REINVENTING THE WHEEL – THE MAN WHO MADE HIS MOTOR
• TAKING LIFE IN HER STRIDE – FOOT FIRST
• RAISING FUNDS – ONE STEP AT A TIME
• HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAVELOCK NORTH! – 25 YEARS A VILLAGE
Cool - COVER: Clarrie Ranby with the Sporty at Summerset at Karaka. Photo Credit: Emma Steiner Photography.
Whangārei
Milldale
Hobsonville Ellerslie
Karaka
Rototuna
Warkworth
Devonport
Peninsula
St Johns
Half Moon Bay
Manukau
Katikati
Papamoa Beach
8,700+
More than New Zealanders call
Cambridge
Summerset home
Nelson
Richmond
Bell Block
New Plymouth
Whanganui
Levin
Avonhead Hamilton
Wigram
Prebbleton
Waikanae
Otaihanga
Paraparaumu
Blenheim
Rangiora
Casebrook
Rolleston
Rotorua
Taupō
Napier
Mission Hills
Te Awa
Hastings
Havelock North
Palmerston North
Kelvin Grove
Masterton
Trentham
Boulcott
Aotea
Kenepuru
KEY
= Summerset village
= Proposed village
Dunedin
Mosgiel
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Hello from Ellie
Welcome to the winter issue of Summerset Scene! I say every year that time flies but I feel like 2025 is speeding by even faster than usual. Speaking of speeding, our cover star Clarrie Ranby is such a fan of cars that he built his own – twice! Read about him and ‘Sporty’ on page 4. Clarrie and some fellow daredevil Summerset residents also enjoyed a spin around the Hampton Downs racetrack, zooming at speeds of 220kph! Read the article on page 18.
There was healthy competition in Auckland recently as some keen netball fans gathered to celebrate the launch of the Summerset Super Shot in the ANZ Premiership. Our residents tried the shot along with netball and media stars. Read the story on page 11.
It was party time down in Hawke’s Bay with Summerset in the Vines celebrating its 25th birthday, which coincided with the reopening of the revamped care centre. Some of the very first residents to move into the village were on hand to lead the celebrations, head to page 16 to read more.
Also from Hawke’s Bay is the indomitable Erica Tenquist, who held a recent celebration of another kind: marking 70 years as an amputee with a ‘Legless’ party. Erica’s joie de vivre is infectious. Read her story on page 12.
Another determined lady is Jessie Bansgrove from Summerset by the Sea. Jessie recently completed a half marathon to raise funds for cancer research, despite breaking a wrist on the way! Read her story on page 14.
We also hear from Jude Dobson in France, and Amelia Norman has travel tips for Wā naka, while Jan Bilton shares delicious recipes to keep us well fed in winter. So cuddle up in the warm and enjoy this issue of Summerset Scene . See you in the spring!
Ellie Clifford SUMMERSET SCENE EDITOR
Are you a member of Blind Low Vision NZ? If so, you can also find the latest issue of Summerset Scene in the Blind Low Vision NZ library.
REINVENTING THE WHEEL: THE MAN WHO MADE HIS MOTOR
BY ELLIE CLIFFORD
So fond of cars is Clarrie Ranby that as a teen he built his own. In 1957, Clarrie, who lives in Summerset at Karaka, and three friends – Alan Watson, Graham McGill and Ron Cox – decided to each build a sports car.
Panel beater Clarrie had been at school with Graham, who was doing an apprenticeship at the railway workshop with Alan and Ron. They bonded over their love of cars. Alan had already built a car and inspired the others.
They brainstormed designs, drawing from the Triumph TR3, the Aston Martin DB series, and the era’s fashionable tailfins. Alan worked on the bodies; the others built the chassis. As apprentices with little money, they needed a creative solution for a workshop. Clarrie suggested his dad’s henhouse. “It was the perfect size,” he says. With a bit of persuasion and a new home for the chooks, they had their workshop. “The chooks moved out and we moved in!” laughs Clarrie.
They scoured wreckers’ yards for parts; what they couldn’t find, they made. “The mechanical parts came from the yards,” says Clarrie. “Everything else, we built.” Body shapes were made using plywood, chicken wire and plaster of Paris, then covered in fibreglass – a novel material at the time. Colours were drawn by lot: Ron’s was white, Alan’s yellow, Graham’s blue, and Clarrie’s red – the ultimate sports car colour.
Left: Clarrie at Summerset at Karaka.
Most weekends were spent building, and by 1960 the cars were complete and roadworthy.
To meet New Zealand legal requirements, Clarrie named his car the ‘F10 Sporty’, inspired by its Ford Prefect 100E engine.
“If Ferrari had an F40, we could have an F10!”
Shortly after the car was completed Clarrie met Maureen, his future wife, at table tennis. “Perfect timing,” laughs Maureen. “If we’d met earlier, he wouldn’t have had the time to spend with me!” The Sporty, with tartan upholstery and a handmade luggage rack, took them to Napier for their honeymoon in April 1962.
But a two-seater isn’t ideal for a growing family. In 1963, expecting their first child, Clarrie sold the Sporty. The others did the same.
Almost 40 years later, Clarrie’s cousin spotted Alan’s car, now a different colour, in the New Zealand Classic Car magazine. At a car show, Ron got a tip about Clarrie’s car – it was parked in a Pakuranga garden, still bearing his army number plate. “I just said ‘Good God,’” Clarrie recalls. “I recognised it instantly.”
The owner, planning to move overseas, hadn’t restored it. Maureen and their daughters secretly negotiated to buy it back for Clarrie’s birthday. While he was away on a coach tour, family and friends removed the Sporty from the garden and brought it home.
Clarrie returned to find it on a trailer in the driveway, festooned with balloons. “Needing a lot of work!” he laughs.
Ten years later, the Sporty was road-ready again. Clarrie kept most of it original, but updated the upholstery to red and black.
Top left: The mini replica. Top right: Clarrie and Maureen with the Sporty. Bottom left: The Sporty in print. Bottom right: Clarrie and Maureen at home. (Photos by Emma Steiner Photography)
In 2013, the car took him and Maureen to a car show in Porirua.
To honour the project, Clarrie made four fibreglass replicas – one for each friend. He gave a seriously ill Graham his blue model a week before he died. Alan and Ron passed away in the years that followed.
These days at Summerset at Karaka, Clarrie is more likely to be woodturning than building cars. “I practically live in the residents’ workshop,” he laughs.
He and Maureen moved to the village nine years ago. “We were looking ahead,” says Clarrie. “Some people leave it too late. It’s best to come in while you can still enjoy it.” Happily, their friend Rona, wife of the late Ron Cox, also lives there, and they see her regularly. Friends and activities are central to their village life.
In March, Clarrie had the chance to do a hot lap in a Summerset-sponsored McLaren GT at Hampton Downs. “I loved it!” he says. “Even at 224km/h the stability was amazing. It was so much fun. To paraphrase Bruce McLaren:
“You measure life in achievements, not by years alone.”
Above: Clarrie and the Sporty at Summerset at Karaka. (Photos by Emma Steiner Photography)
Award recognition for Summerset
Summerset has won the Corporate ESG Award at the 2025 INFINZ Awards, held by the Institute of Finance Professionals. The award celebrates organisations that embed environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices into the core of their operations.
Our win reflects the significant strides we have made in reducing embodied carbon through low-carbon construction, pioneering sustainabilitylinked lending, and integrating wellbeing initiatives for residents and staff.
“This recognition affirms our commitment to building sustainable, future-focused communities,” said CEO Scott Scoullar. “We’re proud to be leading the way in environmentally responsible retirement living.”
The judging panel praised Summerset for embedding ESG across the organisation since 2018, highlighting measurable reductions in emissions and meaningful cultural change.
Property Council New Zealand Award
We are thrilled to announce that our flagship village, Summerset St Johns, is named as a finalist for the Retirement Living and Aged Care Property Award in the 2025 Property Council New Zealand Property Industry Awards. These prestigious awards have recognised the top property development projects for 34 years, showcasing the best of the best in design and innovation, and it is an honour to be nominated. This recognition highlights our expertise in creating outstanding and innovative projects that bring the best of living for our residents.
The Summerset National Open Day took place on 6 April, with all 37 villages welcoming prospective residents to experience a taste of the Summerset lifestyle. Nearly 1,000 guests enjoyed village tours, sausage sizzles, morning teas and café fare across NZ. Thank you to our village and sales staff for your hard work, and thank you, residents, for throwing open the doors to your homes and welcoming our visitors with enthusiasm and generosity.
