wanting something a little more special. Matt regularly enters competitions to constantly push and improve himself, so we deliver the best to our customers. He recently placed 5th in the 2024 Aotearoa Barista Championship and has won a few regional competitions.
Coffee is who we are. And we feel like we do it very well. Come on down and enjoy a brew with us!
Coffix, 124 Willow St
Coffix is more than just a coffee spot, it’s a place where everyone feels like family. With a fun, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. Our coffee is not only delicious and affordable, but also fair trade and organic.
Plus, we offer a small selection of tasty treats and food, making it the ideal place to enjoy great coffee in a welcoming environment. Come for the coffee, stay for the community!
Rika Rika, 45 Grey St
Rika Rika’s co-owner Brian has been in the coffee industry for nine years. The award-winning barista has been roasting the beans for Rika Rika since they started offering coffee at the shop.
Brian says quality control is always the key for keeping their brews consistent.
“The temperature, days being aged after roasting, dosing amount of the beans, yield out of the espresso, humidity, size of the grind, water pressure of the espresso machine, filtered water, roasting level of the beans and texture of the milk, all matter.
“It all comes into one brew and we put care, passion and love into every single coffee we serve at our shop!”
Little Long, 39 Spring St
Little Long in Tauranga is small in size, big on flavour, and impossible to resist.
From the scent of atomic coffee to the buzzing atmosphere and effortlessly cool vibe — it’s a place you’ll visit once and never forget.
The Reuben is legendary – 12-hour slow-cooked pastrami, pickles, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and housemade Russian dressing on grilled bread. The bagels? Fresh, loaded, and customisable.
Got a sweet tooth? Thick, gooey cookie pies stuffed with S’mores, Reese’s, Nutella, or Biscoff. Or try the lemon slice, ginger slice, or caramel cheesecake brownie. For coffee, a killer feed, and a café that gets it – Little Long delivers.
Vitality Kitchen , 114 Willow St
Vitality Kitchen is the sister café of Mount Maunganui’s Vitality Organics. We offer a great selection of plant based and gluten free foods. We have built a reputation of offering great coffees and elixirs too. We roast our own beans and have created our own Vitality Blend of high grade Brazil and Colombia beans. We also offer various batch brews and single origin options every week for the coffee adventurers. Our three core values are community, connection and service.
Banana Blossom Café, 45 Grey St
Banana Blossom Café has served premium, local Excelso Coffee for four years on Grey St. We focus on grind, temperature and extraction to make a perfecthot-hug in a mug for every customer. We have one of the largest cabinets of savouries and sweets, and some of the longest hours – 7am to 4pm – in the city centre! Perfect for an afternoon meeting or paired with a movie at Luxe Cinema! In 2025, our focus is affordable, yummy and friendly! Our cabinet prices dropped 20 per cent and our $15 Malaysian lunch special is growing in popularity for lunch meetings!
Hashtag Café , 48 Grey St
Hashtag Café is in the heart of Tauranga city centre on Grey St. We’re known for our street food, café-style, with a unique twist. Customer favourites include our karaage chicken, steak sandwich and fish tacos, they’re absolutely delicious!
Opener: A perfect cuppa from the team at Mt Zion. ↑ For coffee and a café that gets it, Little Long delivers.
When it comes to coffee, we use organic beans and organic milk for a rich, smooth taste. Plus, we have an amazing $10 coffee and bagel deal. Our bagels are made from scratch by our in-house pastry chef, and they’re next-level good. Come check us out!
But First Dessert , 109 Devonport Rd
While we will argue that one simply cannot go a day without a little sweet treat... we can’t deny that coffee plays a vital role in our happiness here at the dessert bar.
Using locally roasted coffee beans by Excelso Coffee, we’re the perfect place to stop in for your afternoon caffeine hit!
Top left: Mt Zion prides itself on coffee excellence and community. Bottom left: Vitality Kitchen has built a reputation on good coffee. Right: Vitality Kitchen’s Sean Wahla.
Ajna Café, 67 Willow St
Ajna Café is a coffee shop located in the centre of Tauranga. Teaming up with Health Quarters gym, our community café strives to provide a friendly and healthy service.
Ajna Café is a welcoming space to connect with each other around wellbeing and food to get the best out of our daily life, routine and beyond.
We brew smooth, rich and satisfying coffee roasted locally by Fixation Coffee. From coffee to smoothie bowls, we bring the love that you need throughout the day.
