Our Place Magazine Issue 31

Issue 31 Dec 20 / Jan 21

Face Value: The Avo Tree’s Skincare

Take Me

Nature School: Bugs Not Books

The Mount’s Old School Baches

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ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS

Founders Rachelle & Christopher Duffy Creative director Christopher Duffy Editor Sarah Nicholson sarah@ourplacemagazine.co.nz Social manager Aimee Short aimee@ourplacemagazine.co.nz Advertising enquiries Rachelle Duffy 021 032 7873 rachelle@ourplacemagazine.co.nz

PLANNING & MONITORING

Contributors Sam Cummins, Megan Raynor, Laura Tuck, Clarissa van Emmenes Photographers Cab Creative, ilk, Jane Keam, Alice Veysey

BUSINESS A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

Pick up a copy from The Little Big Markets on the first and third Saturdays of every month, plus at selected cafes, restaurants and shops.

Want to receive monthly copies of Our Place for your business to distribute?

Email rachelle@ourplacemagazine.co.nz

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS & TA X AT I O N

To tell us about anything happening in your area right now, email sarah@ourplacemagazine.co.nz Cover & contents Photography by Jane Keam.

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Lots of people have said 2020 has made them take stock of what’s important in life...

And one of the hot takes seems to be the realisation that they don’t need so much STUFF! Sound familiar? We reckon Christmas is a fine time to act on that by trying to make thoughtful purchases. We can ask ourselves things like — will this gift be around for a short time, then end up languishing in landfill for 600 years? Can I make some of my gifts? Can I give an experience rather than more toys/gadgets?

Can I buy from a local company? (There are lots of great gift ideas at the pre-Christmas Little Big Markets.) Just a few things to consider in the hectic lead up to Christmas, when the task of shopping can become overwhelming.

We want to thank YOU for all your feedback and amazing support for Our Place magazine this year. From scrambling to put out weekly digital issues and launching a website during lockdown, to upsizing to a bigger format, our team has been constantly on the go this year.

We’re lucky this beautiful area and the creative, industrious folk that live here give us so many excellent stories to tell.

Meri Kirihimete and a happy New Year from all of us at Our Place.

We hope your holidays are fun and safe, The Our Place team

Contents

9

54

Our Community

12

Welcome

What’s Up

17

26

Our Place Tauranga

Pushpa & Vikram Chhabra

60

TLBM Shopping Guide

Under Your Skin The Avo Tree Skin launches

30

68

Force of Nature

Take Control

Nature Library’s outdoor education

By Sam Cummins

38

70

Silver Linings

Delicious

Morningside Timber

Pearl Kitchen’s snapper tacos

45

80

Old Timers

Events Guide

Mount baches photo essay

13

What’s Up Parks & Recreation An outdoor movie spells summer vibes and this year Night Owl Cinema has events all over the Bay — check out the site for one that takes your fancy.

There’s always coffee, candy and popcorn (bring cash), plus you’re free to BYO food (not booze). Be sure to pack your bean bag, picnic blanket, sleeping bag, low chair — whatever makes you cosy. Here’s a taste of the big-screen action: 23 December, Love Actually, Fergusson Park, Matua; 30 December, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Simpson Reserve, Pāpāmoa; and 8 January, Mamma Mia, Mount Drury, Mt Maunganui. Plus loads more in various locations.

You can also ask about arranging private screenings for your very own events. nightowlcinema.org.nz @nightowlcinema

To a Tee Fashion designer and design consultant Lucie Marquis left her home of London, moved to New Zealand (where she has family connections) and launched her eponymous label. She’s offering a line of screen-printed t-shirts that come in great colours and feature photographs taken on her North Island travels — there’s a visual storytelling throughout the collection. Come and see the tees and meet Lucie at The Little Big Markets in the Mount on 12 December. luciemarquis.com @luciemarquisstudio

All the Goods The opening of Three One One Six deli is great news for Mount locals wanting to pick up gourmet supplies after their march up Mauao. The owners, who also have The Fat Cow restaurant, say they want to support as many local businesses as possible, so you’ll find local stars such as Black Forest Gourmet Butchery, Nicki’s Eggs, Little Drum Coffee, Real Pasta dried pasta and sauces, plus fruit and vege. There’s also quality products from afar, such as La Morena canned chillies and Ortiz anchovies. Their signature Cuban sandwich has cured bacon, pulled pork, pickles and cumin cheese, or choose your own fillings and they’ll make a toastie to order with their housemade sourdough.

1 Marine Pde, 3116.co.nz @threeoneonesixmount 14

What’s Up

Salute!

Just as the multi-million dollar work was all finishing up on Wharf St, the new Italian restaurant Sugo opened its doors in the former Rye Bar & Grill site. Chef and co-owner Ian Harrison (ex Clarence Bistro) has laid on a menu that showcases excellent ingredients. Let’s start with snacks — Milanese arancini with Taleggio and pizza sauce, and Massimiliano burrata with beetroot, apple and celery are a good way to kick things off. The housemade pastas include a sublimely flavourful veal and shiitake ragu with pappardelle, truffle and a scattering of pomegranate seeds; and an excellent crayfish and king salmon caramelle with chilli, preserved lemon and sauce Américaine. There are also good plant-based options too. For dolce, try the Mossops burnt Rewarewa honey and thyme panna cotta with pistachio and honeycomb; or macerated local strawberries with Heilala Vanilla fromage, candied lemon and mint. The drinks list will keep you happy — behold the Bianco: Lillet Blanc, house-made elderflower syrup, basil, citrus, soda and prosecco. sugosugo.co.nz @sugotga

What’s Up

Cool Change Frosty & Fox is the latest addition to the Mount’s buzzing main strip, located in The Bach cafe’s former site. According to the owners (pictured above: Lisa Kerr and Luke van Veen), it’s “created by social people for social people”, and it’s open all day, from breakfast through to family dining and late-night drinks.

Gourmet ‘dawgs’ are a feature, the Frosty comes with a trad frankfurter, and the Greek Lamb version stars with tzatziki, pomegranate slaw, and tahini and roasted eggplant dressing. There’s a tempting array of snacks to accompany your drinks, such as mussel fritters with creme fraiche and lemon oil, and sticky pork ribs. The Stonegrill Planks come as a sizzling hot stone, designed to be a centrepiece, perhaps with wagyu fillet, bacon-wrapped scallops or whole baby vege. Drinks run from a peanut butter salted caramel shake, a mandarin and lime seltzer to fun cocktails, plus wine and beers. Doors open at 8pm on 5 December.

108 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui frostyandfox.co.nz @frostyandfox

Our Place Tauranga

A New Chapter

Story: Sarah NIcholson Illustration: Christopher Duffy

The Pizza Library is opening its newest outpost, Pizza Library Express, at OPT. We meet the owners who threw in their corporate jobs and fell in love with hospitality.

In 2015, Mark and Cathy Lucero decided to leave the big smoke of Auckland along with their busy corporate jobs and move to the Bay of Plenty for a change of lifestyle. However, they soon discovered their departure from city life left a gap. “We moved to Pāpāmoa and we kind of got bored doing nothing. Cathy suggested buying a cafe, so we did,” says Mark.

Taking on the Gana Cafe in Pāpāmoa turned out to be a turning point for the couple. “We found out we loved hospitality,” says Cathy. Being new to Pāpāmoa, Mark notes it also turned out to be a great way to meet people in the community: “You pour them a coffee, introduce yourself, and then become friends.”

