Life + Style 2 March 2018

2 March, 2018

Fantastic pools Page 2

THE WEEKEND

Plastic free

Chugging to a million

Peace garden

Red Hat Dames

Athenree Homestead

2

life+style The Weekend Sun 21 August,2018 2015 2 March,

Make a splash in your Barrier Reef pool A family-run business

In summer, there’s nothing better than splashing around in your own pool.

It is your home’s outdoor feature piece, a friend-maker and a guaranteed family-fun day. If you’re in the market for a new pool, Pools Plus Moreare ready to help.

Pools Plus specialise in supplying and installing the fiberglass swimming pool brand Barrier Reef Pools in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato areas.

These pools are pre-moulded, built in a climate-controlled factory with exceptional building standards so you can be assured your fibreglass pool is built to the very highest standards.

Pools Plus is owned by Andrew and Jocelyn McGillivray. Over the past 10 years, their team has grown from the original two members to seven full time members of staff and two part time.

The team have installed more than 150 pools in the Bay of Plenty/South Waikato areas and the current year’s bookings are already filling up quickly. Andrew says it is best to plan the pool well ahead of when it will be required.

The McGillivrays recently opened their new pool yard at 120 Whakakake Street, Tauriko.

The pools are available for viewing, so you can see the quality for yourself, and Jocelyn recommends ringing ahead to ensure someone will be available to meet with you.

Pools Plus is a local family-run business, who enjoy installing a product which can be enjoyed by families and bring value to people’s lifestyles. There’s no need to leave home to have fun and entertainment.

As the New Zealand importer of the Barrier Reef brand, Pools Plus supply other retailers throughout New Zealand. During the 10 year period, the retailer network has expanded and now includes the South Island.

Andrew is hands on and always on site, making sure the install is top quality. You will see Andrew or his brother-in-law Rod in the digger making sure everything goes smoothly, so you can be assured the pool is installed to

the highest standard.

Pools Plus offer a 24 month workmanship warranty for their installation, not a standard 12 month warranty, so you can be secure in the quality of their workmanship.

When you book an on-site consultation, you are likely to meet Jocelyn, her niece Bre or her brother Tony. Family is strong in this team!

At the consultation, a template of the pool can be laid on your property to demonstrate the size and shape of the pool and it can be shifted in location to help you choose the right spot.

After the consultation, you will be provided with a free, no-obligation quote with ‘no hidden costs, no PC sums, no estimates’.

They’ll give you a straight-up quote so you know exactly what your pool is going to cost.

“Many customers have said this was a great help to them when planning their pool,” says Jocelyn.

Pools Plus offer a range of services and accessories, which include pool maintenance, pool covers, heat pumps and electric pool cleaners among other things.

Many of the pool sales come from word of mouth. They have some customers for whom the team have installed more than one Barrier Reef pool.

Reputation is very important to the Pools Plus team, and is the reason why they ensure they do a great job each and every time.

Repeat sales do happen in the pool business.

The most memorable quote Jocelyn recalls came from a dairy farmer with a large family

who still to this day, after eight summers of having a Barrier Reef pool, says: “it was the best investment I ever made.”

Andrew and Jocelyn are looking to keep growing their business and are currently in the process of expanding their team.

Pools Plus have some great specials available at present to celebrate 10 years in business.

Call now to make a time to meet at your home or to visit the pool yard.

The team look forward to meeting you.

2 March, 2018

life+style The Weekend Sun 3

Pania of Papamoa How do we keep the turtle happy?

Recently I went to a “Goodness Me I’m Plastic Free” workshop in Papamoa. I’d been following Pania Edward’s family journey since mid-way through 2017.

Her son Andrei’s teacher at Tahatai Coast School, Shona Poppe, had led her class on an inquiry into water and ocean pollution. They’d all learned about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and turtles starving from ingesting plastics.

As Pania put it, “it went from there”.

The family jumped on board World Ocean Day in June, then Plastic Free July. Pania decided to detox her household of plastic, help clean up their environment and learn about healthier options.

“I pulled out all my stuff in the kitchen and had a look at how much plastic packaging there was,” says Pania. “It was everywhere. I did a comparison and started to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

“I got a bit drastic in the beginning and replaced all my plastic containers.”