Doca Café on Wharf St and Oscar & Otto on The Strand are pretty good too! For more places to eat, drink, shop and play, visit downtowntauranga.co.nz
Our Place Events Guide
Sat Tauranga Farmers Market
7.45am–12pm, Tauranga Primary School
Sun Pāpāmoa Community Market
8.30am-12.30pm, Te Manawa o Pāpāmoa School, 72 Te Okuroa Dr
April 2O25
10. Dinner in the Domain 5pm, Pāpāmoa Pony Club, Pāpāmoa
11. Politically Incorrect Standup Comedy Show
8pm, Luxe Cinema, 4 Golden Sands Dr, Pāpāmoa
12. The Little Big Markets
9am-2pm, Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui
Matahui Distillery's Gin Lab Awards Celebration
6.30-9pm, Mixture Eatery, 436 Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui, eventfinda.co.nz
The Art of Coloured Clay with Alex Wilkinson 10am, Creative Community Campus, Historic Village, theincubator.co.nz
13. Cookbook Club - Slice Slice Baby
1.30pm, Pilot Bay
16. Festival Jam
6.30-9.30pm, Mount Social Club, 305 Maunganui Rd
17. Dinner in the Domain 5pm, Pāpāmoa Pony Club, Pāpāmoa
Reel Rock 19 7pm, Luxe Cinema, 4 Golden Sands Dr, Pāpāmoa
Thabai Gapara The African Traveller - Live 8-10.15pm, 11 Totara St, Mount Maunganui totarastreet.co.nz
19. Hurricane Party: Mafia Cats (IRL) and Boogie Wonderland 9pm-12am, 11 Totara St, Mount Maunganui totarastreet.co.nz
19. The Little Big Markets 9am-2pm, Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui
Summer Demolition Der-BAY 6-10pm, Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui bayparkspeedway.flicket.co.nz
19– Downtown Carnival
20. 12-6pm, The Strand Tauranga Gold coin entry
20. The Little Big Markets Whangamatā 9am-2pm, Williamson Park, Whangamatā
Checkerboard Lounge Trio 3pm, The Jam Factory, Historic Village theincubator.co.nz
21. Jazz at the Mount 10am-5pm, Te Papa o Ngā Manu Porotakataka
22. Joe Daymond: Hope I Made You Proud 7pm, Baycourt X Space, eventfinda.co.nz
23. Ben Elton - Authentic Stupidity 7.30pm, Baycourt, eventfinda.co.nz
25. Greg Johnson - 30th Anniversary Tour - Vine Street Stories 8pm, 11 Totara St, Mount Maunganui totarastreet.co.nz
25– The Prom - Musical 10 Tauranga Musical Theatre, 17th Ave, May. various times, iticket.co.nz
25– D1NZ Championship Grand Finale 2025
26. Various times, Mercury Baypark premier.ticketek.co.nz
X*AIR
Various times, Mercury Baypark premier.ticketek.co.nz
26. Tauranga Hot Sauce Festival and Chilli Eating Contest 12pm, 26 Wharf St, Tauranga, eventbrite.com
The Little Big Markets 9am-2pm, Pāpāmoa Pony Club, Pāpāmoa
@ourplacemagazine
26. Bed By 10 4-9pm, Havana Eatery and Nightlife, fixr.co
27. The Little Big Markets 10am-2pm, The Strand Waterfront, Tauranga
May 2O25
2–4. Tauranga Home Show 10am-5pm, Mercury Arena Baypark Door sales only
Aotearoa Cuban Festival
Various times, Elizabeth Street Community & Arts Centre, eventfinda.co.nz
3. Op Shop Hop 9am-4pm, various locations, events.humanitix.com
We Run The Night 6-9pm, werunthenight.co.nz
The Little Big Markets 9am-2pm, Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui
7. That's Us Mens Group - Open Kōrero 7pm, Somethin' Somethin', Mount Maunganui
9. Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge 8.30am-12.30pm, Mercury Baypark
10. The Bitter Brothers 7pm, The Jam Factory, Historic Village theincubator.co.nz
Destination Market Historic Village 9am, Historic Village
11. The Little Big Markets 10am-2pm, The Strand Waterfront, Tauranga
But First Dessert Mothers’ Day High Tea 1pm, But First Dessert Tauranga butfirstdessert.co.nz
15. Marlon Williams Te Whare Tīwekaweka TOUR 7pm, Holy Trinity Tauranga Church ticketmaster.co.nz
16. Confluence - a conversation through canvas and clay 10am-3pm, The Incubator Creative Hub, The Historic Village
17. The Little Big Markets 9am-2pm, Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui
21. Honour The Crown 7pm, Baycourt, eventfinda.co.nz
22. Michael Jackson History Show 7.30pm, Baycourt, eventfinda.co.nz
23 Elton John vs Billy Joel *NZ Tribute* 7.30pm, Baycourt, eventfinda.co.nz
24. Party Time! Fun for the Family with Georgia Jamieson-Emms 4pm, Baycourt, eventfinda.co.nz
Tauranga Open Cross Country 12.30pm, Waipuna Park, Welcome Bay
YouthFest 2025 1pm, Tauranga Waterfront
25. Thrifted Finds 9am-2pm, Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui
The Bay of Plenty Wedding Show 10am-3pm, The Cargo Shed Tauranga thebayofplentyweddingshow.co.nz
28. Tauranga RDA Charity Race Day 11am, Tauranga Racecourse taurangarda.co.nz
31. The Little Big Markets 9am-2pm, Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui
Love Shack 80's Super Band 8.30pm, 11 Totara Street, Mount Maunganui totara.flicket.co.nz
31– Project Youth Hip Hop Dance Competition
1 Jun. Various times, Mercury Baypark eventfinda.co.nz
