Lace up your shoes breathe in the fresh countryside air and see why we love it here.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Te Waihou Walkway. A 4.7km riverside track winding through lush farmland and natural springs. Just 90 minutes one way or a 3 hour loop, this peaceful escape leads you to the world-famous Blue Spring, where crystal clear water flows with a brilliance that has to be seen to be believed. With gentle terrain, stunning scenery, and a touch of magic around every bend, it’s a must-do adventure in South Waikato.
COSMETIC INJECTABLES & CORRECTIVE SKIN TREATMENTS
More than a Club. It’s a Community. Step inside Club Mount Maunganui and you’ll find more than just great facilities — you’ll find friends, fun, and a place where everyone feels at home. From bowls on the green to burgers with the family, quiz nights to live music, there’s always something happening. Whether you're here for a quiet pint, a game of pool, or your next big celebration — we’ve got you. A sports bar with heart, a restaurant with flavour, and a calendar packed with ways to connect — this is your club, your way.
New faces always welcome. Come join the fold.
Kawaka Street, Mt Maunganui
GET THAT FRESH MOUTH FEEL
ANOTHER WAY...
Visit the Tooth Fairy!
New Patient Special only $95
RRP $240 (save $145) includes:
. Advanced Panoramic X-Ray
. Personal Treatment Plan
. 2 Bitewing X-Rays
. Dental Exam
Scan the QR code to book online or call 07 575 6278.
AMAZING IS WAITING
Founders Rachelle & Christopher Du y
Creative director Christopher Du y
Editor Zoe Hunter
zoe@ourplacemagazine.co.nz
Social manager Millie Guest social@ourplacemagazine.co.nz
Advertising inquiries
Rachelle Du y 021 032 7873 rachelle@ourplacemagazine.co.nz
Contributors
Zoe Hunter, Rebecca Lee, Katherine Whittaker, Cira Olivier, Stuart Whitaker, Laura Boucher, Bethany Millar, Mary-Rose Norton, Madeleine Hughes, Cherie Metcalfe, Rose Treadwell, Ellie Smith, Monique Balvert-O'Connor, Keri Welham, Christopher Du y
Photographers
Erin Cave, Adrienne Pitts, Jamie Troughton, Jane Keam, Anne Shirley, Scott Yeoman, Naera Ohia, Alexa King Stone, Allick Saunders, Anna Menendez, Christopher Du y, Tracey Finch, Tastefully Tash, Julia Pearce
Pick up your copy from The Little Big Markets, plus at selected cafes, restaurants, shops and businesses.
Want to receive regular copies of Our Place for your business to distribute? Email rachelle@ourplacemagazine.co.nz
To tell us about anything happening in your area right now, email zoe@ourplacemagazine.co.nz
Cover & contents
Cover photography: Quietly Lost, Perfectly Found by Christopher Du y (page 71). Contents photography: Floundering by Naera Ohia (page 60).
Follow us @ourplacemagazine ourplacemagazine.co.nz
As we say goodbye to winter and welcome the warmth of spring, this issue brings a vibrant, fresh set of features to explore.
In our main story, Katherine Whittaker meets a community of paddlers who share the history and heart of waka ama in the Bay of Plenty (32). From midwife to spinning yarn in her Little Mill Over the Hill, Dinie Brady lets writer Cira Olivier into her colourful life (23).
For our Kōrero feature, Rebecca Lee writes an ode to Mauao. She reminds us where the Māori legend began and what he means to the three iwi of Tauranga Moana (42). We also speak to some of the partners of a transformative joint project helping to restore the Waihī Estuary about what makes the project so unique (77).
Plus, we meet Mike Buck who can turn a block of wood into a masterpiece (88) and offer a glimpse into the lives behind the counter of our neighbourhood convenience stores in a new series (100). Our Place co-owner and creative director Christopher Duffy also gets curious about how routines, gestures and like-mindedness can shape a sense of place in his recent trip to Japan (71).
With the last of the lemons still clinging on the backyard trees, Tauranga private chef Madeleine Hughes serves up some citrus creations to put a bit of zest in our steps – including lemon pancakes, curd and pasta (55). While our food writer and culinary queen Cherie Metcalfe transports our tastebuds to the Greek islands in her Euro Summer edition of Foodie Finds (94).
Here's to another edition of fresh, vibrant, spring stories to welcome in a new season. Happy reading!
Regards, The Our Place team
FEVERISH ABOUT FLAVOURS.
@nanricroad
www.nanricroad.nz
What’s Up
Baking with Kids
Jersey Boys
Jersey Boys is the must-see musical biography of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, charting their journey from blue-collar kids to pop-music legends. Winner of Best Musical at the Tony and Olivier Awards, this show takes you behind the scenes with Frankie and his bandmates, revealing the secrets of their 40-year friendship and rise to stardom. Experience the highs and lows, from personal clashes and tough times to ultimate triumphs, all set to iconic hits like ‘Sherry’, ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ and ‘Can’t Take My Eyes o You’. More than just a musical, it’s a glimpse into the lives of the men behind the music that has captivated audiences for decades. On at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre from September 11 to 27.
→Tickets from eventfinda.co.nz
Baking with kids can sometimes feel more overwhelming than joyful, but it doesn’t have to be. Tauranga-based business Bake With Me is designed to take the pressure o parents and bring the fun back into family baking. Available nationwide, Baking Club members tackle a new, easy-to-follow recipe every fortnight that builds skills and confidence without chaos. The goal isn’t to create something perfect, it’s to help children feel proud, independent and excited to get creative in the kitchen. For parents, it’s about creating sweet memories without stress or last-minute scrambling. Heather Kalisch’s early memories of connection, laughter and learning in the kitchen inspired her to create Bake With Me and Baking Club. “My love of baking started young, standing on a chair beside my dad, covered in flour and beaming with pride over my dodgy looking cake.” Bake With Me is also available to whip up a fun event during school holidays, girls’ nights, corporate events and more! bakewithme.co.nz
Speaker Series 2025
Mark your calendars for Tend Women’s Health Week, August 11 to 17! This nationwide movement shines a light on wāhine health and wellbeing across Aotearoa. It’s a whole week to talk openly about women’s health topics we don’t often discuss – from periods and menopause to reproductive health and beyond. Women navigate many health challenges and these conversations matter. If you’ve been putting off your cervical screening there is FREE screening at all four Tend clinics: Tend Greerton, Tend Bethlehem, Tend South City and Tend Pāpāmoa on Friday, August 15. Everyone is welcome, just book via the Tend app. Head to the website to read inspiring stories, get expert advice and find local women’s health events. Also, take the quiz for a chance to win a share of $10,000 worth of Prezzy cards. Your hauora matters. Take this week to prioritise yourself. You deserve it! FREE cervical screening Friday, August 15, at all Tend Medical Centres in Tauranga. womenshealthweek.nz @tendnz
Let’s Skate!
Words by Cira Olivier
Photography by Jamie Troughton
A new purpose-built indoor skating rink at Mercury Baypark is a “dream come true” for Tauranga’s roller sports community.
To skate is to fly.
And right now, Emma Bailey is soaring.
In a black leotard adorned with silver ferns, she glides with grace around Revolution Skate Centre in Mount Maunganui, enjoying every corner of her new home rink. The 19-year-old artistic skater represented New Zealand for the first time last year and is on a roll, in more ways than one. She’s improved rapidly in recent months and is gaining speed – fast.
Emma says she no longer needs to worry about “crashing into walls” during training sessions at small community halls around Tauranga. She now has the space to spread her wings.
“It’s nice to have somewhere that’s just for us and we’re not having to fight everyone else for hall time.”
Revolution Skate Centre opened earlier this year after Pavilion 3 at Mercury Baypark was converted into a purpose-built indoor skating rink for Tauranga. The facility is being leased by Bay Roller Sports, a joint community sports venture between Mount Mustangs Inline Hockey Club and Tauranga Roller Skating Club.
Both clubs have spent years hopping between community halls for their training and travelling out of town for events and games. Now, through the collective power and persistence of passionate volunteers, they have somewhere to call their own.
Revolution Skate Centre is the first dedicated multi-code indoor skating rink in the region, catering to inline hockey, artistic/figure skating, speed skating, roller derby, as well as learn to skate and play programmes, roller discos, and other community events.
“It’s been a dream come true,” says Joel Coppins.
Joel started playing inline hockey back in 1997 and a year later competed in Tauranga’s first-ever regional junior inline hockey tournament. Ten years ago, that annual tournament moved to Hamilton when Tauranga lost its rink. Joel’s been fighting to get it back ever since.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved,” he says, fatigue from the last decade hanging off his words. “We were homeless … we’ve fought for this.”
Joel is President of both the Mount Mustangs and Bay Roller Sports and is determined to put his city on the map for roller sports enthusiasts around the country. The annual junior inline hockey tournament returned to Tauranga this year over King’s Birthday weekend and featured more than 200 players from 22 teams. Spectators were spilling out of the building and standing on benches to get a better look.
“To bring it back here is pretty special,” Joel says. “Some kids said it’s now their favourite rink in New Zealand.”
That’s a huge leap forward from five years ago, when Brett Speirs first moved to Tauranga and joined the club, which then consisted of just one team. They trained on a single basketball court in the Mount and travelled out of town for fortnightly home games in Hamilton.
Now, the Mount Mustangs train, play games, and have regular drop-in sessions at Revolution Skate Centre. They have five teams – the Under 10s, Under 12s, Senior As, Senior Bs, and Masters – with hopes for a team in every grade.
Top: Emma Bailey (centre) and her Tauranga Roller Skating Club teammates now have a space to call their own. It’s a dream come true says President of Bay Roller Sports Joel Coppins (below).
“Jeez, in 10 years, we could outgrow this and might need another rink,” Brett says.
He’s now Club Captain and believes the future is bright for the next generation of Mustangs. That includes Hunter Pert, who has been playing inline hockey since he was 3.
“I slept with a hockey stick when I was a baby,” the 13-year-old says.
Hunter is now training and playing inline or ice hockey most days of the week. He competes in about 10 national events a year and had his first two international competitions last year, with another two lined up this year. He dreams of making the National Hockey League in the United States one day.
That kind of mindset and potential is also alive and well at Tauranga Roller Skating Club, where members are thriving now they have longer training sessions and a space specifically designed for their sport.
“To come here and see the rink ready to go just felt like coming home,” Club President Jackie Evans says. “We’ve got one of the country’s leading coaches right here, so if you want to be a world-level skater, this is the club to come to. Or you could just come and have a roll around for fun.”
The club’s numbers have tripled to around 100 skaters since the move – from beginners to international competition level – with some skaters training up to eight hours a week. The club now has
a consistent training schedule with five coaches (three accredited) teaching competitive artistic freestyle, figures, dance, precision and speed skating disciplines.
Tauranga Roller Skating Club committee member Jo Russell says she was “so overwhelmed with emotion I couldn’t talk” when she first walked through the doors of Revolution Skate Centre.
“I had a bunch of skaters with me … it was like several Christmases came at once.”
She says the club has been able to add structured learn-to-skate programmes, as well as a range of recreational classes for adults and kids, and public discos are in the works.
This September, Tauranga Roller Skating Club will also host a regional competition for the first time in eight years. It is set to become an annual event in Tauranga. “We are honoured to be able to host it again in our new home rink, and we will also be hosting a new beginners’ competition alongside it to cater for all skaters at every level who want to give competing a go,” Jo says.
Many more hours of training, competition –and fun – lie ahead at Revolution Skate Centre.
The flight path is set, and Tauranga’s skaters are on their way.
@revolution_skate_centre_nz Revolution Skate Centre
Hunter Pert and his fellow Mount Mustangs watch the action at their new home rink.
Threading Colour into Life
From midwife to spinning yarn in her Little Mill Over the Hill, Dinie Brady lets us in to her colourful life.
Words by Cira Olivier
Photography by Adrienne Pitts
Working with her hands is an important part of Dinie Brady, who owns a mini commercial spinning mill on her picturesque one-acre Hamurana property near Lake Rotorua.
Everything about Dinie Brady is refreshing.
Her infectious energy, her passion and can-do attitude, and her love of making things from scratch — like soap, sourdough and knitting.
Working with her hands is a “really important part of me,” she says, admitting she’s not the type able to sit around.
Dinie owns The Little Mill Over The Hill, a mini commercial spinning mill on her picturesque one-acre Hamurana property near Lake Rotorua. But she wishes she started 10 years earlier.
“I’m almost 64. If I do this for another 10 years, I’ll be almost 74, and how much more am I going to want to do?
“But, even if I end up doing this one or two days a week, if I can create something that brings me or anyone else joy, I’m happy.”
Dinie’s life has been as colourful as the striking yarn she produces, and three years ago, she was a midwife of over 20 years looking for her
next adventure.
Dinie had always wanted to be a midwife and jumped at the opportunity to study it while working as a legal secretary in Christchurch.
She moved to Rotorua and devoted her life to walking alongside women as they stepped into motherhood and brought their babies into the world, all while raising her five children with her husband.
“I loved it, it was very rewarding.”
But it came at a cost.
“Being on call for long periods of time (usually 24 hours a day for several days in a row) impacts your family life, with family events and needs frequently having to be compromised.”
Seventy-hour weeks not unheard of, she says. “It was the nature of the job.”
Yearning for balance, and seeing midwife and doctor friends pass away from cancer or heart attacks, she decided the end of that chapter was nearing.
“It made me think, I would like to retire as others
didn’t get that opportunity.”
She decided that when she stopped for good, she needed something else to keep her busy.
Around this time, she started following a former burnt-out photographer in Sweden who bought a 150-year-old mill.
“I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’d love to do that’.’”
Her only experience in this realm at the time was knitting for her grandkids or hand-spinning yarn after getting home at 2am after a birth to try to unwind.
And as though the universe was listening, a mill in Ōtorohanga popped up on Facebook Marketplace days later and she drove down with her husband to have a look.
“I knew when I walked in I was going to buy this,” she says, unsure if she could do it.
“If I want to give something a go, I tend to find ways…
“This was just on a much bigger scale.”
Still a practising midwife at the time, Dinie was already winding down to stop at the end of the year.
She bought the mill, but it took nine months to fix up their shed and find someone to transport the
machinery to their home.
In the meantime, she started a podcast through YouTube called My Imperfect Knitting Life, where she also documented her mill journey.
When the mill finally arrived, she didn’t know how to work it properly and there was little in the way of local help with this “lost industry”.
“Every single machine had a problem and it was trying to work out if it was because I didn’t know what I was doing, or if there was a problem.”
