Our Place Magazine Issue 34

Issue 34 June / July 21

Creepy Crawly Paradise in Matua

Take Me

Solera’s Luxe Cauliflower Cheese

GoGenerosity Pays it Forward

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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 Contributors Pip Crombie, Elric James, Megan Raynor, Emma Sage, Josie Steenhart

PLANNING & MONITORING

Photographers Jill Andrews, Christopher Duffy, ilk 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.

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

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Email rachelle@ourplacemagazine.co.nz To tell us about anything happening in your area right now, email sarah@ourplacemagazine.co.nz

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Cover Photograph of Solera’s Nick Potts & Neil Sapitula by ilk Contents Photography Christopher Duffy Follow us @ourplacemagazine ourplacemagazine.co.nz

The rising of the Matariki star cluster signals the Māori new year. It’s a great time to reflect, reset and plan ahead.

It’s also a time to gather with friends and whānau and be grateful for all that we have in our lives. Tauranga Moana Matariki celebrations run from mid-June to mid-July and at the time of print, the event schedule was just being finalised, but check out page 17 for some of the exhibitions, markets and workshops planned. There’s plenty of fun and activities for tamariki too. Events will be listed at mytauranga.co.nz/matariki — get involved as this is Aotearoa’s very own celebration and we’re looking forward to next year when we’ll have a public holiday to officially mark it.

New Zealand’s lockdown was hard for many and has had numerous knock-on effects, but necessity being the mother of invention, we’ve all heard of great initiatives and business ideas that have come from that time. GoGenerosity (67) is one of the best we’ve come across — Rohan McCloskey has made it easy for people to ‘pay it forward’ at local businesses, including eateries and hairdressers, contributing what they can afford to help those in need in our community.

Another amazing community minded venture is Casita (61), a shop in Greerton where people with disabilities work and gain valuable life skills, and where local artists and other creatives can test the waters selling in a shop environment. Give them a visit!

Mā te wā, The Our Place team

B R I N G I N G S M I L E S TO T H E B AY S I N C E 2 0 0 1

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Book a consultation online or call 07 575 6278 MT MAUNGANUI | TE PUKE | BETHLEHEM

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T O O T H F A I R Y D E N TA L . C O . N Z

Contents

53

Our Nec k of the Woods

17

13

What’s Up

Welcome

Photo essay on Tauranga’s mighty trees 20

26

Our Place Tauranga

61

TLBM Shopping Guide

Shop for Good

Greerton’s coolest shop, Casita

30

67

Werk it Out

Girl Talk

Homewerk’s design & building ideas

What’s all the buzz about Girls Get Off? 72

The Greatest Teacher

39

Pay it Forward GoGenerosity in action

By Elric James

76

45

Delicious

A Bug’s Life

Solera’s take on cauliflower cheese

A bird & insect paradise in Matua

10

84

Event Guide

60 JELLICOE ST, TE PUKE @Elcartelnz TUESDAY-Saturday 11AM TIL 2PM, 5PM TIL LATE. SUNDAY 11AM TIL 3PM

What’s Up Pure Beauty New Zealand brand Aleph Beauty is about great beauty products that don’t harm you, animals or the planet.

Blakchaos in Mount Maunganui is hosting a night with Emma Peters, founder of Aleph, 6-8pm on 10 June.

Come along to get an insight into the brand’s conscious approach to its business, and learn how to wear Aleph’s natural makeup — see the most effective application techniques and find your best colour match. Drinks and light food provided. Tickets $40, redeemable on an Aleph product purchase at Blakchaos. → blakchaos.com

Star Lineup Matariki is a cluster of stars that reappear annually, signalling the Māori New Year. It’s a time to reflect on what has passed, and what lies ahead.

The Matariki Tauranga Moana programme runs from mid-June to mid-July, so here’s a small taste... The Incubator at The Historic Village is working with Okorore Ngā Toi Māori to present five exhibitions, including Te Iwa o Matariki by Michelle Estall (who painted the work, right), and is holding the Matariki Village Market (9am–2pm, 27 June) with kai, wellness including mirimiri and live music. Kids will love the Matariki Night Run on the train at Memorial Park (4–8pm, 3 July) and Kite Day at Fergusson Park (12–4pm, 4 July). Tauranga City Libraries has a host of events, including the photos taken of the marae and whānau of Tauranga Moana in the Brad Burch Collection exhibition, and for kids: Ngā Whetū o Matariki digital art canvas making, evening storytelling with kai and a puppet making workshop. → Visit mytauranga.co.nz/matariki @matarikitaurangamoana

Word Up Tauranga Zinefest at Tauranga Art Gallery is an annual highlight for creatives and it’s back on 24 July.

For the uninitiated, a zine is usually a small, handmade magazine that can be on any topic under the sun — often quirky, funny and offbeat, which is what makes this (free) day lots of fun. On top of perusing the goods from zinemakers across the North Island, there’ll be live spoken word poetry ‘snippets’ throughout the day, and poet and author Dominic Hoey will be holding a creative writing workshop. But wait, there’s more... New for 2021 is a poetry event that will run at the gallery the night before. Wham Bam Tauranga Poetry Slam is run in conjunction with Motif Poetry and if you’re a local spoken word poet, look out for the call for registrations, as you could be crowned the next Slam Champion.

Tauranga Zinefest is free, 10am–3pm, 24 July @taurangazinefest Wham Bam Tauranga Poetry Slam, 6pm–8pm, 23 July, tgaslam.eventbrite.co.nz 17

What’s Up Raising the Bar Trinity Wharf keeps coming up with more enticing reasons to return, and the latest is the new cocktail menu designed by cocktail specialist Achira (Archie) Kularantne. The list is largely inspired by the hotel’s waterfront surroundings, with names such as Sea Cucumber and Blue Lagoon. Stand-outs include the Salted Caramel Martini (pictured right) with its pretty handcrafted chocolate flowers, and Archie’s Pina Colada that he’s been making since he was a teenager on his family plot in Sri Lanka (where he used coconuts picked straight from the tree). There are also creative mocktails, and a fresh new menu of all-important snacks — maybe kick things off with a selection of ‘Poppers’, maple meatballs or salt and pepper squid. → trinitywharf.co.nz

Simply Irresistible Wildflour small batch bakery in Mount Maunganui has wholesome bars, bliss balls and granola as well as indulgences such as cinnamon buns and chocolate chunk banana bread. Whatever you fancy, you’ll be happy in the knowledge that it’s handmade with real ingredients, which includes local produce such as Katikati macadamias, Nicki’s Eggs and Drifters Peanut Butter made in Pāpāmoa. The great news is, Wildflour’s new website launches in June so you can order the delicious baking to your door, including a new product, macadamia and coconut granola jars (you can even get discounted jar refills at The Little Big Markets).

Alternatively, get your fix at local stockists, such as Tay Street Store, which is the only retail outlet with those famous cinnamon buns! → wildflourmount.co.nz @wildflour_

Jordan Barnes photograph: Tam Pittwood

Friends Indeed Join the Friends of Tauranga Art Gallery for Dinner à la Art — an exclusive evening of conversation, food and wine on 25 June. Award-winning visual artist, Jordan Barnes (picured right), will give attendees a glimpse into his art practice while they dine on a menu prepared by the top-notch chefs at Tauranga’s Elizabeth Cafe and Larder. The ticket price includes a three-course dinner with two glasses of wine, and there’ll also be a silent auction. While you’re online booking your seat, you might want to find out more about joining Friends of Tauranga Art Gallery — Nga Mata Ratarata o Toi Tauranga. It’s affordable to become a member and there are lots of perks! → To purchase, visit artgallery.org.nz/events @taurangaartgallery 19

Our Place Tauranga

Crowd Saucing

“Everyone loves noodles!” says Douglas Park when asked about launching his new eatery, The Noodle & Salad Co, at Our Place Tauranga earlier this month.

And these are no run-of-themill noodles. Choose between satisfyingly thick egg noodles or skinny vermicelli, then from perfectly cooked beef, chicken, pork or tofu and a selection of fresh vegetables. The pièces de résistance though, are the signature house-made sauces.

