Spirit Magazine, March 2023

THIS MONTH

ASHBURTON ART GALLERY

ON NOW - until 26 March

LEGACIES

Five short films by five artists attempting to articulate their personal response to the term LEGACIES.

Open Daily 10am – 4pm; Wednesdays 10am – 7pm West Street, Ashburton. ADMISSION FREE.

FUNDRAISING QUIZ NIGHT - ARMADILLOS

Tuesday 7 March, 7pm

Get Ollie Bubb to Romania!

Representing NZ at the Powerlifting Champs. Register teams at: mcbubb101@gmail.com

ASHBURTON EMBROIDERERS GUILD

Saturday 4 & Thursday 23 March, 10.30am – 3.30pm

Thursday 9 March 1 – 3.30pm

Tuesday 21 March 7 – 9pm

Come along and share the pleasure of stitching! Meet at the Seniors Centre, 206 Cameron Street, Ashburton. Everyone welcome.

WOODBURY HARVEST GALA

SATURDAY MARCH 18, 9AM - 3PM

538 Woodbury Rd, Woodbury, Orari Bridge

Picnic and games day celebrating harvest with garden themed stalls, activities and competitions. A fundraising event to maintain the Woodbury Hall.

THE PLAINS VINTAGE RAILWAY & HISTORICAL MUSEUM

SUNDAY 19 MARCH, 11AM – 4PM

TINWALD DOMAIN

There’s something for all the family to enjoy – trains, fire engines, miniature trains, vintage cars and more. Bring a picnic and enjoy a fun, family day at The Plains!

HANNA – ARTS ON TOUR

SUNDAY 19 MARCH, 4PM

Being a young mum is supposed to be hard but for Hanna the only thing she has ever been brilliant at is raising her beloved daughter Ellie. However a DNA test reveals staggering news, Ellie is not Hanna’s Child and now her real parents want to meet. Adults $25 / Group 6+ $20 (fees apply).

RALLY POINT MOBILE FITNESS CLASSES

No excuses about too far to go to the gym –this gym comes to you!

TUTUS ON TOUR

Saturday 11 March, 7pm // Ashburton Trust Event Centre

To begin the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 70th birthday year, Tutus on Tour looks affectionately back at the RNZB’s early days with a collection of works encapsulating the history of ballet. Adult from $35 / Senior from $29.70 / Child from $20 (fees apply).

2023 LEESTON FETE

Saturday 18 March, 10am - 3pm

High Street, Leeston

Leeston Fete is a great day out for the whole family. Well over 100 stalls from all over NZ offering everything from crafts to knitted socks, from plants to wine and cheese and a huge variety of food and drink and entertainment. There’s a dedicated children's area in Anderson Square and the Secret Garden bursting with variety. FREE

LAGMHOR/WESTERFIELD WAR MEMORIAL HALL:

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 6am

LAKE HOOD: (next to rowing club)

Tuesday & Thursday 6am

HINDS DOMAIN:

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12pm

DORIE COMMUNITY HALL: Monday & Thursday 6pm

Events around our regions may be subject to change at short notice. Check Facebook and websites to keep up to date.

FRONT COVER:

St Patrick’s Day, March 17, falls on a Friday this year and the criú at Kellys Café Bar are ready for a full weekend of shenanigans starting with an Irish Breakfast, Irish Coffees, pints of the black stuff, music and more.

FROM THE EDITOR

Our thoughts are with those impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle. I’ve just learned that Ashburton has adopted Masterton under the cyclone support scheme. Masterton District is farming-based, very similar to our own district,” said Mayor Neil Brown. “We’ve all been seeing the devastating scenes from up North and we want to help in a meaningful way.”

Galentine’s Day last month at The Fine Lion was total genius! We all enjoyed cocktails, bubbles, good food and the company of our favourite people! I honestly don’t remember when I last laughed that hard! It was so much fun, we’ve decided to do it on a regular basis. The group chat is already happening so more fun times to come! On a somewhat similar note, last month Brown Brothers sent me a package of Prosecco to taste and review. Some days, you just have to take the good with the good. Not necessarily a ‘bubbly’ person, I really enjoyed them. And I have a couple of simple recipes using Brown Brothers Prosecco to share, on page 10.

We’re excited to introduce the new National Party candidate for Rangitata, James Meager, and offer you the opportunity to ask him questions in the upcoming months. This issue, Gillian O’Connor asks about the National Party’s priorities and preparedness for natural disasters. See what he has to say on page 7.

There’s lots of great reading, shopping, things to do and places to go in this issue. Make the most of it!

PUBLISHER

CALL 03 307 0590

Word on the street

Here’s our take on what’s happening around our towns, who’s moving and shaking, and whatever else catches our attention over the month.

Sounds Corny

Did you know that corn Is actually a grass!? Living in Mid Canterbury, you possibly do! Corn, wheat, oats, barley, millet and rice all belong to the grass family, even though we think of them as grains.

One of summer’s yummiest treats – grass! Who knew?

Snollygoster

NOUN: A shrewd, unprincipled person, especially a politician. The first known use of snollygoster was in the US. Although it’s rarely used these days, it briefly resurfaced in 2009 in Britain as part of a debate over MPs' expenses –how unusual – NOT!

How did March get its name?

Ever wondered why we call the months what we do? Wonder no longer! We can thank the Romans back around 2000 years ago. March was named after the god of war, Mars. It was the first time that the weather was warm enough for men to go to war.