Everything has been self-taught, she says eagerly, and jokes,
“I don’t know what I would do without YouTube”.
She’s learned basic mechanics and how to maintain machines on top of every other aspect of turning fleece into fibre or yarn.
“Initially, I was just so happy to make yarn. Looking back, I think ‘Oh my gosh, that was very rough’,” she laughs.
She had dreams of taking all the local fleece and turning it into coloured yarn but quickly learned about the different types and qualities.
She’s found people with “lovely” small flocks
“I had to really play and experiment. That’s when you really realise that being creative isn’t something you are necessarily born with, you can practise and learn it.”
of sheep and creates blends with alpaca and bunny fur. She plays around with dyeing the fleeces different colours and blending them, giving them a unique, heathered look.
“I had to really play and experiment. That’s when you really realise that being creative isn’t something you are necessarily born with, you can practise and learn it.”
“I’m still experimenting all the time… and ending up with pretty yarn people can craft with.”
Dinie starts her mornings with a cup of coffee before deciding what to dive into, it depends on the weather and what was completed the day before.
Sunny days are great for washing, dyeing and drying fleece.
It usually takes a day for 5 to 7kg of fleece to be washed twice with the rainwater collected from the roof, rinsed three times and put out to dry.
Wet days are best for working the machines, which need a bit of humidity.
She’ll put the fleece through the different parts of the machine, also taking an entire day, before
ending up with the yarn. “It’s a lot of work.”
It’s taken her months to get to this point, with her process still being finessed.
“I’m sort of retired but not… I don’t think I will retire,” she laughs, adding that there are no overheads with it being on their property and she can work when she wants to.
“I get the best of both worlds. I feel really lucky, but I’ve also put in the work to get those options.”
Dinie says she’s met with a lot of support on her channel.
People often call her “brave”, but Dinie says sometimes it just takes giving it a go.
“That’s probably my personality. Not brave, but willing to give it a go.”
Anyone can learn to be creative, she says.
“We choose not to do it, and maybe we don’t have the confidence…
“But I’ve always been that type of person that will give it a go and put myself out there.”
littlemilloverthehill.com
↑ Dinie always starts her mornings with a cup of coffee before deciding what to dive in to. Sunny days are great for washing, dyeing and drying fleece.
About Us
When Jack realised he wanted to create something from scratch, he started our gin distillery in the garage. Now we're crafting award-winning gins with native botanicals from our lifestyle block – Rimu, Totora, Kawakawa – even eucalyptus.
Our Backyard Gin and new Temptatious Tui Gin both capture wild Kiwi character at 45% ABV, distilled in our 20L copper still.
Each bottle gets our full attention because that's how smallbatch works. Big flavours start in tiny batches.
www.pungentpukeko.co.nz
Lunchtime Goals
It’s lunchtime! But, what to eat? Downtown Tauranga has a list of lunch spots for an affordable $15 and under. Here’s what they’ve come up with for full plates and small prices.
As the clocks tick over to the afternoon, the streets come alive. Professional businessmen and women spill out of office buildings, students take a break from their studies and shoppers stop for a bite to eat. With phones in one hand and menus in the other, people fill the cafes, bars, and top hospitality spots.
Inside the busy eateries, conversation flows as food orders are taken and bellies are filled. It’s lunchtime in Tauranga’s city centre. Despite the hustle, there’s a sense of peace as workers take a break and refuel before the afternoon shift.
One organisation is making it easier to take a lunch break without breaking the bank. Downtown Tauranga, which represents more than 500 property and business owners, operators and their staff within the district, has curated a list of the best lunch spots under $15.
From cosy cafes to bustling bars with weekday specials, they’re helping lunch-goers discover the top spots serving up big flavour for small prices. From soups, sandwiches, and sushi to burgers and Banh Mis, the city centre has got you covered for lunch with great places to eat for $15 and under.
Genevieve Whitson, Downtown Tauranga manager, says you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a super tasty lunch in the city centre.
“There are some seriously good $15 and under meal deals going at the moment! Come and support local business, check out the city centre transformations, and give your taste buds a hit in the process.”
So, take your next lunch break in the heart of Tauranga’s city centre and discover where the best bites are on a budget.
Here’s what some of the local business owners had to say about their lunchtime offers:
Hop House, 12 Wharf St
Our Friday $15 Curry Lunch Special includes Chef Krishna’s special $15 Curry of the Day served with rice and garlic flat bread. Available from 12pm to 3pm each Friday.
Think butter chicken, lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken tikka masala and many more. It’s the absolute perfect way to end your week, especially matched up with one of their delicious craft beers. They also have a pretty sweet $15 Tuesday Night Burger Deal.
Each and every Tuesday from 4-8pm, they also run a $15 burger and fries combo deal, which includes all of their burgers – A saving up to $10 each!
Nectar, 97 The Strand
Have you indulged in Nectar’s Banh Mi yet? Every Tuesday, Nectar offers the ultimate lunch delight in town. For just $12, they’re serving up the freshest and most flavourful treats from the streets of Vietnam. Choose from three options: Crispy fried chicken, succulent pork belly, or crispy tofu. Don’t miss out on this explosion of flavours!
Banana Blossom Cafe, 45 Grey St
Banana Blossom Cafe offers a yummy $15 Malaysian Lunch Special. Warm up with their delicious chicken laksa, Malaysian chicken and cashew curry, special sausage fried rice or roti canai with chicken curry and dahl!
Ajna Café, 67 Willow St
Ajna Café is a place to connect. It’s a cosy little spot where well-being and good food come together to elevate your daily life, routine, and beyond. The team at Ajna cares about quality and fair prices, crafting every bite and sip with love. That’s why they’re happy to offer their $15 lunch deal every
Opener: RIKARIKA Sushi Express’ freshly made sushi. ↑ Above left: Banana Blossom Cafe’s Malaysian Lunch Special. Above right: Little Long’s cosy soups. Opposite: Miss Gee’s delicious range of lunch options.
Wednesday: a fresh, homemade sandwich paired with your favourite coffee.
Plus, every Thursday, customers can buy any pastry and get any coffee for free! It’s their way of making your week a little brighter.
Find them in the heart of the city centre and enjoy delicious, local products in a space where good food and genuine connection meet.
RIKARIKA, 45 Grey St
RIKARIKA Sushi Express, located in the heart of Tauranga’s city centre, always serves the best! All of their sushi is gluten and dairy free. They always offer freshly made sushi daily. All of their sushi menu is priced below $15, except special rolls!
They have heaps of bowl options that can be added to if you’re super hungry, or mini cups if you feel like you don’t need so much. Pop into their sushi Shop 101 at 45 Grey St and say, ‘Hi’ today!
Little Long, 43 Spring St
$15 bargain? Say less. At Little Long, they don’t do boring. Eggs your way on toasted Breadhead sourdough, Focaccia that slaps – chicken Caesar
or beef, cheddar, pickle and jalapeño, or halloumi, avo and tomato. Wraps stuffed with the good stuff, cosy soups and toasted artisan bread. And yes, daily bagel specials that are an actual vibe. Cheap eats never looked (or tasted) this good.
What’s it gonna be today? See you soon, legends.
Miss Gee’s Bar & Eatery, 3/59
The Strand
Craving a delicious lunch that won’t break the bank?
Miss Gee’s has you covered! Dive into their $15 ‘Geesburger’ and fries or warm up with their hearty $15 Ramen. Their new Braised Brisket Baguette has been super popular and definitely worth a try. Rollin’ weekly specials for Downtown friends. Pop in today and treat your taste buds!
Katsuya Japanese cuisine restaurant, 26 Devonport Rd
Enjoy a wholesome and satisfying meal with Katsuya Japanese cuisine restaurant’s delicious donburi at KATSUYA. Their lunch express donburi costs $12 for a small and $15 for a regular size.
All in the Same Waka
Words by Katherine Whittaker
Photography by Jane Keam
When it comes to waka ama in the Bay of Plenty, everyone is the same. While people come to the sport for very different reasons, they stay for the same one – the connection it provides.
As the sun rises behind them, a silhouette of waka emerges. Almost as if beating to their own rhythm, the paddlers glide their waka across the moana like woven harakeke (flax), with each stroke echoing the legacy of tūpuna who once navigated by the stars.
With hoe (paddles) in hand and hearts full of purpose, paddlers young and old have come together for a special Matariki paddle on the Tauranga Moana Harbour. With Mauao providing a perfect backdrop, the paddlers pull their waka on the sandy beach of Sulphur Point for a karakia and kōrero with former outdoor instructor Amorangi Apaapa.
Amorangi, who paddles with the Matakana whānau, is helping to share the Māori pūrākau (stories) and histories of the significant sites around them throughout the haerenga (journey). “The importance of paddling on your own tūpuna moana (ancestors of the sea) te awanui (Tauranga Harbour) out here, it is a way
to connect not only our Māori rangatahi but others to our taiao (environment), to the water and to recognise and understand the movements of the tides and the winds,” he says.
“It just deepens our connection to our environments and our atua (spirits) involved in those environmental personifications as well.”
When it comes to waka ama in the Bay of Plenty, everyone is the same. While people come to the sport for very different reasons, they stay for the same one –the connection it provides.
Waka ama, or outrigger canoe paddling, provides connection both to the water and the people through multi-generational participation. The sense of manaakitanga, community and family run deep through the history and the heart of waka ama.
When Rebecca Ryder moved to Tauranga in 2001, she joined the sport through her husband’s club
connections. “Within six weeks I was suddenly on the committee,” she laughs. What started with a committee meeting became a love of waka ama and all that it stood for when she started paddling. “It’s been what feels like a long-time life passion of mine to do waka ama and get out on our moana, our awa, and lakes all around the country.”
Rebecca, who gets out on the water about three times a week, has learnt a lot through the sport about Māori tikanga and language. “When I’m out on the water it’s such a peaceful place to be. It helps you refocus your mind, get away from work stresses. But at the same time, you put in some hearty exercise while enjoying each other’s company.
“That’s what I like about the sport. The
connections we develop bring out the best in people. That and its accessibility. We provide everything for the paddlers, and especially in these times the emphasis is on keeping sport accessible by being affordable.”
The Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club (TMOCC) offers everything from social paddling to competitive racing and has a predominantly adult membership. “It’s great role modelling for the kids,” says Rebecca, who is the club’s president. “They get to see their parents and grandparents healthy and out there and looking after themselves.”
All waka ama events are held together, meaning everyone from five to 80 years old and over can compete together, which is a rare move for a sport with big participation numbers.
Openers: A special Matariki paddle; Amorangi Apaapa.
Left to right: Paddlers leave Sulphur Point together, Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club president Rebecca Ryder.
But for the origins of this long-standing club, you need to roll back just over 30 years, when it started on the Wairoa River as part of the then Ngāti Kahu Waka Ama Club. That’s when Matahi Whakataka Brightwell, who started the first waka ama club in Gisborne, brought a crew up to paddle Tauranga Moana. Three outrigger canoes were then built from a mold borrowed from Auckland.
In 1987, with support from the former Tauranga District Council which leased some land by the wharf, the Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club was launched. Soon after, the Hoe Aroha Whānau o Mauao Club was established at Pilot Bay.
Ngawiki Dickson has taken kids as young as five years old (including her own children) in the outriggers, and to national competitions. Ngawiki came into the sport almost by accident after coming along to look after her young nephew in 1997.
“Well, we have your pēpē, your nannies, your mokopuna all in the same waka. You see grandparents and grandchildren all in the same waka together.
“It’s about whanaungatanga (a sense of family connection created through shared experiences) and manaakitanga (hospitality, generosity, respect).”
Ngawiki also works with schools where students can gain credits with waka ama.
“It’s not just a sport; it’s pretty much a lifestyle. Someone said the word ‘transformational’ to me, and that has stuck with me.”
Mike Hickson first came to the sport in 1990. Struggling to find a healthy work-life balance and aware of his lack of reo and knowledge of Māori traditions, Mike found the sport – and the people at the heart of it – welcoming right away. “Coming from a high stress job, after a day of that, you get out on the water and paddle and get into nature. It changes your whole mindset.”
Now, 35 years on, he has made friends and connections, and travelled around the country and the Pacific with waka ama. “We’re all on the same level, and all on the same playing field, or canoe. There’s no difference when you’re out there,” Mike says.
← Top right: Sharon Stone of Hoe Aroha Whānau o Mauao and Harriet Watson of Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club. Bottom left: Jane Townsend. ↑ Mike Hickson.
Waka eke noa e hoe ko tahi. It’s about working together and moving as one. It’s a philosophy of keeping on paddling, with support from your fellow paddlers – and keeping the waka pointed forward. Always moving forward.
“There are academics, non-academics, there are rich and poor, different jobs. There’s a guy who turned out to be a multi-millionaire, but you wouldn’t know. He’s just another guy who wants to get out on the water.”
Mike says getting out on the harbour and around Mauao was, and still is, an absolute thrill.
“I just remember seeing a two-year-old kid sat in a waka, who had a paddle his dad had made for him, and he was just so happy. That has stayed with me.”
He too mentions the accessibility and the welcome to all ages and stages, including athletes recovering from high contact sports injuries.
Putāruru College deputy principal Jane Townsend is a competitive paddler with Hoe Aroha Whānau o Mauao and TMOCC.
“I’m just blown away with the impact it has on students in terms of the rhythm of being able to paddle together, the paddle goes in together and out together to move the waka forward.”
Jane says the sport is a great way to connect with people and place. “It’s really important for us to learn about the place we paddle to and on. I love this sport, there’s something really special about it.”
Luke O’Brien joined TMOCC about four years
ago and now paddles competitively with Rotoruabased Ruamatā Waka Ama.
“I just fell in love with the sport,” the 38-year-old says. “It connects the pillars of Te Whare Tapa Whā (Sir Mason Durie’s Māori health model). It’s good for your hinengaro (mindset), your wairua (spirit) and taha tinana (physical wellbeing).”
As a former endurance kayak paddler Gaylene Macfarlane used to spend a lot of time on the water solo. So, the 66-year-old joined waka ama to be part of a team of like-minded people.
“In a crew, it’s all about being one with the water and one with the crew. When it’s just me, it’s about looking after me and respecting the water and others around me. Just taking in the beautiful environment around us.”
Waka eke noa e hoe ko tahi. It’s about working together and moving as one. It’s a philosophy of keeping on paddling, with support from your fellow paddlers – and keeping the waka pointed forward. Always moving forward.
tmocc.co.nz
hoearoha.weebly.com wakaama.co.nz
Ready, Set, Create!
This is more than just a course. It’s a launchpad for storytellers, marketers and changemakers who want to make a difference.
