Our Place Magazine Issue 50 by Our Place Magazine

Take Me

Issue 50 Feb / Mar 24

The Healing Power of Theatre and Tikanga Māori

Our 50th Issue! Making a Mag

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Get ready for a mouthwatering adventure as the Flavours of Plenty Festival returns from the 4 - 14 April, 2024. Expect over 45 delicious events all over the Coastal Bay of Plenty! Programme and tickets go on sale on 16 February. This year, the festival’s theme is Culinary Collisions, where talented chefs, artisans, growers, and producers collide to create extraordinary gastronomic experiences. Dive into kaimoana feasts, get hands on in a workshop, embark on a foodie tour, relish gourmet street food, vote for your favourite in the Plates of Plenty Challenge, and elevate your dining experience with fine cuisine. Join us in celebrating the culinary magic of our local community. Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s rich food culture, meet passionate food creators, and explore the diverse flavours that make the Bay of Plenty a true food lover’s paradise. Don’t miss out— secure your tickets before they’re gobbled up! Find out more and buy tickets at flavoursofplentyfestival.com.

Pictured above: Local chefs Ian Harrison (Sugo), Perrin Yates (Sailor, Hide & Brew Co.), and Neil Sapitula (Solera & Saltwater) battling it out as mentors in the festival event Battle of the Snack which will return on Thursday, 4 April.

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Founders Rachelle & Christopher Duffy Creative director Christopher Duffy Sub editor Síana Clifford siana@ourplacemagazine.co.nz Social manager Millie Guest social@ourplacemagazine.co.nz Advertising enquiries Rachelle Duffy 021 032 7873 rachelle@ourplacemagazine.co.nz Contributors Carla Bragagnini, Holly McVicar, Arpége Taratoa, Katherine Whittaker, Matariki Williams, Skye Wishart Photographers ilk, Adrienne Pitts 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 rachelle@ourplacemagazine.co.nz Cover & contents Cover photography: Jason Te Mete by Adrienne Pitts (page 33). Contents photography: Julie Jensen by Adrienne Pitts (page 80). Follow us @ourplacemagazine ourplacemagazine.co.nz

Guess what? We’ve hit a milestone — it’s our 50th issue, and we’re feeling a little celebratory! To mark this special occasion, we’ve cooked up a couple of features that take a stroll down memory lane. Dive into a reflection piece that captures the essence of our incredible journey (50). And if images speak louder than words for you, check out the photo essay (66) — it’s a visual feast of the stories that have helped shaped us over the past six years. Our Kōrero series (33) introduces you to Jason Te Mete (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi te Rangi) of Tuatara Collective. Jason seamlessly blends his background in theatre with tikanga Māori, weaving a powerful tapestry that supports mental health and wellbeing. In a continued exploration of holistic health, Julie Jensen’s story (80) is another gem. She’s transformed her lifelong love of horses into a magical business, bringing happiness, joy, and even horse-led healing experiences to kids who need it. With a nod to fostering a sense of community, Ferg & Co (59) is an example of when an idea of creating a place where people of all ages can come together to grow, learn, and share comes to fruition. Holly McVicar is making the most of tomatoes (96). We’re going to have a crack at her smoked rendition so we have some pops of flavour to call upon from the fridge while her Tomato Gruyère Tart will be a treat for the last of the summer canapés. Wishing you moments of joy, inspiration, and discovery as you delve into this celebratory issue. The Our Place team

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Contents

From the Archives

Welcome

What’s Up

A trip down memory lane

The Little Big Markets

Local Love Story

Coffee with a side of connection

Meet the stallholders

Healing Through Art

Bring on the Dancing Horses

Theatre and tikanga Māori

The power of sparkles and unicorns

Capturing a community

Taking the Wheel

A life in ceramics from Berlin to the BOP

Behind the scenes of our magazine 59

Sowing the Seeds of Plenty

Seasonal Kitchen By Holly McVicar

The vision that transformed a vacant lot

104

Event Guide

Gallery for SKIN. HAIR. ART & OBJECT Founded by Cosmetic Injectable Professionals. 150 Newton St. Mount Maunganui. www.toffi.co.nz

What’s Up Jazz It Up

Photograph by Nick George

The Port of Tauranga will host the 61st National Jazz Festival this Easter. The week-long festival runs from 23 March to 1 April and celebrates Aotearoa New Zealand’s top jazz and soul talent with concerts and events, including a show by Aotearoa soul star Louis Baker (pictured). There’s an event for every taste, from world-class jazz and soul concerts at Baycourt, the 46th National Youth Jazz Competition and the Jazz Village at The Historic Village, to three nights of Speakeasy Suppers, dancing at the Hurricane Party plus the two-day Downtown Carnival and more. Bring your family and friends for a Tauranga jazz adventure. → Go to jazz.org.nz to expore the lineup. @nationaljazzfestival

Fresh and Express “Hey, we’re RIKARIKA, here to bring you yum and fresh sushi, express! We cannot wait to be part of your daily routine.” So proclaims RIKARIKA, the newest sushi place on the block in Tauranga CBD, and with a varied menu offering options for everyone, including vegetarians, vegans and those on a glutenfree diet, it seems like that claim isn’t in vain. RIKARIKA’s catering service has long been a favourite with locals and now they’ve opened their own location so keen customers can enjoy their delicious, fresh sushi daily, rather than having to wait for an event. Apart from a variety of sushi rolls, the menu includes sushi bowls, mini cups for the kids and the always tempting karaage chicken and miso soup for a little something extra on the side. → 10am-3pm weekdays; Shop 101/45 Grey St, Tauranga @rikarika.nz

Picnic for Pride Get ready to paint the Mount in all the rainbow colors of love because Tauranga Moana Pride is back, and we’re turning up the heat for the Bay of Plenty’s most spectacular Pride celebration! This year’s Pride Picnic is set to be bigger and better than ever before with street food and market stalls, and the stage will be the site for a host of family-friendly live entertainment throughout the afternoon including music, drag artists, contests and the always-popular WOOF rainbow dog show (BYO cute pup)! → 11.30am-3.30pm on 2 March at Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui taurangamoanapride.co.nz 19

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What’s Up

Surf’s Up If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a surfer but have found that the reality is a little more wipeout than water goddess/god, heading to a screening of the Aotearoa Surf Film Festival (ASFF) provides a way to live out your surfing fantasies vicariously without the danger of a board to the head. It’s the twelfth year of the ASFF, a venture set up to celebrate the best of surf culture, cinema and our connection with the environment. The festival team is stoked with this year’s line-up, having received some incredible local and international films — keep an eye on the ASFF socials for more information about the films on the roster. There’ll be audience giveaways at each screening, plus anyone who buys a ticket is in a draw to win a Bear Bones Surf Co surfboard valued at $1099. → The Mount Maunganui screening is on at Totara Street on 7 March, head to asff.co.nz to get tickets, on sale now. @aotearoasurf

100ks in 30 Days Have fun, get fit and fundraise to help support the work of Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga Trust, by taking up the 100ks in 30 Days challenge. The challenge runs throughout May and you can choose to complete the distance however you wish across the 30 days, be it on foot, on wheels, on water, or some other creative way that helps you get your friends and family inspired to sponsor you! Every step you take, every stroke you make will help Breast Cancer Support Services reach their fundraising goal. → Registrations open on 27 March, sign up at 100ksin30days.nz @100ksin30days.nz

Unity in Diversity The 25th Tauranga Multicultural Festival will see participants representing about 30 cultures from around the world coming together in a mesmerising kaleidoscope of colours, sounds and flavours to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and diversity that defines the Tauranga community. There’ll be dance and music performances on the main stag plus interactive cultural exhibits and workshops for those who want to delve deeper into the traditions and customs of different communities. One of the festival’s highlights will of course be the food stalls, which will offer a tantalising selection of authentic ethnic dishes from spicy curries to delicate pastries. All of this comes together to explain why the multicultural festival is more than just an event; it is a celebration of unity, understanding, and the beauty of diversity. → 10am-5pm on 23 March at The Historic Village, Tauranga 21

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Summer in our city centre Events / Live Music / Movies / Art and loads more mytauranga.co.nz/citycentre

The Little Big Markets Words by Carla Bragagnini Photography by ilk Art direction by Millie Guest

TLBM is a thriving community hub on a Saturday morning. This issue we meet local stallholders who woo us with their wares including rare books, sustainable yoga mats, treasured textiles and Italian food fit for a feast. 25

The Little Big Markets

@thelittlebigmarkets

The Mat Collective “I want yoga to be accessible for everyone. And if I can motivate them through pretty products, I’ve done my job,” says Papamoa-based Ruby Hewitt, founder of The Mat Collective. In 2020, Ruby started The Mat Collective after experiencing the benefits of yoga in her own life but not always finding props that she felt drawn to. She made it her mission to make beautiful, sustainable, yoga mats and accessories for the everyday person. “Yoga can feel intimidating and really serious. It doesn’t have to be any of that. It can be for stay-athome mums who just need a break, or the corporate businessman that needs a bit of stress relief,” The Mat Collective’s quality yoga mats use eco-friendly materials, such as natural tree rubber, recycled plastic and cork to support Ruby’s stance on sustainability. Her product range also includes ankle weights, yoga blocks and Ora Aromatherapy mat sprays (a business connection born at TLBM). Ruby believes the markets provide an opportunity to get face time with customers, educate about the brand and gather valuable feedback. thematcollective.co.nz

Woven Roots Danica and Lyric Bidois are the mother-daughter team behind Woven Roots, a project born from a shared appreciation of colour, pattern, textile and heritage. “My mum grew up in a home adorned with beautiful kilims from her grandfather’s family village in Pirot, Serbia,” says Lyric. The pair’s strong connection to the ancient craft sparked a business idea. Within months, Woven Roots came to fruition, sourcing artisanal textiles in the form of rugs, runners and cushions. With products originating in Turkey and Morocco, the goal is to eventually expand the cultural catalogue, while maintaining a commitment to quality. “The rugs and runners are either hand-woven or -loomed, mostly with wool, with the majority aged 30 to 40 years old,” Lyric says. The cushion covers are upcycled, salvaged and sewn from vintage rugs, ensuring longevity and individuality. “A purchase from us is essentially a lifetime investment.” TLBM allows customers to interact with products in person, serving as a showroom of sorts. “We appreciate that our product is a purchase best made with physical touch and feel, so the markets are invaluable to us.” wovenroots.co.nz

@wovenrootsnz 26

thematcollective

The Little Big Markets

@thelittlebigmarkets

↑ Chef Stefano Raimondi with Fritto’s gnocchi dish, inspired by the gnocchi his grandma used to make. Italian cheese), Bolognese, bruschetta, lasagne and gnocchi. “I’m very attached to gnocchi because Sunday lunch was my grandma coming to our house and she made gnocchi for all the family,” Stefano says. Even though the duo plates up meals quickly, there’s a lot of care and attention involved in their cooking. “Good things take time. The Bolognese sauce takes five hours to cook. You can’t just do it on the pan in two minutes,” Stefano says. Since both became fathers not too long ago, cultural representation matters. “You know, with fast food and all that, we lose all the tradition. It’s thousands of years of tradition in Italy, it’s just like losing a memory,” Federico says. “I want our kids to have that possibility to learn about these foods.” With the help of ex-partner and Basilico pizzeria owner, Michele Delaini, who supplies the tiramisu and the prep kitchen space, there is no food waste, as any excess goes directly back into the restaurant. Fritto is available for private events, weddings and catering. With the first summer season well underway, the truck is a staple at TLBM, Dinner in the Domain and Dinner in the Park, as well as summer festivals in the Bay — with an optional Italian lesson, while you wait, free of charge. “We keep it real,” Federico says.

