Spirit Magazine, June 2023

This Month

Ashburton Art Gallery

ON NOW – until 16 June

The Construction Of Colour

Despite being an avid quilter for 20 years, Timaru-based artist Rachel Ratten is more widely known as a painter and printmaker.

In The Construction of Colour, she lets her textiles take over, creating works that are fluid and painterly using a technique she calls ‘improv quilting’. Interested in the division between ‘fine art’ and ‘craft’, Ratten hopes to affirm the place of textiles within the gallery setting through this exhibition.

Open Daily 10am - 4pm; Wednesdays 10am - 7pm West St, Ashburton.

ADMISSION FREE.

GLOW in the Park

Friday 2 - Sunday 4 June, 5.30pm - 9pm

Both the Tinwald Domain and the Plains Museum will be "glowing" this Kings Birthday weekend!

Walk through lighting displays, enjoy the food vendors, and soak up the atmosphere of this family event.

Ancestry.com (Library Edition)

Friday 9, 16, 23, 30 June, 10am-12pm

Ashburton Public Library, 180 Havelock St

Learn tips for effective searching on Ancestry.com, including records that are available in the UK and New Zealand. FREE Admission. Register online at www.ashburtondc.govt.nz/community-facilities/events

NZ Highwaymen

Saturday 10 June, 8pm

Ashburton Event Centre, 211a Wills St, Ashburton

Dennis Marsh, Gray Bartlett, Eddie Low and Brendan Dugan are New Zealand’s Highwaymen, between them they have recorded over 100 albums, many of which went Gold and Platinum.

It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to see these beloved country artists performing together ‘live’ on the same stage. All tickets $62 (fees apply)

Women Winter Wellness Talks "Having a Healthy Relationship"

Tuesday 13 June, 6-7pm

Community House, 44 Cass St, Ashburton

Brought to you by: Safer Mid Canterbury and Connection Coaching. This talk will discuss what a healthy relationship looks like and how it affects our overall wellbeing. $5 door donation. Light supper provided. Limited spaces. RSVP: annaarrowsmith@hotmail.co.nz or 027 722 3204.

Ashburton Embroiderers Guild

Saturday 3 & Thursday 22 June, 10.30am - 3.30pm

Thursday 8 June, 1pm - 3.30pm

Tuesday 20 June, 7 - 9pm

Come along and share the pleasure of stitching!

Meet at the Seniors Centre, 206 Cameron St, Ashburton. Everyone welcome.

Staveley Ice Skating & Curling Rinks

Open Friday 16 June

Sharpen up your skates and hit the ice!

Maybe you’re a bit rusty, maybe you’ll drop your butt on the ice a time or two, but it’s all good fun, so get your skates on.

See Facebook for session times.

Dates to Book Ahead

Wonderland Glow Show

Saturday 15 July, 10am & 11-30am

Ashburton Event Centre

211 Wills Street, Ashburton

WONDERLAND GLOW SHOW is giant scale glow in the dark puppetry for babies to seven year olds! Tickets & more info available online.

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

From the editor

I blinked, and it’s June already! King’s Birthday long weekend is an early bonus this month, and the shortest day of the year is just a few weeks away, which means that while we still have our coldest days to come, sunshine and warmth lie ahead - a lovely thought to get us through winter.

Speaking of the cold however, we’re excited to have the Staveley Ice Skating & Curling Rink opening this month. Thanks to a new refrigerated base, the rinks are no longer temperature-dependant - we can enjoy skating for a guaranteed three months! How cool is that! The team at Spirit Magazine may (or may not) share photos of our ice-capades - depending on how well-balanced we feel after our first outing. Hope to see you there!

This issue has plenty happening around the district. We visited the House of Hop in Geraldine, popped out to Methven for the blessing of the new stained-glass window, created by Tash Sim at Our Lady of the Snows Church, and we visited Hampstead School to take a lesson on learning from the new SMART board screens, funded by Lion Foundation Funds, distributed in partnership with Braided Rivers Community Trust. A busy month!

Keep the suggestions and story ideas rolling in, we’re loving your input, and it’s fun to be handing out the special prizes involved. Find a cosy spot, put your feet up and enjoy your favourite local read!

Front Cover

BEERing up: It all began as a joke, over a beer. Just days later, Lisa Dawson, her sisters, parents and extended family, owned their own brewery. They’re still pinching themselves to think they’re all together, working in this familyowned brewery, House of Hop, in Geraldine, which is going gangbusters. Read their story on page 6.

PUBLISHER Judy McAuliffe judy@spiritmagazine.co.nz

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT Tracy Harris accountsmanager@spiritmagazine.co.nz

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Platinum Creative

Call 03 307 0590

PO Box 637, Level 1, 230 East St, Ashburton www.spiritmagazine.co.nz

Judy McAuliffe

Miles of Smiles – the 206 Club

Fav Things Ngā

Food Kai 8.

18. Geraldine: Berry Barn Bakery & Cafe

10. Out & About Huihuinga Hampstead School

Motoring Motukā 20.

Fashion Ahua 13.