In our fast-paced digital world, the ability to craft compelling content has become more than a creative skill, it’s a strategic asset.
Whether you’re promoting a local initiative or elevating your brand, knowing how to plan, create and present promotional content is essential.
That’s where the Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology’s new Content Creation course comes in.
Designed for aspiring creators, community leaders and corporate professionals alike, this course offers a hands-on journey into the world of digital storytelling.
Students learn how to promote awareness, generate interest and tailor content for targeted
Join Toi Ohomai and discover how content creation can empower you to connect, inspire and lead.
audiences. These are skills that are increasingly vital across various industries.
From filming and editing to podcasting and utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, the course covers a wide range of content creation techniques.
Learners gain practical experience with digital platforms, exploring how to engage audiences through video, audio and interactive media.
By the end of the course, each participant will have developed a professional portfolio showcasing their skills and creative vision.
But the benefits extend beyond the creative realm.
For corporate workers, this course offers a unique opportunity for professional development.
In an age where marketing and communication are integral to business success, understanding how to produce high-quality content can set professionals apart.
Whether you’re in Human Resources, communications, sales, administration, or management, the ability to create engaging content can enhance internal communications, support brand storytelling and drive small business marketing efforts.
Small businesses, in particular, stand to gain from employees who understand the nuances of content creation.
With limited resources, many small enterprises rely on in-house talent to manage their digital presence.
This course equips professionals with the tools to produce impactful content that resonates with customers and communities, without the need for external agencies.
The course also fosters collaboration and innovation where participants get to work on real-world projects, gaining insights into audience engagement, visual storytelling and the ethical use of AI in media.
These experiences not only build technical skills but also encourage strategic thinking and creative problem-solving.
Mediaworks NZ senior account manager Bernie Morgan says by covering a range of topics from filming to AI, the course should prepare students for a variety of roles within the media industry.
“A broad skill set will ensure graduates are versatile and adaptable.”
Creative Bay of Plenty strategy and capability lead Annie Hill says the course is likely to be popular to those entering tertiary education from a secondary school, as well as adult learners keen to upskill or change careers.
“This qualification will provide solid skills to take their understanding to a stage of professionalism that would not otherwise be achieved.”
Whether you’re looking to upskill, pivot into a creative role, or simply enhance your ability to communicate effectively, Toi Ohomai’s Content Creation course offers a dynamic and supportive learning environment.
It’s more than just a course, it’s a launchpad for storytellers, marketers, and changemakers who want to make a difference through digital media.
Join Toi Ohomai and discover how content creation can empower you to connect, inspire and lead within your organisation and beyond. toiohomai.ac.nz/study
Toi Ohomai
An Ode to Mauao
Words by Rebecca Lee
Photography by Adrienne Pitts
Mauao isn’t just a mountain. To the three iwi of Tauranga Moana, he is a tūpuna and their role is to ensure he is looked after.
Mauao stands strong, overlooking and protecting Tauranga Moana. But he didn’t always.
The Māori legend of Mauao begins when the environment was still forming.
A nameless hill once stood on the edge of the Hautere ngahere. He was a pononga (humble servant) to the rangatira maunga (chiefly mountain) Ōtanewainuku.
The nameless one desperately loved Puwhenua, a beautiful hill adorned with a flourishing forest of Tāne.
But, she was in love with Ōtanewainuku.
In utter despair, knowing she will never return his affection, the pononga decided to drown himself
in the ocean. He called on the forest creatures of the night, Patupaiarehe, to haul him into the moana.
They obliged, taking all night to drag him to the water’s edge.
As the sun rose, being night creatures, the Patupaiarehe fled back to the shadowy depths of the ngahere, leaving the nameless one fixed in place.
As a parting gift, they named him ‘Mauao’ “caught by the morning sun”.
While he may not have won over Puwhenua, Mauao now stands proudly 232 metres above sea level and is adored by over a million people each year.
Mauao Trust chair, Matemoana McDonald, says the
three iwi of Tauranga Moana – Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga and Ngāti Ranginui, along with Waitaha iwi – all have a spiritual relationship to Mauao.
“We personify him. We don’t see him as a mountain, we see him as a tūpuna,” she says.
Formed in 2007 and officially taking over the title of Mauao in 2008, Mauao Trust’s board is made up of representatives from Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga and Ngāti Ranginui. Their main task is to maintain and enhance his mauri.
“Our role is to ensure our tūpuna is looked after, respected and taken care of.
“Both in our lifetime, and passing that on to the next generations to maintain that role of
The oldest trees on Mauao are believed to be more than 200 years old. Opposite: Scion Master’s student Kawana Warahi.
“First, we needed to know where all the trees were, how many, and how healthy they were.”
his kaitiaki,” she says.
The Pōhutukawa is the most abundant canopy tree on Mauao, with around 680 in varying ages and sizes. The more ancient trees are believed to be around 200 years old.
While Kiwi kids grew up singing about the Pōhutukawa filling our hearts with aroha, in Māori pūrākau (legend) the red blooms are more than just an indicator of warm weather.
The flowers are said to represent the blood of demigod Tāwhaki after he fell from the heavens, and the 800-year-old Pōhutukawa on the cliffs of Te Reinga (Cape Reinga) is said to be where spirits begin their journey to the underworld.
While abundant on the
maunga, some Pōhutukawa are in trouble.
In 2017, myrtle rust was identified on a number of lower level tree stands.
Ever since, the Trust has been working to find out why and how they can restore the health of the rākau and, in turn, Mauao.
Myrtle rust is a fungal disease that affects plants in the myrtle family - like kānuka, mānuka and the introduced feijoa.
It starts as rusty coloured spots on the leaves, causes leaf loss, canopy dieback, and eventually, death.
While fungicides can slow the infection, there is currently no cure.
Funded by Genomics Aotearoa and led by Scion Master’s student Kawana Warahi, the two-year
research programme was focused on identifying the Pōhutukawa on Mauao, and if any had a resilience to myrtle rust.
“First, we needed to know where all the trees were, how many, and how healthy they were.”
Kawana says his passion for science started more than a decade ago while living in Vanuatu with his wife and children.
He worked on a Japaneseowned beef farm where they monitored everything from what a cow was eating, drinking, how it was moved and when it was moved.
His passion for home grew stronger, and the whānau returned to Aotearoa.
Most recently, Kawana was working with Scion, Ngāti Pikiao
↑ Project manager for Mauao Trust, Porina McLeod. Opposite: Mauao Trust board members John Ohia, representing Ngāti Pūkenga (top left), and Kerewai Wanakore, representing Ngāi Te Rangi (below right).
and Rotoiti 15 and their Te Rātā Whakamaru project, which was also focused on identifying and monitoring myrtle rust.
“They had a thriving kaitiaki team there, but we ran out of [Jobs for Nature] funding and the work stopped.
“I took these kaitiaki [from Mauao] to go look at the transects [monitoring lines], and the trees are dead,” he says.
“It breaks my heart. It was devastating. I don’t want to see that here.”
To kick-start the project on Mauao, satellite imagery and artificial intelligence was used to confirm what type of Pōhutukawa were there.
They found three species
– pītau, an endemic species that likely has whakapapa to the earliest years of Mauao, Kermadec, which came to Aotearoa on a Waka and is taonga to the people of Taranaki, and a hybrid species which is a combination of the two.
In the last nine weeks of the programme, a group of kaitaki, who all whakapapa to Mauao, were invited to join Kawana and learn more about the programme and be gifted with his knowledge of Pōhutukawa.
They now know how to develop and implement an effective monitoring programme.
“The final nine weeks were about transferring capability.
“These kaitiaki are all quite experienced and capable.
“I tried to teach them skills that they could use on the maunga, in the awa (water) and in the rangi (sky), so they can monitor whatever species they need to.
“Myrtle rust is today’s problem.
“We don’t know what tomorrow’s problem is. We just need people who are skilled and passionate,” he says.
The kaitiaki would meet every Wednesday and spend either a day on Mauao, getting to know the rākau, sharing knowledge of how to identify what species and if it was healthy.
Or, they would be in the classroom learning about maths, stats and graphs.
“Myrtle rust is today’s problem. We don’t know what tomorrow’s problem is. We just need people who are skilled and passionate.”
“We are happy that his health and his mauri is being restored and everyone can share his significance.”
“Frustrating work,” Kawana says, but essential to conservation.
One of the kaitiaki was Terina Kohere, a 24-year-old recent graduate of Bay Conservation Cadets, who says the mahi was important in making
connections with other hapū and the whenua.
“I didn’t know there were trees up here that were that old!
“It was really nice to learn more, especially from Kawana.
“He’s inspiring and loves what he does,” she says.
To wrap up the research programme, Kawana and the kaitiaki shared their findings with the Mauao Trust board and project associates. Kai and learnings were shared, kōrero was had and connections were made.
While the initial research may be complete, the fight against myrtle rust continues.
The Trust will now embark on an ongoing monitoring programme to identify which trees are resistant to the myrtle rust and, if funding allows,
the Trust is open to using genome sequencing to find out why.
“The genome can tell us if a tree is resistant to myrtle rust,” Kawana says.
The final goal is to re-cloak Mauao in resilient trees that can thrive into the future.
“We are happy that his health and his mauri is being restored and everyone can share his significance,” says Mauao Trust chair Matemoana McDonald.
“Not just us, his kaitiaki,” Matemoana says.
“But the community, and the world really.
“They can come here, know who he is and what he means to us.”
Mauao Trust
Kōrero
Ahi Tupuna
Words by Keri Welham
Photos by Anne Shirley
With its bright reds, yellows, pinks and blues, a mural celebrating teamwork has been unveiled. It’s a masterpiece that brings heart, power and a little bit of magic.
Ahi Tupuna, an ode to teamwork, has lit up an entire wall in the foyer of Mercury Baypark Arena.
Through its depiction of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic’s 2012 Trans-Tasman Netball League victory, the mural celebrates the leadership and mana of women and the unique Māori concept of whanaungatanga (belonging).
The work marks a continuation of artist Julie Paama-Pengelly’s long association with Tauranga’s local premiership netball team, now known as the AVIS Magic, which has been wearing uniforms featuring her designs since 2012.
The team aligns itself with the Māori deity Mahuika, whose fingertips brought fire to the world. Mahuika embodies the team’s chosen identifiers – heart, power, and magic.
In 2023, Paama-Pengelly reworked the team uniforms to fulfil Māori interpretation of yellow flames, a rising star, blue waters, and the red heart which sits over the wearer’s womb.
The mural features these same colours, which will be immediately identifiable to any AVIS Magic supporter.
“The mural is meant to embody the euphoria of victory, in the moment when the energy culminates in success,” Paama-Pengelly says.
The mural is situated opposite the Magic’s team room at Mercury Baypark Arena and is adjacent to the courts, which the AVIS Magic call home.
“We want anyone playing sport here to walk out and feel inspired when they see the arms and trophy raised in triumph,” Paama-Pengelly says.
A former netballer herself, playing goal attack as a Wairarapa representative in her youth, PaamaPengelly passed on a passion for the game to her daughter, Kaiwhetu Kipa, who painted this mural alongside her. She knows first-hand how important the comradeship and team values are to instilling confidence in wāhine Māori and she feels enduring pride in the sporting prowess of the Magic.
“I remember this night, this scene and the elation in that moment when they won. I’ve focused on that energy as pulses of colour, as the culmination of human effort through time.”
Former Chief Executive Officer of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, Sheryl Dawson, says the image of
Bottom left: The AVIS Magic netball team. Opposite: Julie Paama-Pengelly.
“I wanted to link the notions of Māori success to a community of women, rather than one.”
Mahuika has always supported the team to bring the heart, power, and magic required to get them across the line together.
“Julie’s mural not only captures a very special moment for Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, but also provides an exceptional inspiration for the future – the all-embracing power and strength in working together.”
Paama-Pengelly’s homage to teamwork has concluded the series of six Tauranga Tiahuia murals commissioned by Tauranga City Council through the Hine te Hiringa fund, a Department of Internal Affairs grant.
The fund was a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ legacy project, established with the aim of celebrating and empowering women
in sport, arts, and community.
Tasked with celebrating an iconic Tauranga woman, PaamaPengelly chose to instead feature the power of teamwork within the Bay’s home netball team.
“I wanted to link the notions of Māori success to a community of women, rather than one.”
No players are fully identifiable in the mural – though many may take a shot at guessing who’s who, given the team at that time included some of New Zealand’s most famous sportspeople.
Current Magic player Erena Mikaere was part of the iconic 2012 moment depicted in the mural.
Her ongoing netball achievements have been marked by Paama-Pengelly through another
discipline – tā moko, or Māori tattoo –and are visible down the length of her legs.
Taking a graphic approach to the mural commission, PaamaPengelly says the block colour values of the mural reference the importance of history and legacy to Māori.
The effect is that individuals blend into colour energies and shapes that move as though atoms with simultaneous energy.
“I really wanted to challenge the idea of individual success. For Māori, a team that holds strong whānau values will be successful in strengthening its members,” PaamaPengelly says.
“All of that work that goes into building character as a whānau, the work shows this power.”
Honouring Wāhine
Words by Rose Treadwell and Ellie Smith
and Scott Yeoman
Six striking Tauranga Tiahuia murals are now complete. We take a look back at the artworks.
Across the region, six striking new murals now brighten our community, each one a tribute to local women of mana, prestige, and talent.
These public artworks are part of the Tauranga Tiahuia Mural Project, a celebration of women whose impact continues to inspire. Commissioned by Tauranga City Council and supported by the Department of Internal Affairs’ Hine te Hiringa – Empowering Women Fund, the project brings together artists, meaningful stories, and the importance of public art.
From Grey St and Waihīrere Lane in the city centre to community sports precincts in Pāpāmoa and Mount Maunganui, the six murals span the corners of our region and each paint a portrait of strength and leadership.
The murals in the Tauranga Tiahuia series are:
Jasmine Kroeze –Tauranga Women’s Refuge Tribute
On Grey St, Jasmine Kroeze’s mural honours the Tauranga Women’s Refuge. Through her abstract and intuitive painting style, Jasmine represents the refuge’s values of manaaki (hospitality), aroha (love), tautoko (support) and awhi (embrace). Her piece evokes emotional depth through form and colour, inviting passersby to reflect on care, safety and strength in community.
Rhianna May – In Her Presence
Located in Waihīrere Lane, Rhianna May’s debut mural pays homage to
actress and advocate Teuila Blakely. Rhianna painted Teuila in the style of Charles McPhee and described the mural as her “most sacred piece”. The work reflects Teuila’s advocacy for female empowerment and Pacific pride, with Rhianna hoping it inspires others to embrace their voice and story.