“We have six signature sauces,” says Douglas. “Sichuan chilli, satay, honey soy, ginger spring onion, balsamic vinegar and sweet tomato.

All our sauces are made to hit every tastebud.” He recommends getting creative with your saucey combos: “If you’re after something light with a nice aftertaste, we recommend Sichuan chilli with ginger spring onion.

Or if you’re feeling like something richer, try satay and honey soy.”

Korean-born and having previously lived in Wellington, Douglas and his family moved to the Bay five years ago after “being sick of big, weather-variant cities.” He says his whānau love it here, “from the warm weather to the friendly locals!”

The family have owned a variety of businesses in the past, including a Korean barbecue restaurant and a bar/nightclub, and have more than 20 years of hospitality 20

experience under their belts. This project is also a family affair: “The business model was developed and created by all of us. My wife Clara was the masterchef behind our sauces and menu, and my son Michael worked on the branding.” Douglas says choosing to set up shop at OPT was an easy choice: “It’s the heart of the city, and everyone knows there’s always going to be great food and great vibes at Our Place.”

For now, the menu is kept intentionally simple, offering just three variations of its noodle and salad bowls, each designed to offer a well-balanced lunch and prepared fresh in front of the customer. “During lunch, we understand every minute counts, so we’ve made it simple so you can choose easily and get going,” says Douglas.

After glorious noodles, fresh toppings and next-level sauces (they’re currently working on a Korean-inspired addition), The Noodle & Salad Co’s other major drawcard is the price, with salad bowls starting at just $7 and none maxing the $10 mark. “Our son works in corporate and always complains about how expensive it is to buy lunch every day,” explains Douglas. “It seems like if it’s cheap, it’s unhealthy, and if it’s healthy, it’s expensive.

So we wanted to create a healthy lunch that tastes good and is affordable — and here we are!” @noodlensaladco Mon-Fri, 10.30am-3.30pm

Story: Josie Steenhart

The Noodle & Salad Co has just opened at Our Place Tauranga, offering delicious bowls that brim with flavoursome ingredients, including standout signature sauces.

91 Willow St, Tauranga CBD

@ourplacetauranga

Hitting the Right Note MBC’s Tart Rhubarb Cider was such a seasonal hit, it’s now been released as part of the core range, so it’ll always be on tap at High Tide (tap 8!). Plus, it was also just voted into the Top 100 in the New World Beer & Cider Awards. mountbrewingco.com @hightidetauranga

Return of the Mac (and Cheese) We’re celebrating the return of the masters of vegan deliciousness, Hello Rosie. Dan and Renae’s magic lineup includes Kentucky Fried cauli, chickun tacos, buffalo burgers and cheeseburger fries; but make sure you’re there when the mac and cheese bites are on as a special. Hit your sweet spot with the famous doughnuts, toffee pops, squiggles, peanut butter brownies and ginger kisses. @hellorosiecaravan

Wild About Flowers Wiildpress is holding a winter wreath workshop at OPT, at 2pm on Saturday 10 July, where you’ll learn to make a 30cm wreath of dried flowers and foliage that will last long after the event has ended.

Check out Wiildpress’ options for private events too, from flower crowns to watercolour painting.

Tickets are $70 and available through @wiildpress or email wiildpress@gmail.com

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UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Here to support you on your health journey Shop in-store and get 20% off your first purchase by quoting code OURPLACE20*

Fashion Island, Papamoa Ph: 07 5742160 • health@plumorganics.co.nz @plumorganicspapamoa *One time offer available to new or existing club members.

91 Willow St, Tauranga CBD

@ourplacetauranga

Sustainable Fashion Show 2021

Clockwise, from top: Fantastical Wearable Art entries at OPT, a flight of fancy at the Wearable Art Challenge at Baycourt; a clever entry in the 48 Hour Second Hand Fashion Competition.

Do you love sustainable fashion? Reckon you have an eye for art? The ReMaker Space and Envirohub are collaborating to present the Sustainable Fashion Show 2021!

into a fresh, fashionable outfit in 48 hours — sewing optional. Held 25–27 June and 22–24 July.

Wearable Art Challenge Create a masterpiece from the pack of materials provided along with ‘found’ materials otherwise considered rubbish. The Sustainable Fashion Show is on Sunday 25 July at Baycourt Community & Art Centre and entry is free!

All entries will be walking the catwalk at 3.30pm.

Come along to see runway shows from local, sustainable designers and entries from the Wearable Art Challenge and 48-hour Fashion Competition. Anyone can enter either challenge with the opportunity to win a share of $2000 worth of cash prizes and money-can’t-buy experiences.

Entries close 22 July. To register, visit envirohub.org.nz/sustainable-art-challenge For more information, follow @remakerspacenz

48 Hour Second Hand Fashion Competition Curate, upcycle and style secondhand clothing 23

BLAKCHAOS 89 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui BLAK 18 Osborne St, Newmarket, Auckland

@ BLAK THE LAB E L

|

WWW. B L A K .CO. N Z

91 Willow St, Tauranga CBD

@ourplacetauranga

Happening in June/July Fri

Drop in Fridays at The ReMaker Space 10am–12pm. Come together and get your projects done with a little inspiration from your fellow creatives. Flex your creative muscles and expand your community.

June 5.

24.

WKND Family: Drum & Bass Takeover 7–11.30pm Headlined by Flowidus (the first time in 18 months they’re both back together) with support from D&B legends TwentyTwo, Mount locals Rayne, Tricky and Awoke. ticketfairy.com/event/drum-bass-takeover

The core crew of Crop Swap with their bounty.

Think Local

Latin American Cultural Appreciation Night 5–8pm. For details, visit Multicultural Tauranga Facebook page.

2527.

48 Hour Second Hand Fashion Competition 10am–10am. A collab between The ReMaker Space and Envirohub. For more details, see page 23. To pre-register, visit envirohub.org.nz/sustainable-art-challenge

27.

Crop Swap See right for more details.

At Crop Swap you can definitely do just that — share your excess produce, and take home something freshly picked from someone else’s patch. But there’s lots more to gain from coming to the monthly gatherings.

“It also involves a sharing of knowledge — we talk about what’s good to plant right now, what’s gone well, or favourite recipes or ways to preserve produce,” says Steve Kirkby, a Crop Swap regular, along with his wife Jill Parsons. “It’s about developing relationships with like-minded people from different walks of life.”

“When people first come to Crop Swap, they’re often worried they might bring the same thing as everyone else, for example citrus in winter,” says Jill.

“But I’m always amazed by the diversity on the table each month: seedlings, fresh produce, preserves, baking, gardening books and even homemade crafts are all welcome. “Although it’s called a ‘swap’, it’s not about a literal trading of goods, it’s about offering what you’re happy to share and mindfully receive.”

Looking at the bigger picture, the pair would love to see more of this type of local interaction as it makes sense economically and socially. “Covid-19 showed the fragility of our convenience-based food system. This kind of communal sharing reduces our reliance on that,” says Steve. “Self sufficiency is a lot of work, but working together with people you trust means you share the load, address issues of glut and increase the variety of produce you have access to.”

Pop along to say hi and to take home something delicious. “It just feels awesome to share,” says Steve.

Held last Sunday of the month. See left for dates.

July 10.

ReMaker Craft Market 9–11am. Buy and sell craft supplies. Clear out unused paints, yarns, fabrics — give them a new home and make a bit of cash. To register a table, visit remakerspace.co.nz

2224.

48 Hour Second Hand Fashion Competition 10am–10am. Collab between The ReMaker Space and Envirohub. For more details see page 23. To pre-register, visit envirohub.org.nz/sustainable-art-challenge

25.

Crop Swap See right for more details.

To register for ReMaker Space ongoing textiles and wood workshops, visit remakerspace.co.nz 25

When you buy local, it has a positive impact on the whole community. Check out these fantastic products from The Little Big Markets and see all the market dates on page 84.