Mainland Insurance Mortgages Investment opened their doors at 161 Burnett Street, by Somerset Grocer. Sally and Maria will be familiar faces, but they’re now operating in these very central, rather swish premises.

We want to hear your success stories, interesting facts & random thoughts – share them with us so we can share them with our lovely

FINALISTS OF THE 2023 ZONTA ASHBURTON FEMALE

ART AWARDS

The Zonta Ashburton Female Art Awards (ZAFAA) return to the Ashburton Art Gallery for the seventh year. With 87 entries the judges had a tough decision in selecting the finalists. Of 42 finalists, 29 artists qualify for the Premier Award and 13 are eligible for the Young Generation Award for female artists between the age of 16-20.

THE FINALISTS:

Alix Ashworth Sarah Beal

Kate Beaty Amie Blackwell

Jo Burzynska Kate Cairns Ynes Guevara-Doyle Claudia Du.XZ

Charrette van Eekelen Monique Gooch

Jessica Hamilton Katie Hayles

Edwards + Johann Ina Johann Claire Johnson Heather Jonson

Carol King Ira Mitchell

Hazel Rae Jane Reid

Rebecca Smallridge Elfi Spiewack

Hazel White

Elizabeth Moyle Marie Porter

Jennifer Rendall Hope River

Rebecca Stewart Jane Whales

FINALISTS FOR THE YOUNG GENERATION AWARD:

Molly Fitzgerald Madeline Hann Kate Harrison Maiah Henderson

Monica Koster Molly Mannering Jorgia McAllister Roslyn McLean

Emma Nicholson Gemma O’Neill Vivien Silver-Hesey Jorja Shadbolt

Jenny Wang

Winners will be announced at the exhibition opening on 10 March at the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum. The awards ceremony is also the opening of a solo exhibition by Audrey Baldwin, the premier award winner for 2022.

A Versatile Venue

Have you REALLY looked closely at what’s on offer at Ashburton Event Centre? No? It’s time you did.

Ashburton’s only purpose-built conference and performing arts venue has everything you need to run your next conference, meeting, event or show.

Ashburton Event Centre offers state of the art technology throughout, a choice of three rooms for hire, along with a 500-seat auditorium. The Bradford Room can seat up to 100 guests and is situated on the second floor with stair and lift access. Equipped with its own kitchen, bar, projector, screen and sound system, this room is suitable for any type of function and is a great private space for meetings.

The Foyer, on the main floor, can host over 100 guest and again has its own kitchen and bar. It’s the perfect space for a get together. Make your event more sophisticated by pulling the curtains to create a more formal setting. The Green Room, which is the smallest area, holds up to 30 and has its own kitchenette along with a screen and projector.

The venue has an onsite technician who can help with any technical needs you have. We also ‘out hire’ meaning we bring our equipment to your office, garden or wherever your event is being held.

We offer staging, lighting, sound equipment, up to 70 inch tv’s or screens and projectors, plus a myriad of additional equipment to ensure your event runs smoothly. The team at the Event Centre pride themselves in going above and beyond to make your event as stress-free as possible as well as helping you every step of the way to ensure your event is one your guests will remember. Give the crew at Ashburton Event Centre a call today on 307-2010 or visit them on Wills Street, next to Neumann’s Tyres.

ImagecourtesyofAshburtonArtGallery

On a sunny Ashburton afternoon, I’m meeting Jack for a cold drink at Kelly’s Irish Bar & Café. It’s immediately easy to see why he was chosen to represent our youth. He’s easy to chat to, he listens, he thinks, he’s relaxed.

The Lion Foundation RGC meets bi-monthly, distributing significant amounts of money to sporting groups, organisations and worthy causes.

“I wasn’t really sure, initially, what I was putting my hand up for, but I’m really pleased I did. I think, I hope, I make a difference. I’ve certainly learned a lot from the other Board members and being able to share my thoughts and perspectives has given them another insight too. It feels good to be contributing to a Board that’s giving so much to the community.”

Now a Year 13 student, Jack is involved in numerous sporting and interest activities, and late last year

Board Meetings & Bombs

Earlier last year the Braided Rivers Community Trust Board (BRCT) had a conversation about how to gain a better understanding of the community into which it makes grants; where they may have had skills missing on the Board and how they could fill those gaps from within our community. One gap identified was that while they regularly funded projects to benefit youth in our community, they didn’t have a ‘youth voice’ on the Board.

With this in mind, Ashburton College was approached about finding a suitable youth representative to join the Lion Foundation Regional Grants Committee, a call went out to Year 12 students, and Jack Jones was duly appointed. He talks with Judy McAuliffe about his role with BRCT/Lion Foundation and his plans for the future.

competed in the Best of the South Island Target Shooting team v Best of the North Island. He’s also hoping to have the opportunity to compete against Australia and the United Kingdom.

Inspired by action and army movies, on leaving school Jack has plans to join the NZ Army followed by the Police Force, eventually moving to the Bomb Squad. “There’s just so much action going on around the world, I want to be part of that. I like the idea of being right in the thick of it, inspecting locations for possible explosives, dismantling bombs and so on. The thought of being a part of something bigger than myself is exciting,” he smiles.

Jack’s mates and his teachers are aware of his role with BRCT and have been very supportive. “In between meetings I try and keep an ear to the ground, listen to what’s happening with youth around town. It’s not

always people coming forward to request grants, we have ideas too so we’re also thinking about who and what we could be supporting financially. I quite often have someone point out a particular group that might benefit from a grant.”