Jackie Goes Prima Diva Arts On Tour

Sunday 11 June, 2pm

Homegrown chanteuse Jackie Clarke turns her powerhouse vocals, wicked humour and maverick entertainment style, to interpret the songs of the 20th and 21st Centuries most legendary divas. Ms Clarke pays homage to Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Peggy Lee, Barbra Streisand and more! From Alberta Hunter to Dolly Parton, from Kate Bush to Lady Gaga, Jackie lets her diva flag fly, while playfully interacting with the audience with trademark witty panache.

Accompanied by her trusty sidekick Maestro on piano, expect iconic songs performed with tender soul and gleeful virtuosity.

In 2018 Jackie Clarke was awarded an MNZM for services to entertainment; 40 years treading the boards in theatre, (Mamma Mia, Shirley Valentine) music (When The Cat’s Been Spayed, The Lady Killers) and T.V. (NZ Idol). This event is in the Woodham Foyer; don’t miss out, get your tickets today. All Tickets $25 (fees apply)

Staveley Ice Skating & Curling Rinks

OPENS

Friday 16 June

Sharpen up your skates! Gone are the days of waiting to hear if there’s enough ice for skating on. You can forget the temperature. From 16 June, we can all look forward to three months of reliable ice on Staveley’s new Olympic size skating rink. This really is a magical experience for kids, parents, grandparents, everyone! Have you ever been ice-skating? It’s surely one of the most exhilarating things you can do. It’s magical to watch, and to experience – possibly the closest feeling you’ll ever get to flying. In the last 70+ years almost

every kid in Mid Canterbury has skated at Staveley Ice Skating and Curling Rinks – depending on the temperature dropping low enough to freeze the ice. When the conditions were right, Staveley Rinks was the place to be.

The Construction of Colour, Rachel Ratten

In her new exhibition The Construction of Colour, Ratten lets her textiles take over, creating works that are fluid and painterly using a technique she calls ‘improv quilting’.

Exhibition: 13 May – 16 June

▶ ashburtonartgallery.org.nz

A Star on the Rise: Puaka

While Matariki is celebrated by many iwi across Aotearoa, Kāi Tahu in Te Waipounamu celebrate Puaka/Puanga. This exhibition will showcase the work of creative tamariki and rangatahi in our district to celebrate the Māori New Year.

Exhibition: 17 June – 03 September

Holiday Programme

We offer families a safe, organised and affordable school holiday care option, with opportunities to “get involved” and try new exciting activities in a fun and supportive environment. Ages: 5 - 13 years.

Date: 03 July – 13 July

▶ eanetworkscentre.co.nz

Adult Winter Reading Challenge

Winter, cooler days and long nights it's the perfect time to get cosy with a good book. So why not tackle that want-to-read list, step out of your genre comfort zone or try a new author. This winter, reading could even win you a book voucher!

Date: 01 June – 31 August

The Construction of Colour

Ashburton Art Gallery

Daily 10am - 4pm until 16 June

Despite being an avid quilter for 20 years, Timaru-based artist Rachel Ratten is more widely known as a painter and printmaker. Since completing her MFA in painting at the University of Canterbury in 2015, however, quilting has at long last been introduced to Ratten’s expanding practice.

In her new exhibition The Construction of Colour, Ratten lets her textiles take over, creating works that are fluid and painterly using a technique she calls ‘improv quilting’.

NZ Highwaymen

Ashburton Event Centre

Saturday 10 June, 8pm

They are New Zealand’s Highwaymen, between them they have recorded over 100 albums, many of which went Gold and Platinum. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to see four of NZ’s most beloved Country artists performing together ‘live’ on the same stage.

Dennis Marsh, Gray Bartlett, Eddie Low and Brendan Dugan are the NZ Highwaymen.

The legends of Kiwi Country music will tour through May & June, playing 19 electrifying shows throughout New Zealand.

Get ready to be transported back in time as the Highwaymen belt out their biggest hits, putting their own unique spin on classics from country icons.

A once in a lifetime opportunity to see four of New Zealand’s greatest country artists perform together.

Get your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable night of pure country music magic! All tickets $62 (fees apply).

In these textiles, she discards the narratives of her previous work in favour of exploring formal design and compositional elements.

Interested in the division between ‘fine art’ and ‘craft’, Ratten hopes to affirm the place of textiles within the gallery setting through this exhibition.

Image: Rachel Ratten, The Construction of Colour #18, 2022, commercial and handdyed cotton fabric

BEERing Up at Geraldine's

It all started, funnily enough, over a beer. Every year, Lisa Dawson, her sisters Rochelle and Sara, their mum Linda and extended family members, all gather for one good holiday. 2022 was no exception. So, there they were in Wānaka enjoying family time, with Australian based Lisa and husband Ashley sharing their idea of owning a business in NZ. Just days later, the family owned a brewery!

Words: Judy McAuliffe

As the idea of a business was being discussed, Lisa’s sister Sara found an advert for a brewery for sale. “I actually spat my beer!” laughs Lisa. “We all had a great laugh.”