Penthouse at Summerset St Johns.
Summerset staff at the awards.
Scott Scoullar with Head of Sustainability Debbie Summers.
Two care centres refurbished
We recently celebrated the successful completion of two care centre refurbishments, one at Summerset at the Course in Trentham and the other at Summerset in the Vines in Havelock North.
At Summerset at the Course the aging facility was transformed into 34 modern care suites – each with its own ensuite and kitchenette, with significantly increased room sizes. Four premium rooms were also added through a new extension. Sustainability and modernisation are the cornerstones to the refurbishment, which aligns fully with our latest design and build standards.
ANZAC DAY CONCERT
In April, more than 200 current and prospective residents across our six Auckland villages came together for a poignant Anzac-themed live concert, as part of our 2025 Summerset Sings series.
Renowned Kiwi singer Will Martin wowed attendees with his reflective selection of songs in tribute to our past and present soldiers. Special guest singer Michelle Hunt joined Will onstage for a mix of solos and duets.
The 20-year-old care centre at Havelock North received a significant refurbishment with full reconfiguration of three existing care wings, providing larger, more comfortable care rooms - each with its own private ensuite and kitchenette. The spacious common areas received a complete interior makeover, with new furniture, fixtures and fittings.
The extensive refurbs have created two spacious, modern and future-ready facilities, reflecting our commitment to providing care centre residents with privacy and dignity, and with wellbeing top of mind.
Residents were transported to and from the Orewa theatre venue by bus, where they enjoyed complimentary drinks and afternoon tea on arrival. Every attendee also received a red poppy to wear – a simple but meaningful touch in recognition of Anzac Day. The concert can be viewed here: www.summerset.co.nz/summerset-sings/
Summerset sponsors Pickleball NZ
PICKLEBALL
Summerset is excited to partner with the Pickleball New Zealand Association and sponsoring the NZ Open tournament in September. Pickleball’s straightforward rules, low impact exercise and social aspect makes it a fun and inclusive sport, and its popularity is sweeping the world. Pickleball courts are currently planned at several of our proposed villages, including the planned extensions at our Boulcott, Waikanae and Blenheim villages, as well as our future Kelvin Grove, Mosgiel, Rolleston, Mission Hills and Otaihanga villages.
Summerset in the Vines, Havelock North.
Summerset at the Course, Trentham.
Summerset Highly Commended in Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand once again
We are delighted to be awarded Highly Commended in the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand 2025 Awards. This is the seventh year in a row we have received this accolade.
2019-2025 AgedCare & RetirementVillages
& RetirementVillages
The awards are based on surveys of consumers and recognise companies who go above and beyond in creating remarkable customer experiences. The winners are chosen from a survey of 1,750 New Zealanders across 67 categories. Now in its 26th year, the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Survey remains one of the most respected and globally recognised independent endorsements.
Summerset CEO Scott Scoullar says, “We take great pride in this acknowledgement. We want our customers to love what we’re providing for them, and we are committed to continual improvement, regularly surveying our residents to ensure we deliver quality services and facilities.”
Rangiora village launches
It was an impressive turnout for the grand opening of Summerset Rangiora, our fifth village in Canterbury. With the three-bedroom show home available to view, and food catered by the Divine Café from one of our sister villages, the two-day event saw many prospective residents enjoy a glimpse of the Summerset lifestyle. The opening was so popular that several homes were presold for our first deliveries later this year. Once complete, the village will offer a range of modern, high-quality living options, including villas, cottages, serviced apartments, care centre accommodation, or suites and apartments in our innovative memory care centre.
The Rangiora village team.
Summersetters SHOOT THEIR SHOT
It was an exciting morning of netball at the media launch of Summerset partner Netball New Zealand’s new innovations for the ANZ Premiership, including the Summerset Super Shot! The Summerset Super Shot is a two-point shot that will come into play during the final five minutes of each quarter. Shots taken during this period within the two-point zone, will be awarded two points, rewarding long-range shooting and adding a thrilling dimension to the competition.
Nine residents from Summerset Mount Denby and Summerset at Heritage Park attended the media launch in Auckland and had a go at making the shot. The launch was hosted by The Hits Breakfast show hosts Jono, Ben and Megan, and luminaries from Netball New Zealand were in attendance, including Northern Stars player Maia Wilson and Central Pulse’s Kelly Jackson and Martina Salmon. Donning Summerset T-shirts, residents showed the hosts that retirement doesn’t mean retiring, with Jono expressing astonished admiration for the spirited ‘Team Summerset’.
Avid netball fan Shirley Holland, from Summerset Mount Denby, answered ten netball-related questions – spoiler, the answers all began with the letter S – from Jono, Ben and Megan about netball, and won a bottle of champagne for her quickfire expert answers!
The residents then lined up to take their shots. Mount Denby resident June Penfold said, “I last played netball back in 1970! I was Goal Attack for Hampshire and Berkshire County team. I made the
trials for South of England, and we played Trinidad and Tobago at Crystal Palace and won, but then we lost to Wales. I never played again, as I started a family. My two sons never played netball.”
It may be 55 years since she last played, but it was muscle memory for June, who has lived in the Summerset Mount Denby village for the past nine months with her husband, John. After a brief warmup, she made the shot, winning a Silver Ferns backpack and beauty products as a prize.
Fellow Mount Denby residents Gareth Foster’s and Chris Thorn’s competitive sides came out, and their determination to make the shot resulted in a prize of a Silver Ferns ball each. “There was no way I was going to be beaten by that shot!” confided Gareth. “Absolutely not!”
Summerset at Heritage Park resident Val Bardon was thrilled to attend another netball event, bringing her prized Silver Fern ball for the players to sign. The keen netball fan had won courtside tickets through Summerset to see the ANZ Premiership Grand Final in Hamilton in 2023, an experience she says she will never forget. “I feel so lucky to come to another event through Summerset,” she says. “I play walking netball these days. All the years of cheering on my daughters and granddaughters and now they cheer me on from the sidelines.”
After enjoying drinks and lunch, the residents hopped back on the minibus to head for home. “It was great fun. We’ll open the champagne on the way home!” joked Shirley.
Photo by Michael Bradley photography.
Taking life in her stride
Open a suitcase from Erica Tenquist’s cupboard and you are just as likely to be greeted by a limb as you are a seasonal wardrobe.
“If you have a prosthetic limb you need to have a spare,” says Erica, who lives at Summerset in the Orchard in Hastings. “And I just happen to have a few spares lying around!”
Erica has been an amputee for more than 70 years and has recently written a book about her journey – both to share her story and to show others that life after the loss of a limb doesn’t have to be a setback.
Erica was born with a rare vascular condition that caused her right leg to grow significantly faster than the left. “The doctors said it was ‘a bit scrambled’,” she says. With two main arteries instead of one, the leg was over an inch longer and much heavier, with little muscle tone and a fused ankle. “It was always hot. The other girls would warm their hands on it.”
She spent much of her early childhood at Wellington Hospital, far from her rural home near Masterton. Travel was long and expensive, but necessary for the many treatments she received –including painful radium injections to try and stop the leg’s growth. Despite everything, Erica was determined to stay active. She learned to walk at two, ride a scooter at seven, and later also a bike. But the infections, pain and constant use of painkillers were taking a toll.
At 15, Erica made the momentous decision to have her right leg amputated below the knee.
from Erica’s book.
After surgery, she named the stump ‘Cuthbert’ after a character in a children’s book. The name stuck, and Cuthbert has since become a bit of a legend in her circles.
Her first prosthetic leg was made of willow wood –the same wood used for cricket bats. “It was light and strong, but stiff as a board. No ankle joint at all.” Erica had to learn to walk all over again, using dance to help regain her balance. “Rock and roll is perfect – your partner leads. But square dancing is too fast!”
Over the years, prosthetics have evolved dramatically. “Now I’ve got titanium joints – they last longer. I was so active, the metal ones would wear out!” she says. Today’s prosthetic limbs are made from lightweight plastics and even include ankle and toe joints for better movement. Erica has lost count of how many legs she’s had over the years. “Sometimes I got a new one every year. The longest I had one was for 13 years. The limb doesn’t wear out – but the stump changes shape.”
Even though she was a child, it was the Office of War Pensions that paid for the costs associated with the prosthetics.
Excerpt
This came with some idiosyncrasies: as she was under 21, Erica was required to have a chaperone every time she went to the limb centre. “Very few other amputees were female.”
Although Erica and her parents knew she was capable of independence, others didn’t always share that sentiment. “Before my leg came off, people assumed I had learning difficulties because I had mobility issues, and they would speak to me like I was stupid.”
