Summerset Scene Spring by summerset

Summerset •

S P R I N G

2 0 1 8

•

Scene

TOP OF HIS GAME RON STUART • DIVING IN AT THE DEEP END JEANETTE BARKER SPRING FEVER FAVES ASPARAGUS & PUTTANESCA PASTA • KEEP MINDS SHARP CROSSWORDS & PUZZLES

COVER IMAGE | Summerset in the Bay resident Jeanette Barker.

hello from Emily

Warkworth Parnell Hobsonville

St Johns

Ellerslie

Manukau

Karaka

Katikati

Rototuna Hamilton

More than

5,000

Taupo

Pohutukawa Place New Plymouth

New Zealanders call

Summerset home

Te Awa Napier Hastings

Wanganui Levin

Havelock North

Paraparaumu

Palmerston North Trentham Lower Hutt

Richmond Aotea

We made it through another winter! Personally, I am a lover of all seasons, but I do enjoy the slightly longer days spring promises (as well as all of the beautiful blooms that brighten the horizon).

Kenepuru Nelson

Avonhead Wigram

Casebrook

KEY = Summerset village = Planned village Dunedin

New Plymouth residents John and Hazel

John says residents in the village donate the

Stevens have been at Summerset for 2½

books. “We get so many books – you

years, and have devoted time and energy

wouldn’t be able to walk into the library if

to setting up and managing the care

we kept them all in there!”

centre’s library. Not a single book has been purchased, and John and Hazel have managed the inflow and changeover of donated books to keep the material fresh.

Good

SO RTS

“We have a wonderful array of books, and

John says he has always enjoyed reading himself, and he is humble about their contribution. “I volunteered, and that’s that. The library is there, so why not do it?"

it’s a pleasure to show people through and

WANT TO NOMINATE A GOOD SORT?

tell them it’s because of our residents,”

Email: magazine@summerset.co.nz

says Village Manager Wayne Mackay.

or call: (04) 830 1175.

Summerset Scene | Winter 2018

Welcome to the Spring Issue of Summerset Scene – I’m glad you’ve picked it up to take a read.

You’ll find a raft of interesting features and stories in this edition. Our cover girl, Napier resident Jeanette Barker, represented New Zealand in diving as a youngster and again at masters level. Wigram’s Ron Stuart is a gym-junkie who loves helping out others and is on the council for Fish & Game, while Casebrook’s Cheryl Campbell is competing around the country with the Papanui Paraders after she took up marching in her 60s. We also meet some of Rototuna’s newest residents, learn about the Karaka residents starring in Summerset’s television commercial, and take a look at the brand-new uniforms staff are now wearing. We hope you enjoy whipping up the delicious asparagus salad on page 31 (the perfect addition to a village barbecue once the clocks go forward) and embracing your inner Italian maestro with the puttanesca

pasta dish – more of Jan Bilton’s fantastic recipes. Turn your extra tea towels into reusable totes with the instructions on page 35, and check out the exercise column to give t’ai chi a go (page 41). Wellington is also the spot to visit in September with the World of WearableArt Show, so have a read of where to stay and eat in this issue’s travel column (page 42). Julian is looking forward to visiting Hobsonville, Warkworth, Katikati and Hamilton in September, and Ellerslie in October. Keep your eye out for him – he’d love to chat and answer any burning questions you may have. As always, please get in touch if you know a Summerset resident who would be interesting to read about. I look forward to hearing from you, and meeting many more of you soon.

Emily Elliott SUMMERSET SCENE EDITOR

Story to share? We’re really excited to tell your stories. If you have an exciting or interesting tale to tell, get in touch with Summerset Scene editor, Emily Elliott. We’d love to hear from you!

Contents

magazine@summerset.co.nz 04 830 (04) 8301175 1175

F E AT U R E S

COLUMNS

TOP OF HIS GAME

14.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

16.

20.

THE RIGHT STEP

21.

DIVING IN AT THE DEEP END

10-YEAR ROAD TRIP

ONESIE DAY

12.

18.

22.

RESIDING IN ROTOTUNA

CUT ABOVE THE REST

OUR NEWS 24. 28

FASHION 40.

DELICIOUS RECIPES 28. 30

EXERCISE 41. HEALTH 41

IN THE GARDEN 32. 34

TRAVEL LOG 42. 42

CRAFT CORNER 35. 37

BRAIN TEASE 44. 44

BOOK REVIEWS 36. 38

AROUND SUMMERSET 46. 46

MOTORING 38. FASHION 40

SUMMERSET DIRECTORY 47. 47

STAFF PROFILE

B Y E M I LY E L L I O T T

TOP OF HIS GAME Passionate about health, fitness and staying strong, Ron Stuart has helped residents with personal training sessions – in between devoting time as a councillor for Fish & Game. Wigram resident Ron Stuart is no stranger to pulling his weight, having spent more than 25 years creating fitness programmes for others. When Ron initially took a job training people for security work, it was only supposed to be for six months. But 27 years later, he was still working with people to develop their physical fitness. “Half of training for security work involved creating a fitness regime. Initially, I had designed the course for my own benefit at the gym, but it ended up helping everyone on the course. Over the years, I worked with 400 to 500 people, and I set up a personal training programme for each of them.”

“ I ’ M PASS I O N AT E A BO U T E X E RC I S E , B ECAU S E O F T H E H E A LT H A N D W E L L- B E I N G B E N E F I TS T H AT C O M E W I T H I T – I T E N A B L E S M E TO D O W H AT I WA N T TO D O, SU C H AS T R AV E L A N D WA L K I N G T H E H I L LS.”

He’d always been fit, and the job kept him going. “I did a bodybuilding competition when I was 60 years old, and the rest of the competitors were 15 years younger than me! But I ended up

Summerset Scene | Spring Winter 2018 2018

placing third. I had to get my weight down from 82kg to 70kg, and I was on stage with bronze stuff all over me,” he laughs, adding that he competed only once. The 79-year-old works out six days a week, which he says is a mixture of gym sessions four times a week, swimming and long walks up Christchurch’s scenic Port Hills. The team at Summerset have added three hooks to the wall in the village gym so Ron can use his resistance-training cables. Ron is always willing to help others with their health and exercise, and has given his time to a few residents in the village. “Everyone can achieve more than what they’re doing. Don’t tell me what you can’t do; show me what you can do!” Ron’s other passion can be found in fishing – he is a councillor with Fish & Game and has spent many years giving his time to salmon-enhancement programmes. “When the salmon season starts, that’s what I’m doing!” Ron says he has always followed salmon fishing, and having caught salmon, wanted to give back to the environment. “When I take from something, I have a desire to put something back into it so that it benefits others.”

Left | Ron Stuart enjoys using the Summerset at Wigram gym.

Summerset Scene | Spring 2018

Diving in at the deep end BY MICHELLE BROOKER

After representing New Zealand in diving at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, Jeanette Barker went on to run her own swim school, before returning to compete at World Masters Games. Jeanette Barker’s love of the water began when she was just three years old. The now 84-year-old Summerset in the Bay resident, who has represented New Zealand in diving and swimming, fondly remembers her early water experiences. “My mother often took me to the paddling pool at the Napier Municipal Pools, which spurred my interest in swimming from a very young age,” she says.

Jeanette started diving when she was in intermediate school, beating the Hawke’s Bay diving champ at the age of 12. “That’s when I started to take the sport more seriously. I did competitive swimming and diving until I was 15, when I had to choose one to focus on. I chose diving. My favourite dive was the reverse dive.”

Jeanette remembers having a tantrum one day because her mother wouldn’t take her to the pool, so she decided she’d walk all the way to the pool on her own, where she stripped off and had fun in the paddling pool. “A bossy lady made me put my clothes on,” Jeanette says. Meanwhile, her distressed mother had called the police, who were out trying to find her. “A young boy ended up finding me and taking me home.”