They subsequently sold the cafe and headed overseas to travel (those were the days...), and when they returned in 2017 they bought the well-known Pizza Library in Mount Maunganui. In 2019, they launched The Pizza Library in Pāpāmoa. Whereas the Mount (where Mark is usually based) is a full-service restaurant, with craft beers on tap, wine and cocktails, Pāpāmoa (which Cathy looks after) is a more casual set up, and is a really popular takeaway option for locals.

Now we’re excited to say that their third joint has opened at Our Place Tauranga. Pizza Library Express is on a smaller scale than its two siblings, but you still have loads of choice as it features all the top-selling thin-based pizzas (about 17 in all), in both 12’ and 16” 19

versions. The OPT venue is also be offering their house-made keto and gluten-free bases, and offer vegan pizzas, so all bases are covered, so to speak.

In keeping with the Pizza Library theme, all the pizzas are named after books, such as Charlotte’s Web (fresh basil and mozzarella), Narnia (smoky bacon, spinach, caramelised onions, blue cheese and mozzarella), and Treasure Island (Italian pepperoni, champagne ham, capsicum, mushrooms, pineapple, jalapenos and mozzarella). Plus you’ll be able to match the pizzas with a side of fries — either Pig Tails (curly) and Kiwi Kumaras. @thepizzalibrary Hours: Tues, Weds, Sun: 11am7pm; Thurs, Fri, Sat: 11am-9pm.

Our Place Tauranga

Summer Food + Drink Deals!

OPT’s food area has had a makeover, and the food and drinks are better than ever and open for even longer. Come on down and try one of these great deals.

Hash Tag Street Food Everyday, 12–2pm Deal Super-fresh fish and chips and an MBC corerange beer, cider, house wine or gin slushie for $19.

El Cartel Mexicano Everyday Deal 2 Acapulco fish tacos (Sol battered fish with habanero slaw, salsa verde and pico de gallo) for $15.

Johney’s Dumpling House All day Thursday Deal 5 dumplings (vegan or meat) and any MBC core-range beer, cider, house wine or gin for $12.

Pizza Library Express Everyday, 11–3pm (See story on the previous page) Deal 12” pizza of the day + Coke for $15 20

91 Willow St, Tauranga CBD

@ourplacetauranga

Farewell to 2020

Photo: Frances Scrimgeour

The good people at Blabla Events reckon that 2020 deserves a big fat ‘seeya’, so they’re bringing you round two of the Kaleidoscope NYE Festy at Our Place Tauranga, for one helluva party under the stars. The lineup includes Mini Simmons (pictured, right, at last year’s event), Strangely Arousing, The Leers and Joes Van. OPT is the perfect venue — outdoor, weatherproofed and right in the heart of the city! High Tide bar will have drinks flowing and the OPT food joints will be serving up deliciousness throughout the night. 8-11pm, 31 December, R18. ticketspace.co.nz

Summer Supping With 40 beers on tap, High Tide bar at OPT is always well equipped to cater for whatever mood you’re in.

MBC’s latest seasonal brew is the Rosemary & Yuzu Sour. Here’s what the brewers have to say: “It’s a kettle sour ale brewed with fresh rosemary and juicy yellow yuzu fruit, and it delivers fruity and botanical complexity to quench and refresh on a sunny day.”

Surprise Chefs OPT’s new Street Union Pop-up Kitchen is here to give small local food businesses the opportunity to share their talent with the community. Whether it’s for a day, once a week or a longer stint, you’ll be treated to a revolving door of different food and flavours from guest food lovers. First up is El Jefe with his gourmet dogs (for details, see page 22).

And if you want to share your food from the fully equipped container, let us know.

For more details on popping-up in this space, visit ourplacetauranga.co.nz/leasing/pop-up-kitchen 21

91 Willow St, Tauranga CBD

@ourplacetauranga

Sleigh It It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas at Our Place Tauranga — Santa’s Grotto is returning Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2–17 December.

You’ll be able to get a free photo with Santa, or a family Christmas shot at the grotto, and take a copy home to treasure. Santa will be there from 2–5pm on Thursdays 3 and 10 December, plus 3–9pm on 17 December, at the Christmas Night Market (see below). You can get free family photos taken at the grotto (without Santa), 2–5pm on the following Wednesdays: 2, 9, 16 December.

Picture Perfect

Family Festivities

Once you get your photo at the grotto (above), you can call in to the Santa’s Grotto workshop. Here you’ll be able to create items such as Christmas decorations, photo boards and Christmas cards using the grotto photos.

The Our Place Tauranga Christmas Night Market is on 5–9pm, 17 December, so you can get the last of your Christmas shopping done with unique gifts from The Little Big Markets artisans. Enjoy street food, grab a bevy from High Tide and groove to live music all night long. Plus free face painting, ReMaker Space workshops and Santa will be there too!

Sweet Ideas Learn how to make gingerbread, and decorate a mini gingerbread house and gingerbread cookies with this wonderful two-hour class run by Heather, a registered primary school teacher. These classes have eight to 10 participants and are aimed at kids 8+, but parents are welcome to join as paying participants, or drop the kids off and go shopping! There are two dates still free: 18 and 23 December. $35pp including all materials and your baking to take home. If there are allergies or special needs, please enquire.

Message Heather at @bakewithme for a registration form or email hello@bakewithme.co.nz 22

Our Place Tauranga

ReMaker Space The new ReMaker Space is a hub dedicated to rethinking our approach to waste, focusing on the circular economy and sharing skills within the community. Here’s what’s happening in December and keep your eye out for new developments in the new year

Zero In Emma La Rocca now has a container shop at OPT so people can not only check out Emroce, her local zero-waste fashion company but also join her for workshops.

Emroce swimwear is handmade in Pāpāmoa using recycled, high quality, Italian fabrics. Emma uses pattern making techniques to ensure that there’s no fabric waste. “With normal pattern making, about 30 per cent of the fabric is thrown away, so these are huge savings that we are making, economically and environmentally.” She’s also constantly researching for innovative, sustainable fabrics.

All her designs are stripped to their basic necessities and Emma says she’s focused on achieving the perfect fit and creating a completely functional, zero-waste garment. “We aim to influence the fast fashion companies with this production model. It is faster, cheaper and better for the environment.”

For more information on the zero-waste fashion workshops, visit remakerspace.co.nz emroce.com @emroces

Workshop Your Ideas!

Here’s a taste of some ReMaker workshops that you can join in December — jump online for full listings.

Advent Tree Create your very own Advent calendar tree for the holidays. This is a project you can complete on your own or you can include the family.

Let your creativity and originality shine. All materials provided, including tools, sewing machines and support. Various times, 5, 9, 12 December.

Sewing Machine 101 Learn sewing machine basics, including machine set-up, tension problems and putting in a zipper. All materials and machines provided, but feel free to bring your own. 4–6pm, 8 December.

Fun Woodwork Design and make your own little project out of recycled wood, paper and other industrial off cuts. This workshop is hands on, learning by doing and using real tools. 9.30–11am, 10 December.

Sew Cool Learn to sew an ID sleeve on a heavy-duty industrial straight sewer. Gain skills that can open the door to sewing with industrial fabrics, leather, denim and canvas. Various dates throughout December.

Many of these workshops are designed for an adult and child to attend together. For more information or to register, visit remakerspace.co.nz 23

91 Willow St, Tauranga CBD

@ourplacetauranga

Happening in December/January December 2–17. Santa’s Grotto — free photos!

It’s just not Christmas until you visit Santa.

Get snapped with Santa or get a photo of just the family — either way, you’ll take home free photos to remember Christmas. See page 20 for details.