Fritto Hailing from different towns in northern Italy, Stefano Raimondi and Federico Evangelisti, didn’t meet until they were both in the Bay of Plenty, rock climbing at the same gym. Their friendship turned into a business partnership last year with the acquisition of a food truck. Now, they lovingly refer to the Italian flagadorned, blue-painted, Fritto, as “two square metres of Italy in Mount Maunganui.” “Stefano cooks and oversees everything on the food side, and I’m there just to make people laugh,” Federico says. Besides humour, he also brings his business and event management expertise to the operation, which complements Stefano’s chef training and twenty years of hospitality experience, across France, Spain, Italy, Australia and New Zealand. Federico also works for a food import company, which supplies Fritto with authentic Italian ingredients, and Stefano runs Italian cooking classes and pop-up dinners through Autentico. “Italian food is simple. It’s about good ingredients,” Federico says. “I think here in New Zealand, a lot of people do this fusion thing. And I think we try to bring Italian food back to authentic, original, comfort food,” Stefano adds. “Like nonna used to make.” “We could sell our food in markets in Italy and people would love it,” Federico says. The Italian-approved menu at Fritto includes arancini (risotto balls — mushroom and Parmesan or four

fritto.nz 27

@fritto.nz

The Little Big Markets

@thelittlebigmarkets

↑ Halena Pritchard, bounty hunter for unusual and rare second-hand books, with some of her treasured tomes. Her literary inspirations come from non-fiction and science fiction genres, including authors Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov and Ursula K. Le Guin. “I love stories about humanity mixed in with magic,” she says. Green House Books naturally evolved in 2022 — first online, then at TLBM and through pop-up shops and book clubs. “I’ve been able to cultivate a community on social media that seems to really get what I’m doing,” she says. “A community of people who like things that are a little bit out of the ordinary.” For logistical reasons, Halena’s capped her stock at a thousand books and though the market haul takes effort, it’s worthwhile. “There’s a lot of really lovely people who come in and they get so excited to see these beautiful ‘70s sci-fi paperbacks that I’ve got. We just go into these long conversations about nerdy sci-fi stuff and I love it.” Halena dreams of future events, local collaborations and retail opportunities, but for now, wants Green House Books to be the go-to for particular books and special editions. “I love having a book that someone will come across in the market and be like, ‘Oh my God, I’ve been looking for this for so long,’” she says. “You can tell that that’s made their day and that makes my day for sure.”

Green House Books Halena Pritchard’s online second-hand bookshop, Green House Books, has found its groove specialising in the unusual. “I love seeking out and hunting for treasures,” Halena says. “I would say I’m a treasure hunter for books.” Her curated collection features out-of-print, rare and vintage books, with a focus on science, art, non-fiction, fantasy, science fiction and nature. Halena’s interest in the latter explains the name of the business, encompassing her two loves – books and plants, which she hopes to combine in brick-and-mortar form one day. In Halena’s colourful life story, which spanned California, Scotland and Wellington, before family ties led to her current chapter in Tauranga, books were always a constant. “I moved around a lot when I was young, so books were a place for me to go into my own little world,” she recalls. An English major in university, she worked in the craft beer industry before returning to her childhood joy of reading. “My grandmother used to read to me while I was sitting on her lap. And my granddad used to read to me before I’d go to bed, so reading has always been a part of my life,” she says. “It’s a way to learn things or to make connections with your family. There’s so many different uses for books. It’s unending, really.”

greenhousebooks.co.nz 28

@green.house.books

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Kōrero

Healing through Art

Words by Matariki Williams Photography by Adrienne Pitts 33

Kōrero

Playwright and director Jason Te Mete (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi te Rangi) of Tuatara Collective, is blending his background in theatre with tikanga Māori to strengthen mental health and wellbeing in theatre practitioners and rangatahi.

Jason’s show, titled Little Black Bitch, is the first play in his series Over My Dead Body. It deals with triggering content matter, such as whakamomori (suicide) and includes themes around mental health. The show saw him receive an Adam NZ Playwright Award 2018 and has received stellar reviews ever since. It provides a platform for discussion around mental health issues, in particular for Māori males. While producing the show, he identified the need to ensure the crew were able to participate in a way that did not adversely affect their own mental health. “With that play came a responsibility to wrap support around the project and the artists that were working on it,” says Jason. The support extends beyond the cast and crew and is also offered to the audience as Tuatara Collective has a qualified counsellor or trained psychologist in house for every performance, and communicate this support to the audience. Aside from that support, tikanga is also practiced during the showing. Though the support is available, Jason says that the tikanga creates a space where viewers are left feeling comfortable in what they are experiencing.

“We have karakia waerea during that particular show, Little Black Bitch. It’s quite spiritual and helps us ensure that everything is safe, the space that we’re working in is cleared. “Audiences told us that they never felt they needed to engage with the counsellor. Once they knew they were there, they were able to absorb the show, and they felt safe.” Having experienced and witnessed the impact of content and work environment in theatre, Jason was inspired to take action in providing direct support for cast and crew. Theatre is a project-based sector, with cast and crew being contracted for a specific show before then moving on. This kind of uncertainty in job security mixed with the, at times, heavy subject matter showed Jason that there was more to be done to support those involved. “I saw a hole in how arts organisations provided resources around the mental health and wellbeing of the artists and practitioners they work with.” Jason credits his business partner, Tāwera Ormsby (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi) with bringing these elements in, as it is the space where her and her whānau have always worked, namely with 34

the Ohomairangi Trust and the Māngere East Community Centre. “Because of her work in the area, it was quite easy for us to find a good bunch of people that were willing to come and be part of our team of psychologists and qualified counsellors.” In the past couple of years, Jason has developed collaborative relationships with Dr Marama McDonald (Ngāti Kauwhata, Rangitāne) and Stu McDonald (Ngāiterangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Rehua) of Ahipoutu Collective in Tauranga. Marama is a Māori health researcher and Stu is a tā moko artist, master carver and educator. As Jason shares, “We cast their 16-year-old son in the lead role in Little Black Bitch, it was a risk to put someone so young in that position but with Marama and Stu wrapped around him and with our kaupapa, we were alright.” At the time, the production was in Tāmaki Makaurau and a busload from Te Wharekura o Mauao showed up to tautoko, after which they hosted a kōrero. During this kōrero, another ākonga from the wharekura asked whether they could have a production like that in Tauranga. “Tāwera and I looked at each other and went, ‘Yeah we’ll

Clockwise from top left: Jason Te Mete; carving of Tamatea Arikinui on the wharenui at Mount Maunganui College; taiaha; Maioha McDonald. 35

The next generation of warriors: ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi (the old net lies in a heap while the new net goes fishing). 36

Kōrero

↑ From left: Stu McDonald of Ahipoutu Collective creating art; a painting by one of the tauira (students). → Opposite: Tohu Edwards, a 14-year-old participant. make it happen.’ We talked about how to run a six-day wānanga for rangatahi with performing arts, mahi toi and kaupapa Māori mindfulness practices from Marama and Stu.” In 2021, they began running wānanga alongside Ahipoutu Collective, designed for rangatahi from the age of 13 to 21 and free of cost to participants. “We use te taiao as much as we can, we head over to Mauao and do some mindfulness exercises. We get dance tutors in, including Vincent Farane, he’s Sāmoan and is experienced in hip-hop, Pasifika dance and contemporary. The kids love working with him.” The wānanga are so popular, Jason says they don’t

need to advertise as the word is already out in the community and people ask when the next one is. Though the wānanga are focused predominantly on performing arts and mahi toi, they are delivered alongside mindfulness practices, to make sure that the hauora of the rangatahi in attendance is met across all areas. These mindfulness practices ensure that the rangatahi learn and access tools to support their taha hinengaro (mental wellbeing) and taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing), as well as their taha tinana (physical wellbeing). “Most of the rangatahi don’t realise they need the mindfulness practices, but they soon realise as artists or creatives — they do. 38

Through our exercises, they find that there’s other people that have the same feelings as them. Before they know it, they’re getting everything out on the table, and we turn that into a performance.” This is where Jason’s skill of weaving kōrero comes in, he takes what the rangatahi have written and talked about and turns it into a script to be performed. The journey that the rangatahi go on during the wānanga is, as Jason shares, powerful not just for them but for their whānau, who get to see them in a whole new light. “It’s definitely powerful, especially seeing the ones who have been dragged along by the cousin or the aunty, and they hate the first day, but by the third day,

Kōrero

“Most of the rangatahi don’t realise they need the mindfulness practices, but they soon realise as artists or creatives — they do”

Kōrero

↑ Jason Te Mete at the September Toiora Māori Theatre & Wellbeing Wānanga. they’re thinking, ‘Oh, this is okay.’ By the end they have stood on the stage, having done something to a standard they didn’t imagine they could do themselves. They’ve enjoyed it and they’ve made new friends and that is what we do it for.” Aside from all of the extraordinary and full-scale work that Jason, Tuatara Collective and Ahipoutu Collective do, Jason is shifting the spotlight onto telling the stories of ‘the ordinary person’.

