Summerset Scene •
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CROQUET CRAZE MALLET MASTERY • WASTE TO WAIST WACKY AND WONDERFUL LIFELONG LOVE 75TH ANNIVERSARY • ECO-FRIENDLY GREENER FESTIVE FUN PARTY PLEASERS TASTY SUMMER FARE
COVER Hobsonville resident and croquet coach Julie Parry is teaching the village how to swing a mallet. Read the story on page 14. P H OTO Kate Chastukhina.
Whangarei
Warkworth Parnell St Johns
Milldale Hobsonville
Half Moon Bay
Ellerslie
Manukau
Karaka
Papamoa Beach
Rototuna
More than
6,000
Katikati
Cambridge
Hamilton Taupo
Bell Block
Summerset home New Zealanders call
New Plymouth
Napier Te Awa Hastings
Whanganui Levin
Havelock North
Waikanae Paraparaumu
Palmerston North Trentham
Nelson
Lower Hutt
Richmond Blenheim
Rangiora
Avonhead Wigram
Casebrook
Prebbleton
Aotea Kenepuru
KEY = Summerset village = Planned village
Dunedin
Hello from Sara It’s been a challenging year for most of us, that’s for sure. But rather than dwell on the bad bits, I like to focus on the positives. For me, one of the plus sides of 2020 has been meeting many of you! I’ve loved chatting with you on the phone, via Zoom or (when travel rules allowed) in person at various villages around the country. This year, the magazine has included tales of travel adventures, creative pursuits, fitness discoveries, historical happenings and plenty of heart-warming community spirit. I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has shared their stories with me. Thank you also to all the loyal readers who have pored over the pages of each issue. Speaking of heart-warming, you’ll love reading about Jack and Maureen Monaghan from Paraparaumu, who celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary recently. It’s a rare thing to have spent so many years together – so unusual, in fact, that there’s no
traditional anniversary gift for that many years of married life. Read their sweet story on page 10. Over in Nelson, Summerset in the Sun’s annual Waste to Waist wearable arts show truly was a feast for the eyes. Take a look at some of the incredible outfits on display on page 4. I had the honour of going along as a judge, and choosing the winners was no easy task! If you’re more into sports than sartorial splendour, turn to page 14 to read about the croquet craze taking over at Summerset at Monterey Park in Hobsonville. A group of enthusiastic beginners have been honing their mallet-swinging skills, and the village croquet lawn is looking like the place to be this summer. I’m not exactly the sporting type myself, (coordination just isn’t my forte!), so I’m looking forward
to spending my summer break relaxing, reading, exploring some holiday spots close to home, and enjoying time with family and friends. And when it comes to the Christmas celebrations, I firmly believe it’s a time for treating yourself – so crack open the bubbly, tuck into the trifle, and indulge in whatever festive fare takes your fancy. This year in particular, I think we’ve earned it! Turn to page 30 for some party platter ideas. Have a wonderful Christmas and a sunny summer break. Here’s to a brighter 2021!
Sara Bunny SUMMERSET SCENE EDITOR
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Contents
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10
75th wedding anniversary A special celebration
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Croquet Mallets at the ready
Waste to Waist Strike a pose
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News The joy of giving
Jude On The recipe for a great Christmas
News Aged Care awards & Julian’s change of scene
Let’s talk about Brain health
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Story to share?
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021 948 754
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News New neighbours
News Sharing ideas
Village people Russell France
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Staff profile Linda Postma
Five questions Brian Crothers
Exercise Summer’s golden rules
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Delicious recipes Party pleasers
Gardening Pots of tomatoes
Style Made in the shade
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Craft corner Christmas ornaments
Book reviews Summer reads
Go Greener Fun festive ideas
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Travel log Taupō
Brain tease Puzzles
Pets of Summerset Neighbourhood trio
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Strike a
pose
Whether they’re made from feathers and flowers, bread bags and beads, or loo paper and lace, all creations weird and wonderful are part of the fun at Summerset in the Sun’s annual Waste to Waist wearable art show.
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A selection of the wearable arts outfits on show.
Gwytha France has always been arty, and these days, she loves nothing more than inspiring others to let their creative side shine. As the main organiser for Waste to Waist, one of Summerset in the Sun’s most anticipated events, Gwytha’s used to keeping multiple plates spinning. From encouraging a shy model to take to the catwalk, to contacting local businesses to donate spot prizes, crafting signs and backdrops, and sorting out last-minute costume calamities, Gwytha loves every minute of it.
“ I love how everybody takes their skills and uses them in their unique way. Some people like to work on an outfit with a friend; it brings people together”.
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L E T’S H E A R I T FO R
this year’s winners!
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‘PACKAGING REVISITED’
2 nd
3 rd
‘BLUE LOO-GOON’ Designed and made by Yvonne Cooke, modelled by Jocelyn Burke.
Designed and made by Joan Kundycki, modelled by Helen Bruce.
Highly commended ‘FLIGHT OF WHITE’ Designed, made and modelled by Patricia Behrens.
‘ASTERIA, GODDESS OF STARS’ Designed, made and modelled by Vivienne Chandler.
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‘BLOOMS OF SUMMER’ Designed and made by Gwytha France, modelled by Dulcie McArthur.
“ I just like making people happy – that’s what spurs me on.” GWYTHA FRANCE
“It’s always a fun night – we don’t want it to be too serious,” Gwytha says, laughing. “I love how everybody takes their skills and uses them in their unique way. Some people like to work on an outfit with a friend; it brings people together.” With the help of a trusted team of organisers and husband Russell, she’s been bringing the Waste to Waist show to life for the past seven years. Every year, more entrants come on board and the costumes have been getting increasingly elaborate with each event. This year’s show was held in mid-October and attracted a
record 21 entries. Wild and wonderful creations on the catwalk included a theatrical butterfly, a couple of whimsical witches, elaborate toilet paper gowns, an energetic fairy festooned with the lids of peanut butter jars, and a futuristic get-up made entirely from empty pill packets. “You have to get in early to prompt people to start thinking about it,” says Gwytha. “Some of the materials take a while to collect – like loads of toilet rolls, for instance. We’re often collecting things for one another to use, and you just potter away on ideas as the mood takes you.”
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Gwytha’s hobby of painting china helped to give her an eye for mixing colours, while her involvement with the Sumner Theatre, when the couple lived in Christchurch, sparked her interest in costume design. But when it comes to the Waste to Waist show, it’s not just about getting the creative juices flowing. The broader ideas of recycling and being kinder to the environment are just as important as the costume creations, and this year’s event also included an ‘op shop challenge’ to emphasise the possibilities of recycled clothing.
Proceeds from ticket sales always go back to the village and the local community. This year, money collected was used to purchase a metal seagull sculpture, made by artists at Forest Fusion in Mapua, which is now on display outside the reception area.
“I know that people get a lot of pleasure from making their outfits, and everyone enjoys seeing all the creations.”
“Sustainability is really at the fore these days,” says Gwytha. “That’s why the op shop challenge was important. We went around all the op shops in town and they were delighted to be involved, and it’s nice to support local businesses.”
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The remaining funds were donated to the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust and St John.
Before long, it will be time to start planning the next event, but Gwytha’s always up for the challenge. “I love being able to bring pleasure to people,” she says. “I know that people get a lot of pleasure from making their outfits, and everyone enjoys seeing all the creations.”
Just some of the fun and fabulous creations on show!
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A special celebration A chance meeting at a country dance turned into a lifelong love story for Summerset on the Coast couple Jack and Maureen Monaghan, who recently celebrated 75 years of happy marriage. According to the tradition, it’s gold for a 50th wedding anniversary and diamond for a 60th, but the list doesn’t stretch anywhere near 75 years. “That must mean you get to choose for yourself,” laughs Maureen, “and I think ‘double diamond’ sounds good!” It was at a dance at Maureen’s home town in Yorkshire, England, that 24-year-old Royal New Zealand Navy man Jack spotted 18-year-old Maureen across the dance floor. “I thought, ‘She’s lovely’,” remembers Jack. “I always thought she was the cat’s pyjamas, and I haven’t changed my mind in 75 years!” Maureen remembers how Jack, with his blonde hair and blue eyes, was a popular
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choice of dance partner with the other girls. But after the pair started chatting, they only had eyes for each other. Another meeting followed, but as the Second World War was raging, Jack was back at sea all too soon. On his return to England a few months later, he met Maureen’s parents and passed the test with flying colours. When it came to the idea of Jack heading back to New Zealand and Maureen set to follow, her parents had a rule – the pair had to be married. “They said they wouldn’t allow me to come all the way to New Zealand without knowing what was going to happen,” says Maureen, now 94. “They had to make sure that I at least had a wedding ring!