Louis Mikaere – Te Ara o Taurikura
Just around the corner in Red Square, Louis Mikaere’s mural depicts the pūrākau of Taurikura, a wāhine who transformed into a mokomoko (lizard) after refusing to collect water for her village. Painted in flowing blue tones, this piece symbolises transformation and resilience. It reminds viewers to honour their identity and to embrace change as part of growth.
Photos by Anne Shirley
Top left: Jasmine Kroeze’s Tauranga Women’s Refuge tribute. Top right: Louis Mikaere’s Te Ara o Taurikura mural. Below: Rhianna May’s debut mural of actress and advocate Teuila Blakely.
“Public art meets people where they are. And sometimes, in the right place at the right time, it gives them permission to imagine something greater for themselves.”
Julie Paama-Pengelly –Ahi Tupuna
Continuing her collaboration with the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, established artist Julie PaamaPengelly interpreted the Tiahuia project brief to celebrate the power of women in a team.
Millie Pidwell – Sarah Hirini at Pāpāmoa
At the Pāpāmoa Sports & Recreation Centre, Millie Pidwell’s mural features Sarah Hirini, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most celebrated rugby sevens players. Sarah’s connection to her community and whānau are
reflected in the surrounding flora and fauna. Millie’s mural is a beacon of aspiration for rangatahi, especially young women in sport.
Shane Walker –Gemma McCaw at Mount Maunganui
Tucked behind the Adams Centre for High Performance, Shane Walker’s mural of Olympian Gemma McCaw pays tribute to her excellence on and off the field. A huia feather and silver fern speak to Gemma’s leadership and elite athleticism. As young athletes train nearby, the mural offers a visible reminder that greatness begins in familiar places, and that big dreams are worth chasing.
With six murals now complete, the Tauranga Tiahuia Mural Project has left its legacy of colour, meaning and honour on our region’s walls.
You can read dedicated pieces on all murals in past Our Place magazine articles.
As artist Shane Walker says, “Public art meets people where they are. And sometimes, in the right place at the right time, it gives them permission to imagine something greater for themselves.”
With thanks to:
The artists and their Tiahuia
The Department of Internal Affairs
Bay Venues and the landlords and tenants of the buildings in use
Our mural selection panel, writers and photographers
Left: Millie Pidwell’s mural of Sarah Hirini. Right: Shane Walker’s artwork of Gemma McCaw.
Love for Lemons
Words by Madeleine Hughes
When life gives her lemons, Tauranga chef Madeleine Hughes makes curd, pancakes and pasta! We’re right in the heart of citrus season, with the last of the lemons still clinging on the backyard trees. So, with a fridge full of the yellow fruit, she’s dished up some delicious citrus creations to put a bit of zest in our steps.
Photography by Erin Cave
Spread it on toast, top lemon muffins, swirl through Greek yoghurt, or dollop on pancakes! Lemon curd and tender, fluffy pancakes.
I dare you to name a better
combination!
Lemon Curd
Ingredients
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
Zest of one lemon
3 eggs
60g cold butter, cubed SERVES 2
Method
In a small saucepan, add sugar, lemon juice and zest. Whisk to combine. Add the eggs and whisk until smooth.
Set the pot over low heat. Cook, stirring constantly (making sure your spatula gets right into the corners of the pot) until the curd thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take around 8-10 minutes. When thickened, take the pot off the heat and add in your cubed butter. Mix well until melted. Pour curd through a fine mesh sieve to remove zest and any egg bits. Pour into an airtight container and place into the fridge where it will thicken further. This will last up to one week in the fridge.
Honey Poppy Seed Pancakes with Lemon Curd
Method
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp poppy seeds
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 Tbsp honey
1/2 tsp pure vanilla
1 big knob of melted butter (around 20g)
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together milk and lemon juice. Set aside for 5 minutes to curdle. Mix in honey, egg, vanilla and melted butter. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dries, mix until just combined. Do not over mix! Lumps are okay! Preheat a non-stick fry pan or cast iron skillet on medium heat. Add a small knob of butter to grease the pan, then add a ladleful of batter to the centre of the pan. Flip when bubbles appear on the surface and the edges are looking slightly set. Cook on the next side until golden. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yoghurt, a drizzle of honey and a healthy spoonful of lemon curd.
This recipe only has a handful of ingredients, so try to buy the best you can afford. The whole dish only takes 15 minutes from start to finish, but you need to show it some patience and love to get it just right! Technique is important here, the aim is to gently emulsify the ingredients together. Have a go and let me know how it turns out.
Pasta al Limone With Sage and Chilli Pangrattato
SERVES 3—4
Ingredients
250g spaghetti or tagliatelle
1/2 cup cream
4 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
1 lemon, zest and juice separated
For Pangrattato
1 slice of slightly stale bread (I used sourdough, but you could use anything you have on hand! Pita, baguette, bagel...)
1 clove garlic
1/2 tsp chilli flakes
1 tsp dried sage (or 4-5 leaves fresh sage)
Big pinch of salt
Method
In a food processor, add bread, garlic, chilli, sage and salt. Preheat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add a good glug of olive oil (around 2 tablespoons), then the breadcrumb mix. Toast in the pan, stirring constantly until golden in colour. Remove from heat and set aside until your pasta is ready!
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling, heavily salted water according to package directions, stirring occasionally until very al dente (pasta will finish cooking in the sauce).
In a separate medium-sized pot or dutch oven set over medium heat, add lemon zest and cream, and bring to a simmer. Drop the temperature to mediumlow, whisk in butter 1 tablespoon at a time to make an emulsified sauce.
Just before pasta is al dente, scoop out 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Add 1/2 cup pasta cooking water to cream sauce. Using tongs, transfer pasta to cream sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce over medium heat, adding finely grated parmesan bit by bit, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. This should take a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and stir in reserved lemon juice. If the sauce looks too dry, add a little more pasta cooking liquid. You want to err on the side of too runny, as it will seize up further by the time it gets to the table. Season with more salt, if needed.
Divide into bowls and top with a spoonful of pangrattato and an extra grating of parmesan.
Floundering
The traditional Māori practise of catching flounder (patiki) isn’t just about food. It is where knowledge, spirit and connection flow as surely as the tide. Embodying kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment), whanaungatanga (kinship and community) and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), floundering is typically performed during low tide and is guided by the knowledge of tides, lunar phases and fish behaviour passed down through generations. Tauranga Moana photographer Naera Ohia (Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāi te Rangi me Ngāti Ranginui) captures her whānau floundering in the local waters of Te Waiāriki (Bay of Plenty).
Photography by Naera Ohia
naeraohiaphotography.co.nz
Country Charm
Words by Monique Balvert-O’Connor
by Alexa King Stone
Tami Neilson doesn’t need a show to bring her back to the Bay of Plenty. Even when she’s not here to sing, she’s here to soak it all in. So what is it about the city that holds a special place in this country soul singer’s heart and what brings her to town this October?
Tami Neilson loves to sing Tauranga’s praises.
The multi award-winning country soul singer has lost track of the number of times she’s visited one of her “favourite places in New Zealand”.
When the Toronto-born songbird, now Aucklander, next visits it will be to take to the stage on October 24 for what’s being lauded a Tauranga Arts Festival highlight.
She first performed in Tauranga about 15 years ago, with the Kiwi comedy duo Topp Twins, before delivering other crowd-thrilling performances at a multitude of different shows and art festival events.
But, Tami admits, she loves the city so much she doesn’t need a show to bring her back to the Bay of Plenty.
“Even when I’m not singing and working, I am in the Bay pretty frequently as my family likes to holiday in Tauranga and the Mount.
“We’ve been doing so since my eldest was a baby. He’s now 13. It’s one of the beauty spots in New Zealand and holds a special place in my heart. You guys just can’t get rid of us now,” the effervescent singer laughs.
Tami, her Kiwi husband Grant, and their sons Charlie (13) and Sam (11) enjoy time spent scaling and circumnavigating Mauao, and ocean fun.
Life in New Zealand is good, she says. Also good is that she has proven nay-sayers wrong – those who opined that moving from North America to New Zealand would equal career suicide for Tami who has been singing “since before I could speak”.
“I was playing a long game – a 20 year one in which I got married, took time to have a family and start my career all over again. It hasn’t turned out too badly I guess,” says Tami, whose fame is skyrocketing.
Tami took time to talk to Our Place magazine just days after her return from massive musical adventures overseas.
June saw a week of shows in France, Belgium and The Netherlands, and then it was off to the United States to tour with American singersongwriters Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan. The tour was “an incredible, surreal” experience, including performances at Outlaw festivals, Merlefest, Willie’s Fourth of July Picnic, and The Grand Ole Opry.
Photography
All this only shortly before the release of her new album Neon Cowgirl (released on July 11) - highly anticipated following the success of singles You’re Gonna Fall, and Borrow My Boots.
“When it was released, I was in Toronto at the end of my tour, visiting with my brother Jay who cowrote a lot of songs on the album with me. It was so special to be with him at that time. We got the guitars out and sang some of our songs,” she shares.
Doing music with Jay, her parents Ron and Betty and other brother Todd dates back to before Tami can remember. As a one-year old she was on stage with her dad, and there are plenty of memories of travelling across country in a motorhome performing as a family band.
“We were all musical. My mum used to say it’s a good thing we didn’t get a dud. They would have had to sell the t-shirts or something,” Tami laughs.
Those family road trips proved pivotal. She recreated a version of that two years ago when she, Grant and the boys spent five months travelling in a motorhome from coast to coast in the United States and Canada.
“I got to show my kids first-hand how I grew up. I wanted them to gain a more solid understanding of that side of their heritage.
“Neon Cowgirl was kind of born out of
travelling with all of them with me – something special and rare. I was getting the seeds for a lot of my songs. There were so many full circle moments of coming back 30 years later with my children. So, this album definitely feels like a returning.”
Tami’s ensured her huge, glorious voice and powerful live performances can be enjoyed by New Zealand audiences this year.
“Next up is my New Zealand home coming tour, where I’ll be performing this new album for my New Zealand whānau. There’s something special about getting to perform in New Zealand. It’s like bringing travel stories home to share with my family.”
Tami’s homecoming tour will comprise concerts in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Nelson and then Tauranga.
“I’m saving the best for last,” she smiles.
Tickets for Tami’s Tauranga Holy Trinity performance are available at taurangafestival.co.nz
Also already available are tickets to Cirque Bon Bon – an international circus spectacular fresh from sold-out Australian performances.
The Tauranga Arts Festival will be held from October 23 to November 2, 2025.
Information on all other festival events will be released at 8pm on August 14.
Opener and above: Tami Neilson released her new album Neon Cowgirl in July.
Quietly Lost, Perfectly Found
Words &
by Christopher Duffy
What if the feeling of belonging somewhere is made up of far more than landmarks and places to shop or eat? During a recent trip to Japan, Our Place co-owner and creative director Christopher Duffy, was curious to see how routines, gestures and like-mindedness can shape a sense of place. What follows isn’t a catalogue of destinations, but a reflection on what he noticed when he looked past the obvious.
Photography
It struck me almost immediately that Japan presents itself in layers: some visible, others unnoticeable until you’re focused, trying to decipher how things connect. From that first morning, watching shopkeepers sweeping the pavement, to the noticeably older folk stationed in front of buildings where vehicles were entering or exiting, waving light wands and ensuring you crossed safely, to the hush that falls over a packed train carriage, I began to sense that what anchors people here is not any single landmark or custom. Rather, it’s an unspoken consensus, a collective understanding of how to move through shared space.
In the city, that sense of place is constantly in flux. On one hand, there’s the chaos of Shibuya.
The great tides of commuters at Scramble Square cross in all directions with a kind of rehearsed urgency. But then you turn down a side street, and suddenly there’s a distinct hush, interrupted occasionally by the gentle, polite ring of a bike bell or the passing of a Daihatsu Hijet (which I now want more than ever). If you’re paying attention, you start to understand that the contrast itself isn’t jarring to those who live here. It’s probably essential. The modern and the time-honoured coexist without apology and the rhythm of life carries both without contradiction.
I remember sitting outside Camelback Coffee,
watching a man methodically watering his plants with a small watering can before the heat of the day set in. It would be easy to dismiss this as quaint, but it didn’t feel quaint in context. It felt like a declaration that details matter. That even in a place where time feels compressed by technology and density, there is space for ritual. Perhaps that’s one of the things that gives Japan its particular gravity: this refusal to let small gestures be eroded by speed.
I found myself thinking about my own situation back home, where the measure of a good day is often how much you can get done, how many things you can tick off a list. Here, productivity still matters, but it seems framed differently, more as an obligation to the collective than an individual achievement.
Watching station staff bow to departing trains, or a cashier place my receipt into a small tray with both hands, I couldn’t help but feel there was an unspoken reminder that nothing happens in isolation.
I started to realise that my observations were less about the architecture or the food, although both were unforgettable, and more about how those things were experienced collectively. In a place where so many millions of lives are entangled, there’s an invisible contract that everyone seems to honour, even when it’s broken in small, human ways.
This is not to say that Japan is utopian. Like any society, it carries contradictions and tensions
Opener: A cat finds solitude outside Nijō Castle in Kyoto. Left to right: Whether on a busy street or in a quiet corner, a sense of order seems to prevail.
← The Green Bird project is a volunteer organization that removes litter from the streets. Below: A street performer plays a shamisen. Opposite: An older man makes use of the amenities, resting on a park bench just outside the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.
beneath the surface. I’m sure of that. But in my short time there, I felt the commitment to preserving a sense of place was woven through everything.
From the meticulous urban gardens to the community shrines. From the elaborate department store displays to the simple courtesy of being acknowledged with a bow.
I tried to keep a mental note throughout the trip of words that felt significant to the situation: attention, proximity, humility, precision. Thinking back on those mental notes now, I think what I was really trying to capture was a sense of being located, not geographically, but emotionally. There’s a quality to Japan that makes you aware of your own volume and footprint. You find yourself softening, adjusting, listening more carefully. And perhaps that’s the heart of what creates a sense of place anywhere, a willingness to be in relation to others rather than simply imposing yourself.
As my departure approached, I felt a familiar pull, the regret that comes from knowing you’ve only just begun to understand something. I was aware that, in just a matter of 10 days, the small adaptations I had made would begin to fade. I knew I’d be welcoming the chance to have conversations that went beyond simply saying hello and thank you in Japanese, hoping to bridge more of the gap between observation and connection. I would likely
return to being more casual about formality, quicker to fill silence with some distraction. But I also sensed that some residue of this experience would remain, an echo of those quiet moments walking down narrow streets with no destination in mind, content to watch the city set its own tempo. Or those moments in green spaces, where you’d hear nothing other than the deep croaks of a raven, the breeze moving through the trees, or the loud, distinctive call of the Minmin-zemi cicada that seemed to soundtrack the heat.