When relatives suggested she “stay home and mind the kids,” she headed straight to the Wellington Public Library with a recommendation letter from her school. She worked there for over four years –where she met her future husband, John. “He was saucy to me, and I was saucy right back,” she laughs. After marriage, they adopted three children and fostered several more. “At one point I had a three-month-old and a six-month-old at the same time! Not many mothers can say that!”
A lifelong swimmer, Erica continued to live adventurously. She skied for eight years, flew in Alaska, explored the Rockies and Outback, and
snorkelled off the Queensland coast – after handing her leg to the boat captain for safekeeping. “A giant wrasse [large fish] swam up to be patted. It was magical.”
Erica is now a peer support volunteer with Peke Waihanga, New Zealand’s artificial limb service, helping others adapt to limb loss. She was also a marriage celebrant for 21 years, is still offering her services as a Justice of the Peace, and became a recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her tireless community work.
Living at Summerset in the Orchard for 11 years, Erica loves the social aspect of village life – playing cards, going on outings and seeing friends throughout the village. In fact, her recent ‘70 Years Legless’ party saw more than 70 friends and family gather in leg-themed costumes, raising over $700 for amputee support services.
“Losing a leg didn’t stop me,” Erica says. “You just learn to dance differently.”
Above left & top right: Erica with her Order of Merit. Above right: A pair of spares! Above far right: Early prosthetics were fairly rudimental.
Raising funds
ONE STEP AT A TIME
Katikati resident Jessie Bansgrove may be 80, but she’s not slowing down...
The survivor of two major cancers, Jessie moved into Summerset by the Sea mid-chemotherapy treatment. She recently laced up her sneakers for one more half marathon. But this time it wasn’t just about personal challenge – it was about purpose to raise funds for the Cancer Society. “Having got through ovarian and melanoma cancer in the last nine years, this is my way of giving back for the wonderful treatment and care I received.”
Jessie’s journey into fitness was unexpected. As a youth, exercise held little appeal. “I only played netball in high school so I could watch the boys play rugby,” she laughs. Her husband, Roger, was a keen jogger, but Jessie was cynical about his professed endorphin highs. “I used to think he was mad when he would come back from a run saying how good he felt!” Jessie says. The jogging bug hit Jessie in her mid-30s, when it became a passion. She often went alone, but also with friends, developing some strong friendships with her running buddies.
That momentum was paused when, at 50, she began to experience persistent pain in her hip. The resulting X-ray showed bone degeneration and a warning. “I was told to stop running and to put my name down for a hip replacement in 10 years’ time!” Jessie remembers. Jessie refrained
Above: Jessie ringing the bell. Top right: Jessie’s fundraising post.
from doing anything for a year, but decided to do a half marathon with friends for a fundraiser. “After a rather boozy night we set off the next morning and, surprisingly, we all made it!” Jessie laughs.
So, when thoughts of another race stirred after a milestone birthday and a holiday in London, she decided to use it as a fundraiser. Inspired by her daughter Nadine’s cancer charity efforts abroad, she set a modest target, expecting to raise maybe a few hundred dollars.
Instead, she raised a whopping $1,629.50 for the Cancer Society Waikato Bay of Plenty! Jessie, who has lived at her Summerset village for nine years, received many donations and support from the village community, friends and family.
On race day, halfway through the walk, she tripped at the 12km mark and, unbeknownst to her at the time, broke her wrist – but she got up and finished anyway. “I couldn’t let everyone down,” she says simply. At the finish line there was a bell for those who achieved a personal best. Her daughter Tracey, who did the race with her encouraged her, saying, “You’ve earned it.” Jessie rang that bell.
Above: Daughter Tracey ran with Jessie.
Above left: Jessie with daughter Nadine who inspired her to run. Above right: At home with husband Roger.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAVELOCK NORTH!
There was a buzz in the air at Summerset in the Vines on 29 April as the village celebrated a milestone doubleheader: the village’s 25th anniversary and the grand opening of a beautifully refurbished care centre.
Residents, staff and guests gathered under sunny autumn skies to mark the occasion – a vibrant celebration of the past, present and future of this beloved village. Glasses were clinked, laughter rang out and pride was palpable, especially for those who had witnessed the journey from the very beginning.
Among the day’s brightest stars was Jill Richardson, one of the village’s original residents, who had the honour of cutting the ceremonial red ribbon. With a beaming smile and a jaunty pink streak in her hair, Jill walked the red carpet to officially open the new care centre. “I moved in during Stage 1 and had my pick of the plots,” she recalled. “My villa’s right opposite the reserve – it’s wonderful.”
Joining her was long-time friend and fellow resident Mylda Taylor, who moved in just a year later with her late husband Dick, “We watched the village being built and chose our section,” she shared. “Over the years I’ve found such great friendships here. We’ve really grown with the village.”
The newly upgraded care centre is a striking blend of comfort and modern design. Residents were invited to tour the 34 bright, spacious care suites, each complete with kitchenette, private ensuite, air conditioning, heating and television – designed to offer dignity and peace of mind. For 89-year-old Jill the tour brought back special memories. Her husband, Norm, spent his final
The refurbished care centre at Summerset in the Vines.
three years in the care centre. “It’s beautiful,” she said. “And it’s reassuring to know it’s here if I ever need it.”
As the tours wrapped up, the celebration shifted into full party mode. Balloons and bunting adorned the communal lounge and dining areas where residents gathered for a cheerful feast prepared by the talented kitchen staff.
Summerset CEO Scott Scoullar and Relief Village Manager Terry Moore delivered heartfelt speeches, reflecting on the village’s legacy and future. But it was resident Ian Holford who stole the show. A former Summerset Sales Manager and now resident, Ian described Summerset in the Vines as “a resort for the unretiring,” sparking laughter from the audience with his nostalgic tales from the village’s early days. A slideshow of residents and events played on the big screen, evoking some happy tears as well as giggles.
Long-time resident Margaret Grainger nodded in agreement. “I’ve been here 23 years – it’s a lovely place to live. There’s always something going on.”
The celebration ended on a sweet note – literally – with an enormous anniversary cake wheeled out and cut by Jill to rapturous applause.
Happy 25th birthday, Summerset in the Vines!
Residents enjoy the celebrations.
Resident Ian Holford makes a speech.
Left to right: First residents Mylda Taylor, Jill Richardson and Margaret Grainger.
The inner care centre’s courtyard.
RACING RETIREES
BY ELLIE CLIFFORD
It was pedal to the metal for some daredevil Summerset residents recently, with a thrilling dash in a McLaren Artura GT4 around the track at Hampton Downs racecourse.
Residents Colin Nicholson from Summerset Rototuna, Clarrie Ranby from Summerset at Karaka and Frank Parr from Summerset at Heritage Park won the hot lap in a draw. Fellow winner Jan Harris from Summerset Falls brought her nephew David along and kindly gifted her lap to him. “He’s motorsports mad!” says Jan.
The experience was possible due to Summerset’s sponsorship of the 2024/25 GT Championship season for a second consecutive year, a season that began in November in Taupō and concluded in March at Hampton Downs. Despite racing at speeds of more than 220kph our residents were in safe hands, with expert driver William Exton behind the wheel. Despite his tender age of 21, William’s talent belies his age. He is the 2024/2025 Summerset GT NZ Championship GT4 title winner.
Our hot lappers found the experience exhilarating. “I couldn’t believe how quiet the car was,” said Colin, adding it appeared like it was glued to the track. Clarrie agreed, saying, “It cornered like it was on rails!” Our residents were fully fitted out in safety gear, including helmets. “You needed it for the speeds we were going,” says Clarrie. “It didn’t feel like we were going that fast, it was so smooth. I would do it again in a heaheartbeat, it was so much fun.”
Top: Colin Nicholson. Centre L-R: David, Colin, Jan, Frank and Clarrie. Bottom: The McLaren Artura GT4.
JUDE ON... TRAVEL
I live to travel. I would rather spend my money on travel than on many other things, and as two of our three children live overseas, I take the opportunity to visit them. Currently, I am writing this on a ferry between Caen in France and Portsmouth in England.
When you travel to spend time with family and friends, you are often chilling at home with them and catching up on their lives. In the past week or so I have done just that – help make dinner, go on daily errands and just sit and talk. If you’ve got friends and family overseas, you’ll begin with a suitcase that is heavy with a wee stash of New Zealand goods. Wine, Whittaker’s chocolate, a jar of Marmite… those little items that delight the recipient.