The next day, the conversation turned to ‘what if?’ “We were all still pretty amused at the thought of owning a brewery, but I’m an experienced maître de, Sara and her husband Jared are dairy farmers and Sara is also a qualified chef, and my other sister, Rochelle, is experienced kitchen and front of house.” Another chef in the family, Rochelle’s partner Tony, has worked in severable notable overseas restaurants. They were beginning to think that owning a brewery was not such a crazy idea after all!

“By day four, we contacted the real estate agent, and two days later we were in Geraldine, checking it out. It’s a 20-hectare property, so we jumped on the 4-wheelers to check it out. There was a lot of work needed, but we could see the massive potential.”

An offer was made, and after a bit of toing and froing, the sisters owned a fully functioning brewery!

“We had never ever thought of buying a brewery before. What started as a laugh, over a few beers on a family holiday has become our absolute passion.”

Previously called The Valley Brewery, House of Hop has undergone a major renovation. “We struggled to find local tradies who could take the job on at short notice, so my builder nephew Blake returned from the Gold Coast, other family members pitched in, and we all became labourers and painters! 95% of the work has been done by family - real blood, sweat and tears have gone into creating something pretty special. We all love it. It’s great to work in. We’re still pinching ourselves to think we’re all together, and we own a brewery!

Opened just a few days before Christmas 2022, the brewery has been going gangbusters since then, and in the midst of all the beer,

Janene McDowell and Carey Von Lubke

food and great service, they’ve continued to add to the picture! There are now greenhouses bursting with plenty of fresh produce to supply the café & restaurant; beanbags and extra BBQ tables have created a real beer garden atmosphere; a kids playground hums with little people, and with 20 hectares of land, they’re considering having a petting zoo. “We already have Highland cattle, cows alpacas, rams and sheep. There are mini ponies coming, a couple of kune kune and a whole heap of chickens, so why not?” Lisa says.

"We’ve tried to cover the main bases with our initial beers. If you’re not used to craft beer, our Kolsh is a great place to start as it’s the least ‘hoppy.’ After that our House of Hop Pale Ale, West Coast IPA, Hazy and Wheat are very popular and are all available in cans, with the remainder available canned any day, and we also fill riggers for take-away.”

With a plan to become as self-sufficient as they can possibly be, Linda and her partner George have worked tirelessly on building and planting the greenhouses with a variety of vegetable and herbs for the kitchen. “Mum comes in with a big basket of fresh produce every morning. It’s become a bit of a ritual, and it’s exciting too. We’re all passionate about ensuring the best possible food experience, and by growing as much as we can ourselves, we know that we have the best, spray-free, organic produce to create fabulous food in the kitchen, and then serve to our customers.”

Let’s talk about the beer. With help from local Chris Watkins Lisa’s husband Ashley has taken on, and is loving, the role of brewer. House of Hop now has eight original beers (there are already plans for more) including a new wheat beer, and a seriously good stout.

“We have a new restaurant, new menu, new staff, new beers – there are a lot of balls in the air at the moment, but it’s all come together smoothly. We have so many ideas for new beers, new ideas for the restaurant and property, the biggest challenge will be keeping our excitement in check, so we always maintain quality and consistency.

We’ve tried to cover the main bases with our initial beers. If you’re not used to craft beer, our Kolsh is a great place to start as it’s the least ‘hoppy.’ After that our House of Hop Pale Ale, West Coast IPA, Hazy and Wheat are very popular and are all available in cans, with the remainder available canned any day, and we also fill riggers for take-away.”

Lisa says that family is the backbone of their staffing. “We’re so lucky to have family connections, and their connections too. When you get good people, they talk to good people and magic happens. We do need one more full time cook, and another wait staff would be amazing.”

Originally from Paeroa, near Hamilton, the sisters say they learned the old way of doing service, “getting to know people as they come through the door, making every customer feel appreciated and ensuring the food and service are exceptional. That’s what brings people back, and that’s what gets us excited every single day. We’re very proud of what we’ve created here. We’ve only been open a few months, and we’ve been booked solid. We love seeing customers come out, relax and enjoy House of Hop.”

BOOKINGS RECOMMENDED Phone 03 697 4959

Open Thursday 11am - 8.30pm Friday & Saturday 11am - 10pm

Sunday 11am - 4pm

House of Hop, 3 Gualter Road, Geraldine.

Caramelised Ham and Swiss Cheese Sliders

Prep time 25 minutes plus chilling

Cook time 30 minutes

Makes 12

With another long weekend coming up, we thought we’d share one of our favourite quick and easy –and seriously quaffable - lunch ideas. Even if you’re not a fan of horseradish, this mix just works - try it! The combo of poppy seeds, ham and cheese, horseradish and brown sugar makes it so delicious. The result is gooey, tangy, satisfying sammies that everyone will love. And before you think a dozen is too many – its not! If by any slim chance you have some left, they keep, covered, in the fridge for 2-3 days and they’re just as yummy cold or reheated.

Ingredients

2x 6-packs soft sweet rolls, preferably baked in a block

1/2 cup horseradish sauce

350 grams sliced deli ham

6 slices Swiss cheese, halved

115 grams butter, cubed

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard

2 teaspoons poppy seeds

1x 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Without separating your rolls, cut them in half horizontally; arrange bottom halves of rolls in a greased baking pan. You want your rolls to fit snuggly in the pan. Spread the cut side of the roll bottoms with horseradish sauce. Layer with ham and cheese; replace the tops.