Left | Jeanette at Ocean Spa, where she still swims regularly. Right | Jeanette with one of her first diving suits, made of wool.

Summerset Scene | Spring Winter 2018 2018

“ SWIMMING IS A GREAT WAY TO KEEP FIT AND ACTIVE, AND IS A SKILL FOR LIFE.”

After leaving school, Jeanette worked in accounting and spent two years in Auckland and Dunedin, where she received specialised dive coaching. Jeanette represented New Zealand in diving at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games (now the Commonwealth Games) in Vancouver, Canada, where she placed fourth in platform diving and fifth in springboard diving. Jeanette retired from diving to have a family, but resumed competitive diving and swimming in the late 1980s, participating in five World Masters Games.

“ M Y PASS I O N S O F SW I M M I N G A N D D I V I N G H AV E TA K E N M E A L L OV E R T H E WO R L D.”

“I have made many friends, and one diver and I competed against each other in 1954 and several times over the years. Our final competition was in Italy in 2004.” Jeanette still swims and is involved in the Royal Life Saving Society. She had her own swim school for eight years, teaching children and adults in her home pool. “Swimming is a great way to keep fit and active, and is a skill for life,” she says enthusiastically. “I have 18 grandchildren and have taught them all to swim. When they can swim the length of the Onekawa Pool, they get one of my Masters medals to keep. They have to be able to breathe properly in the water, not just swim!” Left | Jeanette diving at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Canada at the age of 21.

Bevan and Margaret proudly claim to be born and bred Hamiltonians, and say Bevan’s brother tried to convince them to join him at Summerset down the Lane. “We wanted to stay on our side of town, and Summerset Rototuna ticked all of our boxes. We’d done our homework and it had all of the conveniences suitable to our lifestyle.”

B E VA N SAYS H E E N J OYS C O O K I N G, A N D I S I M P R E SS E D W I T H T H E K I TC H E N I N H I S N E W V I L L A . “ I T I S D E F I N I T E LY A B E N E F I T TO M E – I E N J OY S P E N D I N G T I M E I N T H E K I TC H E N .”

Kath has lived in Hamilton for more than 30 years, and says it seemed logical to move to Summerset Rototuna – "It’s all very close and convenient,” says Kath. “My two daughters live on this side of town, and I have friends here. I’ve followed the building on the site since it started, and it looked like a good place to be.” Kath visited the Summerset Rototuna launch event with her daughter, and says the friendly, caring feel about the village made her decide she wanted to move in.

Residing in Rototuna Residents have been moving into Summerset’s newest village, Summerset Rototuna, over the last few months. Hamilton long-timers and new neighbours Bevan and Margaret Bradding and Kath Hamilton looked forward to settling into their new lifestyle without having to move away from the town they know and love.

"SO FA R, I LOV E T H E WA R M T H A N D C OS I N E SS O F M Y V I L L A C O M PA R E D TO THE BIG HOUSE I HAD," SAYS K AT H .

Once completed, Summerset Rototuna will have 164 villas and townhouses, 24 apartments, 56 serviced apartments and 43 care rooms. Residents will be able to enjoy the library, hair salon, swimming pool, gym, and indoor and outdoor bowls facilities. The village will also have Summerset’s award-winning Memory Care Centre, complete with 20 units, which Bevan says was important to them, and another deciding factor. “That, and the other care facilities, means if something should happen to my health or my wife’s, we can be looked after.” The village centre is due to be completed at the end of 2019, and Summerset Rototuna is being developed at the same time as the community suburb, which will include a nearby shopping centre.

"I’m really enjoying the happy hours as it’s a great opportunity to get to know other residents in a relaxed, informal context, and it’s great to have companionship with people who have similar interests. I’m looking forward to having amenities on site _ I attend aquacise, so it will be great to be able to use the swimming pool.”

Above | Kath has been in her Rototuna villa for a few months. Right | Margaret and Bevan are enjoying Summerset Rototuna.

Summerset Scene | Winter Spring Issue 2018

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

Lights, camera, action for Karaka residents

Summerset’s latest television commercial has given Karaka village residents a taste of stardom. A mix of professional actors, Summerset residents and staff braved the bone-chillingly cold Auckland weather in June during three days of filming for the advert at Summerset at Karaka. The commercial highlights the dynamic and full lives our residents lead in Summerset villages, and will soon screen on TVNZ. Summerset at Karaka residents Dorrie Connelly-Caitcheon and Bev Brissetto both feature in the advert. Dorrie, who lives in a serviced apartment, is one of a group of residents loving the Summerset life, and is seen eating an ice-cream in the advert.

Summerset Scene | Winter Spring Issue 2018

Before moving to Summerset, Dorrie was a member of the Wanganui RSA amateur dramatic group, but the Summerset commercial was her first foray into television. “Some of the things we used to do in the drama group came back to me during the filming,” she says. “I enjoy being in the middle of things. I don’t have to be the star of the show but I like being there. It was certainly something exciting to do. It’s nice to have these experiences at my age.” Summerset at Karaka villa resident Bev and her Miniature Schnauzer Molly, who is well loved and admired by both residents and staff at the village, also had a starring role in the commercial. “It was bitterly cold and we were filming what was meant to be the middle of summer,” Bev says. “It certainly livened up the village. The crew really looked after us while we were

waiting to film our parts. Molly and I really enjoyed it. I’m always looking for new adventures.” Both Dorrie and Bev say they are happy to advocate the Summerset lifestyle portrayed in the commercial. “I love it here,” Dorrie says. “I have everything I need. The staff are very good and I’ve made some lovely friends. We’ve all come from different walks of life and had different experiences, so we have a lot to share with each other.” For Bev, promoting Summerset is all about showing people who are considering their retirement options that they can move into a Summerset village with their pets. “Knowing you can bring your dog or cat with you can certainly make a difference to people who are unsure of whether to move in or not.”

Above | Behind-the-scenes photos show Karaka residents filming Summerset's new TV commercial.

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

B Y E M I LY E L L I O T T

10-YEAR ROAD TRIP “The best day of our lives was the day we got married, closely followed by the birth of our children. The next was when we ‘hit the road’, as the saying goes!”

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

Summerset at Monterey Park resident Brian Carter suspects he is one of few retirees to upsize when moving into a village. Ten years ago, he and his wife Margaret decided to sell their belongings and house when they retired, in favour of fulfilling their lifelong dream – travelling New Zealand in a motorhome. “Just before we retired, Marg found out she had breast cancer, and I found out I had type 2 diabetes,” says Brian. “We beat the odds and came out the other side feeling like we had a second chance at life, so we grabbed it! We bought a second-hand bus.” Brian’s career centred on housing design and building, so he designed the interior of their new bus and had it fitted out. “We were on the road within four months.”

Brian and Marg’s first trip was from the West Coast to Whangarei. They then spent the next 10 years on the road, visiting new places and returning to favourites. Most of their time was spent in the country’s far north, and they were able to be away from civilisation for two weeks before the water tanks needed refilling. Dubbed ‘Kiwi Bus’, the couple’s renovated vehicle consisted of a well-sized en suite, a full kitchen with a roll-out pantry, a bedroom with a wardrobe, and a solar-powered washing machine and fridge. The passenger seat swivelled out to create a U-shaped computer work station, which could be used the whole time the home was parked up, and Marg was very pleased with her portable garden of herbs and flowers.