Mount Longboards

Renee Renata Creative

Mount Longboards take you back to the 80s with a collection of classic surf t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and accessories. Each of the 100 per cent cotton tees are original and hand-printed. mountlongboards.com mountlongboards

Home of the popular upcycled tyre tube earrings. Designs are inspired by our native birds, especially the huia. All earrings are handmade, making them one of a kind. Also from The Incubator Creative Hub, Journey + Co and social media. @mylittlesidebusiness

Ruapuke

Drawing the Way

Noxen

Ruapuke’s gorgeous 100 per cent cotton blankets will keep you warm this winter and will ensure you’re always set for anything, from lazy picnics and beach hangouts to drinks while the sun sets. Compact, lightweight and quick to dry. ruapuke.com @ruapuke_

Drawing the Way is a Mount Maunganui illustration and graphic design studio. This creative couple travels New Zealand spreading joy with their maps and paintings of places they visit, as well as custom paintings and quirky portraits. drawingtheway.com

Based in Mount Maunganui, Noxen is 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

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Bubala Creations

Aromama Apothecary

Waxed Eyed Bees Honey

Janeeliz creates unique resin ocean-themed art with colours that reflect the beauty, movement and colours of the ocean and beach.

The range includes art, art with function, new/recycled and custom homeware and decor. $10–200. @bubalacreations

Aromatherapy that inspires self care and love, mindfully crafted for your self-care journey.

Products are 100 per cent natural, sustainable and cruelty free, and lovingly handmade in the BOP. aromamaapothecary.com @aromamaapothecary

For locals, from locals. Visit your neighbourhood honey hustlers, Wayne and Ariana, for pure manuka, kanuka, rewarewa, kamahi and wildflower honey.

Also stocked in Mount New World. waxeyedbees.co.nz @waxeyedbeeshoney

Slab Ceramics

Ritual Masssage

Thirty-Two Halloos

Slab Ceramics is a family business and every piece is made in Pāpāmoa Beach. They specialise in hand-built sculptural vessels, vases and everyday functional pieces. Commissions available. slabceramics.co.nz @slab.ceramics

Ritual specialises in ‘Womb & Fertility Massage Therapy’.

This deep yet gentle abdominal and sacral therapy is designed to nuture, and bring balance to the reproductive, nervous and digestive systems. ritualmassage.co.nz

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

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The Foodette

El Jefe Meats

Small Batch

Rachel’s cute little food trailer has exactly what you need this chilly season, including these comforting, warm mini-quiches. Chef-made daily with quality, local and seasonal ingredients. Pop by for a handful of deliciousness! @thefoodette.co.nz

Is 100 per cent commited to create the best sausages in New Zealand.

Products are handmade in small batches to ensure the best quality.

From local farmers’ market or buy online, plus get delicious gourmet hot dogs at The Little Big Markets. eljefemeats.co.nz

Small Batch nut butters and spreads are back! Years of careful chef development ensures these handmade products are nutritious and delicious. The famous Super Butter is a complete protein and mineral source. All GF and vegan. smallbatch.co.nz

Kayu Studio

The Cottage Gallery

Kiwi Blade Knives

Kayu Studio has a hand-sourced, curated collection of homewares, decor, furniture and art. You’ll find stunning feature pieces, classic styles and Kayu’s favourites. Add something special to your space. kayustudio.co.nz @kayustudio_ @ayustudionz

Brian and Meg Claxton have a boutique craft business specialising in pounamu (greenstone), which they carve to create beautiful taonga — much-loved pieces of jewellery.

329 Waihi Rd, Judea, Tauranga thecottagegallery.co.nz

Defying the plague of sameness, one knife at a time! Celebrate the unique joy of owning a handcrafted knife that’s designed to suit you and your lifestyle, and is definitely built to last. kiwiblade.co.nz @kiwibladeknives

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The Unseen

22 May–12 Sep

The Misadventures of Te Kuri

Tawhai Rickard

With thanks to NIWA and Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Tawhai Rickard, Te Kuri the Dusky Noble Savage of Aotearoa (detail), 2020, Courtesy of Tawhai Rickard & PAULNACHE

Gabby O’Connor

Gabby O’Connor, The Unseen (detail), 2020

W e r k I t O u t Story by Pip Crombie

Homewerk’s Sammy-Rose Scapens and Oliver Starr approach design and construction with an eye to affordability, sustainability and general wellbeing.

“The house shelters day-dreaming, the house protects the dreamer, the house allows one to dream in peace.” — Gaston Bachelard, The Poetics of Space.

Embark on an online stalk of Sammy-Rose Scapens and you’ll learn a thing or three.

Including how the uber-competent and multi-talented design and literary individual, morphed into a dynamic duo once she connected with talented builder and craftsman, Oliver Starr. I had the pleasure of meeting them recently to learn more about the motivation behind Homewerk, the multi-disciplinary design and construction studio the pair founded on the pillars of creating functional, sustainable and aesthetically exciting spaces and furniture.

The use of the word ‘werk’ in Homewerk, is not one of those deliberate mis-spellings of the English language. Rather, it stems from the German iteration of the word, which has a number of meanings ranging from an association with a factory, production space, plant, or the

act and deed of doing the mahi.

Or work. The one Sammy-Rose and Oliver relate to most is the concept of werk being your greatest life achievement, or masterpiece. It’s therefore fitting that our interview took place in the midst of a current work-in-progress: the couple’s era-specific renovation of their late-60s Matua home, regularly profiled on Homewerk’s Instagram.

This is the their third home together. The first one was an A-frame at Pāpāmoa Beach, which Sammy-Rose bought in 2016 after a long search for this specific shape, loving the perfectly symmetrical structure that was so popular in New Zealand in the 50s through to the 70s. Oliver was introduced to Sammy-Rose via mutual friends who thought he would be the ideal person to bring to life Sammy-Rose’s dream to transform the 90m2 house into a light-filled lofty space. Oliver was the perfect fit in more ways than this — he moved from Auckland to commence the refurbishment and the two fell in love.

The couple’s second shared home was the renovation of a 31

building they shifted onto the subdivided site of the A-frame.

The house was once a campground reception; the structure and crucial elements were retained and a beachy aesthetic introduced. In 2019, Oliver and Sammy-Rose purchased their third home together. Oliver had worked on the 1970s Matua build while working for another company, and made it clear that should it ever go to market that he and Sammy-Rose would be interested. In another example of fate aligning, the property soon went to an estate sale and the couple purchased it.

Their first winter there was not entirely comfortable, “literally the coldest I’ve ever been,” recalls Oliver. They installed a fire but as with most older homes, one thing led to another and now the home has been almost entirely refurbished within the context of the 70s vibe, but with the couple’s aesthetic. Even the seemingly symmetrical Siamese cats, Yuri and Joachim, who stalk imperiously about the living space, are a blast from the 70s for me.

The family home showcases Sammy-Rose’s own ceramic creations, one-off furnishings, and cabinetry, floors, and handrails crafted from “a guy with a rimu log”, a bespoke kitchen and even a ceramic studio adjacent to the front door for Sammy-Rose to work from when time allows.

This is sometimes dictated by the juggle of running the burgeoning design company alongside Oliver as well as co-parenting their children, Eugene (3) and Sybil (1), who are often included in meetings and on-site visits.

Creating homes in a way that won’t bankrupt the home owner is an important goal of Homewerk and is certainly something they have adhered to in their own homes. “We’re trying to blur the lines between all forms of design and build. Sometimes it’s about pushing back against the construction industry merely being about building a house to code by thinking more holistically.

We always ask what’s good for our wellbeing — spiritually,

mentally, physically and emotionally — when we undertake any project. Our design and construction practices incorporate decisions around building materials like insulation, timber toxicity, air flow and design decisions around colour choices and lighting that will help the owners be able to day-dream, to feel healthy and inspired.”

Their personal experience in the industry means both Oliver and Sammy-Rose are au fait with the ins-and-outs of both renovating and new builds, which is reassuring for their clients and also streamlines the process.

Sammy-Rose sketches up the design and facilitates the working drawings, Oliver and his team of four builders transform and create. With a thorough understanding of the building code and consent practices, Homewerk takes on complete projects, but also offers specific design input at an hourly rate.

