EastLife December 2020 - January 2021

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FACES & PL ACES | FASHION | HEALTH & BEAUT Y | FOOD | ART | HOME | EVENTS | TRAVEL www.eastlife.co.nz

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ON THE COVER

CHRISTMAS

BLESSINGS Christmas is arriving much too fast for my liking – I am in fear and trembling every time I walk past a beauty counter looking for gifts.

SUMMER COOL: Life may not be black and white but when you want to make an impression by the pool or on the shore then it’s all about black and white as seen in our beach babe’s stunning monochrome striped swimsuit from the Piha range by Moontide. Figure-flattering it exudes sophisticated style – perfect for bathers who prefer less rather than more reveal.

See more page 33.

Ph 09 271 8000 www.eastlife.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry 09 271 8036, editor@eastlife.co.nz Sales: Jackie Underhill 09 271 8092, jackie@eastlife.co.nz Sales: Kate Ockelford-Green 09 271 8090, kate@eastlife.co.nz Design: Claire Robertson 09 271 8061, clairer@eastlife.co.nz Design: Clare McGillivray 09 271 8067, clare@eastlife.co.nz Photography: Wayne Martin Published by Times Media Ltd 10 Central Terrace, Howick, Auckland. PO Box 38 232 Howick, Auckland 2145

Like us on facebook: www.facebook.com/ eastlifemagazine DISCLAIMER: Articles published in EastLife do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or editor. All material is provided as a general information service only. Times Media Ltd does not assume or accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, the accuracy or appropriate application of any information in this magazine. All the material in this magazine has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times Media Ltd.

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You might well ask, why? They answer is: I’m an absolute wood duck. And, the definition of a wood duck? In my case it’s ‘a sitting target, a person who can be persuaded to buy almost anything given the right rationale.’

I cannot tell you how many beauty add-ons I have bought when intending to purchase one item. For example, I needed a foundation and came back with a bronzer, loose powder, highlighter, a brush and a sponge.

I only use the foundation!

Initially, I did use the sponge but it quickly became infused with the foundation and took some washing to clean, especially if not done after every use.

However, that’s just one of many shopping ventures which have gone awry – my Orogold red light apparatus was the result of seeking one tube of eyetightening cream. The difference?

Many, many dollars.

Popping in for an eye shadow, I ended up with several extras to

enhance my eyes – I am useless at applying them so quickly slipped back into my usual routine.

And, when it comes to skin care, I have oils, toners, eye and neck creams I seldom apply. This lazy, and time-poor editor, tends to fall back on a good cleanser, day moisturiser and night cream although admittedly some of those anti-ageing, wrinklereducing oils have been put to good use of late. Do I look younger? Not sure.

Lack of willpower aside, I do love this time of the year – I’m a real present person and love buying for the family. In recent years I have cut back a bit on our adult children in order to lavish a little more on the grandchildren but I don’t think I’ll ever stop picking up a package here, or a parcel there in the build up to this special day of giving and appreciation.

However, if funds are tight, there are many inexpensive ways to give – a few hours house cleaning for nana, gardening or lawn mowing for granddad, clean the car for mum and dad or bake a treat for a friend. These are ‘gifts’ I always appreciate and I’m sure others do too. In fact, last year, a friend gave me a gorgeous bottle

from the

EDITOR of gourmet salad dressing – I loved it!

Now, I’m just hoping the Christmas spirit is buoying others and I like to think our readers and advertisers are also looking forward to this festive season, especially after the year that’s been.

Shop local if you can – our retailers and other businesses need support and I especially thank those who have supported EastLife. We wouldn’t be here without you.

But without rattling on further – that’s it for another year. Here’s hoping we soon see the back of Covid-19 as vaccines become available but, mostly, to you all, a blessed Christmas, be at peace with each other, let olds scores be bygones and do enjoy this season of goodwill. Finally, look forward to the promise of new beginnings as we enter January 2021 – grace and peace to you all.

HELEN PERRY EDITOR

COMMUNITY LOSES A BRILLIANT MAN Recent news that Alan Breslau, co patron of the Burn Support Charitable Trust in Auckland had passed away left me extremely sad.

The survivor of a horrific US plane crash in 1963, which left him with terrible burn injuries, Alan spent five years in hospital and, although left with dreadful scars, he also emerged with a determination to overcome the challenges ahead and, in time, showed an indomitable zest for life and helping other burn survivors.

Although born and raised in the USA, where he lived for many years, it was in 1988 that Alan met his Kiwi wife to be, Delwyn at

the first World Burn Congress in the States. After a five-year, long distance courtship they married and eventually decided to make their home in Auckland at Half Moon Bay. The recipient of numerous awards and honours including a Kiwibank Local Hero Award and also of a lifetime achievement award from the American Burn Association, Alan contributed to a host of national and international burn awareness organisations.

His career and personal achievements were multiple including being the author of two impactful books and, up until recently, and although in his 90s,

TRIBUTE

Delwyn & Alan Breslau

he continued to attend community events and functions.

An inspirational yet humble man who overcame many hurdles, Alan will be remembered across the world with respect and admiration.

To Delwyn, we at Eastlife offer our truly sincere sympathy and warmest regard – you have been Alan’s soulmate and a devoted carer. Arohanui, Alan.

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Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit www.eastlife.co.nz and enter this month’s code ELJAN4877.

One entry per email address / person; entries close January 31, 2021. Winners notified by phone or email.

WIN! A LINDEN LEAVES PINK GRAPEFRUIT & PEPPER SET Looking to turn over a new leaf in the New Year? Why wait? A great Christmas gift idea, Linden Leaves’ Pink Grapefruit & Pepper sets include 100ml hand cream, face & body mist and cute bon bon – which contains a mini hand cream and sample body oil. Featuring a sumptuous new fragrance, these sets are available now via www.lindenleaves.com. What’s more, enter our prize draw to be in to win a set valued at $79 – our lucky winner drawn early in the New Year.

WIN! A DOUBLE PASSES TO THE BMW NZ POLO OPEN Anyone for polo? On February 21, Clevedon will again host this intriguing sport as high goal players aim to claim one of New Zealand’s oldest polo trophies. In addition to on-field action, visitors are invited to dress to impress as fashion comes to the fore. See nzpoloopen. com for details. What’s more, one of our lucky readers will win a double pass to attend this marquee event.

WIN! WONDERL AND

WIN! $100 EARTHWISE HAMPERS Keeping clean while staying green requires we get down to Earth. Earthwise relies on plant-based ingredients which are tough on dirt and germs but, because they’re safe in grey water and septic tank systems, we can make better use of water (all important at this time of year) as well. We have hampers valued at $100 to give away to TWO lucky readers, each packed full of cleaning products which won’t cost the earth – in fact, all they’ll cost you is a couple of minutes to enter our draw!

Welcome to our world! New Zealand is wonderful but when seen from above it is an even more majestic place, as this book reveals. Featuring photographs (many hand coloured) from Aucklandbased Whites Aviation, Wonderland captures a story in pictures spanning more than half a century and also tells the fascinating story of a high-flying Kiwi company.

Peter Alsop: Wonderland – The New Zealand photographs of Whites Aviation | RRP $49.99 | Potton & Burton www.eastlife.co.nz

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DECEMBER – JANUARY

2020/2021

PLEASE NOTE: Information regarding times & dates of these events was correct at the time this issue went to print. However, due to the pandemic, events may be postponed or cancelled. In some cases, tickets may be limited or social distancing measures employed as appropriate. Readers are advised to check events online for updates.

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S EVE Christmas Outdoor Movie Nights December 17 & 23, from 8.30pm, Town Square, Botany Town Centre, 588 Chapel Rd, Auckland Two Christmas classic family films – The Grinch and Polar Express – will be screened outdoors at Botany Town Centre with visitors experiencing pre-movie music by The Salvation Army Band. Shops will be open until 10pm. See www. botanytowncentre.co.nz.

The Community of Saint Luke Christmas Concert December 19, from 8pm, St Lukes Church, 130 Remuera Road, Remuera Hosted by Handel Consort and Quire, this festive concert features a wide range of works all designed to celebrate the season of goodwill.

See www.stlukes.org.nz/events.

Brookby Boutique Christmas Market December 20-21, 8.30am to 1pm, The Brookyby Barn, 331 West Rd, Brookby From hand-crafted gifts to food, entertainment and more, this festive market is set to help locals get into the spirit of the season. See www.facebook.com/ BrookbyChristmasMarket.

Chinese New Year Festival & Market Day

Howick RSA President’s Ball and NYE Party December 31, from 5pm, Howick RSA, 25 Wellington St, Howick Americans may still be divided as to which chief they’d prefer to hail to but Howick is more united on the subject. Following a Great Gatsby theme, this year’s President’s Ball at Howick RSA will see flappers, grifters, gangsters and playboys dance the night (and the year) away. See www.howickrsa.co.nz.

FESTIVALS & FAIRS Summernova Now – March 2021, dates and times vary, Auckland wide As the sails are raised for summer, Auckland will host a wide range of events set to coincide with the America’s Cup. From arts and music to sport, food, fashion and more, Summernova is a season-long festival showcasing our Super City.

See www.summernova.co.nz.

Chinese New Year Festival & Market Day January 30, 9:30am-4pm, ASB Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom Let’s face it, 2020 was a dog of a year! However, as 2021 is the Year of the Ox, let’s not allow the world to drag us down as we kick up our

heels to celebrate Chinese New Year. From cultural performances and food to arts and crafts, this festival expects to see Auckland celebrate in style. See www. aucklandchinese.org.nz.

The Extravaganza Fair January 30 – February 1, 9am-5pm, Orakei Domain, 11 Tamaki Drive, Orakei Life’s not ‘fair’ but it’s only as fun as we make it! From market stalls to circus performers and live music, this bohemian festival promises a magical, mystical journey. Visit www.extravaganza.co.nz.

FAMILY FUN Waterworld From December 26, Kohimarama Beach & Mission Bay, Tamaki Dr, Kohimarama & Mission Bay From Boxing Day, two East Auckland beaches will be home to Waterworld, an inflatable on-water obstacle course sure to delight children wanting to make a splash.

For dates and locations visit www. dialled.co.nz/aquapark.

DinoFest Auckland January 2-17, times vary, Auckland Botanic Gardens, Everglade Drive, The Gardens The New Year is all set to offer a different type of ‘roar’ deal than

Let’s (Not) Call the Whole Thing Off

the last one at Auckland Botanic Gardens. Telling a story 70 million years in the making, this interactive event is ideal for little ones who are curious to know more about some of the biggest creatures that ever inhabited our world. See www. aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/ whats-on for more information.

MUSIC, MUSICALS & THEATRE

Mamma Mia! Now – December 19, times vary, Selwyn Community Arts Theatre, 230 Kohimarama Road, Kohimarama Here we go again! How could ABBA fans (or those who simply enjoy a good musical) resist this? Based on Catherine Johnson’s book of the same name, and the songs of one of Scandinavia’s most famous exports, this uplifting story is sure to ‘Gimme, Gimme, Gimme’ from start to finish. Search ‘SelwynCommunity-Arts-Theatre’ at www. facebook.com for details.

We Love Aotearoa December 19, from 10am, ASB Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom In addition to music - by such stars as Stan Walker, Ladi 6, Sons of Zion and more – We Love Aotearoa is a

PUBLISHERS OF

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www.eastlife.co.nz

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10 Central Terrace, Howick Ph: 09 271 8000 •

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Come Together – Neil Young’s Live Rust

Groove in the Grapes

celebration of Kiwi culture. With a whanau fun day event, followed by an evening event for adults, We Love Aotearoa also offers plenty of fun.

See www.weloveaotearoa.co.nz.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella December 18-20, ASB Waterfront Theatre, 138 Halsey Street, Auckland City Rising stars of theatre could well enjoy an encore as well as a standing ovation after treading the boards at ASB Waterfront Theatre.

Presented by the children and young adults of the Encore Theatre Collective, this take on a classic story is set to tunes by a couple of legendary composers. Visit www. asbwaterfronttheatre.co.nz.

Let’s (Not) Call the Whole Thing Off December 19, 2-4pm & 7-9pm, Howick Little Theatre, 1 Sir Lloyd Drive, Pakuranga Even through adversity, the band will play on. Featuring St Andrew’s Big Band, this show presents classic big band tunes by such masters as Ellington, Count Basie and Glenn Miller, as well as more contemporary works from Michael Buble, Queen, and NZ’s own queen of country, Tami Neilson. With proceeds destined to help Howick Little Theatre, this concert proves there’s no people quite like show

people when it comes to helping each other. Details via www.hlt. org.nz/about-us/news/big-bandfundraising-concert-for-hlt.

Groove in the Grapes January 16, 12-8pm, Turanga Creek Organic Vineyard, 133 Whitford Park Rd, Whitford Fancy grooving on a Saturday afternoon? You’re in ‘Luck’! Join a musical line-up (headlined by The Jordan Luck Band) for a whole lot of soul set amid the vines at Turanga Creek. See www.turangacreek. co.nz/groove-in-the-grapes.

Come Together – Neil Young’s Live Rust January 16, 8-10pm, Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, Queen Street, Auckland City As the Come Together series concludes, a talented line-up of musicians will be presenting (arguably) the finest album by American folk/rock legend, Neil Young. Visit www.skip.co.nz/ project/come-together.

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS Brickman Awesome Now – February 28, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland City If Ryan ‘The Brickman’ McNaught

Settling In www.eastlife.co.nz

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Match series, March 6-21. See www. aucklandnz.com/36th-americascup/about.

Toi Tu Toi Ora: Contemporary Maori Art Now – May 9, 10am–5pm (except Christmas Day), Auckland Art Gallery, Wellesley Street East, Auckland City The unique expressions of Maori artists are on show during this exhibition. Featuring more than 300 created from the 1950s up until the present, Toi Tu Toi Ora tells stories about Aotearoa’s rich cultural history and how it forms part of who we are to this day. Details via www.aucklandartgallery.com.

SPORT, & RACING America’s Cup – World Series & PRADA Cup December 17-20 & January 15 – February 22, Auckland waterfront Emirates Team New Zealand will take to the water in the first of three series off the coast of the ‘City of Sails’. Also featuring the PRADA Cup (Jan 15 - Feb 22), the series culminates in the America’s Cup

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builds it, people will come in droves! Featuring Lego models – from a NASA rocket to a life-sized Harley Davidson, a giant orca whale and many more – this exhibition showcases building skills on an epic scale. See www. aucklandmuseum.com/visit/ exhibitions/brickman-awesome.

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Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day races December 26 & 31, and January 1, Alexandra Park, Greenlane West Rd, Greenlane, and Ellerslie Racecourse, 100 Ascot Ave, Remuera Whether you’re hot to trot or you never like to put the horse before the cart, there’s a whole lot of races to be run over the summer break.

From harness racing (Alexandra Park) to thoroughbred races at Ellerslie, there’s plenty on offer. In addition to racing, events feature fashion, live entertainment and more. For details of all summer events at these two venues, visit www.alexandrapark.co.nz and www.ellerslie.co.nz.

Tour De Ranges & Divide the Ranges January 9, start times vary, from 65 Monument Road, Clevedon Bowling Club, Clevedon Featuring races on road and off Tour De Ranges (road cycling) and Divide the Ranges (mountain biking) sees teams, individuals, beginners and serious competitors all take turns – and a lot of them!

– as they take in the scenery of the Hunua Ranges and beyond. Visit tourderanges.co.nz.

East Auckland App

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SPORT OF

KINGS

Set against stunning views from Clevedon’s Kauri Bay Boomrock, the official launch of the BMW NZ Polo Open 2021 couldn’t have been better timed. A mild evening, appetising canapés and fine wine ensured a convivial occasion for guests who welcomed this precursor to the big event which takes place on Sunday, February 21 at the Auckland Polo Club grounds in Clevedon (for more see nzpoloopen.com). EastLife photographer WAYNE MARTIN captured the spirit of the occasion.