The couple had an awning made for their ‘live-aboard’, which Brian says hosted many happy hours. “At 4pm it’s always happy hour – it’s an unwritten rule of motorhome living! You were among like-minded people, you didn’t know people’s surnames or what their jobs were – and it didn’t matter. There was a great community, and nothing mattered except the present, and waking up in a beautiful spot in New Zealand. We spent 80 per cent of our time outside, sitting under the awning.” Brian has fond memories of camping along an 18km strip of beach between Waipu and

Ruakaka. “It’s magical, and all yours. We went down practically every road that went to the coast – we moved each night, and in six days we travelled only 6km,” he laughs. Their favourite place was Northland, with Brian enjoying walking around in shorts and a singlet even in winter. However, in February 2017, the Carters’ doctor suggested they look into plans after motorhome living due to the declining health of Marg. From West Auckland originally, and with friends and family nearby, the couple decided to move into Summerset. Sadly, Marg passed away late last year.

“We loved the freedom of being on the road – they were undoubtedly some of the best days of our lives.”

Left | Brian and Margaret with their motorhome. Above left | The Carters enjoyed visiting many

“AT 4 P M I T ’ S A LWAY S H A P P Y H O U R – I T ’ S A N U N W R I T T E N R U L E O F M O T O R H O M E L I V I N G ! YO U W E R E A M O N G L I K E M I N D E D P E O P L E , YO U D I D N ’ T K N O W P E O P L E ’ S S U R N A M E S O R W H AT T H E I R J O B S W E R E – A N D I T D I D N ’ T M AT T E R . "

places in New Zealand. Above right | Margaret had fun exploring the country's landscape with her Segway.

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

Cut above the rest

B Y E M I LY E L L I O T T

Villages at Summerset are looking brighter thanks to a new collection of uniforms being worn by staff, which were given to some employees in August. Following a survey on staff uniforms in 2017, Summerset began working with contemporary Wellington-based fashion designer Lucilla Gray to create a new uniform for teams that is functional and professional, as well as vibrant and modern. More than 1,000 Summerset staff wear a uniform in their role, and General Manager of

Summerset Scene | Winter Spring Issue 2018

Operations, Eleanor Young, says that with more than 70 per cent of staff saying a new one was needed, it was imperative to think about how it would feel and look.

“We engaged with Lucilla to design and create 16 garments, which are specific to role type. We also worked with Arrow Uniforms to ensure staff are wearing fabrics that are comfortable, clean, breathable and durable. The new uniforms needed to be robust and hard-wearing, as well as a relaxed fit. We also wanted to make sure we produced the garments in a cost-effective way so we can supply more items to each employee,” says Eleanor.

The collection includes different style options for each job role. “We really wanted to give staff choices for their body shapes and personal preferences. You can mix and match to create styles that suit,” says Lucilla. “To me, it was really important that the uniform is functional and performs well, but also that whoever is wearing it feels confident. I didn’t want the new uniform to feel super clinical – I wanted it to have an identity. The old uniform could have belonged anywhere, but the new uniform belongs with the Summerset brand,” says Lucilla. Lucilla also designed the new uniform’s pattern, which features motifs of the tī kōuka (cabbage tree) and the harakeke (flax) flower. Each garment has a Māori botanical name. “The pattern symbolises the journey through life. I’ve always been inspired by nature – New Zealand is a very

nature-focused country, and my mother is a florist. The block colours are modern and provide variety, while ensuring the garments look like they’re part of one group.” “I feel a sense of achievement. It’s amazing to be recognised by Summerset as an emerging designer to work with. It’s been a pleasure to design their new uniform; a proud step in my fashion journey.” Lucilla graduated from Massey University and her debut collection showed at London Fashion Week. She has since set up a small studio in Wellington, where she focuses on high-end fashion and making boutique garments. THE COLLECTION FEATURES: Male and female styles for nurses, caregivers, housekeeping and laundry staff, kitchen staff, activities coordinators and diversional therapists, reception roles, and property roles.

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

The

Right Step Cheryl Campbell started leisure marching by accident, but the Summerset at Casebrook resident has now been travelling New Zealand with the Papanui Paraders for eight years. A friend invited Cheryl to a training session, where she discovered marching was good exercise and fun camaraderie. When the group needed an extra member for a display day, she found herself travelling with the team, uniform in hand. “I was thrown in at the deep end!” she laughs. “We practise weekly, and travel twice a year. We attend the South Island display days as well as nationals. It’s all for leisure, so isn’t judged, and the youngest member of our team is 64 while the oldest is 77,” explains Cheryl. “Learning marching was a challenge. Your arms are straight, fists closed, body upright – it’s great for posture!” Cheryl says the team has a choreographed routine to brass band music, which changes slightly for every event. Her husband, Ken, marvels at how Cheryl can remember all of the movements. An all-female team, the Papanui Paraders is the only New Zealand team Cheryl knows of whose members wear white trousers. “We certainly stand out at events! The uniform includes gloves, hats and even matching earrings.” She says there can be up to 70 teams at each leisure marching event. “I love watching the other teams and seeing the moves they come up with. Though it’s leisure, it can still be slightly competitive – you want to do your best! “The travelling aspect of marching is great. We often take a few days either side of the weekend event to enjoy the city we are visiting. It’s fun and very social – I’ve made a number of friends from out-of-town teams, and have met women in their 80s who are still marching.” In October, Cheryl and the team will attend the South Island Leisure Marching Day in Gore, before they begin preparing for the National Leisure Marching Display Days in Hamilton next March.

Summerset Scene | Winter Spring Issue 2018

Raising money through Onesie Day Staff and residents from Summerset’s Wellington office and three villages are partnering with Wellington Free Ambulance this month to help raise money for the charity’s popular Onesie Day Annual Appeal. Each year, Summerset donates $10,000 to the charity, and residents generously give thousands of dollars through regular village-based fundraising events. This year, Wellington villages – Aotea, Trentham and Paraparaumu – have set a challenge for each other and the team at Summerset’s Wellington head

office to see who can raise the most money on Onesie Day.

around in pyjamas or eating lunch in a dinosaur costume!”

Summerset at Aotea holds a onesie lunch each year, and performs a ‘onesie shuffle’ dance to celebrate Onesie Day. This year, residents at the village were part of Wellington Free Ambulance’s promotional Onesie Day video to help encourage others to support their appeal.

Wellington Free Ambulance Fundraising Advisor, Rachel Carr, says the organisation is incredibly grateful for the support it receives from Summerset. “It’s great to have an organisation that supports us all the way through, from the head office to the residents themselves. That the residents have supported us for over a decade shows their kindness, generosity and commitment to the cause.”

Summerset at Aotea Activities Coordinator, Karen White, says Wellington Free Ambulance is dear to residents’ hearts as many of them have experience of the service they provide. “They’re more than happy to get dressed up and do their part to support and raise money – even if that means dancing

ONESIE DAY FRIDAY, 7 SEP

Summerset Scene | Winter Spring Issue 2018

S TA F F P R O F I L E

Layton McGregor BY LOUISE NOLAN

Summerset in the Sun Property Manager Layton McGregor says there is no typical day in his busy role out and about in the village. As well as ensuring village maintenance is taken care of and refurbishments are up to scratch, Layton also gets involved in residents’ events like Waste to Waist. Layton has worked at the Nelson village for almost five years, and started as Property Assistant. After three years in this role, enjoying being out and about in the village and interacting with residents, he took on the job of Property Manager. Layton now oversees a team of six, and has responsibility for the maintenance of Summerset in the Sun.

“IT’S GREAT TO SEE THE REWARDS OF THE HARD WORK WE PUT IN WHEN I BEGAN IN THIS ROLE. I’M SO PLEASED TO SEE THINGS RUNNING SMOOTHLY AND WORKING AS THEY SHOULD,”

For Layton, the best thing about working with Summerset is the relationships he’s developed. “I love working with the residents and going that extra mile to make sure they have everything they need.” So much so, in fact, that he even gets involved in residents’ events. In addition to helping at the annual Waste to Waist fashion show (see page 26), Layton has turned his hand to bartending and wait service at a number of events. Outside of work, Layton has his hands full looking after, and spending time with, his kids and, when he can, getting out on his mountain bike.