He says, “one of my aims is to focus on ordinary stories, like, for example, that father who worked at Sanford all his life, and was remarkable in that he provided a safe, happy home for his family. The ordinary person that created extraordinary experiences for others. That’s what I want to focus on and it’s nice to be doing that where I’m from, born and raised.” In 2024, Jason will be creating and directing productions at Mount Maunganui College and 40

Te Wharekura o Mauao, about Mauao and Pukehinahina, as well as initiating some community engagement projects with Tuatara Collective later in the year, so watch this space! tuataracollective.com @tuataracollective The Kōrero series is supported by the Creative Communities Scheme. Arpége Taratoa is editor of Kōrero.

Tauranga Art Gallery Promotion

In Our Element The Tauranga Moana Waterscapes exhibition at Tauranga Art Gallery POP UP explores water’s vital role in our region.

As a city and a region, we are defined by our relationship to water. Before the arrival of humans in Aotearoa, Tauranga Moana would have likely been filled with salt marshes, eelgrass beds, and large freshwater wetlands. Prior to the arrival of Pākehā, the Te Papa peninsula was a favoured site for tangata whenua, due to the abundance of kaimoana, and the strategic sites of the cliffs overlooking the harbour. Nowadays, we are known worldwide for our stunning beaches and water sports. For generations, the natural beauty of the waterscapes around Tauranga Moana has inspired artists, which is why the latest exhibition at Tauranga Art Gallery’s POP UP focuses on exactly that. Drawing on artworks from three of Tauranga’s largest public collections — the Tauranga Art Gallery Collection, Tauranga City Libraries Archives and the Civic Art Collection — as well as selected works by prominent local contemporary artists, Tauranga Moana Waterscapes: 1800s-Present will showcase the range

and evolution of artistic interpretations of the estuaries, beaches, harbours, and sea that make up our land. Tauranga Moana Waterscapes: 1800s-Present has been curated by Ellie Smith. Ellie moved to Tauranga from the UK in 2009 and grew up here, attending intermediate and high school. She returned to Tauranga after completing her bachelor’s degree to undertake a curatorial internship at Tauranga Art Gallery in 2018. Since then, she has managed the events and public programmes at the Gallery and returned as a contractor to lead business development. She also curated the final suite of shows in the Gallery’s main building before it closed for redevelopment. In 2022, Ellie curated her first exhibition Echoes: Tauranga Moana, an interactive digital exhibition featuring images from The Elms Collection, Tauranga City Library Archives and Tauranga’s biggest public collection, the Tauranga Heritage Collection. She now works as the community arts advisor for Tauranga City Council. 42

Serena Bentley, Tauranga Art Gallery’s senior curator, chats to Ellie Smith about the exhibition…

The works in Tauranga Moana traverse the 1800s until now – how have the artists’ approaches to landscape changed across time? Ellie: The biggest change of approach has been the variety of media being used now. When you come to view the exhibition, you’ll see that the earlier works are all watercolours, then we move into oils and acrylics, but across our modern and contemporary works we not only have paintings, but photography, moving image, sculpture, and mixed media. What hasn’t changed though is the prominence of water and waterways in artworks. There was no shortage of works from the collections nor contemporary artists that featured waterscapes from Tauranga. Artists

Tauranga Art Gallery Promotion

Left to right: Kelcy Taratoa, Painted History…not that long ago, 2017. Tauranga Art Gallery collection, gift of Jann Medlicott; Ellie Smith in the Gallery, photo by Kendra Eden Photography. from Tauranga Moana have and continue to use the abundance of stunning natural waterscapes from our region as a source of inspiration.

Talk us through some of the highlights of the exhibition. E: A particular highlight in the exhibition is Painted history…not that long ago by renowned artist Kelcy Taratoa (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Tapu, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Raukawa), which depicts the Rena disaster. It was important to me that we showcased a work that shows us what can happen when we don’t respect our waterways. It is also the latest work to be acquired by the Tauranga Art Gallery Collection after being bequeathed by the late Jann Medlicott, a prominent local philanthropist. We are also showcasing a brandnew artwork by local artist Elliot Mason

that hasn’t been shown in public before, and there are also several works from the Tauranga City Library Archives, ranging as far back as the 1860s, which will also be on public show for the first time. I think showcasing nearly 200 years of artworks is what is going to make this show so special.

Tauranga Moana draws on a number of collections including the Tauranga City Council Civic Art Collection and the Tauranga City Libraries collection. What interests you about collections? And why are they important? E: I believe that museums, galleries and libraries are the heart of a community as they are the kaitiaki of 43

our past and present. Their collections are the heartbeat at the core of these institutions as they fill them with taonga and history. Collections tell our stories through tangible objects such as artefacts, art and books. They show human creation and innovation. They inspire, preserve our history, and educate – and this is exactly why they interest me! It is an honour to showcase just a snapshot of the collections we have in Tauranga and I hope it encourages people to explore them further.

Tauranga Moana Waterscapes: 1800s-Present, curated by Ellie Smith and sponsored by Bay of Plenty Times, is at Tauranga Art Gallery POP UP (42 Devonport Rd, Tauranga) from 17 February to 3 June.

Tauranga Moana Waterscapes: 1800s - Present

17 February - 3 June 2024 Curated by Ellie Smith

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Tauranga City Council Promotion

Guiding the way while preserving paradise

Thousands of locals and visitors have been making the most of the natural beauty and car-free connection between Hopukiore (Mount Drury Reserve) and Oceanbeach Road on the new Marine Parade Coastal Path over summer. The coastal experience will be even better in 2024, with exciting new signage and wayfinding information in place and ongoing dune revegetation. Long sought after and now celebrated by the community, the 3km pathway was completed in December 2023 and weaves alongside the beach and through the dunes. Families, walkers, runners, wheelchair users, cyclists, skaters, and scooter riders are all embracing the opportunity to explore this stunning and much-cherished section of coastline. An official blessing took place on December 19 at an opening attended by Tauranga City Council commissioners, members of local hapū Ngāi

Tūkairangi and Ngāti Kuku, project partners and other guests. Ongoing collaboration with hapū is an integral part of this project, ensuring the mauri of the whenua continues to be upheld. This involves protecting and enhancing the natural environment and its biodiversity and having an awareness of the heritage of the area. Tauranga City Council design team leader Guy Protheroe says new signage and displays will 46

Tauranga City Council Promotion

This page, clockwise from left: Aerial view of the Marine Parade Coastal Path; planting the dunes with natives; cyclists enjoying the new path. Opposite page: Blessing the path at the official opening ceremony. support this awareness by creating an immersive experience that reflects the area’s cultural and historical significance. “The new installations will tell our stories, celebrate our cultural diversity, acknowledge mana whenua connections to the land and improve navigation, safety, and accessibility for all users.” Another improvement for 2024 and beyond will see ongoing revegetation and dune restoration along the pathway, with more native species reintroduced to the area. Tauranga City Council natural environment advisor Tasja Cranswick says as well as making the area even more beautiful, the ongoing planting plays a critical role in the preservation of our coastal environment and enhances community safety. “The dunes are a living, breathing ecosystem that supports diverse native species and acts as a barrier against coastal hazards. Healthy dunes are wide, the wider the better, and native flora is vital.” Different native plants have evolved to perform specific functions in the sand dunes. Foredune plants such as spinifex and pingao have small hairs that

capture wind-blown sand, helping to build-up and stabilise dunes. Tauranga City Council commission chair Anne Tolley says the Marine Parade Coastal Pathway provides the opportunity to experience the area’s natural beauty while adding to Tauranga’s ever-increasing network of cycleways and walkways, providing a healthy, environmentally friendly way to get around. “We’re thrilled to see the path being so well-used by our community and visitors and it’s particularly pleasing to see all the positive feedback,” Anne says. “Whether you’re taking an evening stroll or ride, having a beachside picnic, or just enjoying the view, the Marine Parade pathway is the perfect way to enjoy our coastal paradise.” Keep up to date with the Marine Parade Coastal Path and share your ideas at: letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/projects/ marine-parade-coastal-path 47

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Capturing a community Bay of Plenty was originally named for the region’s bountiful abundance and, as each edition of Our Place has shown, there’s still plenty of important local stories to be told.

This issue marks a very special milestone for Our Place — it’s our 50th! So we’ve decided to turn the tables and interview Christopher Duffy, creative director of Our Place, as well as co-founder alongside wife Rachelle, about the journey of the magazine and the community that has made it what it is along the way.

embodies a unique blend of first- and second-person narratives, allowing us to delve into topics close to our hearts — personal experiences and stories that one would typically discuss with family, friends, or guests. Simultaneously, it suggests that what we share is also yours; after all, this is your community so let’s take a closer look at the remarkable events unfolding here. Together, let’s not only celebrate but also actively support the vibrant tapestry of experiences that make this community uniquely ours.

What prompted you to start Our Place? Chris: Our Place came to fruition as a culmination of experiences. With years of operating our event business, Little Big Events, we recognised the enduring value of print media. However, finding a publication that truly resonated with our brand proved to be a challenge. Fueled by this, we naturally gravitated towards the idea of creating our own. An additional motivating factor stemmed from our continuous engagement in the community. Through our work, we uncovered compelling stories and encountered inspirational individuals. It became evident that there were narratives waiting to be shared—stories that might otherwise remain undiscovered. Recognising this unique opportunity, we felt a compelling drive to establish a platform that could bring these narratives to light.

Have either of you worked in the publishing industry before? C: While we hadn’t been specifically involved in publishing before, my background in design spans more than 20 years, providing me with ample experience in the print process. Transitioning from supplying artwork as a designer or client to consolidating contributions from various suppliers and designing the entire magazine has been a significant shift. The intricacies that unfold during the design process have proven to be the true learning curve. My wife, Rachelle, without prior experience in publishing, has played a pivotal role. Her natural ability to connect with people, coupled with a practical approach to work, has been instrumental in unearthing compelling stories and devising ways to enhance the magazine’s efficiency. In the realm of publishing, learning by doing has been our mantra.