“We are about to start a project to nut out a unique minor 32

dwelling that can fit on multiple types of sites and offer a range of options for housing whānau, earning extra income or using as an office,” Sammy-Rose explains. This project in part was weirdly inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic — to look at other ways minor dwellings on properties can bring people together. These kinds of dwellings are already on the market, however Homewerk feel there’s space for them to further contribute architecturally.

Using a collective narrative through multiple disciplines — from interior and furniture design to full restoration, commercial fit out and new builds — means the Homewerk team are always looking for ways to have fun and collaborate.

They derive immense pleasure from working with friends around New Zealand on different projects, thriving on the creative sharing and bouncing of ideas.

Most recently, they have worked on a purpose-built scoop shop

↑ The inspiration for Homewerk’s Sandro Seats, made for the Sea People scoop shop fit out, was Sandro Botticelli’s painting, The Birth of Venus. ← Hand-built ceramic vase from Sammy-Rose’s Mentula Magna series. → ↓ Details of a previous project, an A-frame house in Pāpāmoa.

Opening spread: The pair in their Matua house — Oliver with his head in a Hotaru Buoy Pendant by Barber & Osgerby; the Pāpāmoa A-frame.

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← Sammy-Rose and Oliver in their Matua house with Joachim.

“I am so drawn to things balancing on the precipice of ugly and beautiful, the pull of good and bad, black and white...”

fit out in Downtown Mt Maunganui for the new vegan ice-cream company, Sea People.

“We prototyped and designed metal furniture with Sigma Sheetmetal Products in Auckland. The Sandro Seats are a good example of the Homewerk aesthetic and answering the call for something a little unusual yet beautifully made. “I’m so drawn to things balancing on the precipice of ugly and beautiful, the pull of good and bad, black and white, what’s between spaces, what makes something hang on the brink and how a piece of furniture affects the senses,” says 34

Sammy-Rose. This is something she attributes to a keen interest in a concept introduced by Finnish architect Pallasmaa, which has become a tenet of architectural theory that asks why, when there are five senses, the one single sense of sight alone has become so predominant.

The sense I am left with is that this creative couple have an excellent eye for detail and a shared vision that will see them make a positive impact on the Bay of Plenty landscape, and beyond. Ⓟ homewerk.co.nz @homewerk_nz

Zeden Cider Promotion

Back to Nature

Zeden Cider is a nature-based story in more ways than one — it utilises the freshest Hawkes Bay fruit, every purchase supports Forest & Bird, and even the launch party was in a woodland setting.

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Zeden Cider Promotion

partners for Zeden (see photo above). The new range, which is brewed in Gisborne, includes Birdsong Hawke’s Bay Apple Cider and Island Nation Apple & Feijoa Cider, with 10 per cent of profits ($10k guaranteed per year) going to Forest & Bird.

Given his interest in nature, it was only fitting that Bevan chose a forest in Tauranga as the location for the Zeden launch. It fortuitously co-incided with the completion of Luke Thompson’s album that was a few years in the making, so the crowd were treated to a brilliant performance of his folk-style music on the night. “Luke was saying, ‘I really want to bring a piano in here’ and I thought he was joking,” says Bevan. But Luke duly managed to deposit a piano in the forest, which just added to the magic on the night.

Luke’s brother, who happens to be local pizza maestro Jo Thompson from Avenue Pizza, fed the crowd his sublime creations from a woodfired oven, festoon lights set the scene, the cider flowed all night and Zeden Cider was off to the best start possible.

If the name Zeden conjures up thoughts of Eden and a paradise-like existence, that’s exactly the point. Bay local Bevan Wait was thinking of Aotearoa’s beauty when he came up with the name for his new cider.

“I was imagining New Zealand’s environment before European settlement — a Garden of Eden, perfection in a way. And with the current government’s goal of being predator-free by 2050, I’m also envisaging where we could be.”

And how does this mesh with cider, you may ask? Bevan explains: “I wanted to build something I feel strongly about in my everyday life, so I decided to combine two passions: good quality cider and New Zealand’s environment.”

Bevan developed a real love of cider in England, particularly in Hartfordshire, which inspired him to raise the bar back home by creating a sophisticated take on most offerings on the market.

“New Zealand ciders are generally quite sweet — ours takes 20 days to brew and it’s a lot drier.”

He’s no stranger to excellent drinks, being one of the trio behind Ranga Alcoholic Gingerbeer, which launched 10 years ago and is a much-loved bevvie across the nation. Bevan has the same business

Ask for it at your local liquor store, New World or Pak’nSave supermarket. zedencider.co.nz @zedencider 36

Zeden Cider Promotion

↖ The men behind Zeden Cider, left to right: Chris Durney (aka Caveman), Bevan Wait and Leon McDonald. ↑ Local talent Luke Thompson performed music from his latest album at the launch. → Jo from Avenue Pizza fired up the woodfired oven and dished out his much-loved pizza.

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mountbrows

Pay it Forward Story by Josie Steenhart

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Rohan McCloskey’s GoGenerosity platform allows Tauranga locals to use local businesses — from barbers to restaurants — to pay it forward to those most in need in our community.

As if seeing his own restaurants through a variety of hospitality industry-crushing Covid-19 lockdowns over the last year wasn’t enough for Rohan McCloskey to have on his plate, the father of three littlies (including a newborn) has also been busy launching GoGenerosity. It’s an innovative platform for local businesses that enables customers to ‘pay it forward’ to those in need, in the most wonderful of ways.

“It was during one of the toughest times of my life when GoGenerosity was born,” he admits. “I was at home during our level 4 lockdown trying to save my restaurants, when I was gifted with the idea.”

The platform, which currently has 25 businesses (and counting) on board, started out as a simple pay-itforward system added to the online takeaway services of Rohan’s three eateries: Brooklyn Patio on The Strand, Neighbourhood Kitchen in Cherrywood and Rain Bar in Pāpāmoa, but its immediate popularity inspired him to grow it into something much bigger.

“When we were getting our restaurants prepped for coming out of lockdown, I thought, okay we’ll give this thing a crack while we’re setting up our businesses for online takeaway services,” says Rohan.

“We then implemented the pay-it-forward system so people could just add an amount to their bill on checkout, and I just saw the generosity flowing from people… And quite surprising amounts, like people would just be ordering a meal for themselves but would add $50.”

Having received some welcome startup funding in August 2020, early 2021 saw Rohan and his team launch GoGenerosity to Tauranga and the Mount as a smart, easy-to-use system designed to “make generosity easy”. Consumers are able to ‘pay it forward’ via POS when making their own payment, 100 percent of which goes directly to the businesses’ elected charity, in the form of their own products or services (as diverse as food to haircuts).

This direct, hands-on process is one of GoGenerosity’s key points of difference, and one that Rohan’s particularly passionate about.

“I think that’s the difference with what we do, that it’s traced, so when people give their money to that local business, the local business then uses it, for example, to make food and that food goes out to people in need via one of our charities who collect the food from the restaurants. We call it ‘unlocking dormant generosity’ — so it’s just topping up our bill, it’s bringing our loose change and turning it into something quite amazing.”

Rohan says the GoGenerosity model is designed to work “for every single business that has a product or a service that can help someone in need”. So far this already includes a variety of restaurants and cafes as well as a growing number of others, from barbers and beauty salons to personal trainers, antenatal teachers and even a holiday park. “It’s not just about handing out, it’s about handing up and giving people an opportunity in life,” he says.

“You can argue and say people don’t need beauty treatments and things like that, but what we’ve already seen is that while it may not be a necessity of being able to function on a day-to-day basis, when people get an experience that takes them to another place… it’s quite humbling to see what it does for them and for their emotional state.”

He flags an example of a woman in her late fifties receiving a GoGenerosity-funded facial and massage treatment at Features Inc. beauty salon in Ōtūmoetai. “She walked in and she had her head down and wasn’t confident, but when she left she had a huge smile and said that in her whole life she’d never felt that kind of affection, had never been touched like that, and so now her life has been changed.”

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Rohan and Stephanie McCloskey with children Kaeden (5), Adiella (3) and Zana (1). point where we want to see needs being met — we don’t want to wait for the government to hurry up on these things, we feel like we can actually be a solution in our local community right now. We’re also working with plumbers, electricians, builders, all the trades. We’re focusing on where we feel there’s the most need initially.”