L AY T O N I S F R O M SUMMERSET IN THE SUN

Summerset Scene | Winter Spring Issue 2018

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATE FOR SUMMERSET

OUR NEWS

CANCER FUNDRAISER Summerset at Wigram resident Liz Johnston took a stand for cancer when she shaved her head for a Daffodil Day fundraiser in August. Convincing Village Manager Russell Walters to join in and shave his beard, 72-year-old Liz says this is the third head shave she has done in her life. It’s an important cause for Liz, who believes at some point every family has been affected in some way by cancer. “Someone at church asked me if I’d shave my head for cancer, and I told her I would before I was 80. Unfortunately she passed away, so I decided I needed to do it to honour the promise I made her,” says Liz. “I’m sure one day they’ll find an answer to cancer. This is just another way I can give back.” Liz wanted to raise as much money as possible, and was confident she’d have support. “I’m feeling good about the head shave – it doesn’t take long to grow back. People tell me, ‘You’re brave’, but I’m not because I get to choose to do it. There is no hero in that. The real heroes are those who have no choice.”

Summerset is a growing business and we want to ensure we are responsible about the environmental impact of our villages, so we’re excited to be working towards CEMARS (Certification Emissions Measurement and Reduction Scheme) certification. The scheme allows us to measure our greenhouse gas emissions accurately, and then put in place strategies to manage and reduce our impact on the environment. We are currently collecting data to help accurately measure the carbon footprint at our offices and villages, with the intention of completing a verification audit in November. Following that, we will set short-, medium- and long-term reduction targets.

TRENTHAM SERVICED APARTMENT CERTIFICATION Summerset at the Course celebrated the completion of 20 newly built serviced apartments last month. The homes are the last to be built in the village, and are located by the pool which is currently under construction. Residents are moving into Trentham’s newest homes this week. Left | One of Trentham's new serviced apartments.

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

TRAVEL VOUCHERS A HUGE HIT We celebrated the launch of additional Summerset staff benefits by giving away three $3,000 travel vouchers. The travel vouchers are a key part of the latest staff benefits package. Each quarter, three travel vouchers will be randomly drawn in a raffle, with one entry per Summerset staff member. The first travel voucher winners – Wigram caregiver Andrei, Ellerslie Clinical Nurse Leader Marie and Warkworth Activities Coordinator Andrea – were surprised and delighted with their win.

As well as the travel vouchers, the new benefits mean staff now get a day off on their birthday, paid sick leave from day one, and various leave options, including an extra week’s leave after five years’ service. The new incentives continue to recognise the important work Summerset staff do to bring the best of life to our residents, and have been warmly received by them.

“I’m overwhelmed, speechless,” Marie proclaimed when her name was announced by Summerset CEO Julian Cook. “It’s good timing, as I’ve booked a trip home to see my family in the Philippines.” The news took a while to sink in for Andrei. “I’m ecstatic. I feel so honoured to have been given this chance to enjoy three grand! I can’t express how happy I feel.” Andrea wanted to know if she could give someone a kiss! “What an unbelievable surprise. It’s pretty cool to win something so spectacular.”

Top | Ellerslie's Clinical Nurse Leader, Marie, was overwhelmed to win a $3,000 travel voucher. Above | Wigram caregiver Andrei felt ecstatic to be one of three Summerset staff to win a voucher.

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

SUMMERSET FUNDS DEMENTIA RESEARCH Summerset has commissioned research into dementia to gain insight into New Zealanders’ attitudes towards the disease.

DOWN TO EARTH

THE GOLDEN EGG TRAY

FOREST TO THE SEA

Made by Yvonne Cooke and modelled by Maureen Leuschke. Artificial grass, cardboard, felt, straws, wool, knitwear.

Made and modelled by Marion Machon. Gold paint, duct tape, egg trays, toilet roll inners.

Made and modelled by Gwytha France. Flax, wood, toetoe, twigs with lichen, ghost gum bark strips, shells.

FROM WASTE TO WAIST Nelson residents put their creative caps on for the village’s fifth annual Waste to Waist Competition and Fashion Show this year. Run by residents for residents, the event has become popular among the wider community and is great for raising money, says organiser Gwytha France. This year, 14 wearable creations were entered into the competition, all made and modelled by residents and a few eager staff. “We encourage as many people as possible to enter, and you can create wearable costumes out of anything. There is no limit, and a lot of hunting and gathering is involved,” says Gwytha. She laughs about her holiday in the

Abel Tasman National Park, which she spent collecting shells and tree bark, and making flax flowers, for her ‘Forest to the Sea’ creation. Gwytha has taken the lead in running the event since it started, and says she has a group of six ladies who help her with the decision-making, as well as many volunteers who all contribute to the success of the evening. “Everyone at Summerset in the Sun loves Waste to Waist. It includes people with all types of interests – those who would not usually volunteer or join in other activities are eager to put their hand up to help me out. I love doing something people enjoy and that brings a smile to their faces.”

Gywtha says this year’s judge was Gillian Saunders, the Supreme Winner of World of WearableArt 2016. The show is open to both residents and the wider public, and starts with a catwalk of the latest winter fashions from Fashion Central and Made For Men. “My husband, Russell, built the stage two years ago, and many local businesses benefit – numerous residents pay visits to their shops to buy garments after visiting the show!” More than 200 people attended the show, and this year’s creations have already started touring the region to other rest homes and retirement villages. “It makes people smile and brings back memories.”

Jointly commissioned with Dementia New Zealand and New Zealand Dementia Cooperative, Summerset CEO Julian Cook says the research will raise awareness on the need to better help people and their families affected by dementia. Mr Cook says Summerset is committed to becoming a more dementiafriendly organisation. “We know some of our residents are already living with dementia, and others are concerned about the impact it could have on their lives.” Summerset has just signed a three-year partnership with Dementia NZ, a leading community provider of services to people affected with dementia. “We’ll be providing all our staff with dementia training over the next 15 months. From our property managers to housekeeping and even our head office staff, we want them all to be able to recognise and understand dementia. “It’s about providing our residents with the most comfortable and supportive environment we possibly can,” he said. Summerset villages also have plans to raise awareness about the disease throughout the month of September, which is World Alzheimer’s Month.

NZ INDOOR BOWLS AND SUMMERSET We’re excited to have partnered with New Zealand Indoor Bowls. With 767 bowls clubs scattered throughout the country, it’s no surprise that many of our residents enjoy playing the game. In Hawke’s Bay alone, Summerset has three teams – one from each of our villages – and their members regularly meet for inter-village competitions. Moyra Hood, a resident at Summerset by the Park in Manukau, is a seasoned indoor bowls player and was recently a masters bowls pairs runner-up with her teammate, Barry Clement, at the 69th Summerset National Indoor Bowls Championships held in Ashburton in June. We hope our partnership with New Zealand Indoor bowls will encourage more Summerset residents like Moyra to give the game a go.

Above | Indoor bowls keeps many Summerset residents busy.

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

Summerset Scene | Winter Spring Issue 2018

R E C I P E S BY JA N B I LTO N

TRYI

NG O UT S RE CIPE S? SEN D

JAN’

DELICIOUS RECIPES

US A AND PHO TO LET US K WHA NOW T YO U TH INK!