Our family of five has been invited to a wedding in England. The RSVP to the invitation was an immediate yes almost a year ago now. Why? It is cliché, but the reality is that life is short. We’ve known those stories first-hand where people have been struck down by a life-challenging or life-limiting illness or even passed away unexpectedly. I imagine I am preaching to the choir as you read this, and you might already have your next trip booked. If you haven’t, can I tempt you?
Let’s get this out of the way first: the New Zealand dollar is pretty sad against most other currencies. It’s not great for the travel budget when you’re on the ground at your destination, but with careful planning of accommodation and activities, you’ll have a good idea of expenses before you go. I try and pre-pay a lot of things over the preceding months, so the credit card bill is not such a nasty surprise when I get home.
There are some good deals if you shop around on the various flight and accommodation sites.
Yes, travelling from NZ is a trek – we are at the bottom of the world. I have found a few ways to make the journey better on the bum on those long-haul flights.
If you fly on an airline that you have travel status with, book on a day where the upgrade class has seats – stalk that availability online and good luck! In economy, try and book a daytime flight.
Stay up, watch the movies, eat and drink, walk about every so often and wear the compression socks.
Book a stopover if you’re flying long-haul. It helps get your time clock moved a little. If not a few days in the tropics, paying for a few hours in an airport transit hotel is well worth it!
And lastly – do some research on where you want to go so you use your time well. It’s a lot of fun making the plan, doing the plan and then talking about how the plan worked out when you get back. Go on, book that trip!
Jude at a Normandy D-Day landing site in France.
Summerset Sessions ‘Interview
With’ Series: Interview with Samantha Hayes – Monday, 30 June at 2pm
Filmed at Summerset St Johns, Jude Dobson chatted with Samantha about her remarkable career as a distinguished New Zealand journalist and presenter.
With over 20 years of experience, Samantha is known for her professionalism and in-depth reporting on global issues, including climate change, refugee crises and international politics.
Beyond journalism, she has hosted prestigious events and raised over $120,000 for charity by winning the 2018 season of Dancing with the Stars. A passionate supporter of environmental and philanthropic causes, including KidsCan and So They Can, Samantha’s story is one of resilience, versatility and dedication.
Summerset Creates
We know our villages are home to a supremely talented bunch, and we’re excited to launch our new competition that celebrates the creativity of our residents.
Congratulations to our winners of the Summerset Through the Lens photography competition! The high calibre of entries made selection by judge Jo Curtis (APSNZ) incredibly hard. Winner of the Village Friendships category goes to Dave Pipe from Summerset Palms with his entry of ‘Everybody’s Friend’. Jo said, “Your image tells a story of village life and connection. It suggests to me that the dog has come to visit and is certainly well received by this resident. It’s a well thought out and arranged composition.”
Above: Samantha and Jude with Summerset St Johns residents
Above: ‘Everybody’s Friend’ photographed by Dave Pipe from Summerset Palms.
The winner of the Wildlife in the Village category goes to Alan Martin from Summerset Falls with his entry of Stepping over my Rosemary Bush’ (below). Jo says, “You have produced a wonderful wildlife image of the little Silvereye/Wax-eye/ Tauhou. You have outstanding mastery of technique and craft.”
Congratulations, a $500 Prezzy card is on its way to you both!
As proud supporters of Art in the Park, we are thrilled that the Art in the Park team will be judging the entries of our next competition, Summerset Visual Arts, launching in July. Details will be released in village newletters soon!
Summerset Virtual Big Quiz Night
Wednesday, 9 July at 2:30pm
Keep the grey matter working and test your general knowledge at our monthly quiz hosted by Jude Dobson. You can play from the comfort of your own home or ask your Activities
Co-hosts Pinky Agnew and Nick Tansley visit Summerset Rototuna, where they meet a variety of vibrant residents – from croquet players and a chamption motorcycle racer to an artist, cartoonist and expert card maker. They also join a tai chi class, spend time with friends who exercise together, and meet a couple who volunteer in the local community. Be inspired by their stories, admire their spirit and discover the strong sense of community that makes this village so special.
Cooking with a MasterChef – Air Fryer Series – Breakfast Friday, 25 July at 2pm
Join Cooking with a MasterChef: Air Fryer Series, filmed live at Summerset by the Park. In this episode, Brett dives into the delicious world of breakfast, showing you how to whip up comforting morning favourites with ease. He’ll guide you through each step, making it simple to recreate these delightful dishes in your own kitchen.
To enjoy previous episodes of Cooking with a MasterChef at your convenience, simply visit our website at:
www.summerset.co.nz/cooking-with-a-masterchef/
Alan Martin’s winning entry.
VILLAGE PEOPLE
Take a look at some of the recent village happenings.
a hot air balloon prank at
Photo 1: Bowling at Summerset on Cavendish.
Photo 2: Enjoying a fish & chips outing at Summerset by the Park.
Photo 3: Indian-themed cuisine night at Summerset Palms.
Photo 4: A taste of Spain at Summerset in the Orchard.
Photo 5: Mama Mia!-theme for Mother’s Day at Summerset at Pohutukawa Place.
Photo 6: It was
Summerset at Karaka for April Fools’ Day.
Photo 7: Summerset Mount Denby residents practice the Summerset Super Shot!
(Photo by Michael Bradley Photography)
Photo 8: Pink Ribbon breakfast at Pohutukawa Place.
Photo 9: Irene Swadling’s poem hat.
Photo 10: High Tea for Mother’s Day at Summerset on Summerhill.
Photo 11: Joy Cowley book reading at Summerset at Bishopscourt.
Photo 12: Bushy Park trip at Summerset in the River City.
Jon Skurr
BY ELLIE CLIFFORD
Jon Skurr oversees the landscape design of our Summerset villages, ensuring all our exterior landscapes adhere to the same high standards across the country. A Christchurch resident, Jon has been with Summerset for almost 10 years.
“I graduated from Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in the early 2000s. Having both design and hands-on landscape contracting work gave me a grounded understanding of how designs translate into the built form,” says Jon. “What I enjoy most about my role as Landscape Design Manager is seeing the progression of landscape designs from concept sketch through to designs being constructed on site. A well-designed landscape can offer endless tangible benefits, especially for our residents.”
Jon’s role entails working on projects from resource consent through to detailed design, along with overseeing the landscape implementation process and providing ongoing maintenance support. “It’s a busy job, and in the past year I have been fortunate to have Tanu join our landscape team – effectively doubling the size of the landscape department!” laughs Jon.
Consulting with a variety of teams, including Development, Construction, Commercial, Sales, Marketing and Property, Jon balances the concerns of various stakeholders, as well as residents’ ever-evolving expectations.
“Landscape design is in the eye of the beholder – it can be very subjective. Managing subjective and evolving tastes, different regional climate considerations, council mandates and day-to-day challenges keeps things interesting on a daily basis.”
Jon and the Landscape Team also act as the conduit between Summerset and the external landscape architect consultants to help create and develop Summerset’s own landscape style, as well as collaborating with other consultants and suppliers. “The role has evolved over the years, as have the landscape designs,” says Jon. “Recent years have seen a vast array of new landscape amenity initiatives introduced into our villages, along with a greater focus on sustainability.”
When he is not in charge of beautifying our villages, Jon likes to keep fit and active. “My wife, Kate, and I have two sports-mad sons, so they keep us busy. We also love to travel, and love heading to a beach or simply catching up with friends and family – we are a social bunch.”
“RECENT YEARS HAVE SEEN A VAST ARRAY OF NEW LANDSCAPE AMENITY INITIATIVES INTRODUCED INTO OUR VILLAGES, ALONG WITH A GREATER FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY.” Summerset Scene | Winter
DELICIOUS RECIPES
BITE WARMTH IN EVERY
RECIPES
BY
JAN BILTON
WINTER! IT’S A TIME WHEN I CRAVE WARM, HEARTY FOODS. THEY MAKE ME FEEL HAPPY AND SATISFIED. NOURISHING MEALS WITH TASTE UP FRONT AND CENTRE. BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN FOODS HIGH IN FAT AND SUGAR.
Wholesome root veges are perfect partners in soups and stews. They provide healthy goodness such as quality carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
And vitamin C-high citrus, kiwifruit and tamarillos offer flavour boosts and colour to more than just desserts. For example, add orange juice in place of stock to casseroles, toss kiwifruit into a stir-fry, or add peeled tamarillos to a stew or roast.
Here are some tips for winter cooking:
• To remove fat from cooked soups, stews or gravy, place ice cubes into the liquid. Depending on the pan size about 6 – 8 should do. The fat will cling to the ice cubes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the ice cubes. Reheat the liquid.