In a small cooking pot, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the onion; cook and stir until tender, 1-2 minutes. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour over the rolls. Refrigerate, covered, for several hours or overnight.

Preheat your oven to 180°C. Remove the rolls from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Bake, covered with foil, for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until golden brown, 5-10 minutes longer.

Editor’s note

This is a standout make-ahead recipe. Make it the day before and then bake it off!

You can opt in or out of the poppy seeds, but they do add a great crunch to the soft, melty texture.

Turn this sandwich into a Reuben with corned beef or pastrami, add a layer of sauerkraut, and swap the poppy for caraway seeds.

Function Space For Hire

Ingredients

3kg fresh NZ pork belly - or shoulder

2 apples

2 onions

1 330ml bottle of cider

Pork Rub

2T onion powder

2T garlic powder

1T mustard powder

1T paprika powder

Serves 8

1T cracked black pepper

2T salt

3T brown sugar

Cabbage

½ head sliced cabbage

2T mild curry powder

½T cracked black pepper

1½T salt

50g butter

Apple Cider Pork Belly WITH CURRIED CABBAGE

Method

Dry pork skin with clean tea towel then place on the tea towel on a tray.

Score the skin and sprinkle with generous amount of salt, replace the pork into the fridge uncovered for a few hours - the salt will draw out the liquid from the skin to add in crispy crackling.

When ready to start cooking remove from the fridge and wipe off excess salt and moisture.

Set oven for 210C.

Mix rub together and coat the flesh in the rub.

Roughly cut apples and onions and create bed on your oven tray for the pork to sit on - add the cider to this and then place pork on top of mix.

Sprinkle more salt and pepper on the skin and place in the oven for 45 mins @ 210ᵒC - Then turn down to 170ᵒC and cook for another 2 hrs.

Once cooked, pull out and let rest for 15 mins while you cook your cabbage and blend sauce.

Cabbage - throw butter and curry into a large frying panadd cabbage and salt & pepper and fry on medium heat for 8-10 minutes til’ tender with still a little crunch!

Drain the juice from the pork into blender with the cooked apple and onions - blitz well and then strain to create your sauce.

Serve as is or add your favourite potatoes - the Irishman in our house loves extra buttery mash made with Agrias from the Todd Boys - I like it with some fresh ciabatta to soak up the leftover sauce!

Courtesy of Chantelle

Quinn of 24 Catering

Hampstead School

This month, Spirit Magazine was invited to Hampstead School to check out ten recently arrived 65” SMART board screens, funded by Lion Foundation.

Principal, Claudine Campbell explains the back story. “PostCovid, principals were given a wellbeing fund to do something to enhance the wellbeing of the school. At the time we had a very old screen we used in reception, and it was old and slow, and we couldn’t turn it off - it might never turn on again! My initial thought was to replace this one screen.”

When Gary from Heartland Technology saw the screens that were being used, the best of them at least ten years old and not fully functioning, he suggested SMART screen replacements. “In my head I was thinking, “We can’t afford them,” but I thought no harm in getting a quote.”

Hampstead School purchased four initial touchscreens in October 2022, and applied to Lion Foundation for ten more. “We really didn’t expect to get the full amount, so we were thrilled. The grant was quickly approved, we ordered the screens, and the money came through just as quickly.”

SMART screens are now in every classroom, and they’re “life changing.” Loaded with programmes and teaching resources, the screens are interactive; phones and computers can be linked up; the internet and YouTube are instantly accessible. “It’s freed up the computers - now the board is the computer.”

Trippy. There’s no other word for it. Watching the teachers and kids is amazing. The boards are positioned at kid-height, and even the new entrants find them easy; they’re playing games, singing, learning reading, writing, maths, and they’re all excited, including Year 1 teacher, Tess. “I’ve had my screen for two terms, and I couldn’t work without it now,” she laughs. “It takes me two minutes to load the day, and we get through so much more work! The kids have just taken to it without thinking. They know all the shortcuts now and they love it. I’m excited to come to class every day.”

Staff are still learning and discovering the capabilities too. “The more you use them, the more you find out,” Claudine says. “Someone finds something new and shares it. We’re all learning together. They’re a great asset in the classroom, but also a very good professional development tool. Our teachers are all beyond impressed.”

Claudine says that without the grant, it would have taken the school four years to purchase all the boards. “We’re enormously grateful to the Lion Foundation and also to Heartland Technology – they’ve been incredible support through the process, helping set them up. Its so easy to deal with locals.”

Health 2000 Leaf behind the winter bugs!

Comvita Olive Leaf Extract 500ml Now just $33.60

Ashburton Art Gallery

Toiletry Bag by AJ Creative/Amanda Jayne $125.00

Lushingtons

Enjoy a modern take on a classic fragrance B&C Lavender Hand & Body Wash $32.99 Soap $16.99

Ashburton Art Gallery Daylight Design Earrings Faces $35.00

Health 2000 Holland & Barrett Liquid Vitamin D 400 I.U. 60ml Now just $19.99

Somerset Grocer New in at Ashburton’s only specialty Grocer. Michel Design reed diffusers $67.50 each

Lushingtons

Topflite Splash & Feed Hanging Bird Bath $47.99

BUY

Ashburton Art Gallery Daylight Design Earrings Dangles $40.00

Cedar Rose Poppies and Posies Jubilee

Lushingtons

This classic Kooringal fedora shape with a faux leather band is perfect for year round wear! Great selection!