Rohan, who with his wife Steph moved from Australia to the Bay of Plenty five years ago, says the area has been the perfect place to settle with their young family — and the perfect starting point for the platform. “We had a heart for Tauranga and just felt like we were meant to be here, and we’ve been proven right.

“Nationwide, post-Covid, there’s a real focus on the local community — Tauranga and the Mount definitely have that. We’re very grateful we live in an area like this as it gives us real confidence about just how far the GoGenerosity platform can go.” Ⓟ

Another of his favourite moments so far was when a charity delivered meals from his restaurant Brooklyn Patio to a family in need. “This family, there was no way they could have afforded restaurantquality food, they’re very much getting by week to week. They were so blown away by getting this food, but then they said, ‘There’s so much food here, do you mind if we invite the next-door neighbours over?’

“That’s the stuff that just gets us excited, it’s not about just handing out — needs need to be met and people need to be fed, but when you can give someone an experience, psychologically it does something different to the person and makes them want to give back.”

Healthcare providers and trades are next on the GoGenerosity list. “As an example, 47 per cent of New Zealanders avoid going to the dentist due to cost, because there’s no government support, there’s no help, so we’re currently talking with dentists to be able to implement GoGenerosity into their practices,” says Rohan. “And this is exactly the

For more information, visit gogenerosity.com 42

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A Bug’s Life

A Bug’s Life Story by Emma Sage Photography by Jill Andrews

Heather Loughlin has transformed part of her urban garden into a native paradise for bugs and birds — from rotting logs and leaves to safe insect ‘hotels’, it’s an environment that sees them thrive.

With his guidance, she was inspired to undertake a major overhaul of a significant section of her garden, starting with an existing pond area that already had three large nikau palms and tree ferns — the perfect bones to create a native habitat for wētā.

Heather removed all non-natives from the area and replanted it with houhere (hoheria), māhoe (melicytus ramiflorus), horopito (pseudowintera ‘red leopard’), coprosma and more. The bushy habitat was finished off with large mossy and rotten logs, leaf litter and additional wētā motels. Rodent traps were introduced and the base of gates have been blocked to deter hedgehogs. “The rotten logs, Ruud tells me, are ‘plankton of the forest’ and certainly now home to hundreds of insects — all busy cleaning up debris, composting and aerating the soil. What’s not to love about that?” says Heather.

What started as a thoughtfully designed urban woodland garden now incorporates a successful habitat to encourage bugs and biodiversity. This cool, sheltered and safe native bush area invites a variety of bugs to dwell, and cleverly blends into the more classically “English” woodland areas. The existing canopy of deciduous trees provides dappled shade and their fallen leaves provide natural compost, which Heather allows to lie around the garden for the bugs to enjoy. There are also watering holes for thirsty bugs in the summer.

Heather Loughlin’s small city garden in Matua is an ever-changing seasonal woodland. Deciduous trees bring drama and colour with the changing seasons. Curling white bark of jacquemontii birch trees is stunning by day, and glows in the moonlight at night. The canopy these trees provide creates a microclimate for many mass-planted shade-loving plants below.

Known as Amberwood, Heather’s garden was named after her grandfather’s home in England.

“My garden tells a story reflecting my English background that intertwines with my New Zealand home.” she says.

But Heather’s garden doesn’t just provide her solace — the site has become an intentional habitat for bugs. It’s Heather’s way of recognising the vital role insects have to play in our biodiversity.

“It was only around three years ago when entomologist Ruud Kleinpaste [better known as ‘The Bugman’] visited my garden and upon spying my one forlorn wētā motel, asked me if I had ever had a wētā in it. I replied that I never did. One quick look around the garden and he said that he wasn’t surprised as there was nothing for them to eat!” says Heather.

Heather learnt from Ruud that bugs, and in particular wētā, love living in a messy habitat, and need specific native trees and shrubs for food.

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Clockwise, from left: Hotels used to attract and protect wētā; a mini woodshed for insects sits among the leaf litter; a path leads through the traditional English woodland garden into Heather’s biodiverse native area (beginning at the nikau palms), created as a habitat for bugs Opener: Heather with an Auckland tree wētā, which sits on a techomanthe speciosa (a plant they like to eat).

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↑ Clockwise, from left: A tree stump planted with Boston ivy has numerous dry hideaways for spiders, beetles, earwigs and friends — the bumblebee hive is on the other side; a leopard slug, one of the world’s largest air-breathing slugs; mini-woodsheds are filled with rotten wood and placed in a cool spot to attract insects.

She has appealed to local bug enthusiasts and gardeners to keep an eye out for them and is very happy to accept them as gifts for her garden.

Creating a beautiful home for bugs has meant that the garden’s birdlife has benefitted too. The trees attract many garden birds, and Heather entices tūī and wax-eyes with a sugar water concoction. She also feeds the birds from a ‘bird table’ that’s laden with old fruit. “Wild ducks fly in for breakfast every morning in spring and summer, much to the amusement of the neighbours!” says Heather.

Heather’s garden has always been ‘open’ to visitors and groups — something that happens by word of mouth, in addition to her regular spot on the Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival trail. “It is my hope that a visit to my garden is an enjoyable and educational experience on many different levels. I love seeing people with the happy smiles that the garden gives to them.”

Heather’s efforts have meant that wētā now have homes (this protects them from predators — many species are endangered), which serves to attract many other insects… The leopard slug is a frequent visitor, who joins an army of worms in the naturally composted soil. Dragonflies helicopter over the pond, where you might also spot a frog or two. Bagworm moths take up residence under the house eaves.

Leaf-cutter bees are provided houses, along with a bumblebee hive — both fantastic pollinators. An insect “apartment block” made out of an old pallet caters for many smaller insects, like slaters, earwigs, centipedes and spiders — all food for other insects and birds.

A large swan plant area attracts monarch butterflies, ladybirds, aphids and praying mantises.

“Here, everything eats everything, but it is in balance as it should be. I leave them to get on with it!” says Heather. Even the much maligned cockroach (Heather likes to use the fond nickname ‘wood beetle’) is part of the mix, having an important role in breaking down dead matter and returning it to the earth.

Heather aspires to attract stick insects and is always happy to re-home more wētā into her garden.

Amberwood is in Matua, Tauranga and is open by arrangement. Cost: $5 per person (or BYO wētā!)

Contact: Heather on 07 576 2288 or 027 444 7096.

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Our Neck

of the Woods Photography by Christopher Duffy 53

We took a tour around some of Tauranga’s most notable, historic and majestic trees so you can feast your eyes upon them in all their glory.

Now go and seek them out in real life!

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Above: Maungawhare in Ōtūmoetai has four of these large Norfolk pines that were planted between 1884 and 1890. One was previously the tallest in the Bay of Plenty until it was struck by lightning in 1978.

Left: An immense Puriri, also in the parkland at Maungawhare.

Opener/next page: The tītoki at Ōtūmoetai Pā is steeped in history and thought to be the oldest tree in Tauranga along with the sprawling pōhutukawa at Pitau Road Reserve (next page) — both about 300 years old.

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Above: A mighty tōtara at Maungawhare — public entry to the parkland is from Parkvale Rd, Ōtūmoetai.

Right: The Elms, Tauranga’s historic former Mission Station, was founded in 1835. Reverend Brown purchased some of the land in 1873 for a family home, naming it The Elms, as there were more than 50 elm trees on-site at the time. He planted this beautiful oak, as well as the Norfolk pines that stand to this day.

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taurangazinefest tgaslam.eventbrite.co.nz

Shop for Good Story by Megan Raynor Photography by Ilk

Casita is a shop in Greerton that’s opening up a world of new opportunities for people with disabilities as well as local creatives looking to sell their work to the community.

As a teacher in the Ōtūmoetai College special needs department, Charrissa has always been struck by how hard it is for many students leaving school. “You spend five years getting them ready for the outside world but for the high functioning students ... there really isn’t really anything for them to go on to.”

Creating opportunities for those who wouldn’t get them otherwise is the theme running through Casita, an organisation dedicated to the growth of people with disabilities.