• If using an ovenproof dish in the air fryer, make a sling of folded foil (about 10cm
wide), making sure it is long enough to go under the baking dish and up the outside so it can be easily lifted out of the air fryer with oven mitts.
• Drying herbs – especially sage – in the microwave can make for a more edible garnish for meals. Place the leaves on a paper towel and microwave on high in 30-second bursts until crisp.
LOADED CARROT SOUP
MAKES 6 CUPS / SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS
Soup
600g carrots, peeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
4 cups chicken stock
Topping
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup croutons
1/4 cup finely grated parmesan
fresh herbs (e.g. parsley, sage, mint leaves), optional
METHOD
Cut the carrots into 3cm pieces. Place in a large heavy-based saucepan or non-stick frying pan with the oil. Season. Cover and cook on medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring often. This will enhance the carrot flavour.
Add the onion, garlic and cumin seeds. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the onion is tender.
Add the chicken stock. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat. Purée – preferably with a stick blender – until smooth. Reheat.
Thin the pesto with the lemon juice. Serve the soup loaded with croutons, pesto, parmesan and herbs, if using.
Remove any excess fat from the lamb, then score the top. Combine the fennel, cumin seeds and orange rind. Rub into the scored lamb, pressing in well. Tie neatly with string if necessary. Place in a slow cooker. Add the fennel or celery. Pour in the orange juice and maple syrup down the sides. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, until very tender.
Remove the meat. Cover and rest for 5 minutes while making the sauce. Tip the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Remove any fat –see the intro for a tip on how to do this. Bring to the boil. Combine the cornflour and water and stir into the liquid. Simmer until thick.
TIP
The cooking time may depend on the size of your slow cooker.
AIR FRYER
APPLE/BERRY CRUMBLE
SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS
Topping
1 cup wholemeal flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
100g cold butter
Filling
2 apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1 cup frozen berries
2 tablespoons orange juice or water
3–4 tablespoons sugar
METHOD
To make the topping, combine all the ingredients – except the butter –in a large bowl. Coarsely grate the butter into the mixture. Rub in with your fingertips until well mixed.
Place the apples and frozen berries in a dish suitable for a microwave and an air fryer or oven (I used a 16cm x 7cm soufflé dish). Add the frozen berries, orange juice or water and the sugar. Mix well.
Cover and cook in the microwave on high for 3 minutes or until the apple is tender.
Make a sling of folded foil, making sure it is long enough to go under and up the outsides of the baking dish. This makes it easier to remove the baked dish (see intro).
Preheat the air fryer according to the instructions.
Place half of the topping evenly over the fruit. Cook in the air fryer at 190°C for 10 minutes or until golden.
TIP
Great served with whipped cream sprinkled with a little ground cinnamon or with plain yoghurt.
The topping makes enough for two crumbles. Half of the topping can be frozen. This delight can also be cooked in a conventional oven at 180°C for 45 minutes.
IN THE GARDEN
IN PRAISE OF PANSIES
It’s a bold claim for a small bloomer, but Lynda Hallinan reckons that pretty pansies might indeed be the next big thing in our gardens.
(Photos by Lynda Hallinan.)
In 30 years of gardening, I’ve never written about pansies. Although I’ve always grown these cheerful bedding bloomers – potting them up in winter to admire all spring and summer – I’ve never given them a second thought. How ironic, considering that their common name is derived from the French word ‘pensée’, or ‘thought’. That’s what Shakespeare’s Ophelia was referring to as she handed out these little flowers in Hamlet, noting, “There’s pansies, that’s for thoughts.”
Botanically speaking, pansies are violas, though not all violas are pansies. The viola family boasts more than 600 species, from Viola odorata, the fragrant deep purple sweet violet famous for its use in French violettes candies and Victorian-era posies, to Viola tricolor, better known as the heirloom heartsease pansy or Johnny-jump-up.
Heartsease pansies have smaller flowers than modern bedding pansies, but what they lack in petal size, they make up for in charm, with cute wee whiskery faces.
Heartsease pansies were used by ancient herbalists in love potions. In Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, heartsease juice dabbed on sleeping eyelids would “make a man or woman madly dote upon the next live creature that it sees.”
Heartsease pansies, like most violas, self-sow with reliable generosity in garden beds, pots, gravel
paths and cracks between paving stones. Perhaps this habit of snuggling into the tightest spots explains their romantic monikers, from ‘come-andcuddle-me’ to ‘kiss-her-in-the-buttery’, ‘love-inidleness’, and ‘tickle-my-fancy’.
In the 1800s, heartsease pansies were crossed with yellow Viola lutea and Russian Viola altaica to create the modern pansy, Viola × wittrockiana. These have four petals pointing up, one down, and a large blotch or eye in the center.
Pansies have been grown in New Zealand since early colonisation, but weren’t always popular. In 1842, The New Zealand Gazette urged horticultural societies to focus on potatoes over pansies, saying: “Lips though blooming, must still be fed, And not e’en love can live on flowers.”
Though treated as annuals, pansies are perennials. When they get leggy in summer, you can take cuttings to refresh them or cut long stems for flowers that can last over a month in a vase as new buds open.
American gardener Brenna Estrada aims to revive pansies’ popularity with her book Pansies: How to Grow, Reimagine and Create Beauty with Pansies and Violas (Timber Press). Before WWI, longstemmed pansies were prized florist flowers – even Vincent van Gogh painted them in 1887. Brenna shares a passion with flower farmer and social
media influencer Erin Benzakein, who revived the dahlia’s popularity in recent years by highlighting muted shades. Similarly, Brenna showcases pansies in soft colours like custard, cream and peach, featuring varieties like ‘Imperial Antique Shades’ and ‘Tiger Eye,’ known for their beauty and fragrance.
Pansies in pots
• Buy punnets of seedlings from garden centres or sow seeds in trays, pricking out the seedlings when they have at least three sets of leaves. The seeds should germinate within 21 days. Expect flowers 10–16 weeks later.
• Use good-quality potting mix and keep potted pansies in a sunny, sheltered spot. Feed with seaweed-based liquid fertiliser.
• Always water the soil around the plants, rather than the plants themselves. Water droplets damage the petals and also invite fungal infections on the foliage.
• To encourage longer stems, plant seedlings closely (5–10cm apart) and offer support from a low trellis or strings. Or plant pansies at the feet of climbing sweet peas or sugarsnaps.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I laughed out loud when I first read the blurb on the back of Brenna’s book, which describes it as “an indispensable guide to the next big thing in flowers.” That’s a big boast for such a small flower! But by the time I turned the last page, I was inspired to order seeds and plot my own dedicated pansy picking garden. And so should you.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF HEARING LOSS?
Aged Care Commissioner Carolyn Cooper posed this important question recently, as an increasing body of research shows that impaired hearing is a significant risk factor for developing dementia mate wareware.
Over half a million New Zealanders live with age-related hearing losses – a number that is projected to increase by over fifty per cent in the next 45 years.
Carolyn advocates for getting hearing checked, getting hearing aids if necessary, and using them. She acknowledges that affordability is a key barrier for some older people, and has made the recommendation in a recent report “to increase funding and subsidies for hearing aids, so that hearing health becomes a reality for everyone.”
She cites research that shows hearing loss increases the risk of developing dementia by 7 per cent. Other risk factors include social isolation, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, head injury, uncorrected vision loss, air pollution, lack of access to education, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of exercise.
The Commissioner observed: “If we don’t intervene to limit hearing loss and other risk factors, the number of people with dementia mate wareware is set to double in the next 20 years.” Moreover, the numbers “will triple in that time for Māori and Pacific peoples.”
Research insights on ageing with hearing loss
A New Zealand study in the early 2000s surveyed 1,249 male veterans (average age 78.5) to identify predictors of hearing aid use. The Massey University researchers found that use increased with age, degree of hearing loss, and perceived benefit of the aids. Satisfaction with both the aids and audiological services also boosted adherence. Support was especially vital for new users.
Dr Judy Blakey further explored the social and health impacts of veterans’ hearing loss. Among 671 veteran–spouse pairs, many spouses reported the stigma of hearing loss contributed to social isolation. Some veterans waited up to 40 years to seek help. Regular hearing aid use is vital to support the brain’s complex hearing and communication functions.
For more information, please visit www.dementia.nz.
HEARING HEALTH CHECK LIST
Get a hearing check Government-funded Your Way | Kia Roha offers those aged 16+ free hearing tests, information on accessing hearing aid funding, and more. Some private audiologists also provide free hearing checks.