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In 1946, Maureen stepped off the ship to her new home in New Zealand. She says arriving in a new country on the other side of the globe was scary, to say the least, but Jack’s family welcomed his new bride with open arms.
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“The wedding in Yorkshire was a small gathering, and I had a gown I borrowed from a friend,” Maureen remembers. “We had a ‘bread and butter tea’, which due to war rationing meant a few sandwiches, and we had a honeymoon in Blackpool of all places, as it was easy to get to on the train.” After 20 happy years living in Invercargill, near Jack’s hometown of Mataura, the pair shifted to Christchurch and then on to Wellington following the Christchurch earthquakes. “You end up getting so involved with your kids and all sorts of things, that the years just fly by,” says Jack, who went on to become an amateur wrestler and even represented New Zealand at several international competitions. The couple had four children, and they now have seven grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren. Family photos and paintings made by a talented grandchild line the walls of their villa.
The couple say that while life has its ups and downs for everyone, it certainly helps to have a partner you get on well with. “Patience is really important for a happy marriage,” says Maureen. “And a sense of humour – you absolutely must have a sense of humour. For us, having our faith is also really important; that’s what brought us through the difficult times.” “Maureen and I always just clicked,” says Jack, now 99. “She’s a treasure. Not only can she fix anything – her dad was an engineer and I’m sure she’s inherited those traits – she also makes the most beautiful porridge for breakfast!” While the couple are still bemused by all the fuss over their 75-year milestone, the rarity of the situation is starting to sink in. “Everyone was getting so excited about this anniversary, and I couldn’t understand why,” says Maureen. “Everyone says to me, ‘How could you be married for 75 years?!’ I’m beginning to believe that it’s quite an achievement!”
“She’s a treasure. Not only can she fix anything – her dad was an engineer and I’m sure she’s inherited those traits – she also makes the most beautiful porridge for breakfast!”
A painting of the couple created by a clever grandchild (centre), and special anniversary cards from the Queen and the New Zealand Governor-General, Dame Patsy Reddy. Summerset Scene | Summer Issue
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MALLETS AT T H E
READY Hobsonville village is in the grip of a croquet craze! With a resident expert on hand to coach beginners and a new lawn in the making, it’s shaping up to be the perfect summer sport. When Auckland croquet coach and referee Julie Parry offered to teach fellow residents how to swing a mallet, she hoped that perhaps half a dozen people might join in. But when 50 residents turned up to the croquet lawn, she knew she was on to something. “I was so surprised and delighted by the response,” says Julie, who has lived at Summerset at Monterey Park for two and a half years.
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When Julie retired and was looking for a new hobby, she spotted a croquet club down the road from her former home in Orewa, on Auckland’s North Shore. A group of experienced players took her under their wing and showed her the ropes, and she was hooked. As numbers started to pick up and the croquet club was stretched for resources, Julie put her hand up to help. She became a referee and coach, and also did a stint as the club president.
“It was a bit tricky to start with, but now we have spread it out across three days a week to cater for the numbers.”
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“Over the years, I refereed around Auckland with the New Zealand champs and club events,” she says. “There’s actually a lot of hoops you have to jump through – no pun intended – to be a coach or a referee; it’s all very serious and proper and formal. I’ve been doing it for about 12 years now.” Julie has coached everyone, from golfers looking for something different, to people who have never seen a croquet mallet or played sport in their lives. With a bit of perseverance and practice, she says anyone can learn. “When we started at the village, we had thin little garden hoops on the lawn. I acquired some proper croquet hoops, which are strong metal and are actually smaller than the thin ones you often see. There was a bit of drama to begin with – everyone said, ‘We can’t use those!’ But I was bossy and said, ‘There’s no point in doing this game if you’re not going to do it the right way.’ You can tell I used to be a school teacher!” These days, everyone’s used to the smaller hoops, and Julie’s painted the correct colour order on the fence to ensure each game flows smoothly and everyone remembers their ball colour. Croquet might be a game that’s known for its tricky tactics, but even at championship level, Julie’s never witnessed any bad behaviour. “It’s certainly a game where you take no prisoners! You can hit other people’s balls out of the way, but everyone is quite friendly. In my time as a referee, I’ve never struck anyone who’s been really nasty. But if they are, as a referee I can remove them from play, which I’ve always thought is quite hilarious!” With the help of a few residents who are handy with hammers, the former creamery of Clark Cottage (a historic cottage on the village site) has been transformed into a croquet equipment shed. And after spying a piece of unused land that looked like the perfect spot for croquet, Julie has been working with a team of enthusiastic helpers to get the new village
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“It’s certainly a game where you take no prisoners! You can hit other people’s balls out of the way, but everyone is quite friendly.”
Croquet quick facts: There are two official forms of the game: association croquet and golf croquet. Association croquet is the original oldfashioned game, while golf croquet is a modern, faster version and by far the most common form today. Famous croquet fans include Winston Churchill, who is said to have had his own style of swinging the mallet one-handed like a polo stick, and Pippa Middleton (Duchess Kate’s younger sister), who says a game of lawn organised in time for summer. Despite some bumps in the road, work is now well under way, and there are plenty of croquet fans who are looking forward to swinging their mallet on the pristine new patch once the grass is ready. “Hopefully, we can have a garden party or a special opening gathering once it’s all finished,” Julie says. “From the lawn you look down onto the water, and if you look the other way you have a view of the historic cottage. It’s just really beautiful and we’re so fortunate.”
croquet is a Middleton family tradition and best enjoyed with a glass of Pimm’s.
Croquet is alive and well across the generations, with the top New Zealand players all in their early 20s.
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OUR NEWS
giving T H E J OY O F
Villages around the country have been supporting a range of brilliant charities recently, and the photos below are just a few of the many fundraising initiatives Summerset residents are involved with. A big thank you to everyone for your kindness and generosity!
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Descriptions A Residents from Summerset on Cavendish put on their favourite pink outfits for a Breast Cancer Walk to raise awareness.
Summerset in the Bay hit their fundraising goal and collected just over $1500 for the Child Cancer Foundation. B
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B
D
C Summerset Mountain View held a ‘Tulip Cream High Tea’ for Parkinson’s New Zealand. The delicious treats were created by Divine Café, and the village raised $142. D Summerset at Bishopscourt in Dunedin raised a stellar $6000 for Child Cancer Otago. The village held two market days to collect donations, and the hardworking village craft group also sold knitted teddies and cloth face masks to bump up the total.
JUDE ON
T H E R EC I PE FO R A G R E AT C H R I ST MA S This time a year ago, 2020 sounded so promising. It even had futuristic ring to it. Little did we know, huh? Well, the less said about 2020, the better really. It’s been a tough time, which is all the more reason to make sure we have a wonderful Christmas this year. I reckon a good Christmas has five key elements to make it sing.
1. A decent tree
3. Spoil the kids
5. Family and friends
Whatever the size of your tree, be it a minute one popped in a corner or something reaching the ceiling in the hallway, decorate it well – it’s the signpost of Christmas. If there are children in your life, make tree decorating their event.
There’s much delight in seeing a small person at Christmas receive in a new toy, T-shirt or trinket – it’s about the kids, after all. Feed them early with child-friendly food, so both the adults and the children can relax and enjoy themselves. Find a good Christmas movie, too!
It’s the reason for the season! This, of all years, is reason to appreciate the people in your life you know and love, and they you. Enjoy time with them, tell them what you appreciate about them, and reminisce about the good times you’ve shared together. If you have the capacity to reach out to others who don’t have family and friends in the same way you do, invite them to be part of your day. Our best Christmas Days over the years have been those spent with ‘waifs and strays’ – people who were on their own for whatever reason, or simply didn’t have the opportunity to spend time with others. It’s all about people. Connecting with others is just plain good for the soul.
2. Cut down on the adult prezzies Pop the names of all the adult family members in a hat, then each pull one out and keep it secret. Agree on a dollar spending limit. Let everyone know what you’re after, and secret Santa will ensure you have one lovely, wanted gift under the tree.
4. Make the food simple Share the load – nobody expects the person hosting Christmas to cook everything. This year I’ve even decided to go with a food-delivery service and their recipes, which will arrive at my door on 22 December. I can’t even tell you what’s in it! Having said that, I always make a Christmas pudding with brandy sauce using my mum’s recipe.
From my family to yours, have a lovely Christmas.