How did you choose the name? C: After considering various options, “Our Place” emerged as the most fitting choice. This title 50

Photograph: Adrienne Pitts

“We view our magazine not merely as a publication but as a companion — a reservoir of stories that stand the test of time. With every issue, our aim is to capture moments, ideas, and perspectives that resonate beyond the immediate present.”

We certainly had some help over the years though with the invaluable experience of Sarah Nicholson, the magazine’s editor of the past 49 issues. Her professionalism enabled us to stay focussed on the magazine’s voice and ensured a high level of journalism. Stephen Kirkby also helped in the earlier years with design and art direction, which was indispensable.

The positive feedback we received during this period fueled our determination to persist with the publication, irrespective of the obstacles that came our way. It became clear that our efforts were not only appreciated but also served a crucial role in maintaining a sense of community and connection during challenging times.

Our Place is a hyper local mag, how has the BOP changed over the time you’ve been publishing it and, in turn, how has Our Place changed?

Did you ever imagine you’d make it to 50 issues of Our Place? C: Absolutely not! Producing a magazine involves substantial costs, and I distinctly recall feeling fortunate to reach issue 5. However, our motivation lies in recognising that, amid an era dominated by transience, people are rekindling their appreciation for the enduring allure of print and its sensory richness. Print media caters to a growing desire for a more deliberate pace of engagement, emphasising deep immersion and thoughtful contemplation over the fleeting gratification of an endless digital scroll. We view our magazine not merely as a publication but as a companion—a reservoir of stories that stand the test of time. With every issue, our aim is to capture moments, ideas, and perspectives that resonate beyond the immediate present, so we’re optimistic that we have, at the very least, another 50 issues in us.

C: A significant transformation has unfolded over the past six years in the Bay of Plenty, and the culinary landscape serves as an unmistakable testament to this evolution. In retrospect, the once modest selection of dining options, where you could barely name a couple of reliable choices, has now burgeoned to over a dozen establishments, stretching from the Mount to Ōmokoroa. This culinary metamorphosis mirrors the broader shifts within our community — a community that has undergone substantial changes and embraced a newfound diversity. Undoubtedly, not all changes have been favourable. The challenges posed by the escalating cost of living, social issues, wealth disparities, and substance abuse are among the adversities we’re grappling with. However, in the face of these challenges, we’ve discovered opportunities for growth and positive change as a publication. Our commitment to shedding light on the constructive responses of individuals and the community to these influential factors has become our guiding mission.

What have you learnt and what challenges have you faced along the way? C: In any business venture, challenges come in various forms, and, for us, the major hurdle was undoubtedly the impact of Covid and the ensuing lockdown. Almost overnight, we found ourselves losing virtually all distribution channels and advertising revenue. Despite the uncertainty, we recognised the inherent value we could provide, even if it meant simply keeping people connected to their community. In response, we swiftly assembled a digital platform and crafted a weekly iteration of the magazine throughout the course of a month.

How, if at all, has your vision for Our Place evolved over the 50 issues? C: Our dedication to highlighting the endeavors of individuals, organisations, and groups making a positive impact in our community remains steadfast. However, it’s crucial that we remain adaptable in our approach to sharing these stories. One initiative we take immense pride in is our Kōrero series. This series 52

↑ Clockwise from top left: Working out the pagination for the very first issue; hot off the press — the delivery of Issue 1; holding a magazine meeting our favourite way — over good food — with junior designer Ashlee Webster, creative director and co-founder Chris Duffy, designer and art director Stephen Kirkby and editor Sarah Nicholson; photographer Erin Cave, co-founder Rachelle Duffy and social media manager Millie Guest. 53

Photograph: Adrienne Pitts

↑ Rachelle Duffy, Shona Tāwhiao and Paora Tiatoa behind the scenes for the first feature in our Kōrero series. In issue 24, we had the pleasure of talking with Owen Dippie, who, despite preferring the shadows, graciously invited us into his private realm. It was a unique opportunity to explore the contrast between the private nature of his artistic process and the public nature of his large-scale works. A collaborative effort on a re-worked cover for that particular issue added an extra layer of significance to the feature as well.

has not only allowed us to delve into specific Māori stories but has also provided a platform to champion local Māori writers and promote the use of te reo Māori. As we move forward, we’re committed to expanding the scope of our coverage and continuing to foster a diverse and inclusive representation in our storytelling. We believe in the power of storytelling to connect communities and bridge understanding. By showcasing the unique perspectives and contributions of different individuals and groups, we aim to build a richer tapestry of narratives that reflects the vibrant essence of our community.

What about the journey you’ve taken with Our Place makes you the proudest? C: It’s challenging to distill it down to a single aspect. Perhaps it’s the genesis of the idea, cultivated and nurtured despite the myriad challenges. It might be the heartening inquiries from readers, anticipating the next issue. Or, the humbling notification from a cafe or business proclaiming the swift depletion of their copies within the initial week of arrival. Yet, beyond these tangible markers, what truly fills us with gratitude and pride is the privilege we hold — the privilege to tell stories that matter. These stories, woven into the fabric of our publication, carry the weight of significance. They resonate with the pulse of our community, capturing moments that might otherwise slip into obscurity. As we continue this journey, we aspire to delve even deeper, uncovering narratives that spark conversations and resonate with the shared experiences of our readers.

It’s a tricky ask, but what are some of your most memorable features? C: Over the past 50 issues, we’ve had the privilege of sharing countless stories with our readers, each one holding a unique significance. One particularly cherished feature was ‘Carved in Stone’ from issue 43, where Te Kaha graciously opened his home to take us through the intimate and spiritual journey of carving pounamu. The personal connection we’ve cultivated with Te Kaha and his wife Cristina added a special touch to this experience. Another standout moment was captured in issue 47 with Shona Tāwhiao and Paora Tiatoa, marking the inception of our Kōrero series. Delving into their narratives offered a profound glimpse into the rich tapestry of their lives.

@ourplacemagazine 54

? r e t a w e t h e v o L s r e d in m e r e e r h t e r a e r He for you this summer...

g We are reviewing the boatin rules for the Bay of Plenty

Whether you’re a passionate boatie, or a weekend paddler, jump online to check out proposed changes to the boating rules for the Bay of Plenty. These rules are critical to reducing risk on the water and keeping people safe. Some of the proposed changes include removing or changing the Hunters Creek/Otapu and speed uplifting on the Kaituna River. To learn more or provide feedback visit: boprc.govt.nz/nav-bylaws before 5pm Thursday, 29 February

Planning on visiting a coastal, river or lake recreation site? Make sure you know it’s safe to swim.

Look before you leap!

Our bathing technicians are out weekly, testing water quality at more than 95 spots across our rohe. This data is shared with LAWA and Toi Te Ora who determine the ‘swim-ability’ of your favourite swimming spot. To find out if it’s safe to swim visit: lawa.org.nz/explore-data/bay-of-plenty-region

The 5 knot rule 5 knots /9km per hou r is similar t o a fast walking pace.

www.boprc.govt.nz

Before heading out on the water it’s important to know the rules. Your boat must not exceed 5 knots within 200m of the shore or any other structure, or within 50m of another vessel or person in the water. Find out more about this and other boating in the bay rules at boprc.govt.nz/know-the-rules

Bay Venues Promotion

A Natural Escape Words by Scott Yeoman

The history of the Mount Hot Pools goes back to the 1950s. Mr Claris, a local water diviner, set out to find fresh water for a growing local population. Instead, he found hot salt water.

hours while listening to birdsong and gazing up at Mauao, pondering which Mount Maunganui bar or eatery to hit next, and whether to treat yourself to an on-site massage first. But it’s not only visitors having all the fun. The Mount Hot Pools is also a community favourite. Many a Tauranga local has made a trip to the hot pools part of their weekly routine. It’s a great way to remind yourself you’re lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful and popular holiday spots in the country. For locals, this is a natural escape in the heart of Mount Maunganui. A chance to unwind and relax, whenever you so choose. And if you live or own property within the Tauranga City Council region, you can apply for a resident card and get discounted entry. There are also special deals and memberships available. Tom and Joan Dunne live close by and walk to the Mount Hot Pools every single weekday for aqua

With such a quirky origin story, and decades of memories since, the Mount Hot Pools is the perfect destination for out-of-town visitors and international tourists. It’s a setting unlike any other — one you quickly suggest to those asking for local recommendations. These hot ocean water pools are surrounded by New Zealand native bush, golden beaches, cafes, and walking tracks. You can easily soak away a couple of 56

Bay Venues Promotion

← Chilling out at the Mount Hot Pools. ↑ Vicki Harbottle and her daughter Paige enjoying Aquatots together. exercise classes. They often return over the weekend as well, to soak in the pools and recover after walking up Mauao. “We’re seven-days-a-week users, really,” Tom says. “It’s a wonderful facility, always has been, particularly with the Mount in the background.” He says the outlook is “beyond belief”. “You can’t get a better combination of comfort and exercise in a facility, it’s a chance to remain healthy and in an aesthetic environment.” Joan adds: “It’s not only the exercise component in the wonderful warm water, but the social component too. The group here is quite tight and after the exercise session, usually there’s a coffee hour.” Vicki Harbottle and her five-month-old daughter Paige are also regulars. They enjoy the weekly Aquatots session, when pool toys are available for babies and toddlers. Aquatots is every Thursday from 10am-12pm and costs $8 for both parent and child. Vicki says she wants Paige to feel comfortable, confident and safe around water. Living next to the beach, water safety skills are essential, she says, and Aquatots is an affordable option and an “amazing idea” for parents wanting to introduce water play. “And also, it’s a great environment. You get to meet other mums and other babies and they put the toys out for everyone to play with, and who wouldn’t

want to spend time at the Mount Hot Pools? It’s an amazing place.” The Mount Hot Pools is Poolsafe accredited, has been inducted into the Tripadvisor Hall of Fame, and has also been awarded the Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Accreditation. It’s one of the only hot ocean water pool complexes in the world. There are three outdoor pools, including a children’s pool, two outdoor spas and three indoor private pools. Swimmers and soakers can choose which water temperature and setting suits them best. The Mount Hot Pools has also recently had a spruce up, with new pool tiles creating a deep ocean colouring under the water, giving the facility more of a resort feel. Improvements have also been made to the private pools, massage rooms, and changing rooms, which now have under-floor heating. Memories made at the Mount Hot Pools continue to span generations, for both visitors and locals alike. And this beloved community gem beneath Mauao has never looked better. Soak ‘n Sounds: Local musicians are performing poolside at the Mount Hot Pools every Sunday from 7pm, between now and Easter. mounthotpools.co.nz 57

Introducing Mount Maunganui's inaugural full recovery clinic, nestled in the heart of The Bay. Our commitment is to community well-being, and we extend a warm welcome to everyone. Within our facility, you'll find amenities such as remedial massage by Powered by Prevention, a health coach, cold plunges, infrared saunas, compression machines, ice compressions, mobility and stretch classes, and 6-weekly NZ body scans. Whether you're seeking physical recovery or a tranquil space to unwind, we've got you covered. Treat yourself to a refreshing smoothie or coffee, and rest assured that our highly experienced and qualified team leads with genuine care. We're thrilled to introduce this community space and pledge to provide a healing, peaceful, and safe environment for all.