1: Jane Simich, Holly Estelle; 2: Corbin Baxter, Brianna Lonsdale; 3: Jan Frizzell, Robbie Glen, Daniel Worker, Gailene Wade; 4: Alex Richardson, James Worker, Kit Brooks; 5: Audrey Pitts, Ken Pitts; 6: Chrissy van den Brink, Tanya Lavas; 7: Matt Pitts, Beccy Pitts; 8: Imogen Agnew, Victoria Ruvino; 9: Cody Forsyth, Jonny Wade, Thomas Hunt, Arthur Morgenstern; 10: Robert Niwa, Tanya Carlson; 11: Kimberlee Ali, Lucy Ainsley, Alicea Webster; 12: Tony van den Brink, Karol Abrasowicz-Madek.

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BIRD PARK ON FRESH FLIGHT PATH It was an enthusiastic gathering which applauded the opening of the Blake Twigden Learning Centre and Blake Twigden Gallery at the Whitford Bird Park last month.

Now owned by local businessman, Wayne Huang, who is in the throes of upgrading the bird park facilities, the remodelled learning centre building, set up for lectures and visiting groups, also incorporates a selection of prints by former owner and internationally renowned artist, Blake Twigden. There is also a moving video which shows Blake burning some of his most valuable paintings to highlight the need for conservation of the environment and its endangered creatures.

EastLife Photographer WAYNE MARTIN had a bird’s eye view of guests.

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1: Jennifer Liao and Zoe Lin; 2: Retired corporal and co-ordinator of the Highland Park Education Centre, Ken Davis with Whitford Bird Park owner, Wayne Huang; 3: Val Lott, Kevin Huang; 4: Nixon Liu, Jenny Wang; 5: Deanna Cao, 6: Auda Finan, Andrew Laing.

Best wishes for 2021 FROM SHARON STEWART AND HER CLAN PHOTO CARMEN BIRD

www.eastlife.co.nz

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Q& A

Wayne Huang – ENHANCING OUR WHITFORD LEGACY AND LIFESTYLE

The Golden Pheasant

it is wn to most East Auckland locals but The Whitford Bird Garden is well kno ional tourism trail. Established in the still very much a hidden gem on the nat st, Blake Twigden, the bird garden was late 1980’s by globally recognised arti the yne Huang in 2013. Now, Wayne is in purchased by local businessman, Wa mme at the property and, in particular, midst of completing an upgrade progra tre. and the Blake Twigden Learning Cen has created The Blake Twigden Gallery erience of the past seven years and his exp bird rare his ut abo him ed ask e EastLif acy now in his care. spiritual connection with Blake’s leg

You are well known for your Highland Park educational school and as Rear Commodore (power boats) at the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club so, what motivated you to buy the Whitford Bird Garden which seems a far cry from your other interests?

I fell in love with the rural setting and could see properties like these, and the Blake Twigden legacy, would be put at risk of being lost for our future generations.

Did you have any experience in breeding or keeping rare birds or, for that matter, any other type of bird?

On buying the property I joined the Auckland Metro Bird Club to learn as much as I could about

keeping birds. I became the vice chair the following year. The help and assistance of members was outstanding plus maintaining a natural environment for them [the birds] was of equal importance to me.

The Golden Pheasant which represents a lucky and bright future and is a symbol of the Phoenix.

What type of birds (and how many) does the park presently support?

Yes we have alpacas and ponies which enjoy the lower paddocks.

We have selected the 10 top exotic birds to live in the aviary. These include the Golden Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, Crested Bronze Pigeon, Lorikeet and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. Additionally there are New Zealand’s native birds which fly into the open aviary.

Do you have a favourite breed or even a favourite particular bird?

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Do you have any other animals at the bird park and its surrounding land?

You bought the garden fully set up and operational, how did you handle the challenges of keeping the garden?

It was a challenge to understand that the birds would not last forever especially as the gene pool for birds from the same family is small. Caring for and maintaining the species without a breeding programme is very difficult.

Wayne’s first thoughts on Blake were: Reflecting of the past 7 years I now have an appreciation as to why Blake Twigden burned some of his precious paintings.

Blake is a conservationist.

His understanding that living things don’t last forever demonstrated we have a responsibility to ensure we care for our environment, for the wildlife we love and that we keep the legacy alive for future generations. After visiting and in consultation with Blake, who is currently living Nelson, the Blake Twigden Learning Centre and Blake Twigden Gallery are the first steps in keeping his legacy alive.

Have you employed staff to assist with the bird park or have you and your family managed on your own and if it’s the latter how has that worked out?

Yes, we did get help and also engaged the president of the Auckland Metro Bird Association to gain the best advice possible. My family loves helping especially on the administration and sales side of the garden.

Is the garden open to visitors and, if so, is it by appointment or do you have set times?

The garden is open to visitors by appointment on Fridays and Saturdays, based around feeding times. Groups also visit and we arrange special times to suit. www.eastlife.co.nz

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Wayne Huang

You have recently undertaken renovations and/or expansion at the garden; what has this involved?

We have undertaken an upgrade programme which centres around the Blake Twigden legacy and the aviary. New planting and an upgrade of the aviary is underway so we can introduce new birds into the enclosed aviary.

EastLife understands you have also created an exhibition room for the original owner, Blake Twigden’s paintings; what was the purpose of this?

I am keen to preserve Blake’s vision and art work for future generations. With that in mind, The Blake Twigden Gallery displays www.eastlife.co.nz

copies of his originals for the local community to appreciate this world renowned bird artist. The Blake Twigden Learning Centre is a workshop space for groups for educational and learning purposes.

our top 10 birds and top 10 native trees and, in so doing, enhance the local environment. I want to continue enhancing our Whitford legacy and lifestyle; this is one way of doing that.

Can visitors buy or perhaps commission works by Blake via the gallery or is it for display only?

If you could grow any plant or raise any animal (real or imagined) what would it be and why?

The gallery is for display purposes only. Copies of Blake’s artwork will be available for sale. Currently a series of cards featuring Blake’s work are available to buy.

Whilst there are a number of tropical plants in the garden I admire greatly, I am particularly fond of NZ natives such as the kauri and the puriri, which best suit this natural habitat and which attract the best of our wildlife.

Where to now with the bird park; do you have any particular plans for the future?

Yes, indeed. The plan is to maintain

I’d create an environmental educational programme focusing on the importance of caring for our unique flora and fauna and how we must all play our part in caring for our planet. As guardians, the sustainability and maintenance of our land is fundamental for our future generations.

If you could ask three people from the animal world (living or dead) to dinner who would they be and why?

If you could be Minister of Conservation for a day what is the first thing you would do and why?

David Attenborough and Jacques Cousteau, two the world world’s great conservationists and a Maasai Mara chief, because the Maasai Mara region of Kenya is home to some of the world’s great game parks where the Maasai people roam.

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Photos Wayne Martin

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Wild about

MUSIC

Busy mums are used to simul-tasking but when two local, award-winning women – a singer/ songwriter and an artist – combined their talents to produce a children’s album and songbook, they demonstrated versatility when it comes to balancing parenting, business administration and their impressive creative talents. HELEN PERRY reports.

The name Claudia Robin Gunn will be familiar to many people across various music genres but, perhaps, some of her biggest fans are children.

The Cockle Bay singer/songwriter has been singing, writing songs and performing for many a decade – since high school, in fact – but on the birth of her son 14 years ago, followed by a daughter three years later, Claudia discovered the power of music to calm the cries of babies and soothe their stress.

“I began writing my own lullabies and, gradually, what was originally a means to an end, turned into a passion for writing and singing for and with children.”

However, it wasn’t until 2016 that her first children’s album Little Wild Lullabies, written over eight years, debuted with two of its singles winning APRA awards for Best Children’s Song of the Year (2008 for Lullaby Time and 2010 for Home Sweet Home). The album was also a finalist for Children’s Album of the Year in 2017.

Now, Claudia, with funding support from Creative NZ, has just completed a new project, Sing Through the Year – A Little Wild Childhood. This new digital album for kiddies, based on a theme of weather, seasons and growing up in nature, comes accompanied by a digital songbook, which has been illustrated by local artist Elise De Silva (see her story opposite).

“Although this was something quite different for Elise, I managed to persuade her to help and the result is just perfect,” Claudia says.

“The collaboration was about mums supporting each. Our girls are a similar age and at Cockle Bay School which we both actively support and which has been a great environment for learning. In fact, one of the songs on the album, The Acorns Roll was based on students gathering acorns from the school’s oak trees.”

Using the winter months to complete her new work, featuring 25 songs produced by Tom Fox at The Sound Room, plus a song book which will be available in print at a later date, Claudia, worked closely with Elise whose ‘folk art’ illustrations, with their rustic appeal, are a pleasing fit.

“Of course, a project like this is always a balancing act – when it came to family life I had to cut corners at times – ordering a regular food box helped a lot in the kitchen!”

Released just a few weeks ago, the album comes on the back of Claudia’a continuing enthusiasm for children’s songs and their positive impact on youngsters; it is available through digital platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, itunes, Apple music and more.

The songbook and album can be purchased for download too – readers can find the link at Claudia’s website www. littlewildmusic.com Launching her company, Little Wild Music in 2012 heralded a change in music direction for Claudia.

“In my earlier music life, I was fully involved with electronic band,

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Substax, although I guess you could say I brought a touch of folk music to our recordings which included ‘Electro Soul Plane’.

Although I am now immersed in children’s music, I still perform with the band when I can.”

However, Claudia’s foray into song writing started way back in high school days at Takapuna Grammar School. She also studied voice and acting for a year at Selwyn College [renowned for its exceptional arts programme], but then opted for a career in communications.

“After completing my communications degree at Auckland University of Technology I worked for the Living Chanel and later TVNZ but, still continued to develop my writing and fulfil aspirations to be a solo singer/ songwriter.”

As a result Claudia worked with a series of bands and singing groups including Stella Maris/No Strings Attached (acapella quartet), Touchpaper (indie guitar band) and, of course, Substax (breaks/ electro) with whom she continues to write and record.

hugely popular.”

As part of this project, Claudia entered a film competition earlier this year run by NASA in USA. “It asked entrants to use only footage from NASA’s archive of space footage so I took one of the songs from Little Wild Universe – My Name is Juno, Hello Jupiter – then set it against NASA’s footage and, wonderfully, I won my category. Now I just have to do the acceptance speech; possibly harder than writing a song!”

For each of her albums, Claudia has drawn on everyday occurrences. For example, she says, Hello Neighbour on her latest album was inspired during the first Covid-19 lockdown when many people took to daily walking.

“There was an air of friendliness everywhere as people made a point of greeting each other even when passing from opposite sides of the road!”

After the success of Little Wild Lullabies, which she says is as much for parents and it is for children, Claudia’s enthusiasm for the genre grew, inspiring her to keep on writing until, three years later, with the support of NZ On Air, she produced her second album, Little Wild Universe.

Although she hasn’t given up on writing other music, Claudia admits life is a balancing act. She has run regular music events for children at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick, still performs at the likes of festivals and private functions and is presently looking at doing some recordings for a production in the States.

“I see this as a joyous rocket ride through the solar system. It’s all about the earth, the stars and the universe and continues to be

“My songbook is full of songs no one has ever heard so I have a lot of work to do! The challenge in making music as a career is that, www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:36:08 PM

Elise de Silva

Photos Wayne Martin

PAINTBRUSH DIPS INTO CHILDREN’S WORLD Illustrations for Claudia Robin Gunn’s new digital song album for children are a far cry from artist Elise De Silva’s regular work – land and seascapes of the award-winning kind.

A passionate plein air artist, who works mostly in watercolours, but also dabbles in oils and acrylics, she can often be seen around the district’s local beaches and farmland, weather permitting. And, if not, she’s sure to be in her home-based studio.

However, earlier this year she welcomed the opportunity to assist Claudia in her children’s music project. Having herself written a delightful children’s book, Rabbit’s Big Idea, a joyful tale about big ideas, big disappointments, and big successes, she says creating illustrations for the song album wasn’t too difficult.

“In this instance, the style is me at my most basic level but it is a style which I think is suited to young children – simple and easy to relate to.

“Each song required its own iconic illustration, the likes of happy daisies, rainbows, a tree house and old pohutukawa tree. We then used a combination of the individual paintings for the cover.”

Claudia Gunn

mostly, revenue comes from live gigs.

With most music available free on digital platforms, it takes patience and creativity to realise one’s investment in building an audience, catalogue of recorded material and ultimately positive alliances with the community and other artists.

“My ultimate aim is building a sustainable career and bringing innovative, high quality music experiences to families which they www.eastlife.co.nz

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 11

wouldn’t otherwise encounter. So, just being here, and doing it, is priceless”

Now than Sing Through the Year – A Little Wild Childhood has gone live (a video series on the seasons supported by NZ On Air will also be available in the New Year) it can be accessed through streaming platforms and via Claudia’s website www. littlewildmusic.com

As president of the Howick Art Group and a member of the NZ Watercolour Society, as well as being mum to two children, aged 12 and 10 years, Elise says she has to manage her time carefully.

And, considering she is also adept in a range of crafts, including book binding and paper craft – the latter for its tactile and mindful elements – this busy Howick artist manages her balancing act with what seems like ease.

Nevertheless, she admits painting could easily consume her – “I paint whenever I can!”

What’s more, having won two highly commended ribbons at the 2019 Easter Show, she is presently working towards next year’s event and, when time allows, following wherever her artistic instincts may take her. eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021 |

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10/12/2020 1:36:10 PM

‘BLADE RUNNERS’

show their metal

Forty six years ago Ruawai farmers, Ross and Nell Blong swapped dairying in the country for ice skating in the city. They didn’t know then that a yen to do something different would turn into a family business which has burgeoned over the years. HELEN PERRY talked to the second generation owners about ongoing plans for Paradice Entertainment.

Paradice Ice Skating rinks are well known both in Auckland’s east and west but, locally, it is the Botany site which is likely to arouse warm memories with locals even if their fun experiences were often ‘chilly’.

From the beginning it could be said the siblings never looked back.

By the time Chris was 13 he was representing New Zealand in figure skating, competing in Australia for the first time.

It’s been the North Island home of many a competitive skater, the Ice Blacks (men’s national ice hockey team), the Ice Fernz (women’s national ice hockey team), the women’s Black Ice Synchro team and international figure skating reps as well as a place of entertainment for thousands of youngsters and their parents.

“Because mum and dad worked at the rink, we were always there. For three to four years we just skated casually in the sessions. There were ice sports too but not as organised as they are today.”

However, the Paradice rink of yesteryear has evolved into a much larger concern thanks to the vision of second generation owners, Chris Blong and his sister, Rosie (Rosanna) Armstrong who are supported by the wider family.

“It was my parents who started the whole thing. They bought the Glen Innes rink in 1974 and before long they were totally immersed in ice skating,” says Chris who, as result,was skating at five years and taking lessons from the age of nine.

His sister Rosie and brother Darren followed on his heels.

“It was inevitable that we would take to the ice,” Chris says.

“From the first it was great fun and, although I was fairly wobbly when starting out on skates with a wooden sole, I loved it and, actually, it took only a few hours to learn to stay upright.

“There were lots of falls but we were always trying to push the limits. We kids might have swapped grass paddocks for an ice rink but we thought skating rink was a lot more exciting.”

Competing in his first figure skating competition at age 10, Chris progressed through to junior world championships, senior internationals and then senior world champs.

By the time he was 19 he was looking well beyond our shores and from then until he was 23 he spent several stints in Ottawa and Edmonton, Canada.

competing at the 1992 World Senior Championships in Prague.

Representing New Zealand in figure skating between 1986 and 1998, Rosie competed at nine international competitions, once at junior worlds and three times at world championships.

Subsequently, her career is peppered with winning performances bringing her cups and medals, titles and awards.

“It was 1993 when I started coaching in earnest,” she says. “I love sharing my knowledge, enjoyment and passion for ice skating and coaching skaters.

Whether they’re first time on the ice or learning double and triple jumps, it is so satisfying.

“When competing internationally, I trained at elite training centres in Ottawa and Edmonton, Canada and was tutored by world and Olympic level coaches. Naturally, there were many amazing experiences particularly when junior and senior international competitions took us to Eastern block countries.

However, Rosie says one of her biggest thrills came long after her competitive skating years when she was one of five Kiwi torch bearers ahead of the Torino Winter Olympics in 2006.

“I’ve been lucky to teach novice, junior and senior skaters who have represented New Zealand at international competitions in Australia, Japan, Croatia and Canada. In 2017 and 2018, I also took the then NZ Senior Ladies champ, Brooke Tamepo and my daughter, Mirika to train with elite level coaches at the US Olympic Training Centre in Colorado Springs.