2, 11 El Jefe at the Street Food Union & 18 Pop-up Kitchen

12–8pm. EL Jefe is all about hot dogs, from the fantastic classic with a house-made gourmet sausage, to modern takes such as crisp pork belly dog with crackling, gravy, slaw and salsa; and a crispy tofu dog with Sichuan sauce. And let’s not forget the fries with gravy and cheese sauce!

12.

Strange Days presents: Groove Island Groove Island is here to send this crazy year off in style and start the Summer grooving with High Hoops, Frank Booker and vinyl powerhouses, Campbell Ngata and Omega B. Tickets: eventbrite.co.nz

12–18. Caja Jewellery x Wilde the Label Collboration Pop-up Store

Launch party is 6–9pm on 11 December — come along! Then the week-long pop-up store follows. Both these Bay of Plenty businesses have a focus on being ethical, sustainable, and both use nature and the environment for inspiration. Caja Jewellery will be selling its new summer collection, La Mer, and Wilde will show its first release of artisan homewares.

17.

High Hoops

Christmas Night Market Come along and knock off a whole lot of Christmas shopping in one go, while supporting great local businesses. See Page 20 for details.

31.

Blabla Events Presents: Kaleidoscope NYE 2020

8.30pm–1am. The party to see out 2020. See page 19 for more details on the great lineup. ticketspace.co.nz 24

January

12.

The Burtones This band has just launched a self-titled album so come on down to hear them play blues, rock, reggae and pop.

16.

Burnout Tour Pack the Honda Odyssey and slap on some sunblock because The Burnout Tour is coming to town. Expect thumping disco, art design that will make your Instagram blush and a chilly bin of fun as Club 121 and the Department of Arts collaborate to stage the ultimate 80s summertime party. Featuring 121 Soundsystem, Bontempo, Eden Burns, Cameron Morris, Jesper Tjarnfors, Fabu and more to be announced. burnouttour.com

Now e at l b a l i a v A

The Little Big Markets

www.thebrotherscoldpress.com

TRADITIONAL NUTRITION FOR MODERN LIFE

NZ OWNED & O P E R AT E D f r o m mt maunganui

A S I M P L E & N AT U R A L W AY T O T O P U P W H AT YO U R B O DY I S M I S S I N G O U T O N MITCHELLSNUTRITION.COM

@MITCHELLS.NZ

Bubala Creations When you buy local, it has a positive impact on the whole community. Check out these fantastic products from The Little Big Markets.

Bubala offers one-of-a-kind, ocean-themed resin art with colours that reflect the beauty and movement of the ocean. It includes new, recycled and custom homewares that are as functional as they are beautiful. RRP $22–$200. @bubalacreations

The Cottage Gallery

Ruapuke

A boutique craft business specialising in New Zealand pounamu (greenstone), which is carved to create beautiful taonga — much-loved, special pieces of jewellery.

Brian & Meg Claxton, 329 Waihi Rd, Judea, Tauranga, 027 473 8747, thecottagegallery.co.nz

Stylish Ruapuke towels (including Roundie towels and picnic blankets/throws) will see you through your summer picnics, long beach days and sunset drinks.

Compact, lightweight and 100 per cent eco-friendly cotton. RRP $25–$89. ruapuke.com ruapuke_ 28

Noxen

Alyssa Lloyd

Based in Mount Maunganui, Noxen is 100 per cent New Zealand owned and operated. It’s a lifestyle brand with a focus on functionality, and the owners love surfing, sports and the community. Check out its surf apparel, caps, hooded poncho towels and more. noxen.co.nz @noxensurf

Alyssa Lloyd is a New Zealand-made, sustainable women’s slow-fashion brand. It helps women build more conscious wardrobes by creating modern pieces that will be treasured for years. Use code OURPLACE15 for 15 per cent off online purchases (until 31/1/21). alyssalloyd.co.nz @alyssalloyd.design

Bouncing Brilliance

Koa Organics

Check out these fun, colourful bouncing spring toys for children of all ages. They come in loads of different styles, from helicopters and caterpillars to ladybirds and sheep. Help your toddler improve their eye and hand coordination from an early age. @bouncingbrilliance

Koa Organics is a Rotorua company that makes botanically inspired body products that are 100 percent natural and organic. Its range of magnesium products relax your muscles and calm your nervous system so you can enjoy a longer, deeper sleep. koaorganics.co.nz​ @koaorganics 29

Golden Balls

The Musing Room

Shinji Mizuno grew up in Osaka and takoyaki, a street food from that area, is his soul food. At Golden Balls, he shares his vegetarian version — a delicious ball filled with mushrooms, cabbage and spring onion, and brushed with takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayo. @​goldenballs__

The Musing Room is an interior design, online homewares and lifestyle studio offering pieces picked by designer Debbra Sweetman. It offers brands from here and abroad, and the aesthetic is influenced by our coastal life, with sustainable and ethical goods. @themusingroom

The Little Big Markets Merch

Barefoot

Show your support for small local businesses everywhere you go with the new market merch. The fresh summer designs come in a wide range of tees, totes and tea towels. Shop them online over on their website or in person at the weekly markets. littlebigevents.co.nz/shop @thelittlebigmarkets

Barefoot is a clothing store that caters to kids who love to be outside in nature, but still look cool and feel comfy. Owner Kayla Ripohau sources baby and kids’ clothing from creators throughout the country, as well as offering bedroom decor and natural skincare. barefootnz.com​ @barefoot.nz 30

Thirty-Two Halloos

Myaura Naturals

Thirty-Two Halloos jewellery is one of a kind and quirky, with a little bit of whimsy and a lot of fun.

Whether you’re after a subtle piece or a bold statement, you’re sure to find something to halloo about with these fab earrings. thirtytwohalloos.co.nz @​thirtytwohalloos

Myaura Naturals has been in the Bay for more than 15 years using ethically sourced, plant-based ingredients to make skincare. Check out its bottlefree herbal shampoo, conditioner and shaving bars, that are also free of colour or artificial fragrance. myaura.co.nz @myauraanaturalsnz

Lyrise and Co

The Home Collection

Lyrise and Co has beautiful, vibrant vintage Turkish rugs and kilim cushion covers for your indoor and outdoor living spaces. Whatever your style, these pieces can enhance your home. The kilim cushion covers make the perfect gift for Christmas or birthdays. lyriseandco.co.nz ​ @lyriseandco

Great for the Home, good for the Body and amazing for the Soul! From Vintage & Classic Soy Candles, Home & Car Diffusers, and Goat Milk Soaps!

Our brand’s vision is to provide good smelling products, all hand made, hand crafted, hand poured here in NZ. thehomecollection.co.nz 31

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Force

of

Story by Megan Raynor

Story by Megan Raynor

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Nature

Kathy Broadhead knows first-hand the positive effects of really experiencing nature — both mentally and physically. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors through Nature Library.

Fittingly, Kathy Broadhead is fresh from a blustery morning on Hahei beach when we speak. She’s in the middle of a nature break — something she tries to do when the need arises — walking, disconnecting with the world and getting deep into nature. It revives her creativity and clarity, and gives her emotional and physical health a boost — exactly the benefits she shares with those who take part in Nature Library.

Spending time outdoors and truly taking in the natural world is not typically part of our day-to-day schooling or work — instead, it’s become something we have to choose to do. Kathy started Nature Library in Tauranga three years ago to give kids and adults alike the chance to reconnect with our natural environment, and make the most of the mental and emotional replenishment it offers.

As a qualified environmental educator (Master of Education, Diploma of Teaching and Bachelor of Science), Kathy knows the importance of getting children and their families outdoors.

Research (as well as her personal experience) shows time in nature boosts academic learning, personal development and environmental stewardship. It’s just a matter of giving people a nudge to get out there — this is where Nature Library comes in.