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J U L I A N ’S
CH A N G E OF S CE N E
AWA R D WINNERS
We’re thrilled to have won the New Zealand Aged Care Association’s award for best training and staff development programme! Our nationwide training programme for diversional and recreational therapists picked up the top prize at the awards night in late November. Programme Lead for diversional and recreational therapists, Orquidea Tamayo Mortera, says she is absolutely delighted to have won. “The new training programme has helped to increase the professional skills of our Summerset diversional and recreational therapists. This gives them the means to improve the quality of life for our care residents. We have really grown as a team this year and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together.” The Excellence in Care Awards are held annually to recognise the best in care from across New Zealand.
Programme Lead for diversional and recreational therapists, Orquidea Tamayo Mortera (standing) with Summerset Clinical Improvement Manager Anna Carey (left) and Summerset Down the Lane Village Manager Joanna Smith at the awards evening.
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Summerset Chief Executive Julian Cook has recently announced that he’s stepping down from his role. Julian has been at Summerset for 10 years, and says it’s the people he’s met along the way that have made the job so special. “Heading out to our villages is one of the best parts of my job. I enjoy talking to our residents, hearing what they like, don’t like, and what their experiences are.” Summerset has grown a lot during Julian’s decade in the top job, with the number of residents increasing from 1700 to more than 6,000, and construction about to start on the first Summerset village in Australia. “I am so proud of what we deliver to residents, staff, and our communities, and I will greatly miss everyone at Summerset,” Julian says. “It’s been an amazing ride and I wish everyone the very best for the future.” Current Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer, Scott Scoullar, will move into the Chief Executive role in late March 2021. We’ll have more on Scott in the March issue of Summerset Scene.
Julian has been at Summerset for 10 years
L E T ’S TA L K A B O U T
B R A I N H E A LT H Silence is golden. Or is it? Our brain is truly amazing. It controls every function in our body, including our ability to hear, process and interpret the sounds around us. So how important is the connection between hearing and brain function? As one of our five senses, hearing is surprisingly complex. Not only does it help us know what is going on around us, but more importantly it is also fundamental to the way we communicate. Therefore, the impact of hearing loss can have a profound effect on the overall quality of our health and lives. Our ears are the organ responsible for recognising sound, but what isn’t always obvious is that our brain processes and interprets that sound. It’s vital that both our brain and ears work together for hearing. Experts already know there is a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, and researchers continue to work hard on determining which comes first. Do changes in the brain disrupt the processes of hearing, or does hearing loss cut us off from the stimulation around us, resulting in cognitive decline?
What is the impact of untreated hearing loss? • Difficulty with communication • Loneliness and isolation • Poorer relationships with partners, family, friends and healthcare teams • Reduction in well-being • Anxiety and depression • Increased risk of falling • Cognitive decline, which may lead to dementia.
What should you do if you’re concerned about hearing loss? Regardless of which comes first, we know there is a relationship between hearing and cognition, so it’s important to act now and do something about your hearing.
One of the theories is that when someone is affected by hearing loss, there is a decreased level of input to the brain, so less processing occurs as the person retreats into a silent world. If this isn’t addressed, it can lead to cognitive deficits.
Don’t ignore symptoms of hearing loss. If you’re struggling to hear in a social situation, if you’re turning the radio or TV up louder, or if you’re asking people to repeat themselves, it’s time to book an appointment with an audiologist. As hearing is one of the biggest modifiable risks for dementia, have it tested as soon as you notice a problem – don’t leave it untreated.
Age-related hearing loss is a relatively normal occurrence, but it means that people must work harder to follow conversations. It can hinder communication and socialising, and lead to further difficulty in understanding speech.
If you are already experiencing some cognitive decline, addressing your hearing may help. Ask family members or carers to provide assistance managing hearing aids if you need extra help.
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NEW
NEIGHBOURS The first residents have started moving into their new homes at Summerset Palms in Te Awa, Napier, and Summerset by the Dunes, Papamoa Beach. The new neighbours (and their furry friends) have been enjoying settling in and getting to know each other.
Survey results are in
“It feels more spacious than I had expected, and the team have been very good to work with,” says Sue Smith from Summerset Palms. “One of the things I am looking forward to is not having to do any maintenance, plus the chance to meet new friends.”
A big thank you to everyone who took part in the 2020 Residents’ Satisfaction Survey. We received a whopping 3,790 resident survey responses, and your feedback helps us to continue to bring the best of life to every resident. The 2020 survey found that village overall satisfaction is 95.1%, and care centre overall satisfaction is sitting at 97.1%: This is a great result!
A very warm welcome to everyone. Heather and Frank Hosegood (photo 1) and Sue Smith (photo 2) have just moved in at Summerset Palms, and Summerset by the Dunes recently hosted a get-together for new residents and village staff (photo 3).
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We also ran a competition between the villages to find out who could gather the most online responses. Summerset on the Landing in Kenepuru led the way with 78% of survey responses completed online, followed by Summerset at Heritage Park with 53%. Thanks again to everyone who contributed, presentations are now underway to go over the results at each village.
95.1% Village overall satisfaction
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97.1% Care centre overall satisfaction
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FO RU M FO R S HARI N G I D E AS Our first National Diversional and Recreational Therapy Forum was a great success! Diversional therapists, recreational therapists and activities coordinators gathered at Summerset at Heritage Park in Ellerslie, Auckland, for the two-day event. The audience heard presentations from a host of speakers including Sir Richard Faull, Director of the Centre for Brain Research at the University of Auckland, and Ngaire Kerse, Professor of Population Health at the University of Auckland and Joyce Cook Chair in Ageing Well, and enjoyed sharing knowledge and ideas. Summerset Chief Executive Julian Cook also attended and acknowledged the valuable work of Summerset’s fantastic diversional and recreational therapists and activities coordinators.
The conference included special guest speakers from a wide range of health fields.
Summmerset therapists from around the country enjoyed a rare chance to get together.
“Diversional and recreational therapists are the soul of care, they provide people with purpose” D R N GA I R E K E RS E
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Village people
BY RUSSELL FRANCE. We’re chatting with residents about their favourite places, and for Russell France, the garage is a treasure trove of tools, materials, and photo memories.
We moved into Summerset in the Sun, Nelson, from Christchurch in 2012 and we love it here. We are very fortunate to have a villa with a double garage – excellent for pottering and making models. I have an engineering background, and served an apprenticeship as an engineer’s pattern maker, making moulds in wood for metal castings. These days, patterns are all produced on computer. During my career I designed and made bakery equipment, ovens and furnaces. Later, I had experience with fibreglass moulding while working at (Christchurch engineering company) Cresta Craft. Then, while I was running an engineering business, I was fortunate to be able to take over the manufacture of France Jets. Over the years I have made many boats, including a mould for an 8ft (2.5m) dinghy cast in polyethylene plastic. After using our dinghy and selling a few, the moulds were sold to Australia, where the dinghy won a safety award. My interests turned to making car bodies, and in the 1970s, I made a sports car body that fitted onto either a Morris Minor or Triumph Herald chassis. I bought a model of a Burago Mercedes 500k Roadster, as I loved the classic lines of the car, and decided that was going to be my retirement project.
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“ These days, I’m involved with the Tahuna Modellers Club, and I often make the scenery for events here at the village.”
The car had to be made in MDF wood and shaped perfectly, and from there a fibreglass mould could be made. I also made the patterns for tail lights, hub caps, and windscreen pillars. This 500k body fitted really well onto a Holden Ute chassis, including all the running gear like a back-axle diff and suspension. The floor plan and firewall, steering wheel and pedal box had to be moved back, and the motor and gearbox put in the front. All up, I made three of the 500k replicas, before the moulds were sold to Australia. One of them lives in Auckland, one in Whangaehu (near Masterton) and one in Christchurch. I really enjoyed making those cars, and I still love the fantastic lines of the vehicle. These days, I’m involved with the Tahuna Modellers Club, and I often make the scenery for events here at the village. One of my projects was making models of Cresta Craft boats for my niece, who is writing a book on the history of Cresta Craft. I’ve recently made models of the Team New Zealand AC75 yachts being used for the 2021 America’s Cup, and a model of Nelson’s new Coastguard boat, which is being made by a local manufacturer. It’s quite busy, but I couldn’t be happier. The area is great for walks and bike rides, we also go dancing, and the camaraderie at the village is superb!
Photos of cars Russell has built, (including one now housed in a castle) line the walls of his garage. Summerset Scene | Summer Issue
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S TA F F P R O F I L E
Linda Postma BY SARA BUNNY
As a well-known member of Summerset’s sales team, Linda Postma has enjoyed welcoming many Summerset residents into their new homes. Now, she’s packing her bags to embark on a different adventure, as State (Victoria) Sales Manager for Summerset Australia. When Linda first heard about a new Summerset village being planned for Australia, her ears pricked up straight away. Being at the forefront of this brand-new project sounded right up her
Her first role was as Sales Manager at Trentham village, then when an opportunity came up as Regional Sales Manager, she grabbed it with both hands. She says that out of the many
alley, and the chance to be involved in helping to develop Summerset’s first Australian village was an opportunity too good to pass up.
things she loves about her job, it’s the people she’s met along the way and the strong company values that stand out the most.