In the end, I don’t know if I arrived at any tidy conclusion. Perhaps that’s the point. A sense of place is not a puzzle to be solved or a checklist to complete. It’s an accumulation of impressions, some clear, some contradictory. It’s the way a new environment can make you see your own habits more starkly, how it can remind you that culture is less about monuments than it is about shared understanding. If nothing else, my time in Japan gave me a fresh appreciation for the ordinary acts that build belonging. The small courtesies.
The patient repetition of daily rituals. The quiet respect for the spaces between people. And perhaps that’s what I hope to carry home most of all, the idea that a sense of place is created, moment by moment, in the choices we make to see and be seen, to honour what holds us together, even when we come from very different worlds.
Welcoming new patients in Tauranga
Experience modern-day healthcare for the whole whānau.
4 clinics in Tauranga plus online doctors 24/7 via the Tend app Your home for health.
Turning the Tide
Words by Laura Boucher and Bethany Millar
As a transformative joint project to help restore the Waihī Estuary reaches a new milestone, we speak to some of the partners about what makes this environmental project so unique.
Photography by Alick Saunders and Anna Menendez
Something special happens when a community comes together. When individuals unite, they bring diverse skills, perspectives and resources that can drive remarkable achievements.
The Cutwater Road wetland is an example of this. This one-of-a-kind project is founded on a unique partnership between iwi, local and central government, landowners, and community groups –all with a shared goal of improving water quality and biodiversity in the Waihī Estuary.
Why Waihī?
Once a thriving pātaka kai (food basket), the Waihī Estuary is now one of the top five most degraded in the country, due to decades of wetland drainage, river channelisation, land use change and contaminated runoff throughout the 35,000ha catchment.
Mita Ririnui, Chair of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whakahemo, recalls his ancestors relocating to the Waihī Estuary for the summer season where they would gather resources and kai for the winter months. For him, and many others that whakapapa to the area, it’s been hard watching the whenua (land) and wai (water) suffer.
“These repo [wetlands] were a breeding ground for many species and wildlife, and it was abundant in whitebait. We all want to see the beauty of this place restored.”
Paving the way for partnership
In 2021, five local iwi (Ngāti Whakahemo, Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketu, Ngāti Mākino, Ngāti Pikiao
and Tapuika) and Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council came together and agreed that to restore the estuary, it would take a collective effort.
From this, Te Wahapū o Waihī was formed – an iwi-led programme, developed and delivered alongside the Regional Council, central government, local communities and other supporting educational and environmental organisations, to restore the damaged ecosystems and the relationship that local iwi have with them.
“Partnership is really important; we’re better when we work together,” says Professor Kura PaulBurke, project lead for Te Wahapū o Waihī.
“There is only one ocean, one whenua, one planet – we just give it different names. Bringing together the resources and expertise from Regional Council with the expertise and whakapapa of iwi and mana whenua is a win.”
The vision was set – He oranga te wahapū, he oranga te iwi; the health of the estuary is a metaphor for the health of the people – and a work plan was developed for how this vision would be achieved. Together, the goal is to create a korowai of wetlands to restore the mauri of the Waihī Estuary.
Monitoring and modelling shows the estuary needs a substantial reduction in sediment, nutrients and pathogens (around 40-60 per cent), plus inestuary interventions, to achieve a state of moderate health. Reaching this goal would take many hands, so the work plan encompassed a range of methods, including catchment-wide monitoring, education, restoration and land management.
The flagship project in the work plan was the large-scale retirement of low-lying, marginal farmland to create a new wetland (repo).
“This whenua is a place for gathering kai, a seasonal papakāinga for our tūpuna. It is heartwarming walking the whenua alongside such a broad range of partners and supporters, united around returning health to the estuary.”
Volunteers from all parts of the community come together to put 5000 plants in the ground. Actions like this embody the spirit of partnership, a critical part of this project, says Professor Kura Paul-Burke (top right).
Construction of the wetland started in November 2024, and is now 90 per cent complete.
“We’d been working with nearly 40 farmers in this area for a very long time, putting in place environmental programmes that would see the implementation of good farming, forestry and horticultural practices,” explains Fiona McTavish, Chief Executive Officer of Regional Council.
“Then, through our work in this space, an opportunity came about to purchase land and restore this back to a wetland. This would be a huge win for environmental outcomes.”
Building a wetland
In 2023, an 109ha dairy farm next to the Waihī Estuary was initially purchased before being subdivided, with 79ha on sold to a neighbouring farm.
The remaining 30ha, which was funded 50 per cent by the Regional Council and 50 per cent from Te Wahapū o Waihī (through the Ministry for the Environment’s Freshwater Improvement Fund), was to be converted into a 27ha freshwater treatment wetland and 3ha tidal coastal wetland.
“The freshwater wetland will help towards the catchment nutrient reduction goals and will provide water quality improvement for an upstream catchment area of 617ha, while the tidal wetland will
support native fish species like inanga, enhancing mahinga kai,” says Claire McCorkindale, project lead from Regional Council.
“The final design reflects not only ecological function, but also the cultural significance of the area, preserving remnant channels for spawning and spiritual continuity.”
At the time of writing, construction of the wetland is 90 per cent complete. A recent community planting day marked a significant milestone, with local community members from across the motu putting 5000 native trees in the ground. It’s another step closer to a brighter future for this culturally significant location.
Every plant, every kōrero, every plan and every hectare restored is another stitch in this protective cloak, grounded in tikanga, designed for resilience, and made to last.
“It’s about providing a healthier estuary for everyone’s grandchildren. We are in it for the long term,” says Kura, a leader in Māori marine ecology and restoration.
“This whenua is a place for gathering kai, a seasonal papakāinga for our tūpuna. It is heartwarming walking the whenua alongside such a broad range of partners and supporters, united around returning health to the estuary.”
I lined up bottles from Matawhero and TW Wines, swirled, sni ed, and sipped, purely in the name of research, of course. What followed was less formal tasting panel, more barely coherent scribbles that I’ve had to interpret in the cold light of day. Matawhero turned up polished and sun-kissed; as did TW Wines. The fermented grapes didn’t just talk to me; they whispered and they flirted. Here’s what happened when two of Gisborne’s personalities met my very uno icial and lonely panel... of one.
TW Wines Malbec 19
Like a brooding poet on holiday at the local backpackers, this Malbec has depth but knows how to have a good time. Gleaming garnet in the glass, it opens with aromas of tamarillo, licorice, and just enough smoky oak to raise an eyebrow... or two. The palate? A wild swirl of dark berries, tamarillo jus (yes, it’s a thing), and a sprinkle of Mediterranean herbs from your mum’s spice rack. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and surprisingly bright on the finish, all fine structure and just-so acidity.
It’s the kind of wine that quietly takes over the playlist, starts churning out bangers, encourages conversations that veer o -topic, and leads to nights where no one checks the time. Crafted by TW winemaker Anita Ewart-Croy, the fruit came from a stellar growing season and was given the gentle treatment: destemmed, plunged, fermented with character-building yeast, and tucked into a mix of American and French barriques for 15 months. A little egg-white fining and a final polish later (he says with some envy), and here it is — all grown up, well balanced, and ready to misbehave.
TW Wines 2013 Verdelho
Verdelho isn’t exactly a household name, but this one from Gisborne might have something to say about that. Pale straw in the glass with a subtle glint, like a bald head at a BBQ. It opens with heady aromas of apricot, jasmine, cardamom and sweet pear. There’s a gentle opulence here, like someone just opened a jar of apricot preserves, which is always more pleasant than sauerkraut.
On the palate, it’s all white peach and cuminpoached pears. The finish lingers with warmth and spice, as if your taste buds have wandered o to lie on a sun-drenched couch. The winemaker handharvested these perfect little bunches in the cool morning hours, whole-bunch pressed them, then let the juice settle before fermentation in mature French barriques. I mean, come on. Verdelho might not be mainstream, but neither was sourdough before everyone started baking it. This is a quiet standout, a composed show-o for long lunches and friends who sni corks.
TW Wines Prosecco
This Gisborne Prosecco wakes up your senses with bright aromas of green apple and zesty lime, like a polite nudge from your wife when your soft palate and the base of your tongue are obstructing your airway. The grapes were handpicked in the cool morning air, then gently whole-bunch pressed and fermented with a yeast so hardworking it probably deserves a pay rise. Bottled with a natural sparkle, it sits just o -dry, perfectly balanced between acidity and sweetness.
Whether you’re kicking o a wet lunch or quietly celebrating the end of a Monday, this Prosecco o ers a refreshing sip that knows how to keep things lively without going over the top.
Matawhero Single Vineyard Merlot
This Merlot didn’t just grow, it was raised by a wizard in the hills of Pātūtahi, tutored in patience, rhythm and a touch of mystery. The Briant Vineyard, stretched across the Waipaoa River, produces grapes with just the right balance of sunshine and structure. Spur-pruned with precision and leaf-plucked for light, the vines ripen slow and steady.
The result isn’t just wine, it’s a character: smooth, like a jazz musician in a turtleneck. On the nose, plum skins and cocoa. On the palate, generous, grounded, quietly self-assured. It might not impress your sommelier mate (he’s a dick anyway), but it will win over anyone who thinks they don’t like Merlot.
Matawhero Church House Chenin Blanc
You know how some wines walk into a room and need everyone to know they’re there? This isn’t that wine. This Chenin shows up on time, wears a clean shirt, doesn’t say much, but ends up being the most interesting person in the room.
It’s grown in Pātūtahi, on Kaiti clay. That might sound like I’ve got a firm grip on geology, but really I’ve just done some light research. What I can confirm is the vines have had to work for it. These are young vines, with just two canes laid down for the season. That means lower yields and more flavour concentration. Kind of like a small class size with a decent teacher, I guess.
The result? Crisp green apple, a flick of lime peel, and the kind of acid line that wakes you up. Think more Tui at sunrise than our neighbours who pump drum n’ bass at 3am on a regular basis, among other things. And nobody wants that.
There’s no oak. No cloying tropical jiggerypokery. Just a clean, dry, quietly confident wine. Which, frankly, are all admirable traits in my book. It also feels like it could age well. But it’s drinking perfectly right now. Chilled, in a glass, on a table, in the garage, or on a park bench. With food… or without. However you like it. No flash.
No fuss. Just a bloody good wine made by people who care.
Matawhero Single Vineyard Pinot Rosé
Some rosés try to be delicate, like they’ve floated down from a cloud made of rose petals, making you feel like you should be starring in an eau de parfum ad. The Matawhero Single Vineyard Pinot Rosé is more grounded, more cheeky, and I’d happily splash it on any day as a replacement for the David Beckham mullock I got a couple of Christmases ago.
Sourced from the Matawhero home block on Riverpoint Road, the Dijon 777 Pinot Noir vines are well-behaved, but clearly not too precious. They’re managed with the kind of hands-on attention that results in smaller harvests and bigger personality. The fruit ripens early and fully, giving the wine a confident, dry finish with just enough edge to keep things interesting.
On the nose: summer berries that haven’t been overworked. On the palate: crisp, refreshing, and slightly mischievous.
Conduct your own delicious research by grabbing a bottle (or two) from the TW Wines and Matawhero websites, or your favourite local wine store. twwines.co.nz matawhero.co.nz
The Secret Social Lives of Retirees
Words by Mary-Rose Norton
Every day is a holiday at The Bayview. Find out what this group of adventurers got up to on their epic all-day journey across Tauranga. Let’s just say, it looked like a whole lot of fun.
Photography by Erin Cave
↑ A group of adventurers from The Bayview, with their flat caps and sunhats, ready for their epic all-day journey across Tauranga.
It could be said that if matching hats are involved, there’s usually fun afoot.
A group of 13 adventurers roll up, laughing as they don their flat caps and sunhats. There’s an atmosphere of anticipation as they wait to embark on an epic all-day journey.
Their guide, Terry Baker, gathers the small crowd, immediately capturing their attention with his contagious enthusiasm as he sets the scene for the day’s events.
He tells of an unenlightened time in New Zealand’s history, before the existence of the flat white, when Kiwis only drunk freeze-dried coffee.
This segways into introducing the first stop – a behind the scenes glimpse of Tauranga coffee roastery Excelso, one of the pioneers of our country’s coffee scene.
I’m lucky enough to have been invited to tag along by Catherine Weedon, Sales Manager at The Bayview Retirement Village, and the residents are quick to accept an interloper into the fold.
After a short drive, the smell of roasting beans tells us we’ve reached our destination. The residents line up to order their cuppas and quickly fall into
easy banter before a talk from one of the roastery’s founders, Carrie.
Next stop is the waterfront for a guided tour around New Zealand’s largest port. There’s a kerfuffle as Keith realises his hat has been locked in the tour bus! There’s playful teasing from some of the other blokes as they wait with him to retrieve it.
Then we’re off again, via the Mount to quickly soak in the views, before heading on to Harbourside restaurant for lunch, right on the water’s edge.
While tucking into their seafood chowder, the residents reminisce about other memorable journeys they’ve had.
A gin tasting in Thames at a world-recognised distillery. An equestrian event in Karapiro. A visit to the iconic Waitomo Gloworm Caves. High tea at a manor where the gents all wore bowties and the ladies dressed to the nines.
As Terry points out, Tauranga is perfectly positioned for visits to all kinds of places. “There’s so much that’s just an hour or two away,” he says.
Terry shares how his mother-in-law was among the first residents in The Bayview’s first new apartment block, which opened close on five years ago.
The Bayview’s Catherine Weedon and Phil Holland often accompany the residents on their activities.
Back then, The Bayview had recently changed its name from Melrose and begun its transformation into the beautiful and modern village it is today.
“Mum entered the village after her husband passed. It was the best thing for everybody, knowing she had people around, a nice set-up to live in, in a retirement village with a great communal spirit. It’s been a blessing for us and for her,” reflects Terry.
It’s not just his mother-in-law who has made new friends at The Bayview. “I have a bit to do with some of the guys now, we play bowls, that sort of thing,” Terry shares.
He’s also popped in for some of the other activities. “At Happy Hour you can see the culture, feel the warmth of the place. It’s got a nice vibe, like a family.”
That vibe is evident as the day progresses. The group is relaxed and enjoying each other’s company. It emphasises to me the importance of factoring in the community and activities when choosing a retirement village.