BRCT CEO Robert Reid says that Jack’s appointment has more than achieved the original goal. “There have been numerous positive comments about the insights Jack brings to the table. His involvement is seen as a really positive move, allowing more effective granting.”

There’s no doubt exciting times lay ahead for Jack. “This will be my last year with BRCT, but someone else will step in. “he says. “I’ve been very fortunate to have this experience, and what I’ve learned in that boardroom is amazing.”

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Health 2000 New instore! Holland & Barrett award-winning range of vitamins, minerals and supplements. Come and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable team for the best advice and products to help manage and enhance your health and wellness.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE WORKERS GONE?

We’ve all noticed it – the slower service in our cafes & supermarkets, the airline flights cancelled at the last minute, freight taking longer than ever due to a shortage of truck drivers, and many businesses cutting back their opening hours just to cope. We’re in a staffing crisis, but why? Is it still COVID related? Surely not!

We checked in with the experts and with local employers to find out what’s happening at ground level, and what we can do to solve the problem.

The Employers & Manufacturers Association (EMA) say that the problem is spread across numerous industries including, manufacturing, transport, construction, health, hospitality and retail sectors.

So why do we have a shortage? There are several reasons. The lack of immigrants due to the borders being closed is a big one. Our slow immigration reset means that not only are we missing our migrant farm workers; we’re also missing their extended family members who topped up our health, hospitality and other sectors; nor have we had the steady influx of students arriving on working holiday visas.

NZ wages are low compared to Australia and the UK and many of our young people have leapt at the chance to travel again and earn better wages overseas.

At the other end of the scale, there’s been a serious spike in retirement levels - older workers leaving the workforce earlier than expected, taking valuable skills and oldschool work ethics out of the workforce.

We’ve also discovered the joys of working from home and working fewer hours. It all adds up. It’s tough. Wages are escalating, and staff poaching is prevalent. Attracting and retaining immigrants in Mid Canterbury is key to our speedy recovery. They don’t come here for high wages, they come for the lifestyle, education and healthcare. They come to make a new, better life for themselves and their families, so its up to us to make them welcome.

Mark Milmine from Millhouse Kitchen in Ashburton says he’s several workers short. “I do think that the situation is improving slowly, but it can’t happen soon enough for us. We’re good employers. Hospitality is all about having happy customers, and that comes from having happy staff. Everyone is having to work that little bit harder at the moment. Just finding someone to clear tables for a few hours would make a difference. We’d welcome them with open arms.”

Terry from Paper Plus Ashburton worries about where the skilled workers have all gone. “I really hope we see a turnaround soon. It has to happen to keep businesses running.” Paper Plus is looking for a full-time staff member. “I’ve advertised, but it’s hard to find people available to work the hours and you have to be fair to everyone. We don’t need experience, just a willingness to learn and positive attitude. It’s a great opportunity to kickstart a career in retail.”

Paddy Kennedy from Ashburton Meat Processors says that the company is a great employer - big enough to have a bustling workplace, but small enough to be family. Like many others, they need staff for a variety of positions. “We run a 12-month, Monday to Friday operation with some

Saturday work available. Pay rates are excellent, we’re equal opportunity employers with a balance of genders and we’re multi-cultural – a real melting pot of nationalities. I won’t pretend it’s not hard work, it is, but anyone with a passion to get ahead would do well here,” he says.

Staffing is an ongoing concern for Dave Whalley of McDonalds, Ashburton & Rolleston. Pre-pandemic, as the holiday season approached every year, he bolsters staff numbers to cover their busiest time. “We’ve always relied on students looking for holiday work and the extended families of local migrant workers as well as locals. We try to be really flexible, but we’re definitely feeling the pressure of a tightly-staffed 24-hour operation. We keep putting the message out there and we keep getting a response, but just not as many as we would in previous times.”

Sarah Smith of Bayleys Ashburton says that the local office is looking for licensed agents. “Real Estate is a great industry for passionate, motivated agents. Ashburton is a vibrant market and we are busy at present. Our local Bayleys office has a great culture. We have a great mix of younger new agents, and older, experienced agents. We’re competitive, but we’re all supportive of each other too. We’re a fun workplace.”

Looking new job in 2023 for a

Whether you're new to the job market, in need of a fresh start, or you're looking to set new career goals this year, you’re in luck: it’s a great time to be looking for work because businesses around Mid Canterbury, and around the country are crying out for skilled, talented, enthusiastic applicants.

In this new world of work, job applicants can pretty much pick and choose, so take the time to think through what you expect in the workplace. Will there be flexible working options, possibly hybrid work? Is there are career progression path?

A word of caution: It’s not wise – and completely unnecessary - to over-sell or exaggerate your skills, or years of experience.

If you’ve found the job you really want but you’re missing some key attributes, be honest. More often than not, a potential employer will be very happy to hire someone who is enthusiastic and willing to learn. Experience may be preferred but not required, even though the listing doesn’t spell that out.

Nothing says summer celebrations like Prosecco

I was recently tasked with reviewing Brown Brothers Prosecco NV and Prosecco Rosé, which, of course, required a sunny day, a selection of delicious nibbles and a girlfriend to share the tasting experience!

I’m not a huge fizz-lover, but I know as the most famous Italian sparkling wine, prosecco is extremely popular. I also know that Brown Brothers is the number one Australian Prosecco in the NZ market, so I’m expecting/hoping to be won over.

At first sip, the rosé is a tad sweet, and very zingy, but as I settle into it, there is so much more. It’s refreshing, and I can definitely taste a hint of berries. It goes very well with our platter of cheeses, fruit, crackers and salmon, but it is also surprisingly good with the spicy meatballs and chicken skewers. I’m impressed.