Achieving on ice has also been a given for Rosie who is an accomplished coach.

“Our section was run just out of Venice in the winter time. We stayed in the Bauer Hotel on the Grand Canal and while there it snowed; the whole experience was magical.”

And, like her mum, Mirika has embraced ice skating. At 15 she is a highly accomplished, medalwinning figure skater and is on the New Zealand Figure Skating A Squad competing internationally.

“I started skating at four years old because it was fun but after taking lessons from seven years, I soon found I enjoyed performing

By that time [2006], Rosie’s coaching career was well cemented having taken hold after she returned to New Zealand from

With ice skating continuing to gain ground in New Zealand, Rosie says all the ice sports are striving to compete at the Winter Olympics.

“At that stage I was looking at a very high-level training environment which was good enough to get me to the world champs,” he says. “Naturally, there were many highlights including multiple New Zealand titles and competing at international competitions all over the world.

“But then there was a real low point when I was unable to compete at the 1991 Worlds in Munich due to illness. That was pretty devastating.”

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at competitions, events and ice shows. I’ve always liked doing well and my competitive nature meant I was always aiming for first place!” she laughs.

“I remember going through Checkpoint Charlie to enter East Germany and the former Czechoslovakia when I was just 15.”

www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:36:12 PM

COLD POWER FAMILY AFFAIR While Chris Blong and sister, Rosie Armstrong aren’t sitting on ice when it comes to the future Paradice entertainment, brother Darren Blong is hardly out in the cold.

He’s continuing a lengthy contribution to ice hockey nationally and internationally after he and Chris both represented New Zealand playing for the Ice Blacks.

Nell and Ross Blong

“There is great energy from coaches with clubs and national ice sports programmes helping skating to progress in New Zealand.”

Of course, these days, Chris and Rosie are also focused on what they hope will be an exciting new era for Paradice.

On rebranding as Paradice Entertainment, they initiated several additional entertainment options over and above the ice skating rink (see story page 14) and have further plans in the pipeline.

“We could see a bigger future for Paradice and while both the Botany and Avondale rinks were well established there was a need to diversify,” Chris says. www.eastlife.co.nz

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 13

“With the already successful Aotea temporary ice rink set up during the winter months we began exploring fresh ideas hence the escape rooms, mini golf, conference facilities, laser tag and more.

Now we’re looking to expand some elements across the country.”

Rosie adds: “We are enjoying evolving the business to provide even more fun – friendly entertainment with something for all ages be it gliding on the ice or participating in a slice of social entertainment. We are proud to have fostered a real ice skating community and are carrying on mum and dad’s legacy.”

“Darren represented New Zealand for 14 years, 10 as team captain. As a result of his achievements, he is in the International Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada.” Chris says. “That’s quite something!”

Although Darren and his wife, Marina, own a sports retail company selling skating/hockey and softball/baseball equipment, Darren still devotes massive energy to coaching ice hockey.

He develops programmes for grass roots ice hockey right through to national representatives and co-ordinates ice hockey development camps around the country. He also mentors coaches from around New Zealand in the capacity of the New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation’s national coaching co-ordinator.

Furthermore, his daughter, Katya, now 15, has also followed in the family’s ice skating tradition. Earlier this year, at just 14, she won an ice hockey team gold at the Youth Olympics in Lucerne, Switzerland, the first Kiwi to do so.

“Katya trains at Paradice but was in her second year of high school at the Ontario Hockey Academy in Canada before Covid changed things,” Chris explains. “She returned to New Zealand earlier in the year but hopes to be back in Canada before long.

“The whole family is extremely proud of her achievements, especially mum and dad, who, although retired, still turn up at the rinks to help whenever needed and have always taken a keen interest in all our skating ambitions.” eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021 |

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10/12/2020 1:36:16 PM

PARADICE FOUND

Today the ice skating rink still occupies the ground floor, being used by the public, amateur and competitive skaters, while upstairs there is a whole new world – laser tag, mini golf, five escape rooms, party rooms and conference areas, even a bar.

If there’s one thing Paradice Entertainment is careful to avoid it’s skating on thin ice. The company, and now owned by siblings, Chris Blong Rosie Armstrong, is on solid footing with new ventures extending the entertainment experiences found on site at Botany.

For many years, Paradice ice skating rink was stand-alone and one of the most popular places for young people and families to spend time enjoying a niche sport.

But, with an eye to the future, Chris and Rosie, with wider family support, have taken the business several steps further.

Sales and marketing manager, Sarah Blong (Chris’ wife) says Paradice’s first temporary rink was for an ice show at the Auckland Easter Show in the early 1980’s then eight years ago it erected at large, temporary ice skating rink in Aotea Square as a central city ice skating destination. It operated for six weeks during July and August.

“It was so successful it became an annual booking, prompting

us to explore further options,” Sarah says. “Twelve months ago, we re-branded as Paradice Entertainment with a view to expanding our offering and utilising the upper levels of our Botany site for more fun time activities.”

Today the ice skating rink still occupies the ground floor, being used by the public, amateur and competitive skaters, while upstairs there is a whole new world – laser tag, mini golf, five escape rooms, party rooms and conference areas, even a bar. Sarah says group events have surged in popularity.

“Companies bring their staff here for social gatherings, team building, and conferences. At this time of year, it’s a great

THE COOLEST HOTSPOT IN TOWN !

Christmas venue. We’ve been told some firms prefer a night of activities ahead of relaxation with food and refreshments – it beats their staff drinking all night long and, perhaps, leaving under the weather.”

talk to us about what we can do to and I’m pretty sure we’ll be able to cater for virtually any function or party idea.”

But it’s not just as adult area.

Three of the escape rooms are suitable for children aged 10 and over, the party rooms work a treat while the mini golf has universal appeal – “yes, it’s a ‘hole’ lot of fun,” Sarah laughs.

What’s more, over and above Paradice Entertainment, which is the umbrella organisation for a raft of activities, a second arm, Paradice Events takes premium temporary ice skating rinks and other icy fun items such as ice slides, ice bars and snow domes around the country for events and festivals.

“In fact, we can tailor events for individual situations and, in addition to the various programmes associated with the ice skating rink, we certainly have loads of entertainment options for different age groups. Our advice is

“We’re now bringing the magic of ice to many areas and we are looking to do more on a regional or national scale. But most importantly, we remain a family concern, with east Auckland at its heart.”

LOADS OF ACTION ALL UNDER ONE ROOF!

490 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany . Phone 09 273 2999 www.paradice.co.nz

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www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:36:25 PM

C H R IS T M A S

Make Christmas shopping easy on yourself – EastLife’s range of stunning festive Essentials takes the hard yards out of finding those special gifts for people you love. Check out our suggestions and wrap up your gift buying in no time at all!

Essentials APO 2021 SEASON The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra has just announced its 2021 season – a season to treasure. Join your orchestra to ‘celebrate local’ and hear a world of music in Auckland. Hear all nine of Beethoven’s iconic symphonies and the only opera he ever wrote, Fidelio and melt into the music of soul legend Aretha Franklin. Bring the littlies to Paddington Bear’s First Concert for their first orchestra experience. Older kids will enjoy How To Train Your Dragon Live in Concert and the whole family will have fun at Superheroes Live in Concert. www.apo.co.nz

FOR ALL YOUR ENTERTAINING & GIFTS!

New items and super specials in store now – beautiful, complimentary gift wrapping. For the best selection of dinnerware, glassware, kitchenware and cookware, gifts and NZ’s largest range of quality cutlery (stainless and silver). Dedication to service, combined with fantastic parking right outside the door, makes The Studio of Tableware Auckland’s easiest and most enjoyable shopping experience. Shop online at www.thestudio.co.nz or visit 5 Harold St, Mt Eden Ph 09 638 8082

STUNNING LOCAL CALENDARS The perfect gift for every home – here and abroad. The new 2021 Howick Historical Calendars showcase the local district with photos from the past. Perfect for Christmas gifts, your own home or for friends and family overseas. Available from Times Media, 10 Central Tce, Howick; Poppies Books, 83 Picton St, Howick; Howick Historical Village, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Bells Rd, Pakuranga and the Saturday Howick Markets (until Christmas Eve), 91 Picton Street, Howick.

GIFT A NIGHT OUT WITH AUCKLAND THEATRE COMPANY Surprise someone with a night, a few nights, or a full year of entertainment with ATC gift vouchers! Our 2021 season includes dramas and comedies that will lift your spirits and challenge your thinking including witty and stylish Blithe Spirit starring Antonia Prebble, Brooke Williams and Ginette McDonald and deliciously deceitful Two Ladies starring Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Anna Jullienne and Rena Owen.

0800 ATC TIX, atc.co.nz

www.eastlife.co.nz

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 15

Howick Ward Community Calendar

2021

PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT!

Howick Motor Bus Company outside the Marine Hotel.

The company failed as the horse buses had to haul it out of Pakuranga potholes regularly.

ONLY $20 historic calendar 2021 print final.indd 1

24/09/2020 11:22:16 AM

GOURMET CHOCOLATES Good things come in small boxes and that’s certainly true at the Chocolate Boutique in Parnell which has Christmas wrapped up with its mouth-watering, handmade chocolates made from the finest Belgian chocolate. Choose from more than 100 individual gourmet chocolates, truffles, liqueur, non liqueur, nutty rochers, and pralines as well as other sweet treats and have them packed into beautifully presented boxes of varying sizes – some not so small! Ideal for festive giving, or for under the Christmas tree. Open 11am to 10pm, 7 days. Shop 1, 323 Parnell Rd, Parnell. Ph 09 377 8550. www.chocolateboutique.co.nz

eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021 |

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10/12/2020 1:36:33 PM

Take your best shot –

PHOTOGRAPH NATURE AT ITS BEST! king Creative photographers are known for brea , the kind boundaries and exploring different medium world of qualities needed to showcase our natural and to promote the conservation message.

Now, keen shutterbugs have a chance to do just that by entering the Friends of the Auckland Botanic Gardens 2021 Photographic Competition, which offers a myriad of subjects within the gardens to test their skills.

Entry is free and monetary prizes include: First in each category, $200; second in each category $100. The Rod Bieleski Cup will be awarded to the Best Adult Photograph overall and a trophy will be awarded to the Best Youth entry. The photograph which wins People’s Choice will receive $50.

Each entrant is permitted to enter two images in total in one or more of the four categories.

Entries cover: adults (18 and over) and children (17 and under) and are now open, closing on February 21, 2021. Judging will start the following day and an exhibition of entries will feature at the gardens from March 13/14 to March 27/28.

A workshop on February 13, 2021 also offers an opportunity for photographers to work with members of the Manukau Photographic Society to improve their chosen image.

SEASON OF

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www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:36:38 PM

COMPETITION CATEGORIES ARE: • Gardenscape – capture your favourite part of the Auckland Botanic Gardens • Creative angles – choose a feature or element of the gardens such as sculptures, fixtures or the flowers/plants themselves.

Play with light/shadow or take key elements of design using creative angles • Friends of Flowers – focusing on individual flowers and plants and could include insects/butterflies, birds, or people who nurture them; it’s your interpretation.

• Youth – Through the Eyes of a Child – this in an open category for all children and youth to show what they see in the Auckland Botanic Gardens.

Entry forms are available from Huakaiwaka/Visitors Centre at the Auckland Botanic Gardens or via: www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/whats-on/events/2020friends-photographic-competition

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eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021 |

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CONTACT CHRISTINA TO ARRANGE YOUR TOUR TODAY 09 294 8663 | Mobile 027 208 9515 | email christina@karakaestate.co.nz

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10/12/2020 1:36:45 PM

Once the incoming tide covers the flats, the birds flock to roost on the adjacent shell banks where they offer excellent viewing to visitors.

For the birds… !

AND BIRDWATCHERS TOO During Covid-19 Alert Level 2.5 HELEN PERRY explored several fresh locations far from the madding crowds. One of the most fascinating were the tidal flats on the western side of the Firth of Thames where you won’t hear a dicky bird but you will, with luck and quiet, be treated to the sights and sounds of some wonderful shorebirds.

I like to think I can still easily manage two energetic lads but alert level 2.5 made the job more exacting when I had my grandsons over on a grey Sunday.

Despite several ideas for getting out and about – Miranda Hot Pools and Glen Afton Heritage Railway to name two, they all came to nothing as so many places were temporarily closed.

In the end we settled on a country drive to Kaiaua for a foreshore walk and the town’s famous fish and chips. The excursion turned out to be so much more once we discovered Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, a delightful experience I would recommend to anyone interested in nature, particularly our birdlife.

Kaiaua

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The centre was some seven kilometres from Kaiaua village. It surprised me with its comprehensive nature-related souvenir shop, displays of shorebirds and a large, basic but comfortable lunchroom where, if visitors have packed a snack, they can sit and enjoy. Tea and coffee making facilities were also on hand (for a donation) and the spotless toilets were most welcome.

On chatting with the volunteer staff, we decided to embark on the one hour round, coastal route bordering the western side of the Firth of Thames.

We had learned that this narrow ‘plain’ was comprised entirely of shell ridges, or cheniers, separated by in-fill mud, built up over

thousands of years. I was given to understand it is one of the best examples of an active shell chenier plain in the world and naturalists can certainly learn a lot about this natural formation at the centre.

In addition, the Firth of Thames’ inter-tidal flats are rich in fauna and shorebird food, a place where godwits and knots, stilts and oystercatchers, dotterels and wrybill can forage for molluscs, gastropods, crustaceans and polychaete worms.

Once the incoming tide covers the flats, the birds flock to roost on the adjacent shell banks where they offer excellent viewing to visitors.

This extraordinary combination of food-rich tidal flats and cheniers is one reason why the area is both

Photo Wayne Martin

www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:36:49 PM

a breeding and wintering ground to so many shorebirds and a place which attracts nature lovers.

Of course, among the many other species which can be regularly seen are grey teal , New Zealand shoveler, sacred kingfisher cormorant, white heron … the list goes on. Then, at various times of the year, visitors could also spot Pacific golden plover, various sandpipers, red necked stint, whimbrel and more.

Now most of this can be learned from the centre’s website, so the thing is, you have to see it for yourself. Unfortunately, because this wasn’t originally on our agenda we were somewhat ill-prepared, or rather, I was.

Although wrapped up against the wind, I didn’t need all the padding – a thick lime green jersey (over a shirt and thermal) and a cobalt polar fleece jacket must surely have frightened the birds away. They certainly left me in a sweat!

I would have done better with a lightweight wind cheater, woolly hat and definitely lighter outerwear of more subdued colours – khaki camouflage trou, perhaps?

Yes, I did pose an incongruous figure especially as I was the only person on route carrying a handbag!

Nevertheless, we spotted two herons, several swallows, many waterfowl and, wonderfully, a banded rail which a passing bird

For those less able to do the walk, it is possible to drive from the centre to a carpark close to the hides. Then it is but a few strides to those seated areas from where it is possible to spend hours, if one so wishes, quietly bird watching and, perhaps, photographing our feathered friends.

watcher kindly advised could be seen near one of the hides. We sat and waited, patience paid off.

The boys, of course, were more keen to get amongst the mud and water than actually spotting birds but did well to contain their enthusiasm, keeping quiet at the right moments.

They also made short work of the hike – both active athletes this was almost a dawdle in the park for them. For their less fit grandmother it was just the right distance.

My only disappointment was not being able to linger and watch for some of the many different birds we knew might come into view.

So, do remember binoculars and, perhaps a camera to record your sightings of some remarkable shorebirds. This is an excursion well worth doing.

And, afterwards, why not enjoy a feed of Kaiaua’s famous fish and chips – we found them scrumptious – or indulge in dinner at the neighbouring hotel?

R E JU V EN AT E at Edgewater, Lake Wanaka When you’re exploring Wanaka’s amazing landscape, stay and dine in comfort.

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0800 108 311 www.edgewater.co.nz Complimentary drink on arrival. Use promo code: EL JU1836

www.eastlife.co.nz

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 19

eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021 |

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10/12/2020 1:36:52 PM

GO NORTH,

my friends

Inclement weather might discourage some people from tourng the country but it didn’t deter HELEN PERRY even when she encountered torrential rain, flooding and slips on a Northland escape.

The last time I stayed in Paihia it was abuzz with summer activity.