The hardest thing seems to be trying to find alternatives to store things in. I was happy to soak up all the learnings Pania has gained from her research.

She’s got serious ‘cred’ from her communications work with councils and district health boards in Auckland. Having completed a BMS, her specialist areas are strategic management and leadership, and communications.

Her work with the New Lynn Revitalisation Project, implementing a SAP asset management IT system, coordinating events and fundraising for community centres from Northland to Manukau is the type of thing that gives me reassurance that

someone is checking facts well before informing others - particularly when it comes to matters of the environment.

Arriving in Papamoa with her family about a year ago, it’s not lost on her that she is aptly named Pania.

“Pania of the Reef is a Maori folklore story about a lady who lived in an ocean,” she says, “so here I am in Papamoa, and I have got really passionate about the ocean.”

She shows me how to line a rubbish bin with three layers of The Weekend Sun instead of a plastic bag.

“I read it first,” she laughs.

“I don’t put anything wet in here, or any food.

“Anything edible I give to my chickens.

“I’m always looking for ways to move something forward and connect people up. What I hope comes out of this is a working group of people interested in making Papamoa plastic-free. There isn’t any dedicated plastic-free supplier in NZ.” Her workshop is packed with practical and helpful information. I leave with a check sheet of personal changes I can make. It’s about conversion.

Converting from plastic bottled hair care products to solid shampoo bars, and wrapping my lunch in beeswax covered cloth wraps instead of plastic food wrap.

My mind is filled with Pania’s easily remembered slogans – ‘get away from single-use plastic’, ‘gladwrap doesn’t make wildlife glad’, ‘plastics break up but they don’t break down’ and ‘take three’, which means when I go to the beach, take away three pieces of other people’s rubbish to put in the bin.

My very first plastic toothbrush still lies in a landfill somewhere. I’m off to buy a bamboo one.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

“After a month of plastic-free, I’d halved my general rubbish and my recycle bin was overflowing”

Pania O’Connor

4

2 March, life+style The Weekend Sun 21 August,2018 2015

Chugging towards a million The Glory Days of Tauranga’s Miniature Railway One Sunday afternoon after Christmas I decided to revisit my ten-year-old self and went for a train ride at Palmerville Station. Located at Memorial Park, Tauranga’s Miniature Railway has been in operation for 38 years.

I arrived to find a busy bustling station, with four trains coming and going. There were far more tracks than I remember, some above head height circling around between the trees across a newly-built viaduct.

I felt like the huffy puff wolf who returned to visit the three little pigs only to discover a straw city had been built while he was away.

I boarded the next train, sitting behind the driver.

Dotted around, wearing bright yellow hi-viz vests, smiling volunteers were conductors, drivers, ticket sellers and safety maintainers.

It was hot and sunny as we set off from the station, with a mild breeze. Behind me the ‘carriages’ were full.

I’d seen Murder on the Orient Express in late 2017, and for a moment, imagination took over as we sped along towards the tunnel.

The whole ride took more than six minutes.

“It depends on who is driving,” laughs volunteer driver Russell Prout. “It could be nine minutes if you get one of the slower drivers.”

We stop along the way to give way and look out for pedestrians. “The pedestrian crossing helps raise awareness for young children about trains,” says Bruce Harvey.

“And it works really well. We’ve had lots of

kindergarten groups down. The bells start ringing, the arms come down and they hear the train coming. It’s all the right information.”

The club was given a locomotive whistle which they’ve blown and discovered it can be heard at Matapihi.

“It’s the genuine article and creates a good sound.”

In 2016 the Tauranga Model, Marine and Engineering Club, known as Tauranga Miniature Railway, won Supreme Winner in the Trustpower Community Awards. It’s easy to see why.

“We’ve been running for 38 years, and today we’ll probably do a thousand runs,” says Russell.

“Some of those people may have had children here two or three generations ago. We see them come back week after week and they’re part of the institution which is our club.”

We wind through the park, under trees, over bridges and back around to circle once again on a different part of the track. In the middle of the grounds are picnic tables and a playground.

Over the viaduct and we drop down towards the other side of the hillock, stopping to toot the horn and check for passing trains. Continuing around, we chug past the larger children’s playground and an ice cream truck.