With the recent move into a Greerton store, it not only gives opportunities to their “Casitians” — clients with disabilities — but to local businesses who want to test out retail and to artists looking to sell their work. This new store is just one step towards a bigger dream for Charrissa Taylor, Casita’s founder.

Charrissa has taught in the Ōtūmoetai College special needs department for the last 14 years and has always been struck by how hard it is for many students leaving school. “You spend five years getting them ready for the outside world but for the high-functioning students, who have the most potential, there isn’t really anything for them to go on to. They sometimes end up being at home, losing many of the social skills, life skills, and health and fitness they’d gained through school,” she says.

It’s this gap that lead to the creation of Casita.

Charrissa and her team provide the things that fall away when school ends, through work experience, outings and soon — once they’ve raised enough to fit out the kitchen — a life skills area.

The organisation started out of an op shop in Te Puke five years ago, before the birth of her second baby led Charrissa to close the doors and instead use a van. Upon reflection, Charrissa admits this wasn’t sustainable, especially with a young family. “Driving around in a van, collecting clients, finding them work experience like dog walking, and taking them to the pools and the library… I knew something had to give but I couldn’t leave them,” she says.

It was then that months of searching led to the Greerton store and the newest evolution of Casita. “It definitely wasn’t because I have all the skills to make this happen,” said Charrissa. “The rest of my team fills the gaps for me. I have ideas and then hope someone else has the skills needed and the heart to use them to help.”

This team effort extends to the wider community, including the vendors who line the shelves, a waitlist of volunteers, and even a 19-year-old ex-student, Nathan, who has severe cerebral palsy (pictured in the wheelchair, opposite), who donated $1000 to the cause. “That was a really proud moment. I couldn’t believe it when Nathan told us he wanted to donate that much — but he was adamant he wanted to help us, help others, like he’s been helped,” she says.

When they first moved into the new space it felt very big and daunting, but within a few months they can already feel themselves growing out of it.

“When we came into the building we had no idea what we were going to sell, but one by one, over the course of the first two weeks, vendors came in and the walls were filled up.”

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↑ A group of Casita’s staff members, volunteers, Casitians and holiday programme students (Charrissa is pictured far right). ← Casita stocks loads of fantastic local businesses, from handmade toiletries and artwork to baby gifts. ↓ The vibrant shop also has a section for quality secondhand clothing.

Opener: Volunteer and artist Anne Westerskov, of Art By Anne, beside her eye-catching cards.

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↑ Casita stocks goods for the pantry such as organic teas, baking mixes and vegan chocolate.

Charrissa is referring to the marketplace-style model. The stores’ walls are filled with different local businesses — including prints by artists and photographers, jewellery, handmade soy candles, baking mixes and even a beauty room where you can get eyelash extensions and nails painted for $5, with more treatments to come. Each vendor pays a donation to have a retail space, allowing them to both partner with people with disabilities and test out being in a real store.

With a waitlist already, Charrissa thinks the demand for the marketplace has come down to the opportunity it creates. “There are so many talented and creative people who want to try out their own business. This way they have the chance to try something new without the risk.”

The marketplace sits alongside their op shop and has helped make Casita a destination for anyone seeking cool local businesses, as well as providing another gateway for people with disabilities, like Charrissa’s previous student and incredible photographer, Stephanie. “Stephanie was one of our first vendors and we’ve sold quite a few of her pieces.

She’s really talented but she feels like sometimes people see her disability and don’t realise she can create this beautiful work. When they see her photography, they see a different side to her and respect her talent.”

That’s the beauty of Casita. Whether it’s putting their work out into the world or feeling comfortable enough to try new skills, every Casitian or vendor who comes through the doors is given the chance to grow.

As for Charrissa, this is just the start. She sees so many more gaps to be filled for people with disabilities and Casita as the vehicle to help do this.

“I’ve always had big dreams — bigger dreams than what we have now. The sky’s the limit because there’s just so much need.” Ⓟ

FANTASTIC THINGS TO BUY AT CASITA! JEWELLERY @thirtytwohalloos bright and bold handcrafted jewellery (a fave at TLBM).

BABY ITEMS @featherandfantail cute bibs and teethers that look like an accessory rather than a necessity.

ART @stephaniemartelliphotography prints (that this writer is very tempted to go back and buy!), also @hiriwanz stunning black and white digital prints of New Zealand flora and fauna.

PAMPERING @alchemyandme soaps, soaks and clays that nourish your hair and skin, as well soy candles by @maxiekcreations and @cinnamonquills DELICIOUSNESS @unrefined_cakery cake mixes that are free of nasties, @kingdomhives honey and honeycomb, and @solomons_gold vegan chocolate.

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Girl Talk

Story by Josie Steenhart Photography by Tastefully Studios

Along with selling vibrators in a sassy-not-seedy manner, Girls Get Off is also making moves to empower women, break down societal taboos around female pleasure and generally get gals talking...

What started as a casual socially distanced pink gin on the driveway between friends back in New Zealand’s level 4 lockdown has quickly turned into a booming online business — despite offering just one little product.

Small, discreet, candy pink and really kind of cute, the Missy Mini vibrator has been selling like hotcakes, and receiving rave reviews just as quickly. “World masturnation!” laughs co-founder Viv Conway when asked about the plan for Girls Get Off, the business she launched in March with friend Jo Cummins.

While the popularity of the Missy Mini doesn’t surprise them — it’s been both carefully researched and thoroughly tested [more laughter ensues] — it’s the groundswell of engagement, support and deeply personal feedback they’ve received that has. “We knew it was a really fast growing industry,” says Jo, “and as soon as we started talking about it, it became pretty clear that there was a really big gap in the market for something non-seedy. There was nothing well-branded to females that took a wellness approach.”

Product testing and lots of market research followed.

“It was about finding something we could apply our whole concept around, making it less intimidating and more entertaining. We had a few really good nights with wine and lots of Googling, which was pretty funny.”

The entrepreneurial pair, who have been friends “for years”, also have other successful

businesses on the go — Viv is one half of social media agency Ace The Gram, while mum-of-two Jo founded personalised cookie company Hello & Cookie — but have long been keen to take on a project together. “I think when I have a business idea, the first person that goes into my mind is Viv,” says Jo. “We just work well together, our brains just kind of align. She gets me!”

“I just think Jo’s smart, Jo’s just got all the good ideas,” adds Viv, who admits they’ve had “plenty” of ideas before that they haven’t acted on. “Working together has been on the cards for a while, and we’ve got to the stage of fully concepting other businesses, but it just hasn’t been the right fit or the right time. Girls Get Off has just allowed us to pull everything we know from our other businesses into one.”

“We didn’t leave a stone unturned in our planning,” says Jo. “From the very start we thought about the product and the pricing but also what the customer journey was — how it was going to make someone feel when they landed on our Instagram page, which is, it’s funny, it’s fun, it feels safe, like they’ve got a platform. And then planning all the way through to receiving the product — it’s affordable but it has a really luxurious feel. We also send out earplugs for your flatmates, which keeps it fun and aligns with our mission of starting a conversation, so everything has been really carefully thought out.”

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Having ensured it also “ticked all the boxes in terms of being recession proof and lockdown proof”, the daring duo — Viv a born-and-bred Tauranga local and Jo an Aussie import who has lived in the region for 11 years — hit go on GGO on March 12 to discover they had an instant winner on their hands.

“We’ve been overwhelmed really, by the support,” says Viv. “I think with any business you’re always really unsure — you can do as much planning as you want, but it’s not until you market and sell it that you know whether people are actually prepared to pay for what you’ve created.

“So we’ve been really blown away by the sales side, but then on top of that, how much need there is — and how hungry people are — for education and to break the taboo around female self pleasure.

“As Jo mentioned, with all these seedy sex shops, there’s no real place for people to come together and there’s no brands that are ‘for the gals’, you know.

We’ve been able to establish quite a lot of trust through our Instagram quite early on, which has been demonstrated by people sharing with us their ‘Sunday night confessions’ or tips for what gets them off, which is not something we expected at this early stage. I think it shows just how much people needed something like this.” Ⓟ girlsgetoff.co.nz @girlsgetoff

Opener: The Missy Mini vibrator from Girls Get Off. ↑ Founders Jo Cummins (left) and Viv Conway have been overwhelmed by the immediate positive engagement with the brand.