Kathy explains the role of an environmental educator is three-part: ‘in’ reflects the experience of being in nature; ‘about’ is teaching about nature and the specific environment students are in, and ‘for’ is the reason for the learning, which is, as she puts it, “Caring for the natural world, taking care of Papatūānuku”.

Over the last three years, she’s discovered becoming a kaitiaki (guardian) takes care of itself.

“I’ve found that after you do the ‘in’ (experience) and ‘about’ (knowledge), the ‘for’ comes naturally for kids — whether that’s an affinity for nature that leads them later in life or more immediate… wanting to pick up rubbish or join a club or write a speech at school.”

It’s this empowering and education-backed approach that leads everything Nature Library does.

“It’s simple. Give [people] opportunities to have experiences and learn, and the benefits are life long,” says Kathy. “We create kids that are empowered to care for the natural world. It’s not about telling them what to

do, it’s about giving them the opportunity to connect with and develop empathy for nature… to naturally fall in love with it and develop a relationship with it.”

The first iteration of sharing this philosophy was at The Little Big Markets where Kathy sold Nature Adventure Packs from her caravan. The packs were created as an easy way for families to explore the plethora of natural environments on our doorstep: from a Mount Mission, which saw explorers complete activities around the base of Mauao, to a Nature Treasure Hunt that encouraged specific sightings and experiences. These packs gave families a taste of nature’s educational and wellbeing benefits, with the bonus of being able to reuse the packs whenever they wanted. “It was a way to help families connect with nature more easily without having to think about what they were going to do, and hopefully it would spark [them] wanting to do more adventures outside,” she says.

Soon after, Nature Library evolved naturally (funnily enough) from offering ideas and activities to the form it takes today. The core offering is Nature Kids, which features the Nature School programme (one day a week during the school term, as an alternative to the traditional classroom) and school holiday programmes — both involve small groups immersing themselves in different environments around the Bay. And Kathy’s wish that her Nature Adventure Packs were a gateway to more outdoor exploration came true, as many of the families who used those packs became Nature Library’s first students. “A lot of the kids who still come to me, I met them and their parents at The Little Big Markets — now they’re in the school holiday programmes and in Nature School.”

Although she regularly experiences the benefits of nature in her own life, seeing the growth of the children in her programme reminds Kathy all over again how important this kind of work is. Through the evolution from adventure packs into more personal interaction, she has been able to see the changes in children first hand, with parents and teachers sharing the outcomes with her.

“I had a text from one of the mums recently, telling me their daughter had tried horse riding for the first time. This was a huge step for her because when 34

↑ Sticks are collected in anticipation of building another fantastic fort. ← Nature Library’s Kathy Broadhead in her happy place.

35

“We create kids that are empowered to care for the natural world.

It’s not about telling them what to do, it’s about giving them the opportunity to connect with and develop empathy for nature… to naturally fall in love with it and develop a relationship with it.”

↑ Kids collect native plant seeds, clay and compost to make seed bombs, which they take home, dry out, then throw around to plant natives. They’ve also made wildflower bombs for the bees and butterflies. ↗ Building huts together at a “secret hut building spot” is a favourite activity.

36

↑ Bee rescues are common at Nature Kids — this bumblebee was found on the footpath unable to fly.

It was picked up, placed on the flower and everyone watched as it sucked nectar then flew away. ↗ The kids explore the rock pools around Mauao, where they learn about all sorts of sea creatures. she first started Nature School, a little over a year ago, she would never have done something like that. When she first came, she was having trouble at school with her anxiety and it made making friends, trying new things and communicating really hard.

She’s been coming to Nature School one day a week and when she comes I see her whole body relax. She still has speed bumps, but a year in, she’s calmer, built her self confidence, and now more willing to try to make friends and experience new things.”

It’s these stories of empowerment that Kathy wants every child to be able to have — a desire that has led to the professional development arm of Nature Library, called Nature Education Training. It includes training and resources for teachers, giving them the tools to use environmental education in their own curriculum. “There’s only so much I can do with the kids I work with personally, there are so many other kids out there. The Nature Education programme is where I can have the most impact. It means more kids can connect, explore, learn and play in nature, even in mainstream schools,” she says.

“The absolute dream is for nature education to be a part of everyday school life. We could create

an education system that’s revolutionary for tamariki and teachers — creating kids who are happy, calm, connecting and loving their learning.

“I feel hopeful. Since lockdown, I’ve noticed more people appreciating what’s close to home and getting outdoors more. It’s made us look at the way we do things and how we could do them better… it gives me hope for our communities, our future,” says Kathy.

It’s not just children who benefit from Kathy’s love of nature. She shares the personal benefits she gets with other women, who don’t necessarily prioritise themselves, in her Women in the Wild programme, which includes guided nature walks with small groups.

“The walks are a gateway to taking time for yourself… realising that doing small things can have such a big impact on your wellbeing. If I can reach one or two women a month, who through the programme start to make time for themselves, that’s worth doing.”

For Kathy, that’s what it all comes back to.

Sharing her own love for nature and the benefits it offers, so others can make the most of it too. naturelibrary.co.nz @naturelibrarynz 38

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After being made redundant when Covid-19 hit in March, Sam Brown finally launched his side project.

Now he’s wondering why it took him so long.

Silver Linings Story by Laura Tuck

41

Previous page: Sam in the workshop at Tauriko Sawmill. ← Putting the timber through a thicknesser, which Sam says is great for cleaning up the slabs of wood and getting them to the desirable thickness for his tables.

Sam Brown’s the type of guy who looks for silver linings. He reckons being made redundant from his graphic design job of four years was the sign he needed to finally launch his side hustle — a custom furniture business specialising in handcrafted wooden tables.

“Losing my job was a bit of a shock,” says Sam. “There were no jobs being advertised, so I needed something to keep myself busy. With the encouragement of my partner Christy, I decided to launch Morningside Timber — and I’m so glad I did!

I really enjoyed having a break from staring at a computer screen all day. I forgot how good it felt doing something creative with my hands.”

Sam’s signature piece is a console table — beautiful wooden tables he says are ‘made for Sundays,’ given they slide over a bed and offer the perfect resting place for laptops and pancakes.

He also crafts solid blocks that can be anything from bedside tables to stools to coffee tables.

“I actually made my first console table about seven years ago,” Sam recalls. “I had it over my bed for ages and everyone who saw it commented on it, so I thought, why not make some really nice ones and sell them? We all like watching movies in bed, but drinking coffee and eating food can get messy, which is where the idea for the over-bed console came about.”

time between the two cities while creating his furniture. “I left school at 16 to pursue surfing, without much thought of a career path,” he says. “Eventually, a friend encouraged me to get into design, so I took a course — loved it — then went on to get a degree.

I studied a bit later than most students, which allowed me to learn the basics of building too. I have a lot of friends who are builders and they gave me work when I needed it, so I managed to pick up some valuable skills over the years.”

Sam’s practical building knowledge and keen eye for detail means he now looks at the design process a little differently. “My tables aren’t super technical but they have some unique design elements,” he says. “There’s a waterfall feature on the edge, which means one piece of wood flows through the whole thing to ensure a seamless finish.

“There’s one straight edge, and one live edge that hasn’t been cut or sanded down. Embracing the natural curves of the log is kind of my signature, but I’m always trying to find the right balance between ‘perfectly imperfect’ and ‘perfectly precise’.”