I love a picnic, and I rate this a very versatile wine to enjoy with brunch, afternoon tea or a summer picnic!

Next, I pop the top on the Brown Brothers Prosecco NV – which initially tastes of citrus and nectarine but leaves me with an unexpected hint of a savoury aftertaste. This is more my style. It's drier than the rosé but very smooth and fruity at the same time. It’s still quite light and delicate but feels like it could go well with almost any food. Definitely a lovely drink and one I’ll stock up and continue to enjoy for the remainder of summer.

My conclusion: Whether you like your bubbly pink or a delicate shade of cream, Brown Brothers Prosecco NV and Prosecco Rosé are both very quaffable. Either way, you’re on to a winner!

Brown Brothers Prosecco NV and Brown Brothers Prosecco Rosé are available nationwide and are competitively priced at $19.99 NZD.

Brown Brothers Prosecco Hugo Cocktail

Brown Brothers’ take on the classic Hugo, with a zesty Prosecco twist.

Ingredients

The Wine

1 bottle (750 ml)

Brown Brothers Prosecco

The Rest

A glass (or two!) half-filled with ice

Good splash of elderflower cordial

Several mint leaves

Lime wedge

Soda water

Method

1. Pluck several mint leaves into a glass, squeeze over a lime wedge and drop it in.

2. Add a generous teaspoon of elderflower cordial, before topping up the glass with Prosecco and a splash of soda water.

3. Throw in some ice cubes, mix well and enjoy!

Brown Brothers Prosecco Scones with Strawberry Jam

Recipe by Iron Chef Shellie.

Ingredients

4 cups self-raising flour, sifted

300mL cream

300mL Brown Brothers Prosecco

Brown Brothers Prosecco Jam, to spread

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.

2. Sift flour into a large bowl, add cream and Brown Brothers Prosecco.

3. Mix together with a fork, until combined.

4. Pat onto a well-floured board, cut with floured scone cutter and place on baking tray.

5. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

6. Cool on trays, and serve with your choice of strawberry or raspberry jam.

7. Add a dash of whipped cream, and a glass of Prosecco.

FINDING THE Sweet Spot

It’s a bit of a drive to find the home of Sally and Ross Stevens, in fact driving along a dirt road above Geraldine township I’m convinced I’m lost. Then the house comes into view, perched atop a hill, and I wind up the sweeping drive to reveal the true beauty of the home.

Words & images: Judy McAuliffe

Stepping out of my car, any questions as to why Sally and Ross chose this spot are immediately answered. The view is breathtaking. There is surely not another like it, anywhere.

Sally tells me that she found the property. “We weren’t originally planning to build but couldn’t find exactly what we wanted, so we changed tack and started looking for a piece of land.” Initially, they looked around Central Otago and the Sounds, then to Geraldine. The first property didn’t pass muster for Ross, property two was ‘OK’, and property three hit the spot.

“It wasn’t a straightforward build,” Ross says. “We were building our forever home so split level wasn’t practical, but we had a very narrow building platform.” A scraper was brought in to take the top off the mound that the house now stands on. From up here, you can see for miles.

The couple’s brief to Timaru architect John Rushton, was mid-century modern. “We wanted a home that wouldn’t date as time passed.”

This home may look elegantly minimalistic, but it is actually a well-thought-out, highly detailed masterpiece. Some of those details only reveal themselves at night, like lights that are tucked into recesses. Other cleverly designed features include the rows of handle-free cupboards and doors, Sally’s office hidden behind a wall, and the pantry workspace and storage, again hidden from sight.

Sally and Ross point out other features on a tour of the house – a hidden door tucked behind the macrocarpa timber panels in the hallway; there’s the elegantly tiled shower in the ensuite with stunning views over the landscape – it’s like taking an outdoor shower – and the detailed joinery in the kitchen right down to the beautiful kitchen drawer dividers and spice racks.

High, birch ply ceilings accentuate one notable feature - there are no skirtings or architraves to be seen - everything is visible. Junctions of walls and ceilings are highlighted, and they are perfectly aligned. “We have a 10mm reveal everywhere – it takes a lot of skill from everyone to make something look this simple,” Ross says. “Huge credit has to go to our Architect John Rushton, builder Nigel and team from Colin Shore Building and our joiner Paul Autridge”.

Sally and Ross have been hands-on involved at every step of the process. “It was important to us both that we had a large input, but we didn’t know what we didn’t know. Everyone involved listened to us and gave us advice. We were lucky we had the right people on the job. We learned so much.”

Sally ‘pretty much’ designed the kitchen, ensuring that everything was out of sight. “It’s fantastic, it works so well. I have to credit our joiner - he created my vision and it’s brilliant,” she says.

Ross has also been tireless. Coming from many years farming at White Rock Station, he ‘was pretty handy’ anyway, he says. He also spent many hours ‘googling’ how to do things. The results speak for themselves in the panelling at the breakfast bar and in the hallway, the beautiful window seat in the dining area, the walk-in wardrobe and the deck. Engaging Sarah Bennett Design to help create their spaces made the task easy. “Our architect was horrified when we said ‘no white’, but Sarah worked with us, and there’s no white!” they smile.

In fact, the black kitchen ceiling - Sarah’s idea - is a favourite. “We were not so sure, but she said ‘Trust me. It’ll be fine’, and of course she was right. It goes against everything you hear, but it’s fabulous.”