Flashes of childhood memories rush to mind. We nearly overtake another train on a nearby track but they are headed for the viaduct.

“Our latest addition three years ago is the viaduct,” says Russell. “That’s very successful.”

I agree.

Winding back in to Palmerville Station, the train

2 March, 2018 2015 21 August,

life+style The Weekend Sun 5

“We do around 45,000 rides per year, and have completed more than ¾ million rides since the club first started”

Club President Peter Jones on the viaduct

rides since the club first started,” says Peter Jones who has been club president for 23 years. “So we’re looking for the millionth ride in the next couple of years.”

The ¾ million train went around about 18 months ago, and Peter thinks ’re u Yoone they’re about 50,000 rides away from million.

The train is about to leave again.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford Toot Toot!

o the t d e Invit

CE E W Y O A GR D ber

N E cto O P h O 6t ay Frid

ROW G t ion ea

plac Educat r u yo dhood amoa ap il Find

y Ch y Place, P 29 771c8e.co.nz l r a E e 9 @growe Ashl : 07

GROW GROW

58

Early Early Childhood Childhood Education Education

Ph: 929 Ph: 7718 929 7718 Email: Email: info@growece.co.nz info@growece.co.nz Web:Web: www.growece.co.nz www.growece.co.nz

We We allall need need aa place place toto Grow...

Grow...

... and ... and if you if have you have children children under under 6, then 6, then we have we have an amazing an amazing placeplace just for justyou for you

Childcare Childcare Special Special EnrolEnrol Now Now at Grow at Grow ECEECE and automatically and automatically get get

50%50% off Parent off Parent Fees Fees for for 3 Months 3 Months GrowGrow ECE ECE 58 Ashley 58 Ashley Place, Place, Papamoa Papamoa Ph: 929 Ph:7718 929 7718 Web: Web: www.growece.co.nz www.growece.co.nz Conditions Conditions apply and apply numbers and numbers are limited are limited

““

““

““

can drive the public.

“It’s building up job and life skills,” says Bruce. “And they’re very responsible.

They’re very knowledgeable and have certainly done their homework. They’re our replacements.”

On a wet day they might get up to 250 people, and close up early if it’s raining, and on fine days up to 800 people.

“We do around 45,000 rides per year, and have completed more than ¾ million

The team The team at Grow at Grow ECE are ECEamazing! are amazing!

I I

wouldwould highlyhighly recommend recommend themthem if youifare you are

looking looking for excellence for excellence in care infor care your for family. your family.

Alex Alex fromfrom Papamoa Papamoa

““

whistle blasts once more and for a moment I think we’re going to stop, but no, we’re headed off to another tunnel.

Weather permitting the club runs every Sunday from 10am to 4pm in summer, and 10am to 3pm in winter. Updates on the day are posted to Facebook.

“If we’re not running, people ring up the council to find out what’s happened,” says Bruce.

“Today we have about 12 volunteers down here running it. Some days we have down to six, which we can still run. But 12 is a good number as we can relieve each other with driving the engines.

“We try to not drive for more than half-an-hour at a time. The station master role changes during the day as well, so everybody gets a turn.”

The grass is mowed, and if I was still ten I would think it looked postcard-able, but today I think it all looks Instagrammable.

“Council are very supportive,” says Bruce.

“They look after us and keep the grounds tidy.”

Over the summer some of the club are attending a miniature rail convention in Nelson.

Four locomotives had already gone to Nelson – three steam and one diesel. And nine of the 90 club members.

“Quite often we have steamers down here as well,” says Bruce. The steamers had gone to Nelson. I ask them how long the track is now, and it starts a small debate. We end up with 1.3km as the track length.

“Somewhere between one and one point something,” says Russell.

Club members start at around 14-years-old. Once they get to 16 years, and are suitably trained, they

We love WeGrow. love Grow.

Definitely Definitely the best theECE bestinECE in

Papamoa!

Papamoa!

The teachers The teachers and staff and at staff Grow at Grow are are wonderful. wonderful.

MariaMaria fromfrom Papamoa Papamoa

e

Phon

fo

il: in

Ema

6

March, 2018 life+style The Weekend Sun 212 August, 2015

Photos: Bruce Barnard

Peace Garden Racing cars, op shops and steeples I found a peace garden at the Mount.