“I’m really excited about this new chapter in my Summerset adventure,” Linda says. “I’m looking forward to doing the groundwork and going back to making sales again from the new show suite that’s being built on the Australian site. And how cool is it to be part of that very first group of people who have kicked off this project?!”
“I love visiting our villages, keeping an eye on our show homes, talking sales strategy with the sales managers and chatting with residents,” she says. “It’s so nice that residents remember your name and come up to you to share how much they enjoy their new lifestyle and how proud they are of their home.
While relocating to a different country would be daunting for many, Linda’s not only taking it in her stride – she’s also drawing from experience. “I grew up in the Netherlands, where I started my career as a kindergarten teacher. I then became a regional manager for daycare centres and eventually owned my own business for a few years before leaving for New Zealand. So the way I see it, after emigrating halfway across the world and getting used to the Kiwi accent, this little jump across the ditch should be a piece of cake!” With her diverse career background (which also includes a stint at building company Jennian Homes), coupled with a go-getter attitude, Linda started at Summerset about five years ago and hasn’t looked back since.
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“I remember one particular couple I worked with; they lived in our Trentham village and wanted to transfer to Wigram to be closer to their children. Almost every time when I’m visiting Wigram I bump into the husband and we always have a catch-up and a hug, or, since Covid, an elbow bump.” In a challenging sales manager role, juggling a hectic schedule can be tricky, and Linda knows she’ll be just as busy once she steps onto Aussie soil in early 2021. But she’s buzzing about the big move, and says that being part of an organisation that she believes in is what keeps her motivated and energised. “I think what I enjoy most about working at Summerset is that we live and breathe our values, and that we truly have our residents at the heart of everything we do.”
L I N D A’ S E X C I T E D T O B E P A R T O F T H E T E A M AT S U M M E R S E T ’ S FIRST AUSTRALIAN VILLAGE .
FIVE QUESTIONS B R I A N C R O T H E R S , O S TJ ( O F F I C E R OF THE ORDER OF ST JOHN), FROM SUMMERSET ON SUMMERHILL Brian has lived at Summerset for about two years. Here, he chats about career twists and turns, his stress-free outlook on life, and always finishing everything on his plate.
What was your first job? My first holiday job was working as an orderly at Palmerston North hospital. I loved it because, as I worked on the main corridor, I was involved in going out in the ambulances. This eventually led to a job with St John, and I’m still on the area committee here. I’ve been involved with St John for about 34 years. But before joining St John I was a teacher, and I met my wife at teacher training college. We eventually owned dairies, then worked with distributing frozen food for many years. At one point we had about five frozen food trucks, and we were the New Zealand distributor for big brands like Edgell and New American ice cream. After starting back at St John I did
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Summerset Scene | Summer Issue
ambulance driver work and set up the Health Shuttle programme in the Manawatu. I tried to retire twice, but they kept getting me back! On the third time I really did retire, and eventually came to Summerset. I really enjoy living here. Describe your outlook on life I’m a very calm person – nothing flusters me. Difficult things happen to everyone in life; days come and days go. I think it’s important to enjoy the moment, and take things as they come along. What’s your favourite meal? I love all types of seafood. My wife used to joke and say it’s not only seafood but more like ‘see food’ and eat it! I do love my food; I eat anything and always have. I was taught by my
grandparents to always eat what you’re given and finish what’s on your plate. What advice would you give to your 21-year-old self? I would say to just enjoy life. I also think you have to get a job that suits you, as a lot of us spend so much time at work, so it’s no use having a job you don’t enjoy. What’s your favourite part of New Zealand? Palmerston North really feels like home for me. I’ve moved around quite a bit and it’s the only place I’ve lived for any length of time. I know a lot of people in town and I’ve met some great people from all different walks of life. It’s a really nice community here.
ARTICLE BY DAN HARDIE
EXERCISE
Summer’s golden rules for exercise As the weather warms up, many of us also change our exercise habits – mostly for the better!
In the summer months, the wide range of different sports and outdoor activities on offer means there are plenty of options for getting moving – and there’s nothing like a warm, sunny day to boost the feel-good factor. These key tips will help you ease into your chosen activity and get the most out of what you choose. Start slowly and progress gently If you’re playing golf, tennis or any sport you haven’t participated in for a while, give your body time to learn how to move in the angles and different speeds that are required. Get your feet on the ground Some call it ‘grounding’ or ‘earthing’, while others call it being a ‘barefoot bandit’, but whatever you call it, it just means not wearing shoes! Sinking your feet into beach sand and spreading your toes in grass are great ways to reconnect with nature. While it might sound a bit hippy, it’s an effective trick to reduce stress and boost your mood.
Ditch the couch after meals Following a meal, it can be tempting to sit down and allow it to digest. However, taking a small, gentle walk after eating is often a more effective way to help food break down, and it can also lead to a better uptake of nutrients. Get advice from a pro If you’re learning a new skill or picking up an old one, a few one-on-one or group lessons can radically accelerate your progress. If it can be learned, there is a coach for it somewhere. Head somewhere new Lastly, given that we’re all going to be spending our summer in Aotearoa, I’ll leave you with this: Go somewhere you’ve never been, To see something you’ve never seen, Look around your own backyard (New Zealand) – There is always plenty of green.
Summerset Scene | Summer Issue
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DELICIOUS RECIPES
PARTY P L E A S E R S R E C I P E S BY JA N B I LTO N
IT’S TIME FOR SOME FESTIVE GATHERINGS WITH YOUR SUMMERSET FRIENDS. AND PROVIDING CELEBRATION FOODS DOES NOT HAVE TO BE STRESSFUL OR TIME-CONSUMING – YOU JUST NEED TO PLAN AHEAD.
Many party nibbles can be prepared in advance, including the cured salmon, pork and pistachio terrine, and assortment of sweet treats that follow. Here are some guidelines for these dishes. Beetroot cured salmon This might look daunting but it takes just a few minutes to prepare. Remove any pin bones from the salmon using tweezers. Use coarse salt similar to that in a salt grinder. The skin can be removed after curing. Pork and pistachio terrine The cooking time will depend on whether you use a
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metal, ceramic or Pyrex loaf pan. The terrine is a super standby for unexpected callers, either as a meal or with drinks. Dessert share platter Have a selection of sweet treats in your fridge or freezer ready to arrange on a platter to share. Add some berries and some purchased goodies such as macarons and fudge or Christmas cake (cut it into small squares) if you wish. Commercial gluten-free pastry is available from your supermarket freezer for the Christmas mince tarts. Alternatively, use short pastry.
BEETROOT
CURED SALMON SERVES 6–8 AS NIBBLES
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Cure
Combine the cure ingredients in a food processor or
¼ cup brown sugar
blender. Mix until fairly fine.
⅓ cup (75g) coarse sea salt
Pull out a length of cling film, leaving it attached to the
½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries 1 raw beetroot, peeled and chopped (110g) 3 juniper berries pinch white pepper
roll. Spread 3–4 tablespoons of the cure in the centre. Place the salmon on top, skin-side down. Spoon the remaining cure on top. Roll the salmon tightly in more cling film to make a package Place the salmon parcel on a shallow tray. Place another tray on top and weigh it down with cans of food.
2 tablespoons gin or lemon juice
Refrigerate for two days, turning the package occasionally.
Salmon
Remove the salmon and scrape off the cure. Rinse carefully
400–500g salmon fillet, pin
and pat dry. Sprinkle with the dill. The cured salmon can be
bones removed
covered and refrigerated for up to three days.
Coating
Thinly slice and serve with crostini, crackers and/or rye
1 bunch dill, finely chopped
bread, plus tartare sauce, lemon wedges, capers and pickles.
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PORK & PISTACHIO
TERRINE SERVES 8–10
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Seasoning
Preheat the oven to 160°C.
1 small onion, finely diced
Sauté the onion, garlic and dried herbs in the oil on a low heat until
1 clove garlic, crushed
softened. Add the pistachio nuts and brandy. Season with salt and
1 teaspoon mixed dried herbs ½ teaspoon dried oregano
pepper. Cool. Mix into the minced pork and chicken in a bowl. Season and adjust if necessary (check by frying a little of the mixture until cooked,
1 tablespoon olive oil
then taste).