Local materials Sam’s ‘waterfall’ design means his furniture is made from a single piece of timber, which he hand picks for each project. “I’m lucky enough to have everything at my disposal,” he explains. “My mum’s partner Rob owns the Tauriko Sawmill — it’s a magic place with wood for days. I love going out there and hunting down the perfect piece of timber. Every piece

A skills mashup Although he’s been based in Auckland for the last few years, Sam grew up in the Mount and now splits his 42

SUMMER IS CALLING A N D TĀ M A K I M A K AU R AU AUCKLAND IS THE PL ACE TO BE! INTRODUCING

Summernova, Auckland’s newest summer festival highlight designed to wrap around the 36th America’s Cup and bring the entire region to life!

WATERBOURNE BEACH FESTIVAL FOOD, WINE & MUSIC FESTIVAL IN AOTEA SQUARE

ISLAND TIME ON MOTUTAPU

L.A.B. AT MOUNT SMART STADIUM

SUMMER IN THE BAYS

LOVE YOUR MAUNGA KI MAUNGAUIKA SHOW

SUMMER FUN AT THE VILLAGE

SQUADRON’S 150TH CELEBRATIONS

SUNSETTER SUMMER

SATELLITE SHOW OF TOI TŪ TOI ORA YOUNG AT ART

THE 119TH HELENSVILLE

THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND YACHT

I LOVE TAKAPUNA BEACHSIDE GRANDSTAND

AND MUCH MORE! Learn more at Summernova.co.nz

↑ Morningside Timber’s macrocarpa console table, ready for Sunday morning breakfast in bed. of furniture is built to size — customers give me measurements and I make something to fit — so it’s great to have Rob there to help me mill each piece up to the size I need.”

Sam’s materials of choice are macrocarpa and paulownia — both light timbers with lots of texture. “Some of the macrocarpa is grown on Rob’s farm. I try to use as much of the wood as possible — old stumps that generally get used for firewood can be recycled and turned into solid blocks, for example. It’s great making something cool out of pieces that would otherwise go to waste. I also make my customers a chopping board from leftover wood as a thank you gift, which seems to go down well.”

Sam also uses the Tauriko Sawmill as a base to build his furniture. “There’s a workshop out there where I tuck myself away to work. I chop everything up, sand it down, then bring Auckland-based orders back home with me to assemble. People will generally collect the finished piece in their utes — it’s nice to meet the owner. I originally thought I’d be able to deliver all the finished orders, but that was a bit ambitious!”

Taking the leap Launching a business in the middle of a pandemic was “good timing in a strange way”, Sam reckons.

“It was a good test of resilience! It gave me the push I needed. The way I saw it was: I could either sit around all day and do nothing or have a crack. Plus the response has been amazing — Kiwis have never been more eager to support small businesses. They’re also more conscious of what they’re buying — they want something that’s going to be around forever.”

At the time of writing, Sam had just picked up a graphic design role with fashion brand Huffer, but has no plans to slow things down with Morningside Timber. “All sales are currently through word of mouth or Instagram, so it’s really organic. I’ve always loved creating things and figuring out ways to make life easier for people, so I get a huge buzz out of sharing my designs with people who appreciate them! I have no idea where the business will take me, but I guess that’s half the fun.” @morningsidetimber 44

Old Timers Photography by Jane Keam

Amidst the bold new builds in the Mount, there still remains some humble abodes that represent a bygone era of this ever-changing town. We pay homage to the humble houses still standing their ground.

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Our Community

Pushpa & Vikram Chhabra

Our Community is a new series where we chat with immigrants that have made the Bay of Plenty home. First up, we meet Vikram and Pushpa who moved here from Dehli, blended their families together and made a new life for themselves.

As told to Sarah Nicholson Photography by Alice Veysey

Vikram and Pushpa Chhabra are a New Zealand love story. The couple met in Dehli in 2001, at which time they were just friends with sons the same age.

Vikram moved to Mount Maunganui in 2009, then convinced Pushpa to visit in 2013, when he proposed.

They married in New Zealand the following year and now live here with three sons from their previous relationships. They own a security systems compaany, and the Park Mini Mart on the corner of Maunganui Road and Bain St, where you’ll often find their smiling faces.

supported us, and Pushpa, Pushpa’s son and my two sons (they were 15 and 16) all came here in one single go in 2014.

What surprised you about NZ? Vikram Everyone is passing by saying ‘hello’ — this is very different, even from Europe, people mind their own business. Here, everyone is smiling!

Also, in the weekend, the richest people around here are wearing torn pants and working with a chainsaw or something. A very casual approach.

In India, because of affordability, people do specific jobs. Educated people do not have to do any manual work. I never played with heavy tools — this is what I learnt in New Zealand, and now I have tools to build a house, I’d say, which I love. Anything can be done — just get the tools and do it. I am so elated that my hands have become open!

Why the Bay of Plenty?

Vikram My brother was living in Holland, so I had seen parts of Europe and the US; because I had seen some of the world, I was tempted to move to Canada.

But I met a friend of mine that was visiting India from New Zealand and that’s when this country got into the picture. In 2009, I came to see how it was — I just loved it! I love the countryside. Just look at this scenario right in front of us [gesturing towards Mauao]. So I decided to settle here.

My friend was based in Waikato, but I visited just one time to Mount Maunganui beach and said, OK that’s it! As soon as I came here, the car was going up and down, and I thought — I am not living in a flat area, I am going to live here.

Pushpa I visited the country in 2013 as my friend [Vikram] was here. I loved the place and even before my flight had landed back in India, I decided that I would come back and join him.

Vikram Pushpa came on my insistence, then I proposed. There is a quote, ‘Alone we can smile, but together we can laugh.’ We planned and God

How did you find the different culture?

Vikram I didn’t have to struggle here, from day one. I saw foreign people a lot in Delhi, as I worked in many embassies and other multi-national companies, and I have travelled. Also, I read novels, and I have read them so much that I’ve never felt out of place, wherever I went.

Is religion important in your life?

Vikram Religion is the most important thing to me.

We are Hindu or Sanatan Dharma [the original name 57

↑ Pushpa and Vikram at their business, Park Mini Mart, on Maunganui Road.

Previous page: The couple say they have felt welcomed in the Bay of Plenty from the very start.

for Hinduism]. On Friday, we attend temple in Tauriko — about 50 to 100 others attend, with up to 250 people on a festival day.

Pushpa Our temple is called Sanatana Dharma Mandir. On Friday we have prayers there, we cook there as a community. Whoever has time, they contribute, time-wise, money-wise and effort.

forward to us being open.

Vikram I would say that time bound people together.

We were thinking of closing [the shop], but in the early days, we found people were thanking us for being open. I became concerned — if everyone is thanking us, it is a time of need; if we close it now, we are deserting it at a time of need. This is actually the reason we kept it open.

Tell us about your sons

What do you love most about your life?

Vikram One son, Abhimanyu, has become an engineer here. Parthey is studying in Canterbury — god willing he will become an engineer too. The eldest son, Dhruv, has finished his education in IT and he’s been selected to be a policeman. We are grateful to New Zealand and to God that they have found their path.

Pushpa Firstly, I have a family here; when you go out of your house, you feel safe — you have positive, warmhearted, helping people around; thirdly, we also have our own community here, which has made it easy.

I also love the adventure sports here! We’ve been kayaking, went to Taupo camping with all our boys, jet skiing, rock climbing in Wanaka... And we just did skydiving. It was fun!

Vikram New Zealand people are what makes NZ great. It’s never the place, right? It’s the people.

How was it during lockdown?

Pushpa We’re thankful for the people supporting us, even during the Covid time. People really looked 58

Julia Morison, Feedback hybrid ™ (detail), 2015

17 Oct 2020 — 14 Mar 2021

Head[case]

Julia Morison

Fool’s Gold

John Roy

More than meets the eye — inventive, surreal and treasured ceramics.