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Humunculus Ronan Boots $75.90

Humunculus Little Flock of Horrors Hoodie $94.90

Lemon Tree Eliana cardigan

Stepping Out Victoria Vikki $189.90

Stepping Out Verbena Wellies

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Federation Central Park coat

Sparrows John Lennon Shirts $175.00

Sparrows Cambridge Malvern jacket $389.90

Sparrows Silverdale slim fit jersey $199.90

Time for Diamonds Emerald and Diamond Earrings $2499.00 Now $1995.00

Stepping Out Django & Juliette Finola $269.90

Stepping Out Django & Juliette Forda $299.00

GORGEOUS, GLOWING

Rays of Light

As you walk up the path to the church, the window is incredible. Step inside however, stand back, and with the light streaming through, it’s breath-taking.

Tash was contracted to replace the original window just over six months ago and says that the four-and-a-half-month job was both terrifying and amazing. “The original window had been painted and installed back when the church was built 60 years ago. Being in full sun for all these years, the picture had faded to the point of being almost non-existent. The etching was still there, so there was a basic pattern,” she says.

Local identity and philanthropist Viv Barrett not only financed the work, he was also Project Manager, on site every day from early until late. “We made a great team,” Tash laughs. “A (pretty fit) 90-year-old and a slightly built woman, we put all the scaffolding together, did everything - I still can’t believe it!”

Viv wanted to see the window restored to its former glory in his lifetime and had tried for years to find someone to repaint it. Meeting Tash and learning that leadlight would still be vibrant in 200 years, he was sold.

Late last month, Spirit Magazine was invited to Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Methven, for the formal blessing of the new stained glass, leadlight window, created by glass artist Tash Sim. Judy joined the congregation for the occasion.

Photos courtesy of: Sonia McCloy

Tash began work, measuring, drawing up patterns, cutting and manufacturing the 1600 pieces that make up what is believed to be the largest stained-glass window in Mid Canterbury. From start to finish, putting in over 500 hours.

“I stayed very close to the original design but simplified the background. The figures were important to Viv, so they are very much as they were. The faces and hands are melted together in the kiln, which is not the traditional stained-glass style, but it’s my style. In most other churches, the faces are painted to create the shading. I struggled with this, comparing myself to others, and then reached a place where I could think, ‘Well this is me, and this is my style so I’m OK with that.’” One face comprises 13 pieces melted together into one - it’s incredible. The original plain border was ‘Tashed up’ to a fabulous rainbow of colours, and vines in Viv’s favourite shade of green subtly tie the entire work together.

The 20 sections of the window were built off-site over four months and took two days to fit. “It’s eight metres to the top, so we had to work on a scissor lift to remove the old and fit the new. I was shitting myself! It’s usual to measure everything from the inside, but I’d had to do it on the outside, so I worried I didn’t have the measurements right. It was nerve wracking.

When the first four sections went in, I stood back to see it and cried. it looked so cool - so bright. It fills the church with light. I’m pretty rapt with it.

This is by far the biggest thing I’ve ever done, and it’s been awesome. I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved, and Viv is super happy. He and I are now close friends.”

Viv is also over the moon. “I’m so proud of Tash and the work she has done. What a talent! This is better than I could have imagined. It’s just beautiful,” he says.

ASK DAVID

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

Your best defence against ANY virus, like a cold or the flu, is to boost your immune system. With winter upon us, I will give you seven decisive steps to boost your immune system.

Step 2 is to ensure you get adequate Selenium, which is hard to do naturally in Canterbury, with the limited amount of Selenium in our soils. Selenium is an amazing nutrient and is essential for a robust immune response; it supports a healthy immune system in several ways:

• Selenium naturally acts as an antioxidant in the body and is also a critical component of the body's glutathione antioxidant system. These enzymes help neutralize harmful free radicals and may reduce the damage they cause in the body.

• Selenium promotes a balanced inflammatory immune response by helping regulate the production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules.

• Selenium has antiviral properties by inhibiting the replication of certain viruses, including influenza viruses and HIV. By reducing viral replication, Selenium may help prevent or mitigate viral infections.

• Selenium is involved in DNA repair processes, which helps maintain the integrity of immune cells and may help protect against cancer development.

Selenium enhances the body's production of antibodies, crucial for recognizing and neutralizing pathogens, such as viruses. These can improve the immune system's ability to respond to infections.

Recent research at Otago University has suggested that adults and children in Canterbury should supplement with at least 90 mcg of Selenium per day, ideally from an organic food source.

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.

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 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.

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

You really can have YOUNGER LOOKING, FRESHER SKIN

Been thinking about how to improve your skin by reducing wrinkles and age marks? Right now, is the best time to talk to CACI Clinic Ashburton about Fractional CO2 Laser treatment.