I noticed a sign over a gateway leading to it one day when walking past St Peter’s Anglican Church in Victoria Street, so I went exploring.

Richard in the middle of the early childhood centre sand pit in which he and the kids have made a car.

FREE SMARTCRAFT SC1000 TACHO RIGGING KIT

Jenny Carmichael, who was helping with the gardening near the front of the church, came with me. Once inside the garden walls I realise we can see across to Mount Drury, and look down on the back of the shops below. It’s such a tranquil place, and so close to the busy main street of the Mount.

There is seating, flowers and low brick walls with plaques, one of which has Jenny’s husband’s name on it.

“I planted a rose in his honour,” says Jenny.

“It’s called Amber and it won’t grow too high.”

We stand quietly and absorb the feeling of peacefulness and contemplation around us.

Later I asked the vicar, Rev Richard Vialoux, about the garden and some of the history of the parish.

Richard has been overseeing St Mary’s at Arataki and St Peter’s at the Mount for the last six years.

Both Anglican churches form the parish of Mount Anglican.

Richard has recently resigned to take up a new chapter of life at Elliott’s Funeral Service. As well as serving as the vicar, he has been responsible for two childcare centres - one behind Bayfair, next to St Mary’s, and one near Tahatai Coast School. And the parish runs an op shop, next door to St Mary’s.

He and his wife Elizabeth have five sons and live in Papamoa.

The first Anglican services at Mount Maunganui were held under the trees at the base of Mauao lead by an itinerant preacher in 1908. In 1913, a visiting Methodist Minister named Mr Richards took the first proper church service near the Pilot Bay wharf.

With the opening of the Ministry of Works cottages and a school at Totara Street, services plus Sunday School were held more regularly.

“The parish grew from Tauranga’s Holy Trinity,” says Richard. “St Peter’s was built in the 1950s.

“From there the church grew along the isthmus.

St Mary’s was built late 1980s, and then this parish went out and church planted in Papamoa.”

A stained-glass window at St Peter’s pictures a chaplain supporting an injured soldier.

I remember this later when Richard tells me more about their work.

I find him again at St Mary’s behind Bayfair, a few weeks before leaving. He’s wearing a racing shirt which is, on reflection, far more approachable than the traditional cleric’s collar. He looks like a priest, but he also looks like he could be a mechanic.

“I was a primary school teacher to start off with,” says Richard. “I met my wife Elizabeth at Teachers College. I ended up joining the old Ministry of Transport as a traffic cop, but teaching in schools.

“We had those black and white patrol cars with a cherry on top, and we predominantly went in to schools teaching road safety to children.”

He was on TV3 with Suzy Cato as a police officer

2 March, 20182015 21 August,

“This parish has hands reaching out in all directions to help the community it is a part of”

on the Saturday morning kids programme ‘The Early Bird Show’ in the late 80s and early 90s.

“We’d go around visiting schools with Ronald McDonald. We had a lot of fun with kids and got a message across at the same time.”

It’s no surprise that one of his favourite places in the parish has been next door at the early childhood centre, where he and the children made a car.

“I ended up being a police officer from 1992 until 2001, as the police took us over, and then I left to become a priest.”

After training at St Johns College in Auckland, he started in a position in Albany.

The move to the Mount came after receiving a phone call telling him he should apply.

“So I did, and here I am.”

The couple moved the whole family of seven; the five boys are grown up now with one in London, one in Palmerston North, one a builder living in Judea and two at home.

The interest in cars goes back to his youth.

“I’ve always been fascinated with cars,” says Richard. “I’ve loved them from an early age.

“I’ve owned quite a collection over the years, including a few sports cars, and loved motor racing, predominantly V8 super racing.”

For his 50th birthday, about four years ago, he and Elizabeth went to Bathurst.

We pop across the carpark to the op shop.

Managed by Lynn Collingwood, it is run by about 20 volunteers. On the wall is a clipping

Op shop staff, Lynn Collingwood (manager), Linda Schroder, Sheryl Teddy and Valda Hildreth.

that tells of how it scored highly as one of the best in New Zealand.

“Someone was travelling around NZ, and wrote a book about op shops and put ours in the top three or four on the list,” says Richard.