¼ cup shelled pistachio nuts, roughly
Brush a 21 × 12cm loaf pan with oil. If you like, place herbs such
chopped
as bay leaves on the base. Line the base and sides of the pan with
2 tablespoons brandy
the bacon, letting the ends overhang the edges. Pat half the meat mixture evenly into the pan. Lay the prunes down the centre,
Meat
overlapping a little. Add the remaining meat. Bring the bacon ends
500g each of pork mince and
over the top of the meat.
chicken mince herbs (optional) 250g streaky bacon 6–8 pitted prunes, halved lengthwise
Top with a piece of baking paper, then cover tightly with foil. Place in a small roasting pan and fill this to halfway with hot water. Bake for 1½–2 hours until the mixture feels firm. Weigh the terrine down using cans of food. Refrigerate overnight or for up to two days. Turn out onto a board. Serve sliced with crusty bread, chutney and pickles.
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DESSERT
SHARE PLATTER MINI MERINGUES
GLUTEN-FREE CHRISTMAS
CHOCOLATE-COATED PRUNES
M A K ES A BO UT 80
MINCE TARTS
M A K ES 1 5
INGREDIENTS
M A K ES 24
2 egg whites
INGREDIENTS
15 pitted prunes
¾ cup sugar
400g gluten-free pastry
75g chocolate, melted
METHOD
150g gluten-free classic fruit
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 120°C. Line
INGREDIENTS
mince
Use tweezers to dip the prunes
a baking tray with baking paper.
METHOD
Beat the egg whites, preferably
Preheat the oven to 190°C. Lightly
chocolate to drip off before
with an electric beater, until
grease two 12-hole mini muffin pans.
placing the prunes on foil and
lightly frothy. Gradually add the sugar, beating continuously until the mixture is thick and glossy (about 5–7 minutes).
into the chocolate. Allow excess
leaving them to set in the fridge.
Roll the pastry out between two
Refrigerate for up to a month in a
sheets of baking paper until 3mm
covered container.
thick. Using a 5–6cm-diameter biscuit cutter, stamp out 24 discs.
Pipe or drop meringue blobs
The trimmings can be rerolled and
the size of 10-cent pieces onto
reused. Gently press the discs into
the tray. Bake for one hour until
the muffin holes.
firm. Turn off the heat and cool in the oven. Store in an airtight container for up to a month. Serve sandwiched together with cream or use as garnishes.
Spoon the fruit mince into the unbaked shells. Bake for 15 minutes, until the pastry is light brown. Cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer
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A RT I C L E BY LY N DA H A L L I N A N
IN THE GARDEN
Pots of tomatoes You say tomato... Lynda Hallinan says it’s not too late to squeeze a few compact cherry varieties into containers for summer salads.
What do strawberries, peaches and tomatoes have in common? Aside from being staple crops in Kiwi summer gardens, all are routinely accused of “not tasting like they used to”, with modern store-bought fruit bred for shelflife and saleability at the expense of lip-smacking satisfaction.
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Remember when home-grown strawberries were smaller but tasted so sweet that most mysteriously disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle between garden, kitchen and pudding bowl? My father built an unwieldy woodenframed chicken-wire cage over my mother’s strawberry patch, ostensibly to beat the birds, but also to keep my big sister and me from filching the fruit as it ripened. Although we squabbled over most things as kids, come summer we could set aside our sibling rivalry to steal strawberries with sisterly stealth. One of us would heft the lid up for just long enough for the other to snake in an arm and quickly nab any red fruit within reach.
And who doesn’t remember stopping at a rural roadside stall selling summer harvests of fat, fuzzy, ‘Golden Queen’, or blood-red ‘Black Boy’ peaches, or the sticky residue their juice left all over the car upholstery as you scoffed them greedily? My mother would buy ‘Golden Queens’ by the crate to bottle and, if my sister and I were lucky, and the peaches were perfectly ripe, we’d get to eat the squishy ones at the bottom of the box. (If we weren’t lucky, we had to content ourselves with chewing the flesh off stones Mum expertly extracted with her vintage peach pitter.) As for tomatoes? Mum and Dad grew ‘Russian Reds’ and meaty beefsteaks, the latter so big that a single slice would hang out all four sides of a sandwich. A sandwich made from buttered white bread, of course, with a grind of salt and pepper and, if we were out camping or fishing, a thick smear of canned corned beef. It was hardly haute cuisine, but thinking of it still makes my mouth water. My parents never grew cherry tomatoes. I’m so accustomed to popping in a ‘Sweet 100’ or potting up a ‘Tumbling Tom’ each summer that I didn’t realise cherry varieties have become popular only in my lifetime. Although small-fruited tomatoes were grown in Israel, Italy and Greece, where sandy coastal soils keep them naturally stunted, they’ve been specifically bred to be small only since the 1970s. According to the online Smithsonian magazine, “While the cherry tomato has been around in one way or another for centuries, its commercialisation and popularisation is thanks to Marks & Spencer.” The British grocery chain saw a future in gourmet crops and worked with Israeli food scientists to develop a new, shelf-stable cherry variety that would be sweeter than traditional toms. British tomato breeder Bernard Sparkes is credited as being the father of the modern cherry tomato, as he selected a clone called ’Gardener’s Delight’, which, 40 years on, is now considered an heirloom in its own right. ’Gardener’s Delight’ is still available in the Kings Seeds catalogue, but it has been superseded by dozens of other delectable varieties in all sorts of shapes, from pointy to pear, and colours. Try ‘Topsy Tom’ or ‘Tumbling Tom’ in hanging baskets or yellow cocktail varieties such as ‘Gold Berries’, ‘Birdie Canary’ and ‘Gold Nugget’. ‘Bumble Bee’ is a cutie with skins streaked in orange and yellow, while ‘Indigo Pear Drops’ develops black-and-yellow skins like a Hurricanes rugby jersey.
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A few years ago I developed a nasty allergy to tomato foliage so I’ve steered clear of planting them for a few seasons, but this year I couldn’t resist sowing ‘Grape Sweet Hearts’, which has long, flat-nosed fruit like little saveloy sausages, and the hybrid ‘Rapunzel’, which lets down her long tresses (or should I say trusses), producing trailing strands with as many as 50 fruit each. It’s a showstopper on a garden arch or trellis. It’s too late to sow tomatoes from seed, but it’s not too late to plant them in patio tubs, as garden centres will still have sturdy plants, often already smothered in baby fruit. Look out for individual plants of ‘Tutti-Frutti Cherry’, ‘Pillar’, ‘Sweet Sturdy’ and ‘Ponchi’ in the Enrich With Nature range. I grew Ponchi in a metal baby bath a couple of years ago and it produced hundreds of fruit on a 30cm-high bush. You can buy specialist tomato potting mix, but any good-quality potting soil will do the trick. Plant in the largest (preferably plastic) pot you can physically handle and sit it on a deep saucer. Even when using potting mix that includes water-retention crystals, you’ll still
need to give your plants a deep drink most days. Once they are flowering, feed with diluted tomato fertiliser once a week, and mulch the surface of the pot to keep the roots cool. Underplant with basil seedlings, as basil is a renowned companion for tomatoes in both the garden and the kitchen. The beauty of growing tomatoes in pots is that, at the end of the golden weather, you can shuffle them into a sunny, sheltered spot to eke out an extra few weeks of fruiting on a veranda, porch or covered patio. Like all fruit, tomatoes taste best when left to fully ripen on the plant. Once picked, keep them out of the fridge to keep them sweet. And if your home-grown tomatoes don’t live up to your nostalgic expectations, don’t fret. Give them a salty swim. Researchers at Rutgers University in the United States found that tomatoes given a one-time drench with 1.5 litres of salty seawater (or 4 teaspoons of salt dissolved in the same volume of water) tasted better and also ripened up to 15 per cent faster.
SEASONAL CHECKLIST Protect tomatoes, stonefruit and berry crops from birds. Plastic netting is the most effective solution, even if it’s not particularly attractive.
Feed strawberries to encourage a secondary flush of fruit. Remove the runners or peg them down to root for new plants.
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Summerset Scene | Summer Issue
Sow rocket, coriander, radishes and mesclun salad mixes in semi-shade. Respite from the hottest afternoon sun slows down their tendency to bolt to seed.
Sow zinnias, asters and dwarf sunflowers for late summer colour.
ARTICLE BY LUCY CORRY
STYLE
Made in the shade Look ahead to a bright future in a pair of sunglasses that bring out the best in your features. Legendary German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, best known for his work at Chanel, was rarely seen without a pair of heavy black sunglasses. Lagerfeld, who worked until he was 85, had strong views on the power of good shades. “Sunglasses are like eye shadow,” he once said. “They make everything look younger and pretty.”