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Sowing the Seeds of Plenty Photography by ilk

A group of neighbours with an eye to the future have looked to the practices of the past and, with lots of labour and donated support, created an abundant, productive plot from an empty section. 59

In the heart of Tauranga city lies Ferg & Co, a new residential community garden that has quickly become a symbol of unity and sustainability. Co-founded by Tash and Philip McKinnon, along with neighbours Mandy Stone and Richard Forster, this garden project has grown from a small idea to something much larger, thanks to the support of local community and businesses. Like many urban neighbourhoods, the residents involved in Ferg & Co got to know each other properly during 2020 Covid lockdowns — the long weeks of staying at home and distanced drinks over fences created a close-knit community, whose children now flow between the various sections. But it was the Hawke’s Bay floods in February 2023 and their impact on food production, that brought the group together on a shared project: access to fresh fruit and vegetables. “We are all avid foodies,” says Tash, who has a hospitality and pharmaceutical background, “and we panicked, thinking that we would have no onions, garlic or fruit after the damage to Hawke’s Bay. We needed to start doing something. We didn’t know if our personal gardens would be enough — but we did have a perfect spot available. Best of all, said empty section had orchards and paddocks along its length in the 1940s. “The soil is beautiful, well-draining, and gets all-day sun.” The seed was planted, and hairdresser husband Philip got underway to build a huge threebay compost area. The idea soon became a larger vision, with Ferg & Co conceived as not merely a garden, but a

place where people of all ages come together to grow, learn, and share. Ferg & Co aims to provide fresh vegetables and fruits, yes, but also to foster a sense of community, and involve children in the entire process, from planting seeds to enjoying the harvest.

Success is in the set-up Tash is vocal about the fact that Ferg & Co would not have been possible without support from leading Tauranga businesses. “If this was going to be a community garden, we needed key players [that is, local businesses] to support us,” says Tash. “We were so stoked to have the support of so many amazing local businesses whose values align with ours, focussing on the importance of community and sustainability. We were able to create something truly special using the old-school value of lending a hand,” says Philip. “I call it ‘doing a little good’,” says Tash. Businesses generously donated their time, expertise and products including weed-free soil and fertilisers to bring the community garden to life and ensure its success. A local construction company built retaining walls and large planter boxes. “These guys went the extra mile,” says Tash, “they were instrumental in rebuilding and extending the old DIY garden shed that wasn’t even secured to a concrete pile. This wouldn’t been possible without the support from these good New Zealanders.” 60

← Clockwise from left: archway for climbing plants with the shed in the background sporting a monochrome artwork, designed by Tash, on the door; the first Ferg & Co summer harvesting day saw an abundance of veges including silverbeet; Croatian heritage and cherry tomatoes. ← Opposite: everyone getting stuck in to the garden.

“We all have different lives, but there’s a school motto I’ve always liked ‘doing a little good’, which is really about being kind and I think we’re all on the same page here. And I know each person does get good out of spending time in the garden, there’s a nice peaceful aspect a garden provides. It’s the little things that keep you going, fresh fruit and vegetables, keeping active, and looking out for neighbours.”

↑ The Ferg & Co gang — back row: Lotte and Mark Bowers, Mandy Stone, Philip and Tash McKinnon, Tania and Richard Forster, Tom Clarke; front row: Tula Bowers, Lylah Mazey, Gaia Bowers, Jake, Mathieson McKinnon, Angie Clarke, Colton Clarke, Jefrey the Frenchie, George McKinnon and Oliver Clarke. Ferg & Co was supplied wood for the project, including new garden shed framing and retaining walls. A local roofing company replaced the old rusted roof and cladded the newly framed shed. A classy black backdrop was created using a donation of special UV metal paint for the corrugated fence line and special weather-protected timber paint for the planter boxes. Smaller businesses jumped on board too, with a local plumber assessing the installation of irrigation, supplying drainage products, and even hooking up the old garden sink. With all this support, Ferg & Co has become a gratitude garden with “old-school community vibes”, a safe space for kids and neighbours to hang out. “It’s a common space,” says co-founder Mandy Stone, “we can see people working, stopping for a chat and hanging out, while not invading each other’s space.”

Getting to this point has required a labour of love. “Most of the work is up front,” says Tash. “Set-up is the hardest, most time-consuming part. We’ve worked weekends and by Christmas we were all exhausted.” One resident has an earth-moving and drilling company, so that’s helped with structuring the land layout and trucking in donated soil. “As a neighbourhood we’ve funded the plants and water — we’ve also written a constitution, and membership structure,” says Mandy. “We decided not to do an allotment, because those don’t have so much of a community focus. “Another co-founder Richard Forster has a glasshouse and grows many plants from seeds. We work out what veges we want to eat, and what is value for the space.” All produce is shared and harvested as need, says Phil, “but we are all aware in our community of who does what — everyone’s a giver here... No one has been a taker.”

Striving to get beyond set-up

Back to old-school skills

On a bright hot summer day, raspberries peek from behind Croatian heritage tomatoes, spring onions shoot for the sky, the promise of potatoes fills an entire planter, cucumbers climb an arch, and espaliered heritage fruit trees line the back fence. At the time of writing, much of the produce is on the cusp of emerging. From here, the main jobs will be weeding, harvesting and ensuring the soon-to-beautomated rain-collecting irrigation system is working. Donated concrete means the pathway can finally get underway so mulch can be laid to keep weeds at bay.

Tauranga city evolved where it is in part because of its fertile soil where food grows in abundance. But New Zealand is now one of the most urbanised nations in the world, and we’re becoming less likely to know where our food comes from. The Ferg & Co community reckon that if knowledge about growing and harvesting food — returning it to the soil as compost — can be passed to the next generation, all within a common space where neighbour interaction can happen naturally, there couldn’t be a better way to use a vacant lot. 63

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From the Archives

There were so many to choose from it was a tough job to narrow them down, but we’ve picked out some of our most memorable stories from the last 49 issues of Our Place.

Celebrating 50 Issues 66

↑ Barry Corlett holding Tyler Clark from ‘Babes in Arms’ (Issue 7) — words by Sarah Nicholson, photo by Swift & Click. ← Opposite from top: Paul Darragh from ‘Life in Colour’ (Issue 44) — story by Skye Wishart, photo by Adrienne Pitts; Te Kaha from ‘Carved in Stone’ (Issue 43) — as told to Sarah Nicholson, photo by Adrienne Pitts. Opener: Shona Tāwhiao from ‘Honouring the Past’ (Issue 47) — words by Arpége Taratoa, photo by Adrienne Pitts. 69

← From top: Andy Jordan from ‘Sea Change’ (Issue 29) — story and photo by Jeremé Aubertin; Laurie Steer from ‘The Mad Potter’ (Issue 33) — story by Pip Crombie, photo by Alice Veysey. → Opposite from top: Tania Lewis-Rickard and Marcia Taikato-Whauwhau from ‘Of Two Minds’ (Issue 6) — as told to Rosie Dawson-Hewes, photo by Erin Cave; Owen Dippie from ‘Paint the Town’ (Issue 24) — story by Laura Tuck, portrait by Cab Creative.

↑ Clockwise from top: Pushpa and Vikram Chhabra from ‘Our Community’ (Issue 31) — as told to Sarah Nicholson, photo by Alice Veysey; Colin Henderson from ‘The Bat Man’ (Issue 42) — story by Sue Hoffart, photo by Adrienne Pitts; Kapua Joy Bennett from ‘Behind the Lens’ (Issue 19) — story by Jan Goldie, photo by Kapua Joy Bennett. ← Opposite from top: Jaime Jenkins from ‘Breaking the Mould’ (Issue 41) — story by Phillida Perry, photo by Adrienne Pitts; ‘Old Timers’ (Issue 31) — photo by Jane Keam. 73

Ōmokoroa Now Open Wednesday-Sundays / 11am-9pm 168 Omokoroa Road, Ōmokoroa

Affogato (af-fo-ga-to) v. to drown your ice cream in coffee

Local Love Story 76

For many of us, starting the day with a caffeine injection is a necessity. At Mount Maunganui’s Pigeon Pear coffee caravan, that cuppa comes with a side of community and connection that’s even more essential.

Words by Katherine Whittaker Photography by ilk Australia — “I walked onto the bus and there was this “Waaaaaoh! Waaaaaoh!” from the back. And that was my introduction to ‘Barnesy’, and to the life of roadie-ing. It was crazy, fun, and hard work. It was another life.” But in 2018, when he became a dad for the first time, he felt depressed by the lack of family time he was getting due to his long work hours. So, a few weeks after his baby was born, so too was the idea of a coffee and food caravan. “Once the idea came, I really spent time working out what style would work for me. I bought the cheapest one available knowing I was going to completely convert it. One of the last things I did was cut a massive hole for the serving window — so after that, there was no going back!” The idea for the business name, like many great ideas, came up over a few glasses of wine. But it’s also a sweet tribute to his two children. Pigeon Pear is a play on the words in the old English term ‘pigeon pair’, which refers to having two children, a boy and then a girl. It seemed fitting, Anthony said, as he set up the business to have more time with his kids.