Spring

GLUTEN-FREE BERRY FRIANDS

fever faves Spring serves up the first strawberries and asparagus, and it’s the official start to the whitebait season. All are excellent reasons to share a plate with your Summerset friends.

beauties until you are ready to savour them. Store them – preferably in a single layer – on a paper towel in a moisture-proof container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Why are strawberries called strawberries? No one is sure, but it’s possibly because in earlier times farmers took berries to market threaded on straw. Today, growers still put down layers of straw to cover and protect strawberry beds.

The appeal of asparagus – apart from its flavour and tempting appearance – is that one small raw spear contains only 3kcal. It is also high in antioxidants, vitamin B2 and folate; it has no fat or cholesterol; and it is versatile and delicious. Store asparagus wrapped in damp paper towels in the refrigerator.

Choose blushingly bright, plump, even-sized berries that still have their green caps (calyxes) attached. Don’t wash these 28

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

MAKES 8 Your Summerset friends will love these friands. The light oval mini cakes closely resemble French financiers and are usually made with five egg whites. However, this means you’re left with five egg yolks to use in custard or scrambled eggs. So, I’ve prepared these friands using three whole eggs instead.

INGREDIENTS

/3 cup gluten-free plain flour

1 1/3 cups icing sugar 1 cup almond meal finely grated rind of 1 lemon 3 eggs 100g butter, melted 16 blackberries or other berries (if frozen, thaw slightly) TIP A silicone friand pan is best for cooking these treats if you have one, but a non-stick muffin pan is a great alternative.

METHOD Preheat the oven to 190°C. Brush an eight-hole friand pan with melted butter and chill. Line the bases with ovals of baking paper, if preferred. Sift the flour and icing sugar into a mixing bowl. Stir in the almond meal and lemon rind. Lightly beat the eggs with a fork and stir into the dry ingredients together with the melted butter until well combined. Spoon the mixture into each friand hole, filling it about two-thirds full. Top each with two berries. Bake for five minutes, then reduce the heat to 180°C and cook for another 15–20 minutes until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Run a knife around the edge of each friend and tip onto a wire rack while hot. Cool.

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

P U T TA N E SCA PASTA

ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH SWEET BALSAMIC DRESSING

SERVES 2

SERVES 4

In this delightfully moreish dish, the anchovies provide essential background flavour – they do not dominate. Any leftover anchovies can be used chopped in salads or added to casseroles. Measure the ingredients for the recipe and place aside until ready to cook.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD To make the dressing, combine the balsamic

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

125g dried fettuccine

Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.

SAUCE 3–4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

/2 long red chilli, deseeded and diced

2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and patted dry

chilli, capers, olives, anchovies, garlic and

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

herbs for about a minute. Add the tomatoes. Simmer for about five minutes.

5 anchovy filets, drained and chopped

– drain well. Immediately plunge it into the

1 teaspoon dried basil 400g can chopped tomatoes GARNISH

3 tablespoons brown sugar 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

When the pasta is just cooked – or al dente

1 teaspoon dried oregano

/4 cup good-quality balsamic vinegar

Heat the oil in a deep saucepan. Sauté the

6 pitted Kalamata olives, sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed

DRESSING 1

sauce. Mix well. Season and add more oil, if necessary. Serve in large bowls. This dish is great topped with a generous portion of grated Parmesan cheese plus fresh basil leaves

1 clove garlic, crushed SALAD 16 large asparagus stalks, trimmed 2 cups wild rocket or mesclun leaves 4–6 strawberries, halved or quartered

/2 cup small croutons

vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes until slightly syrupy. Whisk in the remaining dressing ingredients. Cool. To prepare the salad, blanch the asparagus in boiling water, until tender yet still with some bite. Drain and refresh in icy water. Layer on a serving plate with the salad greens and strawberries. Drizzle with a little of the dressing. Top with the croutons and garnish. Serve the remaining dressing on the side.

shaved Parmesan cheese mint sprigs to garnish

and Italian parsley.

Parmesan cheese, fresh basil and fresh Italian parsley 30

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

A RT I C L E BY LY N DA H A L L I N A N

IN THE GARDEN

Spring fling “I love spring anywhere,” wrote the American gardening guru Ruth Imogen Stout, “but if I could choose, I would always greet it in a garden.” 32

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

Mrs Stout was a late bloomer. She was 46 when she planted her first garden, and 57 when she published her first book, How to Have a Green Thumb Without an Aching Back, in 1955. Her theory of mulching – to lay it on thick, and scratch it back to plant – made her famous, as did a series of witty books, including Gardening Without Work: For the Aging, the Busy and the Indolent (1963) and Don’t Forget to Smile or How to Stay Sane and Fit Over Ninety. She practised what she preached, gardening right up until her death at the age of 96, simply because it made her happy.

All gardeners know that it’s impossible not to feel a spring in your step this season. When banksia roses and clematis spill over pergolas and ornamental cherries sprinkle petal confetti into your path, any excuse to be outdoors is infinitely preferable to spring cleaning indoors! I’ve always considered spring to be the season of romance in a garden, even if Cupid isn’t armed with an arrow, but with packets of seed, barrowloads of compost and a sharpened spade. There’s so much work to do, yet I’m all too easily distracted picking bluebells, tickling my children’s chins with buttercups, and crafting tussie-mussies from two-toned purple and magenta-pink sweet peas. (With hopelessly short stems but unrivalled fragrance, the so-called ‘Original Species’ sweet pea, available in the

Hammett Collection from Yates Seeds, is perfect for these tiny Victorian-era posies of cottage flowers and aromatic herbs.)

A F T E R A W I N T E R O F M U D, RAIN, HAIL AND GENERAL D I S C O N T E N T, S P R I N G LIFTS ALL BUT THE MOST HARDENED OF HEARTS.

Even expert gardeners let a little enchantment creep into their commonsense planting advice. Heritage seed saver Stella Christoffersen, of Running Brook Seeds on the Awhitu Peninsula, once told me to “sow carrots when the soil steams on misty September mornings, and celeriac when the apple blossoms fall in October”. Even in compact courtyard gardens, there’s still room for seasonal change. Swap out winter bedding for wildflowers, and choose small but showy specimen trees, such as summer-flowering crepe myrtles and weeping cherries. At the new Summerset on Cavendish at Casebrook in Canterbury, the landscaped gardens include the frilly, deep pink weeping cherry tree Prunus serrulata ‘Kiku-Shidare Sakura’, along with ‘Hosui’ and ‘Kosui’ nashi pears. These Asian pears aren’t just a pretty face, bearing white blossoms in spring, followed by crisp summer fruit and a flaming display of autumn colour.

At Summerset at Aotea in Wellington, head gardener Adam Turner says spring brings gentle changes, as the carpet roses return to bloom and rhododendrons, stock, primulas and camellias add pops of colour as native tūī squabble over the nectar of the dwarf flax flowers. For all the comely blossoms and cheerful bulbs, spring is also synonymous with aphids crowding on fresh rose buds, slugs and snails emerging hungrily from hibernation, and lawns that, while returning to verdancy, could benefit from a little TLC. At Summerset Mountain View in New Plymouth, head gardener Stephen ‘Scotty’ Scott has been tackling red thread fungus and moss in the lawns. He favours nitrogen-rich fertiliser to knock off the former and a light sprinkle of laundry powder – “Cold Water Surf does the trick” – to deal to the latter. Taranaki is renowned for its rhodos, and at Summerset Mountain View they star alongside deciduous azaleas, ornamental pears, lily-of-thevalley shrubs (Pieris japonica) and a graceful new addition: the tiered wedding cake tree, Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’. This elegant small deciduous tree was recently planted to celebrate the 100th birthday of resident Elsie King. I’m sure Ruth Stout would have approved. “There is peace in a garden,” she wrote. “Peace and results.”