There are many memories on this wall – a very eclectic mix of artwork. There’s a lovely story attached to one piece from Montana; others from White Rock Station; a work by Debbie Lambert looking from the Rangitata River to White Rock; and two charcoal works created by Sally’s mother.

Landscaping was a major excavation, and while there’s still work to do, Ross says its ‘getting close’. Sally has planted thousands of natives and was thrilled to have the first tui visit on Christmas morning. She’s hoping the kowhais will draw more in once they start to flower.

The 260sq metre, three-bedroom home is built for the view, and designed for all weathers, all seasons. “You don’t get a view like this without wind, but we’ve built spaces where we can be out of it. If its blowing from the east, we can just move, or if we’re indoors, close windows and open others,” Sally says.

“It’s amazing to live in,” Ross adds. “Thermally it works brilliantly, the long eaves keep out the direct sun in summer so we’re nice and cool, and in winter the sun is lower, so it just beams in.” A hydronic underfloor heating system driven by a heat pump and a diesel fire ensures constant comfort. “We went right through last winter with no curtains or blinds,” Sally says. “We have them now, but just for the softness really."

Thought has been given to future proofing this home. Bathrooms, kitchen, hallways are all designed to accommodate walking frames or wheelchairs if need be. As Ross said, “This is our forever home. We love it, and we’ll be leaving “feet first”.

Ross spent many hours ‘googling’ how to do things before building many of the timber features, including the walk-in wardrobe.

The view is utterly breath-taking

More of Ross’s timberwork is on display on the kitchen island, and that black ceiling in the kitchen just works

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OUT ANDabout

It

was a great party!!!

Monday 13 February was a night to remember for all the ‘gals’ who turned up to enjoy Galentine’s Day at The Fine Lion.

We all enjoyed bubbles, cocktails, fabulous food, and heaps of laughs. It was a night to remember! And, one to repeat again very soon!

Audrey Baldwin, THIS IS FINE, EVERYTHING’S FINE

The Premier Award winner of ZAFAA22, Audrey Baldwin, presents a series of new works in her solo exhibition.

Exhibition: 11 March – 23 April

Opening event: 10 March, 7pm

▶ ashburtonmuseum.co.nz

Sharing Histories – Gifts of 2022

Explore some of the treasured objects, archives, and photographs that were generously donated to and acquired by the Ashburton Museum and Historical Society in 2022.

Exhibition: 11 Feb – 29 March

▶ ashburtonartgallery.org.nz

If you’re holding an event, perhaps a business function, a conference, a special family occasion or fundraiser of any sort, let us know so we can add to your celebration and share your special event with our readers.

Email office@spiritmagazine.co.nz

Aqua Elevate

Elevate your fitness with fun strength and cardio-based exercise suitable for all.

Tuesday 6pm & Saturday 8am

▶ eanetworkscentre.co.nz

Are you keen on reading and would like to meet others?

Come along and share your 'good reads' and choose from a great selection of titles for your next great read.

Third Thursday of every month at 1.30pm.

▶ ashburtondc.govt.nz/digital

Like our physical health, mental health is something we all have, and we need to look after it. We need to check in regularly, on ourselves, and on those around us.

Ask yourself these five questions:

1. How am I feeling today? Now pause and genuinely consider your answer?

2. What's been worrying me lately? Is it work, family, friends, money? If you take the time to identify your stressors you can work on managing them.

3. Am I providing my body with its basic needs? Sometimes, we get so busy that we forget to focus on the basics - food, exercise, and sleep. These three are critical to ensuring you stay healthy mentally and physically.

4. What am I doing to bring myself joy? Take a break, watch a funny movie, walk on the beach, visit a friend or sit outside and soak up the sun.

5. Who do I have in my corner? Having someone loving and trustworthy that you can rely on is essential to your mental health - someone who listens, doesn’t judge and gives advice when needed.

Learning about mental health means you can check yourself regularly, make changes as needed to ensure you’re OK, and check in on others too.

One of the biggest signs of stress is irritability – the little things really bugging you. If you notice a friend is behaving differently, ask the question, but really focus on the answer and ask yourself, “Do I believe it?”

If you feel mentally unwell, or someone close to you is struggling, your best starting point may be your GP, or there are a huge number of resources available online:

farmstrong.co.nz mentalhealth.org.nz depression.org.nz healthnavigator.org.nz mentalwealth.nz umbrella.org.nz

ASK DAVID

You feel tired, overwhelmed, anxious, unsexy and often just plain cranky - life is not fun anymore?

Share your concerns and benefit from David’s extensive knowledge of health and wellness.

In my book, Pancake 13, is about getting less than the optimum amounts of the essential nutrients you need to be well. Please focus on the word essential – it means that your body can't make them, so you will die if you don't get them in your food or supplements. There are around 15 Vitamins, 14 minerals, 9 amino acids and two fats on this list and, of course, water. It is all about providing your body with the essentials to work properly. You may think you are what you eat, but you are only what your gut absorbs, which is why my book focuses on gut health as a crucial part of your route to wellness.

Fresh organic food will be low in toxins and high in nutrients, so it is the highperformance fuel you need to potentially have a high-performance body. You may feel Ok, but try and imagine how you would feel if you worked with your body and gave it the optimum fuel it needs and cut out the rubbish that is making it work harder.

Supplements made from food are way more effective at promoting health than the synthesised chemicals found in most supplements. Highly processed food with a long shelf life is high in damaged fats and proteins and promotes inflammation in your body.