Access support
The NZ Government’s Guide to Getting Hearing Aids provides information about the NZ Hearing Aid Subsidy which helps residents aged 16+ with permanent hearing loss not eligible for other funding. Community Services Card holders who meet other requirements could access funding via the NZ Hearing Aid Funding Scheme.
Use your hearing aids
They’re no good sitting in a drawer or on a shelf. Book follow-ups with an audiologist or other registered clinicians to resolve problems.
YOU CAN BUY FASHION, but you wear style
“Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self-expression and, above all, attitude.” Iris Apfel
Iris Apfel, American business woman, fashion designer and senior style icon, encouraged everyone – women, men, people of all ages – to find their own style, and enjoy it. Iris’s style was eclectic, colourful and out-there. Importantly, her goal was not to look youthful, but rather to be the best version of herself. In 2018, she became the oldest person to ever have a Barbie doll made in her image. At the age of 97, she signed a modelling contract with a global agency.
I’m no Iris Apfel, but that’s not the point. Some of us go for quiet elegance, sporty chic or monochrome, and others for flowing, floaty and fabulous. At the core of Iris’s ethos was self-confidence. Whatever style you choose, what other people think should be the last thing on your mind. As the diamond king Harry Winston once said, “People will stare. Make it worth their while.”
I’ve always loved bright colours, and I usually dress brightly, and always with a dash of pink lipstick. It makes me feel cheerful. As the chilly
weather sets in, it cheers me to pull on my purple hat. It warms my head just as much as a black hat would, but it delights my soul.
When I was a member of the comedy troupe Hens’ Teeth, I became friends with Bub Bridger, a glorious older woman who only found her true self in later years. She became a published poet and performer when many of us would think of retiring. Her wardrobe staple was bright kaftans, and she always wore bright red lipstick. I was a younger woman then, and Bub was a great example to me of how to set your own standards, and how to live joyfully. Her poem ‘Blatant Resistance’ describes her defiance in the face of aging, finishing with...
‘‘and stop all the traffic along the Quay wearing my new scarlet coat And looking like a fire engine.’’
I’m sure Bub and Iris are up there in heaven in their outrageous outfits, bringing smiles galore.
ARTICLE BY MELISSA WASTNEY
FABRIC WRAPPING TWO WAYS
What’s nicer than a gift wrapped in another gift? In this issue, I’ll show you my favourite way to wrap presents in reusable fabric for an extra special something. One method involves sewing and makes a lovely little reversible pouch you can use to wrap or store jewellery, sweets or perhaps lipsticks, as I’ve shown here. The other method is all about folding and wrapping – no stitches required!
METHOD
FOLDED POUCH
1. First, mark then cut out your fabric pieces. For my small pouch, I cut 2 rectangles measuring 8” x 9” from the outer fabric, and two rectangles of the same size from the lining fabric.
2. With right sides together and a narrow seam allowance, pin and sew around the sides and bottom of your outer fabric rectangles. Repeat with the lining pieces, as pictured. Carefully clip across the bottom corners on both sewn pieces to trim the excess.
SUPPLIES
Piece of cotton or linen fabric – one for the outer pouch and one for the lining
3.5” piece of narrow elastic (or you could use a ribbon or cotton tape)
Sewing machine, pins and iron
Ruler or tape measure, and tailor’s chalk or fabric pen
3. Turn the lining right side out and press to ensure the corners are neat. Place it inside the pouch outer, so that the right sides are facing each other and the side seams line up. Find the centre point along one edge and insert a loop of narrow elastic between the two layers. Pin it in place so that the ends are slightly sticking out of the top, as pictured.
4. Carefully sew all around the top edge, securing the elastic loop in place and making sure you leave a gap of a few inches for turning.
5. Turn your pouch right side out through the gap and push the lining inside the outer so it fits snuggly. Carefully press with an iron, then hand or machine stitch the gap closed.
6. Now it’s time to sew on the button, but it’s useful to pop your gift or item inside first to see where the button will fit best. Hand sew this securely onto the front of the pouch.
You can make pouches of any size using this formula. Have fun with the design and enjoy choosing unique fabrics and buttons!
WRAPPED GIFT
Furoshiki are special wrapping cloths traditionally used to wrap or transport goods, and popular in Japan since the Edo period (1603–1868). I’ve been inspired by that tradition to wrap a book for a friend, and am also gifting a beautiful vintage silk scarf as the reusable material.
Furoshiki are usually square but can also be slightly rectangular. You could hem a piece of fabric to wrap your gift, or simply use one with raw edges, which is also beautiful. It’s fun to hunt for silk scarves or similar in op shops, or you could use a new tea towel (especially if it’s a food or kitchen-related gift) or even a vintage tablecloth.
To wrap this book, I laid the scarf wrong-side up on a table, and placed the book’s spine along the centre diagonal line. I then folded one corner of the scarf in around the book, and tucked it under, then repeated with the opposite corner. Finally, I carefully turned the package over and folded the remaining sides over the book. I tied the ends in a double knot to secure.
There are several different ways to wrap books like this – and plenty of videos online if you’d like to perfect your technique!
Above: Pin and sew your fabric.
Above: Fabric wrapping in Furoshiki style.
My Gorbals Life
ALLAN GILFILLAN MCLACHLAN
Mrs Forsythe VIVIENNE LINGARD
Growing up in the Gorbals, Glasgow, during World War II was a rough and challenging environment, but Allan Gilfillan McLachlan’s vivid memoir is both humorous and touching. Family love, friendships and resilience shine through in this story of a family struggling with poverty and deprivation.
Allan was raised in a one-room tenement flat in a family with few material possessions. But what they didn’t have materially, they made up for with a lot of love. As a child, Allan found fun in the drudgery of queuing at the butcher’s, making castles and moats in the thick sawdust on the floor. Another favourite memory was his aunties coming for cups of tea, but as there was literally no room at the kitchen table for everyone, the children were pushed underneath. The aunties would gossip and laugh, and the children could hear everything. Bombs fell as life continued in the Gorbals, and one extraordinary memory is going to the Glasgow Zoo and being worried about lions following Allan and his father home. Likened to Angela’s Ashes , but a Scottish version, this book will find many fans.
Marjorie Forsythe is the central character in this intelligent and compelling novel that explores the life of a woman who was unhappily constrained by the confines of domesticity, marriage and raising a family. Only after her husband’s passing in the 1970s could she finally step out independently and explore her passions and her dreams.
Marjorie builds a new life for herself in Wellington and sets an agenda that she explores with great enthusiasm. She works, learns a new language, takes dance lessons and many more things – she is her own mistress and won’t let others take away from her pursuits. She is determined and resilient, although often much too forthright with her long-suffering friends and family, who find her challenging, especially when she puts pen to paper and informs them of any wrongdoings or faults.
But her tough exterior is better understood when details of her childhood emerge – her father was killed at war, and her mother couldn’t cope, perhaps causing Marjorie to also be emotionally detached. The author takes us on a journey as Marjorie lives an entirely different life from before. But will she find happiness? Well-written and thought-provoking.
More Thinking About Life
GEORGE BRYANT
GEORGE BRYANT PUBLISHING RRP $27.00
Tunis is Mad Tonight
PETER COX
QUENTIN WILSON PUBLISHING
RRP $45.00
For anyone wanting to spend time contemplating some of life’s issues, this easy-to-read book is a great way to prompt discussion and debate. A respected writer on social issues, George Bryant explores diverse topics like diminishing empathy, freedom of speech, the decay of truth, living with cancer and our obsession with always wanting more.
George has a very easy writing style, and he weaves in facts, figures and statistics while sharing his life and experiences to discuss important issues. There is so much wisdom in this slim volume, such as how to cope when the going gets tough, the need for more wisdom and spirituality in politics and whether there is hope for humankind.
More Thinking About Life is written with empathy and experience and will spark many conversations about important issues in life. Now retired, George has worked as a teacher, preacher, public speaker, politician and community worker, so he has plenty of valuable experience to share with others. Deliberately written in short, bite-sized chapters, this book is one that anyone can pick up and dip into to discover something of interest.
Tunis is Mad Tonight is the extraordinary biography of New Zealand journalist Douglas Brass. You may not have heard of him, but after reading this book you will find his remarkable 40-year career fascinating. He reported on significant world events – World War II and post-war Europe. He established himself as a well-respected royal correspondent, and later, his robust columns were highly influential in opposing Australia’s participation in the Vietnam War after he played a significant role in establishing The Australian
Though he was a prominent journalist, he was also very private and reserved. This is the first time there has been a significant biography. Written by a family member with access to records and other information, this is a well-written account that brings Douglas Brass to life. And what a life, reporting on events from the most turbulent eras in world history!
