www.eastlife.co.nz eastlife | december 2021/january 2022

ON THE COVER

CHRISTMAS IS NIGH: Forget the difficulties of the past year; there’s no better time than Christmas to bring out the spirit of love and giving and Melanie Kennerley has ensured her two stores have yuletide gifts well in hand. From festive flowers and personal luxuries boxed to perfection at The Wild Rose to a multitude of tasty treats at Paddock to Pantry, there is something for every taste and every mood including the likes of EastLife’s stunning cover garland designed by The Wild Rose florists. For more from Melanie see page 23.

PHOTO WAYNE MARTIN

Ph 09 271 8000 www.eastlife.co.nz

Editor: Helen Perry 09 271 8036, editor@eastlife.co.nz Sales: Diana Honey 09 271 8050, dianah@eastlife.co.nz Sales: Janine Hickmore 09 271 8023, janineh@eastlife. co.nz Sales: Kelly Cooke 09 271 8026, kellyc@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

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from the EDITOR

GOODBYE, GOODBYE!

As 2021 draws to a close and EastLife says goodbye to an extraordinary year, I too must say a fond farewell to our wonderful readers and advertisers. This will be my last editorial as I’m now officially retired.

I’ve been a journalist for more than 50 years, the past 33 with Times Media where I’ve been privileged to fill many roles including that of magazine editor for nearly 10 years.

I started as a sub editor on the Howick and Pakuranga Times and in my early years was part of an award-winning team which saw the paper win many accolades including Best Community Newspaper at the prestigious Qantas Awards for Media.

As I start a new life, I will find it difficult to abandon my daily media routine but, with luck, I’ll discover fresh challenges. So, thanks to all who have supported my journey especially those who have helped my team and I, together with our amazing production department, to produce magazines we are proud of. Perhaps, I’ll see some of you when I’m back visiting but, first, one last word ... or two!

PARTY DISCORD

The National Party ruckus regarding Simon Bridges’ demotion which resulted in leader Judith Collins being rolled occurred on EastLife’s deadline and I couldn’t ignore it.

What on earth induced Ms Collins to take this drastic, and unwise action, at a time when party unity was imperative?

This incident occurred four years ago and was dealt with at the time. Mr Bridges expressed regret and apologised so this move just seemed like more dirty politics of a different kind.

I don’t condone crass remarks but politics is a tough business and sometimes you just have to make it clear that while such behaviour is unacceptable, and won’t be further tolerated, it’s time to move on and see to the nation.

Mr Bridges past remark is regrettable but it looks like few favoured his demotion. He has dealt with his fair share of political criticism but, personally, after I stopped finding fault with him and listened to what he had to say, I started to appreciate his acumen and could see him playing an key role in the country’s future. Perhaps that will still come about.

While it seems Botay MP Christopher Luxon could well take the helm, which will encourage many of our locals, what damage this whole debacle has done should have National on tenterhooks – David Seymour and Act are waiting in the wings.

COVID!

Finally, Auckland has more freedom in sight. Like many, I was hanging out for my hairdresser. Blessed with a good head of hair, I snipped and clipped, but was desperate for a cut – now done!

THIS MONTH

Hair aside, restrictions have taken their toll in many ways. Calls to get business back on track are being heeded with much of Auckland’s retail now re-opened. Yet, many struggling companies are still waiting for not a green light but, perhaps, an orange light to help them out of an economic hole.

What’s more, opinion is still divided as to how we ultimately live with Covid-19 which, in every likelihood, is here to stay. That may mean some hardship but we are already dealing with hardship – many businesses have closed for good, families remain apart and travel disruption is impacting the nation. We may yet see more job losses and more calls for help.

I keep hoping the call to vaccinate will be heeded so that Covid outcomes won’t be disastrous -– I think we all understand the impact rising cases will have on our existing health system.

Mapping a Covid future is an unenviable task and the Government is floundering. We hear promises but, as some say, ‘the devil is in the detail’ and detail is lacking as to how a healthy economy can be maintained. Moving forward requires level heads and brave ideas but that’s for our leaders.

As for me, I’m retired and, Covid or not, I’m ready for Christmas and holiday adventures. So, blessings to all, enjoy the season!

holiday adventures. So, blessings to all, enjoy the season!