Owner of Caci Ashburton, Shelley Maiava says that from now until the end of November is the ideal time for Fractional CO2 Laser treatment. “As we head into winter it’s a great time to focus on yourself and treat yourself to a little self-care. During the winter, we’re far less likely to spend too much time in the sun, so it gives your fresh new skin a break from harmful UV rays.

Fractional CO2 Laser is a really popular, nonsurgical procedure, carried out by our nurse, Belinda. It’s one of my favourite treatments because it’s so effective. It tightens the skin and stimulates the natural production of collagen so it’s ideal for reducing wrinkles, large pores, acne scars and age marks. Just one or two treatments is usually all it takes to noticeably improve your skin tone on your face, neck and hands.”

Shelley says that Fractional CO2 Laser is an excellent choice for patients who want to refresh their skin without worrying about downtime. “No matter how well we look after our skin,

we all have areas that we’d like to improve. It might be fine lines appearing, sun spots or just general loss of collagen as we age. This treatment works by creating an amount of controlled damage which then causes our body to produce more collagen for smoother, more even skin. As a result, you get younger looking, firmer, fresher skin. It’s a really amazing treatment.

We're here to help women and men, feel better about themselves and feel more confident,’’ Shelley says. “It’s a great feeling to boost a client’s morale and see them leaving here really happy with the results.”

Fractional CO2 Laser is available as a one-off treatment, or on a membership. “Our memberships are designed to make it easy for you to get the results you want, and as a Caci Member you can enjoy early treatments and free treats such as facials, tinting and waxing.”

The team at Caci Ashburton offer free consultations to chat about which skincare options will get you the best results! Talk to them about Fractional CO2 Laser and book your fresher, younger-looking skin today.

Tuesday 10am - 6pm

Late night Wednesday and Thursday until 8pm Friday 9am - 5pm / Saturday 9am - 1pm

Facebook Caci Ashburton P: 03 307 1466 www.caci.co.nz

Feed the Native Birds

We checked in with New Zealand Forest and Bird to learn how to best support our feathered friends at this time of year.

You can attract native birds to your garden by setting up a feeding station. You can help supplement their food during these colder months when natural food sources are more limited, by setting up a sugar water or fruit feeder in your garden. Many of our native birds eat nectar, fruit, and insects. Species you are most likely to see include Kererū (wood pigeon), Korimako (bellbird), Kōtare (kingfisher), Pīwakawaka (fantail), Riroriro (grey warbler), Tauhou (silvereye) and Tūī.

KEEPING BIRDS SAFE

Before you start feeding native birds, it is important to make sure your backyard is a safe place for them to visit. Set traps to control introduced predators like rats, stoats, and possums.

• Keep your cat inside, particularly at night.

• Put any feed stations well out of reach of introduced predators.

• Clean your feeder regularly to avoid the spread of disease. Provide water, particularly in summer, so birds are able to stay hydrated.

FOODS TO AVOID

Don’t feed seeds and grain if you’re hoping to encourage native species. Bread and milk are also no no’s, but fermented dairy products such as cheese are okay.

Never put out honey or honey/water for birds. Birds love it, so do bees, but this practice can spread bee diseases.

Cooked oats or porridge are out as they can harden around a bird's beak. Uncooked oats are okay.

FOODS TO FEED

Try hammering some nails into a board and securing pieces of fruit to the table. Half cut oranges, apples, and pears can attract tauhou, korimako and tūī, as well as kākā and hihi if they are present. Sugar water is a great supplementary food for nectar loving birds like tūī, korimako and kākā.

To make sugar solution, dissolve half a cup of sugar in four cups of water. The best sugar to water ratio is 1:8. Anything higher may attract bees and wasps or start to ferment more quickly.

Experience the taste of

Experience the taste and the environment of Kiwiana at Geraldine’s Berry Barn Bakery & Café.

Berry Barn Bakery and Café

Ashburton - you need to check this out!!!

This is old-school kiwi goodness!

Everything at the Berry Barn Bakery is baked fresh each morning, making it incredibly flavourful.

Fancy a cheese scone still warm from the oven? There are none better! Try a filled roll packed with flavour and round it off with a delicious slice or sweet treat and great coffee.

You’ll love the lively atmosphere in this light and bright, family run café!

Four Peaks Plaza, 76 Talbot St, Geraldine GeraldineBerryBarn

Alpaca Centre

Where to start? There is so much to choose from; so much to enjoy! The delicious aroma of coffee fills the air as you step inside and take in this unique location. Firstly, browse the amazing selection of delicious fresh fare on display in the cabinets: sandwiches and filled rolls, pies and savouries, biscuits, slices, scones, muffins and sweet treats. It’s a tough decision.

Owner, Hilary Craigie and her team pride themselves on their customer service. They’re super-friendly, and nothing is too much trouble, so relax at a table, indoors or outside, and enjoy the atmosphere.

If you’re feeling like something from the kitchen, there’s a great breakfast menu that’s recently been updated to include kiwi favourites like French Toast and Waffles, and for those with a generous appetite, a BIGGER, Big Breakfast, with many catering to dietary requirements if needed.