Road trips like this are just one of the highlights on the packed social calendar at The Bayview.
The monthly planner and menu for July is no less than 20 pages – chocked with activities such as aquacise, cards groups, bowls, yoga, strength and balance, croquet, Happy Hour BBQ, mahjong, pool, snooker, darts, a couple of concerts, music appreciation, shopping trips, Kindy visits, midwinter Christmas, a jewellery pop-up, a visit to Waihī Beach shops and cafés with manager Catherine, a trip round the Kaimai Range, wine club, movie nights and more!
Talk turns to recent events, such as their quiz night, which had some of them in stitches.
“What the answers were cannot be printed,” says Mary, with a conspiratorial grin. “We made people laugh,” chimes in her teammate Pauline.
“Laughter is the key to everything. It was a lot of fun!” Mary, who only moved in four weeks ago, has been getting stuck in from day one. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done, seriously. It’s hard to find activities like this out in the community.”
She tells of how she’s joined the Wine Club too. “I’m not a wine drinker, but it looked like so much fun. I ended up buying three bottles – so I guess I’m a wine drinker now!”
“One of the best things is the management take part,” adds another.
I discover that during rugby season Sales Manager Catherine and Village Manager Phil will often accompany a vanload of residents to the Bay of Plenty Steamers games, or over to Hamilton for a Chiefs match. I say farewell to the group after lunchtime, but their day is far from over. There are still two more stops – tenpin bowling and a ‘topsecret’ drink stop.
After a morning of antics with new friends and cruising in the sunshine, I joke that today has felt like I’ve been on holiday.
“Every day is a holiday at The Bayview!” comes the reply, and from what I’ve seen – count me in.
oceaniahealthcare.co.nz
The Bayview Village, 159 Waihi Rd, Tauranga
Ngā tahi - Rongoā Māori Services
Whakakotahi ai te wairua, tinana me te hinengaro
Aligning spirit, body, and mind
ACC & EAP Registered Rongoa Maori Practitioners O ering:
• Mirimiri & Romiromi
• Rongoā Rākau (plant medicine)
• Whakawhiti Kōrero
• Te Rau Aroha Alignment
• Wānanga & Community O erings
At Zaadje, we believe every child is a seed with limitless poTe Ial Through a nurturing, p y-basEd environment rooted in care for people and planet, we help TAmA grow strong, kind, and connected — to themselves, each other, and the natural world.
Carving a Wooden Path
Words by Cira Olivier Photography by Christopher Duffy
Give Mike Buck a block of wood and he will turn it into a masterpiece.
Mike Buck’s Pāpāmoa home is cozy. The radio plays quietly, the couches are large and comfy, and there’s a mix of woodcraft, resin relics and family photos decorating the living area, study and bedroom. You wouldn’t be alone in mistaking the detailed wooden ornaments, the gorgeous coffee tables and the perfect cabinets for being factory-made rather than made by Mike’s self-taught hands.
Though he’ll be sure to tell you they’re not perfect and there’s always something to improve on. He’s modest about his work and suggests it could be hereditary. “I chased our family history and back in the 1700s there were carpenters in the family.”
His garage has been transformed into his “little workshop”. All his tools, current projects, and storage are tidily in their places and he spends “quite a bit” of time here. Mike and his wife Reywyn’s electric scooter and wheelchair fill the remaining space and he laughs as he says the couple, married for more than 60 years, love racing each other in them.
His latest project is an excavator displayed on
his dresser, with detail down to the grooves in the tracks, the tiny gear sticks and pedals. “I quite like that one,” he says quietly.
Their study has his desk with completed projects, like immaculate jewellery boxes and chopping boards almost too beautiful to use, on one side. His wife’s desk on the opposite side is filled with the intricate tools and supplies used to make her colourful resin crafts.
You’ll quickly pick up that Mike isn’t someone who can sit still, with a mind that’s both creative and analytical. His 86 years, most of which have been in New Zealand after immigrating from the United Kingdom by himself at age 17, have so far been carved by hands that know no limit.
He’s had to chop down trees and make things like fence posts when he worked on farms, unable to just run down to the shops. He’s done it all, from making moulding tools associated with the music industry and teaching himself to weld, to dabbling in designing knitting patterns for his wife’s knitting
“Sooner or later, I think, the younger generation will start to appreciate the old craft.”
Mike
desk is filled with the intricate tools and supplies used to make her colourful
machine at home, and designing and making tools for high-frequency welders at a clothing company.
He’s always been drawn to wood. He and his wife became regulars at the markets when they lived in the Wairarapa, with his analytical brain quickly noticing hundreds of stalls specialised in one thing.
“I thought, let’s work on a broad-based pyramid system,” he says, and he made as wide a variety as he could while still working full-time.
Soon they were being invited to markets around the country, leaving at 4.30am in his little van filled with his woodwork. He did “lots” of commission work over the years, with word-of-mouth being his advertisement, and keeping the work coming in on top of whatever full-time job he had at the time.
“I’m always looking for improvement. Some people are happy with the same-old… if I can see how I can change it, that’s what I’ll do.”
The couple moved to Tauranga in 2011 and Mike became a member of the Tauranga Woodcrafters Guild straight away. It turned into more than a hobby when, pre-Covid, a group of them
started working with primary school kids after being approached by social workers to help with those who weren’t academic and “getting into trouble”.
Each term, they’d meet with a group of six, often reserved, students and work on projects with them, with a different school each term. They called themselves the grandads, Mike says with a smile. When they’d meet for the first time, Mike, who led the group, would joke they were being lent a grandad for the term but had to promise to give them back.
He soon realised it would be a lot more beneficial if each child had the same grandad each week to build a relationship and rapport. “It broke down lots of barriers.”
The students, aged 8 to 12, would create a range of things like toys and stools, and Mike remembers, “as soon as they got to work with their hands, they’d really shine”. All while creating a strong bond with their borrowed grandad, coming out of their shells as each week passed.
Soon, Mike says, they realised it wasn’t as simple as troublesome kids.
Opener:
Buck. ↑ Reywyn’s
resin crafts.
Everywhere you look in Mike Buck’s home, there is a mix of woodcraft, colourful resin crafts and detailed wooden ornaments.
Mike and Reywyn Buck have been married for more than 60 years.
”It really opened your eyes.” There were a lot of problems like kids sleeping on floors or parents in jail. Children were at serious risk of slipping through the cracks, he says.
Parents and schools told them the programme was helping with behaviour issues and shifting attitudes at home and school. Some kids would wait outside their school office before the teachers got there, ready to be taken to see the grandads, Mike remembers fondly.
At the end of each term, the students would beam with pride and their newfound self-confidence at a lunchtime showcase of their work for their parents, teachers and social workers. On the surface, there were some impressive crafts. Looking a bit deeper, you saw young lives being etched with love, hope and understanding.
This went on for five years but ended suddenly when Covid struck, which Mike says was devastating. “We all decided that perhaps we couldn’t continue because of our age. It was a shame.”
It became a safety issue, with children catching colds and potentially passing it on.
Unable to give up sharing the passion, Mike is a member of the Tauranga Woodcrafters Guild, corunning the open workshop and equipment training.
It’s a bit of everything, but with mostly retirees. He helped initiate the open workshops on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays too, to create a space for people who worked to come in and give the craft a go; a real mixed bag of people with a keen interest and “a lot of ladies”. It still runs, though he’s pulled back to just Thursdays after suffering a mini-stroke earlier this year – a challenging time for someone who can’t keep still.
He smiles as he talks about filling his time playing Mahjong, woodwork, and a 3D Temu puzzle clock of an owl. The other days at the workshop offer more specialised groups: Woodcarvers on Mondays and the first Saturday of each month, woodturners on Tuesdays, and scrollsaws on the first and third Wednesday each month. He nods slowly when contemplating whether it was a dying art, but smirks with his eyes as much as his mouth, saying he thinks it will shift. “Sooner or later, I think, the younger generation will start to appreciate the old craft.”
He says young women have started picking up traditional handcrafts like knitting, sewing and crochet when they “realised it was going to be gone forever”. He thinks the same will be the case for woodcraft.
taurangawoodcrafters.org
Cherie’s Foodie Finds
Euro Summer
Words by Cherie Metcalfe
Photography by Erin Cave
In this issue, culinary queen and Pepper & Me founder Cherie Metcalfe transports our tastebuds to patatas bravas, pitas and pan con tomate in the Greek islands.
I was lucky enough to escape New Zealand’s wet, windy and cold June and spend a month galavanting around Europe, eating as much as I possibly could.
So instead of local food news this month, I’m going to share with you a report on the Greek islands and hopefully transport your mind directly to 42-degree sunshine, crystal-clear waters and Aperol Spritz delivered directly to the beach loungers.
We started our trip in Barcelona and dove straight into every tapas bar we could find. Although the anti-tourism vibes are strong at the moment, the food was stronger.
Barcelona’s food scene is such a vibrant mix of traditional Catalan cuisine and modern innovation, with simple, fresh, quality produce and seafood stealing the show.
The must have dishes: Pan con tomate (toasted bread rubbed with garlic and tomato and olive oil), patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy brava sauce and aioli), crema catalana (a rich custard with caramelised sugar), Iberian ham, croquettes, anchovies, and my personal favourite the Gilda.
It’s a small skewer with the highest quality anchovy, olive and guindilla pepper, eaten as one bite that combines to be the most wonderful mouthful you could experience.
Tauranga’s Clarence restaurant has the gilda on the menu if you would like to try this delight locally!
We drove up the Spanish coast with stops in Tossa de Mar, Tamariu and Cadaques, which were
our picks for best spots along the Costa Brava.
A lot of people get put off by the ‘Brits abroad’ known to linger around the Spanish coasts, but the tiny little seaside villages we went to were absolutely perfect, with the peaceful beaches and cheap food pleasantly surprising.
To be honest, they were as good as any of the Greek islands! Avoid the bigger towns like Lloret de Mar or Blanes and you’ll be fine.
We drove from Cadaques over the hill to France, staying in some incredible tiny villages in Provence. The French food scene, supposed to be the best in the world, was good BUT the thing that stands out about France – and most of Europe – is the impeccable service.
You go out to dine and leave feeling like royalty, the staff looking after you like you are a long lost best friend. It actually overrides the food a lot of the time.
You can have a great meal and bad service and leave feeling awful, or an okay meal with
↑ Cherie visited the volcanic island of Milos, which she says should be on all of our bucket lists. Plus, she felt like you can’t do a trip to the Greek islands without seeing Santorini.
amazing service and leave feeling like it was the best thing you ever did. I do think this is where tipping culture works well. We don’t tip here, so there’s often no reason to go the extra mile.
Waiting on people is often seen as a summer time job for young people rather than a respected career, something I think we really need to change here in New Zealand!
From Provence, we drove to Nice then flew to the Greek capital of Athens. Athens gets a bad reputation for foodies, but I think it’s a bloody paradise.
We hunted down all the best street food spots, the most famous $3 gyros, the best thick yoghurt covered with honey and walnuts, the sesame bagels, the Freddo coffees. We ate spicy baked feta and Moussaka until we could no longer move. Skip the tourist areas, get to the back streets, do your research and you will be in foodie heaven.
We then braved the ferries off to the islands. Herded into the bottom like cattle, you have about
Cherie’s Foodie Finds
30 seconds to race onto the boat before they lift the stern ramp and the boat is off again.
Our first stop was Paros, which is famous for the best beaches, incredible nightlife and great food in the beautiful main town of Naousa.
The houses are freshly whitewashed every May, ready for the tourists to come pouring in to get their pictures with the blue and white backgrounds. This is going to be a VERY unpopular opinion, but Paros was actually our least favourite place.
I think it was all because we got off on the wrong foot at the very famous Barbarossa restaurant (famous for everyone waving the white napkins with loud Greek music every night). It’s a tourist trap and we should have known better.
The food was actually spectacular, but wildly expensive and the service the worst we have ever received. It’s amazing how you really notice it after being treated like royalty a few weeks beforehand!
We had massive winds while we were here, so didn’t get the best of the beach, and found the whole place fake, expensive and made for young American influencers’ Instagrams.
On to Naxos, which was a 30-minute ferry from Paros and a completely different scene.
The only self-sufficient island in the Cyclades with 20,000 permanent residents, we were able to really dive into the culture, meet many new locals and leave with many new best friends.
The food was incredible, cheese pies, spanakopita, courgette fritters, saganaki cheese, pita and tzatziki. The history was rich and colourful, the beaches absolutely blew our minds and the whole vibe was just beautiful.
Naxos is a place I could happily live forever. They are famous for their potatoes (the best we have ever eaten) and their cheeses. Perhaps my two favourite things.
I won’t tell you about how spectacular the Greek men are either, although you can certainly see where “Greek Gods” comes from.
We then moved to Milos, which is a volcanic island of the most incredible dramatic landscapes. It truly feels like you are on the moon.
You need to do a sailing trip around this island to truly understand its beauty. You need an ATV or some transport here, the island is huge with so much to get around and see.
The tiny colourful fisherman villages are just magic. We ate octopus cooked in vinegar, fried anchovies, baked eggplant, whole baked fish, bougatsa (custard semolina pastry) and frozen Greek yoghurt every night. Milos is a place you should all have on your bucket lists, it’s a truly stunning otherworldly place.
To finish up, we tacked on two nights in Santorini. We felt like you can’t go to the Greek Islands without seeing it, so we booked a ridiculously
“Make sure you book a restaurant to watch the sunset at, rather than cramming into the streets with all of the cruise ship hoards!”
luxury cave with pool room in Oia, which turned out to be an absolute highlight. Santorini really is worth the hype! It was just absolutely breathtaking. Make sure you book a restaurant to watch the sunset at, rather than cramming into the streets with all of the cruise ship hoards!
Funnily enough, we actually had some of the best food on the trip in Santorini too. It was on the expensive side, but worth it. Seeing the pistachios growing on trees, tasting all the local wines and olive oil, enjoying moussaka croquettes and some incredible simple but perfect steaks and lamb. Breakfasts and sunsets on the side of the hill overlooking the caldera. An absolute dream to finish off the most perfect month in Europe.
Now we have returned to the delight that is New Zealand winter, 8kg heavier, and have sunken into the deepest of winter blues.
But we have been enjoying recreating all the food we ate abroad, videos and recipes all going up daily on @pepperandme Instagram if anyone would like to join us in the flavours of a Euro summer.
Until next time, when I may have re-adjusted to normal life.
Yours sincerely, A very depressed and fat Cherie.