Helen Perry, Editor

6 WIN! 7 FACES & PLACES

Service to yachting honoured

8-9 WHAT’S ON

Upcoming events!

10-11 Q&A

With Bill Hohepa 12-13 INTERVIEW

Monique’s (re)touch in demand!

15 INTERVIEW

Author stamps his mark

18-19 INTERVIEW

HPK swim star – life in her stride, gold in her stroke 20-21 INTERVIEW

Rockin’ Grandma

26 PUZZLE TIME

Crossword and sudoku

29-33 FASHION, BEAUTY

& HEALTH

34-37 FOOD 38-42 HOME

Design star adds further flair to awardwinning team Award-winning local renovation specialist INTRODUCING ANGELA HILL

Some of our completed projects From kitchens and bathrooms to complete home renovations Refresh is your local home renovation specialist - we’re locals who live in the area and can manage your project for you 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. Scan to find out more Call Angela to get your project underway today Ph 0800 004 600 | www.refreshrenovations.co.nz/KimReiche

Featured on

With multiple awards to its name, the Refresh Renovations/ KimReiche team, working across East Auckland and in the Franklin area, has now added a further feather to its cap, with design expert Angela Hill joining the line up.

Angela boasts an extensive career in interior design, and has a passion for creating appealing spaces which deliver function, comfort, and the wow factor for her clients.

Having studied at the renowned Nanette Cameron School of Interior Design, Angela blends expert guidance, absolute professionalism, and a friendly communication style, bringing confidence to her clients.

With her childhood and much of her adult life spent on the beautiful Pohutukawa Coast, Angela relishes being part of Auckland’s East Coast community.

“We are blessed with beautiful beaches, parks and reserves, stunning wide open spaces, amazing walkways, and such easy access to the harbour and gulf,” she says. “I take every opportunity to enjoy the area and you’ll often find me out for a jog, or walking my much loved spoodle, Charli. I love the community culture and spirit that you find here – there’s a genuine camaraderie within the community,”

Experience working with multinational companies and private companies, as well as running her own business, has seen Angela develop a focused approach to her work.

It’s a perfect fit with Refresh Renovations’ unique project management process, which enables clients to follow their entire project online. This keeps them fully informed as their project progresses.

Balancing the creativity required for creating a renovation vision with the drive to ‘get things done’, is a rare skill and is an advantage Angela’s clients benefit from. In addition, her in-depth knowledge regarding colour application adds an extra layer of design expertise to the renovations she undertakes, inspiring spaciousness and positively influencing the mood of those who live within a space.

“I feel blessed to have found a career for which I have so much passion and enthusiasm.” Angela says. “Our homes are a reflection of us; they tell our story and capture the essence of the people that live within their walls. It’s a true privilege for me to share in the journey of achieving and helping someone recognise their dream.”

With design expertise at the forefront, the Refresh Renovations/ KimReiche team has built an enviable reputation for delivering successful renovation projects, and holds of three People’s Choice Awards, testament to the team’s pursuit of excellence.

“Our team has worked extremely hard to optimise our approach which marries exceptional design, a relentless drive for excellence and attention to detail, and strong project management systems, ensuring our client’s projects are completed on time, on budget and to the highest standard,” states owner, Kim Reiche.

House overdue for a renovation?Some of our completed projects Relax and let Refresh manage the entire project for you, From kitchens and bathrooms to complete home renovations

even if you live out of town.

Refresh is your local home renovation specialist - we’re locals who live in Refresh is your local home renovation the area and can manage your project for you from start to finish. Refresh specialist – we’re locals who live in the area Renovations can renovate kitchens and bathrooms right through to complete and can manage your project from start to finish. Refresh Renovations can renovate kitchens and bathrooms right through to 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. Scan to find out more 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. If you’re seeking a high quality, design focused renovation for your home, which will deliver the feel and spaciousness you’ve been dreaming of, contact Angela on 0800 004 600. Make the call today to secure a complimentary consultation.

Call Kim to get your project underway 0800 004 600 Call Angela to get your project underway today www.refreshrenovations.co.nz/KimReichePh 0800 004 600 | www.refreshrenovations.co.nz/KimReiche