Open 7 days a week from 7am - 3pm. Four Peaks Plaza, 76 Talbot Street. Phone: 03 693 9900

GeraldineBerryBarn

It’s time now to check out the interesting kiwiana, wall art and murals, many examples of early advertising and kiwi culture, with others showcasing points of interest in the local district and further afield.

There’s also a beehive on display - and it’s fascinating to watch these tiny mites at work. They’re a great talking point while you tuck into a hot or cold drink from their vast selection, and some of the best food you’ll ever enjoy.

If you’re a local, lucky you! If not, stop by when you’re travelling through Geraldine or make a special trip - it’ll be worth it!

NEW ARRIVALS

This fabulous range of reversible down vests and jackets are super smart, seriously warm, and they come with a hood and foldaway bag. These will fly out the door, so be quick! Vest $140.00 Jacket $175.00

Four Peaks Plaza, 76 Talbot St, Geraldine 03 693 7363

Forget Me Not

WARM IS THE NEW SEXY!!

Quality winter nighties are perfect for snuggling up during the colder months. New stocks have just arrived, and include a variety of styles and great size range. The perfect way to look feminine and feel cosy.

Four Peaks Plaza, 76 Talbot St, Geraldine 03 693 7363

House of Hop

This could well become your new favourite place to eat - and drink!

A great place for a coffee with friends, or stick around for lunch, brunch or dinner. You’ll love the relaxed, family friendly atmosphere, great menu choices and award winning craft beers.

3 Gualter Road, Geraldine

OPEN

Wednesday & Thursday 11am - 4pm

Friday & Saturday 11am - 10pm

Sunday 11am - 4pm

Bookings recommended

Phone 03 697 4959

Cafe Verde

Stop and smell the roses.

This gem of a café is warm and spacious inside, with fabulous indoor and outdoor dining. Relax and enjoy fabulous food with a great coffee or glass of wine and fabulous service.

With a great selection of cabinet food plus in-house menus and daily specials.

Breakfast, brunch or lunch, and our patio is dog friendly, so bring your furry friends along.

Open daily 9am - 3pm 45c Talbot St, Geraldine 03 693 9616 verdegeraldine.co.nz

Shambhala

Tievoli Trading

The word is out - Tievoli Trading is the place to source unique and extraordinary pieces for your home, that will showcase your personal style.

In addition to their fabulous selection of homewares, you’ll find unique fashion - inclusive styles that flatter, and are designed to make you look and feel amazing.

Shambhala in Geraldine where everything is Magical, Mystical, and Mythical with a fantastic range of gifts for yourself or someone special.

This month it's about copper and candles with our range of quality copper drink bottles and beautiful scented candles to make these cooler nights warm and sensual.

32 Talbot St, Geraldine | 027 5133 669

Email: enchantedsouth23@gmail.com

Follow us on Facebook @ Shambhala

GeraldineExploring

Cottage Pantry

Traditional shopping of yesteryear! The best range of wholefoods and pantry essentials with competitive prices, including an extensive range of gluten free and organic.

The Kitchen Cupboard

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 St Geraldine | 03 693 8632

Attached historic cottage home to Art, gifts, confectionery and greeting cards.

Visit our website or better still, pop in and see us.

BUY IN BULK FOR BETTER PRICES

Several months back, Paul Robins of Geraldine called the Spirit Magazine office to ask if we would be interested in writing about his collection of cars, trucks, tractors, army guns and a plethora of collectibles. Well! We definitely wanted to clap our eyes on this, so we headed south and discovered the fascinating...

Words & Images: Judy McAuliffe

Route 79 Museum

Fans of New Zealand history, classic cars, old signage and bric-a-brac, old machinery, WWII artillery, canons and the like, are sure to be amazed at the eclectic collection on display at Route 79 Museum, just south of Geraldine.

Owner and curator of the museum, Paul Robins had a childhood dream of opening his own museum, and in March 2021 he did just that.

With a background in mechanics, and a helicopter engineer for the last 30-plus years, Paul is also a passionate collector and car enthusiast. Over the years he has gathered an impressive collection of memorabilia and vehicles.

“I started 50 years ago pulling stuff out of the Sutherlands dump,” he says. “Then in the 60’s things started to change with a move to electricity. A lot of stuff was being dumped, and I wanted to preserve it, preserve our history.” At the time he simply stored it all away in a shed.

The museum was going to be a retirement project but plans changed. With his collection growing by the day, in 2013 Paul purchased the property that Route 79 Museum now stands on. In 2014 he built the shed, and the dream became a serious work in progress.

Every car, every item on display has a story, which Paul is happy to share with visitors. Some of the cars he owns, others belong to family members or friends and acquaintances.

BMWs, sit alongside Fords and Nissans, a couple of Minis - one an early model owned by a friend, and the other more recent - there’s also a Land Rover, old motorbikes, his father’s 1906 Darracq, and an AC Cobra Replica which he built himself from a bare bones kit.

A number of old tractors are also on display including an old 1952 Field Marshall from the family farm at Sutherlands, a horse-drawn Governess car and a gig, pieces of aircraft including a Tiger Moth aircraft engine, a German-made Klepper collapsible canoe...and so it goes on.