John Roy, Biomorphic Form, 2020

17 Oct 2020 — 14 Mar 2021

CNR WHARF & WILLOW ST DOWNTOWN TAURANGA P: +64 7 578 7933

OPEN DAILY 10am – 4pm

Neufound Promotion

Gotta Wear Shades

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Neufound Promotion

Here in time for summer, Neufound sunglasses are locally designed and made from sustainable material — a bright future, indeed.

Clockwise from top left: Freyr in Golden Syrup, Johnny in Olive, Audrey in Classical Havana and Altina in White Tort.

Sustainable approach

The dazzling New Zealand rays are in full effect already — a reminder that a chic pair of sunnies is a summer must-have. There are lots of brands around, but when it comes to quality and the planet, all are not equal.

Neufound frames are made from premium Italian bio acetate, which is derived from cotton and wood — it’s made as a paste, then sets like a plastic. When the frames have run their course, they will completely breakdown (even when buried in landfill) a lot faster than plastic alternatives, which are common in the eyewear market.

Local roots Tauranga local Trent Sunderland wanted to create a premium unisex eyewear range that was sustainable and lasted the test of time — both in style and durability. “We’re going for ‘slow fashion’,” he says.

“Neufound isn’t about selling as much as we can, it’s about producing a high-quality product.”

It’s slow fashion in more ways than one.

“Every single model is handcrafted — it takes about three months to make each range,” explains Trent, who designs the range in collaboration with a friend who’s an eyewear designer in France. “I was born in Tauranga and I definitely take design inspiration from this area and wider New Zealand.”

Modern classics Neufound is launching with seven smart styles that each reference a decade. There’s Freyr with an iconic 60s cat-eye flair, Altina’s timeless upturned cat-eye frame (a signature 40s style) that’s been reworked with a mod silhouette, and Johnny — the panto frame that made a big splash in the 80s.

All there’s left to do is choose your vibe (flamboyant? classic?), don your new look, then you’ll be the one doing the dazzling.

Neufound is available in limited boutiques across Aotearoa, but will officially launch mid-December. neufound.com @the_neufound 61

Under

Your

Story by Clarissa van Emmenes

Skin The heavenly avocado. It’s won us over with avo toast, guacamole and a host of health benefits to boot. Now local avos can also be part of a skincare routine with the lush new range from The Avo Tree Skin.

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Thorley Robbins, owner-director of The Avo Tree, grew up on an orchard in Katikati and had a passion for horticulture from a very young age, when he sold fresh tomatoes on the side of the road as a boy.

Although Thorley put his innovative, curious spirit to work by training as an industrial designer and working in Australia, he returned to his roots in 2015 looking for something a bit more exciting than a 9 to 5 office job. He found his inspiration at the very same orchard that planted the entrepreneurial seed.

Thorley started The Avo Tree by setting up a website with one goal in mind — to send freshly picked avocados from his parents’ orchard straight to people’s doorsteps. There was no cool store involved (as is common practice with supermarkets), which can cause unripe fruit to breakdown inside and lose the creamy taste and desired texture, and no bruising caused by all those prodding fingers at shops.

“It became clear that people didn’t just like avos — they really loved them. Our customers appreciated the fact that they could buy export quality, locally grown avos with the click of a button, and the word spread,” says Thorley.

Since t he company ’s humble beginnings, The Avo Tree has moved into purposebuilt facilities and expanded to a team of seven, sourcing from growers across the region. “We source avos from more than 100 independent ‘mum and dad’

growers all around the Bay of Plenty. That means that our customers get avos year round, and it means that they’re also supporting other local businesses like us, through us.”

Thorley says that COVID presented a unique challenge. “Being an online subscription service, we saw an increase in interest during the pandemic, which was exciting, but also challenging given the overwhelming demand for postal services during that time and the fact that avos typically had a shorter ripening time during that season.”

The fruit that keeps on giving Since its inception in 2015, The Avo Tree’s loyal customer base has now grown to more than 35,000 and they’ve delivered more than 3 million avos throughout New Zealand. Unlike many other ‘trendy’ foods, and much like olive oil, the popularity of avocado doesn’t seem to be waning any time soon.

In the 80s, avocados were a luxury reserved for prawn cocktails and guac. Today, its benefits are widely known and appreciated, and people are finding more ways to use them — from the crowd favourite avo on toast, to smoothies, chocolate mousse and even skincare.

In fact, aside from its unrivalled combo of nutritional goodness and superb flavour, 64

↖ Thorley Robbins (also pictured on opening page) with The Avo Tree brand manager, Viarni Bright. ↑ ↙ Freshly picked avocados go from the orchard into boxes for delivery, with no cool storage.

“Our philosophy has always been to take the avos ‘from packhouse to plate’, and the goal with our skincare range is similar. It’s 100 per cent natural and we incorporate the whole fruit — nothing goes to waste.”

avocado is pure magic for the skin. Packed with healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, avocado oil has seemingly endless skin benefits, including moisturisation and protecting the skin from the effects of free radicals, which can include fine lines and dullness.

Additionally, avocado oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help improve chronic skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and rosacea. Avocados also contain D-mannoheptulose, which boosts collagen production and helps to support healthy skin, hair and nails.

skincare range is very similar. It’s 100 per cent natural and we also found a way to incorporate the whole fruit, from the flesh to ground avo seeds — nothing goes to waste,” says Thorley.

The range of six products, all made in New Zealand with cold-pressed extra virgin avocado oil, includes a day cream with cucumber and aloe vera, a face oil with blackcurrant and pear, and an eye cream with bee venom and grape seed oil. The completely natural products are, of course, free of things such as parabens, silicones, SLEs, petro chemicals, and artificial dyes and colours.

“This range has been carefully developed with the help of some of the industry’s most experienced skincare professionals to ensure that the products provide maximum benefits, while keeping the formulas natural and safe,” says Thorley. “We’re also using the same suppliers as we do for our subscription boxes, which means that the products are made from pure New Zealand avo oil and support local small businesses.”

And as for the future, Thorley plans to keep innovating around product development. “The possibilities with avo really are endless.”

Branching out The Avo Tree had been running successfully for a few years when Thorley and his team started thinking about introducing customers to the other benefits of avo. “We knew how good avo was for the skin, and started playing around with creating skincare products that would allow people to enjoy more of these benefits. This in-house experimentation went so well that we got a brand manager on board to scope out the market, then started to develop our first bespoke range of skincare products.”

Fast forward to 2020 and The Avo Tree Skin was born.

“Our philosophy has always been to take the avos ‘from packhouse to plate’, and the goal with our

The Avo Tree Skin launches on 14 December.

Pre-order now: theavotree.co.nz/skin-care 66

↑ The Avo Tree delivers one-off boxes or offers avocado subscriptions for regular deilveries. ← The Avo Tree Skin Facial Exfoliant combines avocado oil with kiwifruit and ground avocado seed.

UBX Promotion

The ole’

One-Two

UBX Promotion

A UBX workout is 45 minutes of high intensity boxing, strength and cardio exercises that’ll get you in the shape of your life.

↑ UBX coaches are ready to get you fighting fit so you can take on anything life throws your way.

Why is boxing good for you?

Each time you step into a UBX workout, you’re simulating the conditioning, endurance and the physical demands you would expect in a 12-round championship fight... Are you ready for a challenge?

Why is boxing the ultimate exercise?

• Great for fat burning • Increases muscle tone • Helps to build strong bones and ligaments • Increases your cardiovascular fitness • Improves your core stability • Great for stress relief

What is a UBX workout?