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Epidermis & Sage Promotion

The Holistic

Picture

Epidermis & Sage Promotion

Epidermis & Sage has exceptionally high standards in beauty treatments, which complements the clinic’s specialty in treating skin issues using effective holistic methods.

↑ The tranquil sage-green reception area at Epidermis & Sage on Central Parade. ← Constance always ensures clients leave feeling happy and confident about their skin. a skin journey with a comprehensive skin consultation that includes OBSERV skin imaging for accurate and targeted skin care.

Constance acknowledges that treating the skin with holistic methods may not be in everyone’s reach, so she offers skin memberships that include weekly payments for regular skin services. She has memberships for most skin types, including skin rejuvenation and regular facials.

If you’re after more of a relaxation-focused treatment, Epidermis & Sage has two beautiful spa rituals that nourish the mind, body and soul. There’s also advanced skin treatments that use only the best medical-grade equipment and skin care — the clinic’s equipment portfolio consists of the HEALITE LED and EXCEED micro-needling device, both FDA approved.

“We can guarantee amazing skin rejuvenation with this equipment and skin technology,” says Constance.

“We want to make your visit to Epidermis & Sage is as luxurious as possible, from the plush bedding to a neck and shoulder massage while your mask is on. We always make sure there’s a little bit of relaxation in every treatment.”

“I’ve been working in this industry for a long time and my interest has always been helping clients with difficult skin,” says Constance Santos, owner of Epidermis & Sage clinic. “I saw how skin concerns can affect self esteem. It’s the other side of this industry — more than appearance, it’s about helping people with chronic conditions that are detrimental to their mental health.”

Over the years, Constance saw that clients often weren’t getting results from off-the-shelf products. “These were conditions caused by things such as candida overgrowth, gut health, hormonal imbalance — internal issues that weren’t being addressed,” she says. “So I’d take a holistic approach: change up the diet — sometimes referring to a holistic nutritionist, eliminate triggers and also boost internal nutrition, then I’d see a really quick change in the skin.”

This set Constance on her path to opening Epidermis & Sage in Mt Maunganui. She’s educated herself in a holistic approach, working alongside other like-minded practitioners as well as finding complementary skincare. The three main skincare ranges at her salon have been trialled and handpicked to fit with her ethos: Osmosis MD, Roccoco Botanicals and Skinbetter Science.

If you come to see Constance and her team of skin therapists, they will always start

530 Maunganui Rd, Central Parade, Mt Maunganui @epidermis_and_sage @epidermisandsage epidermissage.nz 07 574 9888 71

The Greatest Teacher of Them All Story by Elric James Illustration by Chris Duffy

“While we talk, envious time will have fled: pluck the day, trusting as little as possible to the future.” — Horace, Odes 1:11 (23 BC)

lifeless pages from dreary text books and stand defiantly on desktops. I can still hear him whispering in our ears: “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”

Okay so Mr. Keating isn’t real, he’s a fictitious character in the film Dead Poet’s Society. But he’s the teacher I wished I had. And when I watched him deliver those impassioned words (inspired by the Roman lyric poet Horace) to the young men at Welton Academy, I felt empowered — just like so many others. That’s why every two-bit marketing company co-opted his ‘live for the moment’ philosophy in an attempt to encourage us into mindless consumption.

Though it needn’t have been that way, had the rendering of Horace’s poem been less um, questionable. It’s said a more accurate translation of ‘carpe diem’ would be ‘pluck the day’ — the metaphor being a horticultural one. Like Robert Herrick’s updated version, “Gather ye rose-buds while ye may,” far gentler in nature. But I guess the true translation lacked the militaristic might that capitalist culture calls for… Think ugly phrases like: “capture the market” and “killing it”.

But gentle is where I’m at these days. I’m no longer exonerating my inconsiderate behaviour as being in the spirit of carpe diem. No, I’m embracing the overarching theme of Dead Poet’s Society and contemplating life from a different perspective — fatherhood (you were partially right, Mr fortune teller man).

Just the other day my little boy made the North Island equivalent of a snow angel in the dry grass clippings atop Mount Drury. He’s really helping me lean into this softer, more grounded approach to living in the now — while I’m fortunate enough to do so.

As I approach the home stretch of another lap around the sun, I find myself once again facing my own mortality. Maybe it’s the ever-growing list of aches and ailments, or possibly the grey hairs sprouting from my jawline (or the ones that have ceased sprouting from my scalp). Whatever it is, I’m feeling more mindful of my physical age, and subsequently, my time remaining above soil.

Forty five years — that’s how long I have left. I know this because a fortune teller told me so while I sat on the white sands of southern Thailand, many full moon parties ago. For the meagre sum of 20 Baht (just under $1), this prophetical man studied the palm of my right hand and informed me of my fate… I was to live to the age of 86. That’s not bad, I thought?

But he didn’t stop there. No, he went on to tell me I was going to father three children. Yikes.

Not really what I wanted to hear as a 22-year-old man, in a foreign land, still trying to balance the ledger on the previous night’s bender. It’s not that I was ever opposed to the notion of kids. It’s just, at that time, my mind was well entrenched in the popculture philosophy of “carpe diem — seize the day”.

And kids? Well, they didn’t seem to fit within that narrative. Children were the harbingers of domesticity — all joy and no fun. And I was too selfish, too irresponsible, too impulsive, too… you name it. I couldn’t take care of three kids.

I could barely take care of myself. Mercifully my new friend did not stipulate an arrival date, so there was still time to change my outlook from up-to-no-good to fatherhood.

Thinking back, this whole ideology of seizing the day started back in my high school daze. It was during one of John Keating’s English classes. Mr Keating was legendary. He’d conduct his lessons in the hallway or out on the sports field. He’d tear

DEAD POET’S SOCIETY (1989) Director: Peter Weir Starring: Robin Williams Carpe DM me 73

@elricjameswrites

Delicious

All Fired Up Photography by ilk

Solera wine bar and restaurant has opened in the Mount with an out-of-the-ordinary drinks list and an intriguing menu that takes advantage of its open wood-fired oven.

Delicious

Above, left to right: The smart Solera dining room; lamb ribs with XO sauce, cucumber and feijoa.

Opposite: Co-owner front of house manager Nick Potts (left) with head chef Neil Sapitula.

Great producers and growers are behind any top restaurant and Solera works closely with key locals such as Abundant Backyard and Mount Eliza Cheese. Championing small New Zealand winemakers is also a key part of Solera. You won’t find the usual suspects on this drinks list — with a skew towards lesser-known varietals (think chenin blanc, marsanne and Montepulciano) from smaller wineries. A recent addition in time for the cooler months is the Poverty Bay Wine Le Pont Cabernet Franc — the berry flavours and smokiness on the nose make it a great match with the Wagyu bavette cooked over the fire.

Consistency is the holy grail for restaurants and something owners Nick Potts and wife Chloe Ashman are focused on. To that end, every night Solera is open, Nick will be on the floor keeping things running smoothly, while talented head chef Neil Sapitula will be on the pans.

Solera is the perfect spot for drinks and snacks early evening, a full dinner experience or late drinks as it’s open til midnight!

165 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui @solerawine

Solera brings a fresh new approach to central Mount Maunganui with its dedication to all New Zealand wine — many of them rare finds you won’t see elsewhere, paired with a menu that brims with exciting ingredients and bold flavours.

Sit at the chefs’ pass for a front-row view of the kitchen action, or get comfy on the green button-backed banquette that runs the length of the room, and kick your evening off the right way with oysters or perhaps a crayfish donut-brioche with wasabi and pickled beets. Other tempting small plates include a tartare of dry-aged eye fillet with spicy miso and beetroot, topped with a crispy egg yolk; and a salt-roasted purple kūmara with black sesame, chilli nuts and pickled shallot.