Over the years Paul also developed an interest in weapons, and a collection of WWII era vehicles, artillery and cannons fill a substantial patch of floor space; a 1963 International Army truck from the Australian Army, a Dodge Scout Car from WWII, a field gun he bought from the NZ Army, anti-tank guns, a Bofors anti-aircraft gun, an Oerlikon, and more.

Old advertising signs, street signs, gas cans, a Blue Mountain Pottery collection, hub caps, flags, you'll find it all here, adorning the walls in a collection unlike any other.

Moving on, the workshop has multiple projects in various states or repair and/or restoration. “There’s always something to do,” he says. “I have projects in here that I’ve been working on for years, and others that take much less time.”

As Paul says, “I spent my entire lifetime collecting, chasing down, re-building and restoring. It’s been my passion, and I’ll never stop. I wanted a museum to share that passion, and I have it. It’s very rewarding to be able to share it with tourists and visitors.”

Route 79 Museum is hard to miss. You’ll have seen the sign written old GMC ex-army truck sitting on the corner of Craigs Road and the Geraldine-Fairlie highway, just a few km’s south of Geraldine. Turn onto Craigs Road, and you’re there.

OPENING HOURS:

Thursday 9.30am - 4.30pm

Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm

Saturday 10am - 4pm

Sunday 11am - 4pm

Monday 9.30am - 4.30pm

Bookshelf

Lessons in Chemistry

by Bonnie Garmus

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing.

But it's the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute take a very unscientific view of equality. Forced to resign, she reluctantly signs on as the host of a cooking show, Supper at Six. But her revolutionary approach to cooking, fuelled by scientific and rational commentary, grabs the attention of a nation.

Soon, a legion of overlooked housewives find themselves daring to change the status quo. One molecule at a time.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

This book is one of the best I’ve read in ages! I loved Elizabeth’s courage, her determination, and amazing personality. Now that I’ve finished it, I want to read it right through, again.

Would you like to be review our books? Email: office@spiritmagazine.co.nz

Creating Space - An Experience of Gender

by Jane Prichard

"Creating Space - An Experience of Gender" describes the extraordinary work of Jane Prichard, in her own words. It tells how Jane's advocacy for women and girls in Aotearoa New Zealand began.

The book illustrates how Jane established and supported women's networks. It explains the importance of the new organisations set up as an action outcome of the Fourth World Women's Conference in Beijing in 1995. And it explains why she felt she had to embrace the United Nations High Commissioner's call to report on how these new organisations had created space and how they were being maintained long term.

WIN THESE BOOKS

Jane describes how she founded new NGOs (Non-governmental organisations) to enhance gender justice outcomes, and proudly informs us that these organisations have been able to maintain a vigorous programme over many years to bring about positive outcomes that have made a difference to women and girls.

The book details her work as a leader, a mentor, and a risk-taker. There were many challenges along the way and Jane takes us on the journey of how she overcame them to succeed.

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY

by Bonnie Garmus

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman.

In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing.

But it's the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute take a very unscientific view of equality.

This is a fantastic read – it draws you in so that you simply can’t put it down! More info page 22.

CREATING SPACE

by Jane Prichard

AN EXPERIENCE OF GENDER describes the extraordinary work of Jane Prichard, in her own words. It tells how Jane's advocacy for women and girls in Aotearoa

New Zealand began. The book details her work as a leader, a mentor, and a risk-taker. There were many challenges along the way and Jane takes us on the journey of how she overcame them to succeed.

More info page 22.

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Suggestion Box

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Tell us what you’d like to see inside our pages

• Are you ready for more travel stories? • Would you like to see more recipes?

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Waihi

Bush NZ Grown Hemp Seed Oil

Win a 500ml bottle of great-tasting, certified organic Hemp Seed Oil, from Waihi Bush.

Blend it into your favourite smoothie, yoghurt or shake; mix with cottage cheese, hummus, pesto or dip – there are so many uses for this 100% certified organic, cold-pressed hemp seed oil.

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.

We’ll take all suggestions seriously and try and cover them as we go forward.

Drop us a line

We love to hear from you, and we’d love to hear what’s happening in your world; what you enjoyed in our last issue; what made you laugh, what made you cry! Anything that matters to you, let us know.

Every letter received goes in the draw to win a $50 voucher from The Fine Lion, Ashburton. Here’s this month’s winning letter

Hi Spirit team,

Entry Information: Entries close 9pm Friday 23 June 2023

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.

It is always the highlight of my month, to find Spirit Magazine in my letterbox, as I have today. As soon as I can find the time, I make a cuppa and settle in to see what amazing stories you have found to share.

Is it just my imagination, or is Spirit Magazine even better than ever, just recently? I don’t know how you do it, but every issue seems to be better than the last.

Your story on the Staveley Skating Rinks this month inspired me to make a donation. We used to skate there years ago when our kids were small. It was always a special outing, loading up the car with skates, warm clothing, blankets and the picnic basket. They would be so excited on the drive to Staveley and would talk about nothing else for weeks after. Great family memories.

Thanks again for producing a great magazine. I think it’s quite unique and I look forward to many more to come.

- Helen D