I can see why. It is full of great buys at low prices. The parish has some excellent facilities available for community use.

“There are a lot of weddings at St Peter’s,” says Richard. “The doors, step and steeple are a nice feature. Your traditional Anglican churches usually have an older, more gothic style with darker timber inside. But somebody had the foresight to use rimu, which lightens St Peter’s up. It’s quite lovely.”

Both churches have Sunday services. During the week, it’s also about connecting with people.

“We had one young guy walk in here off the street,” says Richard.

“He was in tears, and he said he couldn’t do it anymore. He needed some help.

“We got him a shower and clothes from the op shop. Then I took him to a doctor and got his rotting feet sorted out. With the help of

Jenny Carmichael

the Papamoa Support Centre, we got him back connected with his family.

“He rang me up a few weeks later and told me he’d got his job back, and was living back with his dad, and that he just wanted to thank us.

“That was a good outcome.”

The people in the parish are also strong supporters of Whare te Whanau, the emergency housing service run by Te Tuinga Whanau.

“There are a core group of people in this parish that gather resources together and help them stock the homes that they end up putting families into.”

I reflect on how I was originally interested in the new grand piano sitting in St Peter’s.

Richard laughs.

“The piano itself is useless on its own,” says Richard. “It’s the people that gather that make it alive and come together to make people joyful.”

I realise that the same can be said of this parish, which has hands reaching out in all directions to help the community it is a part of.

I wish him well on his new career.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

life+style The Weekend Sun 7

8

March, 2015 2018 life+style The Weekend Sun 212August,

Fergus armchair

Lucia 2.5- seater sofa

Helios coffee table

No matter what your personal style, Nood has something to jazz up your home decor. Whether you need a new sofa, some modern art, or a pop of colour, go and browse Nood for a gorgeous addition.

Bulldog on guard

Chasm artwork

Dylan writing desk

Velo stitch cushions

Dachsie draft stop

noodist price $239.60

noodist price $139.60 noodist price $999.50

noodist price $874.30

79 elizabeth street, tauranga auckland | hamilton| wellington | nelson | christchurch | queenstown | dunedin www.nood.co.nz *terms & conditions: noodist club members will receive up to 50% off full price items and double nood reward points during the promotional period. the offer excludes the purchase of clearance, seconds and elements items. the offer is open to new and exisitng members of nood rewards. furniture and large accessory items are not kept in stock in store, orders can be placed for such items and a home delivery or a hub pick up fee will apply to these items. delivery times and fees will vary, ask a staff member for more details. stock may vary from store to store. some products may require assembly. while stocks last, orders can be taken on some of our stock items. nood reserve the right to change or withdraw this offer at any time. offer ends 11 march 2018.

2 March, 2018

life+style The Weekend Sun 9

Photos: Bruce Barnard

Red Hat Dames Motoring, retirement and country lunches The word ‘motoring’ came to mind when I drove out to Te Puna to meet the Red Hat Dames. I had plucked my red hat from my growing hat collection and set off to meet them over lunch.

Crossing the Wairoa Bridge I found myself motoring through rural countryside along grassy tree-lined lanes to the Cider Factorie, which is tucked away at the end of Oikimoke Road. Pulling into the car park, I was faced with a stunning view of Tauranga Harbour and, of course, the Red Hat Dames, who were ready to enjoy lunch as part of their outing.

“We’re not an association,” says Ann Andrews. “We’re just a friendly group based at Carmel Country Estate Retirement Village in Ohauiti. There are loads of activities going on there, and we’re a group that mostly go out on outings.”

They sit around a large table, some wearing hats and others fascinators. Cider Factorie owners, Simon and Rowena Pearce, clearly enjoying this colourful addition to their day, take lunch orders.

“Te Puna is known as the green belt of Tauranga,” says Rowena. “We have an opportunity to produce a menu that is primarily sourced from a 20km radius of our venue utilising the produce grown or produced in this area.”

On their road alone are venison and tomato growers.

Nearby a garlic grower, lettuce grower and Heilala Vanilla that feature in desserts.

Also avocado, olive and apple trees.