UBX (pronounced ‘you box’) workouts are designed around 12 rounds of boxing — each round goes for 3 minutes, and you get a 30-second rest between each one. At every round (or station), you’ll get a mix of boxing, strength and cardio exercises that have been designed by sports scientists to maximise the full 45-minute session. This is the optimal duration for high-intensity training, maintaining the right balance between effort and results.

The athletic movements are based on proven methods — basically, you train like a professional boxer without ever getting hit.

UBX has no fixed class time structure, allowing members to start their workout anytime!

Coach in your corner UBX coaches are an integral part of the UBX experience — they guide you through the workout and give you a push along the way. They’ll ensure you have the opportunity to develop your skill through one-on-one padwork every workout.

Enquire today at UBX Bayfair Shopping Centre (next to Kiwibank). First workout is free. Phone: 027 839 9566. Email: mountmaunganui@ubxtraining.com 69

Take

Illustration by Chris Duffy

Story by Sam Cummins

Control

So you’ve reached the tail-end of 2020. Best strategy from here: focus on the things you can control, then everything may fall into place.

For half the world, the end of the year marks a natural threshold and invites pause for reflection.

It’s a great time to take stock of the year behind and look ahead.

Short days and long nights.

We’re not in that half of the world.

Because it’s summer here and the last thing you want to do is waste sunny daylight hours doing a life audit. Boring. Save it for winter when it’s dark at five and you’re facing a 45-minute drive home in traffic to a cold house. Now that’s an environment for critically examining your life choices.

But 2020 was one for the record books and probably does need a quick wrap up: • Everyone became an amateur public health punisher — R value anyone?

• We overwhelmingly voted to be the Scandinavia (I know it’s not a country) of the South Pacific — hurrah for incrementalism!

• The doomsayers kept doomsaying.

• I started and promptly stopped doing kickflips again.

If I’ve missed anything out, please let me know.

So, after a crazy nine months, how can you make the most of summer? Well, at risk of slipping into the parlance of the pretty influencers, the best thing you can do is focus your time and energy on things you can control, and seek some kind of peace on the things you can’t.

This is, of course, best summed up by an 80-year-old

prayer people utter in AA meetings all over the world: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference.

So what can you control this summer?

What you spend Set a budget and stick to it — not only that, get it out in cold hard cash. This serves two purposes. The first is seeing and touching it, and watching it diminish, makes you appreciate that it’s a limited resource. The consensus is that money stresses are one of the biggest issues for people over Christmas and the summer holidays, so hopefully this helps.

The second is that I have it on very good authority, from Brian the home kill butcher (Te Puke based, total legend. If you want to eat meat that only has one bad day, he’s your man) that they’re phasing out cash over the next five years. If anyone knows, he knows. The longer we can keep that cash circulating the better it is for everyone, it’s so obvious why I’m not even going to bother to explain.

How you spend your time In summer, you want to be spending a lot of your time outside — at a beach, in the bush or your backyard. Be a tourist in your own town. Drive to Rotorua the back 71

way and stop in one of the gorges, try a manu off a bridge, walk on the beach and marvel at the human body in all its wonderful shapes and sizes (I’m not sure how you do this in 2020/21? Look don’t look, look don’t linger, don’t look, look, wasn’t looking?). Anyway, IRL people are much more interesting to look at than avatars!

Maybe try flying a kite or building a sandcastle. I’d go with the kite. People will go to all sorts of ridiculous lengths to live in the moment or be completely present. Trying to keep that sucker up in the air is going to take all your attention and then some.

Present as.

When you wake up Maybe aim for a sunrise, instead of sunset. It’s harder for sure, but it has way more upsides.

Sunrises aren’t always like postcards, it isn’t always an epic battle of light vs darkness.

Sometimes they can be insipid and take way longer than they should, and often there aren’t even jumping dolphins. But they’re always optimistic.

It’s a New Day! If a small black rectangle is going to rule your life — seriously, turn it off. If it sounds scary, start small: couple of hours, half a day, a day etc.

Relax like it’s 1993. You might miss out on doing something, knowing something, meeting someone, but you gain real time and that, you can’t swap for anything!

Delicious

Photograph: Swift & Click

Pearl Kitchen

Pearl Kitchen is a cafe where every element has been designed from scratch to make it the very best it can be — from the clever building design and modern interior decor, to the fantastic food and service.

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Photographs: Cab Creative

Delicious

Above, left to right: The sunny courtyard; order a bottle of bubbles and receive this complimentary squid dish.

Opposite: Andrew Targett (second from left) and some of his kitchen stars: Kate, Nigel and Caio.

The space

Pearl Kitchen is sitting pretty in the heart of Pāpāmoa’s Coast Boulevard with an appealing drinks list and an all-day menu crafted by well-known executive chef and owner, Andrew Targett.

Thoughtful design means you have plenty of different seating areas at Pearl Kitchen — perhaps in the morning sun on the yellow banquette, spread out at a communal table, on a leaner watching the busy open kitchen or on the tree-lined deck.

Hands-on approach Andrew and head chef Nigel Reid have backgrounds in fine dining, so a huge amount of experience belies this cafe’s relaxed food. “We serve up fairly simple food, but we make everything from scratch — from the condiments to the sauces,” says owner Annemarie Cambie. “We do it because it just tastes better.”

The bread is also house made (rye bread, sourdough), and the preservative-free, thick-cut bacon is cured and smoked on site. “We also source as much as we can from locals,” says Andrew, “such as avocados, oranges from 60-year-old trees from a nearby farmer, and we swap coffee for basil.”

That excellent coffee is Organico (organic and fair trade), and to cut down on waste, they use a bottleless system called The Juggler, which uses 10-litre milk bladders instead of lots of plastic bottles.

You can also expect great service at Pearl Kitchen — most of the current floor staff have been there since its opening in 2019. “We spend just as much time on what food we serve as how we serve it,” says Annemarie. “Our young team works so hard.”

Summer menu The fresh options in the summer menu include The Pearl Summer Salad that comes with either seared lamb fillet and halloumi, or karaage chicken with kimchi mayo. There’s also a delish fish taco (see recipe, next page) and the eggs bene — perfect with a freshly squeezed OJ.

Friday social club Fridays mean wood-fired pizzas with sourdough bases for lunch and dinner, such as St Kilda Forever (broccoli, mozzarella, lemon, garlic) and Mr Big (bacon, mushies, pecorino, mozzarella, garlic). Plus there’s tapas from 4pm and this summer, if you order a bottle of bubbles, you’ll get a squid tapa for free. pearlkitchen.co.nz @pearlcafecoast 20 Coast Blvd, Papamoa, 07-572 1658 73

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Melt-in-the-mouth snapper with crunchy, herby slaw, a fresh salsa and a deliciously smokey aioli — this could very well be the summer dinner of your dreams...

Snapper Tacos with Slaw & Chipotle Aioli Recipe by Pearl Kitchen Photography by Cab Creative

SERVES 4 4 medium-sized soft taco wraps 4 x 100g fresh snapper fillets 3 tbs sunflower oil 4 lime wedges 8 sprigs coriander Chipotle Aioli 4 tbs aioli (substitute mayonnaise) 1 tbs finely chopped La Morena Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce 2 tsp lime juice 2 tsp finely chopped coriander Slaw 1 cup finely chopped savoy cabbage 1 cup finely chopped red cabbage 1⁄2 cup grated carrot 1⁄2 red onion, finely sliced 4 tbs cider vinegar 4 tbs soft brown sugar 2 tbs finely chopped mint 2 tbs finely chopped coriander

For the chipotle aioli, combine ingredients in a bowl.