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

ARTICLE BY LOUANA MCCORMACK

FAR & AWAY TOTE

CRAFT CORNER

We often pick up souvenir tea towels on our travels, but once we are home they always seem too good to use on the dishes! Instead, gather any tea towels you might have stashed away and relive your holiday moments by making a practical tote. Those beautiful tea towels deserve to be shown off!

S P R I NG C H EC KLI ST • Stock your pots with salad crops. Plant punnets of lettuce seedlings, sow radishes direct and start cherry tomato seeds in trays, so they are ready to transplant at Labour Weekend. ‘Sweet 100’ is an oldie but a goodie.

GATHER YOUR

• SEWING MACHINE • MEASURING TAPE • PINS • IRON

SUPPLIES

• 2 X PIECES OF FABRIC FOR HANDLES 64CM (L) X 24CM (W)

• SCISSORS • TAPE • 2 X SOUVENIR TEA TOWELS

M ET H O D 1. Place the right sides of two tea towels together. Pin the two long sides and the bottom short side, leaving the top short side

STEP 2

unpinned as this will be the top of the bag. Stitch the pinned

• Scatter wildflower seeds in containers or empty garden beds. Choose a pollinatorfriendly blend to bring in bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

sides together. 2. You can skip this step if you do not want to mitre the corners. Press one corner out flat to form a triangle. Measure 6cm from the tip and pin along that line. Stitch across, ensuring that you reinforce each end of stitching. Repeat with the other corner. 3. Turn the bag right side out. Turn the top down towards the inside

• Let daffodils die down naturally; resist the urge to tie their tops in knots. They need to photosynthesise to replenish their bulbs for next year’s blooming. • Clothe a tepee, trellis or pergola with old-fashioned flaked sweet peas such as the ‘Patricia Ann’ blend from Yates Seeds. Or plant gorgeous clematis vines. My favourites are the soft green ‘Guernsey Cream’, double blue ‘Kiri Te Kanawa’ and pink-streaked ‘Nelly Moser’. Bury the vines deep (at least 10cm down) to fend off clematis wilt.

to create a double layer of fabric for attaching the handles, and press with a hot iron. It’s up to you how much fabric you turn down as tea towels vary in length – the one shown here is turned down by 12cm. Stitch around the top of the opening, 5mm in from the edge. 4. Now make the handles. With the right side facing outwards, fold the handle fabric in half lengthwise and press. Open out and fold each long edge into the middle crease, press again and then fold in half lengthwise. You will now have a strip with the raw edges folded neatly into the middle. Pin along the open edge and then stitch close to the edge along all four sides. Repeat with the other handle. 5. Pin the handles in position, 7cm below the top edge of the bag and approximately 10cm in from each side seam. Lay the bag flat and check that the handles are pinned in the same position on

STEP 5

each side. Stitch each handle on by stitching a square and then a cross in the middle to add strength. 6. Trim any loose threads and press your new bag with a hot iron. Now you can sling your new tote over your shoulder to take

Photos by Sally Tagg

Summerset Scene | Winter Spring Issue 2018

shopping or use it to store your craft materials.

Summerset Scene | Winter Spring Issue 2018

R E V I E WS BY N Z B O O K LOV E RS W W W. N Z B O O K LOV E RS.C O. N Z BOOK REVIEWS

A M O N T H O F SU N DAYS by L i z By rs ki The premise of this novel is intriguing. Four women have been part of an online book club for more than a decade, but they have never met face to face. Then Adele invites Ros, Judy and Simone to join her on a housesitting stint in the Blue Mountains. They all agree to come along, but the catch is that they each have to bring one book with them that they will discuss together each week and that reveals something about themselves to the others. Adele is staring down the barrel of retirement after a very successful corporate career, but away from her workplace she is plagued by

Macmillan RRP $37.99

F I S H I N G FO R M ĀU I by Is a Pe a rl Ritc h ie self-doubt. Ros, by contrast, is an outspoken, sometimes cranky soul, but she has just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and has yet to come to terms with it. Judy is at breaking point with her business and knows she can’t go on as she is, but she is unable to move forward. Then there is yoga-teaching Simone, who seems to have things under control – or does she? A Month of Sundays is a gentle read that is warm and reflective; it’s a book about friendship and learning to trust again.

Te Rā Aroha Press RRP $34.99

S M O K Y T H E B R AV E by Dam i e n Lewi s Smoky the Yorkshire Terrier was found in the jungle of New Guinea by American soldiers during the Second World War. She became the de facto mascot for the 26th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron and was smuggled onto many difficult and dangerous sorties, serving as a major morale booster to those who encountered her. Smoky’s delightful nature and effervescent energy gave much pleasure to soldiers and civilians alike. The Pacific battles are threaded through the pages of this book without effort, as the true exploits of the little dog move alongside the deployment of the squadron.

Hachette RRP $37.99

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

Fishing for Māui is a distinctly New Zealand novel that follows a family in crisis. Val is a GP, raising a family of four on her own after a marriage breakdown. Her life is one of responsibility and worry – she worries about her children, and she worries about her patients. Elena, her grown-up daughter, is expecting her first baby with her partner Malcolm. But Elena is so obsessed with the healthy food blog that she writes, and her pregnancy, that she has no time for Malcolm any more. Malcolm is a professor who teaches ethics at the local university, but he is increasingly frustrated by the lack of intimacy and attention he receives from Elena.

The major themes that run through this novel are about food, and the differing opinions on what is healthy to eat and the welfare of animals. It’s also a story about mental illness, and a story about identity and heritage. Mainly, it’s a compelling story of whānau, and just how diverse and complicated a family can be. Fishing for Māui is Isa Pearl Ritchie’s second novel, and she’s created a book with plenty to think about.

T H E OT H E R W I F E by Mic h a el Roboth a m Michael Robotham is a favourite thriller writer for many, as is his recurring character – psychologist, Parkinson’s sufferer and family man Joe O’Loughlin. Joe doesn’t get on that well with his aloof father, a celebrated surgeon, but is devoted to his mother, a loyal wife of 60 years. His parents were childhood sweethearts and have a solid marriage and relationship, both with a clear sense of morality. That is what Joe thought, anyway – at least until he is called to the hospital following a brutal attack on his father. There, he finds a woman who claims to be his father’s other wife of 20 years.

What emerges is a very clear, concise description of the Pacific battlefields, with an appreciation of the conditions the soldiers suffered in the tropics as emphasised by their effects on a small animal. “The smallest dog with the biggest heart” is certainly true. Smoky’s daily adventures make an exciting and totally delightful read. The soldiers even created a personal parachute for her, sending the little dog safely through the air. Their ingenuity kept the dog alive and healthy through many combat raids and the dangers of the jungle, while in return Smoky built up their morale.

Police begin investigating the attack, and Joe can’t help but start sleuthing on his own. He discovers sides to his father he never knew, but what is the cost of finding the truth? This is a gripping thriller that is emotionally engaging, fast-paced and completely unputdownable.

Hachette RRP $34.99

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

MOTORING

SEAT ATECA XCELLENCE 4DRIVE

MOTORING

Unless you’ve been holidaying in Europe recently, the badge on the nose of this car might cause a confused double take. A SEAT? What on earth is that? In fact, it is the Volkswagen Group’s budgetminded take on more familiar fare, such as Volkswagens, Audis and Škodas. Originally a Spanish brand (the name is written in capitals because it’s actually an acronym for the Sociedad Española de Automoviles de Turismo, or Spanish Society of Cars), SEAT has been in the Volkswagen family since the mid-1980s.

IT’S ONLY IN THE LAST DECADE , THOUGH, THAT SEAT HAS REALLY COME INTO ITS OWN AS A BRAND OF STANDING. AND NOW, KIWI AUDIENCES GET TO SAMPLE ITS OUTPUT TOO.