“Welcome to the neighbourhood.” Anthony Davidson puts his weight on his elbows to lean out the hatch of his coffee caravan and talk one-on-one with a new customer — and a sleepy mini customer. On finding out she is totally new to Mount Maunganui, and struggling with childcare options, he offers to chat with a neighbour in the know on her behalf. And as she relaxes in the sun, it is clear this busy mum values the local knowledge just as much as the caffeine hit, and the homemade banana bread she is taking away to sample. For Anthony, who owns and runs Pigeon Pear, on Mount Maunganui’s Valley Road, this is what it’s all about. Engaging with people. Talking. Listening. Sharing knowledge and stories. Human interaction. Fuelling up — and not just with coffee. In a colourful and varied “former life”, Anthony worked in retail, project management, managed a showroom, then worked long hours at a family mechanic in Greerton, in suburban Tauranga. He also worked as a roadie for legendary Aussie rocker Jimmy Barnes when he lived in 77

“The support I had was immense and therapeutic. It’s a bit heavy to say this but I’m unsure if I would still be here if it wasn’t for them.”

← Customers who come to Pigeon Pear for the excellent coffee and baking stay for the ethos: Hot coffee. Warm words. Cool company. All welcome. what’s important in their world, inquiring after a child, an elderly parent or how a work situation is panning out. He is loyal to locals, and they are loyal to him. “The community means everything. It really does.” So, when his own marriage spiralled down into divorce, he ignored advice to close up and take time to heal. Instead, he opened up to his regulars, who were his support and his counsel. The counsellor became the counselled, becoming an open book for his supporters to write their advice on. The advice also came with offers of practical help. When it seemed Anthony might need to sell up and move, he got a handful of offers of new roadside locations where he could set up shop, and one to buy his house and rent it back to him to enable him to stay. “The support I had was immense and therapeutic. It’s a bit heavy to say this but I’m unsure if I would still be here if it wasn’t for them.” And so, the lights will continue to go on in Anthony’s kitchen in the early mornings. And the signs will go out on Golf Road. Pigeon Pear: Established 2018 and still open for business. Hot coffee. Warm words. Cool company. All welcome.

At first the plan was to cater at events, but helpful neighbours kept showing up for the free coffee, giving feedback on the taste and asking for another one. So, the grass verge became home to the caravan, which lists the beverages on offer like this: Sml $5; Large $6; Alt milk $1; Black $4. It is often said that if you are going to keep it simple, you have to get it absolutely right. And his customers say he does. Anthony also gets up early to bake. Again solid, simple fare — banana bread, savoury muffins, and big pieces of slice. His first wave of customers comes at 7am, when those on the way to work stop for an early pick-me-up; the second from about 8.30am when parents come along after school drop-offs; and then a third busy period comes at about 10am when tradies stop in for some morning tea. “It’s the same faces every morning, having great catch-ups and banter, and then buzzing into their day. I love that about it.” As we chat, Anthony greets a couple of locals by first name and sets the coffee machine going. He knows their orders by heart. They fall happily into the chairs he has set up on the grass, dropping keys and wallets on the table. Some of the regulars come daily, for others it is once a week. Still, he knows their orders and also

@pigeonpairnz 78

Bring on the Dancing Horses Words by Katherine Whittaker Photography by Adrienne Pitts

Julie Jensen has turned her long-term love of horses into a brilliant business that brings kids happiness, magic, joy, and, for those who need it, horse-led healing experiences. 80

When it comes to family trees, Julie Jensen wears hers on her arm. Her tattoo, climbing her left forearm, bears the names of her two adult sons. But just as importantly the soaring bird represents one of the special counsellors at her business. The counsellor is a mare named Phoenix, and the business is Sparkles & Unicorns. Sparkles & Unicorns is housed on a rambling property where horses and dogs are as much a part of the team as the volunteers who tend to them, and the woman at the heart of it. Phoenix — now 20 — was born at a tough time in Julie’s life. She now rightfully heads the list of ‘staff’, recorded on a board in the barn, which doubles and triples as an activity space, kitchen, and is also where Julie lays her own head at night. The property, complete with a little patchwork quilt of paddocks, is not only headed up by a tough, resilient woman, it is run through with strong female energy. One of Julie’s mares, Ngati, gave birth to Phoenix, and Phoenix gave birth to Ember, now 10. Services offered at the property in Pyes Pa, Tauranga include led treks through a lovely nature walk on a neighbouring property, school holiday programmes and joyful romps with ponies or ‘unicorns’ at children’s birthday parties The first party was held in April 2018, for about 40 members of a huge, happy Samoan family. “They all put on the dress-ups. Even the big men wore tutus. It was fantastic.”

The other side of Sparkles & Unicorns is offering tailored respite sessions for those who need them. It’s a place where children with muddled heads or angry hearts — sometimes both — and their families can come to get some relief. Some come year after year for counsel and care with Julie and her team, both the volunteers and horses. For here, horses are revered and respected as counsellors in their own right. “We had a six-year-old who came every year. He rode a great big Clydesdale here. He had anger issues, but she was so gentle though she was 600kg. You could just see a change in him. You could see him thinking ‘hey, I’m good at something’.” Julie is a registered nurse and has worked in mental health with teens and children for well over a decade. And at Sparkles & Unicorns, this is the “heart work” she loves. “It is the most rewarding work. We have autistic children, some with anger issues and others with anxiety or depression issues. Horses are a beautiful medium to work with these children. They are just incredible to watch,” she says. “They hear you coming, they see a child coming, and they know what your heartbeat is saying. When times get tough, I see the smiles on these kids, and I am so damned proud of the work we do here.” Julie runs very much on instinct, with the matching of children and horses down to her intuition on which matches will work best. 82

“They see you coming, they see a child coming, and they know what your heartbeat is saying. When times get tough, I see the smiles on these kids, and I am so damned proud of the work we do here.”

↑ From left: Minty in her guise as a unicorn; volunteers, dressed in unicorn tees, make the experience extra-special. ← Sparkles & Unicorn founder Julie Jensen with Patchwork. Opener: Julie Jensen with Phoenix. the holidays. She still recalls Gypsy, a huge horse, which she kept at Pony Club grounds. Finally, after slogging through a paper run for years, 14-year-old Julie was able to buy her own horse. Her aunty took her to Waihi where she bought Snow. “I was 14 and he was 14. Amazing to think of it now. I still had nowhere to keep him though so I door-knocked some neighbours.” One of the couples whose door she knocked on were kiwifruit-growers Dave and Jane Church. Julie exchanged work in the kiwifruit orchard for grazing for Snow. The Churchs have remained friends and supporters since then. And in one of those ‘meant to be’ moments of natural symmetry, Julie’s current property is where she kept that very first horse, Snow. The idea for Sparkles & Unicorns came about when Julie was in Bali with her two young boys, and unsure where life might take her next. She loved nursing in mental health, but it was taking a toll on her.

“For example, a nervous wee one won’t be matched with a sensitive horse. Yes, I guess I do the matchmaking, and then sit back and watch them work. It never gets old or stops amazing me.” Volunteers are critical to the daily running of the business, with Julie’s team helping with the care and exercise of the horses on the property. “I couldn’t do it without them. They turn up day after day, just to be around the horses. Just like I used to.” Julie was born in nearby Greerton to parents who were not animal people, but they did have Fluffy the Persian cat. “It seems amazing to think that,” she laughs. “I was born with a passion for horses. And in the days when times were safer, from about age six I used to walk to my aunt’s house. She had a horse and I used to spend as much time as I could just watching the horse, dreaming about one of my own.” At age 12, Julie volunteered at the not-for-profit organisation Riding for the Disabled, back when volunteers were allowed to bring a horse home for 83

↓ Clockwise from below: Julie Jensen with some of the Sparkles & Unicorns Pony Party (SUPP) crew; the barn, which is SUPP headquarters and the party palace where the magic happens!; children waiting in anticipation of their extra-special pony rides.

“I said to my boys, what else could I do that combines my two passions — children and horses? And suddenly I knew.” Sitting at the kitchen table with her hands wrapped around a cup of tea, Julie exclaims “Ooh, goosebumps!” as she recalls the story. “And I also knew exactly what to call it. There was a Balinese man who was making signs sitting nearby, and I got him to make the sign right there and then. That sign is in my barn now.” The barn is filled with dress-ups, saddles made into seats, and unicorns of all shape and sizes. Phoenix sits proudly at the top of the staff board with 20 in the ‘Years’ column. Miniatures Minty and Fefe feature too, along with Yana, Chilli and others. The newest arrivals are Shetland ponies Hugo and Frodo who Julie picked up north of Auckland following the sad passing of their devoted owner.

Julie looks down, burying her head in her hands sheepishly, when asked how many horses are on her Trade Me watchlist. “Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I’m supposed to be downsizing,” she says, as one of the volunteers grins in the background, shaking her head. “I’m a hoarder. A hoarder of horses. It’s the best kind of addiction.” And when the costs and pressures get a little much, Julie has a simple solution. “I love just burying my nose in a horse and just smelling it, feeling it, and staying still there for a while. It is pure love. There is nothing else like it.” Julie also keeps in mind the catchphrase they have come up with for Sparkles & Unicorns, ‘Beyond your dreams… within your reach’. supony.nz 84

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Growing up in East Germany, Anett Pilz always coveted ceramic-making but couldn’t take classes — not on her side of the Berlin Wall. With the fall of the wall, she finally got her fingers in clay, and by the time she moved to Tauranga, she was hooked.

Taking the Wheel

Words by Skye Wishart Photography by ilk 86

Anett’s Whakamārama studio is stuffed full. Her ‘dancing dishes’ with their twisting octopus legs jostle on a table, pinch pots throng the shelves and Zentangle designs adorn sculptures lined up against the walls. A box of vases sits on the floor ready to be bisque-fired — they’re imprinted with bark from Orokawa Bay’s stormwrecked pōhutukawa trees. “Prolific?” says Anett. “I see it as a job. It’s not just a hobby, it’s my life.” The studio sits up a steep staircase above the garage of her Victorian-style home, surrounded by leafy mature trees, looking out over an enormous, freshly planted vegetable garden. Beyond this, in mangroves, you can see the clear and deep-pooled Wainui River winding its way into the Tauranga Harbour, and it is where Anett often takes her kayak, almost up to the forested Kaimai Ranges.