Luckily, modern sunglasses come in just about every style, shape and colour imaginable – and at every price point. You don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money on a pair, but you do need to make sure they have 100% UV protection to screen out harmful ultraviolet rays. It’s also good to make sure they suit your face shape. Here’s a handy guide.
Even if looking younger and prettier isn’t high on your list of priorities, there’s no denying that good sunglasses are important for eye protection and comfort. The first
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHAPE FOR YOUR FACE
sunglasses, which prehistoric Inuit people carved from walrus ivory, were designed to protect the wearers from snow blindness. While various eyeshades appear in historical records dating back to the mid-1700s, mass-produced sunglasses became available in 1929.
If you take a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to choosing sunglasses, you might want to think again (taking a look at old photos of yourself can be quite revelatory!). If you want to look your best, do a bit of homework first to work out what frames will complement your features and face shape. Heart-shaped If you have a heart-shaped face, choose frames that are wider across the top than they are at the bottom.
The glamorous cat’s-eye is made for you, while browline (where the section at the top of the lenses is thicker to emphasise the natural brows) and square shapes will also look great. Oval Lucky ovals have the biggest choice of frames, as they suit the greatest variety of shapes. Keep everything in proportion though – don’t choose frames that swamp your face. Aviator, round, square, browline – the choice is yours. Square Wide cheekbones, broad foreheads and strong jawlines can be softened by rounder shapes and rimless frames. Opt for aviator, round and browline frames. Round Angular and oversized shapes add some structure to faces that are wider in the middle than at the forehead and jaw. Look for aviator, square and cat’s-eye shapes. Sports-style frames also work well.
Summerset Scene | Summer Issue
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ARTICLE BY MELISSA WASTNEY
CRAFT CORNER
Peace and love at Christmas Preparing for summer often means thinking about Christmas too. But these peace dove and love heart ornaments don’t have to be reserved for the festive season: they look lovely hanging in your room at any time of the year. You could choose to make them from felt of any colour, or even fill them with dried lavender to keep in your drawer or wardrobe.
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I’ve included the stitch patterns you will work on the paper template drawings for each piece, and below I describe how to do them. Obviously, you can use any colours or embroidery stitches you like. These ornaments are backed with pieces of cotton or silk fabric, but you could use felt on both sides if you prefer. I wanted a delicate look for mine, so I used ordinary sewing thread and worked tiny blanket stitches around the edge. If you don’t want to embroider them, they look just as nice unadorned – or you could sew on beads or sequins instead. Put on your favourite festive album, make a cup of tea and enjoy some Christmas crafting!
Supplies Felt fabric in charcoal, white and red Embroidery floss in white and charcoal (stranded DMC thread is good) Paper scissors, pencil, fabric scissors, hand-sewing needle Small amount of stuffing
Narrow ribbon, cut into 25cm lengths
Construction 1. Trace the templates given on this page to make a pattern for the bird or heart. 2. For each ornament, cut out two matching shapes from felt. 3. To work the embroidery, use straight stitch and chain stitch. Separate a length of floss so you are working with only two strands. Using the template as a guide, take each felt shape and work the straight stitches first, then the chain stitches. 4. Using blanket stitch, sew the front and back ornament pieces together, beginning at the point where one of the asterisks is placed on the template and finishing at the other. Pull the stitches quite taut. When you get to the top of the ornament, poke the ribbon loop between the front and back, and attach it with small running stitches. Resume with blanket stitch once you have passed the ribbon loop. 5. Stuff the ornament through the gap. Don’t overstuff it – you don’t want it to be too firm or chunky. For best results, pull the stuffing apart into wispy pieces before pushing it inside, as this way it won’t clump together. Sew up the gap with blanket stitch.
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W W W. N Z B O O K L O V E R S .C O. N Z
BOOK REVIEWS
The Telling Time P. J. M C K AY The Telling Time is a page-turning read with two women at its core – one living in the 1950s in Yugoslavia who comes to New Zealand, and one living in the 1980s in New Zealand who makes the reverse journey. This mother and daughter have both suffered trauma of a very similar type. In 1959, 19-year-old Gabrijela, or Jela, is sent from her homeland in disgrace. Her Yugoslav sponsors require a housekeeper for their son, Roko, so Jela makes her way to a strange country. It is a difficult time, made harder when Roko is sullen and uncommunicative with her. In 1989, Jela’s daughter Luisa is planning an overseas trip, and contacts her Yugoslav relatives behind her mother’s back. But an ill-advised decision in Macedonia puts Luisa in great danger. The Telling Time is an accomplished coming-of-age story that spans two generations, with two women having to face the worst sort of adversity. But it is also a story of new beginnings, the importance of ‘telling’ your story in order to overcome trauma, and the importance of love and family POLAKO PRESS RRP 34.95
in healing wounds. The Telling Time won the First Pages Prize 2020, judged by an international panel including award-winning author Sebastian Faulks.
Into the Unknown I A N T R A F FO R D This is the extraordinary diary of a Kiwi soldier, Alick Trafford, who served in the First World War. He wasn’t supposed to keep a diary, but writing it was a huge comfort to him. It is now published for the first time, thanks to his grandson Ian Trafford, so we get to read his raw and authentic story Into the Unknown follows Alick as he leaves a remote New Zealand farm to join his younger brother fighting in the ‘war to end all wars’. From Egypt to France, and from Passchendaele to the Somme, he shares the startling contrast between trench life and being billeted with grateful French villagers in the countryside. Alick captures the utter unrelenting misery of life in the trenches. Thankfully, there are interludes in the French countryside and in England, and here he celebrates simple things like a warm bath and a comfortable bed, and the good company of others. Into the Unknown is a gripping read that offers a real understanding of what life was like for soldiers during the First World War. PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE RRP 38.00 40
Summerset Scene | Summer Issue
Threads of Gold J U D E T H O M AS Jude Thomas’s second novel, Threads of Gold, the sequel to Southern Gold, is just out. Both books are fabulous accounts of life in early Dunedin. Threads of Gold opens in 1890 with the arrival of Lebanese immigrants at the Otago Peninsula, where Billie Macandrew is one of the first people to befriend them. For 15 years she has had a popular fashion house in Dunedin city, but seeing these new arrivals dressed in their colourful clothing gives her some ideas. After a troubled start in life, Billie is now society’s darling. She is happily married with children, and she is wealthy and has a thriving business. She finds herself in the thick of the action: women’s suffrage, workers’ rights, and the dress reform movement. Life is perfect for Billie – until it is not. As Billie and her family edge towards the dawn of the 20th century, her relationship with her husband cools and she worries about her son fighting in the Boer War. And then an old adversary returns to cause problems. Threads of Gold is a well-researched read with a feisty heroine, and it SILVEREYE PRESS, RRP $32.95
navigates all the key history you would want to know about these interesting times.
Life Is… An Ordinary Kiwi Reflects G EO RG E B RYA N T George Bryant considers himself an ‘ordinary Kiwi’ and, now retired, in this book he reflects on a range of issues that are vital to all humanity. “I’ve reflected on many aspects of life – the value and uniqueness of human beings, our enjoyments, our endeavours, deprivations and motivations,” he says in his foreword. The author has written a real gem of a book that explores everything from having fun, who we are and what we are doing here, to work, pain and suffering, poverty and disabilities, and whether there is life after death. George’s style is very lively and engaging, and he includes facts and information from experts as he explores each of his subjects. Broadly structured from ‘The Beginning’ to ‘The Middle’ and ‘The End’, the book covers many vital issues that affect us from cradle to grave, giving readers a chance to reflect on these important topics. Life Is… An Ordinary Kiwi Reflects is written with compassion, humour and wisdom, and will start many a conversation in households around New DAYSTAR BOOKS RRP $27.95
Zealand. A mixture of the practical and the philosophical, it’s an engaging read, and one I suspect readers will dip into again and again. Summerset Scene | Summer Issue
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GO GREENER
Green Update I’m dreaming of a greener Christmas
When it comes to Christmas celebrations, a few small changes can mean a lot less waste heading to landfill. And you certainly don’t have to forgo the fun to remember the environment – read on for some easy tips and ideas for a more eco-friendly festive season!
Savvy decorating
Growing gifts
Go homemade
Reuse decorations from previous
Seedlings and potted plants are a
Handmade gifts are not only more
years – don’t buy more! Paper
great choice for a thoughtful and
personal, but they’re also often
chains are eye-catching and can
sustainable gift. And you don’t
better for the environment. If
easily be recycled – the grandkids
have to stick with the tried and
you’re clever with tools or have a
love helping to make these, too.
true options, either – native
flair for arts and crafts, gift an
Or perhaps you have some
plants are hardy and also attract
artwork, a wooden item or an
leftover fabric to put to good
native birds and insects, or
ornament you’ve made. Or, make
use? Turn to the craft section on
choose a fragrant potted herb
jam, relish or biscuits – foodie
page 38 for some festive
that can be used with summer
presents always go down well!
decoration ideas and templates.
cooking.
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It’s a wrap
Say no to plastic
Try wrapping gifts in brown paper
Plastic plates, cups and cutlery
or recycled paper decorated with
usually end up in the landfill, so
twine, stamps or a floral flourish.
choose paper or recycled
Our residents’ gifts
Or channel the Japanese tradition
material options for your summer
of furoshiki and wrap gifts in
picnic or festive event. Better yet,
are coming soon, and
reusable fabric or a scarf.
use crockery!
SUMMERSET SUSTAINABILITY
they’ve been created with sustainability in mind! Gift bags are recyclable and compostable, with vegetable-based inks and water-based glues. The wrapping paper is made from
Practical prezzies
Spread the joy
Gimmicky Christmas gifts can be
A charitable donation is a great
good for a laugh, but they are
idea for a sustainable, feel-good
material, (it’s also
often thrown out by the end of
Christmas present – especially if
January. Practical gifts like
you’re buying for a person who
recyclable) and it’s
clothing, tools, sunblock and
already has everything! The Good
cut to the smallest
natural beauty products are
Registry lets you buy gift cards
longer lasting and usually mean
that the recipient can then use to
possible size to
less waste in the rubbish bin. And
donate the value of the card to a
look out for gift ideas that are
charity of their choice, from the
locally made or made from
list available on the New Zealand
natural or renewable sources –
organisation’s website. Charities
like a wooden fruit bowl or a
include St John, SPCA, Heart Kids
straw hat.
New Zealand and Project Jonah.
100% recycled
reduce waste.
Find out more at thegoodregistry.com
Summerset Scene | Summer Issue
43
ARTICLE BY AMELIA NORMAN
TRAVEL LOG
TAUPŌ
Positioned right in the middle of the North Island, Taupō’s proximity to major cities, highways and airports is just one of the many things that attracts visitors to this scenic, adventure-filled lakeside destination. ACCOMMODATION
EATING
There’s a home away from home for everyone in Taupō, with B&Bs, hotels, motels and remote country lodges dotted around the town, lake and surrounding area.
Central Taupō is home to an abundance of top-notch eateries.
Hilton Lake Taupo promises a ‘resort-style heritage hotel’ with all the facilities and service you’d expect from a Hilton Hotel, just 10 minutes from the busy town centre. Book yourself a balcony suite and secure a table for dinner at Bistro Lago to get the most out of the spectacular lake views that have been maximised from this tranquil hotel. For a real escape, stay at Lake Taupo Lodge. Just five minutes from town, this luxurious B&B feels a world away from anywhere. The six five-star suites are immersed in beautifully manicured grounds, with lake views to boot.
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If you’re out for breakfast, head straight to one of Taupō’s favourite cafés, Spoon & Paddle. Simple yet stunning, the delicious breakfast and all-day brunch menu here covers all the favourites and then some. It’s great for a mid-morning coffee and sweet treat, too. For a casual lunch with a side of locally brewed beer, pop into the Bier Kafe on Tongariro Street. Home of the Crafty Trout Brewery (which you can tour), this Austrian-inspired eatery serves wood-fired pizza and loaded beef schnitzels (among other menu items) to match its site-brewed beer and cider. A little bit quirky and a lot relaxed, Bier Kafe is worth a visit. Looking for dinner in town? The Bistro, on Tamamutu Street, is a crowd favourite and multi-award-winning establishment. Simple, tasteful European-style food is on offer here, using fresh local ingredients. Book ahead for dinner and enjoy a relaxed but top-quality meal at one of Taupō’s favourite eateries.
ACTIVITIES Taupō is an outdoor playground, pure and simple. With New Zealand’s largest lake, abundant nature walks, towering volcanic peaks and a geothermal wonderland all within reach, there’s much on offer for the adventurous visitor. Anglers will be in heaven in Taupō! Fish the lake on a charter boat trip or hire a guide to take you out into the surrounding backcountry for some of the best fly fishing in New Zealand. For the former, book in with Fish Taupo for a two- to five-hour private fishing charter. You’ll learn some great fishing tips, visit some of the best spots, and hear plenty of good yarns as you go. If backcountry is more your style, contact Trout Hunting New Zealand. A knowledgeable local guide will take you out into the Taupō wilderness and share their inside knowledge on the best fly-fishing spots in the area. Half-day, full-day or multi-day trips are available. Get out on the water in a different way with a half-day kayak adventure to one of Taupō’s most famous landmarks. The Māori Rock Carving at Mine Bay is a stunning 14m-high artwork, accessible only by boat. Make a real journey of it by heading out with Taupo
Kayaking Adventures, who include a commentary and lakeside refreshment stop. Taupō is a geothermal hotspot and Orakei Korako is top of the list for visitors. Located a short drive north of Taupō, the Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park (as it’s officially known) is reached via a short ferry ride. You can then explore the extensive walking trails through the geothermal valley at your leisure – take your time and make a day of it. The park is open from 8am until 4.30pm. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing lakeside break or an adventure-filled holiday, take yourself off to Taupō and enjoy the spoils of one of New Zealand’s top vacation spots.
STATS Region: Waikato Airport: Taupō Airport Main road: Tongariro Street Population: Taupō town, 23,622; Taupō district, 39,300
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Summerset Scene | Summer Issue Puzzles © The Puzzle Company SPLIT DECISION
SUDOKU
WORDWHEEL: 1. POSTCARD. 2. SHALLOTS. 3. FORENSIC.
Across: 1. Soluble, 4. Coronation, 9. Placard, 13. Ramp, 14. Action, 15. Raisin, 16. Correct, 18. Dot, 20. Pancake day, 21. Uncommon, 22. Cower, 25. Plucky, 26. Thieve, 28. Barometer, 33. Falsetto, 34. Pronto, 35. Oarsman, 39. Insomnia, 40. Sniper, 41. Stab, 42. Fetch, 43. Widen, 46. Nine days wonder, 53. Arson, 56. Knead, 57. Scab, 58. Rapier, 59. Dialogue, 62. Fretful, 63. Cavity, 64. Stone age, 67. Tall order, 69. Reason, 70. Mammal, 74. Fault, 75. Strained, 77. Connection, 81. Was, 83. Make way, 84. Bikini, 85. Haggle, 86. Sear, 87. Neither, 88. Hit the spot, 89. Cheetah. Down: 1. Strap, 2. Luminous, 3. Exceed, 4. China, 5. Rand, 6. Nurture, 7. Twitch, 8. Opium, 10. Loop, 11. Corrode, 12. Riches, 17. Backgammon, 19. Motor, 23. Renowned, 24. Pedal, 25. Preview, 27. Hate, 29. Artisan, 30. Assign, 31. Borrow, 32. Gaucho, 34. Puppy, 36. Swear, 37. Used, 38. Base, 44. Ignore, 45. Exact, 47. Inch, 48. Embrace, 49. Afraid, 50. Soppy, 51. Overstay, 52. Ruined, 53. Allegiance, 54. Saga, 55. Needful, 60. Built, 61. Solo, 65. Brute, 66. Imminent, 68. Ailment, 69. Red wine, 71. Parade, 72. Indict, 73. En bloc, 76. Alibi, 78. Ought, 79. North, 80. Case, 82. Ship.
eight-letter word reading clockwise or CODECRACKER anticlockwise. Previous solution: SHALLOTS
CROSSWORD
Insert the missing letter to complete an
3
C I
Insert the missing letter to complete an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anticlockwise. Previous solution: SATCHELS
R D 1
? O A C
S N ? O
R E
Insert the missing letter to complete an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anticlockwise. Previous solution: POSTCARD
1707
T SWordWheel 1705
T S
S ? O L
L A 2
1706
Insert the missing letter in each puzzle to make an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anticlockwise WordWheel
WordWheel
WORDWHEEL Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9
SUDOKU
Reveal a completed crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.
SPLITDECISION
PUZZLES
BRAIN TEASE
1
2
3
13
4
5
6
14
7
8
9
15
17
22
23 26
24
27
28
30
29
31
33
32
34
35
37
36
38
39
40
44
45
46
56
47
48
57
41
49
50
42
51
52
58
53
54
61
62
63
64
65
66
68
69
71
70
72
74
75
73
76
80
77 81
83
84
87
88
ACROSS 1. Able to be dissolved in water (7) 4. Crowning (10) 9. Demonstrator’s poster (7) 13. Inclined surface (4) 14. Film director’s instruction (6) 15. Dried grape (6) 16. Right (7) 18. Speck (3) 20. Popular name for Shrove Tuesday (7,3) 21. Rare (8) 22. Cringe (5) 25. Courageous (6) 26. Steal (6) 28. Weather gauge (9) 33. High-pitched voice (8) 34. Right now! (colloq) (6) 35. Rower (7) 39. Sleeplessness (8) 40. Marksman (6) 41. Pierce with a knife (4) 42. Bring (5) 43. Broaden (5) 46. Short-lived phenomenon
55
59
60
67
12
19 21
25
11
16
18
20
43
10
(4,4,6) 53. Fire-raising (5) 56. Work with dough (5) 57. Strikebreaker (inf) (4) 58. Duelling sword (6) 59. Actor’s lines (8) 62. Worried (7) 63. Space inside something solid (6) 64. Earliest period of humanity (5,3) 67. Formidable task (4,5) 69. Justification (6) 70. Warm-blooded creature (6) 74. Deficiency (5) 75. Sieved (8) 77. Link (10) 81. Formerly (3) 83. Move aside! (4,3) 84. Swimsuit (6) 85. Negotiate on price (6) 86. Singe (4) 87. Not one or the other (7) 88. Be exactly what’s required (3,3,4) 89. Fast-moving animal (7)
78
79
82 85
86
89
DOWN 1. Belt (5) 2. Glowing (8) 3. Go beyond (6) 4. Porcelain (5) 5. South African currency (4) 6. Help develop or grow (7) 7. Spasm, tic (6) 8. Drug made from poppies (5) 10. Coil (4) 11. Rust (7) 12. Wealth (6) 17. Ancient board game (10) 19. Engine (5) 23. Famous (8) 24. Foot-operated lever (5) 25. Advance screening (7) 27. Detest (4) 29. Skilled tradesman (7) 30. Allocate (6) 31. Take, temporarily (6) 32. South American cowboy (6) 34. Young dog (5) 36. Curse (5) 37. Secondhand (4) 38. Lowest support of a structure (4)
44. Shun (6) 45. Precise (5) 47. Unit of measurement (4) 48. Hug (7) 49. Scared (6) 50. Mawkish (5) 51. Remain too long (8) 52. Spoiled (6) 53. Loyalty (10) 54. Long tale (4) 55. Required (7) 60. Constructed (5) 61. Unaccompanied (4) 65. Violent person (5) 66. About to happen (8) 68. Minor illness (7) 69. Merlot or burgundy (3,4) 71. Procession (6) 72. Charge with a crime (6) 73. All together (French) (2,4) 76. Defence presented in court (5) 78. Should (5) 79. Compass direction (5) 80. Canister (4) 82. Boat (4)
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PETS
PETS OF SUMMERSET NEIGHBOURHOOD TRIO When Mary Lovell from Summerset at Avonhead
“I used to meet up with two other ladies at Crosbie Park, and we would walk our dogs together,” says Mary. “One day we saw this cat emerge from under the tennis club building. The ladies started to feed him breakfast, and it wasn’t long before he recognised their car and started to
takes her pooch Harri for
come over to us.
walks, they are often joined
“After a few months, it was getting closer to winter and
by Crosbie the cat, a former stray who takes his name from the park where he used to live.
we would often talk about what we should do with him, but we never came up with any ideas. Rugby league was about to start and I could just image some drunken lads taking the cat away with them, so finally I gave in and decided to take him home. “He was home barely two seconds when our old cat chased him out. But 10 minutes later, when I went to the washing line, he started talking to me from the top of the fence. Since then he’s never left! Soon he started to join Harri and me on our usual walks around the neighbourhood. People at the village are used to seeing us all together and often look out for us.”
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Summerset Scene | Summer Issue
DIRECTORY AUCKLAND–NORTHLAND
BAY OF PLENTY
Summerset at Aotea
Summerset Whangarei*
Summerset by the Sea
Wanaka Street, Tikipunga, Whangarei 0112 Phone (09) 470 0282
181 Park Road, Katikati 3129 Phone (07) 985 6890
15 Aotea Drive, Aotea, Porirua 5024 Phone (04) 235 0011
Summerset Falls
Summerset by the Dunes
31 Mansel Drive, Warkworth 0910 Phone (09) 425 1200
35 Manawa Road, Papamoa Beach, Tauranga 3118 Phone (07) 542 9082
Summerset at Monterey Park 1 Squadron Drive, Hobsonville, Auckland 0616 Phone (09) 951 8920 Summerset at Heritage Park 8 Harrison Road, Ellerslie, Auckland 1060 Phone (09) 950 7960 Summerset by the Park 7 Flat Bush School Road, Manukau 2019 Phone (09) 272 3950 Summerset at Karaka 49 Pararekau Road, Karaka, RD1, Papakura 2580 Phone (09) 951 8900 Summerset Parnell* 23 Cheshire Street, Parnell 1052 Phone (09) 950 8212 Summerset St Johns* 188 St Johns Road, St Johns 1072 Phone (09) 950 7982 Summerset Half Moon Bay* 25 Thurston Place, Half Moon Bay, Auckland 2012 Phone (09) 306 1422
HAWKE’ S BAY
Summerset in the Bay 79 Merlot Drive, Taradale, Napier 4112 Phone (06) 845 2840 Summerset in the Orchard 1228 Ada Street, Parkvale, Hastings 4122 Phone (06) 974 1310 Summerset Palms 136 Eriksen Road, Te Awa, Napier 4110 Phone (06) 833 5852 Summerset in the Vines 249 Te Mata Road, Havelock North 4130 Phone (06) 877 1185 TARANAKI
Summerset Mountain View 35 Fernbrook Drive, Vogeltown, New Plymouth 4310 Phone (06) 824 8900 Summerset at Pohutukawa Place 70 Pohutukawa Place, Bell Block, New Plymouth 4312 Phone (06) 824 8532
Summerset Milldale* Argent Lane, Milldale, Wainui 0992 Phone 0800 786 637
MANAWATU–WHANGANUI
Summerset in the River City
WAIKATO
40 Burton Avenue, Whanganui 4500 Phone (06) 343 3133
Summerset down the Lane
Summerset on Summerhill
206 Dixon Road, Tamahere, Hamilton 3206 Phone (07) 843 0157
180 Ruapehu Drive, Fitzherbert, Palmerston North 4410 Phone (06) 354 4964
Summerset Rototuna
Summerset by the Ranges
39 Kimbrae Drive, Rototuna North, Hamilton 3281 Phone (07) 981 7822
104–112 Liverpool Street, Levin 5510 Phone (06) 367 0337
Summerset by the Lake 2 Wharewaka Road, Wharewaka, Taupō 3330 Phone (07) 376 9470 Summerset Cambridge* 80 Laurent Road, Cambridge 8493 Phone (07) 839 9482 * Proposed village
WELLINGTON
Summerset on the Coast 104 Realm Drive, Paraparaumu 5032 Phone (04) 298 3540 Summerset on the Landing 1–3 Bluff Road, Kenepuru, Porirua 5022 Phone (04) 230 6722
Summerset at the Course 20 Racecourse Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt 5018 Phone (04) 527 2980 Summerset Lower Hutt* Boulcott’s Farm, Military Road, Lower Hutt 5010 Phone (04) 894 7374 Summerset Waikanae* Park Avenue, Waikanae 5036 Phone (04) 293 0002 NELSON–TASMAN–MARLBOROUGH
Summerset in the Sun 16 Sargeson Street, Stoke, Nelson 7011 Phone (03) 538 0000 Summerset Richmond Ranges 1 Hill Street North, Richmond, Nelson 7020 Phone (03) 744 3432 Summerset Blenheim* 183 Old Renwick Road, Blenheim 7201 Phone (03) 520 6042 CANTERBURY
Summerset at Wigram 135 Awatea Road, Wigram, Christchurch 8025 Phone (03) 741 0870 Summerset at Avonhead 120 Hawthornden Road, Avonhead, Christchurch 8042 Phone (03) 357 3202 Summerset on Cavendish 147 Cavendish Road, Casebrook, Christchurch 8051 Phone (03) 741 3340 Summerset Rangiora* 141 South Belt, Rangiora 7400 Phone (03) 364 1312 Summerset Prebbleton* 578 Springs Road, Prebbleton 7604 Phone (03) 353 6312 OTAGO
Summerset at Bishopscourt 36 Shetland Street, Wakari, Dunedin 9010 Phone (03) 950 3110