SEAT (pronounced ‘say-at’, by the way) arrived in New Zealand at the end of last year with a full here’s-some-we-prepared-earlier line-up of models. You can buy an Ibiza compact hatch, a slightly larger Leon hatch as well as a sporty Leon Cupra version (think Golf GTI), and an Arona crossover, which is the size of a hatchback but boasts a higher ride height, as is utterly fashionable right now.

The one in the photo is SEAT’s take on a medium-sized SUV. It’s called the Ateca and it’s a very good thing indeed. The Ateca is – more or less – a Volkswagen Tiguan in a different wrapper. You can choose between two petrol versions (a 1.3-litre and a 2.0-litre, delivering 110kW and 140kW, respectively) and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, which is available only as a 4x4 (that’s the 4Drive bit in the nameplate). This is also the priciest version on offer. Because it’s fitted out from the Volkswagen parts bin, the Ateca is both solidly built and comes with plenty of decent comfort and convenience specification, especially in this $52,900 version. And if a brand that is outside the mainstream isn’t quite different enough for you, you can take things further by opting for the SEAT Sport Line accessory list to dress up your model. This even gives you the opportunity to specify blue, orange or red 19in alloy wheels, ensuring how to pronounce the name on the boot lid will become the second question everyone asks you.

THE STATISTICS ENGINE: 1,968cc four-cylinder turbo diesel POWER: 140kW TORQUE: 400Nm FUEL ECONOMY: 5.3 litres/100km PRICE: $52,900

ARTICLE BY CAMERON OFFICER

Summerset Scene | Winter Spring Issue 2018

ARTICLE BY LUCY CORRY

FASHION

T’AI CHI

STYLE Let spring breezes blow through your wardrobe and invigorate your style.

If you like to keep up with trends, you’ll know that throwing things out is very, very in. Minimalist living, espoused by experts like Japanese decluttering guru Marie Kondo, is the new black. Declutter your house, the minimalists say, and you’ll declutter your life. If you’ve already done your fair share of downsizing and de-stuffing, this might seem a bit extreme. But have you thought about what some good old-fashioned spring-cleaning could do to your wardrobe? It may not change your life, but it will certainly make it easier to get dressed each day. Here’s how to get stuck in. Step 1: Take the helicopter view.

clothes and shoes you feel good

scented with a few drops of

It’s hard to see what you have when

in and wear a lot.

lavender oil) before you start

everything is stuck in a wardrobe or shoved into cupboards. Take everything out of your wardrobe and lay it on the bed – or floor, if you have an extensive wardrobe!

Step 3: Be ruthless. You may find you get to this point and can’t face doing any more, so you just pile everything back in. Resist this urge. Get a helpful friend to make

putting the keep pile back in place. Arrange it so your spring and summer clothes are within easy reach. Pack away the treasures, or think about sharing them with other family members.

Step 2: Divide and conquer. Divide

you both a cup of tea and then

your clothes into piles. Make one

look at things objectively. Do you

Step 5: Reflect and reward. As you

pile for anything that’s past its

really need three sets of old

put everything back, think about

best and beyond repair. Make

gardening clothes? Perhaps your

what ‘gaps’ have emerged in your

another for things that you no

granddaughter or niece would

wardrobe and make a mental (or

longer wear (especially things that

love that old coat you wore way

physical!) note. Then go outside

don’t fit) but that might be good

back when? Maybe another friend

and take a deep breath of fresh

for someone else. Make a third

would look good in that shirt you

spring air before treating yourself

pile for ‘treasures’ (things you

bought and never wear?

to a cup of tea – or something

don’t wear but have a high level of sentimental attachment to). The last pile will be for the keepers –

ARTICLE BY KRIS TYNAN

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

Step 4: Clean and clear. Wipe out the shelves and drawers (try dipping a cloth in hot water

stronger. You’ve earned it!

Even though Warkworth and Dunedin villages are at either ends of the country, residents share one thing in common: the many benefits of practising t’ai chi. In Dunedin, Summerset at Bishopscourt’s Activities Coordinator, Ron Hielkema, has been leading t’ai chi classes for residents for three years, and says the activity improves balance and coordination. Gaynor Haig is a regular at Ron’s classes, and says t’ai chi has helped to reduce the pain and stiffness in her arthritic knee. Meanwhile, 1,000km north in Warkworth, the Summerset Falls Activities Coordinator, Andrea Hinchco, started running t’ai chi classes a year ago. Almost immediately, she noticed residents developed an improved awareness of their foot placement when they walked and were better at transferring their weight. T’ai chi is sometimes referred to as ‘moving meditation’ and has been practised for hundreds of years. It is great for promoting calmness, reducing anxiety and enhancing mind clarity, and research clearly demonstrates that it improves well-being, strength and balance.

EXERCISE

FROM TOP TO TAIL

STEP 1. Stand upright with your feet straight and your spine long. Take a slow, deep breath and bring your hands in front of you to hold an imaginary ball of chi, or energy.

STEP 2. Slowly expand the ball a little and then shrink it back down. Repeat this movement five to six times extremely slowly, keeping your breathing relaxed and rhythmic.

STEP 3. Place your right hand on top of your ‘chi ball’ and your left hand underneath it. Slowly turn to the right. When you are as far as you can comfortably go, change your hands so that the left one is on top. Now turn to the left as far as you can comfortably go, and swap hands again. Repeat this movement five to six times.

STEP 4. Push high with one hand as if you are pushing the clouds away, and press towards the earth with the other as if you are pressing the grass down. Breathe in as your arms extend, and release the breath as you change arms.

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

ARTICLE BY AMELIA NORMAN

Wellington streets are perfect for meandering, especially come dinner time. Whether you end up at Queens Wharf or Courtenay Place, a huge selection of bustling restaurants offers almost every style and flavour of dining you could wish for.

TRAVEL LOG

They say you can’t beat Wellington on a good day, and in spring there are plenty of good days to be had – especially with the World of WearableArt show.

ACCOMMODATION

EATING

Wellington city is extremely compact. If you opt for accommodation in the city centre, you can be out of the door and walking around town in no time. Apollo Lodge Motel & Majoribanks Apartments is perfectly located within walking distance of the Wellington waterfront and Te Papa, as well as the entertainment hub of Courtenay Place, yet it’s far enough from busy roads to be pleasantly quiet. This comfortable and reasonably priced option offers a range of motel units and apartment-style rooms, and there is a varied selection of restaurants and takeaway outlets nearby.

For a hearty breakfast, head to Joe’s Garage. Located on Tory Street, Joe’s is a nationwide institution that started in Queenstown and knows how to do breakfast well. You’ll find delicious staples like muesli and porridge alongside breakfast burritos and fruit crumble – and, of course, the Wellington mainstay of fantastic coffee.

For a luxurious treat, enjoy the eclectic and stylish QT Museum Wellington hotel, complete with artistic flair and sophisticated spaces, as well as French-inspired fine dining restaurant Hippopotamus. Located on the corner of Cable and Tory streets, and within walking distance of the waterfront and city centre, its creatively designed rooms are worth the splurge – as is the delectable food on offer!

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

If you are self-catering or looking for picnic ingredients, the centrally located New World Wellington City on Chaffers Street is ideal. A quick walk down the block from the QT Museum Wellington hotel or a five-minute walk from Apollo Lodge, this supermarket is primed for travellers, with plenty of delicious deli options, pre-made sandwiches and salads. Another self-catering option is Moore Wilson’s Fresh on the corner of Tory and College streets. A Wellington institution that opened in 1918, this speciality grocer contains a feast of top-quality fresh ingredients. It’s a must-visit, where you can select from unusual and interesting foods.