East German beginnings This is a far cry from urban East Berlin, where she spent her formative years. “I was 30 when the wall came down,” she says. A divided Germany was all she knew as a child, but with no real involvement in the political system she counts her childhood in the German Democratic Republic as a good one — one heavily into sports and art, and, considering the restrictive political climate, surprising in its freedom. “I did lots of sports that didn’t cost anything, I went to art classes for painting and drawing. I used Berlin’s public transport from when I was about nine, travelling alone on the train to art class, art exhibitions, handball, athletics, fencing, and swimming.” She’d spend school holidays in her grandparents’ small mountain town, taking the four-hour train there solo, where she’d ski in the winter, and swim in the lake in summer with a pack of local friends who would always look forward to the arrival of the “Berliner”. Her grandmother was in fact a strong creative influence: a self-taught dressmaker who would draw fashion sketches for clients that were miniature works of art.

↑ Annet Pilz at her beautiful Victorian-style home in rural Western Bay. At university, Anett studied art — but added in mathematics. “I always wanted to be an artist but my parents said I should have a real job. I liked maths at school and was really good with numbers — they come easy to me — so I did a combination of both.” Her first job was teaching art and maths at a local school, also teaching classes in the combat fencing she’d mastered as a teenager. Later she worked at a private technology company, teaching customers how to use medtech software, with her partner, Udo. That this private company existed was a result of the wall falling in 1989 — Anett reflects that it would never even have been started when East Germany was still socialist. “It changed our lives — we felt so free. We could go wherever we wanted to go. Until then I’d only ever been to socialist countries on holiday: Poland, Hungary, then-Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria and Russia.” It was more than a decade after the fall of the wall when Anett started taking night classes in Berlin in pottery — but it wasn’t immediately 87

easy. “I made a big bowl and it was so ugly, I thought maybe pottery isn’t for me!” But perseverance won out and soon she was hooked.

Aotearoa bound In 2008, Anett and Udo moved their lives to New Zealand. Udo’s son Mathias had spent an exchange year in Welcome Bay and didn’t want to leave, and Anett and Udo too fell for the country when they visited him. Anett immigrated with her full pottery wheel, German tools, copious amounts of clay and glazes (which was lucky — Anett says at that time New Zealand lacked the unique blue glazes she adored). They settled into a big house with a wraparound veranda in rural Western Bay. “It’s on a river, a lot of space, lots of green with two acres of native bush, no neighbours. This kind of property really doesn’t exist in Germany, you would have to go really far away in the mountains.”

← Clockwise from left: These unfired vases are imprinted with bark from storm-felled Orokawa Bay pōhutukawa; Anett’s work has evolved recently to be more colourful, with a powerful “free pattern”; Anett harvesting flowers from her garden.

↑ Anett’s friend Lynne gave her ‘dancing dishes’ their name: “they really seem to dance,” says Anett.

Rolling Cloud influence Anett’s unique style of Zentangle on ceramic was partly born from her time with local Aongatete potter legends Kevin Falconer and Irene TusciaFalconer of Rolling Cloud Pottery, soon after arriving in New Zealand. Despite having limited sight (Kevin has the condition retinitis pigmentosa), Kevin could turn incredible pots, as well as mix oxide glazes and use the kiln. “He was ‘the legend of the blind potter’,” says Anett. “He was throwing big pots and Irene was decorating them. He said, ‘you tell me what you want to learn, and we can do it together’. With him I did the first mixing of glaze, he introduced me to the chemistry of glaze. He couldn’t see it, I had to tell him the results.” Kevin’s wife Irene would apply very fine brushwork onto his platters, bowls and vases with a custom-made glaze mixture before the final glaze and firing — a unique technique that was all their own. For Irene’s designs she researched and modified motifs from cultures all around the world.

“For example the wave-like blue patterns she did that I also do now, are Japanese inspired,” says Anett. “I like the Japanese way of painting, the simplicity. In Germany historically they tried to copy the Chinese, for example the famous Meissen porcelain in Germany was Chinese- and Dutch-inspired, and that inspired me too.” But it was Zentangle designs that really captivated Anett. Zentangle as an abstract art form was developed in the United States in 2004 by an ex-monk and his partner, as a way to relax and clear the mind. “Zentangle is about creating a repeated pattern within a defined space, and it is really calming to do, it’s my meditation. I can sit there for two hours solid. Some artists use sgraffito rather than brushwork to do Zentangle, which is scratching into clay, but I didn’t find it as calming, so my method I learned from Irene is unique.” Her Zentangle motifs are in simple colours and include trees, suns, feathers and mathematical fibonacci. “I also love to apply the spiral which is in fact international — we have the koru but you see spirals in Moroccan designs.” 89

The local connection “Welcoming” is how Anett describes Tauranga’s art scene. “For example The Incubator Creative Hub in The Historic Village is really great with its exhibition space and how easy it is to organise classes there. “As an artist it’s an isolating job and you often question yourself, so it’s good to have the Tauranga art community for support.” Every Thursday she attends the Bethlehem Pottery Club, which supports amateurs and professionals. The club also takes beginners under its wing, with classes to teach the basics. “Lots of my friendships are at the club because they all work with clay — we motivate each other to apply for big exhibitions and support each other when it doesn’t work out. There’s a lot of great people here.” Anett’s work can be seen at The Pot House in the Historic Village, Tauranga, or at the Inspirit Studio & Gallery in Tamahere. claycate.com

COLLECTIVE

Protecting what we love This is the final piece in our three-part series about Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital. This edition we will share how you can be on board with this kauapapa of protecting what we love. Become a TMBC member

Become a funding partner

TMBC brings together a “coalition of the willing”

There are lots of benefits to becoming a funding

at the centre of our regional biosecurity team, in

in maintaining continuity during an incursion.

and establishes Tauranga Moana mana whenua a broad collaboration between Māori, community

groups, industry, businesses, agencies, educators, scientists and others striving to achieve biosecurity excellence.

Individuals or businesses can join Anyone with a genuine interest in biosecurity

is welcome to join TMBC as a general member, free of charge. By becoming a member, your

organisation stands squarely behind our mission to lead and take collaborative action towards biosecurity excellence.

Confirming your membership is simple, please

email info@tmbiosecurity.co.nz with the following: •

Confirmation that the TMBC Accord

•

Select a partner / membership category

• •

resonates with you / your organisation.

Tell us why you want to join the network We’ll take care of the rest!

partner, especially if your business has an interest Benefits include: •

Attendance at all meetings, training

•

Networking with businesses working

• • •

sessions and symposiums

towards biosecurity excellence

Promotion of your business to members through various channels

Representation on our leadership team

The ability to learn about readiness and response activity

For more information, contact

commsmanager@tmbiosecurity.co.nz

to thank our F e k i l und uld o w er e s. W

Supporting local, capturing candids and celebrating what it means to be human Portraits • Events • Commercial

www.kendraedenphotography.com

Calling all creatives! Painting clubs, art exhibitions, dancing shows and cultural traditions… If you have a creative community project or event in mind, apply now for the Creative Communities Fund.

To apply, and for more information visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/creativefund Applications close 4 March 2024.

Seasonal Kitchen

Savouring Summer Words, recipes & styling by Holly McVicar Photography by ilk

Holly is making hay while the sun still shines with these recipes that capture the best of the season’s tomato crop.

As we celebrate these final long days before the clocks turn back, I’m enjoying the harvest of abundant tomatoes and sweet and fragrant stonefruit. I overplanted last spring to ensure we had more tomatoes than my daughter can eat in her favourite spot under the lemon tree. Tomatoes, fresh peas, mint, corn, and coriander are usually in the pile on her lap. With the kids being just that little bit older now it’s wonderful to see them take to gardening. I grew potatoes in old coffee sacks this year against

the fence and had a bumper crop and have been pleasantly surprised to have many vegetables self-seed and fill the gaps around the garden. As I wait for the last of my summer beans, we are back in seed-saving mode, holding on to our favourite varieties, and planting up the next seasons’ crops. This edition we hero the humble tomato with tarts, smokey marinated tomatoes that are so versatile, and a tomato, grilled nectarine, and burrata salad. 96

Seasonal Kitchen

Tomato Gruyère Tart These tempting tarts are made from flaky pastry with a rich Gruyère filling topped with jewels of roasted tomatoes and brushed with basil and garlic. They can be made in canapé, individual or family size. MAKES 6 INDIVIDUALS I Z E D TA R T S Quick puff pastry 250g high-grade flour ½ tsp salt 250g salted butter, at room temperature but still firm Approximately 100ml cold water Gruyère filling 25g salted butter 25g flour 1 cup warm milk 100g grated Gruyère cheese ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard Tomato topping 2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish 2 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed For the pastry, place the flour and salt in a bowl and grate in the butter. Knead, then add in approximately two-thirds of the water. Knead again, adding more water if needed until the mixture comes together. Cover the dough and allow it to rest for half an hour in the fridge. Turn the pastry onto a lightly floured board and roll out into a large rectangle about 1cm thick. Fold the dough into thirds, turn 90 degrees, roll out again, repeating the process three times. You should still see streaks of butter in the dough.

Cover and chill the dough again until ready to use. For the Gruyère filling, melt the butter in a saucepan, add the flour and stir quickly, allowing the mixture to foam and slightly caramelise. Add the milk and whisk to combine until it forms a thick béchamel-style sauce. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the flour has cooked out. Add the cheese, stir through the dijon mustard, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and set aside. Preheat the oven to 200°C fan bake. On a floured bench, roll the dough to ½ cm thickness and cut the dough into 6 rectangles. Place on a baking sheet and use a fork to prick the dough in the middle of each rectangle, leaving the outer sides as is so they will rise, forming a border to help to contain the filling. Bake for 5 minutes until the pastry starts to turn golden. Remove from the oven and spread each with some of the Gruyère filling. For the topping, toss the tomatoes with the basil, oil and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and divide it evenly across each tart.