@pepperandme
@cheries_chat
Behind the Counter
Words by Stuart Whitaker
Photography by Erin Cave
This series delves into the personal stories of our local dairy owners, offering a glimpse into the lives behind the counter of our neighbourhood convenience stores.
Dairy owner Umesh Khanal is carrying on a family tradition stretching back hundreds of years.
But that wasn’t really his intention when he arrived in New Zealand from Nepal in 2017. Nor did he plan to work quite as hard as he has since then.
Umesh has owned Dairy 264 in downtown Mount Maunganui since 2023 and last year opened Ōmanu Superette in a new block on the corner of Oceanbeach and Surf roads.
He’ll often spend the first part of his day shooting the breeze, sharing tea – peppermint or lemon, brought from home – with the Mount’s early risers.
And whether they come in and buy is immaterial – it is, he says, about letting people, the community, know “this dairy owner is a little bit different”.
Of course he hopes that will ultimately attract custom – but it is also about respect flowing in both directions, and a positive start to the day.
Umesh came to New Zealand
to study, enrolling in a business and accounting course and with a loose plan to maybe head back to Nepal once finished.
But somehow he gravitated towards working in retail.
He worked in Pak’nSave, what was then Countdown supermarket, and also worked for Pāpāmoa entrepreneur TJ Shah who he says has been his inspiration.
“He was very supportive. Where I am today is because of him.
“I was happy. I was making good money with two jobs,” he says.
“I worked for him for five or six years, but he’d always say, ‘you’ve got business skills, so you’ve got to be in business’.”
In Nepal, Umesh’s family had been in retail for “hundreds of years”, but Umesh had seen his parents struggling to juggle raising a family and running a business.
That wasn’t his plan, but with retailing in the blood and someone pushing him, he relented.
He bought Dairy 264 and quickly tripled its revenue.
Umesh’s brother Ashok had arrived in New Zealand to see what the country had to offer. He, the brothers’ parents and Umesh’s wife Shrijana have all supported Umesh on his journey.
It was Ashok who encouraged Umesh to buy the second dairy and with it the challenge of starting a business from scratch. Now the brothers work together.
Owning and operating one dairy means long hours, or taking on staff – it’s just hard economics.
“I didn’t want to pay anyone so I could save to buy another business or a house.”
Owning two dairies means more pressure and stress, hiring staff and working, if anything, even longer hours.
“In small business, you have to sacrifice a lot – your own lifestyle, family time, you are working 15-17 hours a day.
“It’s not easy and it’s seven days a week.
“Even when you are at home, your mind is still thinking about it.
“Since I came to New Zealand I have never worked as hard.
“I am 26 but I look like I’m mid-30s because I’ve worked so hard,” he jokes.
But, ultimately the hard work will pay off and Umesh has ambitions of owning a supermarket.
“Owning a supermarket makes your life easier – rather than work 100 hours a week, you can just work 50 and your family will be happy!”
The location of his dairies means they each have a distinct clientele – more local residents at Ōmanu, more out of towners at the Mount – especially in summer.
Umesh wants to cater for them all.
“We have lots of bits and pieces – if someone comes in and asks for something and I don’t have it, I
feel bad saying that.”
As well as the range of dairy staples, he does a few nifty sidelines.
“I love to sell American confectionery – it brings lots of customers and makes a difference in the shop.”
There are also lots of drinks from America, England and Australia, Chinese foods and, with the ocean on the doorstep of both dairies, fishing equipment and ice.
Umesh says dairies in New Zealand are generally thriving and that is an indication of how highly the Kiwi convenience shop is regarded, even in the current economic climate.
He knows there are other alternatives – some of which are cheaper – but says he also knows customers value the convenience of their local dairy.
And Umesh does his best to encourage that by simply being friendly.
“Running a small business if you are not talking to your regulars, obviously they are not going to come back.”
Umesh says, having struggled when he first arrived in New Zealand and getting help from those who saw his potential, he gives a hand up to others where he can.
It’s a trait from his grandfather, but one he doesn’t intend to take quite as far.
“When he made money, he was always giving to the people,” he says.
“What I’ve learned from him is we are born naked, we’re going to die naked, we are not going to take anything from here.”
↑ Umesh Khanal is carrying on a family tradition, owning two local dairies in the Mount and Ōmanu.
CREATIVE DIRECTORY
ARTISTS WRITERS PERFORMERS MUSICIANS SCULPTORS
DESIGNERS
CONNECT, EXPLORE, AND SHOWCASE YOUR CREATIVE PROWESS ALONGSIDE THE REGION'S FINEST. BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT BY ADDING YOUR PROFILE TO THE BAY’S CREATIVE DIRECTORY – YOUR GATEWAY TO A WORLD OF ARTISTIC POSSIBILITIES. JOIN THE HEARTBEAT OF THE BAY’S CREATIVE LANDSCAPE.
Bringing Italy to Tauranga
Words by Zoe Hunter Photography by Erin Cave
From the terracotta tiles to the handmade pasta, this Italianinspired restaurant – aptly named Florence – is a cafe by day and rustic, modern bistro by night.
Annemarie and Andrew Targett were on a family holiday around Europe when they fell in love with Florence.
It was the food, the gelato, art and architecture within the Italian city that captured the hearts of the restauranteurs.
“Florence the city was one of our favourite destinations,” Annemarie says.
“The food was outstanding and the life and soul of the city stirred a passion for all things Italian.
We had the best gelato and stayed in a magnificent Pensione which overlooked the entire city.
“Florence has been in our hearts for a long time and we are open at last!”
Now the couple, who introduced Elizabeth Cafe and Larder and Pearl Kitchen to Tauranga and Pāpāmoa, have begun a new adventure, bringing Italy to the heart of Tauranga alongside Ian Harrison and Natalie Yates-Leong.
From the terracotta tiles of the fit-out to the handmade pasta, their Italian-inspired restaurant –aptly named Florence – is a cafe by day and rustic,
modern bistro by night.
Open seven days, five nights a week, Florence serves authentic, real flavour using the best ingredients.
Think beautiful oils and cheeses (of course), with smooth Organico coffee and exceptional pastries and bread made daily by Chef Kely.
Real food, great service in a relaxed and comfortable space is what makes Florence stand out.
“We do our best to be real. We really love it when people get excited about our food. We spend a long time working on menu items to make them really tasty,” Annemarie says.
“We’re always refining and making things better. It’s always a process and we never stand still. We’re changing and evolving all the time.”
And, of course, none of it would be possible without their big team of about 20 people from all corners of the world.
Ian Harrison and Natalie Yates-Leong bring another dimension to Florence.
Ian brings global experience from working with some of the world’s top chefs, while Natalie draws
The Florence team (pictured opposite) serves
“We use as many local producers as possible and often pick produce ourselves! It takes more energy and effort to produce, but it’s worth it.”
inspiration from many years in Sydney under the guidance of her mentor and uncle Neil Perry.
The amazing Riccardo is Florence’s resident Italian making all of the pasta from scratch, while the magical Nic’s warm and calming presence will serve you in the evenings.
Shelli and Jared serve up your creamy Organico coffee and they are masters. The coffee is exceptional.
Bella, their spectacular all-rounder works two cocktail shakers at a time, while sharing a story with customers.
“Our team is filled with wonderful humans who
are great at what they do,” Annemarie says.
While she says hospitality has been through some tough years, Annemarie believes having the mindset that planning, consistency and surrounding yourself with great people who share your passion, is what gets you through.
“We’re all about being real in every aspect of the business,” Annemarie says.
“Our food comes from a place of love. Nearly everything is made in house and we are really proud of this.
“We use as many local producers as possible and often pick produce ourselves! It takes more energy and effort to produce, but it’s worth it.”
It’s all about giving people memorable experiences and taking them to that warm, Italian city of Florence they once holidayed.
“We hope people can taste and feel the difference,” she says. “We put our heart and souls into hospitality and we hope customers experience our passion for this industry.”
florencebistro.co.nz
Master Kong’s got you covered from team dos and long lunches to big nights and beachside parties. Our Mount Maunganui venue is made for bringing people together.
We’ve got space to suit any vibe - from full venue takeovers to Madame Kong, our decorative paradise event space.
• Private hire or full takeover
• Custom food & drinks packages
• Perfect for birthdays, work shouts & group feasts
Meet the Tauranga woman who is on a mission to help empower, educate and uplift women on their own journeys through menopause. She will begin her mission with a powerful event.
Sara Llewellyn-Evans was on a family holiday when she first realised something was off.
The usually bubbly, carefree social 45-year-old started to feel anxious, which was totally out of character.
She found it difficult to work and socialise, and struggled to be present in the moment or stay active – all the things she truly loved, valued and was passionate about.
Sara didn’t know it then, but it was the beginning of menopause. At the time, there wasn’t much information available.
Words by Zoe Hunter
Photography by Tracey Finch
But after some research and armed with a good support network, Sara got herself back on track.
Now, Sara is living her best life and wants to help other women live theirs too.
The Tauranga woman knows how complex the journey of menopause can be and she is working to empower, educate and uplift other women on their own journeys.
Sara will begin her mission with a powerful and inspiring oneday event this August.
The inaugural event at Tauranga Boys’ College called ‘Living Your Best Life - During the Menopause Transition’ is for women who are experiencing, or are about to experience, peri or post menopause.
“The event was born not only due to my own personal experiences of approaching the menopause transition, but also to my mother’s and many friends’ unique personal experiences too,” Sara says.
Menopause is defined as the natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and reproductive years. The average age that women will approach their
peri-menopausal journey is within their early 40s (sometimes in their 30s), reaching the menopause stage by their early 50s.
Sara says research shows that 70 per cent of women will experience significant symptoms in this phase of their lives, with less than 50 per cent opting to visit their GPs.
“These statistics suggest that many women may either be suffering in silence, or they are just unaware of whom to reach out to for help or support.”
Sara says her event will focus on creating an increased awareness of the vast intricate topic of menopause, while promoting women’s health during this sometimes challenging period of their lives.
Originally from Cardiff in the United Kingdom, Sara spent 20 years in sales-related roles working in five star hotels and resorts, as well as event management. Working her way up to becoming manager of the Cardiff Convention Bureau was a pinnacle moment in her career.
Sara, her husband Peter and their teenage daughter moved to Tauranga five years ago with just their suitcases in hand. Soon after, they opened their own family
“The event was born not only due to my own personal experiences of approaching the menopause transition, but also to my mother’s and many friends’ unique personal experiences too.”
↑ Sara Llewellyn-Evans is on a mission to help empower, educate and uplift women in menopause.
business Tauranga Pool & Spa where she now works in sales, marketing and book keeping.
“Now that we are settled in Tauranga, I wanted to venture out and do a little something for me, which I am hopeful will in turn also help others,” Sara says.
That’s why she is bringing ‘Living Your Best Life - During the Menopause Transition’ to Tauranga.
“The creation of this event came about due to my idea of pulling both my previous skills of event management and my passion of wanting to help other women on their own personal journeys together.”
Sara has called upon a range of keynote speakers, including leading doctors Linda Dear, Wai Tze Cheng and Wendy
Sweet, as well as wellness, health and beauty experts Eleanor Tait, Sophie Ware, Lisa Pomare, Jenna Moore and the Caci Clinic.
“Our speakers will share the many faces of the peri/menopause journey through their own eyes or other’s personal and professional experiences,” Sara says.
“They will aim to educate and communicate strategies to help reduce the various symptoms of peri/post menopause.”
The event will include lifestyle demonstrations and an exhibition of businesses dedicated to women’s wellbeing, with nutrition, exercise and lifestyle products to support women through menopause. There will be a special focus on the topic of ‘Menopause in the Workplace’,
with Dr Linda Dear starting the conversation.
Sara’s vision for the first event is for every attendee to leave feeling optimistic, equipped and ready to embrace their own menopausal journey.
“If this event is hugely successful, I would hope to run it as an annual New Zealand roadshow nationwide event.
“I am super excited about pulling this unique and exciting event together, as well as meeting more individuals from our wonderful local community.”
What: ‘Living Your Best LifeDuring the Menopause Transition’ When: Saturday, August 23 Where: Tauranga Boys’ College. menopause-bestlife.nz
Our Village
Take a trip to The Historic Village and you’ll find a oneof-a-kind destination bursting with creativity and vintage charm. We tour The Village’s newest arrivals.
Bursting with creativity and vintage charm, The Historic Village serves a bustling community of approximately 230,000 visitors each year who come together to connect, celebrate and inspire.
Home to over 60 boutique shops, eateries, creative studios and galleries, modern venues and community organisations, The Village is a one-of-akind destination.
With six indoor venues to hire, and The Village grounds, the popular tourist and event destination hosts up to 10 community festivals each year, including the Tauranga Diwali Festival, Chinese New Year, Tauranga Multicultural Festival and the National Jazz Festival.
Now, a new event space and three new hospitality venues have been welcomed to the vibrant community hub at the bottom of 17th Avenue.
Balcony Room
A beautifully reimagined event venue has been unveiled at The Historic Village.
Now open for bookings, The Balcony Room has undergone a full transformation as part of the C2 Complex refurbishment. The result is a sophisticated, themed venue that enhances the charm and character of the wider Historic Village precinct.
Combining heritage charm with modern elegance, the venue is perfect for weddings, gala dinners, cocktail functions, hui, awards nights and corporate events.
The Historic Village manager, Blair Graham, says the space offers something truly unique.
“It’s a space that not only looks stunning, but also performs exceptionally well behind the scenes.
It’s a versatile, all-seasons venue that delivers both atmosphere and practicality.”
Inside, rich textures, statement lighting, moody colour palettes, vaulted ceilings and vintage-inspired details create a sense of occasion from the moment you walk in. With capacity for up to 175 guests, the layout has been designed with seamless event delivery in mind.
“We set out to design a space that feels immersive and elegant, while being effortless for professionals to use,” Blair says.
“Inspired by the opulence and intimacy of the speakeasy era, every detail was chosen to evoke warmth, luxury and style.” Accessibility was also front of mind. “It’s functional and inclusive, without compromising on beauty. Watching people walk in for the first time, there’s always a moment of awe –and that’s exactly the response we hoped for.”
Market & Main
Market & Main, a new local cafe and eatery, has a desire to tell a compelling food story, one that feels genuine and truly resonates with visitors to The Historic Village.
This story is all about community connection and shared experience with a strong sense of place.
The Historic Village already celebrates all of that, which is why Market & Main’s Ian Mikkelsen says
it’s the perfect location.
“The relaxed, creative energy here encourages people to slow down, connect and enjoy meaningful moments. It’s this vibe that’s allowed us to build a space that feels familiar and welcoming while at the same time being fresh and full of life and colour.”