The 'Rapid Reset' plan that I outline in my book focuses on a short period of eating a high-quality keto diet to upregulate your body's ability to burn fat. Your body then becomes able to switch easily between burning fats or carbs, which gives you a tremendous amount of flexibility over what you choose to eat.

Send your questions to david@itookcharge.nz

www.itookcharge.co.nz Ph: 03 693 9845

David Musgrave is the founder and owner of the successful Waihi Bush Organic Farm brand. As a research scientist with 48 years’ experience, David has spent the last 30 years studying food, nutrition and in particular women’s health. He is still an organic farmer and is passionate about creating products that support wellness.

you should consult a health professional before embarking on any dietary changes. We disclaim liability for any medical outcomes that may occur as a result of applying methods suggested.

DISCLAIMER All advice given is from David’s 48 years of experience as a scientist, author, and owner of a successful health food business selling Omega 3 rich products. It should be used to supplement rather than replace the advice of your doctor or another trained health professional. If you suspect you have a health problem

As kiwis, when someone asks us how we’re doing, we’re all very glib about it. “I’m fine, thanks,” would be a pretty standard answereven when we’re really not fine at all. It’s been a tough few years for everyone, and we all cope with stress and change differently. If we’re struggling, we don’t have to do it alone.

ForgetNotMeGifts

This fabulous range of all-natural soap comes in a range of delicious flavours from Lemon & Tea Tree, Manuka Honey and Rose to Goats Milk and Unscented. These soaps are useable to the last scrap with no nasty scum created. Buy 5 x 100gram bars for $10 or 3 x 200gram bars for $12.

Four Peaks Plaza, 76e Talbot Street, Geraldine

Phone 03 693 8802

Take a stroll down Wilson Street in Geraldine and you’ll find gifts galore at The Cottage Pantry and Gallery. In addition to the extensive wholefoods selection and pantry essentials you’ll find a great choice of cards, chocolates, stunning porcelain and so much more.

GERALDINE

SOMETHING NEAT • SOMETHING SWEET SOMETHING BLOOMING • SOMETHING BRIGHT SOMETHING IN GERALDINE IS WAITING FOR YOU!

#lovegeraldinenz

Well worth the drive to 24 Wilson St, Geraldine

P: 027 247 2863 | OPEN 7 DAYS geraldinecottage pantry | www.cottagepantry.co.nz

This gem of a café is warm and spacious inside, with fabulous outdoor dining too. Relax indoors or out, and enjoy fabulous food, a great coffee or glass of wine and excellent service. With a great selection of cabinet food plus in-house menus and daily specials.

Open daily 9am – 3pm 45c Talbot Street, Geraldine | 03 693 9616 | verdegeraldine.co.nz

CELEBRATE ST PAT’S DAY WITH US!!

Mark the evening of March 17 on your calendar! We’re planning a fabulous night of great food, great music and great craic!

Welcome to Shambhala on the corner of Talbot and Wilson Streets in Geraldine.

A place of Love, Peace, & Tranquility specialising in the Sacred, Spiritual, & Mystical.

We also provide readings and energy healings by appointment.

P. 027 5133669 | Email: enchantedsouth23@gmail.com

Shambhala | 32 Talbot Street, Geraldine

The Kitchen Cupboard prides itself on quality brands and equipment to make your time in the kitchen enjoyable. We also have a large range of specialty cake pans for hire, plus all the decorating tools and icings. Looking for a specialised tool? Just ask – in most instances we can source from one of our trusted suppliers. From neutrals to brights, we have a colour palette for every interior. Pop instore or online and view our range of bakeware, cookware, giftware and more.

34B Talbot Street Geraldine | Phone: 03 693 8632

See our great range of New Zealand hoodies and sweatshirts. Soft and warm, the novelty designs are always popular whatever the weather, whatever the occasion. They make a great gift or top up for your cool-weather wardrobe.

Great range of colours, sizes and designs. Come on in and check them out!

Four Peaks Plaza Geraldine

Phone: 03 693 7363

Are you working on a project?

Whether it’s inside, or out, big or small, come on in and explore all the possibilities that Resene paints and stains can offer. Why go out of town when we have the full range available at the same price as elsewhere. We’re locals, looking after locals.

Main Street of Geraldine | Phone: 03 693 7312

Just in time for the cooler days forecast - new winter stock is arriving daily, so be in early for the best selection!

You’ll look smart and feel warm this winter in Vonnella, Country Look & Lifestyle winter-weight men's shirts, available in a great range of colours.

Sizes Small to 5 XL

28 Talbot Street, Geraldine Phone 03 693 7118

keep enjoying your

late summer fruit & veg

It’s not the necessity it was back in Grandma’s Day, but preserving your fruit & veges is both fun and satisfying! It’s all about eating fresh when you can, and being smart with the surplus. Big PLUS - it’ll save you tons of $’s.

Preserving and pickling can take time, which is often in short supply, but many fresh produce items freeze really well, and that’s less time-consuming.

Before you start, hands, jars and equipment all need to be thoroughly cleaned.

Ten Minute Berry Jam

Makes 1.5 litres

This is an oldie but a goodie, but it does require careful timing. Jam making is all about getting the jam mix up to 105C, which is the setting temperature, so make sure it comes to a good boil before timing.

Ingrediants

1kg berries of your choice – fresh or frozen

1kg caster sugar

1 Tbsp lemon juice

Method

Put the berries, lemon juice and 170g of the sugarinto a large saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. Once boiling and the sugar is dissolved, boil over moderate heat for 5 minutes (time it). Add the remaining sugar and stir to dissolve. Bring to the boil, boil another 5 minutes then remove from the heat and pour into sterilised jars and seal.

Yes, you can freeze bananas, either whole, or sliced. If slicing, cut to approximately 2cm thick, freeze and bag as above.

Always choose fruit and veges for freezing when they’re at peak quality. You can use these basic tips for just about any kind of fruit: apples, berries, plums, peaches, nectarines, tomatoes and more.

Wash and dry the fruit. Slice larger items such as plums and peaches. Spread them in a single layer, untouching, on a rimmed baking tray. When they’re frozen solid, store in air-tight containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before placing bags of fruit in the freezer. Label your bags with the freeze date - most will be good for 8-12 months - freezing doesn’t mean that they’re good indefinitely!

Frozen fruit is great for baking pies and muffins, making smoothies, making sauces, chutneys and jams.

The best vegetables for freezing are corn, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and beans. Most vegetables benefit from blanching first, so rinse your produce, trim off stems, roots and any damaged areas. Shell fresh peas and beans. If you would typically peel, deseed or core the vegetable before cooking, do that now as well. Chop larger vegetables into a uniform size and blanch for two to three minutes before laying out on trays for freezing.

slides into

As the days start to draw back and autumn begins, it’s important to make the most of every minute you have. You should still be gathering lots of lovely fresh produce, but now is also time for sowing new lawns, planting bulbs, trees and shrubs, mulching, mulching, mulching, and of course planting the vegetable garden for the months ahead.

Firstly, in your flower garden and your edible garden, get busy and remove anything that has gone to seed and any diseased foliage, and prune back flowering plants that have finished for the season.

LAWNS If your lawn is in need of re-sowing or repair, now is the ideal time to do it, so that it has time to establish, and be looking good for next summer. If you’re re-sowing, take the time to check out all your options. Is your lawn purely ornamental, or do you need a hard wearing lawn for an active family?

PLANT your bulbs for spring flowering this month, before the soil cools down. Early planting gets them off to a great start, as they will begin to develop their roots and settle in ready for spring growth. Remember, daffodils need full sun and well-drained soil.

MULCHING helps retain moisture in the soil, protects roots from frost and keeps weeds at bay. The golden rule is to water well before you mulch, or mulch after rain so you're not locking dry soil in. Add 5–8cm of mulch to your garden beds, taking care to keep it away from the base of your plants, except for strawberries and lettuce, which like to be clean and snug!

VEGE SEEDLINGS of cauliflower, broccoli, beetroot, cabbage and winter lettuce can plant now, as well as herbs such as chives, rosemary and parsley.

Marvellous Mercedes

Mention Mercedes Benz to most people and they will immediately associate those words with quality, expert precision and class.

The 1965 Mercedes Benz 230S automatic ticks all of those boxes and more. It is simply a superb example of the finest German engineering and design, and I was fortunate enough recently to not only see this model up close and personal but chat to the owner, Colin, about this exceptional car. It completely blew me away.

Words & Images: Leanne Gichard

So, what is so special about this car? It is the detail; from the innovative double curved bumper bar that is poetry in motion, to the discreetly hidden extraction vents behind the side windows that enable fresh air circulation, to the sophisticated and restrained tail fins, this car just screams elegance and class. This is no “Flash Harry” like most American cars of the era; this is one graceful piece of design that reveals her secrets upon closer inspection. An abundance of chrome gleams with deft design touches such as curved door handles and side strips morphing from straight line into seductive curves. The tan interior faux leather MBTEX upholstery provides a striking contrast to the shining kingfisher blue exterior. Even the pin and cavity closing mechanism are like nothing I’ve ever seen – a pin that neatly inserts itself upon closing into a small circular cavity on the side pillar of the car. German precision at its finest.

This vehicle announces itself with the Mercedes logo positioned upon the top of the bonnet, which is actually hinged and bends backwards to avoid injury. The hubcaps

are resplendent in the same kingfisher blue with the Mercedes logo prominently displayed – a work of art in itself. The imposing v-shaped checkerboard chrome grille separates from the body when you lift the bonnet, so when the hood is up the grille hangs above your head like a finely crafted steel jaw! But, most impressively this car is pristine and in original condition. Even the manuals look like they have never been handled. It is what is termed a “survivor car”, meaning it hasn’t been materially altered or changed in any way; it even has the original mats and stickers all in place.

Now to the business end of the vehicle – what’s under the hood? The engine is a 2,300cc SOHC, 6-cylinder, 4-speed automatic with twin Zenith carburettors. The vehicle has only travelled 130,000 original miles.

There is a great back story to how Colin came to own this car and why he bought it. Colin explains, “I was hosting a group of men from the Savage Club and at the end of the gathering an older gentlemen said to me, ‘I have a car

that would look really nice in this collection’. I said, ‘Ok, what is it?’ to which he replied, ‘A Mercedes Benz’. As I had never owned a Mercedes Benz, I took his number. I knew some people in the Mercedes Club that I thought may be interested. About six weeks later I went to visit him and he explained that he had owned the car for 43 years. (The car only had two owners prior). When I saw the car, I thought that it would have to come home with me, as it was in original condition! Then I saw the original receipts etc., and I knew I had to have it. We came to an agreement, but with a couple of conditions, one of which was that he wanted to be taken for a ride in my new Mustang and he wanted to go “fast!” I have owned the Mercedes for six years now. It is an extremely rare car. Very few 230S models were imported to New Zealand, they were usually the 220S model.”

The vehicle initially came from Crosbies Garage, Invercargill. The only thing that isn’t original are the seat belts, which Colin updated to 3-point belts for safety purposes.

bookshelf

The Whalebone Theatre

by Joanna Quinn

Cristabel Seagrave has always wanted her life to be a story, but there are no girls in the books in her dusty family library. For an unwanted orphan who grows into an unmarriageable young woman, there is no place at all for her in a traditional English manor. But from the day that a whale washes up on the beach at the Chilcombe Estate in Dorset, and twelve-year-old Cristabel plants her flag and claims it as her own, she is determined to do things differently.

With her step-parents blithely distracted by their endless party guests, Cristabel and her siblings, Flossie and Digby, scratch together an education from the plays they read in their freezing attic, drunken conversations eavesdropped through oak-panelled doors, and the esoteric lessons of Maudie their maid.

But as the children grow to adulthood and war approaches, jolting their lives on to very different tracks, it becomes clear that the roles they are expected to play are no longer those they want. As they find themselves drawn into the conflict, they must each find a way to write their own story...

A Thousand Splendid Suns

by Khaled Hosseini

Propelled by the same superb instinct for storytelling that made The Kite Runner a beloved classic, A Thousand Splendid Suns is at once an incredible chronicle of thirty years of Afghan history and a deeply moving story of family, friendship, faith, and the salvation to be found in love.

Born a generation apart and with very different ideas about love and family, Mariam and Laila are two women brought jarringly together by war, by loss and by fate. As they endure the ever escalating dangers around them-in their home as well as in the streets of Kabul-they come to form a bond that makes them both sisters and mother-daughter to each other, and that will ultimately alter the course not just of their own lives but of the next generation. With heart-wrenching power and suspense, Hosseini shows how a woman's love for her family can move her to shocking and heroic acts of self-sacrifice, and that in the end it is love, or even the memory of love, that is often the key to survival.

A stunning accomplishment, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a haunting, heartbreaking, compelling story of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love.

All The Broken Places

by John Boyne

The Sequel to The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas

From the author of the globally bestselling, multi-million-copy classic, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, and The Heart's Invisible Furies.

Ninety-one-year-old Gretel Fernsby has lived in the same mansion block in London for decades. She leads a comfortable, quiet life, despite her dark and disturbing past. She doesn't talk about her escape from Germany over seventy years before. She doesn't talk about the post-war years in France with her mother. Most of all, she doesn't talk about her father, the commandant of one of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps.

Then, a young family moves into the apartment below her. In spite of herself, Gretel can't help but begin a friendship with the little boy, Henry, though his presence brings back memories she would rather forget. One night, she witnesses a violent argument between Henry's mother and his domineering father, one that threatens Gretel's hard-won, self-contained existence.

Gretel is faced with a chance to expiate her guilt, grief and remorse and act to save a young boy - for the second time in her life. But to do so, she will be forced to reveal her true identity to the world. Will she make a different choice this time, whatever the cost to herself?

you’re chasing shade on the beach, or sheltering in a bach, a good book is a summer holiday essential.

Entries MUST include a reliable daytime phone number, and your address

HALF PRICE TICKETS TO HANNA – ARTS ON TOUR

Sunday 19 March, 4pm at Ashburton Trust Event Centre. Jennifer Ward-Lealand directs Cassandra Woodhouse in the acclaimed one woman play, Hanna, by Sam Potter. A DNA reveals staggering news: that Ellie is not Hanna’s child – and now her ‘real’ parents want to meet!

We have SIX tickets available for $12.50 ea. (fees apply)

Drawn Thursday 16 March

ALL THE BROKEN PLACES

by John Boyne

Ninety one year old Gretel

Fernsby has lived in the same mansion block in London for decades. She leads a comfortable, quiet life. She doesn't talk about her escape from Germany over seventy years before.Most of all, she doesn't talk about her father, the commandant of one of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps. Then, a young family moves into the apartment below her. More info page 22.

Entry Information: Entries close 9pm Friday 31 March 2023

THE GREAT SIMS BAKERY PIE STASH

Who doesn’t love a good pie? Sims Bakery pies are among the best around, full of tasty, meaty goodness, and we’re giving you the chance to win a PIE STASH that includes: 1 x Trucker pie, 1 x Family pie, 6 x Individual pies. We’ll do one PIE STASH draw each month.

A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS

by Khaled Hosseini

Born a generation apart and with very different ideas about love and family, Mariam and Laila are brought jarringly together by war, by loss and by fate. As they endure the ever escalating dangers around them, they come to form a bond that makes them both sisters and motherdaughter to each other, and that will ultimately alter the course not just of their own lives but of the next generation. More info page 22.

THE WHALEBONE THEATRE

by Joanna Quinn

Cristabel Seagrave has always wanted her life to be a story, but there are no girls in the books in her dusty family library. But from the day that a whale washes up on the beach at the Chilcombe Estate in Dorset, and twelve-year-old Cristabel plants her flag and claims it as her own, she is determined to do things differently. More info page 22.

Send emailed entries to office@spiritmagazine.co.nz. Emailed entries must state which prize draw they are for, in the subject line. All entries must include your name, address and a reliable daytime phone number.

Entries may also be posted. Pop your information on the back of an envelope and address it to Spirit Magazine, P.O. Box 637 Ashburton 7740. Posted entries must clearly state which prize draw they are for. Prizes to be collected from Spirit Magazine office Ashburton.