Ian Prince SUMMERSET AT THE COURSE

ACTIVITIES

WELLINGTON

RESIDENT OPINIONS

For springtime visitors, the World of WearableArt show is an absolute must. This unforgettable annual event is part fashion show, part stage performance and part choreographical wonder! For three weeks in September and October, WOW (as it’s known locally) takes over the city, and shops and restaurants put on sales, specials and competitions to welcome the thousands of visitors. To go behind the scenes of the food-centric capital, Zest Food Tours is a worthwhile diversion. The small group walking tours give an insider’s look at some of the best cafés, restaurants, brewers and food producers in Wellington – with taste testing included! You’ll leave with a list of Zest’s favourite eateries, so you’ll know where to dine for the remainder of your stay. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will enjoy a day at Zealandia. The world’s first fully fenced, predator-free urban ecosanctuary is located a short, free shuttle ride from the city centre. Book a walking tour or wander the trails yourself; either way, you’re guaranteed a melody of native birdsong unlike any other. Some of the tracks are accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with other impairments. Despite its reputation as a hilly city, Wellington’s centre is relatively flat. Should you need it, you can contact Wellington City Council to book a mobility scooter free of charge for up to four hours. You can also find a list of accessible visitor activities on the wellingtonnz.com website. With world-class events, top dining and a slew of unforgettable attractions, Wellington on a good day is unbeatable!

“I’ve lived in Wellington for most of my life and I love it. There are so many different things to do. The shopping is good, and there is great scenery and nice walks. My favourite place is the harbour and the waterfront – there is nothing quite like walking around the water and looking out over Oriental Bay. We often go to Wagamama, a restaurant by the water. It’s a great place to meet the family. We love it!”

Colleen Foulkes SUMMERSET AT AOTEA

“I love the compactness of Wellington, and the beaches. I lived in Lyall Bay for years, and I love the water. My family live overseas, and when they or other visitors come to see me, I pick them up from the airport and drive them around the coastline. We go to Chocolate Fish Café in Shelly Bay, then continue around to Worser Bay. Years ago, I used to grab a coffee and sit at Point Halswell (near the Massey Memorial) for hours, and we used to take the children there for picnics. “I also take visitors to the botanical gardens and up the cable car, which is a beautiful spot. The city can’t spread too far or too wide, and that’s what I love most."

- STATISTICS Region | Wellington

Main road | State Highway 1

Airport | Wellington Airport

Population | 416,700

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

PUZZLES

BRAIN TEASE

SPLITDECISION

Reveal a completed crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.

TARGET How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. The nine-letter word will definitely be familiar to you. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb.

Good 16 Very Good 22 Excellent 28+

O E P R C O H S O

WORDWHEEL

Insert the missing letter in each puzzle to make an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anticlockwise

ACROSS: 1 Amble, 4 Back to square one, 14 Opera, 15 Drain, 16 Statistics, 17 Totem, 19 Act, 20 Haggard, 21 Threesome, 22 Signal, 25 Accepting, 27 Indict, 28 Nutmeg, 33 Scattering, 35 Elf, 36 Endows, 37 Oral, 39 Oar, 41 Meddled, 42 Martyr, 43 Methodist, 44 Musty, 45 Inflated, 50 As, 51 Childish, 55 Churn, 58 Colourful, 59 Global, 60 Truffle, 61 Gnu, 63 Roof, 64 Urbane, 65 Ice, 66 Heartaches, 68 Cattle, 69 Detach, 71 Loudmouth, 76 Unwell, 77 Tarpaulin, 79 Machine, 81 Nun, 84 Novel, 85 Answerable, 86 Scald, 87 Using, 88 Cross the Rubicon, 89 Usage. DOWN: 2 Mortal, 3 Lying, 5 Ants, 6 Kitchen, 7 Oyster, 8 Quits, 9 Assumed, 10 Eats, 11 Nitwit, 12 Medal, 13 Fasting, 14 Ominous, 18 Irreverent, 23 Strip, 24 Academy, 26 Citadel, 27 Informs, 29 Martini, 30 Screen, 31 Tents, 32 Switch, 34 Gear, 36 Erase, 38 Latch, 40 Poll, 45 Incur, 46 Fallout, 47 Aqua, 48 Effort, 49 Judge, 50 Anguish, 52 Irrational, 53 Deficit, 54 Solved, 55 Cloaked, 56 Noted, 57 Dash, 62 Panda, 67 Glowing, 68 Cranium, 70 Adamant, 72 Origami, 73 Clover, 74 Bureau, 75 Unplug, 76 Unlit, 78 Posse, 80 Hacks, 82 Alps, 83 Also. WORDWHEEL: 1. PRETENCE. 2. WELCOMES. 3. MINDLESS.

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue

CODECRACKER

SPLIT DECISION

TARGET

choose chooser chop chops chore chose coho cohoe coop cooper coops coos cope coper copes cops copse core cores corp corpse cosh cosher crop crops echo epoch HOROSCOPE ochre perch poco pooch porch scoop scooper scope score spec

CROSSWORD

All puzzles copyright The Puzzle Company

ACROSS 1 Stroll (5) 4 Start again (4,2,6,3) 14 Sung drama (5) 15 Empty of liquid (5) 16 Facts and figures (10) 17 Effigy (5) 19 Pretend (3) 20 Gaunt (7) 21 Ménage à trois (9) 22 Cue (6) 25 Receiving willingly (9) 27 Formally accuse (6) 28 Aromatic spice (6) 33 Broadcasting (10) 35 Pixie (3) 36 Snowed (anag)(6) 37 Spoken (4) 39 Paddle (3) 41 Interfered (7) 42 One who dies for a cause (6) 43 Follower of John Wesley (9) 44 Stale-smelling (5) 45 Puffed out (8)

50 While (2) 51 Infantile (8) 55 Butter-making machine (5) 58 Intensely hued (9) 59 Worldwide (6) 60 Fungal delicacy (7) 61 Wildebeest (3) 63 Building cover (4) 64 Suave (6) 65 Frozen water (3) 66 Teacher has (anag) (10) 68 Bovine creatures (6) 69 Disconnect (6) 71 Braggart (9) 76 Sick (6) 77 Waterproof cover (9) 79 Mechanical apparatus (7) 81 Religious sister (3) 84 Innovative (5) 85 Responsible or accountable (10) 86 Steam burn (5) 87 Taking advantage of (5) 88 Take an irrevocable step (5,3,7) 89 Consumption (5)

DOWN 2 Human (6) 3 Fibbing (5) 5 Industrious insects (4) 6 Galley (7) 7 Shellfish (6) 8 Gives up (5) 9 Taken for granted (7) 10 Devours (4) 11 Idiot (6) 12 Soldier’s decoration (5) 13 Abstaining from food (7) 14 Boding evil (7) 18 Disrespectful (10) 23 Narrow band (5) 24 Learning institution (7) 26 Fortress (7) 27 Notifies (7) 29 Cocktail (7) 30 Sieve (6) 31 Canvas shelters (5) 32 Exchange (6) 34 Equipment (4) 36 Rub out (5) 38 Gate fastener (5) 40 Canvass (4)

45 Bring upon oneself (5) 46 Airborne radioactive debris (7) 47 Water (4) 48 Exertion (6) 49 Magistrate (5) 50 Torment (7) 52 Illogical, unreasonable (10) 53 Shortfall (7) 54 Worked out (6) 55 Veiled (7) 56 Famous (5) 57 Fast short race (4) 62 Bearlike animal (5) 67 Luminous (7) 68 Skull (7) 70 Unshakeable in opinion (7) 72 Paper-folding art (7) 73 Pasture plant (6) 74 Government agency (6) 75 Pull from power socket (6) 76 Dark (5) 78 Sheriff’s assistants (5) 80 Chops roughly (5) 82 Mountains (4) 83 Too (4)

Summerset Scene | Spring Issue