It was a much quieter Paihia on my mid-year visit but, as ever, the stunning outlook couldn’t be faulted, its beauty matched only by the Hokianga Harbour where we spent two nights ahead of arriving in the Bay of Islands for a couple of nights.

the bathroom was dated and TV channels very limited.

We left early on a Friday morning making our way up to Omapere via Dargaville where we stopped for lunch at a small café, Kauta – the seafood chowder and bacon and egg quiche were excellent (real seafood in the chowder and plenty of it).

Having settled in we met our travelling companions in the bar/ dining room. It was part of the original timber villa and simply oozing character. I loved the ambience although it was a bit strange there was no dedicated lounge area with couches or armchairs. Instead, ahead of dinner, we sat perched on stools at high-top tables…age must be catching up with me!.

Though not particularly heavy, the rain had started so we decided to push on and not stop to view that magnificent kauri, Tane Mahuta in the Waipoua Forest, having done so in the distant past.

Our journey north took us through some beautiful countryside and, of course, scenic native forests but by time we arrived at the beachfront Copthorne Hotel in Omapere, rain was falling steadily.

Our accommodation – one of the older rooms at the rear of the property – was clean and the bed exceptionally comfortable but

On hindsight, perhaps I should have asked about the motel units facing the sea or even the new and said to be, luxurious villas, but I wasn’t about to grumble; our $110 a night stay, inclusive of breakfast was A-Okay.

On the other hand, the uninterrupted harbour view was to die for, the shoreline just a few strides across the lawn and beyond the swimming pool.

Finally, ignoring the deteriorating weather, we were ready for dinner. The above average menu promised much and though the meals were nice enough, I thought prices were high especially my bottle of Wyndham

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Shiraz, usually around $11 in the supermarket but $58 at the Copthorne….mmmmm!

By time we made our way to bed the rain was pelting down but I drifted pleasantly off to sleep listening to it beating on the tin roof; I had the soundest night’s sleep in a long time.

The next day dawned bright and fairly clear. The water, as they say, was like a millpond. After a ‘from the menu’ breakfast we drove to Opononi to check out the ‘new hotel’. The last one burnt down in 1959 and, I was given to understand, this is the third such establishment on the site even though it looked as if it had been there for 100 years!

Another character-laden property (the gaming room was a house within a house), it too enjoyed a spectacular sea view. Friendly staff told us they lived in paradise and quickly convinced us to dine there that night. On sitting down to bangers and mash we enjoyed hearty, wholesome food.

But, prior to that, we made our way to nearby Rawene for coffee and cake among other goodies at the very rustic Boatshed Café

perched on pylons above the water.

This charming town, the third oldest European settlement in NZ, retains many historic buildings which deserved more attention that we were able to give on this trip. We didn’t manage to take the vehicular ferry across the water to Kohulohu but we did take a quick look at Clendon House.

Built in the 1860’s, it was the final home of one of New Zealand’s earliest traders and ship owners, James Reddy Clendon, who was also a witness at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.

A member of the first Legislative Council from 1841-44 and a magistrate from 1850, he died in 1872 leaving behind his second wife, Jane. She was the daughter of Dennis Cochrane and Takotowai Te Whata of Hokianga, and proved to be quite the businesswoman.

Despite being left with her husband’s debts, she kept the house and the business going whilst also raising eight children until her own death in 1919. The property is now owned by Heritage New Zealand and is open to the public for a small charge. www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:36:54 PM

We left early on a Friday morning making our way up to Omapere via Dargaville where we stopped for lunch at a small café, Kauta – the seafood chowder and bacon and egg quiche were excellent (real seafood in the chowder and plenty of it).

Of course, a wander around Rawene streets reveals many other treasures and it is well worth taking the time to explore.

The following day we set off for Paihia and although skies were grey, with a shower or two coming our way, we didn’t see heavy rain.

The relatively short 90-minute drive to Paihia took us through green pastures which looked to be recovering from the summer drought, well, in colour at least, if not in real growth. Of course, it should be a brighter picture now.

Arriving at the Kingsgate Hotel, positioned on the waterfront, just a few strides from the central shopping area – some great boutique retailers – we found our room to be warm and welcoming, modern but with a homely feel.

Although one wing of the hotel, and the bar, too, were closed, the manager ensured hearty breakfasts with plenty of choice (included in our $115 per night stay) and on the night we ate in we couldn’t fault our meals which were great value as was the beer and wine.

The next day dawned much brighter and we took the passenger ferry to Russell where we lunched at the Duke of Marlborough – such an iconic hotel with professional yet friendly staff. I’ve decided we must stay here on our next visit – a step back in time but with all the necessary contemporary touches.

While I could have lingered for the whole afternoon, we made an effort to wander the village before making our way back to Paihia.

Then, a quick drive to KeriKeri where I was delighted to purchase

a new wallet, a lovely scarf and mouth-watering Makana chocolates.

It would be easy to itemise every footfall of this short break but really, if Kiwis are keen to see their own country close up, then Hokianga and the Bay of Islands should be on the list.

With trade so much quieter than usual, it’s easy to explore at a leisurely pace and take time to appreciate both the countryside and seaside towns. So, my advice is, go north…before the rush is on!

“The best service at the best price” Party Cruises | Fishing Charters Day Trips | Tours

info@theredboats.co.nz | www.theredboats.co.nz | 0800 Red Boats | 09 834 7337 JU1848

www.eastlife.co.nz

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The Perfection of Snails, is available from Poppies Books in Howick or via www. wheelers.co.nz.

Cover artist/illustrator, Lesley Keane (left) with Linley Jones (right).

Photo Wayne Martin

22 | eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 22

www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:37:00 PM

LINLEY JONES

of tales from a snail’s trail Achieving excellence may be a lofty aim, but even just the pursuit of ‘Perfection’ can deliver rich rewards, as JON RAWLINSON reveals.

Some page-turners unfold at a snail’s pace – in the best possible way.

The latest release by an award-winning local author, Linley Jones, The Perfection of Snails proves that big ideas (and themes) can come from short stories.

“The title and cover art embody the themes of the first story, in which the tangled roots of a magnolia tree lead to an entangled relationship and the birth of a small boy with an obsession for snails,” Linley says. “The stories aren’t really connected [to each other] as such, but they cover a wide range of different human emotions and how they affect and connect people.”

Launched at Poppies Books in Howick recently, the book includes stories centred around everything from dealing with the effects of war, to making difficult decisions about ageing parents and managing serious health issues.

This is not Linley’s first book of short stories; it follows on from another well-received collection with a similarly intriguing title: Apple Tea and Camel Pee. To read EastLife’s interview with Linley at the time of its release, see our Oct 2015 issue, accessible via the ‘Read Past Issues’ tab at www.eastlife.co.nz.

Both collections are written for adults, or older teens, but Linley has also penned a range of junior fiction titles and children’s books in the past: Making Waves, On The Edge, Net Navigator and Sophie in a Pickle.

Inspiration can come from almost anywhere, she says.

“Some of them are based on true stories but sometimes all it takes is a single word or phrase to trigger off an idea and I just go from there.”

Written at her home in Half Moon Bay, Linley’s latest book is unlikely to be her last, although this sailing enthusiast is unsure, at this stage, as to where time and tides will take her next.

“I’m always writing but I don’t know [at the time] where it might all lead,” she adds. “I don’t have another booked planned but I’m sure there will be another.”

Linley Jones: The Perfection of Snails | RRP $28 | AM Publishing www.eastlife.co.nz

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HOT SPOTS oTHliE REdDaSHyEDsTEAM HappyFRH OM Open 10am -4pm Christmas Day

SUNDAY MARKETS On holiday from December 21, reopen Fri, January 8, 2021

Check out our exciting new Christmas menu at www.theambrosiabar.co.nz

AMBROSIA

WINNER Rural Cafe of the Year. Recommending this cafe is easy – the food and service are that good and directions couldn’t be more straight forward: head along Karaka Rd and look out for the big... red shed! Along with their team, Paul (a chef with 30 years’ experience) and Kristina Smith serve quality food amidst beautiful, family and animal friendly, garden surrounds. Creative breakfasts, morning and afternoon teas, gourmet-style lunches and moreish cakes are all on offer at this fully licensed slice of rural paradise, open 5 days, Wed-Sun 8.30am-4pm. Plus dinner theatre at its best – see website.

16 Jesmond Rd (just off Karaka Rd), Drury Phone 09 294 6687 www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz

What could be better than a meal fit for a king? How about meals fit for the gods? Named after a substance the ancient Greeks believed to be ‘the food of the gods’, Ambrosia Bar & Restaurant delivers with more down-to-earth cuisine too. From bar snacks and breakfasts, to lunches and dinners, Ambrosia (open weekdays, 10am-11pm, and 8am-11pm, weekends) offers a wide range of fare from around the world, including a sumptuous Sunday roast – just $21 including any house drink!

Palazzo

44 Third View Ave, Beachlands Phone 09 536 4151 Email ambrosiabar.beachlands@gmail.com www.theambrosiabar.co.nz

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HOWICK VILLAGE OPTOMETRISTS

As the promise of warmer weather sets in and the festive season on our doorstep, it’s time to deliver a hit of colour to your wardrobe. We have just received all our new high summer season product – the wow factor of bold shades and colourful prints complements the season collections, along with new arrivals from Europe. The addition of costume jewellery and accessories will entice your shopping experience with Ferrachi in Howick and now in Eastridge, Parnell and Queens Arcade in the city.

We wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our clients. Enjoy the well deserved summer break and remember to take care of your eyes. We highly recommend polarised sunglasses to protect your eyes against the harsh New Zealand sun. Enjoy this time with your friends and family. We will see you in the New Year, we are open again from Wednesday 6th January.

77 Picton Street, Howick Phone 09 534 0241

24 | eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 24

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www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:37:20 PM

NO5 DESIGN STORE

The Highwic Christmas Shop will be open until 1pm December 23 and is the perfect place to choose from a selection of beautiful and unusual gifts and decorations. We also have a wide variety of stocking fillers for all age groups. Why not come to do your Christmas shopping in this charming historic house and enjoy looking around while you are here? Summer Holiday Activity – Throughout December and January come and participate in a Flower Fairy Trail throughout the gorgeous gardens which are full of colourful flowers at this time of year. Gold coin donation to join in, there is also a prize for one lucky participant.

Highwic, Mortimer Pass, Newmarket highwic@heritage.org.nz Ph 09 524 5729 www.highwic.co.nz

The most awaited time of the year is here at No5 Design.

Capture the magic of Christmas with exquisite decorations, beautiful Christmas trees and wreaths, contemporary French Country & Radar T’Light houses, and lots more to add a touch of festive sparkle. Perfect for Christmas shopping ideas, we are your one-stop Christmas shop with a wide range of gifts for everyone. Parking outside. Open every day until December 24.

Hurry, Santa is almost here.

Open 7 days in the Whitford Village.

5 Whitford Maraetai Rd, Whitford Phone 09 530 9333 Email shop@no5design.co.nz www.no5design.co.nz

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www.eastlife.co.nz

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 25

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10/12/2020 1:37:39 PM

ART SALE

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26 | eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 26

www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:37:51 PM

ART SALE

BIG SUCCESS Enthusiastic art lovers turned out in force for the annual Bucklands Beach Yacht Club Art Sale supported predominantly by local artists in early November. The fourday event raised $8000 for BBYC’s junior sailing programme aimed at young people aged eight to 17 years. The programme is run between September and March and is complemented by the club’s Have a Go – Learn to Sail programme offered to local schools.

Lynn Townley

Jennifer Emmerson

Jess Kang

www.eastlife.co.nz

Elise De Silva

eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021 |

27

Raewyn Neale

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 27

10/12/2020 1:37:59 PM

BOOKS KIDS WILL LOVE SEEING IN THEIR

stockings SLINKY MALINKI’S CHRISTMAS 1,2,3

CHRISTMAS IN SUMMER

THE THREE THE LIT TLE WISHES – A YELLOW DIGGER CHRISTMAS STORY SAVES CHRISTMAS

Slinky Malinki is playing tricks once again, this time by ‘procuring’ Christmas decorations. Designed to help encourage little ones (aged 0-2 years) to learn to count, this board book sees Lynley Dodd’s infamous, yet iconic cat at his mischievous best.

A sing-along story set ‘down under’, this seasonal romp reveals why Santa has every reason to be jolly as the grand old man has fun at the beach, surfing and barbecuing.

Written by well-known children’s presenter, Suzy Cato, this book is accompanied by a downloadable song and video, making for a wellrounded (much like Santa himself!)

Christmas present.

Who would know better about the origins of Father Christmas than a man named ‘Snow’? While we all know that Santa travels the world delivering presents to good boys and girls, where did this magical man come from? A festive treat, this book (by Alan Snow) explores the myths and traditions surrounding Santa and tells us how a young boy would grow up to become the man and the myth we know and love.

Lynley Dodd: Slinky Malinki’s Christmas 1,2,3 | RRP $19.99 | Puffin MR

OTHER BOOKS

NOT TO GO PAST

Suzy Cato, Jenny Payne and Lucy Hiku aka Itty Bitty Beats (music) & Carla Martell (illustrator): Christmas in Summer | RRP $19.99 | Scholastic

Alan Snow: The Three Wishes – a Christmas Story | RRP $29.99 | Pavilion Childrens/Harper Collins

It’s time for one of New Zealand children’s literature’s favourite characters to dig deep once again!

When a small rural school preparing for its Christmas show receives an SOS from Santa, The Little Yellow Digger must draw on his skills to help the man in red. Will Christmas go ahead as planned or will good boys and girls miss out this time around? There’s only one way to find out!

Peter Gilderdale & Fifi Colston (illustrator): The Little Yellow Digger Saves Christmas | RRP $19.99 | Scholastic

THE REVENGE OF THE TOOTH FAIRY

THE GRINNY GRANNY DONKEY

Cunning plans can’t possibly go wrong, can they? When Mallory loses a tooth, she comes up with a devious scheme to capture and blackmail the tooth fairy for an endless supply of money. However, as this precocious youngster is about to discover, it’s never a good idea to meddle with a magical creature!

Even winky, wonky, honky tonky (etcetera!) donkeys have grandmothers, as this book reveals.

The third instalment in Craig Smith’s runaway success story of a donkey who may not conform to the norms but is beloved the world over nonetheless, The Grinny Granny Donkey introduces us to a sweet and funny new character. If you enjoyed the first book or the second (The Dinky Donkey), this book is bound to please.

Craig Smith & Katz Cowley (illustrator): The Grinny Granny Donkey | RRP $21.99 | Scholastic

James Norcliffe & Emily Walker (illustrator): The Revenge of the Tooth Fairy | RRP $17.99 | Puffin

28 | eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 28

www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:38:05 PM

TIS THE

FESTIVE BABY NAMES

EVER POPULAR

SEASON Rockabye Early Learning Centre takes the care and education of young children seriously.

Today, centre owner Caryn Mawkes has some helpful tips to make the festive season a homemade affair.

There’s nothing quite like watching the joy on children’s faces when Christmas comes around. It’s a time for sharing, giving and gathering with family and friends so why not make it a handmade affair?

Here are some suggestions: CHRISTMAS IN THE AREA: There are always plenty of exciting festive events happening. Here are a few in our local area.

• Howick Santa’s Snow Cave – open most evenings (weather permitting) • Drive down to Little Bucks (Bucklands Beach) to see one of the houses all lit up and decorated GIVING: This time of year is perfect for teaching children about the spirit of giving. Whether it’s thanking the postman, baking for a neighbour or generally giving in some way, it is the little warm fuzzies that mean a lot.

• Make salt dough decorations for the Christmas tree • Cookie mixture in a jar (all the ingredients and a recipe in one) • Homemade decorations • Create your own calendar with personalised photos CHRISTMAS CRAFTS: Make decorating the Christmas tree

We hope your holiday season is fun and your house will be filled with many exciting homemade Christmas treasures with all these wonderful ideas.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS STORIES: We all know how much children love a story so why not treat your child to a new Christmas book each year – you’ll soon have a library. Some titles could include: • Ginger the Christmas Elf • Christmas Trolls • We Wish You A Kiwi Christmas • Stinkosaurus Saves Christmas • Peppa’s Christmas Jumper Day • River Rose and the Magic of Christmas See more titles opposite.