The woodfired oven is the beating heart of the kitchen and it turns out brilliant dishes such as the porchetta, which cooks for four hours to achieve first-rate crackling. The unctuous roasted pork belly is then served with parsley, lemon and sherry jus. Other hero dishes from the oven include dry-age steak, whole gurnard and duck, plus a roast cauli that takes the humble cauliflower cheese to the next level (see the following page for a homecook’s version).

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This is a luxe version of cauliflower cheese. You could try finishing the cauli on the barbecue to add a charred flavour, and if you want to make a stronger flavoured sauce, try using a washed rind cheese.

Roasted Cauliflower with Camembert Mornay Recipe by Solera

SERVES 2 1 small cauliflower 1 tbs olive oil 50g grated parmesan 1–2 tbs toasted pine nuts 1/4 cup toasted walnuts Camembert Mornay 100g unsalted butter 1 tbs olive oil 1 small onion, diced 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 baby leeks, diced 1/2 celery stick, diced 2 1/2 tbs white wine 50g Camembert 100g creme fraiche 400ml cream

Preheat oven to 160⁰C. Season the cauliflower with salt and pepper, then rub over the oil. Cook in the oven for 25 minutes or until tender.

For the mornay sauce, add butter and oil to a saucepan, then add the onion, garlic, leek and celery.

Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelised. Add the wine and cook until reduced by half. Add the camembert, creme fraiche and cream, and cook for another 3 minutes or until the cheese is soft.

Use a blender to puree mixture until smooth. Pour back into the saucepan and cook on low heat for about 15–20 minutes or until it reduces and thickens.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

To serve, place the roasted cauliflower on a dish, pour the mornay sauce over top, and garnish with the parmesan, pine nuts and walnuts.

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Boating near Motiti Island?

From 11 August you can no longer anchor on, or take any marine life from, the three reefs making up the Motiti Protection Area.

This rāhui applies to all.

Do your bit to protect our marine environment and taonga species.

For more information or to download the GPS coordinates visit www.boprc.govt.nz/mpa

Our Place Events Guide 15.

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

Tauranga 1–day Junior Tough Guy & Gal Challenge 8.30am–12.30pm, Trustpower Baypark, eventpromotions.co.nz

15 & 22.

June 2O21

Pottery Workshop with Sophie Evans Also 17 & 24 June. Gallery Te Puna, 15e Minden Rd, Te Puna, gallerytepuna.com

16.

BWN Lunch with Hon Jan Tinetti 12–2pm, Fire Restaurant, 113 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui, tauranga.org.nz

17.

Silky Cocoon Mini Retreat 7.30–9.30pm, Float Fitness, 249 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui, floatfitness.co.nz

17– 3/7.

How To Train Your Husband 7.30–9.30pm, Detour Theatre, 155 17th Ave West, Tauranga, iticket.co.nz

18.

Devilskin & Kora NZ Tour 7.30–11.30pm, Trustpower Baypark, eventfinda.co.nz

19.

Family Roller Disco 5–7pm, Mt Maunganui Sports Centre

Sat

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

Sun

5.

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

5–6.

Project Youth Hip Hop Dance Competition 1–9.30pm, Trustpower Baypark, eventfinda.co.nz The Seriously Good Food Show 10am–5pm, Trustpower Baypark

6.

35th Annual Mt Runners & Walkers Half Marathon 8am, Mt Maunganui, mtrunnershalfmarathon.co.nz Tauranga Singles Night 6.30–10pm, World’s End Bar & Restaurant, 227 Fraser St, Tauranga

11.

Strange Days Presents: Team Dynamite and Eno X Dirty 8pm–1am, Totara St, 11 Totara St, Mt Maunganui, totarastreet.co.nz

Operatunity — The Three Tenors 11am–1pm, Holy Trinity Church, 215 Devonport Rd, Tauranga, operatunity.co.nz

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

11–12. Ultimate Athlete — Mount Maunganui Obstacle Race Mt Maunganui Main Beach, eventplus.net 12.

19 – Exhibition: Defending Plurality: Curated 10/10. by Shannon Novak & Stephen Cleland artgallery.org.nz

Tauranga Sports Rugby Club: The Mid Winter Ball 7pm–12am, 31 Cameron Rd, Tauranga, ticketfairy.com

12–13. Tauranga Armageddon Expo 2021 9am–5pm, Trustpower Baypark, iticket.co.nz Weekend Massage Course Health Miracles Te Puna, 295b Minden Rd, Te Puna, healthmiracles.co.nz 1

21.

Matariki, Mātauranga Māori and Modern Science 6.30–8.45pm, Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club, 90 Keith Allen Dr, Tauranga.

Free — register at eventfinda.co.nz

22.

Fundamentals of Painting 1–3pm, The Artery, The Historic Village, theincubator.co.nz

24.

Heath Franklin’s Chopper — The Silencer 7.30–8.30pm, Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, ticketek.co.nz

@ourplacemagazine

26.

9.

Truffle Tasting Dinner 6–9pm, The Trading Post — French Bistro, 1 Hall Rd, Paengaroa, thetradingpost.nz

11.

Honest Liars Improv Comedy Jams 7–8.30pm, The Jam Factory, The Historic Village, eventspronto.co.nz

July 2O21

13 & 20.

Paradise or the Impermanence of Ice Cream 7pm, Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, ticketek.co.nz

Pottery Workshop with Sophie Evans Also 15 & 22 July. Gallery Te Puna, 15E Minden Rd, Te Puna, gallerytepuna.com

16.

Pickle Darling – Cosmonaut Tour 7–9.30pm, The Jam Factory, The Historic Village, eventspronto.co.nz

Barrel Room Blues with Mike Garner & Warren Houston 7–10pm, The Barrel Room, 26 Wharf St, Tauranga. Free.

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

2–4.

3.

3– 7/8.

4.

The Little Big Markets 9am–2pm, Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui ‘Allo ‘Allo — Le Dinner Show: ‘The Fallen Madonna’ 7–10pm, Fri & Sat, The Raft, 65 Chapel St, Tauranga, eventfinda.co.nz Monthly Musings: Te Tiriti o Waitangi ki Tauranga Moana 2–3.30pm, Brain Watkins House Museum, 233 Cameron Rd, Tauranga. Free.

The Tauranga Gala Dinner 2021 6.45–11.15pm, Trustpower Baypark, taurangagaladinner.co.nz 17.

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

22.

Courtney Barnett: Solo Tour 7.30–11pm, Totara St, 11 Totara St, Mt Maunganui, totarastreet.co.nz Paint and Wine Night – Picasso Kiss 7pm, Cornerstone Bar & Eatery, 107 The Strand, Tauranga, paintvine.co.nz

Painting Happiness 10am–4pm, The Artery, The Historic Village, angela–murray.com Sunday Cinema 5.30–7.30pm, Free outdoor cinema at Te Papa O Ngā Manu Porotakataka, 137 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui, mountmaunganui.org.nz 6.

7.

23.

Yin Yoga and Sound Journey 6.30–8.30pm, Nikhila Yoga, 6 Portchester Cls, Tauranga. See Facebook for details.

24.

Harmonic Reasonators 7.30pm, Baycourt Community & Art Centre, Tauranga, ticketek.co.nz

Coaching for Character Workshop 6–8pm, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.

Free. Register, sportbop.co.nz Business After 5 — The Kollective & Socialink 5.15–7pm, The Kollective, 145 17th Ave, Tauranga, tauranga.org.nz

8.

Greg Johnson — Time is a Traveller Tour 8pm, Totara St, 11 Totara St, Mt Maunganui, plus1.co.nz

9.

Operatunity — Luck of the Irish 11am–1pm, Holy Trinity Church, 215 Devonport Rd, Tauranga, operatunity.co.nz

Omokoroa Market 9am–12pm, Omokoroa Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Rd, Omokoroa 31.

Family Roller Disco 5–7pm, Mt Maunganui Sports Centre The Little Big Markets 9am–2pm, Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui

Note: A host of great Matariki celebrations will run throughout June and July. See What’s Up for details and visit mytauranga.co.nz/matariki 2

Sign up to the e-newsletter for competitions, deals and inspo on what to do and see in the Bay. noplacelikehome.co.nz

Summit of Mauao (Mount Maunganui)

STAY IN THE LOCAL LOOP!