Smoked Tomatoes Learning how to smoke vegetables leads to a fridge stocked with pops of flavour to add to sharing platters, sandwiches, salads or, my favourite, to jazz up creamy scrambled eggs on toast. If you want to try wood-smoking food at home all you’ll need is a barbecue, baking or foil tray, wood chips, aromatics (herbs and spices), a cake rack and foil to cover. From this easy set-up you can make your own smoked tomato relish. The method works well for mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, and other veges too. I’ve used about 2 cups of wood chips for this large tray of tomatoes. MAKES 500G Smoked tomatoes 500g tomatoes, halved or cut into similar sizes 2 tsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tbsp thyme leaves Dressing ¼ cup malt vinegar 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp toasted mustard seeds 2 tbsp olive oil

Serve immediately topped with a scatter of fresh basil leaves.

For the tomatoes, combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Season to taste and lay out the tomatoes on the smoking rack set-up skin side down. Cover with the foil cover and set over a low heat on the barbecue for about 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool, covered.

Tip; If you’d prefer to buy pre-made pastry, try to get a quality butter puff pastry in a single block so you can roll it out slightly thicker than those sold in sheets.

For the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Mix well then add the smoked tomatoes and combine. Store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge.

Return to the oven and bake until the pastry is dark golden and flaky, and the filling is roasted and bubbling.

Seasonal Kitchen

↑ Tomato Gruyère Tart. ← Setting up to smoke food at home is simple: Place the wood chips in your tray and add herbs/ spices of your choice; place a rack over the tray and place your tomatoes skin-side down; cover with foil, making sure it’s secure. 99

Seasonal Kitchen

Using a mixture of tomato varieties makes this salad a real showstopper.

Fresh Tomato, Grilled Nectarine and Burrata Salad SERVES 6–8 Salad 3 large ripe nectarines, sliced into wedges 600g mixed ripe tomatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 fresh burrata cheeses, torn Fresh basil leaves to garnish

1/3 cup toasted pine nuts (or a nut/ seed of your liking) Dressing ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp mānuka honey 2 cups tightly packed fresh basil leaves Finely grated zest of 1 lemon 2 spring onions 1 clove garlic Grill the nectarine segments on a barbecue or grilling pan and set aside. To assemble, on a large 100

platter, scatter the tomatoes, nectarines and burrata pieces, then top with the basil and pine nuts. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a blender, season with salt and pepper to taste and pulse until smooth. Drizzle over the salad and serve. Thanks to Turners and Growers for delivering us the delicious tomatoes for this November shoot, when Holly’s weren’t quite ready yet!

EVENT

SEAS

N O

IN WHAKATĀNE

Molly Morpeth Canaday Award

West End Wiggle

18 February to 6 April

Easter Weekend, Friday, 29 March to Monday, 1 April West End, Ōhope

One of NZ’s most vibrant national contemporary art exhibitions. This award is dedicated to excellence across all art forms. mollymorpethcanaday.co.nz

Local Wild Food Festival Saturday, 24 February, 2pm – 8pm Mahy Reserve, Ōhope Adults $15, under 18 free The Local Wild Food Festival celebrates wild food, from a part of the world where wild game, kaimoana and produce are plentiful and varied. whakatane.com/wildfood

a traditional longboard surfing festival with something for everyone.

Farming like Grandad Saturday, 20 April, 10am - 4.30pm Te Teko Racecourse, Adults $10, kids free Farming as it used to be. Clydesdale horses, sheep shearing, farm animals, tractors, and farm machinery, food, music and much more for a fun day out for the whole family. Scan

For up-to-date event information visit whakatane.com/events

N n I k K s S c oON EPpIiC iI T t C E t T PRrO Shop our

SPF 30+ Mānuka Oil Lip Balm online.

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JOIN THE BAY’S ONLINE HUB OF CREATIVES

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CREATIVE DIRECTORY ARTISTS

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ISAAC WESTON, SCULPTOR

JOIN THE DYNAMIC HUB OF LOCAL ARTS, CULTURE AND CREATIVITY CONNECT, EXPLORE, AND SHOWCASE YOUR CREATIVE PROWESS ALONGSIDE THE REGION'S FINEST. BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT BY ADDING YOUR PROFILE TO THE CREATIVE DIRECTORY – YOUR GATEWAY TO A WORLD OF ARTISTIC POSSIBILITIES. JOIN THE HEARTBEAT OF THE BAY’S CREATIVE LANDSCAPE.

Find out more at creativebop.org.nz

Our Place Events Guide Thu

Dinner in the Domain 5.30–9pm, Pāpāmoa Pony Club

Sat

Tauranga Farmers' Market 7.45am–12pm, Tauranga Primary School, 5th Ave, Tauranga

Sun

Dinner in the Park 5.30–9pm, Matua Park, Matua Mount Mainstreet Urban Farmers Market 8am–12pm, Te Papa o Ngā Manu Porotakataka, 137 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui

24.

1991 (UK) Tauranga 9pm-1am, Totara St, Mt Maunganui totara.flicket.co.nz

25.

The Little Big Markets 9am-2pm, Williamson Park, Whangamatā Great Gable 7-9.30pm, The Jam Factory, The Historic Village, Tauranga theincubator.co.nz

27.

Joyce's Creative Journal Club 10am-2pm, Young at Art Studio, 17th Ave West, Tauranga Door sales only

29.

A Night In Italy! Wine Tasting Tour 6.15-10pm, The Trading Post, 1 Hall Rd, Paengaroa, seaside-sippers-wine-club.myshopify.com

February 2O24 16.

This Way North + Albi & The Wolves 7-9pm, The Jam Factory, The Historic Village, Tauranga theincubator.co.nz

17.

Tauranga A&P Lifestyle Show 9am-4pm, Tauranga Racecourse, 1383 Cameron Rd, Greerton, Tauranga Rud Stewart: The Rod Stewart Tribute Show 7:30–10:30pm, Club Mount Maunganui Inc., 45 Kawaka St, Mt Maunganui eventfinda.co.nz

March 2O24 1.

Kita Mean — Drag Bingo 6.30pm, The Cargo Shed, 16 Dive Cres, Tauranga, eventbrite.co.nz

Holi Colour Splash 2024 3-6pm, Memorial Park, Tauranga

Beast of a Feast 2-10pm, Soper Reserve, Mt Maunganui ticketfairy.com 18.

Calley Homes Womens Triathlon 7-11.30am, Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui triathlontauranga.org.nz

22.

Fashion for a Cure Tauranga 11.45am-3.30pm, Picnicka, Elizabeth Towers Level 1/38 Elizabeth St, Tauranga breastcancercure.org.nz

24.

The Harmonic Resonators Encore Tour 7pm, Baycourt Addison Theatre, Tauranga eventfinda.co.nz 3–4.

Tutus on Tour 7pm, Baycourt Addison Theatre, Tauranga eventfinda.co.nz

The Little Big Markets 9am-2pm, Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui Soak 'n Sounds 7-8.30pm, Mount Hot Pools, 9 Adams Ave, Mt Maunganui Door sales only

The Little Big Markets 9am-2pm, Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui Local Wild Food Festival and Challenge 2024 2-8pm, Mahy Reserve, 5 Pohutukawa Ave, Ōhope, Whakatāne eventfinda.co.nz

Quiz Night 7-9pm, World's End Bar & Restaurant, 227 Fraser St, Tauranga

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Cleaver Indie Artists 7.30-10pm, The Freeport Bar, Bayfair Dining Lane, 19 Girven Road, Mt Maunganui

28.

All Girl Big Band: Powerhouse of Sound 8pm, Baycourt Addison Theatre, Tauranga eventfinda.co.nz

Crystal Visions — Stevie Nicks Tribute Show 8pm, Te Puke Citizens Club, 179-185 Jellicoe St, Te Puke eventfinda.co.nz

29.

Jazz Village 11am-5pm, The Historic Village, Tauranga, eventfinda.co.nz

Tauranga Fringe Festival 2024 10am-5pm, The Incubator Creative Hub, The Historic Village, Tauranga Door Sales Only

James Morrison (AUS) 8pm, Baycourt Addison Theatre, Tauranga eventfinda.co.nz Akash Dutta — The Trio Sessions 6pm, Baycourt X Space, Tauranga eventfinda.co.nz

The Little Big Markets 9am-2pm, Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui 9– 10.

The Extravaganza Fair Summer Tour 12pm–6pm, Memorial Park, Tauranga extravaganzafair.co.nz

14.

Kaylee Bell — Nights Like This Tour 7.30pm, Baycourt Addison Theatre, Tauranga eventfinda.co.nz

16.

The Little Big Markets 9am-2pm, Pāpāmoa Pony Club, Pāpāmoa

16– 17.

Tauranga Armageddon Expo 2024 9am-5pm, Mercury Baypark, Mt Maunganui armageddonexpo.com

17.

Thrifted Finds Market 9am-2pm, Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui

23.

The Elton John Experience 8pm, Baycourt Addison Theatre, Tauranga eventfinda.co.nz

24.

Marra Sprint Triathlon 7am-11am, Pilot Bay, Mt Maunganui triathlontauranga.org.nz The Little Big Markets 9am–2pm, Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui

26– 28.

46th National Youth Jazz Competition 9am-5pm, Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, Tauranga eventfinda.co.nz

The Little Big Markets — Jazz Festival 9am-2pm, The Historic Village, Tauranga 29– 31.

Speakeasy Supper 6.45-10pm, St Amand, 105 The Strand, Tauranga eventfinda.co.nz

30.

The Little Big Markets 9am-2pm, Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui Hurricane Party: Let's Dance! 9pm-12am, Totara St, Mt Maunganui totara.flicket.co.nz Jazz Cafe & VIP Bar 9pm-12am, Hotel Armitage, 9 Willow St, Tauranga eventfinda.co.nz Tauranga Big Band — Around the Jazz World in 80 Minutes 7-8.40pm, Graham Young Youth Theatre, Tauranga Boys College, 664 Cameron Rd, Tauranga, eventfinda.co.nz

30– 31.

Downtown Carnival 12pm, Downtown, 58 Devonport Rd, Tauranga Jazz Sunset Cruise 4.30pm, Kewpie Harbour Cruises, Strand Waterfront, Tauranga, eventfinda.co.nz

31.

The Little Big Markets 9am-2pm, Williamson Park, Whangamatā

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