Mikkelsen says the response from the local community and wider village since they opened has been “overwhelmingly warm”.
Browse their cafe walls and you will find local art thanks to their new neighbours at The Incubator.
Cyclists, walkers and runners have made Market & Main part of their route through the Kōpūrererua Valley, and people browsing The Village shops have stopped in for morning tea or lunch.
Families took part in their scavenger hunt during the school holidays, while people working nearby have found their new morning coffee spot.
Market & Main’s fresh and modern menu uses seasonal ingredients and local produce, and includes their irresistibly sticky buns, chilli scrambled eggs with maple bacon, and a hearty tribute to classic deli fare with the New Yorker sandwich.
Named after the two iconic streets that intersect in the heart of The Village, Market & Main is a central hub and gathering place bringing people together through food and hospitality.
“We want to help fuel the experiences and events that give the village its special character and charm.”
Opener: The Balcony Room. ↑ Market & Main has a fresh and modern menu.
Left: The Med Lounge & Garden’s menu is full of Mediterranean dishes. Right: One of Ichiban’s delicious donburi bowls.
Med Lounge & Garden
Family and a love of food inspired the concept behind the Med Lounge and Garden.
Since Mitch Lowe and his wife Ezel bought The Historic Village restaurant from their very good friends, the Mediterranean eatery has evolved into something much bigger than expected.
“The community’s response has been incredible. We love the locals,” Mitch says. “Obviously, it’s been a very humble lunch service to start with, but we can’t wait to show them what we have in store for dinner.”
Helping bring the husband and wife duo’s business to life is an incredible and diverse mix of people behind the scenes, including Tomer and Daria (Falafel Metro), Nigel Smith, and Peter Hamilton.
The menu is full of Mediterranean dishes, including some of Mitch’s favourites: Home-made pita and dips, smokey cheese cigar borek, grilled skewers and San Sebastain cheesecake.
“The goal is to provide an experience you can’t find anywhere else in New Zealand. A slightly higher-end family, shared plate vibe, but with an atmosphere that’s very unique and quirky to match.”
Mitch says being located at The Historic Village massively influences the vibe and customer base of the Med Lounge and Garden.
“Everything we have built or renovated has
been with The Village aesthetic in mind. We want to highlight everything the area stands for: The creativity, rich history and attention to detail.”
Ichiban
Created out of the love for tasty and authentic Japanese street food, Ichiban is serving delicious donburi and poke bowls with a Japanese twist in the heart of the Historic Village.
Co-owners Diego Pires and Karen Aya Onishi, and their team make a relaxed environment focusing on serving the best quality of Japanese-inspired food.
Ichiban’s menu includes medium and large combos of donburi (Japanese fried chicken, prawn tempura, calamari, jackfruit), or poke bowls (tasty salmon or fresh tuna) and soon, ramen.
They have also started to offer coffee cards to their loyal customers. Since moving to The Historic Village, Diego says the community response has been very positive towards their healthy lunch options and a cosy spot to eat.
“All of the villagers and the community who come to The Village are awesome. They all have the nicest vibe.”
historicvillage.co.nz medlounge.co.nz loveichiban.co.nz marketandmaintauranga Book today!
The Med Lounge photography by Tastefully Tash
Route to Improvement
Words by Laura Boucher
by Julia Pearce
Planning where and how the wheels on the bus go round and round isn’t a guessing game; it’s the intersection of facts and feedback. We take a behind the scenes look at how this happens.
Photography
Headphones on, seat near the back, watching the world go by. That’s how Oliver Haycock enjoys bus route 62 to and from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council office in the Tauranga CBD.
With a busy work life, the 20-minute ride is his way to unwind at the end of the day – and get a sense of how the services his team have designed are working.
When you’re the director of public transport for the Regional Council, you could assume there is an obligation to use the service you advocate for, but Oliver (Ollie for short) says it’s more than that.
“Part of it is about understanding the service we offer and how it’s operating, but a big part of it is that it’s an opportunity to sit back and relax. With a busy work life, that time on the bus is really valuable.”
That life includes helping the Regional Council design and deliver a bus system that’s safe, reliable and inclusive – now and into the future. That comes in two forms: Long-term strategy, to look at what regional transport could look like up to 30 years into the future, and short-term operations, to deliver
“Part of it is about understanding the service we offer and how it’s operating, but a big part of it is that it’s an opportunity to sit back and relax. With a busy work life, that time on the bus is really valuable.”
day-to-day bus services that are fit for purpose. While many of us spend time thinking, feeling or having opinions about transport, Ollie’s made a career out of understanding the ‘science’ of public transport systems and the influence they have on the way people move, live and connect.
Originally pursuing a degree in geology, a
↑ Regional Council’s public transport director Oliver Haycock watching the world go by on bus route 62.
“There are so many heartwarming stories. I’ve spoken to parents whose teens have gained real independence through the bus network, and Total Mobility users about how the service keeps them connected to their local community.”
summer job processing bus pass applications for a bus company in Birmingham, UK, became the catalyst for changing his career trajectory.
With an interest in data and analytics, Ollie spent late nights writing code and streamlining processes, to improve how the applications were processed and delivered for the benefit of both the staff and the customers.
He’s now armed with a degree in transport planning and more than 15 years’ experience, but the drive to pair data and real-world experiences to inform people-led decisions hasn’t changed.
“Public transport is something that’s maturing at an almost exponential rate within the Bay of Plenty, and with the change in maturity of the service outside the building, there’s also been an evolution in how we deliver the service internally.
“We’ve got a fair few years of data and analytics to help build our understanding of what works and what doesn’t, and where we can deliver the most benefits. We then knit that together with customer feedback to deliver improvements that communities want to see.”
The data speaks for itself when it comes to painting a picture of just how many people are using buses to get from A to B. On its busiest day, the Baybus network sees more than 12,000 boardings across the region, with a record-breaking 3.4 million trips made last year alone.
Numbers aside, for Ollie and his team, public transport is more than people on buses – what it really comes down to is access and equity.
“It’s a public good, like education or healthcare, because, when it works well, it opens doors to helping improve so many other parts of our society – for example, it strengthens community hubs, supports economic growth, helps revitalise city centres and reduces emissions.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that we’re trying to ‘force’ people out of cars and on to buses, but we know that public transport isn’t going to work for everyone. What we’re trying to do is give people a choice, by making our services as good as they possibly can be, by meeting the needs of as many different people as possible.”
As someone that experiences the bus service regularly, Ollie is the first to admit public transport isn’t perfect – but he also says the ‘nirvana’ of perfection isn’t achievable. It’s just the nature of an industry that must continually adapt to what people need to live, work and play.
“Public transport requires continuous improvement; there will never be a day when the work is done. I worked for the best part of a decade in London, which has arguably one of the best public transport networks in the world, but I spent many years on projects to improve things here and there. You’re always looking for ways to shave 10 seconds off a journey or get better value for money.
“Here in the Bay of Plenty, we’re experiencing very rapid growth and public transport has to scale with this. That’s why the Regional Council works very closely with our colleagues at city and district councils, as well as at NZ Transport Agency, to make sure the service and the infrastructure that our communities need as part of this growth go hand-in-hand.”
In the three-and-a-half years that Ollie has been with the Regional Council, there’s been a huge number of changes to the public transport space – from national-level challenges, such as driver shortages, changing travel patterns post-Covid, and financial pressures, to a greater emphasis on digital integration and the trial of on-demand services.
Despite this, the fast-paced, customer-facing nature of his role means his passion for public transport remains constant.
“There are so many heartwarming stories. I’ve spoken to parents whose teens have gained real independence through the bus network, and Total Mobility users about how the service keeps them connected to their local community.
“What I love most about this role is that you have a connection to bus users. You get a holistic exposure to transport in the community, and can see and feel first-hand how you can help make a tangible difference in people’s lives in the place where you live.”
boprc.govt.nz
THIRD SPACE SYMPHONY
S
4-5 SEP 23 AUG
7.30pm
Addison Theatre
Music
Reserved seating
Tickets from $32.25
Experience the power of pop, rock and disco like never before at Third Space Symphony—a spectacular charity concert supporting Waipuna Hospice, where iconic hits are reimagined with the full force of the Bay of Plenty Symphonia.
KEVIN BLOODY WILSON
7.30pm X Space
Comedy
Reserved seating
Tickets from $72.21
Comedy icon Kevin Bloody Wilson is back with his no-holdsbarred “Aussie Icon Tour,” packed with outrageous songs, politically incorrect laughs, and classic storytelling that’s made him a global legend.
11-27 SEP
JERSEY BOYS
1.30pm, 4.00pm, 7.00pm
Addison Theatre
Musical Reserved seating
Tickets from $50.00
Go behind the music with Jersey Boys — the award-winning musical presented by Tauranga Musical Theatre that tells the true story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and their rise from the streets of New Jersey to rock ‘n’ roll fame.
Out East
Out East is a new series that focuses on things to see and do in the spectacular Eastern Bay of Plenty.
With Whakatāne at its heart, the Eastern Bay is home to one of New Zealand’s most loved beaches in Ōhope and many other spectacular spots along the coastline.
Heading further East is the iconic East Cape SH35 road trip, and inland you’ll find ancient indigenous rainforest.
Everywhere you look, there are places to explore and hidden gems to discover when you venture out East.
Whakatāne
Whakatāne town centre is the hub of the Eastern Bay with a beautiful tree-lined main street and not to be
overlooked due to its range of boutique shops and variety of eateries. The perfect day out with a group of friends, without the traffic and parking fees!
The town is the artistic and cultural hub of the district, with regular art exhibitions at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi – the Whakatāne Exhibition Centre, and many sites of historical significance to Māori.
Ōhope
Ōhope – the jewel in the crown. The most frequent winner of the New Zealand Herald Best Beach awards – it’s not just about the beautiful beach but the myriad of things to do in and out of the water.
Surfing, fishing, beach walks, stand-up
paddleboarding, kayaking, surf casting, kite surfing, bird watching – the list goes on.
Ōhope’s 11km of shoreline and safe surf break makes it ideal for many activities.
Ōhiwa Harbour
Ōhiwa Harbour is a playground in itself. The northern end of Ōhope gets most of the attention with the iconic West End sheltered surf break surrounded by spectacular pōhutukawa-clad cliffs. But Ōhiwa Harbour, the southern half of Ōhope, offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, walks, fishing, kayaking, and more.
Take the kids to Ōhiwa and enjoy a relaxing day out exploring the harbour inlets by kayak or paddleboard, or a spot of fishing off the wharf. Even if you don’t catch anything, there are plenty of options nearby to grab a nice bite to eat.
Wharfside at Port Ōhope comes alive with music, food and activities during the summer months. Delicious coffee is on the menu daily, or visit the famous Fisherman’s Wharf for dinner for stellar harbour views from the spacious deck of this relaxed, beachy restaurant.
Ōtarawairere Bay
Ōtarawairere Bay is also a hidden gem of the Whakatāne-Ōhope area not to miss.
Pōhutukawa trees loom over a sheltered beach of golden sand and crushed seashells, framed by
rocky headland. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, a relaxing swim, rock pool exploring, or just a few hours to lie on the beach and forget about the world for a while.
This secluded beach is accessible only via a 15-minute walk from Ōtarawairere Village, or a 10-minute kayak, but the trip is definitely worth the effort. It’s also accessible from Whakatāne via the renown Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walking track, but be certain to check the tide tables before making the trip, because the north-western end of Ōtarawairere is inaccessible during high tide.
Whirinaki Te Pua a Tāne
If you love mountain biking, hiking or just taking in the serenity of an immense, ancient wonderland, the road trip to Whirinaki Te Pua a Tāne Conservation Park should be on your summer bucket list.
After a two-hour drive from Tauranga, you’ll find yourself in a Jurassic-like world of thousand-yearold trees, rushing rivers and rare wildlife.
It’s one of New Zealand’s most remarkable and significant forests and a must-see biodiversity hotspot. The park is valued for its mixed indigenous podocarp forests, including tōtora, rimu, miro, matai and kahikatea.
It’s also home to a number of rare birds, including the North Island brown kiwi, red and yellowcrowned kākāriki, North Island kākā, whio (blue duck) and the endangered kārearea (New Zealand falcon). Be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled to
↑ From popular beach and fishing spots to ancient indigenous rainforests, there are places to explore and hidden gems to discover when you venture out East.
experience some of these rare wonders.
The park is valued as a taonga (treasure) containing the living children of Tāne Mahuta, the Māori God of the forest.
Local iwi Ngāti Whare is the active kaitiaki (guardian) of the park, working with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to protect the natural, cultural, and historic resources for the benefit and well-being of future generations of Aotearoa and visitors.
Ruatāhuna
Journey a little further and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Tūhoe country, Te Urewera.
Rich in history and a world away, a trip to Ruatāhuna in Te Urewera is an experience like no other.
Take a journey into the heartland of New Zealand’s largest indigenous rainforest, where you feel a spiritual connection with the land and its people.
The area is also known as te Manawa o te ika a Maui – the heart of Maui’s fish. Māui (the mythological demigod from Māori and Polynesian legends) caught a giant fish – the North Island of
New Zealand and Ruatāhuna is its heart.
Ruatāhuna is homeland of the Tūhoe tribe. Tūhoe people are born from Te Urewera – the children of the mist.
They are mana whenua and kaitiaki (guardians) of the land.
At the heart of the experience of Ruatāhuna is the unwavering desire to maintain a thriving and self-sustaining community and environment for mana whenua, the spiritual connection with the land and sharing this with visitors.
Take a day trip and stop for lunch at Mou Mou Kai cafe at Te Tii Ruatahuna, or stay a little longer at one of the Te Tii chalets.
Chat to the locals and hear fascinating stories of the history and culture of this untouched wilderness.
As we look towards the warmer months, now is the time to start planning your trip out East.
Whether it’s for a day trip or a week, you might find yourself returning for more.
THE SEASON OF
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
August 2O25
10. Best of the Bee Gees Saturday Night Fever Show
7.30pm, Baycourt Community & Arts Centre eventfinda.co.nz
The Little Big Markets
10am-2pm, The Strand, Tauranga Waterfront
11. DanceNZmade Interschool Solos, Duos & Trios
6pm, Baycourt Community & Arts Centre eventfinda.co.nz
13. Kelvin Cruickshank Live
7-9.30pm, Baycourt Community & Arts Centre eventfinda.co.nz
14. Campus Art Club
4-5.30pm, The Creative Community Campus, 159 17th Ave, Tauranga theincubator.co.nz
15. Print Club
1-3pm, The Creative Community Campus, 159 17th Ave, Tauranga theincubator.co.nz