Set aside until required or store in the fridge. For the slaw, combine ingredients in a bowl with salt and pepper. For the salsa, combine ingredients in a bowl with salt and pepper.

Wrap taco wraps in foil and warm in the oven.

Heat a large frying pan until very hot. Season snapper fillets on both sides with salt and pepper.

Add 11⁄2 tablespoons of oil to pan and cook two fillets — cook on one side for about 2 minutes or until golden brown, then turn and cook for a further minute or until done (this will depend on the thickness of the fillet). Remove and place on baking paper, then cook the next two fillets in remaining oil.

To serve, place a wrap on each plate. Add slaw, top with snapper, then add 2 tablespoons of salsa to each and fold taco over. Skewer with bamboo.

Lastly, add chipotle aioli on the side and serve with a lime wedge and coriander.

Tomato Salsa 3 ripe tomatoes, de-seeded and diced 1 shallot, finely chopped 1 tsp finely chopped jalapeño pepper 2 tsp finely chopped coriander 3 tbs lime juice 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil 75

t a e r G der

Preten

It’s the same PERi-PERi chicken taste, except plant-based.

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HIGH-PROTEIN PLANT-BASED PATTY

Caja is an ethically handcrafted jewellery label that takes inspiration from the beauty of travel and unknown adventures. @cajajewellery

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x Collaboration Pop Up Store Our Place Tauranga 91 Willow Street, Tauranga 12th - 18th December

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@thebartauranga

Taatahimerchants.com Beach umbrellas - designed with the earth in mind.

Street Food, Live Music, Craft Beer Dinner in the Domain Thursdays, 5:30PM-8:30PM

Papamoa Domain, 561 Papamoa Beach Road. @dinnerinthedomain

Dinner in the Park ( Starting Dec 13th ) Sundays, 5:30PM-8:30PM Matua Park, Hall Road. @dinnerintheparkmatua

Our Place Events Guide Thu Dinner in the Domain

5.30–8.30pm, Pāpāmoa Domain

13.

Pāpāmoa Christmas Parade 2020 10.30am–1pm, Gravatt Rd, Pāpāmoa

Fri

Gourmet Night Market 5–9pm, Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui

Sat

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

Reid & Ruins 7.30pm, Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, ticketek.co.nz

Sun

Dinner in the Park 5.30–8.30pm, Matua Park, Matua.

15.

Paintvine Paint & Wine Night: The Mount 7–9pm, Cornerstone Bar & Eatery, 55 The Strand, Tauranga, paintvine.co.nz

17.

Christmas Night Markets 5–9pm, Our Place Tauranga (see details page 21).

18.

Gingerbread Workshop 9.30–11.30am, Our Place Tauranga (see details page 21).

19.

The Little Big Markets 9am–2pm, Pāpāmoa Pony Club, 491 Pāpāmoa Beach Rd, Pāpāmoa

20.

Christmas Carols on the Waterfront 5.30pm, The Strand, Tauranga Waterfront, downtowntauranga.co.nz

Mount Farmers' Market 9am–1pm, 123–141 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui.

December 2O2O 2–17 Santa’s Grotto at Our Place Tauranga

For specific dates and times, see page 21.

5, 12 Trustpower Toi Tauranga Festival & 19. Live Shows plus Santa’s Grotto

10am–12pm Red Square, 1 Spring St, Tauranga, downtowntauranga.co.nz 8.

Waste Free Parenting Workshop

6.30–8.30pm, The Historic Village, eventfinda.co.nz 11.

Twilight Christmas at the Races 12.30–7.30pm, racingtauranga.co.nz

12.

Open Air Movie Night: Rio 8–10.30pm, Red Square, Spring St, Tauranga, eventbrite.co.nz

Strange Days presents Groove Island 6–11pm, Our Place Tauranga (see page 22 for more details), eventbrite.co.nz

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

The ThankYOU Show ft Tiki Taane

8pm–1am, Totara St, Mt Maunganui, totarastreet.co.nz 13.

Painting Happiness

10am–4pm, The Historic Village, angela–murray.com

In The Shallows

3–6pm, The Jam Factory, The Historic Village eventspronto.co.nz 23.

Night Owl Cinema: Love Actually 7–10pm, Fergusson Park, Matua, nightowlcinema.org.nz

25.

Christmas Day Buffet Lunch or Dinner 11.30am–10pm, Trinity Wharf Tauranga, 51 Dive Cres, eventbrite.co.nz

26– 30.

Blackcaps v Pakistan 11am, Bay Oval, Blake Park, Mt Maunganui, ticketek.co.nz

28.

Katchafire Summer Roadie 3.30pm, Soper Reserve, 95 Newton St, Mt Maunganui. ticketspace.nz

30. Night Owl Cinema: Willy Wonka

& the Chocolate Factory

7–10pm, Simpson Reserve, Pāpāmoa, nightowlcinema.org.nz

@ourplacemagazine

31.

Kaleidoscope NYE 2020 8pm–1am, Our Place Tauranga (see page 18 for more details), ticketspace.co.nz

Mako Road + Friends 4pm–12.30am, The Island, 20 Domain Rd, Pāpāmoa, ticketfairy.com

NYE Community Celebration: Mt Maunganui 6–9.30pm, Blake Park, Mt Maunganui

NYE Community Celebration: Matua 6–9.30pm, Fergusson Park, Matua

NYE Community Celebration: Tauranga Waterfront 6–9.30pm, The Strand, Tauranga

2.

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

January 2O21

3.

Bay Dreams 2021

11am–10.30pm, Trustpower Baypark Arena, baydreams.co.nz 6.

Arthur Ahbez & The Flaming Ahbez

7–11.30pm, Totara St, Mt Maunganui, tickettailor.com 6–10. Mount Comedy Festival 2021

Various dates at Totara St and Mount Social Club, eventfinda.co.nz 8.

Night Owl Cinema: Mamma Mia

7pm, Mount Drury Reserve, Mt Maunganui, nightowlcinema.org.nz 9.

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

16.

Night Owl Cinema: Jumanji, The Next Level 7–10pm, Mount Drury Reserve, Mt Maunganui, nightowlcinema.org.nz

NZ Beach Hockey Championships 2021 9am–6pm, Main Beach, Mt Maunganui, hockeynz.co.nz

16.

O & The Mo 7–9.30pm, The Jam Factory, The Historic Village, eventspronto.co.nz

The Little Big Markets 9am–2pm, Pāpāmoa Pony Club, 491 Pāpāmoa Beach Rd, Pāpāmoa

23.

Mount Festival of Multisport 2021 6am–6pm, Mt Maunganui, mountfestival.kiwi

Night Owl Cinema: Spies in Disguise 7–10pm, Greerton Park, Greerton, nightowlcinema.org.nz

Polytropos Live

7–9pm, The Jam Factory, The Historic Village, eventspronto.co.nz

24 Paul Ubana Jones Summer Tour 2021

7pm, The Jam Factory, The Historic Village, eventspronto.co.nz 27. Reverse Aquathon

6.15–7.15pm, Pilot Bay, Mt Maunganui, allevents.in 29– Surf Life Saving Eastern Regional 30. Championship

Main Beach, Mt Maunganui, surflifesaving.org.nz 30.

First We Eat (Wine, Beer & Food Festival) 12–7pm, Wharepai Domain, Tauranga (see page 14 for more details), firstweeat.co.nz

Night Owl Cinema: Rocketman

7–10pm, The Historic Village, eventfinda.co.nz

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

30– Battle of the BBQs 31.

Mount Maunganui College, battleofthebbqs.co.nz 31.

Macky Gee

10pm–2am, Trustpower Baypark Arena, ticketfairy.com