BAKING: Everybody enjoys receiving yummy Christmas treats.

Here are some easy recipe ideas.

• Christmas shortbread • Bliss balls • Strawberry Santas

7.30am-5.30pm | Full & part time

We always put your family first

Rockabye wishes you all warmth and good cheer, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

122 Aviemore Dr, Highland Park T: 09 533 0218 caryn@rockabye.school.nz | rockabye.school.nz

ENROL NOW FOR 2021 122 Aviemore Dr, Highland Park T: 09 533 0218 caryn@rockabye.school.nz | www.rockabye.school.nz CR0050-v5 CR0050-v3

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 29

After trawling through thousands of festive baby names for boys and girls, and surveying 5675 parents and parents-to-be, OnBuy. com learned that the most festive baby girl name was still Mary with 11,303,734 babies worldwide having that name. Amaryllis was the least festive baby girl name with only 1275 babies having this name.

And Holly and Ivy didn’t make the top 10 at all.

a family affair by encouraging children to create their own decorations. Here are some practical decorating ideas.

• Hand make Christmas wrapping paper using your child’s art work • Use cut out shapes of your hands to form a shape of a wreath or Christmas tree • Create your own snow globe using an old jar and a special laminated family photo

7.30am-5.30pm |Full0-5&years part time | Children aged 0-5 years Children aged Top 5% rated by Education Review Office Top 5% rated by Education Review Office Growing resilient, resourceful & responsible children for 15 years Growing resilient, resourceful & responsible children for 15 years

www.eastlife.co.nz

Joseph and Mary may have lived more than 2000 years ago but their names have remained popular across the centuries. In fact, names associated with the Christmas season are on the rise as OnBuy.com recently discovered.

David turned out to be the most festive baby boy name with nearly 13,500,000 babies worldwide bearing this moniker but, perhaps unsurprisingly, like Santa’s reindeer, Comet is the least common baby boy name, belonging to just 254 boys worldwide.

THE TOP 5 FESTIVE BABY BOY NAMES:

THE TOP 5 FESTIVE BABY GIRL NAMES: 1.

Mary – the name of Jesus’ mother is the 21st most common name worldwide.

2. Gloria, taken from the word, glory, which features in many Christmas carols, is the 126th most common name worldwide.

3. Karen, which means ‘pure’, is also the name of the girl who returned Frosty the Snowman to the North Pole!

4. Angel and variations such as Angela and Angelina.

5. Carol meaning manly.

Other popular festive names were: Christina, Virginia, Rachel, Joy and Natalia.

Keen to uncover the reason behind choosing a festive baby name, OnBuy.com found that almost 8 in 10 parents (78%) would consider giving their child a festive name, with only 22% wanting something nonseasonal.

Of those wanting a festive name, a whopping 94% believed that giving their child a name with festive connotations would make people around them more cheerful. However, of the 22%

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

David which means ‘beloved’, is the 14th most common male moniker worldwide.

Michael deriving from the Hebrew name, Micha, meaning ‘who is like God’.

Joseph, the name of Jesus’ father. From the Hebrew for “increase or addition”, the name has been given to approximately 8,631,678 boys.

Emmanuel meaning God is with us.

Jesus meaning God Saves.

Other popular festive names were: Gabriel, Christian, Frank, Christopher and Felix.

who disliked seasonal names, 34% thought them to be ‘tacky’; 21% thought they were ‘too mainstream’ and 11% considered them ‘cringey’.

Reasons given for choosing a festive name included: • It is cheerful and joyous – 94% • It’s pretty – 23% • I simply like the meaning behind the name – 15% • I love anything Christmas – 14%

Methodology: OnBuy.com experts used Forebears.io to collect the data and also surveyed 5675 parents and parents-to-be in November 2020 to find out what they like about ‘festive names’. Article credit https://www.onbuy.com/gb.

eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021 |

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ZERO WASTE ON THE ‘CURRICULUM’ its efforts to Howick Primary School is ramping up re with a prepare its students for a zero waste futu number of challenging initiatives.

Enviro Teacher, Beccy Long has worked with students across the school to develop a range of programmes including collecting food scraps daily for bokashi bins and worm farms, growing fruit and vegetables and collecting and sorting waste to divert about 85% of school waste from the landfill.

In November, the school hosted a Howick Local Board Waste Minimisation Expo at which a range of local and region-wide services showed how students and

staff could help improve diversion and management of wastes.

A small group of Year 3 and 4 students presented one of the initiatives which focused on having ‘wrapper-free’ days. This great competition between classes was highly contested and, while it demonstrated that changing habits can take a while, it showed we are seeing improvements all the time.

Always environmentallyfocused, Howick Primary will

commence its Garden to Table programme in 2021. Students will grow food and then work together to cook and, ultimately, sit down to eat the outcome.

Recently SKIDS after school care programme also ran a ‘Feed your Whanau’ day in which senior classes worked with SKIDS staff to cook, prepare and eat a meal and were then provided with the same ingredients to go home and make dinner for their whanau.

For those who would like to learn more about Howick Primary and its ‘future-ready’ focus, school is back on February 2, 2021 — we welcome your interest.

The huge success of this event, and favourable feedback from families, augurs well for the future of the Garden to Table programme which is an example of how the school’s vision of ‘Inspiring Confident Future-Ready, Lifelong Learners’ manifests itself in its many activities.

A Montessori Primary Education for children 6 to 11 years old We have a quality Montessori learning environment, fully integrated with Howick Primary School. For a prospectus or to visit our school, email us: montessori@howickprimary.school.nz

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30 | eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 30

An independent, Christian school that is ‘‘assisting parents by providing a Christcentred education that encourages academic excellence and Christian service to the glory of God” Year 1 to Year 13 206 Murphys Rd, Flat Bush You are welcome to come and visit us!

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Montessori at Howick Primary

40 Willoughby Ave, Howick, Auckland. Ph 09 534 6082. www.montessorihowickprimary.school.nz

Email admin@tyndalepark.school.nz | Phone 09 274 9771

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www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:38:09 PM

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW LOCAL

Under new management, the iconic resort has undergone extensive refurbishment and awaits your arrival.

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110 Jack Lachlan Drive, Beachlands, Auckland (09) 218 3870 | rydges.com/formosa eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021 | 31 JU1882

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 31

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Puzzle TIME CRYPTIC PUZZLE

PUZZLE NO. 76

SUDOKU

DOWN

1. W ith a gun, a half-daft woman (6).

2. Splash the man, pouring the rest out (7).

3. Disembark and are not punished (3-3).

4. The little woman, when on the bottle, is cheerful (6).

5. How many times one must tell a numskull what “decimal” means?

(5).

7. What puts one off walking in the forest? (5).

13. Plan to get my own back in Italy (3).

14. Means to stop throwing tins out (7).

15. Get paint on the flowers? (5).

17. Has a turnover, which doesn’t agree with one (6).

18. Does he have a shot at making earthernware? (6).

19. Excitement about the power cut (6).

21. There’s a label beside the cat (5).

6 1

1 9

2

8 1 9 7 5 2 5 1 2 7 5 2 6 3 5 3 8 4 1 4 6 2 9

Merry Christmas, safe travels and a happy holiday season from the team at East Care FEES

Reduced after hours charges applies: Under 14’s Over 65’s Community Service Card Holders High User Card Holders

3

2

4

5

6

7 8

9

10 11 13

12

14 15 20

16

18

17

19

21 22

23

24 25

QUICK PUZZLE ACROSS

Puzzle answers on page 55.

ACROSS

6. W as obviously tired and given a lift to one’s destination (7,3).

8. Sound made by a parasite?

(4).

9. Turn the box the other way round for one (4).

10. She’s out, love, when I get in (5).

11. What her shake of the head meant to the artist (4).

12. Just a drop in the ocean?

(9).

16. It doesn’t mean the kangaroo’s nervous! (9).

20. Dot and dash! (4).

22. When prepared to get possession (5).

23. She’s often seen with an Arab (4).

24. Sounds as though it might make the door stick (4).

25. Only dithers foolishly in the china department (6-4).

1

NO. 10076

6.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

16.

20.

22.

23.

24.

25.

Self controlled (10) Dull (4) Cultivate (4) Din (5) Affluent (4) Broadcaster (9) Ruse (9) Planet (4) Sensational (5) Tube (4) Pool (4) Ownership (10)

NO. 10076

DOWN

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

7.

13.

14.

15.

17.

18.

19.

21.

Area (6) Cheese (7) Gun (6) Ask (6) Snake (5) Month (5) Vehicle (3) Musician (7) Insipid (5) Beat (6) Putrid (6) Hire (6) Incline (5)

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32 | eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021

www.eastlife.co.nz

! h c a e b e to th TAKE PIHA

r way for those And, what bette e m co t n’ ca on uthfulness to The holiday seas bursting with yo after – e m e infinity pool, so r th fo or gh rf, fast enou hit the su -19 vid Co d te range of en ha 2020’s unpreced than with the Pi cluding in g a strong – in n ur tio at na Fe ? e ar th events, swimwe g in ok th block lo e bo ar in water babies – textural theme , ocean ints, Piha ys pr da ty y et nn pr su d to an forward colours d an n tio a. xa er la re dips, poolside hints at a vintage kiss of summer. the invigorating

www.eastlife.co.nz

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 33

e season with Encapsulating th shades us eo rg go summer ycomb ne ho such as ginger, g the bill, in pp to on m and cinna a green se of nt there’s also a hi hether W o. to s ue bl n and ocea bare or up r ve you prefer to co ides fun, ov pr ha Pi – in a little sk

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10/12/2020 1:38:16 PM

HIGH ROLLERS!

While some readers are literally in the swim now that the warmer weather has arrived, others are making waves with LEO+BE’s newest 20/21 collection, High Tide.

Rolling in with a soft and sweet palette and a heady dose of retro prints, this footloose and fancy-free edit will have wardrobes summer-ready in seconds.

From an effortless wide leg pant to playsuits and flouncy frock hems, there’s a silhouette to suit every shape.

34 | eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 34

For a look that flits from brunch to barbecue and tackles heat-wave style woes in its path, the Flux dress (left) is the ultimate easy-wearing solution. Or, when the occasion calls to dial things up a notch, the Rip dress (right) is all about fit, flair and a stand out print.

Whether you’re set to be basking beachside or soiree shuffling, LEO+BE summer has a look to suit every locale. www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:38:19 PM

E CLEANS

GENERAL CHECK-UPS AND DENTUR

HALF PRICE UNTIL END OF JANUARY 2021

New beginnings AS YEAR ENDS!

After recently taking over Howick Village Denture Studio, new owner Julie Lim has enjoyed a successful first month and would like to thank the local community which has warmly welcomed her to the business and sought out the team for its denture services.

Julie. “Toni and I thank bowling club members for allowing us the opportunity to connect and introduce our business.”

But it’s not been all work, no play – Julie says the Howick Village Denture Studio team had an amazing time at Howick Bowling Club on November 18.

“It was exciting for us to be a part of sponsoring a Howick Bowls’ tournament where we were surrounded by the positive energy generated within a sport we were not familiar with,” says

Now, with Christmas and New Year on the horizon, Howick Village Denture Studio is offering a special on general check-ups and denture cleans – now just HALF PRICE until the end of January 2021 – smile with joy this Christmas!

Please note: Howick Village Denture Studio will be closed for Christmas and New Year from 12pm, December 24, re-opening on January 5, 2021. Our team will be back then, refreshed and ready to welcome in 2021.

To all our clients, and to readers, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

DEMOCRACY

SUMMER Inspired by a trip to colourful Buenos Aires, known for bold prints and vibrant hues, Democracy’s summer range embraces the South American mood but is also about comfort stretch and natural textiles.

Designed with maximum comfort in mind, elasticsed waists www.eastlife.co.nz

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 35

20

combine with the ease of knit and woven fabrics whilst still demonstrating style and flair.

These are casual items to love.

For sure, this season, Democracy ensures something for every occasion, a dinner night out, street barbecue, shopping, or out and about the town.

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10/12/2020 1:38:23 PM

TOTAL BODY

water workout

If you’re just treading water when it comes to an effective exercise routine then it’s time for those with a family pool to turn it into a backyard gym.

Summer is the ideal time to challenge oneself to a strengthtraining workout that’s both refreshing and easy on the joints.

your legs so that your core moves in the shape of a V. Keep your legs outstretched and stuck together at all times.

Try this range of excellent exercises which make use of water resistance for more-thansatisfying results.

• The march: Simply walk around your pool, changing direction after every turn to increase the water resistance.

• The scissors: With your back to the wall, hold on to the edge of the pool with your forearms. Move your legs in a crisscross pattern, alternating the leg that crosses on top.

• The “V”: Assume the same position as the previous exercise, then lift and lower

• The jumping jack: Jump out by spreading your legs apart and lifting your arms above your head, then jump back in by bringing your feet together and lowering your arms to your sides.

• The karate kick: Lift one knee to form a 90-degree

angle with your body, then extend your leg while simultaneously punching with the opposite arm.

• The eagle: While keeping your arms stretched out at shoulder height, squeeze your shoulder blades together to push the water back behind you. Bring your arms back to starting position and repeat.

• The flutter: Facing the edge of the pool and keeping your back straight, lift one leg (without bending it) as far back as possible. Bring it back to starting position and alternate.

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Happy Shopping!

hello@threads.co.nz • www.threads.co.nz JU1641-v3

36 | eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021

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www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:38:26 PM

HOW CAN HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY HELP?

EVER THOUGHT OF

CONTACT LENSES? Kristine Jensen, Eyes of Howick owneroptometrist, talks about advanced contact lens technology and the ease with which they can now be worn.

With my vision changing like others over the magic age of 40, I reach for my glasses more and more often.

While I love my vision through my glasses and also the fashion statement they create, with my active lifestyle I realise it is not always the most convenient or practical option.

As an independent optometry practice we have unlimited access to new contact lens technology as it continues to evolve. This allows us to treat each patient as an individual and make the right choice for their precious eyes and their vision.

We want our patients’ eyes to look good, see well and feel great. With the vast range available at Eyes of Howick, it is very rare we cannot achieve both clear vision and a comfortable fit. Lens materials are more breathable than ever, so there is simply no need for red, irritable eyes just because you choose to wear contact lenses.

Contact lenses may be worn with a daily replacement schedule – the most hygienic and convenient option. Fortnightly or monthly replacement or even monthly extended wear is available whereby the lenses are removed from the eye only one night per month.

Prescription availability is extensive with both astigmatic and multifocal prescriptions available. We even have access to the amazing Acuvue Transitions contact lens which has adaptive tint technology – perfect for glare sensitive patients and even those who have difficulty driving at night.

As part of the contact lens fitting process we spend time with patients teaching them how to insert and remove the lenses safely and how to best care for their lenses.

Our contact lens fitting fee includes unlimited appointments with the optometrist to achieve the perfect fit and includes any consultations which may be required in regard to your contact lenses within the first year of wearing the lenses.

We appreciate it can be quite a new experience learning to insert a lens into your eye but we have found that with expert coaching most of our patients become masters in no time!

Feel free to contact us with regard to any queries you may have or book a consultation with one of our optometrists. We can even offer a free contact lens trial to allow you to experience the world through contact lenses!

Pop in and see our friendly team for quality eye care and advice or check out our wide range of the latest fashion glasses.

100 Picton Street, Howick.

CLIVE PLUCKNETT, Naturopath, Doctorate in Natural Medicine, Bachelor Holistic Health Science, AdvDip: Naturopathy, Nutrition, Western Herbal Medicine, PG Dip: Cancer Nutrition Medicine, Mental Health Nutrition, AntiAgeing Medicine, Science, MBA(Dist), BA. We are so busy with our lives that sometimes we overlook the really important stuff until it sneaks up and bites. Have you ever wondered what are the basics of life and health?

The answer is oxygen, water, food, light spectrum, and the earth’s electro-magnetic field. Without these, we waste away. Without food you may live months, but without oxygen, trust me, avoid long-term investments.

As a species in pursuit of ‘progress’, we have managed to stuff up every one of these and the way we use them. This article focuses on oxygen.

Many people are chronically low in oxygen. So what? you may ask.

Okay, don’t do this while driving – hold your breath for as long as you can. Did you get past 5 minutes? I suspect not.

The body automatically kicks in and makes you breathe, because breath and oxygen are essential to life.

Enough oxygen keeps you alive, ample oxygen keeps you radiant.

Low oxygen levels can impact adversely on almost every system in the body, directly and indirectly, leading to dis-ease.

HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy)

increases oxygen levels and works at a foundation level.

There are thousands of studies which show its healing impacts on: burns, anaemia, heart defects, asthma, lung disease, neurological disorders, nerve pain, headaches, muscle injury, radiation sideeffects, enhancing chemotherapy and radiation, blocking harmful bacteria, reducing inflammation, connective tissue formation, collagen formation, strengthening the immune system, and exercise recovery and as part of an antiageing protocol. Its most recent claim to fame was its success in China to combat Covid.

HBOT is not just about dis-ease.

It should be part of a wellness programme. It has even been proven to lengthen telomeres (reverse ageing).

HBOT increases oxygen levels in the body via a combination of pressurising oxygen into the body, while breathing highly oxygenated air. This occurs inside a chamber and takes about an hour. It is not a one-off treatment and your goals will determine your HBOT programme.

Not all HBOT chambers can claim the same results. To find out more and follow just one person’s journey, please visit our website.

Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not to be used as a substitute to professional, personalised advice. The views are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or editor.

BeWell Clinic – Unleash Your Wellness Potential TreaTmenTs

• Anti-Ageing • Cancer Nutrition • Cardiovascular Disease • Chronic Fatigue • Dementia

• Diabetes • Fat Loss • Gut Health • Mental Health • Stroke

Clive Plucknett Naturopath 730 Whitford Road, Whitford Village Ph 09 530 8143 | 021 490 801 bewellltdnz@gmail.com www.bewell.net.nz

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Phone. 09 534 5565 | www.eyesofhowick.co.nz www.eastlife.co.nz

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A

What skin lesion is this?

Some common pigmented skin lesions

1 Junctional naevus: which sits between the dermis and epidermis.

4 This year we have seen an alarming increase in the number of melanomas presenting to our clinic.

It’s time to show some pictures again to help educate people about the different types of ‘moles’ and pigmented skin lesions that the human skin can grow.

It can be quite alarming to see the different spots and tumours that can appear on one’s skin, especially with advancing years.

Pigmented seborrheic keratosis: benign soft warty from light brown to tan to black and raised. May be crusty or irritated. Common on the temples, hands and backs of those over 60 who’ve had too much sun in the past. They are benign but some can mimic melanoma, a problem!

2 Compound naevus: which lies in the upper dermis and epidermis.

If your GP is concerned or unsure about what you have I’m happy to do a single lesion or a full body skin check (with underwear on). If you have any lesions of concern in your ‘personal parts’ I will check these for you with my practice nurse present.

7a 7a. Raised and ulcerated, looks nasty.

Intradermal naevus: lies in the dermis and pushes the epidermis up, usually soft and fleshy and may be pedunculated.

5 Dysplastic naevus: dark flat lesion with irregular edges and colour pattern. It is benign but may turn into a melanoma later. It’s best to remove these early before trouble with melanoma occurs.

To keep it simple we are showing a few of the common pigmented skin lesions.

Check yourself and or your partner’s skin next time you/he/she gets out of the shower. If there are any large dark lesions over 6mm diameter or small black ones 2-4 mm diameter see your GP initially to get them checked.

3

7b

6 Superficial spreading melanoma: may get over a cm in diameter, flat, with blue/black pigment, or light to dark brown pigment with irregular edges. Needs removal before it begins to invade deeply.

If in doubt, check it out and maybe cut it out!

7b. Flat, black with intense red/brown colour variation and a blue/white veil. It looks nasty, too.

7. Nodular malignant melanoma. Raised, thickened version of 6 above, may have intense colour variation, a blue/white surface ‘veil’ and ulceration. Once a melanoma starts to invade vertically down into the dermis of the skin it is getting dangerous to your health. Such lesions need urgent diagnosis and surgical excision and if there is a potential for spread internally the local lymph nodes need to be sampled as well, known as a ‘sentinel node biopsy’.

Marina Plastic Surgery First Floor, Compass Building, Ara Tai Drive, Half Moon Bay Marina P: 09 534 4040 E: info@marinaspeicalists.co.nz

Martin Rees Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon

www.marinaplasticsurgery.co.nz www.plassurg.co.nz

38 | eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021

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10/12/2020 1:38:35 PM

Avoid ‘TEXT NECK’ syndrome Are you always on your mobile device?

Beware of text-neck syndrome!

Primarily linked to poor posture — in this case, keeping the head tilted forward for extended periods of time — this chronic condition is often experienced by avid smartphone users.

Symptoms may include headaches, neck stiffness, wrist and shoulder pain, and inflammation in the joints of the hands.

In the long run, the natural curvature of your neck could shift, potentially triggering early-onset osteoarthritis.

Therefore, it’s important to take regular breaks from your mobile device or tablet and pay special

attention to your posture.

Health-care professionals have recommended:

Bending your head forward just one inch more than normal adds 4.5 kilos of pressure on your spinal cord. Inclining it by 60 degrees adds 27 kilos!

• Avoid keeping your head down for prolonged periods.

• Remain in an upright position as much as possible • Avoid holding your phone between your shoulder and ear • Ensure your elbows are well supported • Place your device on a flat surface whenever possible • Take time-out – put your phone aside, go for a run or walk, do a household chore, lie back for half an hour

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0800 625 100 | ilsnz.org eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021 |

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10/12/2020 1:38:44 PM

Beauty COUNTER NOVEL ADVENT CALENDAR ‘HAIR’ TODAY From keas to pohutakawas, sheep and jandals, the Mita™ Christmas Collection celebrates all things Kiwi and summer in a red and green ode to Christmas. Having just released its 2020 Advent Calendar filled with gifts to keep and wear over and over again, Mita unveils a new hair accessory each morning leading up to Christmas Day. Treats include hair elastics, kink free spirals, clips and plenty of sparkle – perfect for little girls and big girls, too! Better still, the packaging can be re-used to store knick-knacks, hair pins or Mita hair accessories, turn it into a sewing kit organiser or an arts and crafts tray, a jewellery organiser or a children’s paint tray – it’s sure to come in handy!

Mita Hair Accessories 550 piece Advent Calendar 2020 (RRP $19.99) available from Unichem, Life and pharmacies nationwide.

FOR MEN ON THE MOVE Take this new release, trial size range of skin and body care essentials from Natio For Men with you wherever you go. Available in 50ml and 75ml sizes, they’re perfect for post-lockdown SWISSPERS GOES travel, the gym bag and on-the-go events. Convenient and affordable, GENTLE ON SKIN check out Natio For Men Smooth Shave Gel 50ml (RRP $6.99), BEAUTIFUL HANDS, a low-foam mix of gentle gel Summer heat and humidity calls for more STRONGER NAILS lubricants to give effortless attention to cleansing and moisturising the skin. Known for its expertise in pure, gentle razor glide with minimal cleansing, Swisspers has appropriately irritation, Natio For Men Hand and nail care should be part of every beauty regime expanded its range, to include an but are often neglected. Fortunately, Revitanail provides a Daily Face Wash 50ml (RRP earth-kind Swisspers Eco range of range of products including its intensive strength treatment and $7.99), a gel foam which biodegradable facial wipes. Swisspers conditioning nail polish remover wipes, to help you achieve beautiful clears away daily dirt, Eco aloe vera biodegradable facial wipes nails, cuticles and hands. In particular, Revitanail Hand & Nail Cream grime and impurities and Natio For Men SPF 50+ come in a pack of 25 and are made with is formulated to boost hydration, nourish cuticles and protect hardcooling aloe vera to soothe and calm working hands, left dry and rough from excessive hand washing, Face Moisturiser 50ml (RRP skin while effectively removing makeup sanitising, cooking, cleaning, laundry and even typing. Use often, $11.99), fast absorbing and and dirt. The luxuriously soft, Swisspers particularly after hand washing when moisture is easily lost, non-greasy, offering high, Sensitive biodegradable facial wipes, (25Revitanail Hand & Nail Cream (RRP $19.99) is formulated with broad spectrum UVA and pure aloe, green tea extracts and avocado oil, as well as UVB sun protection. Available pack) are especially formulated for sensitive skin. Both packs are made from a mix of vitamins A, B and E and calcium to soothe, smooth at Farmers and participating fragrance-free cotton and renewable plant and deeply hydrate. Revitanail is available from pharmacies from January 7. a wide variety of pharmacies nationwide. fibres, and are gentle on the skin being designed to cleanse and moisturise with one swipe.

40 | eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021

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www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:38:53 PM

Y

R

books

T YOU’LL WAN TO HAVE IN YOUR KITCHEN SHARED KITCHEN Great things can happen when we share kitchen duties, as this cookbook by mother and daughter team, Julie and Ilaria Biuso, proves.

Designed to help us double the deliciousness and double the fun when cooking up a storm, Shared Kitchen includes a range of recipes, covering everything from quick snacks to bountiful meals.

Julie & Ilaria Biuso: Shared Kitchen – Real Food from Scratch | RRP $39.99 | Bateman Books

NEW ZEAL AND WINES 2021

BARBECUE THIS!

It’s a tough job but someone has to do (and review) it! After sampling approximately 3000 wines, Michael Cooper presents a dependable guide to some of the top tipples Kiwi winemakers have to offer. A ‘must have’ book for connoisseurs, the latest edition is also accessible to those with a novice understanding of wine and eager to learn more.

Summer wouldn’t be summer without burgers, steaks, snags (or prawns) blazing on a barbecue!

However, as this must-have cookbook proves, we needn’t be restricted to more ‘garden variety’ recipes anymore. From skewers, to roasts, as well as zingy marinades and rubs, this book (ideal for any chef who loves to fire up fare al fresco style) explores a wide range of ways we can use our barbecues to their full potential.

Cook, eat, repeat, what could be simpler? Acclaimed cook, Nigella Lawson, may be well known for creating sumptuous dishes but her philosophy has always been to celebrate the simple things in life. In her latest cookbook, Nigella presents the story of her life through recipes that even average cooks can master.

Luke Hines: Barbecue This! | RRP $39.99 | Macmillan Publishers

Nigella Lawson: Cook, Eat, Repeat – ingredients, recipes and stories | RRP $55| Chatto & Windus

Michael Cooper: New Zealand Wines 2021 | RRP $39.99 | Upstart Press

COOK, EAT, REPEAT BY NIGELL A L AWSON

EASTCLIFFE ON ORAKEI RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Available now!

One bedroom apartments priced from $299,000. Enjoy stunning sea views from our four community lounges.

CONTACT US TO VIEW 217 Kupe Street, Orakei, Auckland. Ph: (09) 521 9015 E: receptioneastcliffe@eastcliffe.co.nz www.eastcliffe.co.nz All occupational licenses for units at the village are secured by a first ranking encumbrance over the village land in favour of the Statutory Supervisor.

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Taste

rience a range of of the month and expe s ur vo fla t es lat r ou y Tr always on the difference. EastLife is ste ta al re a th wi ts uc aders. new prod the tastebuds of our re se ali nt ta to ts uc od lookout for new pr

NOT JUST THE TONIC...

G&Ts might not be exactly what the doctor would order – at least not on duty! – but they’re a perfect compliment during downtime over summer. Bombay Sapphire Gin & Tonic gives us the chance to drink in the flavours of a perfectly balanced G&T without having to mix them ourselves. This gem of a gin is available in four-packs of 275ml bottles (RRP $17.99) from liquor stores.

DRINK HAPPY, DON’T WORRY? If you feel like a room without a roof or have sunshine in a bag you might be happy or it could just be the drink talking. However, as Coromandel’s Drink Happy range is non-alcoholic, the ‘high spirits’ it may evoke are natural in nature.

Drink Happy boxes (RRP from $49) can be ordered via www. getdrinkhappy.com for delivery direct to our doors – in some cases (one may guess) by shiny, happy people!

CADBURY GOES BANANAS!

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Another chip off the old block, Cadbury’s latest creation sees the flavours from another Kiwi favourite (Perky Nana chocolate bars) wrapped up in creamy Dairy Milk chocolate.

With chewy banana flavoured marshmallow pieces encased in chocolate, this tempting treat (RRP $3.60 per bar, available from supermarkets for a limited time only) really is something to go ape about.

VENISON – GOOD AS SILVER Dishes that are dear to our hearts (and stomachs) need not be dear when it comes to purchasing their star ingredients, even if those ingredients actually came from deer in the first place. Confused? After tasting Silver Fern Farms’ Venison Cutlets (RRP $21.99) and Venison Minutes Steaks (RRP $15.99) you needn’t be! Available from supermarkets nationwide, these latest additions are sure to sit at the top of many a table... even at Christmas! www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:39:21 PM

he rs.

TWIRLS DANCE HEALTHY FAMILY TUNE

‘TWISTING’ BY THE POOL Sating that summer thirst, LF Seltzer now comes with added zest. In addition to the effervescence of seltzer, these drinks come with a twist of wine. With three varieties from which to choose (Yuzu, Mint & Cucumber with Sauvignon Blanc, Pear & Ginger with Pinot Gris and Strawberry & Hibiscus with Rosé), this range (4.8% alc/vol) is available in recyclable packaging (RRP of $15.99 per four-pack of 250ml cans) from liquor outlets.

POT TERS’ GOOD ‘TURN’...

What do you get when you mix a couple of Potters with a secret family recipe? Top chocs! When one of these enterprising brothers from Levin stopped by our offices, we couldn’t help but treat ourselves to their sumptuous wares. Including Red Liquorice, Jellies ‘n’ Cream, Coconut Rough, Chewy Caramel in Milk Chocolate (the latest addition), and more, these premium chocolates ($4.50 per bag) are available via www.potterbrothers.co.nz/product-category/ chocolate, or from selected Fruit World outlets (including Howick and Dannemora) and most Bin Inn stores.

Snacks high in fat and sugar have been given the old heave ho by many families but new Healtheries Twirls family bags, with 50% less fat than regular potato chips, are a goodie for school or work lunches. These delicious, crunchy, flavour-packed snacks, made with vegetable powders such carrot, tomato and pumpkin, come in two great flavours – Chicken and Salt & Vinegar. Oven baked, they don’t contain artificial colours, are low in sugar, vegan-friendly, and are seasoned with all-natural flavours.

Sugar can be extremely hard to avoid in pre-packaged snack foods but with their low sugar content, Twirls provide an alternative to many sweetened snack foods. Healtheries Twirls (RRP $3.50 per family bag) are available at Countdown supermarkets.

Potters’ Hokey Pokey in milk chocolate.

BOX OF BAKING GOODNESS Bake mix pros, Hill St have done it again with four new healthy baking kits adding to the six already on the market. Hill St’s new bases are a deliciously easy way to make all kinds of treats with each mix being the base for three or more different recipes. Proudly New Zealand-made, try these four new mixes (RRP $6.99 each) – Chunk (cookies, biscotti, slices and skillet cookies); Chocolate (for cake, brownie and mug cakes); Dough (scones, flatbread, no-knead bread) and Vanilla (cupcakes, cake, loaves). Catering to both novice and time-poor baking experts, just add a couple of wet ingredients to the mix for perfection every time. The majority are dairy-free and all veganfriendly. They can be found at New World, Pak‘nSave and other retailers nationwide. www.eastlife.co.nz

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Seedlip

chri mas ENTERTAININ G

LIFTS YOUR SPIRITS M E R RY C H E R RY Non-alcoholic spirit, Seedlip has been busy these past months pioneering a category of drinks to solve the “what to drink when you’re not drinking” dilemma.

Available in three varieties – Garden 108, Spice 94 and Grove 42 – Seedlip has zero calories, is sugarfree, sweetener-free and artificial flavour-free. What’s more it’s perfect for making mocktails which taste divine. In particular, Merry Cherry is a cheery Christmas treat!

dlip Spice 94 is The combination of cherry, coffee & See options for this sure to put you in a festive mood. Two the bases. 1. Drink caffeinated spice cocktail to cover all ioned style the Merry Cherry as an evening Old Fash a Turbo. as drink, or 2, in the morning with tonic • 60 ml Seedlip Spice 94 • 15 ml Six Barrel Cherry & Pomegranate Syrup • Harpoon Cold Brew Ice Cube • East Imperial Burma Tonic (optional) for Turbo option • Garnish: Orange zest and a cherry on top In advance – freeze the Cold Brew Coffee. We love a large ice ball or cube but a normal ice tray will

work just fine. Add Seedlip Spice & Six Barrel Syrup into a glass and stir.

Gently lower cold brew coffee ice cube into the glass. Swirl and garnish with a cherry or two.

Option 2: Top with tonic if you want a breakfast style turbo cocktail.

NOTE: Products available at leading supermarkets and specialty food stores or for more information visit www.seedlipdrinks. co.nz.

BAKERY ‘ELVES’ WHIP UP

FESTIVE TREATS We all know jingle bells ring out at this time of the year but sweet-toothed foodies should also tune into Bluebells (Cakery) for must-have festive gifts and catering.

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With Christmas nigh, this year’s novel range includes more than 20 new sweet and savoury treats, to help with yuletide gifting or entertaining. Included are favourites such as themed cupcakes, Christmas cookies, Bluebells’ take on the classic rocky road and, of course, the wonderful Rudolph cake, loved by young and old.

Check out decadent themed macaron gift boxes, too. Whether you like a hearty fruit cake or a hint of salted caramel, Bluebells festive collection will boost your spirits. What’s more, in addition to the Kingsland store, Bluebells Cakery has now opened in Auckland’s Commercial Bay precinct. For more visit www.bluebellscakery.com

www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:39:43 PM

chri mas

as

ENTERTAININ G

G

Fruited Brazil Nut Loaves

Maple, Garlic Kefta Kebab

Christmas Day comes and goes faster that Santa’s sleigh rides the night sky but festive and holiday entertaining stretches across several weeks. Therefore, baking and cooking tend to be an ongoing event – this recipe for Fruited Brazil Nut Loaves is a goody. It’s easy and makes two loaves which go a long way when serving with a cuppa!

Tired of sausages and chops on the barbie? Looking for something a bit different next time around? Then try this yum recipe for kefta, a type of middle Eastern street food which will have you hankering for more.

• 1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour • 1 cup (250 ml) packed brown sugar • 1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder • 3 cups (750 ml) whole shelled Brazil nuts • 4 eggs • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla

• 500 grams ground pork • 500 grams ground veal (lamb is okay too) • 2 red onions, finely chopped • 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped • 1 egg • 3 tbsp breadcrumbs • 3 tbsp maple syrup

Line two 1.5 litre loaf pans with foil; grease well and set aside. Pour boiling water over figs and apricots; let stand for five minutes. Drain and chop into large pieces.

Thoroughly mix all ingredients in a bowl. Divide the mixture into eight portions.

Shape each portion into a tube around one of the skewers.

• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) dried figs • 1 1/2 cup (375 ml) dried apricots • 1 cup (250 ml) candied pineapple • 1/2 cup (125 ml) candied cherries • 1/2 cup (125 ml) chopped preserved ginger

Cut pineapple into chunks. Halve cherries. In large bowl, mix together figs, apricots, pineapple, cherries, ginger, and Brazil nuts. Stir together flour, sugar, and baking powder; add to fruit mixture and toss to mix.

In separate bowl, beat eggs well; stir in vanilla. Add to fruit mixture and mix well; spoon into prepared pans. Bake at 180°C for one hour or until cake tester inserted into centre comes out clean. Let cool in pans on racks for 10 minutes; remove from pans and let cool completely on racks. Loaves can be wrapped well and refrigerated for up to two weeks. www.eastlife.co.nz

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 45

• 1 tsp garlic salt (or 1-2 crushed cloves garlic) • Salt and pepper to taste • Wood skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes TIP: If you don’t have skewers, mixture can be formed into patties.

Preheat the barbecue to medium heat. Grill the kefta for about 2 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer to top grill to finish cooking.

Top with a yoghurt dressing and serve with salads and pita bread. Makes 8.

eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021 |

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10/12/2020 1:39:44 PM

chri mas ENTERTAININ G

For more tempting recipes visit www. thetattooedbutcher.com

Cocktails

SO GOOD! There’s one easy way to make a stunning cocktail to serve luncheon guests on a glorious summer afternoon and that’s by using a pure cocktail mixer with natural botanical extracts and real fruit juice from the Good Cocktail Co.

Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, these inexpensive, no-fuss mixers are fun and are made in two easy steps. You can add alcohol or enjoy them just as they are!

New Zealand-made, these delicious mixers are available at Countdown, New World or Pak‘nSave supermarkets and liquor stores. But to steer you in the right direction take a look at the following recipe.

EASY MARGARITA Margarita cocktails usually consist of tequila plus orange and lime juice often served shaken with ice (on the rocks), blended with ice (frozen margarita), or without ice (straight up).

The Good Cocktail Co Margarita Cocktail Mixer is crafted with real lime juice, orange juice plus natural botanical extract of hibiscus flowers. It’s all natural, vegan and gluten-free and is best served with tequila although you can enjoy this mixer just as it is.

• 3 tbsp (45ml) tequila. No tequila? Try with vodka or gin.

• 1/4 cup (60ml) of Good Cocktail Co Margarita Mixer • 1/8 cup (30ml) of soda water or bubbles (with or without alcohol) Add a handful of ice to a blender with the ingredients, mix then pour or simply pour the ingredient over ice and shake or stir

46 | eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021

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THE PERFECT BEEF CHEEK Capable cooks are well used to working with all types of ingredients but, when it comes to making the most of meat, butchers are often a cut above. One of New Zealand’s top butchers (a member of the Sharp Blacks’ competitive butchery team, James Smith – aka the Tattooed Butcher) has served up a classic with this on-point recipe for making the perfect beef cheeks.

• 2 beef cheeks (roughly 1kg) • 800 mls beef stock • 1 tsp onion powder • Small handful fresh rosemary

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • Culley’s Charcoal Rub (or similar)

Trim silver skin off the beef cheeks. Rub cheeks in the Culley’s Charcoal Rub until it is fully covered. Preheat oven to 150 degrees C. Cook beef in a dish for one and a half hours.

Remove from oven. Mix the beef stock, onion powder, rosemary and garlic together, pour into the dish, cover with tin foil and cook for a further three hours.

Remove from oven and rest for 30 minutes before removing tin foil. Slice and serve your amazingly tasty beef cheek! Serves 3-4

www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:39:50 PM

as

G

PROSCIUTTO, RICOTTA & HONEY PIZZA Nothing says ‘Italy’ quite like pizza, but when combined with Egmont Honey the result is a match made in heaven, or In Rhi’s Pantry (www.inrhispantry.com) at least!

• • • •

1 cup warm water 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp instant yeast 2 & 1/2 cups high grade/ bread flour • 1 tsp salt • Olive oil • 1/3 cup tomato passata

• • • • • •

1 tsp mixed herbs 1 cup mozzarella 1/4 cup ricotta 1 cup fresh rocket 40g prosciutto 1 tbsp Egmont Honey Raw Honey, warmed • Fresh thyme to garnish

In a bowl, combine the warm water, sugar and yeast. Leave to stand for 10 minutes. Mix the flour and salt into the yeast mixture, then turn out onto a clean floured work surface and knead for 10 minutes. Place into an oiled bowl, cover, and leave to rest for 30 minutes.

Cut the dough in half, and roll out into two 1cm thick circles. Place onto greased trays. Bake in an oven preheated to 220 degrees for 15 minutes, then carefully remove from the oven and spread the bases with the tomato passata and sprinkle with mixed herbs.

Season, and top evenly with the mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven for a further 20 minutes or until the base is golden and the cheese has melted.

Dollop the ricotta over the pizzas, sprinkle over the rocket and top with the prosciutto. Drizzle over the warmed Egmont honey, season and garnish with thyme leaves and serve. Serves 2-4. www.eastlife.co.nz

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 47

COCONUT LATIK PARFAIT Thanks to another team effort – this time involving top chef, Sachie Nomura – we have a tempting recipe drawing on the intriguing flavours of The Collective’s Vietnamese Coffee yoghurt. What’s more, as proceeds from this yoghurt will go to Fertility NZ (Ms Nomura’s chosen charity, through the Chefs for Good initiative) we can all help spread the love!

• 80g crushed biscuit • 500g tub of The Collective’s Vietnamese Coffee yoghurt • 1/2 cup cubed sponge cake • 1 425ml tin coconut milk

To serve: • Latik – toasted coconut crumbs • Fresh berries • Chocolate fingers (optional

Put biscuits in a blender and blitz them into crumbs.

To make Latik (makes 60g of crumbs): pour the coconut milk into a frying pan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to medium high (make sure you see gentle bubbles on the surface) and cook it off. Stir occasionally. Cook until the coconut separates from the oil and turns into a nice light brown colour. Use a strainer to remove the coconut oil and retain the crumbs. Cool it down and store in an airtight container.

TIP: You can also store the coconut oil for future cooking.

TO ASSEMBLE: put the biscuit crumbs in a serving jar or glass and pour 1/4 of The Collective’s Vietnamese Coffee yoghurt on top. Add cubed sponge cakes and cover with another 1/4 of the yoghurt.

Garnish with seasonal fruits, latik, and arrange chocolate fingers before serving.) Serves 2. eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021 |

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10/12/2020 2:24:05 PM

Red mistletoe (Peraxilla tetrapetala).

A KISS FOR CHRISTMAS THANKS MIS! ‘Christmas time, mistletoe and wine’... while readers might appreciate the message, they would probably need a few bottles of the latter to put up with Cliff Richard’s often-played Christmas single!

On the other hand, here’s a Christmas album that does not include tracks of the musical kind. Viscum album, or European mistletoe, has helped ‘merrymakers’ date Mary (or Donna, Daisy or Susan for that matter) for centuries. Many a wandering heart has received a kiss under decorative mistletoe, a customary, if prickly tradition at Christmas.

European mistletoe can be identified by its pairs of oval, smooth-edged green leaves, clusters of berries and woody stems. Other varieties, including Eastern and North American mistletoe, are also used as decorations during the festive season.

An aerial parasite, mistletoe is a gold-digger of the forest, attaching itself to trees in order to grow. It can be transferred from one tree to another through bird excrement and is thought to derive its name (mistiltan in old English) from the German for dung (mist), and branch (tang).

A symbol of goodwill, peace and love since ancient times, mistletoe was used by druids to celebrate the arrival of winter, being gathered for decoration during winter and summer solstices.

Greeks and Romans, as well as Britons, associated mistletoe with fertility and, according to folk law, it was even considered to be an aphrodisiac. However, best not to try – all parts of the mistletoe are poisonous. Although it could make you ill it is doubtful it would actually cause death Furthermore, traditionally, should a woman, standing beneath the mistletoe at Christmas, refuse a kiss, she should not expect to marry the following year. This is but one of a number of stories regarding mistletoe and the origin of this lip-smacking tradition.

In Norse mythology, for example, the tale goes a little like this: Balder (the sun god) was considered immortal as he could not be harmed by anything on, or under, the earth. However, his enemy Loki (the trickster god) had a cunning plan...he made an arrow using mistletoe, which grows on trees, not on the earth, and duped Hoder (the god of winter) into shooting it at, and killing, poor Balder.

Balder’s mother, Frigga (the goddess of love, marriage and beauty) restored her son to life.

Her tears became the pearly-white berries found on mistletoe and in her joy, Frigga kissed all who passed beneath from that day on.

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PROTECTING NATIVE MISTLETOE Many people mistakenly think of mistletoe as a northern hemisphere plant, associating it with a white Christmas and its accompanying ‘kiss under the mistletoe’ tradition.

However, New Zealand has nine native mistletoe species.

Three are found mainly in beech forest: • Red mistletoe (Peraxilla tetrapetala) • Scarlet mistletoe (P. colensoi), • Yellow mistletoe (Alepis flavida).

Five species are in lowland forest and scrub: • Small-flowered mistletoe (Ileostylus micranthus), • White white mistletoe (Tupeia antarctica) • Three dwarf or leafless mistletoes (Korthalsella salicornioides, K.lindsayi and K. clavata) • One species (Trilepedia adamsii or Adams’s mistletoe) is presumed extinct as it was last seen in 1954.

It seems native mistletoe populations have declined over the past century mostly due to possums, vegetation clearance, and the decline in native bird species which act as pollinators and seeddispersers. Rats are also suspected of eating mistletoe, and insects damage them.

However, many organisations are working to prevent extinction of the species here including the Department of Conservation which has carried out surveys to learn more about where mistletoes grow and the number of plants out there.

Host trees supporting red, scarlet and white mistletoes

have been banded to protect them from browsing possums.

Possum control is carried out to allow the mistletoes to flower and fruit while some key mistletoe sites have physical and legal protection.

Unlike many overseas mistletoe species, New Zealand mistletoes are very slow growing and, therefore, do not generally harm their hosts. Because they are so slow growing, they are vulnerable to herbivore browsing and other physical damage in their early years, but should a plant survive this period it could live for decades.

DOC has also experimented with trans-locating mistletoes to new sites. This has involved ‘planting’ mistletoe seed on potential hosts which has been successful with red mistletoe and small-flowered mistletoe.

Should readers discover mistletoe on their property ways they can help ensure their survival include: • Be careful not to disturb mistletoes, their host trees or habitats when clearing or trimming vegetation.

• Wrap aluminium bands around host tree trunks to prevent possum browse (not too tight as that will strangle the tree).

• Control possums, rats, and mustelids. This helps native bird populations which are crucial in dispersing mistletoe seed.

• Don’t pick mistletoes.

Some species of mistletoe can be purchased through garden centres and nurseries. www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:40:04 PM

o

OUT OF EUROPE

WE WILL DESIGN

our island!

BESIDE THE SEASIDE: If you do like to be beside the seaside, or poolside at least, during summer, London-based designer, Timothy Oulton, is ready to prove why Britannia still rules the ‘waves’.

Appearing to be more modern and light than many of his other furniture designs, Tim’s Coastal ranges also seems to connect modern living with England’s culture and history.

Handcrafted using traditional techniques, weathered timber, white marble, light

fabrics and soft leather, pieces in this range are intended to reflect a serene, laid-back experience of holiday living.

Featuring furniture suited for use indoors or out, the Coastal range is sure to appeal to inhabitants of our islands too.

Timothy Oulton furniture can be ordered direct – contact via timothyoulton.com.

However, pieces are also available in New Zealand exclusively through Dawson & Co’s Auckland showrooms in Parnell and Rosedale.

From Antique to unique

JU1849

www.eastlife.co.nz

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 49

eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021 |

49

10/12/2020 1:40:07 PM

CLASSIC HITS –

‘world’s fastest Aztec’ You have to love a classic – whether the term refers to a car, its driver or both.

Recently, JON RAWLINSON met a local racing classic who’s still Running strong.

In motorsport experience is a useful attribute, as veteran racing driver Dennis Running contends.

However, it’s rarely a substitute for strength and stamina, traits more commonly exhibited by the young.

“You can only turn the wheel so many times,” he smiles.

“Experience does count, though – mainly because you come to know your car better, its characteristics.

In situations where older drivers

may be more levelled headed, I’ve watched a lot of young guys crash!”

Aged 69, Dennis has been racing and restoring cars for decades. Perhaps the brightest star in his collection of classic racing cars is a veteran in its own right, a 1979 Mazda RX8, formerly owned by motorsport notable, Kieran Wills, and emblazoned with Aztec corn chips livery.

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“Kieran sponsored many events in motorsport, and he owned a number of businesses including Aztec corn chips, so he even used to sponsor himself,” Dennis says.

“When I bought [the RX8] from him, I couldn’t afford the motor – I built a new one for it – but everything else was in pretty good shape.”

Kieran, who lived in Howick for (approximately) 30 years from the 1970s, is known for his involvement in racing Aussie V8 Supercars,

Minis, touring cars and more, but it was in the Aztec that he secured a spot in the record books, breaking the New Zealand land speed record in 1991, clocking just under 300kph.

As Dennis can attest, there’s still plenty of life in the old girl.

“It can complete a lap around Pukekohe Park in under a minute – a V8 supercar would do well to match that – and down the back straight, it’d do about 165kph, so she’s still pretty quick!” www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:40:11 PM

“It can complete a lap around Pukekohe Park in under a minute – a V8 supercar would do well to match that – and down the back straight, it’d do about 165kph, so she’s still pretty quick!”

“I have cars all over the place, here, at home and at my son’s place. Quite a few are from www.eastlife.co.nz

EastLifeDecember20-January21.indd 51

the 1960s, and they’re not just race cars – I have street cars, motorbikes and even a boat.

Overall, I spend more time working on them than driving them.”

An experienced mechanic, Dennis has operated Drury-based Diff Specs since purchasing the business (then located in East Tamaki) more than 40 years ago. However, he first honed his mechanical skills while ‘learning the ropes’ in rural East Tamaki.

“My father [Eric] had a farm and a trotting track. Along with my brothers – Bruce was a [harness racing] driver while Gary was into speedway and I helped with his cars – we all used to get stuck in to keep everything going, from the sulky to the old car with the float on the back,” he says.

“I haven’t been involved with harness racing for around 25 years or so but it was a big part of my life growing up.”

Never short on ‘horsepower, the family raced both pacers and trotters, perhaps the most successful of which was Easton Light, a trotter which Bruce drove to all but 3 of his 36 wins.

“I think the principles of driving are more or less the same,” Dennis adds. “In both motorsport and harness racing you have to make snappy decisions and making the wrong decisions can be costly.”

eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021 |

Photo Wayne Martin.

The Aztec car itself has additional local roots, built by Tony Marsh and team at Marsh Motorsport, now based in East Tamaki. Dennis expects to drive the RX8 at events throughout the summer. In addition, he has a number of other classic racing cars, including a Chevy Corvette C6 in which he won last year’s NZ Tranzam Challenge.

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FROM THE EXPERT’S DESK

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

KIM REICHE is director of two renovation franchises, runner-up, Franchise of the Year 2019 and had project wins for the People’s Choice 2020 plus Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. Here she outlines some important points when considering a renovation team.

CHRISTMAS DEBUT! Meeting your boyfriend or girlfriend’s parents, siblings and extended family for the first time can be daunting at any time but, if you’re making your debut at Christmas lunch or dinner, it can be thoroughly nerve-wracking – talk about laying on the pressure!

Thankfully, there are ways to ensure your first meeting with your significant other’s family is a success, including at this special family time of year.

For example: DO YOUR RESEARCH – Ask your boyfriend/girlfriend about the people you’re going to meet before you meet them. Try to memorise a few details about each individual. The idea is to use what you learn to start conversations and make people feel comfortable around you.

BE OPEN – Every household celebrates Christmas a little bit differently. Be sure to participate in your partner’s family traditions even if unfamiliar to you and don’t be afraid to share your own family’s quirky traditions. If your family always eats strawberry pavlova for dessert at Christmas, bring one along for the table.

Your thoughtfulness will be appreciated.

HELP OUT – Make yourself useful. Asking a general question such as, “can I do something?” will usually result in a, “No, we’re

okay, thanks”. Instead, offer to do something specific such as walking the dog during the busy prep time, setting the table or keeping youngsters occupied with a game. After the eating is done, help clear the table and if there’s no dishwasher, grab a tea-towel, too.

DON’T ARRIVE EMPTY HANDED – It’s unlikely you’ll be expected to bring gifts for everyone but it’s always nice to offer a little something to your significant other’s parents and to whoever is hosting the occasion.

GET OUT THERE – Don’t spend the whole time stuck to your partner’s side. It’s best if you get to know people on your own. This will take the pressure off your partner and will allow the family to get to know you outside of being the boyfriend or girlfriend.

SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION – when its’ time to leave, remember to thank your hosts and say how much you have enjoyed the day and meeting the family – a warm thank-you is always appreciated.

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you need to. Understand the requirements needed to achieve a Code of Compliance for your project. Do not short cut any council requirements….it will hurt in the long run!

As 2020 rolls to an end – and what a year it has been – I thought I would end with a few very good pointers especially when so many want to renovate something!

When thinking about renovating any part of your home there are a few very crucial fundamentals which need to be considered.

• Do your homework before calling in a consultant; know the company, its background and ensure the consultant has the knowledge and the support of a professional team.

• Develop your budget and talk to your mortgage manager to look at options available to you.

• Identify a brief of what you would like to achieve with the renovation and always try to add value to your property. The more information in the brief, the better your results.

Refresh Renovations offers a Concept and Working Drawings service to assist with developing renovation details, however a good overview of the main points is handy so: • Be sure you feel you can trust your design and construction team.

• Visit the council if you feel

• Before any construction starts, agree on a Scope of Works or the deliverables of the project including the specifications. Be clear about the design, layout and materials required.

• Agree on a project structure and management with the team.

• Discuss a start date and finish date with the team.

• Update your insurance team.

• Ask about the guarantees and workmanship warranties.

• Your construction team should provide a Disclosure Statement.

Know your builder and their team.

• Understand the best way to communicate with the team in the construction office and on the ground while the project is progressing.

A great renovation evolves from a well-planned project – take the time to understand what you want to achieve and how best to see this delivered.

House overdue for a renovation?

Relax and let Refresh manage the entire project for you, even if you live out of town.

Refresh is your local home renovation specialist – we’re locals who live in the area and can manage your project from start to finish. Refresh Renovations can renovate kitchens and bathrooms right through to complete home renovations.

Using our online customer portal you can track your project remotely including specifying products and seeing pictures and videos from site. Talk to us today.

Call Kim to get your project underway

0800 004 600 | www.refresh.co.nz KAT7013-v2

www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:40:18 PM

IT IS NEVER TO L ATE TO... PART 2 MANAGING MONEY Christmas and the holiday season generally herald more spending than usual – the trick is not to let your finances get out of hand.

However, if the difficulties of this past year have put a financial strain on the bank balance stop spending now so it doesn’t spiral out of control.

If credit cards are already maxed out, ask the bank for an easy repayment loan to cover all cards, then either put them out of reach or cut them up until your loan is repaid.

In particular, courting couples who have been living apart, but are contemplating setting up house together, will need to ensure they are on the same wave length when it comes to their finances. Ideally, they will enter their new living arrangements with no debt or a plan to eliminate any debt.

Be aware, if one partner is thrifty while the other tends to spend, conflict is sure to arise and can impact on the relationship.

Therefore, before making a serious commitment, such as moving in together, or getting married, discuss your goals and values, and disclose your financial situation.

Have separate bank accounts for personal expenses and a shared

account where you each put in an equal amount for set expenses for which you both take responsibility.

Importantly, create a budget together and track your finances.

Alternatively, you could consider divvying shared living expenses in proportion to your respective incomes. This involves agreeing on what expenses should be shared. Determine whether ‘shared’ expenses, which one party voluntarily takes on, should be considered gifts or loans in the event that you separate.

BILL POTTER — Personal Power Coach. Thought Leader. Global Speaker. Bill has already made personal presentations in 57 countries... so far. http://www. speakers.co.nz/our-speakers/all-speakers/bill-potter/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToRhF22nARM Pssst! Come closer. The end is nigh. No, silly. Just the end of the year 2020. Sheesh! Yes, the year Covidmania flew into town.

I have studied it. Since it was quiet and calm under my bed, I could study it in peace. Well, I was told to hide there, during ‘Smackdown’, because if I didn’t, I’d get ‘a smack’!

If at any time you feel that your financial situation is coming to a crisis point, take action. Simply skipping payments will only make the problem worse.

Yes, there have been too many times in our lives (sadly), when ‘it WAS too late’. The reasons for that included, hesitation, meandering, poor planning, lack of research, bad advice, incompetence, poor time management, no confidence, being indecisive or... catching the ‘couch potato’ virus.

If you are the ‘spender’ take a look at your spending patterns, and seek help to better manage your finances. Consider consulting industry professionals such as financial advisers, a budgeting advice service, lawyers or even a therapist if financial disputes begin to jeopardise the future of your relationship.

But, Good News! It is never too late to Be, to Do or to Have. In this order of course, because you have to ‘improve yourself’, in order to become competent enough, to try ‘new stuff’. Here is List 1: https://www.stuff.co.nz/ life-style/life/87136838/the50-things-you-should-be-doingafter-50

In addition tell a friend or family member about your situation. A fresh perspective could help you move into action to resolve your money problems.

No. It isn’t your ‘bucket list’. This silly term, belongs to ‘kicking the bucket’, which is info regarding your entry, into ‘Deadsville’. Not a happy ambition... This second

one is also your ‘LIFELIST’. You are fit and dangerous, and you have discovered that it ISN’T too late to have a go at stuff. List 2: https://www.lifehack.org/ articles/lifestyle/24-enrichingactivities-50-somethings-shouldtheir-free-time.html I have studied both the science and the data here. It confirms that ‘it is NEVER too late!’ Well, it may become a tad more difficult, right after your funeral. Why am I using these sombre utterances?

Because I’m ‘dead’ serious, about us all straining at the leash to start Life II. Go, take charge of 2021.

Add your innovation and energy to it. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Love you all.

I have created my international Course... LeaderSpeak©. It is for achievers who want to become leaders, but who are not yet sufficiently confident to lead or... to make a difference. I introduced ‘The tumultuous Decade 20202030’ Challenge, right here in EastLife, Issue October 2019! So... what are you still waiting for?

Let’s talk! Today, is usually good.

Cheers. Bill. duitdammit@gmail.com

Our specialist legal teams will work alongside you on a wide range of legal services. Our goal is always to create a comprehensive state of affairs for both your personal and business endeavours.

JU0910-v12

Ph. 09 969 0126

www.eastlife.co.nz Wynyard Wood Eastlife & South 184x90 2020-12 Generic.indd 1

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eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021 |

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8/12/20 5:58 PM

10/12/2020 1:40:20 PM

Jacs

WE KNOW

Even as school children and politicians looked ahead to the summer hols – after both sat (or stood for a seat) for ‘examinations’ – our Prime Minister still had some ‘doing this’ to get done, as our take on recent reports from Jacinda Ardern’s office indicates.

HAIL TO THE ‘CHEAT’?

Although certain Americans have struggled to accept the outcome of the USA’s presidential elections, our PM has extended her congratulations to the victor.

“As [a former] vice president, Joe Biden [now President-elect] was a close friend of New Zealand and visited here in 2016,” Ms Ardern said in early November. “There are many challenges in front of the international community right now, the message of unity from Joe Biden positions us well to take those challenges on.”

The Prime Minister also acknowledged outgoing President Donald Trump, notably as the ‘outgoing President Donald Trump’!

“New Zealand has enjoyed positive and cooperative relations with the United States over the period of the Trump Administration,” she added.

RECP SIGNALS FAIR ‘FREE’ TRADE WINDS Economically speaking, no nation is an island entire unto itself, even when it is a nation comprised of islands. For this reason, our PM was pleased to announce that New Zealand has joined a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RECP).

“Securing free trade agreements like RCEP is an important part of New Zealand’s Trade Recovery Strategy, helping to put [us] in the best possible position to recover from the economic impacts of Covid-19 and seize new opportunities for exports and investment,” Ms Ardern said.

“A range of New Zealand industries will directly benefit from this new agreement, helping us to

accelerate our economic recovery and build back better.”

Also signed by ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) members including Australia, China, Japan, and South Korea, the RECP will grow New Zealand’s GDP by around $2 billion (overall), cut ‘red tape’ and improve access to foreign markets, Ms Ardern expects.

street businesses in particular.

“Our primary industries will also profit – with the new expectation that Customs authorities will release perishable goods within six hours of arrival, helping to reduce spoilage and save money.”

COAL, GAS BAGGED? There’s no room for ‘old fossils’ in Jacinda Ardern’s new government – no, that’s not a crack about the ‘dearly departed’ Winston Peters!

In November, the PM launched a new fund designed to transition New Zealand away from its reliance on fossil fuels.

“I have set out that the economic recovery from Covid and addressing climate change are priorities for the new Government,” Ms Ardern said. “This fund creates jobs while lowering emissions and is the exact sort of initiative that will help us to build back better.”

Coming at a price tag of $70 million, the fund is a tad more expensive than the average household electric bill but, the PM expects, it will ensure New Zealand switches on to cleaner energy options.

BIG NEWS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES Soon after EastLife’s November issue hit the high streets, Ms Ardern announced a Cabinet decision designed to help high

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Jacinda Ardern

“Supporting small business by extending interest-free loans will provide greater certainty, support confidence in the sector and help accelerate our economic recovery...

Our recovery from Covid won’t end in December and nor should the scheme.”

By extending the Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme – which provides loans up to two years interest-free – the Government intends to ensure not only the strong survive the pandemic.

“The economic recovery from Covid is a priority for the Government and supporting small business is at the heart of our recovery,” the PM added. “With access to the last round of wage subsidy [ending] it is important that viable businesses who need cashflow support can access it as they recover.”

YES, MINISTERS...

While some MPs take pride of place in Jacinda Ardern’s new ‘cabinet’, it’s safe to say others (not naming names!) have been fast tracked all the way back. Overall, the PM believes she has picked a winning team in dishing our ministerial responsibilities in early November.

Notable appointments include Grant Robertson retaining his Finance duties while also taking on the role of Deputy PM, vacated by the inimitable (that can be taken two ways!) Winston Peters. Proving A Little goes a long way, former

party leader, Andrew Little, will take charge of the Health portfolio among others, with Chris Hipkins named Minister for COVID-19 Response.

“This is a new role that will give the Minister responsibility for all aspects of our ongoing response, including the running of managed isolation facilities, our border defences as well as our health response including our testing and contact tracing systems and managing any resurgence of the virus,” Ms Ardern explained.

“The new Labour Government will have two overarching priorities: to drive our economic recovery from Covid-19, and to continue our health response to keep New Zealanders safe from the virus.”

Other notables include Nanaia Mahuta who becomes New Zealand’s first female Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the PM has offered a (organic, vegan-friendly) plum in the form of portfolios for James Shaw (Climate Change) and Marama Davidson (Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence) despite not needing the Green Party to form a government.

“I am excited by this team. They bring experience from the ground, and from within politics. But they also represent renewal and reflect the New Zealand we live in today,” Ms Ardern added. “We know we have a big job ahead of us, but the skills, experience and commitment this team brings to the task is invaluable.” www.eastlife.co.nz

10/12/2020 1:40:22 PM

DIRECTORY

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JU1853

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JU1742

ALL ABOUT

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JU0401

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Puzzle TIME

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 10076 – SOLUTIONS Across – 6, Restrained. 8, Drab. 9, Till. 10, Noise.

11, Rich. 12, Announcer. 16, Stratagem. 20, Mars.

22, Lurid. 23, Pipe. 24, Lido. 25, Possession.

Down – 1, Region. 2, Stilton. 3, Cannon. 4, Invite.

5, Adder. 7, March. 13, Car. 14, Harpist. 15, Vapid.

17, Thrash. 18, Addled. 19, Employ. 21, Slope.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 10076 – SOLUTIONS Across – 6, Dropped off. 8, Tick. 9, U-nit. 10, Ol-i-ve. 11, No-ra. 12, Water-fall. 16, Jumpiness.

20, Spot. 22, As-set. 23, (Arab)Ella. 24, Jamb (jam). 25, But-ter-dish. Down – 1, Bren-da(ft).

2, S-Pat-ter. 3, Get off. 4, Jo-vial. 5, Of-ten. 7, A-corn. 13, Aim (rev.). 14, Int-end-s. 15, Spray. 17, Upsets. 18, Potter. 19, S-p-lash. 21, Tab-by.

8 5 7 4 6 2 3 9 1

2 4 9 3 7 1 8 6 5

6 1 3 8 9 5 2 4 7

7 3 4 9 2 8 1 5 6

1 8 5 7 4 6 9 3 2

9 6 2 1 5 3 4 7 8

3 2 6 5 8 9 7 1 4

4 9 8 6 1 7 5 2 3

5 7 1 2 3 4 6 8 9

KAT7007-v2

www.eastlife.co.nz

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AWARD WINNING HOMES

Unmatched Value and Quality Stonewood Homes East & South Auckland collects 5 Awards at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year 2020 event.

Talk to our team today to create your dream home Please visit our beautiful award-winning showhomes East: 5 Flaxfield Lane, Beachland South: 8 Ahunga Road, Drury

P: 09 265 1280 W: Stonewood.co.nz

Open Wednesday to Sunday 11am until 4pm

56 | eastlife | december 2020 – january 2021

www.eastlife.co.nz JU1871

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