Tunis is Mad Tonight is highly readable, and author Peter Cox reveals a man who loved his home and family but was never backward in criticising anything that wasn’t right. The book also brings to life the era he lived through.
WELLNESS
WELCOME TO THE FITNESS FUTURE
ARTICLE BY DAN HARDIE
For anyone over the age of 35, 2025 feels as futuristic as it could possibly be, even in the health and fitness world.
Wearable technology such as smart watches and rings, AI personal trainers, ‘cold plunge’ challenges and extreme sports that make the mind boggle. Yet there are some things that don’t change. Our body still needs food, water, fresh air and movement to stay healthy.
Here are some foundations to exercise that remain true and as effective than ever.
Slow and steady
Cycling, walking, hiking or swimming are still wonderful tools for maintaining and improving your aerobic health, going at a long, steady state pace and taking breaks when you need to.
Find what you enjoy
Nothing sticks like a hobby you enjoy. Loving your exercise routine is the easiest way to keep it going. So if you love dance, bowls, tennis, mountain biking or all the above, you’ll likely stick at it.
Get stronger, stay strong
Everything is easier when we’re strong – from opening jars, getting up off the couch to climbing stairs. Getting stronger is a goal anyone can aim for at any age. Check out your village to see if they are running one of the CB FIT group classes to help improve your strength and balance.
As technology continues to evolve, who knows what the health and fitness sector will be about in 2035. At this stage in history, our bodies still benefit from the same tried and true health practices. So get out and enjoy moving your body!
Being conservative vs being prudent
LIZ KOH
Conservative investors are those who want to play it safe by keeping their money tucked away in savings accounts, term deposits or bonds. However, investing in conservative assets doesn’t take away investment risk. Additionally, there is a real cost to investing in conservative assets that is not always apparent.
While conservative investments hold their value in dollar terms, they can still lose money through loss of purchasing power. Over time, inflation beats conservative investments’ low rate of return. A dollar spent in ten- or twenty-years’ time will not buy as much as a dollar spent today. Conservative investments generally provide their return through income, not capital gain. Income is taxable, whereas capital gain is not necessarily so. Once inflation and tax are considered, the return from conservative investments is negligible.
Conservative investments often sacrifice liquidity – you may be unable to access your funds for a set time or risk losing money if you do. Term deposits may penalise early withdrawals with lost interest, while bonds might need to be sold at a discount and a fee. Locking in money at a fixed rate can lead to losses if market rates rise, as you either miss out on better returns or face penalties for accessing your funds. With interest rates now rising, conservative investors must weigh these impacts carefully.
Not all interest-bearing investments are conservative. Even conservative options carry
risks, such as missed interest payments or delayed return of capital. Credit ratings indicate risk but may not always reflect the true level of it.
A conservative investment approach depends more on your time frame than your age. Shorter time frames call for conservative, stable assets, while longer ones suit growth assets like shares. Mismatching time frame and strategy can lead to losses.
Rather than investing conservatively, investors fearful of loss should be investing prudently. Prudent investing strikes the right balance between safety and returns, being neither too conservative nor too risky; it is about finding a combination that is just right for your investment goals and time frames.
Liz Koh is a money expert specialising in retirement planning (www.enrichretirement. com). The advice given here is general and does not constitute specific advice to any person.
Retire Ready
Whether you're planning for retirement or already enjoying it, Summerset’s Retire Ready series is here to support your financial wellbeing. Hosted by financial expert Liz Koh, the live webinars offer practical advice to help you make confident, informed decisions. Explore more about the Retire Ready series, including access to our free workbook and recordings of past webinars, at summerset.co.nz/summerset-life/retire-ready/
WĀNAKA
ARTICLE BY AMELIA NORMAN
Surrounded by sensational glaciercarved mountains and valleys, and nestled upon the shores of a picturesque lake, Wānaka is a charming destination with a lively heart. Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes, get out among the stunning walking and cycling trails, or you’re seeking a food and winefocused holiday, you won’t be disappointed with a visit to Wānaka.
ACCOMMODATION
For a real slice of tranquillity, check in to Lime Tree Lodge, a ten-acre estate just outside Wānaka township. With its sumptuous guest suites and exceptional service, this expansive lodge offers plenty to do on-site, including pétanque, croquet, a spa pool, garden strolls or a relaxing afternoon in front of a roaring fire. Gastronomes will adore this option too, with canapés, aperitifs and home baking all included, along with the add-on option of a seasonal three-course dinner matched with Central Otago wine.
If convenience and comfort are top of your accommodation wish list, book a room at the
Edgewater Hotel. Located a short lakeside stroll from central Wānaka, this scenic option includes spacious rooms or suites and an on-site restaurant. Activities include a 9-hole putting green, pétanque, tennis, spa, sauna and mountain bikes for hire. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or recreation, this is the spot for you.
EATING
They say you should always eat where the locals eat, so when you’re in Wānaka, head straight to Federal Diner. This central eatery does an unforgettable breakfast and serves what is rumoured to be the best coffee in town. Their focus on locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients is evident in the freshness of their fare, and the cool, laidback vibe is pure Wānaka.
If you’re up for a little exploring, take a drive to the historic Cardrona Hotel, located on the Crown Range Road between Wānaka and Queenstown. As well as a breakfast and dinner menu, this well-known destination has a daytime bar and snack menu, perfect if you’re stopping in for a quick bite around lunchtime. Soak up the ambience within this former gold rush hotspot and be sure to snap a photo in front of its iconic façade.
W ānaka is home to stunning scenery, restaurants, and activities.
For a relatively small place, Wānaka serves up some surprisingly high-end options for evening dining. From French-inspired bistro menus to delicate sharing plates bursting with local flavours, lovingly cooked lamb and sensational seafood, destinations like Muttonbird, Kika and Bistro Gentil are worth investigating for a memorable night out.
ACTIVITIES
Whether skiing, hiking and biking are your thing or you’re more of a food and wine kind of traveller, Wānaka has something for you.
With a plethora of skiing options on offer, Wānaka is a dream destination for any snow lover. Enjoy a day or two of world-class skiing at Cardrona or Treble Cone, or take on a cross-country skiing or snowshoeing adventure at Snow Farm.
If the calm waters of Lake Wānaka are beckoning, book a water taxi tour across the picturesque lake to Mou Waho Island. A protected nature reserve, this remote island is home to a number of native bird species and a small lake with its own island –providing the unique experience of viewing an island in a lake on an island in a lake! This half-day trip also provides an opportunity to really take in
the sensational mountain views of the region. Reaching the top of the island requires a steady 30-minute uphill climb, so confidence in walking on uneven terrain is essential.
If sipping a local tipple is more your style, sign up for a full-or half-day wine tour where you’ll visit a selection of local wineries and discover exactly why Central Otago wine is internationally lauded. Swirl, sniff and snip your way around some of the most picturesque vineyards in the country, and get to know the local winemakers as you go. Cheers to that!
STATS
Region: Otago
Airport: Queenstown
Main road: Ardmore Street
Population: 13,600
Small Steps, Big Difference: Your Guide to a Plastic Free July
Plastic Free July is the perfect time to rethink our everyday habits and reduce the amount of single-use plastic we send to landfill.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, we dispose of around 252,000 tonnes of plastic into landfill every year. By volume, this is estimated to take up to 20% of our landfill space – yikes! We can all play our part in turning the tide with some simple swaps and mindful choices.
On outings, pack refreshments from home instead of buying a takeaway. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also avoid unnecessary packaging. Choose fresh fruit or locally made wholefood snacks instead of individually wrapped options, and don’t forget your keep cup for your hot drinks!
Many places already have recycling and composting stations – make sure you’re using them correctly. And instead of swapping single-use plastic for single-use cardboard or ‘compostable’ plastic, opt for long-lasting alternatives like ceramic mugs, stainless steel cutlery and glass containers.
SHOP SMART, WASTE LESS
‘Refill in bulk’ shops are becoming more and more popular, for foods as well as cleaning products. At the supermarket, butcher, or fruit and veg store, take your own containers. Just let the staff know before they weigh your items. You’ll avoid unnecessary packaging and maybe even inspire fellow shoppers to do the same.
Plastics labelled with numbers 3, 4, 6 and 7 can’t currently be recycled in NZ. These tend to be things like the plastic trays for biscuits and cookies, the bags for dried pasta and some squeezy sauce bottles.
Instead, here are some ideas to try:
• Choose pasta sold in cardboard boxes, or shop in bulk with your own containers.
• Buy your sauce in glass jars or opt for those in containers with the ‘100% recycled plastic’ logo.
• Choose products made from number 5 plastic (like larger yoghurt tubs).
• Choose home baking over shop-bought. It will save you money and have less preservatives too.
DIY & SAVE
Making your own staples is easier than you think. Try DIY yoghurt using a starter and milk, or freeze lemon juice when lemons are in season. Love Food Hate Waste and The Rubbish Trip websites have plenty of recipes to make your own muesli bar or snacks.
Pasta and bread are simple to make – pasta machines make a variety of shapes and bread maker machines do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to kneading dough.
MAKE A PERSONAL PLEDGE
Plastic Free July’s theme this year is ‘Small Steps, Big Difference’. Choose just one single-use item to avoid – like plastic drink bottles, takeaway cups or cling film – and commit to replacing it with a reusable option.
Top swaps include:
• Refillable water bottles – look out for RefillNZ stickers to top up for free when you’re out.
• Reusable cups – some places even offer a discount if you bring your own keep cups.
• Reusable containers – great for everything from sushi to supermarket deli goods.
• Reusable wraps – beeswax-coated wraps are simple to make or buy compostable cling wrap. Remember, you don’t need to buy anything new – reuse jars, containers or bags you already have at home. Just choose containers that are easy to carry and use. You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. Every small step – whether it’s saying no to a straw, switching to a reusable container or choosing recyclable packaging – adds up.
GO GREENER
Green Update
Across our Summerset villages, innovation meets sustainability – from robotic mowers to thriving worm farms, residents are embracing greener living through smart tech and communitypowered composting.
Summerset at Karaka has a work force of a different kind. Mow-B-Wan Kenobi and Mow2-D2 are two of the 13 robotic lawn mowers that have set to work on the grounds of the Auckland village. These electric mowers run on their own, mulching grass as they go. That means no more piles of clippings, fewer chemical fertilisers and healthier lawns overall.
They’re quiet, efficient and kinder to the environment than traditional petrol-powered machines. They’re also fun to watch, and residents have embraced the new technology with enthusiasm. The mowers are so effective that other villages have followed suit, with Summerset St Johns the latest to take delivery of their fleet.
Summerset at Heritage Park resident and gardening enthusiast John Sinclair has introduced a composting initiative, which is proving hugely popular with fellow residents. Supported by the Residents’ Committee, the project began in 2023 with a 150-litre compost bin and expanded to include larger bins as participation grew. Today, around 50 residents contribute garden and kitchen green waste, creating compost for use in their gardens and planters. Worms from John’s worm farm, water and cardboard are added to ensure an optimal balance of nutrients. Beyond cutting green waste and boosting sustainability, the initiative has sparked greater exercise and stronger community ties in the village.
Robotic lawn mowers are a popular addition.
Composting at Summerset Heritage Park.
POET’S CORNER
Change
’Tis an ever changing world, is it not? And change it is that most of us must do,
To face the turning pages of our lives, And sail the churning waters safely through.
The ups and downs of life can be so hard,
To those who’ve sheltered safely in the lee,
Of parents loath to leave exposed, Their children to the vagaries of life’s sea.
To strive and fail was normal in days gone,
But now all runners get a prize, To learn to lose and try again is lost, The myth that all is well is not so wise.
By Ross Gourley Summerset Avonhead
The Mothership
She stands tall, her villas cluster round her
When dawn breaks the people leave the villas and flock to her
She provides fun, sustenance, laughter, companionship and help when needed
When night falls, her lights glow in the dark
She stands guardian of her people
Those who cannot care for themselves outside her walls she holds close within herself, shielding them from harm
She is the lodestone, the core of the community
She is the “Mothership”
By Barbara Orr Summerset by the Dunes
If you would like to submit a poem for consideration in Poet’s Corner, send it to magazine@summerset.co.nz
BRAIN TEASE PUZZLES
DOUBLECROSS
Reveal a completed crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.
SUDOKU
Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9
56. Anticipated event that turns into a disappointment (4,5)
57. Principal male figure in a team or business (4,3)
58. Uncommon (4)
59. Sun (Spanish) (3)
60. 91.44cm (4)
61. Wealthy, fashionable people (colloq) (3,3)
62. Distance, on a golf course (7)
63. Redo (6)
65. Vendor (6)
66. Insulin-producing organ (8)
68. Fire-raiser (10)
71. Reliable (6)
72. Done as per regulations (2,3,4)
74. Deeply embarrassed (7)
76. Mountain (3)
79. Twenty (5)
80. Paper-folding art (7)
81. Conflict within a country (5,3)
83. Chosen few (5)
84. I (6)
85. Alliterative series of words (6,7)
Down
2. Supervise (7)
3. Christmas song (5)
4. Pen tip (3)
5. Comply (4)
6. Say wrongly (12)
7. Cavity connecting with the nose (5)
8. Session in a cricket match (7)
9. Alone (4)
10. Peril (6)
11. Component (5)
12. Return to original condition (7)
13. Automatically approve (11)
14. Widen (7)
20. Already claimed (6,3)
23. Reaction (8)
24. Childhood illness (7)
26. Clumsy (7)
27. Farewell (3-3)
29. Pragmatist (7)
30. Tyrant (6)
32. Angry (5)
34. Narrow lane (5)
36. Call sign for the letter T (5)
38. Wail (4)
43. Light-headed (5)
44. Digit (7)
45. As well (4)
46. Rodent-catching cat (6)
47. Rime (5)
48. Balance (8)
49. Dimwit (9)
50. Made of clay (7)
51. Conditions (5)
52. Very poor, awful (7)
53. Educational institute (11)
54. Stings (6)
55. Critical (12)
64. Go back (7)
65. Orator (7)
67. Raise a false alarm (colloq) (3,4)
69. Median (7)
70. Stupidity (6)
71. Divide (5)
73. Cry of approval (5)
75. Cartographer’s book (5)
77. Surrender (4)
78. 4840 square yards (4)
82. Solemn promise (3)
FIVE QUESTIONS
Seventy-three-year-old Paul Lambert has lived in New Zealand since 1977, after moving here from the UK. He and his wife, Stephanie, live at Summerset at the Course in Trentham, Upper Hutt. They have been in the village for a year.
What is the most adventurous thing you have done?
I enjoy travel, and I met my Kiwi wife, Stephanie, on a camping holiday in Hungary. The greatest adventure was attending a nine-day compact Outward Bound course in Anakiwa, Marlborough Sounds, in the winter of 1985. It included a 36-hour solo on an uninhabited island in the Sounds. A little less rugged, but still great fun, was a fundraiser for the Life Flight Trust (Westpac Rescue Helicopter). I rode the Wellington cable car all day on a Saturday, 7:30am until 10pm. I had a donation bucket and a visitors book. Visitors from about 14 different countries wrote in the book and I collected around $2,000. The cable car did extra trips so I could reach 100 in the time allotted.
What advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
I learnt on the Outward Bound course to take opportunities as they arise, as they may never arise again. So, grab them with both hands!
What is your special skill or talent?
I have a knack for organising and promoting events. I was the City Promotion Manager at Upper Hutt for 16 years and then spent nine years as a city councillor. I also worked in marketing at the Wellington Zoo – I was responsible for introducing meerkats into New Zealand!
For the past four years, I’ve served as chair of the Upper Hutt Concert Grand Piano Trust. Earlier this year, I discovered that World Piano Day is celebrated on 29 March – the 88th day of the year, a date chosen because a piano has 88 keys. As far as I could tell, no one in New Zealand had marked the occasion before, so I organised a concert at Summerset at the Course. One of our Piano Trust members performed for nearly an hour.
My community involvement spans over 40 years of volunteering with Lions Clubs. I also help run a craft beer club, an acoustic music club, heritage festival events, the Piano Trust, and I support Pest Free initiatives.
How do you like to spend your time?
I enjoy all sorts of music. Growing up as a teenager in the UK I saw some great musical artists. I went to the Isle of Wight music festival twice and saw Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan live. In addition to music, I also enjoy travel, walking and art. I’ve been a volunteer host and guide at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery for nearly 12 years.
What is your favourite TV show?
My favourite TV show is Doctor Who. I’ve watched it since it started. William Hartnell was the doctor then, and there have been 14 more since! I watched the first episode in 1963 in England. I lived on the outskirts of London in a town called Sutton, in Surrey, where the actor Harry Secombe (from The Goon Show and Mr Bumble in Oliver!) is from.