“We were mindful of this when we repurposed this

place and developed the idea to open the restaurant onsite,” says Rowena. “It’s a great way to support and promote our little community. This place is rustic and rural and embraces our background in wine making.”

They ran an e-bike open day in November, so that people could come in, have a play with an e-bike and get ready for the cycle trail which is planned to go past the end of their road.

Getting people out of cars and on to bikes so they can link up from Omokoroa and stop in for lunch while riding sounds wonderful.

The Red Hat Dames are certainly enjoying their day out.

During the morning, the group had already been to the Begonia House in Cliff Road.

“Then we looked around the Rose Garden, which was fabulous. After that we went and had a look at Nautilus Café then we came here to the Cider Factorie.”

Anne Rowlands ran the group before Ann Andrews.

“Joan Spick started the group,” says Anne Rowlands.

“Before me, Annie Duff and Helen Sanders were running it,” says Anne Rowlands.

The group has about 17 members and has been running for 11 years.

“They don’t come all the time,” says Ann Andrews.

“We go out every month and just have fun, that’s what it’s all about.”

She tells me about the many activities that take place at Carmel Country Estate, where she says has about 200 residents. A staff member Chris McNab drives the mini-bus for their outings.

“We do have fun, we really do,” laughs Ann. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

10

March, 2018 life+style The Weekend Sun 212 August, 2015

Athenree Homestead Stunning restoration by outstanding volunteers Despite living most of my life in the Bay of Plenty, I had yet to visit the Athenree Homestead. I knew little about it before deciding to go to their annual Vintage Christmas Fair in November, and so was quite amazed to discover not only a restored building but an energised community of people who have links both past and present with this property.

Photo: Peter Howard

Driving from Tauranga, another surprise was finding that the property is only about 10 minutes on the other side of Katikati. There were stallholders spread across the lawn, people seated at tables enjoying refreshments and the Katikati Concert Band playing. A beautiful sunny day with a view out across the Tauranga harbour.

The railway station which used to be in the Athenree Gorge was moved up to the homestead about seven or eight years ago and has now become the refreshment rooms.

Scones and tea and plenty of people to chat with.

And then there is the homestead itself.

As I walked up the driveway, the chimneys, roof and finally the full house itself appeared, stunningly set among the pink and purple hydrangeas, hollyhocks, box hedging and established trees.

It’s hard to imagine the house was once just derelict remains, overgrown and falling into decay.

I’d read that during the early and very tough-going

Rare opportunity at Ocean Shores

years of the property restoration, members of the Athenree Homestead Trust had to stay overnight during Guy Fawkes to prevent the building being burnt down, such was the level of negativity from some that it could ever be returned to its original glory.

The Bay of Plenty is such a scenic area that it’s sadly possible to live all your life enjoying just the present without ever being enriched by knowing what came before.

The Athenree Homestead is one such place. I learned that it plays an important part in reflecting the early history of Ulster settlement in Katikati and Athenree. Built and lived in by Irish settlers Adela and Hugh Stewart from 1878 to 1906, the property had a significant role in the developing community.

Hugh Stewart was the brother of George Vesey Stewart who was the founder of Katikati and Te Puke, and was elected Mayor of Tauranga in 1882.

It is believed that George Vesey Stewart enticed more than 4000 people to settle in New Zealand.

On learning this I could see that this property was not just telling us the story of the Athenree settlement, but also telling us part of the story of Tauranga Moana from Katikati to Te Puke.

The story of this family was entwined with the story of Tauranga.

I could hear a piano, so went in and found Julie Gray standing in an elegant room under a huge painting of Captain Mervyn Stewart. Julie’s maiden name is Stewart.

“Mervyn Stewart is my great-great-great-

Only 1 brand new villa and 3 refurbished apartments left!

Complete and available now, these homes are built to the highest standard, with quality fittings and fixtures, good storage, and spacious configurations for either one or two people. Beautiful apartments are priced from just $385,000 and there is still one stunning new villa available.

Ocean Shores is a seaside retirement village where every day feels like you’re on holiday. Set among beautiful gardens just 300m from one of New Zealand’s most iconic beaches, the village has been thoughtfully designed to take advantage of its idyllic location.

Our resort-style facilities include a restaurant and bar, heated indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, and bowling green.

Best of all, Ocean Shores Village is a warm, caring and secure community, where there’s always a friendly neighbour to talk to.

Be in quick to secure your home today.

Call Maree now on 021 379 065 to book your private tour.

80 Maranui Street, Mt Maunganui

www.ArenaLiving.nz

Example of Arena Living villa interior

221 March, 2018 August, 2015

life+style The Weekend Sun 11

“Our aim is to present the whole of the property as an authentic picture of what life was like in the 1870s and 1880s when Hugh and Adela Stewart arrived here and established what was 500 acres”

grandfather,” says Julie. “He came out to New Zealand when he was 88 years old.”

Julie had no idea the painting existed until one of the original members of the trust, who was visiting England, saw it up for auction and procured it for the homestead.

Interestingly, Julie’s husband Peter Gray’s greatgrandfather William John Gray was the first county engineer for the area, and Julie’s great-greatgrandfather George Vesey Stewart was the first mayor of the Tauranga county. They worked together.

There are many interesting photos, pieces of furniture, clothing and other items through the house. For the past couple of years Hilary Arthur has been documenting, photographing and cataloguing everything, including the donated items.

The next project is the rebuild of the back of the house. I wander through to take a look and find trust member Chris Bedford in the dining room, resplendent in suit, bow tie, cane and a top hat.

“We’re particularly seeking to raise funds to rebuild the rear of the house which will make the house complete,” says Chris.

“Our aim is to present the whole of the property as an authentic picture of what life was like in the 1870s and 1880s when Hugh and Adela Stewart arrived here and established what was 500 acres.

“I say to people ‘what was it like to live here in the 1880s?’ There was no road here at first, and Hugh’s parents lived at Kauri Point. There was no bridge across the Tuapiro River for quite a long time.

“They had to wait for the tide to go down to get

Julie Gray

across. There were a lot of things like that they had to deal with.”

As a trust member, Chris’s particular responsibility is the management of the house, as distinct from the grounds and the kitchen. The trust holds the Christmas Fair each year as a fundraiser to continue with restoration and maintenance of the property. The south wall building project is a rebuild rather than a restore, as the old pieces from that part of the house

Chris Bedford

were smashed, ruined or decayed. It has already taken many hours of voluntary work by the trust, ensuring that regulations and requirements involving architect, archeologist and engineers are met. They were successful in securing a funding grant from TECT but unfortunately were declined by the Lotteries Commission.

The lengthy and highly-detailed applications involved extensive discussions and correspondence with Heritage NZ and

a heritage architect, which made the rejection disappointing.

Later I read of the hurdles the trust has overcome to turn the homestead from a ruin back into one of the Bay’s most notable properties.

The homestead is open for viewing every Sunday through summer from 12-4pm, and the gardens and house provide an enjoyable place to visit.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

12

life+style The Weekend Sun 21 August, 2015

E C N A R A E L C PRICE DROP OUR LOW EST

ADVER TISED PRICE S EVER ON SANCT UARY BEDS*

Cybele Queen Size Firm Feel

Set from $2,799

Mattress Only $1,999 Spoil yourself with the ultimate in luxury and support.

Eos

You can afford to indulge yourself with a luxurious Sanctuary bed. Enjoy superior comfort and support for a restful sleep night after night.

Set from $3,199

Carnation

Gretel

Great entry level pocket spring bed that ticks all the boxes.

Luxurious comfort, support and perfect for allergy sufferers.

Undeniable value for money plus a 10 year warranty. Nuvole and Dreamfoam® comfort layers for a great night’s sleep.

Queen Size

Featuring Silverline anti-bacterial fabric and dust-mite resistant, hypo-allergenic Wool fibres with superior Latex Gold®. Get more support and less partner disturbance with Swisstek Pocketcoil.

Queen Size

Set from $1,599

Set from $2,799

Mattress Only $1,099

Mattress Only $2,299

NEW ZEALAND’S

LARGEST

INDEPENDENT BEDDING GROUP

T

NATIONWIDE

P

Mattress Only $2,499

E XCLU

SIVE

Real prices, Real savings, Real deals.

Beds R Us. The Real Bed Specialists.

S

T

Queen Size Medium to Firm Feel

50 STORES

PROUD TO BE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

PROUD TO BE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED